📰 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

New Empty Home Tax Set To Appear On June Ballot

San Diego voters will decide in June 2026 on a proposed "Empty Home Tax" targeting second homes left vacant for more than half the year. If passed, owners of these units would pay an $8,000 tax starting in 2027, increasing to $10,000 in 2028, aiming to increase housing availability. Exemptions exist for hardship, military service, and disaster damage.

Key details:

• Target: Residential properties that are not a primary residence and are vacant for over 6 months.

• Fees: $8,000 in 2027, increasing to $10,000 annually for 2028 and beyond.

• Corporate-Owned: An additional surcharge of $4,000 in 2027, rising to $5,000

  in 2028 will apply to all properties owned by corporations

• Exceptions: The tax does not apply to primary residences, long-term rentals, or vacation rentals.

The tax aims to generate between $12 million and $30 million annually, with approximately 5,100 properties potentially affected.

Want to learn more? Check out this article

Torrey Pines reopens and people are excited!

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego fully reopened on March 1, 2026, following a four-month closure for Phase 1 construction, including ADA-compliant upgrades, path paving, and infrastructure repairs. Trails, the lodge, and parking lots are accessible, though a second phase of construction is scheduled for late summer 2026.

Want to learn more? Read this article.

CalTrans considers converting HOV lanes on I-5 and I-805 to “express lanes”

Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, has launched a survey to gauge public opinion on converting the HOV lanes on I-5 and I-805 to “express lanes,” where solo drivers will pay a toll, and carpoolers can use them for free or at a discounted rate. The express lanes on I-15 in North County can cost solo drivers anywhere between $0.50 and $8, depending on congestion levels and total distance traveled. Revenue from the tolls is spent on freeway maintenance and a rapid bus line that runs between Escondido and downtown San Diego.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

Restaurant of the week: Casa De Bandini

Formerly located in Old Town, San Diego, this second-generation Casa de Bandini Mexican Restaurant embodies Mexican culture: authentic Mexican food, fabulous mariachi entertainment, hot-off-the-grill homemade tortillas, giant margaritas, and an environment embracing Colonial Mexico. It was voted #1 Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad, and for good reason. Check out their happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-5pm!

Check out their website here!

💬 Thinking About a Move? Just Curious? I’ve Got You.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or just want a quick pulse check on your home’s value, reach out any time. I’m always happy to help make sense of this market and plan your next step … And your referrals are always appreciated!

 Feel free to give me a call 760.807.7113 or just click here to send me an email: [email protected]

Best,

NS