Seaside Courier — February 2016

Density Bonus Law lands Encinitas another lawsuit Thomas K.

Arnold

Contributing writer

T

he city of Encinitas continues to suffer fallout from its ill-fated tinkering over the summer of 2014 with its policies in regard to the state of California’s Density Bonus Law. DCM Properties, a local land entitlement consulting company, filed suit Jan. 25 in Superior Court against the city, accusing Encinitas of continuing to throw roadblocks in the way of builders trying to comply with the 1979 state law, which was enacted to promote the development of affordable housing by offering builders incentives to incorporate affordable housing into their projects.

The suit also accuses the city of failing to adopt a Housing Element, which it has not done in more than 23 years, again in violation of a state law.

The trouble began in the summer of 2014, when the Encinitas City Council made a series of changes to its own longstanding density bonus policies that promptly brought down a lawsuit from the Building Industry Association of San Diego.

In its suit, the nonprofit trade group said the changes made it next to impossible for builders to reach state- and county-mandated affordable housing requirements. Specifically, the suit challenged the council’s decision to round down when calculating the density of a project, instead of rounding up, in accordance with state law; a city requirement that affordable-housing units be at least 75 percent the size of market-rate units in the same project, or 1,500 square feet, whichever is greater; and the city’s ability to deny density bonus infeasibility waivers if a smaller unit can be built within the project.

The city wound up settling the suit, at an estimated cost of $350,000, and agreed to craft an updated ordinance, which finally came up for a council vote last October, a year after the filing of the BIA suit. A contentious part of developing the new ordinance was whether to round up or round down when a density bonus calculation results in a fractional number — ultimately determining whether one more or one fewer home will built on a given property. The new ordinance, approved by a 5-0 vote, calls for rounding up when determining density bonuses, but refers to its SEE DENSITY BONUS PAGE 19

ALSO INSIDE EDUCATION MiraCosta Matters Ken Gora, creative and executive producer of "The Romance," is pictured in a marketing photo for the show. To Gora's left is his assistant on the show, Mrs. X. To his right are his Kim Seltzer, a dating coach, and Elle France, a Rancho Santa Fe-based matchmaker.

The trio makes up a panel on the show, giving feedback to the contestants. (Courtesy photo)

‘The Romance’ brings love to the air; features local businesses, talent Maggie

Avants Editor

D

id they find a forever Valentine?

Filming of “The Romance,” a reality TV dating show, ended more than six months ago, so it is difficult to say whether any of the couples are still together, according to Ken Gora, director and executive producer.

“Five couples were formed; people fell in love with each other, but I can’t tell you who,” said Gora, about the 12-episode series shot entirely in San Diego County, including at Crush in Solana Beach.

He described “The Romance,” which launched Jan. 15 and is airing weekly through April 1 at 10 p.m. Friday on San Diego Channel 4 on Cox and Time Warner Cable, as “more real” than

shows such as “The Bachelor” and “Millionaire Matchmaker.”

“In everyday life, 16 women aren’t in a mansion with a guy and in real life people don’t go to Tahiti or Hawaii on their third date,” said Gora, a Del Mar-Carmel Valley area resident.

“My inspiration was to do a show that looked at how dating really is for a

NOTABLES The award goes to ...

SEE ROMANCE PAGE 3 North County residents making a mark Page 14

Encinitas: Refugee crisis sparks talk of becoming Welcoming Community

INDEX Around Town ................................ 5 Opinion ........................................... 6 Carlbad Village ............................ 9 Education ......................................10 Business Notes ............................12 Health & Fitness .........................13 Pet of the Month .......................15

Maggie Avants, Editor Faye Mankowske, Contributing Writer

T

he plight of Syrian refugees is sparking an impassioned community response from Encinitas. And it’s not just for those escaping civil war, but all immigrants.

Following a symposium hosted by the Leichtag Foundation that called for the support of elected officials, a subcommittee composed of two Encinitas City Council members has been exploring whether the city should join a White House initiative called the “Building Welcoming Communities Campaign.”

In doing so, Encinitas would be the first city south of Los Angeles to sign on to the program — launched last April by the Task Force on New Americans, which was established by President Obama as part of the immigration accountability executive actions announced in November 2014.

Leading the charge is Councilman Tony Kranz, who attended the Leichtag meeting in December, as did his fellow subcommittee member, Deputy Mayor Lisa Shaffer.

“I think everybody knows Encinitas has always been welcoming and has a long history of being welcoming, especially of immigrants,” Kranz said. “We have an agricultural history that included both Mexican-Americans and Japanese-

Training the health care leaders of tomorrow Page 10

CONTACT US Encinitas Deputy Mayor Lisa Shaffer (left) and City Councilman Tony Kranz are partners on the City Council’s Welcoming Community Subcommittee. (Photo by Michael Loeschnig)

Americans … Given the current rhetoric among political circles, I think it is important that we reaffirm we are in fact a welcoming community.”

Council members voted 4-0 — Councilman Mark Muir was absent — on Dec. 16 in favor of forming the subcommittee.

Mayor Kristin Gaspar said she preferred more detailed information on what would be required of the city prior to voting on whether to join the initiative.

“Just to say, ‘Oh yes, we are a welcoming community,’ doesn’t really mean that much,” Gaspar said. “So I’d like to SEE WELCOMING PAGE 3

Advertising (760) 456-7075, ext. 146 sales@seasidecourier.com Editorial / Letters (760) 456-7075, ext. 124 Maggie@seasidecourier.com

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016 WELCOMING, FROM PAGE 1 have some more substance behind it, to know what this is.”

She said community partners would also be important, naming Leichtag Foundation as a “natural fit.”

When Kranz and Shaffer held two subcommittee meetings in January, Leichtag representatives were among those in attendance.

Charlene Seidle, executive vice president for Leichtag, said the organization announced last fall that it was exploring opportunities to be involved in addressing “what we have seen as one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our generation, the Syrian refugee crisis.”

The International Rescue Committee expects roughly 300 of those Syrian refugees to settle in San Diego County this year.

“On Dec. 7, the foundation sponsored a convening for community leaders from across San Diego County to learn more about the scope of the crisis, the needs and profile of refugees, and how effectively welcoming and integrating refugees can contribute to a vibrant, prosperous community,” Seidle said.

“Our city has a strong and proud history of diversity and inclusion.

Our agricultural and horticultural heritage engaged and welcomed people of many different backgrounds ... We are particularly proud to own the former Paul Ecke Ranch.

During World War II, after the order to intern the Japanese, Paul Ecke stepped forward to offer his Japanese neighbors space to store their belongings … A brave act, considering he was of German descent and under some suspicion himself. His leadership enabled his neighbors to return

quickly to their professions and lives after the internment.”

Other agencies represented at the subcommittee meetings have included: Interfaith Community Services, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Catholic Charities (Diocese of San Diego), San Diego County Library System, San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego County Supervisor Roberts Office, MiraCosta College, Survivors of Torture, 211 and Community Resource Center.

Should the city move forward with the initiative, there are three tiers of participation: Making the Initial Commitment, Enhancing Collaboration or Taking Action and Demonstrating Progress.

Kranz said he prefers participating in at least Tier 2 — Enhancing Collaboration — which involves establishing a multi-sector collaborative to create a vision and strategy and a comprehensive plan, to expand opportunities for new Americans and all residents.

Kranz specifically rejected the idea that he was forwarding Encinitas as a potential relocation target for refugees from Syria.

“That’s clearly untrue,” Kranz said. “...This subcommittee is about being more efficient at the civic level.

We need to be able to disseminate information easily to those newcomers who need it.”

Shaffer agreed.

“There’s no imminent influx of refugees coming to Encinitas — from Syria, or anywhere else,” Shaffer said. “We have a lot of people who have already immigrated here, and approximately a 20 percent Hispanic population who don’t actively participate in many civic programs.”

The discussion at a Jan. 21 subcommittee meeting veered toward ways the city could assist new and existing immigrants with services already in place in Encinitas and throughout the region.

As a first step, the subcommittee suggested creating an inventory of agencies that help immigrants, what services they currently offer, what they could potentially offer, and what resources they would need to do so.

“Many people need help even with how to exercise their civic duties,” Seidle said. “They don’t know how to do it, so they don’t.”

The Encinitas Library was mentioned as an avenue for distributing such information.

“We currently have services including English classes running at the library,” said Sheila Crosby, the library branch manager. “It would be nice to know what everyone (else) has to offer (so) we can tell our customers.”

Janie Hoover, a policy advisor from county Supervisor Dave Roberts’ office, said they could provide demographic data to identify populations that would benefit from the information.

A date for the next subcommittee has not been set, which would need to happen prior to the City Council making a decision.

Shaffer was careful to state that the city might not formally join the initiative.

“Being a welcoming community is about recognizing the value to the whole community of creating a supportive environment for everyone who lives here,” Shaffer said. “It’s not about Encinitas having its own program to recruit, vet, or harbor immigrants — or taking resources away from other priorities.” ■

ROMANCE, FROM PAGE 1 normal person.”

Gora, who has a doctorate in psychology, along with dating coach Kim Seltzer and Elle France, a Rancho Santa Fe matchmaker, form a panel of dating experts who also interviewed contestants for the show.

“The panel gives them advice and feedback, so in addition to being entertaining, it can be educating,” Gora said.

More than 300 resumes were received, from which 40 people were selected for auditions that took place over three days. The end result was an initial cast of 14 women and 14 men.

“It’s not like the shows where all the men and women are single with no kids and look like models,” Gora said. “A lot of normal people have had a divorce and have kids and come in all shapes and sizes.

Also in our cast, we have some African-American individuals, some Hispanic individuals. I wanted a diverse cast.”

Local talent highlighted Another thing Gora is proud of is that 55 San Diego-area businesses and artists, including Encinitas resident Sholeh Ashtiani, are featured in “The Romance.”

Ashtiani, who goes by Flames the Artist — her first name means “flame” in her native language of Farsi — is a painter, sculptor and singer.

“I’ve been working for over a year now on ‘The Romance,’ and it has been a wonderful collaboration,” said Ashtiani, originally from Iran. “It provided me the opportunity

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to highlight my figurative bronze sculpture, my oil paintings and my music.”

Ashtiani is in two episodes of the show. One features both her art and singing, while a segment filmed in Carlsbad Village features her artwork in a gallery setting.

In addition, she collaborated with composer and lyricist David Stern to write three songs used throughout the miniseries. One of their original songs, “Stand Your Ground,” is the closing theme for each episode.

Coastal North County businesses highlighted in the series include The Hair Lounge in Solana Beach, Rosaline Jewelry in Rancho Santa Fe, Nattie Dreads in Oceanside, Beach House Winery in Oceanside, RELM in Carlsbad, IGNITE in La Costa, Il Fornaio in Del Mar, OOH La La in Del Mar, OOH Fashionista in Cardiff and Designs by Camille in Rancho Santa Fe.

Spreading ‘The Romance’ Gora, who produced the series through his company Branded Entertainment, said “The Romance” will soon begin airing in other markets, such as Las Vegas and Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties. The series can also be watched online through Reelhouse for a fee, he said.

If that’s not enough, he said fans and the general public are invited to “Fall in Love This Valentine’s Week With The Romance,” by attending a meet-the-cast party and screening at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at Cinépolis Del Mar. A red carpet event will occur just prior at 7:30 p.m. Episodes five, six and seven will be shown. For more information, visit Theromance.tv. ■

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CALENDAR

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

AROUND TOWN DON’T MISS

THESE UPCOMING

EVENTS AROUND NORTH COUNTY

Super Bowl Sunday means the fifth annual Cardiff Kook 10K/5K Run will be held in Encinitas.

(Photo: Cardiffkook.com)

The fifth annual Cardiff Kook 10K and 5K Run takes place from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. The scenic loop will begin on the 101 at the Encinitas sign, pass under the famous Cardiff Kook, rise above popular surf breaks and make its way down to Cardiff State Beach. Costumes are encouraged; prizes will be awarded. For registration and pricing information, visit Cardiffkookrun.com.

F E B. 7

Circus Vargas brings "iLUMINOUS" to Del Mar, Feb. 11-21. (Photo: Circus Vargas via Facebook)

FEB. 11-21

For 10 days, Circus Vargas will have its blue-and-yellow big top at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s show, “iLUMINOUS,” is a new high-energy extravaganza that will illuminate the wonders of modern life and the imagination of every child at heart. Featuring death-defying stunts, flying aerialists, exhilarating acrobats and uproarious clowns under the big top. Children can learn circus skills at the free, interactive pre-show 30 minutes before each performance and after the show meet and take pictures with the performers. Visit Circusvargas.com for show times and prices.

Dogs (and their people) will be allowed in the San Diego Botanic Garden for only the fourth time in history during the Fourth Annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden on Saturday, Feb. 20.

(Photo by Lisa Reynolds)

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas will open its gates to furry friends and their families for the 5K Paw Walk in the Garden, in partnership with Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Dogs are encouraged to bring their owners to enjoy the 5K walk as well as pet products, doggie treats, people food and other great items for dog lovers. The event is limited to two dogs per person; vaccinated and well-behaved dogs only. Admission is $32 for adults ($21 for RCHS volunteers) and $21 for youth ($14 for RCHS volunteers).

For more information, visit Sdbgarden.org/pawwalk.htm.

F E B. 2 0

The modernization and renovation of the city of Carlsbad’s Georgina Cole Library on Carlsbad Village Drive will be celebrated with a community appreciation event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free celebration will include a reopening ceremony, tours, live music, children’s activities and more. ■

F E B. 2 7

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6 Commentary

OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Publisher's note: Opinions expressed on commentary pages are not necessarily the views of the Seaside Courier.

What’s not to understand about Measure A? Thomas K. Arnold Commentary

The anti-Measure A campaign in Carlsbad is becoming increasingly vitriolic and nasty. I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to call attention to this bad behavior. But I do want to address what I believe is at the root of their anger — which is, quite simply, that they just don’t understand what the Agua Hedionda South Shores Specific Plan really is.

A specific plan, like a city’s general plan, is merely a guideline for future land use. A general plan covers the entire city; a specific plan, a part of the city. Voters on Feb. 23, then, aren’t being asked to approve a detailed project — a mall, a shopping center, call it what you like — which is why there aren’t detailed project plans. They do not exist — yet. Critics who complain that the developer, Caruso Affiliated, has only released sketches and renderings of what the project may look like are 100 percent correct. Detailed plans come later, as the project takes shape and goes through the same rigorous city planning process all new builds go through.

(I will say, here, that had it been up to me, I would have pushed to make public these conceptual renderings back when the first petition drive, financed by Caruso, began nearly a year ago, instead of the mailers with the cute little girl frolicking in a meadow of green. But regardless — the renderings are out, they look lovely, and based on Caruso’s track record with the Grove, the Americana and other projects the company has done, what’s planned for Carlsbad will look a lot like these beautiful sketches.)

So what, exactly, are the citizens of Carlsbad going to vote on next month?

An overall master plan for 203.4 acres of land currently owned by San Diego Gas & Electric, which Caruso Affiliated will buy on the condition the plan gets approved. The Agua Hedionda South Shores Specific Plan runs 397 pages long. Key elements are that 26.7 acres, or less than 15 percent of the total area, will be used to build a new “pedestrian-oriented outdoor visitor-serving ,commercial, shopping, dining, and entertainment promenade,” and that the rest of the property will be permanently protected “for open space and the continuation of strawberry farming and coastal agriculture.” Measure A also mandates that whatever Caruso Affiliated does with the land conforms to the Carlsbad General Plan, the Carlsbad Growth Management program, and all other previously enacted ordinances affecting the property. Building trails, cleaning the water, pulling out invasive plant species and replacing them with native vegetation — it’s all in there, in the Specific Plan.

Once voters approve it, it becomes law — and it cannot be amended or repealed without a vote of the people for 15 years. This, folks, protects us, the citizens of Carlsbad, not the developer — and ensures that what we vote on will

happen just as it’s laid out in the Specific Plan. Oversight is entrusted to the city planning department. This is the “ministerial” oversight clause that has critics in a tizzy, even though city planners operate under strict guidelines and ultimately report to the city manager, who reports to the City Council — which is elected by the citizens of Carlsbad.

In essence, that means we’re in the driver’s seat from the time ground is broken to the time of the official ribboncutting ceremony, formally opening the Specific Plan area to the public.

Meanwhile, the total “open space” area, the bulk of the land that Caruso is buying, won’t even belong to Caruso once the plan is approved by voters. It will be turned over to either the city or a conservancy — most likely, the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. About 60 acres will be used for the preservation of agriculture, including strawberry farming; 110 acres will be habitat, pure open space with chaparral and grasses and other native vegetation. Caruso will rehabilitate this land at a cost of about $16 million, and then relinquish the title to it.

I came across a very informative, and interesting, document put out by the state of California, called “A Planner’s Guide to Specific Plans.”

The guide gives a pretty clear summary of what a specific plan is, and is not, and validates everything I’ve written here. For those with short attention spans, please at least take the time to read this excerpt from the opening: “A specific plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the general plan. It effectively establishes a link between implementing policies of the general plan and the individual development proposals in a defined area. A specific plan may be as general as setting forth broad policy concepts, or as detailed as providing direction to every facet of development from the type, location and intensity of uses to the design and capacity of infrastructure….

All specific plans, whether prepared by a general law city or county, must comply with Sections 65450 - 65457 of the [California] Government Code.

These provisions require that a specific plan be consistent with the adopted general plan of the jurisdiction within which it is located…. As with a general plan, the authority for adoption of the specific plan is vested with the local legislative body…. However, unlike the general plan, which is required to be adopted by resolution, two options are available for the adoption of a specific plan: adoption by resolution, which is designed to be policy driven, or adoption by ordinance, which is regulatory by design. The adoption of a specific plan is a legislative act similar to adoption of a general plan or zoning ordinance. Therefore, specific plans may be subjected to voter initiative and referenda….”

So you see, there’s nothing sinister, underhanded or deceptive about this whole process. And for critics to say there is, quite simply, is both disingenuous and shameful. ■

About 60 acres will be used for the preservation of agriculture, including strawberry farming; 110 acres will be habitat.

Letter to the Editor

It is now time to remove the nuclear fuel from San Onofre Jerry Kern

Oceanside City Councilman

In the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future final report to the Secretary of Energy, it stated that the 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act which tied the entire U.S. high-level waste management program to the illfated Yucca Mountain site in Nevada has broken down.

It was not supposed to be this way.

The NWPA bound the Department of Energy to take over supervision of all civilian waste from utility companies for final disposal under the assumption that the waste would be permanently stored in a deep geological repository (Yucca Mountain). The act obligated the U.S. government to begin accepting waste by 1998, but when the federal government failed to open the repository and fulfill its responsibility, it was forced to compensate the utility companies for continuing to store the waste and assume liability. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

Unfortunately, the federal government has made no substantial progress toward the consolidated storage of used civilian nuclear fuel. Adding to the problem, a November 2013 decision by the United States Court of Appeals eliminated the very fees designed to finance used-fuel storage.

The fund has $30 billion accumulated, but no new monies have been collected to address the ongoing storage problem because of existing law.

The existing law only allows the DOE to take possession of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel when it is assigned to permanent storage. The key word here is "permanent" (read: Yucca Mountain). Currently there is no viable plan for permanent storage of spent nuclear fuel or highlevel radioactive waste.

The solution recommended by the BRC is that the DOE should establish a system of regional sites that would take in the used fuel from the

nation’s commercial reactors, consolidating the interim storage of used fuel and putting this nuclear waste into stronger, safer, more secure, more manageable and more economical dry casks as the initial step toward eventual permanent disposal. Dry casks are a very robust storage option

The transition to dry cask-based interim storage should be made as quickly as possible. that require no power to operate the cooling systems and are designed to withstand natural catastrophic events such as earthquakes and floods, and damage caused by fire or deliberate impact by vehicles. The transition to dry cask-based interim storage should be made as quickly as possible.

Currently, the nation’s inventory of spent nuclear fuel is being stored at the sites where it was generated, including roughly 99 units at the 61

PUBLISHER Alice Jacobson Alice@SeasideCourier.com EDITOR Maggie Avants Maggie@SeasideCourier.com

OPINIONS/LETTERS:

still-operating nuclear power plants and 14 shut-down reactor sites. Some of the spent fuel is still in cooling ponds but a large amount has been moved to on-site dry cask. The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station falls into this category. This should be removed as quickly and safely as possible.

There is a path to a solution to this problem. Last September, U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, filed HR 3643, the Interim Consolidated Storage Act of 2015. Our local congressman, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, co-sponsored the bill.

This legislation would amend the existing Nuclear Waste Policy Act, allowing the DOE to take title to the nuclear waste and contract with private companies to store the waste at a consolidate site.

Conaway’s district includes the city of Andrews, Texas, which is the proposed site for a storage facility to be built and operated by Waste Control Specialists. It is in a much more geologically stable region of the country and less densely populated than coastal California.

I have been visiting local city councils to ask to them pass local resolutions in support of this bill. Encinitas passed its resolution on Jan. 27. It is now time for the general public to weigh in and petition Congress to address the nuclear waste storage problem.

Jerry Kern is a member of the Oceanside City Council and of the Community Engagement Panel for the decommissioning of San Onofre. ■

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Seaside Courier encourages letters to the editor and guest editorials. Please email either to maggie@seasidecourier.com and include your phone number and address for verification. We reserve the right to edit letters for brevity and accuracy. Letters and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or staff.

OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Letter to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

Rolling Encinitas forward with the Cardiff Rail Trail Submitted by Encinitas City Council members Catherine Blakespear and Tony Kranz The new Coastal Rail Trail along San Elijo Avenue will connect our communities along the rail corridor, providing safer and more accessible routes for walking or biking to the beach and town centers.

The project includes long-overdue improvements the city has been contemplating for years. In addition to the rail trail, the Encinitas City Council has accelerated building a Montgomery Avenue pedestrian crossing at-grade over the railroad tracks, along with a traffic light and crosswalk across Highway 101. We are also working to quiet the train horns at both the new Montgomery crossing and Chesterfield Avenue.

All these moving parts have created great debate, with some proposing that a preferred alternative is to leave the rail corridor alone and just improve the bike and pedestrian facilities that already exist on Highway 101. The three City Council members who support the combination of projects (Tony Kranz, Catherine S. Blakespear and Lisa Shaffer) feel strongly that the right location for the trail is east of the

tracks, on the side where people live.

This placement will create a new walking and biking corridor that doesn’t currently exist.

To us, the benefits of the combined projects are clear: significant road and safety improvements at Chesterfield, a legal and safe crossing at Montgomery providing beach access, a paved bike path and decomposed granite running trail between Chesterfield and G Street, improved parking along San Elijo and across from Cardiff School, and the pursuit of a quiet zone throughout the entire corridor to permanently quiet train horns (like the quiet zones throughout downtown San Diego).

The quiet zone alone will dramatically improve the quality of life for hundreds of residents who live near the tracks and tolerate train blasts at all hours of the day and night.

While the rail corridor in its undeveloped state has many lovely qualities, it does not adequately serve most residents.

In many long stretches, pedestrians and bikers are mixing with cars in an unimproved dirt parking lot next to a steep bluff and a busy road. Walking, riding, or pushing a stroller there is not just unsafe,

it’s unpleasant. We can do better.

In building the rail trail, the sand dunes to the south will be preserved, many of the trees will remain, and great care is being taken to integrate the trail into the existing natural environment.

Infrastructure projects always come with trade-offs and cost money. One trade-off which the railroad requires is the installation of a 4-foot, post and cable fence. While we wish this weren't required, no city has been able to avoid installation of a fence when improving the rail corridor.

Regarding the costs, the city is pursing these improvements in the most cost-effective way possible. About $5.1 million of “use it or lose it” regional money is being paired with about $1.5 million of city money. There is no better or more cost-effective approach.

We are excited about this project that will provide better connectivity between residents throughout the city, especially in Cardiff and historic Encinitas.

We believe the Coastal Rail Trail will become an Encinitas gem that we can all enjoy together. For more information, please visit Cardiffrailtrail.com or Keepsandiegomoving.com.

Catherine S. Blakespear and Tony Kranz are Encinitas City Council members who can be reached at cblakespear@encinitasca.gov and tkranz@ encinitasca.gov. ■

Letter to the Editor

Rolling Cardiff into the Pavement with the Coastal Rail Trail In a letter to the Seaside Courier, Encinitas City Council members Catherine Blakespear and Tony Kranz sought to justify their approval of the Coastal Rail Trail along San Elijo/ Vulcan Avenue. While the CRT is supposed to facilitate bike and pedestrian travel between our downtowns, the inconvenient truth is that it will only serve a limited number of local residents lucky enough to live nearby. It will be enjoyed by few but funded by all. Coincidentally, Blakespear happens to live near the project.

Blakespear/Kranz point out that this segment of the CRT has been contemplated for years and will be the culmination of this decades-long effort.

The reality is they are peddling an idea that has been rejected many times with strong opposition from residents. Past city councils have respected the community's wishes, but now we have a 3-to-2 council majority with a personal agenda and a willingness to disregard overwhelming community objections.

Months ago, the city held CRT community workshops. The vast majority of the 100-plus attendees was against placing the trail through the Cardiff Rail Corridor, one of the last natural

have “accelerated building an at-grade railroad crossing at Montgomery Avenue.”

But they fail to mention three critical elements: (1) they are spending $600,000 of Encinitas tax dollars to study the feasibility of the at-grade crossing (approvals are rare); (2) the added cost of the “quiet zone” (again, approvals are rare) is estimated to add another $1 million; and (3) they have degraded our previously approved and widely supported under-crossing project which is a much safer alternative requiring no train horns.

While the minority council members (Mayor Kristin Gaspar and Councilman Mark Muir) have stated that the existing natural trail in the Cardiff Rail Corridor expresses Cardiff’s unique community character, Blakespear/Kranz find it “unpleasant.” What is truly unpleasant is wasting taxpayer money, paving coastal open space, more train horns and the loss of beach access and parking.

open spaces along our coast. Because citizens asked, San Diego Association of Governments crafted an alternative plan that aligned the CRT along Coast Highway. This alignment is millions cheaper and loved by the community.

It’s also consistent with neighboring cities that have placed their CRT west of the railroad tracks. And, as evidenced by the large number of visitors we see along Coast Highway each day, it is clear where people prefer to be.

But, Blakespear/Kranz say we need to “put the trail on the side of the tracks where people live.” Superficially that sounds clever, but isn’t it better to put the path where most people want to walk and ride bikes? Without question, that’s along the bluffs with a view of the ocean, not next to trains speeding by. A Coast Highway alignment will serve —Signed, Joe Alkhas Jennifer Benedict more residents, save millions of dollars, Nancy Burns Dave Gonyer preserve beach access and parking, and Michele Grad Rich Kelso save natural coastal habitat from being Mary Klawiter Scott & Pam Kyle paved, lighted, curbed and fenced. Let’s Jaime & Justin Machado take the grant money and create a true Rich Risner Chris & Randi Swanner gem for our city along Coast Highway, Ed Thielicke Katherine Thielicke an inviting walkway with viewpoints, Kevin & Julie Thunder benches and geographic markers for all Sean & Svenja Wright of Encinitas and our visitors to enjoy. and 957 others who have sent letters of oppoBlakespear/Kranz also state that they sition via Norailtrail.com ■

What our readers said I support Catherine Blakespear and Tony Kranz because they are planning for the future of Encinitas while trying to honor and preserve that which we all consider precious and special about the history and natural beauty of our city. By voting yes on the Coastal Rail Trail along San Elijo Avenue, I believe they understood that walking and biking paths are ultimately in everyone’s best interest.

A trail allows our community to connect with one another while boosting local economic activity.

As a connector between downtown Encinitas and Cardiff, it will give people the opportunity to engage in their surroundings for shopping and

dining without having to get in their cars. This is a win-win for everyone.

As Blakespear and Kranz point out in their commentary, there are large sections along the north side of San Elijo Avenue that are not pedestrian- or bikefriendly. People walking and biking must often detour into speeding traffic in order to get around cars and trucks which are randomly parked on what is essentially an unsafe and undeveloped dirt parking lot.

During the City Council meeting on May 20, 2015, when the vote was cast in favor of the trail, a "no trail" speaker said he does not ride his bike along San Elijo. “It’s a death zone,” he

said. How can anyone make such a dramatic statement and then try to present an argument against developing a trail?

I wholeheartedly agree that we should try and preserve as much of the current natural environment as possible with as little pavement as possible, but it should also be a safe area accessible for different types of users. I have faith that both Catherine Blakespear and Tony Kranz will work hard to achieve this optimum outcome and I will fully support all their efforts as they do so.

—Submitted to SeasideCourier.com by site user, Pverdu. ■

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Caruso will be an excellent community member I am fortunate enough to have been living here in paradise on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon at Bristol Cove since 2001. My wife Gerrie Kay and I are crazy about the lagoon and want to protect our “million-dollar view.”

I believe that the proposed Caruso Affiliated project along Cannon Road and I-5 will be a wonderful new asset for the Carlsbad citizens that will enhance our view and lagoon experience. I believe it will be the envy of other communities. I support YES on Measure A and want other Carlsbad voters to vote “YES,” too.

The feature that puts the project over the top for me is the super-enhanced open space on 176 acres. It is an amazing piece of land once you get past the rusty barbed wire and “No Trespassing” signs. The views from over there are fantastic, but off limits to the public now. With YES on Measure A, we all can enjoy our beautiful lagoon from that viewpoint.

Under Prop D (2006), the land is zoned open space, but it doesn’t meet most people’s definition of “open space” because without YES on Measure A, civic buildings, museums, ball fields and parking lots could end up there. Measure A will protect the land as “real” open space, free from structures except for a farm-to-table restaurant and a produce and strawberry stand.

Plus, builder Rick Caruso will create – at a cost of over $16 million in private funding – over three miles of trails, picnic spots and an outdoor classroom, and will increase the agricultural use and restore the natural habitat! With YES on Measure A, Caruso will also improve the desiltation basins and allow only clean water to flow into the lagoon. Also, all of this will be turned over to an environmentally friendly nonprofit and fully funded by the builder so taxpayers bear no cost forever.

I think it’s incredible that they propose to do all that for us. It is a gift to Carlsbad.

For a few years now, Caruso’s team has been asking for our input about what is best for Carlsbad. They initially had some preliminary “sketches” that placed the parking structure on the east side of the project — right smack in the middle of my coveted view — which I opposed. So I asked a Caruso representative to come to my home to see what I wanted to protect and hear what I thought would be better. After the visit, Caruso’s team went back to the drawing board (with my brilliant idea!) and moved the parking structure along the freeway and out of the sightline of north shore lagoon homeowners, just as I suggested. They listened to me and responded! I am sure they have incorporated many other ideas from the community because that is just who Rick Caruso is. Because of my experience, I trust that Caruso will be an excellent community member.

But even better, we have great leaders protecting our interests already. We voted for our City Council and mayor and pay them the “big bucks” to make decisions on many things, including projects like this one. These public servants love Carlsbad like we do and they unanimously voted in favor of the project. I trust their judgment and believe we should join them in voting “YES” on Measure A. —Jim Strickland, Carlsbad ■

Measure A’s questionable claims Carlsbad’s voters guide for the Feb. 23 special election promises the city will benefit from a $2.6 million revenue windfall each year if a new shopping center is built near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. But the projected bonanza omits the caveats contained in a report that bypassed state and city approvals normally required of such projects.

The 9212 Report cites the analysis of RSG, a consulting firm hired by the city to examine the shopping center developer’s promises. It found projected revenues were “not based on valid data sources, appear significantly overstated, and should not be used for budgeting purposes. The tourism-related fiscal revenues to the City, estimated at $3.0 to $5.2 million, (by Kosmont, billionaire developer Rick Caruso’s consulting firm) are not supported due to invalid assumptions.”

While that explains the city’s more conservative $2.6 million estimate, voters should keep in mind it’s an estimate only. The unexpected arrival of the 2008 Great Recession, together with the recent gloomy news from the stock market, prove high hopes are sometimes dashed by harsh reality. That’s especially true if they’re built on a shaky foundation of questionable facts, self-serving interests, and wishful thinking.

Here’s just one example of Caruso’s bogus promises. He claims 10 percent of mall visitors would stay at a local hotel overnight to shop and dine elsewhere in Carlsbad, defining as “visitors” those who come from outside city limits. That would include Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista residents, as well as others from cities within a short driving distance. Unless they’re shopping addicts, nearby residents are unlikely to look for a hotel to give themselves extra time to shop downtown or visit the city’s other three malls.

How will the mall affect businesses in The Village? The RSG analysis shows 47 percent less surplus demand than Caruso’s estimate for shopper goods over the next eight years, 70 percent less for food sales, and 58 percent less for eating and drinking. The report finds, “The retail service surplus demand is overstated but still positive,” but concludes with the warning, “A large retail project, the San Marcos Creek District, was excluded from the analysis and represents significant portions of the Specific Plan methodology that are inconsistent with best practices for estimating retail demand.”

If I were an owner of a downtown business, I would take no comfort in those words, nor with Caruso’s claim that my customer base would be unaffected by his mega mall. His promise of free transportation from his mall to my shop or restaurant downtown will also allow local mall-bound shoppers to park free downtown, walk past my shop, and hop on a trolley to Caruso’s shopping center, avoiding the heavy traffic and high parking fees there.

Although the RSG analysis promises there will be some (my emphasis) economic benefits, the city’s 9212 Report minimizes concerns about the developer’s gross exaggerations. The voters guide makes no mention of them at all.

The city’s website gushes about the questionable revenue projections, “If the city’s numbers are wrong, the city will see an even greater economic benefit.”

That explains the thinking of the collection of Pollyannas we call our city council.

—Richard Riehl, Carlsbad ■

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Mayor's Minute

Addressing homelessness Kristin Gaspar

Mayor of Encinitas Guest commentary

We all can agree that homelessness is a complex problem that impacts quality of life in our community. There are no easy solutions. As of last year, 123 homeless individuals were found living in Encinitas, and that number continues to climb. Despite this high number of homeless Encinitas residents, there is hope. Last month, I brought forward a pilot program to address homelessness in Encinitas and serve as a model for other San Diego communities.

I am pleased to report this initiative received unanimous City Council support. The $100,000 commitment is aimed at first ending veteran homelessness, and through that work building a system that will eventually end chronic homelessness, as well as homelessness for youth and families.

While there are not yet enough housing resources to address every instance

OPINION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

of homelessness in Encinitas, there are significant resources for the majority of those experiencing homelessness. This is particularly true for homeless veterans. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty of navigating the system of available resources, many of these resources go unused or are not being fully utilized.

What is the missing link? A Housing Navigator — a trained professional to work with each homeless individual, connecting them with the resources to permanently end their homelessness.

Our one-year Encinitas pilot program will contract with a skilled social worker to implement a street-level outreach program to quickly identify and help a homeless person with the fullest complement of resources available from local, regional and state/federal resources.

For the first time, the greater San Diego community is uniting together to work in partnership to address homelessness. Encinitas should be proud to be the first North County city joining in this effort. The greater San Diego partnership is called 25 Cities, a reference to the 25 cities nationwide with the largest number of homeless veterans. 25 Cities is a collaborative framework for charities, business leaders, faith groups, government agencies

and community members working together to forever change the fact that San Diego has the fifth-highest homeless population in the nation.

Since the program’s introduction at City Council by Interfaith Community Services Executive Director Greg Anglea, there has been an outpouring of support from the Encinitas community. Residents, business owners, the Community Resource Center, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Encinitas Library, the faith community and nonprofit groups have all expressed interest in partnering to address this important communitywide issue.

I continue to be inspired by the many compassionate and dedicated individuals who make Encinitas one great city to call home!

February across the Southwest.

Early January storms in San Diego County dumped several inches of rain and pushed the region well past its average annual rainfall total for that time of year. Those storms allowed San Diego County residents to turn off their irrigation systems for weeks at a time to conserve water. They also added to local reservoirs; however, reservoirs in the San Diego region still are just about 40 percent full, so they have significant capacity to hold more storm-water runoff.

Unfortunately, the amount of local rainfall can be deceiving when it comes to local water supply. The last year that local water supplies met local water needs was in 1946, and even in wet years it doesn’t come close with 3.2 million people in the region. For instance, during the last strong El Niño event in 1998, local rainfall was 180 percent of average.

Even with that inflow to reservoirs, local surface water only met about 20 percent of region’s water demands.

From a water supply standpoint, it’s more important to track what’s going on in the Sierra Nevada, where the situation also is positive thanks to mid-January storms. Those storms enhanced the snowpack in the critical northern Sierra region so that it was at more than 120

percent of average for that time of year.

Of course, it will take a few months to see if that holds. State water officials have said California needs at least 150 percent of average snowpack to make a major dent in this drought.

The other main piece of the local water supply picture is the Rocky Mountains because the San Diego region has received about two-thirds of its water from the Colorado River in recent years. Right now, the proportion of water from the Colorado River is even greater because there’s so little water available from the State Water Project. The news in the Rockies is upbeat: The snowpack in several upper Colorado River Basin watersheds is above average — and in some places, it’s more than 130 percent of normal.

Given all the uncertainties, it remains important for residents and businesses to continue conserving water to meet state mandates that will continue at least through February. From June through December 2015, water use across the county was down by 24 percent compared to 2013, the baseline year used by the state. That beat the countywide average target of 20 percent — proof that our region truly continues saving water every way, every day. ■

With appreciation, Kristin Gaspar Encinitas Mayor kgaspar@encinitas.gov For more information on how to get involved with this program, please contact Interfaith Community Services Executive Director Greg Anglea; ganglea@interfaithservices.org. ■

Commentary

El Niño stays strong at mid-winter Mark Muir

Vice Chair, San Diego County Water Authority Guest commentary

It’s still too soon to say for sure what kind of water supply boost we’ll get from El Niño this winter, but so far El Niño conditions are delivering aboveaverage rainfall in San Diego County — and that is a welcome relief from the past four years.

In addition, winter storms in Northern California have boosted precipitation in critical watersheds. The Sierra Nevada snowpack traditionally peaks on April 1, so the full extent of the wet season should be in focus by then.

El Niños are characterized by high water surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. They often — but not always — deliver above-average rainfall to Southern California. Current projections are for above-average rainfall at least through

CARLSBAD VILLAGE

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Carlsbad Village is the perfect place to spend Valentine’s Day

N

o one will deny that love and food are inextricably tied. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time for some inspiration!

Whether you are a discerning foodie or simply just love to share a delicious meal with that special someone, Carlsbad Village can most certainly deliver.

Nothing is more romantic and fun than sharing a plate of homemade Belgian waffles heaping with juicy strawberries and topped with mounds of fresh whipped cream.

Add a chilled mimosa made with freshly squeezed orange juice and you have a recipe for love. If this sounds like your way of starting your day, come to the Daily News Café, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Carlsbad sign.

Looking to spice things up?

Senor Grubby’s offers the perfect solution with its Dos Amores (two loves) burrito brimming with its famous Diablo Hot Sauce. Pair that with any number of craft beers it offers while enjoying Grubby’s new patio for dining al fresco, and you are sure to score some points with your loved one.

At any time of the year, the Pacific Ocean, just steps away from the Village, conjures up images of love. Couples walking hand-inhand at the surf line and, of course, the amazing sunsets we are so fortunate to witness each evening. Before you stroll along the boardwalk or put your toes in the sand, visit the Village for a unique and pleasant shopping experience. Browse the independently owned and operated boutiques, salons and antique shops, drop into the artist’s Foundry to see fantastic local art, and stop to watch the tree lights on Grand Avenue turn from red to purple to blue and every color of the rainbow in between.

While on State Street, be sure to visit Humble Olive Oils, the only olive oil store and tasting room in the Village. It offers the finest olive oils from around the world, featuring ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils and infused olive oils as well as aged balsamic vinegars. This unique gourmet tasting experience is a great precursor to dinner for two, and is sure to whet

your appetite for more.

Dinner, you say? Nothing says love more than sharing a plate of Craft Burger’s late-night fries topped with cheese, applewood bacon and crème fraiche alongside a half-pound Black Angus burger on a freshly baked brioche bun. Don’t forget to order its house-made frozen custard, complete with two spoons, please.

I think we can all agree a homecooked meal is a labor of love. And using the freshest ingredients just makes it that much more special.

The State Street Farmers’ Market, held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Wednesday afternoon, is an ideal place to pick up the finest ingredients for any meal. Fresh, local produce picked in the morning can grace your table the same evening.

Baguettes baked that day will pair

perfectly with farm-fresh butter. And for dessert, locally made delicacies like French champagne cake and homemade milk chocolate fudge are at your fingertips. The farmers’ market is also a perfect place to pick up that last-minute gift or a stunning bouquet of flowers.

Carlsbad Village has so much to offer. Full of lots of hidden gems and of course fantastic dining options, the Village can most definitely fill the bill when it comes to your Valentine’s Day plans. But don’t just limit yourself to one day to enjoy the romance of the Village; it’s here waiting for you all year long.

For more information on the Carlsbad Village Association or village merchants, visit www.carlsbad-village.com or email info@ carlsbad-village.com. ■

Kindness Leap It's a bird. It's a plane. It's the superintendent? Carlsbad Unified School District Superintendent Suzette Lovely (left), Jefferson Elementary Principal Chad Lund (center) and Hope Elementary Principal Richard Tubbs (right) get ready to skydive at Oceanside Municipal Airport, Jan. 22, 2016 as a kick-off to Kids For Peace's Great Kindness Challenge Week. (Courtesy photo)

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EDUCATION

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

MiraCosta College nursing students receive individualized attention in small class sizes. (Photo courtesy of MiraCosta College)

MiraCosta Matters: Taking the lead in training tomorrow’s health care workers today Dr. Sunny Cooke Superintendent/ president

M

iraCosta College is helping to heal the world.

From a surgical technology program that is one of just four offered at a community college in California to a new agreement between MiraCosta College and Point Loma Nazarene University that enables nursing students who graduate from MiraCosta to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Point Loma Nazarene without leaving the Oceanside campus, MiraCosta College is taking the lead in training tomorrow’s health care workers today.

Good thing, too. Health care is among the fastest-growing industries in the country.

An aging health care workforce combined with demand driven in part by the expansion of Medi-Cal and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act will result in an average of 9,230 job openings for registered nurses annually in California through 2022, according to state figures. Nationally, the number of registered nurse positions is expected to grow by more than 439,000 by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reported a median annual pay of almost $67,640 for the profession in 2014.

The future is just as bright for surgical technologists, whose job prospects are projected to increase by 15 percent by 2024. In California, the median wage for those in the profession exceeded $57,000 in 2014.

MiraCosta College’s comprehensive offering of health care programs also include training future certified nursing assistants, home health aides and licensed vocational nurses.

In addition, a phlebotomy technician program at the recently opened Technology Career Institute in Carlsbad is attracting students from throughout the region.

“A lot of students with bachelor's degrees in other fields are enrolling in our nursing program because of the small class sizes, the individualized attention and the excellent education,”

MiraCosta College surgical technology students train to earn a median salary of $57,000. (Photo courtesy of MiraCosta College)

said Sandy Comstock, MiraCosta College’s associate dean of Nursing and Allied Health. “It’s a challenging field, but it is a very rewarding profession.”

Underscoring MiraCosta College’s commitment to the community, we have forged agreements for clinical experience opportunities at Tri-City Medical Center, Palomar Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente and Scripps Health. And in addition to our recent agreement with Point Loma Nazarene, MiraCosta College and California State University, San Marcos are into the fourth year of a program that guarantees graduates of our registered nursing program can pursue their bachelor’s of science in nursing at Cal State San Marcos Ensuring student success and preparation for the workforce is our priority, which is why virtually every MiraCosta College graduate passes

the National Council Licensure Examination needed to begin working as a nurse and the CNA exam to become a certified nursing assistant.

Best of all, students don’t have to spend seemingly endless years in college and graduate school to break into the health care field. The phlebotomy technician program, for example, comprises approximately 80 hours of instruction and an additional 40 to 120 hours of clinical externship in a health care setting. Once completed, students are eligible to take a certification examination offered by the National Health Career Association in class.

San Diego County is among the leading regions when it comes to health care research and education. And thanks to the community’s unwavering support over the years, MiraCosta College is among the leading educational systems in the region providing workforce training in this area. ■

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Business Notes Vandervort voted CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito As the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito turns 50 years old, its board of directors celebrated by voting Interim Director Marineke Vandervort in as permanent CEO of the seven clubs in the North San Diego region.

A longtime leader in the San Dieguito community and a 24-year veteran of the Boys & Girls Clubs, Vandervort served as human resources director for almost a decade, building the clubs strong in multiple capacities since working at the award-winning Pardee Aquatics Center in her teens as a national champion level swimmer.

She brings a distinctive level of professional training and passion to the clubs, as an advocate for the power of strong mentors and high educational goals.

Vandervort earned her human resources management certificate from University of California, San Diego, holds certificates in nonprofit management and supervisory skills from Brandman University, and completed the Harvard Business School not-forprofit business management program.

When she is not at the helm of the club, she is at home and active with her family, raising her two daughters in the community she grew up in. Vandervort attended Torrey Pines High School in Del Mar and swam as a top athlete in the region through her 20s.

She went on to attend Colorado State University on a swimming scholarship and earned her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.

After college, she managed the aquatic center office at the clubs.

With compassion and a competitive drive, she helped develop a culture of excellence while raising her family at the clubs.

Admired by staff and club members, Vandervort received the Administrative Staff of the Year award in 2013 by The Professional Association of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for building strong services that produced a Gold category rating among the Clubs of the Pacific Region.

As CEO, she now oversees the clubs and programs she helped develop, fostering potential in staff and club members while working tirelessly to ensure the organization continues providing the best services to its community for another 50 years and beyond.

Solana Center receives state’s highest environmental honor Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, based in Encinitas, stood among other prominent organizations to accept the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award on Jan. 19.

Executive Director Jessica Toth attended the awards ceremony held at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento.

Solana Center received the award for its “Organics Marketplace” demonstration projects and waste diversion programs that have kept more than 16,000 tons of organic waste out of regional landfills. Based on their experience working with local businesses, Solana Center estimates the potential cumulative savings

Steven Simpson and his wife, Lauren, are pictured at a 2014 San Diego Zoo Wild Things event. (Image by J.Dixx Photography/www.jdixx.com)

for organics diversion in San Diego County to be $20 million per year.

“Surplus food and the ensuing food waste are huge problems,” Toth said.

“We are pioneering strategic innovations to create replicable programs so that food scrap remains within the community that generated it.”

Established in 1993, GEELA is awarded to individuals, companies and organizations that use sustainable business practices to conserve energy, reduce waste or prevent pollution while contributing to their local economy. This year, 12 California organizations received the award.

Previous winners in the waste reduction category have included Disneyland Resort, Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority, CleanWorld, County of Santa Cruz and the U.S. Navy Region Southwest.

Southern California GEELA recipients included Solana Center, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California,

the Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors, Orange County Waste and Recycling and the City of Anaheim.

“This year’s GEELA recipients made extraordinary gains in sustainability, waste reduction and conservation,” said Secretary for Environmental Protection Matthew Rodriquez. “The winners also demonstrated their environmental achievements resulted in greater efficiency and economic benefits that spread beyond their organizations.”

Leader of Solana Beach company welcomed into Zoological Society The Board of Trustees of San Diego Zoo Global has welcomed a new member: financial executive Steven Simpson. Simpson joins a group with varied backgrounds, who volunteer their expertise to guide the well-known nonprofit organization’s ongoing conservation efforts.

“Each of the board members of San Diego Zoo Global brings their expe-

rience to their effort to support our organization,” said Robert Horsman, Zoological Society of San Diego chairman. “Mr. Simpson is an experienced businessman who has also devoted a great deal to communitybased efforts. We look forward to learning from him and working with him over the next few years.”

Simpson is active in a number of organizations, including the Young Presidents Organization; is a board member of San Diego-based organizations, including the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation; and is a former advisory board member of Promises2Kids.

He is currently president and managing partner of Gurtin Fixed Income Management, LLC, which is headquartered in Solana Beach and oversees $10 billion in municipal fixed-income portfolios for clients around the nation. He previously worked for many years at Morgan Stanley, initially based in Chicago, as well as serving as a management consultant for Accenture.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible in part by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global. ■

Inaugural Senior Expo planned in Encinitas T

he Encinitas Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the city of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department present the inaugural Senior Expo titled, “Embracing Retirement, Before and After 65.”

The free event — from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center — is geared toward people who will be retiring soon, those who are already retired and adult children looking for options for their aging parents.

The main hall of the Community Center main will be filled with exhibitors, including government agencies, health care, housing and senior care providers, along with an array of vendors offering fun and educational ideas and choices.

There will be health and technology demonstrations throughout the event, providing something for everyone.

Expert speakers will discuss topics such as “Keeping your Loved Ones Happy, Healthy and Safe,” “Scams and Schemes Aimed at Seniors,” “The 10 signs of Normal Aging vs Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia” and “Aging-in-Place.”

Scripps Health Encinitas will provide healthy snacks and there will be opportunity drawings throughout the day, plus a commemorative bag for the first 500 expo attendees.

Call 760-753-6041 or visit Encinitaschamber.com/embracingretirement for more information. ■

HEALTH & FITNESS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Wellness in North County:

Getting healthy on a budget Chris Ahrens Columnist

I

am a freelance writer. So, it should go without saying that I am almost always broke. I am also at retirement age, something that does not mean I am in bad health. In fact, I am in great health, stoked on life and saving money all at the same time. If you think living well is expensive, think again. The following methods have left me healthier and wealthier, and sometimes both: Take a morning walk. While I sometimes attend a gym, most mornings I simply walk two or three miles. When I return home, I’ll do 10 to 20 minutes of Hatha Yoga. While gym classes can be beneficial, you will never see what I saw on a recent morning while walking the beach: a pod of dolphins riding waves and a flock of pelicans gliding over air currents.

Forage for local foods. Pine nuts are not grown in grocery store bins — they actually fall from pine trees.

After a hard wind, they can be found in abundance on the ground. Natal plums are abundant and delicious, as are dandelions, wood sorrel and other wild-growing native plants.

The 99 Cents Only Store is the new Nordstrom. Well maybe not quite, but I have bought some cool socks and hats there. You won’t believe the produce — much of it organic and at a fraction of the cost of other stores.

And, here’s a secret — it’s often the exact same product. We buy all paper products, batteries, reading glasses, drinking glasses, plates, freezer bags and countless other items there, also.

Yoga mat: $10; lemons: $1; Magic Bullet: $35; avocados: free; lifetime health: priceless. (Photo by Chris Ahrens)

Without sacrificing quality, our family of two saves about $200 a month.

Get into the ocean on a regular basis. If you’re older than 30 and have a full-time job, you will never be good at surfing, but that shouldn’t stop you.

Body surfing only requires a swimsuit and, maybe, fins. Prone surfing on surf mats, alias, and body boards is a great way to enjoy the ocean and you can enjoy it the first day, without a bunch of surfers yelling, “Kook, go home.”

Before you take a pill, see if you can heal yourself. For example, there is a pressure point in the “V” between the thumb and forefinger. Press down on it the next time you have a headache.

In my case, it eliminates headaches about 75 percent of the time.

Park your car. In my opinion, the bicycle is one of the greatest inventions of our time. Riding a bike has so many benefits — you see more of the world around you, you get in shape, help eliminate highway congestion and save gasoline. Sometimes it even saves time, since you can weave

through local traffic jams and don’t have to worry about a parking place.

My rule of thumb is: If it’s under half a mile, I’ll walk.

Kill your TV. In the time we’ve all spent watching dumb shows, we could all have learned several languages, enjoyed our families, gotten into better shape or earned a PhD. Most people will say they do it to relax. But with all the violence and bad news being pumped from the tube, it might actually be making you tenser.

It’s easier with a Bullet. I never liked juicers or blenders because of the cleanup involved. Magic Bullet blends what you need quickly and easily, leaving nothing to clean but a cup.

Plant an organic garden. I can’t even count the many benefits from this, two of the top ones being family health and unity. When my daughter was a young child, we gardened together.

This gave her a great sense of security, self-esteem, and knowledge of how life works. It also left her and her father with a lifetime of good health. ■

Body in Balance: Fitness as you age Dana Nitti Columnist

A

s you grow older, an active lifestyle is more important than ever. Regular fitness that includes stretching, balance exercises, strength training and cardio endurance can help boost energy, maintain your independence and manage symptoms of illness or pain. Not only is exercise good for your body, it’s also good for your mind, mood and memory.

Mixing different types of exercise keeps your workouts interesting and can improve your overall health. The key is to find activities you enjoy.

Here is an overview of the four building blocks of fitness as you age.

Incorporating basic stretching into your fitness routine will help improve your range of motion and make everyday movements easier.

To really increase your flexibility, stretching should be done 10 minutes per day, five to seven days a week; one or two stretches for each body region. Adding yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or Qi Gong into your fitness routine once a week is a fun way to mix things up.

Balance exercises can help prevent falls and reduce your risk of injury.

Balance exercises should be done every day and can take a little as five minutes. Exercises like standing on one foot, walking heel to toe and standing on your tiptoes can be done anytime, anywhere.

Strength training helps prevent loss of bone mass, builds muscle and improves balance. Strength exercises can be done using weight or external resistance from body weight, machines, free weights or elastic bands. Try incorporating strength exercises for all major muscle groups two to three days per week for at least 30 minutes, making sure you don’t exercise the same muscle group on any two days in a row.

Cardio endurance is anything

that uses your body to get your heart pumping, for example walking, running, swimming or biking.

I recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise a day. If you don’t have time for the full 30 minutes, try three 10-minute bouts of exercise throughout the day.

If you’ve never exercised before or if you’re worried you’re too old or weak to exercise, I recommend you start by working with a personal trainer or group leader to reduce your risk of injury and get the most out of your workout.

—Dana Nitti, a certified personal trainer, is the owner of Body in Balance by Dana. ■

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LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

North County Notables

Oceanside resident Liz Randall and her dog, Phineas, train together. (Courtesy photo)

North County native and her rescue dog to compete at Westminster Oceanside resident and San Marcos business owner Liz Randall, and her “All American” dog, Phineas, are slated to compete Feb. 13 in the Third Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster in New York City — the opening act of the famed Westminster Week and its celebration of dogs.

Randall and Phineas will be among more than 3,000 teams competing in the events of Westminster Week, which includes the iconic 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show and the agility trial. The agility trial is limited to dogs competing at Masters level, which includes both purebred and mixed breed (All American) dogs.

Phineas is one of the few All American rescue dogs chosen to compete in this year’s Westminster agility competition. Phineas came to Randall after a very rocky start. He was purchased in a Costco parking lot at six weeks of age, then shuffled between multiple owners before being adopted by Randall at only 11 weeks old. Working to overcome behavioral challenges in addition to training the complex skills needed for the highest levels of dog agility, the two are a tightly bonded team and have grown to become widely-respected competitors on the Southern California agility circuit. Phineas consistently places in the top rankings at local trials and will be seeded as a top competitor at Westminster.

According to statistics rankings by Bad Dog Agility based upon AKC agility results in 2015, Phineas is the fastest mixed breed dog in the country.

Randall works with dog owners on a daily basis via training and canine care at her dog daycare and boarding business Dogs Abound in San Marcos. Randall also teaches agility locally in North County, helping dogs and their owners communicate together with speed, accuracy and most importantly, fun.

The Westminster Kennel Club, FOX Sports 1 and Purina Pro Plan will team up once again for the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. Consistent with the prior years, the event will feature dogs and their handlers excitedly attacking an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles and more, racing against the clock. These talented teams have trained tirelessly to achieve these titles and are proud to showcase their efforts. The trial, to be held at New York’s Pier 94, precedes Westminster’s 140th Annual All Breed Dog Show on the following Monday and Tuesday. The Agility Trial finals will be televised nationally on FOX Sports 1.

For the full Westminster week schedule, got to Westminsterkennelclub.org.

—Contributed content ■

Edith Jones (Courtesy photo)

Oceanside names recipient of 2016 MLK award

Community volunteer Edith Jones received the city of Oceanside Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.

Jones is president of the North County African American Women’s Association Board of Directors, and puts together fundraising events as a member of Soroptimist International in Oceanside and Carlsbad.

She is also on the board of directors of the Women’s Resource Center, which benefits women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Jones also donates her photography skills to several organizations.

The Community Service award is given annually to a resident of Oceanside or Camp Pendleton who exemplifies the ideals and teachings of King and who has served as a community volunteer over a long period of time.

Jones was honored Jan. 18 at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast, held at MiraCosta College by the North County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

—City News Service ■

WINE / PETS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

Rich Cook on Wine

A major wine competition — in your own backyard!

Rich Cook

Columnist

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ast month, I wrote about some tips you can use when selecting wines at your favorite shop, and noted that one of those helps is a medal won at a wine competition. You may or may not be aware that we have several of these events in San Diego, and that one of them is right here in coastal North County.

The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition and Festival is a combination event that links award-winning wines with a festival that happens each June during the San Diego County Fair. This means you have a great local opportunity to taste some great wine, sample food pairings, meet winemakers and have a generally fantastic afternoon finding out just what a professional set of judges thinks makes a great wine.

What makes this competition unique, besides the fact that I’m the director?

Well, when it comes to “award-winning wine” you have a lot of sources to consider, with nearly 100 wine-judging events happening annually across the country. Some are focused on a particular small region, like Lake County (north of California’s Napa Valley) or the Central Coast competition that focuses on wines made from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz.

Some are international, evaluating wines from all around the globe. The Toast of the Coast has changed its focus from its first year, when just San Diego county wines were included, to this year, when wines from all over the United States and Mexico will be considered.

When approached by the fair with the idea of starting a commercial competition, I suggested they needed to offer something different than other similar events, both to entice wineries to enter and to offer the consumer something different, so both camps get maximum benefit.

To that end, we’ve settled on panels of judges that include representatives of four different aspects of the industry,

The Toast of the Coast Wine Competition and Festival will be held June 11 at the San Diego County Fair in the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show.

(Courtesy The Toast of the Coast Wine Festival via Facebook)

meaning that each panel will include a winemaker, a wine marketer, a wine writer and a sommelier. I believe that this gives a wide perspective when discussing the merits of a particular wine, and allows a larger variety of winemaking styles to be given their due as quality products. In addition, we give awards which recognize particular regions, so that, for example, regional differences that make a Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon taste different than a California example can both receive proper acclaim and be celebrated for what they are.

So what does this mean for you as a wine drinker? In my opinion, it gives you an assurance that a medal-winning wine from the Toast of the Coast is a high-quality representative of both the grapes it is made from and the region it comes from, and is both chemically sound and artfully made. Combine that with an opportunity to taste several top award winners on a great, late-spring afternoon in the Garden Show at the fair and you as a consumer get an easy, fun way to look at what you might stock your cellar with for the rest of the year.

The Toast of the Coast Wine Festival will be held on June 11. For more information, visit Thetoastofthecoast.com. ■ chin. That’s how he got his name. He would do great in a home where he has other cats and some older children to play with.

Hugger Von Lapcat was transferred from another shelter through the Friends of County Animal Shelters program.

The $100 adoption fee for Hugger Von Lapcat includes medical exam, vaccinations, spay and microchip. For more information, call 760-753-6413, visit Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, or log on to SDpets.org. Kennels and Cattery are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday.

Other upcoming happenings at RCHS

Hugger Von Lapcat (Courtesy photo)

H

ugger Von Lapcat is the Seaside Courier pet of the month at Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

He’s a 3-year-old, 15-pound Domestic Shorthair Tabby.

On the day he arrived at RCHS, he climbed onto the lap of a staff member, reached his paws to her neck and started rubbing his head under her

Life is “Better with a Buddy.”

Adopt a cat or kitten from RCHS, then come back any time within one year and adopt a second cat or kitten for only $25. For more information, contact or visit RCHS. The Community Pet Food Bank at RCHS provides food and other supplies for the pets of senior citizens, families that are working poor, people with disabilities or terminal illnesses, veterans and members of the homeless community. For more information or to make a donation, contact or visit RCHS. ■

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

RETAIL / MUSIC

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

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Jen Van Tieghem

Contributing writer

This month's not-to-miss live music events

Carlsbad Chocolate Bar has a vast selection of choices. (Photos by Katrina Dodson)

The Retail Beat: Buy gifts of love locally Katrina Dodson

9 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14: Dead Man’s Party Valentine’s Day Ball at Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach. $18 - $20.

For something a little more rock ‘n’ roll on Valentine’s Day, check out premier Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman tribute band Dead Man’s Party. Its versions of these songs are as accurate as they are entertaining, plus its front man bears a striking resemblance to Elfman himself. Local band Inspired and The Sleep will also play. The duo combines psychedelic rock with danceable beats.

Check out its new video for “Die Slow” for an audio and visual treat. BellyUp.com.

Columnist

A

re you feeling traditional this year? Turkey for Thanksgiving, ham for Christmas and jewelry and chocolates for Valentine’s Day? Luckily for you, there are some terrific options right around the corner as Feb. 14 sneaks up on you quickly!

For the sweet stuff, there are three wonderful, local shops to pick up delectable, handmade chocolates.

Carlsbad Chocolate Bar, at the corner of State Street and Carlsbad Village Drive, has a huge selection of chocolate choices, such as truffles, caramels, hand-dipped pretzels and cookies, peanut butter cups, fudge, nonpareils and toffee. There are premade baskets and boxes to pick up and run with, or you can hand choose your box or basket. There are plenty of wines and other gift basket items to make it interesting and personal. You can also stay awhile and enjoy a snack and a freshly made espresso drink.

Chuao Chocolatier, at The Lumberyard in Encinitas, is for your foodie person or for someone who likes it spicy! Some of its instant hits when it first came on the scene were its “Firecracker” and “Spicy Maya” bars, however I understand that “Baconluxious” is making an impact on sales now. It would be great fun to pick out a specialty box for the one you love, but there are many pre-made boxes if you cannot pick favorites. I dare you to shop here and not take away at least one precious treat for yourself!

Jer’s Chocolates, at 437 Highway 101 in Solana Beach, is the spot if you have a peanut butter-with-chocolate fan in your life. Famous for his peanut butter balls, Jer has branched out into peanut brittle, bars, squares and clusters. You can pick up or order online a variety of boxed assortments.

Next, for the always-popular gift of jewelry, there is no need to pay a premium for a “little blue box” when you have several high-quality, local places to handpick the latest styles and trends for you.

Three Sisters Jewelry Design, at The Lumberyard in Encinitas, has a terrific selection of stamped and engraved items you can have designed with names, numbers or sayings in all types of metals and styles. Featuring several local artists, this store is packed full of fun and trendy jewelry that you might see on celebrities or in magazines. I caved in at this store and bought a stamped charm necklace and plan on returning

6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Piano Soirée at Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad. $40 single tickets; $75 for couples.

If you want to get fancy for Valentine’s Day, here’s the place to do it. MoMM invites music lovers to a 1920s-themed musical event. The lineup of pianists will play melodies from the Golden Age in styles including ragtime, stride piano, silent film and novelty numbers from the 1920s and ‘30s. The event will also feature small bites, wine and prizes for “Best Dressed.” All proceeds will benefit the museum. MuseumOfMakingMusic.org.

Coconut fudge from Carlsbad Chocolate Bar.

soon with friends.

Mulloy’s Fine Jewelry, with two locations in Carlsbad at 2978 State St. and in The Forum, is an excellent spot for engagement ring shopping or adding to someone’s collection of fine jewelry. In business for more than 25 years, this gorgeous store is a direct diamond importer and has a very talented staff to help you create custom pieces. The designs it carries are modern, sophisticated and very current. If you really need to make a statement this Valentine’s Day, this is the place!

Passion Fine Jewelry, at 415 S. Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach, has a rich collection of men’s timepieces you need to see to appreciate. Watches are probably the most important accessories for most men, and this would be an excellent place for an education in all things watch related. Passion also has some incredibly beautiful and hip designs for women in all price points, going all the way up to Hearts on Fire engagement rings. deepFLING Jewelry, at The Lumberyard in Encinitas, is a fun shop to stroll through.

Specializing in Scandinavian jewelry, this small shop is packed with fun and cool costume pieces mixed with semi-precious stones and interesting designs. For more than 10 years, the owners have picked from the top designers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark to bring North County a selection of jewelry you won’t see replicated anywhere on the scale they display. Buying creative and modern pieces have earned them a loyal following.

Shopping local for Valentine’s Day is a breeze! ■

7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21: Jefferson Washington at Solace and The Moonlight Lounge, Encinitas. Free.

There is no better place to unwind on a Sunday evening than The Moonlight Lounge.

Jefferson Washington will be the featured musical talent on Feb. 21. The acoustic strummer combines flavors of blues and folk with a low-key charm. If you didn’t get out for a romantic Valentine’s evening, this is a good chance to make it up. Check out Washington’s tune, “Darlin’ Darlin’” for a taste of his sweet side. EatAtSolace.com/music.

9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25: Paper Days and Second Cousins at Pour House, Oceanside. Free.

What’s better than a show with one great indie rock band? How about a show with two? Actually, how about a free show with two local indie rock bands that’ll get your feet moving. Second Cousins has a folk-rock style with catchy hooks and smoky vocals creating a mesmerizing vibe. Paper Days has a similar sound with some more psychedelic elements. Together they promise to put on a killer live show at this up-and-coming venue for live music.

PourhouseOceanside.com

Out-of-the-Woods Pick of the Month 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19: Tiffany Jane and The Kicks, The Lyrical Groove and featured singers: Jonathan Richards, Jonathan Edzant, Corona Rose and Randy Robledo at 98 Bottles, Little Italy. $10 in advance; $13 at the door.

This unique event will showcase local artists across several mediums. Jazz-funk-soul outfit Tiffany Jane and The Kicks will be the house band for the night, with several featured singers performing, as well. Also gracing the stage will be soulful hip-hop group, The Lyrical Groove. In addition to music: Culture Shock Dance Center will put on a dance performance; several artists will be displaying and selling art; there will be live painting and pottery making; and more.

Expect an eclectic celebration of all the various artists and types of art we are lucky to enjoy in San Diego. 98BottlesSD.com. ■

7 Things You Must Know Before Putting Your North County Home Up for Sale North County Coastal - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most

homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar".

To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-888-230-4642 and enter 2000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

This report is courtesy of JOG Real Estate, a dba of acclaimed Big Block Realty, Josh Otten CalBRE# 01966398. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. © 2015 SPONSORED CONTENT

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016

LOCAL NEWS

SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016 DENSITY BONUS, FROM PAGE 1 “applicable zoning and general plan provisions” when calculating the initial base density of developments — which says to round down. The unanimous vote in favor of the new ordinance came despite threats of a lawsuit from DCM Properties for drafting an ordinance that was still not in compliance with state law.

Now, DCM Properties has made good on that threat. In the suit, the company says the changes were inadequate and continue to obstruct the use of the state’s Density Bonus Law. In numerous hearings on the matter, a number of city council members made public statements with their distaste for the state law and their desire to restrict its use in Encinitas. The council ignored advice from both its planning director and city attorney on how to comply with the law, the suit states. Subsequently, in drafting its updated local ordinance, the council hired outside legal counsel that critics say agreed with their desires to discourage use of the state law.

“Regrettably our efforts to have the city of Encinitas comply with the Density Bonus state law, intended to incentivize the private sector to produce sorely needed affordable housing in our community, were not successful,” said David C. Meyer, principal president of DCM Properties. “By passing a local ordinance in clear violation of state law, the city left no option for us but to seek compliance with the law through the judicial system. Since its incorporation in 1986, Encinitas has produced no meaningful affordable housing, and its continuing obstruction of the state of California’s Density Bonus Law prevents the building of housing that can provide a place to live in our

Under California's Density Bonus Law, the number of units to be built in a new home development is determined by multiplying the net acreage of the property by the maximum density allowed by local law, then multiplying that number by 35 percent (the state’s maximum density bonus). (Photo by Maggie Avants)

community for our teachers, fire and police personnel, and those who work in our stores and restaurants.”

A month before the current ordinance was passed, Meyer sent the council a letter, threatening litigation. In the letter, he said the new ordinance still fell short of complying with state law.

“The city’s proposed Density Bonus ordinance has a clear intent — to obstruct and discourage the use of Density Bonus in Encinitas and is contrary to many of the city’s own long-standing policies toward the processing of Density Bonus projects,” Meyer wrote. “It is riddled with vague and ambiguous language, onerous application documentation requirements that are unnecessary and burdensome, whose only reasonable purpose is to increase the difficulty of

applying for a Density Bonus project.

“Numerous provisions are on their face contrary to Density Bonus Law, are blatant misquotes of the law, including language that does not exist in the law, and ignores language added or removed in more recent amendments to the Density Bonus Law. The undeniable, conclusion, made very clear in numerous on the record comments by city council members, is that Encinitas has no genuine intent to comply with state law.”

According to the suit, “local agencies, such as the city, are required by the [state] Density Bonus Law to adopt an ordinance ‘...that specifies how compliance with [the Density Bonus Law] will be implemented.’

But local politics in the city have intervened in that process. Until

recently, the city operated with an out-of-date ordinance and informal policies which were inconsistent with state law. The city has had a long and troubled history with regard to providing affordable housing in the city. In part, its gyrations have corresponded to different council majorities being elected at different times. However, whatever the reason, the City Council has clearly vacillated in its interpretation of Density Bonus Law, including its policy regarding ‘rounding up’ and ‘rounding down’ when calculating density bonuses, as revised by the city’s ordinances and policies.”

The suit further states, “Essentially, the city has announced its intention to thwart the implementation and use of the Density Bonus Law in Encinitas to the maximum extent possible. The city’s assault on the Density Bonus Law comes in the context of its continued failure to adopt a housing element that will satisfy the mandate of sections 65580 to 65589.8, which require local agencies to update the housing element of their general plans and thereby promote the construction of affordable housing. The city has missed multiple cycles of required updates, and has not updated its housing element since 1992.

As a result, the city’s own 2013 estimate found that it was on track to provide only about 33 percent of the housing for very low- and low-income families that is required under state law. Taken together, these policies of the city can be seen to be directly antithetical to the clear mandate of the Density Bonus Law…. The recently enacted ordinance is not an effective mechanism to implement the policy of the Density Bonus Law, and in fact, in several instances is indirect conflict with it.”

Filed by Cardiff attorney Gregory S. Day, the lawsuit seeks attorney fees and a court injunction barring the

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city from implementing its recently approved Density Bonus Law until and unless it is revised to round up for both base density and density bonus calculations. In addition, the revised ordinance should not require project applicants to submit “burdensome” reports that call for establishing the necessity or propriety of the waivers and incentives.

“The ordinance illegally requires the applicant to include in a report sufficient evidence that any requested incentive results in ‘identifiable, financially sufficient and actual cost reductions to the housing development and is required in order to provide for affordable rents or affordable sales prices,’” the suit states.

“The report also illegally requires an applicant requesting any waivers of development standards to provide ‘evidence that each development standard for which a waiver is requested will have the effect of physically precluding the construction of the housing development with the density and incentives the applicant is entitled to.’

“These provisions conflict with the Density Bonus Law. The law does not require any such evidence to demonstrate that the waivers and incentives are ‘justified.’ Nor does it allow the city to sit in judgment and exercise its discretion on these issues.”

City Attorney Glenn Sabine acknowledged Jan. 27 that the city had been served with the suit. The next step will be for the City Council to meet and discuss how to proceed.

“We are looking at it and we will set it for a closed session meeting as soon as possible and maybe even a special meeting,” Sabine said.

—Seaside Courier Editor Maggie Avants contributed to this article. ■

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SEASIDECOURIER.COM — FEBRUARY 2016