Tigist Layne

1 month ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Tigist Layne

Encinitas’ battle against state housing laws may end up being a losing one. Leaders of some small cities across the state, including Encinitas, want to change state housing laws in favor of more local control, but lawmakers and officials at the state level say that’s unlikely to happen. Resistance to new development and higher density isn’t new. For decades, the need for more housing at different income levels has clashed with efforts to preserve community character, especially in smaller cities.

1 month ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Tigist Layne

More detox beds are coming to Escondido, a vital addition amid the region’s ongoing shortage. The Escondido City Council last week approved an expansion of detox services proposed by nonprofit homeless services provider Interfaith Community Services. Supporters say the new detox beds, or withdrawal-management beds, are a much-needed addition to the city and to North County, which has high demand for drug treatment services and not enough supply.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Tigist Layne

Encinitas’ new mayor, Bruce Ehlers, has his eyes set on the prize. Formerly a councilmember, Ehlers defeated incumbent Mayor Tony Kranz in November with a campaign that promised he’d fight back against state housing laws that are impeding local control. The message clearly resonated with Encinitas residents, who, for decades, have largely been hostile to new development in the city. Residents also voted out incumbent Councilmember Allison Blackwell in favor of newcomer Luke Shaffer.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Tigist Layne

The city of Del Mar’s plans to build an affordable housing project at the Del Mar Fairgrounds just hit a snag. Yesterday, the board that runs the Fairgrounds, called the 22nd District Agricultural Association, or 22nd DAA, voted to suspend affordable housing discussions with the city of Del Mar after Del Mar leaders continued to show support for an underground train tunnel route that would run underneath the Fairgrounds.

2 months ago | voiceofsandiego.org | Tigist Layne

Poway’s City Council chambers were packed Tuesday night as residents gathered to witness the city’s first-ever censure of a public official. But the subject of the censure hearing, Councilmember Tony Blain, was notably absent. “Mr. Blain, I am certain you’re watching from home,” Poway Mayor Steve Vaus said during the meeting. “Your absence here speaks louder than words. I am not at all surprised that you were too cowardly to be here. But you cannot run and hide from this censure resolution.