Table of Contents
2-27-2025 Special Meeting Agenda - Open Session
Item 1 - LOSSAN SDRR Letter
24 Del Mar City Council
Special Meeting Agenda – Open Session
City of Del Mar Town Hall
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 www.delmar.ca.us Civility Works: The Del Mar Code of Civil Discourse: Together we will promote inclusion; listen to understand; show respect; be clear and fair; and focus on the issue.
NOTICE AND CALL OF
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE DEL MAR
CITY COUNCIL
Thursday, February 27, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
City of Del Mar Town Hall
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
*********************************************
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mayor of the City of Del Mar has called a Special Meeting at the time and place listed above to consider the following: Please refer to the attached agenda.
CERTIFICATION
I, Sarah Krietor, Administrative Services Manager/City Clerk of the City of Del Mar, hereby certify that a copy of this notice was posted at City Hall and distributed to the City Council on February 25, 2025, at approximately 5:20 p.m.
Sarah Krietor, Administrative Services
Manager/City Clerk
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Administrative Services Department at 1050 Camino del Mar, or by calling (858) 755-9313.
Notification of at least 24 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
Terry Gaasterland
Mayor
Tracy Martinez
Deputy Mayor
Dan Quirk
Council Member
John W. Spelich
Council Member
Ashley Jones
City Manager
Leslie E. Devaney
City Attorney
Sarah Krietor
Administrative
Services
Manager/City Clerk
Del Mar City Council Special Meeting February 27, 2025
Agenda Page 2
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 www.delmar.ca.us I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
II. CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Public comment is restricted to only items listed on the Special Meeting Agenda.
Members of the public can participate in City Council meetings in-person or by submitting written comments. Anyone may address the City Council for up to three minutes, at the Mayor’s discretion, on agenda items. When addressing the Council, please state your name for the record. Any electronic presentations must be received before 12 p.m. on the date of the Council meeting. No PowerPoint presentations can be loaded during the meeting.
In-Person Participation: Please submit a completed “Speaker Slip”, including the item number you wish to speak on, to the City Clerk prior to the Mayor announcing the item.
The forms are located near the door at the rear of the Town Hall. When called to speak, please approach the podium and state your name for the record.
Written Comments: Members of the public can participate in the meeting by submitting a written red dot comment via email to [email protected]. The deadline to submit written comments is 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting and the subject line of your email should clearly state the agenda item you are commenting on.
V. CITY COUNCIL OTHER BUSINESS
1. Approval of a Letter to the SANDAG Board of Directors Regarding the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments Recommended Action: Staff requests that the City Council provide feedback as necessary, approve and authorize the submittal of a letter (Attachment A) to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors regarding their consideration of the project goals, objectives and proposed rail alignment options identified by their staff to analyze in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project.
Reference: Clerk’s File No. 1005-2, 1506-1
VI. ADJOURNMENT
City of Del Mar
Agenda Report
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City Council Action:
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Clem Brown, Assistant City Manager
Via Ashley Jones, City Manager
DATE: February 27, 2025
SUBJECT: Approval of a Letter to the SANDAG Board of Directors Regarding the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments
REQUESTED ACTION/RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the City Council provide feedback as necessary, approve and authorize the submittal of a letter (Attachment A) to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors regarding their consideration of the project goals, objectives and proposed rail alignment options identified by their staff to analyze in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Del Mar (City) has closely monitored SANDAG’s San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project (Realignment Project) since public outreach began in 2020. The project includes studying options for removing the rail line from the fragile Del Mar coastal bluffs to an inland location by 2035. Given the potential for significant short and long-term impacts to the City resulting from relocation of the rail line from its current location, the project has generated a high level of community concern and engagement. More detailed information about the project can be found at: https://www.sandag.org/projects-andprograms/featured-projects/lossan-corridor-improvements/lossan-rail-realignment.
The Realignment Project is currently in the environmental review phase, which began with the issuance of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a DEIR on June 4, 2024. An unprecedented 1,500 comments were submitted to SANDAG in response to the NOP.
The issuance of the NOP was the preliminary step in the State’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process that will determine the technical studies needed to develop an EIR for the Realignment Project.
1 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
Most recently, the City Council received an informational presentation on the Value Analysis (VA) process and the additional alternative alignments identified by SANDAG staff post-VA Study at the Council meeting on February 18, 2025. For reference, a copy of the agenda report and SANDAG presentation for that meeting are included as Attachment B. A recording of the presentation is available on the City’s website at:
https://delmar.12milesout.com/video/meeting/e2a58716-e8e7-48be-adeccf298e4b8ae8.
The VA process resulted in the development of 16 alternative alignments that include the three NOP alternative alignments and 13 new concepts. After finalization of the VA Study Report, SANDAG reviewed the 16 conceptual alignments from the VA process, as well as prior studies and public feedback, and are proposing the following five rail alignment options (Figure 1) to the SANDAG Board of Directors for consideration to advance for analysis in the DEIR at their meeting on February 28, 2025 (Attachment C):
• Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll): Realigned to minimize subsurface easements by routing below Crest Canyon. Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 6. Similar to NOP Alternative B. Blue line on Figure 1 map below.
• Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West):
Aligned to minimize subsurface easements by following below Camino del Mar.
Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 8. Similar to NOP Alternative C. Purple line on Figure 1 map below.
• San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll: Aligned to minimize impacts to Del Mar, the Fairgrounds, and San Dieguito Double Track Bridge. No corresponding VA alternative. Similar to NOP Alternative A. Yellow line on Figure 1 map below. • Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced: Maintains current alignment, adds double track along the bluffs and through Los Penasquitos Lagoon with bluff reinforcement and more robust seawalls. Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 12.
Green line on Figure 1 map below.
• No Build: Includes continuation of major stabilization efforts that would be required to protect the existing single-track alignment.
2 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
Figure 1
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
In preparation for February 28, 2025, SANDAG Board Meeting to consider the project goals, objectives and alternative alignments to analyze in the DEIR, staff worked with the City Attorney’s office, special CEQA legal counsel, and the Council’s Rail Subcommittee consisting of Mayor Gaasterland and Deputy Mayor Martinez to prepare the attached comment letter (Attachment A).
The letter addresses the City’s grave concerns with the project objectives and potential impacts of the four proposed alternative rail alignments. In addition, the letter asserts the City’s position as a “Responsible Agency” under CEQA, notes the lack of a clearly defined Project Description, and requests that SANDAG equally and fully analyze each alternative in the DEIR.
As a Responsible Agency under CEQA for this project, the City will be required to consider approval of an amendment to the City’s Local Coastal Program, issuance of Coastal Development Permits, and a range of other approvals that no other stakeholder for this project has direct jurisdiction over. For the City to select or influence a particular route before the Draft Environmental Impact Report is released could unduly prejudice the City’s role as a Responsible Agency and could compromise the City’s ability to bring forward future challenges to protect the City's interest. 3 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
In considering the City’s role as a Responsible Agency, and to protect the City’s interests, Del Mar’s representative to the SANDAG Board, Mayor Terry Gaasterland, will abstain from participating in agenda Item 9 related to the Realignment Project at the upcoming SANDAG Board of Director’s meeting on February 28, 2025. A copy of the statement to be read by the Mayor at the SANDAG Board meeting is included for reference as Attachment D.
Additionally, based on what is known at this time regarding the proposed locations of the alternative alignments, it appears all four Del Mar City Councilmembers may have a conflict of interest based on the proximity of their residence to one or more of the proposed alignments. This is unique to Del Mar, primarily due to the small size of the City, in that no other stakeholder agency has the four proposed alignments traversing its jurisdiction.
Following the issuance of the DEIR for the Realignment Project, the Council will work with the City Attorney’s office to facilitate a process whereby a majority of Councilmembers may participate in future required actions and determining positions to be taken by the City related to the Realignment Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal action to be taken by the City Council related to this agenda item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The proposed City Council action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
NEXUS TO COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
City involvement in major SANDAG initiatives, including the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project, is a Tier 1 City Council priority.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – City Comment Letter to SANDAG Board of Directors Attachment B – February 18, 2025, Agenda Report and Presentation Attachment C – SANDAG Board of Directors Report, February 28, 2025 Attachment D – Del Mar Mayor Statement of Abstention for SANDAG Board Item 9 4 February 27, 2025 Item 01
1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 | 858.755.9313 | www.delmar.ca.us February 27, 2025
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
401 B Street, Suite 800
San Diego, CA 92101
[email protected]
ATTN: Clerk of the Board
Re: City of Del Mar Comments on the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments
Honorable Members of the SANDAG Board,
This letter is respectfully being submitted on behalf of the City of Del Mar as approved by the Del Mar City Council on February 27, 2025.
On February 28, 2025, you will be asked to provide feedback on the project goals and objectives for the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project (Realignment Project) and provide direction on the alternative alignments to be analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR).
Given the significant long-term impacts of the LOSSAN project, the City of Del Mar (City) has closely monitored the Realignment Project since public outreach first began in 2020. Most recently, the City Council received an informational presentation on the Value Analysis (VA) process and the additional alternative alignments identified by SANDAG staff post-VA process at our Council meeting on February 18, 2025. No other city or stakeholder will be more adversely impacted by the project than the City of Del Mar.
At the meeting, the City Council did not ask questions or make comments regarding the alternative alignments now being considered based on the City’s role as a CEQA “responsible agency.” It is the City’s intent to keep all options open to preserve any future challenges that we may later make in protecting the City’s interest. The City will be the only jurisdiction having to amend its Local Coastal Program, issue Coastal Development Permits, and consider a host of other approvals.
The City appreciates the opportunity to formally submit the following comments and concerns regarding the Board’s consideration of the Realignment Project’s goals, objectives and alternative alignments to analyze in the DEIR.
These comments reflect the grave concerns that our community members have expressed in public hearings to the City Council. The Realignment Project and its alternatives have the potential to disproportionally and adversely impact the Del Mar community’s quality of life, tourism, local businesses, tax revenue, property values, and significantly impact our unique and sensitive coastal resources. Further, the Realignment Project’s expansive environmental impacts have potential to forever alter the community character of our City, its history, and adversely impact citizens’ health and wellbeing.
Attachment A 5 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City of Del Mar Comments – LOSSAN Rail Realignment Goals & Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
I. Application of Project Objectives is Unclear and Incomplete.
The project goal and objectives included in the VA Study Report, which are now presented to the SANDAG Board for consideration, include refinements from the objectives included in the previously issued Notice of Preparation (NOP). As noted in the report, these refinements were not universally agreed upon by the VA participant stakeholder agencies. The City remains concerned that the objectives referencing the Realignment Project “…consider existing and ongoing investments” along the LOSSAN rail corridor unfairly limit and unduly constrain the alternative alignments that will be considered in the DEIR. In sum, this objective predetermines the outcome of the Draft EIR.
Further, the identified objectives provide no definitive method of comparing the environmental impacts of the Realignment Project alternatives with one another or provide a means to fairly weigh which objectives have precedence over another. Other objectives should be included when evaluating the relative benefits of the Realignment Project to its alternatives, such as quantifying the impacts from condemnation, including its costs, the number of properties affected, impacts on residents and businesses, property value impacts, and timing considerations. Also missing in the objectives are the avoidance and/or minimization of negative impacts on air quality and public health and safety. Nowhere in the objectives is public health considered. Yet, the project objectives state that expanded rail service is a goal of the project. This translates to greater and more significant public health impacts and the objectives should account for these detrimental impacts.
And, while some of the project objectives broadly mention the avoidance/minimization of potential negative environmental impacts, the weighting of those objectives compared to other objectives (such as improved rail service or reducing travel times) has not been provided. For example, if one alternative impacts a wetland resource while another alternative does not, how are these objectives reconciled, what objective wins out, does a wetland suffer because a particular route provides greater rail efficiency? Determining the relative weight of an objective from the onset of the EIR process is foundational to transparency, not providing this decision-making framework before the Draft EIR is released for public review obscures the value of the objectives and leaves these decisions to staff alone.
The objectives should also include the relative impacts to the character of the coastal communities. At present, only the City of Del Mar is being asked to bear all the adverse impacts of the Realignment Project when compared to other coastal communities. In sum, the objectives fail to take into consideration the impacts on each coastal community or city and the objectives should recognize the historic and unique character of each impacted coastal community.
II. City of Del Mar is a “Responsible Agency” Under CEQA
The City is a “Responsible Agency” under CEQA and maintains all review and adoption rights granted under CEQA. CEQA defines a "Responsible Agency" as “an agency other than the lead agency with a legal responsibility for carrying out or approving a project” and mandates that “a responsible agency… be involved during the project scoping, planning and CEQA document preparation stages.” (CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15096 and 15381). Here, the City will be required to amend its Local Coastal Program (LPC) that must then be approved and certified by the California Coastal Commission. Only with an LCP amendment will the City have the ability and the discretion to issue Coastal Development Permits, consider encroachment permits, agree Attachment A 6 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City of Del Mar Comments – LOSSAN Rail Realignment Goals & Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
to leases for construction staging areas, consider building permits for construction activities, and a host of other discretionary actions that will be required for the project. As a Responsible Agency, the City must consider the adequacy of the Environmental Impact Report when considering its approval actions. If the EIR fails to meet the requirements of CEQA, the City may challenge it, prepare a subsequent EIR, or in some cases assume the role of Lead Agency. Accordingly, it is important that the objectives be weighed and aligned with the reality of the long-term impacts to the City of Del Mar.
III. Concerns with Proposed Alternative Alignments
The VA process resulted in the development of 16 alternative alignments that include the three NOP alternative alignments and 13 new concepts. After the VA process was completed, SANDAG evaluated these alternative alignments and reviewed prior project studies and is now recommending that four alignment options, in addition to a “no build” alternative, be included for analysis in the DEIR.
It is important to note that CEQA requires the evaluation of all reasonably feasible alternatives that can reduce impacts below a level of significance. In short, the EIR would be defective if only the chosen four alternatives are evaluated. All feasible alternatives that reasonably meet the objectives should be considered. This includes routes that avoid impacts to wetlands and the community. Moreover, from a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) perspective, alternatives that go beyond SANDAG’s jurisdiction should be considered because bluff failure is not endemic to San Diego County alone. Below are the City’s comments and concerns regarding the four alignment options as currently proposed by SANDAG staff:
• San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll (yellow line on map): This alignment places the project’s impacts solely within the cities of Del Mar and San Diego and would result in significant and adverse environmental impacts to highly productive wetland habitat in the San Dieguito Lagoon. Based on the limited information provided, it appears this alignment would result in the need for both public and private property acquisition (eminent domain) within the City of Del Mar. And, a majority portion of this route is located within a floodplain.
Moreover, it is worth noting that this alignment was evaluated in the VA process but was ultimately dismissed as infeasible and not advanced as one of the 16 concepts. • Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll) (blue line on map): This alignment includes a north portal location that would require acquisition (eminent domain) of private property and would result in significant short and long-term impacts to Jimmy Durante Boulevard, including elevating the roadway adjacent to residential homes. This is one of the City’s main arterial roadways and would cause major disruption to the entire City’s roadway system. This alternative also continues to require private property subsurface easements. This alignment would put freight trains under residential homes. • Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West) (pink line on map): This alignment includes north and south portal locations in the City of Del Mar that require acquisition (eminent domain) of private property. Like the “Under Crest Canyon” alternative, this alignment would result in significant short and long-term impacts to Jimmy Durante Boulevard, including reconfiguration of one of the City’s largest intersections.
Private property subsurface easements would also be required. This alignment would also put freight trains under residential homes.
Attachment A 7 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City of Del Mar Comments – LOSSAN Rail Realignment Goals & Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
• Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced (green line on map): This concept would result in significant and permanent impacts to protected and sensitive coastal resources, and the removal of permitted private encroachments in North County Transit District (NCTD) rightof-way. Environmental permitting of this alignment would face significant challenges, including the processing of Coastal Development Permits. Importantly, it must be noted that this alternative was previously studied in the 2007 LOSSAN Program EIR and eliminated for the reasons described above.
IV. The Project Description and Descriptions of Project Alternatives are Vague and Incomplete
The City remains concerned with SANDAG’s approach of advancing multiple concepts (in this case, four alternative alignment options plus a “no build” option) for analysis in the DEIR without a clearly defined “Project Description” and with insufficient detail of the alternatives, particularly the San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll alignment, for the public to determine the scope and level of environmental impacts.
CEQA requires a “proposed project” to be identified along with a “range of reasonable alternatives” to that proposed project. The EIR’s “bona fide subject” must be “[t]he defined project and not some different project.” (Concerned Citizens of Costa Mesa v. 32nd Dist. Agric. Assn. (1986) 42 Cal.3d 929, 938.) Further, inadequate or unstable descriptions of the Realignment Project may mislead the public and thwart the EIR process. (San Joaquin Raptor Rescue Center v. County of Merced (2007) 149 Cal.App.4th 645, 656.)
Without a clear identification of the proposed project, members of the public cannot comment meaningfully on the potential impacts. (Save Our Capitol! v. Department of General Services Attachment A 8 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City of Del Mar Comments – LOSSAN Rail Realignment Goals & Objectives and Alternative Alignments February 27, 2025
(2023) 87 Cal.App.5th 655, 676.) “A project description that gives conflicting signals to decision makers and the public about the nature of the project is fundamentally inadequate and misleading.” (South of Market Community Action Network v. City and County of San Francisco (2019) 33 Cal.App.5th 321, 332.) Here, the public is asked to conjure what a reasonable range of alternatives might be to each of the four proposed alignments, and to numerous options for portal locations. SANDAG staff’s recommendations to the Board of Directors identifies alternatives, but not the required proposed “bona fide” project. (CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378 and Section 15126.6).
V. The Project and Each Alternative Should Be Fully Analyzed The alternatives analysis is the “core of the EIR.” (Citizens of Goleta Valley v. Board of Supervisors (1990) 52 Cal 3d 553, 564.) “One of [an EIR’s] major functions . . . is to ensure that all reasonable alternatives to proposed projects are thoroughly assessed by the responsible official.” (Laurel Heights Improvement Ass’n. v. Regents of the University of California (1988) 47 Cal. 3d 376, 400.) Accordingly, the Realignment Project and all alternatives should be reviewed in the DEIR at the same thorough level of analysis. Given the expansive scope and complexity of the Realignment Project, each alternative should be evaluated at the same level as the Project Description. Full analysis of each alterative is the only transparent method of insuring that the decision makers understand the full range of impacts of each alternative. The fundamental purpose of CEQA is to ensure informed decision-making. (Sierra Club v. County of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502, 515.) This includes socioeconomic impacts, condemnation impacts, and resource protection issues, which are required under NEPA. Because the EIR will be a combined EIR/EIS that must satisfy federal NEPA requirements, the level of detail of alternatives must be similar to the level of detail of the project itself. An EIS must “[d]evote substantial treatment to each alternative considered in detail including the proposed action so that reviewers may evaluate their comparative merits.” (40 C.F.R. section 1502.14, subdivision (b).) We appreciate the opportunity to comment on SANDAG staff’s recommendations to the Board of Directors on the Realignment Project and anticipate working with SANDAG to address the many important and substantial concerns being raised by the public and various stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Terry Gaasterland
Mayor
cc: Del Mar City Council
Ashley Jones, Del Mar City Manager
Mario Orso, SANDAG Chief Executive Officer
Maria Rodriguez Molina, SANDAG Director of Mega Projects, Border, and Goods Movement
Attachment A 9 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City of Del Mar
Agenda Report
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City Council Action:
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Clem Brown, Assistant City Manager
Via Ashley Jones, City Manager
DATE: February 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Presentation Regarding San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Value Analysis Process and San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform Project REQUESTED ACTION/RECOMMENDATION:
Staff requests that the City Council receive an informational presentation from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) on the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Value Analysis process and the San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform project.
BACKGROUND:
LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project
The City of Del Mar has closely monitored SANDAG’s San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment project since public outreach began in 2020. The project includes studying options for removing the rail line from the fragile Del Mar coastal bluffs to an inland location by 2035.
Given the potential for significant temporary and permanent impacts to the City if the rail line were to be relocated from its current location, the project has generated a high level of community concern and engagement. More detailed information about the project can be found at https://www.sandag.org/projects-and-programs/featured-projects/lossan-corridorimprovements/lossan-rail-realignment.
The project is currently in the environmental review phase, which began with the issuance of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on June 4, 2024.
The issuance of the NOP was the preliminary step in the State’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process that will determine the technical studies needed to develop an EIR for the project.
In response to the significant input received on the three alignment alternatives included in the NOP (Alternative A – I-5 Alignment; Alternative B – Crest Canyon Alignment; and Alternative C – Camino del Mar Alignment), SANDAG initiated a Value Analysis (VA) process in September 2024 to technically evaluate and improve upon the existing alignment alternatives and/or potentially identify new alternatives for further consideration. Participation in this technical exercise included representatives from key agency stakeholders including Attachment B 10 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
LOSSAN Project Updates
February 18, 2025
the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, and Solana Beach; Fairgrounds; North County Transit District; and Caltrans. The City of Oceanside and the Metropolitan Transit System were also invited to participate, but did not attend.
The City had a seven-member team participate in the VA process, which included recently retired Mayor Dave Druker; Councilmember Tracy Martinez; City Manager Ashley Jones; Assistant City Manager Clem Brown; Public Works Director Joe Bride; Planning & Community Development Director Karen Brindley; and Principal Engineer Martin Boyd.
The City’s participation was largely informed by the concerns expressed by the Del Mar community along with the comment letter approved by the Del Mar City Council and submitted as part of the previous NOP process. Additionally, the City’s planning and engineering team members provided technical comments and suggestions during the technical working group sessions based on their experience and areas of expertise.
In December 2024, a draft VA Study Report was reviewed by the participating agency stakeholders at a meeting on December 20, 2024. On February 7, 2025, SANDAG released the Final VA Study Report, which analyzes 16 proposed alignment alternatives that include Alternatives A, B and C from the NOP. The Final VA Study Report can be found at:
https://mailchi.mp/sandag/lossan-rail-realignment-dec24-6098207?e=24e9090dc8.
On February 10, 2025, SANDAG issued a press release with additional updates on the project and next steps (Attachment A). After finalization of the VA Study Report, SANDAG staff have reviewed the conceptual ideas from the VA process, as well as prior studies and public feedback, and will propose the following five options (Figure 1) to the SANDAG Board of Directors for consideration to advance to environmental review at their meeting on February 28, 2025:
Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll): Realigned to minimize subsurface easements by routing below Crest Canyon. Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 6. Similar to NOP Alternative B. Blue line on Figure 1 map below. Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West):
Aligned to minimize subsurface easements by following below Camino del Mar.
Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 8. Similar to NOP Alternative C. Purple line on Figure 1 map below.
San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll: Aligned to minimize impacts to Del Mar, the Fairgrounds, and San Dieguito Double Track Bridge. No corresponding VA alternative. Similar to NOP Alternative A. Yellow line on Figure 1 map below. Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced: Maintains current alignment, adds double track along the bluffs and through Los Penasquitos Lagoon with bluff reinforcement and more robust seawalls. Corresponds to VA Study Alternative 12. Green line on Figure 1 map below.
Attachment B 11 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
LOSSAN Project Updates
February 18, 2025
No Build: Includes continuation of major stabilization efforts that would be required to protect the existing single-track alignment.
Figure 1
San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform Project SANDAG's San Dieguito Double Track and Special Events Platform (SDDT) project is a $347 million capital improvement project along the rail line between the cities of Solana Beach and Del Mar that will improve rail operations and safety in the LOSSAN rail corridor. The project includes 1.1 miles of new double track, replacement of the over 100-year-old wooden railroad trestle bridge, a new special events platform at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a pedestrian undercrossing on the south side of the San Dieguito River, and other improvements. More detailed information about the project can be found at https://www.sandag.org/projects-andprograms/featured-projects/lossan-corridor-improvements/double-tracking-projects/sandieguito-double-track.
The project is fully funded and has completed environmental review. It is scheduled to go out for construction bidding this summer and start construction in early 2026 with a four-and-ahalf-year construction duration.
Since construction activities will take place within the City, an encroachment permit for the project, similar to the permit for SANDAG’s Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project 5 that is currently in construction, will be required. Staff is also coordinating with SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) on multiple license agreements that are required because the project includes the relocation and upgrades to City water and sewer Attachment B 12 February 27, 2025 Item 01
City Council Agenda Report
LOSSAN Project Updates
February 18, 2025
infrastructure located in NCTD right-of-way that falls within the project’s footprint. The new pedestrian undercrossing component of the project will also require a future license agreement between NCTD and the City.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Staff from SANDAG will provide an informational presentation on these two projects at the February 18, 2025, City Council meeting. Representatives from NCTD will also be in attendance to discuss the SDDT project. The following day, on February 19, 2025, SANDAG will deliver the same presentation on the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment VA process during a 6:00 PM public informational meeting at the Del Mar Civic Center Town Hall.
A copy of the presentation was not available to include with this report; however, it will be made available to the public prior to the Council meeting on February 18, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Press Release Attachment B 13 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Archived: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 1:51:17 PM
From: Stacy Garcia
Sent: Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:05:47 +0000Received: from PH0PR09MB8204.namprd09.prod.outlook.com (2603:10b6:510:6b::22) by SJ0PR09MB6398.namprd09.prod.outlook.com (2603:10b6:a03:258::18) with Microsoft SMTP Server (version=TLS1_2, cipher=TLS_ECDHE_RSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384) id 15.20.8422.19; Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:05:34 +0000Received: from PH0PR09MB8204.namprd09.prod.outlook.com ([fe80::9a58:8e32:aa32:c5ca]) by PH0PR09MB8204.namprd09.prod.outlook.com ([fe80::9a58:8e32:aa32:c5ca%4]) with mapi id 15.20.8398.018; Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:05:34 +0000From: Stacy Garcia Subject: SANDAG RELEASES VALUE ANALYSIS STUDY FOR LOSSAN TRACK RELOCATIONThread Subject: SANDAG RELEASES VALUE ANALYSIS STUDY FOR LOSSAN TRACK RELOCATION Importance: Normal
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
Date: February 10, 2025 Contact: Stacy Garcia, 619.452.8994, [email protected]
SANDAG RELEASES VALUE ANALYSIS STUDY FOR LOSSAN TRACK RELOCATION SANDAG Board to Consider Recommendations on February 28 On Friday, SANDAG released the value analysis study report for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. The value analysis study was conducted in response to public feedback received on the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the project. The study's goal was to examine alternatives proposed in the NOP and identify enhancements or new route alternatives for relocating the tracks.
The value analysis was a technicalstudy done by representatives with technical expertise from Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Solana Beach, 22 nd District Agricultural Association, North County
Transit District, and Caltrans. The Metropolitan Transit System and the City of Oceanside were also invited.
SANDAG staff has been reviewing the conceptual ideas that were raised through the value analysis study, as well as prior studies, and public feedback, and will be proposing alternatives for the Board of Directors to consider at its meeting on February 28. This will also be the next opportunity for public feedback.
Below is a brief description of the recommendations that staff are currently studying:
Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll): Realigned to minimize subsurface easements by routing below Crest Canyon Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West): Aligned to minimize subsurface easements by following below Camino Del Mar San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll: Aligned to minimize impacts to Del Mar, the Fairgrounds, and San Dieguito Double Track Bridge Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced: Maintains current alignment, adds double track along the bluffs and through Los Penasquitos Lagoon with bluff reinforcement and more robust seawalls No Build: Includes continuation of major stabilization efforts that would be required to protect the existing single-track alignment About SANDAG
SANDAGis the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and diverse communities. We are committed to creating a San Diego region where every person who visits, works, and lives can thrive.
SANDAG.org |
###
Stacy Garcia (she/her/hers)
Associate Public Information Officer
619.699.1950 office
401 B Street, Suite 800, San Diego, CA92101 (or 1129 La Media Road, San Diego, CA92154) Learn about our commitment to equity
SANDAG office hours are Tuesday – Friday and every other Monday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Pursuing a brighter future for all
Attachment B 14 February 27, 2025 Item 01
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment
Informational Update
Del Mar City Council
February 18, 2025
Attachment B 15 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Agenda
| 2
Introduction
Staff Recommendation
What Did We Learn?
VA Alternative Concepts & Ideas
VA Study Overview
Next Steps
Attachment B 16 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Introduction
3 Attachment B 17 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Value Analysis (VA) Study Overview
4 • Process, Phases, Participants
• VA Study Goal and Objectives
Attachment B 18 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 5
Value Analysis Study Process Overview
• Value Analysis (VA) is a technical study of project alternatives. • Study held workshops and meetings in September through December 2024.
• Collaborative and technically driven fresh look at alternative concepts and ideas that could address the challenges of climate change and the eroding Del Mar bluffs to provide reliable passenger and freight service.
• The ideas, suggestions, and alternative concepts developed and evaluated by the VA Study participants are presented in the Final Value Analysis Study Report.
Attachment B 19 February 27, 2025 Item 01
The Value
Methodology
(VM)
| 6
A systematic process used by a
multidisciplinary team, led by a qualified VM
Facilitator, to improve the value of a project,
product, process, service, or organization through
the analysis of functions.
Attachment B 20 February 27, 2025 Item 01
How we think
about value?
| 7
How Well?
Performance
How Long?
Time
How Certain?
Risk
How Much?
Cost
Value
Attachment B 21 February 27, 2025 Item 01
VA Study Phases
| 8
Preparation
Interview
Stakeholders
Orient Participants
Visit Site
Review Objectives
Information
Analyze Information
Transform
Information
Function
Analysis
Define Functions
Allocate Resources
Prioritize Functions
Creativity
Generate Ideas
Evaluation
Evaluate Ideas
Prioritize Ideas
Development
Develop
Alternatives
Presentation
Present Information
Implementation
Elicit Feedback
Develop Consensus
2 3 4 5 6 7
Workshop
Week 1
Sep. 16-18
Workshop
Week 2
Sep. 30 - Oct. 2
Outbrief
Oct. 28
Midpoint
Review
Sep. 23
1 8
Feedback Mtg.
Dec. 20
Orientation
Sep. 11-12
Attachment B 22 February 27, 2025 Item 01
VA Study Team
| 9
• 22nd District Agricultural Association
• Caltrans
• City of Carlsbad
• City of Del Mar
• City of Encinitas
• City of Oceanside*
• City of San Diego
• City of Solana Beach
• North County Transit District (NCTD)
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
(MTS)*
The following SANDAG Board of Directors member agencies and potentially affected jurisdictions were invited to participate in the VA Study. The VA Team was comprised of individuals with technical knowledge representing these stakeholders (listed in alphabetical order), and supported by additional subject matter experts:
*Opted not to participate in the VA Study
Attachment B 23 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 10
VA Study Project Goal
To maintain and enhance passenger and freight
service along the San Diego segment of the
LOSSAN rail corridor.
Attachment B 24 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 11
VA Study Objectives
1. Improve rail service reliability by minimizing risks from climate change, including consideration of sea level rise, flooding, and the stability of the coastal bluffs.
2. Maintain passenger rail service to Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley and accommodate direct rail access to the 22nd District Agricultural Association (Del Mar Fairgrounds) while minimizing disruptions to passenger and freight service during construction.
3. Minimize impacts to existing homes, businesses, tourism, and major economic generators, including the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and transportation facilities during and after construction.
These objectives were developed collaboratively during the VA Study by VA participants. However, the participants did not reach unanimous consensus on the exact wording shown.
Attachment B 25 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 12
VA Study Objectives
4. Avoid and/or minimize negative effects, and where possible enhance biological, cultural, and recreational resources of national, state, or local significance, including publicly owned parks, recreational trails, beaches, wetlands, ecological reserves, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, and any publicly or privately owned historic site listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Help meet the goals of the Regional Plan and the California State Rail Plan by increasing passenger and freight train capacity, further reducing travel times, improving reliability, and considering existing and planned investments.
6. Improve coastal access and safety by eliminating at-grade railroad crossings and minimizing points of interaction between rail and all other modes of transportation.
7. Demonstrate good public stewardship by delivering the project in a timely way that considers prior investments, construction, right-of-way, operations, and maintenance costs.
Attachment B 26 February 27, 2025 Item 01
VA Alternative Concepts & Ideas
13 Based on work by VA Study participants
Attachment B 27 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Concept Ideas Generated
| 14
205 initial ideas
Brainstormed based on
functions to consider other
alignments and improvements
26 preliminary
evaluated concepts
Brainstormed based on
functions to consider other
alignments and improvements
16 alternatives
advance
13 new alignment alternatives
plus the 3 alignments will
advance to Week 2 of the
study to develop
* Results based on work by VA Study participants
Attachment B 28 February 27, 2025 Item 01
VA Portals and Alignments
| 15
Figure 23. Conceptual Portal and Alignment Options
6 North Portals 10 Alignments 5 South Portals
*Alternatives are not labeled, named,
or ranked in order of preference
Reflects preliminary concepts as determined by VA Study participants Attachment B 29 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 16
Summary of VA Alternative Concept ROM Costs
Alt.
No. Title
Estimated
Cost ($B)
1 MRI-01 Begin alignment south of San Dieguito bridge and run under Crest Canyon with 90 mph curves $3.8 - $5.0 2 MRI-04 Keep the tunnel profile above projected flooding elevation and eliminate sag $3.4 - $4.6 3 MRI-06 Relocate the southern portal south of existing pump station at Carmel Mt. Rd. $4.5 - $6.0 4 AW-01 Realign intersection at Jimmy Durante Blvd. and Camino Del Mar Not Developed* 5 AW-02 Shift north portal under Camino Del Mar $3.9 - $5.2 6 AW-05 Begin alignment south of San Dieguito Bridge and run under Crest Canyon w/ improved geometry $3.7 - $4.9 7 MH-01 Optimize the use of bridges and berms of Los Penasquitos Lagoon Not Developed* 8 MH-02 Shift alignment under Camino del Mar with 90 mph curves $3.6 - $4.8 9 MH-03 Shift the original Torrey Pines Rd. portal to the west 100-feet $3.3 - $4.4 10 IOC-01 Relocate LOSSAN corridor along I-5 from Oceanside to Sorrento Valley $34 - $45 11 IOC-02 Shift north portal to the Del Mar Train Station and run alignment parallel to Del Mar Bluffs $4.1 - $5.4 12 IOC-04 Stabilize bluffs and widen existing alignment to accommodate a second track $1.9 - $2.5 13 IOC-06 Relocate all freight rail along I-15 corridor $118 - $158 14 Proposed NOP Alternative Alignment A $6.9 - $9.2
15 Proposed NOP Alternative Alignment B $3.7 - $4.9
16 Proposed NOP Alternative Alignment C $3.3 - $4.4
*Preliminary rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimates were not developed for VA Alternative Concept Nos. 4 and 7, as these alternative concepts could be incorporated into several of the other alternative concepts that are under consideration Attachment B 30 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Additional Ideas to Consider
| 17
Minimize
Community
Impacts
6 ideas
Minimize
Ecological
Impacts
4 ideas
Refine Project
Assumptions
4 ideas
Community
Betterment
2 ideas
* Results based on work by VA Study participants
Attachment B 31 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 18
Feedback on VA Alternative Concepts
VA Team participants provided feedback on:
• Alignments and portals
• Draft objectives
• Draft VA Study Report
No consensus on alternatives to carry forward into
environmental, but there was consensus on key themes
Attachment B 32 February 27, 2025 Item 01
What Did We Learn?
19 Attachment B 33 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 20
What Did We Learn?
Key themes and input that were incorporated into the draft revised objectives and alternative concepts developed as part of the VA Study include:
• Minimize effects to private properties, including subsurface easements
• Minimize disruptions to economic generators, such as the Del Mar Fairgrounds
• Demonstrate public stewardship by minimizing conflicts with prior and ongoing investments
Attachment B 34 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 21
What Did We Learn?
Interest was noted for the following for project concepts:
• Alignments located under Crest Canyon or Camino Del Mar or along I-5 • Alignments that do not require portals, including an option that would keep the railroad tracks on the bluffs
• Minimizing risks from climate change.
• Minimizing negative effects on biological resources, communities • Considerations on the cost of constructing and maintaining the project. • Reducing the maximum speed to allow for greater flexibility of alignments.
Attachment B 35 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Staff Recommendations
22 Attachment B 36 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 23
Key Considerations
• Staff recommendations include the project goal, objectives and range of alternative alignments to analyze in the Draft EIR.
• Key Themes
— Minimize effects to private properties, including subsurface easements — Minimize disruptions to economic generators, such as the Del Mar Fairgrounds — Demonstrate public stewardship by minimizing conflicts with prior and ongoing investments
• Preliminary staff proposed alternative concepts to consider:
— San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll
— Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll) — Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West) — Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced
— No Build
Attachment B 37 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Preliminary Staff Proposed Alternatives
| 24
Attachment B 38 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Next Steps
25 Attachment B 39 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Complete & Circulate
Draft EIR/EIS
Revise EIR & Circulate
Final EIR/EIS
Environmental Process
(CEQA/NEPA)
| 26
Technical
Studies
CEQA Scoping Meeting
(2024)
CEQA Notice of
Preparation (NOP)
(2024)
Public Input
NEPA/CEQA
Scoping
(2025)
Value Analysis
(2024)
SANDAG Board Direction
(2025)
WE
ARE
HERE
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Decision by SANDAG Board
& Federal Lead Agency
Attachment B 40 February 27, 2025 Item 01
27 Stay connected with SANDAG
Explore our website
SANDAG.org
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on social media:
@SANDAGregion @SANDAG
Attachment B 41 February 27, 2025 Item 01
San Dieguito Lagoon Double Track &
Special Events Platform (SDDT) Project
Project Updates
Del Mar City Council
February 18, 2025
Attachment B 42 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Special
Events
Platform
Introduction
| 29
Double Track Alignment
Bridge
Replacement
Special Events
Platform
Attachment B 43 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Project
Environmental
Clearance and
Outreach
History
Alternative Alignment Analysis
2010–2013
Public Outreach – Environmental Phase
2013–2016
Environmental Clearance
• FRA NEPA FONSI - 2016
• Resource Agency Permits - 2017
Additional Federal NEPA Clearance
• FTA NEPA CE - August 2022
• FRA NEPA Reevaluation - November 2024
On-Going Outreach – Design Coordination
• City of Del Mar Council – September 2021, February 2025 • City of Solana Beach Council – October 2024
• Del Mar Fairgrounds Boards – August 2021, August 2024 • Monthly/Quarterly Meetings with City and Del Mar Fairgrounds Staff Attachment B 44 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Existing Single Track Timber Bridge
| 31
During King Tides
Attachment B 45 February 27, 2025 Item 01
• 1,000-foot-long special events platform
• Accommodate a 10-car special events train
• 6’ wide ADA Walkways < 5% Slope
Special Events Platform
| 32
• 14-FT High Light Fixtures
• Railings with Mesh Fabric
• One Central Access Point
• Simplistic Design
ENTRANCE AT GRADE (BELOW PLATFORM)
Attachment B 46 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Artist Rendering of the Future Platform
| 33
Attachment B 47 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Artist Rendering of the New Bridge
| 34
Attachment B 48 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Improvements in the City of Del Mar
| 35
New Double
Track Bridge
Relocated
Water
Relocated
Sewer
Pedestrian
Path
Attachment B 49 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Stevens Creek Realignment
| 36
• Widens the mouth
of the San Dieguito
Lagoon
• Moves rail
alignment toward
fairgrounds
• Located as far
north as possible
Reclaim Stevens Creek
Low Flow Channel
New Box
Culvert
Attachment B 50 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Construction Access, and Laydown Areas
| 37
Attachment B 51 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Construction Laydown & Staging
| 38
Attachment B 52 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Construction
Access
| 39
Access 3
Access 4
Access 2
Access 1
Attachment B 53 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 40
On-Going Coordination with City of Del Mar
Encroachment Agreements
• Water and Sewer Relocation
• Pedestrian Path
• Laydown Area
License Agreements with NCTD
• Water and Sewer
• Pedestrian Undercrossing
Attachment B 54 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Project
Funding
Sources
• Federal Railroad Administration: $60.6M
• Federal Transit Administration: $18.1M
• State of California: $245.7M
— *TCEP
— TIRCP, SB125-TIRCP
— ITIP
• TransNet: $23.4M
Construction Funding Constraint
Request for Construction Funding Deadline – June 2025
Attachment B 55 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Anticipated
Project
Schedule
| 42
Complete 100% design
October 2024
Right of Way Certification
Early Spring 2025
Invitation for Bids
Anticipated by June 2025
Construction Award
December 2025
Construction
Early 2026 to Mid 2030
Construction Duration
4 ½ Years
WE ARE HERE
Attachment B 56 February 27, 2025 Item 01
43 Stay connected with SANDAG
Explore our website
sandag.org/SDDT
Email:[email protected]
Follow us on social media:
@SANDAGregion @SANDAG
Attachment B 57 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Item:9
Board of Directors February 28, 2025
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project Objectives and Alternative Alignments
Background
The Los Angeles—San Diego—San Luis Obispo
(LOSSAN) rail corridor is the only rail connection
between San Diego and the rest of the state and
nation serving commuter (COASTER), intercity (Pacific
Surfliner), and freight (BNSF) rail services. The
segment of the LOSSAN corridor along the Del Mar
bluffs is single tracked and has experienced temporary
closures resulting from bluff collapses, erosion, and
repair work to stabilize the bluffs and protect the rail corridor. While the stabilization projects and
emergency repairs address safety and operational
concerns with a 30-year design life, they do not
provide a long-term solution for sea level rise and the ongoing coastal erosion that pose substantial safety
and economic risks to the region. The San Diego
LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project is a long-term
solution to ensure the rail corridor is safe, reliable, and resilient.
Overview
In June 2024, SANDAG released a Notice of Preparation (NOP) of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project. SANDAG received over 1,500 comments in response to the NOP. The NOP marked the beginning of the EIR scoping process under the California Environmental Quality Act. In response to several topics raised in the comments, SANDAG conducted a Value Analysis (VA) study to seek to improve the alternatives proposed in the NOP and identify new ones for additional consideration. Participants in the study included staff and officials from the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Solana Beach, 22nd District Agricultural Association, North County Transit District, and Caltrans. The Metropolitan Transit System and the City of Oceanside were also invited to participate.
The participants were supported by a team of technical subject matter experts (SMEs) in various engineering and environmental disciplines.
Staff will present their recommendations based upon the comments received on the NOP and results of the VA study. The NOP comments and VA Study are posted to the San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment project website.
Key Considerations
The VA study is a technical process that was sponsored by SANDAG in response to comments that were received on the NOP. The VA study was a collaborative process leveraging the knowledge of the multidisciplinary VA Team, including SMEs and stakeholders, to allow for a fresh look at the project objectives and alternative concepts, as well as identify other ideas and design refinements. The VA looks at improving the “value” of a project through consideration of improved performance, overall cost, timeliness of delivery, and reduction of risk.
Action: Approve
The Board is asked to provide feedback on
the project goals and objectives; and provide
direction to staff on the alternative
alignments to analyze in the Draft EIR for the
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment
Project.
Fiscal Impact:
Fiscal Impact: For project development
activities related to the LOSSAN Rail
Realignment project are funded with $300
million in state funding (Capital Improvement
Program No. 1239823).
Schedule/Scope Impact:
The state funding for the environmental and
design phases must be spent by June 30,
2027.
52 Attachment C 58 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Key themes from the VA that will be considered during the environmental review process include minimizing effects to private properties, including subsurface easements; minimizing disruptions to economic generators; demonstrating public stewardship by minimizing conflicts with prior and ongoing investments; consideration of total cost, including operations and maintenance; and allowing for lower design speeds to maximize use of public right-of-way.
The Board of Directors is asked to provide feedback on the refinements discussed in the VA that include refinements and additions made to the project goal and objectives included in the NOP. Staff’s recommended refinements are shown in Attachment 1.
The VA participants developed 16 alternative concepts that include the three 2024 NOP alternative alignments and 13 new concepts. The VA study includes preliminary rough order magnitude (ROM) cost estimates for construction, right-of-way, soft costs, and cost escalation to the final year of construction for most of the alternatives. SANDAG has evaluated these alternative alignments, and based on study completed to date, recommends that the following four alignments (listed from east to west) be included for analysis in the Draft EIR1 (Attachment 2):
• San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll: This alternative concept is derived from the VA study alternative 14 and was developed by SANDAG based upon discussions by the VA participants and comments received on the NOP. This alternative would minimize private subsurface easements by locating the bored tunnel segment along Interstate 5 (I-5) while being consistent with the VA objectives by preserving the investment made in the pending reconstructed San Dieguito bridge and avoiding impacts to the Del Mar Fairgrounds (a regional economic generator). The realigned rail would travel east from the San Dieguito bridge along an elevated viaduct to a portal located in Crest Canyon, where it would head south in a bored tunnel and exit at the I-5 Knoll Portal in the south. To show the potential connection at the San Dieguito bridge, Attachment 2 shows two lines at the northern end of the alignment that will be further analyzed during the environmental process. A similar alternative was one of the two preferred alignments in the 2007 Programmatic EIR/EIS led by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Caltrans.
The preliminary ROM cost for this alternative is estimated to be $3.8 to $5.1 billion. • Under Crest Canyon (Under Jimmy Durante to I-5 Knoll): This alternative concept (VA study alternative 6) would minimize private subsurface easements by locating the bored tunnel segment of the alignment under Crest Canyon Open Space Park and Torrey Pines Natural Reserve Extension, to the extent practicable. The realigned rail would go underneath Jimmy Durante Blvd into a portal in the north and would exit at the I-5 Knoll Portal in the south. The double track rail would continue to the south through the eastern portion of Los Peñasquitos Lagoon. The preliminary ROM cost for this alternative is estimated to be $3.7 to $5.0 billion. • Under Camino Del Mar (Under Jimmy Durante to Torrey Pines Road West): This alternative concept (VA study alternative 8) would minimize private subsurface easements by locating the bored tunnel segment of the alignment directly under Camino Del Mar, to the extent practicable.
The realigned rail would go underneath Jimmy Durante Blvd into a portal in the north and would exit at the Torrey Pines Road Portal West in the south. The double track rail would continue to the south through Los Peñasquitos Lagoon along the existing rail track. A similar alternative was identified as one of the two preferred alignments in the Programmatic EIR/EIS prepared in 2007 by the FRA and Caltrans. The preliminary ROM cost for this alternative is estimated to be $3.3 to $4.4 billion.
• Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced: This alternative concept (VA study alternative 12) would maintain the location of the existing rail alignment on the bluffs and add a second at-grade track to the east within the railroad right-of-way. The second track would pass under the existing Torrey Pines Overhead bridge and then travel south through Los Peñasquitos Lagoon along the existing rail track2. This proposal includes grade separation of the rail at Coast Boulevard and pedestrian improvements along the bluffs. This alternative would not require any tunnels or portals to be constructed and would utilize the pending reconstructed bridge over San Dieguito 1 These would be analyzed in addition to the “No Project” alternative during the environmental review process. 2 The rail tracks would be elevated and widened for the double tracking, and to accommodate future flood and sea level rise projections.
53 Attachment C 59 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Lagoon. The preliminary rough order magnitude (ROM) cost for this alternative is estimated to be $1.9 to $2.5 billion.
• No Build: This alternative would include the continuation of major stabilization efforts that would be required to protect the existing single-track alignment. Preliminary ROM cost for these continued stabilization efforts are being developed.
• Additionally, several design refinements and other ideas were identified by the VA stakeholders as described in Section 4.2 of the VA study and will be considered as design is advanced. • SANDAG has conducted outreach in stakeholder communities over the past several weeks to provide information about the VA process. During these events, an idea with an alignment north of the San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll alignment was mentioned, and staff will explore this design concept during the environmental process.
Next Steps
SANDAG will implement the Board’s direction by advancing the design of alternatives for inclusion in the Draft EIR. An updated NOP would be posted in Spring 2025 for a 45-day comment period to seek additional input from local, state and federal agencies, and the public on the updated range of alternatives. Technical investigations would commence this spring to support the preparation of a Draft EIR that will be circulated for public review.
SANDAG staff will continue to collaborate with the state and federal partners to identify the federal lead agency for the project with the intent to prepare a joint document to satisfy state and federal requirements.
SANDAG staff will also continue to make refinements and revisions to alternative concepts based on comments and feedback received from the public and as informed by direction of the Board.
Maria Rodriguez Molina, Director of Mega Projects, Border, and Goods Movement Attachments: 1. Recommended Project Goal and Objectives
2. Recommended Alternative Concepts for Analysis under CEQA 54 Attachment C 60 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Attachment 1: Recommended Project Goal and Objectives
Project Goal:
To maintain and enhance passenger and freight service along the San Diego segment of the LOSSAN rail corridor.
Project Objectives:
• Improve rail service reliability by minimizing risks from climate change, including consideration of sea level rise, flooding, and the stability of the coastal bluffs. • Maintain passenger rail service to Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley and accommodate direct rail access to the 22nd District Agricultural Association (Del Mar Fairgrounds) while minimizing disruptions to passenger and freight service during construction. • Minimize impacts to existing homes, businesses, tourism, and major economic generators, including the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and transportation facilities during and after construction. • Avoid and/or minimize negative effects, and where possible enhance biological, cultural, and recreational resources of national, state, or local significance, including publicly owned parks, recreational trails, beaches, wetlands, ecological reserves, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, and any publicly or privately owned historic site listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Help meet the goals of the 2021 Regional Plan and the 2024 California State Rail Plan by increasing passenger and freight train capacity, further reducing travel times, improving reliability, and considering existing and planned investments. • Improve coastal access and safety by eliminating at grade railroad crossings and minimizing points of interaction between rail and all other modes of transportation. • Demonstrate good public stewardship by delivering the project in a timely way that considers prior and ongoing investments, construction, right-of-way, operations, and maintenance costs. 55 Attachment C 61 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Attachment 2: Recommended Alternative Concepts for Analysis under CEQA 56 Attachment C 62 February 27, 2025 Item 01
San Diego LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project:
Objectives and Alternative Alignments
Board of Directors Meeting
February 28, 2025
| 2
Value Analysis • Value Analysis (VA) is a technical study of project alternatives. • Study held workshops and meetings in September through December 2024. • Collaborative and technically driven fresh look at alternative concepts and ideas that could address the challenges of climate change and the eroding Del Mar bluffs to provide reliable passenger and freight service. • The ideas, suggestions, and alternative concepts developed and evaluated by the VA Study participants are presented in the Final Value Analysis Study Report.
DRAFT
57 Attachment C 63 February 27, 2025 Item 01
How we think
about value?
| 3
How Well?
Performance
How Long?
Time
How Certain?
Risk
How Much?
Cost
Value
VA Study Team
| 4
• 22nd District Agricultural Association
• Caltrans
• City of Carlsbad
• City of Del Mar • City of Encinitas
• City of Oceanside*
• City of San Diego
• City of Solana Beach
• North County Transit District (NCTD) • San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)*
The following SANDAG Board of Directors member agencies and potentially affected jurisdictions were invited to participate in the VA Study. The VA Team was comprised of individuals with technical knowledge representing these stakeholders (listed in alphabetical order), and supported by additional subject matter experts:
*Opted not to participate in the VA Study
DRAFT
58 Attachment C 64 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Concept Ideas Generated
| 5
205 initial ideas
Brainstormed based on
functions to consider other
alignments and improvements
26 preliminary
evaluated concepts
Brainstormed based on
functions to consider other
alignments and improvements
16 alternatives
advance
13 new alignment alternatives
plus the 3 alignments will
advance to Week 2 of the
study to develop
* Results based on work by VA Study participants
VA Portals and Alignments
| 6
Figure 23. Conceptual Portal and Alignment Options
6 North Portals 10 Alignments 5 South Portals
*Alternatives are not labeled, named,
or ranked in order of preference
Reflects preliminary concepts as determined by VA Study participants DRAFT
59 Attachment C 65 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Staff Recommendations
7 | 8
What Did We Learn?
Key themes and input that were incorporated into the draft revised objectives and alternative concepts developed as part of the VA Study include: • Minimize effects to private properties, including subsurface easements
• Minimize disruptions to economic generators, such as the Del Mar Fairgrounds
• Demonstrate public stewardship by minimizing conflicts with prior and ongoing investments
DRAFT
60 Attachment C 66 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 9
Recommended Project Goal
To maintain and enhance passenger and freight
service along the San Diego segment of the
LOSSAN rail corridor.
| 10
Recommended Project Objectives
1. Improve rail service reliability by minimizing risks from climate change, including consideration of sea level rise, flooding, and the stability of the coastal bluffs.
2. Maintain passenger rail service to Solana Beach and Sorrento Valley and accommodate direct rail access to the 22nd District Agricultural Association (Del Mar Fairgrounds) while minimizing disruptions to passenger and freight service during construction.
3. Minimize impacts to existing homes, businesses, tourism, and major economic generators, including the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and transportation facilities during and after construction.
These objectives were developed collaboratively during the VA Study by VA participants. However, the participants did not reach unanimous consensus on the exact wording shown.
DRAFT
61 Attachment C 67 February 27, 2025 Item 01
| 11
Recommended Project Objectives
4. Avoid and/or minimize negative effects, and where possible enhance biological, cultural, and recreational resources of national, state, or local significance, including publicly owned parks, recreational trails, beaches, wetlands, ecological reserves, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, and any publicly or privately owned historic site listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Help meet the goals of the Regional Plan and the California State Rail Plan by increasing passenger and freight train capacity, further reducing travel times, improving reliability, and considering existing and planned investments.
6. Improve coastal access and safety by eliminating at-grade railroad crossings and minimizing points of interaction between rail and all other modes of transportation.
7. Demonstrate good public stewardship by delivering the project in a timely way that considers prior and ongoing investments, construction, right-of-way, operations, and maintenance costs.
Preliminary Staff Proposed Alternatives
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62 Attachment C 68 February 27, 2025 Item 01
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Preliminary Staff Proposed Alternatives ROM Costs
Estimated
Color Title Cost ($B)
San Dieguito Bridge to I-5 Knoll $3.8 – $5.1
Under Crest Canyon $3.7 – $5.0
Under Camino Del Mar $3.3 – $4.4
Del Mar Bluffs Double Track Reinforced $1.9 – $2.5
*Preliminary rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimates Complete & Circulate
Draft EIR/EIS
Revise EIR & Circulate
Final EIR/EIS
Environmental Process
(CEQA/NEPA)
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Technical
Studies
CEQA Scoping Meeting
(2024)
CEQA Notice of
Preparation (NOP)
(2024)
Public Input
NEPA/CEQA
Scoping
(2025) Value Analysis
(2024)
SANDAG Board Direction
(2025)
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Public Input
Decision by SANDAG Board
& Federal Lead Agency
WE
ARE
HERE
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63 Attachment C 69 February 27, 2025 Item 01
16 Stay connected with SANDAG
Explore our website
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Email: [email protected]
Follow us on social media:
@SANDAGregion @SANDAG
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64 Attachment C 70 February 27, 2025 Item 01
Statement of Mayor Terry Gaasterland
2/28 SANDAG Board Meeting - LOSSAN Presentation (Item 9) Today, the SANDAG Board is being asked to consider and provide direction on five rail alignment options, including a no project alternative, to advance to a NOP that will be reissued in the coming months.
Notably, the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project and the alternatives under consideration have the potential to disproportionally and adversely impact the Del Mar community’s quality of life, tourism, local businesses, tax revenue, property values, and significantly impact our unique and sensitive coastal resources.
Some of the significant impacts to take into consideration include, but are not limited to:
• Increases to toxic air pollutants;
• Freight trains under residential homes;
• Traffic impacts;
• Taking of significant private and public property;
• Wetland and coastal resource impacts, and unknown geotechnical vulnerabilities in sandstone bluffs; and
• A host of other significant impacts discussed in the comment letter provided by the City for this agenda item, which you are encouraged to read in advance of making your decision today.
Del Mar is a Responsible Agency under CEQA for this project, which will require the City to consider approval of an amendment to our Local Coastal Program, issuance of Coastal Development Permits, and a range of other approvals that no other stakeholder for this project has direct jurisdiction over.
As such, for the City to select or influence any particular route before the Draft Environmental Impact Report is released could unduly prejudice our role as a Responsible Agency. It is the City's intent to keep all of its options open to preserve any challenges we may later wish to make in protecting the City's interest.
Accordingly, on behalf of Del Mar, I will be abstaining from voting on this matter.
Attachment D 71 February 27, 2025 Item 01