August 27 was a long night with meetings spanning nine hours. Things continue to be spicy 🌶️ at City Hall!
🏛️ Special Meeting on REACH Codes:
Council unanimously decided to keep local building rules that go above and beyond state code — covering fire safety, EV chargers, water-saving graywater systems , and energy efficiency .
- 🌮Food for Thought (FFT): Councilmembers noted that the city has the ability to strike these rules in the future, should the need arise. Are we headed for challenges to our Climate Action Plan?
🏛️ Regular Meeting
🌡️ Public Health & Safety Commission Work Plan Approved:
Chief Gordon and Commissioner Morton pitched a streamlined FY26 work plan which was unanimously adopted after a few adjustments
🚗 Permit Parking Puzzle:
Council tackled whether to expand Encinitas’ residential permit parking program beyond a few select zones. 👍 Supporters like that the program will protect neighborhoods + quality of life. 👎 Skeptics see risk of a messy patchwork, equity issues, and added costs. ✅ Outcome: Council voted unanimously to form a subcommittee (Mayor + Shaffer) to refine the ordinance with public input. A revised plan will come back for adoption.
- 🌮 FFT: Will permit parking solve neighborhood headaches—or just shift the squeeze to the next street over?
🌿 Council Picks a Native Vibe for Leucadia Garden:
The $150K Leucadia Oaks Native Plant Demo Garden is going full Cali native after Council picked Concept 1 — a restrained, thoughtful design that protects the oaks, encourages learning, and limits trampling. Next steps include finalizing design. Community planting party set for Fall/Winter 2025!
🔥 O’Hara’s Clark Ave Curveball:
Without Planning staff or expert legal advice on-hand, Councilmember O’Hara gave detailed testimony that he believes the Clark Avenue Apartment project approval was not legal due to safety concerns. Council debated O’Hara’s suggestion to halt all permit approvals on the property. Mayor Ehlers offered an alternative motion, which passed 4-1 with Lyndes opposed:
- Call a Closed Session with outside counsel – although it sounds like this council wants to find new representation. The session has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 11 a.m. at City Hall
- Revisit O’Hara’s initial motion + legal findings on September 10
- 🌮 FFT: Why present a complex housing law issue without staff or legal prep? This item has been approved, appealed, and approved again. What has changed to expect a different result?
🚸 Reaffirm Commitment to Traffic Calming Fails:
Deputy Mayor Lyndes pushed a resolution reaffirming Encinitas’ commitment to traffic safety. Dozens of speakers, who stayed well past midnight, pleaded for action after recent tragedies. Instead, colleagues dismissed the resolution as symbolic—or even political theater tied to Santa Fe Drive. ❌ No action taken.
- 🌮 FFT: With a grieving community asking for solutions, does turning safety into a political fight deepen wounds instead of healing them?
Councilmember Shaffer Charged with Felony Assault
Voice of San Diego broke this news on Thursday. We will update as we learn more facts.
