Encinitas-related battles for office are leading to incumbent victories for City Council and the ouster of a county Board of Supervisors member after a contentious election that came to a close Nov. 3.
Encinitas voters appear to be going against a generally fidgety City Council when it comes to allowing cannabis businesses in the city, according to returns from the Nov. 3 election.
In a local election season generally marked by contentious arguments and some close votes, Solana Beach saw resounding victories for City Council candidates in races without competition Nov. 3, including the city’s first elected mayor.
When Catherine Blakespear was elected to the city council in 2014, and as mayor in 2016 and 2018, she provided leadership that allowed for diverse opinions, public input, inclusiveness and transparency. That’s why all of the current Encinitas elected City Council members — and numerous other local leaders — are supporting her reelection.
All three City Council candidates in Solana Beach are running unopposed this election season, leading to a less contentious race, but also a slight decrease in community engagement, candidates said.
As national political debate becomes plagued with toxicity and disinformation, Encinitas residents have noticed the same behavior trickle into local elections, such as the city’s mayoral race.
Measure B supporters note that 60% of Newland Sierra housing would be affordably priced for the working class. But assuming it’s built, what would that “affordable” price be at completion given the continuing rise in prices, up 8% over the past year alone? Moreover, what’s their definition of “working class?”
Jan. 4 is the deadline to apply for appointment to the Encinitas City Council seat left by Tasha Boerner Horvath, who was elected to the state Assembly in November.
