Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday heroes whose strength carried us through one of our nation’s darkest days. We reflect not only on the tragedy, but also on the resilience, unity, and compassion that emerged in its aftermath. May we never forget their sacrifice and continue to carry forward their legacy of courage and community.

📰 News Highlights

Carlsbad’s Lilo Named One of America’s Best (Top 50) 

Carlsbad’s fine-dining restaurant Lilo has been named to The New York Times’ 2025 list of America’s Best Restaurants, just months after earning a Michelin star. Opened in April by restaurateur John Resnick and chef Eric Bost, the 22-seat tasting-menu spot is drawing national attention for its globally inspired, 12-course dining experience.

Want to learn more? Explore the full rankings here!

SDG&E Ranks Near Bottom in J.D. Power Utility Studies

San Diego Gas & Electric ranked near the bottom in J.D. Power’s 2025 studies on utility brand appeal, placing 28th out of 30 electric providers in the West and second-to-last among 19 natural gas companies. The poor scores come amid rising energy bills, with SDG&E rates among the highest in the nation. While the company says it’s committed to affordability and reliability, more than 322,000 of its residential customers were behind on payments earlier this year.

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

San Diego Restaurant Week Starts September 14th 

San Diego Restaurant Week returns September 14–21, bringing eight days of dining deals and culinary exploration across more than 100 restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista. With multi-course menus starting at $30, it’s the perfect chance to try new spots, revisit favorites, and share meaningful meals with friends and family. Reservations are highly recommended for this countywide celebration of San Diego’s vibrant food scene. 

Want to learn more? Check out this link.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

New Airport Food Options in Terminal 1

San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 is turning layovers into foodie adventures! As part of the $4 billion renovation, travelers can now dig into local favorites like The Taco Stand, Better Buzz, Ambrogio15, and Lofty Coffee, alongside buzzworthy spots like Tony Hawk and chef Claudette Zepeda’s new restaurant, Novecientos Grados. From craft cocktails at Cutwater Spirits to Mediterranean eats at Luna Grill and sweet French treats from Parfait Paris, there’s something for every craving. With even more dining options rolling out through 2028, your next flight might just start with some of San Diego’s best food. 

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

17,00 New Homes Coming to Clairemont

San Diego’s new blueprint for Clairemont calls for 17,000 new homes over the next 30 years, with most of the growth concentrated in mid-rise apartments and mixed-use “villages” along the trolley line and major shopping centers. The plan aims to preserve single-family neighborhoods while transforming sprawling plazas like Clairemont Town Square into vibrant housing and retail hubs. Many of the new homes will include rent-restricted units, helping bring more affordability to one of the city’s most desirable areas. While some residents welcome the balance of density and preservation, debates continue over building heights, traffic changes, and the impact on parks and canyons. If approved, the plan would mark Clairemont’s biggest transformation since its suburban beginnings in the 1950s. 

Want to learn more? Read the plan or watch our reel here.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Too Soon to Scream? Not According to SeaWorld 👻

Is it ever too early to plan for Halloween? SeaWorld San Diego says nope—and their Howl-O-Scream event kicks off this weekend, marking five years of fear. Expect five haunted houses, eight scare zones, seven themed bars, and five hidden speakeasies (if you’re brave enough to find them 👀). Add in a monster-themed live show, a creepy dance floor, and rollercoasters under the stars, and you’ve got one scream-worthy night. Tickets are already disappearing into the fog—so grab yours now if you dare!

Want to attend? Check out this link!

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival: Sips, Bites & Pickleball Stars

The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is back Sept. 10–14, bringing together SoCal’s best restaurants, world-class wineries, and plenty of foodie fun. Beyond the Grand Tasting (with 100+ vendors!), the week is packed with exclusive dinners, live music, and celebrity appearances. And this year’s most talked-about highlight? Drew Brees’ Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, where athletes and celebs trade their champagne flutes for paddles. From craft cocktails to courtside laughs, it’s a foodie fest that mixes indulgence with play. Proceeds also support Feeding San Diego, making every sip and bite even more meaningful. Tickets sell fast—don’t wait to snag yours!

Want to learn more? Check out their website here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Nectarine Grove

📍Del Mar | 2720 Via de la Valle
📍Leucadia | 948 N Coast Hwy 101 

Nectarine Grove isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a mission-driven café dedicated to nourishing both people and the planet. Their entirely gluten-free menu features mouthwatering treats like croissants and cinnamon rolls, alongside wholesome breakfasts and lunches crafted with local, organic ingredients. Even the drinks are unique, with options like butter coffee designed to fuel a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re keto, vegan, paleo, or just a foodie who loves real flavor, Nectarine Grove makes eating well feel exciting, delicious, and good for the community.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Smoking J’s BBQ

📍Poway | 14035 Midland Rd

Smokin J’s BBQ is all about barbecue done right—slow-smoked over California white oak until every bite is tender, juicy, and unforgettable. Founded by brothers Jeremy and Josh, along with Jeremy’s wife Mckenzie, the family turned a passion project into some of San Diego’s most loved BBQ. From brisket that melts in your mouth to ribs that fall off the bone, everything is crafted with heart, grit, and flavor that keeps fans coming back. With three locations across the city, including a taphouse and a cider & smokehouse, Smokin J’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a family dream serving up some of the best BBQ in SoCal.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 August Housing Trends, Luxury Areas & More

This Project Just Changed San Diego’s Most Iconic Beach Town

San Diego is changing fast, and if you live here, or are thinking about it, you’ll want to hear what’s going on. In this week’s episode of The San Diego Scoop, I’m breaking down some moves that are shaping our communities in real time. From La Jolla’s bold decision to Escondido finally getting a long-requested family addition, plus an update that could completely shift property values in South Bay, this is the stuff that matters to your day-to-day life.

San Diego's NEWEST Luxury Area

San Diego’s newest luxury neighborhood sits on land that was once an active mining site, now transformed into nearly 900 homes priced over a million dollars each. The big question: is 3Roots truly the city’s premier new community, or are buyers just getting caught up in the hype?

August 2025 Market Stats

Curious about how the housing market is shaping up? Check out the latest stats from August home sales right here in North County—see what’s trending and where the market is heading! Click here to see the stats.

🔍 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]