News
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Encinitas Council Blames Residents After Racism Accountability Demands
At the April 22, 2026 Encinitas City Council meeting, residents demanded accountability for Steven Houbeck’s racially demeaning remarks and questioned whether he should remain on the Urban Forest Advisory Committee. But instead of focusing squarely on the harm described by residents, much of the council discussion turned toward the people speaking up. This meeting was
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Mayor Ehlers’ State of the Spin?
🏙️ Bruce Ehlers’ 2026 State of the City: Our Encinitas Fact Check Here’s our take on the mayor’s speech — some props, some call-outs. Mayor Ehlers’ Theme: GSD — Get Stuff Done The mayor summarized the progress in our city, with more than a few pats on this council’s back. But even he had to admit
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Encinitas Native Plant Ordinance Explained: What It Does, Who It Affects, and What Comes Next
An Encinitas Native Plant Ordinance will gradually reshape how landscaping is handled across the city. The proposal is intended to promote drought-tolerant, native landscaping and to align local planting standards with broader city goals around water conservation, habitat restoration, pollinators, biodiversity, and environmental resilience. (Source: City of Encintas) This did not appear overnight. The process began on January 25, 2023, when
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Bruce Ehlers ignores O’Hara’s chronic tardiness and rudeness
Mayor’s lack of leadership enables deputy mayor’s disruptive behavior. Punctuality is not a small thing in local government. City council meetings are formal public proceedings, and residents, staff, and fellow councilmembers all deserve the basic respect of having elected officials show up on time and ready to participate. Thus far, we have identified repeated lateness
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Do you think local ICE activity is ‘silly?’
When prominent political voices treat violent or alarming ICE activity in Encinitas as mere “silly stuff,” it sends a deeply troubling message. Residents watched masked federal agents detain people in public, including incidents that sparked widespread concern near schools and other community spaces. Whatever anyone’s personal views are on immigration policy, the use of force,
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Let’s look at overall crime rates in Encinitas
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Encinitas Action (@encinitasaction) Caught on video, a local business was recently hit by a burglar. While alarming to see, here’s what the data shows: deputy activity is up, and crime in Encinitas is trending down. Good progress. Stay alert, look out for your neighbors, and if
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Encinitas commissions & committees provide opportunities for civic engagement
Applications for 28 commission seats are now available on the City of Encinitas website and are due by January 22, 2026. Learn more about the commissions and lend your talents to shape our city.
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Luke Shaffer briefly addresses his felony charges at City Council meeting
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? 🔥🔥🔥 A third: Cited past behavior—including a rifle comment and a previous assault on teens on ebikes—as a pattern. Time to go.
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Success! The City Council Supports the CRC!
In April, the Encinitas City Council finally and officially showed support for the Community Resource Center (CRC), rather than blaming them for attracting unruly unhoused people to Encinitas. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, they approved the CRC’s $30,000 grant application without the restrictions that were previously proposed. An enthusiastic crowd of Encinitans stood and waved signs when CRC supporters spoke, vigorously