Welcome to San Diego

Oceanside Real Estate

The third-largest city in San Diego County, Oceanside, California, is home to a large population and a robust real estate market. The city has about 180,000 residents. Like much of Southern California, the Oceanside real estate market was plundered by the economic downturn throughout the U.S., causing home prices to fall and foreclosures to rise, among other negative signs.

Over the past year, the Oceanside market has seen sales volume rise, peaking around the beginning of 2009 but remaining strong throughout the end of the year. Home prices steadily fell through most of the year, but the trough appears to have been reached in late summer/early fall, and prices have since began to slowly creep back up.

According to statistics from local realtor Neal Hribar of Keller Williams Realty, in February, the median price for a home in Oceanside was around $325,000, down from one year ago, when it was around $340,000, but up slightly from January and December’s figures, showing signs of a positively sloping upward trend. There were around 135 Oceanside homes for sale sold in February, a steady figure over the past several months and in line with sales figures a year ago.

The condo market shows similar trends, though pricing in the market seems to be slower in coming out of the trough that was reached and maintained throughout most of the summer and fall of 2009. There were about 70 condos sold in Oceanside in February, up slightly from one year ago and stable with the past several months’ activity. The median price for a condo was about $160,000, a steep drop from more than $230,000 in September of 2008 but up slightly from the lows around $150,000 seen over the summer.

La Jolla Real Estate

The La Jolla real estate market, as well as the greater Southern California real estate market in general, has started to recover from the economic recession which peaked several months earlier. According to a November 25, 2009 article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, “San Diego County home prices continued their months-long climb in September but at a slower  pace than during the summer, the closely watched Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed yesterday. Mirroring trends elsewhere, San Diego’s index was up 0.9 percent from August, the slowest month-to-month rise since May. But on a year-over-year basis, the 5.7 percent decline was the smallest in more than two years. Analysts have attributed part of the improved housing market to the federal government’s $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, which was scheduled to end this month. It has been extended to spring and expanded to include some move-up homebuyers.”

La Jolla home sales have also risen along with the rest of the San Diego region and Southern California. According to a November 17, 2009 blog post in the Wall Street Journal by James R. Hagerty, “Home prices in Southern California are showing signs of leveling off, at least for now. Home sales in Southern California rose modestly in October, and prices were above year-earlier levels in two counties, San Diego and Orange, MDA DataQuick reported. Overall in the six-county area, the median sale price declined by the smallest amount in two years, the La Jolla, Calif., data provider said. It cited a ’shrinking inventory of homes for sale and government and industry efforts to stoke demand and curtail foreclosures.’”

The good news for real estate in La Jolla was echoed by a November 20, 2009 article in the Los Angeles Times. The piece, composed by Alejandro Lazo, noted that “California home prices edged higher last month as first-time buyers took advantage of a federal tax credit and foreclosure properties made up a smaller slice of the market, fresh data showed up Thursday. The median price paid for a home statewide was $257,000 in October, up 2.4% from September and down 7.6% from October 2008, according to MDA DataQuick, a real estate research firm based in San Diego.”

San Diego’s Romantic Places

Being blessed with sparkling sea waters and breathtaking views of nature from sunrise to sunset, San Diego is sure to invite the most romantic ambiance you can ever imagine.  Simply setting your eyes on the marvelous landscapes, architectures and gardens in the city will make you feel hypnotized with a feeling of bliss.  So if you’ve been searching for the perfect romantic getaway and strengthen the bond between you and your significant other, there’s no better place to experience romance than San Diego’s premiere romantic hot-spots:

1.)   Mission Beach Boardwalk – Take your partner to a romantic walk by the shore while the moon and stars smile upon you.  A candlelight dinner would be perfect for a proposal you’ve long planned, or you could simply spend quality time with her and be spellbound by the live musical performances.

2.)   Hillcrest – A perfect spot if you and your partner love to go partying and barhopping.  You might be delighted to know that this is also the place where L.G.B.T. communities hold celebrations for gender diversity. Diners and shoppers are also bound to have a great time no matter what time of day.

3.)   Little Italy – This place is the next best thing to getting an authentic Italian experience.  A date with your loved one here will surely knock you off your feet.

4.)   San Diego Zoo – You might think that zoos are just for family and children, but this place completely redefines your zoo experience to give lovers the perfect ambiance of love.  With lush greens, wonderful animals, fascinating landscapes and delectable dishes combined in one romantic atmosphere, what more can you ask for?

5.)   La Jolla Cove – This upscale venue is home to the luxurious restaurants, giving you a uniquely new fine dining experience.  A perfect place for making proposals – whether it’s in the cliff side or the beach, there won’t be any reason for your lady to say no.   No matter what level your relationship is at, the memories you’ll get here will be something to treasure forever.

6.)   Seaport Village – If you are looking for a captivating view of the bay, then Seaport Village is the place to be. With its wide range of high-class restaurants, shops and a magnificent view of the Coronado Bridge, it will surely complete your romantic getaway.  And don’t forget visiting Coronado Island – experience being secluded in the most romantic way.  Or if you like to get a perfect aerial view of the city of San Diego, simply get on Hyatt’s 40^th floor and let the sights take your breath away.

7.)   Balboa Park – The place has been classified as one of the most romantic places you can take your partner to.  You could imagine so many couples craving to get their pre-wedding pictures taken right on this romantic hot-spot.  The picturesque landscapes, gardens and Spanish-themed buildings all add to the romantic ambiance.  So whether its stargazing you are up to, dining in a romantic restaurant like The Prado, or simply having a stroll with your loved one, a tour in Balboa Park will surely make your romantic getaway a moment you will never forget.

San Diego For Visitors

For tourists, there are a lot of things that San Diego has to offer; so much that you might find yourself running out of time just exploring the city itself.  Outdoor activities are pretty much abundant, and San Diego never comes short on adventures.  No matter what season of the year you decide to visit the city, always make sure that you drop by the top three attractions here which include Wild Animal Park, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.  Shoppers can indulge themselves at Old Town, beachgoers have so many places to get wet and wild, and those looking for great quality accommodations can stay at Gaslamp Quarter.

Tourists can also visit historical structures and magnificent feats of architecture in San Diego.  One well-known individual who played an integral part in the city’s architecture is Irving Gill, who came in the year 1983 and created dazzling building designs which are a perfect combination with the desert-like landscape.  Elegantly designed homes can be found in Uptown San Diego and La Jolla, while the First Church of Christ Scientist is one of his renowned masterpieces and has been part of the National Historic Landmark.

San Diego is also home to Spanish-Mediterranean-themed buildings and of one them is the Serra Museum which can be found at Presidio Park.  A wave of innovation has overwhelmed the city after World War II, and evidence of it can be found all over the city’s downtown and business centers.

For tourists who are very fond of gardens, San Diego is a definitely a gardener’s Utopia.  Balboa Park should definitely be part of your itinerary – in here you’ll find all sorts of flora that is sure to delight your senses.  Get the chance to experience serenity at its finest inside the Japanese Friendship Garden, as well as in the Botanical Building and Lily Pod.  Be mesmerized by the majestic gardens covering the 30 acres of land in the Quail Botanical Gardens at Encinitas.  There are many more spectacular landscapes and gardens that await you at San Diego – it will surely make you come back for more.

You might also be interested in the military history of San Diego – it has shaped the city so much into what it is right now.  Around 33% of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet is stationed in San Diego’s harbor, and each year every October, the city hold a number of celebrations and ceremonies to commemorate the contributions of the armed forces to the city’s history.  The centerpiece of the harbor is the USS Midway, which has served in the navy Post-World War II until the Gulf War and also houses the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.

Once you head to the downtown district of San Diego, take time to visit famous structures such as the Gaslamp Quarter, or the Horton Plaza shopping center for your shopping convenience.  And for whole new fine dining experience, check out Seaport Village, which was specially designed to mimic the New England harbor and give its patrons the chance to embark on daily tours to experience San Diego from a different point of view.

If you are looking for a place for adventure and city pleasures, then San Diego may just be your best bet.  At San Diego, you’ll never run out of choices, and there is plenty of activities and places to go to – so much that you’ll more likely run out of time before you run out of things to do!  So whether its sunbathing, surfing or hiking adventures, a walk in the park, shopping, or simply a view of nature is what you are looking for, you won’t regret visiting San Diego – that’s for sure!

Underwater Volcanoes Off the Coast of San Diego

Submarine Volcanoes beneath the coastlines of San Diego are of one the most magnificent geological attractions in the United States.  The deep sea is so vast, full of mysteries, and most of us won’t have the chance to have a personal experience exploring its well hidden secrets, but thanks to advanced underwater photography, we all have the chance to see them.  Volcanoes such as these are an awesome sight to see, especially with their towering tubes which are spewing some kind of smoke and other gaseous elements.  You might just be surprised to know that despite this seemingly hostile environment, there still are some creatures thriving alongside these volcanoes.

In the recent years, these submarine volcanoes have showing some signs of activity, and some experts are convinced that the heat they generate through the water has some effect on the weather systems in the United States, not to mention its effect on the El Nino phenomenon.  Also, this volcanic activity has caused some significant effect on some marine life; giant squids were recently found washed up in the coastlines of San Diego.  Even our atmosphere is being affected as the immense amount of volcanic gases rises up from the ocean surface.

From space, these volcanic gases can clearly be seen with the use of spectrometers, and the way they affect weather patterns and airflows can properly be observed.  Scientists conclude that these are just naturally-occurring phenomenon and are part of the ecological balance.  Fortunately for us, we are able to study these geological structures to help us understand more about them and how they affect the world we live in.

San Diego and Immigration

Immigration to San Diego has always gathered so many discussions and debates not only for the city itself, but also the entire United States as well.  The truth is, it is not legal immigration that gives headaches to the citizens, but it is illegal immigration that proves to be a real burden.  Citizens are convinced that this is what hampers the city’s economic growth and is unfair for citizens who live in it legally.  To make matters worse, illegal immigration is making the state of California sink in a quicksand of debts, and unless something is done about it, more economic problems are sure to come.

The issue on illegal immigrants is not just the problem of San Diego but the rest of the United States as well.  Citizens though have different viewpoints in handling illegal immigrants: some would like them to be arrested and deported back to their home country, while some agree on granting pardon to illegal immigrants who have been living in the country for a considerable amount of time and just beef up the security measure to ensure that the country’s borders are well protected.

There are also some who are convinced that there shouldn’t be any exceptions given for illegal immigrants since it isn’t certain just how big their impact would be on San Diego’s economy.  Assessment of the financial amount that illegal immigrants cost the city cannot be properly made because it is difficult to get honest answers from individuals when asked about the status of their citizenship.  Come to think about it, what would be the chances that illegal immigrants will admit that they have entered the country illegally?  And besides, most people see it as an insult to be questioned about their citizenship status.

Another issue related to the San Diego illegal immigration problems is with regards to the process of acquiring a US Citizenship legally.  The truth is, the process of becoming a US Citizen isn’t that complex, even when compared to other countries near the US border.  And because acquiring permission to live in the United States is somewhat easy, it’s quite hard to comprehend why individuals just won’t go through the legal process so that there won’t be any problems at all.

If you will be asked, are you in favor of granting pardon for individuals who have been living illegally in the United States, let alone become citizens?  Or do you think it would be better if all illegal immigrants just be deported back to their home country?  Feel free to discuss your thoughts and comments on this matter at the comments section!

San Diego Attractions

Well-known as the birthplace of Spanish California, San Diego is the place capable of bringing love into the air.  Whether you are looking for a place to relax, say your wedding vows, or simply spending quality time with your family, the attractions found in San Diego will definitely capture the hearts of people of all ages and passion.

If it’s the beach you can’t get enough of, San Diego is just the right place to enjoy swimming and relaxing under the California Sun.  For children, especially animal lovers, SeaWorld offers a place where you can see and interact with a wide range of marine life such as dolphins, whales, sharks, penguins and sea lions.  The zoos here at San Diego are teeming with wildlife, and there’s so much to see inside.  A recreational venue such as Balboa Park is an excellent place to enjoy alluring gardens, magnificent museums and inspiring plays.

If you like sports and adventure, numerous choices are available for you – be it surfing, kayaking, motor biking or hiking.  Snorkeling enthusiasts will also have a great time at San Diego, which features a stunning underwater ecological park and so many snorkeling spots.

Couples can also opt to get accommodations in Victorian-inspired suites in a hotel which has been part of the city’s colorful history, as well as being very near to other places of interest.  Downtown San Diego will surely be a delight for shoppers, food lovers, and people looking for breathtaking views of the city.

Also, don’t forget to drop by the Torrey Pines State Reserve, where you can find the rarest and most exotic of animals inside their zoos.  They also feature an exciting trolley ride to the city’s Old Town, and who can resist the spectacular view of the crystal clear waters of the San Diego beach?

Wedding Reception in San Diego

If you are looking to give your wedding reception a touch of class and elegance, then San Diego may just be what you need.  Wedding couples have so much to choose from since San Diego is a coastal city, which means there are numerous places that offer magnificent views of the sea – perfect for a romantic wedding reception.  The city’s Creole influences also works wonders in infusing cultural color to the wedding itself.

Keep in mind that your wedding reception must still be well within the budget limit.  Besides this, other important factors to consider include the distance of your chosen venue from the main city, the facilities which are available for use, and the type of dishes offered by the catering staff.

What can be more unique and luxurious than having a wedding reception on board a million-dollar yacht?  Judging by the description, a wedding reception on board a yacht is definitely a prestige in which only the rich and famous are usually capable of having.  The ambiance offered by this kind of reception is almost next to nothing, with high class waiters and staff, expensive wines, DJ’s and the most lavish parties and wedding cake you can think of!  With rates ranging from $70 to $200 per head, you’ll need all the purchasing power you have to experience the luxury of a yacht wedding reception.

Your wedding reception of course need not be that expensive to truly make it an unforgettable experience.  San Diego is a haven of choices, and with so much to choose from, you’ll never run out of options no matter what your budget threshold is.  Take Los Willows for instance, a place offering privacy and tranquility for its guests, at a much reasonable price range.  Featuring a French-inspired pavilion area, wedding receptions can now be held no matter how warm or cold the season is.  Wedding couples can now have their wedding in style with classic white tables and chairs, paired with exquisite chinaware which will truly set the mood for the couple and their guests.  And let’s not forget the centerpiece of the event: the lovely wedding cake, along with the traditional and exciting champagne toast!

Hotel and resort accommodations are also a specialty in San Diego, and a great choice to celebrate your wedding reception.  Try checking out Paradise Point’s irresistible wedding packages – imagine staying in an elegant suite in the middle of a lush 44-acre island right inside Mission Bay!  Or if you have something else in mind, you might find the Paradise Ballroom, Outdoor Lawn and Sandy Beach to your liking.

San Diego also offers wedding reception venues that are in close proximity to the city.  Four Seasons Hotel gives wedding couples this kind of ambiance, and will gladly set everything up so that the event can be as hassle-free as possible.  Once you decide to have your reception with them, all you have to do is sit back and relax as they will be the one to fix everything up for you, including the flower arrangements, cakes, food, photographers, entertainers and other important matters.

Mexican and Asian Cuisine – Which San Diego

If you are looking for an unforgettable dining experience, you might want to try out visiting San Diego.  With a wide range of food choices such as freshly caught seafood, mouth-watering steaks, delectable sushi and irresistible taco salads, you won’t have a hard a time satisfying your cravings.  Although California is home to a variety of dishes, some highlight the best that the state has to offer.  While people from Manhattan are typically fond of steaks and Italian food, citizens of San Diego have discovered a unique blend of Mexican and Japanese cuisine that is sure to bring out joy to every palate.

In San Diego, Mexican-themed restaurants are very common these days, and it is on the southern part of the county nearest to Mexico where you can savor the finest Mexican cuisine.

A good place to start would be Candelas on The Bay.  This restaurant features a breathtaking view of the Coronado Bay and gives its patrons a relaxing ambiance while indulging in delicious Mexican inspired dishes.

Also situated on the Coronado Island is the Achiote Restaurant.  With their old town style ambiance welcoming you at the doorstep, as well as the exquisite food presentation, it’s the closest thing you’ll get in experiencing an authentic Mexican dining experience.

A visit to the tourist attraction well-known as Old Town San Diego will definitely complete your day if you still can’t get enough from your Mexican adventures.  The place is just near Little Italy, and inside you’ll get to witness how ceramics and flour tortilla are made the Mexican way!  And if you get a little hungry on your expedition, try checking out Old Town Café and Coyote Café for a good dose of burrito and enchilada.

Japanese food has also long been part of the San Diego cuisine, as well as other well-known Asian dishes.  Sushi is a very popular treat here, and a great number of sushi bars are located in Downtown and Hillcrest.

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, one of the most critically acclaimed is Café Japengo, which is located in La Jolla.  They have fused together Pacific Rim and Asian favorites to treat its customers with an unforgettable Japanese dining experience.  Quite expensive though, but very well worth it considering the quality and service they are offering.

Primarily located at the city’s uptown area, Kemo Sabe restaurant takes advantage of the artistic soul coming from Hillcrest in order to make the most elegant and unique flavors in their Pacific Rim style dishes.

In 5^th Avenue downtown area, another Sushi bar is redefining the way people eat sushi.  At Taka Sushi, dishes are served with utmost precision, in ways that is sure to take your Japanese dining experience to a whole new level.

Another downtown restaurant, Nobu, which can be found inside the Hard Rock Hotel, treats its customers to authentic Japanese sushi and cuisine courtesy of the world renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa.  The place is just nearby the convention center, so be sure to drop by when you’re in the area.

San Diego Tech

If you’re looking for leading-edge careers in a location where warm sunshine and cool ocean breezes mix with some of the hottest technologies in the world, the place to be is San Diego. The San Diego Tech Force is a non-profit organization of leading San Diego high technology companies that have formed to promote San Diego and the many high-tech opportunities available through their member companies.

NEW IMPROVED FEATURE: We’ve upgraded our resume database enabling you to post your resume in Rich Text Format (RTF). The upgrades also allow employers quicker and easier access to your resumes! Be sure to also check out “What’s New” for information on our job fairs and other breaking news, visit our member companies, tap into our job database, or if you’re just looking for information about this great city, cruise through some of San Diego’s hot sites and cool links.