Hey Neighbor!
Holy moly. Last week, I asked how many of you would be interested in a lecture on urban coyotes, and a whopping 78% said yes in one of our largest-ever poll responses. I’ve reached out to Andy Blue, a highly regarded wildlife expert, and he’s up for the task. Stay tuned as I nail down a date and location.
Before I get to the news, I also want to express my gratitude to all of you who provided input on the newsletter’s future direction. I received some great input, and many messages of kindness for what I’m doing for the community, so thank you!
Let’s dig into this week’s news.
~Tanja
♥️ Love the newsletter? Please forward it to a friend. Your spreading the word helps me more than you know.
👩💻 Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
📸 Take a great shot in the neighborhood lately? Add it to The Local Scroll.
⭐️ Have a great experience with a local business? Leave a review.
Do you have a local business and want to partner with us? Our readers love supporting local, and we want to connect them with great local businesses.
🏠 You have one year, and can only pick one home improvement.
Which would it be? (I need four-yikes)
It’s been almost a year since I last rounded up our local coffee shops, and a lot has changed since then—so it was time for a fresh guide.
Whether you’re particular about your coffee beans or just want a reliable grab-and-go cup, this list makes it easy to find the right spot. It’s organized by neighborhood and coffee style, with everything from Vietnamese coffee brewed through a phin filter to Turkish coffee made in hot sand.
Traditional, adventurous, quick, or linger-worthy, you won’t have to venture far to find the brew that makes you happy in the morning (or at night).
The Local’s Guide to Central San Diego Coffee Shops
Coming
🇻🇳☕️ EM Coffee, a Vietnamese coffee chain, will open in August at 8304 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa. The chain is headquartered in Mira Mesa, and also has shops in Mission Valley and northern California.
Clairemont Garden of Dreams
The San Diego Union-Tribune featured one of the gardens from the Clairemont Garden Tour. The Lilywhite family’s garden is filled with flowers, fruit trees, garden beds, and even chickens. Read the story behind the garden (this is an unpaywalled link to the article).
Linda Vista Motorcycle Wreck Sends Man to Hospital
A 24-year-old woman driving a Volvo allegedly crossed into the lane of a 64-year-old motorcyclist while making a U-turn. The motorcycle crashed into the back of the Volvo, shattering the motorcyclist’s ankle, lacerating his tongue, and fracturing his vertebra. The accident occurred on Ulric Street on July 18.
Beyond the Neighborhood
This stunning custom home on a Bay Park cul-de-sac, overlooking the ocean and bay, is 4BR, 4BA, and 2,872 sq ft. From luxury appliances to a spa-like primary bathroom, this is living at its finest. Vaulted ceilings, a wet bar, and accordion doors lead to a backyard with a hot tub, an integrated sound system, and a covered space for entertaining. It is located at 4930 September Street.
- Your neighborhood one-stop for all things beauty — hair, brows, lashes, facials, massage, and more. It’s a women-run collective on Clairemont Drive where you get real one-on-one attention. Appointment only, the way it should be. Grab the Explorer Exclusive deal: 20% off any service from Unique Impressions Collective, a full-service boutique salon in Clairemont.
- Need someone to walk your dog or check in on your cat? Going out of town and need an in-home pet sitter? The Daily Wag is here to help! Grey Valdes is a Bay Ho resident with a passion for pets, and she has been actively involved with dog rescues for more than a decade (which is why she is a 2x foster fail pet parent). If you’re looking for a trustworthy person to care for your pet, The Daily Wag is offering $10 off any service.
- A yoga studio and wine bar on Balboa—take a class, stay for a glass. Patrick and Victoria are Clairemont neighbors who built Vinya from scratch, and it’s genuinely one of the coolest things in the neighborhood. Grab the Explorer Exclusive deal here: 10% off a meal and/or a free yoga class at Vinya: vino+vinyasa
- Renate is a Clairemont neighbor who bakes authentic German breads and pastries from scratch. You order ahead online and pick up from her home on Fridays. Everything sells out fast! Get the Explorer Exclusive deal while it lasts: 15% off your first order of baked goods from Little Backstube microbakery
Meet Squid
Squid is a one-year-old rabbit who’s ready to bounce straight into your life—and your heart. He’s an indoor pet who loves playing and enrichment, and is ready to create deep bonds with you (as rabbits often do). Visit him at the humane society before July 26 to take advantage of the $5 adoption fee for small pets.
Here’s what’s happening in the neighborhood this week! For the full events calendar and for any recurring events, like trivia nights, hit the button below.
Thursday, July 23
📚 Classes | The Future of Fundraising is Here. Are you Ready? | BoujieMana | 11:30 am
📚 Classes | Pen Turning – Slimline | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | 2:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Jiluka with Special Guests | Brick by Brick | 7:30 pm
🤣 Comedy | DAVID KOECHNER | Mic Drop Comedy
Friday, July 24
🎸 Live Music | Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas | Clairemont Town Square | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Travel Agents | Fast Times | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | ALLISON – EUFORIA USA TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS | Brick by Brick | 7:30 pm
🤣 Comedy | LOURDES AYON | Mic Drop Comedy
Saturday, July 25
📅 Event | Studio: Somatic Echoes | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 4 pm
🎸 Live Music | Gethen Jenkins | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 6 pm
📅 Event | Paint-n-Sip | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 6:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Equinox | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | JOE HILL | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Honoring Sonny Rollins | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
Sunday, July 26
⚽ Sports | Self-Defense Workshop w/ Sifu Victoria | Lindbergh Neighborhood Park | 10:30 am
🎸 Live Music | Geoff Corey 5 | Fast Times | 3 pm
🎸 Live Music | Sandcasters | The Gärten | 5:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music Sundays w/ Mango Bay Band! | The Cordova Bar | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Summer Tiki Party | Sidecar | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | BEE FUNNY | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | MS. RENEE LIVE: ONE NIGHT ONLY TOUR II | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | NICK “MR. BANKSHOT” BANKS | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm
Monday, July 27
🎸 Live Music | Crystal Bowl Healing Concert | Intuitive Insights School of Intuition | 3 pm
Tuesday, July 28
🧘 Wellness | Full Moon Ceremony | Surya Wellness Center | 6:45 pm
Wednesday, July 29
🎸 Live Music | Miff Laracy & Guests | Fast Times | 5:30 pm
🧘 Wellness | Full Moon Sound Bath San Diego | The Meditation Nook | 7:30 pm
Fast Times is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me). Your contributions help keep it going so we can have more fun and continue to build a stronger community. I appreciate any and all support.
