While we love to focus on the trendy boutiques, quirky bars, and booming art galleries that define much of North Park culture, it seems there is much more going on around town. Let's find out who said what in this week's North Park news in review.

Nights: Apparently, North Park Nights is different from Ray at Night … not just an improved version. North Park News explains that, although similar in concept to Ray at Night, the long-running program run by businesses on Ray Street the second Saturday of the month, North Park Nights— held on the third Saturday — has a larger focus: the entire neighborhood. Got it?

Bad Trip: A North Park smoke shop owner was given 3 years probation for selling methamphetamine, crack, and cocaine pipes. San Diego 10 News explains that, following an undercover investigation, the cops seized more than 600 methamphetamine and rock cocaine pipes, in addition to scales, baggies and stash containers. Buzz kill.

Tasty: An L.A. focused foodie and blogger spotlights The Linkery in North Park – one of the first slow food restaurants in San Diego. We locals know this Aussie-style burger with “the lot” is no joke, now the foodie community is up to date. Serious Eats drools about The Linkery for days. (pictured)

Thirsty?: North Park’s sister city – Normal Heights – introduces locals to a family-friendly restaurant and bar. North Park news assures us that the new Blind Lady Ale House has fun, affordable pizzas and new craft beers for all to enjoy – so we should probably stop whining about Francaise Bakery and Café closing. 

Crafty: Home to one of the biggest arts communities in San Diego, North Park holds several arts and crafts events every year – such as the Crafty Sunday event on May 3rd and the North Park Festival of the Arts on May 17. Of course, the Craft Mania blogger has much to tell about these North Park events and more.

Cha-ching: Think no one’s buying San Diego real estate right now? Think again. The Daily Transcript informs that the 12-unit apartment complex on 4450 Boundary Street in North Park has been sold for $1.32 million. Get all the deal details.

Broke: OK, so maybe you can’t personally afford to drop over a mil’ – or even over a grand – on your rent in North Park. A nonprofit agency wants to build affordable apartments on a site originally proposed for condominiums. North Park news says this six-story building will benefit low-income families and young adults with disabilities, among others.

Lost?: Ya, we know North Park. But where in the world is South Park? A local blogger on the San Diego Reader weblogs lives in South Park, and is pretty tired of people not knowing what that means. “South Park … heh hehe … they killed Kenney!” Ha. South Park actually exists here-ish. Maybe our South Park friend should have invited blog followers to the South Park Spring Walkabout – a free community event that went down on March 3rd.

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