LIVING IN THE CITY: San Diego is Home Field for NFL Chargers' New General Counsel

“Living In the City” is the San Diego Sun‘s feature Q&A with downtown San Diego residents. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who live here. This is an ongoing series.

Name: Deborah Dixon

Location: The Electra Condos in the Columbia District.

Personal deets: Born in Pleasanton (Northern California) and moved to San Diego in 2004 (Can I call it my hometown now?). Went to downtown’s California Western School of Law and have lived in the city since 2018.

Pets: Kita is a 15-year-old American Eskimo. She has adapted well to being a city dog.

Work deets: Founding partner at law firm Dixon Diab & Chambers in One America Plaza. Recently, I also became General Counsel of the Los Angeles Chargers and am working remotely in San Diego while commuting weekly to the Orange County headquarters. The role is a great opportunity to expand my legal experience managing outside counsel. I’m learning NFL regulations and the vast number of different contracts and details that go into the Chargers’ games and organization. It’s been a welcomed challenge!

Los Angeles Chargers’ Chase Daniel and Larry Rountree celebrate a pre-season touchdown against the New Orleans Saints on August 26, 2022. (Getty Images)

Best aspect of your location: It’s just blocks away from everything – Little Italy, Seaport Village/Headquarters, The Gaslamp Quarter and the waterfront.

Worst aspect of location: The freight trains! Luckily they only comes through downtown once or twice a day.

HOA fees: Those fees are always a consideration but I like the amenities in my building.

Best reason to live downtown: I work here, so it is very convenient. Also, downtown is centrally located to everything. Ten minutes from the beach, the airport, shopping, Balboa Park with museums and The Zoo, and theaters (the Old Globe and Civic Theatre).

Worst part of living downtown: Construction and general noise (people, ambulances, fire trucks and police car sirens) are factors you have to adapt to. They don’t bother me as much, anymore.

The sunset bay view of Hotel InterContinental from The Electra Condos. (Courtesy photo)

Transportation breakdown: I walk most everywhere–work, restaurants, errands, getting nails done, etc.

Scooters: The concept is great. Like many things, people ruin it! I like having them for easy transportation and do use them. But unsafe riders or people who are not courteous and leave them anywhere make them a nuisance sometimes. I am really glad for the designated parking the city has instituted. It helps a lot!

Homelessness: It’s much more prevalent downtown than it was a few years ago. It’s very sad we have people sleeping on streets and do not seem to have workable solutions–which is equally concerning, as this needs to be a priority. I am sensitive to tourists and visitors who are much more fearful of the sight of homelessness. I know tourists will avoid areas where homelessness is more visible, so San Diego really needs to address the lack of affordable housing and various treatment facilities.

Padres games: I love Petco Park, it is gorgeous and convenient.

Places to avoid: Pretty much anything east of the ballpark.

The VIP martini at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. (Facebook)

Dinner spot(s): Any place in Little Italy because I love Italian! In the Columbia District, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a favorite. Love the entire menu. Amazing steak, crab legs, lobster mac n cheese and baked potatoes. Animae is another absolute favorite. I die for those mantou buns, wagyu fried rice and tuna fried rice. They change their menu often so I usually get something new all the time. Service is amazing at Animae and Del Frisco’s.

Best cocktails: At Hotel InterContinental, I love the Del Frisco’s VIP martini and the “Spice My Guava” martini at Vistal.

Food shopping: Downtown needs to improve its grocery stores. The options are not great. It’s a drawback to downtown living. I go out to Trader Joes, Whole Foods or Vons in Point Loma or Hillcrest.

Don’t panic. It’s just Comic-Con. (Getty Images)

Comic-Con: Years ago, when I didn’t know what Comic-Con was, I was completely taken back by people in costumes and carrying props. Now, I love to people watch when Comic-Con is in in town. I had to warn a new person in our office not to be alarmed if they seeing lots of swords and light sabers and shields. It’s just Comic-Con.

Parting tip: Wear comfortable shoes downtown! You can be in Little Italy and walk to the Gaslamp, Petco Park or dinner at Portside Pier or drinks there at Topsail. There’s too much to explore without having to worry about your feet.

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