Wednesday night’s City Council meeting was short—but it didn’t lack fireworks. 💥
🗣️ Opening Act: Civility & Chaos
Mayor Ehlers opened with a classroom-style reminder:
🧑🏫 Be respectful, address the Council as a whole, and keep personal attacks out of it.
🎤 Councilmember San Antonio then jumped in, condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and criticizing the “angry tone” of August 20 public speakers. Several attendees wore black, symbolizing mourning of the loss. He called for continued public engagement—but a speaker later called out the double standard: No Council comments about the same-day school gun violence, or the June assassination of MN State Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband. 🤐
⚖️ Shaffer Responds to Criminal Charges
Councilmember Shaffer finally addressed the criminal charges filed against him:
🚫 Not guilty.
🛡️ Claims the accusations are false.
💼 Says he won’t be deterred from serving.
🧑💼 Public comment? 🔥🔥🔥
- One speaker: Wait for the courts—but step down if guilty.
- Another: Recuse yourself, resign, or face recall.
A third: Cited past behavior—including a rifle comment and a previous assault on teens on ebikes—as a pattern. Time to go.
♻️ Agenda Item #1: Reach Codes (PASSED ✅)
What it was: Local “reach codes” to strengthen green building rules—supporting the Climate Action Plan.
Outcome: UNANIMOUS YES (again).
But: Councilmember O’Hara reminded everyone—again—that these codes can be repealed in the future.
- 💭 FFT: Two warnings in two meetings? 👀 We are expecting a challenge to our award-winning Climate Action Plan?
🪧 Agenda Item #2: Safety Messaging Signs (PASSED ✅)
Proposed by: O’Hara. Use VMS signs to display safety messages when not in active use for other city projects.
Outcome: UNANIMOUS YES…but
Mayor Ehlers supported the action and voted for it, but indicated such action is the job of the City Manager and doesn’t require council action.
Also reported: “Maximum enforcement days” have been successful and are now monthly to crack down on speeding and dangerous driving. #LeadFootBeware
🧾 Policy C003 (FUTURE AGENDA ITEM 📅)
📌 Mayor Ehlers wants to revisit Policy C003—the rules that govern how council meetings run. 🎯 Goal? Shorter, more predictable meetings ⏳, more civility 🙃, and a harder look at how Councilmember-initiated items end up on agendas.
💰 Good News to End On
🚶♀️ Encinitas scored $1.2 million in grant funding for the La Costa Pedestrian Path.
🙌 Kudos to staff, council, and residents who helped make it happen!