The final key piece of what was supposed to be 600 acres of permanent open space for public use and enjoyment was recently denuded of its open space protections by the San Diego City Council. This important open space acreage was dedicated to the City for the benefit of the public in 1983 in exchange for approval of the controversial Fairbanks Ranch project. Shortly thereafter, about 400 of the 600 acres of public open space were leased by the City of San Diego for private golf course use with limited public access.
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On Saturday, January 10th, the weekly protest against the actions of the Trump administration swelled from the usual 20-30 participants to an estimated crowd of 250. The crowd joined those across the nation protesting the ICE murder of Renee Nicole Good earlier that week in
MoreWhy is our City Council representative appointment to SANDAG important? First, it is well to understand SANDAG’S vital role in the region. It is composed of reps from all of the city and county jurisdictions in the region (with the larger ones having weighting capability).
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A new strain of influenza, H3N2 subclade K, is causing widespread infection of children and adults in San Diego County. Based on current trends, hospitalizations and possibly deaths from flu are expected to surpass those from COVID-19 this year. The San Diego County Respiratory
MoreEvery year, millions of students begin their college application process, filling out boxes detailing their accomplishments, awards, and activities. Buried in that list is the section many view as just another requirement for their academic resume: volunteer work. But taking time to give back does
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“In an age of instant delivery and growing isolation, let us remember the power of community and the importance of supporting our local businesses. Let’s not forget to keep in mind the simple act of stepping out of our homes to connect, shop and engage
MoreCounty Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican, will term out this year, and he has announced his candidacy for the 49th Congressional seat currently held by Democrat Mike Levin. Congressman Levin has been aggressive in proposing solutions for the nuclear waste stored at the shuttered San
MoreWell, not all, but still good progress. At the recommendation of the Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC), the Del Mar City Council passed an expansion of our current plastic ordinances on January 6, which will go into effect 6 months later. In this new ordinance, the
MoreOn January 6, the City Council deadlocked 2-2 on the appointment of a Councilmember to sit on the SANDAG board as Del Mar’s primary representative. Councilmember Terry Gaasterland asserted that “continuity and longevity” and the strong constructive relationships she said she has developed at SANDAG
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The January 10 grand opening of Valley Farm Market brought Del Mar’s 13-year “grocery drought” to an end with a flourish. From the seafood and meat counter to the vibrant selection of organic produce, it’s evident that what’s on offer is expertly curated. The
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Amanda Devine grew up here on 10th Street in Del Mar, having gone to Del Mar Hills Elementary, Earl Warren, and then Torrey Pines High School. Gio Morelli, on the other hand, grew up in Victorville and moved here while attending San Diego State University.
MoreOn December 5, 2025, from approximately 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., Del Mar Heights Road and lanes on Interstate 5 were closed because a mentally unstable man threatened to jump from the overpass. Community residents and school leaders at Del Mar Hills and Heights were
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The Del Mar Foundation opened its 2026 DMF Talk Series with a timely and grounded presentation by Richard Kiy, President and CEO of the Institute of the Americas, based at UC San Diego. His talk offered the audience not a polemic, but a historical lens
MoreWill you be DMCC’s Valentine? The Champagne and Chocolate Open House is an annual event for older adults and those who care about them to come to DMCC headquarters, connect with the community, and enjoy some bubbly and chocolate on us. On Fri, February 13,
MoreEach Fall, the Del Mar Community Alliance (DMCA) asks neighbors and friends to make donations that will allow us to continue publication and distribution of the Sandpiper – Del Mar’s only community journal and an important source of information. With elections coming up in 2026,
MoreFebruary 2026
Volume 23, Number 1
Print Edition
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In Brief
Nuke Removal Funds
Representative Mike Levin (D, 49th) announced on January 12th that over $100 million for government programs to address spent nuclear fuel storage and relocation was included in the fiscal year budget approved by both the House and the Senate.
His press release stated: “The funds will be used to develop the infrastructure needed to safely transport and manage waste, work with communities to identify a suitable new site, and support research into improved long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.”
The hope is that these funds will help provide a solution for the nuclear waste stored at SONGS.
Letter to the Editor: A Thank You to Everyday Heroes
Last August, I broke my neck very badly while surfing at 15th Street and, but for the kindness of others, I would be dead or quadriplegic. I owe my eternal gratitude to so many – to the surfers who helped me out of the water, the retired EMT who stabilized my neck at the water’s edge and the Del Mar lifeguards who expertly immobilized me and transported me to the ambulance. To the EMTs who gave me hope and transported me to the Scripps Trauma Center. To the expert team of doctors, nurses, PAs, surgeons, social workers, and hospital support staff who treated me with unrelenting care, compassion, and dignity. To friends and co-workers who sent me encouragement and stepped in to take care of my students in my absence. To my employers at the Bishops School for their support and health insurance. To my family who endured a lot of heartache and uncertainty and who remind me each day how fortunate we are.
In a time when so much is fraught, it’s a comfort to know that so many people will show up when you are truly in need. Please remember that you too might be called upon to save a life someday, so don’t pass up that First Aid course and keep in mind that the California Good Samaritan Law protects you when you provide emergency aid in good faith.
By the kindness, compassion, and quick thinking of others I have recovered almost completely. Alas, no more surfing!
With much gratitude,
Pamela Reynolds, Ph.D.
[she/her]
Science Department
Instructor: Honors Chemistry, Advanced Honors Chemistry, Food Science
The Bradbury Family Member Endowed Chair in Chemistry
The Bishop’s School