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News from the City of Encinitas | January 15, 2026
| |  | | New Art Exhibitions Installed in Civic Art Spaces | | |
New art exhibitions are now on display at City Hall, the Encinitas Library, and the Encinitas Community Center. The new group of exhibitions will be on view now through early May 2026 and celebrated with the artists and the public at Art Night on April 18, 2026.
The new exhibitions include work by Stephanie Missan at City Hall, Meisha Grichuhin, Carol Lang, and a new artist exhibition space in the Periodical Room featuring George Facelo at the Encinitas Library, Kenton Hoppas, Jane Fletcher, Marcy Stinton, and Shadae Talebi at the Community Center.
Learn more about the exhibitions and their April 18th artists’ reception on our website.
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| Beach Sand Replenishment work to Begin in January | | |
Starting this month, Caltrans and SANDAG Build NCC crews will begin sand replenishment work at South Ponto State Beach on the Carlsbad-Encinitas city line as part of the Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track Project.
Initial activities will include dredging within the Batiquitos Lagoon and hauling sand from the lagoon to the beach. The majority of this work will take place Monday through Friday intermittently between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is expected to be completed by April 2026.
The South Ponto State Beach will remain open during this work and flaggers will be in place to guide traffic, as needed.
What to Expect:
- People traveling along Coast Highway 101 between La Costa Avenue in Encinitas and Poinsettia Lane in Carlsbad may experience minor travel delays on days that crews work to transport the sand from the lagoon onto the beach
- Construction noise from equipment and vehicle back-up alarms
- Construction vehicles moving in and out of the work areas at Avenida Encinas and Ponto Drive in Carlsbad as well as La Costa Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard in Encinitas
- If lane closures are necessary, detour signage and flaggers will be in place to help guide travelers through the work area
- Project equipment and materials stored alongside the railroad tracks within NCTD’s right-of-way
The Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track project is expected to be fully complete in 2028, with many construction activities pausing from April 15 to August each year during the peak California Least Tern nesting season.
Please note construction schedules are subject to change. We appreciate your patience during construction.
| | Age-Friendly Encinitas - Input Needed! | | |
The City of Encinitas has been working on an Age-Friendly Encinitas study, aimed at looking to enhance livability, accessibility, and well-being for residents of all ages and abilities. This project is generously funded by the San Diego Foundation and supported by the expertise of the San Diego State University Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity.
Your voice is crucial in this process! We're committed to building an age-friendly Encinitas through community participation and your valuable input. Please join us to finalize this community-driven proposal for City Council review.
- Tuesday, Jan. 20, 10am, Encinitas Community & Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive
- Thursday, Jan. 29, 4pm, Encinitas Library Community Room, 540 Cornish Drive
- Monday, Feb. 2, 12:30pm, Encinitas Community & Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive
- Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10am, Encinitas Elks Lodge, 1393 Windsor Road
For more information about the Age Friendly Initiative, visit our webpage.
| | Start Your Business Journey in Encinitas This Year | | |
A new year brings new opportunities, and in Encinitas, we’re proud to welcome entrepreneurs who are ready to bring fresh ideas and energy into our thriving business community. With more than 8,200 businesses across the city, Encinitas continues to be a place where innovators, creators and established companies choose to launch and grow.
If you’re planning to open a business in 2026, the City is here to support you every step of the way. Our Opening a Business Guide walks you through Encinitas’ streamlined seven-step process, helping you understand zoning, permitting, licensing and other requirements that set your business up for success.
Whether you’re preparing your business plan, exploring commercial spaces or navigating City approvals, we encourage you to take advantage of the tools available on the Encinitas Business Portal.
The City’s Economic Development Team wants to learn about your business goals and how we can help. Schedule a R.A.V.E.S. business visit today!
| | Water Agencies Offer Free Rain Collection Workshop | | |
Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District invite you to attend a free workshop on the benefits of collecting rainwater. The workshop will cover the benefits of harvesting rainwater and what type of collection systems work best for different types of homes. The workshop will also review how to maintain a rain collection system and how to apply for applicable rebates.
Date: January 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Headquarters
Cost: FREE
Collected rainwater can be used on plants and gardens to offset monthly bills and helps reduce runoff pollutants from entering storm drains. It takes just a quarter-inch of rainfall on a 2,000 square foot roof to collect over 300 gallons of water.
After a presentation from Steve Sherman of California Landscape Technologies, an optional tour of OMWD’s California-Friendly Demonstration Garden will be provided, which features a rain barrel and cistern.
For more information and to register for the workshop, visit the event page. For information on rebates for rain barrels and other water-saving devices, visit www.socalwatersmart.com.
| | Music by the Sea 2026 Concerts - Season passes nearly sold out! | | |
The City of Encinitas, in partnership with the San Diego Music Society, is excited to present the 2026 Music by the Sea concert series, six Friday evening concerts featuring world-class performers in the intimate, acoustically rich Encinitas Library. From dazzling concerto masterpieces to virtuosic chamber works and captivating solo artists, this season promises artistry, inspiration, and musical magic by the sea.
All concerts are held Fridays at 7:00 PM at the Encinitas Library.
Season Opening Concert - Limited single tickets available!
Friday, January 23, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Concerto Night
- Paul Tseng, cello
- Justin Hansen, piano
Music by the Sea’s own Artistic Director, cellist Paul Tseng, opens the 2026 season with an evening of music usually heard with full orchestra. Joined by pianist Justin Hansen, who masterfully recreates the orchestral parts at the piano, they bring these grand works in the intimate setting of Music by the Sea.
Single Concert Ticket: $23
6-Season Pass: $118
Purchase your Music by the Sea passes and single concert tickets online now.
For ticket assistance, please call (760) 633-2746 or email arts@encinitasca.gov.
Artists and programs subject to change. All sales final. All card transactions include a 5% processing fee.
Upcoming 2026 Music by the Sea Concerts
February 20, 2026 | 7PM
San Diego Music Group – String Quartet
Quartets by Haydn and Mendelssohn
Featuring musicians from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble brings classical elegance and vibrant energy.
March 20, 2026 | 7PM
Vanessa Fountain, harp
An enchanting evening of heavenly music for solo harp
Award-winning harpist Vanessa Fountain makes her Music by the Sea debut.
May 1, 2026 | 7PM
Kenneth Liao, violin
A dynamic solo performance by the San Diego Symphony violinist, known for his expressive artistry and international career.
May 29, 2026 | 7PM
Julian Gargiulo, piano
Virtuosity meets humor and storytelling
Internationally acclaimed entertainer and composer known as the “Pianist with the Hair.”
June 26, 2026 | 7PM
Season Finale – The Grand Finale Ensemble
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.
| | Universal Waste Collection Event | | |
Calling all Encinitas residents 📣
Are you looking for a convenient way to dispose of unwanted electronics, batteries, bulbs, sharps? Join us this weekend for a FREE Universal Waste Collection event.
Date: Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Encinitas City Hall,
505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024
How does it work?
- This is a drive-up event – no hassle, no fuss!
- We’re accepting a variety of items, including household & lithium-ion batteries, light bulbs, electronics, sharps, and more!
- FREE for Encinitas Residents-just bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Can't make this event? Consider using our door to door collection services or permanent collection facilities in Vista and Poway, simply call 800-714-1195 to make an appointment.
For more information on accepted materials and all ways to dispose of Universal Waste, please visit the City's Household Hazardous Waste webpage.
| | 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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NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING >>
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
This meeting is in-person at City Hall.
Click here for the January 21 agenda.
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