‘Spock Block’ returning to Encinitas

Count on plenty of Vulcan salutes and utterances of “live long and prosper” next week in Encinitas.

“Spock Block” is returning March 22-26 to the Encinitas Civic Center and Encinitas Library with “Star Trek” film screenings, astronomy lessons, stargazing and more.

The Encinitas City Council last year established Spock Block to pay tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed Mr. Spock in “Star Trek.” Councilman Tony Kranz proposed the idea because Spock was half-human and half-Vulcan, and Encinitas has a Vulcan Avenue.

Spock Block covers the block with the Encinitas Civic Center and Encinitas Library. There, E Street is to the south, with D Street to the north.

“This year’s Spock Block has more going on,” said resident Kris Stewart, a self-proclaimed Trekkie who’s on a committee that organized the event. The committee also included representatives from the city, Encinitas 101 Main Street and Encinitas Library.

The inaugural Spock Block last March featured Mr. Spock banners hanging at Spock Block and nearby restaurants offering specials. This year’s expanded effort notably includes a “Star Trek” movie marathon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 26 at the Encinitas Library.

Also, Patrick Pezzoli, solar system ambassador from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will give a 30-minute talk for families about exciting developments in astronomy, followed by snacks and stargazing. This happening starts at 6:45 p.m. on March 23 at the Encinitas Library.

Due to so much public interest, Stewart said she’d like Spock Block to be an annual event.

“It was a big deal among Spock fans everywhere,” Stewart said of the inagural Spock Block.

Stewart, who advocated for the Spock Block designation last year in front of the council, said she couldn’t attend the inaugural event because of her wedding anniversary at Disneyland. But this year, Stewart will be there, and she’ll even don pointy Spock ears.

For a full list of Spock Block events and more details, visit encinitas101.com/events/spock-block/