Book Release
Brooke Archer’s new book, “A Song in the Dark,” comes out on April 14. The author, who works out of La Jolla, weaves a tale of secrets and romance. The paranormal thriller set in a town with a chronic, tragic issue of children disappearing also includes an unlikely songwriting duo. The School Library Journal called it both “a beautiful, affecting story” and also “a fast-paced, quick read.”
Living with Coyotes
The San Diego Humane Society recognizes Coyote Awareness Week and offers ways to reduce conflicts. As adaptable predators, coyotes maintain balance in the ecology by controlling rodent populations and limiting disease transmission by removing rotting animal flesh from the environment.
The Humane Society cared for 107 injured, ill or orphaned coyotes in 2025 and has already treated at least 19 this year. As suburbs sprawl into their natural habitat, the Humane Society recommends walking dogs on leashes, supervising pets outside and securing trash or other food waste such as trash that may be outside.
If you see a coyote behaving boldly, it is recommended that you stand tall, wave your arms and make noises to encourage them to move along.
Water District GM
Jeff Umbrasas has been appointed General Manager of the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District. Umbrasas previously served as the district’s Director of Administration and Finance, where he oversaw many operational functions, including accounting, customer service, risk management, purchasing and treasury management.
“Jeff has demonstrated exceptional leadership, financial stewardship and dedication to our customers and employees,” said David Drake, president of the District’s Board of Directors.
St. Patrick’s Day 5K
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch hosted the Field of Luck 5K on March 15, its first such event. Andy Rodas and David Lipke tied for the fastest time on the men’s side with times of 19 minutes and 19 seconds. Brittany Poor recorded the fastest time on the female side with a time of 20 minutes and 54 seconds.
The colorful event included 773 participants, many wearing green and other festive outfits while running around the blooming ranunculus flowers.
Watercolor Paintings
Fan Li won the Best of Theme Award and Jane Mitchell won the Third Place Award at the San Diego Watercolor Society March 2026 member exhibition “Singing Colors.” Both are Carlsbad residents and were selected for their respective awards from a field of 278 entries.
Li’s painting “Papa, Mama, Babies” was described by juror and local artist Shuang Li as “incredibly joyful subject matter” depicting a rooster family “singing through the artist’s colorful brushtrokes.” Fan Li began studying watercolor fundamentals in 2018 after retiring from a career in manufacturing and metallurgy.
Mitchell’s painting “Summer Storm” was described by the juror as using “powerful, large brush strokes” and a “limited and muted palette” to create “subtle value changes that tie the sky and land together perfectly.” Prior to moving to North County, Mitchell studied drawing, painting and sculpture at the University of Cincinnati.
State of Encinitas Tickets
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce has begun selling tickets for the 2026 State of the City Address with Mayor Bruce Ehlers. The annual event — a partnership between the Chamber and City of Encinitas — will take place April 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. In the keynote address, Ehlers will discuss the past year and plans for the future of Encinitas.
More than 250 people are expected to attend and tickets — $75 for the general public and $65 for Chamber members — are available at encinitaschamber.com/state-of-the-city.
State Recognition
State Senator Catherine Blakespear presented Dr. Debra Halliday a Certificate of Recognition from the California State Senate after being named a 2026 Women Who Inspire honoree for Senate District 38. Halliday founded the Halliday Center in 2010 in Encinitas with the aim of expanding access to care across North County San Diego. The center provides psychotherapy and wellness services emphasizing inclusive and culturally responsive care for children, teens, adults and families.
“This award reflects not only my work, but the collective efforts of a community committed to compassion, inclusion, and healing,” Halliday said.
School Recognized
High Tech Middle School North County in San Marcos was recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished Public Charter School by the California Charter Schools Association. It is one of eight schools in the county and 77 in the state to receive the award.
Green School
The Grauer School in Encinitas received the California Green Business Certification. The recognition celebrates quantifiable efforts to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention. The Grauer School is the first school in San Diego County to receive this award.
