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San Diego's starter home prices fall as pricier homes rise

The report defines "starter" homes as those under $1 million, still beyond reach for many buyers.

Real Estate

Prices for San Diego&#x27;s so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="starter homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/23/starter-home-prices-million-dollar-cities-zillow" data-vars-content-id="0f1bbe21-f9ce-46a5-acdf-6555e14b4db3" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s starter home prices fall as pricier homes rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/23/starter-home-prices-million-dollar-cities-zillow" target="_self">starter homes</a>&quot; are falling, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First American Data &amp; Analytics Home Price Index" data-vars-click-url="https://dna.firstam.com/insights-center/home-price-index-hpi-reports" data-vars-content-id="0f1bbe21-f9ce-46a5-acdf-6555e14b4db3" data-vars-headline="San Diego&#x27;s starter home prices fall as pricier homes rise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dna.firstam.com/insights-center/home-price-index-hpi-reports" target="_blank">First American Data &amp; Analytics Home Price Index</a>. But it&#x27;s not all good news.The big picture: That drop is due to higher mortgage rates impacting lower-budget buyers hardest, experts told Axios.

Poppy Bakeshop brings sweet treats to Liberty Station

A former Wayfarer manager is serving fruity pastries, savory bialys and more.

Food and Drink

Goodbye to long weekend lines, cutthroat parking, and steep prices. Hello to moist baked goods, generous cookies, and savory bialys.The big (tasty) picture: Poppy Bakeshop is open for business inside Moniker General at Liberty Station, and, boy, does this sweet and salty pop-up deliver.

5 years, 5 book challenges at San Diego libraries

Two books moved out of children's collections; a third was removed after years without a checkout.

Education

San Diego&#x27;s libraries received five official book challenges in the last five years and made some changes as a result.Why it matters: No books were banned outright, making San Diego and the rest of California an outlier from other parts of the country.

Both sides of San Diego County's Measure B debate

The proposal would fund child care, wildfire prevention, health care and Tijuana River sewage cleanup.

Election

Your mailboxes and social media feeds are likely filled right now with ads about Measure B, a ballot measure to raise the county&#x27;s sales tax by a half-cent to fund <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="child care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca" data-vars-content-id="42d5d816-81fa-4540-9068-84c401dc9ebf" data-vars-headline="Both sides of San Diego County&#x27;s Measure B debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/03/18/san-diego-child-care-costs-infant-preschool-prices-ymca" target="_self">child care</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tijuana River sewage crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/01/trump-epa-chief-zeldin-visiting-san-diego-tijuana-sewage-crisis" data-vars-content-id="42d5d816-81fa-4540-9068-84c401dc9ebf" data-vars-headline="Both sides of San Diego County&#x27;s Measure B debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/04/01/trump-epa-chief-zeldin-visiting-san-diego-tijuana-sewage-crisis" target="_self">Tijuana River sewage crisis</a> and other services.

Californians spend almost 3 hours in the ER

Forthcoming insurance eligibility and cost changes could send even more patients to an emergency department.

Health

Californians now spend on average almost three hours in hospital emergency departments, new federal data shows.Why it matters: Forthcoming insurance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligibility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" data-vars-content-id="ee78eab3-56ef-45b2-82cf-a2824d34744d" data-vars-headline="Californians spend almost 3 hours in the ER" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" target="_self">eligibility</a> and cost changes could lead people to put off care until their health reaches a crisis point, sending even more patients to an ED.

Why San Diego has so many mosquitoes this summer

Hot, humid weather and high tides are helping mosquitoes multiply across parts of the county.

It&#x27;s not just you — there are likely more mosquitoes biting this summer.The big picture: The hot and humid weather led to a mosquito boom, plus high tides created more marsh space for the buggers to breed, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to Fox 5" data-vars-click-url="https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego-mosquito-surge-vector-control/" data-vars-content-id="578e7140-6faf-4e8a-8f7e-1c188d0ac94e" data-vars-headline="Why San Diego has so many mosquitoes this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego-mosquito-surge-vector-control/" target="_blank">according to Fox 5</a>.

How to start open-water swimming at La Jolla Cove

A San Diego coach helped our reporter tame her nerves and finally reach the quarter-mile buoy.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Open water swimming" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/2026-outdoor-bucket-list-hikes-swim-bike-challenges" data-vars-content-id="2c757608-d65d-4aac-88cb-bd6087d373f6" data-vars-headline="How to start open-water swimming at La Jolla Cove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/01/05/2026-outdoor-bucket-list-hikes-swim-bike-challenges" target="_self">Open water swimming</a> at spots like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Jolla Cove" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/14/sunset-view-overlook-uc-san-diego-la-jolla" data-vars-content-id="2c757608-d65d-4aac-88cb-bd6087d373f6" data-vars-headline="How to start open-water swimming at La Jolla Cove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/14/sunset-view-overlook-uc-san-diego-la-jolla" target="_self">La Jolla Cove</a> has seen a surge in popularity since COVID-19, and it&#x27;s much less intimidating than it looks.The big picture: Swimming in open water gives you a natural <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="breath work practice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/breathe-degrees-liberty-station-breathwork-cold-plunge-san-diego-wellness-studio" data-vars-content-id="2c757608-d65d-4aac-88cb-bd6087d373f6" data-vars-headline="How to start open-water swimming at La Jolla Cove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/26/breathe-degrees-liberty-station-breathwork-cold-plunge-san-diego-wellness-studio" target="_self">breath work practice</a> you won&#x27;t find in yoga class.

America's blood supply is alarmingly low, Red Cross says

The supply of blood donations is not keeping up with hospital demand.

The U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" data-vars-content-id="749f1925-d521-4802-93fa-63dd8b9db347" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s blood supply is alarmingly low, Red Cross says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" target="_self">blood</a> supply has reached crisis levels, prompting the American Red Cross and the Surgeon General&#x27;s Office to urge people to donate.Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

San Diego running clubs become magnet for wellness brands

San Diego fitness groups are helping brands turn runs and classes into real-world social campaigns.

Culture

The growing popularity of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running clubs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/31/pacific-beach-run-club-25000-instagram-followers" data-vars-content-id="ab81cfc0-75c4-40bb-a0a6-08de578008aa" data-vars-headline="San Diego running clubs become magnet for wellness brands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/31/pacific-beach-run-club-25000-instagram-followers" target="_self">running clubs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="group fitness classes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/19/wellness-industry-growth-bucks-trends" data-vars-content-id="ab81cfc0-75c4-40bb-a0a6-08de578008aa" data-vars-headline="San Diego running clubs become magnet for wellness brands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/19/wellness-industry-growth-bucks-trends" target="_self">group fitness classes</a> is signaling dollar signs for popular wellness brands.The big picture: Companies selling athletic clothes, shoes and even food are planning sponsored events with San Diego influencers, with the hopes that people will turn out and share their products on social media.

San Diego just missed 10 fittest cities list

Strong parks and healthy residents helped, but air quality and bike infrastructure held the city back.

San Diego just missed making the list of top <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10 fittest cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-pm-a7ebd2cb-0162-4605-b954-3a39e811f7b4.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=emshare#story1" data-vars-content-id="a6a525e0-4149-4bde-ac4b-bf42eb169257" data-vars-headline="San Diego just missed 10 fittest cities list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-pm-a7ebd2cb-0162-4605-b954-3a39e811f7b4.html?chunk=1&amp;utm_term=emshare#story1" target="_self">10 fittest cities</a>, per the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual report" data-vars-click-url="https://acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-AFI-report_final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="a6a525e0-4149-4bde-ac4b-bf42eb169257" data-vars-headline="San Diego just missed 10 fittest cities list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://acsm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-AFI-report_final.pdf" target="_blank">annual report</a> from the American College of Sports Medicine and the Elevance Health Foundation.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s ranking at #11 shows it scores well on parks and recreation infrastructure and residents&#x27; health indicators but did poorly on environmental conditions.

San Diego veteran's film tackles PTSD with raw honesty

Using real veterans and no script, a first-time filmmaker created a raw, dark comedy about PTSD.

Despite having no experience making movies, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego veteran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/11/09/san-diego-veterans-military-population" data-vars-content-id="55250f4a-422e-407d-b878-eba29f58b907" data-vars-headline="San Diego veteran&#x27;s film tackles PTSD with raw honesty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/11/09/san-diego-veterans-military-population" target="_self">San Diego veteran</a>-turned-nurse created a dark comedy that&#x27;s now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winning awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.santamonicafilmfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="55250f4a-422e-407d-b878-eba29f58b907" data-vars-headline="San Diego veteran&#x27;s film tackles PTSD with raw honesty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.santamonicafilmfestival.com/" target="_blank">winning awards</a>.The big picture: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Turmoil" data-vars-click-url="https://turmoilmovie.com/" data-vars-content-id="55250f4a-422e-407d-b878-eba29f58b907" data-vars-headline="San Diego veteran&#x27;s film tackles PTSD with raw honesty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://turmoilmovie.com/" target="_blank">Turmoil</a>&quot; tells the story of a homeless veteran who battles the traumas of war by joining a martial arts gym.<ul><li>The brainchild of Dante Trinidad, it uses real service members and veterans as its cast and crew, who were often prompted to improvise their way through scenes.</li></ul>

Get permission to be unproductive at new art show

A new Oceanside Museum of Art show uses striking imagery to explore exhaustion and why rest matters.

Needing rest is normal, not <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a weakness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-chatgpt-claude-jobs-brain-fry" data-vars-content-id="b57cc9d9-321a-455a-a7a6-69d6e0d2e029" data-vars-headline="Get permission to be unproductive at new art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/06/ai-chatgpt-claude-jobs-brain-fry" target="_self">a weakness</a>. That&#x27;s the message behind a new exhibit at the Oceanside Museum of Art opening this weekend.Why it matters: Basically, everyone feels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mentally exhausted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/07/micro-stress-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="b57cc9d9-321a-455a-a7a6-69d6e0d2e029" data-vars-headline="Get permission to be unproductive at new art show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/07/micro-stress-mental-health" target="_self">mentally exhausted</a> these days, and local artist Kate Tova&#x27;s art explores why and how to feel less drained.

San Diego air quality gets failing grades

The Tijuana River is fueling local air pollution and worsening air quality in the region.

News

San Diego County is one of the most polluted places to live in America, according to an annual American Lung Association report released today.Why it matters: Local residents face an elevated risk of health conditions linked to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air pollution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="61ba7581-6539-4b48-bfbd-8df0faecef44" data-vars-headline="San Diego air quality gets failing grades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" target="_self">air pollution</a>, from wheezing and coughing to premature death.

California doula coverage expands as trend grows

More insurers now cover doulas as studies link their support to better birth outcomes and lower anxiety.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doula care" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/21/doula-maternal-health-crisis" data-vars-content-id="a6618c92-dda5-4741-b3a8-052f48b0db65" data-vars-headline="California doula coverage expands as trend grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/21/doula-maternal-health-crisis" target="_self">Doula care</a> has gone from a niche birth option to a Medicaid-covered benefit in more than half of U.S. states.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research has linked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" data-vars-content-id="a6618c92-dda5-4741-b3a8-052f48b0db65" data-vars-headline="California doula coverage expands as trend grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00261-9/fulltext" target="_blank">Research has linked</a> doula support to lower cesarean rates and fewer preterm births.<ul><li>And a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new review" data-vars-click-url="https://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.8416&amp;utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamanetworkopen.2026.8416" data-vars-content-id="a6618c92-dda5-4741-b3a8-052f48b0db65" data-vars-headline="California doula coverage expands as trend grows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.8416&amp;utm_campaign=articlePDF%26utm_medium=articlePDFlink%26utm_source=articlePDF%26utm_content=jamanetworkopen.2026.8416" target="_blank">new review</a> of clinical trials published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open found doula support was most consistently associated with lower maternal anxiety, higher breastfeeding initiation and better postpartum follow-up care.</li></ul>

Axios Vitals

A color-coded U.S. map shows the average wait time in emergency rooms from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The U.S. median was 153 minutes. 

Health 🩺

Californians spend almost 3 hours in the ER

Why San Diego has so many mosquitoes this summer

How to start open-water swimming at La Jolla Cove

America's blood supply is alarmingly low, Red Cross says

San Diego running clubs become magnet for wellness brands