Hey stackers.
After seeing @TNStacker post some cool pics from my cool city I'm hoping he/she still there while I post this so he/she can maybe go spend some sats.
#1009857
#1009034
I'm proud to say the Bitcoin community here is strong. As someone mentioned here: #1009875 we have four strong Bitcoin only meetups. Each of them is generally focused on spreading the good word and teaching others. I've seen cool tutorials for ColdCards, tutorials on how to use BTCPAY, how to use BISQ safely and efficiently, I've seen some mesh networks being experimented with and built in local areas, and more! What I would like to add to all this San Diego discussion though is a few places you can spend sats. We don't have too many places but the ones who do are strong and passionate Bitcoiners.
https://btcmap.org/merchant/node:10081725496
This one is PlanterSam. They have a small and beautiful home plant store, and this power husband and wife combo are experts at keeping your plants alive! They have their own BTCPAY server, on-chain only at this time, but are willing to use their mobile LN wallets if that's what you prefer. The owner expressed difficulties with keeping channels open. He keeps getting forced-closed on unfortunately. I'm no expert but we spoke a bit about his issues, and how I've managed to keep my one private channel with ACINQ open for a couple years with no issues. Perhaps he has this issue worked out and is also accepting lightning payments through his BTCPAY server. Beautiful store, great products, expert advice.
https://btcmap.org/merchant/node:11563024274
Next is Cafe Di Talya in Pacific beach. If you want to make the stereotypical lightning-for-coffee transaction, I promise this is the place to do it. He's a bit new to Bitcoin but has been set up to accept lightning payments by a friend of his whom I don't know. It's Italian owned and he imports all of his beans and some other products directly from his hometown in Italy and let me tell you, the quality is there! The property is also beautiful with plenty of seating and lots of plants and modern furnishings all over. He's famous for his pistachio latte but with these beans I can't deviate from a strong black cup of coffee, or an espresso.
https://btcmap.org/merchant/node:6469321485
Lastly, Phileas Foggs. This place is just amazing. It's an English pub with a menu that pulls specialties from a few different parts of the world. The beer list is expansive and mixed with rotating local brews and imports from all over. There were many I had never heard of before. They have all sorts of events, like Monday karaoke, and a friendly community of regulars. None of the regulars I've seen so far are into Bitcoin (yet) but they all accept and encourage the owners Bitcoin pride. And let me tell you, he is PROUD! When you stroll up to this pub the first thing you'll notice is a massive "BITCOIN ACCEPTED HERE" sign right on the front of the building. Best yet, if you pay with bitcoin, you get a 10% discount off your entire bill. Here they are also hosting their own BTCPAY server with on-chain and lightning set up and ready to go. The owner can be found at some of the bitcoin meetups we have here. And this I just love https://phileasfoggs.com/btc/ They listed a wonderful explanation for why-bitcoin but also took it upon themselves to post links and contact information to all other businesses they know of that are currently accepting bitcoin in the area.
California certainly has its political issues, but here in San Diego you can find a strong bitcoin community that is welcoming, knowledgeable, and friendly. There are a few other places that will take your sats that haven't shown up on BTCMAPS yet. In a farmers' market I found a winery that buys wines from the vineyards of Temecula, ages the wine in whiskey or bourbon and then re-bottles and sells them. There's also https://perennialpasturesranch.com I know at one point you could buy an entire cow (or half or quarter) with an on-chain transaction. The owner came and spoke at one of the bitcoin meetups here. I haven't verified any time recently whether bitcoin is still accepted here, but their product is top quality, and I would assume they still accept sats.