The Encinitas City Council serves as the City’s governing body and is made up of an elected Mayor and four elected Council Members, as outlined in Chapter 2.20 of the Encinitas Municipal Code. The Mayor serves a two-year term, while Council Members serve staggered four-year terms. Each year, the Council selects one of its members to serve as Deputy Mayor.
In addition to providing specific direction to the City Manager during Council meetings, the Council sets overall goals and policies that guide the City’s services and priorities. The Council is also responsible for approving the City’s Financial Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, helping ensure resources are managed effectively to meet community needs.
Mayor
Bruce Ehlers
Elected in November 2024, with a campaign centered on local control and opposing state mandates, public safety, repairing infrastructure – with a firm promise to keep the people’s business in public view.
Architect of Prop A, the “right to vote” on zoning, density, and height and a vocal critic of overdevelopment despite voting to approve every housing development project since taking office.
Deputy Mayor
Joy Lyndes
Elected to District 3 seat in November 2022, after being appointed in 2021 and serving for two terms on the Encinitas Environmental Commission.
Founded Coastal Sage Landscape Architecture, located in downtown Encinitas.
Advocates for safe and reliable infrastructure, homelessness solutions, local business support, and open space preservation.
District 1
Luke Shaffer
Elected in November 2024, with an endorsement from Carl De Maio’s Reform Party, campaigning on irresponsible development, cracking down on crime, prioritizing fire prevention measures, and fixing infrastructure.
Lifelong local, Marine veteran and freshman/JV High School coach. No previous city government experience.
District 2
Jim O’Hara
Elected November 2024, campaigning on public safety, economic prosperity, local control, and repairing infrastructure.
Owner of Race San Diego, LLC which organizes Cardiff’s Kook Run and former treasurer of the Cardiff 101 Main Street Organization. No previous city government experience.
Vows not to spend money on “trophy projects”.
More on Councilmember O’Hara: Should Councilmembers spend time on the dais attacking residents they don’t agree with?
District 3
Marco San Antonio
Appointed to the City Council in January 2025.
Previously elected to the Olivenhain Water District in 2022.
Owns and operates One Day Signs, his family-owned small business in Downtown Encinitas.
Known as a nice guy who wants to get along with everyone – noble, but hard to do in politics.
