📰 News Highlights

San Diego’s largest apartment complex of the year officially opened to renters on Dec. 30 in San Marcos

San Marcos’ 222 North City complex opened to renters on December 30th, narrowly becoming the largest apartment building in San Diego County to open this year. It has 458 units, ranging from studios to four-bedrooms. (Other large complexes include AMLI Aero in Serra Mesa, with 442 units, and the Rowyn building in Hillcrest, with 435 units.) The amenities leave nothing to be desired, with a resort-style heated pool and sun deck with cabanas, a resident lounge, gallery art adorning the common areas, a coworking lounge with internet and conference rooms, a two story fitness center (including a group fitness studio for yoga, barre, and instructor-led classes), a game room, two clubhouses for resident events and community connection, a fourth-floor outdoor retreat space with a large screen tv for watch parties and movie nights, a fully equipped al fresco kitchen with outdoor dining, and a pet spa… it may be worth the high price tag. Real estate tracker CoStar said average monthly rent for a studio is $2,768; for a one-bedroom, $3,166; and for a two-bedroom, $4,556, and three-bedrooms start at $5800. The single four-bedroom unit has already been rented. 

Want to learn more? Check out their website

San Diego Minimum Wage raises to $17.75/hr

The minimum wage in the City of San Diego will increase to $17.75 per hour effective January 1, 2026, raising from last year’s rate of $17.25 per hour, according to the city’s Earned Sick Leave and Minimum Wage ordinance. This rate is higher than the new California state minimum wage of $16.90 per hour, which also begins in 2026. 

Want us to feature a new business in your neighborhood? 💼

Complete this form and we’d be happy to share the business in our newsletter and on instagram! 💬💛 New Business Form

Love what we do at North County San Diego? 🌞

If our videos, posts, or recommendations have helped you discover something new or made your day a little brighter, we’d be so grateful if you left us a Google review! Your support helps us keep sharing the best of North County — one beach day, bite, and hidden gem at a time 💬💛 Leave a review here! 

🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

San Diego Zoo memberships include parking in the zoo lot, avoiding Balboa Park’s new controversial fee structure

Balboa Park’s new parking fees go into effect on January 5, leaving San Diego residents with a choice: pay the daily rate of $8, or get an annual parking pass for $250. It looks like there may be a third choice: get a zoo membership. Even the lowest-tier adult membership, at $99/year, includes parking in the zoo lot at Balboa Park. However, the next tier, for just $149/yr, includes parking at both the zoo and the safari park (great for North County families)! Zoo members must register their vehicle online through the zoo’s website, with one vehicle per adult member.

Want to learn more? Check out their website or watch our reel.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Participate in the King Tide Challenge - an 11 mile walk from La Jolla Shores to Cardiff to fight skin cancer

What: A beach walk to benefit Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

When: January 3, 2026 at 12:30pm

Start: La Jolla Shores parking lot, north end.

Finish: Cardiff Beach Bar @ Tower 13

During a low king tide, the beach opens up, allowing walkers to get around areas that are usually submerged. The King Tide Challenge Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 funded by corporate sponsorships. The King Tide challenge was created by retired firefighter and U.S. Air Force veteran Chris Swanner, whose wife died of a rare form of cancer. He says that he began taking long walks as therapy. Not long after, he discovered he had skin cancer on the side of his head: stage 4 melanoma, which is usually fatal. He was referred to Dr. Gregory Daniels, a head and neck cancer specialist at UCSD. He was given less than a year to live, but thanks to the surgeons and cancer specialists at UCSD, he was declared cancer-free four years ago. While the walk is free, they encourage donations. 100% of all walker donations will be given to Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health.

Want to learn more? Check out their website.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Dreamwave Coffee

📍 Carlsbad | 2508 El Camino Real

Dreamwave — where the coffee is delicious, the vibes are high, and otherworldly weirdness will transport you to a world straight out of a Kurt Vonnegut novel. A less serious but quite delicious adventure, with both traditional and experimental flavors for every tastebud. Their orange cinnamon coffee is an absolute “homerun.” Another affordable and delightful hole-in-the-wall for your tasting pleasure!

Check out their Instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Gonzo!

📍 Carlsbad | 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #201A

It is no secret that North County is not particularly known for its ramen scene. However, Gonzo! is an exception. It’s a perfect low-key Japanese restaurant specializing in comfort food, with a relaxing, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for this rainy weather we’ve been having, their menu has plenty of options to keep your tummy full and your body warm. Try their cucumber salad, Gonzo! red ramen, and their takoyaki.

Check out their website here!

📺 What’s Changing and What You Should Know about SD

San Diego’s Mega Transformation by 2030

San Diego isn’t just evolving, it’s on the verge of a full-scale transformation that will redefine how the city functions. We’re talking about thousands of new homes, expanded transit, emerging entertainment districts, new job hubs, and structural changes that will reshape daily life in ways most people haven’t fully connected yet.

In this video, we’ll break down what San Diego looks like right now in 2025, what changes start taking shape by 2028, and how the city is expected to function by 2030. If you live here, plan to move here, or invest in this market, this timeline matters more than you think. Watch through the end, and if you want more breakdowns like this, subscribe and share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what changes you’re most curious about.

This HUGE Development Will Change Midway Forever

San Diego’s Midway district is about to change forever. A $3.9 billion transformation is on the table, and it isn’t a small facelift: it’s a full-scale reimagining of how people will live, work, and get around in this part of the city.

🔍 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]

1