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  • National Mortgage Rates Increase, Top Gun Home Has a New (Tasty) Tenant, The Butterfly Jungle Opens + More

National Mortgage Rates Increase, Top Gun Home Has a New (Tasty) Tenant, The Butterfly Jungle Opens + More

Your inside scoop on news, eats, coffee, and buzz in North County + beyond!

📰 News Highlights

The Butterfly Jungle returns to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park's annual spring event, Butterfly Jungle, returns in 2026, running from March 21 through April 12. During this time, the Hidden Jungle aviary is transformed, allowing visitors to walk among hundreds of butterflies from over 30 different species, with opportunities to feed them nectar.

2026 Event Details

  • Dates: March 21 – April 12, 2026

  • Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Location: Hidden Jungle Aviary (near Nairobi Village

  • Separate Tickets Required: Butterfly Jungle requires a separate ticket ($18 for ages 1+) in addition to regular Safari Park admission or membership.

  • Timed Tickets: Both members and non-members must purchase a date- and time-specific ticket for the event.

  • Infants: Children younger than 1 year old require a complimentary infant pass, which can be obtained at the ticket booth.

The event is designed to highlight the importance of pollinators, with proceeds supporting the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's conservation

Interested? Get tickets here.

Average long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.22%

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate increased to 6.22% this week, the highest in over three months, impacting spring homebuyers, according to Freddie Mac. This rise from last week's 6.11% adds costs for buyers, limiting affordability. Rates had dropped below 6% three weeks ago but have risen since the war with Iran began, causing market instability and inflation concerns. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also rose to 5.54% from 5.5% last week.

Want more info? Check out this article!

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

An’s Gelato is moving in to the Top Gun house in Oceanside

An's Gelato is opening up shop in Oceanside, inside the iconic "Top Gun" House. The gelato shop has been named as the #1 ice cream shop in the US for two years in a row, and now they’re expanding with a fifth location.

They announced via their Instagram that they are opening a new location in Oceanside this summer. An’s currently has four other locations: An’s Dry Cleaning in North Park, An’s Hatmakers in Del Mar, and An’s Electronics Repair in Ocean Beach — As well as An’s Athletic Field Services in Petco Park. This new location is reportedly going to be based on a 1970’s-80’s US airport. Stay tuned for more details!

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

New roller rink coming to Seaport Village

A new open-air roller rink is coming to downtown San Diego, just steps away from San Diego Bay. The company behind the original Ringer’s Roller Rink is opening a second location at Seaport Village.

The new location, Ringer’s Seaport, will bring the energy of roller skating to the waterfront, with views of the Embarcadero, the Rady Shell, and the Coronado Bridge. It is expected to open in time to enjoy this summer. Adding an experience in a mostly shop-driven area will be great for locals and tourists. Although I wouldn’t have thought of it originally, I do think this will be a great addition and a fun activity for the kids.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun

Attend the 7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival in La Jolla

Dates: March 19-22,

The 2026 program includes 31 films in competition, comprising 10 feature films, 15 short films, and six animated works representing filmmakers from around the world.

The La Jolla events include:

  • Opening Night Thursday, March 19, at the Scripps Seaside Forum.

  • Various storytellings throughout the festival at the La Jolla/Riford Library.

  • Film screenings March 20 and 21 at The Lot La Jolla.

  • “Kaua’i: A New Light” book signing Saturday, March 21 at Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery.

  • “Jaws @ 50” screening Saturday, March 21 poolside at La Valencia Hotel.

Attend Nat at Night

During Nat at Night, the Natural History Museum stays open until 11 PM so you can explore the Museum after hours. Enjoy access to all open exhibitions and the, rooftop deck for good views and great vibes. The rooftop is open to all visitors and serves beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and food from Wolf in the Woods.

Admission is half-price after 5 PM. You can buy your tickets in advance online or buy them at the door the night of. As always, members of The Nat and Explorer pass holders enjoy free general admission.

*Keep in mind, parts of the museum are still under construction - so not all exhibits are available*

Interested? Get your tickets here.

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!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Bahar

📍 4s Ranch | 10436 Craftsman Way Ste 120, San Diego, California 92127

Bahar Indian restaurant is a vibrant oasis for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine. From aromatic biryanis to fragrant curries and sizzling tandoori delights, each dish is a symphony of spices and textures that pays homage to India’s culinary heritage. Their dining space is gorgeous, with vibrant colors and traditional decor that transports you to the bustling streets of India’s vibrant markets. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or colleagues, their welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable and delicious experience. Try their garlic naan and butter chicken, it’s delicious!

Check out their Instagram here

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

The 5 San Diego Neighborhoods That Feel IMPOSSIBLE to Get Into… in 2026

Some parts of San Diego in 2026 feel nearly impossible to break into. Listings are scarce, competition is intense, and homes seem to vanish from the market almost as soon as they appear. For many buyers, it can feel like the door to these neighborhoods is completely closed.

In this video, I’m walking you through five of the toughest neighborhoods to get into and the strategies smart buyers are using to land a home anyway. After helping many families navigate this market, I’ve seen where the opportunities still exist. Make sure you watch until the end because I’ll share the most underrated move buyers can make right now to finally get a foothold in San Diego.

They Are Straight Up LYING to you About the San Diego Housing Market

San Diego's real estate market is about to crash — at least that's what the headlines say. But one number tells a completely different story: 2.5 months of supply. That's less than half of a balanced market. Homes under $1.2M are getting multiple offers while luxury properties above $2M sit in a completely different reality. I'm breaking down the actual data from the last 60 days so you can see exactly what's happening — and why believing those headlines could cost you real money.

🔍 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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