The Sandpiper

Del Mar Residents say “hands Off” to Trump Excesses

Scores of locals gathered at the Civic Center on successive Saturdays to express their determination to “Stand up, Fight Back!”

Photos: Top left, bottom center Julie Maxey-Allison. Top right, bottom left, bottom right Carol Kerridge.

…These continued protests are the only way we can get Congress to finally get a backbone and stand up to this administration.”

– Deb Lyons

“Enough is enough!,,,persuading voters who elected this administration that its actions are creating grave human suffering…bring signs with messages about what is morally wrong and destructive…in this together for many Saturdays to come (11am at Civic Center).”

– Shirley King

SANDAG Issues “NOP” Identifying Rail Alignments for Environmental Review for Proposed Relocation of Tracks Off Del Mar Bluffs

May 15, 2025 Proposed review includes three realignments, double-tracking and reinforcement of current alignment, plus the "No Build" alternative required by law

The project to relocate the railroad tracks away from the Del Mar Bluffs took a major step forward with today's release by SANDAG of a "Notice of Preparation" (NOP) identifying alternatives for environmental review. More information from SANDAG about the newly released NOP (dated May 16, but posted online on May 15), the project's history, and next steps can be found here. An online comment form is here.

An NOP is the first formal step in the process to create the Environmental Impact Report required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) before SANDAG can proceed with the realignment project. SANDAG's earlier NOP issued in June 2024 was withdrawn after numerous public comments raised concerns about the proposed alternatives; the NOP issued today follows an extensive "value analysis study" and reconsideration of potential alternatives by SANDAG.

Editorial: Time for North Bluff Leadership

by Sandpiper Editorial Board

We have a gigantic dilemma looming in our near future that will test whether this current group of Council members can learn from recent history how to lead.

Roving Teen Reporter: Reactions to Trump Policies

by Hinano Kato

Regardless of political affiliation, it is safe to say that the Trump administration has brought forth dramatic changes in a matter of three months. Teenagers react to the

Measles Update: The Cost of Vaccine Hesitancy

by Don Mosier

Measles infections in the US were virtually eliminated by 2002 with fewer than 100 isolated cases per year. This success was due to vaccination rates of greater than

Sick and Stranded

by Julie Maxey-Allison

I saw a sea lion or maybe a seal beached on our shore late March. The stricken animal tried its best to wriggle back into the ocean but

Trump Cuts to Keeling Curve?

by Jennifer Anderson

In 1958, Dave Keeling, an author of the Del Mar Community Plan and professor at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, began charting levels of CO2 in the atmosphere

School Super Succession

by Neelum Arya

Del Mar Union School District Superintendent Holly McClurg will be retiring in July after 16 years of service to our community. During her leadership, Dr. McClurg oversaw passage

DMF: Summer Fun

by Tom Neuman MD

Summer is just around the corner! Soon the temperature will be heating up and the marine layer will dissipate. Horse racing season and the beach will draw many

Del Mar Community Connections

by Ashley Simpkins

New Internet HQ Have you visited DMCC’s website recently? We just unveiled a major makeover that features improved navigation and better accessibility for vision-impaired visitors. We also added

May 2025
Volume 29, Number 4

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In Brief

Better Biking

In response to the proliferation of electric bikes, pedestrian complaints, collisions, and injuries the Council voted 3-0 (Quirk absent) to develop a new ordinance with stricter measures banning sidewalk use. Solana Beach and Encinitas already have ordinances regulating e- bikes and bicycles so staff is asked to make our regulations consistent with our neighbors.

Council Member John Spelich is asking for public input to help Council make decisions about financing city-wide undergrounding. See his request below.

Track Lift

Train tracks in San Clemente are being protected with new emergency sand replenishment and revetment repairs. Landslides and shifting railroad beds have been making the tracks unstable for train traffic. Enviornmental groups assert that rock revetments take up recreational space and accelerate beach erosion. The Coastal Commission has cautioned the Orange County Transportation Authority not to proceed beyond emergency measures without a full permitting process.