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🌱 Patch AM: How could new red-light cameras change driving in Encinitas?

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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Good day Encinitas! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How could new red-light cameras change driving in Encinitas?
  • Details on the fatal I-5 crash near Leucadia Boulevard
  • Which celebrity chefs are coming to Encinitas for a whiskey dinner?

Also on today's calendar: The Melt - National Cheeseburger Weekend! Signup for Melt Rewards by 9/17 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 76 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 76, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Encinitas council advances pilot program for red-light cameras (cbs8.com) — Encinitas residents should know the City Council has voted 4-1 to pursue a pilot program for red-light cameras at major intersections, aiming to improve pedestrian safety after several recent deaths. Officials will now study costs, locations, and how many cameras to install under new state rules that treat violations as civil penalties rather than criminal citations.
   

2. Birhane Woldenmicael Dies in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-5 in Encinitas (pacificattorneygroup.com) — A 73-year-old San Diego man was killed early Saturday while trying to help at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on northbound I-5 near Leucadia Boulevard in Encinitas. The freeway was partially closed for hours as CHP investigated, and officials are still determining what led to the initial collision and the subsequent fatal impact.
   

3. Where to See Celebs at the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival (sandiegomagazine.com) — Encinitas food lovers can snag seats at a Stranahan's whiskey-paired dinner at Alila Marea Beach Resort, where celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan teams with executive chef Tim Crittenden for four inventive courses. The guide also maps out where to spot chefs, athletes, and TV personalities throughout the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, from intimate winery dinners to a celebrity pickleball tournament and the massive Grand Tasting.
   

4. Del Mar readies for flooding, erosion as El Niño builds (northcoastcurrent.com) — Del Mar is ramping up storm and flood preparations for a predicted very strong El Niño, and regional swift-water rescue teams may be staged in Encinitas to respond quickly during major rain events. Crews are clearing drains, readying sandbags, and coordinating coastal protections, while residents are urged to secure property, avoid flooded roads, and sign up for emergency alerts.
   

5. Settlement prompts LGBTQ policy change at Calif. school district (sjvsun.com) — Parents in Encinitas Union School District have secured a settlement allowing families to opt out of LGBTQ-related classroom materials that conflict with their religious beliefs, after a dispute over a book read at La Costa Heights Elementary. The case, influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling, could shape how future sensitive topics are handled in local classrooms and beyond California.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This is Theo.
    (More pics in comments). Our rescue Paw Match needs a foster for him asap. He is 1 yr old and a total gentleman. He is good with kids, other dogs ,… (Nextdoor Leucadia)
  • Hi there!
    My name is Corie Fletcher, and I'm a private chef based in San Diego. I'm currently accepting new clients for in-home cooking, meal prep, and private… (Nextdoor Encinitas Highlands)
  • General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems posted a job opening for Assembler - Manufacturing in Encinitas. Apply here.
  • XL Staffing posted a job opening for Customer Service/Inside Sales in Encinitas. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Encinitas here.

Ok Encinitas! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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