Newsom backs Blakespear’s Santa Fe Drive restrictions
The state has stepped directly into the ongoing Santa Fe Drive controversy in Encinitas.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a budget trailer bill amendment that prevents the city from removing or substantially modifying the protected bike lane on the south side of Santa Fe Drive for five years.
After that period, the city may only pursue significant modifications if it repays the entire $3.09 million state funding allocation and provides equivalent or greater safety and accessibility benefits for nonmotorized users.
Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), who helped lead the original project as mayor, amended the bill, but the current City Council majority opposed it, having advanced plans to redesign sections of the corridor.
The decision marks a major turning point in one of North County's most contentious transportation disputes.
Full story here: https://ncpipeline.substack.com/p/newsom-blakespears-santa-fe