Solana Beach voters re-elect Zito, elect Hegenauer and Edson to council

Voters re-elected Mayor David Zito along with newcomers Judy Hegenauer and Jewel Edson to the Solana Beach City Council, according to unofficial results released by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters.

As of 10 a.m. on Nov. 9, there were approximately 620,000 mail and provisional ballots still to be counted throughout the county, but with all 14 Solana Beach precincts counted, Zito led the race with 24.17 percent of the vote. Hegenauer received 21.45 percent of the vote and Edson received 21.23 percent of the vote.

Challengers Cynthia Walsh and Chris Hohn followed with 12.89 percent and 12.57 percent of the vote, respectively. Challenger Edward Siegel received 7.70 percent of the vote.

There were three open seats on the council, with incumbents Lesa Heebner and Peter Zahn deciding not to run for re-election. Zito, who was first elected to the council in 2012, was seeking his second term.

“I’m really honored to be able to serve another term,” said Zito, who has lived in Solana Beach for 25 years. He has worked at Hewlett-Packard, now known as HP Inc., for more than 20 years.

“The election results are showing that, in general, the residents of Solana Beach are very happy with how things have been going,” he added. “They are looking for more of the same, and for things to keep improving and getting better.”

Hegenauer has lived in Solana Beach for 45 years and was among the group of citizens who sought cityhood. The community recently celebrated Solana Beach’s 30th anniversary, as the city was incorporated in 1986.

“I ran to continue the mission and vision of over 30 years ago for self-control for the city of Solana Beach,” said Hegenauer, who worked as a teacher for 12 years and worked as a director of statewide multi-agency education programs for 15 years. “That’s the direction I want to take.”

Hegenauer currently serves on the city’s Climate Action Commission and was a founding member of the Solana Beach Clean and Green Committee. She has also been an active volunteer and member of the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society for a decade, serving three terms as president.

Edson, who moved to Solana Beach in 1997, has served on the city’s View Assessment Commission for 11 years. She previously served on the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce Board and San Diego County District 3 Community Grant Review Panel. She currently owns and operates a small business.

“I am honored to have been elected to serve the residents of Solana Beach,” Edson said. “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me and everyone who worked so tirelessly to make my campaign a success.

“I look forward to reinforcing all of the qualities that make our city a great place to live and to representing all residents of Solana Beach as their City Councilmember,” she added.