Encinitas is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, California, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 58,014. It is located about 25 miles (40 km) north of San Diego, and about 95 miles (153 km) south of Los Angeles.
The city was incorporated in 1986 from the communities of historic Encinitas, new Encinitas (Village Park, etc.), Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Olivenhain, California. These communities retain their identities, and their distinctive flavors.
The largest single industry is the growing of ornamental flowers, particularly poinsettias.
Districts
Encinitas can be divided into five areas:
- Old Encinitas: a small beachside area featuring a mix of businesses and housing styles.
- New Encinitas: a newer region which features a golf course, larger tract homes and many shopping centers.
- Olivenhain: a semi-rural region in eastern Encinitas with mostly single family homes and an active 4-H Club.
- Leucadia: which has an older tree lined area featuring art galleries, unique stores and restaurants along with single family homes.
- Cardiff-by-the-Sea: Encinitas' southernmost oceanfront community, which features single family homes and a community college.
Geography
Aerial view showing Moonlight Beach on the left
Encinitas is located at  33°2′40″N 117°16′18″W? / ?33.04444°N 117.27167°W? / 33.04444; -117.27167 (33.044442, -117.271694).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 52.1 km² (20.1 mi²). 49.5 km² (19.1 mi²) of it is land and 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it (5.07%) is water.
The city's elevation ranges between sea level (0 MSL) and 180 meters above sea level.
²The maximum elevation was extracted from a 1:24000 scale USGS topographic map, based upon coordinates supplied by the County of San Diego.
Climate
The climate is very mild. Average daily high temperature is 72°F (22°C). Temperatures below 40°F and above 85°F (outside the 5°C to 30°C range) are rare. Average rainfall is about 250 mm (10 in) per year.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 58,014 people, 22,830 households, and 14,291 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,172.1/km² (3,035.6/mi²). There were 23,843 housing units at an average density of 481.7/km² (1,247.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 86.60% White, 0.59% Black or African American, 0.46% Native American, 3.10% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 6.28% from other races, and 2.85% from two or more races. 14.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 22,830 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 25.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $63,954, and the median income for a family was $78,104 (these figures had risen to $79,714 and $104,775 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $51,132 versus $38,606 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,336. About 3.8% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.
Current estimates
According to estimates by the San Diego Association of Governments, the median household income of Encinitas in 2005 was $86,520 (not adjusted for inflation). When adjusted for inflation (1999 dollars; comparable to Census data above), the median household income was $70,257.
Arts and culture
Annual cultural events
The Annual Fall Festival, formerly known as the Poinsettia Festival, is held each November in downtown Encinitas.
The Wavecrest Woodie Meet takes place once a year, on the third Saturday of September at Moonlight State Beach. It is the largest rally of wooden bodied vehicles in the world and it is free to the public and to participants.
The Annual OktoberFest, is held the third Sunday in September to coincide with the start of the Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany. This is the only community event in Encinitas that takes place in "new Encinitas."
Museums and other points of interest
The San Dieguito Heritage Museum is located in Encinitas. Other points of interest include the Quail Botanical Gardens, Self-Realization Fellowship temple and La Paloma Theater. Surfing is a popular activity in Encinitas, particularly at Swami's, which was featured in The Beach Boys' song Surfin' USA.
Government
The city is governed by a five-member city council, elected at-large to staggered four-year terms at two-year intervals.
In the state legislature Encinitas is located in the 38th Senate District, represented by Republican Mark Wyland, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Republican Martin Garrick. Encinitas is located in California's 50th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +5 and is represented by Republican Brian Bilbray.
Education
School districts
- Cardiff Elementary School District
- Encinitas Union School District
- Mira Costa College District
- San Dieguito Union High School District
High schools
- Sunset Continuation High School
- Pacific Academy
- La Costa Canyon High School
- San Dieguito Academy
- Grauer School (Private, college preparatory)
Middle schools
- Oak Crest Middle School
- Diegueño Middle School
- Encinitas Country Day School (private Middle School)
- Grauer school (private)
Elementary schools
- Ada Harris Elementary School
- Cardiff Elementary School
- Capri Elementary School
- Encinitas Country Day School (private)
- Flora Vista Elementary School
- Ocean Knoll Elementary School
- Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School
- Park Dale Lane Elementary School
- Paul Ecke Central Elementary School
- The Rhoades School
- Saint John The Evangelist School (private)
- Sanderling Waldorf School (private)
- TIP Academy Public Charter School
Notable natives and residents
Current residents
- David Brin, science fiction author
- Jerry Buss, owner of The Los Angeles Lakers
- Chad Butler, drummer of Switchfoot
- Tom DeLonge, guitarist-singer with Blink-182, currently with Angels & Airwaves
- Richard Dreyfuss, actor
- Mary Fleener, underground comics artist
- Jon Foreman, singer/guitarist of Switchfoot
- Tim Foreman, bassist for Switchfoot
- Robert Foxworth, Actor
- Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins, professional skateboarder
- Bucky Lasek, professional skateboarder
- Rob Machado, professional surfer
- Jeremy McGrath, Supercross racer
- Mike McGill, professional skateboarder. inventor of the McTwist
- Jack McDowell, baseball player and musician
- Marion Ross, actress, Happy Days
- Candice Sanders, Miss California USA 2003
- Ravi Shankar, acclaimed sitarist and daughter Anoushka, same
- Scott Stephens, singer of Liquid Blue
- Jack Tempchin, musician and songwriter of several Eagles hits
- Jamie Thomas, professional skateboarder
- Michael Vangerov, guitarist of Liquid Blue
- Joe Walsh, guitarist, singer, and songwriter for The James Gang and the Eagles
- Danny Way, professional skateboarder
- John Wesley, professional stuntman, former USA bobsled driver
- Joji Yuasa, composer (b. 1929)
- Every band member of Destroy the Runner
- Members of the powerviolence band Crossed Out
Former residents
- Michael Chang, professional tennis player
- Chaya Czernowin, composer
- Tom Dempsey, professional football player
- Manny Farber, film critic
- Rick Froberg, artist, lead singer/guitarist of Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes
- Tony Hawk, professional skateboarder
- Frankie Hejduk, soccer player
- Taryn Manning, American actress
- Pauline Oliveros, American composer and accordionist
- Harry Partch, composer and inventor
- Bobby Riggs, professional tennis player
- Staciana Stitts, 2000 Olympic gold medalist
- Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam
- Paramahansa Yogananda, Guru, Self-Realization Fellowship
- Jerry Mathers, Actor The Beaver, Leave It to Beaver
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