Here in San Diego, the sight of wetsuit-clad surfers flowing over the sensuous waves while balancing on their boards with bent knees, like one with the ocean, is all too familiar. Meanwhile, the evolution and experimental history of surfboard artisanship responsible for the sport’s allure remains often overlooked.
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Periodically we remind ourselves and new readers about the Sandpiper story, why and how it was created and what we are trying to accomplish.
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While the Del Mar Fair attracts thousands during its two-week run every summer, The Sound will provide year-round entertainment at the Fairgrounds, while attracting
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Equal parts Don Quixote, Atticus Finch, and Billy Jack.Charlie Khoury, who died on November 15, 2022, was for nearly 54 years a Criminal Defense
MoreA new COVID Omicron virus variant named XBB.1.5 began spreading in December and represented 28% of new cases in the U.S. by mid-January. The
MoreAn interview with Dr. Christopher G. Lowe: Professor and Director of the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab, Dept. of Biological Sciences. What
MoreA core principle of democratic representation has long been this: “one person, one vote.” While this is not universally honored, even in the
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On Friday January 13th, an orchestrated walkout at SANDAG by Del Mar’s representative, Councilmember Terry Gaasterland, and a group of Republican board members, put
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Robert “Mac” McMillan passed away on December 28, 2022. A distinguished Scripps Clinic researcher and clinician, he was also a charming and able painter
MoreAlmost every evening live music is available out and about in Del Mar. It is in the air most days from sun sets into
MoreI am pleased to be serving as the Mayor of Del Mar in 2023. While there are numerous issues impacting our community, the three
MoreThe marine layer lingering ‘till noon. The Torrey pine-scented sea breeze enveloping the hill. Aren’t we lucky to live in Del Mar? About
MoreIf you would like to significantly reduce your carbon footprint, you’ve got several options to consider, including adopting a vegan diet, going car-free (or
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Del Mar is getting dryer. Our winter storms of late bring the promise of substantial rain, only to make a left turn near LA,
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How did you choose your dog’s name? Cyndy and I tried lots of names, but “Teddy” was perhaps inevitable; his father’s name was “Bear,” so
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Above: Winter storms surged to shear off the already falling bluffs and rocks in Del Mar. Photos by Julie Maxey-Allison No sand! Photo by
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With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s a good time to commemorate Del Mar’s special relationship with dogs (no offense intended to Del Mar’s beloved
MoreWill You Be DMCC’s Valentine? An old favorite is back! The Champagne and Chocolate Community Celebration is an annual open house-style event (back for
MoreFebruary Issue
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Fairgrounds Future
The Del Mar Fairgrounds has awarded a one-year contract for $282,000 to London Moeder Advisors for a highest and best use study for the 330-acre state-owned property, including the main campus, the golf and tennis facilities, and Horse Park. The charge to the advisors is to develop a “pragmatic, fiscally responsible land use plan, including appropriate upgrades—and addition of new facilities to support current and new program opportunities.” The advisors are also charged with engaging “the public and community thought leaders” to develop a plan that is consistent with the long-term objectives of the fairgrounds and its historic role as the site of the annual San Diego County Fair and as an evacuation/resiliency center.
Rates Up
The Clean Energy Authority (CEA) Board voted to authorize a rate increase for electricity generation at their January 26th meeting. The increased cost of natural gas and the heat wave in September led to a significant increase in the cost of electricity for every provider, but the CEA rate increase was much lower than the generation cost levied by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E). As a result, Del Mar customers with CEA will pay over $20 a month less than those who remain with SDG&E. SDG&E has also raised their distribution costs, which now account for 71% of your monthly bill.
Crossing the Tracks
As part of the mitigation required by the California Coastal Commission for SANDAG’s Bluff Stabilization (DMB 5) project, SANDAG is vetting seven design concepts for a pedestrian crossing across the tracks on the Del Mar bluffs, including options for how the crossing would connect to the beach. An Open House at Town Hall on Dec. 7 produced a lively discussion of the design options (see the Sandpiper’s report here: bit.ly/SANDAG-Town-Hall). On Jan. 28, two days before the deadline for public comment, SANDAG held a community outreach at the Del Mar Farmers Market, with SANDAG team members collecting comments and answering questions. The next steps for SANDAG will be a review of public feedback, and development of the concept they will present to the California Public Utilities Commission, which must approve any pedestrian crossing of railroad tracks. An alternative proposal for a pilot project that would use a gate that locks when trains pass by, obviating the need for horns and flashing lights, has been submitted by Council member Dwight Worden and resident Al Tarkington; that proposal can be read here: http://bit.ly/Worden-Tarkington.