A Chocolate Lover’s Dream, Is Your Zip Code Among the Nation's Priciest, + More

Your inside scoop on news, eats, coffee, and buzz in North County + beyond!

Thank You for Joining Movie Night!

A huge thank-you to everyone who came out for Off the 56 Home Team’s Movie in the Park — we had over 1,100 sign-ups! It was incredible to see so many new and familiar faces enjoying a fun evening under the stars. We hope you had a great time connecting, relaxing, and making memories. Stay tuned — our next Off the 56 Home Team event is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it!

📰 News Highlights

San Diego Weighs New Vacation-Home Tax Proposal

A new vacation-home and short-term rental tax is one step closer to the ballot. The San Diego City Council’s Rules Committee voted 3–1 to advance analysis of a proposal that would charge $5,000 per bedroom on most vacation rentals and second homes left vacant long-term.

Supporters, led by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, say the measure could raise over $130 million annually, helping stabilize city finances and push more properties into the long-term rental market to ease the housing crunch. Critics, including Councilmember Raul Campillo and the Regional Chamber of Commerce, argue it could harm tourism, small businesses, and local hosts who rely on rental income.

If approved by the full council this winter, the measure could appear on the June 2026 ballot. For now, city analysts are preparing a deeper fiscal review — and the debate over how best to balance housing, revenue, and tourism is only heating up.

Want to learn more? Read the full article here!

Five San Diego ZIP Codes Rank Among Nation’s Priciest

San Diego continues to shine on the luxury real estate map — with five ZIP codes landing on PropertyShark’s list of the 100 most expensive areas in the U.S.

Leading the way is Rancho Santa Fe (92067) at No. 10 nationwide, boasting a $4.99 million median sale price, followed by Del Mar (92014), La Jolla (92037), Cardiff (92007), and Coronado (92118) — each with medians above $2.4 million.

While neighboring counties like L.A. and Orange dominated the rankings, San Diego’s luxury market continues to draw elite buyers from across California and abroad. Real estate experts say the region’s privacy, lifestyle, and coastal charm keep it a magnet for high-end homeowners — where “wealthy people can fly under the radar.” 

Want to learn more? Check out the full story here.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

New Public Market Coming to La Jolla 

Get ready, La Jolla — a brand-new culinary hub is on the way! STATION8 Public Market, a vibrant international food hall by Tiger Hospitality Group, is set to open August 2026 at UC San Diego’s Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood, right next to the La Jolla Playhouse.

The two-story, 20,000-square-foot market will feature 10 globally inspired restaurants, two bars, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating — all designed by San Diego’s acclaimed BASILE Studio (Born & Raised, Raised by Wolves). What makes STATION8 unique? It’s one of the first on-campus food halls in the U.S. showcasing local restaurant talent instead of national chains.

With UCSD’s arts district and the Playhouse nearby, STATION8 is poised to become a new community gathering spot for students, locals, and visitors alike — blending culture, cuisine, and creativity in one delicious destination.

United Airlines Returns to Carlsbad

Big news for North County travelers — United Airlines is officially coming back to McClellan-Palomar Airport next spring, marking its first return in nearly a decade. Starting March 30, 2026, United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines) will offer twice-daily flights from Carlsbad to Denver and San Francisco, using sleek Embraer E175 regional jets.

This makes United the second major airline now operating out of Carlsbad, joining American Airlines’ recently launched Phoenix route. The move follows major airport upgrades and reflects growing momentum to expand convenient, regional air travel options in North County.

Tickets are already on sale — and for locals tired of the drive to San Diego International, this could be a real game-changer.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun

Other Places Art Fair

Step aside, white-walled galleries — the Other Places Art Fair (OPAF) is reimagining what an art fair can be. This Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., OPAF lands in San Diego for the first time at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, transforming the outdoor space into a vibrant, experimental art playground.

Expect 30+ booths and installations from local, regional, and international artists, plus live performances, readings, and workshops — all celebrating creative freedom and accessibility. The event also features a pop-up of Japanese artists and galleries, alongside a “Reading and Talking Tent” for poetry and discussion.

Founded in L.A. in 2018, OPAF champions underrepresented and DIY artists by offering a more inclusive, community-driven platform. Admission is free (with a suggested $5 donation) and open to all ages.

If you’re ready to see art outside the box — and maybe under a tree or in a tent — this is your weekend plan.

Want to attend? Check out this link!

BirdStock Music Festival & Artisan Market

Get ready to rock, shop, and celebrate community!  The BirdStock Music Festival & Artisan Market is back this Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., taking over La Jolla Boulevard with its biggest street fair yet — and it’s completely free to attend!

This year’s festival will feature five live music stages with local bands and DJs, a lively beer and wine garden, and an artisan market with 70+ booths showcasing local makers, artists, and small businesses.

Families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, pet parade and costume contest, mini golf zone, street tennis, arts and crafts, and even a pet adoption area — making this an all-ages, pet-friendly celebration of everything Bird Rock.

Grab a drink, groove to live tunes, and enjoy the ultimate coastal block party — all while supporting Bird Rock Elementary, with proceeds benefiting local education and community programs.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

Coffee Shop of the Week: Steady State Roasting

📍Carlsbad | 2562 State St, Ste. G

Steady State Roasting in Carlsbad is an award-winning, small-batch roastery born from founder Elliot Reinecke’s passion for coffee and craftsmanship. What began in a backyard shed has grown into one of San Diego’s most respected coffee destinations, recognized nationally for its precision roasting and strong relationships with farmers around the world. Each coffee is sourced with care and roasted to highlight the distinct character of its origin, from Steady State’s reliable Daily Essentials lineup to its rotating Limited Offerings of rare, small-lot coffees.

Visitors can experience Steady State’s dedication to quality firsthand at its State Street café and sensory lab, open seven days a week. Every Thursday at 1 p.m., guests are invited to free public cuppings to explore new roasts and flavor profiles. Known for its balance of consistency, creativity, and connection, Steady State has become a cornerstone of North County’s specialty coffee scene.

🍴 Pastry Shop of the Week: Christophe Rull Patisserie

📍San Marcos | 251 N. City Drive

Get ready for a chocolate lover’s dream — Christophe Rull Patisserie is hosting a two-day artisan chocolate pop-up on October 28–29 in the North City development of San Marcos. 

Renowned French pastry chef Christophe Rull — Netflix’s Bake Squad star and 2022 World Chocolate Master finalist — is teaming up with Michelin-trained chocolatier Annaluna Karkar of Annaluna Chocolate for this exclusive event. Expect an irresistible lineup of hand-crafted chocolate bars, passion-coconut owl bites, sticky toffee baklava bars, and Rull’s signature pastries fresh from the oven.

📺 New Developments + Housing Market Cooldown

If I Were Moving to the San Diego, I’d Move Here

Thinking about a move to San Diego? Don’t rush it. With prices pressing toward a million and homes pulling multiple offers in weeks, choosing the wrong area can be an expensive mistake. The good news: if you know where to focus, San Diego has some of the most livable, lifestyle-rich neighborhoods in the country.

The $1 Billion Mega Project Transforming San Diego (Merge 56)

Big headline today: Merge 56 in Torrey Highlands, the project that keeps changing course, is back in the spotlight, and I’m breaking down what the latest pivot means for traffic, housing, and your wallet. I’m also covering the push for tiny homes as a relief valve for our housing crunch, the newly approved plan in Harmony Grove, and a 7-story addition headed to downtown Oceanside.

Listing in Ramona

Small Town Charm 

Step inside to find new interior paint and brand-new carpet throughout, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The layout includes a separate dining room—ideal for family meals or entertaining—alongside a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space.  The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a private bath, while three additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobbies. Enjoy the outdoors in your private backyard, perfect for relaxing, gardening, or hosting weekend BBQs. Additional highlights include an attached garage and solar, helping support energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

🔍 Search Homes for Sale in North County
Start your search here: Explore Listings 

Want to learn more or feature your home?
Reach out to Bern for personalized support, market insights, or to get your home listed and seen. 📧 Email Bern Today: [email protected]

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