Dear Editors:

Getting to Zero by Dan Nore was a very nice article about “Zero Waste."  I whole heartedly support Del Mar’s efforts to reduce waste.

Also, I appreciate the input about the Fairgrounds, however, the picture of the paper bin has “trash” underneath it.  Just to clarify, it is really a picture of our mixed paper collection bin we send to be recycled.  We source separate about 30 materials and value them as recyclables or compostables.  I can see how it may have been interpreted as “trash” according to the power point attached to the article.  It was talking about using the same equipment for recycling as we did for trash.  Just thought you would want to know we do not put that valued material in the landfill.

Nancy Strauss, Resource Conservation Coordinator, Del Mar Fairgrounds

Mislabeled as "trash" at Fairgrounds.  In fact, this is a mixed paper collection bin full of paper the Fairgrounds will send to be recycled. Courtesy Nancy Strauss.

Does the recent decision by SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments) to plan for six new lanes on I-5 between La Jolla and Carlsbad discourage I-5 P.L.A.G.U.E.? “Not at all,” exclaimed Noel Spaid, I-5 PLAGUE’s co-chair and spokesperson. “We are simply going to take our meetings countywide, explaining the importance of funding for mass transit and gathering support for ‘Transit Not Traffic.’ It is the only workable solution to San Diego’s transportation problems; our goal is to get SANDAG representatives to change their minds!”  more>>

Getting to Zero
Dan Nore

Having beat their 75% goal, San Francisco is now scheming to get to zero waste by 2020. So what is the Del Mar community trash profile and what waste reduction goals should Del Mar establish? How close to zero can we go?   more>>

Waste Competition Wins Jon Emerson

[...] ask those same cities how they selected their refuse hauler, whose contract value is millions more than any other purchase, and many will tell you that they negotiated with their current waste hauler without posting a Request For Proposal (RFP). Why would a City Council forgo the opportunity to increase services provided at the most competitive pricing?   more>>

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I recently sat down with longtime Del Mar resident Chuck Hile to discuss the possible ban on wood shake shingle roofs. Chuck and his wife Marolyn have lived in the beach colony for 46 years. Replacing their wood shingle roof with Class A materials would run the Hiles upwards of $10,000, creating a financial burden for the couple that lives on a fixed income. 
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It was a packed crowd at the Powerhouse as the Eve Selis Band played original songs for the First Thursday subscribers in January. Subscribers are reminded that the Malashock Dance will perform at St. Peter’s in February.

Two Thousand Dollars Needed
                                                      for Fourth Printing of Del Mar Looking Back

In that regard the original publisher is prepared to print 400 copies at a cost of just over $6000.

We have an anonymous donor putting forward $2000 with a challenge to the community to match that amount. DMVA History Committee will fund the remainder.

To contribute, please contact Larry Brooks: Larry@delmarsandpiper.org   For donations greater than $100, the DMVA History Committee will give donor a copy of the book.

The community workshop on solid waste is tomorrow, February 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex.   more info>>

CC to consider fewer Fairboard seats for DM on Monday, February 7 at 7pm.
posted February 6

details>>

City of Del Mar PUBLIC WORKS Director ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
City of Del Mar Press Release
posted by the Sandpiper January 13, 2011

Today, the City of Del Mar announced the retirement of David Scherer as its Public Works Director.     details>>

Del Mar praises Kehoe: Reiterates commitment to regional governance
City of Del Mar Press Release
posted by the Sandpiper December 6

details>>

I-5 to Go Forward
posted December 19

from the Dec 17 Union Tribune

Del Mar Enemies Fight Back
posted November 21

Fairgrounds Board members, assembly member Martin Garrick, and their friends have launched a campaign to "help us save the fairgrounds from Del Mar control," i.e. Del Mar has "hatched a scheme to steal the cherished fairgrounds from the 3.5 million people of San Diego County." They are urging opponents of the sale to contact County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price at pam.slater@sdcounty.ca.gov. and State legislators through the fair's web site www.sdfair.com.

Of course, supporters can exercise the same option.

Fairgrounds Input Requested
Assemblyman Martin Garrick | 74th District
posted on the Sandpiper, November 14

Garrick Gazette | November, 2010 | Issue 11
Website: www.asm.ca.gov/Garrick | Email: Assemblymember.Garrick@assembly.ca.gov

You may be aware that some local representatives want to allow the City of Del Mar to buy the state-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds for $120 million to help address California's budget deficit.

Built in 1936, the fairgrounds hosts the beloved San Diego County Fair. The fairgrounds are self-funded, generating more than $400 million annually in economic activity and creating 5,000 jobs. It also serves as an evacuation site for the region, sheltering thousands of residents and animals during recent wildfires.

Unlike the sale of other state property, selling the fairgrounds would be no ordinary transaction as it is one of San Diego County's prime attractions.

I support selling surplus state property that generates no revenue or serves as a drain on the state's budget. In the case of the fairgrounds, the state must ensure that the interests of local residents are protected. With so much at stake, any sale must take into account the region's needs in a transparent and accountable process.

I would like to hear from you. By clicking below and filling out the survey right away, your opinion will help shape the debate on the possible sale of the fairgrounds. Please take a few moments to make your voice heard.

Click the image below to take an important survey.

readers' comments

02/11 ...  The picture of the paper bin has “trash” underneath it.  Just to clarify, it is really a picture of our mixed paper collection bin we send to be recycled.  Nancy Strauss  more>>

01/29...   It was truly gratifying to have a Council member publicly recognize the value of and show appreciation for the work done by Del Mar volunteers.  Brooke Eisenberg-Pike  more>>

12/20 ...   I’m surprised that no one in the press or City Council has mentioned that the 22nd DAA (Fairgrounds) has been losing money for the past 3 years.
Preston Vorlicek.  more>>

12/10 ... The City of Del Mar violated its own zoning codes and the Community Plan regarding abatement of nonconformities, public views, privacy issues, and open space, by granting a huge variance to a new (not a remodel) ~ 5800 square feet residential development across the street from us.  Steve and Lucy Eskeland.   more>>