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News from the City of Encinitas | March 12, 2026
| |  | | Learn How Encinitas Works: Join Encinitas Academy | | |
Curious about how the City of Encinitas operates? Encinitas Academy gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at local government through an interactive program that introduces the departments, services, and people who keep the city running. Participants will meet City leaders, tour facilities, and learn how decisions are made, how the City budget works, and how services affect everyday life in the community.
The program also explores topics such as public safety, development services, parks and recreation, mobility and traffic, utilities, and more. Encinitas Academy is designed to help residents better understand their local government and discover ways to get involved in shaping the future of Encinitas.
Registration is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait! Sessions start on April 7, 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.encinitasca.gov/EncinitasAcademy.
| | Pedal Smarter, Ride Safer: Sign Up for Encinitas Bike/E-Bike Safety Classes! | | |
With so many people getting around on bikes and e-bikes, it’s more important than ever for all riders to be equipped with the knowledge and skills for safe and confident journeys. That's why the City of Encinitas, in partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, offers monthly Bike/E-Bike "Community Cycling" Skills Classes for teens and adults!
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking to brush up on your road rules, an e-bike enthusiast wanting to understand the nuances of your ride, or a teen new to navigating our city streets on two wheels, these comprehensive 3-hour classes are designed for you.
What You'll Learn:
- Rules of the Road: Understand traffic laws, signaling, and your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist.
- Best Practices: Learn effective riding techniques, where to ride, and how to position yourself safely.
- Emergency Maneuvers: Practice crucial skills to react to unexpected situations on the road.
- E-Bike Specifics: Get clarity on e-bike classifications, legal requirements, and safe operation.
Each class is broken into three engaging parts: a lecture to cover essential information, skills drills to practice techniques in a safe environment, and a guided road ride to apply your new knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Important Notes:
- Bring your own bike/e-bike: Please come with the bicycle or e-bike you regularly ride, ensuring it's in good working order (check chain, brakes, and tire pressure!).
- Helmet Required: A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for all participants.
- Some cycling experience is necessary: This is not a "learn-to-ride" class.
- Parental Involvement: For participants under 16, parent registration and participation are strongly encouraged. For those 12 and under, parent registration and participation are required.
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your safety and confidence on the road! Visit the City’s e-bike webpage at encinitasca.gov/ebikes for upcoming class dates, times, and to register. Spaces fill up quickly, so sign up today and help us make Encinitas an even safer and more enjoyable place to ride for everyone!
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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.
For more information about the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinance, please contact Charlotte Brenner, Project Manager, at cbrenner@encinitasca.gov, or (760) 633-2784.
| | This weekend! Native Plants & Waterwise Landscaping Workshop | | |
Learn how to create a beautiful, sustainable garden that thrives in San Diego’s climate at the Native Plants and Waterwise Landscaping Workshop. Presented by landscape architect Steve Sherman, the free workshop will cover how to select native and waterwise plants, design a water-efficient landscape, and maintain healthy growth. A garden tour of OMWD’s CA-friendly demonstration garden is also included. It's free to attend, but registration is required.
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the
Location: Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board Room
1966 Olivenhain Rd., Encinitas
Cost: FREE
Reserve your spot by clicking here.
| Proposed Updates to the City's Development Impact Fees Program | |
Community members and members from the Building Industry Association (BIA) are invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to discuss findings from the most recent Development Impact Fee (DIF) study.
DIFs, also known as 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. To impose DIFs, a jurisdiction must prepare a study showing that reasonable connection, or nexus, exists between the impacts caused by new development and the capital improvements needed to address those impacts. This study must also calculate the proportional fee that can be assessed on each project that pays for that project’s share of the impact. The draft study and prior DIF studies can be found on the City's website.
Types of development fees include:
• Park Development Fees
• Parkland Acquisition Fees
• Traffic Mitigation Fees
• Open Space Acquisition Fees
• Recreational Trails Fees
• Community Facilities Fees
• Fire Mitigation Fees
• Flood Control Mitigation Fees
Microsoft Teams meeting - Join Online
Meeting ID: 256 239 680 198 93
Passcode: n3Si3SN2
For more information about the community meeting please contact Tom Gallup, Finance Director, at tgallup@encinitasca.gov, or (760) 633-2648.
| Encinitas Spring Egg Hunt April 4 | |
Join us at Encinitas Community Park on Saturday, April 4 for a free, action-packed event. From live music with Kathryn the Grape to face painting, crafts, visits from the Easter Bunny, and of course 20,000 eggs, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Huge thanks to our amazing event sponsors: Beam Orthodontics.
Egg Hunt Times:
- 10:15 AM
- 11:00 AM
- 11:45 AM
We’ve got age-appropriate hunts for all! Ages 4 & under will search for eggs on the upper field, and 5 & up will have fun on the lower field.
Parking:
Parking is limited at Encinitas Community Park, so consider parking at San Dieguito Academy High School and hop on the complimentary shuttle busses. We’ve got you covered for a smooth ride!
For more information, visit www.encinitasparksandrec.com
| Save the Date: Art Night Encinitas | |
Art Night is back! Mark your calendars for an evening of creativity, connection, and community across four vibrant Encinitas locations: Encinitas City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library, and the Pacific View Arts Center
This free, family-friendly event is open to all and features live music, new art exhibitions showcasing diverse artistic mediums, artist talks, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and meet-the-artist opportunities.
A complimentary shuttle will connect all main venues, along with participating community sites, galleries and local businesses, making it easy to experience the full spectrum of art throughout the city.
In recognition of the City’s newly installed civic exhibitions, on display through early May 2026, Art Night will highlight the participating artists: Stephanie Missan at City Hall; Meisha Grichuhin, Carol Lang, and George Facelo at the Encinitas Library, and Kenton Hoppas, Jane Fletcher, Marcy Stinton, and Shadae Talebi at the Community Center.
Come explore, engage, and be inspired!
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Cost: Free
For more information, visit: encinitasca.gov/VisualArt
| | Hiring Event: Find Your First Job | | |
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in a young person's life by giving them their very first job experience?
Join us for an inspiring event for motivated young adults who are excited to begin building their work experience and embark on their first job! At the event, you will have the opportunity to conduct interviews and discover new talent while helping young adults gain essential work experience and kickstart their careers.
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
| | 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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