Respite from recent rains opens window for painted ladies

Roman S. Koenig

March 14, 2019

A swarm of travelers is riding in on light Santa Ana winds along the North Coast following this winter’s record rainfall. Painted lady butterflies, which have been observed in spots throughout the county over the past few weeks, have arrived in even more numbers in Encinitas and surrounding communities.

Cool on the Coast: Community assistance and events for December

Michele Leivas

December 20, 2017

Your monthly roundup of events in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar and the region.

Repairs continue on rain-damaged roads in Encinitas

North Coast Current

March 2, 2017

Encinitas commutes are slowly getting back to normal as the city repairs roads damaged by nearly 3 inches of rain Feb. 26-27.

Cool on the Coast: Farm-fresh start to the new year in January

Layla Marino

January 15, 2016

“New year, new you” is a slogan we’re all familiar with when it comes to that first day of a new year. New Year’s resolutions amount to trying new things and getting out there for more fun and fulfillment. The northern coast of San Diego County is an excellent place to make these resolution dreams a...

Preserved Home: Use your noggin and create your own eggnog

Laura Woolfrey Macklem

December 20, 2015

My eggnog drinking experience reminds me of the “Three Bears” story — one is too sweet, one is too rich, and the other one is devoid of any warm notes of spice. Until making eggnog myself, I hadn't found one that was “just right.” The search for a seasonal jug of cheer was difficult, in ...

Cool on the Coast: Wrap up 2015 with festive events, food and theater

December 20, 2015

While those from many other places don’t often think of San Diego County when they think of winter and the holidays, a palm tree can be wrapped in holiday lights just as well as a spruce. It’s also a heck of a lot warmer. Coastal San Diegans can enjoy beautiful sunsets over the ocean while sipping eg...

Preserved Home: Look forward to the holidays by planning ahead

Laura Woolfrey Macklem

November 11, 2015

One of the biggest challenges for the holiday host is spending time with guests while still meeting all the expectations of a holiday meal. And certainly, if you have out-of-town company, you aren’t just preparing one big meal, but several in between for your guests. The stress is enough to take the jingle o...

Preserved Home: Homemade pickled carrots make a tasty treat

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem

December 16, 2014

It’s always been my challenge to take a vegetable someone in my family doesn’t like and discover how to change their mind via an interesting recipe. I call them gateway recipes. For instance, I introduced my children to kale by making a cheesy kale gratin. Yes, it was laden with cream and cheese, but...

Cool on the Coast: More than 20 sounds, sights and activities this season

Layla Marino

December 3, 2014

Southern California may not be seen by the rest of the country as the classic picture of winter traditions, but coastal North County has plenty of its own traditions for winter fun with a beach flare. Whether you’re interested in holiday events, wintry light shows or concerts and art openings, the coast...

ENCINITAS: Fall festival returns Nov. 23

November 21, 2014

ENCINITAS — The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association presents the 24th Annual Fall Festival on Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In downtown Encinitas. Visitors to the fair, sponsored by Tri-City Medical Center, can drop by more than 450 booths and dozens of downtown Encinitas merchants Fairgoers can also...

Preserved Home: Putting up with potatoes

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem

November 18, 2014

There is a domestic urban myth that potatoes don’t freeze well. Most everyone I know is under that impression, and is amazed when I tell them otherwise. With the holidays upon us, and potato sales at their prime, I’ll tell you some creative ways to stock up on potatoes for several months, including...

Preserved Home: Bake sugar cookies with royal results

Laura Woolfrey-Macklem

December 16, 2013

Out of all the cookies you could possibly make, sugar cookies say Christmas best of all. Cut in shapes such as reindeer, sleighs, and angels, painted with colorful frosting and embellished with sprinkles of all sorts, sugar cookies are the jolliest cookie jar offering. My cousin labors over her sugar cookie...