💙 Happy Father’s Day!

Here’s to all the dads, soon-to-be dads, and those who hope to be one day — we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re so grateful you’re part of our community. Thank you for the love, strength, laughs, and life lessons you share every day. You’re appreciated more than you know! 

📰 News Highlights

The Trash Fee Saga: After a Bumpy Road, It’s Official

After years of debate and months of drama, San Diego is saying goodbye to over 100 years of free trash collection for single-family homes. Starting July 1, 2025, more than 200,000 homeowners will begin paying a monthly trash collection fee — between $32.82 and $43.60, depending on the size of your bin.

The City Council passed the new fee in a narrow 6–3 vote, with the decision hinging on last-minute shifts in support. Why the change? The city says it needs to modernize trash services, balance the budget, and free up General Fund dollars — especially with an $80 million gap looming.

What to expect:

• Fee added to your property tax bill

• New bins delivered before July 1

• Online portal for service management launching soon

• Bulky item pick-up and other improvements planned by 2027

The decision wasn’t without controversy. Critics argued the fee was too high, rushed, or unfair — especially for seniors or small households. But supporters, including Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, pointed out that most apartment and condo residents have been paying for private trash collection all along.

What’s next? The city is reviewing which homes are eligible for city-provided service. Those who aren’t (like some gated communities or mixed-use lots) will need to switch to a private hauler. And with lawsuits already being filed, the rollout may still face some bumps.

But for now, one thing is clear: after a long and winding road, the trash fee has officially arrived.

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

Chula Vista’s Big Dream Is Becoming Reality

After nearly 30 years of planning, Chula Vista is finally moving forward with a visionary project: a multi-university super-campus that could reshape the future of South County.

The University Innovation District, located on a 383-acre site near the Millenia neighborhood, will be a one-of-a-kind hub blending academics, research, housing, retail, and green space. At full build-out, the district could serve 20,000 students and 6,000 faculty and staff, making it one of the most transformative developments in the region.

South County has long lacked a four-year university, despite being home to over half a million residents. This new district changes that—bringing together UC San Diego, San Diego State University, Cal State San Marcos, and Southwestern College to offer collaborative, cross-border programs close to home.

The first phase is already underway. In fall 2025, SDSU will launch a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and UCSD will follow with a public health degree. A state-of-the-art library and classroom building is also on track to open, marking a major milestone for the district.

This isn’t just about education—it’s about boosting the local economy, expanding access to opportunity, and creating a vibrant, innovation-driven community in the heart of South County.

Chula Vista’s long-held vision is finally taking shape. The future of higher education in the region is just getting started.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Would Smaller Lot Sizes Fix Affordability?

A bold new proposal is making waves at City Hall — and it’s all about thinking small. A coalition of pro-housing advocates wants to shrink San Diego’s minimum lot size to make room for more homes, lower prices, and boost the city’s tax base. Right now, more than 80% of the city is locked into 5,000-square-foot minimums — a zoning rule that’s been in place since 1923.

Backed by research from London Moeder Advisors, the plan suggests removing those minimums altogether. Think two- to three-story homes, more ownership opportunities, and what they’re calling light density — a gentler alternative to high-rise apartments.

Bonus? The city could rake in up to $430 million/year if the policy is widely adopted. Supporters say it’s a win-win: more attainable homeownership and more revenue for parks, streets, and services.

Of course, not everyone is sold — but with shrinking inventory, skyrocketing rents, and younger San Diegans priced out of the market, the conversation around smaller lots is only growing louder.

Is it time San Diego rethinks how much space a single-family home really needs?

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

Vista Bella Project Moving Forward in Oceanside 

Oceanside’s skyline is about to change! The six-story Venue at Vista Bella just got the official go-ahead from City Council, paving the way for 73 new apartments, live-work units, and a fresh dose of ground-floor retail near Vista Bella and Vista Rey. While the project stirred up some passionate feedback from the nearby 55+ community, revised plans and new safety studies helped push it through.

Backed by California’s density bonus laws (which reward developers for building affordable housing), the project includes eight very low-income units and four employee units — plus a $60K developer contribution for new crosswalk beacons for safety. The Venue will replace a long-vacant office building with sleek new housing and a walkable neighborhood vibe.

Stay tuned — this corner of Oceanside is getting a serious glow-up.

Want to learn more?  Check out the developer's website, read the story or watch our reel here. 

Your Guide to Summer Fun ✨

Step Into the Stories: Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Exhibit Opens in La Jolla

This summer, the La Jolla Historical Society invites you to experience San Diego’s history from a powerful new perspective. Opening June 13, the Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project is an immersive exhibit that shares the history, resilience, and culture of the Kumeyaay people—San Diego’s original inhabitants—through the lens of two striking graphic novels.

These stories, Our Past, Present and Future and Beyond Gaming, were created by members of the Kumeyaay Nation to offer a more authentic, Indigenous-led perspective often missing from mainstream historical narratives. Visitors will walk through gallery spaces featuring enlarged pages from the books, constellation-dyed textiles created by local students, and video interviews with Kumeyaay historians and authors.

The exhibit also includes language displays, cultural artifacts, and a storytelling-inspired atmosphere that pays tribute to the oral traditions of the Kumeyaay people. It’s a space for learning, reflection, and connection—whether you’re a local resident or just visiting.

Why it matters: While many San Diegans recognize the Kumeyaay name through casinos or landmarks, this exhibit dives deeper—highlighting the living, vibrant community that continues to shape the region. As project director Ethan Banegas notes, “It is imperative to bring awareness to the broader public that the Kumeyaay people still live here.”

If you go:
 📍 Wisteria Cottage Gallery, La Jolla Historical Society
🗓️ June 13 – August 31, 2025 | Wed–Sun, 12–4 PM
 🎉 Opening Reception: Friday, June 13, 7–8 PM
🎟️ Free Admission

This is more than an art exhibit—it’s a conversation, a community collaboration, and an invitation to see San Diego’s past and present through new eyes. Don’t miss it.

For more details, visit La Jolla Historical Society. 

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🎡 It’s Opening Weekend at the San Diego County Fair!

Will you be heading to the fairgrounds? Whether you're in it for the food, the fireworks, or the flying pigs (yes, really—Swifty Swine Racing Pigs are back!), there's something for everyone.

Here’s a taste of what you can expect this weekend:

• Live music, dancing, and cultural showcases

• Pet-tacular parrot shows, wiener dog races, and stunt dog performances

• Laser spectaculars and carnival rides

• Daily culinary demos, corn shucking contests, and seed spitting fun

• Goat milking, pig races, and more adorable animal antics

• Hands-on crafts, art exhibits, and beer/wine tastings 

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Jaunt Coffee Roasters

📍Mira Mesa | 8680 Miralani Dr. 

If you’re in Mira Mesa and haven’t stopped by Jaunt Coffee, you’re seriously missing out. This local gem serves up creative drinks like banana cold foam lattes, toffee-infused espresso, and strawberry matcha—but the flavor journey doesn’t stop there. With fresh empanadas, pan dulce, and other sweet baked goods, there’s something for every craving.

But Jaunt is more than just a coffee shop. Founded by owner and roaster Jimmy Silva, it’s a space rooted in community, quality, and culture. After years of visiting farms in Peru, Mexico, and Colombia, Jimmy brought back a deep respect for every step in the coffee chain—from seed to cup. Every pour at Jaunt reflects that journey.

So whether you're sipping solo or catching up with friends, Jaunt Coffee invites you to slow down and savor something special. Because coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. And at Jaunt, coffee is a journey. They’re your guide

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Craft Coast Beer & Tacos

📍San Marcos | 1325 Grand Ave, Unit 100
📍Oceanside | 275 Mission Ave
📍Encinitas | Coming Soon!  

Craft Coast Beer & Tacos has built a loyal following in Oceanside and San Marcos for doing one thing incredibly well: combining handcrafted beer with authentic, Baja-style tacos—and now, they’re getting ready to bring the same magic to Encinitas later this year.

Known for rotating, experimental brews and bold flavors like birria tacos on hand-pressed tortillas, Craft Coast is more than a brewery—it’s a celebration of local flavor. Their upcoming Encinitas location will include a new patio, a refreshed interior, and of course, the signature tacos and small-batch beers fans love.

Until then, swing by one of their existing locations or keep an eye out for updates—because your new favorite taco and beer joint is on its way to the coast!

Check out their instagram here!

📺 Beyond the Beaches: Real Talk on San Diego Life + Housing Trends

🎥 Featured Video: The Truth About Living in San Diego

After 10 years in the city, this video dives into what really makes San Diego tick — and it’s not just sunshine and surf. From unexpected microclimates to drastically different neighborhood vibes, this insider breakdown gives you the honest scoop on what to love, what to consider, and what to prepare for if you’re thinking about making the move. 

📊 North County Snapshot: How Home Prices Are Trending

Curious about how the housing market is shifting? We’ve got you covered.
Check out last month’s quick stat update here, focused just on North County San Diego homes!

🔍 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]