Encinitas is about to embark on what Councilwoman Teresa Barth calls “the most important project we will undertake as a city since incorporation.” (the city was incorporated in 1986).

She is referring to Encinitas’ preparation to update its citywide land-use plan, the first time they will update it in 20 years.  Barth refers to these plans as “the city’s constitution — a statement of who we are and what we value as a community.”

That’s a pretty important undertaking, and Encinitas is spending over $1M for three consultants to work on updating the plan. These consultants will organize community meetings and handle all technical studies associated with the project.

Now the Encinitas residents must give their input on the changes about to be made. For the next two years, city officials will hold public meetings where residents participate offer recommendations and give opinions on the new plan.

The general plan sets parameters for city development and addresses locations of residential and commercial buildings. It also addresses traffic and sets policies on housing noise, safety, recreation, conservation, and open space.

If you live in Encinitas and you care about your quality of life in the years ahead, watch for notices of these public meetings and come and express your opinions. It’s important!!

San Dieguito Academy, one of the excellent public high schools in Encinitas will begin building a $9.7M Performing Arts Center later this year.

The center will make arts a central part of the students’ learning experience.  It will house a 225-seat theater, a classroom for making scenery, a green room, dressing rooms, and storage space for props. It will also have a music wing and recording studio, and there will be an outdoor stage with 500 seats.

When the students aren’t using these spaces, the school will rent them out to the rest of the Encinitas community, offering other performing arts groups a space for their rehearsals and performances.

The San Dieguito Union High School District has raised $9.2M with some funding from the district, the state, and the school’s foundation. Part of the money comes from a state grant that supports career technical education. The Academy’s Foundation is still working to raise the last $490,000 needed for the project.

This wonderful new Performing Arts Center will further enhance a community already providing great education and excellent art experiences.

KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization, has names Encinitas on its list of 93 top cities nationwide that has great places for kids to play within walking distance of their homes. This recognition program encourages cities to share ideas that they use to increase play opportunities for children.

To qualify, Encinitas had to submit an application describing its parks and playground, recreation programs, and events. Anyone who lives and/or works in Encinitas knows about Moonlight Beach, a great family beach with a playground and summer concerts; Cottonwood Creek Park with its famous big climbing wall; and Cardiff Sports Park which seems to host soccer and baseball tournaments nearly every weekend.

In fact, according to an article in the San Diego Union Tribune, Encinitas has over 374 acres of public parks, beaches, and open space, including 40 miles of publicly maintained trails for its population of nearly 65,000. Encinitas also describes all of its programs through an online website and has been offering online registration there for the past eight years.

The head of the Parks and Recreation Commision defines his group as a liaison between the city and community members who are able to suggest new ideas for activities and events as regularly scheduled meetings.

If you are looking for a family-friendly community in San Diego’s North County, look no further than Encinitas. Its award-winning schools are an additional perk for a community that offers so much for children!