Julie Thunder (left) with her husband and their daughters
Julie is a 37-year resident of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. She and her husband still live in their first home and plan to stay here for the rest of their lives. They’re invested in Cardiff and Encinitas with their money, their time, and their hearts.
Julie knows firsthand the benefits of living here: excellent schools, nearly perfect climate, and warm friendly people. Like many residents, she feels compelled to protect her neighborhood. And, she’s deeply sympathetic to homeowners who are affected by over-sized multi-family housing projects coming to their neighborhood.
Background
Safe biking – on paved roads and dirt trails – will always be important to Julie
Julie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from San Diego State University (go Aztecs!) as well as a high school teaching credential. She was a software developer in the local defense industry and then ran her own consulting business from home while raising her family.
With a sports-centric family, there were several years that her focus was on her daughters’ sports teams. She served on the Cardiff Soccer League Board of Directors, managed several club soccer teams in various leagues, and spent years as the team manager of the La Costa Canyon High School Surf Team.
Later, when her girls were in college, she was the office manager of a medical office near Scripps hospital, and she has been the co-publisher of The Encinitas Current, a newsletter that shares local stories and current events.
As an active participant in and observer of local affairs, Julie has gained insight into Encinitas politics and the way city leaders manage projects: often behind closed doors, with limited public input and little support from residents. Projects are rushed through even when massive public opposition arises. This has ignited her desire to see City Hall become more user-friendly and resident-focused.
Julie is passionate about keeping the ocean and lagoons pristine and providing a safe harbor for wildlife that live on the land and in the water.
In her free time, Julie enjoys being outside as much as she can. She loves to work in her garden, ride her bike, play tennis, hike, paint (oils!), and snowboard.
Arts matter!
Nepal Photo Essay
The Thunder family took a challenge vacation to Nepal and trekked through the Himalayas. If you’re interested in that region, you might want to look over this photo essay about her trip.
