📰 News Highlights

San Diego City Council set to vote on removing parking fees for San Diego residents on February 9

The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership represents 24 arts, science, and cultural institutions in the park. Last week, leaders from this organization banded together to call on Mayor Todd Gloria and the San Diego City Council to rescind the parking fees in Balboa Park, citing a significant drop in attendance (even on resident-free days). They reported a 25%-50% drop in attendance among its members on the year's first "Residents Free" museum day. Now, a group of council members is heeding their calls for help.

City Council President Joe LaCava said that “the fragility of nonprofits and institutions cannot be ignored.” Council members LaCava, Kent Lee, and Sean Elo-Rivera all voted in favor of the paid parking plan in Balboa Park, citing a need to mend the budget deficit the city has been facing. They have since retracted their initial support and plan to propose a council vote on February 9 to suspend the parking program for San Diego residents. Non-residents would still have to pay.

Public outcry and recent polls indicate that residents are unhappy and will not visit the park if they have to pay for parking. City council will take all of this into consideration in their next vote.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Zillow says homes will be more affordable in 2026

A new forecast from Zillow says affordability in San Diego should improve by the end of this year. Of course, “affordable” is still kind of a stretch. Right now, new buyers are spending about 58% of their household income on a mortgage. Back in late 2023, it was closer to 69%. Zillow projects that by the end of 2026, that number will drop to about 56%. This is due to slightly lower rates, slower price growth, and income slowly rising.

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

Amazon Fresh to close in Poway

Amazon is closing its only San Diego County Amazon Fresh location in Poway (Twin Peaks Plaza) as part of a nationwide shutdown of all Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores announced in late January 2026. The move focuses strategy on Whole Foods Market and online delivery. While most locations close by Feb. 1, 2026, California stores, including Poway, will remain open slightly longer to comply with state requirements. It is not yet confirmed if the Poway site will be converted into a Whole Foods, although reports indicate some locations will be rebranded, and over 100 new Whole Foods locations will be rolled out in the near future.

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

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

San Diego’s Restaurant Week ends this weekend!

January 25 – February 1 

San Diego Restaurant Week is back with over 100 participating restaurants offering seasonal dishes and pre-fixed, multi-course menus. Ending this Sunday, foodies still have time to come out and try the various options available. You can search on their website and filter by price, neighborhood, or cuisine.

Want to learn more? Check out their website.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Revolution Roasters

📍 Oceanside | 1836 S Coast Hwy

What started as a passion for exceptional coffee became Revolution Roasters - where every cup tells the story of our commitment to quality, community, and the craft of roasting. Their roastery is located in Oceanside, and they’ve been serving North County with coffee that sparks connection and fuels conversation. They work directly with coffee farmers around the world, building partnerships that ensure quality, sustainability, and fair compensation. Not only is the coffee delicious, but it’s sustainable and small batch. It offers a chance to explore new flavors, celebrate international growers, and share a taste of adventure in every cup.

Check out their website here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Herb & Sea

📍 Encinitas | 131 W D St.

This eclectic seafood restaurant in Encinitas serves fresh, local fish and produce. Each dish is vibrant, transformative, and revolutionary - evolving with the seasons and ever-changing land and seascape. Head chef Aidan Owens also hosts live fish breakdowns at the Oceanside Fish Market, spotlighting lesser-known catches and inspiring others to embrace local seafood. Herb & Sea has been recognized by Eater, Thrillest, and The San Diego Union-Tribune. This place is by means a hidden gem, but it deserves its flowers.

Check out their website here!

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

The REAL Pros & Cons of Living in San Diego 2026

San Diego gets ranked as one of the most desirable places in America, and I understand why. The weather is consistent, the coastline is unreal, and the whole pace of life can feel like you’re on vacation even on a random Tuesday. It’s easy to fall for the idea of living here before you’ve even figured out what your day-to-day would actually look like.

But there’s a side of San Diego that doesn’t make it into the highlight reels, insurance costs are climbing in fire-prone areas, most routines revolve around driving, and the price tag of “the lifestyle” can be shocking the first time you run the numbers. In this video, I’m breaking down the real pros and cons of living in San Diego in 2026, focused on the practical stuff that shapes your daily life.

AVOID Moving to the WRONG Area in San Diego, CA in 2026

Over 24,000 people moved to San Diego County last year, but many of them ended up in the wrong neighborhood for their lifestyle. After helping countless families find their perfect fit, I’ve seen firsthand how choosing the wrong area can cost you tens of thousands in missed opportunities. In this video, I’m breaking down 8 San Diego neighborhoods, showing you the ones that actually align with your lifestyle, and the ones you should avoid at all costs.

Whether you’re new to the area or thinking about making a move, I’ll guide you through the best spots and why some are more trouble than they’re worth. Stick around to find out where you should really be looking, and if you’re already eyeing specific neighborhoods, drop them in the comments, and I’ll help you figure out if they’re a good match.

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