📰 News Highlights

Oceanside City Council Approves Long-Contested Warehouse Project

What was once rejected by Oceanside City Council, has now been approved. Near the airport you can expect the construction of a warehouse, manufacturing and offices facility. The council decided to change its mind after the developer offered some major concessions. One of the biggest? $2.5 million contribution to the city council to be spent on parks and capital improvements for the area. Now… how will residents respond? They have contested this project for years because of the light, noise and traffic that would result. Back in May, residents were able to overturn the council decision after it had been approved in February. Will it happen again? 

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

San Diego Zoo Safari Park announces that Elephant Valley will open in early 2026

Safari Park is about to get a major upgrade. Imagine a space where you can roam with elephants, become one with the herd. Elephant Valley will teleport you to the heart of the savanna, with the pathway down the center the sights and sounds of the African grassland will surround you. 

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

Lake Hodges Dam Drama

What started as a $275 million fix-it project for San Diego’s aging Lake Hodges Dam has turned into a nearly $700 million sticker shock — and now, the big rebuild is in limbo.

Two years ago, the state deemed the 106-year-old dam unsafe and ordered the water level lowered to reduce flood risk. That’s meant fewer fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing days, plus higher water costs for locals. A full rebuild was planned for 2029… until fresh cost estimates made everyone gulp.

The County Water Authority, once on board to split the bill, just backed out — saying a brand-new dam isn’t in their contract. Now, the city is scrambling to explore cheaper alternatives while keeping Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and the San Dieguito River Valley safe from potential flooding.

Meanwhile, a $240M federal loan is up in the air, a $200M pump station sits mostly useless, and about $3M a year in lost revenue is trickling away. As one local advocate put it, this is definitely a “big gulp moment.”

San Diego’s next steps? Figure out whether it’s time to build, repair, or rethink the dam entirely — all while the clock (and the costs) keep ticking.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

La Jolla Shores Dining Promenade is Permanent

What started five years ago as an attempt to keep businesses alive during the pandemic has turned into a permanent fix. A portion of Avenida de la Playa will be a permanent dining promenade, open only to pedestrians 24/7. Philip Wise, leader of the effort, has big plans for the area and will be implementing measures to keep the space safe over the next couple of years. This includes placing bollards to prevent traffic and replacing the 11 parking spots lost to the promenade. 

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

Sugarfish is Coming to SD

You read that right. Sugarfish will be opening its first San Diego location in Little Italy come Spring 2026.  Sugarfish will be offering all of the crowd favorites, from four set meals, hand rolls, cut rolls, nigiri, sashimi and edamame. While we all might already have our go to sushi spot, Sugarfish is hoping to standout by bringing a more casual, quick sushi option that doesn’t come with a giant price tag. So, are you team Sugarfish 

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

​​Your Guide to Summer Fun ✨

7th Annual Military Heroes Festival

The Military Heroes Festival is a free event for active military families, gold-star families, and active-duty reservists as a heartfelt thank you for their service. If you fit into any of these categories, swing by Ingram Plaza in Liberty Station from 10a - 1p on August 16th for some ree groceries, backpacks, haircuts, entertainment, and prizes. Interested in supporting the event? Rock Church is looking for volunteers! 

Want to attend? RSVP Here. 

World Body Surfing Championships - Oceanside

Need weekend plans? Head on over to Oceanside Pier for the 48th Annual World Body Surfing Championships. You can watch 300-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete for prizes. The contest starts at 6:30am each morning, with the Men and Women’s Grand Champions being crowned for their victory on Sunday afternoon. 

Want to learn more? Check out their webpage here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Sip-N-Sea: Coffee and Acai

📍Leucadia | 1488 N Coast Hwy 101

Sip-N-Sea is a Leucadia hidden gem. Known not only for its great acai bowls but also for its craft coffee. You can order to go or enjoy your coffee, smoothie or acai bowl on their outdoor patio. Sip-N-Sea goes the extra mile by roasting their beans in house and ensuring that they source only the finest coffees from around the world. They also make all of their sweeteners from scratch! So, when will you head on over and try one of their house-crafted Gold Brews? 

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: The Victorian at Hill Street

📍Oceanside | 524 S Coast Hwy

The 1888 Weitzel House, a historic and beloved building in the heart of Oceanside, is now a new indoor-outdoor restaurant with new owners, new chefs, a new culinary concept and a new name. The Victorian at Hill Street is open Wednesday - Sunday and offers California themed meals with locally sourced produce and seafood. This is the third business the Rassels have brought to life in this historic home, and they have big hopes for the future. Coming next month, expect to see a brunch menu and operating hours at the Victorian. They are also renovating the garden courtyard and retail shops to open a quick-service market later this summer. This is a new space you definitely want to visit. 

Check out their instagram here!

📺 Don’t Make this Mistake

The #1 MISTAKE People Make Living in San Diego

Thinking about moving to North County San Diego? While the beaches, sunshine, and laid-back lifestyle are big draws, there’s more to this region than meets the eye. The real challenge isn’t finding the perfect home, it’s knowing which part of North County truly fits your lifestyle.

July Median Home Prices in North County

Want to see what median home prices looked like in July? Check out the link below to see how each North County Neighborhood stacked up and compared to last year. You might be surprised…

On the Market!

5 bed + loft | 4.5 baths | 3600 sqft | 12712 Cloudbreak Ave

 Where Style Meets Serenity

Fall in love with this former model home in the sought-after Sea Cliff community, offering 5 beds + loft, 4.5 baths, and over 3,600 sq ft of smartly upgraded living space in Poway Unified.

Highlights include a chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, walk-in pantry, and top-tier appliances, plus hardwood floors, custom built-ins, and walk-in closets in every bedroom. The first-floor suite adds flexibility, while the upstairs loft and luxe primary retreat offer room to relax.

Slide open the 5-panel accordion doors to your private canyon-view backyard, featuring a tranquil fountain, turf, fruit trees, and a covered California Room with surround sound—perfect for laid-back living or entertaining.

With a Tesla charger, whole-house water softener, no rear neighbors, and no Mello-Roos, this 2016-built beauty is move-in ready and made for modern living.

🔍 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]