Laurel Lemarié for RSFA Board

Author: Laurel Lemarié

Date: May 15, 2022

My desire to see our beautiful community thrive and prosper led me to seek re-election to our Board.  I am a proud 45-year RSF resident and community volunteer. My husband and I raised our daughters here with horses, dogs and great educational opportunities. I’m lucky to have a daughter’s family living in the Covenant and a granddaughter at Roger Rowe School.

These past years have been challenging for families, neighbors and friends. I’ve loved serving on the RSFA Board and am proud of the work I’ve accomplished. As Chair of our Roads Committee and Co-Chair of the Infrastructure Committee, I’ve initiated projects to bring our Village new sidewalks, calm road traffic, improve trail safety and safe routes to school. Earlier I launched the successful effort to prevent 90-foot cell towers next to our homes. I’ve also supported the excellent work of our Forest Health and Osuna Committees as their Liaison.

I believe my biggest contribution has been my advocacy to protect responsible, local community planning. Today the biggest threat to preserving our rural character is state legislation (e.g., SB9) allowing greater housing density and clustered residential developments on our borders, such as Olivenhain’s Goodson project. Developers are not required to address increased traffic, wildfire evacuation, water shortages or schools, which will affect us all!

I am the only RSFA Board member publicly elected to the San Dieguito Planning Group and RSF Community Services District. I have testified on the problems of high-density housing and other issues to our County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, as well as the Encinitas Planning Commission and City Council.  Our Association badly needs such representation to preserve our property values and quality of life!

Other candidates stated that we lack a cohesive, cooperative and respectful Board. I am a strong proponent of collaboration, teamwork, transparency and courteous listening to others’ opinions.  I am not afraid to ask the tough questions and value constructive debate, but I always respect and support Board decisions following our votes. I am proud of my reputation for accessibility and want to increase community members’ voice and participation in future community projects.

I look forward to a collaborative new Board. My goals for the next term include:

• Continue to enhance public safety, home security and wildfire protection
• Partner with Village property-owners to increase retail diversity, including a grocery store, in our Village
• Increase community engagement with our historic Osuna Ranch using data from our RSF interest survey to develop new Osuna activities
• Continue advocacy for local control of land-use development and high-density housing

With my community knowledge, leadership experience and deep commitment to RSF, I am prepared to contribute to a new Board from day one.  I will never forget that I work for you!    Please contact me with your ideas and concerns. I would be honored to receive your vote!

Laurel Lemarié     

Email: Laurel@RSFpreservation.com

Laurel with County Supervisor Jim Desmond