Misdemeanor charge in death of girl

Coast News:

A 44-year-old man has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the fatal collision that killed a sixth-grade girl in Encinitas earlier this year.

The charge under California Penal Code 192(c)(2) covers “driving a vehicle in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, but without gross negligence; or driving a vehicle in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death, in an unlawful manner, but without gross negligence,” according to state law.

This is confusing and certainly wrong:

While crossing Encinitas Boulevard at the intersection of Village Square Drive, the driver of a westbound Nissan Xterra collided with another vehicle stopped at a red light, which then struck Chalekian, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

If the driver was crossing Encinitas Boulevard at that intersection, he wasn't westbound. We guess the writer means the victim was crossing Encinitas Boulevard.

Pranksters hack electronic road signs

 Coast News:

Electronic road signs across Encinitas have been hacked multiple times in recent months, prompting city officials to tighten security after vulgar and obscene messages appeared on at least one sign.

City officials confirmed Nov. 21 that several portable electronic traffic signs — most of them operated by private contractors — were manually broken into and reprogrammed to display explicit images and phrases.

 

Ghetto bird circling downtown

 Missing 22-year-old middle eastern male named Jake. Black clothes, brown backpack, black hat with "SD" logo.

11/19/25 City Council meeting open thread

 Please use the comments to record your observations.

Judge smacks down Assistant DA for overcharging Shaffer

North County Pipeline:

Encinitas City Councilman Luke Shaffer scored a significant legal victory after Thursday’s preliminary hearing when his felony assault charge was reduced, and one misdemeanor was dismissed.

Judge Saba Sheibana was not swayed by San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Chandelle Boyce regarding the felony assault and a misdemeanor omission to perform duty. Shaffer, 45, was also charged with misdemeanor hit and run, which Sheibana said was “de minimis.” In the legal context, de minimis refers to matters too minor or trivial to be considered by the law.

11/12/25 City Council meeting open thread

Please use the comments to record your observations.

Video inconclusive in Shaffer parking confrontation

 Coast News:

Security camera footage released by court order appears to confirm parts of the District Attorney’s case against Encinitas Councilmember Luke Shaffer, but does not clearly show the alleged felony assault at the center of the charges.

The footage from a home camera captures a July 5 interaction between Shaffer and local resident Declan Caulfield, during which an argument ensued after Shaffer attempted to move trash cans on the curb to make room for his truck.

And Substack's Melissa in California does a deep dive on the political angle.

Is the homeless problem in Encinitas already a lot better?

 Was it just a matter of electing a competent city council?

Santa Fe West special council meeting open thread

Will the city make the western part of Santa Fe Drive as dangerous and congested as the the eastern part? 

Agenda.