📰 News Highlights

End of the Road for EV Carpool Stickers

Heads up, EV drivers: California’s Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program is expiring on Sept. 30, 2025. That little sticker that’s let single-occupant electric and hybrid vehicles cruise in the carpool lane? It’ll no longer be valid come October 1, affecting nearly 500,000 cars statewide. The program, in place since 1999, is ending due to federal regulations, meaning EVs will now have to follow regular carpool rules—or risk a ticket. Local groups worry this will take away an important incentive for going electric. What do you think—will this change impact EV adoption in California?

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

Neighbors Take Red Chalk to San Diego Curbs

If you’ve noticed red chalk lines popping up near crosswalks, it’s not graffiti—it’s Strong Towns San Diego in action. The group has been marking curbs themselves to raise awareness of California’s new “daylighting” law, which bans parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk to improve visibility and safety. Since the city hasn’t yet painted all 16,000+ affected intersections, volunteers are stepping in with chalk brushes—especially around schools—to keep pedestrians safe and drivers informed. The city says it’s working through intersections as resources allow, but officially warns: painting curbs is against city code. What do you think—should the city prioritize faster curb painting, or do you support neighbors taking the lead?

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

Downtown Event Parking Rates Jump to $10/hr

Starting Sept. 1, parking near Petco Park will get a pricey upgrade. The City of San Diego is rolling out special event rates—meters within a half-mile of the ballpark will jump from $2.50 to $10 per hour during Padres games and big events (up to six hours max). City leaders say the extra revenue will fund local improvements like better sidewalks, lights, and signage. But businesses in the Gaslamp and East Village worry the spike will drive away customers, workers, and fans—especially with 17 events scheduled in September alone. Would you pay $60 to park at a meter downtown, or will this push you to take the trolley instead?

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Harmony Grove South Moves Forward Despite Fire Concerns

The long-debated Harmony Grove Village South project—453 homes planned between Escondido and San Marcos—just won unanimous approval from the County Planning Commission. Supporters call it a much-needed boost to San Diego’s housing supply, with union labor and affordable units included. But neighbors remain worried: the development sits on a single dead-end road in a high fire-risk zone. Locals fear gridlock like the 2014 Cocos Fire, when evacuations took over an hour. The project now heads to the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 1, where fire safety and evacuation plans are expected to remain a flashpoint in the debate.

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

North County High Schools Rank Among California’s Best

Big shoutout to some of our local high schools making the U.S. News & World Report rankings this year! 🎉 Canyon Crest Academy came in at #18 in California, with Del Norte (#45), Westview (#52), Sage Creek & Carlsbad (tied at #93), Torrey Pines (#115), and Scripps Ranch (#132) also earning top spots. Rankings are based on test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness—but we want to know: what do you think really makes a high school great? Is it the teachers, sports, clubs, community, or something else? Reply and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

Want to learn more? Check out the full list  or watch our reel here.

​​Your Guide to Summer Fun ✨

SDTJ Jazz Festival Pre-Party at Quartyard

Get ready to move! The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival is almost here, and the countdown kicks off with a free pre-party at Quartyard on Friday, Aug. 29 (5–9 PM). 🎷 Enjoy the fiery rhythms of Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko, blending Afro-Caribbean beats, Latin soul, and jazz under the open sky. This high-energy night sets the stage for the full festival Oct. 2–5, where world-class musicians will celebrate 100 years of borderland jazz history across San Diego and Tijuana. RSVP required for entry—don’t miss it!

Want to attend? Check out this link!

San Diego Made Summer Market

Mark your calendars for one of San Diego’s most creative weekends! The San Diego Made Summer Market takes over Liberty Station’s NTC Park Field on Saturday, Aug. 30 & Sunday, Aug. 31 (10 AM–5 PM). Shop from 120+ local makers, discover one-of-a-kind handmade goods, and enjoy food trucks, cocktail/mocktail & beer bars, live music, interactive art, photo booths, workshops, and kids’ play areas.

Want to learn more? Check out their website here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Hinar

📍Scripps Ranch | 10755 Scripps Poway Pkwy

New to the neighborhood but already making waves, Hinar Dessert Bar & Café is a must-visit for anyone who loves pairing their latte with something sweet. Think melt-in-your-mouth cheesecakes, flaky croissants, and signature cakes like Strawberry Cream, Pistachio, and Tiramisu that look as good as they taste. Even better—no extra charge for alternative milks and lattes that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re grabbing a morning croissant, sipping an Orange Blossom Latte, or indulging in a decadent dessert, Hinar is all about treating yourself (because you deserve it!).

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Windmill Food Hall

📍Carlsbad | 890 Palomar Airport Rd 

Think of it as the Liberty Station food hall of North County—but with an extra dash of happiness.  Located in the iconic Carlsbad windmill, this spot brings together amazing eats from lobster rolls and tacos to sushi, Thai, and more. Add in craft beer, a full bar, and creative cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect hangout. The fun doesn’t stop at food—weekly events keep the vibe fresh, while games for both kids and “big kids” make it a place to linger. With a laid-back atmosphere and a super easy ordering system, the Windmill Food Hall is all about good food, good drinks, and good times.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 Oceanside’s Biggest Developments

Oceanside is undergoing a major transformation, with hundreds of millions of dollars being invested into new developments and thousands of homes being built. The area is rapidly evolving, and it's quickly becoming one of the most exciting places to live and work in San Diego County. In this video, we’ll dive into the massive changes happening in Oceanside and what makes this shift so unique.

4 bed | 4.5 baths | 6,480 sqft | 5019 Tierra Del Oro

This extraordinary Carlsbad beachfront estate offers private beach access, panoramic ocean views, and a rare oceanfront pool on a 1/3-acre lot in the exclusive Tierra del Oro enclave. Spanning 6,480 square feet, the home features up to 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, custom European-inspired craftsmanship, and seamless indoor-outdoor living with retractable glass doors on every level. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, it boasts a wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, spa, multiple fireplaces, and unmatched coastal luxury.

Listed By: Linda Sansone

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