Sandpiper Endorsement: Yes On 50

Are you frustrated by not being able to take action against the raging authoritarianism of the Trump regime? There is one bold step you can take to counter Trump’s plan to steal the next two elections–cast a vote for Prop 50.   Republican states like Texas and Missouri have responded to Trump’s demands to disenfranchise Democratic voters by changing congressional districts so that Republican candidates can more easily be elected (commonly called gerrymandering).

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Barnouw Challenge

Del Mar’s Jeff Barnouw has issued a challenge grant, offering to match every new donation to the Sandpiper up to $8,000. Jeff said “I believe our community needs a print publication that writes about everything Del Mar. For almost three decades volunteer writers and editors have covered our people, our community organizations, our natural and human environment, our cultural and recreational activities, and very importantly our governmental processes. At a time when truth is under attack, we need to value reliable information and reasoned opinion. We need to support the Sandpiper!”

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Editorial: Tree Treasures

The trees of Del Mar are special—they contribute to our community character, they shade our homes, they are living, breathing plants that should be treasured. Our municipal code protects two special trees: Torrey Pines and Monterey Cypress.

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Del Mar says No Luna Ticks

On October 18th, just like last June 14th, millions of Americans hit the streets to protest the policies and actions of the current president and his administration.  In typical Del Mar fashion, our citizens were already ahead

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Much Ado About Math

A Sept. 7th story in the San Diego Union Tribune lauding the Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) for outperforming other districts in math deserves more scrutiny. The piece quoted DMUSD officials who attribute the high scores

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Bye Bye Birds

Once alive with song, California’s coastal hills and canyons have grown quieter. The California Gnatcatcher’s mewing song, the chatter of Cactus Wrens, and the bouncing ball song of the Wrentit are fading from places where they once

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Killer Whale Tales

It was not the first appearance of orcas in our waters off Point Loma in September and probably not their last. These Eastern Tropical Pacific killer whales, Orcinus orca, a transient ecotype, visited in 2023 and 2024

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Pretty Pumpkins

This year the Del Mar Garden Club will again be selling small to medium size pumpkin arrangements with beautiful succulent plants atop the pumpkins to help decorate your home for the Thanksgiving season.   The pumpkin arrangements

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DMF: A Time of Thanks

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, my thoughts turn to gratitude for all of the gifts of time, talent, and treasure that have benefitted the Foundation in 2025.  Thirty events/programs were produced this year, including 9 First

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Del Mar Community Connections

Thank you for an incredible Fall Benefit! If you were able to attend, we hope you had a wonderful time at the Silver Anniversary Fall Benefit, where we celebrated 25 years of Del Mar Community Connections supporting

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November 2025
Volume 29, Number 9


Print Edition

Click for NOVEMBER 2025 print issue in PDF format

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Since 1997, The Sandpiper has been published and distributed for free by community volunteers, so we depend on your support. Our mission is to inform and engage local residents on issues and activities that are important to the community. And we are committed to preserving Del Mar’s unique community character. We hope you will consider making a gift to support the Del Mar Community Alliance and The Sandpiper. Thank you!

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$2,500 – $4,999 (Chuck Newton Circle)
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By Check (payable to Del Mar Community Alliance), mailed to DMCA, 1155 Camino Del Mar #436, Del Mar, CA  92014
DMCA is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit corporation; donations are not tax-deductible. 

In Brief

Nejabat New Fair Board President

With Fred Schenk’s term as Board President expiring, it was time to elect a new slate of officers at the Fair Board’s September 9th meeting. The board had received no recommendations from the Nominating Committee; hence, a novel process that involved nominations directly from the board took place. Two well-qualified candidates advanced to a vote. Vice-President Michael Gelfand received 4 votes, and Sam Nejabat received 5 votes. As a result, Nejabat took office as the President of the Board on October 1st. Lisa Barkett was elected as Vice-President. The position of second Vice-President was eliminated because of conflicts with the Bagley-Keene Act, which limits non-public meetings to two board members, thus excluding the second VP from conferring with the President and first VP.

 


Trees Coming Down in Del Mar

Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison

Building the Great Wall Atop the Bluffs

Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison


Getting Ready for Retail

Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison