Council Member, Distrito 3 — Ciudad de Encinitas

Yes, I do support increasing the housing density in our district.  Going forward we need to become proactive in solving a problem of our own making.  We have 3 demographics in our community that have not been served.   They are seniors wanting to downsize, young professionals starting out, and employees who work in the local businesses.  These 3 groups want to live close to transit, retail services and their jobs.    

To improve the City's supply of affordable housing, we should be using good design and land use principals to build smaller, higher density units in a way that fits into our community.    These units should be built in the business areas – Cardiff, Encinitas, Leucadia and the El Camino Real Corridor.   Instead of waiting for the State of California to tell us what to do, it’s time for Encinitas to take charge of its own future.  I believe we can satisfy the State and the courts when they see we are serious and taking care of our residents – all of them.

Yes, I do approve of the City's approach to addressing homelessness.  The homeless problem has gotten worse in Encinitas because of the housing crisis.  I am proud of the work that Mayor Blakespear and the council have done in working with the county and the Community Resource Center.  I support our current approach.  I believe we are always going to have a homeless problem and it’s in our best interest to continue addressing it with a multi-faceted approach.

 Yes, I support changing our regulations to allow delivery of medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. There is a state bill currently in process that will override our current city regulations. If the state bill doesn’t pass, I will support Mayor Blakespear’s position to allow medical cannabis delivery.  Regarding recreational use, there will be an initiative on the ballot in 2020 and the residents of Encinitas will decide.

Yes, affordable housing is needed and required by state law. However, it's also important to balance state housing needs to that of community character needs. Approving a certified Housing Element should also meet the City’s strategy to preserve our community’s character, while expanding affordable housing opportunities as required by state law and that meets community acceptance.  This Housing Element should be a reflection of a community based vision which includes homeowners, neighborhoods and community participation.  We should preserve and protect our small beach town identity, while providing opportunities for affordable housing.  Increasing developers inclusionary requirements, building near transit, incentivizing granny flats, should all be tools in meeting our affordable housing needs and state requirements.  

The City collaborates with many agencies and non-profit organizations. We currently partner with Community Resource Center and Interfaith Community Services in administering many programs that assist the homeless in finding solutions for reducing or preventing homelessness.  These services connect people with community or county services.

A ballot initiative has qualified for the 2020 election, so the community will decide what limitations they want to place on the selling and growing of cannabis. The delivery of cannabis is currently being evaluated and legislated at the state level. The city is waiting for their decision.