Encinitas Councilmember Joy Lyndes Announces Decision Not to Run Again

Encinitas Councilmember Joy Lyndes announced on March 5, 2024, that she will not seek re-election in the upcoming November elections. Lyndes, the last remaining member of what was once a Democratic majority on the council, expressed her decision following a period of reflection.

“I’ve fought for our residents to protect our quality of life while honoring the diversity that makes Encinitas special,” Lyndes stated in a prepared statement. “I’ve led with equal commitment to preservation and thoughtful improvement. So, it’s only after much reflection, and some sadness, that I’ve made the hard decision not to seek re-election.”

In a phone conversation, Lyndes indicated that she does not plan to pursue any other elected position at this time. Instead, she intends to take “a bit of a break” when her current term concludes in December 2024. “I tell my friends that I’m going to take a gap year — I never got one when I was 20,” she added with a touch of humor.

Background and Achievements

A landscape architect by profession, Lyndes has made significant contributions to the Encinitas community. She played a key role in establishing the city’s annual, car-free Cyclovia bicycling event. Before her tenure on the council, she served for six years on the city’s Environmental Commission.

Lyndes was initially appointed to the council in 2020 to complete the term of Jody Hubbard, who passed away from lung cancer. In 2022, she successfully won election to a four-year term, representing District 3, which encompasses the Cardiff region. During her time on the council, Lyndes advocated for numerous initiatives, including the creation of a sustainability manager position and the development of the city’s “gold-standard” Climate Action Plan.

Other notable achievements include the acquisition of the Surfer’s Point property for preservation, the transformation of the former Pacific View School property into a city arts center, and the establishment of the Buena Vista Navigation Center and the Safe Parking Program aimed at assisting the homeless population.

Personal Challenges and Political Landscape

Lyndes faced significant personal challenges during her tenure, notably the passing of her husband in March 2025. After his diagnosis with an advanced form of cancer, she took a two-month leave of absence to provide care. Following his death, she resumed her council activities, navigating her responsibilities during a tumultuous time.

The political landscape in Encinitas has also changed markedly. In the November 2024 elections, the city’s then-mayor and a council member who regularly aligned with Lyndes both lost their races. A third council member who frequently voted alongside her chose not to seek re-election. All three had received backing from the San Diego County Democratic Party, while a new majority, supported by Reform California, emerged. This group aims to shift the political balance in the state, focusing on moving away from what they characterize as far-left policies.

Recently, the council has appointed a new city manager and city attorney, and has initiated various projects concerning housing construction, roadway design, and homelessness. As Lyndes steps away from her role, her contributions to the city’s environmental policies and community initiatives will leave a lasting impact on Encinitas.