According to the 2000 Census, San Diego, CA reported a population of 1.2 million residents. San Diego is California’s second largest city and the nation’s seventh largest. Numerous distinct communities comprise San Diego, California. Due to its close proximity to the Mexican border, there is a strong Latin American contribution to the culture. Additional immigrant communities that influence the local culture include individuals from Africa, China, Italy, the Philippines and Portugal. The various ethnic and immigrant residents strongly influence the local ambiance, especially the cuisine. Delicious dining choices are abundant in areas such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and Old Town.

San Diego, CA is the seat of San Diego County. Considered a major center of innovation, San Diego’s business and civic leaders combine their efforts to create an outstanding high-tech region that is competitive and cost effective. Also known as the leading biotech cluster in the U.S., San Diego is the birthplace of several innovative medical companies that create successful pharmaceutical products and numerous local job opportunities. San Diego, California is the original home of Price Club, currently known as Costco. Several well-known chain restaurants originated here, including Jack in the Box and Souplantation.

The San Diego Port includes the sole major shipbuilding facility on the West Coast. Also the home of the naval base, this massive port plays a major role in San Diego’s thriving economy. The port houses the largest existing naval fleet and several additional U.S. military facilities, including Coast Guard stations, Marine Corps bases and a Marine Corp Recruit Depot. Pensacola, Florida and San Diego, CA both claim the title of ‘birthplace of naval aviation’.

San Diego boasts a wide variety of world-class colleges and universities that mesh well with the pro-business atmosphere of the public sector. Graduate research done at these higher learning facilities contributed to San Diego’s reputation as a hotbed for new businesses. San Diego, California also holds the record of producing the most science-related Nobel Prize winners in the world. These outstanding learning facilities include Pacific Oaks College, San Diego State University, the San Diego campus of the University of California and the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

The area’s mild, balmy weather, access to the numerous pristine Pacific Ocean beaches and world-class family-friendly attractions draw millions of tourists to San Diego every year. Families visit popular destinations such as Birch Aquarium, Legoland, the renowned San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park and Sea World. Other significant tourist attractions include Balboa Park, Miramar Air Show at MCAS, Mission Bay Park, Mount Soledad, San Diego Aerospace Museum, Seaport Village and the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum.