📰 News Highlights

Caltrans to consider converting HOV lanes on I-5 and I-805 to “express lanes.”

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, has launched a survey to gauge public opinion on converting the HOV lanes on I-5 and I-805 to “express lanes,” where solo drivers will pay a toll, and carpoolers can use them for free or at a discounted rate. The express lanes on I-15 in North County can cost solo drivers anywhere between $0.50 and $8, depending on congestion levels and total distance traveled. Revenue from the tolls is spent on freeway maintenance and a rapid bus line that runs between Escondido and downtown San Diego.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Coaster to expand commuter-rail to Downtown, close to the Convention Center and the Rady Shell

The long-awaited coaster expansion project is finally becoming a reality. The $33 million project is the biggest boost to local transit since the Blue Line trolley rail was extended north to University City and La Jolla

Supporters call the project — which is fully funded and designed — the biggest boost to local transit since the Blue Line trolley line was extended north four years ago to University City and La Jolla. The goal is to reduce traffic and curb emissions by encouraging North County residents to choose the Coaster over driving into downtown.

Right now, the Coaster drops you at Santa Fe Depot, which is about a mile from the action — leaving riders with the option for a lengthy walk, switching over to the trolley, or calling a Lyft. This expansion will create a highly desired direct line straight to Petco Park, the Convention Center, or the Rady Shell. Construction is expected to begin soon, with service projected around 2027-2028.

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article

Balboa Park brings back (some) free parking

As we all know by now, paid parking officially launched at Balboa Park last month. It was quickly met with backlash from the community, and many of the meters were vandalized. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced last week that city of San Diego residents can now park for free in select lots around the park. It includes Pepper Grove, both Inspiration Point lots, Marston Point, Palisades, Federal, and the Bea Evenson lot. Premium lots like the Organ Pavilion and Casa de Balboa are still paid — $5 for up to 4 hours, or $8 for the day.

Unfortunately, residents of North County are not included in this resident-free deal, and are still required to pay at all lots.

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Attend a Sockers game at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside

The San Diego Sockers will face the Empire Strykers on Sunday, Feb 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.

• Theme: The event is celebrated as Community Night, featuring a scarf giveaway for fans in attendance.

• Opponent: The Empire Strykers.

• Venue: Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056.

• Tickets: Tickets are available, with prices starting from approximately $18.

Get your tickets here.

Check out The Art of Banksy Exhibit at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits is a street art exhibition featuring over 200 original works, including prints, sculptures, installations, murals, and more. This is the largest and most comprehensive exhibit of Banksy’s work yet!
🖼️ See 200 of the artist's works, featuring certified originals, photos, sculptures, installations, murals and more
✨ Step into the Infinity Room and discover multiple installations, including those from Dismaland Bemusement Park
🎨 Admire some of Banksy's art reproduced on walls with the artist’s stencil technique, exclusively for this exhibition
👕 Spray paint Banksy's iconic art on your own tee with your Premium ticket and contribute 2$ to the humanitarian support of saving refugees

Want to learn more? Check out their website.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Seven Seas Roasting Co.

📍 Encinitas | 2100 N Coast Hwy 101

Seven Seas Roasting Co. is a veteran-owned and operated specialty coffee shop in San Diego. Their ethically sourced beans are roasted in-store. In 2024, they were voted number one local coffee shop by the San Diego Reader “Best of!” They began in a tent at the local farmers market years ago, and have now expanded to four brick and mortar locations around San Diego: Leuc-and-adia, Solana Beach, Aliso Viejo, and South Park.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Monarch Ocean Pub

📍 Del Mar | 1555 Camino Del Mar

This laid-back, beachfront restaurant in Del Mar is one of the best American restaurants in town. Not only is the view stunning - their food is too. Their nosh board paired with a glass of wine is the perfect sunset combination. Their happy hour is also entirely under $10 (Monday-Friday 4-6pm)

Check out their website here!

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

The San Diego Housing Market Makes Zero Sense

San Diego’s housing market is doing something that feels impossible at first glance: about 78% of homes lost value last year, compared to 53% nationally. Prices are slipping, inventory is still tight, and yet homes are selling faster than almost anywhere else. If you’re trying to make a move here, those contradictions can either confuse you into waiting—or help you time your decision correctly.

In this video, I’m breaking down every one of those signals and what they actually mean in real life: where demand is still strong, why speed doesn’t always equal price growth, and how the market can cool and stay competitive at the same time. Watch through to the end, then tell me if you’re buying or selling and which part of San Diego you’re focused on, and I’ll help you read the numbers for your situation.

Every San Diego Neighborhood Explained in 15 Minutes

San Diego gets talked about like it’s one place, but it’s really six very different worlds stitched together. You can drive 20 minutes, and everything changes: pricing can jump by hundreds of thousands, the weather can shift, and the pace of life can go from laid-back to nonstop depending on where you land. That’s why so many people fall in love with “San Diego” and then realize they picked a region that doesn’t match how they actually live.

In this video, I’m breaking down the major areas across the county so you can understand what you’re really signing up for with each one, cost, vibe, and the practical day-to-day trade-offs that don’t show up in listing photos. Watch through to the end, then comment on what you want your life here to look like (beach access, commute, schools, nightlife, space, walkability) and your budget, and I’ll point you toward the regions that fit, and the ones you should probably skip.

🔍 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]

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