📰 News Highlights

Waymo is Coming to San Diego

Self-driving rides are hitting San Diego streets next year as Waymo prepares to launch its all-electric, fully autonomous ride-hailing service. The Alphabet-owned company will start in central neighborhoods like Gaslamp, Logan Heights, and Pacific Beach, mapping routes and testing its Zeekr RT vehicles before opening to riders. With a safety record boasting up to 91% fewer serious crashes than human drivers, Waymo aims to make San Diego transportation more accessible, sustainable, and futuristic—no driver required.

Want to learn more? Read the full article here!

Government Shutdown Grounds Flights at SAN

San Diego International Airport is already feeling the strain of the federal government shutdown, with Southwest arrivals delayed Thursday and more disruptions expected by Friday. The FAA plans to cut air traffic coverage by up to 10%, citing controller shortages as workers take unpaid leave or second jobs. SAN is one of 40 major U.S. airports facing reductions, with thousands of flights nationwide expected to be delayed or canceled—just weeks before record-breaking Thanksgiving travel begins.

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

Pepino Brings Peruvian-Inspired Fare to La Jolla

After years as a beloved pop-up, Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop has found a permanent home on Fay Avenue. Led by chef Sebastian “Sebi” Becerra, a La Jolla native with Michelin-level experience, Pepino blends Peruvian flavors and California comfort in a relaxed, all-day café setting. The menu features creative dishes like a lomo saltado breakfast burrito and pan con lechon sandwiches, plus housemade pastries and locally roasted coffee. With art and décor crafted by family and local artisans, Pepino feels both personal and community-driven — a homegrown spot redefining neighborhood dining in La Jolla.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Torrey Pines Reserve Partially Closes for Upgrades

Heads up, hikers — Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve will be partially closed from November 2025 through February 2026 for major upgrades. The project includes utility and accessibility improvements, new paved paths, and upgraded comfort stations. During construction, the main reserve road, upper lots, and most trails will be closed, but Torrey Pines State Beach and the North and South Beach parking lots will stay open. Full access is expected to return by March 2026, just in time for spring hikes along San Diego’s most scenic coastline.

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

Riverwalk Project Back on Track in Mission Valley

After a year-and-a-half pause, developer Hines has secured $380 million in new financing to resume work on Riverwalk, the massive mixed-use redevelopment of the former Riverwalk Golf Club in Mission Valley. The first phase — featuring 721 apartments and townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail, and a central plaza connected to a new trolley stop — is now slated for completion in spring 2029.

At full build-out, the $4 billion project will bring 4,300 homes, 1 million square feet of office space, and 97 acres of parks and trails along the San Diego River. Hines is also advancing construction of The Becker, its first affordable housing complex with 190 low-income units, developed in partnership with Wakeland Housing and Development Corp.

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Valley Arts Festival

This Saturday, Heritage Park in Oceanside transforms into a celebration of art, culture, and community for the 5th Annual Valley Arts Festival (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Honoring the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, the free, family-friendly event features Native American music, storytelling, dance, and art, including performances by Faustino Fredericks, Spiritual Storm, and Tracy Lee Nelson. Visitors can explore a life-size Kíicha dwelling, enjoy hands-on crafts like basket weaving and gourd painting, and shop handmade goods from Native artists. A vibrant tribute to Oceanside’s first people, this festival offers a meaningful blend of culture, creativity, and community connection.

Want to attend? Check out this link!

Train Song Festival

All aboard for a day of music, trains, and community fun at the Train Song Festival this Saturday (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) in Old Poway Park. Hosted by San Diego Folk Heritage, the free event features live sets from Sara Petite, Gayle Skidmore, Bill Dempsey, UL Standard, and more, plus a sneak peek of Hop on Board, a Dust Bowl–era musical by Michael de Luca. Visitors can also enjoy locomotive rides, model train displays, and two local markets — the Poway Farmers Market and an Artisan Market. A perfect fall outing for train lovers, folk fans, and families alike.

Want to go? Check out their website here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Cargo Coffee

📍 Carmel Valley | 12400 High Bluff Dr
📍 La Jolla Gateway | 9191 Towne Centre Dr
📍 La Jolla Reserve | 4435 Eastgate Mall
📍 Paseo Del Mar | 12265 El Camino Real
📍 Scripps Gateway | 10332 John Jay Hopkins Dr.
📍 Sorrento Valley | 6190 Cornerstone Ct East
📍 Sorrento Valley | 10770 Wateridge Cr
📍 Torrey Pines | 10466 N. Torrey Pines Rd

Founded by Michelle Coleman and Leticia Barros, Cargo Café is a women-owned, San Diego–born coffee shop built on compassion, community, and connection. With roots in Café Fusion, the café continues a mission to nourish people through organic, ethically sourced coffee and wholesome food made with care. Michelle brings her local heritage and passion for togetherness, while Leticia infuses her Brazilian coffee traditions and love for creating joyful moments.

Their seasonal menu is a must-try — I just had the Banana Pumpkin Bread Latte, and it’s so good! The banana chips add the perfect crunch, making it the ultimate fall treat. Every sip at Cargo Café feels like a warm reminder that connection starts with coffee.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Breakers Cafe, Bar + Grill

📍Encinitas | 481 Santa Fe Dr.  

Beloved surfer and North County local Benji Weatherley is bringing a piece of Hawaii to Encinitas with Breakers, a laid-back café, bar, and grill inspired by his family’s iconic Haleiwa restaurant. Opening next spring at the former Schooner’s Pizzeria on Santa Fe Drive, Breakers will blend island nostalgia with community spirit—serving affordable poke bowls, garlic shrimp, and ahi katsu by day, and hosting live music, ukulele nights, and comedy after dark. Designed as a hangout for locals (including San Dieguito Academy students who’ll help deliver food), Weatherley says it’s “Hawaii food, not Hawaiian food”—a heartfelt tribute to his mom, surf culture, and the easygoing North County lifestyle.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 Best + Worst Beach Towns + The UC Transformation

University City's Biggest Transformation in Decades

Welcome back to The San Diego Scoop, your go-to for what’s really happening around the city. This week, we’re diving into a massive redevelopment that’s set to transform University City, United Airlines expanding back into North County, major shifts in commercial real estate, and new updates on vacation rental rules.

Ranking San Diego’s Beach Towns From Worst to Best

Thinking about moving to the San Diego coast, but not sure which beach town actually fits your lifestyle? In this video, I break down all 10 of San Diego’s beach communities, from the affordable hidden gems to the luxury spots worth every penny. It’s not just about price; I’ll walk you through what makes each area unique, who it’s best for, and how to find the one that truly feels like home.

🔍 Search Homes for Sale in North County
Start your search here: Explore Listings 

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