Legislative Update
BOMA San Diego
Legislative Update
NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED OFFICIALS SWORN INTO OFFICE
Earlier this month, various municipalities throughout the County of San Diego swore in their newly elected and re-elected officials. In the City of San Diego, Mayor Gloria, who was re-elected, was sworn in for another term, as were re-elected Councilmembers Joe LaCava, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Raul Campillo, and Sean Elo-Rivera. All promised a more aggressive final term to help under-served communities and attack cost of living issues. The Councilmembers also indicated strong support for union jobs, as well as a focus on protecting services amidst a projected $270 million budget deficit this next year and deficits going forward for several years. On the budget front, Councilmember Campillo, in his comments, specifically promised to bring back a sales tax increase proposal targeting the 2026 ballot, as well as a broadened self-certification program to help spur new development. His stated plan would include a “skilled and trained” labor requirement to utilize this expanded self-certification program. Also sworn in was newly elected City Attorney Heather Ferbert. She takes over for Mara Elliott who was termed out after serving 8 years as the city’s head attorney.
In Chula Vista, the City Council welcomed two new members, Michael Inzunza and Cesar Fernandez. Both highlighted public safety, job creation, and community development as priorities heading into their first terms. Fernandez, who represents west Chula Vista, emphasized the need to promote local hiring. Inzunza encouraged educational investments like a new library complex and SDSU’s expansion into the city.
The City of La Mesa also swore in two new city council members, making history as the city’s first-ever female majority council. Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki prioritized the importance of fostering inclusivity during their swearing in after a mostly cordial campaign.
In Encinitas, however, both supporters and opponents of the newly elected Mayor and two councilmembers attended the swearing in. New Mayor Bruce Ehlers noted his desire to keep the city’s “small town beach atmosphere.” Councilmember Luke Shaffer ran off a platform of promoting sustainable growth, public safety, and a weariness toward new taxes. Councilmember Jim O’Hara prioritized public safety, infrastructure repair, and local control from state mandates.
BOMA-SUPPORTED PROPOSITION 36 (PUBLIC SAFETY REFORM) GOES INTO EFFECT
Proposition 36, which sought to reform elements of Proposition 47 and enact tougher penalties on some forms of crime, went into effect this month. The new law makes theft a felony for those with two prior petty theft convictions. It also allows prosecutors to charge repeat drug possession offenders with a felony. BOMA is working with the City and County to ensure full implementation takes place. To learn more about Prop. 36, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO DSD FEES TO INCREASE JANUARY 1, 2025
All Development Service Department user fees will increase by 1.1% effective January 1, 2025. The increase will provide full cost recoverability for permitting services and aims to improve the review process. The new fees will apply to all projects deemed complete after January 1. The fee increases were approved previously by the City Council. To learn more, click HERE.
SAN DIEGO DSD TO CLOSE FOR BUSINESS, DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 1
The San Diego Development Services Department, like many city services and facilities, will close for business on Christmas and New Years Day. The department line - (619) 446-5000 and in-person records will also be closed. Virtual appointments will be limited between December 26-December 31. All on line options remain available. To learn more, please click HERE.
REMINDER - ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONSTRUCTION RESTRICTION: NOV 28 - JAN 1
The City of San Diego’s Annual Holiday Construction Restriction, which applies to streets adjacent to major retail shopping areas during the upcoming peak holiday shopping season, starts Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and runs through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. To learn more about restricted construction activities and where restrictions apply, please click HERE.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PUD DEPARTMENTS ISSUE GUIDANCE ON WATER METER AND BACKFLOW PREVENTER STANDARDS
The City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) and the Public Utilities Department (PUD) have launched a new Information Bulletin (IB 305) to provide guidance to customers on the design standards of water meters and backflow preventers. According to the City, these devices are essential in ensuring reliable utility services, equitable billing for water consumption and safeguarding our water supply and public health. The City says that projects must follow PUD standards at the beginning of project design to protect the drinking water system and minimize conflicts later in the permit review process.
LACAVA UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Following a 5-4 vote last year to elect Sean Elo-Rivera, the San Diego City Council unanimously selected Joe LaCava Council President for the year to come. LaCava, a former civil engineer and longtime La Jolla resident, was praised by his council colleagues who described him as fair, solution-oriented, and committed to fixing infrastructure disparities. The Council President holds significant power on the city council, as he or she dictates what does or does not get placed on the docket. The Council President also presides over meetings, determines speaking time, and may decide who on the city council speaks first after an item is presented, which can be especially important when determining a motion maker. To learn more about Council President LaCava, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO BUDGET COMMITTEE VOTES TO SET PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER RATE INCREASE, STUDY RECOMMENDS ENORMOUS INCREASES TO BOTH WATER AND SEWER RATES
San Diego is considering raising water rates by 61% and sewer rates by 32% over four years. Sewer rates were already scheduled to go up by 3% on January 1, 2025, and water rates by 8.7% based off previous council action; however, a recent city-initiated study recommended phased increases that would total 61% for sewer and 32% for water rates over four years. The additional increases are due to rising labor costs and costs associated with importing water and water infrastructure projects, per the study. The City’s Budget & Government Efficiency Committee voted 2-1 in favor of setting a public hearing on March 3 or 4, 2025, to consider approving a 5.5% water rate increase. The additional sewer rate increase will likely make it to Council later in 2025. To view staff’s presentation, please click HERE. The staff report can be found HERE.
SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FORMATION OF NEW “COST OF LIVING” COMMITTEE
This week, the San Diego City Council approved assignments to its nine standing committees, which focus on subject areas like public safety, land use and housing, and neighborhood services.
A new, temporary committee was also created to address San Diego’s cost of living. The committee will be chaired by former Council President Sean Elo-Rivera who, in recent weeks, has made statements regarding his approach, which he said would focus on out of state investors and large corporations he blames for high rents and grocery costs. In his comments, he alluded to a potential minimum wage increase, while saying that the committee’s early focus will be online coupons and algorithmic software used for rental price setting. Councilmembers Henry Foster (District 4) and Marni von Wilpert (D5) will also serve on the committee.
The City Council’s standing committees are often used to vet items and updates on specific issue areas before they are presented to the full city council. Committee members can also bring forward policy recommendations and ordinance proposals. While most standing committee assignments will remain the same, Councilmember Foster will replace Lee as chair of the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee. The position will be evermore important in the year ahead in attempting to address the roughly $300M deficit. Councilmember Campillo will continue chairing the Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Councilmember Lee was appointed Council President Pro Tem., which is tasked with leading city council hearings when the Council President (LaCava) is absent.
To learn more about the Cost of Living Committee, click HERE. For all other committee assignments, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO ANNOUNCES MASSIVE BUDGET DEFICIT; MAYOR TAKES ACTION TO FREEZE HIRING, CANCEL CIVIC CENTER REDEVELOPMENT EFFORT
Following the failure of Measure E, the effort to raise the sales tax in the City of San Diego, the Mayor and other city leaders have announced an estimated $330 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year. The city’s structural budget deficit has been long known, with the latest estimates showing several years of ongoing issues and an estimated $1.5 billion gap. In response, Mayor Gloria has announced several immediate actions intended to shore up city finances and reduce costs in advance of the next budget cycle. Those actions include a hiring freeze, the cancellation of the Civic Center Redevelopment effort and cancellation of non-essential travel. Other actions could include new or increased fees including for parking, reduction of services like parks and libraries, renegotiation of leases or relocation of city staff in leased space back to the civic center. There is hope that the city’s financial prognosis will improve with trash collection fees and potential revenue from the implementation of Measure C, the convention center expansion tax, in the offing. BOMA will be monitoring closely for both fee and service related impacts. To learn more, please click HERE. To see more on the city’s finances, please click HERE.
GROUP SEEKING TO INCORPORATE LA JOLLA SUBMIT SIGNATURES
In the latest effort to turn La Jolla into its own city, proponents claim they have gathered nearly 8,000 signatures, which is the required next step in the process, and will be submitting them by the December 15th deadline. Signatures of 25% of the registered voters within the proposed boundaries are required. If the number of signatures meets the threshold, next steps would include submitting a feasibility analysis and formal consideration by LAFCO. Proponents say they need to raise approximately $200,000 to cover the costs of the next steps. If all goes as desired, and LAFCO approves the proposal, the proposed incorporation would be placed on a ballot for all registered voters in the City of San Diego to consider. Proponents are hoping that would happen in 2026. To learn more about LAFCO, please click HERE. To learn more about the incorporation effort, click HERE.
CITY OF SANTEE CONSIDERING SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCREASE
Santee city officials are considering a substantial increase in development impact fees for the first time in 19 years. Under the new schedule, single-family residential fees would increase by 36%, multi-family fees would increase by 30%, commercial would increase by 39%, office space would increase by 126% and industrial would increase by 19%. While the fees have been adjusted for inflation since 2005, a recent study recommended a complete overhaul. Members of the city council expressed concerns as the heightened fees could dissuade new development and the production of housing and job centers. A final decision is expected in January; though, some on the city council have suggested that the item be tabled until the city can study the increase further.
POWAY COUNCILMEMBER BRIAN PEPIN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Poway District 1 Councilmember Brian Pepin announced his resignation from the City Council. Pepin, who has served on the council for two years and chaired the city’s Budget Review Committee, stated that his decision was made to focus on his political consulting career. The city council must now decide how to fill the vacancy, either by appointment or a costly special election.
PORT SELECTED SCOTT CHADWICK AS NEW CEO
After more than a year of searching, the Port of San Diego has selected Scott Chadwick as its next CEO. Chadwick, who is the City of Carlsbad’s City Manager and was previously the Chief Operating Officer for the City of San Diego, was selected out of a pool of over 700 applicants. The Port has been without a permanent CEO since their former CEO was placed on leave without explanation. The Port has nearly 800 employees and an annual budget of nearly $350 million. Among other things, it manages properties for the state along much of the county’s coastline from the City of San Diego south, and counts 5 cities as members including the Cities of San Diego, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach. Chadwick is expected to start after the first of the year. For more information, please click HERE.
CARLSBAD TAPS GEOFF PATNOE TO LEAD CITY
Carlsbad has named Geoff Patnoe as its new city manager, following former city manager Scott Chadwick’s move to the San Diego Unified Port District where he will serve has President and CEO. Patnoe, who has served in an assistant city manager role, formerly held roles at the County of San Diego and the San Diego Taxpayers Association. Patnoe’s confirmation will go before the city council on December 10th.
OCEANSIDE WASTE HAULING RATES TO INCREASE FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
The Oceanside City Council approved waste hauling rate increases for 2025. The move is based on a formula that uses consumer price index, employment cost index, fuel cost, and vehicle maintenance. Residents should expect to see a 5% increase in trash rates for 2025, while commercial rates would climb by an average of $5.18 per month. To view the staff report, which includes rate adjustments based on service level, please click HERE.
SANDAG EXPLORING AIRPORT CONNECTOR OPTIONS FOLLOWING MEASURE G FAILURE
Measure G, a countywide sales tax increase that proponents were hoping would bring in roughly $350 million annually for transit projects, like a trolley to the airport, failed by roughly 1%. Now, with a potential trolley line years away, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is exploring 16 different transit options with the goal of narrowing the list down to three to five choices. Options include expanded bus services and an automated people mover with several different routes under consideration. Three-quarters of those polled indicated that they drive, are dropped off, or use a taxi or ridesharing service to get to the airport.
TWO CITIES TAKE STEPS TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCIES
The cities of Coronado and Encinitas have decided to follow an appointment process in filling vacancies held by each city council. Both cities voted 3-1 in favor of following an appointment rather than holding a special election, which would likely carry a $300-400k price tag. Both cities were left with a vacancy when then Councilmembers Duncan (Coronado) and Ehlers (Encinitas) won their respective races for Mayor.
Legislative Update
NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED OFFICIALS SWORN INTO OFFICE
Earlier this month, various municipalities throughout the County of San Diego swore in their newly elected and re-elected officials. In the City of San Diego, Mayor Gloria, who was re-elected, was sworn in for another term, as were re-elected Councilmembers Joe LaCava, Stephen Whitburn, Marni von Wilpert, Raul Campillo, and Sean Elo-Rivera. All promised a more aggressive final term to help under-served communities and attack cost of living issues. The Councilmembers also indicated strong support for union jobs, as well as a focus on protecting services amidst a projected $270 million budget deficit this next year and deficits going forward for several years. On the budget front, Councilmember Campillo, in his comments, specifically promised to bring back a sales tax increase proposal targeting the 2026 ballot, as well as a broadened self-certification program to help spur new development. His stated plan would include a “skilled and trained” labor requirement to utilize this expanded self-certification program. Also sworn in was newly elected City Attorney Heather Ferbert. She takes over for Mara Elliott who was termed out after serving 8 years as the city’s head attorney.
In Chula Vista, the City Council welcomed two new members, Michael Inzunza and Cesar Fernandez. Both highlighted public safety, job creation, and community development as priorities heading into their first terms. Fernandez, who represents west Chula Vista, emphasized the need to promote local hiring. Inzunza encouraged educational investments like a new library complex and SDSU’s expansion into the city.
The City of La Mesa also swore in two new city council members, making history as the city’s first-ever female majority council. Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki prioritized the importance of fostering inclusivity during their swearing in after a mostly cordial campaign.
In Encinitas, however, both supporters and opponents of the newly elected Mayor and two councilmembers attended the swearing in. New Mayor Bruce Ehlers noted his desire to keep the city’s “small town beach atmosphere.” Councilmember Luke Shaffer ran off a platform of promoting sustainable growth, public safety, and a weariness toward new taxes. Councilmember Jim O’Hara prioritized public safety, infrastructure repair, and local control from state mandates.
BOMA-SUPPORTED PROPOSITION 36 (PUBLIC SAFETY REFORM) GOES INTO EFFECT
Proposition 36, which sought to reform elements of Proposition 47 and enact tougher penalties on some forms of crime, went into effect this month. The new law makes theft a felony for those with two prior petty theft convictions. It also allows prosecutors to charge repeat drug possession offenders with a felony. BOMA is working with the City and County to ensure full implementation takes place. To learn more about Prop. 36, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO DSD FEES TO INCREASE JANUARY 1, 2025
All Development Service Department user fees will increase by 1.1% effective January 1, 2025. The increase will provide full cost recoverability for permitting services and aims to improve the review process. The new fees will apply to all projects deemed complete after January 1. The fee increases were approved previously by the City Council. To learn more, click HERE.
SAN DIEGO DSD TO CLOSE FOR BUSINESS, DECEMBER 25 – JANUARY 1
The San Diego Development Services Department, like many city services and facilities, will close for business on Christmas and New Years Day. The department line - (619) 446-5000 and in-person records will also be closed. Virtual appointments will be limited between December 26-December 31. All on line options remain available. To learn more, please click HERE.
REMINDER - ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONSTRUCTION RESTRICTION: NOV 28 - JAN 1
The City of San Diego’s Annual Holiday Construction Restriction, which applies to streets adjacent to major retail shopping areas during the upcoming peak holiday shopping season, starts Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and runs through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. To learn more about restricted construction activities and where restrictions apply, please click HERE.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND PUD DEPARTMENTS ISSUE GUIDANCE ON WATER METER AND BACKFLOW PREVENTER STANDARDS
The City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) and the Public Utilities Department (PUD) have launched a new Information Bulletin (IB 305) to provide guidance to customers on the design standards of water meters and backflow preventers. According to the City, these devices are essential in ensuring reliable utility services, equitable billing for water consumption and safeguarding our water supply and public health. The City says that projects must follow PUD standards at the beginning of project design to protect the drinking water system and minimize conflicts later in the permit review process.
LACAVA UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Following a 5-4 vote last year to elect Sean Elo-Rivera, the San Diego City Council unanimously selected Joe LaCava Council President for the year to come. LaCava, a former civil engineer and longtime La Jolla resident, was praised by his council colleagues who described him as fair, solution-oriented, and committed to fixing infrastructure disparities. The Council President holds significant power on the city council, as he or she dictates what does or does not get placed on the docket. The Council President also presides over meetings, determines speaking time, and may decide who on the city council speaks first after an item is presented, which can be especially important when determining a motion maker. To learn more about Council President LaCava, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO BUDGET COMMITTEE VOTES TO SET PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER RATE INCREASE, STUDY RECOMMENDS ENORMOUS INCREASES TO BOTH WATER AND SEWER RATES
San Diego is considering raising water rates by 61% and sewer rates by 32% over four years. Sewer rates were already scheduled to go up by 3% on January 1, 2025, and water rates by 8.7% based off previous council action; however, a recent city-initiated study recommended phased increases that would total 61% for sewer and 32% for water rates over four years. The additional increases are due to rising labor costs and costs associated with importing water and water infrastructure projects, per the study. The City’s Budget & Government Efficiency Committee voted 2-1 in favor of setting a public hearing on March 3 or 4, 2025, to consider approving a 5.5% water rate increase. The additional sewer rate increase will likely make it to Council later in 2025. To view staff’s presentation, please click HERE. The staff report can be found HERE.
SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES FORMATION OF NEW “COST OF LIVING” COMMITTEE
This week, the San Diego City Council approved assignments to its nine standing committees, which focus on subject areas like public safety, land use and housing, and neighborhood services.
A new, temporary committee was also created to address San Diego’s cost of living. The committee will be chaired by former Council President Sean Elo-Rivera who, in recent weeks, has made statements regarding his approach, which he said would focus on out of state investors and large corporations he blames for high rents and grocery costs. In his comments, he alluded to a potential minimum wage increase, while saying that the committee’s early focus will be online coupons and algorithmic software used for rental price setting. Councilmembers Henry Foster (District 4) and Marni von Wilpert (D5) will also serve on the committee.
The City Council’s standing committees are often used to vet items and updates on specific issue areas before they are presented to the full city council. Committee members can also bring forward policy recommendations and ordinance proposals. While most standing committee assignments will remain the same, Councilmember Foster will replace Lee as chair of the Budget and Government Efficiency Committee. The position will be evermore important in the year ahead in attempting to address the roughly $300M deficit. Councilmember Campillo will continue chairing the Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Councilmember Lee was appointed Council President Pro Tem., which is tasked with leading city council hearings when the Council President (LaCava) is absent.
To learn more about the Cost of Living Committee, click HERE. For all other committee assignments, please click HERE.
SAN DIEGO ANNOUNCES MASSIVE BUDGET DEFICIT; MAYOR TAKES ACTION TO FREEZE HIRING, CANCEL CIVIC CENTER REDEVELOPMENT EFFORT
Following the failure of Measure E, the effort to raise the sales tax in the City of San Diego, the Mayor and other city leaders have announced an estimated $330 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year. The city’s structural budget deficit has been long known, with the latest estimates showing several years of ongoing issues and an estimated $1.5 billion gap. In response, Mayor Gloria has announced several immediate actions intended to shore up city finances and reduce costs in advance of the next budget cycle. Those actions include a hiring freeze, the cancellation of the Civic Center Redevelopment effort and cancellation of non-essential travel. Other actions could include new or increased fees including for parking, reduction of services like parks and libraries, renegotiation of leases or relocation of city staff in leased space back to the civic center. There is hope that the city’s financial prognosis will improve with trash collection fees and potential revenue from the implementation of Measure C, the convention center expansion tax, in the offing. BOMA will be monitoring closely for both fee and service related impacts. To learn more, please click HERE. To see more on the city’s finances, please click HERE.
GROUP SEEKING TO INCORPORATE LA JOLLA SUBMIT SIGNATURES
In the latest effort to turn La Jolla into its own city, proponents claim they have gathered nearly 8,000 signatures, which is the required next step in the process, and will be submitting them by the December 15th deadline. Signatures of 25% of the registered voters within the proposed boundaries are required. If the number of signatures meets the threshold, next steps would include submitting a feasibility analysis and formal consideration by LAFCO. Proponents say they need to raise approximately $200,000 to cover the costs of the next steps. If all goes as desired, and LAFCO approves the proposal, the proposed incorporation would be placed on a ballot for all registered voters in the City of San Diego to consider. Proponents are hoping that would happen in 2026. To learn more about LAFCO, please click HERE. To learn more about the incorporation effort, click HERE.
CITY OF SANTEE CONSIDERING SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCREASE
Santee city officials are considering a substantial increase in development impact fees for the first time in 19 years. Under the new schedule, single-family residential fees would increase by 36%, multi-family fees would increase by 30%, commercial would increase by 39%, office space would increase by 126% and industrial would increase by 19%. While the fees have been adjusted for inflation since 2005, a recent study recommended a complete overhaul. Members of the city council expressed concerns as the heightened fees could dissuade new development and the production of housing and job centers. A final decision is expected in January; though, some on the city council have suggested that the item be tabled until the city can study the increase further.
POWAY COUNCILMEMBER BRIAN PEPIN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Poway District 1 Councilmember Brian Pepin announced his resignation from the City Council. Pepin, who has served on the council for two years and chaired the city’s Budget Review Committee, stated that his decision was made to focus on his political consulting career. The city council must now decide how to fill the vacancy, either by appointment or a costly special election.
PORT SELECTED SCOTT CHADWICK AS NEW CEO
After more than a year of searching, the Port of San Diego has selected Scott Chadwick as its next CEO. Chadwick, who is the City of Carlsbad’s City Manager and was previously the Chief Operating Officer for the City of San Diego, was selected out of a pool of over 700 applicants. The Port has been without a permanent CEO since their former CEO was placed on leave without explanation. The Port has nearly 800 employees and an annual budget of nearly $350 million. Among other things, it manages properties for the state along much of the county’s coastline from the City of San Diego south, and counts 5 cities as members including the Cities of San Diego, Coronado, National City, Chula Vista and Imperial Beach. Chadwick is expected to start after the first of the year. For more information, please click HERE.
CARLSBAD TAPS GEOFF PATNOE TO LEAD CITY
Carlsbad has named Geoff Patnoe as its new city manager, following former city manager Scott Chadwick’s move to the San Diego Unified Port District where he will serve has President and CEO. Patnoe, who has served in an assistant city manager role, formerly held roles at the County of San Diego and the San Diego Taxpayers Association. Patnoe’s confirmation will go before the city council on December 10th.
OCEANSIDE WASTE HAULING RATES TO INCREASE FOR COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
The Oceanside City Council approved waste hauling rate increases for 2025. The move is based on a formula that uses consumer price index, employment cost index, fuel cost, and vehicle maintenance. Residents should expect to see a 5% increase in trash rates for 2025, while commercial rates would climb by an average of $5.18 per month. To view the staff report, which includes rate adjustments based on service level, please click HERE.
SANDAG EXPLORING AIRPORT CONNECTOR OPTIONS FOLLOWING MEASURE G FAILURE
Measure G, a countywide sales tax increase that proponents were hoping would bring in roughly $350 million annually for transit projects, like a trolley to the airport, failed by roughly 1%. Now, with a potential trolley line years away, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is exploring 16 different transit options with the goal of narrowing the list down to three to five choices. Options include expanded bus services and an automated people mover with several different routes under consideration. Three-quarters of those polled indicated that they drive, are dropped off, or use a taxi or ridesharing service to get to the airport.
TWO CITIES TAKE STEPS TO FILL COUNCIL VACANCIES
The cities of Coronado and Encinitas have decided to follow an appointment process in filling vacancies held by each city council. Both cities voted 3-1 in favor of following an appointment rather than holding a special election, which would likely carry a $300-400k price tag. Both cities were left with a vacancy when then Councilmembers Duncan (Coronado) and Ehlers (Encinitas) won their respective races for Mayor.