📰 News Highlights

Proposed Water Bill Increase for San Diego Residents

San Diego residents could soon see higher water and sewer bills. The City Council’s Environment Committee has advanced a proposal to raise water rates by 62% and sewer rates by 31% over the next four years, with increases phased in between January 2026 and 2029. The rate hikes aim to cover the rising costs of importing water and fund major infrastructure upgrades. While the proposal is moving forward, some councilmembers—like Sean Elo-Rivera—say they’re not yet convinced it reflects the lowest possible cost to ratepayers. The final decision will come after a public hearing scheduled for September 30. The rate increase follows other recent changes, including the city’s plan to begin charging for residential trash pickup in 2026, leaving some homeowners questioning whether city spending is being managed responsibly

Want to learn more? Check out the proposed changes here. 

San Diego Unemployment Takes a Leap 

San Diego County’s unemployment rate jumped to 4.9% in June, up from 4% in May and higher than the 4.4% rate a year ago, according to the latest report from California’s Employment Development Department. This marks a noticeable shift in the local labor market, even as the national unemployment rate held steady at 4.4%.

The county lost 900 nonfarm jobs in June, with professional and business services hit hardest, shedding 2,800 positions—primarily in administrative support and technical services. Private education, health services, and government also saw losses.

However, four sectors posted job gains, with leisure and hospitality leading the way by adding 2,300 jobs, followed by construction, which added 1,400.

Looking year-over-year, San Diego still added 14,400 nonfarm jobs since June 2024, driven by growth in health care, government, and construction. But those gains were partially offset by declines in manufacturing, business services, and financial activities, which lost a combined 10,200 jobs.

The sharp monthly rise in unemployment suggests softening in key sectors and highlights ongoing economic volatility, even as longer-term employment trends remain positive.

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

From Office High Rise to Hotel 

Downtown San Diego is about to welcome one of California’s most ambitious office-to-hotel conversions in recent memory. Developer J Street is transforming the now-vacant 25-story Tower 180 building on Broadway into a $250 million, 560-room dual-branded Hyatt hotel. Originally planned as a residential-hotel mix, the revised project will feature a Hyatt Place and a Hyatt House, catering to both short and extended stays.

What sets this project apart is its scope and creativity: the building will house a rooftop cocktail bar with panoramic city and ocean views, over 12,000 square feet of meeting space, and a sleek new design that nods to San Diego’s urban feel. The hotel will also preserve popular retail spots like Mendocino Farms and Blue Bottle Coffee.

Unlike typical office conversions, this one works thanks to prior renovations in 2020, a fully vacant interior, and the city's strong hospitality market. Though rare in California, this office-to-hotel switch highlights how developers are adapting to shifting market demands—especially downtown, where apartment vacancies have grown while new hotel options remain limited. Construction is backed by private capital, and design work is being led by local firm Delawie. The project adds to J Street’s growing San Diego portfolio and is set to become a hospitality landmark in the heart of the city.

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

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Investors own nearly 20% of all homes in California

Where in California do investors own the most homes? Surprisingly, it’s not the big cities—it’s in the state's most rural, recreation-heavy counties. In places like Sierra County (where investors own a staggering 82% of single-family homes), Trinity, Mono, and Alpine, investor ownership dominates. These properties are often used as vacation homes or rentals, not primary residences.

Statewide, investors own about 1.45 million houses—roughly 19% of California’s 7.6 million single-family homes. But that percentage varies widely depending on the region. In the 20 most populous counties, San Bernardino tops the list with 27% investor ownership. San Diego, by comparison, sits in the lower tier with just 16%, along with other urban counties like Orange and Los Angeles.

Interestingly, most of these investor-owned homes are not held by giant corporations. Instead, 91% are owned by small-scale landlords with five or fewer properties. Investors tend to flock to more affordable markets with lower household incomes, avoiding high-cost areas like San Francisco or Santa Clara.

So while we often hear about Wall Street scooping up homes, California’s investor landscape is largely made up of everyday landlords betting on affordability and long-term rental demand—especially outside the urban core.

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

Best Places to Retire in CA? 

If you're dreaming of golden beaches, year-round sunshine, and a slower pace of life, you're not alone. A new report just ranked the Top 10 Cities to Retire in California, and the list might surprise you. It’s not just the usual coastal hotspots—there are some hidden gems offering a great mix of affordability, healthcare, walkability, and that California lifestyle we all love.

From Oceanside to Roseville to Palm Desert, these cities are catching the eye of retirees looking for sunshine and smart living.

Would you retire in any of these places? Check out this link  or watch our reel here.

​​Your Guide to Summer Fun ✨

Want 4 FREE tickets to the San Diego Strike Force game vs. the Arizona Rattlers on July 27th at 6:05pm? 🏈

Take our quick survey to let us know what you want to see more of in this newsletter!

Your completed survey = your entry for the tickets
Plus, your feedback helps us tailor the newsletter to better serve you with the info that matters most.

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Don’t miss out—help us help you and score a night of football fun!

Encinitas Tool Library 

In Encinitas, the Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is making it easier—and more sustainable—for locals to tackle garden projects through its Tool Lending Library. Much like checking out a book, residents can borrow everything from trench shovels and aerators to soil compactors and pole pruners for just $5 a week. The program not only helps reduce waste and save money, but also supports the Center’s broader mission of promoting zero-waste practices like composting and rainwater harvesting. For community members like Lois Chandler, it’s been life-changing—what started as a search for a simple shovel led to a thriving vegetable garden and a volunteer role helping others do the same. The Solana Center also supports green events through its Green Convene program, which lends out reusable dishware and utensils. Ultimately, it’s about lowering barriers, reducing consumption, and making sustainable living more accessible—one tool at a time.

Want to check out what tools you can rent? Check out this link!

Comic-Con is in Full Effect 

Even if you don’t have a badge, you can still dive into all the Comic-Con fun this weekend in the Gaslamp Quarter! From pop-up restaurants and cosplay karaoke to immersive fan zones and themed cocktails (looking at you, Joker martini 🍸), there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re channeling your inner superhero or just down for some people-watching and pancakes, the Gaslamp has officially gone full Comic-Con mode — and it’s packed with freebies, food, and fandom.

Want the full list of can't-miss activations and restaurant deals? Check out this link! 

Carlsbad Wine and Food Festival 

The Carlsbad Wine and Food Festival returns this Saturday, July 26 from 4–9 PM, bringing an evening of indulgence and entertainment to Town Garden Road. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad, this 21+ event features local wines, craft beer, cocktails, and delicious bites from some of North County’s best restaurants.

Mingle and sample from 4–7 PM, then dance the night away to a live DJ from 7–9 PM. 

Tickets are $125 now ($175 day of) and support local charities, including the Carlsbad Fire Department Foundation.

Want to secure your ticket today? Check out their webpage here!

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Queenstage Coffee House

📍Encinitas | 190 N Coast Hwy 101

Tucked just off the Coast Highway behind Moto Deli and Velotown bike shop, Queenstage Coffee House is a local gem that’s equal parts cozy, cool, and community-driven. Founded by a chef-cyclist duo, this vibrant café serves up perfectly brewed coffee (shoutout to the De Olla latte and Steady State’s Daybreak blend), fresh pastries, and breakfast bites that cater to every kind of eater—vegan, gluten-free, and everything in between.

The outdoor patio is a sunny sanctuary for cyclists, creatives, and coffee lovers alike, while the interior feels like the perfect blend of coastal charm and modern style. With thoughtful touches like their signature salsa macha and a “Sweet Home Encinitas” mural, it’s more than just a coffee shop—it’s a community hangout with heart.

Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Lana

📍Solana Beach  |  437 S Hwy 101

There’s a new restaurant lighting up the 101—and it’s bringing serious star power with it. Lana is the latest addition to Solana Beach’s growing dining scene, now open in the former CPK spot with a fresh look, a California-inspired menu, and a dream team behind the scenes (think Wolfgang Puck alum and fine-dining flair with a laid-back local vibe).

Expect elevated comfort food made with seasonal, local ingredients, an exceptional wine list, and cocktails that are as creative as they are delicious (yes, toasted sesame oil in your Old Fashioned works). The space is just as thoughtful—vintage coastal elegance meets casual cool, with an indoor-outdoor layout perfect for sunny brunches or date-night dinners.

Check out their instagram here!

📺 NEW Listings and NEW Developments Changing North County

This NEW Development WILL CHANGE North County San Diego FOREVER

San Marcos is about to transform in a big way, and most people don’t even know it. Right now, the largest development in North County history is rising from the ground: a 200-acre walkable village featuring 3,400 homes, luxury high-rises, retail shops, dining spots, and a massive 16-acre central park. This isn't a distant vision, it's already under construction.

Homes on the Market!

5 bed + loft | 4.5 baths | 3600 sqft | 12712 Cloudbreak Ave

 Where Style Meets Serenity

Fall in love with this former model home in the sought-after Sea Cliff community, offering 5 beds + loft, 4.5 baths, and over 3,600 sq ft of smartly upgraded living space in Poway Unified.

Highlights include a chef’s kitchen with quartz counters, walk-in pantry, and top-tier appliances, plus hardwood floors, custom built-ins, and walk-in closets in every bedroom. The first-floor suite adds flexibility, while the upstairs loft and luxe primary retreat offer room to relax.

Slide open the 5-panel accordion doors to your private canyon-view backyard, featuring a tranquil fountain, turf, fruit trees, and a covered California Room with surround sound—perfect for laid-back living or entertaining.

With a Tesla charger, whole-house water softener, no rear neighbors, and no Mello-Roos, this 2016-built beauty is move-in ready and made for modern living.

4 bed |  2.5 bath | 1920 sqft | 13445 Sydney Rae Place

Corner Lot Comfort in Torrey Highlands

Tucked in a gated community on a rare corner lot with only one neighbor, this 4-bed, 3-bath beauty offers space, privacy, and unbeatable Torrey Highlands convenience—just minutes from parks, shops, and Westview High.

Enjoy soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, fresh paint, and new carpet in a light-filled, move-in-ready layout. The first-floor bedroom is perfect for guests or a home office, while the open kitchen and family room make everyday living feel effortless.

Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms—plus a tranquil primary suite—offer restful retreats. Outside, the private backyard has no rear neighbors and endless potential for entertaining, relaxing, or play.

With a 2-car garage, low-maintenance yard, and Poway Unified Schools, this home checks every box.

2 bed | 2 bath | 1,230 sqft | 10443 Newblis Way 

Health, Wellness and Modern Living in 3Roots

Tucked into one of San Diego’s most thoughtfully designed wellness communities, this beautifully upgraded 2 bed, 2 bath end-unit townhome offers 1,230 sq. ft. of elevated living in the heart of 3Roots, Sorrento Mesa. Completed in 2022, this nearly new home combines sleek, modern finishes with energy-efficient upgrades and a layout designed for both comfort and connection.

Step inside and feel the difference. The open-concept layout is bright and airy, anchored by a stunning multi-slide patio door that opens to your private outdoor space—perfect for entertaining or unwinding. From here, enjoy an elevated view of the vibrant, modern 3Roots community, with open sightlines and lush tree-lined streets that highlight the thoughtful design of this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.

🔍 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]