Across North County, employers continue to face a challenge that cuts across industries: building and maintaining the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive. Recruiting talented employees is certainly part of that challenge, but equally important is developing and retaining the people businesses already have.

As technology changes, new tools emerge and employees take on greater responsibilities, businesses need opportunities to continually invest in the skills of their workforce. For chambers of commerce and other business organizations, that means workforce development is becoming an increasingly important part of how we support the regional economy.

This summer, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce reached a major milestone in that effort when we were awarded our first direct contract with California’s Employment Training Panel (ETP). The contract provides up to $514,556 in funding to help businesses train and develop their existing employees. The Oceanside Chamber is now one of only ten chambers of commerce in California currently administering an ETP contract.

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For those who may not be familiar with ETP, it is California’s premier incumbent worker training program. It provides funding for employer-driven training designed to help businesses remain competitive while giving employees opportunities to develop new skills and advance in their careers.

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ESCONDIDO — The city joins a growing list of municipalities banning e-bikes for riders under 12, while approving other safety-focused regulations.

A sudden surge in e-bike collisions and injuries led the City Council to join the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program under Assembly Bill 2234 during the Aug. 26 meeting. The city’s Bicycle and Mobility Device Ordinance, which was approved 4-1 with Mayor Dane White opposing, prohibits riders under 12 from operating e-bikes (Class 1 and 2) and other mobility devices, restricts where e-bikes can operate, creates citations, fines, impoundment procedures, associated fees, and educational alternatives to fines, among other provisions.

The pilot program expires on Jan. 1, 2029.

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The city and Escondido Police Department will also engage in a 60-day education campaign before enforcement begins on Oct. 16, according to EPD Cpt. Josh Langdon. The city will coordinate with the two school districts to reach parents and students, Escondido police Lt. Craig Miller told the council.

Discussion on trails, open space and the Central Traffic District was removed from the proposal and will return to the council at a later date, he said.

“The San Diego Association of Governments recently urged cities across the region to establish consistent rules to avoid confusing riders who cross jurisdictional lines,” Miller added. “The recommendations made here tonight (Aug. 26) are in alignment with that goal.”

Last year, San Marcos approved joining AB 2234.

In addition to e-bikes (Class 1, 2 and 3), the vehicles covered by the city’s ordinance include personal devices such as Segways, motorized boards, low-speed vehicles, motorized scooters and shared devices. Nonmotorized vehicles exempted from the ordinance include skateboards, roller skates/blades, kick scooters, coasters and other human-powered wheeled devices.

Riders under 12 using a traditional bicycle may ride on a sidewalk if they operate with “due regard” to pedestrians, while riders 12 and older are prohibited from riding on sidewalks.

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OCEANSIDE — The city’s only public television station is on the brink.

KOCT, a 40-year institution in the city, has documented decades of Oceanside’s history, City Council meetings, graduations, and much more, and sent a desperate plea to donors, residents and others on Friday to support its GoFundMe effort. KOCT Executive Director Carly Starr said the goal is to raise $100,000 to avoid shutting down.

The station was denied funding from the Oceanside City Council earlier this year, while other funding sources have drastically declined over the years, she said. In fact, Starr said if KOCT (Oceanside Community Television) cannot meet its fundraising goal, it will not be able to cover this year’s election.

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KOCT started in 1984 and is one of the longest-running community media institutions in North County.

“For more than 40 years, KOCT Television has been the Voice of North County - preserving our community’s history, providing government transparency, supporting local nonprofits, educating future media professionals, and telling the stories that make our community our own,” Starr wrote in her newsletter. “Today, that legacy is at risk. Years of declining franchise funding, combined with rising operating costs and an increasingly difficult charitable funding environment, have created a critical financial gap.

“KOCT needs to raise $100,000 to keep the station operating and serving our community. Without this support, KOCT will be confronted with closing our doors.”

KOCT focuses on stories relating to nonprofits, student achievements, community events, city government, cultural programming and neighborhood initiatives, and acts as a historical archive. It’s a public-service-oriented station and is known as a PEG, or Public, Educational and Government access television, compared to its counterparts.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines PEGs as channels existing through agreements between cable providers and local franchising authorities. Peg channels often receive facilities, equipment and other support through those agreements.

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North County is buzzing with exciting events, and we’ve got your guide to the best happenings across the region. Whether you're looking for live music, family-friendly festivals, or the latest food and drink gatherings, our curated event roundup highlights the must-attend experiences in your backyard.

If you or someone you know would like to promote an event, send an email to ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!

Here are the latest events for the week of Aug. 31-Sept. 6:

CARLSBAD

Aug. 31

Book talk! Join “The Shadow Friends: A Spies & Secrets Adventure” with New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen at noon at Dove Library, 1775 Dove Ln. Attendees can hear from the acclaimed author and learn more about the latest installment in the adventure series.

Sept. 3

Queen rocks! Experience “We Will Rock You” during its run through Sept. 20 at New Village Arts, 2787 State St. Featuring more than 20 Queen hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You,” this high-energy musical follows a group of young revolutionaries on a quest to rediscover rock ’n’ roll in a futuristic world where individuality has been erased.

Etc.

Scottish folk! Experience Old Blind Dogs from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr. The internationally recognized group performs energetic Scottish folk music rooted in the traditions of northeast Scotland. General admission is $40.

ArtWalk! Explore ArtWalk Carlsbad 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19 along Armada Dr. This outdoor arts festival features visual artists, live music, family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet creators while enjoying one of North County’s signature arts events.

Fashion! Attend the Fall Fashion Show at Gazelle Fashion & Style from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Gazelle Fashion & Style, 2829 Roosevelt St. Guests can walk the red carpet, enjoy appetizers and champagne, enter raffles and get a first look at the boutique’s newest fall arrivals. The event also includes exclusive shopping access, special discounts, gifts and a runway presentation featuring the season’s latest fashions. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required.

Yummy! Explore local restaurants and businesses during the Taste of Carlsbad Village on Oct. 8 in downtown Carlsbad Village. This community event invites attendees to sample food and beverages while discovering shops and destinations throughout the village district.

DEL MAR

Sept. 3

Racing! Experience the final week of Del Mar racing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Races run through Sept. 7 and feature the Del Mar Debutante, Del Mar Futurity and I’m Smokin Stakes.

Etc.

Global beats! Experience Thievery Corporation from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 10 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The internationally known electronic and world-music duo brings its distinctive sound to Del Mar for a special concert performance.

Animals! Experience the Reptile Expo from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. This family-friendly expo features reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals along with educational displays, specialty vendors, supplies and opportunities to learn from reptile enthusiasts and experts.

Dream wedding! Explore Bridal Bazaar from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Future brides, grooms and wedding planners can meet wedding professionals, discover the latest trends, gather planning ideas and connect with vendors offering services for every aspect of a wedding celebration.

Classic rock! Enjoy Lynyrd Skynyrd and Loverboy beginning at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Del Mar Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Two legendary rock acts share the stage for an evening of classic hits and arena-sized entertainment.

Rock and roll! Experience Dogstar from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 27 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The alternative rock band performs songs from across its catalog during a special Del Mar appearance.

Rock icon! Enjoy Jack White from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 30 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The Grammy-winning artist closes the month with a highly anticipated live performance showcasing his acclaimed solo work and signature guitar-driven sound.

ENCINITAS

Sept. 4

Woodwinds! Enjoy Courtyard Rhythms featuring Spirit Winds from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 at the Courtyard at Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, 1775 Dove Lane. Spirit Winds performs as part of the city’s free Courtyard Rhythms outdoor concert series, offering an evening of live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the performance under the open sky.

Etc.

Jazz! Enjoy Courtyard Rhythms featuring Doctors and Drifters Jazz and The Soto 6 from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 at the Courtyard at Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, 1775 Dove Lane. The featured jazz ensembles perform as part of Carlsbad’s free Courtyard Rhythms concert series, bringing live music and community gathering opportunities to the library courtyard.

Meet the candidates! Attend the 2026 Encinitas District 3 Council Member Election Forum at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Ada W. Harris Elementary School Auditorium, 1508 Windsor Rd. Hosted by the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Council Committee of Cardiff 101 Main Street, the forum features District 3 candidates Arielle Golden and Ed Sprague. Residents can hear directly from the candidates on issues affecting Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Cruise downtown! Experience Encinitas Cruise Night: September 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 along South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. This monthly community tradition showcases classic vehicles, specialty cars and automotive enthusiasts in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Mayoral candidates! Attend the 2026 Encinitas Mayoral Election Forum at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Ada W. Harris Elementary School Auditorium, 1508 Windsor Rd. Hosted by the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Council Committee of Cardiff 101 Main Street, the forum features mayoral candidates Bruce Ehlers and Rimga Viskanta. The event gives residents an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss issues facing the city.

Travel the world! Experience the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour — Fall 2026 at 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 at La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101. The internationally recognized film festival showcases outdoor adventure, mountain culture and inspiring stories from around the globe.

ESCONDIDO

Sept. 4

Cruise downtown! Enjoy Cruisin’ Grand from 4-9 p.m. along Grand Avenue in Historic Downtown Escondido. The longtime community tradition features hundreds of classic cars, local businesses, restaurants and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.

Etc.

Music festival! Attend the Dragonfly Music Festival 2026 Sept. 10-12 at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The multi-day festival features live music performances and programming centered around roots, Americana and community-based music experiences.

Tom Petty favorites! Enjoy Petty Party | Celebrating the Music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at The Grand Ritz Theater, 301 E Grand Ave. The tribute concert celebrates the music and legacy of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Art and culture! Explore the 2nd Saturday Art & Culture Walk beginning at 4 p.m. on Sept. 12 in downtown Escondido. Hosted by the Downtown Escondido Business Association, the event features galleries, artists, cultural exhibits and participating downtown businesses.

OCEANSIDE

Sept. 4

Art Walk! Explore Street Level x Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. The free event coincides with Oceanside’s monthly arts celebration and provides opportunities to view exhibitions and connect with local artists.

Sept. 6

European auto culture! Attend Big SOCAL EURO 2026 at Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Dr. The event celebrates European automotive culture with vehicle displays and enthusiast activities.

Etc.

Music in the park! Attend the Concert in the Park from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd. Presented as part of the Oceanside Levitt BLOC Music Series, the free concert features SambaDa and Kainga Music along with children’s activities.

Business expo! Connect with local businesses and community leaders at the Coastal Business Expo from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at William A. Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Dr. Hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, this business-to-business networking event brings together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, community leaders and organizations for an evening of relationship building, lead generation and collaboration.

Harvest moon paddle! Join the Moonlight Paddle from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 26 at 1400 N Harbor Dr. Participants will receive a brief skills session before launching kayaks at sunset for a guided two-hour paddle through Oceanside Harbor under the Harvest full moon. Headlamps and standard kayaking equipment are provided.

Yummy! Experience the Taste of Oceanside from 1:30-5 p.m. on Oct. 3 throughout Downtown Oceanside. The event features approximately 70 food and beverage tasting locations, live entertainment, local artists and a self-guided walking tour of the downtown district. Guests can also enjoy featured Taste Hubs, meet local chefs and business owners, and use complimentary trolley transportation between event areas.

SAN MARCOS

Sept. 4

007! Experience “License to Thrill” from 7-9 p.m. at The Bornemann at TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Rd. Five-time Billboard Top 10 artist Kendra Erika brings her James Bond-inspired concert experience to San Marcos, featuring iconic songs from the Bond franchise ranging from “Goldfinger” to “Skyfall.” Backed by San Diego-area musicians, the performance follows a sold-out debut in Las Vegas and celebrates the music, style and excitement of cinema’s most famous secret agent.

Sept. 5

Conquer the hills! Join the City Hike: San Elijo Hills South Tour from 8-11 a.m. on Sept. 5 at San Elijo Hills Park, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd. Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m. for this moderate-to-strenuous 3.5-mile guided hike featuring the Copper Creek, Garden, Wild Canyon and Make-A-Wish trails with approximately 760 feet of elevation gain.

Etc.

Movie night! Enjoy Free Movies in the Park featuring GOAT (PG) beginning at sunset on Sept. 11 at Las Posas Park, 1387 W. Borden Rd. The evening kicks off with a pre-show party at 6:30 p.m. and includes free popcorn and prizes provided by San Marcos Regal. The animated film follows a small goat named Will as he pursues his dream of playing roarball, a fast-paced sport dominated by larger animals.

Fire and flora! Participate in the Trail Talk: Fire and Flora — How Wildfires Shape the Land from 9-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 12 at South Lake Park, 975 Sunstone Dr. Sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m. for this easy one-mile walk exploring the role of fire in the local chaparral ecosystem, followed by a rock-painting activity inspired by native plants.

Night out! Drop the kids off at Fun Friday Nights from 6-10 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Las Posas Park, 1387 W. Borden Rd. Designed for children ages 4-11, the supervised program includes games, crafts, pizza and movies led by trained recreation staff in a safe and engaging environment.

Live music! Experience Journeymen — Journey Tribute from 6-9:15 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Wood House Gardens in Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd. The City of San Marcos concert series continues with a tribute to one of classic rock’s most enduring bands. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

Dancing! Attend Dancing in the Streets on Sept. 25 at North City, 250 North City Dr. The recurring community event turns North City’s public spaces into an outdoor celebration featuring music, movement and neighborhood gathering opportunities.

Double Peak challenge! Participate in the Double Peak Challenge 10K, 5K and Kids Trot on Sept. 26 at San Elijo Recreation Center Lower Field, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd. The event features a competitive 10K, a recreational 5K and a free Kids Trot, along with race shirts, medals, a race expo and complimentary beer tickets for participants 21 and older in the 10K and 5K events.

SOLANA BEACH

Aug. 31

Attention music lovers! Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Sara Petite (Sept. 2), The Staples — Chris Stapleton Tribute (Sept. 3), Super Nacho and BETAMAXX (Sept. 4), Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers (Sept. 5) and The Wailers (Sept. 6-7).

Sept. 5

Meet the artist! Attend the City Hall Gallery Opening Reception: “Sea, Sand, and Style” from 5-7 p.m. at Solana Beach City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. The Solana Beach Public Arts Commission presents a new exhibition celebrating coastal-inspired artwork and offers attendees the opportunity to meet the featured artist and explore the collection.

Etc.

Global challenges! Attend Reimagining the World Order Post Trump from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Hosted by Solana Beach Community Connections, the lecture features UC San Diego Professor David Lake discussing international affairs and the evolving global landscape.

Friendly competition! Attend Monthly Solana Beach Game Day from noon-2 p.m. on Sept. 10 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Hosted by Solana Beach Community Connections, the free gathering offers residents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy games in a welcoming community setting.

VISTA

Aug. 31

Calling youth! Build leadership skills and confidence through the Junior Deputy Program for Vista youth in grades 7-11. Hosted by the Vista Sheriff’s Deputies in partnership with the city of Vista, this free eight-week program focuses on character development, positive decision-making and careers in public safety. The program is from 6:15-8:15 p.m. runs from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28 at the Linda Rhoades Community Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. Kids must apply and send the applications to kvaldez@vista.gov or ladams@vista.gov or in person at the City Clerk’s Office at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr.

Sept. 6

Classic cars! Experience the 36th Annual Vista Rod Run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in downtown Vista. Hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks and off-road vehicles will be on display as competitors vie for 40 trophies. The free community event also features live music, specialty automotive vendors, shopping and dining throughout downtown.

Etc.

Creativity! Visit The Tell All: A Public Event for Writers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (Sept. 8) at The Film Hub, 170 Eucalyptus Ave. Writers, storytellers and creative professionals gather to share work and connect with fellow creatives.

Musical! Experience the Broadway musical “Come From Away” Sept. 9-26 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr. This is the finale production this year as part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2026 summer season.

Movie night! Enjoy Free Movies in the Park featuring “Zootopia 2” from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Brengle Terrace Park Softball Fields, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr. Families are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and favorite movie snacks for a free screening under the stars. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

Hispanic heritage! Attend Vista’s Fiestas Patrias from noon-4 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Linda Rhoades Recreation Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. The community celebration honors Hispanic heritage through music, dance, food, history and cultural traditions while bringing together local families, businesses and organizations.

Tee off! Participate in the Vista Boys & Girls Club 2026 golf tournament from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 18 at The Links at Lakehouse, 1750 San Pablo Dr. Proceeds support programs, mentorship opportunities and safe spaces for local youth served by the Vista Boys & Girls Club.

Blues, brews! Attend the Vista Historical Society annual BBQ, Blues & Brews from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Vista Historical Society & Museum, 2317 Old Foothill Dr. Enjoy live music from Anthony Cullins, barbecue, refreshments and an afternoon celebrating Vista history and community. Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 and younger.

Vikings! Experience the 24th annual Vista Viking Festival from Sept. 19-20 at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture features live music, Viking battles, cultural demonstrations, axe throwing, archery, blacksmithing, food vendors, mead and beer gardens, artisan merchants and an expanded youth pavilion with family-friendly activities.

Casino night! Attend Love to Swim’s first annual Gala Fundraiser from 5–9 p.m. on Sept. 25 at TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Rd. The evening features casino games, a live DJ, dinner, dancing and a silent auction while raising funds for swim lessons, water-safety workshops and community outreach programs. General admission is $100.

Ride Vista! Participate in Cyclovia Vista from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Broadway & Citrus Parking Lot. The free family-friendly event closes selected downtown streets to vehicles and welcomes cyclists, walkers and other self-powered transportation users for a day celebrating sustainability, clean air and active transportation.

Build a scarecrow! Participate in the Fall Fun Festival scarecrow contest at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. Scarecrow builders can attend Scarecrow Supply Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 3 to pick up materials and then deliver completed entries before noon on Oct. 10. Contest entries will be displayed during the Fall Fun Festival, with submissions closing at noon on festival day.

Fall family! Enjoy the 2026 Fall Fun Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. The family-friendly festival features vendors, seasonal activities, garden exploration and community fun throughout the day. Guests can also view entries in the festival’s scarecrow contest and enjoy the autumn atmosphere in one of Vista’s most unique outdoor venues.

Farmer’s Markets

The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.

The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-7 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.

The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!

The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Friday from 4-8 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.

The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.

The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!

The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.

The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at at Oak Crest Middle School, 675 Balour Dr. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.

The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.

The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.

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Data centers are in the eye of the storm as nationwide protests are intensifying over the proliferation of development across the country.

Calls for bans and moratoriums have grown among residents and some government entities, as the public has serious concerns about water and energy consumption. Those protests have reached San Diego County as the Board of Supervisors is backing Senate Bill 886 and 887, while the city of Escondido approved a 45-day moratorium on data centers on Wednesday.

Data centers have been around for at least 60 years, but the modern versions are unlike anything utilities have ever dealt with historically. The centers power our daily lives, from email, cellphones, cloud storage, streaming, government, airports, hospitals, police and fire departments, AI, search engines, social media, video conferencing, online shopping, banking, traffic management, video games, maps, and enterprise software.

The amount of data being generated, stored and processed continues to grow exponentially.

However, SB 886 and the city’s moratorium face significant uphill battles against federal law and regulations stemming from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Defense Production Act (DPA), Federal Power Act (FPA) tariff structures, the Dormant Commerce Clause (DCC) and risks to federal telecommunications and national security.

The federal government has made it clear the AI arms race and expanding data storage are critical to keep pace with increasing threats from abroad.

SB 886 would require the California Public Utilities Commission to create special electricity tariffs for large data centers (hyperscale), ensuring any high-demand facility pays the costs of transmission, distribution, generation, and interconnection infrastructure needed to serve them rather than shifting those costs onto residential and other utility customers. The bill also requires long-term power commitments, assigns data centers responsibility for certain grid upgrade costs, mandates participation in demand-response programs and prevents stranded utility investments if a facility fails to deliver as projected or leaves early.

California creates special tariffs and cost-recovery for specific customer types (industrial, commercial, farms, etc.). The question becomes which costs fall under state jurisdiction versus FERC-jurisdictional transmission cost allocation. It’s the specific provisions in SB 886 that may conflict with existing FERC and California Independent System Operator (CAISO) rules.

Data centers are just another example of a large-load customer, like airports, ports, military bases, government buildings and so forth. The big issue is how utilities plan for and allocate the costs of new transmission, substations, transformers, interconnections and generation years before the load materializes, while also maintaining reliability for existing customers.

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This is what is impacting rates today and future growth and reliability.

Additionally, SB 886 risks direct conflict with FERC’s cost-allocation rules, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) tariff structures and reliability mandates from NERC. Under federal regulations, states can’t reassign costs for interstate transmission or wholesale market infrastructure.

SB 886 states it will “assign cost responsibility for all transmission facility upgrades triggered by a facility interconnection to the applicable participating customer.”

Transmission upgrades are planned, approved, and cost-allocated under FERC-jurisdictional rules through CAISO and federally approved tariffs.

Utilities already deal with a large backlog of interconnection requests and constraints, transformer shortages and speculative load requests. The concern is the planning around future reliability and growth.

The challenge, though, isn’t unique to data centers. Utilities regularly must plan for large-load customers and determine who pays for the infrastructure and generation resources. The question of cost comes down to which costs and which regulator has the authority to assign them.

California can’t decree who pays for transmission facilities if FERC-approved cost-allocation rules already govern those facilities.

The bill would have stronger standing if it limited cost obligations to distribution-level or local infrastructure. In that case, the legal risks of conflicting with federal jurisdiction would be significantly reduced.

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Another component of this issue is utility companies. They cannot unfairly discriminate against a specific customer, in this case, hyperscale data centers.

Utilities are permitted to have separate tariffs and rate structures for large-load customers.

For example, there are rates/tariffs for customer classes (residential versus commercial versus industrial), economic development, large-load, transmission service, and demand response. They can do this provided those tariffs are approved and applied consistently.

California’s backward energy policy, meanwhile, is catching up at a frightening pace. One of the main concerns around data centers is the energy load they carry.

State and federal legislators have zero tolerance for fossil fuel generation, leaving unreliable clean energy sources as the primary generator. Sadly, the cleanest energy sources have been taken to the woodshed in the form of the state’s nuclear reactors.

Nuclear doesn’t burn fossil fuels and emits very little carbon dioxide during operation, so there is minimal air pollution; it has the highest energy density and is one of the major low- and zero-carbon technologies used in pathways to reduce emissions and limit climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Five reactors have been shut down since 1976 — the three units at San Onofre, Rancho Seco and Humboldt Bay. Those five combined for 3,522 megawatts (the total amount at any given moment when running at full power) and between 26 and 29 terawatt-hours per year.

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But since the direction of the state is solar, land consumption becomes another albatross.

Using the Imperial County data center proposal as an example, it would require at least 13 square miles of solar panels and batteries to power the hyperscale facility. Solar panels and batteries degrade and may top out at 20 years of useful life, rather than up to 50 to 100 years for gas-powered or nuclear power plants.

But when it all comes down to it, the lack of foresight, ignoring experts and underestimating energy will haunt the state. And that time is coming soon.

ESCONDIDO — The Escondido City Council unanimously approved an urgency ordinance Wednesday imposing a 45-day moratorium on data centers.

The council and city officials said the moratorium was a public health and safety issue and allows city staff to develop regulations for land use, zoning, and reducing potential impacts on public safety and city services from data centers and other high-intensity computing uses.

Garrett Smith, senior planner with the Development Services Department, said the city currently has no applications or inquiries from data center developers. He said the council’s action would provide staff time to develop the appropriate regulations, conduct legal and regulatory research, and conduct outreach to stakeholders and the community.

Smith said the council will also have the option of two moratorium extensions — one for 10 months and another for 12 months, should the city need more time to build an ordinance, amend its General Plan and update its development standards.

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Staff will return on Oct. 10 to update the council on its progress.

“Within this 45-day period, it would provide the city sufficient time to conduct necessary research on the impacts of these uses, conduct outreach with necessary stakeholders, as well as look into drafting appropriate regulations surrounding their establishment, siting and operation,” Smith told the council. “There’s significant discussion underway throughout the country on this industry and the impacts to these communities.”

Data centers have become one of the most divisive issues across the country, especially with the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms ramping up, such as ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Copilot (Microsoft), Gemini (Google) and many others.

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This fall, Encinitas will celebrate two important milestones: the city’s 40^th anniversary and the 30^th anniversary of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire.

The anniversaries are more than dates on a calendar. Together, they offer an opportunity to reflect on what makes Encinitas special: five communities with distinct histories and personalities, united by a shared commitment to preserving our character, supporting local businesses and building a strong economic future.

Forty years ago, in 1986, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, Old (downtown) Encinitas, New Encinitas and Olivenhain came together to form the incorporated city of Encinitas. While becoming one city created a unified identity, each community retains the qualities that make it unique.

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Cardiff has its welcoming seaside village atmosphere. Leucadia is known for its creative, eclectic spirit. Downtown Encinitas combines historic character with a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops and cultural attractions. Olivenhain preserves a rural heritage and strong sense of community, while New Encinitas and the El Camino Real corridor serve as important centers for shopping, dining, professional services and everyday needs.

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SAN DIEGO — The growing national movement against the infrastructure powering much of the digital economy reached the San Diego County Board of Supervisors last week.

The supervisors unanimously voted to support two state bills regulating data centers after a heated meeting on Aug. 18 where residents expressed their disdain. The bills — Senate Bill 886 and 887 — would require data centers to bear the costs of transmission, grid infrastructure and undergo California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews, while creating permitting incentives for projects meeting enhanced clean energy, water and infrastructure standards.

Residents, meanwhile, ripped data centers for exploding utility costs in recent years across the country as more artificial intelligence (AI) facilities have come online or are being proposed. Specifically, many residents, along with the board, worried about the massive consumption of water and electricity to keep the centers running 24 hours per day.

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Earlier this year, Supervisor Jim Desmond asked county staff to conduct a study on data centers and how data centers impact electricity rates, water usage, fire risk, noise and infrastructure; ensure communities have a voice; require corporations to pay their fair share for energy and infrastructure; and protect ratepayers. The report is expected to be released in the coming days.

Supervisor and Chairwoman Terra Lawson-Remer brought forward the Aug. 18 item.

“Right now, San Diego County has no specific safeguards in place to protect ratepayers, water supplies, or local communities from these massive facilities,” Desmond said. “Without action, these projects could be approved quietly, locking in long-term costs that working families and small businesses will be forced to absorb. This is about fairness. It’s about accountability. And it’s about standing up for the people who actually live here.”

While a data center has not been proposed in San Diego County, the supervisors looked east to Imperial County, where Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing (ICVM), LLC is proposing a $10 billion, 950,000-square-foot facility. If approved, the facility would be the largest in the state and consume 330 megawatts (with 330 MW of backup storage), include an on-site electrical substation, and a 862-megawatt per hour battery energy storage system (BESS) on about 75 acres, according to media reports.

The power required would be nearly double the amount of electricity used by the entirety of Imperial County in 2024, KPBS reported. Because of the scale of the proposed facility, it is known as a hyperscale data center.

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SACRAMENTO — California regulators approved the nation’s first energy-efficiency standards for replacement tires, a move the California Energy Commission said will save drivers $1 billion annually in fuel costs, while critics warn it could eliminate as many as 70% of tire models currently sold in the state.

On Aug. 17, the CEC approved the nation’s first mandatory energy-efficiency standards, known as the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, for replacement tires for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. The CEC’s action, first reported by KCRA in Sacramento, sparked immediate backlash from manufacturers, industry groups and some lawmakers over consumer choice, increased costs, and an unelected agency dictating national policy over tires, as the state is the largest market in the country.

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The regulation traces its origins to Assembly Bill 844, passed in 2003, which directed the CEC to establish a replacement tire energy-efficiency program. The new program is designed to reduce rolling resistance, which is the amount of energy required to keep a tire moving, and to meet wet-grip requirements.

“What this standard will do is ensure the same high-quality, high-efficiency tires we get on new vehicles,” Hochschild told KCRA. “Those protections for consumers are extended to replacement tires as well.”

As for wet-grip standards, those are intended to ensure improvements in tire efficiency do not come at the expense of braking performance and safety on wet roads, according to the CEC.

The CEC also claims it will reduce carbon emissions by about 2 million metric tons per year and roll out the program in two phases — Phase 1 in 2029 and Phase 2 in 2033, according to the CEC.

The CEC used the Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC), measured in newtons per kilonewton, and found the original tires averaged about 7.1 N/kN and the average replacement averaged 8.5. In addition to the $1 billion in savings, the CEC report also claims about 141 million gallons of gas savings and a 0.9-terawatt reduction in electricity.

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North County is buzzing with exciting events, and we’ve got your guide to the best happenings across the region. Whether you're looking for live music, family-friendly festivals, or the latest food and drink gatherings, our curated event roundup highlights the must-attend experiences in your backyard.

If you or someone you know would like to promote an event, send an email to ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!

Here are the latest events for the week of Aug. 24-30:

CARLSBAD

Aug. 27

Queen rocks! Experience “We Will Rock You” during its run through Sept. 20 at New Village Arts, 2787 State St. Featuring more than 20 Queen hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You,” this high-energy musical follows a group of young revolutionaries on a quest to rediscover rock ’n’ roll in a futuristic world where individuality has been erased.

Aug. 29

Discovery gala! Celebrate the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s signature fundraising gala from 5:30-10 p.m. at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr. The evening supports the foundation’s environmental education and conservation efforts and features fundraising activities, entertainment and community celebration.

Aug. 30

Summer concert! Enjoy a free North Coast Strings summer concert at 2 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church. Presented by the Museum of Making Music, this performance showcases participants from the organization’s adult string orchestra program.

Etc.

Book talk! Join “The Shadow Friends: A Spies & Secrets Adventure” with New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen at noon on Aug. 31 at Dove Library, 1775 Dove Ln. Attendees can hear from the acclaimed author and learn more about the latest installment in the adventure series.

Scottish folk! Experience Old Blind Dogs from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 11 at Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr. The internationally recognized group performs energetic Scottish folk music rooted in the traditions of northeast Scotland. General admission is $40.

ArtWalk! Explore ArtWalk Carlsbad 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19 along Armada Dr. This outdoor arts festival features visual artists, live music, family-friendly activities and opportunities to meet creators while enjoying one of North County’s signature arts events.

Fashion! Attend the Fall Fashion Show at Gazelle Fashion & Style from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Gazelle Fashion & Style, 2829 Roosevelt St. Guests can walk the red carpet, enjoy appetizers and champagne, enter raffles and get a first look at the boutique’s newest fall arrivals. The event also includes exclusive shopping access, special discounts, gifts and a runway presentation featuring the season’s latest fashions. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is required.

Yummy! Explore local restaurants and businesses during the Taste of Carlsbad Village on Oct. 8 in downtown Carlsbad Village. This community event invites attendees to sample food and beverages while discovering shops and destinations throughout the village district.

DEL MAR

Aug. 25

The Breeders concert! Experience The Breeders from 8-10 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The influential alternative rock band performs live as part of the fairgrounds’ summer entertainment lineup.

Aug. 27

Racing! Experience Del Mar racing this week at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Races run through Sunday and feature the Del Mar Handicap, Pat O’Brien Stakes and Torrey Pines Stakes.

Etc.

Global beats! Experience Thievery Corporation from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 10 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The internationally known electronic and world-music duo brings its distinctive sound to Del Mar for a special concert performance.

Animals! Experience the Reptile Expo from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 at Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. This family-friendly expo features reptiles, amphibians and exotic animals along with educational displays, specialty vendors, supplies and opportunities to learn from reptile enthusiasts and experts.

Dream wedding! Explore Bridal Bazaar from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Future brides, grooms and wedding planners can meet wedding professionals, discover the latest trends, gather planning ideas and connect with vendors offering services for every aspect of a wedding celebration.

Classic rock! Enjoy Lynyrd Skynyrd and Loverboy beginning at 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Del Mar Arena, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Two legendary rock acts share the stage for an evening of classic hits and arena-sized entertainment.

Rock and roll! Experience Dogstar from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 27 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The alternative rock band performs songs from across its catalog during a special Del Mar appearance.

Rock icon! Enjoy Jack White from 8-10 p.m. on Sept. 30 at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The Grammy-winning artist closes the month with a highly anticipated live performance showcasing his acclaimed solo work and signature guitar-driven sound.

ENCINITAS

Aug. 25

Yummy! Enjoy the Taste of Encinitas from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 818 S Coast Highway 101. This community event showcases local restaurants and businesses, giving attendees an opportunity to sample food and beverages while exploring downtown Encinitas.

Aug. 28

Cult classic! Experience “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live shadow cast Crazed Imaginations at 10:30 p.m. at La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101. This interactive screening combines the cult classic film with live performers for a unique late-night theater experience.

Aug. 29

Music school! Celebrate the North County Music Academy grand opening Celebration from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at 282 N El Camino Real, Ste. C. Formerly operating as Bach 2 Rock, the school is now independently owned and operated under the new North County Music Academy name. The free community event offers an opportunity for families, students and music lovers to tour the new studio, meet instructors and learn about music education programs. The academy is located in the shopping center with HomeGoods and Naked Café.

Live music! Experience the Courtyard Rhythms: Live Music Series from 5-8 p.m. at 937 S. Coast Highway 101. This free community music event brings live entertainment to downtown Encinitas and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the coastal atmosphere while exploring nearby shops, restaurants and local businesses.

Etc.

Woodwinds! Enjoy Courtyard Rhythms featuring Spirit Winds from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 at the Courtyard at Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, 1775 Dove Lane. Spirit Winds performs as part of the city’s free Courtyard Rhythms outdoor concert series, offering an evening of live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the performance under the open sky.

Jazz! Enjoy Courtyard Rhythms featuring Doctors and Drifters Jazz and The Soto 6 from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 at the Courtyard at Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, 1775 Dove Lane. The featured jazz ensembles perform as part of Carlsbad’s free Courtyard Rhythms concert series, bringing live music and community gathering opportunities to the library courtyard.

Meet the candidates! Attend the 2026 Encinitas District 3 Council Member Election Forum at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Ada W. Harris Elementary School Auditorium, 1508 Windsor Rd. Hosted by the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Council Committee of Cardiff 101 Main Street, the forum features District 3 candidates Arielle Golden and Ed Sprague. Residents can hear directly from the candidates on issues affecting Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Cruise downtown! Experience Encinitas Cruise Night: September 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 along South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. This monthly community tradition showcases classic vehicles, specialty cars and automotive enthusiasts in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Mayoral candidates! Attend the 2026 Encinitas Mayoral Election Forum at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Ada W. Harris Elementary School Auditorium, 1508 Windsor Rd. Hosted by the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Town Council Committee of Cardiff 101 Main Street, the forum features mayoral candidates Bruce Ehlers and Rimga Viskanta. The event gives residents an opportunity to hear the candidates discuss issues facing the city.

Travel the world! Experience the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour — Fall 2026 at 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 at La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101. The internationally recognized film festival showcases outdoor adventure, mountain culture and inspiring stories from around the globe.

ESCONDIDO

Aug. 28

Golf tournament! Tee off at the 6th annual Chamber Cup from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Native Oaks Golf Club, 14616 Woods Valley Rd. Hosted by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, the fundraiser benefits the Escondido Police Athletic League and the Rising Stars Scholarship Program. Registration, networking, contests and tournament play are included.

Animals! Check out Fun Animal Friday and meet a dwarf horse and mini goat from 10–11:30 a.m. at Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N Broadway. Presented with Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farms, this family-friendly event includes a live presentation, meet-and-greet opportunities, storytime and a special craft. Admission is included with museum entry.

Cruise downtown! Enjoy Cruisin’ Grand from 4-9 p.m. along Grand Avenue in Historic Downtown Escondido. The longtime community tradition features hundreds of classic cars, local businesses, restaurants and family-friendly activities throughout downtown.

Aug. 29

Swing dancing! Join Beginner Swing Classes with Mercedes Moore at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The program introduces the fundamentals of swing dancing in a welcoming environment suitable for beginners and dancers looking to refine their skills.

Aug. 30

Recital! Enjoy an afternoon of classical keyboard music at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St. Bradley Pettit will perform Baroque harpsichord selections by J.S. Bach and François Couperin, along with a piano suite by Maurice Ravel. Presented as part of the church’s Music Series, the recital is offered as a gift to the community, and a free-will offering will be received.

Etc.

Music festival! Attend the Dragonfly Music Festival 2026 Sept. 10-12 at California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The multi-day festival features live music performances and programming centered around roots, Americana and community-based music experiences.

Tom Petty favorites! Enjoy Petty Party | Celebrating the Music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 at The Grand Ritz Theater, 301 E Grand Ave. The tribute concert celebrates the music and legacy of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Art and culture! Explore the 2nd Saturday Art & Culture Walk beginning at 4 p.m. on Sept. 12 in downtown Escondido. Hosted by the Downtown Escondido Business Association, the event features galleries, artists, cultural exhibits and participating downtown businesses.

OCEANSIDE

Aug. 24

Interview workshop! Prepare for the Oceanside Job Fair from noon-2 p.m. at Oceanside READS Learning Center, 804 Pier View Way, Suite 101. This free workshop helps job seekers strengthen interview skills and build confidence before meeting prospective employers at the Aug. 26 job fair. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.

Aug. 26

Find Your Next Career Move! Attend the Oceanside Job Fair 2026 from 10 a.m.–noon at Oceanside Public Library, 330 N. Coast Highway. Job seekers can meet employers, explore openings across multiple industries and apply for positions on the spot at this free community career fair. Job seekers are encouraged to register in advance.

Aug. 29

Paddle! Experience a moonlight paddle from 7 p.m. at Oceanside Harbor. This evening paddle event offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the harbor after dark while exploring the waterfront in a guided recreational setting.

New collectible! Explore the Frontwave Arena Collectibles Expo at Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Dr. The event brings together collectors, vendors and enthusiasts for a day dedicated to sports memorabilia, trading cards, collectibles and specialty merchandise.

Etc.

Art Walk! Explore Street Level x Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. The free event coincides with Oceanside’s monthly arts celebration and provides opportunities to view exhibitions and connect with local artists.

European auto culture! Attend Big SOCAL EURO 2026 on Sept. 6 at Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Dr. The event celebrates European automotive culture with vehicle displays and enthusiast activities.

Music in the park! Attend the Concert in the Park from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd. Presented as part of the Oceanside Levitt BLOC Music Series, the free concert features SambaDa and Kainga Music along with children’s activities.

Business expo! Connect with local businesses and community leaders at the Coastal Business Expo from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at William A. Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Dr. Hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, this business-to-business networking event brings together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, community leaders and organizations for an evening of relationship building, lead generation and collaboration.

Harvest moon paddle! Join the Moonlight Paddle from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 26 at 1400 N Harbor Dr. Participants will receive a brief skills session before launching kayaks at sunset for a guided two-hour paddle through Oceanside Harbor under the Harvest full moon. Headlamps and standard kayaking equipment are provided.

Yummy! Experience the Taste of Oceanside from 1:30-5 p.m. on Oct. 3 throughout Downtown Oceanside. The event features approximately 70 food and beverage tasting locations, live entertainment, local artists and a self-guided walking tour of the downtown district. Guests can also enjoy featured Taste Hubs, meet local chefs and business owners, and use complimentary trolley transportation between event areas.

SAN MARCOS

Aug. 24

Fore! Support Feeding San Diego during the 3rd annual Pacific Building Group Charity Golf Tournament from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 24 at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe, 17102 Bing Crosby Blvd. This fundraising tournament features registration and breakfast at 8:30 a.m., a 10 a.m. shotgun start, a clubhouse reception at 3 p.m. and a program and dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, with proceeds benefiting Feeding San Diego. Registration and event information are available through the tournament website.

LEGO city! Participate in Come Build a City with Us from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Aug. 22-29 at North City, 250 North City Dr. Families, friends and LEGO fans of all ages are invited to help create a community-built LEGO city using thousands of bricks provided on site. Two LEGO Master Builders will launch the project before turning it over to visitors, with the completed city remaining on display during North City’s free outdoor movie night on Aug. 29.

Etc.

Conquer the hills! Join the City Hike: San Elijo Hills South Tour from 8-11 a.m. on Sept. 5 at San Elijo Hills Park, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd. Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m. for this moderate-to-strenuous 3.5-mile guided hike featuring the Copper Creek, Garden, Wild Canyon and Make-A-Wish trails with approximately 760 feet of elevation gain.

Movie night! Enjoy Free Movies in the Park featuring GOAT (PG) beginning at sunset on Sept. 11 at Las Posas Park, 1387 W. Borden Rd. The evening kicks off with a pre-show party at 6:30 p.m. and includes free popcorn and prizes provided by San Marcos Regal. The animated film follows a small goat named Will as he pursues his dream of playing roarball, a fast-paced sport dominated by larger animals.

Fire and flora! Participate in the Trail Talk: Fire and Flora — How Wildfires Shape the Land from 9-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 12 at South Lake Park, 975 Sunstone Dr. Sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m. for this easy one-mile walk exploring the role of fire in the local chaparral ecosystem, followed by a rock-painting activity inspired by native plants.

Night out! Drop the kids off at Fun Friday Nights from 6-10 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Las Posas Park, 1387 W. Borden Rd. Designed for children ages 4-11, the supervised program includes games, crafts, pizza and movies led by trained recreation staff in a safe and engaging environment.

Live music! Experience Journeymen — Journey Tribute from 6-9:15 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Wood House Gardens in Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd. The City of San Marcos concert series continues with a tribute to one of classic rock’s most enduring bands. Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

Dancing! Attend Dancing in the Streets on Sept. 25 at North City, 250 North City Dr. The recurring community event turns North City’s public spaces into an outdoor celebration featuring music, movement and neighborhood gathering opportunities.

Double Peak challenge! Participate in the Double Peak Challenge 10K, 5K and Kids Trot on Sept. 26 at San Elijo Recreation Center Lower Field, 1105 Elfin Forest Rd. The event features a competitive 10K, a recreational 5K and a free Kids Trot, along with race shirts, medals, a race expo and complimentary beer tickets for participants 21 and older in the 10K and 5K events.

SOLANA BEACH

Aug. 24

Attention music lovers! Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of earlier (Aug. 25), Mason Jennings (Aug. 26), Tab Benoit (Aug. 27), Atomic Groove and Built to Spill (Aug. 28) and Led Zepagain (Aug. 29).

Etc.

Meet the artist! Attend the City Hall Gallery Opening Reception: “Sea, Sand, and Style” from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at Solana Beach City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. The Solana Beach Public Arts Commission presents a new exhibition celebrating coastal-inspired artwork and offers attendees the opportunity to meet the featured artist and explore the collection.

Global challenges! Attend Reimagining the World Order Post Trump from 6-7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Hosted by Solana Beach Community Connections, the lecture features UC San Diego Professor David Lake discussing international affairs and the evolving global landscape.

Friendly competition! Attend Monthly Solana Beach Game Day from noon-2 p.m. on Sept. 10 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Ave. Hosted by Solana Beach Community Connections, the free gathering offers residents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy games in a welcoming community setting.

VISTA

Aug. 24

Calling youth! Build leadership skills and confidence through the Junior Deputy Program for Vista youth in grades 7-11. Hosted by the Vista Sheriff’s Deputies in partnership with the city of Vista, this free eight-week program focuses on character development, positive decision-making and careers in public safety. The program is from 6:15-8:15 p.m. runs from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28 at the Linda Rhoades Community Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. Kids must apply and send the applications to kvaldez@vista.gov or ladams@vista.gov or in person at the City Clerk’s Office at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr.

Aug. 26

Musical! Experience the Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” through Aug. 29 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr. The production continues through Aug. 29 as part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2026 summer season.

Etc.

Classic cars! Experience the 36th Annual Vista Rod Run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 6 in downtown Vista. Hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks and off-road vehicles will be on display as competitors vie for 40 trophies. The free community event also features live music, specialty automotive vendors, shopping and dining throughout downtown.

Creativity! Visit The Tell All: A Public Event for Writers from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month (Sept. 8) at The Film Hub, 170 Eucalyptus Ave. Writers, storytellers and creative professionals gather to share work and connect with fellow creatives.

Movie night! Enjoy Free Movies in the Park featuring “Zootopia 2” from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Brengle Terrace Park Softball Fields, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr. Families are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and favorite movie snacks for a free screening under the stars. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

Hispanic heritage! Attend Vista’s Fiestas Patrias from noon-4 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Linda Rhoades Recreation Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. The community celebration honors Hispanic heritage through music, dance, food, history and cultural traditions while bringing together local families, businesses and organizations.

Tee off! Participate in the Vista Boys & Girls Club 2026 golf tournament from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 18 at The Links at Lakehouse, 1750 San Pablo Dr. Proceeds support programs, mentorship opportunities and safe spaces for local youth served by the Vista Boys & Girls Club.

Blues, brews! Attend the Vista Historical Society annual BBQ, Blues & Brews from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Vista Historical Society & Museum, 2317 Old Foothill Dr. Enjoy live music from Anthony Cullins, barbecue, refreshments and an afternoon celebrating Vista history and community. Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for children 10 and younger.

Vikings! Experience the 24th annual Vista Viking Festival from Sept. 19-20 at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave. Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture features live music, Viking battles, cultural demonstrations, axe throwing, archery, blacksmithing, food vendors, mead and beer gardens, artisan merchants and an expanded youth pavilion with family-friendly activities.

Casino night! Attend Love to Swim’s first annual Gala Fundraiser from 5–9 p.m. on Sept. 25 at TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Rd. The evening features casino games, a live DJ, dinner, dancing and a silent auction while raising funds for swim lessons, water-safety workshops and community outreach programs. General admission is $100.

Ride Vista! Participate in Cyclovia Vista from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Broadway & Citrus Parking Lot. The free family-friendly event closes selected downtown streets to vehicles and welcomes cyclists, walkers and other self-powered transportation users for a day celebrating sustainability, clean air and active transportation.

Build a scarecrow! Participate in the Fall Fun Festival scarecrow contest at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. Scarecrow builders can attend Scarecrow Supply Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 3 to pick up materials and then deliver completed entries before noon on Oct. 10. Contest entries will be displayed during the Fall Fun Festival, with submissions closing at noon on festival day.

Fall family! Enjoy the 2026 Fall Fun Festival from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. The family-friendly festival features vendors, seasonal activities, garden exploration and community fun throughout the day. Guests can also view entries in the festival’s scarecrow contest and enjoy the autumn atmosphere in one of Vista’s most unique outdoor venues.

Farmer’s Markets

The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.

The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-7 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.

The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!

The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Friday from 4-8 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.

The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.

The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!

The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.

The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at at Oak Crest Middle School, 675 Balour Dr. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.

The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.

The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.

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OCEANSIDE — The San Diego Association of Governments was awarded $124.4 million by the Federal Railroad Administration for a double-tracking project in Oceanside.

The project is another large-scale effort to double-track the entire 60-mile San Diego County segment of the LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) corridor. Known as the Eastbrook to Shell Double Track Project, it will remove a long-standing single-track bottleneck north of the Oceanside Transit Center.

In Oceanside, though, SANDAG will construct one mile of second mainline track between Harbor Drive and Pier View Way, along with replacing the San Luis Rey River rail bridge. The bridge project includes 0.6 miles of double track and a new structure to replace the nearly 100-year-old rail crossing.

“We’re ecstatic,” said SANDAG Principal Engineer Omar Atayee. “This funding that we received gets us across the line in terms of being able to construct the project. This will fill a gap … where we’ll have two tracks instead of one.”

The project eliminates one of the last significant single-track bottlenecks on the San Diego segment of the corridor. It will ultimately connect two existing double-track sections and create approximately 10.3 miles of continuous double track from Camp Pendleton to the Buena Vista Lagoon on the Carlsbad border, Atayee said.

In total, the North County Transit District projects will cost about $143 million, with SANDAG contributing a 20% match. According to Atayee, the project is in the final design and construction phase in 2024 and is now in the permitting stage. The project just needed a funding source to break ground.

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NCTD Chief of Staff Mary Dover also expressed excitement about the funding and finally being able to complete a priority project. She said SANDAG is the project manager for large-scale bridge replacement and other projects.

“We were very pleased and really happy to partner with SANDAG on the application,” Dover added. “We’ve put in numerous federal funding applications and state funding applications for this project, and so we were really happy that the FRA decided to finally give us the funding.”

The San Diego segment is owned by NCTD, which operates the Coaster. At the same time, other operators, such as Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, and BNSF Railway, use the track for passenger and freight service, respectively.

According to Atayee and Dover, part of the project will also include two new crossovers between Surfrider and Pier View ways, Atayee said. The crossover allows trains to move from one track to the other when approaching the transit center. Additionally, there will be new signal upgrades.

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He said the crossovers will also help streamline service for the operators, as they will be able to efficiently move to and from different tracks to enhance service or freight operations.

Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from improvements to the San Luis Rey River Trail with the realignment of bike access, improved visibility and safety, trail elevation modifications and drainage improvements.

The project also includes a redesign of the Surfrider Way rail crossing. According to SANDAG, the work is intended to support quiet zone operations while accommodating the new double-track segment and additional rail infrastructure.

“There will be pedestrian improvements on the south side to maintain that connectivity, as well as on the north side,” Atayee. “This project doesn’t include a quiet zone, but includes some improvements to get us closer to a quiet zone.”

As far as the timeline, he said SANDAG must finalize the design, review the permits to ensure they’re valid, and then put the project out to bid. He said the agency is looking to start construction in 2028 with a completion date in 2031, assuming the project doesn’t hit any obstacles.

The SANDAG project is the second North County proposal to be awarded a grant from the FRA this cycle. The city of Encinitas received up to $33.6 million for a trio of projects: an undercrossing, a citywide quiet zone and at-grade crossings in Leucadia.

Atayee said the remaining 15 miles of single track are the most challenging. Those include trenching in Carlsbad Village, much of Encinitas, parts of Solana Beach, the Del Mar bluffs realignment and the Miramar Curve.

SAN MARCOS — In a first for Palomar College, 24 students will enroll Aug. 24 in the institution’s first-ever bachelor’s degree program.

Students will pursue a baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Science) in Building Performance and Environmental Design, along with free supplies thanks to a grant from Hunter Industries to the Palomar College Foundation. The program centers on climate-responsive buildings, while integrating architecture, interior design, sustainability and environmental systems while aligning with LEED standards and building performance modeling, according to Palomar College Public Information Director Julie Bandy.

She said the school pursued Building Performance and Environmental Design as part of the program development and approval requirements established at the state level. Bandy said a community college baccalaureate degree cannot be duplicative of other programs in the region.

“In completing our competitive analysis, we determined that the Building Performance and Environmental Design program aligned with this requirement,” she explained. “In addition, our continued success with certificate and associate degree programs in architecture and interior design provided us with the foundation necessary to create this advanced educational pathway for our students.”

Hunter Industries provided a $12,000 grant for supplies and $500 in direct support to each student in the two-year degree program. The funds cover material fees such as textbooks, building performance modeling software, tools, technical equipment, and a professional blazer with the program logo.

Joseph Lucido, lead faculty and program director at Palomar, said the program costs students about $15,000, compared to four-year university programs that are up to $150,000.

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Correction: A previous version of this column stated Steve Puterski as the author. Bret Schanzenbach is the author. I regret the error.

In September 2025, the Carlsbad Chamber launched its seventh annual Rising Star of the Month program to honor local area high school seniors for demonstrating character, integrity, love of learning, involvement in school and community activities, and the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances without compromising their education.

This year we honored nearly 40 high school seniors from seven different high schools here in Carlsbad.

The students who are honored each month are selected by the high schools themselves. At the end of the school year, those students who were honored throughout the year as Rising Stars of the Month are then eligible to apply for the Rising Star of the Year scholarship.

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This year, the Carlsbad Chamber was able to honor 10 exceptional students. They were all recognized for making a difference in their home, school and community.

Each of the 10 Rising Stars of the Year was acknowledged in May. Six of them received a $2,000 scholarship. The other four received $1,000 scholarships. A short description of each student is listed here to introduce them to you.

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SAN DIEGO — The legal saga over commercial service at McClellan-Palomar Airport entered another complicated chapter on Friday as the next hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2027.

At the center of Friday’s case management conference were three lawsuits, five entities and six attorneys, all with different priorities, and San Diego County Superior Court Judge Gregory Pollack. The judge requested the attorneys find a way to streamline the three cases into one legal action.

The litigation centers on a trio of lawsuits from Carlsbad-based Citizens for a Friendly Airport against San Diego County and American and United Airlines.

Currently, C4FA has two lawsuits against the county and American and one against United. The suits are similar in scope, as C4FA is challenging the conditional use permit (CUP) requirement for the county, violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and the violation of a prior court judgment. The county owns McClellan-Palomar Airport.

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However, the county, along with the two airlines, contends their lease agreements and operations are legal under federal law, and the county’s McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan is a by-right action, and any denial of a lease within the scope of the master plan could be discriminatory under federal law.

C4FA filed its first lawsuit in January 2025, followed by two more in 2026. The first and third lawsuits are against the county and American Airlines, with the most recent coming after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a new lease agreement several months ago. The second lawsuit is against the county and United Airlines.

“This is a mess,” Pollack said. “You guys can’t get together and put all the claims in one pleading? This doesn’t make any sense at all, the way it’s postured right now. I want one pleading with all actions. One giant, big, beautiful complaint. We can bifurcate and figure it out.”

Pollack urged the attorneys to consolidate the lawsuits into one action, so he could rule on every aspect of the cases individually rather than each party having to navigate different court dates and deadlines for the three suits.

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ENCINITAS — The city secured one of its biggest victories on Friday when it was awarded a preliminary $33.6 million railway grant.

For years, the city has been pursuing funding for three priority rail projects, including the Leucadia at-grade crossing, a citywide quiet zone, an undercrossing between Verdi and Liszt avenues. In October 2025, the council approved three projects to submit grant applications for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The program began in 2015 under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and was expanded in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Congress allocated more than $6.2 billion in 2024 and awarded 41 grants (out of 103 applications totaling $11.6 billion) worth $5.3 billion, according to the FRA.

“I’m beyond thrilled for the residents and the impacts it will have on public safety in our city,” Councilman Jim O’Hara said. “It’s a huge shoutout to a huge number of agencies that helped us.”

According to city staff, the FRA grant will cover 80% of the cost for the three projects, while the city will contribute 20%, or about $8.4 million. The total estimated cost of the projects is $42 million.

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The Verdi undercrossing will connect residents to a tunnel beneath the tracks to San Elijo State Beach. The final design was completed last year and approved by the Planning Commission.

Encinitas first identified Verdi as a possible location in 2008, according to previous reports. Two other undercrossings — at Santa Fe Drive and El Portal Street — were completed in 2013 and 2022, respectively. The cost for the Verdi project is estimated between $17 million and $18 million, according to city records.

Encinitas residents have also long been demanding a quiet zone and, with the grant, will be able to implement a citywide quiet corridor. The staff report outlines safety improvements at the Encinitas Station, at D and E streets, and Leucadia Boulevard.

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North County is buzzing with exciting events, and we’ve got your guide to the best happenings across the region. Whether you're looking for live music, family-friendly festivals, or the latest food and drink gatherings, our curated event roundup highlights the must-attend experiences in your backyard.

If you or someone you know would like to promote an event, send an email to ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!

Here are the latest events for the week of Aug. 17-23:

CARLSBAD

Aug. 17

Silent auction! Bid on unique items and experiences from Aug. 14-20 through the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s Discovery silent auction. The online auction closes at 8 p.m. on Aug. 20, with proceeds supporting environmental education and conservation programs.

Aug. 21

Film festival! Enjoy nostalgic entertainment under the stars at the Leo Carrillo Film Festival from 6-10 p.m. on Aug. 21 and 28 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln. This outdoor movie experience combines classic film entertainment with the historic atmosphere of one of Carlsbad’s most treasured landmarks.

Aug. 22

Concert! Experience acclaimed guitarist Paul Pigat at 7 p.m. at Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Dr. The Vancouver musician brings a blend of rockabilly, jazz and roots music to one of Carlsbad’s premier cultural venues. General admission is $40.

Aug. 23

TGIF! Enjoy the sounds of Daring Greatly in the final concert in the park of the season from 6-8 p.m. at Alga Norte Community Park, 6565 Alicante Rd. This free concert features Latin and salsa music, family activities and space for picnics and lawn seating. Concert grounds open at 4 p.m.

Etc.

Discovery gala! Celebrate the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation’s signature fundraising gala from 5:30-10 p.m. on Aug. 29 at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr. The evening supports the foundation’s environmental education and conservation efforts and features fundraising activities, entertainment and community celebration.

Summer concert! Enjoy a free North Coast Strings summer concert at 2 p.m. on Aug. 30 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church. Presented by the Museum of Making Music, this performance showcases participants from the organization’s adult string orchestra program.

Yummy! Explore local restaurants and businesses during the Taste of Carlsbad Village on Oct. 8 in downtown Carlsbad Village. This community event invites attendees to sample food and beverages while discovering shops and destinations throughout the village district.

DEL MAR

Aug. 20

Racing! Experience Del Mar racing this week at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Races run through Sunday and feature the Pacific Classic, Del Mar Oaks and the Del Mar Derby.

Aug. 21

J.B. Smoove live! Enjoy comedian J.B. Smoove from 8-10 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The actor and comedian brings his signature stand-up style to Del Mar for an evening of live entertainment.

Etc.

The Breeders concert! Experience The Breeders from 8-10 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The influential alternative rock band performs live as part of the fairgrounds’ summer entertainment lineup.

ENCINITAS

Aug. 20

Cruise! Experience Encinitas Cruise Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in downtown Encinitas along Coast Highway 101. This popular community event showcases classic cars and specialty vehicles while inviting residents and visitors to stroll downtown, enjoy local businesses and celebrate automotive history.

Champagne chandeliers! Check out Champagne Under the Chandeliers from 6-7:30 p.m. at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr. This unique evening pairs wine tasting with history inside the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, where certified Sommelier and Champagne Master Dane Kuta guides guests through four exceptional champagnes and the stories behind influential figures.

Screening! Watch “The Last Dive” and participate in a post-screening discussion from 7-9 p.m. at La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101. The film explores the relationship between legendary diver Terry Kennedy and a manta ray named Willy. A Q&A with director Cody Sheehy, Terry Kennedy and Serge Dedina of WILDCOAST follows the screening.

Aug. 23

Concerts! Dance on the sand to the Sabrosas Latin Orchestra from 1-5 p.m. at Moonlight Beach, 400 B St. San Diego’s first all-female salsa band headlines this free concert featuring salsa, cumbia and cha cha music. Opening performances begin at 1 p.m. and the featured performance starts at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Etc.

Yummy! Enjoy the Taste of Encinitas from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Aug. 25 at 818 S Coast Highway 101. This community event showcases local restaurants and businesses, giving attendees an opportunity to sample food and beverages while exploring downtown Encinitas.

Rocky Horror Picture Show! Experience “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live shadow cast Crazed Imaginations at 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 at La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101. This interactive screening combines the cult classic film with live performers for a unique late-night theater experience.

ESCONDIDO

Aug. 19

Dancing! Kick up your boots for Line Dancing Under the Stars from 7-10 p.m. at The Grand Ritz Theater, 301 E Grand Ave. This lively community dance event welcomes beginners and experienced dancers for an evening of instruction, music and dancing under the stars.

Aug. 20

Rock out! Experience The Young Dubliners from 7-9 p.m. at Center Theater, California Center for the Arts, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The internationally known Celtic rock band brings its signature blend of traditional Irish influences and contemporary rock energy to Escondido. Tickets range from $43.20 to $72.

Aug. 21

Cruisin’ Grand! Step into a vintage experience at Cruisin’ Grand from 4-9 p.m. every Friday along Grand Ave between Escondido Blvd. and Ivy St. This free weekly event transforms downtown into a lively showcase of pre-1974 classic cars, with families strolling, local shops open late and a festive community atmosphere.

Etc.

Golf tournament! Tee off at the 6th annual Chamber Cup from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 28 at Native Oaks Golf Club, 14616 Woods Valley Rd. Hosted by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, the tournament raises funds for the Escondido Police Athletic League and the Escondido Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation’s Rising Stars scholarship program. The event features breakfast, lunch, raffles, auction prizes, business networking opportunities, a Beat the LPGA Pro challenge, Sponsor-a-Hero opportunities and a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Registration begins $175, with foursomes and sponsorship opportunities available.

Animals! Check out Fun Animal Friday and meet a dwarf horse and mini goat from 10–11:30 a.m. on Aug. 28 at Children’s Museum of Discovery, 320 N Broadway. Presented with Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farms, this family-friendly event includes a live presentation, meet-and-greet opportunities, storytime and a special craft. Admission is included with museum entry.

Recital! Enjoy an afternoon of classical keyboard music at 4 p.m. on Aug. 30 at First United Methodist Church, 341 S. Kalmia St. Bradley Pettit will perform Baroque harpsichord selections by J.S. Bach and François Couperin, along with a piano suite by Maurice Ravel. Presented as part of the church’s Music Series, the recital is offered as a gift to the community, and a free-will offering will be received.

OCEANSIDE

Aug. 21

Surf festival! Experience the Super Girl Surf Festival from Aug. 21-23 at the Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, 200 N The Strand. The free festival features world-class women’s surfing, live music, wellness programming, art exhibits, panel discussions, fitness classes, food vendors and more than 160 professional surfers competing alongside hundreds of female athletes in multiple sports.

Aug. 22

Beach soccer! Join Community Beach Soccer for Women beginning at 9 a.m. at Oceanside Pier. Held as part of the Super Girl Surf Festival, this community sports event encourages participation and celebrates women in athletics.

Etc.

Interview workshop! Prepare for the Oceanside Job Fair from noon-2 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Oceanside READS Learning Center, 804 Pier View Way, Suite 101. This free workshop helps job seekers strengthen interview skills and build confidence before meeting prospective employers at the Aug. 26 job fair. Participants are encouraged to register in advance.

Job fair! Connect with employers and career opportunities at the Oceanside Job Fair 2026 from 10 a.m.–noon on Aug. 26 at Oceanside Civic Center Plaza, 330 N Coast Highway. Held in partnership with the San Diego Workforce Partnership and Oceanside Public Library, this free multi-industry job fair features dozens of employers representing manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, education and other fields. Job seekers are encouraged to register in advance, and employers seeking to hire must register due to limited space.

Paddle! Experience a moonlight paddle from 7 p.m. on Aug. 29 at Oceanside Harbor. This evening paddle event offers participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the harbor after dark while exploring the waterfront in a guided recreational setting.

Business expo! Connect with local businesses and community leaders at the Coastal Business Expo from 4–7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at William A. Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Dr. Hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, this business-to-business networking event brings together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, community leaders and organizations for an evening of relationship building, lead generation and collaboration.

SAN MARCOS

Aug. 22

Concert! Enjoy live music under the stars with Livin’ on a Prayer from 7-9 p.m. at Wood House in Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Rd. Gates open at 6 p.m. for this Summer Concert Series performance. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for an evening of classic Bon Jovi hits. Presale tickets are $8, tickets are $10 at the door, season passes are $25, and children ages 12 and younger are admitted free.

Tribute! Experience the music of Santana at 7 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Bornemann Theatre, 555 Deer Springs Rd. This tribute performance features classic Santana hits and Latin rock favorites.

Etc.

Fore! Support Feeding San Diego during the 3rd annual Pacific Building Group Charity Golf Tournament from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 24 at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe, 17102 Bing Crosby Blvd. This fundraising tournament features registration and breakfast at 8:30 a.m., a 10 a.m. shotgun start, a clubhouse reception at 3 p.m. and a program and dinner beginning at 4 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, with proceeds benefiting Feeding San Diego. Registration and event information are available through the tournament website.

SOLANA BEACH

Aug. 17

Attention music lovers! Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of The Sines, MojoPin, Josephine Starr (Aug. 18), Back to the Garden (Aug. 19), The Pine Mountain Logs (Aug. 20), Atomic Groove and Billy Nation (Aug. 21), Tainted Love (Aug. 22) and WITCH (Aug. 23).

VISTA

Aug. 17

Calling youth! Build leadership skills and confidence through the Junior Deputy Program for Vista youth in grades 7-11. Hosted by the Vista Sheriff’s Deputies in partnership with the city of Vista, this free eight-week program focuses on character development, positive decision-making and careers in public safety. The program is from 6:15-8:15 p.m. runs from Sept. 2 through Oct. 28 at the Linda Rhoades Community Center, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave. Kids must apply and send the applications to kvaldez@vista.gov or ladams@vista.gov or in person at the City Clerk’s Office at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Dr.

Aug. 19

Musical! Experience the Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” through Aug. 29 at Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr. The production continues through Aug. 29 as part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2026 summer season.

Aug. 21

After dark! Explore the Vista Sustainable Night Market beginning at 5 p.m. at The Boochyard at Local Roots. The free community event showcases sustainability-focused vendors, local businesses, food and environmentally conscious products and services.

Farmer’s Markets

The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.

The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-7 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.

The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!

The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Friday from 4-8 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.

The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.

The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!

The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.

The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at at Oak Crest Middle School, 675 Balour Dr. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.

The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.

The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.

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CARLSBAD — Elvis was taking the country by storm when a 25-year-old walked into a Chevrolet dealership and bought a Corvette.

Little did Carlsbad resident Bill Hatch realize that, 69 years later, he would still own the American classic and set a Guinness World Record. Hatch, now 94, was celebrated on Wednesday at The Shoppes at Carlsbad by the North Coast Vettes Club, along with other Corvette clubs, as they completed the final step of Guinness’ requirements to certify the longest ownership of a vehicle from new.

Wednesday was also the 60^th anniversary of Hatch’s first car purchase.

“The Guinness Book of World Records started in 1950, the year I graduated high school,” he recalled. “I was always curious about it. I wondered if I could be in that book. I was doing track and field, and my marks were way below what these guys were doing. So, I gave it up. But it all turned out. The Lord is good.”

In 1957, Hatch began his career as an educator at Monrovia High School in Arcadia, where he also coached three sports, earning an annual salary of $4,500. He went to the dealership with his dad, who was a “Chevy” man and owned a 1941 Chevy.

There, Hatch had his eye on a 1957 Bel Air, but the salesman showed Hatch the Corvette, which cost $3,400. He had saved $2,000 for the down payment and left with a vehicle that would become intertwined with his life.

Adjusted for inflation, Hatch’s salary would be equivalent to $51,600, and the car would cost $39,000 in 2026.

Five years later, Hatch went on his first date with his wife, Marylyn, now 83, and the couple was married nine months later. Their four-week honeymoon featured a trip up the California coast to Malibu, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, San Francisco, Yosemite, and Sequioa national parks, all in the Corvette.

The couple had two daughters, and at one point, Hatch thought of selling his Corvette as the family grew. But he resisted the urge and instead bought a station wagon to haul around the family.

In 1970, the Hatches moved to Carlsbad, where they’ve lived ever since. Bill Hatch took positions as an assistant vice principal in the Vista Unified School District at two high schools and two middle schools before retiring.

The Corvette, though, has been a staple within the family, he said. When one of his granddaughters married, she and her husband drove off in the Corvette for several miles.

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Marylyn Hatch said the car, like their relationship, survived the good times and the down ones. It had become a part of their family, their legacy and now a world record.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be in the Guinness book,” she added. “But the fruit of it is the people. The kindnesses of our Corvette club, the memories provided for our family and friendships. We made a lot of friends through the Corvette because one of its values is that people approach you. We feel it’s a gift from above.”

The Hatches also joined the North Coast Vettes, where they expanded their network of friends. It was the club, specifically Cary Thomas, who suggested Bill Hatch submit an attempt for the world record, Hatch said.

Thomas said he began in February, noting it was a long, detailed process. Thankfully, Hatch had kept critical records, such as the bill of sale and others, as evidence of his ownership.

While not in prime condition, it has its share of wear and tear; Hatch’s Corvette has withstood the test of time. Thomas said the car has all its original parts, from the engine and transmission to the chrome and bumpers; it’s known in the car world as a “survivor.”

“That vette club has been remarkable,” Marylyn Hatch said of the club’s work. “We were like deer in the headlights. They told Bill and I they would take care of everything, and they sure did. Cary Thomas, especially, did all the writing and paperwork.”

The previous record holder, Harold Lehman of Indiana, who owned his car for 67 years and 314 days, had his car in storage for 49 years and was restored in 2015, while Hatch has never stored his.

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The final requirement by Guinness, Thomas said, was holding a public event and submitting those photos and records to the organization for review. More than 100 other Corvette owners attended, along with several hundred others, including some of Hatch’s former students and athletes.

Thomas said the 100 other Corvettes aligned in a circle with a gap for Hatch to drive through to be the literal center of attention. Hatch rolled into the event as the “Rocky” theme was blasting, Thomas said.

He said the response reminded him of Charles Lindbergh landing in Paris.

The tribute, the couple said, was touching as nostalgia and memories came flooding back during the party. Marylyn Hatch said news stories and social media helped connect long-lost students and friends who came out to Wednesday’s event and reconnected with the Hatches.

“It was absolutely overwhelming,” Bill Hatch said. “Cary did it all. He put it together. The whole Corvette club. It was a lot of work.”

Throughout August, the San Diego North Economic Development Council is highlighting one of North County’s greatest competitive advantages: our education system.

For companies deciding where to invest and grow, talent matters. North County’s ability to develop that talent is one of the reasons our region continues to compete so effectively.

What has struck me most during my time at the council isn’t simply the quality of our schools. It’s how intentionally they work together.

In many parts of the country, educational institutions compete for students, duplicate programs, and operate largely independently. North County has chosen a different path. Again and again, I see colleges, universities, and school districts asking the same question: What is best for students and for the region?

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MiraCosta College and Palomar College are a great example. Rather than trying to duplicate every program, the two colleges maintain regular communication and have developed complementary strengths. Palomar has become a regional leader in the construction and skilled trades, while MiraCosta has built nationally recognized programs supporting North County’s life sciences industry. There is overlap where student demand warrants it, but collaboration — not competition — is the guiding principle. The result is a stronger regional workforce development system.

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ESCONDIDO — A ground lease between the city and Costco was unanimously approved Wednesday by the City Council.

The popular retailer appears ready to demolish the former Sears building at the North County Mall at 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy east of Interstate 15. Costco and the current leaseholder, Transformco Operating Stores LLC, appear to have a deal to move forward so Costco can lease the parcel, which is owned by the city.

In 2022, the city approved similar lease documents, but Costco and Transformco could not agree on terms to transfer or terminate Transformco’s lease, according to the staff report.

However, the council’s action does not pre-approve the Costco project, grant construction rights, or bind future Planning Commission or City Council decisions to the development application.

The new lease would provide Costco with a fixed term of 20 years at an annual rent of $100,000. The lease also has extension rights with seven five-year options for a potential total of 55 years.

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The staff report noted all major stores pay about $98,000 per year in rent.

“We received a question about why we would start with the lease?” Escondido Deputy City Manager Chris McKinney told the council. “It’s a legitimate question. For anyone to apply or to submit, they need an interest in the property. They need to have some right to that property, and the lease would give them that right.”

Escondido is projecting at least $2 million per year in sales tax revenue and more than 300 jobs. The city owns seven of the eight parcels. Macy’s owns the eighth parcel at the mall.

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VISTA — The old Burlington Coat Factory on 650 Sycamore Ave. has been in the crosshairs for six years.

After years of neglect, a partially collapsed roof, encampments, and other issues led the City Council to unanimously declare the property between Thibodo Road and Shadowridge Drive a public nuisance on Tuesday. Now, the private owner of the property, which is managed by The Charles Company based in West Hollywood and a subsidiary of Excel Property Management, has 45 days to abate the nuisance, according to City Attorney Walter Chung.

City code requires at least 30 days to abate a nuisance, secure the building, repair the roof, or demo the building, and clean up the junk and debris, he said. However, the council approved a deadline of 45 days, as Mayor John Franklin and Deputy Mayor Dan O’Donnell said it will give The Charles Company and Excel time to pull the required permits and coordinate with San Diego Gas & Electric to address the utilities.

Franklin, though, expressed his pent-up frustration, especially with the 2025 roof collapse and lack of serious effort to repair or demolish the building. He asked Ron Holley, a representative for The Charles Company, why it has taken so long for the company to do anything, while Franklin said punitive damages are necessary in this case due to the lack of any meaningful response or movement to address the situation.

“Please talk to your owner and tell them the mayor is pissed,” Franklin added. “We are fearful we don’t have your full attention to this. It’s been way too long. We are at a loss as to what to do. Your property is ground zero for the biggest eyesore in the city.”

The item was brought forward by O’Donnell, who represents District 4, where the property is located. He hosted a town hall recently on the property and has driven discussions regarding the redevelopment of the property.

In 2024, O’Donnell hosted another town hall with about 60 residents to discuss a development application proposing a mixed-use project with 250 townhomes and condos and about 8,000 square feet of commercial space on 8.25 acres. The City Council also discussed another proposal from Excel in 2021 for 256 units, according to a previous story in North County Pipeline.

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