Contrary to popular belief Encinitas does not roll up its sidewalks promptly at 9:30 every night. Granted most nocturnal behavior is reserved for summer, but here in the ‘burbs we take what we can get, when we can get it. Personally I wish we could spread the hip and happening throughout the year as a way of supporting local business, while allowing locals to participate more fully in the emerging art scene.

That said, I'm happy to say August got off to a promising, if not exhausting, start.

Friday the 1st was all business. That is if you count a hula-hoop contest to the music of Samesi and Fula Bula work. The occasion was the installation dinner for the Downtown Encinitas Main Street Association Board of Directors. This event also recognized those contributing to the renaissance of Encinitas' historic downtown. Doing my part I dined while other wined. And then left before the dancing started.

I had to pace myself.

August 2nd found me at the 101 Artists Colony hosting a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Encinitas. When informed the purpose of the wine tasting event was to raise funds for children's literacy programs, there was no way I could say no. For those of you not in the know, the Encinitas Kiwanis Club is a small yet dynamic group, already making a name for themselves in civic circles. With the help of a silent auction, and chamber music provided by the Tang Family, the evening was a financial success, with plans being made for next year.

Work over, I hustled over to Ducky Waddles Emporium in Leucadia to catch the end of the opening reception for the latest exhibition of prolific local fave Scott Saw. In the Encinitas art crowd Mr. Saw is as close to a celebrity as one gets. The vision he brings forth is always fresh, often cutting edge, and completely original in tone. Transmutation, his current collection does not disappoint. The colors are as bright as his message is sharp. When I arrived the cross-generational crowd was still spilling out into the parking lot. Staying long enough to congratulate the artist, I said "Hi" to the gathering of friends and then headed out to the last stop of the evening.

Closing out the evening was a 1st anniversary party for Mozy's. As always the place was packed with a virtual United Nations of international coolness. Adding to feel good environment, Mozy made room the nonprofit Outdoor Outreach organization, in his cozy establishment. On the patio DJ Gidon was spinning multicultural grooviness, later to be joined by Abhi, an Israeli Belly Dancer, known locally as the Kosher Goddess. Having achieved sensory overload, we left the party in full tilt.

Had someone asked me a couple years ago if it was possible for the Encinitas nightlife to wear me out I would have laughed at such a suggestion.

I'm not laughing now. Yahoo!