Encinitas council appoints Marco San Antonio to fill District 4 seat after contentious public debate

The Encinitas City Council on Jan. 22 appointed Marco San Antonio to fill the District 4 council vacancy, a seat that will be up for election in November 2026. The council voted to appoint San Antonio after interviewing eight applicants and hearing extended public comment both supporting and opposing candidates.

The vacancy opened when Bruce Ehlers was sworn in as mayor in December, leaving the council with two options: call a special election or fill the seat by appointment. At the Dec. 11 direction of council, staff solicited applications; eight qualified residents applied and were interviewed in public on Jan. 22.

Council deliberations followed presentations by the candidates, public comment and cross‑questioning by council members. Several residents praised particular applicants as ready to step in immediately; others asked the council to hold a special election so District 4 voters could decide directly.

The council’s appointment motion to seat Marco San Antonio passed with one recorded dissent: Deputy Mayor Lyons cast the only no vote. Council minutes recorded that the motion carried with Lyons voting no.

Public speakers both opposed and supported the appointment. Supporters said San Antonio has long ties to the community and had already served in public roles. Dennis Kaden, who spoke in favor, said San Antonio had “a history of public service as the Olivenhain Water District” and added that the candidate “is ready to hit the street running.”

Opponents raised concerns about San Antonio’s resume and online statements. Natalie Satoun told the council she had researched the candidate and alleged discrepancies in how his prior volunteer fire service was described in application materials; she also criticized the candidate’s social‑media history and said the posts were concerning. "He has posted anti‑immigrant, anti‑DEI, anti‑mask, anti‑vaccine, anti‑pronoun and pro‑violence messages," Satoun said during public comment, urging the council to appoint a different candidate.

San Antonio addressed the council and emphasized his long local roots and business ownership. "My family has been blessed with two young children. Like many of you, what we do in life benefits them," he said in his remarks, arguing he would bring practical experience and local knowledge to the dais.

Council members who supported San Antonio cited a mix of reasons in deliberations, including his local ties, prior public‑service experience and the view that an appointee should be able to start quickly on district business. Councilmembers who opposed appointment argued for a special election or raised concerns about specific candidates.

Under state and local rules the council had chosen the appointment route rather than call a special election. The council did not adopt additional rules limiting future applicants or otherwise change the timing of the next regular election; candidates may choose whether to run in 2026.

Ending: San Antonio said he would resign any outside posts necessary before taking office and the city manager’s office will schedule his formal swearing‑in. Council members said staff will coordinate the transition and provide the new council member with standard orientation materials.