[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6701210,"mediaKeyId","3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816","parentId",3433896,"title","Encinitas Project outlines fundraising plan; council approves Parks & Recreation work plan and asks for skate/volley/surf study","audioSeconds",3265,"startMs",13486000,"endMs",10221000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816&start=13486&end=10221","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816/thumbnail_13486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6701210/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/Encinitas-Project-outlines-fundraising-plan-council-approves-Parks-Recreation-work-plan-and-asks-for-skatevolleysurf-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701210-51d10c004a1acdc2b419de87b08d0a10/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437860&Signature=niGy8PYesDKrv6XI1rdITDjtpKM1HyuT00zQOAbHqwccvo9x462oyMD5OSkB2wmr0nKtICuPRInfIQjUqnQHtlj22DJbDxLVT0JHTTl30LybxRF~wcd5DOpPx9rrNgVt1-QM2AFYRRpjByfmsOK1E7KjZg70eo~SSCD888Zp6LF7jVYgRI~ZXZio7SAHDr-rOGMSsELSi92kjoYpTimdC1O6BhtAeWVQJ4oY5XFQe4R4o01g~hOnEK8dXcokJSdCyxl6LUX9hCV6tnUS0dtPhtLSSDVKXX1gbclH503J5IIVrsrcdVOyDuzQxq1wItPuzOgPYetdVmxrTNHqJq4KjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Encinitas","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","A nonprofit that rebranded itself as the Encinitas Project presented to the City Council on May 21 and asked for a memorandum of understanding to formalize fundraising support for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts (PRCA) projects. Later the council unanimously approved the Parks & Recreation Commission’s annual work plan with added direction to study surf, volleyball and skate opportunities, including the Moonlight Bowl.

Ross Ritter, president of the Encinitas Project, told the council the organization is a 501(c)(3) in good standing (formerly Patrons of Encinitas Parks/PEP) and plans to fundraise for PRCA initiatives exclusively at the department’s request. Ritter said the group will seek donations, grants, corporate sponsorships and sustaining memberships and urged a formal MOU to define roles, access to city resources and financial transparency.

Several residents raised concerns during public comment about perceived exclusivity and the precedent of embedding a nonprofit in a commission work plan. Farhad Mahmoudi, a board member, clarified during public comment that the Encinitas Project is not asking for exclusivity and that any fundraising would be done at PRCA’s direction.

The nut graf: Councilmembers and staff agreed the appropriate path is an MOU that defines roles, indemnification, staff access and reporting. Council did not add the Encinitas Project to the work plan that night, but directed staff to follow the standard MOU process used with other nonprofit partners.

Separately, council considered and approved the Parks & Recreation Commission’s 2025–26 work plan. The adopted plan covers administrative outreach, special projects (trail assessments, an AC pipe replacement plan, pop‑up parks) and recreation services marketing. Councilmembers directed the commission to add study work to evaluate surf, skate and volleyball facilities (including Moonlight Bowl) and to coordinate with the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission on safe access routes for youth and visitors.

Why it matters: The Encinitas Project’s stated focus — fundraising only for PRCA programs requested by the city — would create a more formal partner for fundraising and advocacy if an MOU is approved. Council’s direction to evaluate surf/volleyball/skate facilities responds to community interest and could shape future capital or privately funded projects.

Next steps: Staff will work with the Encinitas Project and the PRCA director on an MOU framework if the nonprofit pursues a formal partnership. The Parks & Recreation Commission will add the surf/volleyball/skate evaluation to its work plan and coordinate with the Mobility and Traffic Safety Commission as requested.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Encinitas SDWD & City Council Meeting 5/21/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Encinitas Project, a newly rebranded 501(c)(3) fundraising for parks, arts and recreation, presented to council; the council approved the Parks & Recreation Commission’s work plan and directed staff to study surf, skate and volleyball facility opportunities including Moonlight Bowl.","taxTitle","Encinitas, San Diego County, California","taxId",3828,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6701218,"Encinitas council adopts updated CAL FIRE fire‑hazard severity maps; officials warn of regulatory effects",1150,14055000,15205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816&start=14055&end=15205","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816/thumbnail_14055000.jpg","/articles/6701218/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/Encinitas-council-adopts-updated-CAL-FIRE-firehazard-severity-maps-officials-warn-of-regulatory-effects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701218-f8a91393baa4d56703ab7b6de865613d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437860&Signature=hTyujWn9O0-7XfZ7-tyI~uwtDM3L4uaXF58R09gFp3H653QVRDcOSQL06M0ZyzVQHVxaCInRLDeA9avmJWsl1MQ1RO-pR234Mpqh1ldIrKNX-5cJRY~KsN7d61B2XbVPxnQp3Tulkfu4YTLq8HJKmFrW2kEOo7hk23ypbgvhgAaIAq6NU-RRu2mNyYGReqHkFz307betf03V4SqB7tog-8gTOgxO806~jUH08hqKPq-HUXbRBpnjKTRs69O0uCBrFAkU9cYlQtXpuEyWJODXaHD6twWmMnP~ovjK5MPDCvxtNKoon3JLexY16uIcZF0S3fo1cLdtc~PF-t54ekG8Aw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Encinitas on May 21 voted unanimously to adopt updated fire hazard severity zone maps produced by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), maps city officials said are required by state law and will guide building standards and vegetation management in higher‑hazard areas.

Acting Fire Marshal Jordan Villegomez told the council that CAL FIRE’s updated maps rely on recent fire‑behavior modeling — including historical fire data, vegetation and worst‑case wind and weather scenarios — and that state law (Gov. Code §51178–51179) requires local agencies to designate zones by ordinance. “We don’t get a choice,” Villegomez said during deliberations.

The nut graf: The map update expands the city areas labeled moderate, high and very high fire hazard compared with earlier local maps. City staff said the new map classifies about 4,426 parcels (roughly 18 percent of the city) as very high hazard, about 2,125 parcels (9 percent) as high hazard and about 2,087 parcels (9 percent) as moderate hazard. That classification triggers state and local rules for wildfire‑resistant building methods, 100‑foot defensible space requirements and real‑estate disclosure rules tied to AB 38.

Council members asked staff and fire officials about implications for homeowners and insurance. Chief Josh Gordon and acting fire marshal Villegomez said the maps represent hazard (the modeled potential for severe fire behavior) rather than a direct prediction that specific structures will burn. They stressed that adopting the maps allows the city to enforce state building and defensible‑space rules that apply in mapped zones and to remain eligible for state and federal fire mitigation and reimbursement programs.

Public speakers urged caution and called for clear outreach. One resident said she was concerned about the effect on homeowners and insurance; another urged more neighborhood‑level detail. Donna Westbrook, a commenter, asked whether the city would delay adoption to gather more information; the council proceeded with the adoption and asked staff to publish additional supporting data.

A timeline presented by staff notes CAL FIRE delivered the updated maps March 24; the city posted the maps for the required 30‑day public review on March 25 with comments through April 25. The council conducted first reading of the implementing ordinance on May 21 and scheduled final adoption on June 11; staff said the ordinance will take effect 30 days after final adoption.

Why it matters: The updated maps feed directly into California Building Code Chapter 7A standards for wildland‑urban interface construction, local defensible space enforcement and disclosure obligations for sellers. Council members said they will press staff to provide more neighborhood‑level materials and to track the interaction between the new maps and insurance market effects.

Next steps: Staff will publish more detailed mapping data and the modeling parameters shared by CAL FIRE, continue outreach to neighborhoods, and return with the final ordinance on June 11. Council members also discussed the possibility of post‑adoption challenges to specific map boundaries if a parcel‑level error is identified.","The City of Encinitas adopted CAL FIRE’s updated fire hazard severity zone maps required by state law, a move officials said is mandatory and will trigger stricter building and defensible‑space standards for areas mapped as moderate, high and very high hazard.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6701224,"San Dieguita Water District introduces FY‑26 budget, upholds planned rate changes",1546,909000,2455000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816&start=909&end=2455","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816/thumbnail_909000.jpg","/articles/6701224/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/San-Dieguita-Water-District-introduces-FY26-budget-upholds-planned-rate-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701224-128464741ae2c042154275730bae077e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437860&Signature=bbdemxSuhuwJBSzTK7b530vqCJMYawX~T2nWNH1B8otVXlTH1aH~O05L2-atGkSV5JUguR1hwxnaF17eP-FBQ0BGxtGykVpyOz8x8a870yJLFmtvXl8wddX58Vn6FVRdx9XOsNWK6aUhNxf8wSvNY77jjV1fc4PHeYr51OP8x5N2F3HU6mfqbIv0ZuNCsOUgI8ZgaY9ti-HWHdZHh10zz91evIUpAXGa1~kdhujEqKl7GquueWRhtKkNgGEwUrkpulyUCXla4bXFppDhFQYoVErYmaMaEC907h3ok3HlAp4JFTPfIi2Fu4NNy46ioNBPlpB0sgEYSXuaToZaOyyeTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Dieguita Water District board on May 21 introduced its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget and unanimously upheld previously approved water rates and meter service charges.

Finance manager Kazangu presented the draft FY‑26 budget, saying, “This item is the introduction of the FY '26 district operating and CIP budget,” and walked the board through key assumptions: the district is planning for lower local supply from Lake Hodges, a lower overall demand estimate of about 5,500 acre‑feet, and a County Water Authority (CWA) rate increase built into the budget at 16 percent per guidance from the Water Authority.

The nut graf: The budget sets projected district revenues at about $25 million — roughly a 9 percent increase over current‑year projections — while projecting district‑wide expenditures of about $27.5 million. Board members pressed staff on the practical effects of reduced local supplies from Lake Hodges and on how conservation lowers water sales revenues but not the fixed costs of operating the system.

Board discussion centered on four points: the assumed water demand (5,500 acre‑feet versus the 6,010 acre‑feet projected in the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan); the district’s continuing loss of local storage behind Lake Hodges Dam; an anticipated 12–16 percent range for CWA rate increases; and the effect of conservation on revenues. Board member Schaeffer framed the tension plainly: “...we get penalized by people using less water financially,” a point other board members said reinforces the importance of long‑term rate design and reserves.

Staff highlighted budget details and clarifications: the FY‑26 revenue mix assumes about 59 percent of revenue will come from potable water sales; operating expenditures are expected to rise roughly 3 percent (driven largely by higher water purchase and treatment costs, contract and labor inflation, and internal cost allocations); and district capital projects for FY‑26 total about $4.4 million. The district also factored a projected 750 acre‑feet of local water from Lake Hodges in FY‑26 and noted year‑to‑date deliveries from Lake Hodges through April were ahead of that assumption at 903 acre‑feet.

On two formal votes the board acted unanimously. First, board members moved and carried a motion to introduce the FY‑26 operating and CIP budget and direct staff to return with the final budget for adoption at the board’s next meeting. Second, after a presentation on the district’s capital program execution, the board voted to “uphold the previously approved fiscal year 25/26 water rates and meter service charges,” a motion staff said was justified by the district meeting a previously expected CIP encumbrance/execution rate.

Why it matters: The decisions confirm the district’s near‑term revenue plan and rate path while acknowledging operational pressures from higher wholesale purchase costs and reduced local supply. Board members signaled they expect staff to return with any updates — including revised CWA estimates — ahead of final adoption.

The board also received a separate capital program update showing staff had encumbered and advanced multiple pipeline and valve projects; staff reported the district is managing replacement of aging mains, pressure‑reducing stations and ARV/blow‑off valves in Encinitas Boulevard and surrounding corridors.

Next steps: Staff will return to the board next month with the final FY‑26 budget for adoption and with updated figures that may reflect any change in the County Water Authority’s final rate action.","The San Dieguita Water District board reviewed and introduced its proposed fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget, discussed water purchase cost increases and lower local supply from Lake Hodges, and voted unanimously to uphold previously approved water rates while staff returns for final adoption next month.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6701215,"Encinitas council renews Landscape & Lighting District charges, asks staff to review large reserves",596,12604000,13200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816&start=12604&end=13200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816/thumbnail_12604000.jpg","/articles/6701215/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/Encinitas-council-renews-Landscape-Lighting-District-charges-asks-staff-to-review-large-reserves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701215-3f0dc78abc40a2bf30a5dd0eedb7f5e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437860&Signature=ashQBnvWqlJi6xlIgKvxlLQq8t35FnoXXstTyElHicsvemV5TsC4xR5GZHNpioA-jm2o9EYoqyruaeDTXYoa8~V2R4qq9WRe1jEPqVV45c-Ee69RZQ03rJOlLg1wgcQEbAJR9yCizycizsIosND5Nfn8thq2k2lpnVlo8mLrf6B~Zi167DTtn2GM1Q6gRB3zNU88bbdnLxSbHiJ85DTk9hRZHlH3AXSnT5BFXF8k~sPbPUN-fkUdpBfGS6FmzZJrp70QnLkqZlfJdSrLNFgiSudMZsqco0j9OindHjnOXhQdJtrvtHdfO781jUa0XeEpp4LhoC5xjr1rkRfnElHmyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Encinitas on May 21 held the required public hearing and adopted a resolution confirming the annual engineer’s report renewing the Encinitas Landscape & Lighting District (Zones A–H) and ordering collection of assessments via the county tax roll.

Senior management analyst David Lisonbee presented the engineer’s report and explained the district’s structure: Zone A is a citywide zone supporting thoroughfare lighting and traffic signals; Zones B and C fund localized residential and commercial street lighting; Zones D–G fund subdivision‑level landscape and park improvements tied to specific development obligations; and Zone H covers the Encinitas Ranch specific plan area.

The nut graf: Staff recommended confirmation of the engineer’s report and transmission of the assessments to the county auditor. During the hearing councilmembers reviewed fund balances presented in the engineer’s report and directed staff to examine zones that have comparatively large reserves and return next year with options to reduce assessments where appropriate.

Public comment asked whether the district maintained unusually large fund balances. Lisonbee showed the budget appendix (staff report pages 18–19) and said the engineer’s report lists beginning and ending fund balances by zone; some zones (E and F) are currently assessed at $0 because property tax contributions and existing balances cover costs. Council members asked staff to prepare scenarios showing what lower operating‑reserve targets (for example 35–45 percent) would look like by zone and how any change would affect assessments for next year.

Why it matters: The landscape and lighting assessments are a dedicated funding source for street lights, traffic signals and landscaping; confirmation of the engineer’s report is a statutory step that places the charges on the tax roll unless a ballot process is required. Council recognized the statutory limit that operating reserves cannot exceed 50 percent of annual expenditures and asked staff to return with more granular reserve‑level recommendations for next year’s assessment setting.

Next steps: Council adopted the engineer’s report and directed staff to return with analysis of reserve levels and draft options that could reduce assessments in zones with large fund balances for consideration during the next renewal cycle.","Council confirmed the annual engineer’s report and assessments for the Encinitas Landscape & Lighting District and asked staff to analyze reserve levels and return with options to reduce assessments where zones hold large balances.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6701205,"Council receives wastewater CIP update; upholds previously approved sewer service rates",218,17322000,17540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816&start=17322&end=17540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3433896-d082a47d6cffe5cea5793bf6bfa27816/thumbnail_17322000.jpg","/articles/6701205/Encinitas/San-Diego-County/California/Council-receives-wastewater-CIP-update-upholds-previously-approved-sewer-service-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701205-2faec540431dd77e938ac29f7ae6d73e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437860&Signature=NMnCxLLF7o~P7vZIsMR1KcydEfSe-JqRf1MKzryaeQqgq8heM1AAxopydR0SeSnAx0z3aXcGgvw5qtdMAh8eQj-keO8GBoxnwj5F~ea1Bx6HjOoRWd40BuT2ok4x-ErQ-MirjpBxgOKlpz6khGyDt~0B80~4-hcyaKHi-gXhnurXpdxoqrGdy5hvB76eTmW3G0gOxDP7tpKpcjF0nXcWnaE57tZ1KlXw43P55VxDeFCZ5g5xCb7lNWRdnky3AOewFpFzGjz5KXWZF~1iOFwgS5qnfSwGzSiIzbiQtJCBQlkBkxf7L1kY~dOmfYHi0PrIMLjgEBc1OeMq2BbFlJdy~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on May 21 provided the council with an update on the fiscal year 2025 wastewater capital improvement program and recommended the council receive and file the report and uphold previously approved fiscal year 2026 sewer service rates for the Cardiff and Encinitas Sanitary Districts.

Senior engineer Dan Nutter said the divisions completed a cost‑of‑service study in early 2024 and that FY‑26 rates were adopted last year after assuming a 100 percent execution rate for the Wastewater Division’s CIP. Staff reported FY‑25 appropriations of about $1.73 million across city sewer funds and highlighted several projects: B Street sewer improvements (completed), the annual sewer rehabilitation project (in construction, nearing completion), Cottonwood Creek sewer improvements (finalizing permitting), manhole rehabilitation and condition assessments, and the FY‑26 annual rehab design work.

Nutter said the division had encumbered much of the budget and projected an execution (expenditure) rate above 100 percent for the fiscal year because projects started earlier and some carryover funds were being spent; staff presented a projected execution rate of about 128 percent. Council voted unanimously to receive and file the update and to uphold the previously adopted FY‑26 sewer service rates.

Why it matters: The report provides the public and council with the status of sewer system investments and confirms the city's rate path for wastewater services. Staff noted that encumbrances and carryover from prior years account for projected expenditures that temporarily exceed the adopted appropriation for the fiscal year.

Next steps: Staff will continue implementing the listed sewer projects and return with regular CIP updates.","City staff reported progress on the FY‑25 wastewater capital program and projected a high execution rate; council received the report and upheld sewer service rates previously adopted for FY‑26.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Encinitas Project outlines fundraising plan; council approves Parks & Recreation work plan and asks for skate/volley/surf study

Encinitas council adopts updated CAL FIRE fire‑hazard severity maps; officials warn of regulatory effects

San Dieguita Water District introduces FY‑26 budget, upholds planned rate changes

Encinitas council renews Landscape & Lighting District charges, asks staff to review large reserves

Council receives wastewater CIP update; upholds previously approved sewer service rates