North Coast Flare Team
Nov 2, 2026
Hi neighbors—here’s this week around Carlsbad and Encinitas: fresh local reporting, four featured events, a new food story, and a few more ways to spend time close to home.
Inside: a free women’s skateboarding festival, a concert supporting music therapy, Taste of the Windmill, the Cannon Biennial artists’ reception, and a look at what’s happening in Carlsbad schools and along the coast. We’re also sharing Sunday scenes from the Village Faire, a Thursday happy-hour shoutout to Bella Popa, and two dogs waiting for a home at Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
Thanks for reading, and for keeping it local. 🌊 |
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🌤️ YOUR WEEK AHEAD | NOV 2–8 | CARLSBAD & ENCINITAS |
The NWS forecast calls for mostly sunny days Monday through Friday. Highs are expected to stay near 70–72°F in Encinitas and 73–76°F in Carlsbad, with cool mornings. Check both live forecasts before heading out.
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Three Carlsbad elementary schools made San Diego County's top 20 in the new U.S. News rankings. Poinsettia Elementary landed at No. 7.
Pacific Rim and Aviara Oaks made the list too. That's three Carlsbad Unified schools in the county's top 20. Read More... |
The ocean has been working on the bluff below Carlsbad Boulevard. The city is answering with rocks. Very large rocks.
A stretch of the southbound road just north of the Las Encinas Creek bridge is at risk from erosion. Carlsbad declared a local emergency in September and is extending the rock barrier along the bluff. Read More... |
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The City of Carlsbad canceled its Oct. 27 meeting. Encinitas updates are below. |
Encinitas City Council had a full agenda October 28, and a few decisions will be felt well beyond City Hall. The council approved a temporary cap on mobile-home space-rent increases, changed a street-paving plan and gave staff new assignments on immigration enforcement.
The meeting also covered youth programs, an aging study and home-based food businesses. Here's what actually passed, rather than everything that was simply proposed. Read More... |
Encinitas City Council voted unanimously to advance a six-part response to federal immigration enforcement activity following a lengthy October 28 meeting that continued into the early hours of Thursday, October 29.
Councilmember Joy Lyndes brought the issue forward after residents raised concerns about recent enforcement operations in the city. Read More... |
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Exposure 2026 |
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Come celebrate the 15th annual Exposure, a free festival showcasing the progression of women’s skateboarding at Encinitas Community Park. Rising stars, seasoned pros, legends, and fans come together for events across vert, bowl, and street disciplines. There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including a vendor village with prizes and games, learn-to-skate clinics for all ages, and food trucks. The festival also benefits programs and resources supporting survivors of domestic violence. |
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8th Annual Living Your Dreams Concert |
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Celebrate the healing power of music at Resounding Joy’s 8th Annual Living Your Dreams Concert. Sounds of Service, a band of military personnel and veterans from its music therapy program, will share popular covers, original songs, and personal stories. The Leftovers and Ashley Norton will also perform. Join the community at the Encinitas Community Center for an inspiring evening with food, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverages included. Explore the raffle baskets and support music therapy for veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected families. |
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Taste of the Windmill |
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Come by Windmill Food Hall for Taste of the Windmill, a weekend event in Carlsbad. It’s a chance to spend time together and explore a food hall with plenty of choices, whether you’re visiting with friends or bringing the family. Browse vendors serving street tacos, sushi, burgers, pizza, pho, lobster, and more. When you’re ready for something sweet, look for mini donuts or New Zealand-style ice cream. With so many options under one roof, everyone can find something that sounds good. |
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Cannon Biennial Artists’ Reception |
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The City of Carlsbad’s 2026 Cannon Biennial brings together more than 80 local artists for “everywhere home,” an exhibition exploring what home means through painting, sculpture, photography, fiber art and more. Meet the artists at the free reception on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3 to 5 p.m. Visitors can vote for the Community Choice award, which carries a $1,000 prize. The exhibition is on view at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery inside the Carlsbad City Library complex. |
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🌊 WHAT ELSE IS ON THE COAST CALENDAR? |
Cheers to Careers: YPN Evening Mixer · Thu, Nov. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m. — An after-work Encinitas Chamber meetup for young professionals. Wellness for Every Body Expo · Sat, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. — A free community wellness expo at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center. Cars, Bikes & Music at Windmill Food Hall · Sun, Nov. 15, noon–4 p.m. — A classic-car and motorcycle gathering with live music in Carlsbad. |
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Bella Popa played happy hour at Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining on Thursday night, bringing live vocals and acoustic guitar to the patio. Thanks, Bella, for giving Carlsbad’s coast a sunset soundtrack. |
Vendor tents filled Carlsbad Village on Sunday, and neighbors came out to browse. One four-legged fairgoer arrived in a tiny car, dressed for the occasion. Here are a couple of scenes from the day. |
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Know a local band or performer who deserves a shoutout? Did you visit an event or catch a neighborhood moment worth sharing? Send us a photo you took and a few details through the North Coast Flare Facebook page. We may feature it in a future issue. |
🚗 CARLSBAD PARKING MATH |
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Dini’s By The Sea is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Carlsbad on Saturday, November 7. The restaurant’s calendar lists the event from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., though a detailed schedule and special programming have not been announced.
Dini’s is also collecting longtime customers’ old photos for an anniversary montage. Photos can be emailed to info@dinisbistro.com or shared by tagging the restaurant on social media. Read More... |
🍳 WEEKEND BRUNCH RULE
The first coffee is only the opening act. The pastry case gets a vote, too. |
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Trade another scroll for a few real-world pages—or an afternoon with clay. These two Carlsbad Village stops make it easy to spend locally and try something new. |
New and used books, gifts, a local café, and a community art installation made from donated books give this independent shop plenty to browse beyond the bestseller table.
Find Carlsbad Village Books at 640 Grand Ave., Suite A, in Carlsbad Village. Make it a stop on your next downtown walk and leave room in the bag for one more book.
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Want to try the pottery wheel, hand-build a piece, or take a class with a friend? Handled Pottery Studio offers adult classes, one-time workshops, youth classes, and studio memberships.
Look for the studio at 390 Oak Avenue, Suite C, in Carlsbad Village. Class times and registration vary, so check the studio’s current schedule before you go.
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🏪 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT |
Family-owned Café Topes has served Carlsbad since 2013, pairing specialty coffees with all-day breakfast classics and playful originals. The menu includes its Topes Scramble and house-made cinnamon rolls.
Find it a few blocks from the sand at 3091 Roosevelt Street. Café Topes is open Tuesday through Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Open its Visit Carlsbad directory listing for a map and visitor details. |
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🎥 VIDEO OF THE WEEK |
The City of Carlsbad’s new State of the City video looks back at the past year and highlights projects shaping the community. |
🐾 HOMEWARD DOGS | ADOPTION CORNER |
Meet two dogs currently listed for adoption at Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas. Check each live profile before visiting, since availability and details can change. |
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Durham is an 11-year-old, 65-pound tan-and-white terrier mix. RCHS describes him as a sweet senior looking for a patient, caring family and a comfortable place for his golden years. The shelter believes he may be potty trained and could enjoy a well-matched canine companion.
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Chico is a 7-year-old, 37-pound tan Lab/Terrier mix. RCHS says new people and unfamiliar settings can overwhelm him, so he benefits from a gentle introduction and patience while he builds trust. The shelter believes he may be potty trained and could enjoy a well-matched dog companion.
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😄 A LITTLE COASTAL HUMOR
Coastal time is measured in “one more look at the water.” |
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🌊 A RANCHO DETOUR WITH A WILD SIDE |
Trade the beach path for a little rancho history at this 27-acre Carlsbad park. Restored historic buildings, quiet trails, and peafowl give the former ranch a character all its own.
The City of Carlsbad lists free guided tours. Check the current schedule before heading out; the park is at 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane.
See visitor details and tour information →
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😄 A LITTLE COASTAL HUMOR Coastal time is measured in “one more look at the water.” |
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Like discovering local stories, favorite places and things to do around Carlsbad and Encinitas? Follow North Coast Flare on Facebook for more good finds from your neighbors. |
Thanks for spending a little time with us. We’ll be back with more useful stories, good places and neighborhood details from Carlsbad and Encinitas next week.
If you enjoyed, please share with your friends. They will thank you and so will we.
See you next week! |