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News from the City of Encinitas | April 16, 2026
| |  | | Two terrific opportunities for local artists! | | |
The Encinitas Cultural Arts Division is seeking local artists to create a unique, handmade award for the annual City of Encinitas Environmental Awards. The award must be nature themed and created using natural materials. The application deadline is Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Professional and emerging artists are also invited to apply for a juried exhibition in one of Encinitas' three civic art spaces in 2027. Solo artists and artist groups are welcome to apply. The deadline is Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Visit the Visual Arts Webpage for applications and additional information.
| | 2026 Encinitas CERT Academy graduates — trained, ready, and committed to serving our community. | | |
On February 9, 21 Encinitas residents came together to begin the CERT Academy, united by a shared commitment to support their city and community in times of disaster.
Throughout nine sessions, they received training in emergency preparedness, disaster medical operations, fire and utility safety, light search and rescue, terrorism awareness, and radio communications.
These skills will help them better protect their families, assist their neighbors, and serve the broader community and the City of Encinitas—all with the goal of achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
| | Happy Earth Month, Encinitas! 🌎 | | |
Every April, we celebrate this wonderful place we get to call home. The City’s Climate Action Plan aims to preserve our wonderful corner of the world by providing a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Encinitas.
April is the perfect time to incorporate small actions to help the planet thrive. Try these out:
🍌Use your green bin! Diverting food waste from our landfills reduces methane emissions and global warming potential
💌Opt out of junk mail! We all know how annoying junk mail can be... updating your mailing preferences can save trees, water and headache
🎒 Swap out single-use items! Small switches like reusable bags instead of plastic bags, or using cleaning rags instead of paper towels, add up
⚠️ Dispose of household hazardous waste properly! The City, in collaboration with EDCO, offers a free or low-cost HHW pickup hotline. Call 800-714-1195 or 877-443-2371 to schedule your pick-up
This Earth Month, try these actions to help the planet and check out our Climate Dashboard for more resources on sustainable changes! ✨
| | The Microtransit Study survey is now live! | | |
The City is looking for public feedback on proposed microtransit options for Encinitas. Microtransit is a form of public transportation that typically uses small vehicles either on fixed routes or as requested to help people to get around a community.
This public input will help shape the future of Encinitas transit! Your voice is essential to this effort, and we strongly encourage you to share feedback using the Microtransit Study survey!
Click here to take the survey.
Save the date for the City’s upcoming Microtransit Workshop for a fun and interactive way to share your insights.
📅 Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 Location: Encinitas Community and Senior Center
👥Who: Anyone who travels in Encinitas
We hope to see you there!
| | Short-Term Rental Ordinance Updates | | |
The City is taking the next step to finalize the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), and the process is nearing the finish line.
Key Milestones:
On February 5, 2026, the California Coastal Commission approved the City's STR Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2022-15 and Ordinance No. 2022-16) with two modifications:
- Reducing the three-night minimum stay to a two-night minimum stay for non-hosted short-term rentals.
- Adding the two-night minimum stay requirement for non-hosted units to Chapter 30.50 of the Municipal Code.
What happens next?
Before the Local Coastal Program amendment can be officially certified and implemented, the City must adopt the Coastal Commission’s modifications by approving a new ordinance.
City staff will return to the City Council on April 22, 2026, to introduce the amended Short-Term Rental Ordinance incorporating the Coastal Commission’s modifications. Approval of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance requires a second hearing at City Council for adoption. Once the ordinance is adopted by City Council, it will then be submitted to Coastal Commission for verification and final authorization, and then the ordinance becomes effective.
Stay Informed:
Stay tuned as the City works to finalize these amendments and bring the new short-term rental regulations into effect. Sign up on the City’s Updates page to receive notifications regarding the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinance and upcoming hearings.
| | Upcoming public hearing: Development Impact/Mitigation Fees | | |
In accordance with the California Mitigation Fee Act (Government Code Section 66000 et seq.) the City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., to consider Resolution No. 2026-34 updating development impact/mitigation fees, in compliance with Government Code section 66002; and an updated fee schedule for the Citywide Development Impact/Mitigation Fees. Development impact/mitigation fees are one-time fees charged to new development projects to offset the impacts to certain city infrastructure systems caused by the new development and include fees for:
- Parkland Acquisition
- Parkland Development
- Recreational Trails
- Open Space Acquisition
- Flood Control and Drainage
- Traffic Mitigation
- Fire Mitigation
- Community Facilities
The City Council will review the findings of a Citywide Impact Fee Nexus Study and consider updating development impact/mitigation fees in accordance with the Mitigation Fee Act, California Government Code Section 66000 et seq. and consider the resolution adopting the Citywide Impact Fee Nexus Study, which was prepared by the City and Harris & Associates and includes a Citywide Impact/Mitigation Fees Capital Improvement Plan, in compliance with Government Code section 66002, and an updated fee schedule for the Citywide Development Impact/Mitigation Fees.
The information and data required by Government Code sections 66016 and 66019, including the final draft of the Nexus Study, the Citywide Impact/Mitigation Fees Capital Improvement Plan (“Project List”), and proposed fees available on the City’s website no later than May 8, 2026, on the city's webpage.
| | Help Us Plant Trees at Arbor Day 2026! | | |
The City of Encinitas invites the community to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawk View Park, located at 1309 Blue Heron Ave, Encinitas. This annual tradition reflects our commitment as a Tree City USA and offers residents a meaningful way to support the growth of our urban forest.
Participants will help plant more than 50 trees throughout the park, enjoy family activities, and connect with educational booths. The native species planted will strengthen local biodiversity, expand shade, and create lasting benefits for future generations who visit Hawk View Park.
Those taking part in tree planting are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and hats and will be asked to sign a waiver. This free, community-driven event welcomes all who wish to attend. Please complete the participant registration interest form at https://www.encinitasca.gov/ArborDay.
Attendees are encouraged to bring extra fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the Healthy Day Partners’ Homegrown Hunger Relief program donation stations located throughout Hawk View Park. Attendees can also take home FREE mulch, make sure to bring your own bucket or bag to collect the mulch.
For more information about Arbor Day, visit www.EncinitasCA.gov/ArborDay.
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Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and community as Art Night returns to Encinitas on Saturday, April 18. Experience a dynamic celebration of the arts across four vibrant locations: Encinitas City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library, and the Pacific View Arts Center.
Enjoy FREE shuttle service connecting these locations along with other participating galleries and community sites, making it easier than ever to experience the full spectrum of art throughout the city.
Featured Artists include Stephanie Missan at the City Hall gallery, Meisha Grichuhin, Carol Lang and George Facelo at the Encinitas Library gallery, and Kenton Hoppas, Jane Fletcher, Marcy Stinton, Shadae Talebi on display at the Encinitas Community Center.
Dates: April 18
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Locations: City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library, and the Pacific View Arts Center
Cost: Free
Experience live performances throughout the evening, featuring Swan Kirtan, Leading Notes Studios School Bands and The New Sunset Strummers.
Art night offers something for the whole family this year. Bring the whole family for Carrie Dawn’s interactive Children’s Storytelling. Enjoy reading circles, sing-alongs, book signing, and a lively Q&A session that sparks imagination and creativity in young minds.
Unleash your own creativity at Art Night with free hands-on workshops for all ages.
- Arts Alive Banner: Community Banner Painting – Contribute to a collaborative public artwork displayed throughout Encinitas
- Paper Collage Art – Inspired by Stephanie Missan, with Natalia Quintero
- Butterfly Tissue Paper Craft
- Zentangle Community Board
- Fun Ceramic Figures – Shape, sculpt, and personalize your own playful ceramic creation
With live performances, artist talks, exhibitions, and a complimentary shuttle connecting venues, Art Night offers something for everyone.
For more information, visit encinitasca.gov/VisualArt
| | Music by the Sea 2026 Concert Season | | |
Kenneth Liao, Violin - May 1, 7pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Kenneth Liao, a distinguished violinist with the San Diego Symphony. Kenneth studied at USC and The Juilliard School, and has performed with the Royal Swedish Opera, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and on stages such as Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Hall. A passionate chamber musician, he brings vibrant energy, deep musical insight, and a love for collaboration to every performance.
Get your tickets before they’re gone. An epic night of music by the sea awaits!
Still to Come
Julian Gargiulo, Piano – May 29, 7pm
Virtuosity meets humor and storytelling
Internationally acclaimed entertainer and composer known as the “Pianist with the Hair.”
Season Finale – The Grand Finale Ensemble – June 26, 7pm
Featuring Mendelssohn’s Trio No. 1 in D minor
Cristian Fatu, violin, Dan Yu, piano, Paul Tseng, cello
A thrilling conclusion to the 2026 season.
Seats are limited, and concerts are selling quickly. Purchase tickets at www.EncinitasCA.gov/Concerts. For ticket assistance, please call (760) 633-2746 or email arts@encinitasca.gov.
| | Movie in the Park – Saturday May 2 | | |
The City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is excited to host its spring Movie in the Park showing of the animated favorite Surf’s Up! on Saturday, May 2 at Glen Park in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Bring your friends, family, beach chairs, and picnic dinners for a fun evening with activities kicking off at 6:30pm with movie inspired crafts and outdoor games, perfect for all ages. The movie will begin at dusk, so come early, get cozy, and enjoy the pre-show fun. We thank our presenting sponsors: Kickforce Martial Arts, San Diego Community Power, and Warner Pediatric Dental.
- Activities begin at 6:30pm, movie starts at dusk
- Glen Park, 2149 Orinda Dr, Cardiff by the Sea
- Bring your own chairs/blankets, food and refreshments
Please note: Glen Park is currently receiving ADA improvements to the parking lot and walkways. Parking may be a bit more limited than usual, so please plan to arrive a little early to find your spot and settle in for the show.
We can’t wait to see you there for a night of community, creativity, and surfing penguins!
For more information, visit www.EncinitasParksandRec.com
| | Download the MyEncinitas App! | | | | |
The MyEncinitas App is a digital portal that allows users to obtain information related to City services and request assistance. Through the app, residents can find online information, report an issue, learn about City projects and more.
MyEncinitas App
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