ENCINITAS — The Encinitas City Council made its first eight appointments to the newly created Business Commission, but still has one seat to fill, per city code.
City Clerk Pete Weichers said that of the 15 eligible applicants, none qualified to represent District 3, and that the city will re-advertise the role in hopes of attracting an eligible applicant by early April. The deadline to apply is April 9 at 5 p.m., according to a city listing.
District 3 covers the southwest portion of the city, including Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and stretches east to parts of Rancho Santa Fe Road and north to a stretch of Encinitas Boulevard.
Councilmember Joy Lyndes, who represents District 3, said there was interest from the business community in the commission, but “it was just a timing issue, so this will give us some more time.”
The eight candidates nominated for the seven- to nine-member Business Commission were a mix of at-large and district selections, with staggered term lengths. The Encinitas City Council unanimously voted to appoint the following to its inaugural class of business commissioners:
At large: Heather Addy Crider, three-year term; Jeffrey Schade, two-year term; Dr. R. Anthony Hutchinson, one-year term; Paulette Khoury, one-year term; and Gerard Pascale, one-year term.
District 1: Jason Janecek, three-year term.
District 2: Tony Dellamano, three-year term.
District 4: Brandon Jennings, two-year term.
The Business Commission, established by the City Council on Jan. 21, provides a formal, public conduit for city government, including elected officials, to receive input and feedback from those with firsthand experience.
Crider, a second-generation owner and executive director of A Children’s Garden Preschool, wrote in her application that she was interested in identifying “opportunities to streamline permitting and reduce bottlenecks” while also “creating an environment where small and independent businesses can thrive.”
“Leading a neighborhood-based business has given me firsthand experience in workforce leadership, financial management, regulatory navigation and long-range planning,” she told the council. “It has shown me how essential Encinitas businesses are to the strength and character of our community.”
Schade, owner and operator of Leucadia Cyclery with experience at other sports retail businesses, said he was the “living embodiment” of keeping Leucadia funky and felt a balanced business community could support both small and large businesses.
“We should be very, very proud of the 101 corridor and keeping that lively and safe,” he told the council. “You’ve all heard me speak about safety along the 101 as it pertains to life in general, but also bicyclists, pedestrians, and I know this isn’t a safety topic, but I think there is some incorporation of that into how we plan the community and how businesses operate as well.”
Hutchinson, a retired optometrist who owned Pacific View Eye Care Center, said that, as a longtime Encinitas resident who served multiple generations through his eye care business, he also has a passion for civic engagement, evidenced by his past roles with the Chamber of Commerce and Encinitas Rotary.
“Since 1981, I have watched the city grow from a quiet coastal stretch into the vibrant hub it is today,” he told the council. “I’m deeply invested in ensuring its future remains both prosperous and true to its roots.”
Khoury has a variety of business experiences throughout the country, according to her resume. She owns Archival Bridal and Pleats Dry Cleaning and Fine Tailoring, and also serves as a limited partner with a commercial real estate firm.
“My experience spans corporations and small family-run businesses across multiple industries, giving me a practical understanding of economic and community needs,” she wrote in her application. “I understand business from both the landlord and tenant sides and can easily connect with diverse people and organizations.”
Pascale received a Bronze Star for his service in the Marine Corps and founded a nationwide property management business. He said he first fell in love with Encinitas in 1967 while taking trips from the University of Southern California to go surfing.
“I am very interested — if appointed — in getting to know some of the people that have spoken tonight,” Pascale told the council. “There’s some very interesting backgrounds. I noticed the educational component of many of these people was outstanding. So you have some smart people to choose from.”
Janecek owns several local businesses, including Corner Pizza. In his application, he wrote that he wanted to “help guide the city to serve small business and the community at large with more efficiency, transparency and economic stability.”
Dellamano owns and serves as the chief executive officer of Culture Brewing, from which customers can purchase slices of Corner Pizza to be delivered to the brewery via a QR code. Dellamano wrote that, while he resides in Solana Beach, he has been active in the city since opening the Encinitas location.
“Personally, I would like to serve more as an active business owner and ensure Encinitas continues to thrive while preserving its coastal charm,” he wrote.
Jennings co-founded Pastaria Vivi — an Italian specialty market and handmade pasta shop — in Encinitas after a long career in food service, including as executive chef at Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe, which was recommended for the Michelin Guide during his tenure.
“But my passion isn’t just cooking,” he told the council. “It’s building businesses and strengthening communities.”
“Thank you to all the applicants, and congratulations — or condolences, as the case may be — to those of you who won,” Mayor Bruce Ehlers said. “Now the work begins.”
