More Pickleball “Noise”: During Oral Communications, Bobby Riggs’ neighbors complained about pickleball noise, booze-fueled parties, and parking chaos and demanded action.
- FFT (Food for thought): Love pickleball? Love peace and quiet? How should the City respond?
HUD Grants – Homeless Outreach Under Fire: Council unanimously agreed to accept the draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) plan and make it available for public comment between March 14 and April 12 and then bring it back to the Council on April 14 for final approval. CDBG dollars have been granted to organizations like Meals on Wheels, Community Resource Center (CRC), the Boys and Girls Club, and used to fund the City’s Residential Rehabilitation program. The Council took aim at CRC, questioning its impact and labeling it a “bad neighbor.”
- FFT: Should Encinitas cut ties with CRC, which has served our most vulnerable neighbors for 45 years?
Commission Workplan Sent Back to the Drawing Board: The Council sent the Public Health & Safety Commission workplan
back for further revision by July 1. Specifically, the Council expects the revised plan to link directly to the Safety element of the General Plan and focus on public safety – but not homelessness.
- FFT: Should homelessness continue to be a public health priority for the Commission?
General Plan Progress Report – Market-Rate over Affordable Housing, 6-to-1: The Council accepted the General Plan and Housing Element Progress Report, a Federal and State requirement, with little discussion. Mayor Ehlers pointed out that state-mandated housing policies aren’t delivering affordability — a sign that the State’s methods to increase affordable housing were not working.
- FFT: How should the Council boost affordability in Encinitas without relying on developers and density bonus laws?
Slow the Funk Down – Speed Limit Reductions Are Working: The Council backed ongoing speed limit cuts under AB43 after hearing that speed limit reductions are working especially on busier roads. This move follows three fatal collisions this year involving cars and bike/pedestrians. Expect annual reviews for future tweaks.
- FFT: Are Encinitas’ new slower speeds a lifesaver or a headache?
Officials on the Move: Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes announced that due to a critical illness in her family, she would be taking medical leave (up to 60 days) starting March 17. She promises to stay engaged on city business. And Mayor Ehlers announced that Jennifer Campbell was unanimously appointed to the role of City Manager, after serving as Assistant City Manager and then Interim CM.