BEST MENEHUNES

Local winners of the Windansea Surf Club Menehune surf contest on October 2 at La Jolla Shores included Lars Willging of Encinitas in the Boys 7-9 category, and Owen Rowe of Encinitas in the Boys 10-11 Shortboard. The competition is open to 17-year-old boys and girls.

NEW SCIENCE-FICTION

North County sci-fi author Gideon Marcus (and former Coast News reporter) followed his first book “Kitra” with a new novel, “Sirena”. The three-time Hugo Award finalist and Rod Serling Award winner is well known for his science fiction blog and fanzine Galactic Journey. In his latest book, Marcus continues to weave compelling stories with precise science and lovable characters. Illustrated by Lorelei, 17, copies of “Sirena” (and “Kitra”) are available at your local bookstore, Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Amazon or direct from the author at Journey Press. Check out an online read and interview with the Hugo Prize finalist at 6 p.m. on October 19 hosted by Space Cowboy Books. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83153311952.

NEW FIREFIGHTER BOX

The Community Defense Cooperation Office’s Community Defense Infrastructure Program awarded a $ 3.5 million grant to the City of Oceanside, to support the construction of a new fire hall to strengthen the protection on board Navy and Marine Corps installations from threats and dangers of human and natural origin. The new station will be located 1.5 miles from Del Mar and the main gates, and will significantly improve response times in emergency situations.

LEADER OF THE YEAR

San Diego County Office of Education Chief Information Officer Terry Loftus was recently shortlisted for the State of California’s Information Security Leader of the Year award. Loftus was honored on October 6. The awards and the event are presented by the California Department of Technology, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Military Department, the California Highway Patrol, and Sacramento State University.

BRING THE BOOKS

The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library is once again accepting donations of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. Smaller donations can be made to the Mission Branch Library or the Civic Center Library. Larger donations can be dropped off at the Civic Center Library Loading Dock on Civic Center Drive Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donors can park in the loading dock area and ring the doorbell for assistance. Donations of more than eight boxes or bags can be made by appointment only at (760) 435-5564.

FIND YOUR VIOLIN

The Violin Shop, 681 Encinitas Boulevard # 311, Encinitas is the newest member of Cardiff 101. The store rents, repairs and sells violins, violas and cellos to the San Diego String Community. The luthiers and their staff are committed to providing high quality instruments. For more information, call (858) 909-0319.

WELCOME TO THE ROOM

Newer Vista Chamber of Commerce members include North County Veterans Stand Down, LOGO Expressions, BIPOC Support Foundation, Dimensional Fitness Concepts, Madera Kitchen of Mexico / JL Hospitality LLC, Babies in Bloom, The 2 Painters, Inc., The Mortgage Hub, Diane Hagen Accounting Services, Advanced Transit Solutions, Inc., Minuteman Press of Oceanside, Applied Spectral Imaging, Urbn Leaf Vista and CardConnect – Fiserv.

ONE OF A KIND

Fine, an art, culture and lifestyle store specializing in small lots of modern and unique items from independent artists, designers and creators, is now open at 214 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. The shop features original artwork and handmade items like ceramics, candles, home decorations, clothing, apothecary products, and cards, all made by individual Oceanside makers and around the world.

NVA REMODELING

The New Village Arts Theater is celebrating its 20th anniversary with two world premieres, with an upcoming residency at Oceanside Theater Company, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, while renovating its home theater. From November 16 to December 22, “1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas” will premiere at NVA’s home, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. “Desert Rock Garden”, which premieres January 21, will be at OCT. Memberships and tickets on newvillagearts.org.