📰 News Highlights

MTS and NCTD Are Offering Free Rides After 6pm on New Years Eve, with Extended Late-Night Service

NCTD and MTS are offering free rides on all bus, trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER services after 6 pm on New Years Eve. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from BriceHouse Inc., passengers can just board without fare from 6pm to the end of nightly service. In addition, NCTD and MTS are extending operating hours until 2am to give everyone the opportunity to get home safely, no matter where in town they choose to celebrate the new year. This initiative is meant to provide a free alternative to curb drunk driving, and allow those who celebrate safely a chance to avoid high prices for rideshare services.

Want to learn more? Check out NCTD’s website or MTS’ website

Escondido City Council Approves Townhomes Near Transit Center

Great news for Escondido's housing market! The City Council has greenlit a 70-unit townhome project by KB Homes at 613 W. Valley Parkway, right next to the Transit Center. The development will feature all-electric homes in line with the city's climate goals and includes ample open space and over 100 trees. With a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom homes, the developer is aiming for affordability by using higher density to keep the overall square footage—and hopefully the final price—down, making it an attractive option for both first-time buyers and long-term residents.

Want to learn more? Check out this article or watch our reel

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Carlsbad Named Top 50 Places to Visit in 2026 by Travel + Leisure

Carlsbad's exceptional culinary offerings have recently garnered national attention, securing a place on Travel + Leisure's annual list of destination suggestions. The city’s dining scene was featured in an article this week, which specifically called out renowned establishments such as the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, the Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie and Lilo, as well as Campfire, Wildland, and Little Victory Wine Bar.  According to the executive chef at Jeune et Jolie, while each of these restaurants have a distinct personality, they share a common thread: they are fundamentally "California restaurants" that emphasize "outdoor dining, local farms, vibrant food." He explains that to succeed as fine dining establishments in a relaxed Southern California beach town, they must be both approachable and locally focused, taking full advantage of the region's Mediterranean microclimate, plentiful farmland, and coastal location.

Solana Beach Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent with Ordinance 533

The City of Solana Beach has officially adopted new, permanent regulations for outdoor dining, marking a significant transition from the temporary measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move solidifies the popular "al fresco" dining culture that has flourished in the community over the past 5 years. The newly approved ordinance establishes a permanent framework that allows restaurants to maintain or establish outdoor patios while ensuring a balance between business support, public access, and neighborhood character.

1. Permitting Requirement: To operate an outdoor dining area, restaurants will now be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). This process ensures that each proposed outdoor space is reviewed for compatibility with its surroundings and adherence to safety standards.

2. Sidewalk Clearance and Accessibility: A critical component of the ordinance is the requirement to maintain adequate pedestrian access. Restaurants must ensure sufficient sidewalk clearance is preserved to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allow for safe and unimpeded passage for the public.

3. Parking Management: The ordinance addresses the conversion of existing parking spaces (both private and public street parking) into dining areas. It establishes clear guidelines for how these conversions must be managed, making sure that we don’t lose valuable parking in an already busy area.

By making outdoor dining permanent, the city provides stability and a long-term revenue source for local restaurants, many of which relied heavily on these patios to survive the pandemic. 

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Attend Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Lightscape has returned to the Botanic Garden in Encinitas with its iconic mile long, illuminated trail. This year marks the fourth time the event has been reimagined, featuring breathtaking and vibrant installations curated from international artists, promising an otherworldly experience for all who visit. Guests can enjoy the ambiance with live musical performances scattered along the trail, adding a dynamic and auditory layer to the visual spectacle- fully immersive. For those looking to indulge, there are yummy seasonal bites and festive cocktails galore. Lightscape offers a wonderful, low-pressure way to unwind and soak in the holiday spirit right before the busiest time of the season. It’s a perfect family-friendly outing or a unique date night destination. Tickets offer an accessible way to enjoy this event, starting at $28 for adults and $18 for children, with free admission for children aged 2 and under. 

Get your tickets here.

Attend Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park

Enjoy the final weekend of Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park! Take photos with Santa, ride the carousel and Christmas train, sled down a snowy hill (if you’re lucky), and wander through sparkling light displays. Enjoy festive drinks, seasonal treats, and shop local artisan vendors. Don’t miss the 40-foot Christmas tree, nightly snowfall, and live entertainment on select nights, the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults.

Get your tickets here.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Liquid Bean Cafe

📍 Del Mar | 2002 Jimmy Durante Blvd

Liquid Bean is a cozy hidden gem in the heart of Del Mar, just steps from the beach. Beloved by both locals and travelers, this spot is known for its handcrafted coffee, light bites, and decadent pastries. Be sure to try menu highlights like their delicious lavender matcha latte, yummy superfood smoothies, and generously sized acai bowls adorned with fresh toppings.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Campfire

📍 Carlsbad | 2725 State Street

Campfire was named by Travel + Leisure as a staple in the Carlsbad food scene earlier this week. They are also mentioned in the Michelin guide! This foodie heaven is expertly developed by Chef Eric Bost, drawing inspiration from “the coasts, forests, mountains and deserts that make up the vibrant and eclectic landscape of California and provide profoundly distinct flavors, context and emotions, all of which are best captured by getting outside and setting up camp.” The reviews of this place do not lie - they have amazing food, a unique atmosphere, and 5 star service. Add this one to your weekend plans, and make sure to try the chicken.

Check out their website here!

📺 What’s Changing and What You Should Know about SD

This HUGE Development Will Change Midway Forever

San Diego’s Midway district is about to change forever. A $3.9 billion transformation is on the table, and it isn’t a small facelift: it’s a full-scale reimagining of how people will live, work, and get around in this part of the city.

MASSIVE Changes Coming to North County, California

North County San Diego is in the middle of a massive transformation, with more than $6 billion flowing into new infrastructure that’s reshaping how people live, commute, and invest here. That kind of momentum is turning this area into one of the most competitive real estate pockets in all of San Diego, and whether you already own a home or you’re thinking about buying, these changes could have a direct impact on your bottom line.

🔍 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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