From: jesse giessow
To: City Clerk
Subject: Comments for Agenda Item 12D - Pilot Native Plant Incentive Program, City Council Meeting 9/16/2026 Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 4:53:36 PM
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Thank you for moving forward with incentives for the native plant program (Item 12D.
Pilot Native Plant Incentive
Program)!.
I think the educational outreach and native plant give away that the City is proposing at well attended events is a great idea.
A few things to think about:
1. Oct 17th (the proposed Leucadia Oaks planting day) is also the day of the annual CNPS San Diego Plant Sale. I don't know if that will cause a conflict for people?
2. It can be very powerful to have people pay a small amount (e.g. 1 to 2 dollars) versus just giving things away. When you give things away people tend to not value them as highly. Maybe the City doesn't want to deal with a money transaction at these events. Perhaps instead a pledge to plant and to care for the donated plant? Often people take free plants and then never actually plant them.
3. The third week in April is CA Native Plant week. It could be a good opportunity to have a City event.
Thank you to staff and the City Council for your work on supporting native plants in our City!
Jesse Giessow
Hygeia Ave, Encinitas
Comments on Native Plant Incentive Program
The incentive program is a very important component of the overall effort to bring more native plants into the developed parts of Encinitas. The staff recommendation is a very good way to get started with minimal impact to the city’s budget and staff resources.
The custom informational plant tags described by staff are a great idea. The two events outlined in the report will be excellent opportunities to engage the public. Native Plants for Encinitas (NP4E) has experience with this type of event and can provide valuable assistance by supplying seeds and plants, answering gardening questions, and generally supporting staff. We look forward to working with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department for the two upcoming events. We can also assist with the outreach by using our own social media channels.
I have just one small comment on the staff presentation. The slide discussing Pupose says “Encourage residents and property owners to convert existing non-native landscapes into native landscapes.” The word “convert” might make some people think our objective is to get them to rip out everything they have and plant 100% natives. That is not the goal. I would suggest saying the purpose is to encourage residents and property owners to introduce native plants into their existing gardens and landscapes.
In conclusion, I urge the City Council to approve the staff recommendation.
Don Rideout
145 Basil St.
Encinitas