📰 News Highlights

Leaving California? Here’s Where to Go

Thinking of leaving California? A new scorecard ranks Minnesota as the top state to move to in 2025, thanks to livability, health, and affordability. But if politics drives your decision, Utah takes the crown. Meanwhile, California itself would rank just 32nd — proof the Golden State’s shine is fading for many.

Want to learn more? Explore the full rankings here!

San Diego Zoo Parking: Free No More

After decades of free parking, the San Diego Zoo’s east lot is set to go paid as soon as October. The change aligns with Balboa Park’s new citywide parking plan, which introduces tiered rates ranging from $6–$12 per day and $2.50/hour for street parking. Zoo members may see discounts, but details are pending. Supporters say the move will reduce congestion and fund park upgrades, while critics see it as another hit to locals’ wallets.

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

From Classrooms to Keys: 140 New Townhomes in Oceanside

The long-vacant Garrison Elementary School site is set for a major transformation into a 140-unit townhome community. Plans feature two- to four-bedroom homes with private garages and decks, plus landscaped walkways and guest parking. Ten percent will be reserved for moderate-income buyers, with additional affordable housing contributions through in-lieu fees. Construction could begin in 2027, breathing new life into the 8.3-acre site while raising big questions about balancing infill housing with neighborhood character.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Encinitas Boat House Needs Help 

Encinitas’ iconic Boathouses are sinking fast. Nearly a century old and built from reclaimed Prohibition-era lumber, these quirky landmarks now face structural collapse and a million-dollar funding gap. Preservationists warn it’s an emergency — but with community support, the SS Encinitas and SS Moonlight could sail into another 100 years.

Want to learn more? Check out this link or watch our reel here.

The Greying of San Diego’s Housing Market

San Diego’s homeowners are graying fast — with an average age of 54, the city has some of the oldest homeowners in the nation. Younger residents are priced out, leaving nearly half of households renting as sky-high costs and stagnant wages push homeownership further out of reach.

Want to learn more? Read the article or watch our reel here.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Cardiff Greek Festival

Celebrate Greek culture this weekend at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea! Enjoy authentic food and pastries (hello, baklava!), wine tastings, live music by The Olympians, and folk dance lessons. Kids can explore the festival’s fun zone while adults browse booths and savor traditional flavors. Admission is just $4 per day, with free entry for children under 12, first responders, veterans, and active military. Proceeds benefit local charities including Feeding San Diego, Boys & Girls Club of Vista, Foundation for Women Warriors, and more.

Want to attend? Check out this link!

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

Get ready for the cutest surf competition in town — the 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon splashes into Del Mar Dog Beach this Sunday, Sept. 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Watch over 70 talented pups compete for “Top Surf Dog,” enjoy live music, vendor booths, a dog agility course, and a movie-themed costume contest. Entry is free for spectators, with contests ranging from $20–$60, and all proceeds benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s life-saving programs for orphan pets. Don’t miss this tail-wagging beach day of sun, surf, and four-legged fun!

Want to learn more? Check out their website here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Better Buzz

📍Rancho Penasquitos | 9878 Carmel Mountain Rd, Ste C

Better Buzz Coffee Roasters has landed in Rancho Peñasquitos with its 25th San Diego location, bringing plenty of buzz to a neighborhood long waiting for some love. To celebrate, RP gets an exclusive Banana Pudding Best Drink Ever® — topped with banana pudding cold cream and a vanilla wafer — available only for the first 30 days. The fall menu also delivers twists beyond pumpkin basics, like a Pumpkin Chai and Pumpkin Best Drink Ever, plus a standout Turkey & Brie Croissant with maple dijonnaise. With expansion plans stretching to Phoenix and Las Vegas, Better Buzz is growing big — but still making sure San Diego neighborhoods stay at the heart of the hive.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Mesa Agricola’s

📍Escondido | 707 South Escondido Blvd 

Escondido’s new taqueria, Mesa Agricola, takes farm-to-table to the next level — because the owners, chef Juan González and farmer Megan Strom, actually grow the crops themselves. After years of pop-ups and farm dinners, the couple opened their own restaurant, serving guisados wrapped in housemade tortillas, with seasonal fillings like cochinita pibil, turkey mole, or veggie-packed vegan options. With tacos at $4 and burritos at $7, Mesa Agricola stays true to its mission: making sustainable, scratch-made Mexican comfort food both accessible and delicious.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 New on YouTube: San Diego Scoop — Fresh Headlines Thursdays 4pm

Big Changes Coming to San Diego in 2025 & Beyond

Welcome to the very first episode of The San Diego Scoop! I’m Bern McGovern, and if you’re curious about buying a home in San Diego or simply want to stay updated on what’s happening around the city, this series is for you.

Carlsbad vs San Marcos: Luxury Living In San Diego

If you think you need $2 million just to get a slice of coastal life in Carlsbad, think again. In this video, I’m breaking down a surprising comparison between Carlsbad and San Marcos, two North County cities with totally different lifestyles, price points, and investment opportunities. You’ll see how Carlsbad’s established luxury compares to San Marcos’s fast-growing future, and why one offers stability while the other could deliver huge upside in the years ahead.

🔍 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]