Del Mar might be the smallest coastal community in California, but we took on the biggest, most powerful gun industry advocates in the country and won. “On April 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States let stand the ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court: California’s gun shows on state owned property can be prohibited. The gun industry tried to make this case about free speech when it was really about safe streets.
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The problems Council Members Quirk and Gaasterland seem to have understanding the ethical boundaries suggests our community should have a conversation about what ethical standards we expect from our elected officials.
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New variants of the COVID virus have arisen by mutation and recombination between previously circulating strains. The dominant variant now circulating in the United States is called LP.8.1. There is no evidence
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For me, a commitment to service doesn’t just apply to my professional life, it reflects who I am and the things that are important to me in my personal life as well.
MoreThe City of Del Mar is currently engaged in discussions around proposed changes to its Trees, Scenic Views and Sunlight (TSVS) Ordinance. Now is the time to review the proposed changes at
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Photos by Julie Maxey-Allison
MoreDel Mar will soon have more flexible zoning for lot splits and multiple units based on state law. Senate Bill 9(SB9) enables staff approval without public hearings for significant increases in what
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Del Mar’s own bookstore, Camino: For the Road Ahead, opened in April in the Del Mar Plaza complete with shelves stocked full of books to browse plus a secluded space set up
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25th anniversaries are very special! It takes vision and sustained commitment to reach this milestone. In May, Town Hall was full to the seams as we celebrated the 25th anniversary of First
MoreVolunteer of the Year 2025, Linda Chisari At DMCC’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on Friday, April 25, Linda Chisari was recognized by the Board of Directors for her long service and heartfelt
MoreMay 20, 2025 – Justin Kulongoski Recently, city council members have proposed using city funds for projects including building levees to protect the Beach Colony. I am in favor of helping
MoreJune 2025
Volume 29, Number 5
Print Edition
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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.
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
Business spaces getting ready, set to open. Photos: Julie Maxey-Allison
