Pacific Ridge School hosts second Annual Mayors’ Forum
On Thursday, October 23rd, Pacific Ridge School hosted its Second Annual Mayors’ Forum. There, Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn, Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner, and Oceanside Mayor Esther Sanchez discussed housing and homelessness policy in a forum moderated by Voice of San Diego’s Tigist Layne.
This discussion focused on recent state legislation affecting local housing development, like SB 79, the Density Bonus Law, and Builder’s Remedy, as well as housing affordability concerns and preserving community character. The mayors reflected on whether they thought Sacramento had gone too far in removing local discretion. If small cities are being unfairly grouped with larger cities, should the state also help cities fund the infrastructure that new housing requires?
Further, the mayors stressed the need for collective action and collaboration with the county, addressing complex issues like homelessness. Concern was expressed that cities could build housing for unhoused individuals, but then, in certain circumstances, the county would choose which individuals would be placed in that housing. In addition, the mayors highlighted the varying needs of unhoused individuals, from those recently displaced and living in their cars, to veterans, and also those suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues. They noted that those different groups require varying forms of support, and many of the solutions proposed are ill-fitting one-size-fits-all approaches.
The Mayors’ Forum event began last year after a conversation with Voice of San Diego, observing that much of the civic and political engagement discussions in San Diego County are focused on the downtown area, without much space given to North County. This event, open to the public, aims to provide a robust discussion with students and community members on these important issues with the mayors.
The Pacific Ridge School high school Civic Leadership Academy and AP US
Government and Politics students participated in the event as well. Sawyer Sandvoll, Chloe Needham, Aarya Dave, and Maya Schneider asked questions to the mayors, while Lucian Clark and Jack Bowen Nesbit filmed the event. Tigist Layne from Voice of San Diego served as moderator.
Pacific Ridge looks forward to hosting the mayors again next year, just in time for the midterm elections! Founded by local families in 2007, Pacific Ridge School serves more than 650 students in grades six through 12. The school is renowned for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and global engagement. The school’s mission is to prepare students not only for college but also for purposeful lives as engaged global citizens. Spencer Burrows is the 11th Grade Dean and Equity and Civic Engagement Coordinator at Pacific Ridge School.