Coastal issues bring federal and state representatives to Del Mar

In recent weeks, conversations initiated by City staff, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on beach sand replenishment and a proposed living levee along a portion of the San Dieguito River have prompted visits to Del Mar by federal and state representatives.

This week, a field representative for U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff toured the south shore of San Dieguito Lagoon to observe a large accumulation of beach sand at the lagoon inlet and the river channel as far east as the Jimmy Durante Boulevard Bridge.

The buildup is believed to be the result of a 2024 Army Corps of Engineers beach nourishment project in Solana Beach and Encinitas. The City is actively engaging Schiff’s office and those of other state and federal representatives to seek assistance to ensure the Lagoon mouth remains open and the health of the lagoon is protected.

In separate meetings, City officials have discussed coastal issues with Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and her staff. During a recent visit to the riverbank, Boerner reviewed the City's plans for a living levee, or vegetated berm, that would control flooding between the railroad and Jimmy Durante Boulevard bridges. Living levees are identified as a strategy in Del Mar's Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan of 2018.

Boerner is seeking $1.5 million in state funding to add to an earlier grant of $500,000 for the project.

Council approves letter responding to SANDAG rail proposals

As SANDAG moves toward preparing an environmental impact report for the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment project, the City Council on June 16 approved a formal comment letter from the City of Del Mar.

The comment letter spells out Del Mar's concerns with the project and discusses how the four alternative alignments would adversely impact the City.

In May, SANDAG released an Updated Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report, which initiated a 45-day scoping period to collect feedback. The public comment deadline is June 30.

SANDAG seeks to remove the railway from the Del Mar bluffs by 2035.

Open letter and staff report

Watch meeting

Council adopts fire hazard map ordinance

As required by State law, the City Council on June 16 approved an ordinance to adopt an updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map issued by the State Fire Marshal.

The new map places 81% of City parcels within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

Open full story

Bluffs stabilization activities: June 20-26

In its weekly notice to the City of Del Mar, SANDAG covers planned construction activities, work at night and on the beach, and closures associated with the Del Mar Bluffs 5 Stabilization Project. The project is scheduled to continue through mid 2027.

Open SANDAG notice

Geotechnical work to begin this summer

Geotechnical testing for the proposed San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project is scheduled to begin later this summer at various locations in Del Mar and San Diego, SANDAG announced this week.

Also this week, yellow Coastal Commission notices are set to be posted at the drilling sites, all of which will be located on public property, SANDAG says.

The testing will involve a drilling rig and related equipment. Residents can expect periods of noise and possible traffic delays.

Data collected from the testing, combined with that of previous studies, will help SANDAG evaluate potential options for relocating the tracks off of the Del Mar bluffs.

Contact SANDAG:858-549-RAIL or lossancorridor@sandag.org.

Open webpage

Plan ahead for Fuel Reduction Program and residential inspections

The annual Fuel Reduction Program returns next month and residents are reminded that July 16 is the last day to reserve bins to fill with trimmings and yard waste.

At no charge, residents can order delivery of up to two, three-yard bins to dispose of excess brush and promote fire safety.

The program runs from July 21 through Aug. 8.

In related activity, the Fire Department is scheduling inspections of residential properties in the new Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone to reduce the threat of vegetation fires in Del Mar. 

To schedule an inspection, please contact the Fire Department: weedabatement@delmar.ca.us

Reserve bins

Schedule an inspection

Fuel Reduction Program flyer

Crime blotter: June 13-19

Incidents: 1

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 4:55 pm, Deputies responded to a report of a collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist near Camino Del Mar and 13th Street, in Del Mar. A 64-year-old male driving a Ford F-250 northbound on Camino Del Mar, was preparing to turn right into the driveway at 1229 Camino Del Mar. The driver made the right turn, and the right-side mirror made contact with the adult bicyclist. The bicyclist refused medical attention and was cleared by the Fire Department. There was no damage to the F-250 and the bicycle had a minor scuff on it. Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be a factor in this incident. 

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Tuesday: Flannery to headline Summer Twilight Concert

Tim Flannery & The Lunatic Fringe will headline the first installment of Del Mar Foundation's Summer Twilight Concert series at Powerhouse Park, with Gypsy Sally as the opener, 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Powerhouse Park.

Open webpage

Tuesday: Bluegrass at library

The Shoreline Pickers are set to sing, strum and pluck their way through a set of bluegrass 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at the Del Mar library. The show is brought to you by the Friends of the Del Mar Library.

Open webpage

Trash Talk: Did you know that...

...flattened cardboard goes in the blue recycling cart?

Learn more about the City's sustainability programs at Go Green Del Mar. 

Go Green Del Mar webpage

Well represented by DMVA

As the City of Del Mar's destination marketing partner, Del Mar Village Association produces a rich palette of promotions and social media content. Follow DMVA on Instagram to see #beautifulpeople enjoying our #beautifultown.

Follow DMVA on IG

52-Week Challenge No. 49

Project Clean Water challenges residents to participate in a local cleanup event.

Open notice

Measure Q Citizen Advisory Committee (1 voting, Del Mar resident or business representative.) Closes 4:30 p.m. June 27.

Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee (2 voting, resident members) closes 4:30 p.m. June 20).

Committees, Vacancies and Volunteer Requirements