Locals Only: Eva Meier

With the news that the proposed 2012-2013 state budget would chop $4.8 billion from education funding if voters don’t pass tax initiatives at the ballot, it’s never been more crucial for parent volunteers to help pitch in at schools. Fortunately for our city, dedicated volunteers aren’t in short supply. Eva Meier, a Cardiff resident since 1987, became active last year in Cardiff SEA, the nonprofit fundraising branch of the Cardiff School District. She suggested the district hold a rummage sale as a fundraiser, and this year she’s spearheading the successful sale again, as well as serving as SEA’s co-secretary. Last year, SEA raised more than $300,000 to pay for smaller class sizes and music, art, and science programs. The rummage sale raises its share by offering donated items in good condition — last year’s loot included a Sharper Image massage pad and Harley-Davidson saddlebags — at roughly 5 to 10 percent of their retail prices. This year’s sale takes place Jan. 14 (see details below); in the meantime, Meier talks about what makes her school district, and her city, so special.

Favorite thing about the Cardiff School District: One favorite thing? There are many! The parent involvement and community spirit; the focus on being green, on healthy living and eating, on respect for our environment; and the quality of our parents, an unbelievably impressive bunch of cool, healthy, smart, well-rounded people.

Favorite meal at a local restaurant: The soups at

Last purchase made in town: This evening at — a bottle of wine and some “Cardiff crack,” a.k.a. Seaside’s famous burgundy tri-tip.

Ideal Cardiff day: Starbucks in the morning, running into friends around the Towne Center, a workout at with my trainer, a salmon bowl for lunch at , a walk around San Elijo Lagoon, play with kids at the Cardiff playground overlooking the ocean, sunset and picnic at the beach.

Favorite civic organizations: , , .

Favorite local business:  

Favorite Encinitas event: The

Best thing about living in Encinitas: The beauty, and living among people that appreciate the beauty.

The one thing she’d like to change about the city: The way the government seems to not listen to the people.

A place in Encinitas more locals should visit: The (Self-Realization Fellowship).

How she’d dress up the Cardiff Kook: A danseur (holding the hand of a ballerina).

Best place in the city to watch the sunset: The bench at the corner of Santa Fe and Cornish.

The rummage sale benefitting Cardiff School District takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 at Cardiff Elementary, 1888 Montgomery Ave. Donations of gently used items will be accepted from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 12. For more information, go to cardiffschools.com/CardiffSEA.