Hey Neighbor!
The heat has hit! Less than a week ago, I was thinking, “Man, I can’t believe it’s July and the mornings are still cool enough for me to wear long sleeves. How nice.” Fast forward two days, and that all went out the window. But for that brief moment, it reminded me of San Diego weather when I was a kid—bone dry and perfect.
This week, I share my thoughts on one year of publishing this newsletter and ask for your feedback. I hope you read it and take a minute or two to comment on the article or simply respond to this email. It would mean the world.
Let’s dig into this week’s news.
~Tanja
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It’s been one year and one month since I launched this local newsletter, and it has certainly been a year of ups, downs, and sideways. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this platform: newsletter, website, and social media, all with one goal in mind. To build a stronger, more well-connected community.
And I think I’m getting there. This week, I share my Explore Clairemont State of the Union, looking smack dab into the eyes of the future with the intent to make this even better and to get more of us together in real life to build real community.
From 49 Subscribers to 7,200 Neighbors: One Year of Explore Clairemont
Comings & Goings
🆕 Bay Park Social recently reported that Rad Power Bikes will open on Napier Street in Bay Park
🛑 The 94th Aero Squadron, located at 8855 Balboa Avenue in Kearny Mesa, recently closed without notice or explanation. Some report it is a temporary closure until November. The website states the restaurant will be closed until further notice. 94th Aero Squadron is a long-running restaurant famous for its WWII theme and brunch.
🛑 FedEx Ship Center at 9192 Kearny Villa Road will close on August 29. FedEx suggests using its location at 4425 Convoy Street instead.
Local Resident Fighting Back Against Training Flight Pollution
Clairemont resident Rielly Newton is fuming about the noise and air pollution from Montgomery Gibbs Airport training flights over our neighborhoods. Rielly states that flights exceed the city’s noise ordinance and that lead fumes are released over homes and schools. He’s started a petition, as well as a Facebook group where concerned neighbors can coalesce.
Bay Park Navy Vet Celebrates 104th Birthday with much Fanfare
Centenarian Lem Waggoner kicked off his 104th birthday in style last weekend. While he sat in a beach chair with an American flag, he was greeted by a procession of dozens of motorcycles and a fire truck. The World War II veteran proudly declared that he served in the Navy for three years, three months, and three days. His official birthday was July 13. 🫡 Happy birthday, sir! Check out the fun video of the celebration.
Road Rage Shooting in Kearny Mesa
A driver on State Route 52 eastbound shot at another vehicle carrying two women and a 7-year-old child, apparently over a lane dispute. One woman was hit and transported to the hospital. The alleged shooter fled the scene, but was arrested the next day and booked on attempted murder charges.
Fatal Stabbing in Morena District Encampment
Twenty-nine-year-old Michael Clark was arrested for stabbing and robbing a 44-year-old man last Saturday in a riverbed encampment in the Morena District. The stabbing was the result of an argument between the two men. Clark is being held without bail.
This Clairemont home located at 4549 Lyric Lane is 4BR, 2BA, and 2,025 sq ft. It features a 9-foot pool with an outdoor shed. Inside, there are hardwood floors throughout, plus a sunroom and a bonus room. The oversized primary features a shower and a soaking tub. Recent upgrades include A/C, a roof, and plantation shutters. What’s it listed for? Answer revealed after guessing.
- 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 Sable
How can you look into those eyes and not fall in love? Sable is almost a year old, and she’s spent the majority of her life at the shelter. This sweet Lab mix is kind, lovable, and ready to get on with her life in a home like yours. Visit this sweet pup at the San Diego Humane Society.
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 16
🎭 Entertainment | Della’s Pride Show 2026 | Paper Moon Music | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Honey Bees | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | CRYSTAL MARIE | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | CRYSTAL MARIE DENHA | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
Friday, July 17
❤️ Seniors | Must See Movies | Cathy Hopper Friendship Center | 12 pm
🎸 Live Music | Rolling Heartbreakers | Clairemont Town Square | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Tequila Mockingbirdz | Fast Times | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Los Tortugas | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Emo Vs. Punk with The Brothers Grim & Follow Coffins | Brick by Brick
🤣 Comedy | ARYNNE WEXLER | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
Saturday, July 18
📋 Conference | 2026 STEAM Youth and Community Conference | University of San Diego (USD) | 10 am
🚗 Cars & Motos | Set Free Clairemont | Clairemont First Baptist Church | 2 pm
🤣 Comedy | JAY YODER | Mic Drop Comedy | 3 pm
📚 Classes | Kathryn Stockett discussing THE CALAMITY CLUB | University of San Diego (USD) | 4 pm
🧘 Wellness | Float & Flow Finale Session IV | Aqua Pros Swim School, Inc. | 4 pm
🎤 Lecture | Warwick’s Author Series: An Afternoon with Kathryn Stockett | University of San Diego (USD) | 4 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music: International Academy of Jazz San Diego | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 6:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Silk Collective | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Third Project | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | MUY FUNNY | Mic Drop Comedy
🎸 Live Music | Angst of the Era: Celebrating the Best of 90’s Aggressive Music | Brick by Brick
Sunday, July 19
📚 Classes | Crafts Mingle x The Clovery: Cake Decorating Workshop | Drip Beans Coffee | 12 pm
🤣 Comedy | MARVEL-OUS BRUNCH | Mic Drop Comedy | 1 pm
🎸 Live Music | Switchback Railway | Fast Times | 3 pm
🏘️ Community | Reformation Lutheran Community Block Party | Reformation Lutheran Church | 4 pm
🎸 Live Music | San Diego Jazz All Stars | The Gärten | 5:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music Sundays w/ TBD Band (yes, that’s the actual band name) | The Cordova Bar | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | Dry Clean Only | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | LADIES & TANGENTS: GIRLS GONE MILD TOUR | Mic Drop Comedy | 6:30 pm
🤣 Comedy | LADIES & TANGENTS: GIRLS GONE MILD TOUR | Mic Drop Comedy | 6:30 pm
Tuesday, July 21
🤣 Comedy | STORMY DANIELS | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🎤 Lecture | Great Reads Series: “Sula” by Toni Morrison | University of San Diego (USD) | 11 am
Wednesday, July 22
🎸 Live Music | Cash Roberts | Fast Times | 5:30 pm
🧘 Wellness | Sound Bath + Reiki San Diego | The Meditation Nook | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | IFY NWADIWE | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 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.
