Del Mar City Council Meeting Agenda
Del Mar Town Hall
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
April 7, 2025 City Council Meeting
INFORMATION RECEIVED
AFTER THE COUNCIL AGENDA
WAS DISTRIBUTED
(“Red Dots”)
1 Melinda Gould
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, April 6, 2025 6:50 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box; Terry Gaasterland; Dan Quirk; Tracy Martinez; John Spelich Cc: Ashley Jones; 'Laura Schaefer'
Subject: FW: Red Dot public comment on Item 8 Encroachment Permits 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 City Clerk:
Kindly submit the email below into the record as a public comment for the April 7, 2025 City Council meeting on Item 8. Thank you.
Dear Honorable Mayor Gaasterland and distinguished members of the City Council:
I am a long-time resident of Del Mar and have closely followed developments regarding SANDAG’s stabilization actions on the Del Mar Blus and its periodic reports on planned reconstruction of the San Dieguito River Trestle Bridge set to start in 2026. I have the following comments related to the Encroachment Permits requested by SANDAG and related issues:
I believe the City should cooperate on issuing the Encroachment Permits (EP) and I trust the City Council has reviewed the related contracts to assure itself that the City will have neither liability, maintenance obligations nor expense in connection with the project for which the EPs are sought.
That said, I think the occasion of SANDAG’s request for timely cooperation on the EPs is an excellent time for the City to simultaneously request a presentation or writing from SANDAG at a City Council meeting as soon as feasible, regarding SANDAG’s promised or ongoing construction activities in Del Mar, as follows:
1. First, on Feb. 28, 2025, SANDAG adopted a yellow highlighted route along San Dieguito Dr. as one of the 5 Rail Realignment study routes in the EIR. Also at the Feb. 28 SANDAG hearing, in response to Board member Ehlers’ request to know why a residents’ proposed northern version of the yellow route (proceeding north of San Dieguito Road to the I-5 from the future Fairgrounds’ Platform,) should not be added to the recommended routes, SANDAG’s CEO, Mario Orso publicly committed to have his team study residents’ proposed versions of a yellow route that would skirt the FG and proceed north of the lagoon to the I-5. The City should ask to know how SANDAG will proceed if it turns out that one of those yellow routes is the best realignment selection in terms of EIR criteria and the value analysis objective to minimize adverse impacts to the city. That is, how would SANDAG accommodate both a yellow route and the current planned southern trajectory of the new bridge if a yellow route is shown to be the best choice and there is a conflict?
2. Second, the City should ask for at least a quarterly schedule or update from SANDAG on the timeline and sequencing of the tasks involved in the bridge project (e.g., are they starting on the south end or the north end of the project or in different places at once)? This will give the City and public a chance to monitor the progress of the double-tracking and bridge against the timeline for the rail realignment EIR and SANDAG’s future vote on a realignment route.
3. Third, the City should ask for a status report and timeline on SANDAG’s compliance with the Coastal Commission’s mandate for bluff mitigation that SANDAG agreed to in June 2022 as a condition to Phase 5 of the stabilization project. SANDAG has three years from the start of its Phase 5 bluff stabilization construction (i.e. 3 years from early April of 2024) to start mitigation construction, so almost a year has gone by already. SANDAG will need to finish April 7, 2025 Item 08
2 detailed design and obtain PUC and NCTD permits (which take time)to start construction so they can’t wait till the three years are close to over to place themselves in the position to start mitigation construction (A lot of advance work is required). Mandated mitigation, as you will recall, includes the following (see p. 5 of the Commission’s staff report):
“Coastal Access and Recreation. SANDAG shall develop and implement a capital improvement project, similar to that described in Exhibit 10 (“Draft CIP Sheet”), to complete planning, design, environmental review, and construction of three projects to provide and improve safe public coastal access and recreation in the project area through: (1) enhancement of the north-south trail system east of the rail track on the top of the bluff between Seagrove Park and 4th Street; (2) construction of a CPUC-approved pedestrian rail crossing near 7th Street or 11th Street; and (3) construction of a beach accessway at or between 7th and 11th Streets that does not involve significant grading or alteration of the bluff beyond the work that is being performed as part of the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project 5. The design of these three coastal access and recreation improvement projects shall be informed by the Coastal Connections Study, and construction of each access project shall not begin until all necessary authorizations for that project are obtained, such as from the California Public Utilities Commission, City of Del Mar and North County Transit District. Unless extended by the Executive Director of the Coastal Commission for good cause and based on diligent pursuit of project goals and milestones, SANDAG shall commence the construction of these three coastal access and recreation improvement projects within 36 months of the beginning of construction on the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project 5 and complete construction within 60 months of the beginning of construction on the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project 5….”
https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2022/6/W7b/W7b-6-2022-report.pdf Given that SANDAG must show diligent pursuit of these projects (and noting that SANDAG has had a change of management that is likely not focused on the commitments that SANDAG made to the Coastal Commission), it is advisable for the City to urge these projects forward, and to begin to require periodic reports on what steps toward design and permitting of construction of the underpass and trail SANDAG has taken to date. The City should inquire as to SANDAG’s timeline for achieving milestones to ensure it meets the deadline to start construction. The City must also urge SANDAG’s budgeting and funding since I understand a source of funding for mitigation was previously diverted by the SANDAG Board to other projects. One would think SANDAG will need to start planning for detailed design, PUC and NCTD permitting now to be in a position to comply with its start date only 24 months away, and I fear that if the City does not press for action, SANDAG will be asking for serial extensions for clearly avoidable delays.
I will also note that although NCTD originally resisted SANDAG’s agreement with the Commission on part of the mitigation conditions (to enhance the upper bluff walking trail and to build no more than a low profile wood and post fence on Del Mar’s upper bluff and trail), as part of its settlement with the Commission’s lawsuit filed because of NCTD’s illegal attempts to fence Del Mar bluffs, NCTD agreed to the low profile fence that SANDAG had agreed to as a mitigation condition of Phase V (there is no requirement that the City sign the onerous “License Agreement” that NCTD formerly attempted to impose) and NCTD abandoned its plan to build an un-permitted 6-ft high hog wire fence on the upper bluff. Hence, NCTD should serve as no obstacle to bluff mitigation.
In sum, I urge the City Council to implement the above requests of SANDAG, which do not compromise any agreement made by the City, as it grants SANDAG’s requests for permits and cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirli Weiss
551 Stratford Ct.
Del Mar, CA.
April 7, 2025 Item 08
Angelina Neglia
1955 Seaview Avenue
Del Mar. CA. 92014
[email protected]
(858) 945 8827
April 7th, 2025
Dear Honorable Mayor Gaasterland and distinguished members of the City Council:
Subject: Del Mar City Council Meeting, Red Dot Public comment on Item 8 Encroachment Permits
I am a long-time resident of Del Mar for over 25 years, and lead a group of concerned residents, called the “Coalition for Safer Trains”, whose purpose is to create awareness and provide rail solutions which PROTECT NOT DECIMATE coastal communities from Oceanside to Sorrento Valley.
We have closely followed developments regarding SANDAG’s Del Mar Bluff’s stabilization construction and its periodic reports on planned reconstruction of the San Dieguito Bridge which is set to commence in 2026. Our group has the following comments related to the Encroachment Permits requested by SANDAG and related issues:
1. Our group has been engaged with SANDAG to create a less impactful rail alignment which would utilize this new bridge. This new alignment was in response to SANDAG’s Yellow Line Route that runs along the southern edge of the San Dieguito Lagoon. This SANDAG alignment will put an elevated berm, rail and tracks literally 50 to 100 yards in front of homes, and put the rail line in a designated Nature Reserve. This alignment is totally impactful and destructive to the resident’s and the Nature Reserve.
2. The Coalition for Safer Trains met with Mario Orso, CEO of SANDAG regarding SANDAG’s Yellow Route and conveyed our concerns. He stated April 7, 2025 Item 08
and confirmed in the SANDAG minutes that SANDAG will review, and include for further study to the same level of detail as the other alignments, the proposed Northern Yellow Line Alternative from the Coalition for Safer Trains.
3. The Coalition for Safer Trains created a new Northern Yellow Line Alternative, which utilizes the new Trestle bridge, provides the FREE Event Platform to the Fairgrounds, and utilizes the Easement around the southern edge of the Fairgrounds (which is empty land), on the north side of the river. We are proposing a Living Levee within this Easement as it would further protect the FG from rising sea level rise. This alignment would curve around the southern edge of the FG then swing in a north easterly direction following the edge of the FG parking lot, then using a viaduct bridge go across Jimmy Durante to follow along the southern edge of the Golf Driving range out to the I-5 (The I-5 section was already a SANDAG Alignment). This solution takes infrastructure out of the lagoon, utilizes public empty land, does not put portals, tunnels or toxic pollution in our communities, and doesn’t take resident’s homes or businesses by eminent domain. This, solution increases rail safety by eliminating road grade crossings which is the number one SAFETY requirement for SANDAG.
4. Mario Orso publicly committed to have his team study Residents’ proposed versions of a yellow Route that would skirt the FG and proceed north of the lagoon to the I-5.
5. The bridge alignment/angle is an important piece of these alternatives.
Mario Orso publicly committed SANDAG could start construction north of the bridge in Solana Beach doing the trench and double tracking, hence delay the decision for the Trestle Bridge alignment and Construction decision until the EIR studies are completed for all appropriate Yellow Line Alternative, which would include the alternative proposed by the Coalition for Safer Trains.
6. We ask the City Council to ask SANDAG to accommodate both a Yellow Route and the current planned southern trajectory of the new bridge if a yellow route is shown to be the best solution.
April 7, 2025 Item 08
7. We ask our City Council to ask for quarterly meetings with SANDAG to get timelines, and the sequencing of the steps/tasks for the bridge project; e.g. where are they starting the construction? As per Mario Orso they could start north of the bridge in the SB Trench, or are they commencing construction simultaneously in the north and south? This City of Del Mar needs this information to provide to the public, to monitor the progress of the double-tracking, and bridge against the timeline for the rail realignment EIR and SANDAG’s future vote on a realignment route.
8. We also ask the City for a status report and timelines on SANDAG’s compliance with the Coastal Commission’s mandate for bluff mitigation that SANDAG agreed to in June 2022 as a condition to Phase 5 of the stabilization project. Given the change in management at SANDAG, our City Council needs to ask SANDAG if they are focused on meeting the commitments they made to the Coastal Commission?
9. The Encroachment Permits needs to go forward but with a request from the Del Mar City Council for SANDAG to provide transparency regarding; information regarding the exact permits/location, timing, deadline to start construction, and funding. We also request information pertaining to possible impacts to residents for any Encroachment Permits.
We urge Del Mar City Council to be more vocal in asking for more transparency from SANDAG, and request quarterly meetings with information provided in a proactive manner instead of reactive. We ask the Council to implement these above requests which do not compromise any agreement made by the City as it grants SANDAG’s requests for permits and cooperation.
Thank you for your consideration,
Angelina Neglia
Coalition for Safer Trains
April 7, 2025 Item 08
1 Melinda Gould
From: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: FW: Item 10 red dot (bike regulations)
From: Brad Walters <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 9:50 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 10 red dot (bike regulations)
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 appreciate the city’s effort to address e-bike safety through the proposed Chapter 14.54. I’m writing to request one major modification:
Line 14.54.040(C) prohibits riding any bicycle outside a designated bike lane whenever such a bike lane is present.
There are any number of reasons someone might have to ride outside a designated bike lane, including when parked cars or trucks are blocking the lane; to avoid heavy debris; or to make a legal left turn.
Each of these scenarios, in fact, is expressly permitted by California Vehicle Code Section 21208.
Therefore, line 14.54.040(C) should be stricken, and ideally the ordinance should instead clarify the opposite, that people on bikes can lawfully ride outside the bike lane when necessary for safe movement, as State code now allows.
I gather that several council members, past and present, ride bikes in town, so I’m hopeful this suggestion will be met with a receptive audience.
Best,
Brad Walters
Stratford Ct.
P.S.: I understand the genesis of these rules is to address the recent increase in e-bikes. To that end, I’d like to add: As someone who regularly drives, bikes and walks, I realize when I’m driving that it’s ultimately my responsibility what happens when I’m operating a vehicle that has the most power to do great harm to more vulnerable road users around me. I drive as defensively and alertly as I can with that in mind, especially when pedestrians or bikes of any kind are present.
April 7, 2025 Item 10
2 Bikes make for an easy boogeyman, but I think we’d all have a much different perspective on the car-vs.- bike dichotomy if we could all experience driver behavior from the perspective of someone on a bike.
Once I began commuting regularly by bike, it really opened my eyes.
April 7, 2025 Item 10
City of Del Mar
Memorandum
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Ashlea Houston, Management Analyst
Clem Brown, Assistant City Manager
Via Ashley Jones, City Manager
DATE: April 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Staff Red Dot for Item 10: Introduction of Ordinance to Regulate Bicycles, Including Electric Bicycles, in the City of Del Mar
The City received a Red Dot, in addition to a question from a Councilmember, relating to Item 10 on the April 7, 2025 City Council Agenda governing bicycle/electric bicycle regulations. Both questions refer to Subsection (C) of Section 14.54.040 of the proposed Ordinance (Attachment A to the agenda report). The proposed provision prohibits bicycle riding on “any street with a designated bicycle path or way.” Staff’s response provides two alternative revisions to the Ordinance for City Council consideration, both of which preserve the intent of the provision while enhancing the clarity of the Ordinance.
Based on the information below, staff’s revised recommendation is that the City Council:
1) Discuss and select between the two Ordinance revision options as described in the staff’s Red Dot; and 2) Introduce an Ordinance (Attachment A to the agenda report, as amended per direction of Recommendation 1) adding Chapter 14.54 to the City’s Traffic Code (Title 14 of the Del Mar Municipal Code) regulating the use of bicycles, including ebikes, in the City of Del Mar.
Staff, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, provides the following response to the questions raised:
Option 1)
1. Staff has modified the “Purpose” Section under the proposed Chapter 14.54, as follows:
14.54.010 – Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to establish regulations regarding the use of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles on any public roadway, street, highway, parkway, right-of-way, alley, or other public property within the City of Del Mar. In accordance with the authority granted to the City by the Vehicle Code of the State of California, unless expressly amended herein, all other applicable April 7, 2025 Item 10
Red Dot Item 10: Introduction of Ordinance to Regulate Bicycles, Including Electric Bicycles, in the City of Del Mar
April 7, 2025
provisions under the Vehicle Code regulating the operation of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles, shall apply.
2. Additionally, California Vehicle Code Section 21208 mandates that any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway with an established bicycle lane must ride within the established bicycle lane, unless an express exception applies. (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?section Num=21208.&lawCode=VEH).
To avoid confusion and clarify the City’s intent to comply with State law in this regard, staff can delete the language proposed under Subsection (C) of Section 14.54.040 prohibiting bicycle riding on “any street with a designated bicycle path or way”. Accordingly, the language proposed under DMMC Section 14.54.040 would then read:
14.54.040 – Areas Where Riding Bicycles is Prohibited.
Within the City of Del Mar, it shall be unlawful for any person to ride a Bicycle in, on or upon:
A. Any sidewalk in a Business District.
B. Any sidewalk posted with signs prohibiting such riding.
C. Any park or preserve (consistent with Section 8.04.090 of this Municipal Code).
D. Any trail or walkway within the confines of the San Dieguito Lagoon and River Valley, unless designated and signed as permitting Bicycle access (consistent with Section 8.12.030 of this Municipal Code).
Option 2)
Alternatively, if the Council desires to expressly state that bicycle riding is prohibited on a street with a designated bicycle lane, unless the bicycle is operated within the designated bicycle lane, then staff recommends adding Subsection (E) to the proposed Section
14.54.040, as follows:
14.54.040 – Areas Where Riding Bicycles is Prohibited.
Within the City of Del Mar, it shall be unlawful for any person to ride a Bicycle in, on or upon:
A. Any sidewalk in a Business District.
B. Any sidewalk posted with signs prohibiting such riding.
C. Any park or preserve (consistent with Section 8.04.090 of this Municipal Code).
April 7, 2025 Item 10
Red Dot Item 10: Introduction of Ordinance to Regulate Bicycles, Including Electric Bicycles, in the City of Del Mar
April 7, 2025
D. Any trail or walkway within the confines of the San Dieguito Lagoon and River Valley, unless designated and signed as permitting Bicycle access (consistent with Section 8.12.030 of this Municipal Code).
E. Any street with a designated bicycle lane, requiring such riding to be within the designated bicycle lane, unless an exception applies in accordance with Section 21208 of the California Vehicle Code, as that Section may be amended from time to time.
If this is the Council’s desired intent, Subsection (E) can be added to the proposed regulations during tonight’s Council meeting.
April 7, 2025 Item 10
RED DOT – for April 7, 2025 Council Meeting – IV on the Agenda (Communications, Items Not on the Agenda)
Dear City Clerk,
Please include this Red Dot, including Attachments A-C, in the packet for the April 7, 2025 City Council meeting.
On March 10, the Del Mar Sandpiper published a Commentary and Call to Action that I wrote titled “We Need to Stand Up for City Manager Ashley Jones.” My commentary is attached to this Red Dot as Attachment A, and is online here: https://bit.ly/commentary-citymanager.
I asked community members “to stand up for Ashley” by sending me an “I support Ashley” message by email, and said I would send our collective message to the City Manager, with their names listed. Attachment B is the list of the 109 community members who asked to be included on the list (including 3 who were inadvertently omitted from an earlier version of this list). Many of them also included comments expressing their appreciation for City Manager Jones and her dedicated work on behalf of our city, which are attached as Attachment C. (In a few instances, where it wasn’t clear whether the comment was intended to be published, or where the person asked not to be identified by name, I have included the comments without the writer’s name.)
Above all, I hope our City Manager knows that she is greatly appreciated by our community. I know that many of her accomplishments and successes on behalf of Del Mar come from “behind the scenes” work that may not be particularly visible to the public. I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to work with her during my time on Council, where I had a better opportunity to see and appreciate the expertise, hard work, commitment, and collegiality she brings to all of her work on behalf of our city, to our great benefit.
And because we currently live in a somewhat fractious time, I also want to state for the record that it was entirely my own idea to write the commentary and solicit the “I support Ashley” names and comments. I wasn’t asked to do this by Ashley or anyone else, nor did she or anyone other than the Sandpiper editors see my commentary before it was published.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwight Worden
Seaview Ave.
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
ATTACHMENT A to Dwight Worden Red Dot for 04-6-2025 Council Meeting - Public Communications April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
his council colleagues to support his request, that's the end of it. Dan's beef is with council and that's where it should be aired. Attacking our city manager embarrasses Quirk, weakens our city, and is demoralizing to our City staff. Let's ask him to stop.
Call to Action: Stand Up for Ashley Jones! I suspect Ashley would find it encouraging if she heard from the community that we support her and appreciate her service to Del Mar. Please add your name to this message to stand up for Ashley. Simply send an email to me at: [email protected].
Put "I support Ashley" in the subject line of your email. I will send our collective message to Ashley with your name listed.
~Dwight Worden
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
ATTACHMENT B: NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO ASKED TO BE LISTED
IN SUPPORT OF ASHLEY JONES
# Full name Last Name First Name
1 Buck Abell Abell Buck
2 Penny Abell Abell Penny
3 Jenny Anderson Anderson Jenny
4 Catherine Atcheson Atcheson Catherine
5 Melody Bacha Bacha Melody
6 Jeff Barnouw Barnouw Jeff
7 Bruce Bekkar Bekkar Bruce
8 Adam Birnbaum Birnbaum Adam
9 Thomas Blakely Blakely Thomas
10 Bob Bone Bone Bob
11 Pat Bone Bone Pat
12 Maggie Brown Brown Maggie
13 Linda Chisari Chisari Linda
14 Martin Cooper Cooper Martin
15 Peter Cramton Cramton Peter
16 Barbara Czescik Czescik Barbara
17 Michael Deftos Deftos Michael
18 Ann Dempsey Dempsey Ann
19 Jobi Denyes Denyes Jobi
20 Elizabeth Dernetz Dernetz Elizabeth
21 Wayne Dernetz Dernetz Wayne
22 Richard Durra Durra Richard
23 Suren Dutia Dutia Suren
24 David Engle Engle David
25 Barry Entous Entous Barry
26 Debbie Ershler Ershler Debbie
27 Anne Farrell Farrell Anne
28 Ann Feeney Feeney Ann
29 Daria Flores Flores Daria
30 Jeff Friestedt Friestedt Jeff
31 Mary Friestedt Friestedt Mary
32 Terry Gaasterland Gaasterland Terry
33 Bob Gans Gans Bob
34 Melissa Gans Gans Melissa
35 Ann Gardner Gardner Ann
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
36 Jill Gartman Gartman Jill
37 Lynn Gaylord Gaylord Lynn
38 Charlie Gaylord Gaylord Charlie
39 Jas Grewal Grewal Jas
40 Tom Grindle Grindle Tom
41 Stephen Groban Groban Stephen
42 Bonnie Grossman Grossman Bonnie
43 Jen Grove Grove Jen
44 Judd Halenza Halenza Judd
45 Ellie Haviland Haviland Ellie
46 Tim Haviland Haviland Tim
47 Barbara Healy Healy Barbara
48 John Healy Healy John
49 Jim Hindman Hindman Jim
50 Rosanne Holliday Holliday Rosanne
51 Maryka Hoover Hoover Maryka
52 Deborah Isackson Groban Isackson Groban Deborah
53 Julie Kawasaki Kawasaki Julie
54 Carol Kerridge Kerridge Carol
55 Warren Kneeshaw Kneeshaw Warren
56 Karen Lare Lare Karen
57 Arlene Lighthall Lighthall Arlene
58 Bill Lyon Lyon Bill
59 Tracy Martinez Martinez Tracy
60 Julie Maxey-Allison Maxey-Allison Julie
61 Jan McMillan McMillan Jan
62 Ed Mirsky Mirsky Ed
63 Phyllis Mirsky Mirsky Phyllis
64 Hayley Nemeroff Nemeroff Hayley
65 Rosemary O'Toole O'Toole Rosemary
66 Wayne Otchis Otchis Wayne
67 Sherryl Parks Parks Sherryl
68 Arlene Prater Prater Arlene
69 Ron Prater Prater Ron
70 Bob Preston Preston Bob
71 Patty Preston Preston Patty
72 Dianne Reppucci Bierman Reppucci Bierman Dianne
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
73 Mark Rittenbaum Rittenbaum Mark
74 Leslie Robson Robson Leslie
75 John Ross Ross John
76 Wendy Ross Ross Wendy
77 Gloria Sandvik Sandvik Gloria
78 Judy Schuckit Schuckit John
79 Marc Schuckit Schuckit Marc
80 Bob Schuessler Schuessler Bob
81 Elizabeth Schuessler Schuessler Elizabeth
82 Bob Scott Scott Bob
83 Rose Ann Sharp Sharp Rose Ann
84 Michael Sharpe Sharpe Michael
85 Sheila Sharpe Sharpe Sheila
86 Terry Sinnott Sinnott Terry
87 Katherine Sohn Sohn Katherine
88 Tom Sohn Sohn Tom
89 Paul Spadafora Spadafora Paul
90 John Spelich Spelich John
91 Barbara Stegman Stegman Barbara
92 Stephanie Stolarz-Fantino Stolarz-Fantino Stephanie
93 Tyler Strause Strause Tyler
94 Joe Sullivan Sullivan Joe
95 Stephanie (Steve) Tarkington Tarkington Stephanie (Steve) 96 KC Vafiadis Vafiadis KC
97 Jim VanderLaan VanderLaan Jim
98 Jeanne Waite Waite Jeanne
99 Rick Waite Waite Rick
100 Glenn Warren Warren Glenn
101 Randee Warren Warren Randee
102 Beth Westberg Westberg Beth
103 Reid Westburg Westburg Reid
104 Judd Westover Westover Judd
105 Betty Wheeler Wheeler Betty
106 Richard Wheelock Wheelock Richard
107 Ann Williamson Williamson Ann
108 Alan Wittgrove Wittgrove Alan
109 Dwight Worden Worden Dwight
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
ATTACHMENT C - SELECTED COMMENTS
Comment From
I very much value Ashley's professionalism and sound judgement. Terry Sinnott We have her back. Fully support her.
We support Ashley with enthusiasm and appreciation! Penny and Buck Abell I support Ashley 100%!! Jen Grove
I support Ashley fully and unequivocable - she is a huge asset to our community and I sure hope she realizes Dan's frustrations for what they are and not an attack on her.
Karen Lare
She is a valuable asset for the city
Dan appears to be a toxic element in city politics and he ought to be ashamed- but I doubt he has that capacity.
Ashley is a treasure. Quirk’s attacks on her are shameful and baseless.
I am fully in support of Ashley Jones, and horrified that Dan Quick continues to harass Del Mar with impunity.
We offer our support and gratitude and are embarrassed by the behavior of Dan Quirk.
Ashley, please keep up the good work.
Marc and Judy Schuckit
We totally support her and commend her for the great work she has done and is doing for Del Mar. We very much hope that she doesn’t get discouraged by the unfair comments of one person.
Wendy and John Ross
We emphatically support Ashley and the valuable work she does for our city. Bob & Elizabeth Schuessler Ashley is great! Melissa Gans
I support Ashley. She is great to work with and so enthusiastic about Del Mar. She is reasonable and flexible.
Bonnie Grossman
Ashley is a HUGE asset to our community. We are very lucky to have her. Jenny Anderson Please let this all roll off of your back as I think most Delmartians support you for your excellent work for our city.
Judd Westover
Lynn Gaylord
Ashley is an amazing City Manager for Del Mar. I have worked with her in a small group of neighbors to get support for making our neighborhood safer and more navigable. There have been many issues with opposition from various points of view as to how to make this work. Throughout all, Ashley has been a great resource of knowledge, of patience and of knowing how to make things come together. I have seen her answer emails after hours and even talk to constituents in the evening to answer questions. We are so fortunate to have Ashley. She is great! ---Ann Williamson, Oribia Road
Ann Wiliamson
Stephanie (Steve) Tarkington
Stephanie Stolarz-Fantino
Catherine Atcheson,
Del Mar Woods
Dianne Reppucci Bierman
She is the best!!
Thanks for all you do for the City of Del Mar. Our community of active, caring citizens are so fortunate to have you as a civic leader. You Go Girl!! You Go Girl!!
I am only a part-time resident and vote elsewhere, but I try to watch council meetings when I can. Ashley is always on the ball, thoughtful and incredibly patient. We are very lucky to have her.
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
Bob and Patty Preston
As a property owner and former long time resident, I want to add my name to the list of those who support Ashley Jones.
Ann Dempsey
Hi Ashley,
I am so sorry you are going through this, &, as a citizen of Del Mar, I am embarrassed.
Tim Haviland
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for City Manager Ashley Jones and to voice my deep concern over Councilmember Dan Quirk’s unwarranted personal attacks against her. Ashley has served Del Mar with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the city’s best interests. She has carried out her duties with transparency, accountability, and responsiveness—qualities that should be recognized and valued, not undermined by baseless criticism.
Council member Quirk’s repeated attempts to single out Ashley for following legal and practical constraints, especially when it comes to information she simply does not have access to, are both inappropriate and damaging. His frustration with his council colleagues’ decisions should be directed at them, not unfairly weaponized against a city manager who is doing her job. These attacks not only harm Ashley personally but also weaken city governance and demoralize staff.
Effective leadership requires collaboration and respect for process. Dan Quirk’s approach is divisive and counterproductive, prioritizing personal grievances over productive solutions. I urge the council to stand firmly behind Ashley and to reject this type of conduct.
Ashley Jones has my full support, and I encourage my fellow residents to speak out against these harmful distractions. Del Mar deserves leadership that fosters unity, not division.
Sincerely,
Tyler Strause
Tyler Strause
The Prestons support Ashley and appreciate her work in the city manager role. What we do not support is bullying and incivility by Dan Quirk or any other member of leadership in Del Mar.
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
Without question, Ashley Jones is the best City Manager we have ever had in Del Mar – and I’ve known and interacted with them all since I moved here in 1986 and as my husband John and I served on various volunteer committees. Ashley is unfailingly helpful, always professional, and everyone knows that she is devoted to our City and to good government in Del Mar. She has done a great job leading the staff through complex times and has been a tremendous asset to City Council members and mayors in every administration.
During this recent period, she has remained the picture of decorum, patience, and ethical behavior, even when confronted with the shockingly rude, obnoxious, and bullying behavior of Dan Quirk. In my nearly 40 years here, I have never seen a councilmember as impolite, uncivil, and offensive at public meetings as Mr. Quirk. His targeting of Ashley Jones is reprehensible.
I hope Ashley knows that she has the admiration, appreciation, and affection of the citizens of Del Mar. We hope she will stay here a long, long time. City Council members come and go with elections, but our staff members represent continuity and stability.
Thank you, Ashley!
Anne Farrell, Via Alta
Anne Farrell
You have a tough job in difficult times; you are appreciated. Don't get distracted. ~ Martin Cooper - Full~time resident of Del Mar for 39 years.
Martin Cooper
Ashley Jones is a gem of a City Manager we cannot risk losing. She has worked tirelessly to support our city in one of the most complicated and difficult times we have ever experienced. Her valuable insights, calm demeanor, respect from regional officials, and thorough understanding of Del Mar issues are qualities any city would strive to have for a City Manager.
Grateful for her sound leadership,
Carol Kerridge
Carol Kerridge
Suren Dutia
Ashley and Team:
We support you and appreciate all you have done for the city.
Thank you so much,
Reid and Beth Westburg
Reid and Beth Westburg
Ashley,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your tireless dedication to Del Mar and its residents, particularly during these challenging times. Your commitment over the years has been truly remarkable, and we deeply appreciate your efforts.
I understand that there are some community members who may not fully comprehend the complexities of your position. However, your hard work and dedication are clearly recognized and valued by many. Thank you again for your service.
Sincerely,
Leslie Robson
Leslie Robson
I, too, have worked with and observed many city managers (20+) during the course of my career, including six (6) years as an Executive Director of a joint powers agency of twelve (12) local governments. I can state without the slightest hesitation that Ashley Jones is amongst the best. She is conscientious, competent, effective, caring and responsive. Like most people in our community, I am grateful to have Ashley Jones as our City Manager.
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
[from a City staff member]
As a 29-year employee of the City of Del Mar, I worked under seven interim and permanent City Managers. And as someone who now does private sector city-planning work, I have also had experience with the Managers of many other San Diego County jurisdictions. Based on this knowledge and experience, it is my opinion that Ashley Jones is an outstanding City Manager. She has full knowledge of how all aspects of the City and its various components function and she is has an extraordinary grasp and skill at balancing the often-conflicting needs and desires of the Del Mar community, City staff and those who do work in Del Mar. She represents the City well, and is a pleasure to work with, even when the answer she must deliver is: "no." I hope for the sake of the City of Del Mar and for the long-term success and well-being of the community, that Ashley Jones continues on as City Manager.
Adam Birnbaum
I have had the opportunity to interact with Ashley Jones in my roles on the DMVA and as an advisor to various projects under consideration at the City. What stands out to me about Ashley is the way she relates to people and how she conceptualizes issues.
Ashley understands things at a higher level than simply administering to regulations and processes at hand. She is smart, poised, and creative in her approach, and her high level ability to think, and act, and work with people with respect and dignity translates into a form of wisdom, a character trait that is in short supply these days.
Respectfully,
Bob Scott
Bob Scott
While my name should not be included in your collective message to Ashley, staff greatly appreciate your support and we all 100% support Ashley as our leader. Many of us are here because of her, are more knowledgeable because of her, and believe in her work and vision. I think you know that and she does too but should anyone have any doubts as to staff’s thoughts and opinions, we are unequivocally 100% supportive of her.
April 7, 2025 Item IV. - Public Oral Communications
City of Del Mar
Council Liaison Report
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Dwight Worden, Councilmember
DATE: April 3, 2025
METRO Commission/Wastewater JPA Dwight Worden primary
The Second Amended and Restated Agreement (SARA) governing the relationship between the City of San Diego and the Metro JPA/Commission members (including Del Mar) was presented by JPA staff to the Metro Board/Commission for an initial review on April 3, 2025.
This draft is the result of months of work by City of San Diego staff and attorneys and JPA staff and attorneys, and by the Metro TAC of which Joe Bride is a member. As your city rep to the JPA/Commission I will be meeting with City manager Jones, Public Works Director Bride, Monica Molina, and Joe Camacho next week to discuss the SARA The draft timeline for review and recommended approval is as follows. Note that once approved by the JPA/Commission it will need to be approved by the governing body of each JPA/Commission member, including Del Mar:
PURE WATER AD HOC RECOMMENDED APPROVAL TIMELINE:
March 19, 2025 - Presentation of SARA to TAC for First Pass Review; circulate draft.
SARA to TAC.
April 3, 2025 - Presentation of SARA to Metro Commission for introduction and discussion (information item only).
April 16, 2025 - Stantec Presentation and Discussion to TAC regarding Functional
Allocated Billing methodology, revisit SARA discussion, address TAC questions, vote on recommendation to Metro Commission.
May 1, 2025 - Metro Commission Meeting – Staff intends to seek a vote from the Metro Commission to approve the recommendation below to the Participating Agencies:
PURE WATER AD HOC RECOMMENDATION: A motion for the Metro Commission to recommend to the Participating Agencies’ approval of the SARA subject to non-substantive revisions and corrections, which non-substantive determinations shall be made by the Participating Agency’s Attorney and City/General Manager.
• That way, if changes are made, the PA’s Attorney and City/General Manager believe they are non-substantive; the PA’s approval can stand without having to go back to governing body.
1 April 7, 2025 Item XI.L
City Council Liaison Report
April 3, 2025
• If substantive changes are made, SARA will need to go back to PA governing body for approval of amended version, but then the City Council/Board can only focus on the substantive changes. We hope this will make for a faster review.
I’ll keep council and staff informed as the issue progresses.
Dwight
2 April 7, 2025 Item XI.L