Hey Neighbor!
A lot of activity is happening in the neighborhood, with Trader Joe’s news causing the most excitement. I’ve shared details below.
Most exciting for me is that I’m adding some freelance writers to help lighten my load and bring more diverse community voices to the publication. No lie—it is A LOT to put together a weekly newsletter by yourself. I love it, but I appreciate having help.
This week’s feature story is written by Michael Angelo Hernandez, who lives in Clairemont and serves on the board of the Clairemont Community Planning Group. He’s actively involved and interested in our local communities, and I’m excited to have him on board.
I’ve got another introduction to make next week, so start the drum rolling now.
~Tanja
The proliferation of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) evokes strong feelings in the community. Some see them as an invasion of privacy, while others praise their use in capturing nefarious activity and potentially identifying criminals.
Whichever side of the topic you might land, you might be interested in knowing where the cameras are located in our neighborhoods. Explore Clairemont guest writer Michael Angelo Hernandez digs into the topic and shares the location of Flock cameras in Clairemont, Bay Park, Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, and Serra Mesa.
Where Are Flock Cameras in San Diego? 42 License Plate Readers Mapped
Considering senior living facilities without making your parent feel like they’re losing their independence is hard. Canyon Villas Retirement Community makes it easier by keeping your parent close to home while they still maintain their independence—only with a little extra care.
Not sure where to start? Canyon Villas’ free senior living guide covers signs that your parent may need more support, different living options, and questions to ask about care, living quarters, activities, and costs.
Man Drives Over Woman in Kearny Mesa
A car ran over a woman lying in an adult bookstore parking lot in Kearny Mesa, seriously injuring her. The woman suffered a fractured sacrum and humerus. Alcohol or drugs were not a factor.
Comings and Goings
🥳 Trader Joe’s has officially announced a projected opening date of December 1 for their Clairemont Town Square location. A representative shared renderings of the store at the Clairemont Community Planning Group on Tuesday.
Signage for a new restaurant appeared at Liberty Park Plaza, 4310 Genesee Avenue, in Clairemont. Junior’s Mediterranean Eats will take over the former Fujiyame Ramen spot in suite 108A. The Junior’s team is connected to the Shawarma Shack, a popular Mediterranean restaurant in Pacific Beach. No opening dates have been announced yet, but I reached out to Junior, and it will likely be next month.
🍪 It looks like the cookie has crumbled for Crumbl in Clairemont. The once-thriving cookie chain, located at 5665 Balboa Avenue, quietly closed its doors this past week. The company has faced headwinds nationwide, shuttering many of its locations as it tries to stave off financial losses.
🏋️♀️ No doubt the question I get asked most: “What’s going into the old Kohl’s on Balboa Avenue?” Well, it looks like we have an answer. Permit filings show a preliminary review filing to turn 5505 Balboa Avenue in Clairemont into a 43,000-square-foot fitness center. I don’t have information on the name yet.
👨🍳 Something is stirring at 7420 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in the Crossroads Center Shopping Center, and it looks like a new restaurant might be coming. Permit filings show tenant improvement requests that include demolition and additions, plus installation of new kitchen equipment. I’ll keep an eye on this one to see if a name surfaces soon.
This Bay Park original at 5007 Savannah Street is 884 sq ft, 2 BR, 1BA, and prime real estate. It features a 6,300 sq ft oversized lot and is zoned for a density bonus and ADUs. The last two images show ADU renderings. Maybe instead, a nice family will buy this one and add a single beautiful home to the lot.
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- 🔥 Hot & New Bark Bath Dog Wash is a self-serve dog wash in Clairemont offering your first wash free! Shampoo, conditioner, flea/tick treatment, blow dry, towels, aprons, dog treats, dog brushes—and colorful bandanas for your pooch all included.
- Unique Impressions Collective is 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. Grab the Explorer Exclusive Deal: 20% off any service
- 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). Explorer Exclusive Deal: $10 off any service
- Renate bakes authentic German breads and pastries from scratch at her Clairemont microbakery, Little Backstube. You order ahead online and pick up from her home on Fridays. Everything sells out fast! Explorer Exclusive Deal: 15% off your first order
Meet Stella
See how Stella is frowning? That’s because she’s stuck without a home, and you can change that! This gorgeous girl is a 1.5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix, and almost 90 pounds of pure love. She’s extra enthusiastic about sniffing her way through walks and is friendly with other dogs. Visit her at the San Diego Humane Society.
Here are a few highlights around the neighborhood this week! For the full events calendar and recurring events like trivia nights, hit the button below.
Thursday, September 17
Saturday, September 19
Sunday, September 20
Wednesday, September 23
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 keep building a stronger community. I appreciate any and all support.
