This page will be updated as events occur.
Preliminary hearing scheduled for November 13, 2025.
Update October 28, 2025: Surveillance video released:
In a nutshell
First-term Councilmember Luke Shaffer is facing serious legal trouble. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has filed criminal charges against him, including a felony assault count, a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge, and a misdemeanor for willfully neglecting the duties of his public office. These charges mark a significant development in the councilmember’s first term and raise questions about accountability in local government.
In addition to these legal challenges, Shaffer is facing a lawsuit from Bank of America for just over $10,000. While it’s important to be mindful of the financial pressures that veterans and their families may face, this situation raises questions about his capacity to manage the city’s budget and uphold fiscal responsibility.
September 10th City Council Meeting
Councilmember Luke Shaffer formally addressed the criminal charges filed against him during public comment, the day after entering a plea of not guilty at his arraignment. He maintains that the accusations are false and has stated that he will continue to serve in his elected role despite the allegations.
During the City Council meeting, public comments reflected a mix of restraint, frustration, and growing concern from residents:
- One speaker urged patience, saying the community should “wait for the courts, but step down if found guilty.”
- Another called for immediate action, demanding that Shaffer recuse himself, resign, or face recall.
- A third speaker pointed to a pattern of troubling behavior, referencing his past “rifle comment” and an earlier alleged assault involving a teen on an e-bikes, and concluded bluntly: “Time to go.”
The community’s response underscores a tense moment for city leadership as legal proceedings unfold and questions of accountability continue to surface.
Update, Oct. 22, 2025: CBS8: Judge allows video of the confrontation to be released.
“After the arraignment, there were several media outlets that requested a permission from the court to view or copy that surveillance video. Presiding Judge reached out to the parties to get our opinions on it. Both sides are not opposed to the release of that video, as long as third party faces are blurred in it, as instructed by presiding judge,” said Deputy District Attorney Chandelle Boyce. (Source)
Further Reading
Complaint, originally published by Voice of San Diego
Deep Dive: Voice of San Diego: What let to Encinitas Councilmember’sfelony assault charges? A dispute over parking.
Sep. 16, 2025 Coast News Group: Encinitas Councilman forms legal defense fund to fight DA charges
Sep. 9, 2025 Coast News Group: Encinitas Councilman pleads not guilty to assault, other charges
Aug. 28, 2025 Coast News Group: Encinitas Councilmember charged with felony assault
Aug. 28, 2025 Voice of San Diego: Encinitas Councilmember Luke Shaffer charged with felony assault, two misdemeanors