Hey Neighbors!
It’s almost Halloween. Ready for your sugar candy high? I know I’m looking forward to a full-size Snickers bar.
I have a couple of quick things to run by you before you jump into the news.
First, a one-question survey about a great concept to bring neighbors together IRL (in real life). It’ll take you two seconds, and I’d really appreciate your participation.
Second, Explore Clairemont is about to launch its first-ever Cutest Pet in the Neighborhood contest. I’m finalizing prize donations, so find your best pet photo and get ready to make your pet neighborhood-famous.
The pets will be categorized by neighborhood, and there will be one grand prize winner, with additional prizes for top entrants. You might get an extra email from me in the next few days with the official launch, so keep an eye out for it.
If you have any questions in the meantime, simply reply to this email.
~Tanja
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Clairemont resident Kristal Molina prefers creating art over reading, but she still loved the idea of little libraries—the kinds you see staked in one’s yard. So she gave that idea a twist, turning a library box into a miniature art gallery.
Create art and leave it behind. Or take inspiration from the gallery with a treasure you find inside.
That little art gallery at the intersection of Mayflower Way and New Haven Road has brought neighbors together and is creating a whole new generation of artists.

LOCAL NEWS
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
The San Diego City Council voted 5-4 to approve an increase in water rates. In January, expect a 14.7% increase, and a 14.5% increase the following year. The Council voted 8-1 in September to delay the decision, but ultimately passed it this week.
Who voted for and who voted against
- Jennifer Campbell, District 2, which covers most of Clairemont, voted yes
- Raul Campillo, District 7, which covers most of Linda Vista and Serra Mesa, voted yes
- Kent Lee, District 6, which covers Kearny Mesa/The Convoy District, voted no
Interestingly, there is ongoing litigation involving the city and its use of tiered water rates. The court ruled the city violated Proposition 218. The case is currently on appeal.
San Diego Honors Fallen Officer
In honor of San Diego Police Officer Austin Machitar, who died on duty this past summer, the city renamed North Clairemont Community Park after him. The City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved the renaming to Officer Austin Machitar Memorial Park.
A dedication ceremony was held on Sunday, October 26.
Trick or Treat
If you want to make sure you hit the houses in full Halloween spirit, refer to the Clairemont High School Foundation’s Halloween map. CHS Foundation celebrates its sixth year of mapping out festively decorated homes nearby.
$32.4 Million Grant Will Help Build New Apartment Complex in Birdland
Starling Place, located at 7798 Starling Drive, will offer a total of 80 apartments, evenly split between veteran residents and those experiencing mental illness.
REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP
Take a dip
All local neighborhoods saw a dip in median list price this past week, with one zip code falling below the $1 million price point. Concurrently, homes remained on the market fewer days this past week as well. Check out detailed market analysis for your zip code here.
PET OF THE WEEK
Meet Baybay
This little dude was recently brought into the San Diego Humane Society, and with your help, he won’t be there much longer. Baybay is shy at first–but his personality shines through when he gets to know you.
He’s approximately three years old, neutered, and ready for you to get him!
LOCAL EVENTS
FEATURED EVENT

Check out what’s happening around town this upcoming week and weekend! Visit our full events calendar (located at the bottom of the events page) for regular, recurring events such as trivia, karaoke, and happy hour. Also, visit our events calendar for the full list of upcoming events in our area.
Thursday, October 30
Live Music: CCne | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
Networking: Business After Four mixer | Business Outfitters | 4:30 pm
Food & Drink: Halloween party | Hopnonymous Brewing
Kids & Family: Halloween Spooktacular | Linda Vista Farmers Market | 4 pm
Friday, October 31
Games: Magic: A villainous Halloween | 1 pm
Dancing: Melómano Halloween salsa & bachata party | 9 pm
Live Music: Midnight Halloween bash | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
DJ & Dancing: Halloween 80s party | The Cordova | 5 pm
Live Music: The Water Spots | The Gärten | 7 pm
Food & Drink/Kids & Family: TPS Halloween party | The Peruvian Spot | 4 pm
Saturday, November 1
Live Music: Rare Form | Fast Times | 7 pm
Food & Drink: BTS Paved the Way dinner | Common Theory
Live Music: The Honeytones | The Gärten | 7 pm
Fairs: Kearny Lodge Craft Fair | Clubhouse | 10 am
Live Music: Full Strength Funk Band | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm
Food & Drink: 3-year VinyaVersary | Vinya | All day
Comedy: Kalea McNeill | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
DJ & Dancing: Day of the Dead party | The Cordova | 9 pm
Live Music: Louis Valenzuela & his organ trio | Dizzy’s | 8 pm
Cars & Motorcycles: Ride to the Ramona Motorcycle Rally | San Diego Harley Davidson | 10 am
Sports: World Series of Armwrestling | San Diego Harley Davidson | 1 pm
Comedy: Cory Michaelis | Mic Drop Comedy | 10 pm
Live Music: Dave Good Organ Trio | Vinya | 6 pm
Sunday, November 2
Food & Drink: BTS Paved the Way dinner | Common Theory
Comedy: Sydney Stigerts | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm
Live Music: San Diego Jazz All Stars | The Gärten | 7 pm
Comedy: DJ Sandhu | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
Comedy: Justin Stagner | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm
That wraps it up for this week! I’ll be back with more news next Thursday. If you’ve got news or feedback to share, simply reply and let me know.
See ya around!
Tanja Kropf
Editor, Publisher & CLMT Native




