What if we imagine a future where Del Mar takes a different path to electrifying our homes and takes a leadership role in local energy generation that might make undergrounding unnecessary. Given the staggering cost of undergrounding, considering alternatives seems like a worthy exercise. Del Mar could set an example for other cities, states, and the country in adapting to the future energy landscape.
MoreDel Mar is a wonderful place to live. We have great beaches, great views of the ocean, lots of open space, and a carefully preserved environment that attracts many visitors and new residents.
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There are many simple ways you can update your holiday traditions to minimize your impact on the environment and create more sustainable holiday traditions. Avoid Food Waste and Divert it From Landfills
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A traffic light is coming to town at the intersection of Del Mar Heights Road and Mercado Drive. Mercado Drive is the street route leading toward the new Del Mar Heights School that
MoreIn the September Sandpiper, I criticized the CDC for recommending a COVID vaccine booster shot once a year for those of us over 65. Well, the good news is that the CDC has
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We were new to the world of dogs when Autumn joined our family but we quickly came to love her. She was the most adorable Golden Doodle puppy ever: soft, fuzzy and all
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Of the 3000 snake species world wide 24 live in our local areas including forests, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, and desert. Of the 24, six are venomous* and downright dangerous, but others are not.
MoreEveryone wants to know about Monarch! Happy hour is Monday – Friday, 4 to 6pm (excluding holidays). The menu is coastal California and happy hour favorite bites are: crispy fish (halibut) sando; charred
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Dave Druker steps off the City Council this month after serving five terms on Council, from 1996-2008 and 2016-24, and serving as Mayor five times. This record of public service reflects his dedication
MoreThe Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) purchases electricity on behalf of customers in Del Mar, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista. Most residential customers choose the default product that is 50%
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In mid-November, the Del Mar library was host to an energy-filled event. Eleven non-profit organizations in Del Mar met to exchange activities performed over the last year, as well as thoughts for the
MoreHoliday Gratitude DMCC is grateful for the incredible community partners that sustain us throughout the year, but that support is most evident during the holidays. The City of Del Mar provides us a
MoreDecember 2024
Volume 28, Number 10
Print Edition
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In Brief
City Council Tied Up
Del Mar will have a four-member City Council for the next two years, following multiple 2-2 votes taken by the Council on Oct. 7, Oct. 21, and Nov. 18 to appoint someone to fill the vacancy created by Dwight Worden’s resignation. Deputy Mayor Gaasterland and Councilmember Quirk supported Jeff Sturgis, a Finance Committee member and Moving Del Mar Forward/Woodpecker principal, while Councilmembers Druker and Martinez supported 12-year Planning Commissioner Ted Bakker. On Nov. 18, Druker and Martinez moved to appoint former two-term Councilmember and Mayor Terry Sinnott in an effort to find a consensus candidate. Gaasterland and Quirk voted against Sinnott, preferring a special mail-only election estimated to cost $150,000-225,000. Without a majority to make an appointment or to call a special election, the seat will remain vacant until the next regular election in November 2026.
How Del Mar Voted
As of November 23rd, the vote for City Council is as follows:
Tracy Martinez: 1,629
John Spelich: 1,377
Dan Quirk: 1,111
Strikingly, that means that only Martinez and Spelich received support from a majority of the voters. Del Mar Measure M (TOT Tax for Short-Term Rentals) passed by a vote of 1,864 to 736, which means that at least 2600 Del Mar voters cast ballots in this election. Assuming 2,600 Del Mar voters cast at least one Council vote, Quirk was supported by only 42.7% of voters, compared to Martinez’s 62.7%. (The vote count will be final on Dec. 5.). However, all 3 candidates will be elected, as there were only 3 candidates for 3 seats.
Terra Lawson-Remer, the County Supervisor representing Del Mar, soundly defeated former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, winning 56.92% of the votes as of the Nov. 23 count.
Valley Farm Market
