| | | City of Solana Beach WEEKLY UPDATE September 11, 2025 | | Transparency and Values in Government | | | Recent weeks have brought renewed public attention to issues concerning public safety and the transparency of governmental actions. Federal enforcement activities in our region, near our City, have highlighted how free speech, clear identification of government staff and vehicles, and due process at all levels of government are fundamental to our governmental structure. In light of these events and actions by the Federal Government that have impacted individual rights and freedoms, the City held an important discussion on Transparency and Values in Government at last week’s City Council meeting (September 3, 2025). This meeting was both emotional and impactful, as the Solana Beach City Council Chamber was filled with elected officials, Legislative staff, City and Sheriff’s Office staff, community partners, and residents who spoke from the heart about their experiences, concerns, and hopes. Their words reinforced that many are fearful and seeking reassurance, support, and action from their elected representatives. The overall message from our community was clear: they want their local and state governments to stand up for transparency, safety, and accountability.
As a City with a long-standing commitment to inclusive governance and public safety, we have consistently prioritized policies that protect the rights and dignity of all our residents. The City continues to work closely with our Federal, State and County elected offices and their staff to support legislation aimed at strengthening transparency and public trust. We have already submitted a letter on current State legislation under review and on the desk of the Governor for consideration to support greater transparency and identification of law enforcement personnel. In addition, we are meeting with community partners to better understand what resources can most effectively support our residents and will be working with them to respond to our residents’ daily needs.
We are deeply grateful for the time, insights, and continued engagement of our elected officials, community partners, and residents. We encourage you to watch the meeting recording to hear the moving testimonies and the valuable feedback shared by both the public and the City Council. | | | Stay Connected & Report Issues with the City of Solana Beach App | | | | Did you know the City has its own app? The Solana Beach App makes it easier than ever to connect with your City and report issues directly from your smartphone or computer. Whether it’s a pothole, graffiti, parking issue, or storm-related concern, residents can quickly submit requests with a photo, description, and geo-location. Each request is routed to the appropriate department, and you’ll receive updates when it’s received and when it’s resolved. Since launching in 2018, use of the app has steadily grown, and response times continue to improve. Today, most issues are resolved in just two days. Beyond reporting, the app also keeps you connected with City news, event, and information on parks and public facilities. Many residents who try it for the first time say they’re thrilled by how easy and effective it is. Download the Solana Beach App today by searching “City of Solana Beach” in the Apple App Store (iPhone) and Google Play Store (Android). | | Fletcher Cove Improvements in Progress | | | | Improvements to Fletcher Cove Ramp are officially underway! The demolition of the southern portion of the beach access ramp and walkway is now complete. Over the next two weeks, crews will compact the subgrade and install the base, followed by the placement of forms and rebar in preparation for new concrete. Beach access will remain open throughout construction, with no work on the weekends, so the community can continue to enjoy Fletcher Cove while these important upgrades are underway. Signs have been placed marking the accessway next to the fenced off area. As a friendly reminder, this is an active construction site, so please be aware of your surroundings when in the area. We can’t wait to see the end result later this year, and hope you feel the same! | | New Beach Cleanup Station at Seascape Sur | | | | The City launched its first beach cleanup station at Fletcher Cove Beach back in April. After receiving positive community feedback, another station was just installed at Seascape! Unfortunately, plastic pollution often starts with something as small as litter left behind on the beach. To help tackle this issue, the City partnered with Relic Sustainability and EDCO to install these beach cleanup stations at local beaches. The stations are equipped with six baskets for visitors to use while picking up litter during their stay. Together, we can help keep our coastline clean and protect our environment. Stop by and grab a basket the next time you are at Seascape Sur! | | September is Rail Safety Month | | | | September holds a special significance in California as it marks Rail Safety Month, a vital campaign aimed at educating the public about dangerous behaviors that lead to tragic and fatal incidents on and around railroad tracks. Unfortunately, California continues to have one of the highest number of trespassing and rail related deaths in the nation. This month-long initiative, coinciding with National Rail Safety Week from September 15th to 21st, strives to educate the public about the urgency of staying safe near trains and railroad tracks, emphasizing the need for caution, vigilance, and adherence to rail safety guidelines to reduce incidents to zero. | | | Friends of the Solana Beach Library Presents: Professional Tips For Better Photos With Your Phone Tuesday, September 16th, 5:30 PM | | | | Friends of the Solana Beach Library invites you to a special workshop on Tuesday, September 16th, from 5:30-6:30 PM. Local Public Arts Commissioner and internationally recognized documentary photographer Mark Mennie will share simple tricks and professional tips to help you capture stunning photos with your iPhone. From setting up the perfect shot to editing like a pro, Mark’s insights will give you tools to take your pictures to the next level. His photography is currently on display at the library, so plan to arrive early to enjoy his work before the event. Don’t forget to bring your iPhone and creativity for this hands-on session! | | | Solana Beach Community Connections Monthly Lecture Series with Dr. Branislav Slantchev Tuesday, September 16th, 6:00 PM | | | | Join Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC) for this month’s Lecture Series, on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM at La Colonia Park Community Center. This month's speaker is Dr. Branislav Slantchev, Professor of Political Science at UCSD, who is returning for the third time to provide an update on Ukraine. Dr. Slantchev will cover the chance of a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, the possibility of Ukraine remaining a sovereign state, the role of a land swap, displaced children taken from Ukraine, and more. This event is free and open to the public. Transportation is available for seniors in need of a ride. | | | Fall Sustainable Recycling Day Saturday, October 4th, 9:00 AM | | | | | Save the date for the Fall Sustainable Recycling Day on Saturday, October 4th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the La Colonia Community Center parking lot! At this clean up event, you can drop off your unwanted bulky items and electronic/universal waste, including batteries, pesticides, lamps, and aerosol cans. Goodwill will be onsite to accept donated reusable items. Mulch will be available for self-loading, and certified shredding trucks will shred items on-site. Solana Beach residents can also register for a free curbside pickup of up to three bulky items. In addition to the on-site services, for those items you can’t transport, the City is offering Curbside service registration starting the week of September 22nd by calling (858) 350-8544. Do your part to be sustainable and recycle with us!
| | | Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 20th, 9:00 AM | | | | The City of Solana Beach will be hosting a site for this year's Coastal Cleanup Day at Fletcher Cove Park! Coastal Cleanup Day is a global cleanup effort and San Diego County’s largest single-day environmental cleanup in coordination with the California Coastal Commission and I Love a Clean San Diego. Be a part of the movement and join us on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Volunteers are encouraged to come anytime during the event to help make a difference. Learn more below to find registration details, and join the effort to protect the region's natural environment, waterways, and ocean. | | | | Missed an update? Check out previous Weekly Updates on our website! | | | | Download the City's My Community App! | | | | | |
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