Four Leucadia Businesses Lost in Fire Find Strong Support from Local Community

As a devastating fire erupted at Mozy Cafe on the corner of N. Coast Highway 101 and Daphne Street, Encinitas firefighters worked into the morning to douse the flame that consumed the building. After the flame was extinguished, the building, which also housed Peace Pies Restaurant, Shatto & Sons T-Shirts and The Cali Life art gallery, was completely lost. 

However, within hours of the devastating loss, the local community rallied to show their love and support of the businesses. Several GoFundMe pages were set up, with one online post reading “Beloved Leucadia locally owned businesses which brought, “good food and good vibes” to all completely destroyed by fire. We need your help to rebuild this historic landmark and gathering center.”  Within 24 hours, the page had raised more than $4,000 from 80 donors. 

Another fundraising page created in support of The Cali Life Gallery had already raised thousands of dollars by the next morning. Gallery owner Greg Cali told NBC 7 that he heard about the fire via a text message from a friend that said: “‘The place is gone,’ so I just came to see it for myself.” 

The blaze began at 2 a.m. as clouds of gray smoke had already begun to billow into the sky. When crews arrived, Mozy Cafe was already engulfed in flames, as dozens of firefighters and multiples engines worked to control the blaze.  Even after the fire was controlled, firefighters had to remain at the scene for several hours as some parts of the building continued to smolder. 

Several local residents in nearby apartments had to evacuate due to smoke and carbon monoxide concerns, but no injuries were reported from the incident. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but Encinitas Deputy Fire Chief Robert Ford has said the incident is under investigation.