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LIVING IN THE CITY: No Regrets In Downtown San Diego

Claudine Scott helped found the East Village Association, now this community activist calls Little Italy home

“Living In the City” is the San Diego Sun‘s feature Q&A with downtown San Diego residents. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who live here. This is an ongoing series.

Name: Claudine Scott

Location: The Continental in Little Italy. A Jonathan Segal project. The units are all micro apartments. They have a modern/industrial look that I love, and are deceptively larger than they appear.

Personal deets: Lived downtown 19 years, 15 of those in East Village. I’m from Pasadena. My ex-husband’s job brought me–reluctantly–to San Diego. Now, I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to live where I live.

Work deets: Realtor, with a focus on Downtown San Diego. My license is with Keller Williams SD Metro.

The Continental in Little Italy.

Passions: My passion is community activism and service. I am one of the founders and currently board president of the East Village Association. I’m also a strong proponent of social justice. Voting rights and agency over one’s person are paramount to me.

Home, sweet home: My location is golden. I’m in the center of Little Italy. I can walk to the corner market, meeting friends for Happy Hour or grab a delicious pizza to-go all within a few blocks.

Best reason to live downtown: I love the diversity of people and experiences. Most bars and restaurants are unique. It’s wonderful to support small businesses.

Worst part about living downtown: The unhoused population has become a major issue–not only for San Diego, but nationally. It’s heartbreaking to see the mentally ill, addicted and people struggling to make it on the streets. I know the city and the county are pouring tons of money into the problem. It’s going to take several years before we see a difference.

A Circuit/FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) shuttle.

Walking/biking/driving: I don’t have a vehicle and I love that about my life! I walk, take the trolly, Lyft and use Circuit (free downtown shuttles).

Scooters: I’m in favor of them. Wish the rules were better enforced.

Shows, movies, streaming series: I just finished Season 2 of Tehran on Apple TV+. Just starting watching The Bear on Hulu.

Podcasts: NPR’s Code Switch, Dark History, This American Life, Reveal.

Go-to coffee shop: Pappalecco is conveniently a block away. Lofty Coffee is my favorite. It’s open and inviting.

Dinner spot: I’m never disappointed at Isola Pizza. They have one of the best Happy Hours in downtown.

Lofty Coffee in Little Italy.

Parking advice: Ditch your car! Take the trolley or Lyft.

Safety: Overall I feel safe downtown. However, sometimes I’ll come across a mentally ill person and I’m just not sure how he/she will react. Keep in mind, this is in every neighborhood.

Cost of living: As a renter, it’s very expensive. Partly because of the quality of life downtown has to offer. Many people who lived in the suburbs have chosen to move downtown. Vacancy rate is less than 8 percent, so landlords have all the power right now.

Final insider tip: Take time to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood. You’ll discover so much that you don’t see when you’re driving. SDSun

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