Home Care In La Jolla, CA

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Combined Territories to offer Largest In-Home Care Service in the County

It’s rare when franchisees find out that they have the same values and principals and decide to share their business strategy to increase their ability to serve a wider group of people. In this case, the combined territories of the three Executive Home Care (EHC) franchisees will offer care for seniors and adults with special needs from downtown San Diego to the North County coastal communities and beach cities to inland North County to the East County cities to the backcountry. Combined, this effort will reach upwards of 2 million households. The three franchisees are Gil Flores, a Firefighter Paramedic who was looking for a new way to use his clinical expertise, Swiss-born Michael Nef who wanted to use his years as a corporate executive for a business more suited to family life, and Jack McCarty, who wants to tap into his vast experience in the senior living sector as an owner. All three choosing a service model versus the traditional brick-and-mortar senior housing.

“I had reached a point in my life and career where I wanted to build something meaningful beyond just financial success,” said Flores. “My background as a firefighter and Navy veteran shaped my perspective on service, responsibility, and teamwork. I want people to know that this isn’t just a business for me — it’s personal.” Flores’ territory covers Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas.

“Leaving corporate America and doing something with more purpose and honor were the driving factors,” said Michael Nef. “There is no greater purpose than helping seniors. My wife and I will be starting a family soon, so we knew this would be a good time to build something special, and I don’t want to be the corporate dad who misses soccer practice, and school meetings due to my job. Bottom-line helping seniors to be more independent so they can stay in their treasured home longer, is extremely valuable to many people, and we want them to feel comfortable making the decision.” Nef’s territory covers San Diego including La Jolla, Coronado, La Mesa, El Cajon, and Jamul.

“Having worked in senior living for more than 31 years, the only role that I haven’t truly experienced is that of owner,” said Jack McCarty. “I know firsthand the importance of providing the highest quality of care possible, and I believe that we can offer this level of care in-home verses asking a senior to move away from their memories. Because all of us are unique, a senior living solution shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. Many families wish to keep their loved ones at home, but they need our help, and we will provide it for them.” McCarty’s service area includes all of North County except for Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas.

Families who are interested in scheduling an in-home assessment can call 619/877-6626 or online at www.EHCSanDiegoCounty.com. A personal representative from your area will be able to guide you through the process. Executive Home Care (EHC) has a mission to improve the lives of seniors, whether it be for those in our care or those who love them. Leading this mission are co-owners Gil Flores, Jack McCarty, and Michael Nef who each bring a unique perspective to EHC. To find out more about EHCs “Quality of Care Pledge” and how to arrange an in-home assessment, call 619/877-6626 or visit https://www.ehcsandiegocounty.com

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San Diego hotel restaurants and their amazing chefs have put together creative menus and even some opportunities to take a prepared feast home with you. The list below includes some great restaurants around town that serve special Thanksgiving dinners for you to enjoy — whether that’s with family and kids, by yourself, or with a date.

I’ll keep this list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego updated as I hear about even more great ideas from San Diego restaurants, which I’m sure will be hitting my inbox in the coming weeks.

Thanksgiving Buffets at San Diego’s Top Hotels

Make a reservation for Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, or, better yet, check into one of the luxury hotels in San Diego.

The Hotel del Coronado, a top beachfront hotel in San Diego, offers classic, grand holiday buffet in restored historic ballrooms with a full spread of stations (seafood, carving, desserts). Give thanks and celebrate with family and friends at The Del’s exquisite Thanksgiving dinner, set inside its beautifully restored Crown Room, Coronet Rooms, and the Ocean Ballroom, which now showcases a newly preserved 1888 fresco mural.

Indulge in a holiday buffet feast at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxed yet refined Thanksgiving dinner by the marina. Savor classic favorites complemented by seasonal accents in a coastal setting designed for celebration and comfort.

Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at Vistal, where panoramic bay views and live music set the scene for an unforgettable buffet dinner. The lavish spread features everything from a Cold Seafood Display piled high with oysters, crab claws, and ceviche to carved turkey, roasted N.Y. strip, and salmon “Al Pastor.” Guests can also indulge in standout entrées like Short Rib Tortellini and Miso-Maple Pork Tenderloin, plus decadent desserts including Pecan Walnut Caramel Pie and Chocolate-Hazelnut Beignets.

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving brunch buffet options in North County San Diego, Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad is a fantastic choice. This luxury resort is less than a ten-minute drive from the beach and is set amongst 200 stunning acres of natural beauty overlooking the Batiquitos Lagoon.

The menu spans an impressive Seafood Table with poached jumbo shrimp, smoked salmon, Peruvian ceviche, and sushi rolls; an Appetizer and Salad Station featuring lobster roll verrines and roasted acorn squash; and a Hot Table showcasing lemon and thyme roasted turkey, black garlic–crusted prime rib, and beet-crusted salmon. Finish with an array of house-baked pies, pastries, and desserts crafted to perfection.

Ember & Rye is celebrating Thanksgiving again in 2025 if you want to get dinner. The menu includes entrees like smoked turkey or kurobata porchetta, and then pecan pie for dessert.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at Provisional Kitchen inside Pendry San Diego, where a sophisticated multi-course menu showcases seasonal dishes like free-range turkey with pecan-apple stuffing, red wine–braised short rib, and fall-inspired vegetarian plates. Enjoy your feast in the restaurant’s airy, design-forward setting that perfectly balances modern elegance with holiday warmth.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Marine Room, where breathtaking ocean views meet an exceptional four-course prix-fixe menu. Enjoy a refined holiday experience featuring seasonal ingredients and chef-crafted dishes that elevate every traditional favorite.

Also known as The Pink Lady, La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla is a great option for those celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones in a luxury boutique setting.

Valencia’s Executive Chef, Alex Pailles, curated this year’s three-course Thanksgiving menu. Guests can feast on menu highlights, including elevated holiday favorites like herb-crusted turkey with black sage gravy, braised lamb osso buco, and wild mushroom truffle risotto, followed by decadent desserts and live music

Enjoy a coastal Thanksgiving at George’s at the Cove, where the Ocean View Room and Level2 will host a family-style prix-fixe feast overlooking the Pacific. Guests can gather around shared holiday dishes in one of La Jolla’s most iconic dining rooms—an elegant yet relaxed way to celebrate with ocean views as your backdrop.

Dine high above the city at Mister A’s this Thanksgiving, where a refined prix-fixe menu showcases creative seasonal dishes—think roasted Diestel turkey with traditional fixings, lamb loin, wagyu ribeye, and elegant desserts—all in a sophisticated skyline setting.

Nestled in the secluded rolling hills of North County San Diego, and spanning 265 acres of stunning grounds, this elegant hotel is a great escape for your Thanksgiving feast.

The Inn’s signature restaurant, Avant, is hosting a four-course seasonal feast this year, with more details to be released at a later date.

The hotel is also hosting a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner featuring all your festive favorites earlier in the day.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa capitalizes on its 49 lush acres, beautiful and expansive Croquet lawn, and serene outdoor spaces to host family-style Thanksgiving dinners. A great option for all ages, guests can look forward to crafts for kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and an exquisite Thanksgiving menu.

This is definitely on the higher price scale, but you can expect carving stations, a raw bar, and an exceptional dessert station.

If feasting on Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying sweeping views of a world-class golf course sounds tempting, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is the place to be. The hotel is offering a turkey dinner meal this year in The Grill, but you opt to build your own feast from the restaurant’s signature dishes. Additional menu information is coming soon.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers two Thanksgiving dinner options this year. Choose between a refined three-course tasting menu at Amaya or a lavish family buffet in the Ballroom and Solana, complete with all the classic holiday flavors. The Fairmont Grand Del Mar provides a luxurious option to relax with loved ones over what is sure to be an amazing holiday meal.

Amaya will be serving a three-course tasting menu:

The Manchester and the Grand Ballroom will be offering a Thanksgiving Family Style with appetizer and dessert buffet, including beer and wine:

Celebrate Thanksgiving with sea-to-sky style at Sea & Sky La Jolla, where the holiday menu blends coastal sophistication with seasonal warmth. Enjoy elevated takes on turkey and seafood, complemented by curated sides and decadent desserts—all served in a sleek setting boasting panoramic views of La Jolla’s skyline and ocean.

If you prefer to skip cooking this year, have no fear. San Diego has some options for full Thanksgiving dinners or even just pumpkin pies that you can eat at home.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is also offering a to-go Thanksgiving option this year, featuring gourmet starters, à la carte sides, and full packaged meals crafted for effortless entertaining. Each order serves four and includes all-natural, free-range Diestel Farms turkey brined for 48 hours, seasonal soups, comforting sides, and decadent desserts like pecan and pumpkin pie.

Let Elijah’s take the stress out of your holiday with hot, ready-to-serve Thanksgiving dinners you pick up (or have delivered) from their Clairemont Mesa location. Choose from roasted turkey, beef brisket, or ham—each option includes two sides, gravy, cranberry sauce, and an optional pie add-on.

Rustic Root brings warmth and whimsy to the holiday table with Thanksgiving specials like Sweet Potato Bisque, cider-brined turkey, and a perfect graham-crusted pumpkin pie. Dine in downtown from 2 to 8 p.m. or bring the celebration home with a ready-to-reheat Family Feast for four. Either way, expect classic comfort made with chef-driven care.

Sweeten your Thanksgiving table with fresh-baked pies from Pastry Chef Anna Adams of George’s at the Cove. This year’s lineup includes Pumpkin Chai, Caramel Dutch Apple, and Black-Bottom Pecan, each priced at $38.

Orders must be picked up on Wednesday, November 26, from the restaurant’s La Jolla location at 1250 Prospect Street. A proud Escondido local, Anna draws inspiration from her childhood visits to her uncle’s bakery in Ruiz, Nayarit, Mexico—bringing a touch of heart and heritage to every pie.

Perhaps it’s the casual lifestyle and year-round beach weather, but dogs are often spotted all over San Diego, dining on restaurant patios, shopping, and socializing with their families.

If our dog could type, here is what I’m sure would be his list of things to do around La Jolla with dogs.

1. Go to the Beach

Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. from November 1 – March 31 and after 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31.

We typically go to La Jolla Shores Beach in the morning (one of our favorite free things to do in La Jolla), which has plenty of flat sand for us to run around and socialize with other dogs when we feel like it, and avoid when we don’t. He love, love, loves little dogs and I think it freaks their owners out sometimes because, well, he’s huge.

Plus, sniffing seaweed is oh-so-fun. Our dog is still unsure of the ocean, especially when it’s cold. It’s taken three years to get him to occasionally go in up to his elbows without freaking out. We also hung out near the playground at Kellogg Park while my daughter played on the swings and climbed on the structure.

2. Shop at Decker’s Dog + Cat

If you need to grab treats, a new toy, or high-quality food, Decker’s Dog + Cat is your stop. With two La Jolla locations (in The Village on Ivanhoe Ave and in Bird Rock on La Jolla Blvd), this boutique is a perfect, dog-friendly spot to browse for gear and supplies.

3. Barbarella Restaurant

In addition to a lovely outdoor patio that is totally over-the-top decked out for Halloween and Christmas, Barbarella restaurant in La Jolla Shores has a dedicated doggie menu with human and canine favorites such as organic scrambled eggs, cut-up chicken breast, and a “cold-nosed treat” which is—wait for it—your doggie’s own scoop of vanilla ice cream.

An ideal dog adventure might be ending an evening walk on La Jolla Shores Beach with dinner at Barbarella, since it’s only a few blocks away. A number of La Jolla restaurant patios are dog-friendly, but this is the only one I know of that offers a special menu like this.

5. Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial

There are a lot of wildlife scents to sniff in the native vegetation around the perimeter of the memorial. My daughter loved to do cartwheels and run around the grassy area in front of the memorial when she was little.

We walk the dogs around the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial to learn about the people who fought for our freedom. Bunnies hang out on the grass in the evening, and it’s an excellent spot to watch the sun rise or set.

6. Go Shopping in La Jolla

While my dogs’ out-of-control wagging tail keeps me from taking him into stores with fragile items below waist-level, I’ve seen little and chill big dogs pretty much everywhere in downtown La Jolla.

We often walk down there—and I do take him into a couple of places—but it’s a great way to window shop, grab coffee, and get some exercise outside of the house.

7. Stroll the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail & Scripps Park

This is the quintessential La Jolla photo-op with your dog. Start at Ellen Browning Scripps Park (the grassy park overlooking La Jolla Cove) and head north along the scenic Coast Walk Trail.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and in the park, where you’ll enjoy stunning ocean views. Just keep a firm grip on the leash, as the trail has steep cliffs, and you will pass by other walkers.

Not Technically in La Jolla, but Close Enough

With a lovely view over Mission Bay to downtown San Diego, Kate Sessions Park is an excellent place to walk or run with your dog. Though dogs are supposed to be leashed, many owners do not obey this rule, which means that there might be the occasional dog that runs up to your leashed dog. It can be annoying to owners, but my dog thinks these unlawful meet-and-greets are awesome.

Yay for off-leash fun! With a separate, enclosed dog park for small dogs and another for big dogs, here’s a great place to give your dog freedom to socialize with other dogs, with bench seating for you. Find Capeheart Park on the Pacific Beach side of Mt. Soledad, on Soledad Mountain Road just before Garnet Street. Bring a tennis ball.

My dog also loves this place. We usually sit at the low fire pit table in the corner, which is at his level. Staff often bring him a bowl of water and some treats. He can watch people and dogs through the glass windows—a lot happens on Garnet Street. We don’t take him during busy times as he gets easily overwhelmed.

And, we get to eat some of the best seafood in San Diego. Pick your fresh fish, choose your marinade, and then choose your style (salad, taco, or sandwich plate). I highly recommend the ceviche, too.

Where is your favorite place for a dog adventure in La Jolla?

Continuing in its mission to breathe new life into the La Jolla/Riford Library’s community room, the Friends of the La Jolla Library arts committee’s new exhibit, “Color It Contemporary,” is now on view.

Paying homage to the region’s landscapes, the new exhibit was curated by Patricia Jasper and features the work of four California-based artists: Grant Pecoff, Mona Ray, Sally Samins and Kelly Villasenor. A opening reception was held Nov. 22. The exhibit extends through mid-January 2026 and is available to view during regular operating hours.

Jasper — a local artist and Friends of the La Jolla Library arts committee member — said that their efforts to inject art into the space traces back to 2010, when then-branch manager Catherine Greene asked them to enhance the general library experience and the community room in particular.

Typically, this is accomplished in the form of three or four exhibitions each year. The current exhibition “spotlights a contemporary interpretation of our natural surroundings, which are beautiful California landscapes,” Jasper said. “The common threads between the [four] artists … is color. Even though their styles artistically have a good deal of variance, their preference for beautiful, saturated colors are consistent. That’s what unites the show.”

The arts committee’s broader goal, she said, is “to promote and encourage support for our region’s artistic and cultural talent by providing meaningful public exhibitions of high quality to library patrons and the public at large.”

Villasenor, an Encinitas-based artist and oil painter, describes work as happy and contemporary, using color and texture in a unique way.

“I hope that when people see my work, they feel a sense of warmth and peace connecting with joyful memories of their childhood and family experiences by the beach,” Villasenor said.

Ray, a La Jolla resident of 15 years who contributed eight of her pieces to the exhibit, describes her work as “leaning abstract.” Other people have described her paintings as ethereal, atmospheric, serene and calming, she added.

“I just hope I bring a unique point of view,” Ray said. “I think each of the artists in the show has a very individual voice and I think those different voices resonate with different people. And I think there are some people that mine connects with in a different way.”

At the Nov. 22 reception, she also had a chance to see that connection take place in real time.

“It’s always a pleasure for me to see how people respond to my work because ultimately art is communication,” Ray said. “So it means a lot when someone has a reaction to a piece.”

While he was unable to attend the event, Pecoff features three pieces in the exhibit: “In Full Bloom,” inspired by the bluffs of Del Mar; “Sunlight Patterns,” focused on water reflections and patterns; and “Out for the Day,” with a picturesque Italian backdrop.

Pecoff says he hopes the exhibit will showcase what artists are doing in the community and that it will uplift and inspire people.

“We need to remind each other of the uplifting times — the joy in life, the peace in life….especially in the state of affairs of the world,” Pecoff said. “We can’t deny what’s going on in the world and the shadows of darkness in the world, but through this exhibition of color and vibrancy, I think it’s important to be reminded of that and surround ourselves of that and surround ourselves with the light.”

Any displayed art is available for purchase from the artists, with sales going directly to the La Jolla/Riford Library.

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla’s new North Tower in La Jolla, Calif., marks the completion of a landmark campus expansion and the latest phase in Scripps’ long-term plan to redevelop its entire La Jolla hospital campus.

Opened in June, the 8-story, 420,000-square-foot facility was designed by architecture and interior design firm HGA (San Diego) to be both modern and contextual to its surroundings, including the existing South Tower.

With 188 inpatient beds, the North Tower—also known as Tower II—was intentionally crafted to complement Tower I while expanding the system’s capacity for advanced care. The new acute care hospital houses mother-baby services, including dedicated spaces for labor and delivery, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and a postpartum floor.

HGA uses data-driven design strategies to inform design

HGA used data-driven simulations and operational modeling to refine patient bay layouts, staff circulation routes, and unit adjacencies to support faster staff response times, stronger team collaboration, and increased capacity for long-term and maternal care.

For example, the project team conducted Gemba Walks, shadowing staff at all levels in the South Tower to observe processes, understand challenges, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. This informed strategies for operational efficiencies, such as reducing the number of steps taken by caregivers and having on-stage and off-stage spaces for staff.

The HGA research team also ran simulation models to evaluate proximity to patient rooms and medication stores to effectively increase the time that nurses and medical teams are able to spend in patient rooms.

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla project details

Location: La Jolla, Calif.

Completion date: June 2025

Owner: Scripps Healthcare

Total building area: 420,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost: $411 million

Cost/sq. ft.: $979

Architect: HGA

Interior designer: HGA

General contractor: McCarthy Building Companies

Engineer: KPFF (structural, civil), Affiliated Engineers (MEP)

Builder: McCarthy Building Companies

Art consultant: Aesthetics Inc.

Medical equipment planner: i-Science

Carpet/flooring: Arizona Tile, Ergon Engineered Stone, Mannington Commercial, Sherwin-Williams

Ceiling/wall systems: USG Interiors, Armstrong Woodworks Li, Armstrong

Doors/locks/hardware: Dooge Veneers, Acrovyn, Hallowell

Fabric/textiles: Maharam

Furniture—seating/casegoods: Pivot (supplier)

Handrails/wall guards: Inpro Corporation

Headwalls/booms: Amico

Lighting: Pinnacle Architectural Lighting, Eureka, NLS Lighting, Lithonia Lighting, Gotham, Hydrel

Surfaces—solid/other: Corian, Caesarstone Quartz, Wilsonart, Abet Laminati

Wallcoverings: Koroseal, Designtex

Other: Sherwin-Williams, MechoShade Systems

Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Healthcare Design.