Hockey at Frontwave Arena, Midway Rising Update, Coaster Maintenance + More

Your inside scoop on news, eats, coffee, and buzz in North County + beyond!

šŸ“° News Highlights

Coaster service paused next weekend (5/16-5/17) for maintenance

Coastal rail service between San Diego and Oceanside will be temporarily suspended the weekend of May 16-17 for maintenance and major infrastructure work. No passenger or freight trains, including Amtrak, will operate during the closure. Test trains, construction vehicles, and equipment will be active.

Want to learn more? Check out this article or check NCTD’s website here.

Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena is getting a minor league hockey team

This October, a new Federal Prospects Hockey League team will begin playing in Oceanside. The first game lines up with Frontwave’s installation of permanent ice. Frontwave Arena, a state-of-the-art indoor facility that opened in 2024, is home to the San Diego Clippers (NBA G League), San Diego Sockers (MASL), and San Diego Strike Force (IFL). The venue seats ~5,500 fans for hockey.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

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šŸŽ¬ Reel Recap + Real Details

Midway Rising update

The Midway Rising development team is allegedly finally moving forward with a $2 billion, 48-acre redevelopment of San Diego’s Sports Arena. For a while now, development has been paused while navigating severe legal challenges, but recently received confirmation that they can invoke a state housing law to build above the neighborhood height limit (30 ft.)

The parties are now in the final leg of a protracted negotiation period aimed at culminating in a long-term ground lease. The development plan, or what’s known as the Midway Rising Specific Plan, also requires a final stamp of approval by the City Council. If approved, the project will feature 4,250 homes (including 2,000 affordable units), a 16,000-seat arena, and parks.

Want more info? Watch our reel or check out their website.

Veruca, a Costco alternative, has launched in North County

A new Costco delivery service has officially launched in North County. Imagine a mini Costco run, directly at your door… no hidden fees, no tipping, and you don’t even need a Costco membership. If it’s not at your door in 30 minutes, you get a refund.

Use code BERN30 for 30% off your first order!

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or check out their website.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Spring market at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas

Fox Point Farms is hosting a spring Local Bazaar Mother’s Day weekend: makers, live music, kids’ activities, food, and drinks. A curated spring gathering celebrating local makers, artists, and small businesses rooted right here in our community. Spend time on the lawn with live music, explore children’s activities, enjoy food and beverages, and meet the artisans shaping our local creative landscape. Best part? It’s free to attend! :)

Check out their website for details

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ā¤ļø 

ā˜• Coffee Shop of the Week: Mika’s Cafe

šŸ“ San Marcos | 705 Center Dr #102

A local gem with breakfast sandwiches, delicious pastries, and fresh coffee. Their potatoes are absolutely delicious, the apple muffin is near perfect, and their iced cookie latte? Something that could become a daily habit if you’re not careful.

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

šŸ“ Restaurant of the Week: Leu Leu

šŸ“Leucadia | 466 N Coast Hwy 101

This is one of the better family-style restaurants in the area hands down. If you’re a foodie and are looking to eat your way through a menu, look no further! The wine is exceptional, and the servers are knowledgeable about pairings. Overall, its a place with a vibrant global influence and California experience!

Check out their website here

šŸ” 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.

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

Phone: 858-900-1797

1719 Thorley Way San Marcos, CA 92078

3 beds | 3 baths | 1,849 sq. ft. | $1,297,000

Welcome to one of the most sought-after communities in North County—San Elijo Hills. This home offers a great floor plan with fresh interior paint and newly refinished floors, giving it that clean, move-in-ready feel the moment you walk in. But what really sets this one apart… is the level of upgrades throughout the home. The kitchen has been fully remodeled with custom cabinetry, updated countertops and backsplash, and upgraded appliances including KitchenAid cooktop, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There’s also a dedicated coffee corner that just makes the space feel a little more dialed in for everyday living. Updated fixtures flow through the rest of the house, in the bathroom, the lighting, the flooring… homes in this area don’t last long for a reason… and this one checks a lot of boxes. Check out the listing here.

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

Phone: 858-900-1797

7053 Snapdragon Drive Carlsbad, CA 92011

4 beds | 3 baths | 1,617 sq. ft | $1,749,000

Stunning, turn-key home with breathtaking panoramic ocean views. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed by a private enclosed front patio—perfect for morning coffee, soaking in the coastal air, or winding down at sunset. Step inside to an abundance of natural light, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a cozy fireplace that instantly makes the space feel like home. This beautifully updated property features recently updated white oak engineered hardwood floors throughout, along with newly upgraded stairs and railing, creating a clean, modern feel from top to bottom. The recently remodeled designer kitchen is a true showpiece, complete with Calacatta Izaro quartz countertops, a handcrafted zellige tile backsplash, GE CafĆ© appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a warm butcher block island—plus ample storage throughout. And that view from the backyard? Can’t be beat. Check out the listing here.

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

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.

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

Phone: 858-900-1797

šŸ“ŗ What’s Changing and What You Should Know about SD

The Real Cost of Living in San Diego

Same budget, completely different life. A beach person and a suburb person in San Diego can spend the same amount and feel like they live in separate cities. After 10 years selling here, I'm breaking down the real cost of living across four lifestyles — beach, country, suburb, and city — with one accessible option and one premium option for each.

AVOID These Neighborhoods if You Are From Out of State

A lot of out-of-state buyers end up focusing on the same few San Diego neighborhoods, but those are often the places where unexpected costs show up the fastest. What looks great on the surface can come with tradeoffs that only become obvious after you move in.

In this video, I’m walking you through seven areas that are commonly misunderstood and what you really need to look for before making an offer. After more than a decade in this market, these are the lessons I wish every buyer knew upfront. Watch all the way through so you can avoid the surprises and make a smarter move.

šŸ” 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. šŸ“§ Email Bern Today: [email protected]

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