📰 News Highlights

Vista Moves Forward with Monte Vista Homes Project

The Monte Vista Residential Project—19 two-story homes, 16 with ADUs—has cleared its final hurdle after the Vista City Council voted 4-1 to deny an appeal from residents concerned about traffic, fire safety, and community character. Proposed by California West Communities, the project includes a density bonus for two deed-restricted affordable units and sits next to Monte Vista Elementary. While opponents argued evacuation routes and traffic studies were inadequate, city staff and the fire marshal confirmed the project meets or exceeds all state and local requirements. Council members noted that state housing laws left them little discretion, even while sharing concerns about density. With approval secured, the project is moving forward despite ongoing debate over housing growth and local control.

Want to learn more? Read the full article here.

Starbucks Closing Stores in SD

Starbucks is pulling back in San Diego as part of a nationwide turnaround plan, with at least 12 local locations set to close—including spots in Pacific Beach, Carlsbad, Poway, Scripps Ranch, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Bankers Hill, and more. The company cites underperformance, changing customer expectations, and a push to streamline operations. While some fans are already seeing farewell notes and cleared-out counters, Starbucks says it’s also renovating 1,000+ stores with warmer designs and more seating, aiming to refocus on its “third place” identity under new CEO Brian Niccol. For San Diego coffee drinkers, it’s both the end of some neighborhood staples—and a sign of what’s next for the coffee giant.

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

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

Ocean Kamp Coming to Oceanside 

North County is making waves—literally. The long-awaited Ocean Kamp project in Oceanside is moving forward with plans for San Diego County’s first-ever surf lagoon, a 3.5-acre, $45M wave pool designed to deliver year-round, programmable waves. The 92-acre mixed-use resort will also feature a 300-room hotel, 134,000 sq. ft. of shops and dining, office space, trails, and nearly 670 all-electric homes. Developers hope to debut the lagoon in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, positioning Oceanside as a global surf destination. While critics raise concerns over water use, traffic, and environmental impacts, city leaders see Ocean Kamp as a jobs, housing, and tourism boost—Oceanside’s answer to surf culture, reimagined.

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

Harmony Grove Village South Approved Despite Fire Concerns

After years of legal battles and heated debate, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the 453-home Harmony Grove Village South project near Escondido. The plan includes single-family and multi-family homes, 10% affordable housing, parks, trails, and open space. Opponents packed hearings in red “Don’t Burn Me” shirts, warning of wildfire evacuation risks since the community has just one main road in and out. Supporters countered with Cal Fire-backed safety measures like ignition-resistant materials, added hydrants, and an expanded bridge for evacuations. Supervisors acknowledged lingering fire fears but said the county’s housing needs tipped the balance. With approvals finalized, the project is finally moving forward after being first proposed—and contested—back in 2018.

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival 

The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival returns Oct. 2–5 with world-class performances on both sides of the border. The centerpiece? A star-packed concert in Escondido on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the California Center for the Arts. The lineup features Grammy winners Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro-Latin Ensemble, vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, Veracruz-born rising star Lucia, and a once-in-a-lifetime “James Moody @ 100” tribute with jazz greats David Sánchez, John Clayton, Gerald Clayton, Lewis Nash, Holly Hofmann, and Gilbert Castellanos. Outdoor performances in the courtyard are free, while tickets for the indoor show run $42–$118. A must-see for jazz lovers!

Want to attend? Check out this link! 

Movie Night with Off the 56 Home Team  

Join us for an unforgettable night of fun at the 5th Annual Movie in the Park on Saturday, October 19th hosted by the Off the 56 Home Team! This year, we’re bringing the magic of Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch to the big screen under the stars!

We’ll have food, games, and family-friendly activities before the movie begins, so come early and bring your beach chairs, blankets, and aloha spirit! 

Want to join? Complete the RSVP here!  

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Black Rock Coffee Bar

📍Oceanside | 1918 Oceanside Blvd
📍Escondido | 1906 E Valley Pkwy
📍Vista | 823 E Vista Way 

San Diego’s coffee culture is heating up, and Black Rock Coffee Bar is growing right along with it. The company is opening a new location in Vista at 905 S. Santa Fe Drive, marking its fourth shop in San Diego County. Unlike their Vista Way drive-thru, this new café offers both a sit-down space and a drive-thru, giving guests the choice to linger or grab their favorite drink on the go.

Founded in 2008 in Beaverton, Oregon, Black Rock started as a small 160 sq. ft. drive-thru and has since grown to more than 150 locations across the U.S. Known for its handcrafted coffee drinks, teas, and energy beverages, the brand puts people first — with baristas who pride themselves on creating connection as much as coffee.

With each new San Diego shop, Black Rock continues its mission to fuel people forward — one cup, one conversation, one community at a time.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: TJ Tacos

📍Escondido | 802 E Valley Pkwy

At TJ Tacos, it’s all about real recipes, fresh ingredients, and authentic taste. Serving up made-to-order, street-style tacos in the true Tijuana tradition, this local favorite is best known for its juicy carne asada and flavorful adobada, all wrapped in warm, handmade corn tortillas.

The menu goes beyond the classics with cuts like suadero, buche, lengua, and cabeza—each prepared with care at specialized counters for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, sitting down for a casual bite, or swinging through the drive-thru, you’ll find fast service and bold flavors that keep locals coming back.

Named one of San Diego’s Best, TJ Tacos is where Escondido comes for fresh, authentic Tijuana-style eats. 

Check out their instagram here!

📺 New Listings, True Cost of Living in SD + More

The True Cost of Living in San Diego in 2026

Everyone dreams of San Diego's beaches and sunshine, but can you actually afford it? It takes $100K annually for a single adult to live comfortably in America's Finest City. See the real numbers: $935K median home price, $2,430 for a 1-bedroom apartment, and electricity rates double the national average at 38.3 cents/kWh. Discover which neighborhoods offer better value, why San Diego had the nation's biggest restaurant price increase, and the creative ways locals make paradise work on a budget.

San Diego Is About to CHANGE Forever (Here’s Why)

In today’s episode, we'll go from a hidden tool lending library that saves homeowners hundreds to downtown parking meters, hitting $10/hour during Padres games. This week's San Diego Scoop covers what locals need to know. Get the inside track on Tony Hawk's upcoming Nashville hot chicken restaurant in Encinitas, discover why San Diego homeowners are the nation's second-oldest, and see Oceanside's shocking new development where homes start at nearly $1M. 

NEW LISTING in Ramona

Small Town Charm 

4 bed | 2 bath | 1,614 sqft 

Step inside to find new interior paint and brand-new carpet throughout, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The layout includes a separate dining room—ideal for family meals or entertaining—alongside a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space.  The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a private bath, while three additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or hobbies. Enjoy the outdoors in your private backyard, perfect for relaxing, gardening, or hosting weekend BBQs. Additional highlights include an attached garage and solar, helping support energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

🔍 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]