PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA 92024 PERMIT NO. 94
THE COAST NEWS
.com LOCAL, INDEPENDENT, TRUSTED
VOL. 38, N0. 18
Judge vetoes SB 9
May 3, 2024
SAN MARCOS -NEWS
.com THE VISTA NEWS
Ruling backs SoCal cities in housing suit
.com
By Laura Place
DEL MAR — Senate Bill 9’s mandate for cities to allow lot splits in single-family residential zones is not reasonably related to the production of affordable housing, interferes with local government, and is, therefore, unconstitutional, according to a ruling issued in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week. The cities of Del Mar, Redondo Beach, Carson, Torrance, and Whittier sued the state of California in 2022, arguing that SB KIN 9 was invalid because it infringed on charter cities’ rights to run and manage their municipal affairs and failed to ensure the creation of affordable housing. On April 22, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin ruled in favor of the cities. SB 9, which went into effect in 2022, mandates that municipalities ministerially approve the creation of two primary dwelling units on a single-family lot and urban lot splits, or the subdivision of lots zoned for a single dwelling, into two parcels. While the state has touted the bill as another means of creating affordable housing, it has generated anxiety for cities, particularly smaller coastal enTURN TO SB 9 ON 23
RANCHO SFNEWS
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Fire scare at pier
Firefighters doused flames through thick black smoke, containing a blaze in the old Ruby’s Diner and protecting most of Oceanside’s historic wooden structure. Story on 5. Photo by Rich Cruse
Ehlers to run for Encinitas mayor By Claire Strong
ENCINITAS — Councilmember Bruce Ehlers has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next mayor of Encinitas. The council’s District 4 representative told The Coast News he has filed the official paperwork needed to start the process. Ehlers will challenge incumbent Mayor Tony Kranz. “I am running to return to the priorities that guided us since incorporation, preserve community character, provide reliable public services, ensure public safety and protect
the envir on me nt ,” Ehlers said. E h ler s is the principal author of Proposition A, a ballot ini- EHLERS tiative that gave Encinitas voters the final say on development proposals that fall outside parameters outlined in the city’s general plan. Ehlers was also chairman of the city’s Planning Commission but was ousted in an effort led by Kranz and state Sen. Catherine
Blakespear, then mayor of Encinitas. In a controversial yet unanimous vote, the council cited Ehlers’ public statements opposing city housing policies and his alleged association with a local group, Encinitas Residents for Responsible Development, as reasons for his dismissal. Ehlers, an engineer and product development senior vice president for a security equipment company, has lived in Encinitas for over 40 years. He will officially launch his bid later this month.
SCHOOL SUDDENLY SHUTS
The University of Saint Katherine in San Marcos ceased operations last week, citing an inability to meet its financial obligations. The surprise move came three weeks before commencement at the private school of fewer than 300 students. STORY ON 6. Photo by Laura Place
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