Council appoints lawyer Allison Blackwell to create supermajority

 Coast News:

The Encinitas City Council has appointed Leucadia resident Allison Blackwell to fill the body’s vacant District 1 seat at the Jan. 18 meeting.

The council voted 3-1 to appoint Blackwell to fill the vacant seat left by Mayor Tony Kranz, who was elected mayor in November. Kranz was previously reelected to the District 1 seat in 2020, meaning Blackwell will serve the remaining two years of his term until the 2024 election.

A resident of Leucadia since 2013, Blackwell pointed to her experience as a lawyer, human resources executive, diversity and inclusion leader and volunteerism as reasons why she was right for the role.

Friday morning open thread

 What’s happening?

1/18/23 CIty Council meeting open thread

 Please use the comments to record your observations.

Federal funds for Leucadia flooding

 From the Inbox:

Levin did this for us.

The City of Encinitas will receive $4 million for the Leucadia Streetscape Drainage Improvements project. The section of Coast Highway 101 traversing Leucadia is relatively flat and lies at a low point between a rail corridor and coastal bluffs.

The drainage infrastructure on Coast Highway needs to be improved to handle moderate storm events. This project would fund new drainage infrastructure with pipes up to 66 inches in diameter to address longstanding flooding through the corridor that leaves ponding on the highway and negatively impacts local residences and businesses.

Who watches the watchdogs?

Coast News: Watchdogs founder pleads not guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence charges

Leucadia sign thief caught in the act

From the Inbox:

We've been plagued in our neighborhood with yard sign theft for the better part of a year. Caught this [Monday] morning in the act, the unidentified "gentleman" is a self-professed Blakespear supporter. He told the photographer that he could not stand seeing the "My Mayor Sued Me" and "Suppresses Freedom of Speech" signs, so took matters into his own hands. In many cases he has gone onto private property to do the deed.

Leucadia needs help identifying the perpetrator - any help will be appreciated.

Hit-and-run victim identified; driver still on the loose

 NBC 7:

The man who was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on New Year's Day in North County has been identified, officials announced Tuesday.

David D'Lima, 23, of San Diego was killed Sunday during a midnight walk with a friend on Pacific Coast Highway in Encinitas, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO). Deputies were called to Highway 101 just before 12:30 a.m. after they received a report of a crash involving two pedestrians.

Kids having fun at Olympus Park

Does anybody remember laughter?

From the Inbox:

Maybe this can be a new topic, a change from the anger.
Kids doing cardboard surfing at Olympus Park. The dad I spoke with lives in East Encinitas.

I have a great video if you are interested in posting.
-Scott Campbell

20221230_155212.mp4 from Scott Campbell on Vimeo.

Fatal hit and run at 101 and Encinitas Boulevard

 Newsbreak:

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's North Coastal station and Encinitas Fire Department personnel responded to a crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian on Highway 101 at Encinitas Boulevard, Sgt. Jeremy Collis said.

"A vehicle was driving westbound on Encinitas Boulevard approaching Coast Highway 101 when a man was walking northbound crossing Encinitas Boulevard," Collis said. "The vehicle struck the man then continued westbound onto West B Street and fled the area."

The man was rushed to a hospital with major injuries and later pronounced dead.

The vehicle was described as a dark-colored sedan or van, possibly a Chrysler or Dodge, with damage to the front driver's side, the sergeant said.

It's getting harder to get away with hit-and-run these days, with social media and widespread security cameras. The last one we recall on Encinitas Boulevard in that area got caught, perhaps by a tip from a neighbor.