In a 3-1 vote, the Planning Commission refused to lift a restriction placed on the owner of a Cardiff-by-the-Sea tattoo parlor May 1, which prevents the transfer of the minor-use permit with the sale of the business.

The results are in from a series of public workshops and an online survey regarding the land known as the strawberry fields.

Zane Timpson lives life on the edge. Last November it was atop a 23-foot vertical ramp in the LG World Action Sports Tour Championship in Dallas, Texas.

Despite the overall slump in the economy, City Council received good news on the state of the city’s budget April 23.

Mastering one board sport is difficult enough, but remaining competitive in three of the most popular and technically difficult sports is a major accomplishment. From April 13 to April 19, 45 contestants sought the title of Ultimate Boarder as they competed in snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing.

City Council unanimously passed a ban on the sale of lighters that resemble toys April 23. Many of the so-called novelty lighters feature designs that are attractive to children.

City Council unanimously approved funds to repair Encinitas Boulevard despite rising costs of materials and a price tag of approximately $4 million.

The city is looking to become more energy-efficient.

City Council voted April 9 to consider land-use and traffic decisions in the same process as part of the city’s general plan amendment update.

On a day with less-than-favorable conditions for the seasoned surfer, 22-year-old Torrey Trust demonstrated basic moves to beginners on the beach. As the founder and CEO of Surf eCo, Encinitas native Trust seeks to impart more than just surfing technique to her students. Environmental education and awareness are the foundations of her new business venture that launched in March.

A new pilot program is hoping to use theater to bring families together and strengthen the bonds of the community. The Encinitas Community Theatre, an organization with pending nonprofit status based in the city, will offer two programs each Saturday in May to children and adults.

Garden enthusiasts will once again be treated to the sights and smells of private gardens as the Encinitas Garden Festival commences May 3. The event celebrating gardening and the horticultural heritage of the city showcases more than 20 private gardens featured on a walking tour of a designated community.

The City Council rejected comprehensive rent control as an option for maintaining affordability in the city’s mobile home parks during a public workshop April 2. Instead, the council looked at ways of securing residents’ rights and assistance.

Nick Cheeseman is like most other first-graders. The 7-year-old Cardiff Elementary student learns writing, math and science along with his peers in Ms. Easson’s class overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He enjoys interacting with his friends and playing outdoors.

“It’s really amazing where life leads you,” Leucadia resident Terry Holladay said.