📰 News Highlights

Escondido to celebrate 30th annual street festival on May 17th

The 30th annual Escondido Street Festival will return to downtown this weekend with live music, artisan vendors, food and family-friendly entertainment.

The free festival is scheduled for May 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Grand Avenue between Escondido Boulevard and Ivy Street in historic downtown Escondido.

Hosted by the Escondido Downtown Business Association, the event will feature multiple live music stages sponsored by Wildcat Guitars, a beer and wine garden, and interactive children’s activities.

Want to learn more? Check out their website here.

San Diego’s libraries are safe from budget cuts after Todd Gloria’s “May Revise”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria released a revised budget plan that reverses the cuts he previously proposed to the city's library system. The draft budget now restores funding and operating hours for 37 libraries across the city. To close a city deficit, he initially had proposed steep cuts to neighborhood services, triggering intense public backlash. The reversal was made possible by an increase in tourism (transient occupancy) tax revenue and golf course income. This prevents community branch closures—such as the North Clairemont Library—and protects Monday hours at locations like Carmel Valley.

Funding for recreation centers and city youth programs has also been restored. Budget savings and new tax revenues allowed the reversal of proposed cuts to December Nights, public restroom maintenance, and beach bathrooms. While libraries and rec centers were spared, major cuts remain on the table for local arts and culture groups, which lost about $12 million in funding.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

Want us to feature a new business in your neighborhood? 💼

Complete this form and we’d be happy to share the business in our newsletter and on instagram! 💬💛 New Business Form

Love what we do at North County San Diego? 🌞

If our videos, posts, or recommendations have helped you discover something new or made your day a little brighter, we’d be so grateful if you left us a Google review! Your support helps us keep sharing the best of North County — one beach day, bite, and hidden gem at a time 💬💛 Leave a review here! 

🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

The future of Stone Brewing in Escondido

Stone Brewing was sold again last month, but one BIG detail stood out: the Escondido World Bistro and Gardens wasn’t part of the deal. The city says discussions are happening behind the scenes to figure out what comes next for the property. According to Stone’s Instagram, however, their Mother’s Day brunch was their last one.

Want more info? Watch our reel or check out this article.

Whole Foods is opening in Carmel Mountain Ranch

The old Best Buy in Carmel Mountain Ranch is becoming inland San Diego’s first Whole Foods Market, and the fourth location in San Diego County. It’s pretty interesting timing with the only Amazon Fresh in the area (Poway) shutting down recently.

It definitely feels like another sign that Carmel Mountain Ranch and the surrounding areas are continuing to evolve beyond just “commuter suburb” status. Official details, such as the renovation timeline and opening date, have yet to be disclosed.

: the Amazon Fresh in Poway, the only of its kind in the county, isWant to learn more? Watch our reel or check out this article.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Attend the World Rhythm & Dance Festival in Oceanside

Oceanside’s 2nd World Rhythm & Dance Festival is happening at the Oceanside Library Courtyard and Civic Center Plaza on Saturday May 16, 2026 (10:00am-5:00pm). Find them at the heart of the city’s cultural district celebrating global culture with live music with Afro-Latin Band Kimba Light, FREE community dance and rhythm workshops taught by Master Percussionists Mestre Amen Santo & Monette Marino Keita, dance workshops featuring Samba & Samba Reggae, Bollywood, Afro-Caribeen Fusion, Afro-Peruvian Festejo, and Mambo!

Interested? Check out their website! (Entrance is free!)

Eat your heart out at the Cheese & Libation Expo at Liberty Station

Treat yourself to a curated assortment of cheese, trinkets, and bubbly beverages at this three day cheese and libation expo at BRICK Liberty Station!

When?

Friday 5-8pm, Saturday 1-5pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

What?

All you can eat (and drink) + a goodie bag!

How much?

Individual session ($82-109), single day kid’s ($13), weekend passes ($162) and preview night entry (Friday) ($135)

Check out their website for details and tickets.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Immersion Coffee

📍 Carlsbad | Windmill Food Hall, 890 Palomar Airport Rd,

The unassuming Immersion Coffee is your new low-key neighborhood spot for expertly crafted coffee and perfectly creamy matcha. Each drink is thoughtfully made and beautifully presented - this is the type of place that you just can’t gatekeep (even though you want to). I usually spring for the matcha cream on top (vanilla bean I matcha with a cold cream top), but I have been seeing great reviews about their orange latte. It’s one of those menus where you can’t go wrong!

Check out their Instagram here, and be sure to add this to your must-try spots.

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Vigilucci's Trattoria

📍Encinitas | 530 N Coast Hwy 101

Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana located in Leucadia is formerly the Vigilucci’s of Encinitas established in 1994. The eatery has been providing North County residents and visitors with delicious homemade pasta dishes, chicken,  steaks, and fresh seafood for over thirty years. Their Cappellacci di Manzo is a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. They also have a fantasic happy hour menu that features discounts on entrees which is available 3pm-9pm Monday-Thursday, 3pm-6pm on Friday, 12pm-6pm on Saturday, and 12pm-9pm on Sunday in the bar area.

Check out their website here

🏡 On the market: listed by Bern McGovern

6875 Estrella Ave. San Diego, CA 92120

3 beds | 2 baths | 1,390 sq. ft. | $1,145,000

Welcome to this completely remodeled single-story home in the heart of Allied Gardens, where thoughtful upgrades and quality craftsmanship come together in a way that’s hard to find. This home has been meticulously restored from top to bottom, offering true peace of mind with major system improvements already done for you. From the upgraded plumbing and electrical to the newer roof, OWNED solar system, and enhanced insulation, this is the kind of renovation you don’t always see—but definitely feel. Check out the listing here.

📩 Message Bern to get started or ask away — he's always happy to chat!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 858-900-1797

16913 Laurel Hill Ln. Unit 133 San Diego, CA 92127

3 Beds | 4 Baths | 1,455 sq. ft | $799,000

Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome in the highly sought-after Bridgeport neighborhood of 4S Ranch. Spanning three levels, this home offers a functional and flexible layout that works well for a variety of lifestyles. The first floor features a private bedroom and full bath—perfect for guests, a home office, or multigenerational living—along with direct access to a spacious tandem two-car garage, offering plenty of room for parking, storage, or even a small home gym setup. Up on the second level, you’ll find the main living space filled with natural light, along with a balcony that’s ideal for morning coffee or winding down in the evening. The home has been thoughtfully refreshed with new carpet, brand new quartz countertops, and a stylish tile backsplash, giving it a clean, modern feel. Check out the listing here.

📩 Message Bern to get started or ask away — he's always happy to chat!

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 858-900-1797

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

Do Not Buy These Homes In San Diego Right Now... Here's Why

Buyers in San Diego are losing tens of thousands of dollars on homes that look great on paper, but here’s the catch: they’re missing the biggest issues. On the surface, these homes may seem like perfect deals, but deeper problems could end up costing you big time in the long run.

In this video, I’m breaking down the six types of homes you should avoid right now, and explaining why the risks are far higher than most agents are letting on. If you’re serious about buying in San Diego, you’ll want to know what to watch out for before you sign anything. Let’s dive in!

We've Never Seen the San Diego Condo Market Do This

The San Diego condo market is turning heads right now, and it’s happening in a neighborhood that most people gave up on. Believe it or not, this area is now home to some of the best condo deals in the city. While everyone continues to chase the usual coastal listings, a unique opportunity has emerged here that we haven't seen since before the pandemic.

In this video, I’m breaking down exactly what’s going on in this underrated part of the San Diego condo market and where the real opportunities are hiding. If you're looking for a great deal, this is the video you don’t want to miss. Let’s dive in and uncover what’s driving this shift.

🔍 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]

1