CITY OF ENCINITAS PUBLIC NOTICE - UNSCHEDULED VACANCIES ON THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION, SENIOR COMMISSION, and URBAN FOREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Encinitas is accepting applications to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission with a term ending March 1, 2027; one unscheduled vacancy on the Public Health and Safety Commission with a term ending March 1, 2029; one unscheduled vacancy on the Senior Commission with a term ending March 1, 2027; and one unscheduled vacancy on the Urban Forest Advisory Committee with a term ending March 1, 2029.  Application forms must be completed online from the City’s website.  The deadline for applications is Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 

All applicants must be registered voters of the City of Encinitas.

Applicants may be asked to attend a City Council meeting to briefly discuss (2 to 3 minutes) their qualifications and interest in serving on the commission. Term of office for the unscheduled vacancy will begin upon appointment.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: One (1) appointment to be made to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2027.

• Commissioner Bridget Kimball appointed February 19, 2025, resigned effective February 11, 2026 (successful appointment to Planning Commission on February 11, 2026).Term expires March 1, 2027.

  The Parks and Recreation Commission shall conduct public hearings and prepare recommendations to the City Council on matters regarding public parks, recreational facilities, and community services to include, without limitation: policies and plans for the acquisition, development, improvement, and utilization of parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities; policies and plans for the development and operations of community service programs for the benefit of the residents of the City; policies and plans for developing community service programs in cooperation with other public and private agencies to include school districts; and such matters that may be referred to the Commission by the City Council.

   

  PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSION: One (1) appointment to be made to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2027.

• Commissioner Donnette Poole appointed February 11, 2026, resigned effective February 19, 2026.Term expires March 1, 2029.

  The Public Health and Safety Commission shall consist of seven members who are registered voters of the City and persons appointed serve at the pleasure of the City Council. The Commission shall act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, the City departments, and the City’s law enforcement services provider (San Diego Sheriff’s Department), and mental and social services providers by performing the following responsibilities on a continuing basis:

  A.     Communicate and cooperate with City departments and the City’s law enforcement services provider (San Diego Sheriff’s Department), individual citizens, and community groups in identifying public health and safety concerns and recommend solutions to the City Council for consideration.

  B.     Promote cooperation and encourage coordination between the Commission, the Fire Department, and the City’s law enforcement services provider, and other entities, public and private, who are involved with community safety activities and efforts.

  C.     Prepare an annual report to the City Council and to the community on the activities of the Commission.

   

  SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSION: One (1) appointment to be made to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2027.

• Commissioner Stuart Gaiber appointed April 10, 2024, resigned effective February 17, 2026.Term expires March 1, 2027.

  The Senior Citizen Commission shall conduct public hearings to gather information and thereafter make recommendations to the City Council on matters regarding services for Senior Citizens which include, without limitation: Policies and plans for the development and operation of programs and services for the benefit of Senior Citizens within the City; policies and plans for developing programs and services in cooperation with other public and private agencies which would benefit Senior Citizens; and such matters that may be referred to the Commission by the City Council.

   

  URBAN FOREST ADVISORY COMMITTEE: One (1) appointment to be made to fill one unscheduled vacancy with a term ending March 1, 2029.

• Commissioner Elena Thompson appointed February 11, 2026, resigned effective February 26, 2026.Term expires March 1, 2029.

The UFAC is composed of members of the community with interest and expertise in urban forestry. This group advises and works together with the City Arborist to review and provide comments on City plans and policies related to urban forestry, including updates to the various aspects of the City’s Urban Forest Management Program and Administrative Manual, and, shall among other things:

A.          Review and provide comments on Tree Plans prior to consideration by the City Council.

B.          Review and provide comments on the Approved Tree Species Master List prior to consideration by the City Council. 

C.          Review and provide comments to the City Arborist on proposed City Tree removals except in the case of emergency removals.

D           Advise City Staff regarding programs of public outreach and education in order to promote public understanding of the City’s urban forest, including programs to celebrate and promote Arbor Day.

E.          Review and consider Heritage Tree applications in consultation with the City Arborist, and shall make recommendations to the Planning Commission.

F.           Review and provide comments to the City Arborist on proposed changes to the City’s Urban Forest Management Program.

The UFAC meetings are open to the public and are held on the fourth Thursday of the month with the exception of November and December.

For more information, contact the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@encinitasca.gov.