08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 1 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page ___
MINUTES OF THE ENCINITAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 20, 2025, 6:00 P.M., 505 SOUTH VULCAN AVENUE,
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Bruce Ehlers, Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes, Council Members Jim O’Hara, Marco San Antonio, and Luke Shaffer
Absent: None
Also present: City Manager Campbell, City Attorney Preziosi, Assistant City Manager Schwarm, Fire Chief Gordon, Sheriff’s Captain Watts, Director of Development Services Drapkin, City Clerk Hollywood, and Deputy City Clerk Weichers
There being a quorum present, the meeting was in order.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4A. Presentation of the Fairgrounds 2050 Project.
Tristan Hallman, Chief Communications Officer and Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd District Agricultural Association (Del Mar Fairgrounds) presented an update on the Fairgrounds 2050 project.
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member Ehlers provided an opening statement regarding requests for a declaration of a public emergency.
Mayor Ehlers announced that due to the number of speakers under Oral Communication, he would be limiting the time to two minutes per speaker and after the first 15 speakers were heard, the remaining would be heard at the end of the meeting.
Council Member Shaffer provided a statement regarding an ICE operation that occurred today in the City of Encinitas.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes also provided a statement regarding an ICE operation that occurred today in the City of Encinitas.
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 2 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ Brad Lefkowits, Dr. Beatriz Villareal, Lisa Montes, Robin Sales, Nicola Ransom, Lauren Monahan, Paul Trause, Anne Schwartz, Manon Maschue, Karen Abrams, and Mali Woods-Drake spoke regarding the ICE operation that occurred in Encinitas today.
Melissa Scharbarth spoke regarding a declaration of emergency.
Natalie Setton spoke regarding the Arts Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission.
Scott Campbell spoke regarding various topics.
6. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Preziosi reported at the 6:00 p.m. regular City Council meeting that the City Council held a Closed Session at approximately 5:00 p.m. to consider one item listed on the Closed Session Agenda and there was no reportable action.
7. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
Deputy Mayor Lyndes requested to add an emergency item to the agenda with the findings that there has been apparently an illegal ICE activity which includes violation of constitutional rights, violation of the rule of law, and also due process.
City Attorney Preziosi responded to questions from the Council regarding the protocol for adding an emergency item to the agenda.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, O’Hara seconded to add an emergency item to the agenda with the findings that there has apparently been an illegal ICE activity which includes violation of constitutional rights, violation of the rule of law, and also due process. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
7. Emergency Item added to the agenda regarding ICE Activity in the City of Encinitas based on the findings included in the approved motion.
SPEAKERS:
Suzanne Stone, Farhad Mahmoudi, Melissa Mirza, Pela Hadley, Jessie Conn, Stephen Baker, Becky Stuempfig, Donna Gerhauzer, Simon Guzman, Gaby Love, Kristine Schindler, Lisa Nava, Gloria Jimenez, Jeremy Ross, Dave Dean, Katherine Stenger, and Arcela Nunez spoke in support of the City Council declaring an emergency regarding the ICE operation that occurred today in the City of Encinitas.
The City Council discussed and provided comments regarding the ICE activity that took place in the City of Encinitas earlier today.
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Sheriff’s Captain Watts responded to questions from the City Council.
City Manager Campbell responded to questions from the City Council.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, O’Hara seconded to direct staff to:
• launch a “Know your Rights Campaign” in collaboration with the Sheriff and community groups in English and Spanish including the website;
• submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to document ICE operations in the City of Encinitas;
• explore establishing safe zones such as schools, churches, citywide or other options;
• explore joining lawsuits such as Long Beach and Santa Ana challenging the legality of ICE operations
• explore forming a community communications group such as text chains;
• send appropriate letters to federal agencies protesting the actions and to request federal partners to be present to respond to questions from the City and Community;
• investigate the ability to limit mask wearing by ICE officials; and • explore and identify other legal mechanisms available to the City. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain:
None.
Mayor Ehlers called the meeting into recess at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:57 p.m.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
City Clerk Hollywood announced that members of the public pulled item 8D from the Consent Calendar.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved, O’Hara seconded to close and adopt the Consent Calendar with the exception of item 8D. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: Shaffer. Abstain: None.
8A. Approval to waive the full reading of the text of all ordinances and resolutions introduced/adopted at this meeting. Ordinances and resolutions shall be introduced/adopted by title only. Contact Person: City Clerk Hollywood
Recommended Action: Approve.
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 4 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ 8B. Approval of the Warrants List (Register of Demands). Contact Person:
Finance Manager Dinh
Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the warrants.
8C. 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report. Contact Person: Civic Spark Fellow Maxwell
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Approve the 2024 Climate Action Plan Annual Monitoring Report.
9. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Shaffer returned to the Council Chambers at 8:59 p.m. 8D. Authorization of professional services agreements with Nature Collective and GHD, Inc. associated with the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project (CP16A), using California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) grant funds, in the amount of $1,060,000, to support continued maintenance, monitoring, and permitting efforts for the project over the next five years.
Contact Person: Coastal Zone Program Administrator Mierau Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it is not a “project” as per Section 15378(b)(5). The action authorizes staff to implement an organizational or administrative activity of government that by itself will not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager, or designee, in consultation with the City Attorney, to execute sole source professional services agreements with Nature Collective and GHD, Inc. for continued maintenance, monitoring, and permitting efforts associated with the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project, in substantial form.
SPEAKER:
Scott Campbell and Kristine Schindler spoke regarding this item.
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, Lyndes seconded to authorize the City Manager, or designee, in consultation with the City Attorney, to execute sole source professional services agreements with Nature Collective and GHD, Inc. for continued maintenance, monitoring, and permitting efforts associated with the Cardiff State Beach Living Shoreline Project, in substantial form. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
10. ACTION ITEMS To speak on action items, please submit a “PINK” speaker slip to the City Clerk. Each speaker is allowed three (3) minutes to address the City Council. A maximum of two time donations per speaker is allowed (no more than 9 minutes total); the person donating time must be present.
10A. Consideration of Ordinance 2025-05 Amending Chapter 2.16, Campaign Regulations and Political or Other Noncommercial Signs-Quantity, Timing and Display Area, of the Encinitas Municipal Code. Contact Person: City Clerk Hollywood
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Review proposed amendments to Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 2.16 and introduce Ordinance No. 2025-05, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Amending Chapter 2.16, Campaign Regulations and Political or Other Noncommercial Signs-Quantity, Timing and Display Area, of the Encinitas Municipal Code.”
Special Counsel Catherine Engberg and City Clerk Hollywood presented the staff report and responded to questions from the Council.
SPEAKERS:
Natalie Settoon, Julie Ann Sih, Karen Kaden, Dennis Kaden, Rachel Graves and Dave Dean spoke regarding this item.
COUNCIL ACTIONS:
Ehlers moved, Shaffer second to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-05, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Amending Chapter 2.16, Campaign Regulations and Political or Other Noncommercial Signs-Quantity, Timing and Display Area, of the Encinitas Municipal Code;” and to keep the $250 campaign donation limit for the 4 Docusign Envelope ID: 3AA2F166-C596-40D7-8703-5EF408E78985
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ City Council Districts and to increase the campaign donation limit to $500 for the Mayor.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes made a substitute motion to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-05, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Amending Chapter 2.16, Campaign Regulations and Political or other Noncommercial Signs-Quantity, Timing and Display Area, of the Encinitas Municipal Code” as presented. The substitute motion failed due to a lack of a second.
The original motion was voted on.
Ehlers moved, Shaffer second to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-05, titled “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California Amending Chapter 2.16, Campaign Regulations and Political or Other Noncommercial Signs-Quantity, Timing and Display Area, of the Encinitas Municipal Code;” and to keep the $250 campaign donation limit for the Four City Council Districts and to increase the campaign donation limit to $500 for the Mayor. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to extend the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays:
None. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
11. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There were no Informational items.
12. COUNCIL MEMBER INITIATED AGENDA ITEM
12A. Council initiated item from Council Member Luke Shaffer regarding Long- Term Growth Planning: Conceptual Land Use and Infrastructure Renderings for Future Population Scenarios and functional use (adjacent residents i.e. south Carlsbad, district 4) in the City of Encinitas (75,000 / 95,000 Residents); and Proactive Planning for Encinitas: Conceptual Land Use & Infrastructure Scenarios to Protect Community Character and Local Control Amid State Housing Pressures: Visualizing Encinitas at Potential Future Population Thresholds (75,000 / 95,000).
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 7 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ Recommended Action: 1) Direct staff to utilize the recently acquired visualization and planning software to create 2–3 conceptual renderings for each of the following population thresholds: 75,000 residents and 95,000 residents. These renderings should include land use, transportation corridors, public facilities, and infrastructure considerations. Staff may coordinate with planning and public works departments to align the renderings with realistic development capacity and fiscal constraints. 2) Direct staff to use recently acquired visualization and planning software to prepare 2–3 conceptual renderings for each of the following hypothetical thresholds: 75,000 residents and 95,000 residents. These renderings should reflect local priorities, capacity limits, and fiscal realities, not state- driven quotas. These renderings should include land use, transportation corridors, public facilities, and infrastructure considerations. Staff may coordinate with planning and public works departments to align the renderings with realistic development capacity and fiscal constraints. They will NOT serve as growth targets, but as a defensive planning tool to help the City of Encinitas resist overdevelopment and protect community values.
Council Member Shaffer presented the Council Initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Patty Stottlemyer and Dennis Kaden spoke in support of the recommended action.
Molly Hintlian and Maria Ardantz registered support for the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION:
O’Hara moved, San Antonio seconded to: 1) direct staff to utilize the recently acquired visualization and planning software to create 2–3 conceptual renderings for each of the following population thresholds: 75,000 residents and 95,000 residents. These renderings should include land use, transportation corridors, public facilities, and infrastructure considerations. Staff may coordinate with planning and public works departments to align the renderings with realistic development capacity and fiscal constraints; 2) direct staff to use recently acquired visualization and planning software to prepare 2–3 conceptual renderings for each of the following hypothetical thresholds: 75,000 residents and 95,000 residents. These renderings should reflect local priorities, capacity limits, and fiscal realities, not state-driven quotas. These renderings should include land use, transportation corridors, public facilities, and infrastructure considerations. Staff may coordinate with planning and public works departments to align the renderings with realistic development capacity and fiscal constraints. They will NOT serve as growth targets, but as a defensive planning tool to help the City of Encinitas resist overdevelopment and protect community values; and 3) direct staff to Docusign Envelope ID: 3AA2F166-C596-40D7-8703-5EF408E78985
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 8 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ return to Council to demonstrate the visualization tools in September 2025. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer.
Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
12B. Council initiated item from Council Member Jim O’Hara regarding the need for design and implementation of a timed parking system at Las Verdes park.
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in the direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Direct Engineering and Planning to collaborate to propose a timed parking along Paseo Las Verdes between Quail Gardens and Encinitas Ranch.
Council Member O’Hara presented the Council Initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Theresa Beauchamp spoke in opposition to the recommended action.
Dick Stern and Aarya Dave spoke in support of the recommended action.
Molly Hintlian registered support for the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to direct Engineering and Planning to collaborate to propose a timed parking limit of three hours along Paseo De Las Verdes between Quail Gardens Drive and Cypress Hills Drive. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None. Abstain: None. 12C. Council initiated item from Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes to form a Subcommittee to discuss the next steps for the operation of the Pacific View Arts Center (PVAC).
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
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08/20/2025 Regular Meeting Page 9 Mtg. #2025-____, Bk#41, Page __ Recommended Action: Form a PVAC City Council Subcommittee, to discuss the next steps, with the goal of bringing back to City Council recommendations, in a timely manner.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes presented the Council Initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Molly Hintlian and Scott Campbell spoke regarding this item.
Theresa Beauchamp and Brian Stone registered support for the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
Karen Kaden registered opposition to the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Lyndes moved to form a PVAC City Council subcommittee of Deputy Mayor Lyndes and Council Member O’Hara. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: None. Absent: None.
Abstain: None. Motion failed due to lack of a second.
Ehlers moved, Lyndes seconded to: 1) bring back an annual report on the first year of the Pacific View Arts Center to a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Commission for the Arts; and 2) allow the Commission for the Arts sufficient time to complete their discussions and feel confident they’ve fulfilled the Council’s directive and present their findings at a future joint meeting where the formation of a subcommittee can also be considered. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, Lyndes, O’Hara, and San Antonio. Nays: Shaffer. Absent:
None. Abstain: None.
12D. Council initiated item by Councilmembers Marco San Antonio and Jim O’Hara to establish a new municipal code section under Chapter 9.01 prohibiting the use of a vehicle as living quarters during restricted hours.
Environmental Considerations: The action being considered by the City Council is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a “project” under Section 15378(b)(5) of CEQA Guidelines.
The action involves an organizational or administrative activity of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Recommended Action: Direct city staff and legal counsel to draft an ordinance to add a new municipal code section entitled Use of Vehicle as Living Quarters, prohibiting the use of vehicles as living quarters during certain hours and to establish vehicle-based enforcement procedures. Draft to be presented for council review and consideration at a future meeting Docusign Envelope ID: 3AA2F166-C596-40D7-8703-5EF408E78985
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Council Member San Antonio and Council Member O’Hara presented the Council Initiated item.
SPEAKERS:
Brian Stone and Elizabeth Whitteker spoke in opposition to the recommended action.
Ellen Burr spoke regarding this item.
Natalie Settoon, Dennis Kaden, and Rachel Graves spoke in support of the recommended action.
Karen Kaden registered support for the recommended action, but chose not to speak.
City Manager Campbell provided an update to the Council and community regarding the City of Encinitas HOPE team.
COUNCIL ACTION:
Shaffer moved, San Antonio seconded to: 1) direct city staff and legal counsel to draft an ordinance to add a new municipal code section entitled Use of Vehicle as Living Quarters, prohibiting the use of vehicles as living quarters during certain hours and to establish vehicle-based enforcement procedure to be presented for Council review and consideration at a future meeting and incorporating the provisions “Proposed Ordinance/Municipal Code Language” included in the report. Motion Carried. Ayes: Ehlers, O’Hara, San Antonio, and Shaffer. Nays: Lyndes. Absent: None. Abstain: None.
13. CITY COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS PURSUANT TO AB1234 (GC 53232.3(d)) / POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
Council Member San Antonio reported on attending a Santa Fe Irrigation District meeting with Council Member Shaffer.
Council Member Shaffer reported on attending a San Elijo Joint Powers Authority meeting with Council Member O’Hara.
Deputy Mayor Lyndes reported on attending an Encina Wastewater Authority Capital Improvement Program meeting.
14. CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Campbell reported that the last Moonlight Beach Summer Concert Series would be this Sunday, August 24th beginning at 1:00 p.m.
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15. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No City Attorney report was given.
No City Clerk report was given.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ehlers adjourned the meeting at 12:05 a.m.
_________________________ ____________________________ Kathy Hollywood, City Clerk Bruce Ehlers, Mayor
By: Pete Weichers, Deputy City Clerk
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