Norby's back

Peder Norby, the controversial former six-figure city consultant from the Stocks-Barth era who was recorded on video suggesting 4- or 5-story zoning at a city meeting he was facilitating, is back, apparently getting a no-bid contract to work on train corridor issues.

From the Inbox:

According to the staff, their justification for hiring Norby is:

"Mr. Norby would assist in developing and implementing a near-term and long-term action plan, based on direction and approval from the City Council, coordination with other agencies and pursue securing grant funding sources. It is estimated that this effort would be conducted over a one year period at a cost of $60,000. As directed by the City Council, staff would develop a detailed scope of work and the contract would be authorized by the City Manager, subject to the review and final approval of the City Attorney. Consistent with the City’s Purchasing and Contracts Policy PC01, given Mr. Norby’s relevant experience and success with similar projects, such as in the City of Carlsbad, a Sole Source Justification form has been prepared (Attachment 7), which upon direction by the City Council would be authorized by the City Manager."

The city has a policy and form that must record the details of why a contract isn't put out to bid. The Sole Source Justification form has that information. Diane Langager requested the approval.

The staff report was part of a special Council meeting on Feb. 14, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

Encinitans Gone Wild!

Patch:

A speeding motorcyclist who allegedly eluded officers chasing him on an Oceanside highway was unable to shake a San Diego police helicopter that tracked him to Pacific Beach, where he was taken into custody, authorities said Wednesday.

The chase began a little before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday on eastbound state Route 78 just west of College Boulevard in Oceanside, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Latulippe said. That's where a CHP officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a speeding Yamaha sport motorcycle, but the rider refused to pull over, fleeing at speeds reaching more than 120 mph.

[...]

Apparently unaware that he was being tracked from the sky, the motorcyclist stopped at a Pacific Beach convenience store, where CHP and SDPD officers converged to arrest him, Latulippe said. He was identified as 27-year-old Encinitas resident Matthew Giordano.

Leucadia Streetscape at Planning Commission this Thursday

One of Encinitas' most controversial long-running issues is Leucadia Streetscape. Some Leucadians believe it's a poorly thought-out plan created by city staff that will increase traffic congestion and will not provide adequate parking.

What do you think?

The Planning Commission will be considering Leucadia Streetscape this Thursday.

Ficus Wars!

From the Inbox:

A group of Encinitas residents have been working on preserving the ficus trees in Downtown Encinitas through identifying them as Heritage Trees. We have already lost most of the Leucadia treescape on 101, and the ficus trees on 2nd and 3rd Streets could also be in jeopardy if steps are not taken to preserve them. Lisa Shaffer and Teresa Barth both wrote emails to undermine advocates' position to protect these trees as a cherished and valuable resource that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors to our community. They are doing so by disregarding the feelings that people have about these trees and also taking a very narrow interpretation of the topic.

Kealani's / Manhattan Pizza building going upscale

Eater San Diego:

On the heels of announcing the conception of Animae, a new Asian restaurant slated to open downtown by the end of the year, Herb & Wood creators Puffer Malarkey Restaurants are revealing that it will give a new North County sibling to its first-born Little Italy restaurant. Scheduled to debut by Early 2019, Herb & Sea is moving into a 6,500-square-foot building on D Street just off Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas.

The team will be thoroughly remodeling the art deco-styled building, which is in much need of repair. Co-founder Christopher Puffer shared, “We want to bring the building back to its original glory and give Encinitas a dining venue they will be proud to have in their community.” With a design inspired by one of Puffer’s favorite childhood spots, the historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Maine, the restaurant is aiming for an atmosphere that combines a coastal fine dining experience with a friendly neighborhood vibe.

As the name suggests, Herb & Sea will have a significant focus on seafood. A reflection of co-founder/executive chef Brian Marlarkey’s affinity for the ocean, fishing and surfing, the restaurant will feature a custom oyster bar and a range of raw seafood. The menu will be rounded out by dishes familiar to those who have dined at Herb & Wood, including plates based on wood-fired cookery as well as housemade pasta, pizza and desserts.

Progressive Democrat wants son in conservative Christian school

Hmmmmm...

Del Mar Times:

The Deputy Mayor of Encinitas and his husband are alleging that a local Christian school discriminated against their family for their sexuality after they inquired about enrolling their son into the school.

[...]

Mosca said he and his husband were originally attracted to Santa Fe for their curriculum, community and sports orientation. They were also referred to the school by friends who either attended the school or had children that attended the school. Garrett also played on a lacrosse team last year that was run by Santa Fe's coach.

Did the politically ambitious, progressive Democrat really want his son to attend a conservative Christian schoool, or is he using his kid for a political stunt? You make the call.

Modern Times restaurant goes Full Vegan

Eater San Diego:

Initially planned as a satellite tasting room when it was first announced last year, Modern Times Beer’s new project in Encinitas, dubbed the The Far West Lounge, has since evolved into a full-fledged vegan restaurant. This will be Modern Times’ first venue with a food component in San Diego, although the Point Loma-based brewery recently launched beer-focused eateries in Los Angeles and Portland.

As founder Jacob McKean notes, “When we first signed our lease on this location, we didn’t have a single operating kitchen. Now we have two, with several more in planning, and the process of developing the menu and building the restaurant side of our business has been incredible. I’m extremely excited to now be in a position to bring our food program to Encinitas.”

The switch from tasting room to restaurant came in response to an appeal from a local community group. Last month, the new proposal was unanimously approved at a Encinitas Planning Commission and the appeal window recently closed with no new appeals made. McKean says that the original layout of the 150-seat space on S. Coast Highway remains the same, design-wise, save for office space that has now been swapped for kitchen.

Once the domain of hippies and weirdos, "plant-based" or vegan diets are becoming more mainstream as advocates tout health and environmental benefits. Encinitas already has at least three fully vegan restaurants: Plant Power, which replicates traditional American fast food, near the Santa Fe Vons; the fast-casual Native Foods next to Ralph's in New Encinitas; and Leucadia's long-standing raw food Peace Pies.

City Council meeting open thread

Two sessions tonight, starting at 5pm.

Please use the comments to record your observations.

Housing issues on tomorrow's council agenda

Lots of housing issues on tomorrow's agenda, including accessory units, low-income requirements for developers, and an update from the housing element task force.

Also a special session at 5pm on the rail corridor.

City government logic

Lock the beach bathrooms at night, then put a porta-potty outside because the bathrooms are locked.

We hope Larry Parker gets her $2.1 million

Hit-and-run driver pleads guilty:

The man charged with a hit and run crash that seriously injured an Encinitas mother entered a surprise guilty plea Wednesday in North County, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's office.

Prosecutors said Justin Parker was driving the white truck that hit Ashley Mullins Lane on Encinitas Blvd. on Sept. 22. Witnesses said Parker got out of his truck, spoke to them, but left the scene.

Lane suffered severe injuries and bone fractures that led to multiple strokes and partial paralysis, her parents said. They told 10News she has mobility issues on her left side and is left-handed.

Lane has two young children. A GoFundMe account established for the family raised more than $44,000 of its $50,000 goal.