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News from the City of Encinitas | January 22, 2026
| |  | | D Street Reopens, Grandview Set to Close for Repairs | | |
The City of Encinitas has updates on two important beach access staircase projects focused on safety and long-term access. The D Street beach access staircase reopened on January 21, 2026, following completion of emergency structural rehabilitation work. The staircase had been closed after inspections identified safety concerns. Improvements included structural reinforcements, repairs to aging components, and lighting upgrades.
Looking ahead, the Grandview Beach staircase will temporarily close beginning February 3, 2026, to allow for essential refurbishment work. The staircase, located at the north end of Neptune Avenue, will undergo repairs to address long-term wear and maintain safe access. The closure is expected to last until Memorial Day 2026.
For more details on these and other City infrastructure projects, visit the City of Encinitas City Projects & Initiatives dashboard.
| | Senior Citizen Service Award | | |
The City of Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission, in partnership with the Encinitas Rotary Club, is pleased to announce that they will be honoring an Encinitas resident with the Senior Citizen Service Award. The award recognizes a deserving senior citizen who demonstrates outstanding volunteerism, leadership, helping, teaching, mentoring, or advocating for others in the City of Encinitas. The award will be based on dedication, overarching commitment, and demonstrated impact of those served.
Anyone may nominate a senior citizen by completing a nomination form and mailing it to the City of Encinitas, Senior Citizen of Year Award, Parks and Recreation Department, 505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024, or by emailing it to prca@encinitasca.gov by 4pm on March 19, 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit our webpage.
| | Thinking ADU? Start with a Permit-Ready Plan | | |
The Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program encourages the construction of ADUs by offering property owners a selection of pre-approved ADU building plans that can be downloaded from the City’s website. The permit-ready plans include customizable options to allow for variations in exterior materials and door and window fenestrations to express individual owners’ tastes and respect community character. The program assists property owners in creating ADUs by providing customizable plans, expediting the process, and reducing preconstruction fees. The program also helps the City meet strategic plan goals by providing diverse housing options throughout the city.
The City adopted a program for the preapproval of ADU master plans for outside private parties. This allows private parties to create preapproved ADU plans through a review and approval process by the City, which can then be submitted for review on a specific site. Individuals that prepare and submit plans are responsible for updating the plans as new changes to state and local laws are adopted. Designers and builders with building plans that are pre-approved by the City of Encinitas can offer their customers a streamlined, lower-cost, plan review, subject to any specific property or site considerations. The plans may include associated configuration options. The plans must clearly identify the level of scope for the plan. Pre-approved PRADU plans may be used in residential and mixed-use zoning districts with existing single-family, multi-family, or mixed-use residential units, and enable city staff to more quickly review a proposed project.
The PRADU webpage includes the pre-approved building plans, a processing guide as well as further history on the PRADU program. For more information, please contact the City’s planning department by email at planning@encinitasca.gov or by phone at (760) 633-2710.
| | 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.
- 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.
| | 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.
| | 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.
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Give Blood, Get Cookies 🍪❤️
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The City of Encinitas is hosting a community blood drive with the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday, February 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Public Works Parking Lot (160 Calle Magdalena). Donating blood is a simple way to make a life-saving difference for local patients and hospitals, and this drive makes giving back a little sweeter.
As a thank you, blood donors will receive a complimentary box of Thin Mints® Girl Scout Cookies®, while supplies last. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Please remember to bring a photo ID and arrive hydrated. To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or call (619) 400-8251.
| Music by the Sea 2026 Concerts - Season passes are 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.
Single Concert Ticket: $23
Purchase your 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.
| | 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 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
This meeting is in-person at City Hall.
Click here for the January 28 agenda.
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