Scott Elwell

That great annual event that graces the Embarcadero in the Marina District San Diego, the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival returns here November 16-20 with lots of great events, packages and purveyors. Residents and visitors should be aware that this event is always sold out and packed, and will be even more crazy this year because the Bay is also hosting the America's Cup races from November 12-20. Zowee, what a weekend! Tickets range from $65-175, the cheapest being for those who wish to be alcohol-free (designated drivers). There will be private parties and events throughout the area and special cooking classes as well. Featured wines are mainly from the most fertile California regions, and celebrity chefs will pair fantastic bites to satisfy the foodies. Go to worldofwineevents.com for more info. Wanna live here in Marina District San Diego?

Mission Hills and South Mission Hills, two of the most enticing and beautifully maintained neighborhoods in San Diego, have some important events occuring in the near future that I would like to share with you. First, great news for all Mission Hills residents is that a new Vons Supermarket is scheduled open in a few short months in the neighborhood, and Vons has shared what will be happening inside the market. Plans include a full-service floral department, a Starbuck's with seating, an expanded beer, wine and liquor area, a new pharmacy, expanded frozen food sales, an organic produce section, a full service bakery and new outside seating areas along with much, much more. next, on Saturday, November 12th from 10am-4pm there will be the third annual Mission Hills Artists Holiday Sale with hand crafted art by local artists at the United Church of Christ on Jackdaw St. Find something local for your South Mission Hills homes or consider a gift for a friend. Lastly, don't forget about the ongoing goal of planting 300,000 trees in San Diego by 2016. The city Urban Forest Community Council has determined that that's the number needed to restore the shade canopy in the city. Residents may request that a tree be planted in front of their homes- for free. An "agreement to care for a tree" will be sent to you- so get a little Johnny Appleseed in you and do it!

Yesterday a unanimous vote by the California Coastal Commision has blocked plans for development of the Pacific Gateway Project, the long-planned and long-thought of 16 acre waterfront development along Harbor Drive where the old Navy buildings sit at the foot of Broadway. The paln was to add three hotels, four highrise office buildings, a museum and open park space and was scheduled to break ground by the middle of 2012. It was to have allegedly created over 7,000 jobs and revenue over a billion dollars. The main reason it seems for the rejection is that since plans were put in place years ago, state coastal requirements have changed and developers must now come up with a newer plan. Since the Navy will be housed in this development, security issues no doubt come into play as well. As a resident of the Marina District and someone who sells Marina District Condos and Highrises, I have mixed emotions on the decision. Call me selfish, but this delay on building will save my view of the waterfront that I currently have. We all know what water views can mean in the sale of property in the Marina District. I was warned, I confess, back in 2007 when I purchased the highrise that there were plans in place for the Navy buildings to be demolished and built up again, but I specifically remember most folks being pessimistic about its chances of getting to fruition. They continue to be right. I now believe that mediation through the courts will take this project out at least another 2-3 years. Still, I admit that I am all for the economic growth that the project would bring the area especially in these tough times. The area has already been beautified wonderfully and currently there are two projects already underway (Ruocco Park and the North Embarcadero Visionary Plan) to add outdoor space to the area. So things still improve here in Paradise- the Marina District San Diego Properties for sale are out there for the taking. Please join me here!

Hold onto your hats, San Diegans. The America's Cup World Racing Series is coming to the bay on November 12-20, 2011. This will be the third stop on the way to the 2013 Final to be held in San Francisco. Did you know that the America's Cup races are the oldest international competition in existence? True, and this year in San Diego the event will be the most spectacular. Starting from the Broadway Pier (corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive) and heading out as far as Harbor Island (the boats come within a few yards of Island Prime restaurant!), these boats can hit top speeds of 35 mph. This event will also mark the first time ever in the USA that the new look boats- actually called wing bill catamaran AC-45's- will sail our waters. There is plenty of built-in area around the embarcadero to watch the event. There will even be an America's Cup village erected on Harbor Drive for spectators of all ages to enjoy, including a simulator that'll make you feel like you're on board. Remember that this is a multi-national event, including teams from China, South Korea and New Zealand and there will be massive media attention those eight days- and the Downtown establishments and hotels should reap the benefits. The boats are all scheduled to arrive in San Diego around October 24th or so-, including USA favorite Oracle, which hopes to defend its crown. Be there! Wanna live here? Click Marina District Condos for Sale and you can watch these events and others from your livingroom!

I have just reduced the price of Park Place #1305 from $725,000 to $679,000. It is priced to go quickly! Park Place is one of the most sophisticated and elegant condos in the Marina District, with an unmatched location on the corner of Harbor Drive across from Seaport Village and a few blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park. Of all the condos/highrises for sale in the Marina District San Diego, this one may be the best priced for its value. Built in 2003, Park Place is one of Developer Bosa's first architectural gems. Yesterday the Port Authority just broke ground on Ruocco Park- a brand new, tranquil urban getaway located a short walk from Park Place. Let's not forget also that Seaport Village will be getting a long-overdue makeover in the coming year. Why, they're even building a "quiet zone" right next to the building so freight train whistle blowing noise will become a thing of the past. Please check out my listing : go to the "Featured Listing" at scottelwellrealestate.com- check out the virtual tour!