📰 News Highlights

🌼 Spring on the Streets: Encinitas Spring Street Fair

For nearly four decades, the Encinitas Spring Street Fair has marked the season with sunshine, music, and community spirit. This beloved two-day event takes over Coast Highway 101 and transforms the heart of downtown Encinitas into a pedestrian-friendly festival featuring more than 450 local vendors. It’s a celebration of creativity and connection—expect handmade art, boutique clothing, eco-friendly goods, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

As you explore, you’ll be treated to live music from local bands, interactive booths, and family-friendly fun like face painting and games. Culinary lovers can sample street food favorites and global eats—from tacos to Thai noodles—and sip on local brews while taking in the vibrant scene. Whether you’re a longtime local or just visiting for the weekend, the Spring Street Fair is a joyful expression of what makes Encinitas shine.

Click here to learn more about the fair and how to join the festivities.

🌺 AAPI Heritage in Full Bloom: Oceanside’s Asian & Pacific Islander Festival

On April 26, the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza will come alive with color, rhythm, and cultural pride during the Southern California Asian and Pacific Islander Festival. With more than 20 cultures represented, the event features an incredible lineup of traditional and modern performances—like hula, Balinese dance, Japanese taiko drumming, and the lively Lion and Sea Dragon dances said to bring good luck. It’s a festival that blends heritage, performance, and community all in one unforgettable day.

Visitors can explore hands-on activities like Mahjong lessons, martial arts demonstrations, mural painting, and more. There’s also a wellness zone, art exhibits, and a variety of food options—from savory adobo and meat pies to sweet mango sticky rice and boba. It’s a full sensory experience that honors the depth and diversity of AAPI communities. Whether you’re there to learn, celebrate, or just enjoy something new, this festival offers something meaningful for everyone.

See the full schedule and plan your visit. 

Learn more here! 

🚗 The Future of Driving? California Weighs a Per-Mile Tax

Gas taxes have long funded California’s roads, but with EVs on the rise and gas cars becoming more efficient, that revenue stream is drying up. In response, the state is testing a bold new idea: charging drivers by the mile. Through a Caltrans pilot program, 800 drivers—gas-powered and electric alike—tested what it would be like to pay based on distance rather than fuel usage. Now, the state is reviewing the results to decide what comes next.

Supporters say a road usage charge is a fair, future-ready way to fund infrastructure, especially as the state pushes toward 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. But critics argue it could unfairly burden working-class commuters, lead to double taxation, or require intrusive tracking technology. As California debates how to modernize road funding, the outcome of this pilot could reshape how every driver pays to get from A to B. 

Local Brews, Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

🍻 Brewery of the Week: Stone Brewing

📍 Escondido – 1999 Citracado Parkway
📍 Oceanside – 310 N Tremont St

Born in a San Marcos warehouse in 1996, Stone Brewing helped ignite the American craft beer revolution with unapologetically bold flavors and a rebellious spirit. Founders Greg Koch and Steve Wagner set out to challenge bland beer—and they did just that, one hop-packed brew at a time.

Today, Stone’s Escondido bistro offers a stunning garden setting, award-winning beers, and seasonal events, while the Oceanside store delivers a chill beach-town taproom vibe. Whether you're there for a tasting, a tour, or just a good time, Stone brings flavor, attitude, and community to every pint.

☕️ Coffee Shop of the Week:  EM Coffee House

📍 Mira Mesa – 9225 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126

Bringing the bold, rich flavors of Vietnam straight to Mira Mesa, EM Coffee House is more than just a café—it’s a cultural experience. Sourcing beans directly from Vietnam, EM honors deep-rooted coffee traditions while elevating each drink with a modern twist. Whether you’re sipping their iconic Cà Phê Sữa Đá, indulging in a velvety Egg Biscoff Latte, or trying something unexpected like the Ube Cream Coffee, every cup invites you to slow down and #BeInTheMoment.

More than a coffee stop, EM is a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Come for the handcrafted drinks, stay for the warm community vibe, and don’t miss their seasonal specials or cozy events designed to bring people together—just like a great cup of coffee should.

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: The Waverly

📍 Cardiff-by-the-Sea – 2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007

Located just steps from the ocean in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, The Waverly delivers refined, Progressive American cuisine with a laid-back coastal vibe. Helmed by award-winning Chef Brian Redzikowski, whose résumé spans Michelin-recognized kitchens and a feature on Iron Chef America, this stylish eatery blends European influence with bold West Coast flavors.

Whether you're brunching on Funfetti pancakes and Turkish poached eggs or savoring dinner favorites like duck meatballs, ricotta agnolotti, or royal red shrimp noodles, every dish is as artful as it is flavorful. Pair your meal with one of their craft cocktails and enjoy the breezy, sun-soaked ambiance that makes The Waverly a North County favorite. Perfect for date nights, weekend brunch, or a chic coastal hangout.

🏠 North County Real Estate Market Overview

Click here for the North County Homes Median Prices in the First Quarter of 2025. 

If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to email Bern at [email protected] or visit our website at www.offthe56.com.

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