About City of Solana Beach
What is the City of Solana Beach?
The City of Solana Beach is the municipal government of Solana Beach, California — a coastal San Diego County city of about 13,000, incorporated in 1986, whose name is Spanish for "sunny side". It punches far above its size: in 2003 it became the first city in the continental United States to ban smoking on its beaches, a move that made national news. The Cedros Design District packs 85+ art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and cafes into a few blocks; the city runs the free summer "Concerts at the Cove" series at Fletcher Cove Park and its own Junior Lifeguard ocean-safety program; and its own rail station is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and the Coaster.
Where will I work?
Solana Beach City Hall at 635 S. Highway 101, between Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Del Mar. The 9/80 is structural — the city's own contact page reads "Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM / Every Other Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM / Closed alternate Fridays". Eighty hours over nine days per fortnight, every other Friday off, a block from the beach.
What is the City of Solana Beach team like?
A small, close-knit civic team — the kind of city where staff wear several hats across community development, engineering, public works and administration. Hiring runs in small waves through the city's job board; when no roles are open, it's worth saving the company and watching for the next posting.
Work-Life Balance
Every other Friday is yours, structurally — the building is closed. The city's published benefit summary backs the schedule with genuinely strong provisions: a cafeteria health allowance of up to $1,890 per month, CalPERS membership, and sixteen days of holiday a year once floating days are counted.
Perks and Benefits
- 9/80 schedule — City Hall closed alternate Fridays
- "The City provides up to $1,890.00 per month in a Cafeteria Health Plan" (FY 2026/27 benefit summary)
- CalPERS pension — "2% at 62 retirement formula" (PEPRA) with deferred comp via MissionSquare or CalPERS
- "The City observes 13-full day holidays each year. In addition, the City provides three (3) 'floating' holidays per year"
- City-paid life insurance at 1x annual salary and long-term disability
- Tiered vacation accrual rising with service, plus health & dependent-care FSAs