MEET JOHN
Hello! I’ve been a familiar face in San Diego real estate for almost 30 years. I’m the developer who built two stunning homes in Mission Hills, as well as the sleek Cairo condominiums in Hillcrest. I’ve also attracted national attention as the owner and “star personality” at Meshuggah Shack, the quirky coffee bar in Mission Hills.
Hoping to find the home of your dreams? I’m here to help you with every step of the process and make it as smooth as possible.
Ready to sell your home and move on to the next chapter? I can bring you the most qualified buyers and sell your home at the top price.
CLIENT REVIEWS
Professional, dedicated, personal, knowledgeable, kind…this is what it feels like to work with John.
David Halpern
John is the best! He is knowledgeable, professional, attentive and genuine. I will absolutely work with him again and highly recommend his services.
Candice Peterman
FEATURED LISTINGS
- 1/75 75
Active$108,000,000
10 Beds17 Baths12,981 SqFt1900 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Single Family Home
Listed by Brett Dickinson of Compass
- 1/25 25
Active$35,000,000
8 Beds10 Baths10,260 SqFt6308 Camino De La Costa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Single Family Home
Listed by Jason Saks of Douglas Elliman of California, Inc.
- 1/75 75
Active$33,995,000
8 Beds13 Baths14,768 SqFt1205 Muirlands Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Single Family Home
Listed by Craig Lotzof of Compass
- 1/24 24
Active$26,500,000
6 Beds8 Baths11,404 SqFt1410 Inspiration DR, La Jolla, CA 92037
Single Family Home
Listed by Drew Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate
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MY RECENT SALES
- 1/46 46
closed
$1,845,000
2.4%$1,800,000
4 Beds3 Baths1,910 SqFt1725 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
Single Family Home
Listed by Jorge Verdugo of Seller's Corner Real Estate
- 1/42 42
closed
$849,000
0.1%$850,000
3 Beds2 Baths1,401 SqFt6310 Severin Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Single Family Home
Listed by Katie Gouletas of Redfin Corporation
- 1/37 37
closed
$715,000
2.1%$730,000
3 Beds2 Baths1,205 SqFt7539 Normal AVE, La Mesa, CA 91941
Single Family Home
Listed by John Bertsch of Coldwell Banker West
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15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 19–24
Some say Christmastime can’t start until after Thanksgiving, but why fight the holiday spirit if it seeps in a little early? Put up those trees, listen to Mariah Carey, deck the halls—go nuts. And, while you’re at it, begin your holiday festivities with spirited events throughout San Diego. Gift shopping will be an all-day affair at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, Santee is lighting up a tree for the season, and the outdoor ice rink in Point Loma invites skaters to glide for a good cause. There’s also a cozy ramen festival, new theater productions, local business anniversaries, and many more things to do this weekend. Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to DoCourtesy Parfait ParisFood & Drink Events in San Diego This WeekendSan Diego Ramen FestivalNovember 21What better way to fight off the brutal SoCal cold than with a piping hot bowl of ramen? The San Diego Ramen Festival will offer a menu of 12-ounce selections to slurp. The festival takes place at the Handlery Hotel this Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. It also features live entertainment, local pop culture vendors, and ramen-inspired artwork. Ticket options include general admission passes ($44.52) with three ramen servings and VIP ($129.89) with perks like unlimited beer and sake samples, six ramen servings and an extra hour of admission (5 to 6 p.m.). 950 Hotel Circle North, Mission ValleyParfait Paris 10-Year Anniversary PartyNovember 23Parfait Paris is saluting a decade of decadence in San Diego by throwing a street festival packed with sweets. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Parisian bakery will offer an assortment of French goodies, along with bites from The Sushi Stand and drinks courtesy of Understory Bar and Hopnonymous Brewing Co. RSVPs are required for this anniversary event, with $5 admission for adults (redeemable for food and drinks) and free entry for children and teens under the age of 15. 3555 India Street, MiddletownConcerts & Festivals in San Diego This WeekendCyndi Lauper at Viejas ArenaNovember 20Cyndi Lauper sang some of the defining hits of the 1980s and composed the beloved musical adaption of Kinky Boots. Now, on her final arena tour, Lauper is here to remind us all that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Tickets are on sale for $55.10 for Wednesday’s concert at Viejas Arena. 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, RolandoSan Diego Live Aid November 21Many San Diego families were affected by the devastating rain storms that hit the city in early January. To raise proceeds for them, three local tribute groups—All Fired Up, Supreme Legacy, and The Mamas & The Papas Experience—are throwing a special charity concert. This Thursday evening at Humphreys Backstage Live, guests will hear timeless renditions of nostalgic hits. Tickets range from $23.60 to $39.102241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter IslandCourtesy Oceanside Museum of ArtTheater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This WeekendYour Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again at La Jolla PlayhouseNovember 19–December 15In Your Local Theater Presents…, Julliard grad Eddie can’t escape a local production of A Christmas Carol. There will be six preview performances of this world-premiere play at the La Jolla Playhouse now through Nov. 23, with tickets ranging from $30 to $72 before the show officially opens on Nov. 26. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La JollaJust Like Us at Grossmont College Stagehouse TheatreNovember 21–23 Based on Helen Thorpe’s nonfiction book of the same name, Just Like Us follows four Latina teenagers who, as the children of undocumented immigrants, are impacted by the heated national debate on immigration. There will be four performances of Just Like This, as well as additional shows Dec. 5–7. Tickets for the general public are $18. This Grossmont College production will also have performances on December 5–7.8800 Grossmont College Drive, El CajonTres minutos at Jacobs Music CenterNovember 22Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides and librettist Marella Martin Koch’s poignant chamber opera, Tres minutos, reckons with the devastation of sudden deportation. The title of the program is inspired by Border Angels’ initiative that grants families three minutes of reunification at the border. The Border Angels documentary Love Has No Borders will be screened before the performance, and ticket-holders can attend an artist talkback after the show. Tickets to this musical program at Jacobs Music Center Friday night can be purchased for $35 here.1245 Seventh Avenue, DowntownCONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater’s joyUS justUS at Mandeville AuditoriumNovember 22 & 23Created and directed by Ana Maria Alvarez, joyUS justUS is a collaborative effort between communities of color in South Los Angeles, who aim to demonstrate joy as a form of resistance. General admission is $40 and can be purchased here.9500 Gilman Drive, La JollaIt’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Spreckels Performing Arts CenterNovember 22–December 15Beginning this Friday, the Spreckels Performing Arts Center will host an audio-centric take on a beloved holiday film, presenting It’s a Wonderful Life as a vintage radio play à la Orson Welles’ The War of The Worlds. There will be evening showings Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $32 and can be purchased here.5409 Snyder Rohnert Park, Rohnert ParkPST ART Weekend: San Diego & La JollaNovember 22-24Free interactive events are popping up all over San Diego this weekend as part of Getty’s PST ART initiative. PST ART Weekend: San Diego & La Jolla will include a festive art party at MCASD in La Jolla (Nov. 23), a hands-on art workshop in Oceanside (Nov. 24), the premiere of five new musical compositions derived from weather data at C You Saturday! (Nov. 23) at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Balboa Park, and much more. Best of all, most of the 20 events are free and only require an RSVP. CitywideGerman Expressionism at San Diego Museum of ArtOpens November 23Starting this Saturday, visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art can explore the museum’s German Expressionism exhibition, which documents a transformative period in the early 20th century when German and Austrian artists began to rail against tradition. The show will feature paintings, drawings, and prints endowed to SDMA’s permanent collection in 2011 from the estate of collector Vance E. Kondon. 1450 El Prado, Balboa ParkCourtesy Liberty StationMore Fun Things to Do in San Diego This WeekendCoin-Op Game Room 11th AnniversaryNovember 19Coin-Op Game Room is taking it totally retro for its 11th anniversary bash, with an ’80s-centric, neon-themed gathering this Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at its North Park location. The celebration features tunes from DJ KC Dalton, tattooing from American Gypsy Tattoo artist Sebastian Garcia, caricature art from Dianna Colina, and classic cocktails, from piña coladas to Midori sours. 3926 30th Street, North ParkRady Children’s Ice Rink at ARTS DISTRICTNovember 21–January 5 Liberty Station’s Central Promenade will once again play host to the outdoor Rady Children’s Ice Rink, with net proceeds going towards Rady Children’s Hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program. Guests can lace up their skates through January 5, beginning with this Thursday’s opening day from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and you can purchase them in advance here. 2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma Santee Holiday LightingNovember 22The city of Santee offers a plethora of family-friendly activities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday at the Santee Holiday Lighting. Held at Santee Trolley Square, this free event will feature live music by the Bayou Brothers, photos with Santa, face painting, sledding, arts and crafts activities, and of course, the tree-lighting ceremony. 9884 Mission Gorge Road, SanteeEncinitas Holiday Street FairNovember 24Explore more than 450 local arts, craft, and retail vendors at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free community event also includes kids’ rides, two live entertainment stages with local musicians and dancers, and a dog zone. Coast Highway 101 between D and J streets, EncinitasThe post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 19–24 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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Em Coffee House Opens in Mira Mesa
Only Brazil surpasses Vietnam when it comes to coffee production, but Vietnamese coffee culture also has deeply rooted traditions and a unique culture prized throughout the world. Coffee from the Southeast Asian country tends to be characterized by strong, intense flavors. It is traditionally prepared using a reusable metal filter called a “phin” for a more concentrated brew (similar to a French press). San Diegans can get a taste at Em Coffee House, which opens on Saturday, November 16 in Mira Mesa.Owner Nick Truong, who also owns a few Ding Tea locations around San Diego, moved to the United States from Vietnam when he was five years old but says he’s gone back and forth his entire life to visit family and friends. Two years ago, he and his wife Li realized the city lacked places to experience Vietnam’s specific coffee culture and decided to launch their own shop.Photo Credit: James Tran“We wanted to not just bring Vietnamese coffee beverages to our audience in San Diego, but also focus on creating modern and trendy coffee culture in an environment where people can come together, set aside their differences and busy lives, to just enjoy the vibe and be in the moment,” explains Truong.“Em” is a term of endearment in Vietnamese, and Truong says the shop is a love letter to his home country’s cafe culture. The menu will include phin coffees as well as espresso drinks, matcha, cold brew teas, milk teas, and other signature drinks, including the tiramisu-inspired Em White Truffle-Misu with cacao, a ladyfinger, and white chocolate truffle-flavored cream. A second Em location, (Em2) will open next year in Kearny Mesa, and he says he hopes to expand further.Em Coffee’s soft opening is this weekend, but the grand opening will be Saturday, November 30. Show up early, Truong advises. The first 200 customers will get a free tote. Courtesy of Coin-OpSan Diego Restaurant News & Food EventsOpportunities to Give Back This Month in Mount HopeProject New Village is in Southeast San Diego for a reason—it’s one of the most food-insecure regions in the county. However, the public can help the justice-centered organization’s efforts this month, starting Saturday, November 16, for their Community Work Day. Bring nonperishable food donations to the Mt. Hope Community Garden from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., then mark your calendar for Thursday, November 28. From noon to 3 p.m., volunteers will serve a Thanksgiving meal and give out groceries to those who need it most. Sign up to volunteer here and watch the group’s other initiatives by signing up for their newsletter.Coin-Op Game Room Hits 11 Years in North ParkTime flies when you’re having fun, especially at North Park’s original barcade. Coin-Op has been around for 11 years since it replaced El Take It Easy in 2013. (Raise your hand if you remember that and Hubcap!) On Tuesday, November 19, head inside the game area for an 80’s-themed celebration that kicks off at 8 p.m., featuring a DJ, caricature artists, cocktail specials, and, of course, plenty of pinball. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PB Page (@pacificbeachpage)Beth’s BitesThe Winslow, that behemoth apartment building looming over arguably the worst intersection in town where Washington St. turns into Normal St. before it meets Park Blvd. and El Cajon Blvd., is getting a caffeine boost. Inspired Coffee Roasters recently filed for an ABC license inside the building, so keep an eye out for coffee “born in New York and roasted in San Diego.”Speaking of ABC license applications, I saw another one for Jjang Korean Barbecue coming to 3637 Avocado Blvd., in the old IHOP building. I say the more KBBQ, the better, so here’s hoping this comes to fruition.San Diego is still waiting for our first sober-only bar, but Pacific Beach is about to get its first non-alcoholic bottle shop. Monday Morning opens on Saturday, November 23, at 1854 Garnet Avenue for all your alcohol-free needs. Pacific Beach seems like an interesting neighborhood to test the NA theory, but hey, I’m sure the neighbors are all for it!Have breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants or the city’s food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected].The post Em Coffee House Opens in Mira Mesa appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: November 12–17
Daytime temperatures will soon duck into the mid-60s in San Diego, but the city’s arts scene never takes a break for the chill. This week’s live music lineup includes a pair of concerts at Gallagher Square and a tribute to the region’s punk rock prowess at Punk in the Park. San Diegans can also flock to the theater for a trio of productions, and lovers of naan or cold beers will find much to enjoy at this week’s food and drink festivities. No matter what appeals to you the most, there are plentiful things to do in San Diego this weekend. Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to DoCourtesy of Pendry HotelsFood & Drink Events in San Diego This WeekendChefsgiving at Pendry San DiegoNovember 14Several of the city’s finest chefs will serve up an early Thanksgiving feast this Thursday at Pendry San Diego’s Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile from 6 to 9 p.m. NBC San Diego reporters Joe Little and Audra Stafford host Chefsgiving, an event in which local chefs will prepare dishes like duck carnitas, lobster mac n’ cheese, and dark chocolate truffle torte (see the full menu here) with wine pairings from The Prisoner Wine Company. Tickets for this 21-plus dinner are $150 per person, which includes a $30 donation to the San Diego Food Bank. 425 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Bikes & Beers San DiegoNovember 16This Saturday, push your pedals to the max for an ice-cold reward at AleSmith Brewing Company. At Bikes & Beers, cyclists can take a GPS-guided tour of San Diego, with a choice of a 15-, 30- or 45-mile race out and back with refreshments and rest stops along the way. Upon their return, riders can enjoy an afterparty featuring live music, games, raffles, and pint glasses full of beer. Ticket options range from $30 to $85 for Bikes & Beers. 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar October 22, 2024The Best Things to Do in San Diego This Month: Nov. 2024RELATED ARTICLEWorld Naan FestivalNovember 16The Encore Event Center hosts the second annual World Naan Festival from 12 to 4 p.m. this Saturday. Attendees can enjoy six naan tastings and several samples from each food vendor, along with cooking demonstrations and competitions, live music, henna design, and cultural dance performances. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 to 12 years old. 8253 Ronson Road, Kearny Mesa Fall Artisan Market & Wine Tasting FestNovember 16This Saturday, the Mission Bay Beach Club will welcome local retail and artisan vendors and winemakers for the Fall Artisan Market & Wine Tasting Fest. The free market will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music and plenty of chances for holiday shopping. The wine fest takes place from 2 to 5 p.m., and a $40 ticket gets you samples of 15 wines. 2688 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission BayCourtesy of Snapdragon StadiumConcerts & Festivals in San Diego This WeekendRainbow Kitten Surprise at the Rady ShellNovember 12At a Tuesday night show at the Rady Shell, alt rockers Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform tracks from Love Hate Music Box, the band’s latest album. Madi Diaz, whose new album Weird Faith features the countrified banger “Don’t Do Me Good” with Kacey Musgraves, will open. Tickets for Tuesday’s concert start at $74.60 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero Valley Arts FestivalNovember 15Celebrate Oceanside’s indigenous community at the annual Valley Arts Festival at Heritage Park, put on by the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians of the Luiseño Nation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday. This year’s festival features an educational kíicha, the traditional dome-shaped shelter of the Luiseño people. Friday’s entertainment will include Native American drumming, blues, and storytelling, as well as interactive community murals, dancing demonstrations, and activities like rock and gourd painting, basket weaving, and jewelry making. 220 Peyri Drive, OceansideCowboy Bebop LIVENovember 15Despite running for just over two dozen episodes at the turn of the century, Cowboy Bebop is one of the most enduring anime series of all time, with an international fan base, widespread acclaim, and even a live-action Netflix adaptation. Now, the intergalactic journeys of the Bebop’s bounty hunter crew will be soundtracked live by the 14-piece Bebop Bounty Big Band. As the animated adventures play out on the big screen at The Magnolia this Friday, the jazz ensemble will breathe even more life and love into a franchise that’s somehow still on the rise. Tickets start at $59 for this performance.210 East Main Street, El CajonConcerts at Gallagher Square at Petco Park November 15 & 17Though the nights are getting a bit frostier, outdoor concert season is still in full swing at Gallagher Square. On Friday night, rock bands Thrice and Manchester Orchestra will revisit their classics. Then, Sunday evening, Becky G will warm up the night with her Latin pop hits. Tickets for Friday’s show are on sale for $63.70 while tickets to Sunday’s performance will cost you at least $104. 100 Park Boulevard, DowntownPunk in the ParkNovember 16Spend your Saturday jamming out to SoCal punk rockers at Snapdragon Stadium’s Punk in the Park. Several regional bands will take the stage throughout the day, including Streetlight Manifesto, Manic Hispanic, and headliners The Offspring and Pennywise. VIP festivalgoers will enjoy prime stage views, plus exclusive food, bars, and access to a seated lounge. Tickets for Punk in the Park range from $88.50 to $753.15. 2101 Stadium Way, Mission ValleyCourtesy of Imperial Valley Hope & ResiliencePainting by Roberto R. PozosTheater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This WeekendMisery at Tenth Avenue Arts Center November 14–December 7In this stage adaptation of Misery, one of Stepen King’s most unsettling stories, an author finds himself in the clutches of a superfan who “rescues” him from a bad car wreck and sequesters him in her remote cabin. The Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company will preview the show through Nov. 22, followed by opening night on Nov. 23 at Tenth Avenue Arts Center. Tickets are $40.930 Tenth Avenue, East Village Trans Diaries at Diversionary Theatre November 15–16For two nights at the Diversionary Theatre, a group of five trans and nonbinary artists will share personal stories on stage for Trans Diaries. Joshua Gershick and director Shakina Nayfack lead a cast of returning and debut performers for the production’s fifth year. See Trans Diaries this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; you can make your free reservation to attend here.4545 Park Boulevard, University HeightsTiny Beautiful Things at Scripps Ranch TheatreNovember 15–December 8Based on Cheryl Strayed’s real-life “Dear Sugar” anonymous advice column, Tiny Beautiful Things is a tearjerker about grief, trauma, and making it through tough times. This production, originally adapted by Nia Vardalos from Strayed’s book of the same name, will run for 13 shows. Tickets range from $29 to $35. 9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch Roberto R. Pozos at Centro Cultural de la RazaNovember 15–December 22Tepatitlan native and longtime San Diego resident Roberto R. Pozos’s newest painting exhibition will grace the walls of Centro Cultural de la Raza beginning this Friday. Pozos is known for his vibrant logo designs, as well as his contributions to the murals of Chicano Park. The opening reception for his exhibition is this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.2004 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park Courtesy of San Diego Botanic GardenMore Fun Things to Do in San Diego This WeekendUnder the Stars: A Festive Autumn Evening at the SD Air & Space MuseumNovember 14Guests at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s “Under the Stars” evening will get an exclusive look after-hours this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature access to the museum’s Above and Beyond exhibit with space artifacts, private docent tours, live music from Gladish Night, and a buffet dinner. Tickets are $55.20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa ParkLightscape at the San Diego Botanic GardenNovember 15–January 5, 2025Every year, the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape installation creates an illuminated winter wonderland amid the usual natural flora. Those who want to see the installation will have the choice between value, off-peak and peak days, each with different ticket prices. This weekend, value tickets for non-members are available for $26 (adults) and $16 (children ages 3 to 12 years old). 300 Quail Gardens Drive, EncinitasThe post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: November 12–17 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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