Agenda, first session — Del Mar City Council, November 13, 2023

Del Mar City Council Meeting Agenda
Del Mar Town Hall
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
November 13, 2023 City Council Meeting

INFORMATION RECEIVED

AFTER THE COUNCIL AGENDA

WAS DISTRIBUTED
(“Red Dots”)
1 Melinda Gould
From: Kerridge, Carol <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:41 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: RED DOT Item #6
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members,
I totally support the concept of accelerating action to address climate change put forth by the Sustainability Advisory Committee. By taking it a step further, I would include appointing a panel of experts and informed citizens to build on the SAC ideas by establish important guidelines in these areas:

County EOC guidelines
Including Community Services/Lifeguards
Liaison from the Fire Dept
Reactivation of CERT (we had over 30 trained residents several years ago) Securing safe water during high floods
Disaster support for entire community along with residents with special needs (including recognition of evacuation centers)
Distribution of sandbags when needed
Creating a City-wide alarm system for impending disasters (floods, fires, etc) Discussion of insurance options
How to give emotional support during disasters
Poss freeze on building permits during months of possible high-risk storms How timely that this item is being brought to our attention following a day of stimulating talks on "Adapting to Climate Change in Del Mar".

Thanks so much for bringing this item to our attention, Carol Kerridge (speaking for myself)
member of the "Adapting to Climate Change in Del Mar" Committee 1 November 13, 2023 Item 06
1 Melinda Gould
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:57 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Tracy Martinez
Cc: Dwight Worden; Terry Gaasterland; David Druker; Dan Quirk Subject: Red Dot support of item#6 Clerk’s File No. 1403-4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Council members,
I urge you to support the Resolution Re-affirming the Declaration of a Climate Emergency for the City of Del Mar in front of you today and allow it to move forward.

As well stated by SAC council liaisons Mayor Martinez and former Mayor Worden, "Del Mar has the continued ability to impact change as well as the moral obligation to do so. Efforts to control climate change will have many benefits, such as cleaner air and
water, local employment, cost savings for households and businesses, and the creation of a stronger and more resilient community."
As a founding city of CEA, Del Mar can continue to be a leader in making decisions that reduce its carbon footprint and illustrate how they are beneficial to residents and to the environment at once.

Thank you for your support,
Valerie Dufort-Roy
Klish Way
1 November 13, 2023 Item 06
1 Melinda Gould
From: Lia Strell <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:21 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Lighter than air balloon ban ordinance In Support of the Balloon Ban: Agenda Item #13.

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Honorable Mayor Martinez and Council Members,
I am grateful for Del Mar’s steadfast history of prioritizing the health and prosperity of the coastal environment, and I urge the Council to continue its efforts to protect our beaches by banning lighter than air balloons in the City of Del Mar.

Lighter than air balloons are highly mobile single-use plastic waste that can incidentally or accidentally enter the environment. They not only pollute our beaches, they can injure wildlife and break up into microplastics that enter our food chain like any other single-use plastic item.

Very Important:

Back in 2022 I spoke with the Balloon Council lady on the phone Stacey Ehling.

My personal incident with a balloon was coincidental to us choosing not to have the Balloon Council Sponsor our Encinitas EcoFest at Cottonwood Creek Park.

I saw a balloon in a parking lot. I wanted to discard the low flying balloon and place into the trash but first I popped the balloon with tiny plastic particles flying everywhere. I was shocked and I could not gather all the plastic bits.

Are you aware that Manufactures in China produce a Ballon with tiny plastic sparkles within the Balloon.

When the user wants to pop this particular ballon the tiny particles fly out and go everywhere. No one can clean this mess up.

We can say no to China. Just because its manufactured doesn’t mean we need to accept this type of thing.

In addition, Mylar balloons conduct electricity, and when they contact power lines, they can cause power outages and have even sparked devastating wildfires. For numerous additional reasons, lighter than air balloons pose an unnecessary threat to our communities and environment, and 1 November 13, 2023 Item 13
2 I strongly urge the Del Mar City Council to, once again, lead the way in reducing unnecessary plastics by banning the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air.” Thank you,
Creative Climate Action
760 828 7646
[email protected]
liastrell.com
As we create together
we rise together.
2 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Udo Wahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2023 3:35 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot Nov 13-2023 Balloon Ordinance- Item 13 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Red Dot Nov 13-2023 Balloon Ordinance- Item 13
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

As a 40 year resident of Del Mar I would like to express my support for the Balloon Ordinance before you.

I am often saddened to see many balloons washing up on our beautiful beaches.In fact, balloons are the most common pieces of floating garbage within 200 miles of our coast.

These balloons are detrimental to ocean life and can cause wildfires when they come in contact with power lines.In fact, I just witnessed a few days ago a mylar balloon rise up toward power lines in high winds.

Please pass this ordinance to prohibit the use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with gas lighter than air, as a separate item or included as a packaged product set.

Thank you!
Udo Wahn
Stratford Court
Del Mar
3 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Jaiden Steele <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 9:21 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (Balloon Ban)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, As someone as a Del Mar resident who enjoys the beach and appreciates our coastal amenities, I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar.

Surfrider volunteers have removed over 11,000 balloons from San Diego County beaches since data collection began in 2012. Imagine how many more balloons remain unaccounted for in the environment and continue to pollute our shores and coastal waters as they break up into microplastics and wreak havoc on the environment, including injuring and killing the marine life that calls the ocean their home.

Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional.

With appreciation,
Jaiden Steele
4 November 13, 2023 Item 13
November 10,2023
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
As a North County resident, avid beach cleaner, and Surfrider San Diego volunteer, I would first like to thank you for the forward-thinking actions that the Del Mar City Council has taken to address the plastic pollution crisis. You have been stalwart leaders in making meaningful changes to protect the environment.

To that end, I am grateful that you have the opportunity to prioritize banning lighter-than-air balloons in Del Mar. The need for a helium-filled balloon ordinance is highlighted by the number of balloons that I personally find on the beach every time I do a cleanup (please see attached images). Unfortunately, I have also found plastic balloon weights while cleaning the beach. The weights are supposed to prevent the accidental release of balloons; however, they don’t always prevent balloons from floating away and ultimately returning to Earth as harmful littler. In fact, I am a retired educator, and every time I have attended a graduation or promotion ceremony, I have watched balloons bouquets drift away from families who didn’t mean to let them go.

I have attached a few photographs of balloons that I have taken over time. The image with the white objects includes a jellyfish and plastic debris that looks like a jelly (jelly upper left; balloon upper right). I made this image to illustrate how a sea turtle could easily ingest a balloon by mistaking it for food. All four images were taken on the same day. The colorful photograph includes fragments of latex balloons that I have found on North County beaches. Again, these fragments could easily be mistaken as food by a shorebird or other marine life. The third collage simply includes some of the many balloons that I have documented on our shoreline over the years. After a winter storm, I actually picked up close to forty individual balloons that were scattered along the high tide line. Finally, the photo of the jar containing the contents of a sea lion’s stomach was taken at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. It is a graphic display of the harm that can be done to wildlife by single-use plastics and helium-filled balloons.

I urge you to help prevent balloon pollution by prioritizing a lighter-than-air balloon ban. Thank you in advance for protecting our greatest natural resource—our ocean, waves, and beaches.

With appreciation,
Janis Jones
5 November 13, 2023 Item 13
6 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: mollipop mollipop <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 10:42 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Support for balloon ban agenda item #13
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Honorable Mayor Martinez and Council Members,
I am a proponent of prioritizing the health and prosperity of the environment, and I urge the Council to continue its efforts to protect our beaches by banning lighter than air balloons in the City of Del Mar.

In fact, I’d like to see Del Mar lead the charge for the entire nation on this matter.

Lighter than air balloons are highly mobile single-use plastic waste that can incidentally or accidentally enter the environment. They pollute our beaches, can injure wildlife, and eventually break up into microplastics that enter our food chain like any other single-use plastic item. Balloons that are released are simply “pretty and deferred litter.” They start out as visual fun, but quickly travel and deteriorate into ugly and toxic refuse.

In addition, Mylar balloons conduct electricity, and when they contact power lines, they can cause power outages and have even sparked devastating wildfires. The beautiful state of California cannot ignore ANY source of wildfire risk. Our physical and financial health are in peril due to the increasing fire dangers already.

For numerous reasons, lighter than air balloons pose an unnecessary threat to our communities and environment, as well as our health and finances, and I strongly urge the Del Mar City Council to, once again, lead the way in reducing unnecessary plastics by banning the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons.”
Thank you,
M. Law
Sent from my iPhone
7 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Mark O'Connor <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 11:53 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Del Mar Agenda November 13, Item #13 Balloon Ordinance CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Council Members,
My name is Mark O'Connor and I represent the Surfrider San Diego Balloon sub-committee. I wanted to thank the Del Mar Sustainability Committee for the support and work they put into bringing this balloon ordinance to you for review. I also want to offer a special thank you to City Staff Member Michael Luna who crafted the ordinance.

I know through this process you have become educated on the dangers of balloons that are intentionally or accidentally released into the atmosphere. They eventually come down with many ending up in our local ocean.

There they harm our marine life to include our green sea turtles who think the balloons in the water look like Jellyfish, a food source. At a prior meeting, I had heard a reference that lately there did not seem to be as many balloons washing up on our local beaches. I would like to think one of the main reasons is that your two sister cities to the North, Solana Beach and Encinitas, have passed similar ordinances. They now protect the 7.9 miles of coastline to your North. I ask that you vote Yes, and add your over 2 miles of coastline to this effort to eliminate this balloon pollution.

I had mentioned the last time I spoke to you at a council meeting that it is the intent of the Surfrider Balloon Committee to engage all 18 cities in the county and the County itself to help protect our marine life and wildlife. Again, I ask you to vote Yes and become the third city in this effort.

Respectfully,
Mark O'Connor
Rise Above Plastic - Balloon sub-committee
Surfrider San Diego County
760-500-5631
8 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Enid Sherman <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 12:13 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Prohibit Light Air Balloons
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

We support the adoption of the city's draft balloon ordinance.

Respectfully,
Enid and Mark Sherman
Del Mar, Ca.
9 November 13, 2023 Item 13
November 13, 2023
Del Mar Balloon Ban Ordinance – Support
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. Oceana strongly supports the ordinance brought forward that would prohibit the use, distribution, and sale of all balloons in order to minimize the impact of balloons on our ocean and marine life.

We encourage the Del Mar City Council to pass this ordinance and consider the following in support of this measure. Balloons are a growing threat to marine ecosystems and communities that are dependent on healthy shorelines, oceans, and tourism. The releasing of balloons is inherently dangerous for wildlife.

Once in the environment, balloons — as well as ribbons, clips, and other items attached to balloons — can be ingested by animals or cause entanglement.

In 2020, Oceana published a report titled “Choked, Strangled and Drowned: The Plastics Crisis Unfolding in Our Oceans.” This report compiled for the first time the available data on plastic ingestion and entanglements in marine mammals and sea turtles in U.S. waters. We found records of almost 1,800 animals from 40 different species swallowing plastic or becoming entangled in it. Balloons were among the most common identifiable plastic items found in these cases. Municipalities across Southern California are passing strong policies to protect their communities and our oceans from plastic pollution.

You have a chance to limit another dangerous type of plastic, balloons, and further protect California’s coast and marine wildlife from plastic pollution. We encourage the Del Mar City Council to vote yes on this ordinance.

Sincerely,
Melissa Morris Field Representative Oceana
10 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: kendall hines <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 2:20 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Balloons
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi,
I would like to show my support for the adoption of the city’s draft balloon ordinance that will prohibit the use, sale and distribution of balloons filed with gas light than “air.” I worked for the San Diego Zoo as a researcher for 4 years and in the time I worked in the field there specially in Ramona and Jamul, I found countless balloons that would fly east and into the habitat of burrowing owls, which I was studying at the time. This puts many animals at risk and also generally pollutes their habitat. I hope you will listen to the people of Del Mar and surrounding cities and their concerns. People can still celebrate in many other ways or use balloons that are not lighter than air.

The pollution and risk for wildlife is not worth it.

Thank you,
Kendall Hines
Sent from my iPhone
11 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: jacob Chaney <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 2:40 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (Balloon Ban)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
As someone who enjoys the beach and appreciates our coastal amenities, I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar. balloons bring a very short amount of happiness but litter the environment for many years.

Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional.

With appreciation,
Jacob Chaney
12 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Mary Ella Holtam <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 2:45 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of the Balloon Ban: Agenda Item #13 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Mary Holtam and I am a 19-year-old Encinitas resident. I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar. I am an avid surfer who visits Del Mar beaches frequently and I witness the litter of balloons frequently. As an environmental science student at university, I know how impactful these bans can be in creating a healthier environment. The ban in Encinitas has been very impactful, but the positive impacts will only go farther if Del Mar joins the movement. 'Lighter than air' balloons harm wildlife, break up into harmful microplastics, and can even cause power outages and wildfires. Furthermore, helium is a non-renewable resource.

For numerous additional reasons, lighter than air balloons pose an unnecessary threat to our communities and environment, and I strongly urge the Del Mar City Council to, once again, lead the way in reducing unnecessary plastics by banning the "use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air".

Thank you for your consideration,
Mary Holtam
North County resident
13 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: GT Wharton <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 5:31 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (Balloon Ban)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
As a North County resident who enjoys the beach and appreciates our coastal amenities, I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar.

Surfrider Foundation volunteers have removed over 11,000 balloons from San Diego County beaches since data collection began in 2012. In my city of Oceanside, whale watching groups and fishermen alike capture discarded Mylar and helium balloons from the open water on a weekly basis. These balloons are used once for birthday parties or other events in San Diego and Orange County, then let go to eventually find their way into our ocean where they last for years - eventually disintegrating into microplastics or finding their way into the food chain.

Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional. North County coastal cities must work together to stop the needless polluting of our precious lagoons and ocean.

With appreciation,
Gerold "GT" Wharton
14 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Jalyssa Boyd <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:07 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (BalloonBan)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
As a San Diego County resident who enjoys the beach and appreciates our coastal amenities, I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar.

Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional.

With appreciation,
Sincerely,
Jalyssa Boyd
Science teacher
CSUSM Human Development Graduate
~If you can dream it you can Do It- Walt Disney~
15 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Nanci Oechsle <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 1:27 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (Balloon Ban)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
We all know that balloons cause damage to our sea animals, as well as cause fires in some cases. When my special needs son was a toddler in the 90s, even then stories were coming out about how bad they were for ducks and wildlife. He enjoyed getting a balloon when he got his haircut. Unfortunately, his favorite thing was to release it, as soon as possible. Who doesn't enjoy watching a balloon float away? No matter how I secured that balloon, it ended up flying away. So I had to say no to balloons. I explained this to people who thought I was a mean mommy for not letting my toddler have one. I would say "He releases the balloon as soon as we get out of here. Those balloons end up in our creeks, lagoons and our ocean. Ducks die because they think that balloon is food". His younger sibling would recite this back to people by the time they were 3. They understood the why at 3.

We are all stewards of this planet and we need to be responsible.

Thank you,
Nanci Oechsle, Vista resident
she/her/hers
16 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Christina Burress <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:23 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
As someone who has lived in Del Mar for 19 years and enjoys the beach and appreciates our coastal amenities, I would like to express my full support for the ordinance to prohibit the “use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air” in the City of Del Mar.

Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional.

With appreciation
Christina burress
17 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:26 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Tracy Martinez
Cc: Dwight Worden; David Druker; Dan Quirk; Terry Gaasterland; Mark O'Connor Subject: Red Dot Supporting: item #13 Clerk’s File No. 401-4, 401-9, 1403-4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Councilmembers,
I would like to invite you to approach the request to add Chapter 11.48 to the Del Mar Municipal Code (DMMC) which prohibits the use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air for what it is: a way to conserve and protect a resource that is finite and diminishing for the important purposes of research, medical use, and technical equipment, while reducing plastic pollution in our environment, protecting sea life and avoiding power outages.

Specifically from staff report:
"[...] helium is a unique
and precious non-renewable resource that is predicted to run out sometime between 2030 and 2040 due to human use. When it’s gone, it is lost forever. This is of great concern because helium plays an important role in science, industry, and medicine. A few of the most important uses of helium are in MRI machines, the production of computer chips, and fiber optics. There have already been helium shortages in San Diego and nationwide, causing retailers to suspend the sale of helium filled balloons."
I am thankful to the Surfrider, Rise Against Plastics, for the support and guidance in the process of developing this ordinance. I see this ordinance as embedded into a continuum of municipal actions from our neighboring cities geared towards environmental and non-renewable resource protection.

Thank you for your consideration and support of this balloon ban ordinance, Valerie Dufort-Roy
18 November 13, 2023 Item 13
November 11, 2023
Mayor Martinez and the Del Mar City Council,
CleanEarth4Kids.org thanks you for your bans on single use plastic bags, Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam) and plastic straws and stirrers. We now ask you to vote yes on the staff recommendation to prohibit the use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air.

Balloons and strings are commonly found items during beach, waterway and park cleanups. This is of great concern. Balloons end the lives of seabirds and other animals. Passing a balloon ordinance is an important step to protecting the coast, ocean, fish, birds and natural resources. As you know, by 2050, it is predicted that we will have more plastic than fish in the ocean.

We say, “Balloons are no party” because our wildlife are harmed. Pollution has a high cost. Balloons are either petroleum-based or latex-based with petroleum-based additives which leach dangerous chemicals into our water, land and air.

Additionally, helium balloons can float through the air and run into power lines, causing fires, downed electrical lines and major damage. In San Diego, mylar helium balloons caused approximately 500 power outages in 5 years.

We must take action to reduce waste, protect our wildlife and health. Please vote yes.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Hume
[email protected]
(760) 650-2166
CleanEarth4Kids.org
1 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Judith Selby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:54 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: In Support of Agenda Item #13 (Balloon Ban)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
Balloons may seem fun as they billow across the sky but when they wash ashore, they are not fun to wildlife. Hey, balloons, “the party’s really over.”
Please vote in favor of the balloon ordinance to reduce plastic pollution caused by balloon releases, both intentional and unintentional.

Thank you for all that you do to make our planet a better place for all.

In appreciation,
Judith and Richard Lang
Beach Lovers
Citizens of Planet Earth
1 November 13, 2023 Item 13
2 2 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
From: Sudeepto Roy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:08 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Tracy Martinez
Cc: Dwight Worden; Terry Gaasterland; Dan Quirk; David Druker Subject: Red Dot Supporting: item #13 Clerk’s File No. 401-4, 401-9, 1403-4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Councilmembers,
I support the City's efforts to add Chapter 11.48 to the Del Mar Municipal Code (DMMC) which prohibits the use, sale, and distribution of balloons filled with a gas lighter than air. By doing so, you'll add our voice to those of several other Cities across the US and especially in CA, including our neighboring cities. This measure will only be more effective if adjacent cities band together in their approach.

As the staff report eloquently states, the environmental/public impact arise from numerous dimensions: preserving a finite resource such as Helium (He), averting polluting environmentally sensitive regions far away from release, reducing risk of endangering marine and wildlife who may mistake balloon fragments for food or get entangled, reduce risk of aggravating the ocean's micro-plastics problem, avoid interference with aircraft/drone navigation and potential entanglements with powerlines.

There may be those who will oppose on grounds of freedom of choice or cultural/celebratory significance -- while understandable, contrast with the fact that use of He merely for entertainment has already depleted a significant %age of a finite resource that is a decade or two away from becoming unavailable for cryogenics (MRI machines, spectrometers, semiconductors), aerospace/rocketry, medicine (e.g. as part of breathing gas), broader industry (food safety, welding, etc.), and military use (e.g. night vision goggles). etc.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, the price of Helium has gone up by 50% -- it is not only a finite resource, there is a limited quantity accessible within the free world.

Thanks much for your consideration and continued leadership, Sudeepto Roy
Klish Way, Del Mar, CA
1 November 13, 2023 Item 13
1 Melinda Gould
Subject: FW: Permit ep23-073
From: Lois E. Lavender <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 5, 2023 12:13 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box <[email protected]>
Subject: Permit ep23-073
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear clerk. As a resident j on 6th Street , I pass the property everyday. It is an attractive enclosure providing privacy for the owners. Personally, I liked the lower bushes there originally. I am also allergic to the trumpet flowers. The new owners do hire a gardener who attends to the landscaping regularly. Sincerely, Lois Lund 135 6th St, Del Mar, CA 92014. 1 November 13, 2023 Item 14
To: Del Mar City Council From: Arturo Vivar
Date: November 13, 2023 Property: 157 6th St, Del Mar
My name is Arturo Vivar, and I and my family own the property located at 157 6th St., Del Mar, Ca 92014.

We have owned the property since May, 2022. We purchased the property as it is today, without disclosure from the Seller that there was an encroachment on the City Right-of-Way (“ROW”). The encroachment onto public ROW was not intenVonal nor known by us at the Vme of purchase or since that Vme, unVl informed by the City in July, 2023.

Important Point 1 -
We have tried to maintain the ROW and our property as nice and beauVful as possible and have received compliments from neighbors and others regarding the nice plant life and landscape that exists at our property including the property along 6th street and StraZord Ct (the ROW that is encroached upon). As you can see in the below picture (Exhibit 1), the view from the 6th St side is nice. When the rose bushes are in bloom they are quite beauVful. In fact, the unsightliest thing of noVce is the unrepaired curb and street on that side of the house, which is not in our control. The condiVon of the curb and street almost looks like a rural part of the country.

Exhibit 1

Important Point 2
There is no argument that most of the fence and plant life encroach into the ROW. I am not going to argue that we are NOT encroaching on the public ROW, but rather state that we have been good stewards of the plant life and fence that sits within the public ROW. No one has been harmed by the status quo and the plant and animal life that benefit from the status quo is posiVve for the neighborhood. The rose bushes on both sides of the hedge are beauVful in bloom and beauVfy the neighborhood. The hedges provide the property with privacy and do no harm to anyone outside of the property. As good stewards of everything inside the ROW and the plant life within the ROW, I hope that the City will take this into consideraVon.

Important Point 2
Removal of the plant life would not only kill the plant life but also remove a li^le piece of sanctuary for the animal life. Those creatures and insects that live within and below the plant life. The picture included herein below (Exhibits 1, 2 and 3) show how the plant life is placed to enhance natural animal 1 November 13, 2023 Item 14
life. Bees thrive in this habitat and so do hummingbirds and many other species of animal life essenVal to pollinaVon and life.

Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3
2 November 13, 2023 Item 14
Encroachment Permit Sought and Compromise
The discussion above a^empts to explain to the City that the status quo is in fact beneficial to the city, the neighborhood and natural life. Thus my primary goal is to obtain an Encroachment permit to allow the status quo to remain. However, the city administraVon has stated to me that they will not support an Encroachment permit. Therefore, as a compromise, I would like to propose authorizaVon of an Encroachment permit, whereby, the following condiVons are met. The picture in Exhibit 3 will be helpful in explaining.
• Remove the 5 bushes located at the corner of 6th St and StraZord (what a shame, they are so beauVful in bloom), that sit within the ROW.
• Keep and maintain the rose bushes on the outside of the hedge that sit within the ROW. They are low in nature and for the above reasons provide beauty and funcVon to the neighborhood.

Nevertheless we will maintain them below 2 feet in height • Cut back the height of the hedges to below 5 feet in height thus eliminaVng any obstrucVon of sight.
• Keep the fence as is. It sits behind the hedges and is mostly not visible from the street. It does not interfere with sight lines nor does it harm anyone. • Keep and maintain the rose bushes inside of the hedges. These are primarily on my property, but I will maintain them below 2 feet in height.
• The 5 compromise posiVons listed in bullet above will eliminate any potenVal interference with the stop sign, speed limit sign and uVlity pole (see exhibit 3) I believe that this compromise does not violate any of the “required findings” that have been explained to me by Beth Murray. These are:

Finding 1. That the issuance of the EP will not endanger public health, safety or welfare, or the surrounding property. – There is no evidence or reasonable argument that the above compromise will in any way endanger public health, safety or welfare of the surrounding property. To my knowledge, there have been no reported instances whereby the status quo has resulted in any of the above mentioned risks. The compromise will further mitigate any potential risk.

Finding 2. That the issuance of the EP will not unreasonably interfere with the intended use of a City Right-of-Way or Easement. – Again, there is no evidence or reasonable argument that the above compromise will interfere with the intended use of the ROW
Finding 3. That the issuance of the EP will not have an adverse impact on the welfare of the community or on the community’s appearance or aesthetics. - There is no evidence or reasonable argument that the above compromise has had nor will have an adverse impact on the welfare of the community or the community’s appearance or aesthetics. In fact, one can argue that the removal of plant life has a negative impact on the welfare of the community or on the community’s appearance and aesthetics. Arguably the status quo results in an improvement to the aesthetics of the community. Nevertheless, the compromise position seems like a good outcome.
3 November 13, 2023 Item 14
Finding 4. That the issuance of the EP will not cause an unnecessary change in the character of the community. – There is no evidence or reasonable argument that the issuance of the EP per the compromise above will cause an unnecessary change in the character of the community.

Finding 5. That the issuance of the EP will not be to the detriment of the interests of the general public. - There is no evidence or reasonable argument that the issuance of the EP per the compromise above will be to the detriment of the interests of the general public. My neighbor, Lois Lund, will agree that issuance of the EP is to the best interests of the neighborhood, and the landscape beautifies the neighborhood.

Finding 6. The proposed Encroachment will convert significant area of public property to private use. – This is not the intent and issuance of the EP per the compromise above will not convert significant area of public property to private use.

Like most property owners in Del Mar, I want peace and tranquility with no conflict with local government. I hope that the City Council will be open to this compromise and accept this proposal.

Arturo Vivar
4 November 13, 2023 Item 14
1 Melinda Gould
From: David Duval <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:09 AM
To: Terry Gaasterland; Knowledge For The Vote
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Hershell Price
Subject: re: OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH IN ON..."Item 15 - Rail Realignment" CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Terry:
> The coming SANDAG studies ...must also include a “no project” alternative < SANDAG has a builtin conflict of interest in favor of approving a project, even if it makes no financial sense. Any "'no project' alternative," has to be done by a neutral, outside entity to have any credibility.

Best, Dave
David B. Duval
271 Stratford Court
Del Mar, California 92014
858-481-7597 - desk, always best # to try first
619-379-2100 - mobile, but weak signal at my desk
.
----------------------- Original Message ----------------------- From: "Terry Gaasterland" <[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]>
To: "Knowledge For The Vote" <[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]>
Cc:

Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0800
Subject: OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH IN ON PRIORITIES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR

RAILROAD RELOCATION
Dear Del Mar Residents,
On Monday, the City Council will discuss and consider nine Guiding Principles regarding the Railroad Relocation. The GUIDING PRINCIPLES are designed to promote the following PRIORITIES:
* INCLUDE FAIRGROUNDS TUNNEL AND I-5 ALIGNMENTS IN SANDAG's 2024 STUDIES 1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 * AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN - MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES
* PERFORM TIMELY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
* CONVERT RAIL TO TRAIL FROM POWERHOUSE PARK TO TORREY PINES STATE PARK The goal is to give Del Mar a united, strong voice as we communicate with SANDAG, NCTD, and regional decision-makers. Your voice will help strengthen Del Mar’s message.

To add your voice, please take a few moments to send an email with your support, edits, comments, or suggestions to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> (Subject: "Item 15 - Rail Realignment").

Rail relocation is an opportunity to improve the health and environment of both lagoons to our north and south and to benefit Del Mar’s residents, beaches, bluffs, and small village character.

Sincerely,

RECENT BLUFF SLIDE EAST SIDE OF TRACKS IN SOUTH DEL MAR Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs to an inland location by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region. 2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
3 2. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) must thoroughly explore all portal locations that limit or eliminate impacts to, and the need for acquisition of, private property to the greatest extent feasible in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

4. The coming SANDAG studies must include a reasonable range of feasible alternative rail alignments, including the I-5 and proposed Fairgrounds alignments, and must also include a “no project” alternative as required by federal and state environmental laws.

5. A quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. Elimination of the rail line is not within the power of the City of Del Mar, SANDAG, or the North County Transit District (NCTD).

8. The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

9. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Terry Gaasterland
Del Mar City Council
mobile: 646-207-4600
The message above reflects my personal views which are mine alone and may not reflect the City’s position. If you disagree or have additional thoughts, please let me know. --
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> . 3 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: PAMELA SLATER-PRICE <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 2:42 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 Railroad realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Mayor Martinez and Council,
This letter is in support of Item 15, Railway Realignment, brought forward by Councilmembers Druker and Gaasterland, to establish the Guiding Principles for our city of Del Mar. The proposed nine Guiding Principles are very reasonable , well thought out and serve to protect Del Mar’s interests as this major infrastructure project moves forward. I urge you to support and vote to adopt these Guiding Principles so Del Mar residents can feel assured that their interests are being heard and that the city has a unified, council-adopted voice.

Thank you for your service to our residents.

Sincerely,
Pamela Slater Price
Del Mar resident
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss
4 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Camilla Rang <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2023 3:55 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Support to item 15 on next City Council Agenda, 11.14.2023 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council,
I strongly support item 15, the proposed Guiding Principles for the railway realigment, on the agenda for 11.14.2023.

Three extremely important issues to put extra pressure on SANDAG are:
 INCLUDE FAIRGROUNDS AND I-5 ALIGNMENTS IN SANDAG's 2024

STUDIES
 AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN - MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES
 PERFORM TIMELY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Thank you for all your hard work for our town.

Sincerely,
Camilla Rang
5 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: FW: Letter Re: LOSSAN Rail Corridor Realignment On Nov 10, 2023, at 4:28 PM, Carlene Moore <[email protected]> wrote:

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Ashley,
On behalf of the 22nd District Agricultural Association’s Affordable Housing Committee, please share the attached letter with your council members regarding concerns related to the City of Del Mar’s potential pursuit of a rail alignment through the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

As you are well aware, we have made progress in recent months in the ongoing talks with the City on its state-mandated need to provide affordable housing. However, we are very concerned about the impact of the Council’s continued interest in potential LOSSAN corridor alignments through or under the Del Mar Fairgrounds. We want the Del Mar City Council to consider the positive economic, social, and governmental impact (sales tax dollars) of the Fairgrounds for Del Mar and the community and we would like to hear that affordable housing is the priority in terms of the Fairgrounds’ role in helping the City with its needs.

Sincerely,
Carlene Moore
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected] | p: 858.792.4202
Del Mar Fairgrounds • 22nd District Agricultural Association 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard | Del Mar, CA 92014
sdfair.com
delmarfairgrounds.com
<Letter 11.09.2023 - City of Del Mar (LOSSAN and Affordable Housing).pdf> 6 November 13, 2023 Item 15
November 9, 2023
Ms. Ashley Jones
City Manager
City of Del Mar
1050 Camino del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
[email protected]
Re: Concerns About Rail Alignment Study’s Impacts on Affordable Housing Discussions Dear Ms. Jones:

On behalf of the Affordable Housing Committee of the 22nd District Agricultural Association ("the District”), we want to express our concerns with the City of Del Mar’s potential pursuit of a rail alignment through the Del Mar Fairgrounds at the possible expense of our ability to continue with productive discussions regarding affordable housing.

Throughout this year, we have engaged in good-faith conversations with the City of Del Mar about potentially hosting affordable housing on the District’s property.

Our Board of Directors recognizes that building more affordable housing is a top priority for all the San Diego communities that we are proud to serve. We have been — and remain — interested in being part of a solution. Our Board has also been clear that selecting the right location for affordable housing on our property would be vital to our neighboring communities, to guests of our beloved long-running events such as the San Diego County Fair, to future potential residents of any affordable housing site, and to the ecosystem of this environmentally sensitive area.

As we have discussed, we still need to work through numerous challenges, including providing appropriate ingress and egress for prospective residents, mitigating environmental and noise concerns, and overcoming any potential negative impacts on our operations.

Thus far, we have been pleased with the progress that we have made in these conversations, and we have moved forward with the consideration of affordable housing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds as part of our ongoing comprehensive planning process.

However, we are aware that the Del Mar City Council intends to vote next week on a set of guiding principles related to the Los Angeles-San Diego (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor realignment. These principles, as currently drafted, include an explicit call for the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to conduct further study of a potential alignment that runs through and/or underneath the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

As you know, SANDAG has already studied a possible LOSSAN alignment that would run underneath and through a portion of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. That study found extensive issues with such a concept, and it has not been regarded as a particularly feasible option. 7 November 13, 2023 Item 15
Ms. Ashley Jones Page 2
November 9, 2023
SANDAG’s existing assessment has allowed us to discuss siting affordable housing under the reasonable assumption that we would not host a portal opening or a train running somewhere through our property — and that we would not have years of potentially disruptive construction here while the tracks and/or portal were built.

We firmly agree that protecting our coastline is critical, and we are aware that SANDAG must proceed judiciously to move the train tracks off the bluffs. We also recognize that the City of Del Mar’s leaders must make decisions they believe are in the best interests of their constituents.

But, as stewards of this historic property, we believe continuing to plan for the siting of an affordable housing development could be imprudent if SANDAG initiates further study of a Del Mar Fairgrounds alignment. We do not yet know, for example, whether any agreed-upon housing development plans might later be significantly impacted by potential construction and/or future train service.

In addition, a LOSSAN alignment through the Del Mar Fairgrounds could have a major impact on our activities that currently generate significant sales tax revenue for Del Mar, foster livelihoods for workers and small businesses, and create countless memories for generations of families from communities across our region.

We wait in anticipation of the Del Mar City Council’s decision and for more direction from SANDAG about whether it plans to complete additional analysis of a potential Del Mar Fairgrounds alignment.

In the meantime, we will continue to strive to be good stewards and good neighbors to our surrounding communities in the cities of Del Mar, Solana Beach, and San Diego. And our priority will continue to be on helping bring people to — not through — the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Sincerely,
Carlene Moore
Chief Executive Officer
22nd District Agricultural Association
Cc: Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego
Mayor Leesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach
State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins
State Senator Catherine Blakespear
State Assembly member Tasha Boerner
Hon. Nora Vargas, Chairwoman, SANDAG
Hon. Sean Elo-Rivera, First Vice Chair, SANDAG
Hasan Ikhrata, CEO, SANDAG
San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, District 3 8 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Stephen Scola <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 6:45 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: RAILWAY REALIGNMENT
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

WHEN I MOVED TO DEL MAR IN THE MID 1970’S THE STATE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY

STUDYING MOVING THE TRACKS TO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY

A SMALL GROUP OF NAYSAYERS WON AND WE THE CITIZENS OF DEL MAR LOST AND WE ARE FACED WITH SAME PROBLEM 50 YEARS LATER

MAKE IT HAPPEN WITHOUT A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE HAVING CONTROL OF OUR FUTURE FOR ANOTHER 50 YEARS

STEVE SCOLA
Sent from my iPhones
13 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Anne Kendall <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 7:33 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I am in complete support of the principles the council has created & particularly the 4 priorities. I live/own just west of Camino Del Mar on the south end of Del Mar & would be impacted directly in one or more of the routes SANDAG has proposed. Wildly in favor of the I-5 -fairgrounds alternative & conversion of the old rail to a trail to Torrey Pines.

Best,
Anne Kendall
300 Dolphin Cove Court
Del Mar, CA 92014
414.779.1135
14 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: john schroeder <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 8:45 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Railroad relocation
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I support two things close the entire coastal Corredor down and move it in land, even if it Hass to go a little longer between LA and San Diego. Second use the old railroad tracks to create a great coastal path for the city of Del Mar. I am totally against underground in any way, shape or form to the city of Del Mar or the race track. There Hass to be a better option especially for the amount of money.

They’re willing to spend to do with this already propose which I think is totally ridiculous. John Schroeder.

Sent from my iPad
15 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Cathey Carter <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:51 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Railway Realighnment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Mayor Martinez and Council,
I concur with Pamela Slater Price’s “letter is in support of Item 15, Railway Realignment, brought forward by Council members Druker and Gaasterland, to establish the Guiding Principles for our city of Del Mar. The proposed nine (9) Guiding Principles are very reasonable , well thought out and serve to protect Del Mar’s interests as this major infrastructure project moves forward. I urge you to support and vote to adopt these Guiding Principles so Del Mar residents can feel assured that their interests are being heard and that the city has a unified, council-adopted voice.

Thank you for your service to our residents.”
Blessings,
Cathey Carter
Cathey Carter, MS, MA
Bible 7 and Bible 8
Maranatha Christian Schools
[email protected]
Office: (858) 759-9737 x136
Fax: (858) 759-4001
www.maranathachristianschools.org
Transformed Lives…Transforming the World
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. ~2 Co 2:14~
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16 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Angelina Neglia <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11:08 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; Monica Meredith; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; [email protected]; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; Ann-marie Streibich; [email protected]; [email protected]; jahaydu1 @gmail.com; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; [email protected]; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; dtran_ [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

2. We do not want any tunnel option under our homes in Del Mar. We want Del Mar City Council to state this clearly to SANDAG: Avoid eminent domain, minimize impacts to homeowners the city, and law suits, which will greatly impact the timeline of the project and raise the costs. Impact of tunneling in Del Mar, loss of business to the town in terms of TOT tax, sales tax, loss of tourism, impact on hotel stays, traffic nightmare. Many of the businesses won’t survive this massive construction project impact for a decade. Limited ways to get in and out of Del Mar during years of construction, this is a safety concern. There will be homes taken by eminent domain (up to 10 acres at each end of the tunnel) for the staging of boring equipment, trucks, equipment and the soil and rock they dig out of the tunnel). This mess will be there for a decade.
17 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

5. If the track is moved inland then they could extend the Electric Trolley from UTC up to Carlsbad next to the freeway.

This is a much cleaner option for our future. It helps people move up this corridor.

6. Del Mar residents don’t want any tunnels under Del Mar. There are major issues with the fragile Torrey Sandstone, water drainage, sink holes, earthquakes etc. SANDAG is doing soil samples on lower Luzon and Portofino now. They have not let anyone know this. They told neighbors when asked, that it wasn’t SANDAG doing the test samples…after much questioning SANDAG checks into it, and it was in fact SANDAG doing the boring and taking the Soil Samples. This shows they are not being transparent. Also shows me that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing…Also what bothers me most is that they are doing the soil samples now in the driest time of year. So they would not see any water drainage…So we need to question them why not do the soil samples in Feb or March during rainy season. We would obtain a very different soil sample. This is not transparency!

This doesn’t provide any safety to the tax paying residents. 8. Even though SANDAG tells us there won’t be any noise or vibration, this is simply not true. We have residents that live above the tunnels in Los Angeles (where SANDAG took our city council members into the tunnels) and they have told us every time a train goes below them, they feel the vibration, and they live in a high-rise!) So we don’t want any tunnels in Del Mar…..

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
18 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: juliepinney <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11:22 AM
To: Angelina Neglia
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; Monica Meredith; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; Ann-marie Streibich; [email protected]; [email protected]; jahaydu1 @gmail.com; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; [email protected]; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; dtran_ [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I don’t need to finish my current email. Please! Listen to Monica’s and Angie’s emails. They are both absolute on point. No Tunnels under Del Mar. We have to stand strong!! Julie
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 11, 2023, at 11:07 AM, Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

1. We would like SANDAG to consider the following Alignment Options in their study:
a. I-5 Under Fairgrounds Option: Commence Portal in trench in Solana Beach just south of the train station, which has to be excavated to be double tracked anyway, then you have approx. 7,000 feet to go down at 2% grade to be underwater by the time you reach the Event Stop at the Fairgrounds (They have to replace that bridge as well next to dog beach.) The tracks would be underground and not impact any of the fairgrounds. They need to build the new bridge to cross Jimmy Durante as well. Then go underground under the lagoon so no environmental impact or harm then go over to align with I-5. b. I-15 Alignment Option, as BNSF has built a multi million dollar state of the art Freight terminal in Barstow, we want an option for passenger and freight rail south from there to San Diego either down the 5 or 15 corridors. This option with a passenger train inland could provide transport for the many people who commute north and south every day on the 15 or 5 freeways. This would get cars off the freeway. If SANDAG is truly thinking longterm they could build a high-speed train to link from SF, LA, to San Diego via this route near the freight route. It would connect CA. 19 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 2. We do not want any tunnel option under our homes in Del Mar. We want Del Mar City Council to state this clearly to SANDAG: Avoid eminent domain, minimize impacts to homeowners the city, and law suits, which will greatly impact the timeline of the project and raise the costs. Impact of tunneling in Del Mar, loss of business to the town in terms of TOT tax, sales tax, loss of tourism, impact on hotel stays, traffic nightmare. Many of the businesses won’t survive this massive construction project impact for a decade. Limited ways to get in and out of Del Mar during years of construction, this is a safety concern. There will be homes taken by eminent domain (up to 10 acres at each end of the tunnel) for the staging of boring equipment, trucks, equipment and the soil and rock they dig out of the tunnel).

This mess will be there for a decade.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

5. If the track is moved inland then they could extend the Electric Trolley from UTC up to Carlsbad next to the freeway. This is a much cleaner option for our future. It helps people move up this corridor.

Also shows me that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing…Also what bothers me most is that they are doing the soil samples now in the driest time of year. So they would not see any water drainage…So we need to question them why not do the soil samples in Feb or March during rainy season. We would obtain a very different soil sample. This is not transparency!

7. Del Mar Residents don’t want freight trains or frequent passenger trains under their homes. PERIOD.

If there is a derailment, or toxic chemical spill in the tunnel this will destroy Del Mar for years. The SANDAG options to tunnel under our homes don’t have exhaust vents throughout the tunnel so all the exhaust will come out near the homes at the tunnel entrances.California is ranked 2 or 3 (depending on which report your reference) for toxic spills and derailments. This doesn’t provide any safety to the tax paying residents. 8. Even though SANDAG tells us there won’t be any noise or vibration, this is simply not true. We have residents that live above the tunnels in Los Angeles (where SANDAG took our city council members into the tunnels) and they have told us every time a train goes below them, they feel the vibration, and they live in a high-rise!) So we don’t want any tunnels in Del Mar…..

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
20 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Monica Meredith <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11:59 AM
To: Angelina Neglia
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; [email protected]; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; Ann-marie Streibich; [email protected]; [email protected]; jahaydu1 @gmail.com; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; [email protected]; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; dtran_ [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Great letter, Angie, thank you!!
Monica
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 11:07 AM Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

2. We do not want any tunnel option under our homes in Del Mar. We want Del Mar City Council to state this clearly to SANDAG: Avoid eminent domain, minimize impacts to homeowners the city, and law suits, which will greatly impact the timeline of the project and raise the costs. Impact of tunneling in Del Mar, loss of business to the town in terms of TOT tax, sales tax, loss of tourism, impact on hotel stays, traffic nightmare. Many of the businesses won’t survive this massive construction project impact for a decade. Limited ways to get in and out of Del Mar during years of construction, this is a safety concern. There will be homes taken by eminent domain (up to 10 acres at each end of the 21 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 tunnel) for the staging of boring equipment, trucks, equipment and the soil and rock they dig out of the tunnel). This mess will be there for a decade.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

5. If the track is moved inland then they could extend the Electric Trolley from UTC up to Carlsbad next to the freeway.

This is a much cleaner option for our future. It helps people move up this corridor.

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
--
22 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Daniel Maneval <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 12:13 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I support Terry Gasterland's Guiding Principles and priorities:
 INCLUDE FAIRGROUNDS TUNNEL AND I-5 ALIGNMENTS IN SANDAG's 2024 STUDIES  AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN - MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES
 PERFORM TIMELY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
 CONVERT RAIL TO TRAIL FROM POWERHOUSE PARK TO TORREY PINES STATE PARK
The goal is to give Del Mar a united, strong voice as we communicate with SANDAG, NCTD, and regional decision-makers. Your voice will help strengthen Del Mar’s message.

Thank you for your consideration and your service to the community.

Dan Maneval
238 Torrey Pines Terrace, Del Mar, CA 92014
23 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Patrick Leonard <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 4:26 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good afternoon. I attended two SANDAG presentations, including this past Monday’s. I believe the public speakers on Monday were, generally, terrific.

I’d like to make two points which may or may not have any impact on realignment or its chosen route, tho may be relevant to the realignment design.

First, it’s clear the engineering decisions are made significantly more difficult, and costly, due to the freight trains - I.e., the design of the tunnels and the required two degree grade of the tracks. Is there any political will for removing the freight trains from the plan and the tracks, thereby simplifying the design, reducing staggering costs, and perhaps resulting in consideration of other routes? I’ve read it’s not an unreasonable burden to have the freight delivered by truck. Though, honestly, this issue feels to be a fait accompli.

Second, I believe SANDAG should de-emphasize its fixation on trains getting from Oceanside to Santa Fe Depot in 33 minutes by 2050. This bullet-pointed mandate should have little bearing on choosing the appropriate route. Its present emphasis works against any routes that are less than the most direct. In my opinion, the citizenry choose to ride the train for convenience, not speed, to avoid traffic, to possibly save money. I believe most riders may not notice, nor complain, if the ride time were, say, 40 minutes rather than 33. This significant goal should be eliminated by SANDAG.

Thank you.

Patrick Leonard
15th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014
Sent from Gmail Mobile
24 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Bill Carpenter <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 10:46 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Terry TG. Gaasterland; David Druker
Subject: Del Mar City Council 11/13/23 - Item 15 - Rail Realignment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

City Council:

We support the “guiding principles” and suggest they don’t go far enough.

To choose an alignment that goes AROUND Del Mar, SANDAG must conclude that tunneling through Del Mar will ulmately take longer and cost more than going around to avoid delay from lawsuits from residents and environmental groups. Tunneling under the lagoons, compared with building double tracks that connue to run over them, will enhance instead of hurt our natural environment. It’s faster and worth the extra construcon cost. Faster, popular projects end up less expensive, and the bluffs could fail sooner than they expect).

Efforts from residents to raise money and voice protests will fade over the mulple years that SANDAG says it will take for them to choose an alignment. Lawsuits take money and perseverance. This is a great example of how government can and should step in for the collecve public good. Protecng Del Mar from disrupon and degradaon of tunneling through it should not only be a strategic priority of the City, it should be FUNDED with budget to collaborate with environmental groups, file lawsuits, sustain what will be a long and worthwhile fight.

Bill Carpenter
Luneta Drive
25 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: TIMOTHY MILLS <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 12:04 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Clive Freeman; Brian Kelleher; David R. Arnold; Jared Berlin; David Young; Stephen Quirk; Dan Quirk
Subject: Item 15 Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I am disappointed that the discussion of the rail realignment is number 15 on the agenda. It should be number 1!
There are so many unknowns when work is done underground. I encourage support being given to train tracks above ground and, in this case, away from the residential and business community of Del Mar. There will be so much less disruption to a residential community by proceeding along existing transportation routes.

There has been no discussion about compensation to the fragile business community of Del Mar created by the impact of the various routes under consideration. A construction period of years would lead to failure of many businesses that rely upon patronage not only within the community but, quite literally, the world. Who is going to want to come to Del Mar when the main thoroughfares are construction zones? Is the City really going to turn its back on the suffering of business owners and their employees?
No decision should be made without the full support of, and coordination with, the entire LOSSAN proposal. There is no need for a high speed train between San Diego and Los Angeles unless those impacted along the entire corridor are “signed on” to the project. What a greater boondoggle it would be to have Del Mar commit to the LOSSAN proposal only to have San Clemente unwilling or unable to make its improvements? We should not commit to ANY scope of work until all communities included in the project embrace the concept AND have commitments of all funding needed to complete the work.

A lot of different options can be considered that carry a 5 billion dollar price tag but SANDAG and, sadly, most of our Del Mar city council seem to have embraced one main option, a tunnel, as our only viable solution. I certainly feel as though asking for my comments, and those of my fellow Del Martians, is merely a way to make us feel as though our opinions and comments matter. (When a matter of great importance is relegated to item 15 on the Council agenda it certainly reenforces the notion.).

Our elected representatives, for the most part, have already become supporters of the SANDAG proposals and the SANDAG workshops feel to be sales pitches by SANDAG for a decision that has already been made.

Timothy Mills
26 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 Sent from my iPhone
27 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Thomas, David <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 3:05 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Nine guiding principals need to be incorporated into SANDAG CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

RECENT BLUFF SLIDE EAST SIDE OF TRACKS IN SOUTH DEL MAR Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs to an inland location by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

2. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) must thoroughly explore all portal locations that limit or eliminate impacts to, and the need for acquisition of, private property to the greatest extent feasible in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

5. A quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. Elimination of the rail line is not within the power of the City of Del Mar, SANDAG, or the North County Transit District (NCTD).

8. The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

9. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Terry Gaasterland
Del Mar City Council
mobile: 646-207-4600
The message above reflects my personal views which are mine alone and may not reflect the City’s position. If you disagree or have additional thoughts, please let me know.
28 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 5
David Thomas
Principal
LBA Realty | LBA Logistics
858.824.2101 direct | 858.922.2965 cell
vcard | [email protected]
29 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Jonathan Polikoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 3:41 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 Nov 13 City Council
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To Del Mar City Council:

I am in support of guiding principals regarding railroad relocation.

I think it is important for the entire city council to speak with one unified voice on this issue, as Del Mar does not have much influence with SANDAG who makes the final decision.

Council members who use pejorative and inflammatory language concerning SANDAG should be censured in no uncertain terms.

Also it is important to get support of those who represent the Portofino neighborhoods in Carmel Valley as they are to be impacted in a similar fashion unless the portal is moved south.

Getting the support of surrounding communities can only help our cause.

Jonathan Polikoff
640 Nob.Ave, Del Mar
30 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: D Y <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 4:43 PM
To: TIMOTHY MILLS
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Clive Freeman; Brian Kelleher; David R. Arnold; Jared Berlin; Stephen Quirk; Dan Quirk
Subject: Re: Item 15 Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

As Del Mar City officials, I am unable to grasp why you all have unilaterally sided with SANDAG against the expressed wishes of the majority of Del Mar residents. This type of project is fraught with things no one can predict such as the environmental damage and structural damage that may happen to the Del Mar hillsides long term.

I believe any thinking person would prefer a surface approach aligned with existing highways. We ask that you begin to listen to your residents and act accordingly.

Thank you Tim for this excellent letter.

David E. Young
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 12, 2023, at 2:04 PM, TIMOTHY MILLS <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> I am disappointed that the discussion of the rail realignment is number 15 on the agenda. It should be number 1!
>
> There are so many unknowns when work is done underground. I encourage support being given to train tracks above ground and, in this case, away from the residential and business community of Del Mar. There will be so much less disruption to a residential community by proceeding along existing transportation routes.
>
> There has been no discussion about compensation to the fragile business community of Del Mar created by the impact of the various routes under consideration. A construction period of years would lead to failure of many businesses that rely upon patronage not only within the community but, quite literally, the world. Who is going to want to come to Del Mar when the main thoroughfares are construction zones? Is the City really going to turn its back on the suffering of business owners and their employees?
>
> No decision should be made without the full support of, and coordination with, the entire LOSSAN proposal. There is no need for a high speed train between San Diego and Los Angeles unless those impacted along the entire corridor are “signed on” to the project. What a greater boondoggle it would be to have Del Mar commit to the LOSSAN proposal only to have San Clemente unwilling or unable to make its improvements? We should not commit to ANY scope of work until all communities 31 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 included in the project embrace the concept AND have commitments of all funding needed to complete the work.
>
> A lot of different options can be considered that carry a 5 billion dollar price tag but SANDAG and, sadly, most of our Del Mar city council seem to have embraced one main option, a tunnel, as our only viable solution. I certainly feel as though asking for my comments, and those of my fellow Del Martians, is merely a way to make us feel as though our opinions and comments matter. (When a matter of great importance is relegated to item 15 on the Council agenda it certainly reenforces the notion.).
>
> Our elected representatives, for the most part, have already become supporters of the SANDAG proposals and the SANDAG workshops feel to be sales pitches by SANDAG for a decision that has already been made.
>
> Timothy Mills
>
> Sent from my iPhone
32 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 4:59 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot letter for Item 15
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

City Council Members
I am going on record with this letter to reiterate what I wrote in an earlier email.

The Three Priorities from Terry and Dave are weak. In the negotiating position that we are in, and that is what we are doing, the City must take the strongest stance possible. In the second statement AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN- MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES. STRIKE THIS. It should read "NO TUNNELS IN DEL MAR".

In reading other citizens red dots there is no need for me to repeat their concerns. I do want to say that I read the EIR over the weekend. The implications of a tunnel under residences are far worse than I could have imagined. For example; The Crest Canyon High Speed Route. It talks about a portal that needs 10 acres of land. If this portal is near the R 1 10 zone this could equal 43 lots taken assuming all the lots are 10,000'. A completed portal has a building to oversee maintenance etc. The EIR talks about soils; they vary along the route. Earthquake; the tunnel would hold but a building could fall on top of it. A fault; there is one that the tunnel crosses. Surprise! All these maps of potential tunnels should be overlayed on a City Zoning Map for better clarity.

I agree that this would irrevocably change the town. It is now a disclosure item in terms of any real estate sales. Old Del Mar might be squeezed like a tube of toothpaste. I know the Council can't make any decision and I still am not sure who can. BUT, we can continue to raise our voices until they find a way to have no impact to anyone's home. And by the way we are competing with San Clemente for funds.

Julie Pinney
727 Kalamath Drive
33 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: TIMOTHY MILLS <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 5:07 PM
To: David Young
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Clive Freeman; Brian Kelleher; David R. Arnold; Jared Berlin; Stephen Quirk; Dan Quirk
Subject: Re: Item 15 Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Thanks very much.

Tim
> On Nov 12, 2023, at 4:42 PM, D Y <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> As Del Mar City officials, I am unable to grasp why you all have unilaterally sided with SANDAG against the expressed wishes of the majority of Del Mar residents. This type of project is fraught with things no one can predict such as the environmental damage and structural damage that may happen to the Del Mar hillsides long term.
>
> I believe any thinking person would prefer a surface approach aligned with existing highways. We ask that you begin to listen to your residents and act accordingly. >
> Thank you Tim for this excellent letter.
>
> David E. Young
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Nov 12, 2023, at 2:04 PM, TIMOTHY MILLS <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> I am disappointed that the discussion of the rail realignment is number 15 on the agenda. It should be number 1!
>>
>> There are so many unknowns when work is done underground. I encourage support being given to train tracks above ground and, in this case, away from the residential and business community of Del Mar. There will be so much less disruption to a residential community by proceeding along existing transportation routes.
>>
>> There has been no discussion about compensation to the fragile business community of Del Mar created by the impact of the various routes under consideration. A construction period of years would lead to failure of many businesses that rely upon patronage not only within the community but, quite literally, the world. Who is going to want to come to Del Mar when the main thoroughfares are construction zones? Is the City really going to turn its back on the suffering of business owners and their employees?
34 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 >>
>> No decision should be made without the full support of, and coordination with, the entire LOSSAN proposal. There is no need for a high speed train between San Diego and Los Angeles unless those impacted along the entire corridor are “signed on” to the project. What a greater boondoggle it would be to have Del Mar commit to the LOSSAN proposal only to have San Clemente unwilling or unable to make its improvements? We should not commit to ANY scope of work until all communities included in the project embrace the concept AND have commitments of all funding needed to complete the work.
>>
>> A lot of different options can be considered that carry a 5 billion dollar price tag but SANDAG and, sadly, most of our Del Mar city council seem to have embraced one main option, a tunnel, as our only viable solution. I certainly feel as though asking for my comments, and those of my fellow Del Martians, is merely a way to make us feel as though our opinions and comments matter. (When a matter of great importance is relegated to item 15 on the Council agenda it certainly reenforces the notion.).
>>
>> Our elected representatives, for the most part, have already become supporters of the SANDAG proposals and the SANDAG workshops feel to be sales pitches by SANDAG for a decision that has already been made.
>>
>> Timothy Mills
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
35 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Deb Mills <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 5:29 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Dan Quirk; [email protected]; David R. Arnold; David DrukerPrivate Subject: Item 15
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To All it May Concern,
Why is something as momentous as the proposed underground tunneling as far down on the agenda as number 15 in the next city council meeting? This item needs to be first up on the docket.

Outward appearances are that this rail tunnel is a being considered a slam-dunk as far as the city council is concerned. The continued ‘workshops’ seem little more than a token offering and are more presentations to the people of Del Mar of what IS being done to us and to wear us down, rather than an actual forum to listen to and consider what the people of our city actually want.

We have not once, heard of any consideration having been given to businesses and business owners in our city. This proposed boondoggle will DECIMATE our businesses and create years-long hardships for our own residents and the rest of the county. No one will want to fight the disruption in Del Mar just to come have a nice meal here or visit our parks and beaches, when there are so many other options to the north and south of us.

The private homes in Del Mar presently in the crosshairs are in areas that are residentially zoned, not commercially zoned. How far down does the dirt ownership extend under private homes currently being considered for a private commercial enterprise? Will homeowners have the option to lease that dirt? Or to NOT? At the very least, easements might be required.

With respect to these questions, it seems the only reasonable corridor is where there currently exists a commercial corridor, which means the I-5.

Debra Mills
Ocean View Avenue
36 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Lucy Eskeland <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2023 9:04 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Terry Gaasterland; Tracy Martinez; Dwight Worden; David Druker; Dan Quirk Subject: Item 15-Rail realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
Due to bluff erosion, we support the relocation of the train tracks. However, SANDAG and all those involved in decision making should consider abiding by the nine guiding principles adopted by the City Council on September 5, 2023. These principles are designed to promote the following priorities:
 INCLUDE FAIRGROUNDS TUNNEL AND I-5 ALIGNMENTS IN SANDAG's 2024 STUDIES  AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN AND MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES

PERFORM TIMELY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
 CONVERT RAIL TO TRAIL FROM POWERHOUSE PARK TO TORREY PINES STATE PARK Thank you for your consideration on this important matter.

Best regards,
Steve and Lucy Eskeland
2015 Seaview Ave
--
DISCLAIMER: The information in this message is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee. Access to this message by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, or distribution of the message, or any action or omission taken by you in reliance on it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Please immediately contact the sender if you have received this message in error.
37 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Dean Meredith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:15 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Terry Gaasterland; Tracy Martinez; David Druker; Dan Quirk; Dwight Worden
Subject: red dot
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Del Mar Council:

Thank you to Dave Druker, Terry Gaasterland and those of you who have worked on getting some guidelines together. Regarding the 9 Guidelines proposed, I believe our City council needs to join hands to fight this catastrophe. Therefore, I support the Guidelines and I hope that means that you will strongly oppose this current SANDAG plan and support one that does not impact Del Mar residences and businesses in the way this one does.

The northern portal to Del Mar will be severely compromised for 7 (but probably more like10) years per SANDAG's own report, which can potentially destroy the businesses, tourism and residences' lifestyles. This tunnel will make homes almost uninhabitable near and above the tunnel entrance. Many homes will be destroyed via eminent domain to construct a tunnel, remove the hillside and build a support building at the tunnel entrance. WHY would we allow this catastrophe in Del Mar? In SANDAG's report it states that somewhere between 2200 and 2800 residences will be severely impacted by vibration from a freight train. Also, negative environmental impacts from a freight train's exhaust at either end of the tunnel has got to be against the law.

These facts should support the entire City council supporting SANDAG putting the train away from residences as much as possible. Please do whatever you can to support the train going under public land (the Fairgrounds) and out to the I5.

Protecting against destroying our downtown village for probably a decade, impacting thousands of residential properties with vibration and noise, and causing many Del Mar residents to lose their homes through eminent domain is the most important thing Del Mar will probably ever have to deal with.

Dean Meredith
--
Dean Meredith, A.I.A

A R C H I T E C T
cell: 858.245.6892
fax: 858-755-9171
www.deanmereditharchitecture.com
38 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Monica Meredith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:24 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; David Druker; Dan Quirk; Dwight Worden; Terry Gaasterland; Tracy Martinez
Subject: RED DOT
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members:

I am writing in support of whatever the City of Del Mar can do to ask SANDAG to come up with a train route that does not destroy this charming small town we live in. Their reports and investigations are flawed and it would be great if we didn't need to go down the road of suing SANDAG to get this stopped.

If that means supporting the proposed 9 Guidelines, then I am in support.

The bottom line is that the City of Del Mar needs to oppose having our city ruined by large tunnel portals in our hillside, vibration under residences, and eminent domain of homes. There are many, many reasons why this is a bad idea and I've mentioned them before, many others have mentioned them as well. I won't need to repeat them here.

I cannot imagine that all of you wouldn't do all you could to stop this train tunnel under our homes and through Del Mar. I urge our elected officials to take care of the City they are representing and do the right thing. Protect the residents, the property owners, our businesses, our lifestyle, our tourists and support putting the passenger and freight train AWAY from, not through, our beautiful beachside community.

It's shocking that this is being planned by SANDAG. Everyone loses if Del Mar is ruined.

Thank you,
Monica Meredith
--
39 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: jas.grewal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:35 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Rail options
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Council Members
I wanted to commend the thoughtful Guiding Principles documented for the LOSSAN Rail realignment and whole heartedly agree that the best solution to meet the needs of all users of the Rail especially the community are best served by the option to direct the realignment tunnels under the Fairgrounds, along I-5 to connect to it's existing track in Carmel Valley. This solution would have a positive impact on the region and funds spent on this tunnel would ensure no more money is spent on potential repairs or other issues that could surface in populated areas like Del Mar residential areas well into the next century.

I also think creating a walking trail along the existing Del Mar rail corridor is a must do project. When I moved here 32 years ago, this was a daily walk for me as there was a trial along the tracks which have mostly crumbled. With the money already spent on the reinforcement of the cliffs by SANDAG to-date, the trail would be a low impact activity on the fragile cliffs, give a positive return on money spent already and it would provide enjoyment to people of the whole San Diego region as they flock to Del Mar for the natural beauty of the cliffs and ocean.

Thank you for your efforts on this front.

Best,
Ms. Jas Grewal
11th Street,
Del Mar Resident for 32 years.

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
40 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: suren dutia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 8:32 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Ashley Jones
Subject: Red Dot: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Council members:

As a longtime resident and property owner in Del Mar, this is to indicate my wholehearted support for the proposed nine guiding principles for railroad relocation.

In addition, I wish to urge the City Council that timely cost/benefit analysis be done and avoid using eminent domain and thereby prevent major disruption in the lives of people in our community. Further, I wish to express my considered opinion that if “tunnel” is deemed necessary as the most viable solution for relocation of train tracks, the city council should strongly advocate that it be under the Fairgrounds.

Thank you for your consideration.

Suren
Suren G. Dutia
P-858/792-9439
41 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Dagmar Gubernator <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:29 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot Letter
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members:

I am writing this RED DOT letter to support the proposed 9 guidelines for the City in response to SANDAGs proposed tunneling through Del Mar.

I am opposed to the current two plans for tunneling through our city.

Thank you,
Dagmar Gubernator
2108 Balboa Ave,
Del Mar, Ca 92014
42 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Ann Marie Streibich <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:25 PM
To: Monica Meredith
Cc: Angelina Neglia; City Clerk Mail Box; Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; [email protected]; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; rdavis169 @cox.net; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Excellent email.

Thank you!!
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 11, 2023, at 11:59 AM, Monica Meredith <[email protected]> wrote:

Great letter, Angie, thank you!!
Monica
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 11:07 AM Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

This mess will be there for a decade.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

7. Del Mar Residents don’t want freight trains or frequent passenger trains under their homes. PERIOD.

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
44 November 13, 2023 Item 15
3 Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
--
45 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: deborah tucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 2:43 PM
To: Ann Marie Streibich
Cc: Monica Meredith; Angelina Neglia; City Clerk Mail Box; Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; [email protected]; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; rdavis169 @cox.net; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Angie,
You are a master when it comes to a way with words and research - everything you wrote is spot on and Tom and I so appreciate your
hard work and diligence about this. You're amazing!!!
Thank you, too, again for your input, concern and caring with everything when Tom was in the hospital. Still a mystery but he's much better.

See ya'll the end of November. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Ross and the kids! Debbie and Tom
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 2:25 PM Ann Marie Streibich <[email protected]> wrote:

Excellent email.

Thank you!!
Sent from my iPhone
On Nov 11, 2023, at 11:59 AM, Monica Meredith <[email protected]> wrote:

Great letter, Angie, thank you!!
46 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 Monica
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 11:07 AM Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

Then go underground under the lagoon so no environmental impact or harm then go over to align with I-5.
b. I-15 Alignment Option, as BNSF has built a multi million dollar state of the art Freight terminal in Barstow, we want an option for passenger and freight rail south from there to San Diego either down the 5 or 15 corridors. This option with a passenger train inland could provide transport for the many people who commute north and south every day on the 15 or 5 freeways. This would get cars off the freeway. If SANDAG is truly thinking longterm they could build a high-speed train to link from SF, LA, to San Diego via this route near the freight route. It would connect CA.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

PERIOD. If there is a derailment, or toxic chemical spill in the tunnel this will destroy Del Mar for years.

The SANDAG options to tunnel under our homes don’t have exhaust vents throughout the tunnel so all the exhaust will come out near the homes at the tunnel entrances.California is ranked 2 or 3 (depending on which report your reference) for toxic spills and derailments. This doesn’t provide any safety to the tax paying residents. 8. Even though SANDAG tells us there won’t be any noise or vibration, this is simply not true. We have residents that live above the tunnels in Los Angeles (where SANDAG took our city council members into the tunnels) and they have told us every time a train goes below them, they feel the vibration, and they live in a high-rise!) So we don’t want any tunnels in Del Mar…..

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
--
48 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Monica Meredith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:27 AM
To: Angelina Neglia
Cc: City Clerk Mail Box; Al Tarkington; Michael Deftos; Mike Perry; John Stahl; Camilla Rang; [email protected]; Dave Carey; Carol Kerridge; Drew Cady; hershell Price; Karen Lare; Maryrose Mulvey; Michael Halpern; [email protected]; Steve Tarkington; [email protected]; Janet Norton; Lisa [email protected]; Ann-marie Streibich; [email protected]; [email protected]; jahaydu1 @gmail.com; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Everett Love; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Tanya Xavier; [email protected]; [email protected]; Roger Arnold; Sheila Arnold; Fred Duttweiler; m m; [email protected]; [email protected]; dtran_ [email protected]; Joe Herold; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Red Dot Letter for Item #15 City Council Meeting for Tunneling meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Sent a quick red dot today....traveling all day but back tomorrow.

Here it is:

Dear City Council Members:

If that means supporting the proposed 9 Guidelines, then I am in support.

It's shocking that this is being planned by SANDAG. Everyone loses if Del Mar is ruined.

Thank you,
Monica Meredith
49 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 Here's Dean's:

Del Mar Council:

Thank you to Dave Druker, Terry Gaasterland and those of you who have worked on getting some guidelines together.

Regarding the 9 Guidelines proposed, I believe our City council needs to join hands to fight this catastrophe. Therefore, I support the Guidelines and I hope that means that you will strongly oppose this current SANDAG plan and support one that does not impact Del Mar residences and businesses in the way this one does.

The northern portal to Del Mar will be severely compromised for 7 (but probably more like10) years per SANDAG's own report, which can potentially destroy the businesses, tourism and residences' lifestyles. This tunnel will make homes almost uninhabitable near and above the tunnel entrance. Many homes will be destroyed via eminent domain to construct a tunnel, remove the hillside and build a support building at the tunnel entrance. WHY would we allow this catastrophe in Del Mar?
In SANDAG's report it states that somewhere between 2200 and 2800 residences will be severely impacted by vibration from a freight train. Also, negative environmental impacts from a freight train's exhaust at either end of the tunnel has got to be against the law.

Dean Meredith
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 11:07 AM Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

1. We would like SANDAG to consider the following Alignment Options in their study:
a. I-5 Under Fairgrounds Option: Commence Portal in trench in Solana Beach just south of the train station, which has to be excavated to be double tracked anyway, then you have approx. 7,000 feet to go down at 2% grade to be underwater by the time you reach the Event Stop at the Fairgrounds (They have to replace that bridge as well next to dog beach.) The tracks would be underground and not impact any of the fairgrounds. They need to build the new bridge to cross Jimmy Durante as well. Then go underground under the lagoon so no environmental impact or harm then go over to align with I-5.
b. I-15 Alignment Option, as BNSF has built a multi million dollar state of the art Freight terminal in Barstow, we want an option for passenger and freight rail south from there to San Diego either down the 5 or 15 corridors. This option with a passenger train inland could provide transport for the many people who commute north and south every day on the 15 or 5 freeways. This would get cars off the freeway. If SANDAG is truly thinking longterm they could build a highspeed train to link from SF, LA, to San Diego via this route near the freight route. It would connect CA. 50 November 13, 2023 Item 15
3 2. We do not want any tunnel option under our homes in Del Mar. We want Del Mar City Council to state this clearly to SANDAG: Avoid eminent domain, minimize impacts to homeowners the city, and law suits, which will greatly impact the timeline of the project and raise the costs. Impact of tunneling in Del Mar, loss of business to the town in terms of TOT tax, sales tax, loss of tourism, impact on hotel stays, traffic nightmare. Many of the businesses won’t survive this massive construction project impact for a decade. Limited ways to get in and out of Del Mar during years of construction, this is a safety concern. There will be homes taken by eminent domain (up to 10 acres at each end of the tunnel) for the staging of boring equipment, trucks, equipment and the soil and rock they dig out of the tunnel). This mess will be there for a decade.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely in-depth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.

4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

5. If the track is moved inland then they could extend the Electric Trolley from UTC up to Carlsbad next to the freeway.

This is a much cleaner option for our future. It helps people move up this corridor.

Thanks you for your consideration.

Angelina
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
51 November 13, 2023 Item 15
4 --
52 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Kerridge, Carol <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:52 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: RED DOT #15
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members,
I totally approve and support the idea brought forth by City Council members Terry Gaasterland and Dave Druker, to "Propose Guiding Principles Regarding the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project".

There is no question that we need to have an organized way to express our concerns/support on a project as large as the tunnel issue which will affect our village for generations to come.

Thank you for the time and energy you give to help make our town run as smoothly as possible.

Carol Kerridge
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Donna Shaw <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:53 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Tunneling
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members:

I am writing this RED DOT letter to support the proposed guidelines for the City in response to SANDAGs proposed tunneling through Del Mar. I am opposed to the current two "SANDAG preferred" plans for tunneling through our city.

Further, at the Climate Change Symposium, the fragile ecosystem of Crest and the potential of sea level rise moving to Camino Del Mar (projected by 2050) makes both of those tunneling options untenable.

Council, please protect Del Mar!
Thank you,
Donna Shaw
1973 Seaview Avenue
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Leigh Ryan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:50 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 Rail Realignment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To the City of Del Mar,
I fully support the nine Guiding Principles regarding the Railroad Relocation. We must preserve the health and environment of our north and south lagoons, beaches and bluffs as well as the property values of the Del Mar residents.

Sincerely,
Leigh P. Ryan
2134 David Way
Del Mar, CA 92014
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Karin Carey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:04 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: RED DOT -- Council Mtg 11/13/23; Agenda Item #15 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Good Morning,
I am writing this RED DOT Letter to support the Del Mar City Council adoption of the Guiding Principles and Priorities regarding the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. It is critical that council members form a strong alliance to protect our city from a potentially devastating train route into and through our village and residential neighborhoods.

A Decade of Heavy Construction, Then Ongoing Train Operations and Geological Instability will Change Del Mar Forever. SANDAG’s engineering document indicates over 7 acres will be “taken” at the northern portal at Jimmy Durante Blvd., on the borders of the Colony and Olde Del Mar neighborhoods. This route then traverses the length of Olde Del Mar before it reaches Crest Canyon then proceeds under homes in the City of San Diego.

That is four neighborhoods that will be unnecessarily devastated. The excavation would require thousands of heavy truck runs into the village to remove countless tons of rock and soil. Streets, houses and cars will be covered in dust. Traffic patterns and road surface quality will be disrupted for years. Moving the north portal to the fairgrounds will alleviate much of the impact to the Village of Del Mar.

Excavation and construction of the double-track high speed train tunnels will require the use of massive Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) resulting in the destabilization of residential neighborhoods. The CDM and Crest Canyon alignments would also impact utilities and infrastructure throughout all of Del Mar, requiring the relocation of sewer, water, gas and storm drain facilities.

The CDM and Crest Canyon routes require the train to transport hazardous materials directly under homes. According to the Association of American Railroads: railroads are required to move hazmat, including fertilizer, ethanol, crude oil, refined petroleum, chlorine, sulphuric acid, radioactive material and nuclear waste. The military uses the train to transport nuclear, chemical, and conventional munitions. The I-5 alignment routes hazmat away from homes, schools, parks & businesses in Del Mar.

Rerouting the train under state-owned land on the fairgrounds then to the I-5 is the safest solution.

Thank You,
Karin Carey
466 Zuni
Please adopt these adopting the Guiding Principles will be to establish a clear, unambiguous City position regarding rail relocation.

The nine GUIDING PRINCIPLES are designed to promote the following three PRIORITIES:
 INCLUDE FAIRGROUNDS AND I-5 ALIGNMENTS IN SANDAG's 2024 STUDIES 2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2  AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN - ELIMINATE IMPACTS TO HOMES
 PERFORM TIMELY COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Here are the proposed Guiding Principles that will further the priorities above:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs to an inland location by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

5. A quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. Elimination of the rail line is not within the power of the City of Del Mar, SANDAG, or the North County Transit District (NCTD).

8. The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

9. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.
3 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Clive Freeman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:01 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: [email protected]; David R. Arnold; David Druker-Private; Dwight Worden-Private; TIMOTHY MILLS; [email protected] Subject: Some material today's council meeting
Attachments: 2023-11-13-Del-Mar-Council-CMF.pptx; 2023-11-13-Del-Mar-Council-CMF.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Sarah/City Clerk,
I would like to provide some public input in today's Council meeting - and I would like to be able to use the attached pptx or pdf file (they have the same content) - I hope that this will be practical :-) Thank you very much in advance, with best regards,
Clive Freeman
4 November 13, 2023 Item 15
Snapshot taken on 2023-11-13
5 November 13, 2023 Item 15
• The headline statement on this page: https://lossanmap.sandag.org/ is:

The LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) rail corridor is the second busiest intercity rail corridor in the nation
• The North Eastern corridor has 292 million trips per year & LOSSAN has 7.6 million trips per year
• LOSSAN has 2.6% of the North Eastern corridor annual trip count • If one lawyer scores 100% on a bar exam, and another lawyer scores 2.6% on the same exam – which lawyer would you hire?
• ‘Second busiest’ is cited by SANDAG repeatedly; 2.6% of the activity of the North Eastern corridor is never mentioned (an economy with the truth) • What about other stats? E.g. ‘Community Impact’(?) Or ‘vibration’(?) Or ‘environmental impact’(?) Are these similarly ‘economical’ stats(?) • Del Mar needs to participate actively (non-passively) in this process 6 November 13, 2023 Item 15
Sources
• 7.6m trips per year for LOSSAN comes from here:
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/sandag-secures-300m-to- move-train-tracks-off-del-mar-bluffs/2985613/ ‘The Los Angeles-San Diego (LOSSAN) rail corridor is the second- busiest intercity rail corridor in the United States, serving 7.6 million passengers and moving $1 billion in goods and services each year’ • 292m trips per year for the North Easter Rail Corridor comes from here: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-touts-billions- northeast-us-rail-corridor-2023-11-06/ ‘… for 25 passenger rail projects on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, which supports some 800,000 trips per day.’ (800,000*365 = 292m) 7 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Joni Johnston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:31 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: from Dr. Joni Johnston
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members:

I am writing this RED DOT letter to support the proposed 9 guidelines for the City in response to SANDAGs proposed tunneling through Del Mar. I am opposed to the current two plans for tunneling through our city.

Thank you,
Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D.
--
Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D.

Clinical and forensic psychologist, licensed private investigator 858-583-3306
drjonijohnston.com
If you're interested in articles on forensic psychology and true crime, subscribe to my free true crime newsletter. You can also find me on Psychology Today, and Youtube. And if you're interested in serial killers, check out my new book , 8 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Sudeepto Roy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:31 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Tracy Martinez
Cc: David Druker; Terry Gaasterland; Dwight Worden-Private; Dan Quirk Subject: Red Dot Supporting: item #15 Clerk’s File No. 1005-2 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and council members,
I consider the Proposed Del Mar Guiding Principles Regarding the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project to be a good step towards representing the collective view points of Del Mar residents. Most importantly it shows that council members can work together towards an outcome that'll satisfy most of the residents. Any steps you all can take to show unified leadership would be very welcome. Fragmented Council voices make the residents' viewpoints weak and ignorable.

I've stated in past that the solutions should not force us to choose between alternatives worse than present day The current rail corridor does not go beneath our homes -- an ideal solution would avoid tunnels beneath homes and fragile soils, bluffs. The I-5 alignment should be studied and prioritized.

Thanks,
Sudeepto Roy
9 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Betsy Milich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:00 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item # 15, City Council meeting 11/13/2023/ RED DOT LETTER CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

City Council members,
The purpose of this communication is to implore our City Council to unite around a guiding set of principles as quickly as possible. I understand and appreciate that we all see this elephant in the room from various angles and are tempted to modify the proposed well thought out guidelines. However, the time to act is now. Last year would have been even better, but it’s not too late.

These principles constitute the core ideas which will impact the trajectory of SANDAG’s plan to build an enormous tunnel underneath the residential hills of Del Mar.

We MUST do all we can to redirect the double track train realignment from an irreparable tragedy to a win-win situation for all stakeholders. It IS possible if we present a united front with a viable alternative.

To accomplish this redirection it is imperative that we have the following:
-Cohesive leadership from the top: our elected City Council, City Manager, and City staff. -Groundswell support from informed residents who understand the reasons for relocating the train tracks, the impact of SANDAG’S current plan, and robust support for viable alternatives.
-Expert input, and testimony from geotechnical engineers, attorneys who have a track record with government law, experts in eminent domain, effective advocates who know how to best inform residents, financial analysts, and rail specialists who will present a realistic alternative to boring through our community.

We are not the first city to deal with a similar situation. West Baltimore—while not an exact blueprint—has many common issues with multibillion dollar tracks running underneath their city. Concerns include long-term damage from tunneling, infrastructure spending, dangers of hazardous freight (aka “train bombs”), damage from vibration, the tremendous toll over time by train pass-by, and the irreplaceable loss of homes forever affecting families.

What impressed me as I read about similar situations across the country was the effectiveness of the government agencies and commercial interests to realign train transportation despite logical opposition.

I want to be very clear on this point; I do not advocate turning SANDAG into an enemy, but rather a partner in a much better plan. However this may be more challenging than it sounds.

In conclusion, please work quickly and set the example for the care and leadership we know you have demonstrated in the past.

Sincerely,
Betsy Milich
Seaview Avenue
10 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Amy Snyder <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:21 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: RED DOT for Item #15 - Guiding Principles for LOSSAN Realignment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council Members,
Like everyone else, I urge the Council to work with SANDAG to help this body to fully appreciate legal, environmental, public safety and financial hurdles faced by tunneling under Del Mar private and municipal property. The nine principles prepared by Mr. Drucker and Ms. Gaasterland for discussion at tonight's City Council meeting are enormously helpful in this regard.

Please also consider adding the following, in anticipation that tunneling under Del Mar remains a leading option:
 Working with outside experts, SANDAG must prepare a wide range of worst-case scenarios for accidents involving dangerous and hazardous materials for any tunnel option under the City of Del Mar. These scenarios must include transport of military equipment as well as commercial cargo. Such scenarios presented for public comment before commencing the scenario analysis.
 Any tunnel under Del Mar private property must include state-of-the-art vibration dampening technology, such as the springed system installed for the tracks that were built under the London opera house on the newlyconstructed Elizabethan Line. (SANDAG's report states that somewhere between 2200 and 2800 residences will be severely impacted by vibration from a freight train.) Thank you,
Amy Snyder
Del Mar, CA
858-598-3852
[email protected]
11 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: deftos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:51 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot Item 15
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Del Mar City Council,
It is very disappointing to read the 22nd District Agricultural Association's Red Dot letter weaponizing the completely unrelated need for affordable housing in Del Mar by threatening to oppose having affordable housing on the Fairground property if the City passes its Guiding Principles Resolution for the LOSSAN Corridor that includes a request that SANDAG further consider the North Portal in Fairgrounds alternative.

The 22nd District Agricultural Association also mischaracterizes this alternative as "not a particularly feasible option." The 2023 Del Mar Tunnels Alternative Analysis Report characterizes the North Portal in Fairgrounds alternative as "feasible" but less "practical." The key passage from the report is:

The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.

The definition of feasible in CEQA is: "capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, legal, social, and technological factors." SANDAG has not further clarified whether its apparent exclusion of the North Portal in Fairgrounds from "further evaluation" in the 3.6.5 Summary paragraph means that it has definitively decided this option will not be further considered. The City Council should demand an answer to this question from SANDAG.

The 22nd District Agricultural Association will benefit from the new Events Platform but is opposed to further study of this potential alternative alignment, one that could greatly lessen the burden of the rail line on Del Mar residents and businesses. While the Fairgrounds might benefit the City by providing tax revenue and bringing some business to the City, the City bears many burdens from the Fairground as well.

The 22nd District Agricultural Association's weaponization of affordable housing is egregious and shameful.

Michael Deftos
12 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: deftos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:58 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot Item 15
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Del Mar City Clerk,
If the jpeg I embedded in my Red Dot does not show, please include this as an addendum to my Red Dot.

The text of section 3.6.5 from the 2023 LOSAN Document is:

3.6.5 Summary
The three new north portal locations and one new south portal location were evaluated to determine feasibility and to perform a comparative analysis with the CCHS and CDM 10 percent design portal locations. As detailed herein, the additional locations were all found to be feasible. However, based on discussion with the PDT and feedback from SANDAG, two were found to be less practical due to significant construction challenges to maintain railroad operations and impacts on the Del Mar Fairgrounds, when compared with other potential portal location alternatives.

As a result, further evaluation of alternative portal locations should include the knoll near I-5 freeway (Option 3) and within CDM (Option 4).

Michael Deftos
13 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: ROB DAVIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:26 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Red Dot Letter for item 15 tunneling
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I can believe that tunneling under the city of Del Mar is even a consideration for moving the train tracks off the bluffs.

Our city counsel has to stand up to SANDAG to stop this proposal..

Thank You
Rob Davis
Del Mar Homeowner
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Peter Cramton <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 5:38 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
Attachments: Guiding principles as proposed with Peter Cramton edits.docx Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Council,
I have made three edits in the revision below (shown in tracked changes in the attached Word document). I also provide the rationale for the edits.

Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

5. An independent, forward-looking cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

8. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Rationale for edits:
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 These principles are excellent. I have made three friendly amendments to improve them. I believe these should be noncontroversial, which should be the goal in principles that are intended to encourage a united voice. Here is my rationale for the changes:

1. Remove "to an inland location". This phrase presumes the desirability of relocating the tracks rather than retirement.

It should not be a principle to build a new rail line. That should be a result of the cost benefit analysis.

5. Replace "quality", which is meaningless, with "independent, forward-looking". A cost benefit analysis from an advocate of a particular position is worthless. A cost benefit analysis that is not forward-looking is wrong. Therefore, this change should be uncontroversial.

7. This "principle" should be eliminated because it says nothing and appears to be motivated to discourage voices in favor of rail retirement rather than rail relocation. If a Councilperson says something in favor of rail retirement will the Councilperson be accused of saying something in violation of Principle 7? The answer should be "no" but then what is the purpose of 7. 7 is a fact, not a principle.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peter Cramton, 901 Highland Ave, Del Mar CA 92014
Peter Cramton
[email protected] cramton.umd.edu +1 530 408 6698
University of Maryland
2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs to an inland locaon by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

2. The San Diego Associaon of Governments (SANDAG) must thoroughly explore all portal locaons that limit or eliminate impacts to, and the need for acquision of, private property to the greatest extent feasible in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

3. It is crically important that SANDAG engage the public through every means possible to ensure a robust public parcipaon process in which the public can parcipate fully, receive answers to quesons, and provide feedback for consideraon prior to decisions being made.

4. The coming SANDAG studies must include a reasonable range of feasible alternave rail alignments, including the I-5 and proposed Fairgrounds alignments, and must also include a “no project” alternave as required by federal and state environmental laws.

5. An independent, forward-looking quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternaves, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be inmately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. Eliminaon of the rail line is not within the power of the City of Del Mar, SANDAG, or the North County Transit District (NCTD).

8.7.The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

9.8.The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creaon of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Raonale for edits:

These principles are excellent. I have made three friendly amendments to improve them. I believe these should be noncontroversial, which should be the goal in principles that are intended to encourage a united voice. Here is my raonale for the changes:

1. Remove "to an inland locaon". This phrase presumes the desirability of relocang the tracks rather than rerement. It should not be a principle to build a new rail line. That should be a result of the cost benefit analysis.

5. Replace "quality", which is meaningless, with "independent, forward-looking". A cost benefit analysis from a advocate of a parcular posion is worthless. A cost benefit analysis that is not forward-looking is wrong.

Therefore, this change should be uncontroversial.

7. This "principle" should be eliminated because it says nothing and appears to be movated to discourage voices in favor of rail rerement rather than rail relocaon. If a Councilperson says something in favor of rail rerement will the Councilperson be accused of saying something in violaon of Principle 7? The answer should be "no" but then what is the purpose of 7. 7 is a fact, not a principle.

Thank you for your consideraon.

Peter Cramton, 901 Highland Ave, Del Mar CA 92014
3 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Peter Cramton <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11:18 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Re: Item 15 - Rail Realignment
Attachments: Guiding principles as proposed with Peter Cramton edits2.docx Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I have made one more friendly edit in the attached.

8. Replace "The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach." With "Project should benefit the entire community and reduce congestion by including complementary improvements where possible, including biking and walking trails and affordable housing." The latter is much broader and perhaps finds a way for political leaders to reach a compromise on two key issues of the day.

Please substitute the attached file with the one I had sent earlier today.

Kind regards,
Peter
Peter Cramton
[email protected] cramton.umd.edu +1 530 408 6698
University of Maryland
On Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 5:37 AM Peter Cramton <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Council,
I have made three edits in the revision below (shown in tracked changes in the attached Word document). I also provide the rationale for the edits.

Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

3. It is critically important that SANDAG engage the public through every means possible to ensure a robust public participation process in which the public can participate fully, receive answers to questions, and provide feedback for consideration prior to decisions being made. 1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 4. The coming SANDAG studies must include a reasonable range of feasible alternative rail alignments, including the I-5 and proposed Fairgrounds alignments, and must also include a “no project” alternative as required by federal and state environmental laws.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

8. The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Rationale for edits:

1. Remove "to an inland location". This phrase presumes the desirability of relocating the tracks rather than retirement.

It should not be a principle to build a new rail line. That should be a result of the cost benefit analysis.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peter Cramton, 901 Highland Ave, Del Mar CA 92014
Peter Cramton
[email protected] cramton.umd.edu +1 530 408 6698
University of Maryland
2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
Guiding principles as proposed:

1. Removing the rail line from the environmentally sensitive and fragile Del Mar Bluffs to an inland location by 2035 is a top priority for the City and the region.

5. An independent, forward-looking quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

6. Del Mar expects to be intimately involved in the SANDAG study process with an opportunity to comment at each stage along the way.

7. Elimination of the rail line is not within the power of the City of Del Mar, SANDAG, or the North County Transit District (NCTD).

8.7.The City Council pledges to be open and transparent with the public regarding this important project and expects SANDAG to do the same.

9.8.The LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project should include removal of seawalls and the creation of a trail from Powerhouse Park to Torrey Pines State Beach.The Project should benefit the entire community and reduce congestion by including complementary improvements where possible, including biking and walking trails and affordable housing.

Rationale for edits:

1. Remove "to an inland location". This phrase presumes the desirability of relocating the tracks rather than retirement. It should not be a principle to build a new rail line. That should be a result of the cost benefit analysis.

5. Replace "quality", which is meaningless, with "independent, forward-looking". A cost benefit analysis from a advocate of a particular position is worthless. A cost benefit analysis that is not forward-looking is wrong.

Therefore, this change should be uncontroversial.

Thank you for your consideration.

Peter Cramton, 901 Highland Ave, Del Mar CA 92014
4 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Barbara Johansen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:33 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Del Mar Council Item #15 11/13/23
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Del Mar Council,
I agree totally with the priorities and guiding principles detailed, but I am wondering why Del Mar doesn't state definitively and directly that related to the cliff track removal, the citizens of Del Mar do not want a "Tunnel under Del Mar"!
Why would we spend tons of money analyzing a tunnel under Del Mar when the citizens believe it would ruin our town!?
I believe a stronger statement for this is needed either in the priority section or guiding principle section or both! Previous meetings have encompassed so many terrific ideas from our citizens for alternative routes...and transportation possibilities... without a tunnel under our beautiful town! Also, I would like to suggest adding to the last bullet point under priorities, converting a "rail to trail" pathway, not only from the powerhouse to Torrey Pines Beach....but a "rail to trail "pathway from the powerhouse to the lagoon! This would provide wonderful access to the lagoon trails for all of Del Mar to enjoy! Respectively Submitted
Barbara Johansen
255 23rd Street
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Bruce Watson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 4:02 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: (Subject: "Item 15 - Rail Realignment").

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Please accept this email as our support of the Guiding Principles regarding the SANDAG railroad relocation.

We trust the approved principles, the videotaped Item#15 from tonight's City Council meeting, and all applicable red dot letters become part of SANDAG'S project library.

Thanks,
Bruce and Sandy Watson
629 Nob Ave
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: Tim Davis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 4:22 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Item Number 15 on November 13, 2023 City Council Meeting Agenda Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello City Council Members, I want to put forth my comments for Item 15. Thank you for providing transparency to the guidelines and allowing our feedback to these guiding principles.

I would like the city council to consider the following changes to the guiding principles.

Guideline Principle 2: The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) must thoroughly explore all portal locations that limit or eliminate impacts to, and the need for acquisition of, private property to the greatest extent feasible in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

I would like the council to consider adding the language:

Guideline Principle 2: The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) must deprioritize all alternatives that result in any eminent domain, minimizing the impact to homeowners and the City of Del Mar to the greatest extent feasible in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Guideline Principle 4 -The coming SANDAG studies must include a reasonable range of feasible alternative rail alignments, including the I-5 and proposed Fairgrounds alignments, and must also include a “no project” alternative as required by federal and state environmental laws.

I would ask that the council consider the following changes:

Guiding Principle 4 - The coming SANDAG studies must include a reasonable range of feasible alternative rail alignments, that prioritizes the I-5 and proposed Fairgrounds alignments and also includes a I-15 option, and must also include a “no project” alternative as required by federal and state environmental laws.

Guiding Principle Number 5: A quality cost benefit analysis must be performed comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to the alternatives, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

I would ask that the council consider the following changes:

Guiding Principle Number 5: A cost benefit analysis must be performed in a timely fashion by an independent third party comparing the cost and benefits of the proposed final project to all alternatives, prioritizing the I-5, the fairgrounds alternative and I-15 option, and should consider costs due to risks of bluff failure.

I would ask the city council to consider adding two additional guiding principles:
1 November 13, 2023 Item 15
2 Guiding Principle 10: Financial Compensation for Impacted Businesses and Tax Revenue Loss to the City of Del Mar This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the City of Del Mar and its local businesses are financially compensated for any adverse effects on their operations resulting from the rail corridor project. The key points to consider are:

Traffic Lane Disruption: The project may cause closures or significant alterations to traffic lanes in and out of Del Mar.

This disruption could deter visitors and potentially impact businesses and tax revenue.

Lost Tax Revenue: Del Mar relies heavily on tax revenue generated during the fair and race seasons. With traffic detours or closures, there's a risk that visitors may choose alternative destinations, potentially resulting in lost tax revenue for the city.

Budgetary Impact: The city's financial plans and budgets may need to be adjusted to account for potential revenue loss during the project's duration.

Business Impact: Many local businesses in Del Mar could be adversely affected by the project, making it essential to address their concerns and financial stability during this period.

Guiding Principle 11: Collaboration with San Clemente for a Unified Approach This principle highlights the need for collaboration between Del Mar and San Clemente due to the similarities in their respective rail corridor realignment projects. The key aspects are:

Joint Effort: Del Mar and San Clemente recognize the common challenges and negative impacts they both face as a result of the rail corridor realignment. By working together, they can amplify their voices and advocate for shared interests.

Leveraging Strength in Numbers: The principle acknowledges that when two cities present a unified set of guiding principles to SANDAG, their combined efforts can carry more weight and influence decision-making.

Maximizing Impact: By aligning their priorities and objectives, Del Mar and San Clemente can maximize their impact and advocate effectively for solutions that address the concerns of both communities.

Thank you for your consideration,
Tim Davis
Del Mar Resident
--
Tim Davis
2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: FW: City Council Meeting tonight Item 15 regarding Tunneling options from SANDAG....

Hello City Council Members, I want to put forth my comments for Item 15. Thank you for providing transparency to the guidelines and allowing our feedback to these guiding principles.

I would like the city council to consider the following changes to the guiding principles.

I would like the council to consider adding the language:

I would ask that the council consider the following changes:

I would ask the city council to consider adding two additional guiding principles:

Guiding Principle 10: Financial Compensation for Impacted Businesses and Tax Revenue Loss to the City of Del Mar
This principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the City of Del Mar and its local businesses are financially compensated for any adverse effects on their operations resulting from the rail corridor project. The key points to consider are:

Traffic Lane Disruption: The project may cause closures or significant alterations to traffic lanes in and out of Del Mar. This disruption could deter visitors and potentially impact businesses and tax revenue.

Budgetary Impact: The city's financial plans and budgets may need to be adjusted to account for potential 2 November 13, 2023 Item 15
3 revenue loss during the project's duration.

Business Impact: Many local businesses in Del Mar could be adversely affected by the project, making it essential to address their concerns and financial stability during this period.

Thank you for your consideration,
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 12:46 PM Angelina Neglia <[email protected]> wrote:

Please send your red dot letters to Del Mar City council now….Here is my red dot for reference….

Hello City Council Members,
I wanted to put forth my comments for Item 15: Regarding moving the Tracks off the Bluffs.

2. We do not want any tunnel option under our homes in Del Mar. We want Del Mar City Council to state this clearly to SANDAG: Avoid eminent domain, minimize impacts to
homeowners the city, and law suits, which will greatly impact the timeline of the project and raise the costs. Impact of tunneling in Del Mar, loss of business to the town in terms of TOT tax, sales tax, loss of tourism, impact on hotel stays, traffic nightmare. Many of the businesses won’t survive this massive construction project impact for a decade. Limited ways to get in and out of Del Mar during years of construction, this is a safety concern. There will be homes taken by eminent domain (up to 10 acres at each end of the tunnel) for the staging of boring equipment, trucks, equipment and the soil and rock they dig out of the tunnel). This mess will be there for a decade.

3. Cost Benefit Analysis for each option: Perform timely indepth cost benefit analysis, because the law suits and delays will impact the various options.
4 November 13, 2023 Item 15
5 4. San Clemente has more miles of track to move off the coast line, so any decision in Del Mar, should be made in conjunction with San Clemente. Move the track inland away from both cities.

6. Del Mar residents don’t want any tunnels under Del Mar. There are major issues with the fragile Torrey Sandstone, water drainage, sink holes, earthquakes etc. SANDAG is doing soil samples on lower Luzon and Portofino now. They have not let anyone know this. They told neighbors when asked, that it wasn’t SANDAG doing the test samples…after much questioning
SANDAG checks into it, and it was in fact SANDAG doing the boring and taking the Soil Samples. This shows they are not being transparent. Also shows me that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing…Also what bothers me most is that they are doing the soil samples now in the driest time of year. So they would not see any water drainage…So we need to question them why not do the soil samples in Feb or March during rainy season.

We would obtain a very different soil sample. This is not transparency!

7. Del Mar Residents don’t want freight trains or frequent passenger trains under their homes. PERIOD. If there is a derailment, or toxic chemical spill in the tunnel this will destroy Del Mar for years. The SANDAG options to tunnel under our homes don’t have exhaust vents throughout the tunnel so all the exhaust will come out near the homes at the tunnel entrances.California is ranked 2 or 3 (depending on which report your reference) for toxic spills and derailments. This doesn’t provide any safety to the tax paying residents. 8. Even though SANDAG tells us there won’t be 5 November 13, 2023 Item 15
6 any noise or vibration, this is simply not true. We know residents that live above the tunnels in Los Angeles (where SANDAG took our city council members to tour the tunnels, they never mentioned or showed freight trains!) and they have told us every time a train goes below them, they feel the vibration, and they live in a highrise!) So we don’t want any tunnels in Del Mar.

Here is more info for your reference…to include in any red dot… In the negotiating position that we are in, and that is what we are doing, the City must take the strongest stance possible. AVOID EMINENT DOMAIN- MINIMIZE IMPACTS TO HOMES. It should read "NO TUNNELS IN DEL MAR".

In reading the EIR over the weekend, the implications of a tunnel under residences are far worse than I could have imagined. For example; The Crest Canyon High Speed Route. It talks about a portal that needs 10 acres of land. If this portal is near the R 1 10 zone this could equal 43 lots taken assuming all the lots are 10,000'. A completed portal has a building to oversee maintenance etc. The EIR talks about soils; they vary along the route. Earthquake; the tunnel would hold but a building could fall on top of it. A fault; there is one that the tunnel crosses. Surprise! All these maps of potential tunnels should be overlayed on a City Zoning Map for better clarity.

This would irrevocably change the town. It is now a disclosure item in terms of any real estate sales. Old Del Mar will be devastated. I know the Council can't make any decision and I still am not sure who can. BUT, we can continue to raise our voices until they find a way to have no impact to anyone's home. And by the way we are competing with San Clemente for funds.if we do nothing, SANDAG will put that train where ever they want, may it be double-tracking the bluff or take eminent domain on both sides of the tunnel. This will be especially important for the people living at Del Mar Terrace and above and along Camino Del Mar!!!
Email address: [email protected]
Subject line: Del Mar Tunnel Option Fairground Dear Sandag, I am for the tunnel option under the Del Mar Fairgrounds, under the San Dieguito River, then along/under I-5 to Sorrento Valley Pump Station #5 (and onward to the south). This route will be the least disruptive for people living in Del Mar and the San Diego area abutting Del Mar. With this route, there will be no need for eminent domain, no law suits, fear, or disruption of the two protected lagoons on either side of Del Mar.

Thanks, Angie
Angelina Neglia
Neglia Collaboration
Healthcare/Educational Advocate
6 November 13, 2023 Item 15
7 [email protected]
(858) 945 8827
7 November 13, 2023 Item 15
1 Melinda Gould
From: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: FW: Red Dot Supporting: item #16 Clerk’s File No. 1403-4 From: Sudeepto Roy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:22 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box <[email protected]>; Tracy Martinez <[email protected]> Cc: Dwight Worden <[email protected]>; Terry Gaasterland <[email protected]>; Dan Quirk <[email protected]>; David Druker <[email protected]> Subject: Red Dot Supporting: item #16 Clerk’s File No. 1403-4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Martinez and Council Members,
I strongly support the Resolution Re-affirming the Declaration of a Climate Emergency for the City of Del Mar and the need for accelerated action.

There are those who are willing to give up and focus only on mitigation -- I don't think I can honestly stare at my daughter and say, "we recycled, we composted, we drove EVs and put-up solar panels and the rest of the mess is entirely upto your generation".

Two years ago, I had written to the city highlighting City-level and individual actions we can take to help towards the reversal. Every bit helps. All 4000+ residents among us, adopting climate change averting measures can influence 10 others, in turn, they can 10 others and so on ...
1 November 13, 2023 Item 16
2 Please don't give up -- the task is daunting, I admit.

Thanks much,
Sudeepto Roy
Klish Way, Del Mar
2 November 13, 2023 Item 16

Del Mar City CouncilNovember 13, 2023

Del Mar City Council
November 13, 2023