This is how Encinitas CIty Hall works. Mayor Barth so called friend of Cardiff Library helped butcher the old historic montery pines in front of the library years ago to make room for the library expansion-
Of course Barth couldn't tell the public this- so at first the city and libray claimed the trees were what---------what you say-------right, the trees were dying
but when Cardiff residents got wind of the savagery they went to the library, city hall, county libraries director and county supervisors and got stay of execution when a cardiff arborist showed the trees were very much alive
seeing they were outgunned the library leaders acquiesced until a year had passed and outrage had settled down- then one day they cut the trees down saying- they didn't make it. So who decided that?
Low and behold 12 months later they break ground for the library expansion- exactly what they wanted all along.
I am fed up with the city and the lack of tree knowledge as much as anyone and I am not on here to argue but people like you need to do your research! I dont care about Theresa Barth or the library or the friends of it, but I do know the exact story with the 3 pines -which were in fact pinus torreyana ( aka Soledad Pine) not a Monterey. The trees were dying years before any "expansion". The initial library plan and construction damaged roots which caused the trees to become distressed. The new landscape installation slowly killed the Torrey Pines and The friends of the Library tried to save the trees. I know this because I was the Arborist involved in the futile attempt. So please stop with your ignorant rumors! Who are you anyway?? This is why I stay away from all of this gossip crap.
What a shame. It would be better if they could work around it, but on balance, Streetscape is a good thing.
I have been told a story about how the eucalyptus got here. Can anyone validate this?
I heard that Rancho Santa Fe was actually a ranch run by the Santa Fe railroad company. At the time, construction in the west was exploding, and timber for railroad ties was becoming more scarce and expensive. Someone in the company found a fast-growing tree that didn't require a lot of water, and imported the first local eucalyptus from Australia. Rancho Santa Fe was to be a commercial growing operation for the railroad ties.
As the trees matured, tests revealed that the wood is a poor choice for rail ties (not sure why).
Santa Fe Railroad wrote off the investment and sold the land. That canopy, so rare in SoCal, is what made the location so desirable. It's the eucalyptus resulting from a failed business venture that served as a magnet for the wealthiest people in the region (nation? World?)
Col. Hodges, civil war officer turned regulator for the syndicates. heard about growth spurts of eucs, but no one tested it before they planted them all over hell and gone. Except on Jolina Way, where they are 'protected' by the French. (Note; Hodges the lake is named after)
If the city hires the same company to cut this one down as they hired for tree removal from the park, they'll cut down the wrong tree.... Even though this is the only tree , they 'll find a way to fuck it up.. Idiots.
Not quite the right story in Cardiff, but it makes a good spin to rile up the troops. The real story of the Monterey Pine is the City was going to cut it down as it had some kind of disease. The citizens did rally. We got an arborist who said he could fix the problem using nectar from bees and other things that he had in his armory. We asked for a year and the City gave him a year. After a year the tree looked worse than before and the arborist, who citizens hired, said he didn't think he could help the tree. There are a lot of really crappy stories that staff in Encinitas has done. Let's don't give them ammo for something that they didn't do.
2:13 not added to? That whole sitting area brick and mortar- elevated kitchen like bar was not there in 2007- that was only put in after the tree was removed
They were Torrey Pine trees, a native species. They were given a year's reprieve by Jose Aponte, the county library administrator. George Hahn began his treatment, and new growth appeared in apparent recovery. It seemed to me that the library withheld water in a very dry year. The library staff wanted to cut the three trees down from the very beginning. They eventually got their wish.
New tree could have been planted as replacement. They weren't. You can see the result on the south side of the library. Sad
Yes it is sad- that the library was very poorly planned from the beginning. That initial construction is what killed the trees actually. ( poor planning and root zone damage and compaction). Hopefully we can learn from this and do what it takes to preserve the trees before we erect some junkie building.
It's staff choosing commuter times at a traffic signal improvement over a heritage tree.
Watch they will propose removing the tree, replace landscaping with pavement and increase the length of the turn pocket. No roundabouts or streetscape involved... But KLCC members are too stupid to understand that point.
Does the city value carlsbad commuter times over its heritage trees?
It has everything to do with streetscape design. The design 4a? wiped out trees and put in roundabouts. Isn't it scary to know that the roundabouts at the expense of Leucadia history is driving the destruction.
Leucadia history??? Lololll Bums, winos, hookers, pimps, druggies. That's some history you want to maintain. Oh, in the 30-60's H101 was an open stretch of highway with speeds up to 70 mph. Is that what you want to return to???
Highway 101 going north was at a dead stop, this morning.
We cherish Leucadia's history, and its funky character. If you don't, then why are your businesses here, Master Crapper? You got your properties for a steal, and are paying low property taxes.
Now you put down the very characteristics that helped you get your commercial real estate interests at bargain basement values.
In the 30's through the 60's cars were not traveling 70 mph, according to Jim Bond, who reminisced at Council Meetings about traveling down the highway, getting out to get some flowers, and jumping back in.
On any major arterial, which is the City's definition of a highway, speeders can illegally get up to speeds of 70 MPH. That doesn't mean roundabouts should be placed on all major arterials, to prevent insane speeders. Why not put roundabouts on freeways, then, too, to cut back on traffic injuries and fatalities?
In any case, we could never return to the same scenario as the 30's thru 60's, because we now have Interstate 5, and many more cars on our highways and freeways.
The plans to cut down the Eucalyptus near Leucadia Blvd., on 101, are part of the Leucadia Streetscape engineeered plans of "beautification." Cutting down that tree and changing the left hand turn lane was not proposed prior to the Cementscape proposal, aka Plan 4A.
We knew from Peltz and Associates' cartoon drawings for Phase 1 that much of the old growth trees would be removed, and saplings would be planted to replace them. These saplings will not create a new canopy, in our lifetime.
As of June 5, the City verified, by its Leucadia Hwy 101 roundabout project roll out, that this particular tree would be added to the list of destruction. Staff and Council had been pre-warned that this ongoing destruction of Leucadia's canopy was part and parcel of Plan 4a.
The roundabouts and continuing removal of the canopy are all part of the plan, and your efforts to divert attention and to duck accountability are obvious. Leucadia Town Council, now known as Leucadia-Encinitas Town Council is comprised of a small number of members. They seem to follow along, in concert, especially re endorsing roundabouts, with the Board of Directors of Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.
L-ETC didn't even have the courage and the moxie to stand up for Prop A, and against the lobbying by L101MA in opposition to Prop A. L-ETC has become a tool of the Master Crapper, as he manipulates, pressures, marginalizes and deceives, all in the name of an obsession for roundabouts, to allow mitigated negative impact declarations for redevelopment of the properties he and his friends hold. They are drooling, thinking of the benefits they could receive at the general public's great expense.
Too bad the City and the County, through TransNet taxes, can't afford to fund this $19 Million plus project. That is why MC is so bitter about the purchase of Pacific View.
MC characterizes PV as a waste of money, but wants to force a $19 plus Million roundabout project, with six roundabouts, on unwilling locals. Otherwise, he would encourage a public vote. Roundabouts could be on the General Election ballot! Thousands of people signed petitions against their being installed in Leucadia, against eliminating lanes on Historic State Highway 101.
Some people in Encinitas commute to Carlsbad and vice versa. I am not going to hate on Carlsbad commuters because our city is bound and determined to kill another heritage tree. MC is just looking for someone to blame, other than the 101 Streetscape plan that he and his cohorts have pushed to Council, and are still trying to force on the community.
"Why not put roundabouts on freeways, then, too, to cut back on traffic injuries and fatalities?"
Freeway accidents happen far less than at intersections and rural roads. And freeways that do have stop lights would benefit from roundabouts. In 1979 here in the US, there were 51,093 vehicle related fatalities. In 2012 there were only 33,561 with over twice the amount of traffic. Step taken toward safety are the foundation for the reasons why fatalities are far less than it used to be. Some might say its for selfish reasons" "They just want safer cars so they can make more money, not save lives!" Indeed, they do make more money, but I don't believe that was their motivation for making a better seatbelt. (And even if it was, good for the rest of us!)
The speed limit prior to 1966 was 60 mph (when they weren't going 70 or more). I witnessed some BAD crashes. So not everything about Leucadia's past is cherished by me and what was and is unsafe is somewhere near the top of that foul list.
There is not more traffic today than there's ever been on 101. In 1965 prior to the freeway opening there was far more. That's also the reason all gas stations for 25 miles moved east and off of 101. Less cars, less business. (Save for our handy and die hard Mobil station of course).
"We cherish Leucadia's history, and its funky character"
And so do I. That's why she's stuck with me. What I don't cherish is and or was: * A scorched earth policy * The absence of bike lanes * An unsafe speed limit * Stop lights and signs that rob clean air, time, money and safety. * Diminishing rows of trees. * The absence of traditional and safe street lights (like used to be here.). * Goathead thorns. * Chain stores. * Flooding. * An incomplete sidewalk. * Inadequate parking. * Most 3 to 5 story structures. * Inappropriate architecture. * A dead business district converted to stack and pack bedroom community. Stuff like that. And I know I'm going to make a lot of enemies but you can add Sushi to that list. Ewwwww.
You didn't substantiate that there are less freeway accidents, per car traveling on them vs. traveling on rural roads and "at intersections."
You say, "In 1979 here in the US, there were 51,093 vehicle related fatalities. In 2012 there were only 33,561 with over twice the amount of traffic," but you don't substantiate that, either, or tie that reduction in fatalities to roundabouts, in any way.
We keep repeating, and you keep ignoring that we don't want more stop lights, either. The existing traffic signal at Leucadia Blvd. & 101 will not be eliminated. Do the engineered plans that were rolled out on June 5 show the stop sign at Marcheta and 101 being eliminated?
There probably was more traffic on 101 before the freeway opened. But after that, there was a reduction; now it is increasing, as development, including mixed-use stack and pack, densifies along the Coast. That's why traffic's at a dead stop some days, especially during peak periods.
Probably most people would agree to your list. A reasonable streetscape, absent one-lane roundabouts, could help to remedy all of those things about which you complain. Thirty-five MPH is not an unsafe speed limit. Fifteen MPH through six one lane roundabouts, nearly in a row, is.
Leucadia Blvd. already backs up, significantly, with two roundabouts, numerous traffic lights, which the roundabouts didn't replace, and the stop sign at Leucadia Blvd. and Hygeia, which was to be replaced by a third roundabout, but with no funding or plans to keep that promise, or the promise for "beautification" that was to be part of Phase II of that never completed project.
While that turn lane fills up frequently during the day, you should see it right before Ecke Central school starts in the morning. Many of those cars are parents taking their kids to Ecke from the neighborhood west of 101. I doubt many Carlsbad commuters turn there as the southbound I-5 ramp is so slow.
Sorry, every speed a car goes is unsafe. The faster a car goes, the more harm it can cause. Like any projectile, their mass increases with velocity and our frail bodies are no match at any speed when a two ton vehicle driven by an oblivious texter crosses our path.
"Fifteen MPH through six one lane roundabouts, nearly in a row, is (an unsafe speed limit)."
Where's your science for proving faster speeds are safer than slower ones? Show me and I'll change my mind to your way of thinking and discourage roundabouts as a dangerous, community destroying fad; a wolf in sheep's clothing - the wolves being developers conspiring to upzone and the sheep cloaks; the promise of safety, economy, aesthetics, convenience, cleaner air and shorter travel times.
Phase II of the roundabout project on Leucadia Blvd wouldn't help the back up situation caused by the stop light at Vulcan/Leucadia Blvd one bit. And the only hope of ever getting a roundabout at V/LB would be if and when the train is ever buried. And the train will more likely never be burried if the city spends $25million for the next 4 underpasses, so I highly recommend you sign the petition Leucadia Town Council is circulating for AT GRADE CROSSINGS (if you haven't already) and encourage the city not to waste funds on unneeded, expensive sub tunnels.
One last circulating tip: If you come to a roundabout that is backed up, don't enter the circle if you know you'll have to block it with your car. (It's called courtesy.) I've seen that problem periodically on Leucadia Blvd. What can I say, some drivers are slow learners, others just jerks. The same problem seems to happen just as much at certain traditional signaled intersections around town. Can't count how many times Encinitas Blvd/Vulcan has westbound drivers who can't think ahead far enough to not make the intersection a blockade when the light is red and traffic is heavy. Likewise, if you don't clog a roundabout, it frees up circulation for cars at that roundabout coming from up to three other directions. And nobody likes a Mr. Bungle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s7X5-Drctk
I copied and pasted the national vehicle fatality numbers from what I believed a reliable source. Take it or leave it. I didn't make them up. You're free to believe safety features with cars are not better than they were 30 years ago as well. And not unlike safer cars, roundabouts being infrastructural safety features have a very good track record for saving lives etc. Sorry you didn't catch the core meaning that planning to make things safer is a deliberate choice by engineers that reaps many benefits. Even when Nixon took the simple step of lowering the speed limit to 55mph nation wide, it saved 10,000 lives per year for over 10 years. With cars made better now, (and probably less DUI's due to enormous fines), national vehicle fatalities have drastically dropped - even with speed limits raised back up to 70mph in many places. (Or maybe it's only because of our new 3000 roundabouts!)
Glad you don't want more stop lights, but who's been repeating that? And yes, the Marcheta intersection stops were not present on the drawings for Streetscape display a few weeks back at the library. I took pics of all the maps if you wanna see. You know where I am. And if not, just remember 1234. Even my concrete grey brain matter can't forget my address yet.
When the new Cardiff library was built, the roots on the pine were cut back and the pine started to die. That created the problem and the ultimate death of the tree.
Back in the 80's the city of San Diego placed a bench for sitting under one of these trees in Balboa Park, a branch came down killing a woman, cost the city about $280,000. Killer trees.
That is small potatoes and a darn shame that it can't be worked around somehow to show Encinitas is the tree town it calls itself. In reality not so much. The small potatoes is because all the center median trees will be coming down so the median can be moved a few feet to the east north of Leucadia blvd. and maybe south too. I am sure someone will correct or confirm the future they have planned for OUR 101. Enjoy the time we have left before the single lane north and south from La Costa to A street is created along with, what is it now ? 7 roundabouts, 6 north of Leucadia blvd and one at El Portal That's right folks, this plan is being brought to you by you know who. I would love to see some small bump out into that left turn lane that would show this city cares about its mature specimens. Not likely but the thought is out there. Save our trees.
Yeah small potatoes that someone died... You and Hillary's It doesn't matter. Peas in a pod. And you are wrong about the streetscape , it's 18 roundabouts with Neptune the new northbound lane of 101 and Vulcan the southbound lane. The existing 101 will become a walking zone and community gardens. ( keep your hands and EYES off my tomatoes ).
The new Cardiff library is great. I wouldn't change a thing. It would have been great if they could save the tree, and I'm glad they gave the worm poop a chance, but c'est la vie.
11:35 they could not have expanded the libary without first removing the trees- given that the worms and trees never had a chance, the decision had already been made
3:17 Yeah. Remember the design planned for the one on Quail Gardens Dr.? It looked like a milky plastic greenhouse instead of matching our terracotta bluffs like the one we got on Cornish.
I think the one we have is a $20,000,000 homeless internet hang out.
At least if I loss my job, start taking dope and join the KLCC, I can still check my email and check out craiglist for where they will pay for me to volunteer for medical research.
They were Torrey Pine trees, a native species, at the Cardiff library They were given a year's reprieve by Jose Aponte, the county library administrator. George Hahn began his treatment, and new growth appeared in apparent recovery. It seemed to me that the library withheld water in a very dry year. The library staff wanted to cut the three trees down from the very beginning. They eventually got their wish.
New tree could have been planted as replacement. They weren't. You can see the result on the south side of the library. Sad
Streetscape drawings on the city website show some loss of parking on the 101. The Leucadia Art Gallery has seating pop outs in front and only one parking space.
1. I love trees and it’s too bad when we lose any of them. But WC has it wrong. The canopy is replaceable and that’s not only what Streetscape’s #1 goal is (as per public vote), but its proposed canopy extends south from around Cadmus to A Street where there’s never been a tree lined median before. 2. The poster is right about the railroad’s plan to use Eucalyptus and how they had a mass planting in So Cal in the late 1800's. He’s also right that the wood was useless for making railroad ties because they split. 3. Eucalyptus grow extremely fast and are supposed to live for 400 years. But not being indigenous, they are a stranger in a strange desert here and don’t get enough water. Of course they also fall prey to drunk drivers, billboard companies removing them, disease, NCTD choices and damage to roots from the new drainage system. Or in the case of Leucadia Roadside Park when it flooded for decades, the got too much water. Two large ones fell, one on a child as his mother watched in horror (ask Gary). Fortunately, the large bows missed him. 4. A few years back, word was the two large Monterrey Cypress trees in LRP “had to come down”. About 50 people met there one evening to say goodbye to them before the city chopped them the next day. Arborist Mark Wisnewski was also there and showed everyone WHY they should be removed. The bases of the trees were rotten. He plunged a metal rod deep inside to make his point. I trust Mark and believe he’s the last person to remove a healthy tree. He’s also former president of People For Trees that organized 200 volunteers who planted 101 trees on 101 in 1992. (It only took 3 hours). The surviving 50 trees are looking great by the way! Thanks Mark! 5. In 1880 the first tree planting happened along Vulcan Ave. In 1930 the State planted many trees along 101. Then Mark had the last hurrah in 92 until the city planted the first 101 trees for Streetscape at the north end just 2 years ago. (Thanks City! They're looking good.) 6. Those who complain about “broomstick” sized trees being planted instead of giants aren’t familiar with the immense cost difference and the slim chances that a large tree will survive after being cooped up in a box with ball root. The “broomstick” “weed trees” that were planted in LRP a few years back are actually Monterrey Cypress and are looking great now too at about 30' tall. The two blooming Tipajuana the city replaced the Eucs with at the west end are also looking great. 7. Certainly, we have half the trees on N 101 than we used to, and occasional canopies were thicker. But there has never been a continuous canopy on 101 (as nice as that lore may be) but there's always been large open gap areas. 8. Responding to the citizens desires, the city has a plan to replenish and make the canopy thicker than it ever was. NO ONE ELSE DOES or has done much to address the diminishing trees (outside of Mark and the volunteers 22 years ago). If there’s anyone to blame for what we have now its mostly ourselves. Eucalyptus grow very fast. I transplanted a 1’ blue gum and in 15 years it was 60 feet tall and quite wide. A Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The 2nd best time is today.” 9. Yes, as much as I HATE to see it go, the big old tree at Leucadia Blvd needs to come down. We all know a longer turning lane is needed there. Even now that backs up traffic (which includes emergency vehicles). But the tree's removal is a part of the plan to better traffic circulation on N 101, not to mention make it safer. 10. Some complain “But we’ll never get to see the canopy in our lifetime”. Just what then is their plan to see one? Yes, our lives are quite short compared to trees, but hey, trees all get bigger every day. That’s what they do.
All old trees have some hollows. When those trees were sitting in the flatbed trucks, after they were hacked down, they were not rotten. Sticking a long screw driver in a hollow does not prove that a tree is rotten.
The tree doesn't have to be hacked down. There are better alternatives. Traffic will continue to back up at the traffic signal, which will remain, even if the tree is cut down.
Your acquiescence on this subject comes because of your support of selfish interests re the L101 Streetscape. Do you only question authority when decisions are made against your immediate family members?
The plans to cut down the Eucalyptus near Leucadia Blvd., on 101, are part of the Leucadia Streetscape engineeered plans of "beautification." Cutting down that tree and changing the left hand turn lane was not proposed prior to the Cementscape proposal, aka Plan 4A.
We knew from Peltz and Associates' cartoon drawings for Phase 1 that much of the old growth trees would be removed, and saplings would be planted to replace them. These saplings will not create a new canopy, in our lifetime.
As of June 5, the City verified, by its Leucadia Hwy 101 roundabout project roll out, that this particular tree would be added to the list of destruction. Staff and Council had been pre-warned that this ongoing destruction of Leucadia's canopy was part and parcel of Plan 4a.
The roundabouts and continuing removal of the canopy are all part of the plan, and your efforts to divert attention and to duck accountability are obvious. Leucadia Town Council, now known as Leucadia-Encinitas Town Council is comprised of a small number of members. They seem to follow along, in concert, especially re endorsing roundabouts, with the Board of Directors of Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.
L-ETC didn't even have the courage and the moxie to stand up for Prop A, and against the lobbying by L101MA in opposition to Prop A. L-ETC has become a tool of the Master Crapper, as he manipulates, pressures, marginalizes and deceives, all in the name of an obsession for roundabouts, to allow mitigated negative impact declarations for redevelopment of the properties he and his friends hold. They are drooling, thinking of the benefits they could receive at the general public's great expense.
Too bad the City and the County, through TransNet taxes, can't afford to fund this $19 Million plus project. That is why MC is so bitter about the purchase of Pacific View.
MC characterizes PV as a waste of money, but wants to force a $19 plus Million roundabout project, with six roundabouts, on unwilling locals. Otherwise, he would encourage a public vote. Roundabouts could be on the General Election ballot! Thousands of people signed petitions against their being installed in Leucadia, against eliminating lanes on Historic State Highway 101.
Some people in Encinitas commute to Carlsbad and vice versa. I am not going to hate on Carlsbad commuters because our city is bound and determined to kill another heritage tree. MC is just looking for someone to blame, other than the L101 roundabout plan that he and his cohorts have pushed to Council, and are still trying to force on the community, when valid surveys or needs assessments were never performed and objectively analyzed.
6:45/8:37 FYI The Leucadia/Encinitas Town Council has been a non-profit organization in Leucadia since the mid-seventies. It has always been composed of caring locals who want the best for Leucadia and Encinitas. And although they seldom if ever toot their own horn, LETC has accomplished quite a bit in the last 40 years. As you point out, they’ve hosted the (largest attended) Encinitas City Council Candidate Forums every 2 years since incorporation. Prior to Incorporation they successfully campaigned against the state when Freeway 680 was proposed to dump 3 lanes of traffic onto 101 from all points east at Leucadia Blvd. Past and present board members have also: • Created “Keep Leucadia Funky” chrome license plate holders so that proceeds raise $500 scholarships for interested local Senior High School students. • Launched a modest website: Leucadiatowncouncil.org • Gathered (and still are gathering) signatures to encourage the city to construct several (reasonably priced) AT GRADE CROSSINGS for the railroad tracks – instead of the city’s plan to spend nearly $25 million dollars on 4 more underpasses (like the one recently constructed across from Swami’s). At Grade Crossings exist in other cities, why not ours? • Promoted the arts, with tile mosaics by Roz Light to decorate a park on N. Vulcan. Stood behind Jeremy Wright’s desire for a large mural project at the Leucadia 7-11. • Worked with developers encouraging them to design their projects to fit in better within our existing community – as was accomplished with the vintage 30’s style Art Deco Mobil gas station building that looks more like it belongs in Leucadia than something out of “drawer 5 from Los Angeles”. • Discouraged more alcohol establishments. • Weeded and seeded Leucadia Blvd / 101 median for 2 years making it lush with flowers (just prior to L-101’s 6 median irrigation/planting project). • Participated in and promoted beach clean-ups. • Actively participated in facilitating the city’s Façade Grant Program helping several businesses from lagoon to lagoon to spruce up their appearance. • Brought recycling programs to local schools. • Spoken at countless city hall meetings on a wide variety of issues affecting us all. • Participated in local events like Encinitas Environment Day; the Christmas/Holiday/Heathen (take your pic) parade. • Hold annual Membership Meetings. • Hold monthly board meetings. • Created emails notifying members of current happenings / changes proposed to neighborhoods. • Attended many Citizen Participation Programs, again working for neighborhoods. • Helped plant trees. • Created “Republic of Leucadia” T-shirts to raise funds. • Been probably the only non-profit organization in town that (could have, but) has never asked the city for a dime at their annual mass fundings. Sorry things like these are not worth your $10 per year. So take your ten bucks make yourself happy and buy a cheap lunch. But at least promise to buy it locally. K?
Fred, you're fighting a losing battle using reason, actual history and common sense. Anyone who has met Mark Wisnewski knows he is the last person to remove a tree that has a fighting chance. But we should just agree with 4:46 PM instead of Mark because?? Yes, there are people here who think city employees spend their whole day thinking of ways to screw residents.
4:36, that is pretty much the worst thing anyone has said on this blog. Bringing in that aspect into this discussion is a total cheapshot. Fred has carefully detailed his support for the streetscape over the years. Others have opposed to it. The irony being, I think everyone would like to see a good outcome for Leucadia.
The elephant in the room here is the things that are happening which we have no control over at the end of the day and those are, increased population, increased traffic, increased home values and increased desire to build and live here.
Yes, we can try and slow down traffic, and manage what we build and try to hold business accountable, but there's no putting the genie back in the bottle. During summer, Leucadia goes nuts, that's just the way it is. I've never liked summer as much as the rest of the year for that reason, but that's the price we pay.
We're lucky to have LTC advocating for us! Same goes for Fred. So try and pull your head out of your rear and have a civil discussion. Let's leave the whole low property taxes and personal stuff out of it.
I love that tree down there near Leucadia, but if we can lengthen that turn lane, we need to do it...
4:02 A former city employee Bob Nelson (?) once told me and Sheila "I wish they'd tear down every blue gum Eucalyptus and Oleander in the county!" So after living through the demise of half of our trees and shrubs; a staff person with that disposition and considering the extra maintenance (extra work) such plants require, I haven't ruled that former plan out of their agenda. (The plan for Streetscape however as it stands takes a fraction of existing trees.) On a lighter note, many council members through the years LOVE our trees and realize they are one of the main things that makes Leucadia wonderful. With all the public outcry in the past (and there's been plenty) I can't think of one tree that's ever been spared. Orpheus Park comes to mind first. Sheila and I helped the city plant some of those healthy trees that they eventually took out for private ocean views. And you can't blame the city for one man's goof taking the wrong tree down in LRP that time - as lame as that was. They guy went up the hill to look at the surf. When he came back his workers took down the wrong tree. At least he put his hands to his head in OMG grief. He's no longer with our city. The tree that was wrongly cut down was the Cypress that Mayor Maura Wiegand had planted in 92 with People For Trees. Thankfully the city mitigated that error by planting 4 medium sized Cypress. 2 at the park and 2 at the LEUCADIA entrance sign.
Uhm, only the council is so dumb as to not figure out that the intent has always been something other than saving the canopy. The canopy is gone. It could have been saved if the effort started 15 years ago. Leucadia is crappy without the tree canopy.
I love to look at old pictures of our wonderful city - really old pictures - there are very few trees in them. Today we have a veritable forest! some grow to unimagined heights and are full of egrets, others have heavy fruit, and heavier crows enjoying a meal, some get moved, some die, and some are removed. Regardless, we (humans) planted them, nurtured them, managed them - and if some have to go in order to make our lives easier, then so be it. Just plant another one, or 50..............
British cities removing roundabouts and replacing with traffic signals. Irish cities removing roundabouts and replacing with traffic signals. The roundabout fad is dying.
When was your trip? Were there one lane roundabouts at three way intersections, with the coast on one side and RR tracks on the other?
My sources, who have lived there, tell me that roundabouts don't work abroad, either, when the cross traffic is significantly less than that of the main through-way.
State your source, along with the city, county and region of the UK or zip it. I've been to the UK, the roundabouts work, just like they do on Leucadia Blvd....
In July, 2014 I spent 4 weeks in Italy. Rome has roundabouts almost everywhere you go and they work well. I cannot even imagine if they had stop lights instead of the roundabouts. Traffic would be backed up for miles. In Florence, same things. Granted, Venice does not have roundabouts, as everything is on water. Now onto the UK, in Sept. 2013. Roundabouts to get on the expressways work very well. They work well in London too. Again traffic lights would cause huge backups in traffic. Ireland-2013- Also roundabouts. I asked people in all 3 countries if they thought the roundabouts were better than traffic lights and everyone I spoke to stated YES, emphatically. I would post my name, but then some hater would say "You're just showing off because you have been to these places." So, I'll just be anonymous.
Do the property owners close to the roundabouts know that the city will take by eminent domain enough of their properties to construct the roundabouts?
we all know the reason the city staff is pushing roundabouts is not safety or the environment - it is too avoid a traffic study that would should the detrimental imapct on the community by the upzone-
Why did you try and tie roundabouts to an issue that is caused by a traffic signal and not a roundabout?
The lead in should be, Ya know, we all know KLCC loves wasting time and money, know their love for Traffic Signals is causing the demolition of yet another heritage trees.
The reality is intersections controlled by traffic signalized intersection take up much greater space needs than that of roundabouts and therefore require the removal of many more trees and less area for other needs like parking, walkways and bike lanes.
Guess what, in Carlsbad, bicyclists and pedestrians will have the option of using the bike/ped lane in the railtrail corridor. Not so for the five 3-way intersection roundabouts now designed and presented in engineered plans, on 101, through Leucadia.
Bicyclists and motorists will be forced, in Encinitas, on 101, to funnel into narrow one-lane roundabouts, bottlenecking bicycles and cars into one lane northbound and one lane southbound.
Carlsbad got a grant for that roundabout from TransNet taxes because of the railtrail corridor lane separated from the highway. That's not happening here. Also, the configuration of adjacent residences is very different, in Carlsbad. You are comparing apples to oranges. And notice, Carlsbad is only doing one, at least for now, not six!
Few cyclists will use the coastal rail trail--maybe families with little kids, but that's about it. Look at the CRT in Solana Beach if you don't believe me. Why? Pedestrians wander and block the trail; dogs are unpredictable; not all of it is paved and smooth. When cycling for exercise, people usually want a relatively constant level of effort and heart rate--often between 16 and 23 MPH.
The roundabouts are very safe for cyclists and cars to share, because the target speed is usually 10-15 MPH. When cars and bikes go the same speed, there is little danger. The most danger for a cyclist is when cars have a high closing speed from behind (cyclists can't see you coming), and the driver doesn't notice the cyclist, and/or underestimates the space needed to pass the cyclist. It seems like an oxymoron, but cyclists are safer in the middle of the lane, as when crossing a roundabout, because it's almost impossible not to notice them.
I used to do long course triathlons, and rode 150-200 miles per week on our local roads.
Hi. I'm new to the city (just replaced the irreplaceable Jared Whitlock at the Coast News) and am interested in this topic. Who are good folks in Leucadia to reach out to?
Don't bother with any of the idiots at the city. They are an enormous waste of time. Shills for big govt and bigger spending, not to mention big salaries and bigger pensions.
Go talk to Fred Caldwell. Fred knows everyone and everything Leucadian.
Aaron-Perhaps you should get your story right about Graboi and Blakespeare before you go rattling too many cages. Something to consider, IMHO. Blakespeare was never for Prop. A and julie was. Same thing with DB. You got your story wrong, so your credibility is a little off at least for many of us who read the story and know it is not accurate.
If it is possible kindly refer to residents participating at city hall and council meetings as concerned residents, concerned citizens, long time resident etc- use of the word activist in my opinion- causes the reader to have a negative bias that those participating are malcontents or some other negative designation-
Long time Mayor Jerome stocks used to try and paint those with opposing views as "activists" and former Mayor Barth and Gus Vina came up with what they call the "gang of 28"
FYI anonymous, I promptly made that fix and had a great conversation with Mrs Graboi to get a solid understanding of her background as well as some of the issues she has championed for years. Encinitas is a very complex beat, as I've learned this far, and while I'm an experienced reporters, I'm admittedly green when it comes to the subtleties and complexities of the five communities and how they interact. I can and will do better moving forward. Thanks
2nd Anonymous- I will definitely call you concerned citizens. What is funny is that often times as journalists we are trained to use "activists" as opposed to more pejorative terms like "gadflies." But if there is ever a better, less negative connoting term, I definitely am going to use it. Thanks again!
Thank you for taking the time to first check in here and then check back. You might visit the link on this site about the council lying on the Prop A ballot statement-
A resident went to city hall and asked the council to show them the city code forever outlawing 5 story buildings and they could not- they also directed the council to the upzone on the 101 with Pacific Station that had happened without a vote of the people
the 3 council members Barth Shaffer and kranz were all at the kick off fundraiser for Blakespear and all three are supporting her. They all opposed the citizens right to vote.
ps- Mayor Gaspar , Ms Barth and Lisa Shaffer refer to those with opposing views as obstructionists-
In my opinion, the voices of reason around here generally are Mr. Green Jeans, Fred, and the Sculpin. Most of the rest were extras in the Star Wars bar scene. In fact, there are a few I would go out of my way to avoid--probably the ones most likely to aggressively engage you. I'll let you figure out who they are on your own.
As with most Interwebs, it's all too easy to scream hyperbole and insults when not in the presence of 98.6 degree meat. Still good points are sometimes made, and the folks here do care a lot about our little town. You'd be wise to bring a good filter and a thick skin you stupid idiot liar scumbag criminal--sorry, it's a reflex.
Other stuff you should know: WC Varones is the pseudonym of our gracious host, who is a fiscal conservative but otherwise plays it pretty neutral. If you are ever bored, take a strong position on roundabouts, then make some popcorn and watch the fireworks. You should also educate yourself on every local land use decision dating back to the Siberian land bridge. Chances are good that it will come up again--no one here has forgotten anything or gotten over perceived bad decisions--ever.
There are many more landlines, but giving you a map would take too long and deny me the fun of watching you step on them.
I am sure you will find an open forum of debate here. It is often a debate between some presenting facts and other presenting an opinion. Some seem to play devil's advocate for the sake of devil's advocate while others sound like apologist for city hall. It is rumored that even the city spin doctor makes regular rounds of the blog and political trolls are as expected- simply that, political trolls.
I am sure as an honest broker of news you will quickly reach your own conclusions of various posters without the need to be directed to consider the opinions of a select few. Some apparently seek to control the debate and the media at every turn.
Welcome the real down and dirty of what is happening at ciyt hall. It will be a challenge to scoop WCV- you might drop WCV a note if you want story ideas, info or background.
There are appropriate uses for both "concerned citizens" and "activists."
Many are "concerned" enough to keep informed, discuss issues with neighbors, and vote regularly. There is a much smaller group of "activists." These are self-appointed experts who feel compelled to speak publicly on every issue.
It is safe to stand between "concerned citizens" and a microphone.
3:34 wants us to be silent, talk amongst neighbors and vote- perhaps it is he who thinks he is a "self-appointed expert" on concerned citizens.
Aaron here are examples of concerned citizens - Were it not for concered residents speaking at city hall -
1. Dan Dalager would be in office with his 100,000 loan and free kitchen intact. 2. Jerome Midnight Stocks would be in office 3. The Nichols road report showing the city was $47million behind in repairs would be buried. 4. There would have been no EIR at the Hall Park and our childrent, loved ones and pets would be exposed to toxic dirt 5. There would have been no change to the density bonus interpretations and residents would continue to get screwed. 6. Lew Edwards would be cashing the taxpayer check for $180,000, we would be answering surveys and Vina Shaffer Barth and Kranz would be preparing for a 2014 Sales tax increase on residents 7. MIG Barth Gaspar STocks, Muir Kranz Shaffer Bond and Peder Norby would have updated the general plan to allow 5 story buildings throughout the city 8. The Cardiff Commerical District would have been rezoned by Barth Stocks Dalager and Bond to promote 3-5 story buildings, Seaside Market and VG donuts would be gone and we would have the Cardiff High Density Transit village. 9. THE public would not know about the true cost of the Hall Park near $80M 10. There would be no Prop A giving residents the right to vote
Bravo to Waves to Ride today. Spot on as always. Thanks for spelling it out so even the blind can see how the cementscape [thanks too for that yesterday by someone here] will affect the outcome of this poorly planned expensive project that will add less than twenty parking spaces for the $19 million that we don't have anyway. Save that eucalyptus until this actually begins to happen just in case it does not go according to the 101 streetscape promoters wishes.
4:44 Removing an acre or so of asphalt down the center of 101 from Cadmus to A Street (nearly a mile) to plant trees is hardly what describes a "cenmentscape" to me. Nor does the rest of the scorched/ignored earth that will be beautifully planted. Sorry you'd like to keep it sealed up, barren and rich with goathead thorns. I'm with you on saving the big tree for as long as possible though.
Waves to ride- pure horse shit. Another crap lover. Hey crap lover , there's a guy on this blog with some bridges for you to jump off. Good luck with that .
Thanks, Waves to Ride. It is about the poster's 1st Amendment rights. I'm glad he or she is sharing information and educated opinions with us.
Anyone can post here, "undercover." The 1st Amendment doesn't give Fred or anyone else the automatic right to post on someone's blog. You know that, FC.
Nope. I'm with ya. I support anyone's right to have a one sided blog to say anything they wish. Why give the public a forum to consider alternatives to anyone's absolute opinion on important issues if a blog site holding citizen doesn't want anyone else's input? I still respect WCV's interactive version of free speech better.
But I will address one sentence, since you gave me that option, thank you.
"With crosswalks only or crosswalks atop speed tables, guess what would be rendered unnecessary in the Leucadia 101 corridor? You got it! Roundabouts!"
Since when do roundabouts supply only the need for pedestrian crosswalks? What about efficiency, safety, beauty, cheaper cost in the longrun compared to lights, cleaner air, less gas consumption, less wear and tear on cars, hmmm? Oh yeah I forgot, no responses allowed.
"The only way to do that is to make the right-of-way between the tracks and 101 a paved, striped parking lot." This from the Waves blog, and it's a total fantasy. Clearly the district and the city made a deal to continue to allow parking on the tracks. And FYI, the district doesn't have the resources to patrol or enforce that in this area.
1:03 & 9:21, you don't have a good argument so what you resort to is faulty logic, misinformation, avoidance and obfuscation. That's been your m.o. from the start, and you've stuck with it. You're fooling yourselves and a few other people. Anybody who studies the plan and the facts discovers the whole idea is a bust.
6:17 The whole idea was fully vetted by the public with over 2 decades of finding out what Leucadians want for N 101. But you can't please all the people all the time. Especially ones like yourself who want to send vast improvements in safety and aesthetics on our corridor "to Disneyland". Really? Your m. o. from the start has been obstructing restoration and enhancement. Ain't freedom grand?
6:11 if you want to start a forum allowing commentary start one. If you want to start a forum to share your ideas start one. That my friend is what the first amendment is all about
11:37 As stated somewhere near here, a blog is a point of view. If you have a point of view you want to express, start a blog. If you want to allow comments, go for it! No comments allowed is OK too. BTW, did you know that the mysterious host of this blog disallows some comments?
6:11, what's your blog URL? You can write there or comment here, so your First Amendment rights are not abridged. Plus, you wouldn't want those other blogs to moderate your comments, would you?
6:41 probably means as the New York Times and other highly respected publications do. You won't find trolls there, only intelligent, informed discussion.
Screw roundabouts and the circle jerks that want them.
The truth is the circle jerks don't want to wait to turn left on 101, instead out of selfishness they would punish the entire city with more traffic snarls and decreased emergency response times. But hey, they will get home five minutes sooner!
If you want to beautify Leucadia, start by clearing away all the junk that blocks most of the sidewalk in front of Cauldwell's. Or is that bottleneck some type of experimental pedestrian roundabout?
If you want to beautify Leucadia how about planting some flowers....nope can't do that, can't make it nice looking someone might discover your secret hideaway. Crap lover, hater.
Nineteen left turn opportunities onto 101 at no-signal T intersections between A and BG per the plans online. Four show roundabouts. 4/19 = 21% Three are way north. One is at a condo entry. The fourth is down south at El Portal. Somehow, that just doesn't seem like a balanced or anywhere near complete way to ensure safe lefts onto 101 for most drivers.
The one at La Costa Ave is needed. The one at Bishop's Gate doesn't serve a condo, but an entire community of over 200 condos. BG is their only access to N 101. They need it. The one at Grandview is everyone's last opportunity to return to the hwy from Neptune. They need it. The one at Jupiter makes it more convenient for many, but is probably the least needed. The one at El Portal is needed. 7:09 At all of those locations * speed limits are lower, improving safety. * stops are replaced with yields, improving traffic flow. * pedestrian crossing distances are vastly shortened, improving safety. At all 5 of them, U-Turn capabilites are introduced that do not exist right now; T-bone crashes are made almost impossible. At 4 of them, left turns are possible entering one lane without stopping and without having to cross 3 lanes of 35mph traffic. Oh yeah, and they'll remove a lot of asphalt along with the mile long median we're going to get with trees and flowers from Cadmus to A St. Everyone has the right to want to keep over an acre of historic asphalt though.
Well Good morning Sunshine. I hope you had a successful feeding session last night even though it was not a fun moon.
Your lies and ignorance always catch up to you. The roundabout and associated Separate bike / Pedestrian facility are the improvements under Carlsbads and Oceanside's portion of the Coastal Rail Trail. Go up and experience it for yourself, the construction is complete with the exception of the art sculpture work in the middle of the roundabout. Do you think Encinitas might enjoy some opportunities for some key locations dedicated for sculptures or other art work?
Man some people can not believe facts that are right are so apparent to the normal people. Like the world is really round and if you swim out in the pacific ocean over a mille, you will fall off the edge of the earth.
I guess that is want happens with you become a night dweller.
1:26 You don't know what inhibits emergency response times until you've driven over the 5 speed bumps on Orpheus; the street our fire station is on. Or the other ones on Devonshire next to Scripps Hospital.
Those things on Devonshire are positioned so wide-track emergency vehicles ride in the spaces between them. Not so for the jarring bumps on Orpheus. If the bumps were stretched out to become low domes, they would slow the traffic but the effect on emergency response would be negligible. They don't speed wildly on residential neighborhood streets. They have to almost stop for bumps but wouldn't have to do for longer domes.
7:44: Good. But it's still dumb to put speed bumps on the street closest to the front door of the ER and on a street with a fire station. You've got to go a LOT slower over a speed bump than you do through a roundabout.
8:15 Good. Definately a smoother access/egress to the ER on Santa Fe, but still the longer way to get to for many because of bumps on Devonshire.
9:31 Is that what I said? No. Just shining light on jarring infrastructure that does slow down emergency response times a lot more than the brief negligible moments roundabouts do. Right next to a hospital and fire dept no less.
What is your obsession with making misleading conclusions?
I didn't lie. I said that the funding was granted for the roundabout because there is a separate bike/ped lane in the RR right of way. That's the same thing you are saying. Leucadia is not scheduled to have a separate rail-trail corridor bike and ped lane where the six roundabouts are planned.
You are the one twisting the truth, and calling me names, casting aspersions.
People would get home five minutes sooner, conceivably, going home from the beach, but I doubt it. During peak traffic periods, motorists would still have to come to a complete stop, before entering the roundabout, when traffic is backed up on 101.
Emergency vehicles getting to people's home, would be delayed, no question, by six roundabouts.
Emergency vehicles can travel through a roundabout much easier and quicker than a gridlocked Signalized intersection- I watch that fact occur everyday on Leucadia Blvd. The engines zip through the roundabout at 18 mph, but slow to 0 to 3 mph at the Signals at Vulcan and Hwy101.
Not when the traffic is gridlocked in one or both directions at the roundabout. Both directions are one lane, and the traffic can't get out of the way. At a wider, signaled intersection, the traffic moves to the side where it can, stops, and the emergency vehicles go to the vacated opposite side of the street if they have to. Do ride-alongs or talk to an EMS driver. You'll see how it works.
The traffic gridlocks frequently during the summer regardless of what's in place and its always due to stops not gos. If you'd like to eliminate gridlock on 101, campaign to make it 8 lanes. If you'd like emergency vehicles to have the option of a wider path because of the bike lanes, campaign for Streetscape.
Yes, traffic already gridlocks frequently during peak seasonal periods, and when I-5 is backed-up. Adding six roundabouts, five of them one-laners, would make matters exponentially worse!
Cementscape would eliminate the eight foot wide bicycle lanes. The bicycles going north, through Leucadia, would have to go through the five one lane roundabouts, with all the motorists, unlike in Carlsbad. For that roundabout, bicyclists have the option of using the railtrail corridor lane, separated from the highway.
"Adding six roundabouts, five of them one-laners, would make matters exponentially worse!"
Still don't get it? OK, let's say instead of 5 or 6 places where roundabouts slowed traffic down, we instead did the opposite and made those areas where traffic could temporarily go faster than the speed limit. Would southbound cars cluster faster from the red light at Leucadia Blvd? Sure they would.
Few realize that when a car slows down, it causes traffic flow to undulate which creates a gap in front of every driver. But if you can't understand why cars not having to stop for 9000 minutes each day improves efficiency of travel, I doubt you'd consider much else in favor of roundabouts. If we plan to create more space in front of us, we'll be reading less bumper stickers. It won't cure gridlock at critical times, but it will diminish it.
You are the one who still doesn't get it. As you've admitted, traffic is already gridlocked during peak traffic periods. Adding five one-lane roundabouts to the mix and reducing our highway to one lane northbound and one lane southbound would make matters exponentially worse.
There is no scientific evidence that cars would "not have to stop for 9000 minutes per day," as you claim, without substantiation, because cars wanting to enter the roundabouts from west of 101 would still have to come to a complete stop during high traffic periods, in order to enter the roundabouts.
I can say from actual experience as a first responder, that navigating the roundabouts in La Jolla do delay emergency vehicles. Comparing the current two lanes or roads with speed bumps to a single lane with a roundabout is apples and oranges.
Reducing traffic to one lane creates more congestion which then bottle necks at the roundabout. The emergency vehicles can't get around the back-up to even enter the roundabout as there is no room to pull to the right. The solution was often to take side streets in the residential neighborhoods, which is it's own risk.
You know, blight was the cry of the development friendly crowd that wanted to blight Leucadia, back when Christy Guerin was in office. In fact, JP began the Leucadia Blog to oppose the blighting of Leucadia, justified on the grounds that if Leucadia were blighted, the City could collect more tax dollars through a Redevelopment Agency, aka RDA. The false promise was floated that if we were part of an RDA, the City could fix our drainage challenges, with a larger pipe that could be installed for something like $35 Million.
Thank God Jerry Brown put an end to RDA's, packed with developers, who used taxpayer dollars to benefit themselves, at the public's great expense.
And thank goodness, at the time, when RDA's were still hot in San Diego, and allowed the blighting of a great deal of more affordable housing to build the Stadium and surrounding pack and stack, which new-build developments suffered greatly when the housing bubble burst, Leucadians rallied, stepped up and petitioned Council, in person and through e-mails and letters, so that the RDA didn't go through.
I believe a vote to form an RDA would have taken 4 out of 5 Council Members to approve, and Christy Guerin ended up voting, with Maggie Houlihan, to oppose.
As I remember, Jim Bond, Jerome Stocks, and Dan Dalager all supported blighting our beloved Leucadia, as did Charles Marvin, Peder Norby, Doug Harwood, and more special interests aligned with the Building Industry Association.
3:50 Amen to Jerry's decision to extinguish Redevelopment. And that part about "creating more revenue" for the city? Only 4% of the cities who've ever adopted Redevelopment have ever been able to pay back the state what they borrowed, and the total for Encinitas would have been $750 million dollars with interest at the end of the 40 year loan. And cities drag their feet paying anything back. Donna Fry was the only council member in SD who wanted to, the rest voted her down. How did Mr. Miller's resort do when he relocated over 100 mom n pop shops in S. Lake Tahoe? It went bankrupt. But the cherry on the cake here in town was the first round of Redevelopment wanted to take the SRF property for a hotel. It was around 1990 and the first time I saw monks from SRF at city hall. I had to go ask one "Don't tell me they want part of your property too?" and they said "All of it! All 12 acres!" Is nothing sacred? It was $50 million Rick Engineering wanted for their micro-tunnel at the expense of EVERY tree in the median. That went over like a lead balloon. The boondoggle that followed that was that two entities passed the buck for putting a smaller, less efficient pipe in claiming "the Coastal Commision said we couldn't". They said no such thing. Jerome actually came around and ultimately voted against Redevelopment (kudos Mr. S!). Peder's push was it could be good if done right. My argument was that downtown's Streetscape accomplished a great facelift for far less, improved revenue and didn't have to rob anyone's property through Eminent Domain. The 2nd time an RDA raised its ugly head was when Redevelopment coincidentally was being raked over the coals in many cities in the news media and I think that helped sway 4 of the councilmembers to vote against it. Can't remember how Dan or 007 voted that night.
If there are long lines to enter the roundabout and no way to get past the traffic there will be delays or emergency vehicles may start taking Vulcan or Neptune depending on which side of the tracks there destination lies.
Long summer time back ups or times when the 5 freeway overflow hits 101 will more than likely cause more than a few seconds delay.
The recent fatality accident on N. 5 involving two big rigs is a good example. In addition to the gridlock on the two south bound and the one north bound lanes on 101, Vulcan was backed up north and south. If there was a major call that day it could have been very bad.
Has the city done any real studies or polled the Sheriff, Fire or Lifeguards on this issue ?
Plus the city could make Hwy 101 a 6 lane freeway and you will still have the same backup when i5 gridlocks.
If you try and build your way out of it (widenings) the community turns out like LA. I rather go the route and strategy of Santa Barbra and other quality of life communities.
No one said anything about widening the lanes. And no one said anything about widening the highway by adding lanes. More distraction and irrelevant arguments.
What most locals don't want is to reduce a major arterial, primary circulation element to one lane northbound and one lane southbound, through most of the 101 Corridor, beginning at El Portal and right up to La Costa. That would be madness.
We don't see the ill-advised but hard-pushed plan ever coming to fruition. The City doesn't have the money, TransNet taxes are not set aside to fund it, and the majority of locals don't want or need six roundabouts on Historic State Highway 101.
I have lived in Encinitas all my life. I was born on Quail garden Rd. Do we need more people living in our town? STOP BUILDING MORE HOUSES on othe land. STOP ALLOWING PEOPLE TO sell out to DEVELOPERS. For Ex: ecke If you really have to sell your land, make it R1 or agriculture. Where have all the flowers gone? ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC. ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC. ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC. ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC. STOP ARGUING ABOUT "STREETSCAPE" (WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY.) No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3. Feel free to contact me - ncsdtree@hotmail.com
This is how Encinitas CIty Hall works. Mayor Barth so called friend of Cardiff Library helped butcher the old historic montery pines in front of the library years ago to make room for the library expansion-
ReplyDeleteOf course Barth couldn't tell the public this- so at first the city and libray claimed the trees were what---------what you say-------right, the trees were dying
but when Cardiff residents got wind of the savagery they went to the library, city hall, county libraries director and county supervisors and got stay of execution when a cardiff arborist showed the trees were very much alive
seeing they were outgunned the library leaders acquiesced until a year had passed and outrage had settled down- then one day they cut the trees down saying- they didn't make it. So who decided that?
Low and behold 12 months later they break ground for the library expansion- exactly what they wanted all along.
There were three trees destroyed. The expansion of the "newly built" library included enlarging the community room.
DeleteI am fed up with the city and the lack of tree knowledge as much as anyone and I am not on here to argue but people like you need to do your research!
DeleteI dont care about Theresa Barth or the library or the friends of it, but I do know the exact story with the 3 pines -which were in fact pinus torreyana ( aka Soledad Pine) not a Monterey.
The trees were dying years before any "expansion".
The initial library plan and construction damaged roots which caused the trees to become distressed. The new landscape installation slowly killed the Torrey Pines and The friends of the Library tried to save the trees. I know this because I was the Arborist involved in the futile attempt. So please stop with your ignorant rumors! Who are you anyway??
This is why I stay away from all of this gossip crap.
What a shame. It would be better if they could work around it, but on balance, Streetscape is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI have been told a story about how the eucalyptus got here. Can anyone validate this?
I heard that Rancho Santa Fe was actually a ranch run by the Santa Fe railroad company. At the time, construction in the west was exploding, and timber for railroad ties was becoming more scarce and expensive. Someone in the company found a fast-growing tree that didn't require a lot of water, and imported the first local eucalyptus from Australia. Rancho Santa Fe was to be a commercial growing operation for the railroad ties.
As the trees matured, tests revealed that the wood is a poor choice for rail ties (not sure why).
Santa Fe Railroad wrote off the investment and sold the land. That canopy, so rare in SoCal, is what made the location so desirable. It's the eucalyptus resulting from a failed business venture that served as a magnet for the wealthiest people in the region (nation? World?)
The wood was unsuitable for railroad ties because it split during the drying process - a matter of structural integrity for bearing loads.
DeleteCol. Hodges, civil war officer turned regulator for the syndicates. heard about growth spurts of eucs, but no one tested it before they planted them all over hell and gone. Except on Jolina Way, where they are 'protected' by the French. (Note; Hodges the lake is named after)
DeleteWrong, 8:06, Streetscape is not a good thing. It's a monumentally stupid thing that will not happen as now planned.
Delete12:35
DeleteSo keeping 22 mandatory stops we now have will help improve traffic flow? How deprived of reason is that?
If the city hires the same company to cut this one down as they hired for tree removal from the park, they'll cut down the wrong tree.... Even though this is the only tree , they 'll find a way to fuck it up.. Idiots.
ReplyDeleteGet "curbs and gutters" Shaffer to wield the axe.
ReplyDeletemaybe we can use the wood so Gaspar can make some furniture for poor people
DeleteThese are unstable trees
ReplyDeleteGive them Prozac...
DeleteNot quite the right story in Cardiff, but it makes a good spin to rile up the troops. The real story of the Monterey Pine is the City was going to cut it down as it had some kind of disease. The citizens did rally. We got an arborist who said he could fix the problem using nectar from bees and other things that he had in his armory. We asked for a year and the City gave him a year. After a year the tree looked worse than before and the arborist, who citizens hired, said he didn't think he could help the tree. There are a lot of really crappy stories that staff in Encinitas has done. Let's don't give them ammo for something that they didn't do.
ReplyDeleteRight you are about that tree's history, 8:28. And the Cardiff library building was not added to, but the landscaping was enhanced later.
Delete2:13 not added to? That whole sitting area brick and mortar- elevated kitchen like bar was not there in 2007- that was only put in after the tree was removed
DeleteThey were Torrey Pine trees, a native species. They were given a year's reprieve by Jose Aponte, the county library administrator. George Hahn began his treatment, and new growth appeared in apparent recovery. It seemed to me that the library withheld water in a very dry year. The library staff wanted to cut the three trees down from the very beginning. They eventually got their wish.
DeleteNew tree could have been planted as replacement. They weren't. You can see the result on the south side of the library. Sad
Yes it is sad- that the library was very poorly planned from the beginning. That initial construction is what killed the trees actually. ( poor planning and root zone damage and compaction).
DeleteHopefully we can learn from this and do what it takes to preserve the trees before we erect some junkie building.
It's the Fd up traffic signal and staff trying to improve Carlsbad residents commute that is the cause if the staff wanting to remove the tree.
ReplyDeleteStaff wants to remove it to lengthen the traffic signalized left hand turn lane.
If it were a roundabout, the tree removal would not be needed.
Yeah roundabouts. Boo traffic signals and staff recommending removal of a heritage tree to better serve Carlsbad commuters.
Bad streetscape design. The city use to save trees.
DeleteHas nothing to do with streetscape design.
DeleteIt's staff choosing commuter times at a traffic signal improvement over a heritage tree.
Watch they will propose removing the tree, replace landscaping with pavement and increase the length of the turn pocket. No roundabouts or streetscape involved... But KLCC members are too stupid to understand that point.
Does the city value carlsbad commuter times over its heritage trees?
Where is ELTC on this issue ?!!!
9:17 AM
DeleteIt has everything to do with streetscape design. The design 4a? wiped out trees and put in roundabouts. Isn't it scary to know that the roundabouts at the expense of Leucadia history is driving the destruction.
Leucadia history??? Lololll
DeleteBums, winos, hookers, pimps, druggies. That's some history you want to maintain.
Oh, in the 30-60's H101 was an open stretch of highway with speeds up to 70 mph. Is that what you want to return to???
Highway 101 going north was at a dead stop, this morning.
DeleteWe cherish Leucadia's history, and its funky character. If you don't, then why are your businesses here, Master Crapper? You got your properties for a steal, and are paying low property taxes.
Now you put down the very characteristics that helped you get your commercial real estate interests at bargain basement values.
In the 30's through the 60's cars were not traveling 70 mph, according to Jim Bond, who reminisced at Council Meetings about traveling down the highway, getting out to get some flowers, and jumping back in.
On any major arterial, which is the City's definition of a highway, speeders can illegally get up to speeds of 70 MPH. That doesn't mean roundabouts should be placed on all major arterials, to prevent insane speeders. Why not put roundabouts on freeways, then, too, to cut back on traffic injuries and fatalities?
In any case, we could never return to the same scenario as the 30's thru 60's, because we now have Interstate 5, and many more cars on our highways and freeways.
The plans to cut down the Eucalyptus near Leucadia Blvd., on 101, are part of the Leucadia Streetscape engineeered plans of "beautification." Cutting down that tree and changing the left hand turn lane was not proposed prior to the Cementscape proposal, aka Plan 4A.
We knew from Peltz and Associates' cartoon drawings for Phase 1 that much of the old growth trees would be removed, and saplings would be planted to replace them. These saplings will not create a new canopy, in our lifetime.
As of June 5, the City verified, by its Leucadia Hwy 101 roundabout project roll out, that this particular tree would be added to the list of destruction. Staff and Council had been pre-warned that this ongoing destruction of Leucadia's canopy was part and parcel of Plan 4a.
The roundabouts and continuing removal of the canopy are all part of the plan, and your efforts to divert attention and to duck accountability are obvious. Leucadia Town Council, now known as Leucadia-Encinitas Town Council is comprised of a small number of members. They seem to follow along, in concert, especially re endorsing roundabouts, with the Board of Directors of Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.
L-ETC didn't even have the courage and the moxie to stand up for Prop A, and against the lobbying by L101MA in opposition to Prop A. L-ETC has become a tool of the Master Crapper, as he manipulates, pressures, marginalizes and deceives, all in the name of an obsession for roundabouts, to allow mitigated negative impact declarations for redevelopment of the properties he and his friends hold. They are drooling, thinking of the benefits they could receive at the general public's great expense.
Too bad the City and the County, through TransNet taxes, can't afford to fund this $19 Million plus project. That is why MC is so bitter about the purchase of Pacific View.
MC characterizes PV as a waste of money, but wants to force a $19 plus Million roundabout project, with six roundabouts, on unwilling locals. Otherwise, he would encourage a public vote. Roundabouts could be on the General Election ballot! Thousands of people signed petitions against their being installed in Leucadia, against eliminating lanes on Historic State Highway 101.
Some people in Encinitas commute to Carlsbad and vice versa. I am not going to hate on Carlsbad commuters because our city is bound and determined to kill another heritage tree. MC is just looking for someone to blame, other than the 101 Streetscape plan that he and his cohorts have pushed to Council, and are still trying to force on the community.
"Why not put roundabouts on freeways, then, too, to cut back on traffic injuries and fatalities?"
DeleteFreeway accidents happen far less than at intersections and rural roads. And freeways that do have stop lights would benefit from roundabouts. In 1979 here in the US, there were 51,093 vehicle related fatalities. In 2012 there were only 33,561 with over twice the amount of traffic. Step taken toward safety are the foundation for the reasons why fatalities are far less than it used to be. Some might say its for selfish reasons" "They just want safer cars so they can make more money, not save lives!" Indeed, they do make more money, but I don't believe that was their motivation for making a better seatbelt. (And even if it was, good for the rest of us!)
The speed limit prior to 1966 was 60 mph (when they weren't going 70 or more). I witnessed some BAD crashes. So not everything about Leucadia's past is cherished by me and what was and is unsafe is somewhere near the top of that foul list.
There is not more traffic today than there's ever been on 101. In 1965 prior to the freeway opening there was far more. That's also the reason all gas stations for 25 miles moved east and off of 101. Less cars, less business. (Save for our handy and die hard Mobil station of course).
"We cherish Leucadia's history, and its funky character"
And so do I. That's why she's stuck with me. What I don't cherish is and or was:
* A scorched earth policy
* The absence of bike lanes
* An unsafe speed limit
* Stop lights and signs that rob clean air, time, money and safety.
* Diminishing rows of trees.
* The absence of traditional and safe street lights (like used to be here.).
* Goathead thorns.
* Chain stores.
* Flooding.
* An incomplete sidewalk.
* Inadequate parking.
* Most 3 to 5 story structures.
* Inappropriate architecture.
* A dead business district converted to stack and pack bedroom community.
Stuff like that. And I know I'm going to make a lot of enemies but you can add Sushi to that list. Ewwwww.
You didn't substantiate that there are less freeway accidents, per car traveling on them vs. traveling on rural roads and "at intersections."
DeleteYou say, "In 1979 here in the US, there were 51,093 vehicle related fatalities. In 2012 there were only 33,561 with over twice the amount of traffic," but you don't substantiate that, either, or tie that reduction in fatalities to roundabouts, in any way.
We keep repeating, and you keep ignoring that we don't want more stop lights, either. The existing traffic signal at Leucadia Blvd. & 101 will not be eliminated. Do the engineered plans that were rolled out on June 5 show the stop sign at Marcheta and 101 being eliminated?
There probably was more traffic on 101 before the freeway opened. But after that, there was a reduction; now it is increasing, as development, including mixed-use stack and pack, densifies along the Coast. That's why traffic's at a dead stop some days, especially during peak periods.
Probably most people would agree to your list. A reasonable streetscape, absent one-lane roundabouts, could help to remedy all of those things about which you complain. Thirty-five MPH is not an unsafe speed limit. Fifteen MPH through six one lane roundabouts, nearly in a row, is.
Leucadia Blvd. already backs up, significantly, with two roundabouts, numerous traffic lights, which the roundabouts didn't replace, and the stop sign at Leucadia Blvd. and Hygeia, which was to be replaced by a third roundabout, but with no funding or plans to keep that promise, or the promise for "beautification" that was to be part of Phase II of that never completed project.
While that turn lane fills up frequently during the day, you should see it right before Ecke Central school starts in the morning. Many of those cars are parents taking their kids to Ecke from the neighborhood west of 101. I doubt many Carlsbad commuters turn there as the southbound I-5 ramp is so slow.
Delete8:18
Delete"Thirty-five MPH is not an unsafe speed limit."
Sorry, every speed a car goes is unsafe. The faster a car goes, the more harm it can cause. Like any projectile, their mass increases with velocity and our frail bodies are no match at any speed when a two ton vehicle driven by an oblivious texter crosses our path.
"Fifteen MPH through six one lane roundabouts, nearly in a row, is (an unsafe speed limit)."
Where's your science for proving faster speeds are safer than slower ones? Show me and I'll change my mind to your way of thinking and discourage roundabouts as a dangerous, community destroying fad; a wolf in sheep's clothing - the wolves being developers conspiring to upzone and the sheep cloaks; the promise of safety, economy, aesthetics, convenience, cleaner air and shorter travel times.
Phase II of the roundabout project on Leucadia Blvd wouldn't help the back up situation caused by the stop light at Vulcan/Leucadia Blvd one bit. And the only hope of ever getting a roundabout at V/LB would be if and when the train is ever buried. And the train will more likely never be burried if the city spends $25million for the next 4 underpasses, so I highly recommend you sign the petition Leucadia Town Council is circulating for AT GRADE CROSSINGS (if you haven't already) and encourage the city not to waste funds on unneeded, expensive sub tunnels.
One last circulating tip: If you come to a roundabout that is backed up, don't enter the circle if you know you'll have to block it with your car. (It's called courtesy.) I've seen that problem periodically on Leucadia Blvd. What can I say, some drivers are slow learners, others just jerks. The same problem seems to happen just as much at certain traditional signaled intersections around town. Can't count how many times Encinitas Blvd/Vulcan has westbound drivers who can't think ahead far enough to not make the intersection a blockade when the light is red and traffic is heavy. Likewise, if you don't clog a roundabout, it frees up circulation for cars at that roundabout coming from up to three other directions. And nobody likes a Mr. Bungle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s7X5-Drctk
I copied and pasted the national vehicle fatality numbers from what I believed a reliable source. Take it or leave it. I didn't make them up. You're free to believe safety features with cars are not better than they were 30 years ago as well. And not unlike safer cars, roundabouts being infrastructural safety features have a very good track record for saving lives etc. Sorry you didn't catch the core meaning that planning to make things safer is a deliberate choice by engineers that reaps many benefits. Even when Nixon took the simple step of lowering the speed limit to 55mph nation wide, it saved 10,000 lives per year for over 10 years. With cars made better now, (and probably less DUI's due to enormous fines), national vehicle fatalities have drastically dropped - even with speed limits raised back up to 70mph in many places. (Or maybe it's only because of our new 3000 roundabouts!)
Glad you don't want more stop lights, but who's been repeating that? And yes, the Marcheta intersection stops were not present on the drawings for Streetscape display a few weeks back at the library. I took pics of all the maps if you wanna see. You know where I am. And if not, just remember 1234. Even my concrete grey brain matter can't forget my address yet.
8:28 AM
ReplyDeleteWhen the new Cardiff library was built, the roots on the pine were cut back and the pine started to die. That created the problem and the ultimate death of the tree.
Back in the 80's the city of San Diego placed a bench for sitting under one of these trees in Balboa Park, a branch came down killing a woman, cost the city about $280,000.
ReplyDeleteKiller trees.
That is small potatoes and a darn shame that it can't be worked around somehow to show Encinitas is the tree town it calls itself. In reality not so much. The small potatoes is because all the center median trees will be coming down so the median can be moved a few feet to the east north of Leucadia blvd. and maybe south too. I am sure someone will correct or confirm the future they have planned for OUR 101. Enjoy the time we have left before the single lane north and south from La Costa to A street is created along with, what is it now ? 7 roundabouts, 6 north of Leucadia blvd and one at El Portal That's right folks, this plan is being brought to you by you know who. I would love to see some small bump out into that left turn lane that would show this city cares about its mature specimens. Not likely but the thought is out there. Save our trees.
ReplyDeleteYeah small potatoes that someone died... You and Hillary's It doesn't matter. Peas in a pod.
DeleteAnd you are wrong about the streetscape , it's 18 roundabouts with Neptune the new northbound lane of 101 and Vulcan the southbound lane. The existing 101 will become a walking zone and community gardens. ( keep your hands and EYES off my tomatoes ).
The new Cardiff library is great. I wouldn't change a thing. It would have been great if they could save the tree, and I'm glad they gave the worm poop a chance, but c'est la vie.
ReplyDeleteEncinitas blessed to have two libraries, both uglier than sin.
Delete11:35 they could not have expanded the libary without first removing the trees- given that the worms and trees never had a chance, the decision had already been made
DeleteBoth libraries look great. Good architecture is timeless.
Delete1:37- Put down the crack pipe....
Delete1:50,
DeleteI assure you, most folks are quite pleased with both the appearance and function of our new libraries.
Is it possible you are carrying some grudge because you were on the losing side of library decisions.
You lost, let it go. Accept that you were wrong and move along.
Or let old grudges eat you up and shorten your life--your call.
You mean the homeless shelter with books.
Delete3:17
DeleteYeah. Remember the design planned for the one on Quail Gardens Dr.? It looked like a milky plastic greenhouse instead of matching our terracotta bluffs like the one we got on Cornish.
I think the one we have is a $20,000,000 homeless internet hang out.
DeleteAt least if I loss my job, start taking dope and join the KLCC, I can still check my email and check out craiglist for where they will pay for me to volunteer for medical research.
They were Torrey Pine trees, a native species, at the Cardiff library They were given a year's reprieve by Jose Aponte, the county library administrator. George Hahn began his treatment, and new growth appeared in apparent recovery. It seemed to me that the library withheld water in a very dry year. The library staff wanted to cut the three trees down from the very beginning. They eventually got their wish.
DeleteNew tree could have been planted as replacement. They weren't. You can see the result on the south side of the library. Sad
Yeah, they could have planted a new tree. And some would still bitch.
Delete9:40
ReplyDeleteNot true.
All the Gum Trees or Widow Makers are not going to be removed and 1000 more trees planted.
11:36 AM
ReplyDeleteA 1000 arbutus shrubs.
Streetscape drawings on the city website show some loss of parking on the 101. The Leucadia Art Gallery has seating pop outs in front and only one parking space.
ReplyDeleteThey don't need that parking space, no one goes there.
DeleteEncinitas govt lies and the lies grow bigger.
ReplyDeleteNative species......native species....
ReplyDeleteNow we'll have to build affordable housing for the displaced Koalas.
ReplyDeleteCrikey with the new koala density bonus they will be fine....
Delete1. I love trees and it’s too bad when we lose any of them. But WC has it wrong. The canopy is replaceable and that’s not only what Streetscape’s #1 goal is (as per public vote), but its proposed canopy extends south from around Cadmus to A Street where there’s never been a tree lined median before.
ReplyDelete2. The poster is right about the railroad’s plan to use Eucalyptus and how they had a mass planting in So Cal in the late 1800's. He’s also right that the wood was useless for making railroad ties because they split.
3. Eucalyptus grow extremely fast and are supposed to live for 400 years. But not being indigenous, they are a stranger in a strange desert here and don’t get enough water. Of course they also fall prey to drunk drivers, billboard companies removing them, disease, NCTD choices and damage to roots from the new drainage system. Or in the case of Leucadia Roadside Park when it flooded for decades, the got too much water. Two large ones fell, one on a child as his mother watched in horror (ask Gary). Fortunately, the large bows missed him.
4. A few years back, word was the two large Monterrey Cypress trees in LRP “had to come down”.
About 50 people met there one evening to say goodbye to them before the city chopped them the next day. Arborist Mark Wisnewski was also there and showed everyone WHY they should be removed. The bases of the trees were rotten. He plunged a metal rod deep inside to make his point. I trust Mark and believe he’s the last person to remove a healthy tree. He’s also former president of People For Trees that organized 200 volunteers who planted 101 trees on 101 in 1992. (It only took 3 hours). The surviving 50 trees are looking great by the way! Thanks Mark!
5. In 1880 the first tree planting happened along Vulcan Ave. In 1930 the State planted many trees along 101. Then Mark had the last hurrah in 92 until the city planted the first 101 trees for Streetscape at the north end just 2 years ago. (Thanks City! They're looking good.)
6. Those who complain about “broomstick” sized trees being planted instead of giants aren’t familiar with the immense cost difference and the slim chances that a large tree will survive after being cooped up in a box with ball root. The “broomstick” “weed trees” that were planted in LRP a few years back are actually Monterrey Cypress and are looking great now too at about 30' tall. The two blooming Tipajuana the city replaced the Eucs with at the west end are also looking great.
7. Certainly, we have half the trees on N 101 than we used to, and occasional canopies were thicker. But there has never been a continuous canopy on 101 (as nice as that lore may be) but there's always been large open gap areas.
8. Responding to the citizens desires, the city has a plan to replenish and make the canopy thicker than it ever was. NO ONE ELSE DOES or has done much to address the diminishing trees (outside of Mark and the volunteers 22 years ago). If there’s anyone to blame for what we have now its mostly ourselves. Eucalyptus grow very fast. I transplanted a 1’ blue gum and in 15 years it was 60 feet tall and quite wide. A Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The 2nd best time is today.”
9. Yes, as much as I HATE to see it go, the big old tree at Leucadia Blvd needs to come down. We all know a longer turning lane is needed there. Even now that backs up traffic (which includes emergency vehicles). But the tree's removal is a part of the plan to better traffic circulation on N 101, not to mention make it safer.
10. Some complain “But we’ll never get to see the canopy in our lifetime”. Just what then is their plan to see one? Yes, our lives are quite short compared to trees, but hey, trees all get bigger every day. That’s what they do.
Well said, Fred.
DeleteAgree on all points.
All old trees have some hollows. When those trees were sitting in the flatbed trucks, after they were hacked down, they were not rotten. Sticking a long screw driver in a hollow does not prove that a tree is rotten.
DeleteThe tree doesn't have to be hacked down. There are better alternatives. Traffic will continue to back up at the traffic signal, which will remain, even if the tree is cut down.
Your acquiescence on this subject comes because of your support of selfish interests re the L101 Streetscape. Do you only question authority when decisions are made against your immediate family members?
That heritage tree can be saved, and should be.
4:36 Low blow.
DeleteThe plans to cut down the Eucalyptus near Leucadia Blvd., on 101, are part of the Leucadia Streetscape engineeered plans of "beautification." Cutting down that tree and changing the left hand turn lane was not proposed prior to the Cementscape proposal, aka Plan 4A.
DeleteWe knew from Peltz and Associates' cartoon drawings for Phase 1 that much of the old growth trees would be removed, and saplings would be planted to replace them. These saplings will not create a new canopy, in our lifetime.
As of June 5, the City verified, by its Leucadia Hwy 101 roundabout project roll out, that this particular tree would be added to the list of destruction. Staff and Council had been pre-warned that this ongoing destruction of Leucadia's canopy was part and parcel of Plan 4a.
The roundabouts and continuing removal of the canopy are all part of the plan, and your efforts to divert attention and to duck accountability are obvious. Leucadia Town Council, now known as Leucadia-Encinitas Town Council is comprised of a small number of members. They seem to follow along, in concert, especially re endorsing roundabouts, with the Board of Directors of Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association.
L-ETC didn't even have the courage and the moxie to stand up for Prop A, and against the lobbying by L101MA in opposition to Prop A. L-ETC has become a tool of the Master Crapper, as he manipulates, pressures, marginalizes and deceives, all in the name of an obsession for roundabouts, to allow mitigated negative impact declarations for redevelopment of the properties he and his friends hold. They are drooling, thinking of the benefits they could receive at the general public's great expense.
Too bad the City and the County, through TransNet taxes, can't afford to fund this $19 Million plus project. That is why MC is so bitter about the purchase of Pacific View.
MC characterizes PV as a waste of money, but wants to force a $19 plus Million roundabout project, with six roundabouts, on unwilling locals. Otherwise, he would encourage a public vote. Roundabouts could be on the General Election ballot! Thousands of people signed petitions against their being installed in Leucadia, against eliminating lanes on Historic State Highway 101.
Some people in Encinitas commute to Carlsbad and vice versa. I am not going to hate on Carlsbad commuters because our city is bound and determined to kill another heritage tree. MC is just looking for someone to blame, other than the L101 roundabout plan that he and his cohorts have pushed to Council, and are still trying to force on the community, when valid surveys or needs assessments were never performed and objectively analyzed.
LETC? They only exist every other year so they can hold a forum for candidates, otherwise, invisible.
DeleteI agree. they do nothing…. I will not be giving them $10 anymore.
Delete5:13- You must not be that sick to keep ranting like that…. (sigh)
Carry on Ranter.
6:45/8:37
DeleteFYI
The Leucadia/Encinitas Town Council has been a non-profit organization in Leucadia since the mid-seventies. It has always been composed of caring locals who want the best for Leucadia and Encinitas. And although they seldom if ever toot their own horn, LETC has accomplished quite a bit in the last 40 years.
As you point out, they’ve hosted the (largest attended) Encinitas City Council Candidate Forums every 2 years since incorporation. Prior to Incorporation they successfully campaigned against the state when Freeway 680 was proposed to dump 3 lanes of traffic onto 101 from all points east at Leucadia Blvd.
Past and present board members have also:
• Created “Keep Leucadia Funky” chrome license plate holders so that proceeds raise $500 scholarships for interested local Senior High School students.
• Launched a modest website: Leucadiatowncouncil.org
• Gathered (and still are gathering) signatures to encourage the city to construct several (reasonably priced) AT GRADE CROSSINGS for the railroad tracks – instead of the city’s plan to spend nearly $25 million dollars on 4 more underpasses (like the one recently constructed across from Swami’s). At Grade Crossings exist in other cities, why not ours?
• Promoted the arts, with tile mosaics by Roz Light to decorate a park on N. Vulcan. Stood behind Jeremy Wright’s desire for a large mural project at the Leucadia 7-11.
• Worked with developers encouraging them to design their projects to fit in better within our existing community – as was accomplished with the vintage 30’s style Art Deco Mobil gas station building that looks more like it belongs in Leucadia than something out of “drawer 5 from Los Angeles”.
• Discouraged more alcohol establishments.
• Weeded and seeded Leucadia Blvd / 101 median for 2 years making it lush with flowers (just prior to L-101’s 6 median irrigation/planting project).
• Participated in and promoted beach clean-ups.
• Actively participated in facilitating the city’s Façade Grant Program helping several businesses from lagoon to lagoon to spruce up their appearance.
• Brought recycling programs to local schools.
• Spoken at countless city hall meetings on a wide variety of issues affecting us all.
• Participated in local events like Encinitas Environment Day; the Christmas/Holiday/Heathen (take your pic) parade.
• Hold annual Membership Meetings.
• Hold monthly board meetings.
• Created emails notifying members of current happenings / changes proposed to neighborhoods.
• Attended many Citizen Participation Programs, again working for neighborhoods.
• Helped plant trees.
• Created “Republic of Leucadia” T-shirts to raise funds.
• Been probably the only non-profit organization in town that (could have, but) has never asked the city for a dime at their annual mass fundings.
Sorry things like these are not worth your $10 per year. So take your ten bucks make yourself happy and buy a cheap lunch. But at least promise to buy it locally. K?
How many voting members are there?
DeleteIs it true that before there were Mainstreet Organizations, there were Town Councils? What's the difference?
DeleteFred, you're fighting a losing battle using reason, actual history and common sense. Anyone who has met Mark Wisnewski knows he is the last person to remove a tree that has a fighting chance. But we should just agree with 4:46 PM instead of Mark because?? Yes, there are people here who think city employees spend their whole day thinking of ways to screw residents.
Delete4:36, that is pretty much the worst thing anyone has said on this blog. Bringing in that aspect into this discussion is a total cheapshot. Fred has carefully detailed his support for the streetscape over the years. Others have opposed to it. The irony being, I think everyone would like to see a good outcome for Leucadia.
DeleteThe elephant in the room here is the things that are happening which we have no control over at the end of the day and those are, increased population, increased traffic, increased home values and increased desire to build and live here.
Yes, we can try and slow down traffic, and manage what we build and try to hold business accountable, but there's no putting the genie back in the bottle. During summer, Leucadia goes nuts, that's just the way it is. I've never liked summer as much as the rest of the year for that reason, but that's the price we pay.
We're lucky to have LTC advocating for us! Same goes for Fred. So try and pull your head out of your rear and have a civil discussion. Let's leave the whole low property taxes and personal stuff out of it.
I love that tree down there near Leucadia, but if we can lengthen that turn lane, we need to do it...
Ask Gary Murphy his experience with euc trees , it will enlighten you tree huggers
ReplyDeleteYou know, unless they're Bonsai.
ReplyDeleteThat's just an excuse to kill the tree, the city does what it does best, kill and maim healthy trees.
ReplyDelete4:02
ReplyDeleteA former city employee Bob Nelson (?) once told me and Sheila "I wish they'd tear down every blue gum Eucalyptus and Oleander in the county!" So after living through the demise of half of our trees and shrubs; a staff person with that disposition and considering the extra maintenance (extra work) such plants require, I haven't ruled that former plan out of their agenda. (The plan for Streetscape however as it stands takes a fraction of existing trees.) On a lighter note, many council members through the years LOVE our trees and realize they are one of the main things that makes Leucadia wonderful. With all the public outcry in the past (and there's been plenty) I can't think of one tree that's ever been spared. Orpheus Park comes to mind first. Sheila and I helped the city plant some of those healthy trees that they eventually took out for private ocean views. And you can't blame the city for one man's goof taking the wrong tree down in LRP that time - as lame as that was. They guy went up the hill to look at the surf. When he came back his workers took down the wrong tree. At least he put his hands to his head in OMG grief. He's no longer with our city.
The tree that was wrongly cut down was the Cypress that Mayor Maura Wiegand had planted in 92 with People For Trees. Thankfully the city mitigated that error by planting 4 medium sized Cypress. 2 at the park and 2 at the LEUCADIA entrance sign.
One MORE mature tree downed at Orpheus Park in the last few weeks...anybody notice?
DeleteUhm, only the council is so dumb as to not figure out that the intent has always been something other than saving the canopy. The canopy is gone. It could have been saved if the effort started 15 years ago. Leucadia is crappy without the tree canopy.
Delete7:04
DeleteYes, the canopy is dismal, but there's no good reason to not plant more today.
I love to look at old pictures of our wonderful city - really old pictures - there are very few trees in them. Today we have a veritable forest! some grow to unimagined heights and are full of egrets, others have heavy fruit, and heavier crows enjoying a meal, some get moved, some die, and some are removed. Regardless, we (humans) planted them, nurtured them, managed them - and if some have to go in order to make our lives easier, then so be it. Just plant another one, or 50..............
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
Sculpin,
DeleteHealthiest thing anyone's said all day....
British cities removing roundabouts and replacing with traffic signals.
ReplyDeleteIrish cities removing roundabouts and replacing with traffic signals.
The roundabout fad is dying.
hardly…roundabout are much safer and more efficient in most cases ( not all)
DeletePost a link to the stories- KLCC liar.
- Truth will set you free
My trip to Scotland Wales Ireland and England show no indication of roundabout removal. Nice try ( not really ).
DeleteWhen was your trip? Were there one lane roundabouts at three way intersections, with the coast on one side and RR tracks on the other?
DeleteMy sources, who have lived there, tell me that roundabouts don't work abroad, either, when the cross traffic is significantly less than that of the main through-way.
Your source?? Go see for yourself, roundabouts work.
DeleteI just returned from Italy, Ireland, England and roundabouts are working there just fine.
DeleteState your source, along with the city, county and region of the UK or zip it. I've been to the UK, the roundabouts work, just like they do on Leucadia Blvd....
DeleteIn July, 2014 I spent 4 weeks in Italy. Rome has roundabouts almost everywhere you go and they work well. I cannot even imagine if they had stop lights instead of the roundabouts. Traffic would be backed up for miles. In Florence, same things. Granted, Venice does not have roundabouts, as everything is on water. Now onto the UK, in Sept. 2013. Roundabouts to get on the expressways work very well. They work well in London too. Again traffic lights would cause huge backups in traffic. Ireland-2013- Also roundabouts. I asked people in all 3 countries if they thought the roundabouts were better than traffic lights and everyone I spoke to stated YES, emphatically. I would post my name, but then some hater would say "You're just showing off because you have been to these places." So, I'll just be anonymous.
DeleteDo the property owners close to the roundabouts know that the city will take by eminent domain enough of their properties to construct the roundabouts?
ReplyDeleteMore lies from KL CC
Deletewe all know the reason the city staff is pushing roundabouts is not safety or the environment - it is too avoid a traffic study that would should the detrimental imapct on the community by the upzone-
ReplyDeleteWC -
ReplyDeleteWhy did you try and tie roundabouts to an issue that is caused by a traffic signal and not a roundabout?
The lead in should be, Ya know, we all know KLCC loves wasting time and money, know their love for Traffic Signals is causing the demolition of yet another heritage trees.
The reality is intersections controlled by traffic signalized intersection take up much greater space needs than that of roundabouts and therefore require the removal of many more trees and less area for other needs like parking, walkways and bike lanes.
Maybe the KLCC is getting to you?
KLCC proven wrong yet again.
ReplyDelete3 legged roundabouts right next to RR track already implemented and working great on N. Coast Hwy 101
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_NYjP2alrs&feature=youtu.be
Watch and learn,
-- Truth will set you free
Unfortunately that propaganda is not truth. It it truthy but the claims are not generalizable or universal.
DeleteGuess what, in Carlsbad, bicyclists and pedestrians will have the option of using the bike/ped lane in the railtrail corridor. Not so for the five 3-way intersection roundabouts now designed and presented in engineered plans, on 101, through Leucadia.
DeleteBicyclists and motorists will be forced, in Encinitas, on 101, to funnel into narrow one-lane roundabouts, bottlenecking bicycles and cars into one lane northbound and one lane southbound.
Carlsbad got a grant for that roundabout from TransNet taxes because of the railtrail corridor lane separated from the highway. That's not happening here. Also, the configuration of adjacent residences is very different, in Carlsbad. You are comparing apples to oranges. And notice, Carlsbad is only doing one, at least for now, not six!
7:55,
DeleteFew cyclists will use the coastal rail trail--maybe families with little kids, but that's about it. Look at the CRT in Solana Beach if you don't believe me. Why? Pedestrians wander and block the trail; dogs are unpredictable; not all of it is paved and smooth. When cycling for exercise, people usually want a relatively constant level of effort and heart rate--often between 16 and 23 MPH.
The roundabouts are very safe for cyclists and cars to share, because the target speed is usually 10-15 MPH. When cars and bikes go the same speed, there is little danger. The most danger for a cyclist is when cars have a high closing speed from behind (cyclists can't see you coming), and the driver doesn't notice the cyclist, and/or underestimates the space needed to pass the cyclist. It seems like an oxymoron, but cyclists are safer in the middle of the lane, as when crossing a roundabout, because it's almost impossible not to notice them.
I used to do long course triathlons, and rode 150-200 miles per week on our local roads.
Wow we live a great life here in north county coastal when are biggest concern is an old eucalyptus tree. Love it here. And love the blog.
ReplyDelete1st world problem....in Africa that tree would have been cut down for fire wood long ago.
DeleteHi. I'm new to the city (just replaced the irreplaceable Jared Whitlock at the Coast News) and am interested in this topic. Who are good folks in Leucadia to reach out to?
ReplyDeleteDon't bother with any of the idiots at the city. They are an enormous waste of time. Shills for big govt and bigger spending, not to mention big salaries and bigger pensions.
DeleteGo talk to Fred Caldwell. Fred knows everyone and everything Leucadian.
Aaron-Perhaps you should get your story right about Graboi and Blakespeare before you go rattling too many cages. Something to consider, IMHO. Blakespeare was never for Prop. A and julie was. Same thing with DB. You got your story wrong, so your credibility is a little off at least for many of us who read the story and know it is not accurate.
DeleteAaron-
DeleteIf it is possible kindly refer to residents participating at city hall and council meetings as concerned residents, concerned citizens, long time resident etc- use of the word activist in my opinion- causes the reader to have a negative bias that those participating are malcontents or some other negative designation-
Long time Mayor Jerome stocks used to try and paint those with opposing views as "activists" and former Mayor Barth and Gus Vina came up with what they call the "gang of 28"
good luck- america needs honest reporting
FYI anonymous, I promptly made that fix and had a great conversation with Mrs Graboi to get a solid understanding of her background as well as some of the issues she has championed for years. Encinitas is a very complex beat, as I've learned this far, and while I'm an experienced reporters, I'm admittedly green when it comes to the subtleties and complexities of the five communities and how they interact. I can and will do better moving forward. Thanks
Delete2nd Anonymous- I will definitely call you concerned citizens. What is funny is that often times as journalists we are trained to use "activists" as opposed to more pejorative terms like "gadflies." But if there is ever a better, less negative connoting term, I definitely am going to use it. Thanks again!
DeleteAaron
DeleteThank you for taking the time to first check in here and then check back. You might visit the link on this site about the council lying on the Prop A ballot statement-
A resident went to city hall and asked the council to show them the city code forever outlawing 5 story buildings and they could not- they also directed the council to the upzone on the 101 with Pacific Station that had happened without a vote of the people
the 3 council members Barth Shaffer and kranz were all at the kick off fundraiser for Blakespear and all three are supporting her. They all opposed the citizens right to vote.
ps- Mayor Gaspar , Ms Barth and Lisa Shaffer refer to those with opposing views as obstructionists-
Welcome to the party, Aaron.
DeleteIn my opinion, the voices of reason around here generally are Mr. Green Jeans, Fred, and the Sculpin. Most of the rest were extras in the Star Wars bar scene. In fact, there are a few I would go out of my way to avoid--probably the ones most likely to aggressively engage you. I'll let you figure out who they are on your own.
As with most Interwebs, it's all too easy to scream hyperbole and insults when not in the presence of 98.6 degree meat. Still good points are sometimes made, and the folks here do care a lot about our little town. You'd be wise to bring a good filter and a thick skin you stupid idiot liar scumbag criminal--sorry, it's a reflex.
Other stuff you should know: WC Varones is the pseudonym of our gracious host, who is a fiscal conservative but otherwise plays it pretty neutral. If you are ever bored, take a strong position on roundabouts, then make some popcorn and watch the fireworks. You should also educate yourself on every local land use decision dating back to the Siberian land bridge. Chances are good that it will come up again--no one here has forgotten anything or gotten over perceived bad decisions--ever.
There are many more landlines, but giving you a map would take too long and deny me the fun of watching you step on them.
Good luck.
Aaron- tune into this blog on Wednesday evenings, many here reports the goings on at city council meetings . You will learn the truth.
DeleteAaron
DeleteI am sure you will find an open forum of debate here. It is often a debate between some presenting facts and other presenting an opinion. Some seem to play devil's advocate for the sake of devil's advocate while others sound like apologist for city hall. It is rumored that even the city spin doctor makes regular rounds of the blog and political trolls are as expected- simply that, political trolls.
I am sure as an honest broker of news you will quickly reach your own conclusions of various posters without the need to be directed to consider the opinions of a select few. Some apparently seek to control the debate and the media at every turn.
Welcome the real down and dirty of what is happening at ciyt hall. It will be a challenge to scoop WCV- you might drop WCV a note if you want story ideas, info or background.
Good luck
A,
DeleteThere are appropriate uses for both "concerned citizens" and "activists."
Many are "concerned" enough to keep informed, discuss issues with neighbors, and vote regularly. There is a much smaller group of "activists." These are self-appointed experts who feel compelled to speak publicly on every issue.
It is safe to stand between "concerned citizens" and a microphone.
3:34 wants us to be silent, talk amongst neighbors and vote- perhaps it is he who thinks he is a "self-appointed expert" on concerned citizens.
DeleteAaron here are examples of concerned citizens - Were it not for concered residents speaking at city hall -
1. Dan Dalager would be in office with his 100,000 loan and free kitchen intact.
2. Jerome Midnight Stocks would be in office
3. The Nichols road report showing the city was $47million behind in repairs would be buried.
4. There would have been no EIR at the Hall Park and our childrent, loved ones and pets would be exposed to toxic dirt
5. There would have been no change to the density bonus interpretations and residents would continue to get screwed.
6. Lew Edwards would be cashing the taxpayer check for $180,000, we would be answering surveys and Vina Shaffer Barth and Kranz would be preparing for a 2014 Sales tax increase on residents
7. MIG Barth Gaspar STocks, Muir Kranz Shaffer Bond and Peder Norby would have updated the general plan to allow 5 story buildings throughout the city
8. The Cardiff Commerical District would have been rezoned by Barth Stocks Dalager and Bond to promote 3-5 story buildings, Seaside Market and VG donuts would be gone and we would have the Cardiff High Density Transit village.
9. THE public would not know about the true cost of the Hall Park near $80M
10. There would be no Prop A giving residents the right to vote
Fact Thrower
Don't talk to Caldwell. He's senile. His gray matter has turned to cement, so he's hopelessly stuck on one side of the issue.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCSA7kKNu2Y
Funny - one man's senility is another man's wisdom.......
Delete- The Sculpin
He choses the logical good side of the argument.
DeleteHis "logic" appeals only to people who are ignorant of the issues.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteAaron, 11:33 has many other poignant Weird Al Yankovic videos worth watching if you'd like to get to know him better.
DeleteSix roundabouts on Leucadia 101. Five of the six in the first 8/10 mile at the north end. The sixth is 1.2 miles south.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the six are at private road intersections with 101.
If that makes sense to you, let's talk about some bridges I have for sale.
You keep your bridges you'll need them to jump off someday.
Delete12:36, if you can jump off more than one bridge at a time, more power to you!
Delete3:45- then why own more than one bridge ???
DeleteObviously, so 11:53 can sell them to you!
DeleteTheme songs for the roundabout debate:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8teXR8VE4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGNiXGX2nLU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvuIExK529M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAe3sCIakXo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldyx3KHOFXw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ts2U1mkfz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V020XgCqHFo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDhH1VWd9Uw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtER2E34Ptk
Ratt, San Diego's own!
DeleteGo here:
ReplyDeletehttp://wavestoride.blogspot.com/
Read the July 22, July 1 and June 17 entries.
Aaron, And for more one sided well written blog fantasies, go here:
ReplyDeletehttp://encinitasguerrilla.blogspot.com/
Bravo to Waves to Ride today. Spot on as always. Thanks for spelling it out so even the blind can see how the cementscape [thanks too for that yesterday by someone here] will affect the outcome of this poorly planned expensive project that will add less than twenty parking spaces for the $19 million that we don't have anyway. Save that eucalyptus until this actually begins to happen just in case it does not go according to the 101 streetscape promoters wishes.
ReplyDelete4:44
DeleteRemoving an acre or so of asphalt down the center of 101 from Cadmus to A Street (nearly a mile) to plant trees is hardly what describes a "cenmentscape" to me. Nor does the rest of the scorched/ignored earth that will be beautifully planted. Sorry you'd like to keep it sealed up, barren and rich with goathead thorns. I'm with you on saving the big tree for as long as possible though.
Waves to ride- pure horse shit. Another crap lover. Hey crap lover , there's a guy on this blog with some bridges for you to jump off. Good luck with that .
DeleteWell now, there's another classy, intelligent comment for you!
DeleteThanks, Waves to Ride. It is about the poster's 1st Amendment rights. I'm glad he or she is sharing information and educated opinions with us.
DeleteAnyone can post here, "undercover." The 1st Amendment doesn't give Fred or anyone else the automatic right to post on someone's blog. You know that, FC.
Leucadia 101 Streetscape plan 4A = cementscape.
DeleteNope. I'm with ya. I support anyone's right to have a one sided blog to say anything they wish. Why give the public a forum to consider alternatives to anyone's absolute opinion on important issues if a blog site holding citizen doesn't want anyone else's input? I still respect WCV's interactive version of free speech better.
DeleteBut I will address one sentence, since you gave me that option, thank you.
"With crosswalks only or crosswalks atop speed tables, guess what would be rendered unnecessary in the Leucadia 101 corridor? You got it! Roundabouts!"
Since when do roundabouts supply only the need for pedestrian crosswalks? What about efficiency, safety, beauty, cheaper cost in the longrun compared to lights, cleaner air, less gas consumption, less wear and tear on cars, hmmm? Oh yeah I forgot, no responses allowed.
11:34 = Scorchscape.
Delete"The only way to do that is to make the right-of-way between the tracks and 101 a paved, striped parking lot." This from the Waves blog, and it's a total fantasy. Clearly the district and the city made a deal to continue to allow parking on the tracks. And FYI, the district doesn't have the resources to patrol or enforce that in this area.
Delete1:03 & 9:21, you don't have a good argument so what you resort to is faulty logic, misinformation, avoidance and obfuscation. That's been your m.o. from the start, and you've stuck with it. You're fooling yourselves and a few other people. Anybody who studies the plan and the facts discovers the whole idea is a bust.
Delete6:17
DeleteThe whole idea was fully vetted by the public with over 2 decades of finding out what Leucadians want for N 101. But you can't please all the people all the time. Especially ones like yourself who want to send vast improvements in safety and aesthetics on our corridor "to Disneyland". Really? Your m. o. from the start has been obstructing restoration and enhancement. Ain't freedom grand?
Thanks for the links, 3:47 and 4:16.
ReplyDeleteThe first is serious, well-researched and factual.
The second is satire with a bite.
Both are points of view. Thank goodness for the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
5:39
ReplyDeleteAnd neither site permits commentary. So much for the First Amendment.
6:11 if you want to start a forum allowing commentary start one. If you want to start a forum to share your ideas start one. That my friend is what the first amendment is all about
Delete8:10
DeleteI know that. But telling one side of a story is what propaganda is all about, mon ami.
11:37 As stated somewhere near here, a blog is a point of view. If you have a point of view you want to express, start a blog. If you want to allow comments, go for it! No comments allowed is OK too. BTW, did you know that the mysterious host of this blog disallows some comments?
Delete6:11, what's your blog URL? You can write there or comment here, so your First Amendment rights are not abridged. Plus, you wouldn't want those other blogs to moderate your comments, would you?
ReplyDeleteModerate - you mean like Peak Democracy aka E-TOWNHALL can?
Delete6:41 probably means as the New York Times and other highly respected publications do. You won't find trolls there, only intelligent, informed discussion.
Delete6:11
ReplyDeleteAre you a lawyer?
12:22 — Is that a serious question, or are you joking?
Delete6:11 is you. Are you talking to yourself again?
DeleteScrew roundabouts and the circle jerks that want them.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is the circle jerks don't want to wait to turn left on 101, instead out of selfishness they would punish the entire city with more traffic snarls and decreased emergency response times. But hey, they will get home five minutes sooner!
If you want to beautify Leucadia, start by clearing away all the junk that blocks most of the sidewalk in front of Cauldwell's. Or is that bottleneck some type of experimental pedestrian roundabout?
Wow. Thats kind of negative night dweller.
Deletei hope upi found some good roadkill to quench your hunger and you get a good day sleep, so you might wake up on the right side of the coffin tonight.
--Peace
If you want to beautify Leucadia how about planting some flowers....nope can't do that, can't make it nice looking someone might discover your secret hideaway. Crap lover, hater.
DeleteOops did I say hideaway?? I meant shithole. Sorry crap lover.
DeleteWow, what a hater! That's Fred's business, and besides, the stuff blocking the sidewalk is in front of Bamboo to u.....
Delete1:26
Delete"The truth is the circle jerks don't want to wait to turn left on 101"
Ah ha, so that's it. I had a feeling a few people here were happier burning more fuel. I doubt thousands here feel that way. Are you an oil magnet?
Nineteen left turn opportunities onto 101 at no-signal T intersections between A and BG per the plans online. Four show roundabouts. 4/19 = 21% Three are way north. One is at a condo entry. The fourth is down south at El Portal. Somehow, that just doesn't seem like a balanced or anywhere near complete way to ensure safe lefts onto 101 for most drivers.
DeleteExcellent points, 7:09.
DeleteThe one at La Costa Ave is needed.
DeleteThe one at Bishop's Gate doesn't serve a condo, but an entire community of over 200 condos. BG is their only access to N 101. They need it.
The one at Grandview is everyone's last opportunity to return to the hwy from Neptune. They need it.
The one at Jupiter makes it more convenient for many, but is probably the least needed.
The one at El Portal is needed.
7:09
At all of those locations
* speed limits are lower, improving safety.
* stops are replaced with yields, improving traffic flow.
* pedestrian crossing distances are vastly shortened, improving safety.
At all 5 of them, U-Turn capabilites are introduced that do not exist right now; T-bone crashes are made almost impossible.
At 4 of them, left turns are possible entering one lane without stopping and without having to cross 3 lanes of 35mph traffic.
Oh yeah, and they'll remove a lot of asphalt along with the mile long median we're going to get with trees and flowers from Cadmus to A St. Everyone has the right to want to keep over an acre of historic asphalt though.
Well Good morning Sunshine. I hope you had a successful feeding session last night even though it was not a fun moon.
ReplyDeleteYour lies and ignorance always catch up to you. The roundabout and associated Separate bike / Pedestrian facility are the improvements under Carlsbads and Oceanside's portion of the Coastal Rail Trail. Go up and experience it for yourself, the construction is complete with the exception of the art sculpture work in the middle of the roundabout. Do you think Encinitas might enjoy some opportunities for some key locations dedicated for sculptures or other art work?
Man some people can not believe facts that are right are so apparent to the normal people. Like the world is really round and if you swim out in the pacific ocean over a mille, you will fall off the edge of the earth.
I guess that is want happens with you become a night dweller.
Wow. Thats kind of negative night dweller.
ReplyDeletei hope you found some good roadkill to quench your hunger and you get a good day sleep, so you might wake up on the right side of the coffin tonight.
--Peace
1:26
ReplyDeleteYou don't know what inhibits emergency response times until you've driven over the 5 speed bumps on Orpheus; the street our fire station is on. Or the other ones on Devonshire next to Scripps Hospital.
Those things on Devonshire are positioned so wide-track emergency vehicles ride in the spaces between them. Not so for the jarring bumps on Orpheus. If the bumps were stretched out to become low domes, they would slow the traffic but the effect on emergency response would be negligible. They don't speed wildly on residential neighborhood streets. They have to almost stop for bumps but wouldn't have to do for longer domes.
DeleteUnfortunately, not all emergency vehicles are wide tracked, and not every emergency arrival at the ER is by emergency vehicle.
DeleteAnd few drive on Devonshire.
DeleteThe new ambulance bays face Santa Fe.
Delete7:44: Good. But it's still dumb to put speed bumps on the street closest to the front door of the ER and on a street with a fire station. You've got to go a LOT slower over a speed bump than you do through a roundabout.
Delete8:15 Good. Definately a smoother access/egress to the ER on Santa Fe, but still the longer way to get to for many because of bumps on Devonshire.
So, what, now you want roundabouts on Devonshire and Orpheus?
DeleteWhat's up with your obsession?
9:31
DeleteIs that what I said? No. Just shining light on jarring infrastructure that does slow down emergency response times a lot more than the brief negligible moments roundabouts do. Right next to a hospital and fire dept no less.
What is your obsession with making misleading conclusions?
And where's the logic in saying people will get home 5 minutes sooner, but that it will take longer for emergency vehicles to get to your house?
ReplyDeleteI didn't lie. I said that the funding was granted for the roundabout because there is a separate bike/ped lane in the RR right of way. That's the same thing you are saying. Leucadia is not scheduled to have a separate rail-trail corridor bike and ped lane where the six roundabouts are planned.
ReplyDeleteYou are the one twisting the truth, and calling me names, casting aspersions.
People would get home five minutes sooner, conceivably, going home from the beach, but I doubt it. During peak traffic periods, motorists would still have to come to a complete stop, before entering the roundabout, when traffic is backed up on 101.
ReplyDeleteEmergency vehicles getting to people's home, would be delayed, no question, by six roundabouts.
Emergency vehicles can travel through a roundabout much easier and quicker than a gridlocked Signalized intersection- I watch that fact occur everyday on Leucadia Blvd. The engines zip through the roundabout at 18 mph, but slow to 0 to 3 mph at the Signals at Vulcan and Hwy101.
ReplyDelete- Just the facts
Not when the traffic is gridlocked in one or both directions at the roundabout. Both directions are one lane, and the traffic can't get out of the way. At a wider, signaled intersection, the traffic moves to the side where it can, stops, and the emergency vehicles go to the vacated opposite side of the street if they have to. Do ride-alongs or talk to an EMS driver. You'll see how it works.
DeleteThe traffic gridlocks frequently during the summer regardless of what's in place and its always due to stops not gos. If you'd like to eliminate gridlock on 101, campaign to make it 8 lanes. If you'd like emergency vehicles to have the option of a wider path because of the bike lanes, campaign for Streetscape.
DeleteYes, traffic already gridlocks frequently during peak seasonal periods, and when I-5 is backed-up. Adding six roundabouts, five of them one-laners, would make matters exponentially worse!
DeleteCementscape would eliminate the eight foot wide bicycle lanes. The bicycles going north, through Leucadia, would have to go through the five one lane roundabouts, with all the motorists, unlike in Carlsbad. For that roundabout, bicyclists have the option of using the railtrail corridor lane, separated from the highway.
If Fred thought clearly, employed logic and had good arguments, those three-story buildings running south from his shop wouldn't be there.
Delete3:37,
Delete"Adding six roundabouts, five of them one-laners, would make matters exponentially worse!"
Still don't get it? OK, let's say instead of 5 or 6 places where roundabouts slowed traffic down, we instead did the opposite and made those areas where traffic could temporarily go faster than the speed limit. Would southbound cars cluster faster from the red light at Leucadia Blvd? Sure they would.
Few realize that when a car slows down, it causes traffic flow to undulate which creates a gap in front of every driver. But if you can't understand why cars not having to stop for 9000 minutes each day improves efficiency of travel, I doubt you'd consider much else in favor of roundabouts. If we plan to create more space in front of us, we'll be reading less bumper stickers. It won't cure gridlock at critical times, but it will diminish it.
You are the one who still doesn't get it. As you've admitted, traffic is already gridlocked during peak traffic periods. Adding five one-lane roundabouts to the mix and reducing our highway to one lane northbound and one lane southbound would make matters exponentially worse.
DeleteThere is no scientific evidence that cars would "not have to stop for 9000 minutes per day," as you claim, without substantiation, because cars wanting to enter the roundabouts from west of 101 would still have to come to a complete stop during high traffic periods, in order to enter the roundabouts.
9:53
DeleteYou'll get it in a few years. Meanwhile, happy motoring!
9:34
DeleteYou're just mad cause you live near them too.
I can say from actual experience as a first responder, that navigating the roundabouts in La Jolla do delay emergency vehicles. Comparing the current two lanes or roads with speed bumps to a single lane with a roundabout is apples and oranges.
ReplyDeleteReducing traffic to one lane creates more congestion which then bottle necks at the roundabout. The emergency vehicles can't get around the back-up to even enter the roundabout as there is no room to pull to the right. The solution was often to take side streets in the residential neighborhoods, which is it's own risk.
-The Badger
But the safety improvements are well woth the few extra seconds and the emergency response would be sliwed at any intersection.
ReplyDeleteWhat is your suggestion Badger? Leave it the current blight causing unsafe speedway that killed Jason and will kill others in the near future?
Not an opposition and I'm glad our fire department look at accident prevention on par with regency response.
You know, blight was the cry of the development friendly crowd that wanted to blight Leucadia, back when Christy Guerin was in office. In fact, JP began the Leucadia Blog to oppose the blighting of Leucadia, justified on the grounds that if Leucadia were blighted, the City could collect more tax dollars through a Redevelopment Agency, aka RDA. The false promise was floated that if we were part of an RDA, the City could fix our drainage challenges, with a larger pipe that could be installed for something like $35 Million.
DeleteThank God Jerry Brown put an end to RDA's, packed with developers, who used taxpayer dollars to benefit themselves, at the public's great expense.
And thank goodness, at the time, when RDA's were still hot in San Diego, and allowed the blighting of a great deal of more affordable housing to build the Stadium and surrounding pack and stack, which new-build developments suffered greatly when the housing bubble burst, Leucadians rallied, stepped up and petitioned Council, in person and through e-mails and letters, so that the RDA didn't go through.
I believe a vote to form an RDA would have taken 4 out of 5 Council Members to approve, and Christy Guerin ended up voting, with Maggie Houlihan, to oppose.
As I remember, Jim Bond, Jerome Stocks, and Dan Dalager all supported blighting our beloved Leucadia, as did Charles Marvin, Peder Norby, Doug Harwood, and more special interests aligned with the Building Industry Association.
The stadium and the successful development of the Gaslamp are your examples of the downsides of RDAs? Really?
DeleteRegency response, that's what we need! Pick up the king and queen!
Delete3:50
DeleteAmen to Jerry's decision to extinguish Redevelopment. And that part about "creating more revenue" for the city? Only 4% of the cities who've ever adopted Redevelopment have ever been able to pay back the state what they borrowed, and the total for Encinitas would have been $750 million dollars with interest at the end of the 40 year loan. And cities drag their feet paying anything back. Donna Fry was the only council member in SD who wanted to, the rest voted her down.
How did Mr. Miller's resort do when he relocated over 100 mom n pop shops in S. Lake Tahoe? It went bankrupt. But the cherry on the cake here in town was the first round of Redevelopment wanted to take the SRF property for a hotel. It was around 1990 and the first time I saw monks from SRF at city hall. I had to go ask one "Don't tell me they want part of your property too?" and they said "All of it! All 12 acres!" Is nothing sacred?
It was $50 million Rick Engineering wanted for their micro-tunnel at the expense of EVERY tree in the median. That went over like a lead balloon. The boondoggle that followed that was that two entities passed the buck for putting a smaller, less efficient pipe in claiming "the Coastal Commision said we couldn't". They said no such thing.
Jerome actually came around and ultimately voted against Redevelopment (kudos Mr. S!). Peder's push was it could be good if done right. My argument was that downtown's Streetscape accomplished a great facelift for far less, improved revenue and didn't have to rob anyone's property through Eminent Domain. The 2nd time an RDA raised its ugly head was when Redevelopment coincidentally was being raked over the coals in many cities in the news media and I think that helped sway 4 of the councilmembers to vote against it. Can't remember how Dan or 007 voted that night.
If there are long lines to enter the roundabout and no way to get past the traffic there will be delays or emergency vehicles may start taking Vulcan or Neptune depending on which side of the tracks there destination lies.
ReplyDeleteLong summer time back ups or times when the 5 freeway overflow hits 101 will more than likely cause more than a few seconds delay.
The recent fatality accident on N. 5 involving two big rigs is a good example. In addition to the gridlock on the two south bound and the one north bound lanes on 101, Vulcan was backed up north and south. If there was a major call that day it could have been very bad.
Has the city done any real studies or polled the Sheriff, Fire or Lifeguards on this issue ?
-The Badger
Of course .
ReplyDeletePlus the city could make Hwy 101 a 6 lane freeway and you will still have the same backup when i5 gridlocks.
ReplyDeleteIf you try and build your way out of it (widenings) the community turns out like LA. I rather go the route and strategy of Santa Barbra and other quality of life communities.
No one said anything about widening the lanes. And no one said anything about widening the highway by adding lanes. More distraction and irrelevant arguments.
DeleteWhat most locals don't want is to reduce a major arterial, primary circulation element to one lane northbound and one lane southbound, through most of the 101 Corridor, beginning at El Portal and right up to La Costa. That would be madness.
We don't see the ill-advised but hard-pushed plan ever coming to fruition. The City doesn't have the money, TransNet taxes are not set aside to fund it, and the majority of locals don't want or need six roundabouts on Historic State Highway 101.
Madness is between your ears night dweller
DeleteNo doubt.
ReplyDeleteI just hope the solutions are well thought out, benefit the community and look good. (and then of course we have to pay for it all)
-Badger
I have lived in Encinitas all my life. I was born on Quail garden Rd.
ReplyDeleteDo we need more people living in our town?
STOP BUILDING MORE HOUSES on othe land.
STOP ALLOWING PEOPLE TO sell out to DEVELOPERS. For Ex: ecke
If you really have to sell your land, make it R1 or agriculture.
Where have all the flowers gone?
ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC.
ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC.
ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC.
ROUND ABOUTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TRAFFIC.
STOP ARGUING ABOUT "STREETSCAPE" (WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY.)
No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3...No more R3.
Feel free to contact me - ncsdtree@hotmail.com