📰 News Highlights

Major Downtown San Diego Development Deal Collapses: Tailgate Park Sale Terminated

After a lengthy legal battle spanning three and a half years, the planned sale of the Tailgate Park parking lot, located just east of Petco Park in Downtown San Diego, has officially collapsed. The purchasing entity, Tailgate Development LLC—a partnership comprised of major real estate developer Tishman Speyer, the San Diego Padres ownership, and Ascendant Capital Partners—formally terminated the sale contract, officially known as a disposition and development agreement (DDA).

This termination has nixed the ambitious redevelopment plan titled “East Village Quarter.” The project, had it moved forward, was designed to be a transformative addition to the East Village neighborhood, promising significant residential density and commercial space. The canceled plans included:

• Residential Units: A substantial addition of 1,800 new residential units to the downtown housing market.

• Commercial/Office Space: Approximately 50,000 square feet of combined retail and office space.

• Public Amenities: The creation of a new public park.

• Parking: A provision for 1,200 replacement parking spaces, a critical component given the site's current use as a major event parking lot for Petco Park.

The unraveling of the DDA represents a significant setback for San Diego's downtown development pipeline and leaves the future of this key piece of real estate uncertain. 

Want to learn more? Check out this article

MTS and NCTD Are Offering Free Rides 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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

2050 Regional Transportation Plan Scraps Major Rail Expansion in San Diego

Five years ago, a $163 billion vision for public transit in the San Diego region proposed a high-speed commuter rail system from the U.S.-Mexico border to Oceanside. This rail backbone was intended to help the region meet state-mandated greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, those ambitious goals are now being scaled back and delayed. SANDAG's latest regional plan—a $125 billion blueprint for infrastructure funding and construction through 2050—no longer includes those heavy rail projects due to an overall lack of funding for the project. With this proposal, billions in federal, state, and local half-cent sales tax revenue would be directed toward expanding rapid bus routes, creating freeway express lanes, implementing micro-transit shuttles, and developing light rail trolley service, rather than heavy commuter rail. Despite this shift, a considerable number of residents, especially us in North County, still desire a connected rail network with the city. With major regional events like Comic-Con and the Del Mar Fair, plus the airport expansion, more transit options are clearly needed.

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Holiday Afternoon Tea or Glice Skating at the Grand Del Mar

Celebrate the final weekend of the year at the Grand Del Mar with a festive Holiday Afternoon tea, featuring holiday scones, sandwiches, and decadent desserts. Soak in the magic of their extravagant decor and take a walk around their perfectly manicured grounds. A portion of all tickets sold will support the Make-a-Wish foundation and make life-changing wishes come true for children in need. Reservations are available, and tickets are $125 per adult and $65 per child (ages 2-10). Maybe you’ll stay for Glice skating, designed for eco-friendly recreation. $45 per adult, $25 per children for one hour of skating and rental skates!

Get your tickets here.

Attend a San Diego Clippers Game

The San Diego Clippers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, have brought the Clippers name back to the San Diego area, where the NBA franchise played from 1978 to 1984. Starting with the 2024–25 season, the team moved to Oceanside, California. They now play their home games at the new Frontwave Arena, a 7,500-seat venue built for both sports and entertainment.

Catch the San Diego Clippers in action this weekend as they take on Sioux Falls:

• Saturday: 7:00 PM

• Sunday: 6:00 PM

Ticket prices start at $35. 

Get your tickets here.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: King’s Craft Coffee Co.

📍 Poway | 14530 Espola Rd Unit A

This local coffee shop has flown under the radar of many for far too long. Despite this, it has been ranked top 5 coffee shops in Poway, Won the San Diego Union Tribune’s “best of north inland” 5 times since 2017, and was named in the top 25 of the coolest coffee shops in San Diego (and it’s well deserved). Their coffee is freshly roasted every week in the back of their Poway location, the smell literally wafts down the street (you have to try their Nicaragua Sunrise Batch). Not only is this place incredibly delicious, but it’s also reasonably priced. There is not a single large beverage on the menu above $6, a rarity here in San Diego these days. Their food is delicious, ranging from breakfast and lunch sandwiches to acai bowls and pastries (again, nothing over $8!) Even their vegan options are priced well, and still have incredible flavor. You’ll have to add this one to your list!

Check out their Instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Rosemarie’s

📍 Encinitas | 608 S Coast Hwy 101

Rosemarie's Buns and Brews has opened its third location in Encinitas, bringing its popular menu of wagyu beef sliders, hot chicken miniature sandwiches, duck fat wings, and chili pork-loaded fries to the beloved beach city. The new outpost is in a former drive-thru burger spot, but the drive-thru area has been transformed into a fantastic, family-friendly turfed patio. This outdoor space features seating, games, and a large outdoor television screen for broadcasting sports and movies.

Starting as a food truck at Harland Brewing in Bay Park, the concept quickly expanded with restaurants in Mission Beach in 2023 and Ocean Beach in 2024. Rosemarie's was named one of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S. in 2025—and for good reason, their sandwiches are truly delicious. You'll definitely want to add this one to your weekend itinerary!

Check out their Instagram here!

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

San Diego’s Mega Transformation by 2030

San Diego isn’t just evolving, it’s on the verge of a full-scale transformation that will redefine how the city functions. We’re talking about thousands of new homes, expanded transit, emerging entertainment districts, new job hubs, and structural changes that will reshape daily life in ways most people haven’t fully connected yet.

In this video, we’ll break down what San Diego looks like right now in 2025, what changes start taking shape by 2028, and how the city is expected to function by 2030. If you live here, plan to move here, or invest in this market, this timeline matters more than you think. Watch through the end, and if you want more breakdowns like this, subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what changes you’re most curious about.

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.

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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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