Elmer Alex

The meeting of the Commercial Surf Permit Ad Hoc Committee addressed the permitting process for surf schools in the City of Ensenadas for the current year and going forward. Key discussion points included the future length of the service agreement (considering options like 3-year plus 3-year extension or 3-year plus 2-year extension) to provide stability for businesses, and a review of the Request for Proposal (RFQ) requirements and scoring rubric. Public comment was heard from multiple surf school representatives who shared perspectives on fairness, the existing RFQ process, and the balance between established schools and newcomers. Staff also discussed the importance of lifeguard involvement in seasonal oversight and ongoing communication regarding compliance.

The joint meeting focused primarily on the presentation and discussion of the mature tree ordinance. Key topics included defining what qualifies as a mature tree (e.g., 11-inch or greater trunk diameter, or native species thresholds) and determining which properties are subject to the ordinance, such as public property and new development sites. Discussion addressed the proposed mitigation hierarchy (preserve, replace, or pay in-lieu fee) and replacement ratios (3:1 or 2:1 for on-site, 4:1 or 3:1 for off-site). A significant point of contention was the proposed exemption for properties in high or very high fire hazard severity zones, with arguments presented for and against removing this blanket exemption. The process also highlighted four remaining discrepancies between the staff and Urban Forest Advisory Committee (UFAC) versions of the ordinance for future resolution.

This closed session meeting of the Insanita City Council addressed three primary agenda items, all involving conferences with legal counsel. The first two items concerned existing litigation under Government Code 54956.9, specifically involving the cases 'City of Ensenus versus WNG HHF Ensenus Apartments, LP' and 'Voice of San Diego versus the City of Ensenus'. The third item involved a conference regarding significant exposure to litigation under Government Code 54956.9D, concerning one case. The session concluded with no public comments, and a report out was scheduled for the regular session.

The document summarizes the 2025 Amakusa Sister City Visit hosted by Ensenus, involving six students, a teacher chaperon, and a city official from Amoxa, Japan, from July 29th through the first week of August. Activities included receiving donated items from local organizations, surf lessons, beach volleyball, an ebike tour, skateboarding lessons from local Olympian Bryce Wetstein, and creative sessions at Pacific View Art Center. A major highlight was a visit to Petco Park, which included a Padres game and a Japanese translated tour. Delegates experienced local cuisine with food provided by Swami's Cafe, El Noelito, and Ensenita's firefighters. City council staff and youth commission members participated in various activities. The delegates departed for Los Angeles on August 4th before returning to Amoxa, concluding a successful cultural exchange.

The City Council meeting commenced with the official proceedings and a proclamation in celebration of Black History Month, honoring Marlon Taylor as the first black elected official in any elected body serving Encinitas, and discussing historical context regarding race relations. Public comments addressed the need for organized, factual explanations regarding affordable housing and the severe, long-term impact of drainage issues and flooding in North Encinitas, urging the Council to prioritize infrastructure funding over projects like mixed-use building facades or bike lanes. Furthermore, presentations included commentary from the anonymous review panel regarding youth commission feedback favoring bike lanes over other mobility projects, opposition from the business community to proposed grants, and concerns about cost increases for sanitation and water districts due to deferred maintenance. Finally, a representative spoke in support of Senate Bill 689, which seeks to streamline the process for adding bicycle lanes by reducing state oversight from the Local Coastal Program and Coastal Commission.