The Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association hosted local dignitaries and City Council candidates Oct. 16 during its annual Installation Dinner in the Oak Room of Union Kitchen & Tap, the organization recently announced.

DEMA board directors and attendees noted various achievements and said goodbye to two directors, Nancy Nelson and Rich Sylvester. The organization also welcomed new directors, Chassie Bell of Whole Foods Market and Amie Brown of Community Resource Center, and returning director Doug Long.

DEMA named John DeWald as director of the year and Carolyn Cope as volunteer of the year. The partnership award was given to Alex Stanton of SMOG Test Only for the shop’s partnership with DEMA on the Classic Car Cruise Nights. Joe Freitag accepted the award for best facade on behalf of Arnette.

Lloyd O’Connell received the Ida Lou Coley Award, which honors Encinitas residents who dedicate themselves to making Encinitas a better place. As president of the Encinitas Historical Society, O’Connell led efforts to preserve the 1883 schoolhouse and continues to lead groups on his 90-minute Downtown Guided Walking Tour on the third Saturday of every month.

DEMA President Treggon Owens and past president Dave Agyagos accepted a $12,500 grant from Marc Regier, legislative aide to county Supervisor Slater-Price. The county awarded DEMA the grant to fund a south entry welcome sign to be installed at the opening of the Santa Fe undercrossing before the end of the year.

For more information, call (760) 943-1950 or go online to www.encinitas101.com.

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