
Hey Neighbor!
Holy moly, this edition is jam-packed! Last week’s issue featuring Little Backstube was quite a hit, so I thought I’d feature other local businesses doing something similar in this week’s Local Spotlight story. Hope you enjoy it.
I’m also unveiling a new section called Explorer Exclusives. This will feature local deals for you, my local peeps! I’ve been working super hard on this, and I’ll continue refining it to make it something you can get truly excited about. This is currently in beta testing, so if anything acts a bit funky, please be patient as I work out any kinks.
If you have any questions, hit reply and shoot me a message. I’m here to help.
~Tanja
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Skipping corporate chain stores and exploring the neighborhood can lead to some hidden gems. Living among us are bakers, makers, and more. They create homemade goods and offer services from their homes that you wouldn’t necessarily find unless you’re in the know.
After reading this week’s feature, you’ll definitely be in the know on how and where you can support some incredible local microbusinesses, and perhaps find your next favorite go-to spot in the neighborhood.

Hidden Microbusinesses in Clairemont & Serra Mesa

β»οΈ New Recycling Bins Deliveries Beginning
Now that we’ve all (hopefully) received our new trash bins, the City is getting ready to deliver new recycling bins. To see when yours is coming, use the container delivery lookup tool to get an estimated date.
π Convoy Living
If you love dining on Convoy Street but reallllllly hate the hassle of parking, now you can just move there and walk. The Alexan Camellia apartments just opened at 4888 Convoy Street. They offer 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, with monthly rents ranging from $2,800 to $4,400. There are 531 units, and they feature amenities such as gourmet kitchens, stackable washer and dryer, and Nest thermostats. There are also multiple pools, a dog run, and a pet spa.
π©πΎβ𦱠Grand Re-Opening
Awa Braiding is moving into a fresh new location in the former Rent-a-Center space at 6179 Balboa Avenue (the IHOP shopping center). On Tuesday, they were working on finalizing the finishing touches. They’ll kick off a grand re-opening on Saturday, March 28, with a $250 regular knotless braid and a $300 Boho knotless braid to the first 200 bookings.

πΎ Pawsitive Reinforcement
Youth at the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility are benefiting from canine therapy, thanks to Pawsitive Teams. The local non-profit trains dogs to bring comfort to people in facilities, such as detention centers. Pawsitive Teams also has a program where its canines work with youth for six weeks to help them build self-confidence and recover from emotional trauma.
π’ More Affordable Senior Housing Opens in Clairemont, but is it Worth it?
Mayor Todd Gloria attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week celebrating the opening of an additional senior affordable housing complex at Mount Etna Drive in Clairemont. The 95 units are open to those 62 years old and older, and include studio and one-bedroom apartments. Unfortunately, many residents are speaking out about potential code violations and unexpected rent increases, a topic we plan to cover in an upcoming issue.
π§ Road Repairs Beginning in Serra Mesa and Linda Vista
Throughout March, the City will slurry seal streets in Serra Mesa and Linda Vista. Considering the state of disrepair on the streets of our community, hopefully this isn’t just putting lipstick on a pig, but only time will tell. Slurry seals apply approximately 1/4 inch of seal over existing roads, while a full asphalt overlay resurfaces to a depth of 1 to 3 inches at a much higher cost. Check here for the full list of streets being resurfaced.
π΅πΌ Long Live Kearny Mesans!
Residents of Kearny Mesa outpace the lifespan of San Diego County by a year. The average lifespan in San Diego County is 81.5 years, while for Kearny Mesa, it’s 82.5 years. Must be the ramen.


This cul-de-sac home at 3115 Geronimo Avenue in Clairemont/Bay Park offers sweeping canyon and bay views. It is a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family home that is 2,323 sq. ft. The home is completely renovated with modern finishes and large windows to take advantage of the views.

Meet Blair
This little lovebug is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix. Blair is 2-years old and weighs in at 42 lbs.βnot too big, not too small, but just right. Pick her up at the San Diego Humane Society.

Have a pet you’d like to feature here? Reply to this email with your pet’s photo and a short description to show off your pet.

Welcome to the new Explorer Exclusives bulletin board. Here, you’ll find exciting deals that will make your wallet happy and help you support local businesses. This program is still in beta testing, so if anything is a little quirky, be patientβwe’ll work out any kinks soon.

- 20% off any service from Unique Impressions Collective, a full-service boutique salon in Clairemont
- 15% off labor from Evan’s Mobile Auto, a Serra Mesa-based mechanic who will travel to you
- 10% off a meal and/or a free yoga class at Vinya: vino+vinyasa in Clairemont
- 15% off your first order of baked goods from Little Backstube microbakery in Clairemont
Are you excited about any of these deals?

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, March 26
πΈ Live Music | Mercedes Moore | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
π€£ Comedy | Mohanad Elshieky | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
πΈ Live Music | Jazz Ensemble Concert | Paper Moon Music | 7 pm
Friday, March 27
π€£ Comedy | Trenton Davis | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm & 9:30 pm
πΈ Live Music | Sundays at Midnight | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
π Theater | Alice in Wonderland | Innovation Family Community Theater | 7 pm
πΈ Live Music | Cookin’ Jazz Quintet | Vinya | 6 pm
πΈ Live Music | Mystery Train | The GΓ€rten | 7 pm
πΈ Live Music | Ristband | Fast Times | 7 pm
π€£ Comedy | Lauren Jamison | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
πΈ Live Music | The Black Market Trust | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
π Theater | Changes of Heart | USD | 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 28
πͺ Food & Drink | Easter Cookie Decorating Class | Sweet Petite Confections | 10 am
π€£ Comedy | Trenton Davis | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm & 9:30 pm
π Theater | Changes of Heart | USD | 7:30 pm
π Theater | Alice in Wonderland | Innovation Family Community Theater | 7 pm
πΈ Live Music | Sandpiper Ensemble | The GΓ€rten | 7 pm
πΈ Live Music | BETAMAXX | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
π Charity | 4th Annual On the Spectrum | San Diego Harley Davidson | 11 am
π€£ Comedy | Psychic Medium Cindy Kaza | Mic Drop Comedy | 2 pm
π€£ Comedy | Roast Your Ex | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
πΈ Live Music | Joshua White plays Cole Porter | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
π Theater | Changes of Heart | USD | 2 pm
Sunday, March 29
πΈ Live Music | Quick Fix Trio | The GΓ€rten | 5:30 pm
π€£ Comedy | Pitch, Please | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
πΈ Live Music | Finest City Quintet | The Cordova Bar | 6 pm
π Theater | Alice in Wonderland | Innovation Family Community Theater | 4 pm
π Charity | Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive | San Diego Harley Davidson | 11 am
πΈ Live Music | Blame Betty | Fast Times | 3 pm
π Theater | Changes of Heart | USD | 7:30 pm
Fast Times is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, itβs 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.






