Leaders Stand Up To Protect Schoolchildren
Encinitas, San Diego County — The Encinitas City Council recently flipped to a conservative majority in a backlash against policies aimed at making the city more affordable through abundant housing. Now, that same council is targeting safe routes to school infrastructure.
In response, State Senator and former Encinitas Mayor Catherine Blakespear organized a press conference on August 23rd to defend the safety improvements designed to protect school children on Santa Fe Drive. The Senator was joined by elected officials, parents, advocates, and education officials.
“Speed kills. And it has killed. The safety of kids should be our top priority” said Senator Blakespear.
“Stand together and demand safe streets!” Added Deputy Mayor Lyndes.
The improvements are directly in front of San Dieguito Academy. They include:
New sidewalks
More parking spaces
A pedestrian crossing
A separated bike path
Trees and rain gardens
The improvements are phase 1 of a larger project.
The Encinitas City Council voted on May 28th to direct staff to return with redesign options that could remove these improvements.
“it’s a complete disaster...traffic calming is causing more anxiety for drivers” said Councilmember Luke Shaffer, who was recently charged with felony assault for a hit-and-run.
“diagonal parking is a problem, we do not like it” added Mayor Bruce Ehlers.
The Union-Tribune reported that Councilmember O’Hara supported tearing out the improvements. “I read a study by Paul Schimek PhD that debunked seperated bike lanes” said O’Hara during the Council hearing.
Councilmember San Antonio also voiced his potential support for changes “[citizens] don’t seem to trust or like this configuration...the lanes definitely are tight”
At the Senator’s press conference, parents stood up for the safety improvements. “Safe streets aren’t a luxury, they’re a basic responsibility we owe to every child” said Parent-Teacher Association board member Bill Shen.
“These Improvements make it safer for students, families, seniors, drivers...Safety must come first” said Laura Keenan, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego.
Vista Councilmember Corinna Contreras stood up as well. “We’re right by a school! It’s common sense” she stated.
Education officials also stood with the Senator.
“We need [to] ensure our students are safe” said Emily Andrade, a board member of Encinitas Union School District.
“[safety] should be the #1 consideration'“ added Michelle Horsely, president of the San Dieguito Faculty Association.
The Senator hopes this strong show of support will make it clear to the Council that the improvements are necessary. “Improve don’t remove” was the phrase chanted by the press conference attendees.
City staff will return to Council later this year with options to remove or improve the safe routes to school.
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Published September 5, 2025.