Coastal Commission staff recommends major changes to Leucadia Streetscape

Coastal Commission report:

As presented by the City, the LCP amendment fails to address the potential scope of road modifications on major coastal access routes and the coastal resource impacts that need to be addressed in the context of the LCP. In addition to lane reduction projects, potential road modifications could include installation of roundabouts or stop signs, removal of public parking, non-automobile improvements, such as pedestrian and cycling amenities, removal of major vegetation, or the addition of travel lanes or turn lanes. The City’s proposal to allow for roadway variations citywide and to allow for travel lane reductions on Highway 101 in Leucadia raise significant concerns related to coastal access and recreation. Roadway modification projects, especially on a major coastal access roadway like the iconic Highway 101, have the potential to result in adverse impacts to the public’s ability to reach the coast and to enjoy a scenic coastal drive on Highway 101. Major roadway modifications also have the potential to adversely impact water quality, biological resources, visual resources, and community character.

That sounds pretty firm. Can the city modify plans enough to appease the Commission?

Cardiff schools separate but equal?

From the Inbox:

The recent discussion about the 22 million dollar bond to upgrade Cardiff Elementary school has again crystalized for me the issue of a fiefdom within the city of Encinitas. It has long been overlooked that the Cardiff Elementary School District is distinct within the state of California for its underenrollment and high cost per student, and its independence as a district operating within a district. Comparing data available from the California Department of Education, it's obvious the disparity between Cardiff School District and Encinitas Union Elementary School District.

Encinitas Union Elementary enrollment by grade: link

Cardiff Elementary District enrollment by grade: link

It's time for an open discussion about the opportunities available for our elementary school students within the city of Encinitas and for our students to enjoy a broader distribution of the resources available within our community. As Cardiff Elementary school is rebuilt, let's look closer at fully utilizing the facility rather than limiting enrollment to small number of students residing within the fiefdom of the Cardiff Elementary School District.

Beacon's Skywalk rejected

Planners reject "Vegas-style" staircase at Beacon's Beach:

A proposed staircase down to Beacon's Beach must be redesigned to make it look less like a "Las Vegas-style skywalk" or "freeway overpass" and more like something that fits with Leucadia's funky vibe, Encinitas Planning Commissioners decided Thursday.

The decision -- a 4-0 vote with Commissioner Al Apuzzo absent -- came after hours of public testimony dominated by project opponents. Some 30 people spoke to the commission. Many of them stayed to hear the vote, then jumped to their feet to give the commissioners a standing ovation afterward.

Housing deadline in doubt amid council chaos

The Coast News:

The Encinitas City Council continues to play a dangerous political game with the Housing Element, now putting the ballot-filing deadline at risk.

After hours of public comment and about 10 minutes of councilmember discussion at the July 18 meeting, the council moved to vote on whether to approve the Housing Element in its current form. The vote tally on the screen flashed 2-2, with Mayor Catherine Blakespear and Tasha Boerner Horvath opposed. Councilman Mark Muir was absent.

As the city’s attorney, Glenn Sabine, then explained, the tie vote meant that no decision could be rendered. Because approving the Housing Element was a prerequisite to approving the ballot measure, no action could be taken on that measure either.

The shock in the room was palpable. Councilman Tony Kranz said, “It seems clear that the mayor is willing to sabotage this.” His comment was interrupted by loud outcries of dissent from attendees. After Blakespear quieted her supporters, Kranz continued, “We have a lot of professional fees that we’re paying tonight and we’re doing a lot of things that we could have postponed until we had five councilmembers here.”

Click on over to the Coast News for much more, including that the state housing department (HCD) rejected the current plan due to the Kranz/Mosca/Muir last minute changes.

7/18/18 City Council meeting open thread

Please use the comments to record your observations.

Man hit by train in Leucadia

Del Mar Times:

A man lying on railroad tracks was struck by an Amtrak train Friday, July 13 and hospitalized. San Diego County Sheriff's Transit Enforcement Unit responded to a train versus pedestrian collision at 7:20 p.m. July 13, along the tracks in the 1400 block of North Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, according to Deputy Jason Burk with the Sheriff's Department.

Locals oppose concrete at Beacon's

Coast News:

A group of residents is urging the city to reconsider plans for a large, concrete staircase at Beacon’s Beach to supplement, and ultimately replace, the iconic switchback staircase beachgoers currently use.

The group, called “Preserve Beacon’s,” has mounted a petition drive and campaign in advance of the July 19 Planning Commission consideration of a coastal development permit for the proposed staircase.