What’s Going On? Films, Fun and Festivals

Plan extended seasonal vacations during summer and winter months. Group destination locations together in regional trips to explore what several bucket list towns have to offer in the general vicinity – with only a week or two vacation time to spend, we recommend organizing your itinerary by travel regions.

California Coast: Tip to Tip

20 photos that will make you wish you lived in California

From the winery-dotted Napa Valley and winding roads of the Pacific Coast Highway to the natural beauty of Yosemite and star-studded streets of Los Angeles, the options for experiencing the magic of the Golden State are endless. No matter what part of the state you choose to visit, your eyes are in for a treat. Don’t believe us? Take a quick photo road trip with us to see why California is the place to be.

South Coast Region

San Diego 

La Jolla Concours d’Elegance celebrates its 15th year perched high above the blue Pacific  Cuvier Park is one of the most spectacular locations in coastal California, a state that knows its share of spectacular coastline. The tony town of La Jolla is populated mostly with incredibly successful retirees who like the year-round sunshine and ocean views, but there are enough beautiful people around to give the car show that extra zing of Hollywood glamour when they set up the show tents and roll the cars onto the lawn”.

Orange County Beach Towns

Huntington Beach

Back to the Beach Festival | April 27 and 28 , 2019   “Artist Blink-182, The Used, Goldfinger with special guests, and more will perform on Huntington State Beach April 27 – 28, 2019. There will be food, drinks and attractions at the festival. Parking is available but the festival highly recommends to take ride share or get drop off. A general ticket admission and VIP ticket admission are offered. Check out places to stay for hotel accommodations.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach Film Festival celebrates 20th anniversary   “When the Newport Beach Film Festival started in 1999, its office was a little bigger than a family room, with tremendous sound effects coming live from nearby John Wayne Airport. In its early days, the fest had emerged humbly from the ashes of the Newport Beach International Film Festival, whose founder filed for bankruptcy. During the first year of the festival, 2000, organizers screened about 120 films and attracted approximately 12,000 attendees.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Student Launches Film Career   “Michael Tanaka loves everything about Laguna Beach. Tanaka’s short film “24 Hours” showcases his feelings about the town and its residents. The five-minute piece, which features Laguna locals chasing adventure from sunrise to sunset, was selected for inclusion in the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Mother of the Year: Laguna Beach’s Meg Weidner Stars in ‘Best Mom‘  “I play Addy, a writer working at a magazine owned by her mother (Donna Mills). Addy is a big overthinker and envies the fun relationship her husband (Jilon VanOver) shares with their daughter, Esther (Violet Hicks). She signs up for an improv class to get out of her head, but the class turns out to be taught by her husband’s ex (Krista Allen). It’s about the joy of failing up.”

Steps:

21) Spend the time to find the best place to live and invest. It will be worth your while. The great thing about living where others spend their vacation is the year round quality-of-life. 

24) Determine which maker or breaker community issues you will find across all resort communities vs. those unique only to the quality-of-life towns at the top of your best places list.

32) Plan extended seasonal vacations during summer and winter months. Group destination locations together in regional trips to explore what several bucket list towns have to offer in the general vicinity – with only a week or two vacation time to spend, we recommend organizing your itinerary by travel regions.

33) When you move, will your established neighbors share your same values? Does your new home have potential over the long term to develop into a high appreciation real estate investment while being affordable for mid-life or empty nesters? Do the weather patterns in winter or summer make you want to live there year round, or only on a seasonal basis. Does  your new community offer a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities?

34) On your visits look for any newer developments that may trigger changes in neighborhood patterns. New construction in or around the neighborhood? Major regional economic adjustments? Transition from households with children to ones that are empty nests? Rezoning, and dramatically rising/falling land values?

 

 

San Diego. Why not live where it’s a vacation all year round?

The Port of San Diego has reached an agreement with Commander Navy Region Southwest to jointly address the local effects of sea level rise.

 

They say seawalls, sand retention and beach replenishment are better ways to preserve their coastal homes, and that their property values would plummet if they acknowledge that someday their property could be inundated by the sea.

 

Highlights and Headlines: Summer 2018

South Coast Region

San Diego

Why San Diego Is the Perfect Summer Getaway

“In this southern California city that feels like a town, visitors can truly enjoy the summer sunshine at one of the city’s gorgeous beaches (hello, La Jolla), eat at some of the best Mexican restaurants north of the border, and sip on an ice cold beer or two from San Diego’s famous breweries. Of course, if beaches and breweries aren’t your thing there’s still plenty to do in San Diego, like checking out its public gardens at Balboa Park, seeking out one of the city’s best art galleries, or paying a visit to the famed San Diego zoo for a bit of family fun.” travelandleisure.com/destination  Stacey Leasca

Where to Dine Outdoors in San Diego

“If there is one city that was made for outdoor dining, it’s San Diego. We have the space, we have the perfect weather and we have a laid-back attitude that makes al fresco eating and drinking a given more than a special event. Here are 14 restaurants not only long on views and beautiful spaces to sit, but that are serving good food and drinks, too.” sandiego.eater.com/  Jackie Bryant

Heading to San Diego this summer? Here are 10 breweries where you can quench your thirst

“Almost anywhere you find yourself in San Diego, from hipster enclaves to sunny beach towns, and no matter what activities you have planned — shopping, golfing, surfing or an outing at the zoo — there is sure to be a delightful cold one with your name on it nearby. Last year, with more than 120 San Diego County craft breweries to explore, I limited myself to just a portion of the beer scene in the northern part of the county (“11 breweries to try on San Diego’s Hops Highway”). This year I’m taking on the rest of the county. I researched beer pairings, so to speak, linking prime visitor destinations and interesting neighborhoods with top-notch breweries. The goal: to give readers a brewery in a locale in which they are likely to stay or visit while on vacation.” latimes.com/travel  By Irene Lechowitzky

What to Do in San Diego

“To please the younger folks in your crew, head over to Balboa Park, where you can explore miles of trails, check out the gardens, and play all day long at the World Famous San Diego Zoo. San Diego also has plenty to offer the foodies in your life, including some of the best Mexican restaurants north of the border, and more than 130 local breweries. Truly, San Diego is home to the endless summer. So go ahead, book your tickets now. We’ll be waiting for you on La Jolla beach.” travelandleisure.com/destination Stacey Leasca

Port of San Diego and U.S. Navy Make Plans for Sea Level Rise

“The Port of San Diego has reached an agreement with Commander Navy Region Southwest to jointly address the local effects of sea level rise. It is the first partnership of its kind, and it will allow the port and the Navy to share information and modeling on the future impact of rising seas. “The potential impacts of sea level rise do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries and demand collaboration among all stakeholders,” said Rear Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander Navy Region Southwest. ‘We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Port, local municipalities, and other interested parties on this challenge to ensure the resiliency and viability of our Navy installations, San Diego Bay, and its surrounding communities, now and into the future.’” maritime-executive.com/ (The amphib USS Makin Island prepares to moor at Pier 12, Naval Base San Diego, 2018 (USN))

North San Diego County

Del Mar takes another look at rising sea level and unpopular ‘planned retreat’

“Low-lying homes along the coast in Del Mar have become increasingly threatened by sea-level rise. Residents are working to develop an adaptation strategy .  Many of the city’s residents have fought long and hard against including planned retreat as part of their strategy. They say seawalls, sand retention and beach replenishment are better ways to preserve their coastal homes, and that their property values would plummet if they acknowledge that someday their property could be inundated by the sea. However, the California Coastal Commission requires all coastal cities to have a sea-rise adaptation plan, and to include planned retreat as part of their strategy. Failure to comply could result in the Coastal Commission refusing to certify the city’s plan, thus robbing Del Mar of the authority to approve permits for developments such as seawalls, homes, businesses, roads and other structures.” sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county Phil Diehl (Photo by K.C. Alfred)

Del Mar. Downtown improvements in Del Mar get green light

“The overall project will include improvements to sidewalks, parking areas, bike lanes, medians, landscaping and the roadway between Ninth Street and the intersection at the northern entrance to Del Mar Plaza. Elements include new benches, trashcans, bicycle racks, newspaper displays, bus shelters, disabled accessible ramps and transitions, retaining walls, site walls and lighting. Of the 94 trees in the total project area, 59 will be left in place and 35 will be removed. Eighty-five new trees will be planted, resulting in 144 trees for a net gain of 50.” thecoastnews.com  Photo by Bianca Kaplanek

Encinitas aims to start Beacon’s Beach project in fall

“Encinitas may borrow money to improve access to Beacon’s Beach. The beach project is a public safety issue because of concerns about the current condition of the hillside pathway, while the Leucadia Streetscape’s planned beautification of Coast Highway 101 has the potential to generate a great deal of tax revenue, council members said as they declared both items high priorities for funding in the coming months. Support for the Beacon’s Beach project, which includes building a new staircase and reworking the parking lot to resolve hillside erosion issues, was unanimous.” sandiegouniontribune.com/communities  Barbara Henry (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Encinitas. Surfhouse Now Offering Surf Coaching With Damien Hobgood | Adventure Sports Network

“The Surfhouse is steps away from so many great waves, including Beacons, which is right up the street. When was the last time you saw footage of yourself surfing? Was it when you were on boat trip in the Maldives and hired a local lensman to shoot your session when it was overhead and firing? Or was it at waist-high T-Street, when you asked your buddy to stand on the steps and try not to miss your best wave? Whatever the case may be, chances are it doesn’t happen all that often for regular surfers like you and I. And it certainly doesn’t include a critical analysis from one of the greatest surfers to ever hit the water … Mr. Damien Hobgood. If you feel like your surfing is good enough to warrant some fine-tuning from a pro, then Surfhouse in Encinitas, California, has a new service that might just be right up your alley.” adventuresportsnetwork.com ADVENTURE SPORTS NETWORK · Jon Perino Photo: Jackson Van Kirk

Carlsbad makes park ranger program permanent

“Carlsbad has 27 parks, nearly 50 miles of trails, and 13 nature preserves, the largest of which is the Lake Calavera preserve in the city’s northeastern quadrant. The Lake Calavera trails are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The summit of a volcanic plug, once a column of molten lava, is a frequent destination at the elevation of 513 feet. At Batiquitos Lagoon, in Carlsbad’s southwestern quadrant near Encinitas, one of the most frequent problems has been people letting their dogs run without a leash on the preserve’s two-mile trail, said Deb Mossa, vice president of the lagoon foundation’s board. “Since the inception of the ranger program, that has diminished considerably,” Mossa told the City Council. ‘That has just been wonderful for Batiquitos.'” sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county Phil Diehl (Union-Tribune file photo by Charlie Neuman)

Steps:

20)  Maybe the lists of best places don’t appeal to you. Where can you go to make a fresh, new start? Don’t limit your imagination. Think anywhere — across the globe. Where do you really, really want to live, work and play?  Why not live where it’s a vacation all year round?

21) Spend the time to find the best place to live and invest. It will be worth your while. The great thing about living where others spend their vacation is the year round quality-of-life.

30) Review headlines and relevant news as far back as you can find online to surface each community’s unique pulse and identify information necessary to make your decision. Is there a “ticking time bomb” issue you may uncover that eliminates the resort from your bucket list? Search on topix.com.

32) Plan extended seasonal vacations during summer and winter months. Group destination locations together in regional trips to explore what several bucket list towns have to offer in the general vicinity – with only a week or two vacation time to spend, we recommend organizing your itinerary by travel regions.

What You Missed in January

To a degree, you haven’t witnessed our city until you’ve seen all its nature’s beauty.

Bruce Brown. Endless Summer.
While stationed in Hawaii, he’d spent much of his time surfing and shooting home movies of friends riding waves. With his service complete and being back in Orange County, he cut a crude, 90-minute “surf movie” together.

Highlights and Headlines: January 2018

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

South Coast Region

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)”

Bruce Brown. Endless Summer.

South Orange County.  In Remembrance: Bruce Brown, Maker of ‘The Endless Summer,’ Passes Away at 80.  “In 1958, Bruce Brown landed in Dana Point after a stint in the Navy. While stationed in Hawaii, he’d spent much of his time surfing and shooting home movies of friends riding waves. With his service complete and being back in Orange County, he cut a crude, 90-minute “surf movie” together. Resident surfboard baron Dale Velzy let Brown show the movie in his shop in San Clemente for 25 cents a head.” By Jake Howard

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.” Photograph: Courtesy Seaside Lagoon

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

Central Coast Region

Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara’s Biltmore turns 90 with photo show and custom-made wines. “Santa Barbara’s Biltmore marks 90 years this year. Longtime photographer Hal Boucher shot a photo of Rosalind Russell, left, Jack Lemmon and his wife, Felicia, at the resort in 1963. (Hal Boucher)”

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

Peninsula Region

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. SF Gate · By Bruce Jenkins

San Francisco Region

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

North Bay Region

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)”

North Coast Region

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.