December 2025

Lagoon Birding

I arrived in San Diego in 1969, with Nancy and Chrissy, to begin a long teaching career in the Chemistry Department at UCSD, and luckily we found a home in

Editorial: People-Powered

We have all chosen to live here because Del Mar is a truly special community. We are well known for our commitment to environmental protection and our careful attention to

Roving Teen Reporter: Yes We Can

Only a few years ago, I felt as if I were drowning under a wave of fear and confusion. A constant weight of fear lived in my chest – a

Bird Flu is Back

Bird flu is causing rising numbers of infections in chickens and cattle, and small numbers of mild infections in humans. California poultry flocks have once again been decimated by bird

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card, shows California students struggling with learning loss after the Covid pandemic. Data released by the California

Surf Cup 6; Open Space 2

On October 28th, the San Diego City Council voted 6-2 to modify the lease terms for the Surf Club property to allow “commercial uses.” This action violates the terms of

Peter’s Big Gift to Del Mar

On December 24, Peter Sprague is on track to give Del Mar the same gift he’s given us every year since 1978: a free concert that brings together musicians from

Raptors!

We in Del Mar have our share of raptors, aka birds of prey, who are ready and able to hunt. They come equipped with quite sensational abilities: super sharp eyes,

Dogs of Del Mar: Scout

Our dog Scout Warren died this week. She was almost 16. Scout was friendly, sweet, curious, sometimes irritating, (mostly) disobedient, insistent (on getting what she wanted), independent, whimsical, and impossibly

Volunteering with DMF

My wife and I moved to Del Mar at the beginning of 2023 after being in greater San Diego for 8 years, and we fell in love. The friendliness on

Del Mar Community Connections

Holiday Gratitude, Looking Ahead to 2026 The volunteers and staff of DMCC are grateful for the incredible community partners that sustain us throughout the year, but that support is most

In Brief

Top to Bottom: High Marea restaurant, which is part Valley Farms Market, preparing for opening; Valley Farms Market adding finishing components; Queenstown Restaurant to bring tastes of New Zealand to

Letter to the Editor: Arlene Prater

December 1, 2025 – A big shout out to the writers and editors who have been volunteering for almost three decades to produce the only paper in print that focuses

Valley Farm Market Opens in Del Mar Plaza

This Saturday’s grand opening of Valley Farm Market brings Del Mar’s 13-year “grocery drought” to an end with a flourish.

In Brief: More Housing Woes

In September, the Sandpiper reported on the City’s latest action on the proposed Seaside Ridge development. Now, the California Attorney

Council Deadlock Bounces Gaasterland from SANDAG

On January 6, the City Council deadlocked 2-2 on the appointment of a Councilmember to sit on the SANDAG board.

SANDAG legal opinion leaves Gaasterland as Del Mar’s primary rep on SANDAG Board

On January 7, the Sandpiper reported that the City Council was unable to agree on a Primary Representative to SANDAG

Sandpiper Update: Gaasterland loses Democratic endorsement bid

On Saturday, January 17, an effort by Councilmember Terry Gaasterland to win a “friendly incumbent endorsement” from the San Diego