Encinitas: City-Wide News

Mar 8, 2024

City of Encinitas Parking Study

Encinitas has hired a consultant to revamp the city’s parking permit system. This project is being presented to the public this week and public input is welcome. Please show up and make your voice heard.

• Event details:

  • Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission meeting

  • March 11, 2024 @ 5:30pm at Encinitas City Hall

Additional information about this event is available in this PDF.

Encinitas State of the City Address

The City of Encinitas has scheduled the annual State of the City address for 2024. Among other activities, this event includes a keynote address from Mayor Kranz.

• Event Details:

  • Thursday Mar 21, 2024

  • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024

• Price of Admission: $65

Tickets for this event can be purchased online from the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce.

Feb 17, 2024

Encinitas City Council might increase storm water control projects in Leucadia following recent flooding

As residents well know, Leucadia has been plagued by flooding problems for decades, dating back to before the city’s incorporation in 1986. Last month, a record-setting storm dumped more than 3 inches of rain on Encinitas, and sent floodwaters into many businesses and residences near Leucadia Roadside Park. Additional storms have since added to the area’s drainage woes.

On Wednesday Feb 14, employees from the city of Encinitas’ engineering division told the council that some relief-granting projects are already in the works. Learn more in this Union Tribune article

Feb 16, 2024

Marea Village moves forward after hotel concerns resolved

The Marea Village mixed-use project proposed for 1900 and 1950 North Coast Highway in Leucadia is moving forward after over a year of negotiations between the developer and the California Coastal Commission regarding hotel room affordability. This mixed-use project with 94 apartment units (including 19 affordable units), a 32-room hotel, and six commercial buildings is the sister development to the adjacent Alila Marea Beach Resort, located just to the north on 101. 

This project was delayed by an ongoing disagreement with the California Coastal Commission about the required number of low-cost hotel rooms in the project. Ultimately, both parties agreed in October that the developer, Fenway Capital, would forego any low-cost rooms and instead pay a $1.1 million in-lieu fee to go toward other affordable local projects. This agreement was confirmed at the commission’s Feb. 8 meeting, and the developer is awaiting building permits from the city.

Learn more in this article from the Coast News.

February 9, 2024

Coastal Commission Rejects Appeal, Backs Encinitas Plan to Relocate Beacon’s Beach Parking Lot

“Encinitas should pursue its plans to relocate the Beacon’s Beach parking lot away from an erosion-prone cliff, state coastal commissioners said Thursday as they declared that opponents had failed to prove the project had “substantial issues.”

It’s clearly unfortunate that the city’s plans will result in the loss of 11 of the parking lot’s 26 spots, but the cost of not doing this project could be far worse, commissioners said as they mentioned the area’s extensive landslide history.

“I think there would be a bigger issue if there was coastal erosion and cars falling,” Commissioner Justin Cummings said as he described the current situation as a safety issue.

Learn more in this Union Tribune article.

January 23, 2024

San Diego County Flood Damage Self-Report

Following Monday’s damaging rain storm, San Diego County is encouraging residents and businesses to self-report flood damage through an online survey, which is available here.

According to San Diego County, completing the form does not guarantee that you will be eligible to receive any disaster relief assistance and is not a substitution for filing a claim with your insurance. Rather, completing the voluntary form will assist the County of San Diego with collecting damage information related to the storm.

November 20, 2023

Encinitas selects five safety, mobility projects to prioritize, including Vulcan Avenue & La Costa

At the November 15 meeting, the Encinitas City Council reviewed a traffic study focused on traffic congestion, active transportation, pedestrian safety, and infrastructure gaps near future housing development sites. During this meeting, council selected five projects to prioritize including,

• Vulcan Avenue and La Costa

• Sidewalk infill on the west side of Quail Gardens Drive

• Bike & pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Encinitas Blvd and Quail Gardens / Westlake Drive

• Traffic signal and median improvements at the intersection of Sage Canyon Drive & El Camino Real

• Pedestrian and bike improvements on Manchester Avenue near MiraCosta College

Additional information is available in this Coast News article.

November 15, 2023

Encinitas arts facility gains a name, mission and classroom use plans

Introducing the Pacific View Art Center! It will offer Visual Arts (Room 1 & 2), Performing Arts (Room 3 & 4), Music and Broadcast (Room 5 & 6), Fibre Arts (Room 7), and Literacy, floral arts and healing programs (Room 8). The city will acknowledge the volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen. Click here for the Encinitas Advocate Article.

October 31, 2023

Survey | Pacific View Art Center

In 2024, the City of Encinitas will begin offering a variety of arts education programs for adults and children at the new Pacific View Art Center (tentatively scheduled to open in Summer 2024). As such, the City of Encinitas is conducting a survey to determine open hours for the facility as well as programmatic details for the courses offered. Paper copies for this survey are available for pick-up at City Hall and the Encinitas Community Center. For additional information and digital access to this survey, click here.

Survey Deadline: Monday, November 6

Survey | Housing Equity in the City of Encinitas

The City of Encinitas is conducting a Housing Equity Study to learn more about the housing issues that impact Encinitas today. Click here to access this survey, and to learn more about the Housing Equity Study that Encinitas facilitated in 2022.

October 12, 2023

Encinitas Community Survey | Housing Equity

The City of Encinitas is conducting a survey intended to help make Encinitas an equitable and safe home for everyone. Click here to access this survey.

August 20, 2023

Encinitas to issue bonds to fund $6 million open space purchase of 1.43-acre site

Encinitas will issue lease revenue bonds to cover the $6 million cost to purchase a prime bit of coastal Leucadia real estate and preserve it as open space, the City Council decided Wednesday, Sept. 20. Click here for the Encinitas Advocate article.

Aug 10, 2023

Encinitas City Council agrees to purchase Surfer’s Point property for $6 million dollars

The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously in favor of buying what’s known as the Surfer’s Point property, which overlooks Batiquitos Lagoon at the northeast corner of La Costa Avenue and Coast Highway 101. According to Mayor Tony Kranz, this property is to be preserved as open space.

Additional information is available in this Encinitas Advocate article.

Aug 3, 2023

Notice of three (3) community meetings regarding safety and mobility improvements

The City of Encinitas is currently evaluating safety and mobility improvements in the vicinity of housing development locations that were approved with the Sixth Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029). Three (3) community meetings corresponding with three (3) different zones within the City of Encinitas (see map here) will be held on the following dates at City Council Chambers (505 S. Vulcan Avenue):

Meeting 1: Monday Aug 21, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Meeting 2: Tuesday Aug 29, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Meeting 3: Wednesday Aug 30, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

These community meetings will provide opportunities for community members to learn about this study and provide feedback on potential safety and mobility improvements near these Housing Element sites. Additional information is available on the City’s website.

June 13, 2023

Appeal filed for the Piraeus Point townhome project

The neighborhood group, Encinitas Community Collective, has appealed the conditional approval given by the Encinitas Planning Commission for the Piraeus Point project. The public hearing for this appeal is to be at this week’s Encinitas City Council Meeting.

•         6pm, Wednesday, June 21, 2023

•         Council Chambers, Civic Center

•         505 S. Vulcan Avenue

•         Encinitas, CA 92024

Notably, the conditional approval for this project included a request to the City Council that, in exchange for a 1-acre easement, the developer (Lennar) would build a sidewalk along Plato between Piraeus and Caudor. However, by CA state law, the City of Encinitas cannot require Lennar to build sidewalks on either Plato or Piraeus as they are only required to provide street upgrades along their property lines.

Additional details for this project are as follows:

PROJECT NAME: Piraeus Point

CASE NUMBERS: APPEAL-006297-2023; multi-005158-2022; DR-005160-2022; SUB-005159-2022; SUB-005391; CDP-005161-2022.

Project Description: Public hearing to consider an appeal of approval from the Planning Commission on a Density Bonus Tentative map, Design Review permit, and a Coastal Development Permit for the development of 149 (134 market-rate and 15 ‘very low’ income affordable) residential town homes built within 15 separate, three-story residential buildings with private garage spaces and outdoor shared parking.

Staff Contact: Anna Colamussi, Asst Director: 760-633-2692 or <acolamussi@encinitasca.gov>, or Development Services, 760-633-2710, <planning@encinitasca.gov>.

May 31, 2023

Encinitas Planning Commission approves Piraeus Point townhome project

The Encinitas Planning commission voted 3:1 to approve a 149-townhome project that has been proposed for a vacant hillside at the northeast corner of Piraeus Street and Plato Place. The Piraeus Point townhome project is being put forward by Lennar Homes of California with plans calling for 15 three-story residential buildings with garages.

The developer’s request for the city to give up its roadway easement rights to a 1-acre portion of the site will require City Council approval at a later point. Ultimately, the planning commission voted to recommend that the council ask for '“fair market value” for the street vacation of this 1-acre parcel.

Additional information about this story is available in this Encintas Advocate article.

May 24, 2023

Reminder: Commenting on City Council Agenda Items

An online form is now available for submitting comments on Agenda Items for City Council meetings. Note that this form submission does not register you to speak at a City Council Meeting - for that you must fill out a Request to Speak Slip and hand it to the City Clerk prior at the beginning of the meeting in question.

The Agenda Item comment form is available here.

May 22, 2023

Encinitas Municipal Code: Parking & Vehicle Storage

In light of the fact that NW Leucadia residents have been voicing concern about parking and long-term vehicle storage along Vulcan in the NW Leucadia rail corridor, NOWLeucadia wanted to share information about the City Codes regarding Parking and Vehicle storage. This municipal code information is available here.

Note that code violations can be easily reported by using the MyEncinitasApp or on the City of Encinitas website by selecting “Report an Issue Online”, (Request Type: Other Code Enforcement; reference City Code #), https://cityofencinitasca.tylerportico.com/TIM/Portal/request-create

Note that it is possible to report code violations anonymously.

May 21, 2023

Senior Citizen Commission seeking feedback

The Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission seeks your feedback on programs and activities for the adult 50+ community. If you are over 50, please provide your input, if you’re under 50, please forward to your 50+ friends and family. All responses are confidential.

This survey is available here.

Cinco de Mayo, 2023

As Mayor, Tony Krantz emphasizes collaboration in State of City Address

Per Tony Krantz, housing growth and accompanying traffic will be Encinitas’ next challenge. “If Encinitas is to solve its future problems as well as it has its past ones, then it needs to focus on collaboration over confrontation”. A very good read on the Encinitas Advocate.

A video of this address is also available on the City of Encinitas’ YouTube Channel.

May 1, 2023

Encinitas Announces Project Partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to add sand to the coastline.

Along with Solana Beach, they were to sign the agreement on May 4, for the CA Project (also known as the USACE Coastal Storm Damage Reducuction Project). Dredged sand will be placed on our beaches starting this fall as the first phase of 50-year coastal resiliency project that has been in development since 2000. Read the Encinitas Advocate article here.

April 15, 2023

Rally for Encinitas hit-and-run victim

A rally is being held for the young man that was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the early morning hours of Jan 1, 2023. This event is to be held at the intersection of Encinitas Blvd and Highway 101 on Sunday April 16 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Any assistance is appreciated by the family of the victim as they continue to seek justice for David.

Additional information about this event is available in this flyer.

April 7, 2023

Special Meeting of the Commission for the Arts

The City of Encinitas will be holding a Special meeting of the Commission for the Arts to write Mission and Vision Statements for Pacific View. A consultant will lead the discussion to keep everyone on track.

• Time: Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 5:00PM

• Location: Encinitas Library, Community Room. 540 Cornish Drive

Mission & Vision statements are significant as they can impact efforts to apply for grants. The City has allocated funds to pay for the rehab of the Pacific View buildings and parking lot but not the final ‘build outs’, which includes expenses such as storage units, furniture, machinery, etc. A number of local non-profit organizations are already working on raising these funds.

Public input is essential, we hope you can attend and share your vision for the Encinitas Pacific View Art Center.

March 4, 2023

CAST YOUR VOTE! A public survey to collect public input on the color palette options for the Pacific View Art Center is available NOW through March 31. Results will be shared with the Commission for the Arts at their April 3 meeting. Click here to vote now!

February 17, 2023

Encinitas city council passes expansion of smoking ban in 3-0 vote

With this new ordinance, the ban expands to public areas like sidewalks and vehicles that are not actively driving. Click here for the Channel 8 article from last night’s City Council Meeting.

February 13, 2023

City Council Supports Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Throughout Encinitas.

The City Council recently approved an implementation plan prioritizing the construction of several pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects throughout the city. Vulcan Avenue multi-use path from La Costa Avenue to Santa Fe Drive is at the top of the list! Read The Coast News article here.

February 12, 2023

Safety & Mobility Improvements Study in the Vicinity of Housing Element Sites

On April 7, 2021, City Council adopted the Sixth Cycle Housing Element (2021-2029). 1300 additional residential units are planned for development in Encinitas. Five of the fourteen housing sites designated within the Housing Element are within District 1 (Leucadia). A request to appropriate $150,000 by amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget to conduct a study of safety and mobility improvements (think of infrastructure around new developments, i.e., sidewalks, road improvements, etc.) in the vicinity of Housing Element sites and approval of the scope of work is being sought by the Engineering department.  This is Agenda Item 10D. More information is available in the Agenda Report for the City Council. 

Do you have thoughts to share? Let City Council know! before 2:00 PM this Wednesday:

• Write an email to City Council expressing your thoughts. On the header of your email, write Agenda Item 10D (Study in Vicinity of Housing Element Sites). Address your email to council@encinitasca.gov. Write them before 2:00 on Wednesday, Feb. 16!

• Speak at the City Council Meeting!

Febrary 5, 2023

Reminder: February 8 MAP Project Meeting

February 8, 2023, 6pm - Council Chambers, 505 S. Vulcan Ave - Encinitas

This is a continuation of the meeting the Encinitas City Council held on January 25. MAP (Modal Alternatives Project) Encinitas is the implementation phase of the Active Transportation Plan.

• The draft plan can be viewed on the MAP project web page (note that the Appendices for this project are also listed on the project’s web page).

• More information can also be obtained by contacting Evan Jedynak, Senior Mobility Planner at ejedynak@encinitasca.gov or by phone at (760) 633-2686.

January 30, 2023

Encinitas makes Forbes list of top travel spots

January 27, 2023

Encinitas City Council selects infrastructure task force participants

On Wednesday, Jan 25, the City Council picked seven people to serve on a new infrastructure task force (ITF), which will be tasked with recommending the major construction projects for the city during a 10-year period, beginning in 2025. The ITF will review the city’s current backlog of projects, consider cost issues and explore options for partnering with public or private entities.

More information about the ITF is available on the City’s website, and in this article from the Encinitas Advocate.

January 26, 2023

The City of Encinitas introduces the Encinitas Academy

The City of Encinitas has introduced a program they are calling the Encinitas Academy, which is a community-based academy that will share information about public services in an inclusive and interactive environment. This program is intended to encourage residents and business owners to be local government and community partners.

This program is free to attend but there is a limit of 20 people / class and an application is required for entry into the program.

Additional information about this program - along with an application - is available in on the city’s website.

UrbanPlan Workshop: Saturday Feb 4, 2023

UrbanPlan is hosting a one-day workshop on land use decisions in our communities. These workshops help community members dig deeper into the complexities of land use decisions and the critical role those decisions play in shaping our communities. This event is free but registration is required.

• Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 29th, 2023

• Date of Workshop: Saturday, February 4th, 2023

• 8.30am — 4.30pm (with a working lunch)

• Location:

  • Dudek Encinitas

  • 605 3rd St

  • Encinitas, CA 92024

Additional information about this workshop - along with the registration form - is available here.

December 21, 2022

Click here for more information on the City of Encinitas website!

December 3, 2022

Encinitas to hire manager to oversee Homelessness issues.

Click here for more information in the Encinitas Advocate article.

November 30, 2022

Positions are open for several Commissions in the City of Encinitas. They Include:

• Commission of the Arts

• Environmental Commission

• Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission

• Parks & Recreation Commission

• Planning Commission

Deadlines for applications are Thursday, Jan, 19, 2023 for incumbent commission members seeking another term, and Thursday, January 26 for new applicants. If any of these sound of interest to you, click here for more information on the City website. For access to the online application, click here..

April 29, 2022

Encinitas reaches settlement with developer, who agrees to revise apartment complex

The developer of the proposed Encinitas Boulevard Apartment complex, a massive project that’s been fiercely opposed by Olivenhain area residents, has settled a lawsuit with the city and will be revising the project’s design. Click here for the article in the Encinitas Advocate.

February 5, 2022

The City of Carlsbad is looking for feedback on how to manage the property on the coastline north of Leucadia.

Click on the image to see the entire email request. Click here for more details on the Carlsbad official website.

November 12, 2021

Encinitas City Council Denies Developer’s Appeal - Kills 277-Unit Apartment Complex

Council members unanimously voted to uphold the Planning Commission’s Aug. 19 decision and rejected the project developer Randy Goodson’s appeal.

Click here to read the interesting Encinitas Advocate Article for more detailed information.

October 28 , 2021

Mark your calendars for December 4 - The Encinitas Holiday Parade is Back On!

Click here for the article in the Coast News.

October 21, 2021

The 2021 Annual Encinitas Holiday Parade has been cancelled.

The decision to cancel the parade is due to the strong recommendation from the state to verify fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result for all attendees and to not use self-attestation as a mode of verification. Click here for the announcement.

October 15, 2021

Encinitas City Council Delays Decision on the Goodson Olivenhain Apartment Complex.

The plan calls for 277 apartments wrapped around a parking complex on seven acres. Click here to read why the Council took this action in the article by Encinitas Advocate.

September 29, 2021

Carlsbad City Council is close to approving another big hotel on the north side of Batiquitos Lagoon. Click here to read more about this project (from the developer’s side) which will have impact on La Costa Blvd.

September 29, 2021

Newsom approves two measures to slice through City ordinances, including SB9, to allow up to four housing units to replace single-family lots. Click here for the UT article.

September 16, 2021

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/app_BFC_Fall21
September 10, 2021

Judge sides with residents, upholds voter-approved Proposition A

Click here for a really good read on the Coast News about a “friendly lawsuit” between the City of Encinitas and the State regarding development outside the guidelines of Prop A (Voter Consent).

Opponents say SB 9 will hit average homeowners hardest

Two housing bills, Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 10, are poised to become California law after passing the state Assembly and Senate. 

Affordable housing advocates argue California’s SB 9 won’t provide more affordable housing, but instead fuel gentrification by removing the ability of working-class residents and communities of color to build wealth through homeownership.

But SB 9, the more controversial of the two bills, is raising concerns about its potential impact on average homeowners. Click here to read the article on the Coast News.

September 10, 2021

The City Council unanimously approved the design of the Sunshine Gardens project, 140 units - including 21 ADUs - along Encinitas Blvd. and Quail Gardens Road. Click here for the Encinitas Advocate article.

August 7, 2021

Mobility Element Workshop - Online Activities Closing TOMORROW!

The first community workshop for the Mobility Element Update was held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. This workshop provided an opportunity for community members to learn about the Encinitas Mobility Element Update process and provide important feedback to develop goals and policies for transportation needs to create a citywide network.

If you were not able to attend the workshop, you can still participate! Go to the project webpage encinitasca.gov/mobilityelement for more information - a copy of the workshop slideshow presentation, video recording, and participation activities. The participation links will be available through September 10, 2021.

Participate in the MAP Encinitas Community Survey!

The City of Encinitas wants to hear from you! As an expert on your neighborhood and the places you go in the City of Encinitas, you have the knowledge we need to make the Encinitas MAP implementation plan a success.

The survey will take 10 – 15 minutes, please take the survey now by using the link or QR code below! The survey will be available until the end of the day on September 17, 2021.  Click here for more information on the City of Encinitas website..

MAP Encinitas Community Survey

Future Opportunities to Participate

The public and interested parties are encouraged to attend future public meetings. To stay apprised of project updates and upcoming meetings visit encinitasca.gov/Home/City-Updates to sign up to receive City newsletters and e-notifications. Select "Mobility Element," “MAP Encinitas,” and any other topics you are interested in.

For more information, please contact Evan Jedynak, Associate Planner by email at ejedynak@encinitasca.gov or by phone at (760) 633-2686.

August 28, 2021

August 6, 2021

Carlsbad gets funding for new Rail Trail segment North from Leucadia

Design to be completed by end of July 2022; construction starts Sept. 2022. The route includes Avenida Encinas. Read more here.

July 31, 2021

Planning Commission Continues Encinitas Apartment Complex (RSF Road) Decision to August 19.

Click here for this very informative article on how State mandates override City guidelines.

July 22, 2021

Notice of Community Workshop - City of Encinitas Mobility Element of the General Plan

The City of Encinitas is preparing the Draft Mobility Element Update. The first community workshop for this update will be held on:

Tuesday August 3, 2021 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM

Encinitas Community and Senior Center

1140 Oakcrest Park Drive

Encinitas, CA 92024

Additional information is available in this PDF

June 17, 2021

We want to give you an update on the Goodson Project in Olivenhain, thank you for your past support, and express the urgent need we have for funds to further advance our critical arguments, some of which have already made an impact.

The Development Services Department has found some portions of the project to be inconsistent with Encinitas Municipal Code. Goodson will be contesting their findings at the July 15th Planning Commission hearing. We anticipate the meeting will be held in person, and we encourage everyone to attend and wear a red shirt to express opposition.

Encinitas RRD will present our case at that same meeting. Our arguments are based on technical and fact-finding studies we commissioned from experts The items below show that our persistence in uncovering Goodson’s tactics has been effective.

Some of the areas to be discussed during the hearing include:

- Slope Analysis
Sites with 10% or more of slopes that exceed 25% grade fall under the protected Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zone and result in specific restrictions. We reported to City Staff our belief that some slopes were calculated inaccurately to fall within the range that would allow maximum development of the site. We used highly accurate LiDAR readings to expose potential errors.

- Alternate Massing
Alternate massing studies show there are ways to build lower profile, less massive structures at the same density. The city hired a consultant who determined the project could be built in 4 stories, no higher than 39’. Goodson’s team has objected. We are looking to fund an expert rebuttal to their analysis.

- Dark Skies
The project includes luxury roof top amenities (pool, clubhouse, spa, etc.) which would be lit at night in violation of EMC Dark Skies code for Olivenhain. After we pointed this out to planning staff, they have called it out, but Goodson’s team is arguing against it.

- Affordable Housing
The latest plan submittal designated only studios and small one-bedroom apartments for low-income residents. Removing the two and three bedroom apartments from this category would have a disparate impact on families with children, a protected class under both the federal Fair Housing Act and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
An item that has not been openly addressed by any city official and is the most concerning to the community is the impact this project would have on wildfire evacuation for Olivenhain and surrounding communities. We have submitted an extensive wildfire study that demonstrates the severe shortfalls of our outdated evacuation plan. Its findings suggest that the proposed 283-unit project with 472 on-site cars at one of two main points of egress would only make a dire situation worse.

We hope you can attend the July 15th meeting. You may also help by contacting the commissioners in the weeks prior by emailing your concerns to dgay@encinitasca.gov.

NOW IS THE TIME TO HELP with either time or money. Please take advantage of North County Advocates current donation match.

Donations can be made via PayPal on our website at EncinitasRRD.org.

Or checks can be written to North County Advocates. Please note Encinitas RRD in the memo line and mail to:
Encinitas RRD
2240 Encinitas Blvd., Suite D-336
Encinitas, CA 92024

Thank you for your continued support!

May 18, 2021

Click the image above for more information about this proposed bike share program in our City to launch this fall.

May 18, 2021

A good article about the dangers of helium-filled mylar balloons presented at the recent Encinitas Environmental Commission presentation held on May 13. To presented during a future City Council Meeting to ban helium-filled mylar balloons in our city. Click the image above for the article.

May 13, 2021

Share Input on Future Development along El Camino Real

The City of Encinitas is proceeding with a process to develop the El Camino Real Specific Plan, a plan that will reimagine possible future development within the El Camino Real corridor in Encinitas. The City is launching an initial survey to seek input from the community on the specific plan. The feedback received from the community will be reviewed by the project team and used to inform the plan.

Learn more about the El Camino Real Specific Plan by watching this video.

You can also participate in a survey that the city is conducting in regards to the El Camino Real corridor.

Additional information is also available on the City’s website here.

May 11, 2021

May 10, 2021

May 13, 5:30-7:30 PM: Negative Effects of Helium-Filled Balloons: A Presentation by the Encinitas Environmental Commission

Click here for more information and ways you can contribute to this important meeting!

March 30, 2021

City of Encinitas notified by HCD of Density Bonus violation

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has notified the city of Encinitas that ordinance number 2020-09 is in conflict with State Density Bonus Law requirements pre- Assembly Bill (AB) 2345 by adding burdensome requirements for projects to access development concessions, incentives, and waivers, as well as changing the density calculation to effectively reduce the net number of units available to a given project. 

For additional information, read the letter sent to the City of Encinitas by HCD.

Encinitas council adds funding to El Camino Real corridor project

The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously last week to provide additional funding for a project proposal to improve the El Camino Real corridor. After receiving a $300,000 grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development last November, city staff requested an additional $315,000 from the city’s general fund to begin plans, including hiring a contractor to begin work with staff and the community.

Additional information is available in this Coast News article.

March 16, 2021

Catherine Blakespear announces her campaign for State Senate (District 36)

March 9, 2021

Encinitas Planning Commission approves Housing Element update

Last week, the Encinitas Planning Commission unanimously approved the city’s Housing Element update, sending the plan to city representatives for adoption before the April 15 deadline. The approved update is a revised version of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element, a blueprint for the city’s current and future housing plans required by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every eight years.

For more information, read this Coast News article.

City of Encinitas residential recycling survey

To promote sustainability in the community, the City of Encinitas is conducting a recycling survey as part of their "Waste Less from Land to Sea" campaign. Your survey response will help the city identify areas in need of attention and better understand the recycling practices of residents. Take the survey

February 24, 2021

Encinitas City Council appoints Joy Lyndes to vacant city council position

Last night, the Encinitas city council appointed Joy Lyndes to the seat vacated by Jody Hubbard. According to a statement by Mayor Catherine Blakespear, “Joy is a landscape architect by profession and a longtime community contributor. She’s won leadership awards, spearheaded projects like the creation of the “Encinitas Cyclovia” open streets event, volunteered to help as an Environmental Commissioner, with preserving Pacific View, the Historical Society, the coastal mobility group and countless other things. At base she’s a collaborator, a team player, and an action-oriented person who deeply values sustainability, mobility, equity and community”.

For additional information about Joy Lyndes, refer to this Encinitas Advocate article.

February 19, 2021

Reminder: Homeless Action Plan Presentation at February 24 City Council Meeting

The Encinitas City Council will consider approval of the City’s first Homeless Action Plan at a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 4:00 pm. Additional information including the agenda for this meeting is available on the City’s website. Note that this is a special meeting at 4:00pm - the ‘regular’ city council meeting will proceed afterward at 6:00pm.

February 17, 2021

The MyEncinitas App is Live!

Public Workshop about the City’s Green Building Ordinances on Feb 25.

Attend this workshop to learn more about the Encinitas Climate Action Plan including the newest measures Encinitas is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Attend this workshop and help select stakeholder committee representatives to participate in further discussions.

Progress on Construction on Olympus Park!

Things are really starting to take shape with the construction of Olympus Park! Click here to learn more about this project, which includes the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to integrate Monarch Butterfly habitat to all Encinitas parks. AND including planting MORE trees, which continues to surpass our goal in our 2030 Climate Action Plan.

Construction is underway for the El Portal Undercrossing and Streetscape Phase I

Trains will not be running and crews will be working from Saturday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 21. Work on Leucadia Streetscape Phase I to start on Monday, March 1st. Click here for more info!

February 15, 2021

Notice of Draft Homeless Action Plan

The city’s updated Draft Homeless Action Plan is now available for review. More information will be provided at the City Council Meeting once scheduled. Please send any comments and questions to Jennifer Gates by email at jgates@encinitasca.gov.

A glossary of terms is available in this appendix - in addition to the information that is available on the city’s website.

February 13, 2021

Council Considers Contract for Update to Circulation Element on February 17

At their meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, the Encinitas City Council will consider the approval of a contract for WSP USA Inc. (WSP) to update the City’s Circulation Element, a long-term vision for the movement of people and goods throughout the City. If approved by Council, WSP would begin needed work and community outreach in Spring 2021. The agenda and staff report for the meeting will be posted on the city’s website, here.

Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session on the Draft Sixth Cycle Housing Element

A study session will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2020, at 5 p.m., by the Encinitas City Council and Planning Commission to review and discuss the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update comments received from State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Housing Element is required by State law to identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs in order to preserve, improve and develop housing for all economic segments of the community, and demonstrate how the City will accommodate its fair share of regional housing needs. The most recent Public Review Draft is available for review on the project webpage.

Rail service to be suspended from Oceanside to San Diego February 20-21

The North County Transit District (NCTD) will suspend all coastal rail line service between the Oceanside Transit Center and Santa Fe Depot during the weekend of February 20 to 21, as part of a planned schedule of rail closures that support routine maintenance and rail infrastructure work. Additional information is available online.

January 28, 2021

SEECLICKFIX IS RETIRING

Next week, the City of Encinitas will launch the new MyEncinitas smart phone app for both iOS and Android devices. This app will facilitate improvements to how requests are handled by staff, and new opportunities for engagement between the City and Community Stakeholders.

Along with this major app update, the City will also be ending support of the Encinitas SeeClickFix app.  To see this notification online, click here.

January 25, 2021

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ESTABLISH A PARK IN PONTO ACROSS THE LAGOON!

Happy New Year, Ponto People, and congratulations!

Because of YOU the #ProtectPonto movement has gained tons of momentum and become a focused topic for the Planning Commission and the City Council.

So much so that the Planning Commission had to continue their review of the Draft Local Coastal Program THREE times to get through all the responses that came in to Develop Ponto Right! One Commissioner even remarked that he had never received so much public input before and another recognized how the land at Ponto could be and should be used for far greater things than condos.

And now, Ponto’s Planning Area F is on the City Council’s agenda as agenda item #12 at the Tuesday January 26th 3pm meeting.

We need YOU again – we have come so far and yet still have to show up in droves to continue to be heard. Otherwise, it is far too easy for Council to forget the 4,000+ letters, petitions, emails that have come in and the many, many speakers that have previously spoken.

Our Committee has well thought out and doable ways to make Ponto Park a reality – we need you to tell Council to direct staff to work with us and find the opportunities to make it happen.

Best ways you can help :

1. Sign up the at link below before 2pm Tuesday to speak at the City Council meeting on January 26th.

Note : Unlike the Planning Commission’s process, the City Clerk will NOT read emailed letters aloud at the meeting but rather email it to Council.If you want to have the most impact and be verbally heard, you have to sign up at the below link before 2pm Tuesday. (“how to” step by step instructions attached - please reply to this email if you have questions).

Fun side note- this process is a direct reflection of the number of letters we submitted at June 2, 2020 budget meeting- The City changed the process afterwards when our People for Ponto verbal comments swamped them and took over an hour to read aloud.

https://www.carlsbadca.gov/cityhall/clerk/meetings/council/default.asp

1. Send an individually written email to info@peopleforponto.com and we will forward to all the right people. Talking points attached and sample email text below:

_____________________________________________________________________________
Email title : January 26th City Council meeting agenda item #12 Protect Ponto

Dear Matt Hall, City Council and California Coastal Commission

Planning Area F is a true treasure and should be developed in a manner that will have the greatest, positive impact for the citizen and visitors of California. This rare opportunity of coastal land should not be squandered and thoughtlessly turned into condos but rather persevered for all to be proud of and enjoy as Open Space and Park land.

I want Planning Area F to become Ponto Park.

I request that the City Council direct staff to research and provide options to acquire Planning Area F for Ponto Park. And that The City Council direct staff to consult with People for Ponto Carlsbad citizens organization on the data and resources they have that can assist the Staff and the Council with these options.

I request that my comments be put on record in the official public records for ALL things Planning Area F, including the official public records for Carlsbad’s Draft Local Coastal Program Amendment, and Parks Master Plan Update, and the CA Coastal Commission’s consideration of Carlsbad’s Draft Local Coastal Program Amendment.

Thank you

Your name __________________________________________________________________________

1. Sign the new Protect Ponto Petition at www.peopleforponto.com
   Note: Even if you have singed in the past - please sign again as this is specific to the January 26th meeting.

1. Forward this email and the “how to help” link to at least 10 of your friend and family so they can also help Protect Ponto.

2. Join our Social Media platforms to show support and receive updates
   

3. You can do all of the above and make your voice heard – option 1 is the most impactful but we are grateful for any of the routes you choose to take. Truly, grateful for you.
   
   Having Planning Area F on the Council’s Agenda is our chance to request the City take action to Develop Ponto Right! We have made so much progress and it is just the nature of slow-moving government that we have to keep the pressure on and continually push to Protect Ponto!
   
   Thank you for everything you have helped us achieve.
   
   The People for Ponto Committee
   
   www.facebook.com/groups/developpontoright/
   www.instagram.com/developpontoright/
   

News related to Leucadia and Encinitas outside of our area - but important!

January 24, 2021

Encinitas City Council will seek applicants to fill Jody Hubbard’s council position

From the Union Tribune article, Encinitas will pursue appointing someone to fill the council seat newly vacated by Jody Hubbard, rather than holding a special election. A special, mail-in election would be estimated to cost between $200 and $300k.

The deadline to submit the paperwork in application for this position will be Feb. 11, and the council is expected to review the applicants at a Feb. 24 meeting. Under state law, the council must fill the spot within 60 days — in this case by March 14 — if it goes the appointee route, rather than holding a special election. For information about applying for this position, contact the city of Encinitas @ 760.633.2600.

January 22, 2021

Updates on El Portal Undercrossing and Phase 1 of the Leucadia Streetscape from the City of Encinitas Development Services Department:

El Portal Undercrossing Construction Started Mid- December 2020

El Portal Undercrossing construction is officially underway! The El Portal Undercrossing project will construct a safe and legal crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists near El Portal Street. The construction contractor is on site and preparing the area for active construction by fencing the project area, and setting up construction trailers and staging areas. The crews are starting to prepare for the next big project milestone, an Absolute Work Window in February 2021, where a rail closure will be in place and overnight and weekend work is anticipated. See below for a powerpoint presentation of this project.

Leucadia Streetscape Phase 1 Construction Starts Mid- January 2021

The Leucadia Streetscape Project is starting Phase 1 construction mid-January 2021.  The contractor is on site doing preliminary work to prepare for active construction. Phase 1 roadway work will take place between Marcheta Street and Basil Street on North Coast Highway 101. There will be additional work outside of the primary boundaries for the installation of new storm drains between A Street and Basil Street and construction of intermittent parking pods on the east side of Highway 101 up to Jupiter Street. 

City Council Presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.

Team members from both projects are scheduled to present at the Encinitas City Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6 p.m.  Agenda and staff report will be posted in advance of the meeting and the meeting will be streamed live. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The project teams have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that will be helpful for the public. The FAQs are available on the projects’ webpage.

Construction Map and Graphics

The Leucadia Streetscape project team is still in the process of finalizing the construction schedule. The project team has developed a DRAFT map outlining the construction activities based on the preliminary schedule. Please keep in mind that all dates are ESTIMATED TIMEFRAMES ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.  

Stay in Touch 

The City and SANDAG continue to work together to ensure the community is aware of construction activities, the schedule and where to get additional information about both projects throughout construction. Please sign up for project updates or contact the teams with any questions you have throughout construction.

Leucadia Streetscape: Email Streetscape@EncinitasCA.gov or visit encinitasca.gov/streetscapeEl Portal Undercrossing: Email LOSSANRail@KeepSanDiegoMoving.com or visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/EncinitasPedCrossingsPhone: Both project teams can be reached by phone at (760) 512-3800.

Lillian Doherty

Director

Development Services Department

505 South Vulcan Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024

760-633-2712 | ldoherty@encinitasca.gov

www.encinitasca.gov

January 22, 2021

From the City of Encinitas Parks & Recreation Department:

Opening Soon – Olympus Park in Leucadia

The City of Encinitas is excited to announce that the brand new Olympus Park is almost ready to open!

Construction of the park began in April 2020 and is anticipated to open at the end of February. There have been some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but the progress of the park has been moving along well.

The park will include two shade structures, various playground equipment, zip line, skate/pump track feature, a dog park with shade structures, sport court and many other park amenities. There is also extensive landscaping with large shade trees and grass for your enjoyment.

We can’t wait to open this new park and hope it will bring new opportunities for rest and recreation for our residents.