Family comes first for me. I’m a husband and a father, and that perspective grounds everything I do. My wife Joanie grew up in Encinitas, and together we’re raising our two boys as second-generation Encinitans. Building our family here has given me a strong appreciation for the city’s history, its sense of community, and the importance of making thoughtful decisions that endure.
Like so many residents, we’re thinking about safe neighborhoods, good schools, a healthy environment, and a city that plans thoughtfully rather than reacts too late. Being a husband and father has grounded me, sharpened my sense of responsibility, and reinforced my belief that the best solutions come from listening, finding common ground, and making practical, forward-looking decisions that leave things better for the next generation.
Rooted in Family
I’ve been a small-business owner for over 20 years, and for the past eight years I’ve focused on landscape design. My work has taken me across Encinitas and throughout Southern California, giving me firsthand insight into the city’s neighborhoods, diverse properties, infrastructure needs, and environmental challenges. I specialize in climate-appropriate planting with an emphasis on native species, while always focused on what’s practical and effective for the client and their space. I also have a particular strength in creative rainwater capture and stormwater management, and I’ve shared my experience through talks for local groups and organizations. Working on a wide variety of projects has taught me how to approach challenges with both creativity and practicality.
I am also the husband to a small-business owner, and the son of a small-business owner. I understand the dedication, accountability, and forward thinking it takes to build something that lasts. That perspective guides how I approach city budgets, support for local businesses, and the practical decisions that help our community thrive.
Small-Business Owner
Urban Forest
Advisory Committee
Serving on Encinitas’s Urban Forest Advisory Committee since 2023, and as chair since 2025, has given me a deep understanding of how our city works and how policy, residents, and city staff intersect. In this role, I’ve advised on updates to city ordinances, guided solutions for ongoing pest and infrastructure issues, and am leading the revamp of the city’s master tree species list which has long been overdue. My work on UFAC has taught me how to balance environmental stewardship with practical, community-focused solutions, how to collaborate effectively across diverse perspectives, and how to deliver results even in the face of scrutiny or political pressure. These experiences have prepared me to hit the ground running on City Council, bringing a steady, pragmatic approach to complex issues while keeping residents’ voices front and center.
I’ve been proud to help bring together a group of parents and community members dedicated to supporting our schools and strengthening our community. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a committed group of neighbors can have when they step up, organize, and work toward shared goals. It has also allowed me to connect and collaborate with many other community groups across Encinitas, deepening my understanding of the issues that matter to families throughout the city. I’ve learned that protecting public schools to ensure they remain safe, respectful, and supportive for every child requires standing firm and taking action.
Our group has grown into a space where parents can engage, learn, and act on issues that matter to students, teachers, and families, all while building a stronger, more resilient community. This experience has reinforced for me that meaningful change happens when neighbors collaborate, care deeply, and are willing to stand up for what’s right.
Parents of EUSD
Before starting my family and focusing on landscape design, I spent nearly 20 years building a music career that took me to 48 states and many parts of the world. I was a recording studio and record label owner, a multi-instrumentalist, and a touring musician. Along the way, I formed lifelong friendships, learned to collaborate under pressure, and sharpened the creativity and problem-solving skills that only life on the road can teach. Touring and recording were exhilarating, but they also highlighted the value of stability, home, and family. No matter where I traveled, I was always grateful to return to North County, where the quality of life is unmatched.
Life on the road gave me a unique perspective on infrastructure, public transit, road safety, and the types of businesses and public spaces that shape the character of a town. That experience, combined with the lessons I learned about collaboration, adaptability, and resilience, has guided my work in landscape design and my engagement in Encinitas’ community and civic life.
