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  • Would you Buy the Padres? Thinking About a 50-Year Mortgage? Flood Watch? This week's questions.

Would you Buy the Padres? Thinking About a 50-Year Mortgage? Flood Watch? This week's questions.

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

šŸ“° News Highlights

White House Floats 50-Year Mortgage

The White House is weighing a 50-year mortgage as a way to ease monthly payments for homebuyers, but economists argue it won’t fix the real affordability crisis. While stretching a loan from 30 to 50 years can lower payments by a couple hundred dollars a month, buyers would pay nearly $400,000 more in interest and take decades longer to build equity. Critics say the proposal doesn’t address the root issues: too few homes, high construction costs, tariffs on building materials, and labor shortages.

Analysts also point out practical hurdles — most first-time buyers are around 40, meaning a 50-year loan would outlive them, and current regulations don’t even allow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to back mortgages longer than 30 years. After widespread backlash, President Trump appeared to downplay the idea, calling it something that ā€œmight help a little bitā€ but not a major priority.

Want to learn more? Check out this link.

Padres Ownership Could Change Hands

The family of the late Peter Seidler is officially exploring a sale of part or all of the San Diego Padres, nearly two years after his passing. Peter Seidler, who became the team’s largest stakeholder in 2020, transformed the franchise with record payrolls, superstar signings, and a bold push toward a championship.

Chairman John Seidler says any potential sale will honor Peter’s legacy while keeping the team focused on competing in 2026. Payroll levels are expected to remain similar, leadership will stay in place, and relocation isn’t on the table given Petco Park’s lease and the team’s strong attendance. With recent MLB sales suggesting a possible valuation near $2.7 billion, a new era for the Padres may soon be on deck.

Want to learn more? Check out this link.

George’s Ocean Terrace Temporarily Closes for Renovation

George’s at the Cove has closed its iconic Ocean Terrace in La Jolla for a major $1 million refresh, including new flooring, upgraded glass walls, permanent heaters, and expanded shade structures. The open-air terrace—which generates half the restaurant’s revenue—will be closed through mid-January, while Level2 and the lower-level dining room remain open. The update comes as George’s signs a new long-term lease, signaling its commitment to staying in La Jolla for decades to come.

Want to learn more? Check out this link.

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šŸŽ¬ Reel Recap + Real Details

Heavy Rain & Flood Watch for San Diego

A cold Pacific storm is set to soak San Diego County Friday through Saturday, with 1.5–3 inches of rain expected along the coast and up to 4 inches inland. Forecasters warn of possible street flooding—especially in low-lying areas like Mission Valley—and a countywide Flood Watch will be in effect. Lightning, gusty winds up to 35 mph, and potential debris flows on burn scars are also in the mix.

Residents are urged to prep sandbags and keep an eye on road conditions as the storm could make some areas briefly impassable. This system should also knock fire danger down significantly heading into winter.

Santa Fe Drive Overhaul Getting a $3M Redo

Encinitas is hitting reset on the controversial Santa Fe Drive redesign. After months of debate over safety, parking, and traffic near San Dieguito Academy, the City Council voted 4–1 to scrap key features—removing planter boxes, eliminating the south-side protected bike lane, widening vehicle lanes, and converting back-in parking to parallel. The fix will cost up to $3.6 million, funded largely by state grants and city dollars. Supporters say the changes will reduce accidents and improve visibility; opponents argue the original design hasn't been in place long enough to judge. City staff will return with final plans soon.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

San Diego Clippers Home Opener

The San Diego Clippers kick off their 2025–26 home season at Frontwave Arena with two games against the Salt Lake City Stars: Opening Night on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 PM (free T-shirt giveaway) and Military Night on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 6 PM (schedule magnet giveaway). Tickets start at $15.

After a tough inaugural season, the Clippers are leaning into a new identity built around rising stars like Baldwin Jr., rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and steady guard play from TyTy Washington Jr. and Jason Preston. Early flashes show a more cohesive, energized team — and this weekend is your first chance to see the new squad up close. 

Want to attend? Check out this link!

San Diego Holiday Made Market 

The San Diego Holiday Made Market is back—now happening Nov. 29–30 at NTC Park in Liberty Station. Shop 120+ local makers, explore interactive art, enjoy live music, and sip craft cocktails while you browse for unique, handmade gifts. Tickets are $5 (or $10 with a limited-edition canvas tote), and kids under 10 get in free. Grab a punch card at the entrance—make three purchases and score a complimentary handmade gift while supplies last.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ā¤ļø 

ā˜• Coffee Shop of the Week: Memli Coffee

šŸ“ San Marcos | 1365 Grand Ave

Memli Coffee Lab is a boutique San Diego roastery created by Mehmet Sogan, who traveled the world studying coffee before crafting his own light-roast, micro-lot–focused approach. Everything at Memli centers on purity, transparency, and sensory experience — from revealing each bean’s true character to openly sharing sourcing and pricing.

Their reservation-only Brew Bar offers espresso, pour-over, or milk drinks made with just coffee, water, and milk, showcasing flavor without additives. For something deeper, the Chef’s Table pairs rare coffees with pastries and chocolate in an intimate, five-course tasting.

Memli makes specialty coffee feel intentional, educational, and uniquely immersive — one cup at a time.

šŸ“ Restaurant of the Week: Chick & Hawk

šŸ“ Encinitas | 145 Leucadia Blvd

After years of anticipation, Tony Hawk’s fried chicken restaurant, Chick & Hawk, officially opens in Encinitas on November 6. Partnering with chef Andrew Bachelier (of Campfire and Jeune et Jolie fame), Hawk’s new spot blends skate culture with ā€œfast fine diningā€ — think spicy fried chicken sandwiches, duck fat fries, caviar and chips, and playful cocktails like the neon-green Neon Bell.

The space channels pure ā€˜80s and ā€˜90s nostalgia, complete with skate-inspired murals by Shepard Fairey and a patio shaped like a skate bowl. Designed to feel like the Del Mar Skate Ranch reborn, Chick & Hawk is equal parts restaurant, art piece, and love letter to San Diego’s surf-skate roots.

šŸ“ŗ Mission Valley to Rancho Santa Fe

Mission Valley's $380M Project Just Came Back to Life

San Diego’s skyline is changing, and it’s happening fast. In this episode of The San Diego Scoop, we’re breaking down the massive $380 million Riverwalk project in Mission Valley that’s finally back on track after a long pause. From the funding that revived it to the 4,300 homes planned over the next decade, I’ll show you exactly how this development could reshape one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods. But fair warning: if you live or drive through Mission Valley, things are about to get loud, dusty, and a little chaotic before it all pays off.

Where San Diego's #1 Ultra Wealthy Choose to Live

San Diego’s elite have a secret, and it’s nowhere near the beach. In this episode, I’m taking you inside Rancho Santa Fe, the ultra-exclusive enclave where privacy, space, and old-money prestige define luxury. Forget ocean views. Here, 10-acre estates, tree-lined drives, and complete seclusion are what billionaires and pro athletes are after.

šŸ” 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. šŸ“§ Email Bern Today: [email protected]

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