Thursday, July 16, 2026

Solana Beach Weekly Update: July 16, 2026


City of Solana Beach

WEEKLY UPDATE

July 16, 2026

The following is provided as an update regarding City news, programs, and services.

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Community News

Traffic Advisory:

Del Mar Races Opening Day

The highly anticipated Opening Day of the 2026 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Summer Racing Season is this Friday, July 17. Opening Day is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the region, resulting in significant traffic congestion throughout the weekend along the Via de la Valle corridor, nearby cross streets, and Interstate 5. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and avoid the Via de la Valle corridor whenever possible. The 2026 summer racing season runs through September 7, with live racing held Thursday through Sunday each week, plus Closing Day on Monday, September 7. Gates open daily at 11:30 AM.

Meet Corey, Our New Organics Waste Expert!

Meet Corey! Created in partnership with Girl Scout Troop 3844, Corey is the City's brand-new organics recycling mascot, designed to make composting and food waste reduction fun and easy to understand. We officially introduced our newest sustainability ambassador at the Solana Beach Farmers Market last weekend and invited the community to help bring her to life by choosing her name. After 137 votes, Corey came out on top! Keep an eye out for Corey throughout the summer for fun facts and helpful tips on food waste prevention and organics recycling.

Pilot Senior Transportation Program is a Success!

The City's Pilot Senior Transportation Program is off to an impactful start! Watch this 10 News story highlighting the meaningful connection between a program participant and her volunteer driver, whose rides quickly grew into a trusted friendship. The City is proud to see the pilot program help seniors stay connected, while fostering relationships that strengthen our community. Visit the City's webpage to learn more about the program and to sign up.

Back To School Donation Drive

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We are halfway through the 2nd Annual Solana Beach Cares Back-to-School Supplies Drive! With school just around the corner, we invite the community to continue to donate new school supplies to help local students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Donation bins are available at Solana Beach City Hall and La Colonia Community Center during regular business hours throughout the month. Every backpack, notebook, pencil, and supply helps! Review the approved supply list on the City’s website to ensure items meet students’ needs. Together, we can help make a positive impact for local students!

E-Bike Helmet Giveaways

The County of San Diego is partnering with Scripps Health to help San Diegans ride safely by giving San Diego residents 18 and over free e-bike rated helmets! Helmets are crucial, as they reduce the risk of serious head, brain, and face injury in the event of a crash or collision. Wearing a helmet on a bike is always highly recommended, and required for bikers on a Class 3 e-bike and every biker under the age of 18. Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer is also hosting free, youth e-bike safety training courses throughout the summer. Register to enter the helmet giveaway today!

Call For Entries: Temporary Public Arts Program

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The Solana Beach Public Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the City's 2027-2028 Temporary Public Arts Exhibit. This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their works in a high-traffic urban and ocean-view environment, to be viewed and appreciated by both residents and tourists. Artists are invited to submit sculptures of various sizes for consideration in this two-year exhibition. The program aims to select five pieces to be displayed at highly visible, designated temporary public art sites throughout our beautiful coastal community. Selected artists will receive a $3,000 stipend for a two-year loan. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 11, at 5:00 PM.

Call For Entries: City Hall Gallery Program

Attention artists! The Public Arts Commission invites you to submit applications for the 2027-28 City Hall Gallery Program. We’re on the lookout for captivating individual artists or groups of artists to be featured in exhibits throughout the year at our City Hall Gallery. With 6 exhibitions planned, each spanning 8 weeks, here's your opportunity to make a lasting impression on the vibrant Solana Beach art scene. Artists are encouraged to take a tour of the space to ensure they have ample work to fill the gallery. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 11, at 5:00 PM.

Community Events

City Hall Gallery Opening Reception

Thursday, July 16th at 6:00 PM

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Join the Solana Beach Public Arts Commission for the opening reception of Edges of Memory, an exhibition by artist Sarah Baek. Through expressive painting and layered color, the exhibition explores how memories remain as sensation and continue to shape the present. Joining Sarah Baek is mosaic artist Yuriy Akopov, with his mosaic sculptures that represent life through the jagged cuts and smooth edges of each piece that creates the picture. Meet the artists at the opening reception today, July 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Solana Beach City Hall.

Concert at the Cove: Salty Papa

Thursday, July 16th at 6:00 PM

On July 16th, at 6:00 PM, enjoy live music by local band Salty Papa at Fletcher Cove Park. Salty Papa was formed by four Southern Californians in the early 1990s. They bring together Southern Soul Music and California Surf Vibes. They combine horns and percussion to create a unique version of Southern Fried Soul and California Dreamin'. Their mix of Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Rock 'n' Roll are sure to get you grooving!

Concert at the Cove: Piki Moreno

Thursday, July 23rd at 6:00 PM

Next up in our summer Concerts at the Cove lineup is Piki Moreno! On Thursday, July 23rd, at 6:00 PM at Fletcher Cove Park, enjoy a dynamic performance of Latin percussion with colorful conga drums! Piki Moreno is a San Diego local and the frontman and driving force of Piki Moreno Presents, a Classic cover band featuring hits from Gap Band, Earth Wind & Fire, and more. 

Intergenerational Games Day

Friday, July 31st at 9:00 AM

Intergenerational Games Day is a new summer community event hosted by the City of Solana Beach in partnership with Solana Beach Community Connections. This special program brings youth and older adults together through classic board games, laughter, and friendly competition. Participants of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to share stories, make new friends, and strengthen community bonds. Join us on Friday, July 31st from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at La Colonia Community Center.

Career Opportunities

Come Join the City of Solana Beach Team and discover how you can make a difference. The City is currently recruiting for the following positions:

Visit the city's Career Page to learn more and submit your online application!

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