In Brief

Mayor’s Ethics

Questions about unethical conduct by Mayor Terry Gaasterland have been raised on several fronts. Did she participate in shaping Del Mar’s Short Term Rental policies without disclosng ownership of Del Mar property used for short-term rentals? On Dec. 31, 2024, the deadline for registering existing STRs with the City, two properties on Sea Cliff Way believed to be owned by Gaasterland or her spouse were registered as STRs. If qualified by the City, they will be eligible to continue operating as STRs without having to meet stricter conditions for new STRs, including one limiting new STRs to operations within a primary residence.

Why did Gaasterland fail to disclose records she created, and is required to retain and disclose under the Public Records Act, in response to a Sandpiper PRA request? Why did she disregard clear advice from the City Attorney to abstain from voting on an appointment to the Air Pollution Control District Board? bit.ly/mayor-flouts  Watch the Sandpiper for additional reporting on these issues.

 
Work to create a 50-foot wetland buffer on the Watermark property was underway on May 20 (above), in anticipation of Watermark receiving building permits and starting construction later this year. Photo: Betty Wheeler
Thousands of Velella velella sailed up and landed on our shores. Photo: Julie Maxey-Allison
 
 
New traffic light at Del Mar Heights Rd. and Mercado Dr. now activated. Photo: Julie Maxey-Allison

NOP Again

The project to relocate the railroad tracks away from the Del Mar Bluffs took a major step forward with the release by SANDAG of a new “Notice of Preparation” (NOP) dated May 16, identifying alternatives for environmental review. Proposed for review are three realignments, double-tracking and reinforcement of current alignment, plus the “No Build” alternative required by law. For more information: delmarsandpiper.org/2025-05-15-news/.

Garden Walkabouts

Michael Simpson, Professor Emeritus from SDSU and head of its herbarium, at the post office as part of a Del Mar Garden Club tour. He talked about the various trees and plants at Powerhouse Park and the post office. The Garden Club plans to hold plant more walks lead by Dr. Simpson at the Library, Crest Rim Park, and down Camino Del Mar starting again in September and continuing throughout the year.

 

 
Bluff work continues. Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison

Business spaces getting ready, set to open.  Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison