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Podiatrist in Encinitas, CA

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The North County Foot and Ankle Difference

What makes North County Foot and Ankle stand out from other foot and ankle doctors in Encinitas? Unlike some foot doctors, our podiatrists work with a client-first mentality. When you walk through our front doors, the time you spend in our office is all about you. We believe in a strong physician-patient relationship fortified by one-on-one attention and honest communication.

Before offering foot pain treatment options, we perform a thorough evaluation, taking into account your individual needs, goals, and preferences. Once that's done, we'll discuss your treatment options in detail and come to a mutual decision regarding the best treatment plan for you.

Whether you have a minor hangnail or need complex surgery, you will receive the same level of compassionate care from our medical team. As board-certified podiatrists in Encinitas, our doctors are proud to treat you. You can rest easy knowing they will take the time to explain what's causing your foot pain, what treatments are best suited to your problem, and what steps you should take after treatment.

And while our podiatrists are uniquely qualified to perform surgery, we often recommend non-surgical options, using treatments like orthotics to relieve foot, arch, and heel pain. From sports injuries and bunions to gout and blisters, we're here to help you live life to the fullest without nagging, debilitating foot pain.

 Ankle Specialist Encinitas, CA

Patients visit our foot clinic in Encinitas, CA, for many podiatric problems, including:

  • Sports Injuries
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Bunions
  • Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • General Ankle Pain
  • Sprains
  • Fractures
  • Flat Feet
  • Hammertoes
  • Gout
  • Foot and Ankle Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you're dealing with chronic foot pain or are concerned about a long-lasting symptom that affects your daily life, we're here to help. Unsure if you need to call to make an appointment? These symptoms are often signs that you might need to visit our foot and ankle doctors:

 Foot And Ankle Specialist Encinitas, CA

Bunion Pain Solutions

Jason Morris, a board-certified podiatric foot surgeon in Encinitas, CA, is one of the top podiatrists in the greater San Diego area and has successfully treated patients with bunions for over ten years. He offers advanced treatments for bunion pain, such as:

 Podiatrist Encinitas, CA
Customized Orthotics for Bunion Treatment

Our hand-made orthotics, which are worn in your shoes, are molded to fit your foot exactly, correcting bone misalignments and relieving pain much better than cookie-cutter, store-bought options.

 Foot Surgeon Encinitas, CA
Bunion Surgery

Drs. Morris and Redkar performs state-of-the-art triplanar correction surgery using 3-D digital imaging and a minimal incision approach. This procedure is very effective and works by rotating misaligned big toe bones back to the proper position. Once your toe bones are back in position, a metal plate is attached to your bones so that they remain aligned over long-term use.

 Foot Clinic Encinitas, CA
Combined Bunion Treatment

Drs. Morris and Redkar may recommend both surgery and custom orthotics to keep your foot pain-free and your bunion from growing back.

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Meet Our World-Class Podiatrists

If you’ve been enduring foot or ankle pain that affects your mobility and quality of life, why not make a change for the better? At North County Foot & Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists in Escondido help patients of all ages. Drs. Morris and Redkar take a patient-first approach with all of our podiatry services. Both are highly qualified and recipients of prestigious awards.

Dr. Avanti Redkar
Dr. Avanti Redkar, DPM

Featured in Los Angeles Magazine’s prestigious Top Doctors list of 2021, Dr. Avanti Redkar is a board-certified podiatrist that specializes in foot and ankle pathology. Dr. Redkar earned her undergrad degree in biology at the University of Scranton and her master’s degree in nutrition at SUNY Buffalo. She attended podiatry school at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Her three-year surgical residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York, included foot and rearfoot surgery, wound care, and hyperbaric medicine training. Dr. Redkar also completed a one-year fellowship in sports medicine and ankle reconstruction.

Dr. Jason Morris
Dr. Jason Morris, DPM

After a rigorous three-year residency at the University of Pittsburgh, Jason Morris, DPM, moved to sunny California to practice podiatric medicine. Once there, Dr. Morris worked as an attending physician at UCLA Medical Center and Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Since relocating to the Escondido area, he has been a staff physician at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido and Poway. Dr. Morris is a podiatric foot and ankle specialist with board certification in rearfoot and forefoot reconstructive surgery. Dr. Morris has undergone extensive training in sports medicine, ankle trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery.

Do Away with Foot and Ankle Pain Today

If you've been enduring foot or ankle pain that affects your mobility and quality of life, why not make a change for the better? At North County Foot & Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists in Encinitas help patients of all ages. Drs. Morris and Redkar take a patient-first approach with all of our podiatry services. From minor bunion treatments to complex issues like foot fractures, every treatment option we consider is chosen with your best interest in mind.

Our podiatrists are members of several professional organizations, including:

  • The American Podiatric Medical Association
  • The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
  • The American Board of Podiatric Medicine

If more conservative treatments are better for your condition, non-surgical solutions like custom orthotics may be the best route. If you need ankle or foot surgery, our podiatrists will complete your procedure with time-tested skill and precision. Because, at the end of the day, our goal is to provide you with the most effective foot and ankle pain solutions with the quickest recovery options available.

Contact us online or via phone today to schedule an appointment at our Encinitas office. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to loving life without foot or ankle pain.

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Latest News in Encinitas, CA

May 19 issue: Local and regional events

Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food FestivalThe 20th Annual Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food Festival will be held Saturday, June 3, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course (1275 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 92024). Presented by Encinitas Rotary and Ting Internet. The event features fine wines and other beverages, and great food from local restaurants and caterers.The net proceeds will be divided between several 501(c)(3) charities. The beneficiaries fall into two categories: Children’s Charities and ...

Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food Festival

The 20th Annual Encinitas Rotary Wine & Food Festival will be held Saturday, June 3, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course (1275 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 92024). Presented by Encinitas Rotary and Ting Internet. The event features fine wines and other beverages, and great food from local restaurants and caterers.

The net proceeds will be divided between several 501(c)(3) charities. The beneficiaries fall into two categories: Children’s Charities and Community Charities.

Must be 21 or older to attend. Visit www.encinitaswinefestival.com for tickets and more information.

42nd annual Fiesta del Sol

The 42nd annual Fiesta del Sol music festival will be held May 20-21 at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The free festival runs from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday, May 21.

Presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and Belly Up, the event features a variety of musical performances, great food and beverages, activities, Children’s Area, arts & crafts, Solana Beach Firefighters’ Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, and more. For the full schedule and additional information, visit fiestadelsol.net.

Music event featuring British pianist, singer/songwriter

British pianist, singer/songwriter Andrew Brewis from London, England, will be performing inspirational music and selections from his new CD “Home” on Saturday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center in the Manzanita “A” Banquet Room. Admission free, donations welcome. Address: 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas, 92024.

Free food event every Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church

All are welcome to join St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carlsbad every Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for delicious homemade soup and dessert. There is no charge, just come and enjoy! St.Patrick Catholic Church is located at 3821 Adams Street, Carlsbad.

Experience a night of musical brilliance at Virtuosi USA’s Opening Gala Concert

Virtuosi USA’s Concert Series will present its highly-anticipated Opening Gala Concert featuring a stunning lineup of world-renowned musicians at the Encinitas Library Auditorium on Saturday, May 20 at 7 p.m.

The evening will feature the exceptional talents of world-renowned violinists Irina and Pasha Tseitlin, former LA Philharmonic principal cellist Ronald Leonard, and pianist Kevin Fitzgerald, performing works such as Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” Sonata and Brahms’ Piano Trio in B Major, among others. With the majestic ocean as a backdrop, guests can expect an unforgettable musical experience.

Tickets are available for purchase online at VirtuosiUSA.com or at the door on the evening of the concert. Admission costs: $35 online purchase; $20 for students; and $40 at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales go toward supporting the projects and activities of Friends of Musical Arts 501(c)(3), which include providing assistance to local music students and organizing community concerts like this one.

The Encinitas Library Auditorium is located at 540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas, 92024. For more information, visit VirtuosiUSA.com or contact friendsofmusicalarts@gmail.com.

Ferrari Owners Club, San Diego Region to present 5th annual ‘Bella Cielo’

Ferrari Owners Club, San Diego Region, will hold its 5th annual “Bella Cielo” event Sunday, June 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Cielo Village, Rancho Santa Fe. Address: 18021 Calle Ambiente, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.

This is a free event open to the public.

On display will be many spectacular and rare Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis, as well as a few “Extra Special” automobiles of interest. The event will also feature Italian music and fine food.

In addition, attendees can vote for their favorites cars in the “People’s Choice” competition.

American Legion Post 416 to hold Memorial Day Ceremony

American Legion Post 416 invites all to participate in its Memorial Day Ceremony in front of the American Legion at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 29, at the Legion in downtown Encinitas located at 210 W. F Street.

Everyone will be invited to help the Legion unfurl its huge American flag (20 ft. x 25 ft.). Attendees can then join the League for burgers, brats and music on its patio.

Encinitas Cruise Nights kicks off its summer series on May 18

The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association recently announced the return of its 24th annual presentation of Encinitas Cruise Nights, including new and familiar car clubs and awesome local live bands. The series is held on the third Thursday of May through September, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Future Cruise Nights this year will be held on June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, and Sept. 21.

The May 18 event will feature music on the Main Stage at F Street, Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, and the E101 office.

This year will continue to have three half street closures located on F Street, G Street and H Street. This reserved space will make room for car clubs and live music along South Coast Hwy 101. While the public cannot park in those closures, they are welcome to park in any space along historic Highway 101.

As always, Encinitas 101 welcomes all classic and vintage vehicles to this free monthly event, where drivers take spaces along Coast Highway 101 and in adjacent parking lots, or simply cruise up and down the main street. For more information, visit www.encinitas101.com, (760) 943-1950.

Empowering Latino Futures to hold 7th Annual Latino Book & Family Festival

Empowering Latino Futures invites everyone to participate in the 7th Annual Latino Book & Family Festival on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MiraCosta College in Oceanside. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before with over 100 booths divided into five villages, including Authors, Children’s, Community, Education, and Health, as well as Food and Entertainment.

ELF’s Latino Book & Family Festival is a celebration of Latino culture, literature, and family. This year, the festival will feature keynote speakers Reyna Grande, author of “The Distance Between Us,” “A Dream Called Home,” “Across a Hundred Mountains,” “Dancing with Butterflies,” and “A Ballad of Love and Glory,” and Jimmy Figueroa, executive director of Operation Hope and a motivational speaker from Oceanside. Additionally, there will be a series of workshops featuring authors, health topics, educational topics, and financial empowerment.

Live entertainment will include the Sabrosa Latin Orchestra, while youth entertainment will feature the San Bernardino Ballet Folklorico Cultural, Vista Rancho Buena Vista Mariachi Band, Oceanside Foussat Elementary Steel Drums, Escondido Rose Elementary Ignite Dance Group, and Vista Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts.

Admission to the festival is free. For more information, visit www.LBFF.us.

The Old Globe hosts three local community groups for three weeks of readings and performances

The Old Globe announced the full schedule for its upcoming partnership with three local community organizations: the San Diego Black Artist Collective (BAC) presenting The Black Arts Festival, an event that celebrates Black actors, playwrights, musicians, visual artists, and more; Tijuana Hace Teatro and New Feet Productions presenting The Frontera Project, an interactive theatre performance that explores the varied experiences of people on both sides of the border; and The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival presents The Whole Megillah, filled with a rich selection of arts and cultural events reflecting Jewish experiences.

These limited engagements will play for three weeks from May 25 through June 11 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park. Single tickets for select dates are on sale now at www.TheOldGlobe.org.

San Diego Botanic Garden holding spring classes

San Diego Botanic Garden is offering a variety of classes and activities this spring. Visit sdbg.org for more information.

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra presents ‘The Spanish Guitar’

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra, directed by Peter Pupping, will perform a program titled “The Spanish Guitar” Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Dr., Encinitas. Suggested donation $20 at the door. There are no reservations. Seating is based on a first come first serve basis.

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra includes 35 guitarists. The concert program features the music of Spain which will include music by composers Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Luigi Boccherini , Ennio Morricone, Frédéric Chopin, Antonio Vivaldi and an arrangement of The Eagles “Hotel California”. For more information, including the upcoming May 26 concert, visit

www.encinitasguitarorchestra.com and/or contact Peter Pupping at Guitar Sounds, (760) 815-5616 or peter@guitarsounds.com.

Batiquitos Lagoon to hold children’s event

On Saturday, May 20, the Batiquitos Lagoon will host a children’s event from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for children ages 8-11. They will learn about the watershed and engage in a fun activity. They will also have an opportunity to silkscreen a t-shirt to take home as well as use QR codes to learn about their environment. Classes are free and open to the general public. Registration is required and will be limited to the first 15 kids.

Register at www.batiquitoslagoon.org , click Earth Explorers science club.

The Flower Fields now open through May 21

The Flower Fields extended its season and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 21 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. All tickets are sold online at theflowerfields.com

North Coast Symphony Orchestra to present concert of all women composers

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of all women composers on Saturday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas. The performance includes the Gaelic Symphony by Amy Beach, D’Un Matin du Printemps by Lili Boulanger, Callirhoë by Cécile Chaminade, and features Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra with flute soloist Valerie McElroy.

Founded in 1947, the orchestra is conducted by Daniel Swem. Admission: $12 general, $10 seniors/students/military, $30/family max. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Brightfeather in concert May 19 at Encinitas Library

Brightfeather will perform a concert May 19, 7:30 p.m. at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive).

Brightfeather is a dynamic and immersive violin-piano duo founded by violinist Benjamin Hoffman and pianist Irene Kim. Through deeply personal performances, Brightfeather is committed to bringing the light, hope, and strength of music to audiences across the globe. The duo has performed throughout the United States as well as in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and presents repertoire spanning an extensive range of time periods and musical languages. Visit www.brightfeatherduo.com.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For tickets in advance go to bit.ly/3ABXKH4

Call 760-633-2746 for $10 student tickets.

Events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

A variety of events are being held this month at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events-calendar/

Pipes Cafe is a Cardiff morning mainstay

Pipes Cafe in Cardiff has been a neighborhood breakfast destination for almost 30 years. Since 1995, the funky beach cafe has served up essential egg burritos with coffee and camaraderie.Cardiff locals and owners Karen and Tim Fischer started out with coffee first, running the Kono’s Coffee Cart on the deck of the popular Kono’s Cafe breakfast spot in Pacific Beach.Kono’s owners Kathy and Steve Bettles offered the Fischers their basic menu and their blessing to take the concept up north. The previous business ...

Pipes Cafe in Cardiff has been a neighborhood breakfast destination for almost 30 years. Since 1995, the funky beach cafe has served up essential egg burritos with coffee and camaraderie.

Cardiff locals and owners Karen and Tim Fischer started out with coffee first, running the Kono’s Coffee Cart on the deck of the popular Kono’s Cafe breakfast spot in Pacific Beach.

Kono’s owners Kathy and Steve Bettles offered the Fischers their basic menu and their blessing to take the concept up north. The previous business was going out of the Cardiff space and they decided to take the leap, “We were young and dumb,” Karen jokes of then newly married pair of 28-year-olds who opened up Pipes on a shoestring budget down the street from where they lived on Glasgow Avenue.

Karen worried no one would be able to find them because, at the time, nothing else was around, “It was like a ghost town in Cardiff.” It was so quiet that the day they opened, they decided anyone who showed up would get free food. People showed up.

“People were so stoked and it kind of just snowballed from there,” Karen said. “It took off.”

The Fischers not only expanded on the Kono’s menu but modeled a lot of what they do and how they treat their employees on Kathy and Steve. They so value their employees and it seems to have been successful—three members of the Pipes family have been with them for 25 years, another four have been there for 20 years. Manager Dana Trujillo— “She’s like the mayor”— has been at Pipes for 27 years and amazingly always remembers customers’ names and orders.

“Tim and I are still here every single day,” said Karen, who comes in the afternoon and Tim’s in first thing in the morning. They still live just up the street and can see the back door from their house. Even with their popularity, they never once thought about expanding to dinner service: “When it’s closed it’s peace of mind, we’re done for the day.” And doing things that way has been good for raising their family. “We feel very lucky and blessed.”

Pipes Cafe is known for their generous portions—as Fischer said, “You just get a ton of food.”

Their breakfast burritos are a favorite and have been described as “massive” (Karen says they are big enough for two people), the Seaside Scramblers come on a plate loaded with potatoes and an English muffin. You can get a Big Breakfast with pancakes or French toast—even the Little Breakfast is huge.

The menu hasn’t changed over the years although they did add one thing because Karen wanted it: breakfast tacos. You get three corn tortilla tacos stuffed with egg, bacon, avocado, onion, cilantro and homemade pico sauce. “They’re delicious,” she said.

Pipes also serves lunch items like burgers, grilled cheese , egg salad or BLT and avocado sandwiches.

The Cardiff community has grown up around them and Fischer said she’s seen a lot of things over the years, enough to write a book: In the 90’s Blink 182 did a shoot on their deck for MTV, the Rachael Ray Show stopped by one year and, in 2011, Prince Harry grabbed breakfast at Pipes. Twice.

But Fischer said the major highlight of all the years of running this business has been the customers. From the first surfers who wandered up hungry after a morning on the water, she has seen lifelong friendships form and regulars who come every single morning. A lot of teenagers that work there grew up as customers first. There are families who come to the San Elijo State Beach campground every year who never miss coming in for breakfast: “They become your family.”

“We try to get to know the people because they almost always come back,” she said. “It’s very comfortable, it’s casual, it’s like home. We want it to be like people’s home away from home.”

With nearly 30 years in the rear view, the Fischers have have just signed another 10-year lease, another decade of big breakfasts.

“It’s been a good ride,” said Fischer.

Pipes is located at 121 Liverpool Drive in Cardiff.

Encinitas, California: A Hidden Gem for Health and Wellness

Encinitas, a coastal city in San Diego County, is known for its stunning beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant health and wellness scene. With a year-round Mediterranean climate, this SoCal gem offers residents and visitors endless opportunities for outdoor activities, healthy dining options, and a thriving wellness culture. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top benefits of living in Encinitas, from the best farmers' markets to scenic hiking trails, to inspire you to explore this hidden gem.Farmers' Markets Galore...

Encinitas, a coastal city in San Diego County, is known for its stunning beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant health and wellness scene. With a year-round Mediterranean climate, this SoCal gem offers residents and visitors endless opportunities for outdoor activities, healthy dining options, and a thriving wellness culture. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top benefits of living in Encinitas, from the best farmers' markets to scenic hiking trails, to inspire you to explore this hidden gem.

Farmers' Markets Galore

One of the best things about living in Encinitas is the abundance of farmers' markets. From the Leucadia Farmers Market on Sundays to the Encinitas Station Farmers Market on Wednesdays, residents can find fresh, locally-sourced produce, artisanal cheeses, organic meats, and much more. The farmers' markets also offer a variety of food trucks and live music, making for a fun and festive atmosphere. Some of the top vendors include Seabreeze Organic Farm, Gourmet Tamales, and Sunshine Alchemy.

Yoga, Surfing, and Outdoor Fitness

Encinitas is known as the yoga capital of the United States, with numerous yoga studios and outdoor classes available for all levels. Some of the top yoga studios include Yoga Six, Soul of Yoga, and Yoga Tropics. In addition to yoga, Encinitas is also famous for its world-class surfing spots, including Swami's Beach, Cardiff Reef, and Moonlight Beach. If you prefer land-based activities, there are plenty of outdoor fitness options, such as hiking the San Elijo Lagoon trails, biking along the coast, or joining a boot camp class at Encinitas Fit.

Healthy Dining Options

If you’re looking for healthy dining options, Encinitas won’t disappoint. From vegan cafes to gluten-free bakeries to farm-to-table restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Some of the top spots include Honey’s Bistro and Bakery, a cozy and rustic cafe that serves organic coffee and fresh-baked goods, and Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar, a vegetarian restaurant that offers a range of dishes from smoothie bowls to vegan burgers. Another must-try spot is Naked Cafe, a popular brunch spot that specializes in healthy and organic breakfast dishes.

Scenic Hiking Trails

Encinitas is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, which is home to over 700 species of plants and animals. The reserve offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, with breathtaking views of the lagoon and ocean. Another popular hiking spot is the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail, a 3.1-mile loop that takes you through a variety of habitats, including salt marshes and coastal sage scrub. For a more challenging hike, head to Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, which has over 11 miles of trails and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Encinitas Beach Culture

Encinitas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California, each with its own unique charm. Moonlight Beach is a family-friendly spot with a playground, snack bar, and volleyball courts, while Swami's Beach is known for its world-class surf break and stunning cliffside views. Other must-visit beaches include Cardiff State Beach, which offers tide pools and a long stretch of sandy beach, and Beacon's Beach, a secluded spot that's popular with surfers and locals.

In conclusion, Encinitas offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, healthy dining options, and wellness culture. Whether you’re a surfer, a yogi, a hiker, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this hidden gem.

Echale Brings Elevated Mexican Cuisine to Encinitas

A roving taqueria that amassed a local following through several successful North County pop-ups has evolved into an elegant Mexican restaurant that recently landed on Coast Highway in Encinitas.Échale, which replaces St. Tropez Bistro, is the first San Diego-based restaurant for Sean Yontz but not his first inspired by Mexican cuisine. A fine-dining chef by training, Yontz explored his Hispanic heritage through several Mexican restaurants...

A roving taqueria that amassed a local following through several successful North County pop-ups has evolved into an elegant Mexican restaurant that recently landed on Coast Highway in Encinitas.

Échale, which replaces St. Tropez Bistro, is the first San Diego-based restaurant for Sean Yontz but not his first inspired by Mexican cuisine. A fine-dining chef by training, Yontz explored his Hispanic heritage through several Mexican restaurants he opened in Denver before moving to Los Angeles for a corporate chef position with Plan Check, which once had several neighborhood restaurants throughout the city. While in LA, Yontz and his business partner Jon Rhinerson launched a predecessor to Échale as a pop-up in Venice Beach.

During the pandemic, Yontz’s son and his family relocated to Cardiff and Yontz followed, settling in Encinitas and re-starting the taqueria through stints at the Shanty in Cardiff and Vino Carta in Solana Beach.

Yontz tells Eater that his menu for the new restaurant reimagines the gourmet fillings from his tacos through larger format, more fine-dining style plates. Ancho chile-braised oxtail is now paired with homemade pappardelle, salsa ranchera, and grana padana while the chicken tinga has translated to a roasted half-chicken served with chipotle salsa, braised turnip and fennel, and caramelized onions. And Rhinerson’s beer and wine list includes super funky, natural wines from Baja and the Valle.

Local designer Ryder England completely transformed the site, describing the aesthetic as “wabi-Oaxacan”. Inspired by shou sugi ban, a Japanese method of charring wood to preserve it, England used a similar treatment on recycled wood for the restaurant’s furnishings and handcrafted the ceramics that decorate the space. Its centerpiece, a seven-by-seven-foot custom hanging light fixture, takes after traditional Japanese lamps but was made with materials from the Yucatan.

Their popular tacos return to the menu later this month when Échale launches lunch service, which will also include tortas, ceviches, and seafood cocktails. Yontz says they’re also planning to introduce weekend brunch down the line as well as a takeout-focused breakfast of breakfast burritos and other grab-and-go items.

Échale, 947 S. Coast Highway 101 Suite 103D, Encinitas; Tuesday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Échale

947 S Coast Hwy 101 #103D, Encinitas, CA 92024

Encinitas Fails To Meet San Diego Regional Housing Standard: Report

SAN DIEGO, CA — Nearly every local government in San Diego County failed in its efforts to create enough housing for the growing population during an eight-year cycle, prompting a grand jury report released Tuesday to offer recommendations as the region faces an even loftier goal during its current cycle.Some of the recommended strategies include using specific plans to build up areas near transit hubs, working with school and community college districts to identify developable land, working with local religious institutions to ...

SAN DIEGO, CA — Nearly every local government in San Diego County failed in its efforts to create enough housing for the growing population during an eight-year cycle, prompting a grand jury report released Tuesday to offer recommendations as the region faces an even loftier goal during its current cycle.

Some of the recommended strategies include using specific plans to build up areas near transit hubs, working with school and community college districts to identify developable land, working with local religious institutions to the same end and possibly drafting revenue-generating legislation to help assist in the funding of all housing, but particularly "affordable" housing.

"Housing is a human right, and we must make this declaration to ensure we as elected leaders and our whole community own our responsibility to take the actions necessary to ensure every San Diegan has a real opportunity to have the decent and stable housing necessary for a dignified and healthy life," San Diego City Council President Sean Elo Rivera said at a joint meeting between the council and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 3, 2022 when discussing the Regional Housing Needs Allocation.

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Since 1969, every eight years, California has required all local governments to plan to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. This planning process ends with the creation of the RHNA.

During the fifth Housing Element cycle from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2020, the San Diego region was required by the state to plan for 161,980 housing units. These units were divided among the four state-designated income levels as measured against the Area Median Income, with very low income allocated 36,450 units, low income 27,700 units, moderate income 30,610 units and above moderate income 67,220 units.

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Of the 19 governments under the purview of the San Diego Association of Governments, only one -- Lemon Grove -- met all four standards during the last cycle.

According to the report, Lemon Grove benefited from having the affordable housing Citronica development in the planning process prior to the beginning of the fifth cycle. The city also implemented zoning changes such as raising height limits and increasing density, and amended its Downtown Specific Plan to include more housing.

"Each of these measures helped the city to meet its allocations in the other income categories," the authors wrote. "Lemon Grove also benefited as a developer came in and developed one of the last large vacant tracts of land within the city during the Fifth RHNA cycle."

Of those who met at least one housing goal, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, San Diego, San Marcos and Vista all only met the "above moderate income" guideline, failing to meet the needs of any residents making less than the area AMI.

Del Mar met both moderate income and above moderate and Poway met low income guidelines.

The authors cited two examples of cities taking proactive steps. El Cajon was praised for using specific plans -- building up around the El Cajon Transit Center -- and Chula Vista for the Palomar Gateway Plan.

Both of these were built up around mobility hubs. By SANDAG's definition, a mobility hub is a community with high concentration of people, destinations and travel choices.

San Diego County is now in the sixth RHNA Cycle -- from June 30, 2020 to April 15, 2029 -- with an even loftier goal for cities to meet. A total of 171,685 units must be built to meet the rising need during that window, around 10,000 more than were intended for the fifth cycle.

While this is no easy task, the grand jury report did outline other recommendations which could make it possible, including:

-- Providing support to re-introducing in the state Legislature SB 1105, or similar legislation, to create a San Diego County agency that could raise revenue for housing.

-- Providing support to SB4, which is currently before the state Legislature. That bill is intended to make it easier to provide affordable housing on land owned by religious institutions.

Other city-specific recommendations include the Solana Beach city manager working with the North County Transit District to develop affordable housing at the Coaster station, a recommendation for North County cities to also work with NCTD on developing housing near transit stops and for the county, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City and Chula Vista to take on similar work with the Metropolitan Transit System.

— City News Service

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