The Encinitas Pocket: An Attempt At Local News

Accessible, informed local news can be hard to come by. I’m trying to change that.

Look at that — the title of my Substack right in the pocket of a wave. Wow… crazy…

The idea comes from the pocket of a wave. Being right in the sweet spot — the center of the wave’s power and speed. It’s where balance meets the unpredictable dynamism of the ocean. Might sound corny — but it ain’t that simple.

I’ve always had a complex relationship with surfing — with the ocean, the beach. Where everyone else saw a place of sunshine and moonbeams, I often saw crowded, aggressive lineups of middle-aged dudes burning each other for three second close outs. I saw hordes of sunscreen-drenched kids screaming their heads off. Droves and droves of van-lifers, beach bums, daytrippers, weekend warriors, old heads, teenagers, drugdealers. I didn’t always see beauty and repose.

I’m not a brat — I’d tell myself — I’m just a realist.

Truth is, I had to be able to see both at once. To have the balance of mind to focus on what initially led me to fall head over heels in love for the sport — this hobby. It wasn’t always easy. Still isn’t, to tell you the truth.

Just as I struggle with my relationship with the ocean and with surfing, I’ve often felt the same way about Encinitas — my hometown. I’ve been down and out here, I’ve lost countless friends to drugs, alcohol and mental health here. I’ve seen the rent spike on my friends’ homes as vacation rentals sit empty year-round. Encinitas isn’t always as pretty as she might seem to the untrained eye — trust me on this.

Even still, it’s home. It’s a place I love and cherish. I grew up here. Learned to read, write, surf, skate, swim here. And after a few years away, spending time in San Francisco, L.A., and the Northeast — after traveling the world and seeing how other people live and grow up, after finally graduating college and working as a professional news reporter — Encinitas feels like an entirely new place.

I took a job at the Coast News Group in August 2024 covering Encinitas and Carlsbad, working there until last month. My new goal with this Substack is to try and bring local news about Encinitas closer to the people of this city — locals, passers-by, and transplants alike. I’m not trying to be the next big thing. Shit, I’m not even trying to advertise this all that much. I’m just trying to reach a few people who might be curious enough to want to listen.

And sure, you have options. You got the Coast News, the San Diego Union-Tribune, and even another Substack, the North County Pipeline. But just consider adding me to the rotation.

I want to tell balanced, impartial stories about complex and nuanced issues impacting Encinitas. You want to know about affordable housing initiatives and density bonus — no worries, I got you. You concerned about traffic and a recent uptick in pedestrian/bike fatalities — you bet. Want to know more about homelessness and how the City of Encinitas and the County of San Diego are trying to address the matter — word.

And that’s the point of the name. The Encinitas Pocket. I want to be situated on the right section, on the right wave. Right in the sweet spot of the city.