Week of October 19–25, 2026

Your 5–7 minute guide to San Diego news, business, real estate, restaurants, sports, and the best things happening around town.

Happy Monday!

San Diego is heading into the final full week of October, and there's plenty happening across the county.

One of the biggest stories involves the future of professional women's soccer. The owners of San Diego Wave FC have proposed building a new stadium at the Del Mar Fairgrounds as part of a major entertainment and commercial development.

Meanwhile, the massive Midway Rising redevelopment is moving closer to a final City Council vote, San Diego is beginning its first comprehensive update of the Balboa Park Master Plan in nearly four decades, and mortgage rates remain at their highest level in almost three years.

And if you're looking for something fun this weekend, Halloween celebrations are taking over San Diego.

Birch Aquarium hosts Halloween Aglow, Liberty Station celebrates Halloween at the Station, Little Italy welcomes trick-or-treaters, and Oceanside celebrates Día de los Muertos.

Sports fans also have plenty to look forward to.

San Diego FC hosts Seattle on Saturday night, the Wave return home Sunday, SDSU visits Colorado State, and USD football heads to Dayton.

Let's get into it.

⚽ San Diego Wave: Team owners propose a new 12,000–16,000-seat soccer stadium at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

🏗 Midway Rising: A proposed $4.2 billion redevelopment advances toward a full San Diego City Council vote.

🌳 Balboa Park: San Diego launches a new master-planning process and invites residents to share ideas.

🏡 Real Estate: September's countywide median home sale price reached $899,000, up 1.6% year over year.

🏦 Mortgage Rates: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate holds at 7.40%.

🥐 Local Business: Popular San Diego bakery IZOLA announces plans for a second location in Sorrento Valley.

🐠 New Attraction: Birch Aquarium opens its new Axolotl's Garden exhibition Wednesday.

🎃 Halloween Aglow: Friday and Saturday evenings at Birch Aquarium.

🚴 Bike the Coast: Saturday in Oceanside.

⚽ San Diego FC: Hosts Seattle Sounders Saturday at 7:30 PM.

🌊 San Diego Wave: Hosts Boston Legacy Sunday at 4 PM.

🏈 SDSU: Visits Colorado State Saturday at 3:30 PM Pacific.

🏈 USD: Visits Dayton Saturday at 9 AM Pacific.

🎉 Halloween at the Station: Sunday from noon to 4 PM.

💀 Oceanside Día de los Muertos: Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM.

Could San Diego's professional women's soccer team eventually have a stadium of its own?

The owners of San Diego Wave FC have presented an ambitious development proposal for the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

The centerpiece would be a new 12,000–16,000-seat soccer stadium.

The preliminary proposal also includes:

• A 300-room hotel

• A 125,000-square-foot convention center

• Approximately 350,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space

• A parking structure accommodating roughly 1,300 vehicles

The proposed stadium would occupy part of the existing fairgrounds parking area.

The team's owners are requesting an exclusive two-year negotiating period to develop the proposal further.

If eventually approved, the stadium could open around 2031.

Why it matters: The Wave currently share Snapdragon Stadium with San Diego FC and San Diego State University.

A dedicated soccer stadium could provide the Wave with greater control over scheduling, a more intimate game-day atmosphere, and additional commercial opportunities.

Important: This is still an early proposal. No final development approval has been granted.

One of San Diego's largest proposed redevelopment projects just took another step forward.

On October 16, the City Council's Land Use and Housing Committee advanced the Midway Rising proposal toward consideration by the full City Council.

The project would transform approximately 48.5 acres of city-owned land surrounding the existing Sports Arena.

Plans include:

🏟 A new 16,000-seat arena

🏡 Approximately 4,254 residential units

🏠 A proposed 2,000 affordable housing units

🛍 Approximately 130,000 square feet of retail

🌳 New parks and public spaces

🚧 Major infrastructure improvements

The estimated overall project cost is approximately $4.2 billion.

Supporters point to the potential housing, jobs, and economic activity.

Critics have raised concerns about environmental conditions, flooding risks, and the project's financial arrangements.

Why it matters: Midway Rising could significantly change the appearance and economy of the Midway District.

A final City Council decision is still pending.

San Diego is beginning something it hasn't done in nearly 40 years.

The city has launched a comprehensive update of the Balboa Park Master Plan.

The last comprehensive plan was adopted in 1989.

The new planning process will examine:

• Park maintenance and improvements

• Transportation and accessibility

• Historic preservation

• Recreation facilities

• Environmental protection

• Long-term funding

City officials are inviting residents to participate through surveys and public engagement opportunities.

The planning process is expected to continue through 2028.

Why it matters: Balboa Park is one of San Diego's most valuable cultural and recreational assets.

The decisions made through this process could influence how residents and visitors experience the park for decades.

A fast-moving wildfire at Camp Pendleton has served as another reminder of Southern California's continuing fire risk.

As of Saturday afternoon, October 17, the Henderson Fire had burned approximately 3,132 acres and was reported 35% contained.

The fire prompted evacuations and temporary closures along Interstate 5.

Firefighters continued working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots.

The cause remained under investigation.

Why it matters: Dry vegetation and changing winds can create dangerous wildfire conditions even outside the traditional peak fire season.

Residents traveling through North County should continue checking official fire and traffic updates.

The latest countywide numbers show home prices holding relatively steady while transaction activity slows.

🏡 Median Home Sale Price: $899,000

📈 Year-Over-Year Price Change: +1.6%

🏘 Closed Home Sales: 1,827

📉 Closed Sales Change: -11.6%

📝 Pending Sales: 1,881

📉 Pending Sales Change: -10.9%

🏠 New Listings: 2,925

📉 New Listings Change: -7.1%

🏦 Average 30-Year Mortgage Rate: 7.40%

Housing figures are September 2026 countywide all-home data from the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®. Mortgage rates reflect Freddie Mac's October 15 national survey.

San Diego's housing market continues sending mixed signals.

Prices are still higher than a year ago.

But fewer homes are selling.

September closed sales declined nearly 12%, while pending sales dropped approximately 11%.

Higher borrowing costs remain a significant obstacle for buyers.

Freddie Mac's latest survey shows the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate holding at 7.40%, unchanged from the previous week.

That's the highest level in nearly three years.

Pay attention to homes that have been on the market longer than expected.

Sellers may be more willing to negotiate repairs, closing costs, or mortgage-rate buydowns.

Pricing correctly is essential.

With borrowing costs elevated, buyers are increasingly sensitive to the monthly payment rather than just the asking price.

One of San Diego's popular artisan bakeries is growing.

IZOLA plans to open a second location at 9276 Scranton Road in Sorrento Valley.

The new bakery is expected to open in December.

San Diego Regional EDC reports that local defense technology company Digital Force Technologies has secured a $500 million Department of War agreement.

The development highlights the continued importance of defense and advanced technology to the regional economy.

San Diego Regional EDC and its partners placed 83 paid interns at 55 local companies through a summer workforce-development initiative.

Programs like this help students gain experience while giving businesses access to emerging talent.

Looking for something different this week?

Don Maguro is a newer Japanese seafood restaurant in Mira Mesa that has earned attention for its seafood rice bowls.

The restaurant specializes in kaisen don — seasoned rice topped with fresh seafood.

Popular offerings include:

🍣 Fresh seafood rice bowls

🍚 Salmon fried rice

🍝 Uni pasta

🍙 Sushi-style wraps

Diners can use the included nori sheets to create their own seafood hand rolls.

📍 8155 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite 3

This is a good option for anyone looking to try something beyond traditional sushi rolls.

If you haven't visited IZOLA yet, it's worth putting on your list.

The bakery is known for fresh croissants and sourdough bread.

Its creative croissant selections include flavors inspired by Korean and Mexican cuisine.

The owners plan to expand into Sorrento Valley later this year.

Try Don Maguro for lunch this week.

Or stop by IZOLA for a fresh pastry and coffee before exploring downtown.

6:00–8:30 PM • Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium transforms into a family-friendly Halloween destination.

Expect:

🎃 Underwater pumpkin carving

🍬 Trick-or-treating

🔬 Interactive science activities

👻 Costumes

🎶 Live entertainment

🐠 Aquarium exhibits after dark

The event continues Saturday evening.

Separate event tickets are required.

6:00–8:00 PM • Bay Terraces Community Park

A free community celebration featuring:

• Games

• Candy

• Jumpers

• Car show

• Haunted maze

📍 7445 Tooma Street

Admission is free.

Morning • Oceanside

Hundreds of cyclists are expected to participate in Bike the Coast.

The event features several distances, including:

🚴 25-mile ride

🚴 50-mile ride

🚴 100-mile ride

The routes showcase North County's coastline.

A finish-line celebration near Oceanside Pier includes entertainment, vendors, and food.

Cycling registration is required.

10:00 AM–2:00 PM • Santee Lakes

Families can enjoy:

🍬 Trunk-or-treating

🎃 Halloween activities

🎨 Face painting

🎶 Music

👨‍👩‍👧 Games and inflatables

The event is free, with regular park parking charges.

Evening • USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway transforms into a Halloween destination overlooking San Diego Bay.

Activities include costumes, music, family entertainment, and an outdoor screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

Tickets are required.

7:30 PM • Snapdragon Stadium

San Diego FC returns home for Fan Appreciation Night.

The celebration includes a team poster giveaway and special fan activities.

With the MLS playoff race continuing, this should be an exciting Saturday night in Mission Valley.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM • Downtown Oceanside

One of North County's signature cultural celebrations returns.

The festival features:

🌼 Traditional altars

🎨 Arts and crafts

🚗 Classic cars

🎶 Cultural entertainment

👨‍👩‍👧 Family activities

📍 Pier View Way and surrounding downtown streets

12:00–4:00 PM • Liberty Station

A free Halloween celebration for the entire family.

Activities include:

🍬 Trick-or-treating

🎃 Costume contests

🎶 Live DJ

🚗 Car show

🎨 Crafts

👨‍👩‍👧 Family activities

📍 Ingram Plaza

Organizers are also collecting nonperishable food donations to support military families and veterans.

3:30–7:30 PM • Little Italy

Little Italy businesses welcome families for an evening of trick-or-treating.

Participating businesses along India Street will distribute treats.

The event also features decorations, activities, and photo opportunities.

It's a great way to enjoy one of San Diego's most walkable neighborhoods.

4:00 PM • Snapdragon Stadium

The Wave return home for Military Appreciation Night.

The club will also offer a commemorative coin giveaway.

Free admission.

Family activities.

Costume contests.

Local businesses.

And an opportunity to support military families through food donations.

This week's top family-friendly pick is Halloween at the Station.

The Padres' 2026 season has ended.

San Diego finished the regular season 91–71, swept the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card Series, and advanced to the National League Division Series.

Milwaukee eliminated San Diego in four games.

There are no Padres games scheduled this week.

Attention now turns to offseason roster decisions and preparations for 2027.

San Diego FC vs. Seattle Sounders

⏰ 7:30 PM Pacific

📍 Snapdragon Stadium

The match is also Fan Appreciation Night.

San Diego continues fighting for postseason positioning as the MLS regular season approaches its conclusion.

The Wave return home after securing a home playoff quarterfinal with a 2–1 victory over North Carolina Courage on October 17.

San Diego Wave vs. Boston Legacy

⏰ 4:00 PM Pacific

📍 Snapdragon Stadium

📺 Victory+

The match is Military Appreciation Night.

SDSU at Colorado State

⏰ 3:30 PM Pacific

📍 Fort Collins, Colorado

📺 The CW

The Aztecs continue their inaugural Pac-12 Conference football season.

USD at Dayton

⏰ 9:00 AM Pacific

📍 Dayton, Ohio

The Toreros are coming off a 38–13 Homecoming victory over Valparaiso.

USD continues Pioneer Football League competition.

San Diego should experience a significant cooldown after the recent stretch of unusually hot October weather.

The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures gradually falling into the low 70s near the coast.

Rain chances increase around the middle of the week.

National Weather Service forecast available October 18 for coastal San Diego. Sunday's detailed forecast was not yet published.

🌡 Biggest Change: Cooler temperatures return after the recent heat wave.

🌧 Rain Watch: Wednesday evening through Thursday.

🏖 Best Outdoor Day: Saturday currently looks favorable.

🎃 Halloween Events: Friday and Saturday should be cooler and more comfortable than last weekend.

🌊 Beach Safety: A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect through Tuesday morning. Check conditions before entering the ocean.

🌡 Inland Reminder: East County and inland valleys may experience different temperatures and rainfall amounts.

Weather forecasts may change throughout the week.

Here's a positive story about San Diego's future workforce.

San Diego Regional EDC and its partners helped place 83 paid interns at 55 local companies during a summer workforce-development program.

The program connects students with businesses where they can gain valuable experience.

For students, paid internships provide an opportunity to develop professional skills and build relationships.

For employers, they provide access to emerging talent.

And for San Diego, programs like this help strengthen the local workforce.

More opportunities for students.

More talent for businesses.

And more young professionals building careers in San Diego.

That's good news.

This week's Neighborhood Spotlight belongs to Little Italy.

With Trick-or-Treat on India Street happening Sunday, it's a perfect weekend to explore one of San Diego's most popular neighborhoods.

Little Italy offers:

✔ Restaurants

✔ Coffee shops

✔ Bakeries

✔ Local boutiques

✔ Piazza della Famiglia

✔ Waterfront access

✔ Farmers markets

✔ Art galleries

✔ Walkable streets

The neighborhood has become one of downtown San Diego's strongest dining and entertainment destinations.

Visit Sunday afternoon before the Halloween crowds arrive.

Grab lunch, explore the neighborhood, and stay for the evening festivities.

Trick-or-Treat on India Street begins at 3:30 PM.

• San Diego Wave's proposed Del Mar stadium

• Midway Rising's upcoming City Council vote

• San Diego's Balboa Park Master Plan

• Mortgage rates holding at 7.40%

• Slower September home sales

• Camp Pendleton wildfire recovery

• San Diego FC's MLS playoff positioning

• San Diego Wave's upcoming home playoff quarterfinal

• SDSU's first Pac-12 football season

• Padres offseason roster decisions

• San Diego restaurant expansions

• Halloween tourism and community events

"The best way to enjoy San Diego is to know what's happening before everyone else."

This week's Local Business Spotlight goes to IZOLA Artisan Bakery.

What started as a small operation during the pandemic has grown into one of San Diego's recognized artisan bakeries.

Owners Jenny Chen and Jeffrey Brown built their business around freshly baked croissants, sourdough bread, and hospitality.

Now the company is preparing to expand with a second location in Sorrento Valley.

The new bakery is expected to open in December.

The expansion is another example of a local business growing through creativity, persistence, and customer loyalty.

Supporting local businesses helps keep San Diego's neighborhoods and economy strong.

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Have a fantastic week, San Diego!

The Team @ San Diego Brief