REGION — Two North County inland cities bid farewell to retiring council members and welcomed newly elected members following Tuesday’s results of the November election.
In Vista, retiring eight-year Councilmember Joe Green received a warm send-off from city staff and fellow council members, who recognized the District 2 official for his larger-than-life personality, indisputable love for the city and ability to get things done.
Green has been instrumental in creating the city’s thriving, regulated cannabis marketplace, which brought in over $7 million in sales tax revenue this past year. City leaders applauded him for drawing on his own lived experiences growing up in Vista to connect with residents and shape policy to improve the city.
“You have forever changed this city for the best. It’s incredible to see how you have grown into such a master leader; this is your art,” said Councilmember Corinna Contreras.
While city leaders were sad to see him go, Green assured them he would remain involved in the community. He has expressed interest in continuing to help create opportunities for cannabis businesses.
“I’m excited to remain here,” Green said.


Mayor John Franklin said he looked forward to seeing Green’s continued advocacy and work in the community outside the council and thanked him for being a uniting voice in divisive times.
“You’ve brought us together in times we didn’t think we could come together,” Franklin said.
Katie Melendez was sworn in for a second term representing District 3 after defeating Denisse Barragan in November with around 55% of the vote, and newcomer Jeff Fox was sworn in after winning the District 2 race against Anthony White with around 62%.
San Marcos
In San Marcos, Councilmember Sharon Jenkins said goodbye after twelve years on the council. Prior to serving on the city level, Jenkins worked 14 years on the San Marcos Unified School District Board of Trustees, for a total of 26 years in elected office.
“To those of you who played an important role in helping me to be the person and the public servant that I am today, I say thank you,” Jenkins said, speaking through tears on Tuesday.
Current and past council members said Jenkins had been an invaluable mentor and highlighted her involvement in crucial city efforts, including the completion of the Creek District (located within her home district), the approval of several landmark buildings, and her leadership in the Measure Q sales tax campaign, which led to it being passed by a large margin in November.

Mayor Rebecca Jones said that during her tenure on the San Marcos School Board from 1998 to 2012, Jenkins led the district during a transformative time when the student population and the district were growing and improving.
“Thank you for being such a mentor, for being a friend, for being a colleague. We are so fortunate that you chose San Marcos to be your home, because we have all benefitted from you in so many ways,” said Councilmember María Nuñez.
During the same meeting, District 4 Councilmember Ed Musgrove was sworn in for a second term, and Danielle LeBlang took her oath of office to fill the seat left by Jenkins.
“I have big shoes to fill. I absolutely do, and we have an amazing staff here, and I just could not be more thrilled and proud and honored to represent this city. I cannot wait to build on our success and stay on our positive path,” LeBlang said.
Musgrove defeated challenger Natasha Zander Hilmes in the November election with around 65% of the vote, and LeBlang bested opponent Alan Geraci with just over 57%.