News and Notes

This weekend, the most happening spot in town won’t be a bar or a new restaurant or an art gallery. It will be the , which hosts two days of events that include live music, a poetry slam, and a tasty spread of food.

First up is Poetry Slam Under the Big Top on May 20, sponsored by the museum and Full Moon Poets. Seventeen poets will perform for three minutes each, and will be judged by five audience members who will be selected at random that night.

The next day is the 23rd annual barbecue, where will dish out a menu that includes Santa Maria tri-tip and chicken, pinquito beans and macaroni and cheese.

The weekend’s events close out with a concert of country, bluegrass, jazz and blues music played by guitarists Carl Verheyen and Steve Trovato. Verheyen is a member of Supertramp, and Trovato has performed with Albert Lee and Robben Ford, among others.

Poetry Slam Under the Big Top starts at 7 p.m. May 20. Admission is free; donations encouraged for the poetry slam prizes. The barbecue runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. May 21, followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m. Barbecue prices are $10 to $30, and free for children younger than 5; concert tickets are $10 to $20. The museum is located at 450 Quail Gardens Drive. For more information, call 760-632-9711 or visit sdheritage.org.

Council to Look at Hall Park Name

The City Council will decide if the park on the Hall property will be officially named Rossini Creek Community Park during its May 18 meeting. That’s the name recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission after a process that included submissions of possible names from the public. Rossini Creek, named after the nearby area, topped a final-five list that also included Encinitas Heritage Community Park, Encinitas Community Park, Kumeyaay Park and Seaside Community Park.

The council will also consider plans for the city’s 25th anniversary celebration. The proposal for the event calls for it to be held at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum during its Lima Bean Festival on Oct. 1. The theme would be “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” with displays from local organizations as well information on Encinitas’ general plan and capital projects. The proposal would cost the city $5,750, which includes sheriff department services, portable restrooms, advertising, refreshments and a promotional item for the party. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, located at 505 S. Vulcan Ave.  

Pet Project

Take your favorite four-legged friend to the city’s annual Pet Expo on June 5. In addition to pet photos and grooming, vendors and a best trick contest, the event includes discount dog licenses, $20 microchips and $6 rabies shots from the county Department of Animal Services. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at City Hall. For more information, call 760-633-2760 or visit encinitasparksandrec.com.

Meet the City Manager

New City Manager is the guest of honor at a public reception that will follow a special meeting of the Encinitas City Council on May 24. It starts at 6 p.m. in the Poinsettia Room at City Hall.

Plant a Seed

Join the Spring Fling beautification effort and get the satisfaction of keeping Carpentier Parkway looking lovely (plus some VG doughnuts for your work). The volunteer work party takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 at the park along San Elijo Avenue, between Birmingham and Chesterfield. You can bring your own gardening tools. For more information, visit cardiff101.com.