Encinitas Cruise Nights returns to 101

By Kaila Mellos

ENCINITAS – For the 24th year, Encinitas 101 is bringing back Encinitas Cruise Nights on May 18 to the historic main road. From May to September, many familiar car clubs will return to the cruise, along with live music played for participants and viewers to enjoy.

LONGTIME independent San Diego television news station KUSI-TV could become an affiliate of the CW Network, also owned by Nexstar Media Group. Courtesy photo KUSI

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“In addition, Nexstar’s platform reach, expanding digital media revenue, commitment to unbiased news and reporting across the enterprise, the return of political advertising revenue in 2024, and our focus on our balance sheet and shareholder returns will enable us to extend our record of enhancing shareholder value on a near- and long-term basis.’’

The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals, but Nexstar officials said the deal should close later this year.

The move would open the door for KUSI to become an affiliate of The CW Network, which is also owned by Nexstar.

“I have known Perry Sook, Nexstar’s chairman and chief executive officer, for more than 30 years,’’ current KUSI owner Mike McKinnon said in a statement. “He is a great broadcaster who has built a tremendous organization. We have a great team of news people at KUSI-TV, and joining these two companies will create one of the most dynamic news organizations in all of Southern California.’’

The sale of KUSI-TV comes roughly two months after McKinnon Broadcasting Company was ordered to pay former anchor Sandra Maas more than $1.5 million, including nearly $1.3 million in lost past and future wages, after a civil jury ruled KUSI had violated the Equal Pay Act and Whistleblower Protections Act.

“The cruise nights started very simply by putting out reserve to classic car signs along the 101 just so we can fill it, and we used to invite certain car clubs at the beginning,” said Irene Pyun, executive director of Encinitas 101. “That’s how it started and what we’ve continued to do with our tradition of inviting certain car clubs. We’ve added live music and sponsorships so businesses can purchase booths in these half-street closures.”

The beloved family-friendly event free to the public just announced a lineup of car clubs they expect at its grand opening, including Little Guys Street Rods, North County Cruisers, and The Heartbeat Classics.

“They’re regulars for sure,” Pyun said. “Many of our car clubs are regulars; They repeat and come every year. They know how to open and close the streets.”

Along with the clubs, there will be open spots