Hey Neighbor!
We are officially halfway into the summer, and the longest days of this year have already passed. That always makes me a little sad, as I’m definitely a proponent of more daylight hours (don’t we keep voting to make this happen, and why hasn’t it happened yet?).
We still have much more summer to enjoy, though, so be sure to make the most of it, like this Saturday at the Serra Mesa Big Block Party, a neighborhood event now in its sixth year. Take a pic and send it in to the Local Scroll.
Let’s dig into this week’s news.
~Tanja
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Linda Vista residents Steve and Betty Rodriguez turned a writing hobby into a local news source, launching The Linda Vista Update newsletter in 2021. Five years later, they are still covering what’s important about the diverse neighborhood—its places, its people, and the issues that matter to the people who live there.
Click below to read how the Rodriguezes have become trusted pillars of the Linda Vista community.
Linda Vista Had No Local News Source. So They Built It.
🚗 Real Talk: When is your next car purchase happening?
ADU Permit Filings
These are recent ADU permit filings in the neighborhood. These include only permit filings for multiple ADU units on a property.
🗓️ Permit Opened: June 12
📍Where: 8936 Hammond Drive, Serra Mesa
🛠️ What: Combination building permits for three detached, prefabricated ADUs in the rear yard
🗓️ Permit Opened: June 9
📍Where: 3510 & 3512 Ethan Allen Avenue, Bay Park
🛠️ What: New, detached two-story, 1097 sq ft ADU added to existing single-family property
🗓️ Permit Opened: May 21
📍7324 Fulton Street, Linda Vista
🛠️ What: Proposed 5 ADU units in the rear yard of an existing single-family home
🗓️ Permit Opened: June 8
📍1350 Lehigh Street, Bay Park
🗓️ Permit Opened: June 18
📍5621 Mildred Street, Linda Vista
🛠️ What: Demo single-family dwelling for three-story multi-family building and two ADUs
Comings & Goings
Kearny Gateway Plaza, formerly the Shops at Madison Place, located at 5487-5597 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Clairemont, is adding two new tenants: Gong’s Noodle and Gao’s Crab & Kabob. While I couldn’t find any info on Gong’s, Gao’s appears to be a small national chain that serves Cajun seafood, BBQ, and Asian cuisine. No word on opening dates.
Urban Matcha officially opened its doors. The Las Vegas-based matcha chain serves up matcha, specialty beverages, and desserts. It is located at 4698 Convoy Street, Suite 107, in the Convoy District.
🛑 One of our followers notified me that The Check Cashing Place, located at 6143 Balboa Avenue in Clairemont, closed on July 3. A sign in the storefront is directing customers to their location at 4121 University Avenue.
🛑 One of our readers reached out to let me know Havana Grill was closed. I wasn’t able to confirm right away, but the news has since come out. The restaurant’s owner has cited a myriad of reasons for the closure, including declining foot traffic and newly installed bike lanes limiting off-street parking. The Mission Valley location remains open. (Thanks, Cathy, for sending in the info!)
Massive Fire Destroys Guild Building in Serra Mesa
An early-morning fire broke out on July 5 at 9160 Gramercy Drive in Serra Mesa, destroying a long-abandoned building. At least eight fire trucks were on scene, and firefighters contained the fire. Serra Mesa residents say the property is often vandalized, tagged, used for illegal dumping, and home to encampments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Van Strikes, Kills Pedestrian in Kearny Mesa
A 36-year-old man was struck by a Volkswagen van while walking across Clairemont Mesa Boulevard on July 5 at 1:20 a.m. He was crossing the street outside of a crosswalk when he was hit.
Beyond the Neighborhood
Budget cuts close nearly half of Mission Bay public restrooms
San Diego’s budget cuts are hitting close to home — 13 of the 28 public restrooms at Mission Bay Park are now closed, a move the city says will save $546,000 in upkeep costs. For those of us who regularly use the park for picnics, bike rides, and weekend outings, fewer facilities could mean longer walks and less comfortable visits, especially during busy summer months.
This Linda Vista condo home located in Fashion Hills at 6939 Camino Pacheco has 4BR and 3BA across 2,208 sq ft. In addition to a spacious, airy living space, the complex features a pool, tennis courts, and a clubhouse (plus low HOA fees). Central air, carpeting, vinyl plank flooring, and upgraded bathrooms give the space a modern feel. There’s even a loft to use for an office, play area, or whatever your heart desires!
- 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 Jill
This gorgeous girl is Jill, a 1.5-year-old Black Mouth Cur mix. This breed is native to Alabama and is fiercely loyal, making it a great family dog. Jill is a sweet soul who is shy at first, but loves cuddles, rubs, and walks. Visit her at the San Diego Humane Society today.
By the way, through July 26, you can adopt pets at the Humane Society for only $50.
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 9
🎸 Live Music | Big Band Express | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | GUS CONSTANTELLIS | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | KAYCEE CONLEE | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
Friday, July 10
🍽️ Food & Drink | ST. FRANCIS WINE DINNER | La Gran Terraza | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Nineteen 90s | Clairemont Town Square | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | ZB Savoy | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Siers Brothers | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Daytripper | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | Last Minute Money Mic | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Brian Levy Quartet plays original jazz | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
🤣 Comedy | MARLON WAYANS | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
Saturday, July 11
🥳 Community | Serra Mesa Big Block Party | Serra Mesa | 1 pm
📚 Classes | Photography 101 GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW CAMERA | George’s Camera | 11 am
🎸 Live Music | Remembering Michael Oletta | Dizzy’s | 2 pm
🤣 Comedy | ONCE UPON A MIC | Mic Drop Comedy | 3 pm
🤣 Comedy | ADVANCED STAND UP COMEDY CLASS SHOWCASE | Mic Drop Comedy | 3 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music: Just Friends | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Drivin’ The Bus | The Gärten | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Detroit Underground | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Rare Form | Fast Times | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | Sonny’s Louddmouth Comedy Presents: Fired Up Laughter | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🥊 Sports | 2nd Annual SD Harley-Davidson Masters Boxing Championships | San Diego Harley-Davidson | 8 am
🎸 Live Music | Gannondorf with special guests | Brick by Brick
Sunday, July 12
🤣 Comedy | PRIDE & SEEK – THE QUEER COMEDY BRUNCH | Mic Drop Comedy | 1 pm
🎸 Live Music | Wolff Trio | Fast Times | 3 pm
🎸 Live Music | Fat Paw | The Gärten | 5:30 pm
🤣 Comedy | THE MIDDLE AGES | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Rachel Lee Sanders & her band | Dizzy’s | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | LATINO LINGO 3 | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm
Monday, July 13
🎭 Theater | DOGFIGHT | San Diego Musical Theatre | 7 pm
Tuesday, July 14
🎸 Live Music | The Remedy | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Summer Karaoke Contest! | The Cordova Bar | 8 pm
Wednesday, July 15
🤣 Comedy | Jon Kondelik’s Adult Bingo & Naughty Games | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | ADULT BINGO & NAUGHTY GAMES | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 p
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.
