ENCINITAS – The race for Encinitas City Council has been pared by one candidate, with Betsy Aceti ending her campaign this week to pursue a film project.

Aceti yesterday announced her “difficult decision” to withdraw from the race so she can spend time in Los Angeles producing a film based on a screenplay she wrote.

“I have had a film project in the works for over 10 years now, and last week we joined forces with a major production company that has the financing and backing to make my project a reality,” she said.

Aceti's screenplay is based on the true story of the famous 1920s photographers Edward Weston and Tina Modotti and their love affair.

Nine candidates are now vying for the three open seats on the Encinitas council, although Aceti's announcement came too late for her name to be removed from the Nov. 4 ballot. The remaining contenders are incumbents Maggie Houlihan, James Bond and Jerome Stocks and challengers Doug Long, Harriet Seldin, Rachelle Collier, Bob Nanninga, Joe Sheffo and Anthony Brandenburg.

This was the first run for office for Aceti, 46, a mother and volunteer for schools and environmental causes. She is married to Steve Aceti, executive director of the Encinitas-based nonprofit California Coastal Coalition. Her campaign platform focused on preserving quality of life and protecting the coastline. She was the only candidate who did not raise any money.

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Tanya Mannes: (619) 498-6639; tanya.mannes@uniontrib.com