New spot open? Something worth knowing around town? Text PJ a photo and two lines. No account, no app, no login. PJ reads every one, and a real person decides what goes up.
- Take the photo yourself: a storefront, a sign, a new mural, the beach after the storm.
- Text it to PJ with what it is, where, and one line of your own take. Pick a type if you like: spotted, event, shoutout (thank a local business or person), or help wanted. Add your own link (your Instagram, your shop) and the card points to it.
- PJ checks it against the official record where there is one (a County food permit, a City notice) and posts it as "Spotted by" your first name.
Spotted around town
New places PJ and neighbors have seen open, with their own photos. Not ads: nobody pays to be here. Spotted something? Text it in.
PJ: "Has a whole outside bake thing. Looks like a whole deal."
On record: County of San Diego food facility permit DEH2024-FFPP-018578 (Necessity Coffee), issued. Link to this spot · text it to a friend
PJ: "This was Captain Keno's. Now the new development is under way."
On record: The Coast News, July 22, 2025: Captain Keno's and the Portofino Beach Hotel demolished for a mixed-use project in Leucadia. Link to this spot · text it to a friend
Now open: Sunday to Thursday 3:30 to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 3:30 to 10pm; happy hour daily 3:30 to 6pm. (the sign out front)
PJ: "Been there twice. Great spot."
On record: County of San Diego food facility permit DEH2026-FFPP-021853 (Oto Sushi Encinitas), issued. Link to this spot · text it to a friend
How this is different from social media
- No account, no login. A text is enough.
- No algorithm. Newest first, every card shown, nothing boosted.
- No ads, no paid posts. Businesses can't buy a card.
- It points outward. Every card links to the place, the official record, or your own link. We don't want to keep you here.
- Yours to change. Text to edit it or take it down.
- Easy to share anywhere. Every card has its own link and a text-it-to-a-friend button.
- A named human moderates. PJ, not a mystery rulebook.
The rules, in plain words
- Your own photo, and by sending it you're OK with SideGuy posting it with your first name.
- No faces of private people, no homes, no license plates, no kids. Storefronts, signs and places.
- Nobody pays to be here, and businesses can't buy a card. That's what keeps it worth reading.
- Facts get checked before they go up; your take stays in your words.
- Want it down? Text PJ and it comes down.
Spot a mistake on any SideGuy page? Fixes pay $5.
Follow new spots: RSS feed.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · every 2027 Medicare plan · is my medication recalled? · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25. Your parent lives here and you don't? The Parent Check-In Plan, $25 a month.
Questions people ask
How do I post something on SideGuy?
Text PJ a photo and two lines at 858-461-8054. No account or login; PJ checks it and posts it with your first name.
Do businesses pay to be on Spotted?
No. Nobody pays to be listed, and businesses can't buy a card.
Know someone who needs this?
Got a question about this? Ask PJ a question. A real person in Solana Beach texts you back.
Something changed here? Text PJ the fix: if it changes this page, you get $5. How it works.
Spotted something new around town? Text it in. What do you want to see here? Ask PJ for a page. No login, a real person reads it.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.