From Farm to Cup in Linda Vista
Plus: Free Trolley in September; New Jiu Jitsu Instruction at Casper Academy; and Football Season in Linda Vista
One day last week as we were driving around the area searching for possible stories for the LV Update, we happened to spot an unfamiliar sign near the Ballast Point Brewery advertising a new business establishment—Sur Coffee. We tucked it away in our memory to take a look at another time.
Recently, on the way home from the YMCA, we drove up Linda Vista Road and decided that we would stop at Sur Coffee and check out what they had to offer. Sur Coffee is located in the Presidio Plaza next to Ballast Point Brewery and shares space with Babe Kombucha, a kombucha brewery and tasting room.
It is brand spanking new, and possesses a very brught and spacious interior. We spoke with Maddy, who manages the coffee shop. She was very friendly and gave us a lot of information about Sur Coffee. This business has been open only about two weeks (soft opening) and will have the official grand opening on September 25. She mentioned there is another Sur Coffee located in San Clemente. Their hours are 7:00am to 3:00pm every day. The hours may expand in the future.
The menu includes coffees such as espresso, cappuccino, latte, mocha, americano, dawn patrol, and batch brew. Prices for coffee range from $2.75 to $5.00 They have cold brews and non-coffee beverages such as hot chocolate, chai tea latte and mocha latte. Flavors are available for a small additional price. They also have a wide selection of teas, including black breakfast tea, earl grey, gunpowder green, blueberry hibiscus, ginseng mint, matcha latte, and chai latte.
On their pastry menu they have muffins, croissants both plain and flavored, danish, scone, crumbonne and more. Prices range from $2.50 to $4.00.
We figured that since we had just worked out, we could treat ourselves to a pastry, so Steve ordered a scone and blueberry hibiscus tea with a splash of honey, and I had a croissant and ice tea. The scone and croissant were excellent and will be better when their toaster oven arrives so pastries can be heated if desired. Steve said he could really taste the berries in his tea and enjoyed it very much.
Sur Coffee sells coffee beans including those from Peru and Ethiopia. It prides itself in offering to do as much good as possible from farm to cup, a concept that involves businesses working directly with farmers in coffee producing countries to select high quality beans, while helping these farmers provide a better life for their families and communities. This means businesses getting to know those who grow, pick, and process the coffee they roast and brew. Many coffee aficionados will find Sur Coffee’s mission appealing. The beans are small batch roasted locally. As mentioned on their web site, Sur Coffee owners have been to Ethiopia and other places to establish the farm to cup relationships.
So, the next time you need a caffeine hit, think about a local place that would love your business rather than larger chain coffee shops. We think it is great that so many new places keep popping up in the Linda Vista area, and we hope the local community members support them
We recommend you try Sur Coffee. Help them do good, farm to cup.
Sur Coffee
5401 Linda Vista Road Unit 409
San Diego, CA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surcoffee/
News Brief:
Ride the Trolley Free during September
If you’re not already a fan of the San Diego Trolley, September may be the month you finally take the time to appreciate all the advantages of commuting via this popular public transit system.
In last week’s post of the Linda Vista Update we reported on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mid-Coast extension of the Blue Line Trolley that will eventually go to University City. The ceremony occurred at the new Tecolote Trolley Station. It turns out the excitement over the San Diego Trolley generated by this Mid-Coast extension will continue to grow in September.
As reported by State Senator Toni Atkins’ office, “This month, San Diegans and visitors have a rare opportunity to get around San Diego on public transit for free! The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is offering free rides throughout the month of September. This also applies to riders of the North County Transit District (NCTD) on the Breeze and Sprinter.
For a "ticket to ride," simply download "PRONTO," the new MTS fare collection system, or geta new card at the Transit Store or ticket machine. The PRONTO payment system is replacing the former Compass Card and Compass Cloud option.”
So visit a favorite San Diego venue. Leave your car at home. Take the trolley. It’s free!!
New Programs of Instruction at Casper Jiu Jitsu Academy
The Casper Jiu Jitsu Academy, located at 6913 Linda Vista Road (adjacent to Skateworld), will soon offer two new programs of instruction.
First, the Academy is starting a program for youngsters (ages 8-15). The program of instruction begins on September 13. As explained by Academy instructor Ashley Rodriguez, “We are starting our kids class and would love to have as many kids as possible and share the love of Jiu Jitsu and martial arts in general.” Please see the poster below for more details.
Second, the Academy will also begin a Women’s Only program of instruction beginning September 17. According to Rodriguez, “It’s going to be free for everyone for the rest of the year.” Please see the poster below for more details on this great opportunity.
Friday Night Lights and Saturday Afternoons in Linda Vista
September is here, and Fall is right behind. We all know what that means, right? Yes, football season has arrived to entertain us! The Padres—those boys of summer—are still drawing our interest by battling to win a spot in the baseball playoffs, but there is still no way we can ignore the onset of football season.
It’s an irresistible American tradition. The upcoming change in seasons means going to watch football games in the cool, crisp autumn air, tucked inside your favorite jacket and scarf, while enjoying the colorful sight of leaves as they turn red, yellow, and orange. Okay, so San Diego weather is seldom cool and crisp enough to merit wearing a jacket, much less a scarf, and palm tree fronds don’t change colors. And with the Chargers now ensconced in Los Angeles, and the San Diego State Aztecs playing their home games up in Carson for one more year, you might think Linda Vistans have little reason to look forward to this football season. But don’t fret. There are still three big reasons why local residents are able to enjoy a great football experience. We are fortunate to have two high school teams and a college team worth watching.
First of all, we have the Kearny High Komets varsity football team who play their first home game of the season on Friday September 17 at 7:00pm. They will play host to the Coronado High School Islanders (A home game against Morse originally scheduled for September 4 has been cancelled due to positive COVID-19 testing). In the meantime, the Komets will pay a visit to the South Bay on September 10 to play the Montgomery High School Aztecs. The Komets opened their season on August 20. Unfortunately, they suffered a 55-0 away game loss to West Hills.
Second, we also have the Francis Parker High varsity football team. The Lancers opened up their season with a hard fought 7-0 away game victory over Tri-City Christian (Vista) on August 20. That victory was followed by a home field victory over The Meadows School (Las Vegas) on August 27. The 62-48 game was an offensive coordinator’s dream with plenty of explosive plays from both sides. Francis Parker’s next game is this Friday, September 3 (4:00pm) at Santa Fe Christian. The next home game is scheduled for September 17 at 7:00pm against Orange Glen (Escondido).
Finally, we also have the University of San Diego Torero football team. The Toreros have established quite a successful program over the years. One of their former quarterbacks, Reid Sinnett is currently on the Miami Dolphins roster, while another alum, Jamal Agnew, is a receiver for the Detroit Lions. The team competes in the Pioneer League at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. The Toreros open up the season at home this Saturday September 4 at 1:00pm. They will play Cal Poly. They also play at home the following Saturday September 11 against UC Davis. Both of these out-of-league opponents promise to be formidable tests for the Toreros.
If you’re looking for something interesting to do on an upcoming Friday night or Saturday afternoon, we highly recommend attending one of the above teams’ games. You’ll enjoy the exciting plays, the enthusiasm of the players and cheerleaders, the sense of community, the overall festive atmosphere, as well as the good food typically available at various student and parent/booster vendor booths.
Upcoming Community Events
—Community Clean-Up: The next Bayside Community Center Community Clean-Up will be held at 10:00 on September 12. Volunteers meet in the Linda Vista library parking lot. If possible, let Bayside know in advance that you plan on volunteering for this task so that they can have supplies ready.
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The Linda Vista Update publishes informative, interesting and fun news about Linda Vista and its neighboring communities.