That’s a wrappuccino

Ocean Beach’s only Starbucks set to close

Residents in Ocean Beach may need to go a little further on their next coffee run. On Monday, Dec. 12, the Starbucks at the corner of Newport Avenue + Bacon Street will say see you latte to the beachside community.

The store opened in 2001, and received mixed reviews before brewing its first cup. After 21 years in the community, reactions to its departure are still blended.

Starbucks in Ocean Beach CA — A welcome board inside the OB Starbucks.

☕️ Spill the details

A trip to Ocean Beach will put you in proximity to many stores, but very few have brand recognition. The community likes it that way — it’s always been a funky place that embraces its individuality + quirkiness and supports small, local businesses. So, a venti corporation like Starbucks seems out of place in OB.

When the coffee giant announced plans to enter the neighborhood, hundreds of residents united to peacefully protest. At the time, Starbucks was willing to pay nearly double the leasing rate for the Newport Avenue space, so it moved in. Many locals feared the beginning of the end — meaning a flood of big businesses would move in and change the culture.

Over two decades later, only a few major chains have entered OB, but it seems a lot of locals are still happy to see Starbucks close. Many prefer their local chains — but some admit they’ll miss their Frappuccinos.

☕️ The next cup

For some locals, this Starbucks was a convenient way to order ahead and get a consistent cup of coffee. Now, the nearest store is slightly over two miles away on West Point Loma Boulevard, though there’s a grande number of other Starbucks locations in San Diego. This has a silver lining: Employees will be able to transfer to a nearby store.

One closure won’t decaffeinate OB. There are other buzzworthy coffee shops in the neighborhood, and local chain Spill the Beans announced it will open a new store at 4827 Newport Ave. — down the street from the former Starbucks and on the same block as OB Beans Coffee Roasters.

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Friday, Dec. 9

Festive Community Caroling | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 6-6:30 p.m. | Village Walk, 884 Eastlake Pkwy., Chula Vista | Free | Head by the koi pond to hear community members caroling.
Noel Noel | Friday, Dec. 9 + Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego | $40-$95 | Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the San Diego Symphony’s holiday tradition.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Wrapping Workshop | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 2-4 p.m. | South Bay Christian Alliance, 610 Paseo Del Rey, Chula Vista | Free | Learn the art of wrapping presents — supplies included.
Deck the Walls | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 4-8 p.m. | Ashton Gallery, 4434 30th St., San Diego | Free | Browse holiday gifts at this art show and sale.
Blink 18True | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave., San Diego | Free | This tribute brand will have you singing “All the Small Things.”
Jingle | Saturday, Dec. 10 + Sunday, Dec. 11 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $26.50-$78.50 | The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus leads a set of holiday tunes.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Winter Wonderland Festival | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego | Free | The hip neighborhood’s inaugural festival will feature a light show, live entertainment, activities for the kids + lots of chances to shop small.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Sunday, Dec. 11 + Sunday, Dec. 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Shelter island, 2200 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego | Free | This local holiday tradition — sailing along for the past 52 years — features a procession of lavishly decorated boats lighting up San Diego Bay.
Harry Connick, Jr. | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $99-$445 | Celebrate the season with the award-winning crooner.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE LOCAL FUN

Weather

61º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 6:39 a.m.
Set: 4:42 p.m.

Tide

Low: 2:44 a.m. + 4:27 p.m.
High: 9:03 a.m. + 11:04 p.m.
Water Temperature: 61º

Civic

Mayor Todd Gloria + San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera presented proposed renter protections that will provide leniency for individuals facing no-fault eviction, additional protections for seniors + individuals with disabilities, and more time to remedy notices. City council will vote on the proposal next year. 📃 (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Sports

Red Sox player Xander Bogaerts decided to play ball with the San Diego Padres for the 2023 season — and the decade that follows. Pending a physical exam, the shortstop will join the team after signing an 11-year, $280 million contract. ⚾ (MLB)

Coming Soon

National City is making it a double with plans to open its second In-N-Out Burger. The chain will begin construction on its new site on Plaza Drive — the former home of Family House of Pancakes — after an appeal was granted by city council. An opening date has not yet been announced. 🍔 (CBS 8)
Say ‘ello to Pret A Manger — a grab-and-go style restaurant that sells prepackaged food and drinks like sandwiches, salads, wraps, tea, and coffee. The UK-based chain plans to open at least 40 stores in Southern California, including several San Diego locations, starting as early as summer 2023. 🇬🇧 (Eater San Diego)

Tech

San Diego is fighting back against cyberattacks. The city launched its Regional Cyber Lab this week with support from $928,000 in grant funding from the US Department of Homeland Security. The lab will study cyber threats and protection methods to support small businesses and local public agencies. 👾 (KPBS)

Real Estate

There’s a good chance your new neighbor is coming from LA. According to Redfin’s migration trends, the third quarter of 2022 saw 33,600 more people leave Los Angeles than move into the city. San Diego was the most popular relocation destination for former Angelenos. 📦 (Redfin)

Feel Good

San Diego County helped families get connected by donating 175 computers to households that opened their doors to foster children. The initiative is part of the Computers for Resource Families program, which helps young San Diegans build the digital skills they need to be successful. 🖥️

Stat

Of all the challenges people have faced in 2022, 43% of buyers said finding a home that best suits their needs was the toughest challenge.*

Shop

Wanna gift outside the box this year? Opt for an experiential gift from Uncommon Goods. From monthly gift subscriptions (like this Game of the Month Subscription) to hands-on classes taught by expert instructors (like a Raindrop Cake Class or Paint Your Pet Class), there’s something for everyone on your list.*

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A tale of two bars

Lime in the Coconut brings two new bars to Chula Vista

Two bars, one location. This isn’t SPAM — but you will find it on the menu.

Lime in the Coconut and the X speakeasy in Chula Vista — Lime in the Coconut and the bar neXt door.

Downtown Chula Vista welcomed Lime in the Coconut, a tropical-themed tiki bar + restaurant. Inside the vibrant lounge you’ll find a menu curated by executive chef Jeremy Galapon (formerly of Bali Hai) that draws inspiration from island cuisines from Hawaii, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, and the Caribbean.

Of course, when you put lime in the coconut, you’re probably making cocktails. The restaurant’s drink menu is catered by local consultants Snake Oil Cocktail Co. — and yes, there are mocktails too.

But, there’s something X-tra at this location. A sign marks the spot where you’ll enter X, an attached speakeasy. This cool hideaway is only for people in the know, so if you want the password, you’ll need to make a reservation before you enter.

🥥 248 3rd Ave., Chula Vista

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Michael.

Editor’s pick: Happy Friday, San Diego. I have a wild weekend planned, because Jungle Bells is back at the San Diego Zoo. It mixes my love for holiday lights and visiting the zoo at night, plus it’s included with admission or membership. Beyond that, there will also be music, performances, and seasonal treats — and I’m here for all of it.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? How to watch the 2022 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Monica Garske, Michael Beausoleil, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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