Active Legislation & Proceedings

Development: The Great Wall of Escondido Bike Path

Escondido Active Living Coalition

A 12-mile bike path that follows the city boundary, flanked on both sides by decorative fencing. Cyclists will experience the joy of boundaries while exercising.

Permit: Tom Sawyer Memorial Fence Painting Festival

Escondido Parks & Recreation

Annual festival where citizens paint fences for fun and community spirit. Whitewash provided. Clever manipulation of children into doing the work is encouraged.

Zoning Amendment: Boundary Buffer Zone Requirements

District 4 Residents Association

Proposal to require a 3-foot "contemplation buffer" between all property boundaries where citizens may stand and ponder the nature of ownership.

Escondido General Plan Housing Element Update

6th Cycle Housing Element update to accommodate RHNA allocation of 6,434 units, including rezoning of 15 sites for higher density.

Short-Term Rental Regulation Ordinance

New ordinance requiring registration, TOT collection, noise limits, and maximum 120-day annual cap for short-term vacation rentals.

Fire Station 8 Replacement Project

City of Oceanside Fire Dept

Replacement of aging Fire Station 8 on Mission Ave with modern 3-bay facility, training tower, and community meeting room.

Oceanside Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Update

Streamlined ADU permitting, pre-approved plans, reduced fees, and allowing JADUs in all residential zones per SB 9 compliance.

Oceanside Police Community Oversight Board

Establishment of civilian oversight board with subpoena power, complaint review authority, and policy recommendation capability.

Oceanside Boulevard Complete Streets Project

City of Oceanside Public Works

Major redesign of Oceanside Blvd from I-5 to Coast Highway, adding bus rapid transit lanes, protected bike facilities, and pedestrian improvements.

Oceanside Unified School District Boundary Adjustment

Proposed boundary adjustment to balance enrollment across schools, affecting 3 elementary schools and 1 middle school.

North River Farms Specific Plan

Integral Communities

585-acre mixed-use development in northeast Oceanside with 1,500 homes, 20 acres of parks, school site, and 95,000 sqft of commercial space.

South Oceanside Coastal Resilience Plan

Comprehensive plan addressing sea level rise, bluff erosion, and stormwater management for South Oceanside coastal neighborhoods.

Vista Irrigation District Water Recycling Facility

New advanced water recycling facility producing 5 million gallons/day of purified water for indirect potable reuse.

Palomar Heights Affordable Housing Project

National CORE

120-unit affordable housing development at former Palomar Hospital site. 80% units at 50-80% AMI. Developer seeking density bonus.

Cannabis Retail Dispensary Ordinance Amendment

Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 33 to allow up to 4 cannabis retail dispensaries in commercial zones, with 1,000-foot buffer from schools.

Escondido Water Rate Increase FY2026-27

Proposed 8.5% water rate increase to fund infrastructure upgrades, including replacement of aging pipelines and new water recycling facility.

Oceanside Cannabis Tax Revenue Allocation

Allocation of $4.2M annual cannabis tax revenue: 40% public safety, 30% youth programs, 20% infrastructure, 10% homelessness services.

OUSD Solar Panel Installation Program

SunPower Corp

Installation of solar panels and battery storage at 12 school sites, projected to save $1.8M annually in energy costs.

Oceanside Homeless Services Hub

Brother Benno's Foundation

Multi-service center on Airport Rd providing 100 emergency beds, mental health services, job training, and permanent housing navigation.

East Valley Parkway Streetscape Improvement

Complete streets redesign of East Valley Parkway from Midway to Citrus, adding protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and street trees.

Downtown Escondido Specific Plan Update

Comprehensive update to the 2012 Downtown Specific Plan, increasing allowed density, adding mixed-use zones, and modernizing design standards.

EUSD School Safety Bond Measure

Proposed $180M bond measure for school safety upgrades, HVAC modernization, and ADA compliance across 17 EUSD campuses.

EUHSD Career Technical Education Expansion

Expansion of CTE pathways at all 4 high schools, adding cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing programs.

Oceanside Harbor Dredging and Maintenance

Manson Construction

5-year contract for harbor dredging, jetty repair, and sand replenishment to maintain navigable channels and protect beach areas.

Escondido Police Body Camera Policy Update

Update to EPD body-worn camera policy requiring activation during all citizen contacts, 3-year retention, and public access portal.

Rincon Water Conservation Rebate Program

New tiered rebate program for turf removal ($3/sqft), smart irrigation controllers ($200), and greywater systems ($500).

Downtown Oceanside Parking District Expansion

Expansion of metered parking zone, new 400-space parking structure on Tremont St, and implementation of dynamic pricing.

Escondido Creek Trail Extension Phase 2

City of Escondido Parks Division

Extension of the Escondido Creek Trail from Grape Day Park to Lake Wohlford, including pedestrian bridges and habitat restoration.

Mental Health Crisis Stabilization Units — 3 New Facilities

County Behavioral Health Services

Construction of three new mental health crisis stabilization units in East County, North County, and South Bay. Alternative to emergency room visits for psychiatric emergencies.

Cannabis Social Equity Program — 5 New Retail Licenses

City of Oceanside — City Manager's Office

Program to issue 5 new cannabis retail licenses with priority for social equity applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.

Oceanside Municipal Airport Master Plan Update

City of Oceanside — Airport Division

Comprehensive update to airport master plan including runway safety improvements, new hangars, and noise mitigation for surrounding residential areas.

Fire Station 7 — Rancho Del Oro New Construction

Sundt Construction

New fire station to serve growing Rancho Del Oro and Melrose neighborhoods. Includes 3 apparatus bays, training facility, and community room.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Extension

County Health & Human Services

Extension of county emergency rental assistance program through 2027. $25M allocation for households at or below 80% AMI facing eviction.

Juvenile Justice Reform — Diversion Program Expansion

County Probation Department

Expansion of juvenile diversion programs to reduce youth incarceration. Includes restorative justice circles, mentorship, and family support services.

Proposed Sales Tax Increase — 0.5% for Infrastructure

Supervisor Lawson-Remer

Board discussion on potential 0.5% sales tax increase for infrastructure and affordable housing. Would generate approximately $400M annually. Requires voter approval.

Pure Water SD — Recycled Water Program Phase 2

San Diego County Water Authority

Phase 2 of county-wide recycled water program to produce 30 million gallons/day of purified water. Includes new treatment facilities in East County and South Bay.

Mission San Luis Rey Buffer Zone — Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation Commission

Establishment of 500-foot development buffer around Mission San Luis Rey historic site. Restricts building height and requires archaeological review for all projects.

East County Groundwater Sustainability Plan

County Dept of Public Works

Implementation of Sustainable Groundwater Management Act plan for East County basins. Includes monitoring wells, pumping restrictions, and recharge projects.

Newland Sierra — 2,135 Home Master Planned Community

Newland Sierra LLC

Master planned community in northern San Marcos area. 2,135 homes, school, parks, fire station. Previously approved but challenged in court. Environmental review ongoing.

County Operations Center Seismic Retrofit

Turner Construction — Turner Construction Co.

Seismic retrofit of County Operations Center buildings in Kearny Mesa. Critical infrastructure upgrade for emergency operations continuity.

South Oceanside Specific Plan — 1,200 Housing Units

Shea Homes

Specific plan for transit-oriented development near South Oceanside Coaster station. 1,200 units, 20% affordable, with commercial and public plaza.

Regional Homeless Action Plan — $180M Investment

Board of Supervisors

Five-year regional plan to address homelessness including permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and prevention services. $180M total investment across county.

Lilac Hills Ranch — 1,746 Home Development

Accretive Investments

Controversial 1,746-home development in Valley Center on 608 acres. Previously rejected by voters in 2016 (Measure B). Developer submitted revised plan with reduced density.

El Corazon Senior Center and Aquatics Complex

City of Oceanside — Parks & Recreation

New senior center and competition aquatics complex at El Corazon park site. Includes 50-meter pool, recreation pool, senior activity center, and community gardens.

Community Choice Energy — San Diego Community Power Expansion

San Diego Community Power

County participation in San Diego Community Power to provide renewable energy options. Projected to serve 200,000 unincorporated area customers.

Sweetwater River Flood Control — Bonita/Sunnyside

County Dept of Public Works

Flood control improvements along Sweetwater River in Bonita and Sunnyside communities. Includes channel widening, bridge replacements, and detention basins.

County Budget FY 2026-27 — $7.9 Billion Operating Budget

Board of Supervisors

Annual operating budget of $7.9 billion including $1.2B for Health & Human Services, $890M for Public Safety, and $450M for Land Use & Environment.

Otay Mesa Detention Center Oversight Resolution

Supervisor Montgomery Steppe

Resolution to establish county oversight committee for Otay Mesa Detention Center conditions. Includes quarterly inspections and public reporting requirements.

Cannabis Tax Revenue Allocation — Impacted Communities

Supervisor Montgomery Steppe

Resolution to allocate 50% of cannabis tax revenue ($12M annually) to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Funds job training, expungement clinics, and small business grants.

Homeless Navigation Center — Brooks Street

Interfaith Community Services

Approval of 100-bed homeless navigation center at 401 Brooks St. Includes case management, mental health services, and job training. 3-year pilot program.

Wildfire Prevention — Vegetation Management Program Expansion

County Fire Authority

Expansion of county vegetation management program from 5,000 to 15,000 acres annually. Includes prescribed burns, fuel breaks, and defensible space inspections in unincorporated areas.

Oceanside Unified School District Joint Use Agreement

Oceanside Unified School District

Updated joint use agreement for shared use of school facilities for community recreation. Includes 12 school sites, evening/weekend access, and maintenance cost sharing.

Taxpayer-Funded Polling on Potential Ballot Measures

Board of Supervisors

Controversy over Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer using taxpayer funds to conduct polls on potential ballot measures including tax increases. Ethics complaint filed. Attorney analysis says questions 'cross the lines.'

Farmland Preservation Program — 10,000 Acres

Board of Supervisors

Program to preserve 10,000 acres of agricultural land in East County and North County through conservation easements. $50M bond funding.

Regional Transportation Plan — I-15 Managed Lanes

SANDAG

County contribution to SANDAG I-15 managed lanes project from Escondido to San Diego. Includes express bus service and park-and-ride facilities.

Sheriff's Department Body Camera Policy Update

Board of Supervisors

Updated body camera policy requiring activation during all enforcement contacts, 3-year retention, and public release within 45 days of critical incidents.

San Luis Rey River Trail Extension — Phase 3

City of Oceanside — Parks & Recreation

3.2-mile extension of San Luis Rey River Trail from College Blvd to El Camino Real. Multi-use path with native habitat restoration and interpretive signage.

Fire Station 6 Replacement — Olivenhain

Encinitas Fire Department — City of Encinitas

Replacement of aging Fire Station 6 in Olivenhain with modern facility including seismic upgrades, expanded apparatus bays, and emergency operations center.

Cardiff Beach Living Shoreline Project

City of Encinitas — Environmental Services

Pilot project to install natural shoreline protection using sand dunes, native vegetation, and cobble berms at Cardiff State Beach. Partnership with California Coastal Conservancy.

Leucadia Streetscape Phase 2 — N. Coast Highway 101 Improvements

City of Encinitas — Public Works Department

Major infrastructure project to improve pedestrian safety, add protected bike lanes, and enhance streetscape along N. Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia. Includes road diet, roundabouts, and drainage improvements. Estimated cost $38M.

Emergency Resolution — ICE Enforcement Safe Zones

City Council

Emergency resolution to establish safe zones around schools, hospitals, and churches prohibiting ICE enforcement cooperation. Passed 3-2, later challenged by lawsuit threat from Garvin Walsh.

Oceanside Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade — Tertiary Treatment

Carollo Engineers — Carollo Engineers Inc.

Upgrade to tertiary treatment at water reclamation plant to produce Title 22 recycled water. Reduces ocean discharge by 4 million gallons/day.

Rescission of Emergency Item 7A — ICE Safe Zones

City Council

Motion to rescind the August 2025 emergency ICE safe zones resolution after lawsuit threat. Passed 3-2 with Ehlers, O'Hara, and Shaffer voting yes; Lyndes and San Antonio voting no.

Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Amendment — 300-Unit Mixed Use

Lennar Homes — Lennar Corporation

Amendment to allow 300-unit mixed-use development on Encinitas Ranch golf course adjacent land. Includes affordable housing component (15%) and commercial space.

Oceanside Pier Reconstruction — Storm Damage Repair

Barnard Construction — Barnard Construction Co.

Major reconstruction of Oceanside Pier after severe storm damage. Includes structural reinforcement, new decking, LED lighting, and ADA improvements. Partially funded by FEMA.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update

City Council

Updated regulations for short-term vacation rentals including new cap of 400 permits citywide, minimum 3-night stays, and enhanced noise enforcement provisions.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist Reopening

Oceanside Housing Authority

Resolution to reopen Section 8 waitlist for first time in 5 years. Expected 10,000+ applications for 500 available voucher slots. Online lottery system implemented.

Camp Pendleton Buffer Zone Agreement — Noise Compatibility

City of Oceanside / USMC

Updated noise compatibility agreement with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton regarding development restrictions in noise contour zones. Affects 2,400 acres of developable land.

Coastal Bluff Stabilization — Beacon's Beach Access

Moffatt & Nichol Engineers

Emergency stabilization of coastal bluffs at Beacon's Beach after winter storm damage. Includes new stairway access and drainage improvements.

Coast Highway Corridor Plan — Mixed-Use Rezoning

City of Oceanside — Planning Division

Comprehensive rezoning of Coast Highway corridor from Harbor Dr to Cassidy St to allow mixed-use development up to 6 stories. Transit-oriented development near Coaster stations.

Olivenhain Water Reclamation Facility Expansion

Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Expansion of Olivenhain Municipal Water District facility to increase recycled water capacity by 2 million gallons/day for irrigation and groundwater recharge.

Pacific View School Site — Community Arts Center

Encinitas Arts Culture & Ecology Alliance

Conversion of former Pacific View school site into community arts center with gallery space, artist studios, performance venue, and public gardens.

FY 2026-27 Budget — $15M Parks Bond Allocation

City Council

Budget allocation of $15M from Proposition P parks bond for new community park in New Encinitas, trail improvements, and playground upgrades across all five communities.

E-Bike Regulation Ordinance — Speed Limits and Age Restrictions

City Council

New ordinance regulating e-bikes on city trails and boardwalks. Class 3 e-bikes banned from Strand, 15mph limit on all paths, under-16 helmet requirement.

Homeless Shelter Partnership — North County Solutions

North County Solutions for Homelessness

Agreement with North County Solutions for Homelessness to fund 40-bed emergency shelter in partnership with Carlsbad and Solana Beach. City contribution $1.2M annually.

Measure K Implementation — Density Bonus Program

City Council

Implementation of voter-approved Measure K allowing increased residential density in exchange for affordable housing commitments. Sets framework for 800+ new units.

El Camino Real Specific Plan — Affordable Housing Overlay

City of Encinitas — Planning Division

Specific plan to add affordable housing overlay zone along El Camino Real corridor between Leucadia Blvd and Encinitas Blvd. Allows density bonuses up to 50 units/acre.

D Street Corridor Bike Lane — Encinitas Blvd to Santa Fe Dr

City of Encinitas — Public Works

Protected bike lane installation along D Street connecting downtown Encinitas to the Coaster station. Includes signal upgrades and pedestrian improvements.

Tenant Protection Ordinance — Just Cause Eviction & Rent Caps

City Council

Comprehensive tenant protection ordinance establishing just cause eviction requirements and rent increase caps at 5% + CPI for buildings older than 15 years. Applies to approximately 12,000 rental units.

Housing Element Update — 6th Cycle Compliance

City of Encinitas — Community Development Dept

State-mandated update to Encinitas Housing Element to plan for 1,554 new housing units across all income levels by 2029. Includes rezoning of multiple sites along El Camino Real corridor.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund — $10M Annual Allocation

City Council

Resolution to allocate $10M annually from general fund to Affordable Housing Trust Fund for next 5 years. Funds low-income housing construction and preservation.

Cannabis Retail Dispensary Permit — Encinitas Blvd

Green Coast Wellness

Conditional use permit for cannabis retail dispensary at 1245 Encinitas Blvd. Includes security plan, odor mitigation, and community benefit agreement.

North River Farms Specific Plan — 585 Homes

Integral Communities

Specific plan for 585-home master-planned community on 176 acres in northeast Oceanside. Includes parks, school site, and commercial village. Previously rejected by voters in 2020, revised plan.

Vulcan Avenue Mixed-Use Development — 48 Units

Pacific Coast Development LLC

Conditional use permit for 48-unit mixed-use development at 531 Vulcan Ave in Leucadia. Ground floor retail, 4 stories, 10% affordable units.

Campaign Contribution Limit Increase — Mayoral Candidates

City Council

Ordinance to raise campaign contribution limits for mayoral candidates from $250 to $500 per donor. Deputy Mayor Lyndes cast the lone dissenting vote.

Moonlight Beach Restroom and Lifeguard Tower Replacement

Solana Beach Construction — Solana Beach Construction Inc.

Replacement of aging restroom facilities and lifeguard tower at Moonlight Beach. New ADA-compliant design with outdoor showers and equipment storage.

Downtown Oceanside Parking Structure — 800 Spaces

AECOM — AECOM Technical Services

New 5-level parking structure at Ditmar St and Tremont St to serve downtown businesses and beach visitors. Includes EV charging stations and ground-floor retail.

Eddie Jones Warehouse Development — 200,000 sq ft Industrial

Prologis Inc.

Controversial warehouse development on former agricultural land near residential neighborhoods. 200,000 sq ft industrial/logistics facility. Significant community opposition over traffic and air quality.

Housing Element Update — 6th Cycle Compliance

City of Encinitas — Community Development Dept

State-mandated update to Encinitas Housing Element to plan for 1,554 new housing units across all income levels by 2029. Includes rezoning of multiple sites along El Camino Real corridor.

El Camino Real Specific Plan — Affordable Housing Overlay

City of Encinitas — Planning Division

Specific plan to add affordable housing overlay zone along El Camino Real corridor between Leucadia Blvd and Encinitas Blvd. Allows density bonuses up to 50 units/acre.

FY 2026-27 Budget — $15M Parks Bond Allocation

City Council

Budget allocation of $15M from Proposition P parks bond for new community park in New Encinitas, trail improvements, and playground upgrades across all five communities.

Emergency Resolution — ICE Enforcement Safe Zones

City Council

Emergency resolution to establish safe zones around schools, hospitals, and churches prohibiting ICE enforcement cooperation. Passed 3-2, later challenged by lawsuit threat from Garvin Walsh.

Vulcan Avenue Mixed-Use Development — 48 Units

Pacific Coast Development LLC

Conditional use permit for 48-unit mixed-use development at 531 Vulcan Ave in Leucadia. Ground floor retail, 4 stories, 10% affordable units.

Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Amendment — 300-Unit Mixed Use

Lennar Homes — Lennar Corporation

Amendment to allow 300-unit mixed-use development on Encinitas Ranch golf course adjacent land. Includes affordable housing component (15%) and commercial space.

Rescission of Emergency Item 7A — ICE Safe Zones

City Council

Motion to rescind the August 2025 emergency ICE safe zones resolution after lawsuit threat. Passed 3-2 with Ehlers, O'Hara, and Shaffer voting yes; Lyndes and San Antonio voting no.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance Update

City Council

Updated regulations for short-term vacation rentals including new cap of 400 permits citywide, minimum 3-night stays, and enhanced noise enforcement provisions.

Leucadia Streetscape Phase 2 — N. Coast Highway 101 Improvements

City of Encinitas — Public Works Department

Major infrastructure project to improve pedestrian safety, add protected bike lanes, and enhance streetscape along N. Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia. Includes road diet, roundabouts, and drainage improvements. Estimated cost $38M.

Moonlight Beach Restroom and Lifeguard Tower Replacement

Solana Beach Construction — Solana Beach Construction Inc.

Replacement of aging restroom facilities and lifeguard tower at Moonlight Beach. New ADA-compliant design with outdoor showers and equipment storage.

Cardiff Beach Living Shoreline Project

City of Encinitas — Environmental Services

Pilot project to install natural shoreline protection using sand dunes, native vegetation, and cobble berms at Cardiff State Beach. Partnership with California Coastal Conservancy.

Olivenhain Water Reclamation Facility Expansion

Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Expansion of Olivenhain Municipal Water District facility to increase recycled water capacity by 2 million gallons/day for irrigation and groundwater recharge.