ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council on Wednesday approved a proposal directing the city’s Public Health and Safety Commission to assess wildfire risks and recommend potential mitigation measures ahead of the city’s upcoming budget cycle.
The council-initiated item, introduced by Mayor Bruce Ehlers, aims to evaluate the city’s preparedness for large-scale fires, particularly in high-risk areas such as Escondido Creek and Rossini Canyon.
The proposal calls for public meetings to gather input from residents and local fire safety groups. Findings will be submitted by early May.
“What I’m asking for is to put an item on the work plan for the Public Health and Safety Commission,” Ehlers said. “With the recent threats to property and life from major wildfires … I want to be informed by the public where your concerns are, and I also want the firefighters, the fire chief and department to have a chance to respond and tell us where we’re ready and where we might need to spend money.”
Public commenters expressed strong concerns about fire hazards in the city, pointing to potential evacuation challenges and the need to reassess fire safety standards. Cardiff resident Natalie Settoon presented photos of Rossini Canyon, arguing that current fire safety regulations may not adequately mitigate risks.
“We do need to reassess our own standards,” Settoon said. “Now we know that fires can blow all the way over to the coast, and we have lane-dieted and narrowed down our travel lanes so much that trying to get through Encinitas on a normal day is a challenge. I can’t imagine trying to evacuate.”
The canyon, a property in Cardiff-by-the-Sea owned by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), has drawn several complaints in recent years about potential fire hazards posed by more than 40 dead palm trees and mounds of dried fronds on the site.
Other residents, including Ron Medok of Olivenhain, described community-led fire prevention efforts. Medok noted that residents in his neighborhood have personally funded vegetation removal, spending thousands of dollars annually to clear brush and remove hazardous trees.
“For several years, we’ve been cutting down about $4,500 worth of weeds,” Medok said. “Two years ago, we stepped it up and spent about $12,000 cutting down about 25 palm trees.”
Resident Jessica Pratt raised concerns about fire risk near the L7 parcel off Quail Gardens Drive, citing a recent vehicle fire that produced large flames and thick smoke.
“Had our absolutely amazing Encinitas Fire Department not responded as quickly as they did to extinguish that fire, the surrounding neighborhoods … would have been in serious trouble,” Pratt said.
Council members supported the proposal, with several suggestions for modifications. Councilmember Jim O’Hara proposed adding the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to the list of agencies involved, a recommendation incorporated into the final motion.
“A lot of the issues are going to require the incorporation of the sheriff’s department to come up with solid solutions,” O’Hara said.
Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes recommended that the Public Health and Safety Commission meet monthly, rather than quarterly, to expedite its work. Councilmember Luke Shaffer called for a broader approach considering the city’s overall emergency preparedness.
The council also approved transitioning oversight of the Public Health and Safety Commission from the city manager’s office to the Encinitas Fire Department. The motion passed unanimously, and findings from the commission’s review will inform the city’s budget, which is set to be adopted by June 30.
“For this topic, you should meet as often and quickly as possible,” Ehlers said. “We’re trying to get it done by early May.”
