Trader Joe’s is Coming to Clairemont + Beanies Galore

Hey Neighbors!

We’re just under two weeks away from Halloween, which means it’s pumpkin spice season and the fall festivals are kicking into high gear—find them in our events section. 

Plus, the rumor mill has finally come true about Trader Joe’s. Maybe next we’ll see pigs fly! 

Dig into this week’s newsletter and let me know what you think!

~Tanja 

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

Meet the Beanie-Making Pastor of Serra Mesa

Serra Mesa pastor, Mark Perry, has an unlikely hobby for a hockey and rugby-playing fisherman. He crochets. And he’s honed his craft to the point that he can crochet a beanie with his eyes closed.

Mark has likely knitted hundreds — if not thousands — of beanies, and he gives them all away to strangers and friends, and even spearheaded a chemo cap program at Sharp Hospital.

Read his full story on our website.

LOCAL NEWS

Clairemont Town Square’s New Owners Bringing New Tenants

The new owners of Clairemont Town Square are adding new tenants—one of which has been a long-time wish of many nearby residents. Yes, Trader Joe’s is coming to Clairemont, along with a HomeGoods store. DLC Management, a primarily East Coast-based retail real estate investment company, solidified its expansion on the West Coast with this recent purchase, along with nine additional shopping centers on the West Coast.

In addition to the aforementioned tenants, the Square will also add an Aqua-Tots Swim School and a Club Studio, which is owned by parent company, L.A. Fitness.

(For a fun take on the TJ’s announcement, check out our Instagram Reel)

Opening

Jersey Mike’s Subs is making its way to Bay Park. The national franchise chain will take over an orthodontist practice that was located at 3065 C Clairemont Drive. There is no confirmed opening date as of yet, but it’s expected to open in early 2026.

Clairemont Community Planning Group Meeting Recap

The Clairemont Community Planning Group Committee met on Tuesday evening for further discussion of the updated Clairemont Community Plan. This meeting followed last week’s meeting of the San Diego Planning Commission, where, to date, the City has not overridden the 65-foot maximum height overlays that are part of the updated community plan. However, the majority of the planning commission is in favor of more height and more density in Clairemont. The city meeting can be viewed here.

Additionally, it is not yet known what the impact of SB-79, which was recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, will have on the height limitations outlined in the Clairemont plan.

There was some discussion at the Clairemont Community Planning Group meeting of potential proposed housing heights up to 240 feet along the Morena Corridor, which most meeting attendees and the majority of the committee oppose. There will be another meeting on November 12 to discuss the status of the community plan and the strategy moving forward. Members of the community are encouraged to attend.

Shops at Madison Place Sold to New Owners

The shopping center on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, which houses STP Bar & Grill, Sipz, The Golf Bar, Victory Fitness, and many others, has just sold for $23 million. The new owners, CEG Capital Partners, have not announced future plans for the center.

Pedestrian Audit Uncovers Dangerous Conditions, Prompts Caltrans Improvements

During a pedestrian audit of the Clairemont Drive trolley station, the walk from the station to Mission Bay Park resembled more of an obstacle course than a leisurely stroll, prompting Caltrans to propose multiple improvements, including wider sidewalks, buffer-separated bike lanes, repainting of crosswalks, and additional enhancements. Construction is scheduled for early 2026.

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

Here’s what’s happening in the local real estate market this week. For more detailed stats, visit here.

PET OF THE WEEK

Meet Rukus

Rukus is ready to be your Halloween treat! He’s a senior Cane Corso/Mastiff mix, and how adorable is he? As an older dog, Rukus has a bit of arthritis that’s managed with meds. He’s mellow and happy to just sit by your side. Rukus is vaxxed, chipped, and neutered. Contact the San Diego Humane Society at Gaines Street for more info.

LOCAL EVENTS

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.

Have an event you’d like to feature here? Partner with us!

Thursday, October 23

Live Music: Mercedes Moore | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm

Friday, October 24

Kids & Family: CCA Fall Festival | Coastal Christian Academy |5 pm

Live Music: Cookin’ Jazz Quintet | Vinya | 6 pm

Comedy: Anthony Davis | Mic Drop Comedy | 10 pm

Live Music: Jacob Najor & Moment of Truth | The Gärten | 7 pm

Comedy: Leah Lamarr | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 25

Comedy: Mike Diamond Presents | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30

Live Music: Shakedown String Band | The Gärten | 7 pm

Live Music: West of 5 | Fast Times | 7 pm

Kids & Family: Fall Fest | Quest Church Clairemont | 4 pm

Kids & Family: Serra Mesa Spooktacular | Mesa Church | 4 pm 

Crafts: Pumpkins & Pints | Latchkey Brewing | 2 pm

Kids & Family: Spooky Garden Party | Tecolote Nature Center | 1 pm

Live Music: Betamaxx | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm

Charity: Toy Drive | San Diego Harley Davidson | 10 am

Kids & Family: Trick or Treating | San Diego Harley Davidson | 11 am

Food & Drink: 3-Year Anniversary Dinner | Vinya | 6 pm

Sunday, October 26

Festival: Diecast and Car Show | San Diego Harley Davidson | 12 pm

Comedy: Un-hinged-A Dark Comedy Event | Mic Drop Comedy | 8:30 pm

Arts & Crafts: Buns & Brushes paint and sip | Vinya | 12 pm

Comedy: Two Dykes and a Mic | Mic Drop Comedy | 6 pm

Comedy: Murder at Mic Drop | Mic Drop Comedy | 3 pm 

Monday, October 27

Comedy: DEI Comedy | Mic Drop Comedy | 7:30 pm

Tuesday, October 28

Live Music: Soul Persuaders | Tio Leo’s | 7 pm

Karaoke: Halloween Karaoke and Costume Contest | The Cordova | 8 pm

Comedy: Laugh Until You Cry | Mic Drop Comedy | 7 pm

Wednesday, October 29

Live Music: Lisa Dilk and the Dude | Fast Times | 6:30 pm