New hospital parking structure celebrated

ENCINITAS — Because being able to find a parking space is always a reason to celebrate, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas will stage a beach-themed party for its North County neighbors to mark the grand opening of its new parking structure from 6 to 9:30 p.m. April 29 at 354 Santa Fe Drive.
General admission tickets for the April 29 celebration are $20 per person and VIP passes are available for $50 per person (includes access to exclusive accommodations). Tickets are available in advance at scrippsexpansion.com, or at Scripps Encinitas the evening of the celebration (cash only the night of the event). The event is designed as a “friend-raiser” for the emergency services unit at Scripps Encinitas, which houses one of the busiest emergency departments in California.
The public celebration will take place on the structure’s top deck and will include a live musical performance by local favorites The Heroes from 7 to 9:30 p.m. An opening performance will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. by the Mario Olivares Band, featuring Scripps Encinitas Vice Chief of Staff Scott Eisman on bass.
Guests can also enjoy a display of vintage Woodie cars, a historical photo exhibit and a buffet-style, beach-themed menu of gourmet hot dogs, sliders and beverages. Dessert and coffee will also be served.
“This new parking structure will provide patients and visitors convenient access to our hospital and surrounding medical office buildings,” said Carl Etter, the hospital’s chief executive. “This represents the first new construction on our campus since the early 1990s and will be a welcome addition to the community.”
The new three-story structure will include 881 vehicle parking spaces on five levels (including underground and rooftop) and marks the first phase of expansion plans at Scripps Encinitas, which include a new critical care building.