Encinitas council certifies Nov. 5 election, swears in new mayor and two council members; Lyons chosen deputy mayor

Encinitas City Council adopted a resolution certifying the Nov. 5, 2024, municipal election and then administered oaths of office to Bruce Ehlers as mayor and to newly elected council members Luke Schafer and Jim O'Hara at a special meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. After those oaths, the newly seated council unanimously selected Council Member Joy Lyons as deputy mayor for the following year.

The certification — Resolution No. 2024-116, “reciting the facts of the general municipal election held on November 5, 2024, and declaring the results as provided by law” — passed unanimously. The meeting record shows the motion carried without a recorded dissent. The resolution formally declared the results provided by the county and allowed the city to proceed with administering oaths to the newly elected officials.

The swearing-in included Bruce Ehlers, who had been a council member and was elected mayor; Luke Schafer and Jim O'Hara, who were sworn as council members that same evening. After the oaths the council moved to select its deputy mayor. Mayor Bruce Ehlers nominated Council Member Joy Lyons; the motion passed unanimously.

The meeting included an extended recognition of outgoing officials. Multiple public speakers and local officials took the podium to thank outgoing Mayor Tony Kranz and outgoing Council Members Allison Blackwell and Kelly Hensy for their service. Francine Busby, speaking as a resident and on behalf of State Senator Catherine Blakespear, presented certificates and said the departing officials’ “time, your talent, and your heart is amazing.” State Assembly Member Tasha Burner also praised the outgoing members and congratulated the incoming mayor and council members.

Public comments at the meeting touched on several topics the council flagged as priorities for the new term. Speakers urged the incoming council to follow state law on housing decisions and to avoid costly litigation; Molly Wood advised the new members to “follow the law” when handling housing issues. Christine Schindler and others encouraged the new council to work closely with staff; Schindler urged the council to reach out to city staff and to retain institutional knowledge as leadership transitions. One commenter specifically asked the council to give “very strong look” to Jennifer Campbell for the city manager post when the council begins that hiring process. Another speaker recommended appointing a replacement for any vacated council seat rather than pursuing a special election.

The meeting agenda and public remarks also noted ongoing regional work involving SANDAG and NCTD and referenced local projects cited as accomplishments of the outgoing council — including Pacific View, Surfer’s Point protections and drainage and mobility projects in Leucadia — but no substantive policy votes on those projects occurred at the special meeting.

Following the formal business, the council and the public held a brief reception. The city announced the reception would take place in the Poinsettia Room immediately after adjournment.