📰 News Highlights

Steep Water Rate Hikes Ahead

San Diego City Council narrowly approved 31% water and sewer rate increases, warning that without them the city’s utilities could face a financial spiral. The hikes will raise the average household bill to about $180 per month by 2026, as officials push to stabilize cash flow and fund major projects like Pure Water. Critics say the move will squeeze working families already grappling with rising costs.

Want to learn more? Read the full article here!

Polo Fields Debate Settled — For Now

After heated debate, San Diego City Council voted 6–2 to lift decades-old deed restrictions on the Surf Sports Park near Del Mar, paving the way for expanded events at the popular youth sports venue. Supporters say the change brings clarity and boosts the local economy, while opponents — including nearby homeowners and environmental groups — argue it breaks the original agreement limiting the fields to 25 event days per year. The updated lease now allows up to 40 large events annually, though new lawsuits over the site’s use are already in motion.

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

Polo Fields Debate Settled — For Now

California’s next public university is coming to South County — even before the buildings exist. Chula Vista University will open classes in 2026 through a groundbreaking partnership between UC San Diego, San Diego State, Cal State San Marcos, and Southwestern College. Students can soon earn bachelor’s degrees in fields like nursing, cybersecurity, business, and public health — all hosted in existing local facilities such as the new Millennial Library. The $2.1 billion campus project, decades in the making, aims to transform Chula Vista into a full-fledged higher education hub by 2027.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Costa Verde Project Moves Forward

The long-shuttered Costa Verde Center across from Westfield UTC is set to be demolished early next year, marking the first step toward transforming the once-bustling strip mall into a mixed-use, urban village-style neighborhood. Following a unanimous City Council vote to lift a decades-old commercial land-use restriction, developer Cass Street Venture LLC plans to begin demolition in early 2026, a process expected to take 18 months.

Originally built in 1989 and closed to the public since 2022, the 13-acre property will eventually feature thousands of residential units with ground-floor shops, restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly streets. The new design calls for 13 development blocks, a main street lined with retail, and improved connections to the nearby UC San Diego Blue Line trolley station. The redevelopment aligns with the University Community Plan Update, which envisions the site as a high-density, walkable hub that integrates housing, transit, and public spaces in the heart of La Jolla’s growing urban corridor.

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

From Sewage to Clean Water

San Diego’s Pure Water program — one of the largest water recycling efforts in the nation — is entering a new phase that could transform how the city produces drinking water. The city is exploring a cutting-edge process known as direct potable reuse (DPR), which would allow purified wastewater to be pumped directly into the drinking water system without first being stored in a reservoir. Officials say the method could save billions of dollars and reduce the need for large, costly pipelines while still delivering the same safe, high-quality water that Pure Water is known for.

Now nearing completion, Phase One of Pure Water is already designed to produce 30 million gallons of purified water per day, with Phase Two originally planned to nearly double that output by 2035. However, with statewide rule changes, declining water demand, and rising construction costs, city leaders are re-evaluating the project’s scope and design. If successful, DPR could make Pure Water more efficient and affordable while helping San Diego achieve its long-term goal of producing nearly half of its water locally — a major step toward sustainability and independence from imported water sources.

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival

The 13th Annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival returns this Saturday, November 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Begent Ranch. Enjoy an afternoon of local art, live music, boutique wines, and craft vendors — plus food trucks and auctions supporting the Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project. With proceeds funding community murals that celebrate Ramona’s history, culture, and rural charm, this festival blends creativity and cause in true small-town style. General admission is $70 ($55 for designated drivers), with prices rising $10 at the gate.

Want to attend? Check out this link!

Carlsbad Village Street Faire 

Stroll, shop, and savor the Carlsbad Village Street Faire this Sunday, November 2, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring more than 700 vendors, live music, kids’ rides, and a lively beer garden, this beloved biennial tradition draws over 100,000 visitors for the largest one-day street faire in the nation. Enjoy delicious bites from the international food court, explore unique crafts and antiques, and make a day of it with free shuttle service from the Shoppes at Carlsbad and the Coaster Station.

Want to go? Check out their website here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: IDEGO

📍Poway | 13303 Poway Rd

Born from a passion for connection and craft, Idego Coffee in Poway is redefining what it means to serve an exceptional cup. Every detail — from their house-made syrups and chai to their scratch-made chocolate ganache — reflects a relentless pursuit of “better.” Roasted in-house on a restored antique Probat roaster, Idego’s coffees are approachable yet expertly refined, highlighting the sweetness and character of each origin. Visit their new roastery and café for perfectly balanced espresso, pour-overs, and pastries — all served with warmth and intention.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Pastry Shop of the Week: Zen Modern Asian Bistro

📍Del Mar | 12841 El Camino Real, Ste 206 

Carmel Valley’s Zen Modern Asian Bistro has officially joined the Sky Deck lineup at Del Mar Highlands Town Center, blending authentic Taiwanese comfort with modern Asian flair. Helmed by Ethan Yang as a tribute to his father, Chef Henry Yang — the culinary mind behind San Diego favorites like Mr. Charlie’s Fortune Cookie — Zen serves up rich Taiwanese beef noodle soup, silky Sichuan dumplings, and perfectly glazed Kurobuta pork char siu. Pair your meal with creative cocktails, from an ube rum delight to an oolong Old Fashioned, for a dining experience that’s both nostalgic and new.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 Housing Laws + Old Money

California Just Changed San Diego Housing Forever (SB 79 Explained)

Today’s episode is stacked. I’m breaking down a brand-new law, the heated turf showdown in Carlsbad, and some major restaurant revamps, plus a few gut-punch realities like steep fee increases and what they mean for your wallet. No fluff, just what matters and why it’s on my radar right now.

Where The Old Money Lives in San Diego

If you think you know where San Diego’s wealth really lives, think again. In this video, I’m pulling back the curtain on the quiet enclaves where generational fortunes have been preserved for years—far from the headline-grabbing sales and celebrity addresses. These are the streets where legacy, privacy, and long-held equity shape the market in ways most buyers never see.

September Median Home Prices 

Want to see how North County home prices fared in September? Check out our latest median monthly home prices report to see the full breakdown! Click here.

🔍 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]