SOLANA BEACH — Solana Beach Mayor Jewel Edson earlier this month announced her candidacy for reelection, this time representing the city’s newly established District 3.
Until now, Solana Beach has elected all its city councilmembers at-large — from the entire city, representing the entire city — with each councilor rotating through the mayoral seat.
This year, for the first time, Solana Beach residents will choose its mayor at-large, plus one councilor each from Districts 1 and 3, new political subdivisions. Voters will elect councilors for Districts 2 and 4 in 2022, completing the transition from at-large to district council elections.
District 3 stretches along the city’s southern border, adjacent to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack.
Edson has lived in Solana Beach for more than 20 years and spoke about some of the top issues that pertain to District 3.
“Ongoing events and potential future development, redevelopment or repurposing of the 22nd [District Agricultural Association] property [i.e., the Del Mar Fairgrounds], while impactful to our entire city, are especially felt by District 3,” Edson told The Coast News. “While the proposed Marisol Resort was defeated by Del Mar voters, responsible development of that site is of particular importance to many District 3 residents.”
Other important issues include “pro-active management of our beaches and fragile coastline” and “continuing to grow our city while preserving the wonderful qualities of the neighborhoods we treasure,” she said.
With regard to how she’ll prioritize or balance district-specific interests and citywide interests, should the two come into conflict, Edson said: “I recognize the importance of doing my homework, keeping an open mind, listening attentively and being responsive to community inputs. … I have a successful track record of managing the often conflicting goals presented to our city.”
Edson said in a press release she’s “a longtime advocate for the Solana Beach business community.”
She owns J2 Strategy, LCC — a Solana Beach-based technology consulting firm — and acts as its managing director. She also sits on the council’s business liaison standing committee.
The committee means “to coordinate and communicate with the chamber of commerce, Cedros [Avenue] Merchants Associations, and Village Walk (Highway 101) Association on city/business issues,” according to the city’s web site.
Edson has served on the council since 2016, and before that on the city’s View Assessment Commission. The latter commission adjudicates “view impairment issues” between development applicants and neighboring “property owners directly affected,” according to the city web site.
Edson has also acted in various volunteer capacities, including on the city chamber of commerce’s board of directors.
“Our city is facing a period of unprecedented challenges, including the pandemic, financial uncertainty, state legislation that threatens local governance, and community concerns about equality and racial justice,” she said in a press release.
In order to address these challenges, Edson touted council’s building up of financial reserves prior to COVID-19 and her ability to leverage relationships with county, state and federal officials in lobbying for resources.
Email Edson at [email protected].
2 comments
I’ve known Jewel Edson as someone I first met when she was on the View Assessment Committee and my dealings as an HOA president here in Solana Beach. I then followed her as a candidate who was elected to the Solana Beach City Council, and now in her role as Mayor of Solana Beach. Jewel is in my opinion one of the best city elected officials I have ever met. She is incredibly intelligent, professional and a truly dedicated servant to all of us in Solana Beach. She listens, does her due diligence and then expertly executes her role as someone who represents all of us Solana Beachers. I certainly hope everyone in our city recognizes her talents and votes for Jewel, but also takes the time to listen to a city meeting online and engage with city council to understand how good she is at your post. Thanks Jewel, I will definitely be voting for you!
Nice article! I’ve been impressed with Jewel Edison when I’ve attended City Council meetings and when I’ve followed issues important to Solana Beach because she always seems well-informed and fair as she listens to the issues! Additionally, she’s lived in our city for many years, knows our residents and protects the fabulous integrity of our community! She has my vote!!!
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