Locals Only: Anne Julian-Fagergren

There are a lot of Encinitas residents actively involved in several areas of the community, and Anne Julian–Fagergren is a textbook example of that. She and her dogs provide pet encounter therapy at local skilled nursing facilities through a volunteer program at the Helen Woodward Animal Center. She volunteered at this year’s Cardiff Green Fest and Surf Classic (she used to manage the stage for the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce Hansen/Machado Surf Classic). One of her portraits was included in an exhibit at the Encinitas Library, and she was a member of the late Bob Nanninga’s City Council campaign committee. But perhaps her biggest role is co-chair of the annual Encinitas Environment Day. Julian-Fagergren, who has lived here for more than 12 years, was part of the event from the beginning.

“This was Bob Nanninga’s brain child and he had a very clear vision about the event,” she says. “He wanted to celebrate our community and help provide tools, cooperatively and individually, to protect our precious town and its irreplaceable natural resources. I have been pleased with the way the event has sustainably grown, even with Bob’s untimely passing. I hope to not only keep his endeavor alive, but to have it sustainably grow in a direction that would make him proud.” When she’s not doing her civic duty, here’s some of the things she enjoys about life in Encinitas. 

Favorite meal at an Encinitas restaurant: Really?! There are so many good ones! We do consider The Sake House one of our extra-special jewels. The food is delicious, traditional, and beautifully presented. The family that owns it prepares and serves the meals and they are so stoked it is infectious. It is a true complete dining experience. We can also walk there, which is great if you like sake.

Last purchase made in Encinitas: Two books from , after returning my husband’s Halloween costume to , and a cold coconut water and a popsicle from on the way home.

Ideal Encinitas day: Saturday — September and any weekend after Labor Day with no commitments. Walk the dogs with a pit stop for a surf check at Beacons. Then go to the beach because it is a nice, sunny day with glassy waist-to-shoulder high waves at our favorite spot. Hang out until we get too hungry. Hit up Haggos at the end of the street for a yummy organic taco or burrito. Go ride my friend’s horse off Quail Gardens Drive. In the evening, a surf film premiere at or a local art show.

Favorite civic organization: .

Favorite local business: I really like what Surfy Surfy has done to the vibe of my neighborhood. They renovated (did not tear down!) the old Long Board Grotto and brought some new surf shop energy to the ‘hood. Everything about this place is locally rooted; they sell locally shaped boards, local art, and local clothing. Sometimes they stay open late and have bands; they collect donations for a local cause and call it “cheap date night.” I can’t wait until Coffee Coffee opens up next door — I may never have to get in my car again!

Favorite Encinitas event: Can I pick three? Encinitas Environment Day, Dog Days of Summer, and the .

Best thing about living in Encinitas: Everything! I especially like living in Leucadia, which in Greek appropriately means “paradise” or “a sheltered place.” It is a town that I give thanks for every day. It is truly a gift to live in one of the last little towns of its kind in southern California. There is something so unique about the energy in this town that sparks and spawns creativity and a true feeling of community. I love that people still crank out art and marketable projects in their backyards, that the barter system still exists here, that neighbors gather for sacred sunsets every night, and that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

The one thing she'd change about the city: What I consider to be unnecessary development. We still have a lot of cool old homes and buildings left in our town. I wish everyone shared my admiration of character in a building. For example, there was the coolest 1920s beach bungalow on the bluff on Neptune. As soon as the resident passed away it was torn down and three sterile McMansions went up in its place. Unfortunately, I see it happen over and over — it makes me sad and I just don’t get it. This is only my opinion and I don’t dislike everything being built.

A place in Encinitas more locals should visit: and Caldwell Antiques. These are two of the coolest places I have been. Ducky Waddle’s is a remarkably unique book store and art gallery. “The Duck,” as it is affectionately known, is a center for cultural studies and holds events that create an opportunity for artists, musicians, the intelligentsia, and the curious, to meet, gather, and converse. The caliber of artists that have had their personal shows there is so impressive. I can’t do this place justice –go see for yourself or learn more on duckywaddles.com. At Caldwell Antiques, Fred Caldwell usually has a record player spinning some nostalgic vinyl outside. Upon entering you never know what kind of obscure or fantastic treasure you may find. Take your time —for a small space there are lots of cool things to discover!