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City of Solana Beach WEEKLY UPDATE April 23, 2026 |
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New Fire Chief Bret Davidson |
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The cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar are pleased to announce the selection of Bret Davidson as the new joint Fire Chief to serve our communities. Chief Davidson will begin his new role on Monday, May 18. Given his vast experience and qualifications, we have no doubt he is the right person to lead our cities through this pivotal transition in Fire management services.
During his first few months, Chief Davidson will be focused on hiring permanent fire management staff and facilitating Fire Prevention month in June, which will help ensure our communities are well prepared as we move into high fire season in the fall.
Bret Davidson comes to the Cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar from the City of Vista with 39 years of fire experience. Born and raised in San Diego County, he began his fire service career in 1986 in Pine Valley. Over the course of his career, he has served with fire departments in El Centro, Poway, and Rancho Santa Fe, and previously participated in cooperative regional efforts with the coastal communities.
Bret holds an Associate of Science degree in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration, and a Master of Arts in Human Resource management. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Instructional Design. In addition, Bret has earned a Public Leadership Credential from the Harvard Kennedy School and a Certificate of Leader Development from the U.S. Army War College.
Chief Davidson is honored by the opportunity to serve the Solana Beach and Del Mar Communities and looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality emergency services while leading the departments into the future. |
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California Cities Week is a celebration to recognize and appreciate the many ways that California's diverse cities make life better for all who call California home. This week, we also recognize our city staff and the work that they do. In honor of California Cities Week, we asked our City Hall Staff what it means to be a public servant! |
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"I'm proud to be a public servant in the city I grew up in, a place I care deeply about and feel truly connected to. I take pride in protecting our city's natural beauty, especially our beaches and coastline."
- Anda Wright, Engineering |
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"To be a public servant is to be part of something greater, where your work directly contributes to the good of a community and the well-being of others."
-Jose Gonzales, Human Resources |
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"Being a public servant means putting the community's needs at the center of every decision. As City Engineer, it's about delivering safe, reliable infrastructure, while being responsible with public funds."
- Austin Frisby, Engineering |
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Apply to Be a Junior Commissioner |
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Are you a high school or middle school student who wants to make a difference at the local level? Become a part of the solution on Solana Beach’s Climate and Resiliency Commission as a Junior Commissioner! The City is now recruiting Junior Commissioners to join the Solana Beach Climate and Resiliency Commission. In this role, you’ll attend bi-monthly in-person meetings to help guide the City’s Climate Action Plan, implement local policies, and work with government officials to provide meaningful youth perspectives on climate solutions. |
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Battery Collection at City Hall |
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Proper disposal of old batteries and battery-embedded products is important to prevent contamination in the environment and fires in collection trucks and disposal facilities. Whatever you do, never toss batteries or items with batteries in your curbside trash, recycling, or organics cart. Instead, bring regular acid batteries and small rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to the receptacle at City Hall, and drop off larger Li-ion batteries and battery-embedded products (such as cell phones, ear buds, electric shavers, and other battery-powered tools) at a designated HHW facility. |
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Happy Earth Week, Solana Beach! Creating an environmentally sustainable community has always been a top priority in the City, which is why our City Council adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2017 that set targets to reduce citywide emissions by 50% by 2035. The City continues to make strides towards sustainability each year, from planting a native pollinator garden in front of City Hall, launching a Heat Pump Water Heater program to support electrification, installing a beach cleanup station at Fletcher Cove, and so much more. Thank you for supporting sustainable City initiatives to help implement the Climate Action Plan and keep Solana Beach clean and green! |
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E-bikes are a fun and efficient way to get around when they’re ridden safely and responsibly. Just like regular bicycles, e-bikes must follow the same rules of the road. E-motorcycles and e-bikes that have been modified to exceed the speed limit are not legal on public streets. E-bikes have pedals and motors under 750 watts, while e-motorcycles can range from 2,800 to over 21,000 watts and reach speeds up to 60 mph. Using e-motorcycles on public roads can lead to towing, impounds, and citations for both the rider and the owner. Please help keep Solana Beach streets safe for everyone. Learn about bike safety, local regulations, and the types of e-bikes vs. e-motorcycles before making a purchase. |
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24th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup Saturday, April 25th at 9:00 AM |
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Are you ready to make a difference in your community and protect our planet? Join I Love A Clean San Diego for the 24th Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup, the largest Earth Week event in San Diego County! This family-friendly initiative invites volunteers of all ages to come together and tackle coastal pollution on Saturday, April 25th. Participation in the Creek to Bay Cleanup is easy and rewarding. Volunteers can register for any of the 100 sites across San Diego County, including one right here at Fletcher Cove! Then grab your buckets and work gloves, wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes, apply sun protection, and don't forget to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. |
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Solana Striders Walking Club Monday, May 4th at 8:30 AM |
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Come be part of the City’s newest walking club for mature adults who want to stay active, healthy, and connected! Held on the first Monday of every month, the Solana Striders Walking Club offers relaxed morning walks led by Parks & Recreation staff and community volunteers, creating a safe and social experience for all. This free, easygoing outing is ideal for mature adults and anyone who would like to join. This walk begins at 8:30 AM at the Coast to Crest Trailhead in Del Mar. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and good vibes! |
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National Bike Month Group Bike Ride Monday, May 4th at 6:00 PM |
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Bike Month is just around the corner! Solana Beach has two events in May for the celebration of active transportation to alleviate traffic and create a healthier environment. To kick off Bike Month, join the group at Rustic Root on May 4th at 6:00 PM for a group ride around the city. Solana Beach is also hosting a pit stop at the Coaster Train Station for Bike Anywhere Day, on May 21st. Those who stop by from 6:30-9:30 AM can pick up a free T-shirt, and those who register for the event are automatically entered in the sweepstakes for a chance to win an e-bike! |
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Telling Your Story: Vignettes and Reflections Thursday, May 7th at 10:00 AM |
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Everyone has a story worth telling. Join Solana Beach Community Connections' May Writers Workshop and learn how to tell your story with confidence, clarity, and impact. Written reflections on life and memories can create social connections, weave a life tapestry, and build a legacy to be shared. Starting May 7th, join writer Eberly Barnes every Thursday in May from 10:00 AM to noon at the La Colonia Community Center for a Writing Workshop series. Space is limited, so sign up to attend all four sessions! |
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Save the Date: Bulky Item Clean Up Day Saturday, May 9th |
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Mark your calendars! Once again, the City has partnered with EDCO to host the Solana Beach Bulky-Item Cleanup on Saturday, May 9th. This Cleanup day gives residents the opportunity to place trash, green waste, such yard trimmings, palm fronds and tree branches, and up to four bulky items at the curb that would be too large or heavy to put inside collection carts, such as broken appliances, water heaters, furniture, old mattresses, and other miscellaneous bulky household clutter. All yard waste will be recycled and must be bagged or bundled. Click the link below to schedule a pick up. |
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Current Employment Opportunities |
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Come Join the City of Solana Beach Team and discover how you can make a difference. The City is currently recruiting for the following positions: |
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Visit the city's Career Page to learn more and submit your online application! |
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Missed an update? Check out previousWeekly Updateson our website! |
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Download the Solana Beach App to easily report issues! |
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