La Jolla Cars and Coffee cruises into the village early on the second Sunday of each month, treating local automobile enthusiasts to a joyful collision of classic and exotic cars, freshly brewed coffee and inspiring causes.
True to its name, this car show treats its guests to complimentary coffee, sometimes served alongside something sweet. This month, spectators grazed on blue and white macaroons, stamped with the La Jolla Cars and Coffee logo.
Community is the heartbeat of successful car shows; a truth reflected in the inclusion of A New Life dog rescue and Feeding San Diego as the April celebration’s nonprofit beneficiaries. That spirit of community – and its capacity to cultivate connections and empower positive change – inspired Compass Real Estate Agent Craig Lotzof to launch La Jolla Cars and Coffee last November.
He talked with La Jolla Village News about what drove him to create this community.
LJVN: What inspired you to launch La Jolla Cars and Coffee?
CL: The inspiration was twofold: First, it’s a passion project between my son, Max, and me — we share a deep appreciation for exotic and classic cars. We wanted to build something meaningful together around that. Second, we recognized that many of the shops in The Village were experiencing a tougher year. We saw an opportunity to bring a new level of energy and excitement —not just around our office, but to The Village as a whole. The goal was simple: create something that brings great people together, supports local merchants, and adds a vibrant, positive momentum to the community.
LJVN: Why is it important to anchor La Jolla Cars and Coffee in community?
CL: Because community is everything. We genuinely care about this community, and this event shines a spotlight on La Jolla in a way it hasn’t had before —similar to what Rancho Santa Fe has built, but with a different soul.
Our event isn’t just about cars. It’s about lifestyle, culture and connection. It’s about bringing people together to share experiences in one of the most beautiful places in the world. And you can feel it. People are coming from Orange County and Los Angeles, not just for the event, but to spend the day in The Village, walk through the La Jolla Farmers Market, dine, shop and be part of the energy. That’s when you know it’s working. It’s not just a gathering — It’s momentum for the entire community.
LJVN: There’s a special connection between car shows and good causes. How do you explain this synergy?
CL: The natural synergy between car culture and giving back is rooted in passion, achievement and pride. It’s also about purpose. This isn’t about people showing off their cars. It’s about a group of individuals, who have built real momentum in their lives and now want to share that success in a meaningful way with the community. And you feel that most in the kids. Watching their reaction — the excitement, the inspiration — it reminds you that this event is bigger than cars. It’s about sparking dreams and showing what’s possible.
That’s why we’ve built a strong philanthropic component into La Jolla Cars and Coffee. Each month, we align with causes that matter: whether it’s supporting families through initiatives like Feeding San Diego, bringing joy during the holidays with Toys for Tots, hosting pet adoption efforts with A New life Rescue or investing in youth-focused organizations like the NFL Foundation, the NFL Alumni Association and the San Diego Automotive Museum, through programs like Ignite Academy. Our vision is to build real partnerships where nonprofits don’t just participate, they become part of the experience through their presence at the event, storytelling, fundraising opportunities and direct engagement with a highly influential audience. When you combine passion, community and purpose, you don’t just create an event. You create impact.
LJVN: How do you envision La Jolla Cars and Coffee making its mark in our community in the months and years to come?
CL: I envision La Jolla Cars and Coffee becoming something truly special — an experience people look forward to, not just attend. A place where people come together to connect, share their stories, and celebrate life. Where giving back to the community isn’t an add-on. It’s the standard. What’s exciting is we’re already seeing it take shape. People from all over Southern California are now coming regularly, many who wouldn’t otherwise visit La Jolla. They’re spending time in The Village and supporting the community. The outpouring of support and feedback has been incredible. Our goal is to keep elevating it: refining the experience, strengthening the partnerships and continuing to build something that not only brings energy to La Jolla, but leaves a lasting mark.
LJVN: What car makes are parked in your stable?
CL: Right now, our car collection reflects both passion and family. I have a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, a true icon that captures the spirit of classic American design. It was my late father’s favorite car. He never had a chance to own one, so it’s incredibly special to me. We also have a Bentley Mulsanne. That car is about legacy and quality hand-built craftsmanship. Then there’s a Classic Mini Cooper: timeless, fun and full of character. For a modern edge, we own a Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. It’s pure performance and design — a mix of old-world soul and modern precision.
