Hey Neighbor!
Spring is springing into full swing, and there are plenty of events and festivities in store for the neighborhood. In just a couple of weeks, the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade will kick off. And in June, you can celebrate with the Serra Mesa Block Party. Plus, the newly formed Bay Park Community Council is starting to organize a bunch of fun local events.
Do we live in the best neighborhoods, or what? Community is really what it’s all about, and we have that in spades.
Let’s dig into this week’s news!
~Tanja
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This year marks the 41st year of the Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair & Parade. In 1985, it began with one woman and a mission. Now, it’s an annual event that draws 15,000, and celebrates the cultural diversity of one of San Diego’s most colorful immigrant communities.
Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair: A City Block World Tour
SB 79 Hearing
Senate Bill 79 was signed into law late last year and goes into effect July 1, 2026. SB 79 allows higher-density, multi-family housing within .5 miles of certain transit stops. On April 16, the City of San Diego Planning Commission will hold a hearing to discuss the implementation of SB 79 in our city. This is the step prior to the City Council’s public hearing on this issue, where they will make their final decisions.
📍Meeting location: Development Services Department, 7650 Mission Valley Road.
⏰ Date and time: April 16 at 9 am
Openings
☕️ Calu Coffee Bar launched in October, but I just discovered it’s a business headquartered in our coverage area (Kearny Mesa), so I’m giving it a mention. Calu is a pop-up coffee bar that you can book for parties, weddings, corporate events, and more. Plus, they serve Devocion Coffee, which I fell in love with on a trip to Colombia. It’s hard to find in the States, but Calu has it!
🧚♀️ The Sugar Fairy, a hair removal salon, opened last month at 1675 Morena Boulevard. The owner is a licensed esthetician who specializes in sugaring hair removal from head to toe.
🐾 Balboa Pet Pantry opened in February at 6465 Balboa Avenue, Ste. 218G and offers a range of pet foods and snacks, as well as other items for your furry friends.
Coming Soon
🔜 There is a pending permit application for Jerusalem Roastery and Grill at 6133 Balboa Avenue in Clairemont. This is the current location of Mystic Grill. People have been wondering if Mystic Grill is closing, and this looks like the answer. The site is currently pending inspection by the City.
🔜 All That Shabu, an all-you-can-eat shabu chain, has filed a permit application to open a location at 8316 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in Kearny Mesa. It is under review.
New Multistory Complex Approved in Bay Park
People have been wondering for years what is happening at the vacant lot on Clairemont Drive near Morena Boulevard (where the Best Western is located). Looks like we finally have an answer. One of our eagle-eyed readers spotted the permit information, and it looks like a 6-8-story mixed-use complex will call this lot home. Fortunately, it will include a parking garage.
Sign to Repeal Parking Fees
There is an ongoing movement to repeal San Diego trash and Balboa Park parking fees, and a signature drive will take place this Saturday from 10 am to noon at 3250 Governor Drive in front of the former Round Table Pizza location. The race for signatures is to get this issue on the ballot for November’s elections. You must be registered to vote in San Diego in order to sign.
Holy Smokes! Alcohol, Too?
🥃 Lavish Smoke Shop, which has locations in Bay Park and Serra Mesa, applied for a license to sell alcohol at its Bay Park location. So soon you may be able to add a handle of Cognac to your cigar order.
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This 1,350 sq. ft. Serra Mesa home at 3451 Lockwood Drive is bright and airy, with modern upgrades. It features 3BR, 2BA, plus a 200 sq ft backyard studio perfect for a home office. A fireplace and HVAC system round out the amenities. What’s your guess?
Don’t forget to take advantage of our amazing Explorer Exclusives offers from local merchants!
- 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
- A Serra Mesa mechanic who comes to your driveway or your office. Brakes, batteries, diagnostics, and maintenance without the shop hassle. Neighbors are already raving about Evan on Nextdoor. Get the Explorer Exclusive deal here: 15% off labor from Evan’s Mobile Auto
- 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 Benz
This sweet thing got dropped off at the Humane Society by his previous owner just last week. 😢 Benz is a 3.5-year-old lab mix seeking a new furever home. He’s an energetic boy with a lot of love to give. Pick Benz 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.
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.
Have an event you’d like to feature here? Partner with us!
Thursday, April 9
🤣 Comedy | THE BLACKOUT COMEDY TOUR | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Odeum Guitar Duo | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
Friday, April 10
🎸 Live Music | The Sandcasters | The Gärten | 7 pm
🍽️ Food & Drink | Backstage Wine Dinner | La Gran Terraza | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | One Night in the City | Fast Times | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | The Siers Brothers | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
Saturday, April 11
🤣 Comedy | WRONG! A DARK COMEDY GAME SHOW | Mic Drop Comedy | 10 pm
🎸 Live Music | Kyle Merrill | The Gärten | 7 pm
♻️ Community | Electronics & Paper Shredding | Clairemont High | 8 am
🎸 Live Music | Live Music: Indigo Swing | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Groove Therapy – LIVE!! | Fast Times | 7 pm
🎸 Live Music | Platinum Vibe | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | GUMBO & FRIENDS: LIVE IN SAN DIEGO | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
🎸 Live Music | THE WAR WITHIN: A METAL SHOW FOR VETERAN SUICIDE AWARENESS | Brick by Brick | 8 pm
♻️ Community | FREE Community Shred Event | Reformation Lutheran Church | 9 am
🤣 Comedy | TAYLOR WILLIAMSON | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm & 8:30 pm
🧘 Wellness | Bunny Yoga! Supporting the San Diego House Rabbit Society | Vinya: vino + vinyasa | 2 pm
Sunday, April 12
🎸 Live Music | Linda Berry Band | The Gärten | 5:30 pm
⚽ Sports | University of San Diego Men’s Tennis vs Pepperdine | University of San Diego (USD) | 12 pm
🎸 Live Music | Dave Gilbert Band – LIVE!! | Fast Times | 3 pm
🤣 Comedy | TYMAY LAY | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm
🎸 Live Music | Live Music Sundays w/ Dolly’s Revenge | The Cordova Bar | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | ETHEL TAN | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm
🤣 Comedy | NURSES COMEDY BREAK FEAT. MICHAEL LENOCI | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm
Monday, April 13
🎸 Live Music | COLD STEEL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS | Brick by Brick | 7 pm
🍻 Community | Bay Park Community Council Happy Hour | Fast Times | 3 pm
Tuesday, April 14
⚽ Sports | University of San Diego Softball vs Cal State Fullerton | University of San Diego (USD) | 5 pm
🎸 Live Music | Big Time Operator | Tio Leo’s Mexican Restaurant | 7 pm
Wednesday, April 15
❤️ Charity | Clairemont Town Council Membership Mixer | Dino’s Gyros Greek Cafe and Taverna | 5 pm
👾 Games & Trivia | Pokemon Trivia | Cross Street Chicken and Beer | 6 pm
🎬 Movie Night |Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith | Quantum Brewing | 6 pm
🎤 Lecture | Healing Catholicism?: Migration and Indigenous Healing Practices in a Global Church | University of San Diego (USD) | 5 pm
⚽ Sports | University of San Diego Softball vs UC San Diego | University of San Diego (USD) | 6 pm
🤣 Comedy | ASAP COMEDY BOOTCAMP | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm
🤣 Comedy | SOCAL’S FUNNIEST COMIC – FINALS | Mic Drop Comedy | 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.
