Just in time for summer vacation. Discover what the locals enjoy. What’s it like to live here?
Life doesn’t get any better than in the famous beach towns and resort neighborhoods – Malibu, Santa Monica, along the South Bay boardwalk. Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Coronado.
Highlights and Headlines: Spring 2018
Celebrate Spring With These 5 Outdoor Happy Hours
“To kick off spring the proper way, we’ve rounded up a few spots that would make William Willett (to whom we owe this clock-changing tradition) proud. When you’ve sampled all of these, you can start working through our exhaustive guide to San Diego’s very best happy hours, for any time of year.” sandiegomagazine.com/ The outdoor digs at Topside. CHASE SCHEINBAUM | Photo: Justin McChesney-Wachs
40 top things to do in San Diego
“You will never run out of fun things to do in San Diego, there’s always a fun event, concert or activity and with so many San Diego attractions it’s really hard to choose. So just to get you started if you’re visiting San Diego soon, check out these 40 top things to do in San Diego and you just might enjoy doing some of these activities and places to visit in the city.” http://travelphotodiscovery.com/ by Noel.
Sand replenishment begins at Cardiff State Beach.
“Sand replenishment began Tuesday at Cardiff State Beach as part of the San Elijo Lagoon restoration project.Improved water quality, greater wildlife diversity, more public recreational trails and a greater resilience to environmental change are among the long-term goals of the restoration, which has been planned for decades.” Phil Diehl. sandiegouniontribune.com/ (Union-Tribune file photo by Eduardo Contreras)”
If Trump Wants to Drill for Oil in San Diego Waters, He’ll Have to Get Through His Navy
“The Trump administration has proposed opening California’s coast to oil drilling. An oil basin near Oceanside could be particularly valuable, but the military says drilling there would disrupt its operations. California politicians and environmentalists have long worried about oil spills — because they’ve seen them before. A 1969 spill in Santa Barbara blackened dozens of miles of coastline, killed thousands of birds and devastated local tourism and fishing. But the armed forces have worries of their own. Offshore drilling could flummox training and operations and, in turn, endanger national security.” voiceofsandiego.org Ry Rivard Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Dana Point. Doheny Blues Festival is returning with a new lineup and a new location
“Singer and songwriter Beth Hart will perform at the 21st annual Doheny Blues Festival on May 20 at Sea Terrace Community Park in Dana Point. Founded in 1998, the festival has played host in years past to blues legends Bo Diddley, B.B. King and John Lee Hooker and rock pioneers Chuck Berry and Little Richard. The festival was forced to move this year after the California parks department notified organizers in November that they’d have to find a new venue after two decades at Doheny State Beach.” http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot BRADY MACDONALD (Photo by Studio-E Elena Garm)
Dana Point. Rhythm and Resin: The Waves, and the Beat, Roll on for Danny and Damian Brawner
“Since 1952, Dana Point’s Danny Brawner has been crafting and fine-tuning Southern California culture through his craftsmanship and his music in ways the masses often don’t take time to appreciate. Locals may have to read the back of an album carefully, or ask a local shaper who did the all-important, life-sustaining glasswork on that new surfboard. It may not even be recorded in some cases, but a little research will quickly reveal the Brawner name is deeply woven into the fabric of South Orange County culture.” http://www.sanclementetimes.com/ Daniel Ritz, By Staff
San Onofre’s Nuclear Waste Storage Tanks Already Breaking
“For now though, the waste is still headed to San Onofre, busted bolts and all. All 3.6 million pounds of it. Just a few months into Southern California Edison’s very controversial plan to relocate spent nuclear fuel to holding tanks on the beach at San Onofre, crews are finding the holding tanks aren’t working properly. “We warned them that this was going to happen, and nobody listened to us,” Donna Gilmore of SanOnofreSafety.org told the LA Times. “Now they are trying to tell us: ‘Everything is OK. Don’t worry.’ This is insane. Edison has proven they can’t keep us safe.” www.surfer.com/ JUSTIN HOUSMAN Photo: Ellis
A short biography of Tom Morey
“Morey is related to the founders of the Detroit-based Dodge Brothers automobile company. The Morey’s moved to Laguna, California, when Tom was eight. There, he learned to bodysurf on his father’s back. Tom, who loved music almost as much as the ocean, called his invention the Morey Boogie after the boogie blues tempo. Boogie was a type of jazz music that was popular before World War II. As Tom put it: “Boogie swung, and it had a wiggle and a jiggle to it… it was perfect.” www.surfertoday.com Seamus McGoldrick Morey Archive
Laguna Beach. Women’s Surf Team Wins State Championship
“Laguna Beach High School’s women’s shortboard team won the crown as team champion at the Scholastic Surf Series high school state championship. MVP went to freshman Tess Booth, who besides competing in shortboard, also competed in one longboard heat as well.” www.lagunabeachindy.com By : Guest Contributor MVP Tess Booth in action.
Newport Beach. Newport Harbor ‘is not a port’: Coastal Commission votes to oppose city’s goal of a port master plan
“The California Coastal Commission voted 9-3 on Thursday to oppose legislation necessary to amend the California Coastal Act to establish Newport Harbor, pictured, as a port. The commission voted 9-3, with members Erik Howell, Ryan Sundberg and Roberto Uranga dissenting, to oppose Assembly Bill 1196, which would amend the California Coastal Act to establish Newport Beach as a port — a status it needs before it can seek a port master plan. It would join Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hueneme and San Diego, all deepwater industrial ports.” http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot · By Hillary Davis (File Photo)
Newport Beach. New Film ‘Surfing To Cope’ Details Brianna Cope’s Surfing Through Adversity
“Cope’s trials and tribulations as a blossoming surf star on the world stage is documented in the short film entitled “Surfing To Cope,” which premieres Monday evening at the Newport Beach Film Festival. And she has done all that while dealing with a birth defect. Brianna’s left hand is under-developed, and to cope with everything that comes along with that Cope found the ocean as a great equalizer early on in her life. She has dedicated everything since to the ocean and accomplishing her goals. “The ocean is the one place I wasn’t self-conscience,” Cope told ASN. “I feel so happy and free when I’m surfing. There is no judgement or imperfections, it’s all about the ocean and its beauty.” www.adventuresportsnetwork.com/ Ryan Brower
Newport Beach Film Festival
“The Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program as well as providing a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films.” newportbeachfilmfest.com/events/
Surf City USA – Huntington Beach
Rethinking Localism in the Digital Age
“The other morning, I was surfing the north side of the pier in Huntington Beach. The waves were about waist high, the wind was cross shore, and I was not surfing well. After blowing my first wave of the day, I got inside my head with some negative thoughts, which often has a way of ruining my session. I’d clearly dropped in on him and surfed (almost) the entire wave blissfully unaware. Damn, I felt like a moron. I’ve surfed for 20 years and just like the rest of us, I’ll occasionally drop in on people by accident. Occasionally, they drop in on me. Sometimes I get a little mad inside when they do. But I try to practice kindness and have a positive outlook. This guy I’d just dropped in on did a great job of the latter. I paddled back out and apologized. “No worries, brother,” he said. “I was trying to synchronize with your turns.” He laughed and paddled off. I laughed.” www.theinertia.com Simon Short Instagram
Huntington Beach. FIVB Huntington Beach Open: Humana-Paredes, Pavan outlast April Ross, Alix Klineman
“The best match of the Huntington Beach Open was Friday’s championship bracket showdown between two-time Olympic medalist April Ross and new partner Alix Klineman and a Canadian pair that’s ranked second in the world. Ross, considered by many to be the best individual player in the sport, is as rambunctious as ever. She split with Kerri Walsh Jennings after winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics and spent late last season mulling a decision on a partner for a run at the 2020 Olympics.” BOB KEISSER | www.pe.com/ (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Naples to Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Long Beach. If CSULB’s Prospector Pete had a true story, this would be it
“Prospector Pete was civil, even loving, to everyone, respecting the Golden Rule as much as the Gold Rush. He made his wealth quickly and easily and shared it with the vaunted Swiss generosity, building schools for Mexican, Chinese and indigenous boys and girls.” www.presstelegram.com TIM GROBATY (Photo by Thomas R. Cordova, Press-Telegram /SCNG)
Long Beach. Modica’s
“We are located on the ground floor of the Historic Cooper Arms building in downtown Long Beach, California. At modica’s, every dish is created using only the finest and freshest ingredients. We have created a marinara sauce to die for! With your choice of pasta you get delicious baked bread that is made daily and a fresh mesclun salad topped with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.” http://www.visitlongbeach.com
Malibu. This Gorgeous Malibu Beach House Is Your Dream Summer Retreat
“Immerse yourself in the epitome of beachfront luxury at this sprawling modern villa situated on the golden sands of Broad Beach in Malibu, California. Planning a California getaway that you never want to forget? Where you choose to stay plays an important role in your vacation memories. This stunning beach house in Malibu is the ideal luxury rental if you’re traveling with a group. A family reunion or friends trip, perhaps? The property is available to book on TripAdvisor.” www.tripadvisor.com
Malibu. A Taste of SoCal’s Finest Lifestyle Awaits at This $75,000-Per-Month Malibu Estate
“With the ocean in your backyard, this dreamy home is the perfect beachfront escape. With summer right around the corner, it’s time to figure out where to go on vacation this year. And while road trips to national parks have an undeniable allure, it’s equally tempting to stay put all summer long. Designed as the ultimate oceanfront escape, 24683 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., can be rented for $75,000 a month—which means you can unpack your swim trunks and enjoy the blissful beachfront abode for as long as your heart desires.” http://robbreport.com/ Juliana Distefano
Ventura. Shopping in Ventura CA | Malls, Outlets & Boutiques
“Ventura offers eclectic, locally owned shops where you can find items you won’t see anywhere else. A variety of these shops lines the streets of Ventura, featuring clothing boutiques, antique stores, home and garden shops, art galleries, gift stores and other specialty shops. Starting in downtown Ventura, just steps away from the beachfront promenade, a walk through Main Street is like no other. Right away, countless storefronts will grab your attention.” visitventuraca.com
Ventura. What $900,000 buys in three Ventura County neighborhoods. There’s even a beach house.
“Here’s a look at what about $900,000 buys in the Ventura County cities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.VENTURA: This two-bedroom cottage, built in the 1950s and since updated, is a stone’s throw from San Buenaventura State Beach.” http://www.latimes.com Neal J. Leitereg (Realtor.com)
Islands along the Pacific Coast
Channel Islands: California’s Majestic National Park You Didn’t Know About
“Remote yet accessible, this archipelago stretches north along the coast from LA, and the Channel Islands National Park comprises the five northernmost islands. Just hours from the city, the National Park sees less than 20,000 overnight campers a year and is the perfect spot to escape the crowds, especially mid-week.The closest islands are visible from the coast, but a deep channel separates them from the mainland. This allowed wildlife to develop in isolation until humans arrived and there are 145 endemic or unique species in the archipelago including the diminutive island fox.” https://awol.junkee.com Alexis Buxton-Collins Image: Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands. Bald eagle chicks hatch on California’s Channel Islands
“Channel Islands National Park says the two chicks hatched 14 hours apart on Santa Cruz Island, and a third egg chick was expected Friday. The hatchings are a sign of progress in restoration of the species to the island chain where the birds disappeared in the 1960s due to the effects of DDT and other human activities.” https://www.sfgate.com
La Jolla Cove. Southern California isn’t exactly known for its snorkeling — the strong waves usually make it tough to see much of anything — but La Jolla Cove, just north of San Diego, is an exception. The area is ringed by tall cliffs that protect the cove from big waves, allowing curious snorkelers to explore its underwater scene. Be on the lookout for leopard sharks, sea lions and dolphins. By Allyson Reedy Shutterstock
Del Mar | Hot Property – A Del Mar estate built for activist investor David Batchelder has sold for $21.5 million, making it the most expensive home sold in San Diego County in more than a decade. (Sam Chen)
Dana Point. “On the surfing front, anybody who rides waves around here should have a brief appreciation for just how San Onofre came to be one of the birthplaces of surf culture on the West Coast. It was first surfed in the early 1920s, although it’s still debated who the first person to surf at San Onofre was. Some say it was Laguna Beach’s George “Peanuts” Larson. Others contend it was Matt Brown and Lorrin “Whitey” Harrison. Given that was nearly 100 years ago, the mystery will probably never be solved conclusively, but it’s fun to banter about.” Dana Point Times Jake Howard
Laguna Beach. “The five star Montage Laguna Beach resort receive a five-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide for its hotel, restaurant and spa. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)”
Huntington Beach. Irvine and Huntington Beach Make Top Ten List of Happiest Cities in America. WalletHub released a survey of the happiest cities in America. Our own Irvine and Huntington Beach are in the top 10 happiest cities, coming in at No. 8 and 9, respectively. Orange Coast Magazine Alan Gibbons
Long Beach. Calls for more research, education as great white shark population grows off California. “Chris Lowe, director of the Shark Lab at CSU Long Beach, said the shark population is recovering at time when more and more people are swimming, surfing and paddle boarding along the coast.” (Photo: AP FILE PHOTO) Cheri Carlson vcstar.com
Redondo Beach. As you may infer from its name Redondo Beach features a mile and a half of sandy beachfront as you venture south of the marina and pier area. timeout.com
Ojai. Hotels & Resorts in Ojai California | Ojai Visitors Bureau | Things to Do in Ojai. Nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by citrus groves and natural beauty, Ojai is easy to explore while taking in the sights along the way. This is the perfect destination for family vacations in Southern California. Looking for a girlfriends getaway? Golf vacation? Romantic weekend? Solo getaway? Ojai has something for everyone. ojaivisitors.com
Anacapa Island. “Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland, just 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. Most of Island Packers departures to East Anacapa Island are from our location in the Channel Islands Harbor. islandpackers.com
San Luis Obispo. “Welcome to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. For more than two centuries, Mission San Luis Obispo has greeted travelers, pilgrims and guests with open doors and a place to rest. At the crossroads of the Central California coast, the Mission lends heart and spirit to its vibrant surrounding community. We hope you will visit us. We are open year-round.” missionsanluisobispo.org
Monterey. Experience Monterey Bay at This Historic Hotel Overlooking the Surf. 30 percent off Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, a classic coastal gem perched over a magnificent bay. Don’t miss the rooftop spa and the seafood restaurant with ocean views. Courtesy of Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. travelandleisure.com
Judge’s tentative ruling clears the way for potentially huge fines against Coastal Commissioners. Five former and current members of the California Coastal Commission face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for allegedly not properly disclosing private meetings with developers and others, under a 2016 lawsuit. Joshua Emerson Smith. sandiegouniontribune.com
Half Moon Bay. Sam’s Chowder House: Brings the Coastside to the Table. Sam’s Chowder House sits steps from the shore with front row views of the Pacific—close enough to spy migrating whales leap from the water—and exceptional seafood that’s gained a loyal following and a shout-out on the Today Show. Yet, the family-owned and operated restaurant offers more than great views and grub. www.visithalfmoonbay.org
Ocean Beach. Want to Fight Sea Level Rise? Look to San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. The problem at Ocean Beach will only get worse, because the sea has nothing to do but rise in this era of rapid climate change. So will San Francisco spend the rest of its days shoveling sand in a quixotic battle against inevitability? Far from it—it’s all part of a plan to adapt to inevitability, which could set precedent for how this and other coastal cities fight rising seas. MATT SIMON SCIENCE wired.dom GETTY IMAGES
Marin. West Marin saloon nurturing a new live music scene. “As the modern world speeds along at breakneck speed, challenging us all to keep up, there are still outposts from old Marin that survive and even flourish. One of them is the Papermill Creek Saloon at 1 Castro St. in Forest Knolls, a 110-year-old watering hole in the heart of the forested San Geronimo Valley that proudly advertises itself as “the best historic dive bar in Marin.”” Paul Liberatore marinij.com
Sonoma County. A Sonoma Wine Maker’s Locavore Favorites. A native of Sonoma County, Tom Gore Vineyards owner Tom Gore grew up farming and studied agriculture before launching his own wine brand. Felicia Feaster. Tim Gore Vineyards
Mendocino. Bed and Breakfast Mendocino County. “For those who cherish the renewing power of California’s wild and beautiful North Coast, the AWARD-WINNING North Coast Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is a haven to be returned to again and again.” northcoastcountryinn.com
Redwood National Park: Magnificent trees, a comfy inn and plenty of adventure. Drifting fog adds drama to Northern California’s coastline near Redwood National and State Parks. (Courtesy Marta Yamamoto) www.mercurynews.com
See the Del Norte County Beaches. Del Norte County is the northernmost county in California and, like Humboldt County to the south, it has more wild remote beaches than urban beaches. Crescent City is the largest city in the county and it is located near the mid-point of the Del Norte Coast. californiabeaches.com
New offshore oil drilling proposed off California coast by Trump administration. The Trump administration on Thursday proposed allowing new offshore oil drilling in most of America’s coastal areas, including northern, southern and central California areas like Big Sur. By PAUL ROGERS | progers@bayareanewsgroup.com
Huntington Beach. ExxonMobil Alleges It Is Victim of Vast California Climate Change ‘Conspiracy’. Surfers ride waves in front of an oil rig off Huntington Beach on July 31, 2015. (Credit: Mark Ralston / AFP / Getty Images)
Laguna Beach. Uncertainty Clouds Hotel Laguna. The last guests of the historic Hotel Laguna turned in their room keys and its longtime operator turned over the property last week to the landlord, but much else about the iconic downtown property remains uncertain. Photo by Mitch Ridder.
Newport Beach. Newport’s iconic Crab Cooker to close and rebuild because of 3-year-old foundation damage. “The Crab Cooker, which has been at 2200 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach since 1951, will be closed for about a year starting in 2018 while it is rebuilt on the same site. (File Photo)”
San Diego. 10 San Diego Trails to Get You Outside in 2018. To a degree, you haven’t witnessed our city until you’ve seen all its nature’s beauty. From the highest point in county to the La Jolla Tide Pools and peeks at the Pacific from above your handlebars, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside in the New Year. Go on, now—take a hike! San Diego Magazine
Long Beach. Long Beach Airport to start daily service to Hawaii in June. The historic terminal at Long Beach Airport. Hawaiian Airlines will begin operating nonstop daily flights between Long Beach and Honolulu. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
South Bay. Redondo Beach. Seaside Lagoon. “This isn’t your typical swimming pool. Seaside Lagoon is a saltwater lagoon steps away from the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can swim under lifeguard supervision, and there’s also water slides, a playground, beach volleyball and picnic areas.” 
Ventura County. California Fire Map Update: Thomas Fire Is Second Largest in State History. As the blaze grows, it is on track to surpass the record-holding 2003 Cedar Fire, which killed 15 people and destroyed 273,246 acres in southern San Diego. The Thomas Fire earned the second-largest wildfire designation on Tuesday by surpassing the 2012 Rush Fire, which burned 271,911 acres. This California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo CA. The 10 Happiest Cities in the U.S., According to New Research. “Perhaps unsurprisingly, almost 30 percent of the places are in California. There’s really something to be said for near-constant sunshine. Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) is real, and has a dramatic impact on happiness levels for an entire season of the year. And when you’re sad almost every day, it’s hard to rate your life well, or feel natural joy.” Inc Magazine
Half Moon Bay. Weather changes push back Mavericks surf contest. Throughout the past week, there was excitement over a west-northwest swell that would bring the largest Mavericks surf of the season. That is now a matter of conjecture, and the once-promising weather forecasts have changed. 
San Francisco. Turning blue to ring in the new with frigid Jan. 1 Ocean Beach plunge. Three hundred people showed up at the foot of Taraval Street for the annual Plunge at Ocean Beach on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Photo: Steve Rubenstein/ The Chronicle
Marin County. Historic fire truck finds new home with Marin History Museum. “This 1935 fire engine is being donated to the Marin History Museum, which is temporarily donating the truck to the Marin County Fire Department, after being transported from Sonoma, Calif. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)”
Sonoma County. Devastated by wildfire, a California city weighs rebuilding amid a housing crunch. “Jeff Okrepkie stands by the lot where his house stood in the Coffey Park area of Santa Rosa, Calif. After losing his home in the wildfires last fall, Okrepkie has organized a neighborhood group to help those like him who want to rebuild. (Preston Gannaway/For The Washington Post)”
Mendocino County. Luxury Mendocino Hotel | Heritage House Resort | CA. The Heritage House Resort is a destination you simply must experience for yourself. While our property has undergone a dramatic change over the past five years, transforming from a romantic seaside inn to a contemporary and luxurious boutique hotel, our commitment to the perfect guest experience remains.
Humboldt County. Trinidad. Majestic. Part of the auto wreck scene in The Majestic was shot at College Cove Beach on 19 March 2001. Wikipedia.
“Every day, the isolated stretch of Big Sur loses $300,000 in revenues, according to Kirk Gafill, manager of the world-famous restaurant Nepenthe. San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties could face a $554 million loss in revenue due to closures, according to a recent study by Visit California, which promotes tourism. The economic impact could ripple out further, if visitors cancel summer plans to the Golden State. “Santa Cruz Sentinel
