Ask any kid about their favorite holiday, and Halloween is probably on their Mount Rushmore. Friends! Costumes! Candy!

• But many adults also love Halloween — because it's the one day a year we get an excuse to wander around town and knock on our neighbors' doors.

Why it matters: Only about a quarter of U.S. adults say they know "all or most" of their neighbors, a 2025 Pew Research Center survey found.

• 62% know some neighbors. But another 12% say they don't know a single one.

The big picture: Knowing your neighbors is better for your mental health, longevity and happiness levels, studies have shown.

• And the casual relationships we have with people nearby — the folks we wave to or chat with at the mailbox — are what keep communities strong and connected.

Reality check: A little more neighborliness can't solve everything straining American society right now.

• But it certainly couldn't hurt to at least be on a first-name basis with a few folks on your block or in your building.
• You never know when you might need some help shoveling your sidewalk or jumping your car, and communities can rally together in times of need.

Yes, but: You don't have to wait for Halloween to meet your neighbors.

• Spend some time out in your front yard, say hi to folks doing yard work or washing their car as you walk around, or go to your community yard sales and other events.

The bottom line: Making a few neighborhood friends is sweeter than any Snickers.

Candy corn fans are hard to find in California.

The state is among those nationwide with the least interest in candy corn, purchasing 32.9% fewer orders containing the divisive candy compared to the national average, per Instacart data shared with Axios.

• That's based on the difference in the share of Instacart orders containing candy corn in each state versus the national average last October.

Forget the argument over whether candy corn is any good — it isn't.

• Another question remains: If for some crazy reason you eat the stuff, which end do you start with?

🏫 Chula Vista University is supposed to open for class next year but is still searching for a campus. (CalMatters)

Stop signs were installed at the San Carlos intersection where a middle schooler was hit by a car and died. (CBS8)

• The city flagged that intersection as dangerous and denied safety improvements for it last year. (Times of San Diego)

⚖️ San Diego County will pay a record $16 million settlement over the death of a 22-year-old in county jail. (Union-Tribune)

☀️ San Diego could cover city-owned land with solar panels to help lower high water rates under one council member's proposal. (Voice of San Diego)

Tattoo shops locally and nationwide have been doing Halloween flash events this month, with holiday-themed offerings often available at a discount.

Why it matters: Like Friday the 13th flash deals, Halloween events are a way for tattoo shops to attract new customers.

• Get someone in for an affordable little ghost, skeleton or black cat, the thinking goes, and they might come back later for more.

Zoom in: Take advantage of flash deals from some of San Diego's best tattoo artists at Wolf and Shadow Tattoo Collective and Tahiti Felix's Master Tattoo.

• SD Tattoo, Adams Avenue Tattoo, Inktherapy by Janny and Avia Rose Ramm also have flash events happening today.

If you just couldn't get together a costume this year, there's still time! We have suggestions for last minute DIY costumes.

💰 Kate's go-to: A burglar. Wear a black and white striped shirt, black beanie, black eye mask and black jeans, leggings or leather skirt. Put a "$$$" on a bag or pillow case for the goods.

• Add some jewels or a construction vest if you're taking inspo from the Louvre heist.

🧔🏼‍♀️ Claire's best-ever last minute costume was also her most comfortable. Boxers, white T-shirt, bathrobe and a fake beard and you're The Dude. So that's what you call me.

• Add a carton of half and half filled with whatever liquid you want.
• But careful, man, there's a beverage here.

🎀 The cultural icon Ms. Rachel would also be an easy one to pull together with things in your closet. And she'd be a hit with the littles!