November 12 2021

You may have heard L101 is hosting a real, live, in-person event on Small Business Saturday on November 27th, encouraging the community to shop and dine local, enjoy artist booths and take in live music on two stages – a free all-ages stage at Leucadia Roadside Park and a 21-and-up stage with adult beverages in the Encinitas4Equality back lot. It’s going to be an incredible day energizing locals to come enjoy everything we love about Leucadia!

We are looking for volunteers to fill shifts throughout the day, though the bulk are in the afternoon and evening at E4E. If you’re able to join us, please fill out this volunteer signup form. Feel free to forward to friends or family that would like to get involved.

November 12, 2021

Though this news is not specifically in NW Leucadia, is has huge impact on future decisions relating to the entire city of Encinitas.

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.

November 9, 2021

We need more Leucadia participation in the MAP Encinitas Workshops! We could now be grossly underrepresented.

The community input for this is so important in how the City will prioritize CIP (Capital Improvement) projects. With new infrastructure monies coming down the pipe, it would be a pity if Leucadia’s voice was not loud and strong on what should get attention in Leucadia. It was crazy what had been identified in the previous 2018 ATP plan for our area (a walkway that ran along the freeway on Orpheus north of Leucadia Blvd). The Leucadians that attended really pushed for Vulcan improvements and Leucadia Blvd.

Click here to participate in the Community Workshop Questionnaire. Deadline November 29. The more participants from Leucadia, the better chance we can be on the list for pedestrian and bicycle access!

August 31, 2021

Encinitas City Council approves the 1967 Vulcan Project, but not without comments from supporters and opponents.

Click here for the Coast News Article.

AUGUST 24, 2021

BIG AGENDA items in tomorrow’s City Council meeting!

ACTION: CLICK HERE to send a pre-populated email to the City Council about both items, pen your own note as outlined below, or sign up here to speak at the meeting.

1. Agenda Item 10A: Support the Council in upholding the Planning Commission’s denial of approval for the 1967 Vulcan development.

BACKGROUND

In June of this year, the Planning Commission denied approval of the 1967 N Vulcan Affordable Housing Project based on alleged violations of the City of Encinitas Design Review Guidelines. Wermers, the applicant developer, is now appealing directly to the City Council seeking approval of its appeal and approval of the project by the City Council. In the interim, it is our understanding that changes have been made to the plans, but these changes have not been reviewed by the Planning Commission.

The mitigation measures that can be demanded but the City are limited due to the “by-right” designation of this project and regulations set forth by the State of CA. However, the Planning Commission has rigorously vetted the submission by the developer and has provided findings for its denial of approval. If you agree with the Planning Commissions denial, please write to request that the Council uphold the Planning Commissions denial of the project.

Please share any safety, design or other concerns regarding this project with the Council. If you are in support of the Planning Commission’s decision to deny approval of the project, write the City Council asking to the Council to uphold the the Planning Commission decision. If you previously wrote into the Planning Commission regarding this project, these comments are not forwarded directly to the City Council, so please consider forwarding your previous and additional comments directly to the City Council.

Send emails to council@encinitasca.gov, and reference AGENDA ITEM 10A prior to 3:00 PM August 25th. To speak at the meeting, register using the link above before 4 pm PST on August 25th.

2. Agenda Item 8F: Advocate for Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety on Vulcan Avenue

BACKGROUND

In efforts to reduce speeds and increase mobility on Vulcan Ave., the Traffic department has proposed creating a pedestrian path on the east side of Vulcan (see full proposal here), running between La Costa Ave. and Encinitas Blvd. The pedestrian path will be set apart from traffic by a painted stripe on the road, with several new painted crosswalks striped on Vulcan. Although these proposed improvements are interim solutions, placing a pedestrian walkway on the east side of Vulcan poses safety and mobility concerns for our community, specifically—

• Vulcan is used as a path to / from Paul Ecke Central School, meaning that children would have their backs to traffic when walking north.

• Frequent driveways on the easterly edge of Vulcan Avenue further increase the safety risk for pedestrians and bikers.

• With Vulcan’s narrow dimensions, cars frequently encroach—even today, without a walking path—onto the sides of the road, in order to avoid wide cars and trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The eastern side of Vulcan does not have space for a walking and cycling path of adequate width.

We are proposing that the pedestrian path be moved to the west side of Vulcan. Placing the path between the parked cars and the rail track fencing will help insulate pedestrians from two way traffic along the street.

• To make room for pedestrians and cyclists, we are also advocating that the parking configuration along Vulcan be changed from nose-in to either parallel or diagonal parking, affording ample room for the development of a walking path west of the parked cars and east of the rail fence.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• There are NO safe routes for pedestrian/bike mobility along Vulcan to LC Ave./Leucadia Blvd or Paul Ecke school. Additionally, there are no safe rail crossing in this area.

• Safe routes to schools are non-negotiable. A safe route, specifically from Leucadia Blvd north needs implementation immediately.

• Parking along Vulcan is largely used by residents of privately-owned apartments. Should the City continue to prioritize parking for private apartment owners at the expense of safe mobility paths and routes for all residents in the area?

• In order to meet the City’s climate action goals, paths that encourage pedestrian and bike movement need to be developed and prioritized. Continued prioritization of auto travel is not in alignment with the climate action goals

• Coastal Commission concerns regarding the reduction of parking spots in lieu of mobility paths can be refuted. The current parking along Vulcan is rarely used by beach goers. Walking to the beach from the current Vulcan parking spaces likely results in the illegal trespassing across the rail if beach access is desired.

Please share your concerns with the City Council by sending emails to council@encinitasca.gov, and referencing AGENDA ITEM 8F. To speak at the meeting, register using the link above before 4 pm PST on August 25th.

August 7, 2021

Keep Leucadia (somewhat) Funky: A read worthy commentary. Click here for the commentary.

July 28, 2021

Redistricting takes place every ten years, following the federal census, to determine City Council Districts. If you’re interested in contributing to establish identifiable district boundaries, attend this workshop! It will also be recorded. Click here to download the PDF for more information.

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

July 5, 2021

Unscheduled Vacancy on the Planning Commission for the City of Encinitas - Leucadia Representative

The City of Encinitas is accepting applications to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission-Leucadia Representative with a term ending March 1, 2023. Application forms are available on the city’s web site and they must be completed online. All applicants must be registered voters of the City of Encinitas. The deadline for applications is Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Visit the city’s web site to learn more

June 30, 2021

Council approves redesigns of Leucadia Streetscape

The Encinitas City Council approved new Leucadia Streetscape designs from city staff this week that include dedicated bike lanes along every segment of the project. Construction is estimated to be halfway completed by fall 2022.

Read the complete Coast News article.

June 28, 2021

In light of the recent Streetscape and suggested Vulcan modifications, the very relevant Encinitas Bike Walk Zoom is Tomorrow (Tuesday) at 5:30 PM (information is below) if you are interested in participating. Click here for the agenda.

Please join us on this Tuesday, June 29 at 5:30 for our monthly meeting. The meeting will be by Zoom. Connection information below. Are we close to being able to meet in person again? Stay tuned.

In our continuing effort to expand knowledge and awareness of issues, actions and possibilities, our guest speakers will be Abe Bandegan, City of Encinitas Traffic Engineer and Annika Walden, Executive Director of Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.

At times it is important to remember the mission of EncinitasBikeWalk.

EncinitasBikeWalk works to enhance the walking and biking environment throughout Encinitas. Our vision is for walking and biking to serve as a safe, convenient, healthy, and FUN mode of transportation in Encinitas.

Hope to see you at the meeting. An agenda is attached.

Take care and be safe.

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June 20, 2021

Here is an update about the last City Council meeting and the recent Planning Commission meeting:

1) The city council voted to approve the Vulcan traffic calming. It is funded and the project will begin soon with lane narrowing, 3 raised cross walks (Orpheus, Sanford, Andrew), pavement legends, walk path mostly 4' wide on east side in the street up to Andrew then crosswalk directs peds over to west side to complete to La Costa. Tony Krantz (our rep. for Leucadia)- fought to get the walking path north of Leucadia blvd. put on the west side of Vulcan. His idea was to create a “low budget” rail trail like they have in Cardiff with the parking turned parallel to the street create a buffered trail in the d.g. closest to the trail tracks. Sadly, this was not supported by the rest of the council so for now the walking path will be in the street along Vulcan. So good news/bad news on this one. At least we are getting some improvements

2) At Wednesday nights planning commission meeting the 72 unit Apartment building on at located at 1967 Vulcan Ave (Corner of La Costa) was not approved by the commission. Good new? Kind of, it will slow the project, but the only legal way the commission was able to vote No on the approval was because the design did not follow all parts of the city code (it had too many sections of large flat roofs, not enough step backs in the building, not matching neighborhood character, etc.). What will happen next is a bit unclear, here are the 3 possibilities: 1) the developer doesn’t make any changes and just pushes forward to the city council and asks for their approval, 2) the developer does make the design changes and then goes back to the planning commission and asks for their approval, 3) the developer does make the design changes and then straight to the city council and asks for their approval. I have no idea the time frame on this. We will keep you posted. Again, here is an article about this event in the Union Tribune. Read the Union Tribune article here.

3) Lastly, please consider participating in the August 3, Mobility Element Community Engagement Workshop! This is where the city looks at priorities on how to improve walking, biking, and driving in encinitas -which we meed a lot of help with here in Leucadia. You can sign up for alerts for the Mobility Element Alerts by following the link to Subscribe to City Updates and checking the box for “Mobility Element”.

Happy Summer!

June 18, 2021

Encinitas planners deny permit for 1967 Vulcan Avenue apartment proposal

“At last night’s meeting, Planning commissioners said that they couldn’t force the project’s developers to fix a pre-existing traffic problem, especially since traffic studies indicate that this project isn’t expected to add significantly to the current traffic volume on La Costa Avenue. However, when it came to building’s proposed appearance, they said they did have the ability to demand changes under the city’s design standard rules.”

Read the Union Tribune article here

June 15, 2021

Wermer Development Update

A big thank you to those who sent comments and spoke at the June 3rd Planning Commission meeting to address concerns about the construction of the1967 Vulcan Avenue 72 unit construction proposal.  We had a good turn out from Leucadia Cares and NOW Leucadia as well as other neighbors, but Wermers Companies also had 49 emailed comments and several speakers in support.

 As those of you who participated know, the deliberation and vote on this project has been delayed until this week - the June 17th meeting.  The Planning Commission will not accept oral public comments on the project, but they will allow written comments.  Please send your comments to planning@encinitasca.gov, with copies to traffic@encinitasca.gov and council@encinitasca.gov, ideally by June 16th so that the Planning Commission has time to read them.

 Key points regarding traffic safety on this project:

 - The La Costa Avenue corridor lacks sidewalks or protected bike paths in most sections - increased traffic from this project will further aggravate this already dangerous situation.

- The LOS rating for this section of La Costa avenue already had a level of service rating of "F" in this section, and will worsen with the additional daily trips from this development.

- Traffic in adjoining streets has not sufficiently been considered as cars inevitably seek alternate ways around the increased traffic from this proposed development.  

- Parking:  Where will the overflow parking be?  Residents of the apartment buildings to the south of the project site are already using the public parking west of Vulcan.  Why does the City of Encinitas taxpayers have to pay for the overflow parking already flawed by less than two cars per apartment in the plans that are allowed by the state?

-  Design:  This is a bulky, blocky building that is poorly designed for our Leucadia lifestyle.  Use design concepts from the 33 Latitude next door for keeping in the Leucdia spirit.  Reduce the blocky look of the building by integrating rounded edges, corner windows, a variation in balcony railings, surface textures – as illustrated in other Wermer buildings on their website (www.wermerscompanies.com – check out the setback in the Wermer Carlsbad building).

-  Pick up the design spirit of the Marea Village that is more in sync with the Leucadia feeling.

- The Traffic Report from Urban Systems Associates used and paid for by the developers is FLAWED.  It relies on a study conducted midday on weekdays during a construction period along La Costa where cars were directed away from the Vulcan/La Costa intersection in Feb 2020 - it does not take into account high season traffic, nor the additions to traffic which have already taken place with the opening of the Alila Marea Hotel, let alone the other planned developments in Leucadia which will utilize the La Costa Avenue corridor.   Further, there are two developments just north in Carlsbad (Ponto Beach area) that will also use this corridor, adding to the traffic safety issues.

 While we are aware that the City of Encinitas has now given the go ahead for an all way stop control at Vulcan and La Costa Avenue, and a walkway (not sidewalk) for a small section between Vulcan Avenue and the bridge to the 101, these measures are still grossly insufficient to protect traffic safety in this dangerous traffic corridor. 

 It would be irresponsible of the city to allow this development without first addressing these imminent safety concerns.  Please ask the Planning Commission not to approve the 1967 Vulcan project until the proper infrastructure can be built along the corridor with the appropriate level of investment. 

 Additional comments during construction:

-Where will construction workers park during construction?  Require that be parked along Hwy 101 rather than inundating the surrounding neighborhood with vehicles.

-Notify the neighborhood of City established work hours and post onsite, as well as circulate among the surrounding neighborhood.

June 10, 2021

Following a recent fatal incident involving a pedestrian along the railroad tracks on June 4 in Leucadia, local safety advocates in the city of Encinitas are once again calling for safe rail crossings along the rail corridor. Click here or the image above to read this Coast News Article..

June 8, 2021

City Council Meeting on June 9th to address safe rail crossings and safety on Vulcan

This month, the City Council will make decisions regarding the funding of Capitol Improvement Projects (CIP 2021-22) as well as interim improvements proposed for Vulcan Ave. There are two separate council meetings on the same day to address these issues:

“Special” Council meeting this Wednesday, June 9 at 4:00 PM

SAFE RAIL CROSSING FUNDING:

NOWLeucadia is advocating that both the $250, 000 (Rail Safety Study for “at grade crossing”) AND the $400,000 (North Leucadia Rail “grade separated crossing”) proposed for allocation at the recent CIP strategic planning meetings be combined, preserved and allocated to a specific Tier I fund that explores the feasibility and funds further steps to realize NW Leucadia safe rail crossing (s).

The goal is to have a rail crossing(s) design “shovel-ready” for possible Federal/State grant or other infrastructure monies that may come available. Being in a position to be awarded potential grants or monies outside of the City’s limited funds, would not only be timely, but would decrease the constant pressure on the existing limited fiscal capacity of the monies in the general fund. Furthermore, safe rail crossing(s) in this corridor align perfectly the three of the four strategies drafted in the 2019-21 City’s Strategic Plan, Better incorporate the rail corridor into our neighborhoods, and Improve connectivity and mobility for all.

ACTION REQUESTED:
If you agree, please e-mail the City Council at council@encinitasca.gov and cityclerk@encinitasca.gov before 3:00 PM on Wednesday June 9 and let them know. (Detailed instructions are below)

SUGGESTED EMAIL FOR AGENDA Item 4B: Request that the Council combine the $250,000 designated Rail Safety Study for at grade crossing and the $400,000 (North Leucadia Rail “grade separated crossing”) to be allocated to a Tier I Northwest Leucadia Rail Crossing fund.

Regular Council meeting this Wednesday, June 9 at 6:00 PM

SAFETY AND MOBILITY ENHANCEMENT ON VULCAN AVENUE:

Item 8H talks about traffic calming measures along Vulcan Avenue south of La Costa Blvd.  These measures are:

1.      Narrowing the traffic lanes on Vulcan to 10 feet in each direction.

2.     Shifting the travel lanes to the western edge of the roadway.

3.     Painting a pedestrian walkway … along the eastern edge of the walkway.  

4.     Adding “Sharrow” markings on the new travel lanes

5.     Adding speed limit legends on the new travel lanes.

6.     Adding raised sidewalks with rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the Vulcan intersections with Andrew Avenue, Sanford Street and Orpheus Avenue.

Item #3 especially needs to be addressed.  The parking along the new DG parking on the west side of Vulcan could be changed to parallel parking, creating a safe walking path along the west side of the parking (next to the new fence along the train tracks).  This would cost the city very little, per Tony Krantz, can be done by the end of the year, and would finally provide a safe walking path along Vulcan Avenue.

ACTION REQUESTED:  

If you agree, write an email to the City Council at council@encinitasca.gov and cityclerk@encinitasca.gov to share this concept with them before 3:00 PM on Wednesday June 9? (Detailed instructions are below)

SUGGESTED EMAIL FOR AGENDA Item 8H: On the subject Line, enter “City Council Meeting Item 8H” If you could modify slightly the message below, it will become more powerful.

 In order to create pedestrian safety along Vulcan Avenue south of La Costa Blvd., I request that

1.     The alignment of the vehicle parking along the new temporary DG parking area be redesignated from straight in to parallel parking.  

2.     Allow for the creation of a safe pedestrian path along the west side of the parallel parking.  Because the DG is already complete, the cost will only be for the movement of the cement blocks. 

The alternative, painting a pedestrian path is UNSAFE, and the cost of creating a sidewalk on the east side of Vulcan is prohibitive.

June 1, 2021 Update

Encinitas to add stop signs at the intersection of La Costa & Vulcan

Encinitas will add an all-way stop sign at La Costa and Vulcan avenues, but whether that will ultimately lead to a traffic light or even a roundabout at the busy intersection is very much an unsettled matter. Click here for the Union Tribune article . Click here for the article in The Coast News.

May 30, 2021

May 28, 2021

Click here to register to speak at the Zoom meeting with the Planning Commission on June 3. Agenda Item 8B

…60 Market Rate Apartments and 12 Low Income Units (HUD defined)…

Click here or on the above to see the Project Report of 167 Vulcan to be discussed at the next Planninc Commission on JUNE 3rd. You may have to enlarge to actual size.

May 18, 2021

The 1967 Vulcan project is being scheduled for the June 3rd Planning Commission meeting.  Notices will be sent out this week.  Formal documents forthcoming!

May 4, 2021

Savor Leucadia is back on Thursday May 13, 2021

Savor Leucadia is back for a springtime dinner under the SoCal stars featuring delicious food, drinks and live music!

Join L101 as they transform the Vigilucci’s parking lot (530 North Coast HWY 101) into a magical outdoor dining venue, where you’ll enjoy a three-course menu set to live local music – with proceeds benefiting Leucadia 101 Mainstreet. There will be only one seating for the night, with reservations available starting at 6:00 p.m. (music starts at 6:30 p.m.). Tables are available for 2-6 guests from the same household. Call 760-634-2365 between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. any day to make a reservation OR visit www.leucadia101.com.

Tickets are $75 per person for food only – drinks, tax and gratuity additional. More information is available here

May 1, 2021

Encinitas Planning Commission meeting to discuss the La Costa Corridor (Interstate 5 west to the 101)

At the May 6 meeting of the Encinitas Planning Commission, the commission will consider options to recommend to the City Council concerning the La Costa Ave corridor from Interstate 5 west to North Coast Highway 101 (Item 8F). Click here for the meeting agenda

April 28, 2021

ACTION NEEDED for upcoming CIP Meeting on May 3rd

Since the last Capital Improvement Program (CIP) meeting did not run through to completion (because there wasn’t enough time to get through all of the issues), the City Council has scheduled the continuation of this meeting for May 3rd @ 1-4 pm. For the last meeting, the city received over 200 emails in support of a shovel ready design for a rail crossing in NW Leucadia and importantly, these emails are now part of the CIP meeting record.

If you are in support of a safe rail crossing for NW Leucadia, please write to the city before the May 3rd meeting. If you previously emailed the city about this issue, please resend your last email to cityclerk@encinitasca.gov and reference the CIP meeting for May 3rd in the subject line. If you did not email the city previously - simply copy and paste the following in your email;

"I am writing to request TIER 1 funding for a feasibility study that evaluates options for a safe rail crossing(s) in N.W. Leucadia AND funding for the design of the rail crossing(s) that results from this feasibility study.”

In order to ensure that your email is included in the meeting record, please send it to the city by May 2nd.

THANK YOU for your engagement!

April 7, 2021

ACTION NEEDED for upcoming CIP Meeting next week

April 14th is the all important CIP (Capital Improvement Project) meeting where the City Council decides on where monies will be allocated for the upcoming year. Last year NOWLeucadia advocated for a safe rail crossing and along with your help we were able to land this idea on a Tier 2 level. This year we would like it to be allocated for a Tier 1, the highest priority for funding for the upcoming year.

As you have probably noticed a lot of work has taken place on Vulcan Ave. and is beginning to be done on the west side of the tracks, the 101 side. It was a surprise to us that the posts for fencing are already being installed for the parking pods on the west side of the tracks. It was our understanding that fencing wouldn’t be installed until all construction for Streetscape was completed south of Leucadia Blvd. However parking was always to be installed along the tracks north of Leucadia Blvd. as part of phase 1 of Streetscape…..so here we are! In our view it is imperative that we get a safe, legal way to cross NOW to the west side of the tracks or we will be fenced out and unable to get to 101 or the beach unless you travel to Leucadia Blvd or La Costa Ave.

Tony Kranz, our Leucadia representative, wrote a blog on his website stating that a new alternative is being considered for safe and legal crossings in N.W. Leucadia. The article addresses the idea of At Grade Crossings, similar to what is currently installed in San Clemente. This is great idea but please note that NOWLeucadia is advocating for ANY form of rail crossing for the safe and legal crossing of pedestrians and cyclists. We feel that the time is now before the major developments that are scheduled to be built in our area are completed. Please read the attached article.

https://www.tonykranz.com/blog/2021/4/2/at-grade-railroad-crossings-for-pedestrians-and-bicyclists?fbclid=IwAR2b24K0WbbUbw_dCDodr0LYh0eI3Y0N2Gal1UfQrx7tmQ-JD3QfnBFLiws

NOWLeucadia needs your help and quite frankly we need it now! If you are in favor of safe and legal crossing/s for Leucadia please take a moment and email the Council before the April 14th Council meeting. Also know that you can speak as well! Instructions for emailing comments or speaking are outlined below:

PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURES FOR THIS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The public comments procedure for this Special City Council Meeting is as follows:

PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO THE MEETING: To submit a comment in writing, email cityclerk@encinitasca.gov and include the agenda item number and/or title of the item in the subject line. All e-mail comments received by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be emailed to the City Council members and made a part of the official record. Please note, e-mail comments received prior to the meeting will no longer be read at the meeting. If you would like to share your comments during the meeting, please follow the instructions below.

PUBLIC COMMENT DURING THE MEETING (agenda items listed on this agenda): To provide public comment during the meeting, you must register by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting to join the Council Meeting webinar. You do not need to register to watch but must register if you wish to speak. Members of the public will not be shown on video; they will be able to watch and listen, and to speak when called upon.*

* I will send zoom instructions for speaking when the zoom info is available next week.

Your wording in your email can be as simple as the text below:

"I am writing to request funding for a feasibility study that looks at options for a safe rail crossing in N.W. Leucadia AND funding for the design of the rail crossing that results from the feasibility study.”

And of course you can access this news and news of other happenings in our area on our website: nowleucadia.org.

Please feel free to share this email with your friends and neighbors!

THANK YOU for your help!

April 2, 2021

Tony Kranz & Kellie Shay Hinze issue statement regarding at grade railroad crossings in the Leucadia rail corridor

“With fencing of the rail corridor imminent, the need for safe, legal, and accessible railroad crossings for pedestrians and bikes has become even more urgent ... In an effort to accelerate the process of building safe and legal at-grade pedestrian crossings, a meeting between city and NCTD staff members, representatives from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is being convened to explore the feasibility of at-grade bike and pedestrian crossings between La Costa Avenue and Leucadia Boulevard.”

For more information, read the blog entry posted by Tony Kranz.

April 1, 2021

Installation of fencing along the rail corridor in North Leucadia

March 16, 2021

Marea Village Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) Report now available

On December 15, 2020, a virtual ‘Citizens Participation’ meeting was held via ZOOM in regards to this project. According to this report, 89 people attended this meeting, which included a number of questions. These questions, along with any comments & responses, are all included in the report, which is available here. Note: the report is over 100 pages long and there is a lot of great information contained within.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas opens its doors today

The 130-room hotel at 2100 N. Coast Highway is the latest addition to Hyatt’s Alila brand, which includes 16 hotels worldwide with a sustainable eco-tourism design ethos. Besides a spa and meeting space for up to 380 guests, the hotel will have a signature restaurant, VAGA, helmed by local celebrity chef Claudette Zepeda. The restaurant’s debut is still several weeks away. Learn more >

March 10, 2021

Final CPP Filed for 1967 Vulcan Development

The final Community Planning Partnership (CPP) document has been filed by the Wermer Company for the 1967 Vulcan Development (at La Costa Blvd. and Vulcan Ave.). Click here or on the image above to see the document - which contains all the community comments filed with the City.

ALSO

Night construction from Saturday, March 13, midnight - Monday, March 15 at 5:00 am(installing bridge foundation) and from Saturday, March 20 midnight - Monday, March 22 at 5:00 am (install a rail bridge) . Click here for more construction details; Click here for more details about the project.

March 2, 2021

Leucadia 101 Association needs your input for walking routes in Leucadia Neighborhoods

Leucadia 101, Circulate San Diego, County of San Diego's Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are collecting community input for suggested walking routes in the east Leucadia Neighborhood.

The feedback received will help inform safe walking routes in your neighborhood and the signage incorporated along each route. Click Here or the image below to participate in this important survey.

February 24, 2021

Reminder: Leucadia Streetscape construction starts on March 1

Reminder to all that traffic delays are expected while traveling along Coast Highway 101 when preliminary construction of the Leucadia Streetscape project kicks off next week. Starting March 1, construction will stretch from A Street to Avocado Street and will mainly take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to construction-related noise and vehicle traffic, residents should anticipate temporary lane closures and detours. Additional information is available in this Coast News article.

February 19, 2021

Selection of Design Modification Options for the Eolus Ave/Andrew Ave/Hillcrest Drive intersection

At the February 24 ‘regular’ City Council meeting (6:00pm), item 10C on the agenda will be a discussion of the Eolus Ave/Andrew Ave/Hillcrest Drive intersection. From the agenda for this meeting,

‘Recommended Action: 1) Approve staff recommendation on updating the Stop Sign Implementation policy; and 2) Select one of the proposed intersection design modification options for the intersection of Eolus Avenue/Andrew Avenue and Hillcrest Drive. The All Way Stop Control (AWSC) option already has an adopted Ordinance. Between the striping modification scenario and the neighborhood traffic circle, the Traffic and Public Safety Commission (T&PSC) recommended the neighborhood traffic circle option.’

Here is a link to the Update to the Stop Sign Notification Policy document.

Full Rail closure in effect this weekend (Feb 20 - Feb 22)

To accommodate work along the passenger and rail line between Oceanside and San Diego, a full rail closure is in effect this weekend from Saturday - early morning Monday. Additional information is available online in this story.

February 14, 2021

Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report

Project Title: Marea Village Mixed Use Development Project

Project Applicant: Encinitas Beach Land Venture, LLC

Project Location: 1900 & 1950 North Coast Highway 101, Encinitas CA 92024.

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Encinitas is issuing this Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed project. Additional information is available in the official NOP put together by the City of Encinitas.

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.

Reminder to complete the Northwest Leucadia Mobility Survey - coordinated by Leucadia Cares

Leucadia Cares has organized a survey to align our collective priorities for safe mobility along the La Costa Ave. corridor west of the 5 freeway and adjoining intersections/streets. This survey lists some potential safe mobility projects and allows you to prioritize the mechanisms for achieving these projects. At the end of the survey you will be asked to prioritize the proposed projects themselves — additional suggestions are also welcome.

Please submit your survey before Feb 15 - Complete the survey.

February 10, 2021

Keep checking the Agendas & Webcasts section of the city’s web site for an eventual posting of the agenda for this meeting.

February 3, 2021

Reminder: Quieter trains are coming, along with increased enforcement of the rail corridor

Coaster’s new quieter Engines, and plans to educate enforce safety along the rail corridor

In addition to the article below, here is an article from today’s Patch regarding the Coaster’s purchase of new state-of-the-art engines which are quieter - which also brings up the plans for education and enforcement of trespassing on the railroad tracks to prevent injuries and deaths of all types.

January 28, 2021

NCTD district plans rail-trespassing crackdown

Beginning Monday January 31, the North County Transit District will enhance trespassing education and enforcement along the San Diego coastal rail corridor in advance of putting five new state-of-the-art locomotives into service the following week. According to this Coast News article, ‘The Siemens Charger diesel-electric engines, designed to meet the latest emission standards, are significantly quieter than those they replace — a sound-reduction benefit to communities they travel through but a change that underscores the importance of avoiding trespassing on railroad right-of-ways, district officials said Wednesday in announcing the enhanced education and enforcement efforts’.

January 23, 2021

Encinitas planning commission set limits to Alila Marea Beach Resort’s alcohol service hours

The owners of the Alila Marea Beach Resort had requested 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. operating hours for all of their indoor facilities and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for most outdoor facilities. Instead, planning commissioners approved limited alcohol service for the outdoor pool area from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and live music from noon to 8 p.m. An adjacent indoor bar area must stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m. while other indoor restaurant/bar operations were allowed from 8 a.m. to midnight. A video transcript of this planning commission meeting is now available on the city's website.

January 19, 2021

City of Encinitas January Draft Housing element is now available on the city’s website

The second Public Review Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element is now available on the city's website.

On January 11, 2021, the City received additional verbal comments from HCD on the Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element submitted in December. In response to these comments, staff has prepared a new Public Review Draft and this draft is now available on the City's website.

The City values and welcomes input from the community, housing stakeholders, and service providers on the Housing Element and has extended the public comment period to 5 p.m. on February 5, 2021. If you’d like to provide feedback to the city, please submit written comments to: Jennifer Gates, Principal Planner, Development Services Department, City of Encinitas, 505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024 or by e-mail to: jgates@encinitasca.gov.

Change.org survey: Stop NCTD from constructing train fence in north county

The mayor of Del Mar, Terry Gaasterland, will be presenting at this Thursday’s NCTD board meeting in regards to the plan NCTD has to implement fencing along the rail corridor in north county. A change.org petition has been put together, which you can sign to add your name to the list of residents that are opposed to this plan. Sign the petition

NCTD Board Meeting:

Members of the public may submit their comments via email at publiccomment@nctd.org. Large groups wishing to comment on a common item are encouraged to submit comments in writing. Public comments submitted will be provided to the Board/Committee and included in the record of the Board/Committee Meeting.

While emailed comments are preferred, the public may also provide oral comments on agenda items by calling (760) 966-6560. When prompted, the caller should identify the agenda item they wish to speak about and leave a message not to exceed three minutes. All timely received telephonic comments will be shared with the Board of Directors during the meeting.

The agenda for this Thursday’s NCTD board meeting is available here.

January 13, 2021

Leucadia Blvd / Vulcan Avenue retail center changes ownership

This past week, HP Investors announced in a LinkedIn post that they have acquired the neighborhood retail center on the corner of Leucadia Boulevard and Vulcan Avenue in Leucadia. This news has not made its way to the HP Investors web site but if you have a LinkedIn account, additional information is available in this LinkedIn post.

Encinitas Urban Forestry Program Survey

The City of Encinitas wants your input on taking care of our urban forest. Encinitas is in the process of refining its Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), which guides the City and tree care professionals to proactively and effectively manage our trees.

The success of the UFMP relies on the public's input, which you can provide through this survey.

Public hearing for the North Coast Highway 101 Drainage Improvement Project

The North Coast Highway 101 Drainage Improvement Project proposes new stormwater pipeline infrastructure to reduce flooding along North Coast Highway 101 between Basil Street and La Costa Avenue. This project will include construction of new drainage inlets at low points along Highway 101 along with a new stormwater pipeline that is to be installed under Highway 101. Construction of the project is subject to review & approval by the Encinitas City Council and the availability of funding. For more information about this meeting, download this pdf (zoom meeting details are contained within this document) or contact the city of Encinitas at 760-512-3800 or via email at streetscape@encinitasca.gov.

Zoom Meeting Details:

January 11, 2021

Public hearing for the Alila Marea Beach Resort Alcohol and Valet Service

The Encinitas Planning Commission is holding a public hearing to consider a Minor Use Permit and Coastal Development Permit to all for on-site alcohol service and valet service operations for this newly completed 130-unit hotel resort. For more information about this meeting, download this pdf. For additional information, or to review the application prior to this hearing, please contact staff or the Development Services Department at 505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas CA 92024. Phone: 760-633-2710. Email: planning@encinitasca.gov.

Meeting Details:

Thursday January 21, 2021, 6:00 PM.

January 7, 2021

Encinitas Traffic Commission Meeting scheduled for January 11, 2021

There is an agenda item on the docket for the the January 11 Traffic Commission meeting to discuss the development projects on La Costa Avenue along with their anticipated traffic impacts. If you would like to contact this city about these development projects, you can:

• Send an email to traffic@encinitasca.gov

• Register to speak at this meeting (link included in the adenda - above)

El Portal Undercrossing Project

Construction began in December 2020 for the under crossing at El Portal. Additional information about this project is available as follows,

• Keep San Diego Moving website

• City of Encinitas Fact Sheet

Phase 1 Construction for the Leucadia Streetscape Project

Phase 1 of this project is defined as roadway improvements from Basil Street to Marcheta Street. Construction is slated to begin in mid-January and proceed until early 2022. Additional information about this project is available online,

• City of Encinitas’ web site: Leucadia 101 Streetscape Project History & Information.

• City of Encinitas Fact Sheet

January 2, 2021 Update

City of Encinitas 2021-2029 Housing Element (Cycle 6)

The City of Encinitas is seeking input from the community on the latest housing plan that is currently under review by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). During this review process, residents of Encinitas are able to review the latest draft of the housing plan and provide input on current housing needs and solutions in Encinitas. Comments must be submitted by Jan 29, 2021 at 5:00pm.

How can you provide input?

• Send an email to Jennifer Gates, Principal Planner for the City of Encinitas at jgates@encinitasca.gov.

• Physically mail comments to the city of Encinitas.

  • Jennifer Gates, Principal Planner, Development Services Department, City of Encinitas, 505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024

• Complete an online survey.

Additional information is available on the City of Encinitas’ web site.

November 30, 2020 Update

Citizen Participation Program (CPP) meeting

Project Name: Marea Village, 1900 & 1950 North Coast Highway, Encinitas CA 92024

Zoom Meeting Details:

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Click here for more information about the upcoming CPP meeting being held by Fenway (the Developer).

To register for the Zoom call (you need to preregister to receive login information), please RSVP via email by contacting Leanna Ferrante at lferrante@fenwayca.com

November 28, 2020 Update

Support local merchants through Leucadia 101’s upcoming virtual art fair

Looking for some local holiday gift ideas? Our friends at Leucadia 101 Main Street Association are hosting their first-ever virtual art auction from December 4-11, featuring original works from over a dozen local artists (like this painting, from artist Kate Joiner!).

Head on over to this link for more detail on how to get your hands on original pieces, postcards and prints, and limited edition holiday six-packs from local breweries to help wash down that holiday ham.

November 26, 2020 Update

Sign Petition for a Park for South Carlsbad (Ponto open space area)

People for Ponto, a growing group of people in and outside of Carlsbad, are fighting to have part of the open space at Ponto, South Carlsbad, set aside as a park. Learn more and sign the petition (anyone, not just Carlsbad residents, can sign!) on their site, peopleforponto.com. Click here to go to the site and sign!

November 24, 2020 Update

Alila Marea Beach Resort Hotel Minor Use Permit/Coastal Development Permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages

A Minor Use Permit is required for the indoor / outdoor on-site alcohol service and valet service. The developers for this project are holding a virtual meeting (via Zoom) to discuss this project. The valet site and floorpans will be available at this virtual meeting and can also be requested in advance as an email attachment by contacting Leanna Ferrante (see email address below). For more information about this meeting, download this pdf.

Meeting Details:

Saturday December 5, 2020, 10:00AM - 12:00 PM.

RSVP to attend this virtual meeting by contacting Leanna Ferrante at lferrante@fenwayca.com

November 20, 2020 Update

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SENT AN EMAIL TO NCTD!

Of the 237 emails received by NCTD yesterday, 230 of them were in opposition to the fencing of the rail in Leucadia! (The rest of the emails were regarding Del Mar and believe it or not there was one email in favor of the fencing).

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!

November 17, 2020 Update

TWO VERY IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS BY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY!

1. DON'T FENCE US IN!

We're reaching out to let you know about—and ask for your help in fighting—the upcoming fencing of the railroad in Encinitas and Leucadia.  

The North County Transit District (NCTD) is discussing Amtrak's plans to build a six foot tall, chain link fence (!) around the railroad in Encinitas and Leucadia in their meeting THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19th. 

Without any other safe rail crossings in Northwest Leucadia, a fencing of the rail would block our community from accessing the beach, businesses on 101, and Leucadia Oaks Park, by foot. Perhaps worse, it will force us into our cars for even short trips—impacting streets that have already grown noticeably busier over the past years (especially Vulcan and La Costa Avenue) and will only get worse with upcoming development.

Here's how you can help:

SEND AN EMAIL TO THE NCTD. Ask them to stop the fencing by sending a quick note to publiccomment@nctd.org.

SHARE THIS EMAIL WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS.. Any and all community support is appreciated. You can also share our recent post on Facebook.

And here's some more background info:

• NCTD Meeting Agenda

• Background article from the LA Times

2. NEW DEVELOPMENT on Vulcan & La Costa

This Friday at 6:00 pm is a Community Participation where the developer will present the plans for the new three-story apartment building, 72 units including 12 affordable housing units. Click here for the CPP notification by the developer. The presentation will be via Zoom.

• Register and attend via zoom the CPP this Friday at 6:00 pm: https://www.vulcancpp.com
  

November 10, 2020 Update

THREE very important movements are happening right now that will impact us: Traffic, Housing Development and Rail Issues. See more details about these issues below and what you can do to make an impact. If you can, now is the time!

1. TRAFFIC

This Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 pm: Special Meeting Traffic and Public Safety Commission Meeting. At this meeting the Traffic Commission will decide on two important traffic calming options that will directly affect our neighborhood: -

The traffic Signal at La Costa Blvd. and Vulcan Avenue (Agenda Item 7.B: Click here to see more information) -

The proposed stop sign at Hillcrest/Andrew/Eolus. (Agenda Item 7.D: Click here to see the proposal). Rather than a 3-way stop sign, the alternative of striping modification is very interesting, as is another idea of creating a traffic circle which would fit in that area.

ACTION: Public input is welcome. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Email traffic@encinitasca.gov Include the Agenda Item (shown above).

• Present your comments at the Public Comment at Traffic and Public Safety Commission Meetings. (Click here to learn how.)

• RE: La Costa Blvd: Sign the Traffic Calming Petition being circulated to residents near La Costa Blvd. to downgrade it to a two-lane road. For more info, contact elenathompson@cox.net

2. RAIL CROSSING ISSUES - Fencing of Railway in Encinitas

Next Thursday, November 19, at 2:00 pm is the NCTD Board Meeting (Continuing on Dec. 17)

North County Transit District has received a grant to erect fencing in identified areas within the cities of Oceanside, Encinitas and Del Mar that experience high rates of railroad trespassing events.  NCTD will seek to coordinate the fencing (4-foot-high post and cable style ) with planned projects in Encinitas

ACTION: Public input is so important!

• Email NCTD (publiccomment@nctd.org) asking that the fencing in Encinitas not be completed until a safe crossing has been established in the North Leucadia corridor. Send your email in before 11:00 AM on Thursday!

• Comment orally during the meeting. (Click here for NCTD Public Comment pdf for simple procedure on how to get in cue. Click here for Rules for Public Speaker)

3. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT:

North Corner of Vulcan Avenue and La Costa Blvd. (Above image!)

Friday, November 20 at 6:00 -9:00 pm is the Community Participation Program (CPP) to view the plans for a 72 apartment single building, 3 story, with less than 2 parking spaces per unit and entry on Vulcan before the curve. This parcel was up zoned (thanks to new state laws which override our City laws) as one of the qualifying Affordable Housing projects in Leucadia - but produces only 12 low income units. (Click here for more information about 1967 N. Vulcan pdf and the top of this page for an illustration of the development) Let me know if you would like further details about this project.

ACTION: Have your voices heard regarding this by-right Density Bonus Project at the upcoming CPP.

• Register and attend the CPP on November 20 via Zoom: https://www.vulcancpp.com

• Contact your City Council Regarding this project. council@encinitasca.gov

There is so much going on! Every comment, whether written or Oral, is very much appreciated and needed to be heard.