“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 number 60 in an ongoing series.
Name: Shanelle Meyer
Neighborhood: East Village. Originally from upstate New York. This summer I celebrated 10 years in San Diego.
Pets: Nelson is the best chihuahua-terrier mix there ever was. Adopted from The Animal Pad. If you frequent the Petco Park dog park, you know Nelson. The most parkour-loving dog out there.
Working from home: Have you ever lived with a really cute dog? Working from home with one is impossible. I’m lucky enough to have my team’s office within walking distance from me (and conveniently located diagonally from The Invigatorium) so I can go there and get work done.
Work deets: A Realtor® with Compass, helping buyers and sellers all over San Diego. My motto is “Your goals are my goals.” I love helping clients achieve their real estate dreams (and then forcing them to be friends with me after). This month I’m proudly celebrating being one of the Top 3 agents in production on my team and receiving The Real Producers 35 Under 35 recognition.
Why move downtown: It’s like living in a movie, TV show and video game simultaneously. On a morning walk, you’re going to hear someone jamming their favorite song, stroll past a few murals, pick up your favorite coffee order, run a few errands on foot or by bike and likely witness something that’ll make you laugh. It’s always entertaining.
Best aspects of living downtown: Close proximity to amazing food options, music venues, cafes, various architectural styles, parks, Seaport Village, Padres…
Worst aspects of living downtown: PARKING! And it’s obviously just gotten worse. Petition to bring back free FRED Circuit rides, please.
Best bars: East Village Tavern + Bowl — who doesn’t love bowling paired with good music and a glass of wine? A Negroni at J & Tony’s is always a good idea, too.
Fave coffee shops: It’s amazing to see how many great cafes have been migrating to the neighborhood. On the way home from the dog park, I love to stop by Cafe de L’Opera for an Iced Dirty Chai. Hinar is great to work from (in the back section past the register), but only if there’s not a line out the door. Café Alessie is a new one that I’m looking forward to trying.
Must-do dinner spots: Cowboy Star for Happy Hour, of course. Top mentions: Callie (I could go just for the babaganoush and be happy), The Neighborhood (their bolognese all day), ASA Bakery (Chicken Katsu Hayashi Rice).
Fave podcasts: I’ve recently been enjoying “Aspire with Emma Grede.” Inspiring interviews and discussions around building the life of your dreams, coupled with knowledge from the world’s most successful people.
Describe Downtown SD in 3 words: Eclectic. Constant. Familiar.
Best downtown place to take visitors: The Rady’s Shell! A beautiful concert venue on the water with amazing artists performing much of the year.
The city needs more: Community-based events that are free to the public. Hoping that with the opening of the new park, East Village Green, we’ll have more outdoor events with vendors and music in our future.
Best insider tip for downtown: The 8th floor of the San Diego Central Library has the most amazing, soaring windows that look out to Coronado Bay, with tables you can work from and take in the view. SDSun
Want to nominate someone (including yourself) who has a great downtown SD story to tell in a Living In The City Q&A? Email to: rondonoho@gmail.com
