Hey Neighbors!
Our summer of tourists comes to a close as the school year begins. But true San Diegans know our locals’ summer sticks around for another couple of months.
This summer was as mild as I can remember. Anyone else worried about an extra hot September and October?
Speaking of hot, here’s a snippet of what’s in the newsletter this week:
- The neighborhood’s best brunch spots
- Clairemont Community Planning Group update
- A hopping cute pet of the week
Let me know your thoughts!
~ Tanja
BRUNCH & MUNCH
Brunch is a weekend ritual for many. Whether you pair your brunch meal with bottomless cups of coffee or bottomless mimosas, we don’t judge.
And while Bay Park seems to have the neighborhood brunch market cornered, Clairemont and Kearny Mesa have some gems as well.
Whether you’re looking for a classic brunch, a champagne brunch buffet, or a bougie brunch, you’ll find it all within a short distance of the neighborhood. In fact, there are probably more brunch options than you imagined.
Check out our latest blog post on where to brunch around Clairemont.
COMMUNITY & CIVIL NEWS
Community Planning Group Meeting
On Monday, August 4, the City of San Diego’s community planner, Sean McGee, presented the Clairemont Community Plan. The plan was last revised in 1989. Discussions on the future of the community plan were revived pre-pandemic in 2020, but were then put on hold in 2021. Some highlights of Monday’s meeting and the unveiling of the new plan proposal include:
- There is a plan to build up to 17,000 new residences in Clairemont.
- 30-foot height limit restrictions will be revised up to 65 feet.
- The plan is to create more “villages”–pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use areas combining commercial, retail, and residential spaces.
- Additional green spaces are part of the proposal, including a new aquatics center.
Many residents in attendance voiced their objections to the plan. Sean McGee informed residents that the plan is not finalized and there is still an opportunity to provide feedback to the city.
The city is allowing feedback on the plan through September 14 via this form.
I will write a more in-depth article on the meeting by next week.
School is Back in Session
August 12 marks the beginning of the school year for the San Diego Unified School District. This will also be the first time the new bike and parking lanes on Clairemont Drive will be tested during student drop-off and pick-up.
Facelift for Cerro Pueblo Senior Apartments
After 47 years, the affordable housing apartments of Cerro Pueblo in Bay Park got a remodel to the tune of $17.7 million. Alice Goldman, a 95-year-old resident, proudly cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening ceremony on July 30. Cerro Pueblo is a 46-unit complex comprised of 500 square feet, one-bedroom units. Qualified residents must be seniors who earn between $34,750 and $69,500 per year.
LOCAL BUSINESS
Closings
Ajisen Ramen, a Japanese noodle chain that opened in Kearny Mesa on 7398 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in 2016, closed its doors on July 26. No word yet on what will take its place.
Openings
We don’t know what will replace the Kohl’s on Balboa Ave., but it is rumored that Spirit Halloween will temporarily take over the space for the Halloween season.
PET OF THE WEEK
Meet Enzo
Enzo is a male rabbit of unknown age. He loves noshing on lettuce leaves and would make a great house pet. He’s currently at the San Diego Humane Society on Gaines Street and is available for adoption for only $30.
And, SYDA (Since You Didn’t Ask), here are a few rabbit facts you probably didn’t know:
- Rabbits are very social and typically recognize their owners. But, as prey animals, they like to have all their feet planted on the ground rather than being picked up.
- Bugs Bunny might have been diabetic. Why? Because carrots are high in sugar, so rabbits should only eat them as an occasional treat, and in small amounts.
- If you put rabbits and guinea pigs together, they’ll probably brawl–and the rabbit will win.
EVENTS
Here’s what else is on tap for neighborhood events.
Clairemont Town Council Meeting: Join the meeting to learn the latest news about the community. Cathy Hopper Friendship Center | Thursday, August 7 | 6 pm
Gin N’ Jukes: Jazz, country, reggae, and ska band at Tio Leo’s on Morena. Thursday, August 7 | 7 pm
The Siers Brothers: Classic rock, reggae, calypso, country, blues band at Tio Leo’s on Morena. Friday, August 8 | 7 pm
Matilda: High-energy musical for children and adults. San Diego Musical Theatre in Kearny Mesa. August 7, 8, 9, 10 | afternoon + evening shows
Intro to Pottery: Learn the fundamentals of pottery and create your own ceramic piece at Clayat School of Pottery. Saturday, August 9 | 4 pm-6 pm
Chocolate Making Class: Hands-on chocolate-making class where you keep all your creations. Sweet Petite Confections | August 9 | 12:30-2:30 pm
CRB: Classic rock band at Fast Times. Sunday, August 10 | 3 pm
Parents Party: Get the kids off to their first day of school and stop by the High Dive for a champagne toast. Monday, August 11 | 9 am
Disney Karaoke: Prizes for best singer and best dressed. The Cordova Bar |Tuesday, August 12 | 8 pm
Recurring Events
Karaoke & Pop-Up Trivia: Every Tuesday night from 8 pm to midnight at The Cordova Bar in Bay Park.
Trivia Nights at Vinya: Every Tuesday night at 6:45 pm in Clairemont.
Trivia Nights at Hopnonymous: Every Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Kearny Mesa.
Trivia Night at Fast Times in Clairemont: Every Tuesday night from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Brew Doodle: Bring out your inner kid as you draw on tables covered in paper, while you drink craft beer like a grown-up. Every Wednesday at Kilowatt Brewing in Kearny Mesa.
Comedy or Worse: Free comedy show every Friday and Saturday at Quantum Brewing in Kearny Mesa. Fridays at 7:30 pm | Saturdays at 6:30 pm
Once Upon a Mic: Try your hand at stand-up comedy during Mic Drop Comedy’s open mic night in Kearny Mesa. Every Saturday at 3 pm.
Live Irish Music: Get your Irish jig on as you enjoy live music every Saturday at The Pub in Bay Park.
Linda Vista Farmers Market: Shop local every Thursday from 2 pm-7 pm.
Free Yoga: Join CorePower Yoga in Clairemont every Sunday at 11 am for a free Community Flow Class.