This has been a big year for . The downtown Encinitas surf shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has received several accolades, including Women’s Retailer of the Year from the Surf Industry Manufacturer Association, and, most recently, Small Business of the Year in the 74th District, an honor bestowed by Assemblyman Martin Garrick.
The shop is heavily invested in the community, with programs such as Soles for Souls, where people can donate old shoes and sandals for those in need, and Goods for Grades, with incentives for good report cards. And the California Surf Museum in Oceanside will honor founder Don Hansen with a special exhibit later this summer.
Josh Hansen and his siblings now run the business for their dad. Josh, who lived in Encinitas until he was 10, has worked at the store for the last 10 years after graduating from the University of Vermont. Patch asked him for his take on Encinitas.
FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: , , .
FAVORITE SURF BREAK/BEACH: and .
FAVORITE SPOT IN TOWN: On the bluff overlooking Swami’s Point.
FAVORITE ENCINITAS EVENTS: Switchfoot Bro-Am and the Christmas parade.
A ONE-SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF ENCINITAS: Small-town feel with great beaches and even better people.
ONE THING HE’D CHANGE ABOUT THE CITY: Encinitas is a great town and I am not sure I would change anything…oh, maybe have more great surf spots like Swami’s.
HIS PERFECT ENCINITAS DAY: Early morning run on the beach, then a surf session at Swami’s, breakfast at Swami’s Café, work at the shop, golf in the afternoon, and dinner with my girlfriend.
AN ENCINITAS SPOT HE’S BEEN MEANING TO VISIT BUT HASN’T YET: It is bad, but I still have never visited the at the .
Smile, Kids
Encinitas-based Minikin Model & Talent Agency will hold an open casting for children from babies to teens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10 at . Photos will be taken of children during the casting session, and parents can find out more information about print, commercial and theatrical work. The boutique is at 2007 San Elijo Ave. 760-284-3379, minikinmodel.com.
Public Health Plan
The city offers another public health workshop as part of its general plan update from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 18 at the , 1140 Oakcrest Drive. Participants can discuss health-related issues, including transportation, facilities, and environmental initiatives. Encinitas2035.info.
