Mayor Tony gets things done for Encinitas
Priorities
& Successes
My focus is on our Encinitas quality of life – public safety, housing and homelessness, improving our aging infrastructure and continuing to meet the goals established by the city’s Climate Action Plan. Learn more below:
PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY
Focus on Housing And Homelessness
Improving Our Infrastructure
NEW PACIFIC VIEW ARTS CENTER
Working closely with other leaders
PRESERVING OUR Environment
PRESERVING OUR OUTDOOR DINING
Promoting social justice
LEADING ON TRANSPORTATION
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Surfer's Point now belongs to us
new Neighborhood park in Leucadia
Continuing to improve our parks
PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SAFETY
Our efficient new state-of-the-art Safety Center at Moonlight Beach serves as a physical reminder of my number one priority as your Mayor: public safety. And we’re succeeding – Encinitas is the 15th safest city in the entire State of California!
As a longtime Encinitas local, I’m trusted and endorsed by many of your neighbors and friends, as well as by the Encinitas Firefighters Association and labor groups throughout the region.
Focus on Housing And Homelessness
Affordable housing is a top priority in Encinitas. We also instigated the successful Safe Parking Lot program, designed to help folks experiencing homelessness who still own cars from sinking any further, while connecting them with helpful resources. The just-opened Buena Creek Navigation Center in Vista is our partnership with with that city, offering 24 bedrooms with 48 beds in two apartment buildings. The objective is also to assist residents in locating permanent housing, employment and social services. (Photo by Laura Place, The Coast News.)
IMPROVING OUR Infrastructure
Work continues on the Streetscape project, where storm drain pipes are now being installed for the first time ever. You can see several street and other infrastructure improvements happening all around Encinitas, with much more on the way. I’m very proud of these significant advancements!
New Pacific View Arts Center
A decade ago, our historic bluffside Pacific View Elementary School was mere days away from being auctioned off to developers. As a longtime local and first-term city councilmember, I recognized that the site was a community jewel that could never be replaced. I spearheaded a movement to purchase the property from the school district, and the new Pacific View Arts Center is now open to the public!
WorkING closely with other leaders – EXPERIENCE COUNTS!
During my years in Encinitas office, I’ve had the opportunity to work constructively with other mayors, state legislators, and national leaders to get the job done for the people of Encinitas. In fact, our current State Senator and Assemblymember served with me on the City Council, and both have endorsed me. Being on the SANDAG and North County Transit District boards has also given me a deep understanding of how to make our government work for us.
PRESERVING OUR Environment
Environmental issues are especially dear to Encinitas residents, and our Climate Action Plan serves as a model for other cities. The Plan outlines what specific actions we need to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build our resilience against future climate change. Other Encinitas quality-of-life enhancements include prohibitions on public smoking, styrofoam, and disposable bags.
PROTECTING OUR OUTDOOR DINING
During the pandemic, we worked hard to ensure that local restaurants were able to stay in business, including allowing them to install outdoor seating for diners. Afterward, there was a passionate movement to retain our new alfresco experience in Encinitas as folks discovered the joy of spending more time visiting and eating in our famously excellent climate. My opponent promises to eliminate this outdoor pleasure, but I’ll continue to defend and preserve it.
PROMOTING SOCIAL JUSTICE
I believe it’s important to do all we can to promote social justice, and ensure that Encinitas residents are safe and healthy. In September 2023, our City Council created a seven-member Public Health and Safety Commission that advises the city and the Sheriff’s Department on law enforcement, fire safety issues, homelessness, housing and mental health. The commission identifies public health and safety concerns and recommends solutions to the Council.
LEADING ON transportation
Encinitas is in the forefront of innovative designs that make getting around safer and easier for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. After serving for 10 years on the North County Transit District board and now the SANDAG board, I’ve been able to help make improvements to transportation infrastructure, such as the Coastal Rail Trail, new, cleaner Coaster locomotives which allowed for expansion of services, and another railroad crossing. Shown here and in the video are the new El Portal pedestrian undercrossing and roundabout, both part of our Streetscape project.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Encinitas businesses are the lifeblood of our city, and a high priority for me as your Mayor. During the pandemic, we worked hard to help them survive with economic support and inventive accommodations. Most are now thriving as our economy becomes more prosperous. I’ve personally known many local business owners and employees for years, and it’s my pleasure to keep in touch with them.
Surfer's Point NOW Belongs to us
My leadership drove the city’s recent purchase of “Surfer’s Point,” the land at the northeast corner of La Costa Avenue and North Coast Highway 101, which was slated for development. We can rest assured knowing that one of the most scenic and historic points in Encinitas is now a public natural resource – and it will remain so for generations to come. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to create new public spaces.
new NEIGHBORHOOD park in Leucadia
Design and construction of our innovative new Olympus Park was a priority of mine. It’s now open and a big favorite of the community. If you haven’t been there, it’s well worth a visit – the gently sloping park includes playgrounds, a zip line, dog park, picnic area, skate park, grassy meadow, basketball court and more!
Continuing to improve our parks
We’re constantly working to enhance the experience for all of us who enjoy our many great parks in Encinitas. Play equipment is being replaced and improved to make it more enjoyable and accessible for children. Environmentally enhancing plants and trees are added regularly. Maintenence issues are solved quickly through the My Encinitas smartphone app.
