Agenda, first session — Del Mar City Council, September 22, 2026 (part 1 of 3)

Del Mar City Council Meeting Agenda
Del Mar Town Hall
1050 Camino del Mar, Del Mar, California
September 22, 2026 City Council Meeting

INFORMATION RECEIVED

AFTER THE COUNCIL AGENDA

WAS DISTRIBUTED
(“Red Dots”)
1 Robert Silva
From: Brooke Miller <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2026 12:24 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: John Spelich; Terry Gaasterland; Dan Quirk; Tracy Martinez; Coy, Melinda@HCD; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Ashley Jones; Ralph Hicks; carolsten Subject: Red Dot- Item 5 Del Mar City Council Meeting September 22 2026 Attachments: Comment Letter Agenda Item 5 DM City Council 9_22_26 4927-9230-3057 v.2.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Mayor MarƟnez and Members of the City Council:

AƩached please find a comment leƩer relaƟng to Item 5 on Tuesday’s City Council meeƟng agenda, requesƟng you direct City staff and consultants to implement the City’s legal obligaƟons to rezone the North Bluff to the Housing Element ImplementaƟon Overlay Zone to accommodate housing by right at a density of up to 25 du/ ac subject to the applicable statutory exempƟon from CEQA for rezoning to implement your approved Housing Element (PRC SecƟon 21080.085).

Please include these comments in the Red Dots for this item. We are also sending this to you directly due to the volume of Red Dot comments for Tuesday’s meeƟng. We appreciate your careful review.

Brooke Miller
Partner
501 West Broadway, 18th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Direct +1.619.338.6530 | Office +1.619.338.6500
[email protected] | Bio | LinkedIn | sheppard.com
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September 22, 2026 Item 5
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
501 West Broadway, 18th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
T: +1.619.338.6500 | F: +1.619.234.3815 sheppard.com
September 18, 2026 +1.619.338.6530
[email protected]
File Number: 47WF-387822

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY
City of Del Mar
Mayor Tracy Martinez and City Council
1050 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
E-Mail: [email protected]
Re: Comment Letter to September 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Item 5:

Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) for Environmental and Planning Services
Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council:

As you know, this firm represents Carol Lazier, the owner of residential real property in the City of Del Mar (“City”) identified as 929 Border Avenue, Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (“APNs”) 298- 241-06 and 298-241-07.

Please review these comments as part of your consideration of Item 5 on the September 22, 2026 agenda, which proposes the approval of a Professional Services Agreement relating to preparation and processing of environmental review documentation and amendments to land use policies and regulations to create a new land use designation and base zone in the Del Mar Community Plan, Zoning Code and certified LCP to apply to property in the North Bluff planning area to allow multifamily uses at a density of up to 20 dwelling units per acre (“du/ac”).

While we appreciate the City’s efforts to accommodate housing, there are several deficiencies in the proposed rezoning project as well as inaccuracies in the Staff report that pose significant risks to the status of the City’s certified Housing Element Law and compliance with other State housing laws. The City Council should immediately direct its staff and consultants to comply with the City’s legal obligations to rezone the North Bluff to the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone to accommodate housing by right at a density of up to 25 du/ ac as outlined herein in order to avoid further violations of State law.

1. The City Does Not Have Adequate Capacity to Accommodate its Lower Income RHNA Contrary to statements in the Staff report, according to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (“HCD”), Del Mar has permitted zero lower income units in the 6th Housing Element Cycle. (Attachment A.) The 10 referenced lower income units (provided by the Watermark project) do not count towards the 6th Cycle lower income Regional Housing Need September 22, 2026 Item 5
City of Del Mar
September 18, 2026

Page 2 ends

Allocation (“RHNA”) (101 units), as they relate to 5th Cycle carryover of unmet lower income RHNA. (Attachment B.)
The Staff report also claims the City has adequate sites to accommodate its 6th Cycle lowerincome RHNA; however, this is not true. The City’s certified Housing Element relies on the Del Mar Fairgrounds to accommodate 61 lower income units1, and the City has no binding agreement with the State to accommodate these units on the Fairgrounds.2 Sites identified in the Housing Element are insufficient to satisfy the City’s lower income RHNA as required by the Housing Element Law. As shown in Housing Element Table B-2, lower income units previously planned for the State Fairgrounds property must be accommodated by rezoning pursuant to Program 1E. (Attachment C)
Nor does the proposed rezoning density of 20 du/ ac accommodate the required 61 lower income units, as a maximum of only 47 lower income units could be provided assuming the entire North Bluff area is developed at the maximum base density and a 20% set-aside. A density of up to 25 du/ ac is required in order to implement the City’s certified Housing Element and accommodate its lower income RHNA.

As the City is in violation of its obligations to maintain adequate capacity to accommodate its RHNA, its Housing Element is at risk of decertification, in addition to a variety of other legal consequences.

2. Rezoning Must Allow Housing By Right at a Density of Up to 25 Du/ Ac The staff report indicates that the Agreement is proposed to be funded, in part, using Special Project Funds allocated for “6th Cycle Housing Element Program 1E”. However, Program 1E requires implementation of the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone (“HEI-OZ”), not creation of a new land use designation and base zone as proposed by Staff.

The certified Housing Element requires specifically that “The rezone action would be addressed by applying the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone to accommodate development of housing at 20-25 dwelling units per acre ‘by right’ per Government Code Sections 65583.2(h) and (i).” Government Code section 65583.2(h) states explicitly that the required rezone action “shall accommodate 100 percent of the need for housing for lower income households . . . on sites that shall be zoned to permit owner-occupied and rental multifamily residential use by right for developments in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households during the planning period.” (Emphasis added.)
Further, subdivision (i) defines “use by right” to mean “that the local government’s review of the owner-occupied or multifamily residential use may not require a conditional use permit, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary local government review or approval that would constitute a ‘project’ for purposes of Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code.” (Id., emphasis added.)
1 The 54 unit figure in the Housing Element was adjusted pursuant to GPA20-003 to 61 units to account for 7 lower income units previously tied to two City-owned small sites. 2 Reference our previous Red Dot correspondence relating to Closed Session Agenda Item III(A), Special City Council Meeting of August 25, 2026 and transcript of August 18, 2026 meeting of the 22nd DAA Board, at https://downloads.delmarfairgrounds.com/downloads/DMF/board/2026/2026-08-18-DAA-Transcript.pdf.

September 22, 2026 Item 5
City of Del Mar
September 18, 2026

Page 3 ends

As such, the City’s rezone action must comply with the requirement that multifamily residential development that includes at least 20% lower income units (which includes all multifamily projects in the City pursuant to Del Mar Municipal Code [“DMMC”] Chapter 24.21) be allowed by right, without discretionary permits. The HEI-OZ was selected as the appropriate zone in the certified Housing Element precisely because it satisfies this requirement, providing for “an administrative level ministerial approval process”. (DMMC § 30.92.030(A).) The HEI-OZ also provides for density of up to 25 du/ ac in order to accommodate the required lower income units. (DMMC §

30.92.040(A).) Moreover, the Coastal Commission has already reviewed and approved the HEIOZ in anticipation of its application to the North Bluff parcels.3 The Housing Element has not been
amended to modify Program 1E to allow rezoning to a different designation, and any such amendment would require HCD review and approval, which has not occurred. (Gov. Code § 65585(b).)
As such, the City Council should direct implementation of Program 1E by rezoning the North Bluff to the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone to accommodate a density of up to 25 du/ ac.

3. Rezoning is Exempt from CEQA and May Not Be Subjected to Environmental Review As noted above, the Staff Report states that the proposed rezoning is being funded by Special Project Funds allocated for the “6th Cycle Housing Element Program 1E”. The proposed Scope for the MIG Agreement includes a “CEQA Section 15162 checklist”, indicating that the City is requiring CEQA review for implementation of the rezone action. However, a rezoning that implements the schedule of actions contained in an approved Housing Element is statutorily exempt pursuant to Public Resources code section 21080.085. This exemption broadly includes rezoning and related legislative approvals to implement the Housing Element.4 Requiring further environmental review for a statutorily exempt project is an abuse of discretion and violation of State law.

The Staff report also states that the proposed Agreement would have a term of up to five years “to ensure compliance with CEQA and the Coastal Act” although the Staff report indicates a “target to obtain City Council approvals of the CEQA determination and amendments/ rezone by October 2027”. This timeline demonstrates that the City is aware that its election to subject the rezoning program to CEQA review notwithstanding its statutory exemption would significantly delay implementation of the rezone and development of any housing on the North Bluff. In combination with its determination to create a new land use designation and base zone rather than implement the HEI-OZ as required by the certified Housing Element and approved by the Coastal Commission, this evidences potential bad faith intent to delay housing, rather than to facilitate it.

The City has a duty to affirmatively further fair housing by taking meaningful actions that address significant disparities in housing needs and in access to opportunity pursuant to Government 3 See Coastal Commission staff report, May 11-13, 2022, Item W16b (https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2022/5/W16b/w16b-5-2022-report.pdf) (“[T]he City created the new overlay in anticipation of applying it to various parcels during the City’s 6th Housing Element Cycle (2021-2028). These include, but are not limited to, up to six parcels along Border Avenue/North Bluff [. . . ].”)
4 See HCD Memorandum dated May 19, 2026 “California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Reforms for Housing Element Rezoning (Public Resources Code Section 21080.085)” (https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/planning-and-community/memos/ceqa-rezone-exemptionmemo-051926.pdf) September 22, 2026 Item 5
City of Del Mar
September 18, 2026

Page 4 ends

Code section 8899.50. This obligation requires public agencies “to do more than simply refrain from housing discrimination.” (Martinez v. City of Clovis (2023) 90 Cal. App. 5th 193, 283.) One purpose of the Housing Element Law and its requirement that municipalities zone sufficient sites to accommodate their RHNA is to further affordable housing for lower income households. (Id. at p. 289.) The City’s failure to implement Program 1E in accordance with the certified Housing Element by rezoning the North Bluff sites to the HEI-OZ at a density of up to 25 du/ ac to allow multifamily housing including at least 20% low income units by right compels a finding, as a matter of law, that the City has failed to meet its obligations, in violation of section 8899.50. (Ibid.) For all of these reasons we urge the City Council to immediately direct Staff and its consultant to implement Program 1E as certified and subject to an exemption from CEQA pursuant to State law. As noted above, we appreciate the time and attention dedicated to the pursuit of housing on the North Bluff and remain open to being a partner to the City and a part of the solution. We welcome the opportunity to continue this dialogue.

Sincerely,
Brooke Miller
for SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
SMRH:4927-9230-3057.2
cc: Ashley Jones, City Manager
Ralph Hicks, Devaney Pate Morris & Cameron LLP
Department of Housing and Community Development
Office of the Attorney General
Carol Lazier
September 22, 2026 Item 5
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
501 West Broadway, 18th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
T: +1.619.338.6500 | F: +1.619.234.3815 sheppard.com
Attachment A
September 22, 2026 Item 5
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
501 West Broadway, 18th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
T: +1.619.338.6500 | F: +1.619.234.3815 sheppard.com
Attachment B
September 22, 2026 Item 5
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
501 West Broadway, 18th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
T: +1.619.338.6500 | F: +1.619.234.3815 sheppard.com
Attachment C
September 22, 2026 Item 5
1 Leslie Carrillo
From: Angela Louise Tiangco <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 11:22 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: YIMBY Law Correspondence re: 9/22/26 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 5 Attachments: 22.09.2026 YL Corresponde re_ Del Mar HE Compliance.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Good morning,
Please find the attached correspondence from YIMBY Law regarding Agenda Item 5 on today's City Council meeting.

Best,
Angela
Angela Tiangco she/her/hers
Research Attorney
571-499-1556
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Check out everything we achieved in 2025!
September 22, 2026 Item 5
YIMBY Law
2261 Market Street STE 10416
San Francisco, CA 94114
[email protected]
09/22/2026
City of Del Mar
Mayor Tracy Martinez and City Council
1050 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014
Via e-Mail: [email protected]
Re: September 22, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Item 5: Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. (MIG) for Environmental and Planning Services
Dear Mayor Martinez and Members of the Del Mar City Council:

YIMBY Law is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, whose mission is to increase the accessibility and affordability of housing in California. YIMBY Law sues local governments when they fail to comply with state housing laws, including the Housing Element Law. YIMBY Law writes to remind the City of Del Mar of its obligations under California Housing Element Law, Government Code §§ 65580 et seq. In particular:

Programs in the Housing Element Are Mandatory
Government Code § 65583 requires each jurisdiction’s housing element to include “a program which sets forth a schedule of actions” that the city “is undertaking or intends to undertake” to implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the housing element.

Once adopted and certified by HCD, these programs are not optional. They are enforceable commitments, and jurisdictions are required to follow through.

Government Code § 65583(c) uses mandatory language: programs “shall” identify actions, timelines, and responsible agencies. The Legislature’s intent is clear—cities must not simply adopt programs as aspirational statements but must carry them out in good faith.

September 22, 2026 Item 5
Program 3A (Pursue a Binding Agreement with the State to Develop Housing on the Fairgrounds Property) and Program 1E (Rezone of Vacant North Bluff and/or South Stratford Properties)
Program 1E of the City’s certified Housing Element states:

Housing Program 1E: Rezone of Vacant North Bluff and/or South Stratford Properties (This contingency program is required only if Program 3A is not timely implemented). The Housing Element proposes to develop at least 54 affordable units on the State Fairgrounds property through a binding agreement with the State (Program 3A). By April 2024, the City must either achieve a binding agreement or implement this rezone program. For this rezone program, the City Council will take action to consider which sites to rezone (of the nine total sites listed in Program 1E) as needed to address the deficit of 54 lower income affordable units. The rezone action would be addressed by applying the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone to accommodate development of housing at 20-25 dwelling units per acre “by right” per Government Code Sections 65583.2(h) and (i). The rezone action will apply to as many of the nine candidate sites on the North Bluff and/orSouth Stratford as necessary to demonstrate sufficient capacity to meet the City’s RHNA for lower income units.

Implementation of this contingency program is anticipated to address the City’s RHNA and fair housing needs for extremely low-income households in a manner that will integrate lower income units into the overall development and demonstrate connectedness to the greater City of Del Mar community.

As HCD stated in its January 15, 2026 letter to the Del Mar City Council: The City has identified Program 1E as a contingency measure, to be implemented if Program 3A cannot be implemented in a timely manner… Specifically, HCD reminds the City that Program 1E is required should Program 3A’s binding agreement be suspended or terminated or should development of the Fairgrounds Affordable Housing project be rendered infeasible within the 6th cycle planning period by additional delays or extensions of key milestones.

The City Council should comply with the City’s legal obligations to rezone the North Bluff to the Housing Element Implementation Overlay Zone to accommodate housing by right at a density of up to 25 du/ac in order to avoid any further violations of State law.

If the City does not make progress on its programs, its Housing Element cannot remain in compliance. Whether or not HCD has signaled that it will revoke compliance status is irrelevant. Under Government Code § 65585, housing element compliance is ultimately determined by the courts. If the City fails to proceed as required under Housing Element YIMBY Law, 2261 Market Street STE 10416, San Francisco, CA 94114 September 22, 2026 Item 5
law, YIMBY Law reserves its right to independently seek a court ruling declaring the City out of compliance and subject to the Builder’s Remedy under Government Code § 65589.5(d).

Amending Housing Element Obligations Requires a Formal Amendment If Del Mar wishes to alter or remove commitments in its housing element, it may only do so by following the statutory amendment process set forth in Government Code § 65585.

This requires a public process including a public review period, HCD’s review and comment, and a duly noticed public hearing and adoption of the amendment by the City Council.

Without going through this process, Del Mar cannot simply ignore or abandon the programs it committed to in its adopted housing element. Further, under Government Code § 65863, at no time may the City’s Housing Element fail to maintain adequate capacity to accommodate its remaining unmet share of the regional housing need.

Failure to comply with Housing Element law exposes Del Mar to significant legal risk.

This includes potential litigation under Government Code § 65587, enforcement actions by the California Attorney General, loss of state funding eligibility, and the risk of being subject to Builder’s Remedy projects.

Conclusion
YIMBY Law respectfully urges the Del Mar City Council to fulfill its obligations by carrying out all housing element programs as adopted and certified, within the timelines specified in the certified Housing Element. We are also willing to offer support and technical assistance for this process. YIMBY activists are committed to the success of the City’s efforts, and can be on hand to assist with identifying sites and programs that will ensure its compliance with Housing Element law.

I am signing this letter both in my capacity as the Executive Director of YIMBY Law, and as a resident of California who is affected by the shortage of housing in our state.

Sincerely,
Sonja Trauss
Executive Director
YIMBY Law
YIMBY Law, 2261 Market Street STE 10416, San Francisco, CA 94114 September 22, 2026 Item 5
1 Leslie Carrillo
From: Janet Wilson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 11:55 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Tracy Martinez; Terry Gaasterland; John Spelich; Dan Quirk; Janet Wilson Subject: City Council Item 6: Support for a De Novo Hearing on EP26-050, 149 11th Street Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Dear City Council,
I support setting this appeal for a de novo hearing.

I have been following public right-of-way encroachments in Del Mar because the Palisades Fire was a wake-up call. Vegetation encroachments are a concern because they often affect public safety and can become fuel during a wildfire.

The DRB approval in 2014 required an encroachment permit, which was never obtained, so the City did not review the encroachments until this year.

Things have changed since 2014:

In 2015, the City adopted Policy 110, Private Encroachments into City Rights-of-Way, to support Chapter 23.28, Encroachment Permits.

In 2016, the City adopted Ordinance 919, which amended Section 23.28.070’s decision process and required findings.

In 2025, the Palisades Fire devastated Pacific Palisades and Malibu, including beachfront homes.

Advance Notice Procedures
This complaint-driven application appears to have been administratively approved without advance notice.

Complaints received: The City opened a code-enforcement case on April 15, 2026.

Application submitted: The owners applied on May 5 after being told to obtain a permit or remove the encroachments.

Advance notice unclear: The packet does not state whether notice was sent before approval.

Permit Administratively Approved: July 1, 2026.

Approval Notice Received: Dr. Abitbol states the mailed approval notice was his first notification of the application.

Appeal filed: July 16, 2026.

September 22, 2026 Item 6
2 Advance notice should be required for all complaint-driven applications. The public should not have to file an appeal to have the opportunity to comment on a complaint-driven application.

Additionally, based on Del Mar’s fire hazard designation, every application involving vegetation should require advance notice whether or not a complaint triggered the application.

Council should grant a de novo hearing to ensure public comments are heard.

Policy 110 Private Encroachments into City Rights-of-Way This policy sets standards for appropriate use of City rights-of-way in support of Chapter 23.28 Encroachments.

Encroachments are frequently on the agenda. The safe-harbor standard keeps coming up, and our fire hazard designations have changed.

I have attended several hearings where staff quoted and relied on Policy 110’s continuous fivefoot safe-harbor standard to deny an encroachment application. Now, three feet is being accepted. I don’t object to considering a three-foot standard, but Council should address that change openly through a policy update.

Policy 110 was adopted 11 years ago, so it may be time for a comprehensive review, including how vegetation encroachments should be evaluated given Del Mar’s updated fire hazard designations.

The City should proactively enforce its ordinances rather than leave neighbors to report violations.

Encroachments are now prevalent, but many people are reluctant to complain because they do not want to start a conflict. When someone does speak up, they are often blamed for causing trouble rather than the person responsible for the violation. Enforcement is the City’s responsibility. Residents should not have to risk their neighborhood relationships to get the rules followed.

I support hearing this appeal de novo to ensure public concerns are heard. I also respectfully suggest Council direct staff to review notice procedures for complaint-driven applications and conduct a comprehensive review of Policy 110.

Janet Wilson

September 22, 2026 Item 6
1 Leslie Carrillo
From: Lynn Walanski <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 11:41 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Tracy Martinez; Terry Gaasterland; Dan Quirk; John Spelich Subject: EP26-050: Appellant’s Response to Staff Report for EP 26-050 Attachments: 2026 09 22 Response to Staff Report.pdf
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Dear City Council,
Please find attached the Appellant’s Response to the Staff Report regarding Agenda Item X.6 for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

Lynn Walanski
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Aannestad Andelin & Corn LLP
160 Chesterfield Drive, Suite 102
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 92007
Office: (760) 944-9006
[email protected]
www.aac.law
September 22, 2026 Item 6
September 22, 2026 Item 6
September 22, 2026 Item 6
September 22, 2026 Item 6
City of Del Mar
Memorandum
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Clem Brown, Assistant City Manager
Ashlea Houston, Associate Management Analyst
Via Ashley Jones, City Manager
DATE: September 17, 2026
SUBJECT: Staff Red Dot for Item 7: Shores Park Master Plan Recommended Concept Design
The Shores Park Master Plan Ad-hoc Advisory Committee (Shores Ad-hoc Committee) has received numerous written public communications regarding the Shores Park master planning process. These communications were previously distributed to Shores Ad-hoc Committee members and Council Liaisons, and made available for public viewing at the March 9, June 8, and July 24 committee meetings.

To provide the City Council and public with a record of the written community input received during this phase of the master planning process, the following red dot includes all written public communications submitted to the Shores Ad-hoc Committee.

September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Richard Griko <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 2:50 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Del Mar shores Master plan park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Hello I'm a current local member of the dog park whose been going 5 days a week for the past 5 years now, I won't be able to attend the meeting tomorrow so I'm writing this letter saying I support option 1. I've been going to the dog park for 5 years it's my dogs most favorite time of the day, it also brings the community together and it's nice when all of us local Del mar townies get together and get to see each other with our dogs and get to spend time with one another. It's also nice seeing the dogs run around because there really isn't a place to run around here other then dog beach and thats more of a tourist spot with people bringing all kinds of dogs from all over who are aggressive and don't respect the rules and all that other stuff.. that's what makes the shores park great because there's never no drama and everybody looks out and helps one another out it's a good time and good thing to see everybody helping each other out. Hope this leter helps thanks for your time.

Brandon Flannery
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Joy Ehrenfeld <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 6:44 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Terry Gaasterland; John Spelich
Subject: RED DOT: MARCH 9TH- SHORES PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Hello Shores Park Advisory Committee and Council Members Gaasterland and Spelich, RE: PLAYGROUND FOR PARK
I am very disappointed by the three new options for the Shores Park. I knew that the neighborhood kids were Tier 2 in 2018 but I was hoping that with all the new children in the neighborhood they would move up to Tier 1 and we would have a playground for them. Your guidelines state that the park should serve all ages but I don’t see anything for young children.

I do remember the recent discussions where a committee member said that the old plans for the park were outdated. I remember Terry Gaasterland saying at a recent Council meeting that soon we would have a new park and the neighborhood kids could play at the playground. Couldn’t we update the plan to at least include a play structure? Just in my immediate neighborhood several new families have moved in and I can count 7 very young children, babies and toddlers who would love to use a neighborhood playground in a few years. And of course there are always visiting grandchildren.

I know that a lot of the dog owners pushing for a dog park don’t live in the City. The City bought the Park and the residents raised funds for it; it shouldn’t be a regional dog park. It should be a neighborhood park for the residents of the City, including our young children.

Sincerely,
Joy Shadle Ehrenfeld
10th Street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Charlie Gaylord <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 7:42 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shores Park Master Plan Advisory Cpmmittee
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Hi all,
As many of you know we have a new puppy, Henry, so I am wrifing this on behalf of him as well as our former dogs, Barley and Miss Pepper.

The Shores Park has been, and hopefully will confinue to be, a wonderful place for us to meet other Del Mar community dog owners as well as a great place for the dogs to run and chase each other, and excitedly fetch balls and frisbees. They love seeing each other as we do seeing other Del Marfians. It is a wonderful coming together every morning for an hour and three fimes a week in the afternoon. The intermiftent fimes bring us together at the same fime and that is what is fun for the humans and the dogs. And just as importantly, the larger field is essenfial for their running around as anything smaller would turn into a mud bowl.

Without quesfion, Opfion #1 is the best of the three alternafives where we share the larger field with intermiftent use. It is also wonderful that the Alvarado House would be placed on the property with this opfion. We are long overdue in this town to having a place for our historical documents to be displayed and safely kept.

Thank you for all you do and let’s hope you recommend Opfion #1.

Sincerely,
Charles Gaylord
Ocean Front
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Jane Lerum <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 8:26 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: RED DOT: MARCH 9TH- SHORES PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Hello,
My name is Jane Lerum and I am the owner of 931 Stratford Court. I am very excited to hear about Shores Park and the opportunity to add a new playground to the community. I am a mother of two young children, ages 3.5 and 1.5. We are very much in the playground phase of life, and I want to voice my support for a playground and also offer any assistance if it would be helpful.

Playgrounds add so much to a community. They create spaces where parents and grandparents can connect with neighbors while children play and build friendships. Playgrounds can also have measurable economic benefits. For example, a study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that homes located within 300 meters of a small playground sold for about 4.6% more on average, demonstrating that neighborhood playgrounds can positively influence nearby property values.

A playground at Shores Park would be a wonderful asset for families in our community, and I appreciate the City considering this investment.

Thank you for your time and for your work on this project! I am very excited about it.

Sincerely,
Jane Lerum
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Robert Silva
Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2026 4:59 PM
To: Robert Silva
Subject: FW: Winston's History at Shores Park and Future Planning Considerations From: Laura <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2026 1:41 PM
To: Ashlea Houston <[email protected]>
Cc: Kim Kanetis <[email protected]>
Subject: Winston's History at Shores Park and Future Planning Considerations 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 Chair and Members of the Shores Park Master Plan Advisory Committee:

The Winston School is excited about the restart of the Shores Park Master Planning process. Shores Park is a vital open space, serving as the only area available for sports in the City of Del Mar. For our students, it is an integral part of their educational experience.

The Winston School’s Historic Partnership with Shores School site The Winston School has been located at the Shores School site since 1988. We initially leased the campus from the Del Mar Union School District. The Winston School played an essential role in the purchase of the site by the City. Not only did the land deed require the presence of a school, but Winston raised $3 million and served as the non-profit agent to manage donations for both the School and Friends of Shores Park.

Why The Winston School Matters
The Winston School serves approximately 120 students in grades 6 through 12 with learning differences. We are the only remaining non-public school in the region providing students with an in-person, accredited high school diploma tailored for those with learning disabilities. Our program boasts a remarkable 95% graduation rate, with most graduates enrolling in college. This success stems from our dedicated, highly accredited teachers who identify and nurture each student’s unique strengths.

Winston is the largest non-profit in Del Mar and one of its largest employers. For nearly 40 years, Winston has been an active part of the Del Mar community. Our students volunteer with local organizations, and our families and staff regularly support Del Mar businesses, stores, and restaurants.

Benefits of Our Amended Lease Agreement
Our amended lease agreement provides clear benefits to both the City and the School. This includes defined parking rights that provide public access to 18 parking spaces at the corner of 9th and Stratford during non-school hours. Lease payments have been affirmed with appropriate COLA adjustments, protecting revenue streams for the City while providing stability for the School. The lease clearly defines playing field rights and usage schedules, providing certainty and protection for all users.

Winston School Campus Renovation Plans
In alignment with our educational mission, we are undertaking a comprehensive renovation of our aging 1940s-era buildings to create a modern learning environment. These improvements will not only better serve our students but will also create a beautiful campus that fits in with the Del Mar neighborhood.

Respecting Lease Rights in the Park Renovation
The Winston School shares the goal that a successful Shores Park renovation enhances the space for all users.

As we move forward with planning, it is essential that the design fully respects the specific rights granted to the School under our September 22, 2026 Item 7
2 lease agreement. The School has both a basketball and softball team that compete against other schools in the area. We are confident that a collaborative approach will allow us to achieve an outstanding outcome for everyone. Specifically, the renovation should ensure:
 No material impact to our field usage or the paved sports court as detailed in the lease agreement,  A playing field fully suitable for softball games,
 A full-size, high school regulation basketball court, which can be striped for multiple uses including basketball, and volleyball to benefit residents during off-school hours,  A safe, clean space for our students at all times.

Shared Use
The School fully understands the limited space available to meet the needs of all park users. Of particular concern to both the School and local families is the joint use of the playing fields with a dog park. The City currently allows for off-leash dogs in the park with usage and time requirements. However, despite the clearly posted rules, unauthorized use continues: dogs are frequently off-leash during non-dog park use hours, waste is regularly left behind, and sadly School staff are often harassed.

We realize that challenges with shared use at schools is a common challenge. A recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune highlighted this in the following excerpt:
“When off-leash dogs damage the fields, leave waste behind or present a safety risk to other joint-use field users, it creates an environment where students and their families no longer want to use the space intended for them during the school day, nor after hours when these facilities are intended to serve as a community park.” For years prior to repairs and maintenance by the approved youth baseball league, the School was unable to effectively use the playing fields because of dangerous conditions. The School is not suggesting that there should not be dog use at the park, rather supports the creation of separate dog and recreation use areas.

Commitment to Ongoing Collaboration
We are eager to collaborate and be a positive part of the Shores Park Master Plan process. Thank you for your dedication to improving the park for all users.

Sincerely,
Laura Cunitz
President, Winston School Board of Directors
[email protected]
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2026 7:05 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Grand Renewal Plans For Shores Park - Please Take A Look Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello,
I would like to give my comment about the Shores Park renewal. We live in Del Mar and have two small children aged 1 and 5. We would love to have this park available for our kids, especially since powerhouse park is sloped and usually too crowded to practice sports. We need a dedicated space to practice soccer and baseball, and this space is currently missing in the City of Del Mar because of the dog park.

The new multipurpose field needs to be separated from the dog park as shown in layout 2. Sharing the field with dogs essentially makes it unusable for small kids. Right now, we don’t take our kids there because of all of the dog poo and pee in the grass, we don’t want them falling or rolling around in that. Instead we drive to Del Mar Heights or Del Mar Hills elementary schools which of course are in the City of San Diego.

Please choose layout #2 or something similar, otherwise, the field will likely not get used by the kids as intended.

We are Looking forward to this project and are very excited to see what happens! Thank you!
Corbin Donnelley
224 18th Street
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Terry Gaasterland <[email protected]> Date: Sat, Mar 7, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Subject: Grand Renewal Plans For Shores Park - Please Take A Look To: Knowledge For The Vote <[email protected]> Dear Del Mar Friends, Neighbors, and Residents,
This is an exciting time for Shores Park. We are finally moving forward with the planning needed to replace the aging Community Center that faces 9th St and add some new improvements to the Park.

September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: ulla rang <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 7, 2026 7:16 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Comment to Shores Park meeting, Monday 03.09.26 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 Shores Park committee,
Please please please, find room for a playground. My son and I played so much at the old playground there, despite the bad and sad shape it was in (and then later fully removed). We had so much fun up there. And he learned to bike without his safety-wheels there.

Please, prioritize a playground. We need to attract families over here! There is not a single kid around! When my boy grew up (he is now 28 yrs old), there was ONE kid on 11th and ONE kid on 12th and it has not changed to the better.

We need MORE CHILDREN!! They are what makes life fun and full of life. We don't want Old Del Mar to turn into just that OLD for old people!
I will try to come to the meeting but since it is in daytime during work hours, I am not sure I can make it. But thank you for all that you do!! Much appreciated!
Best,
Camilla Rang
159 10th Street.

September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Robert Olliver <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 9:59 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: The dog park at Shores Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hello. I see that a meeting is planned for March 9th... tomorrow. Unfortunately, I cannot attend. I often visit the dog park with my dog, Jack, and love the chance for him to run and play with the other dogs. I strongly recommend and hope for your support of Option 1 for the master plan. There really are no other places where dogs can run free in a large fenced in area.... except at Shores Park. Please support Option 1.

Respectfully,
Robert Olliver and Patty O'Sullivan
1364 Crest Rd. Del Mar. 92014
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Brad Becker <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 10:35 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Plans for WinstonSchool.

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

Hi I own 152 8th st and 153 Shippey lane.Please accept this letter as a strong endorsement of keeping the dog park as a shared field at a minimum.The dog park is far more popular and used then the baseball field.My kids played there.But that was a long time ago and the active baseball scene has changed especially in old Del Mar.It doesn’t get used for that.

If it was my choice it would be a full time dog bark.I have met more neighbors there then anywhere.

Reducing its size to a small box is worthless and frankly not even worth doing.

Do something the community really is behind-thats a dog bark at a minimum its current size.

Thanks
Brad Becker
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Janet Wilson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 12:58 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: Terry Gaasterland; John Spelich
Subject: Support for Shores Park Concept Options 1 and 3 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 Shores Park Advisory Committee,
Please find below my comments on the Shores Park concept options, including my support for Options 1 and

3. The shared athletic field and dog park are used regularly by many residents. As someone who frequently visits the park with my dogs, I have seen firsthand how well this shared space works. I strongly support Options 1 and 3 because they both retain this important feature.

Between the two options, I prefer Option 3 because the picnic area is located adjacent to the field rather than between buildings. This creates a gathering space for both dog owners and families attending games or activities and establishes an active edge along the field. Including pergolas or small pavilions for shade in that area would make the space comfortable and usable all day.

Option 3 also consolidates the 9th Street parking along the street rather than extending into the park interior.

Keeping the parking along the street edge clearly separates the parking area from the park itself and helps establish a more defined park edge. A walking path from the parking area along the eastern edge of the buildings could create an alternative entrance to the park.

Placing the Alvarado House along with a second picnic area near the basketball court in the lower part of the park would create another gathering spot. The court location might be adjusted so the Alvarado House and picnic area overlook its playing surface, creating a place for spectators and helping define this lower area as a second activity space within the park. Since not everyone plays basketball, I assume the court will be designed as a flexible, multi-use space for other hard-surface games such as volleyball, hopscotch, and similar activities, with color-coded lines and removable equipment so the space can serve a wider range of interests.

Thank you for all your hard work on this important project.

Janet Wilson
619.733.1428
September 22, 2026 Item 7
2 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Ken <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 2:41 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Del Mar Dog Park at Shores Park
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 Council Members and City Staff:

I am a resident of Del Mar and frequently bring my dog to Dog Park. I truly enjoy and support the existing dog park and am in full support of Option #1.

I am a responsible dog owner making sure to clean up after my dog. My dog is well socialized and behaved around other dogs and people. I believe our existing dog park is special. The dogs and dog owners have a wonderful community, and the existing park provides space enough for the dogs to run and play in a large and safe environment. It has been my observation that the other dog owners are also responsible cleaning up after our dogs, and the dogs are well behaved.

I intend to be at the meeting Monday at 2:30pm. I respectfully request support of Option #1.

All my best,
Ken Van Damme
Del Mar Resident
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Richard Griko <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 8, 2026 2:50 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Del Mar shores Master plan park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
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Hi all,
As many of you know we have a new puppy, Henry, so I am wrifing this on behalf of him as well as our former dogs, Barley and Miss Pepper.

Thank you for all you do and let’s hope you recommend Opfion #1.

A playground at Shores Park would be a wonderful asset for families in our community, and I appreciate the City considering this investment.

Thank you for your time and for your work on this project! I am very excited about it.

Sincerely,
Jane Lerum
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Lisa Katriel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 9:01 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Please vote for Option 1
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
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Dear Del Mar Council Members,
Please vote in favor of Option !! It is the only option that preserves the Del Mar Dog Park hours which have been an incredible source of community for Del Mar residents and dog owners. Under the diligent stewardship of Lynn Gaylord, this community has flourished and grown. Residents take great care to keep the park well kept and clean. Everyone is kind and friendly, and we all play a part in keeping the park clean and safe for all. Friendships have blossomed and dogs have a chance to run free in a safe and confined space. Losing this important community gem would greatly harm all the goodwill and community that has been created over the years.

Del Mar is a special place, in large part because of the close relationships our residents have formed being together in local spaces like our beloved dog park.

Please allow our dog community to continue to congregate and thrive. Vote in favor of Option 1.

Respectfully,
Lisa Katriel
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Francesco Tedeschi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 10:23 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shores Park
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.

Greetings,
Separating the dog park and athletic field will only guarantee that the dog park will eventually turn into a neglected, unsanitary dust bowl.

Any layout that contemplates a dedicated stand-alone dog park should be scrapped for that reason alone.

I visit and walk around many parks across America, Europe, and Asia, and as a personal observation, this is a reality in most cases.

Sincerely,
Francesco Tedeschi
402 9th Street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Kelly Welch <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 10:34 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: dog park
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi…my husband and I have been going to the dog park near Winston School for many years and love it. We definitely vote for option 1 which is to keep it the same as it is now. If it were to be made smaller, the dogs would not have the space to spread out and there might be problems being too close together. As it is now, it works.

Thankyou,
Kelly and Pat Welch
431 8th Street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Susan Taylor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 11:19 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Dog Park Plan
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 of Del Mar,
I have enjoyed the Del Mar Dog Park for more than 15 years and I strongly recommend going forward with redevelopment of the park. We have a lovely vibrant community that gathers to interact with each other while providing a safe space for our furry friends. It helps us exercise and socialize with our neighbors.

We are adamant about only allowing nice, well behaved dogs to come to the park. If a dog exhibits nasty behavior we make them leave and tell them they can't return until the dog has undergone professional retraining.

1. With intermittent hours on a shared field, the dog people are there at the same time for great camaraderie for both humans and dogs.

2. People will not be coming to our community dog park from all over SD county if we keep intermittent hours.

3. The larger field means less turf ruin. A smaller dedicated field will become a dirt bowl and won't provide the dogs with adequate space to run around.

I strongly urge you to keep this vital community together by adopting Option 1.

Thanks..

Warm Regards,
Susan Taylor
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Tami Dokken <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 11:47 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shores Park Master Plan - Option 1
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 Shores Park Master Plan Decision Makers,
I strongly support Option 1 for the Shores Park Master Plan. Leaving Del Mar Dog Park as a shared use space on the baseball field, with limited hours of use for off-leash dogs, is the preferred alternative for the entire community. Sharing the larger field with intermittent use for off-leash dog use has many advantages, including:
 With intermittent hours on a shared field, the dog people are there at the same time for great camaraderie. For dogs too.
 People will not be coming to our community dog park from all over SD county if we keep intermittent hours.
 The larger field means less turf ruin. A smaller dedicated field will become a dirt bowl.  Many of the holes if not all are caused by gophers not dogs!  And kids develop great immune systems from being around dogs! Thank you for your work on this issue, which is very important to our community.

Tami Dokken
2150 Via Mar Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
612-270-0871
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Bruce Watson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 12:19 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shores Park Master Plan
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

We wholeheartedly support the effort to maintain Dog Park at Shores Park as a shared-use space with intermittent hours for off-leash dogs.

After careful consideration, Option #1 is our preference.

Thanks
Bruce and Sandy Watson
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Lesley MacArthur-Chang <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 2:54 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Children's Playground at the Shores Park
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I am writing to express my support of the proposal to include a new playground in the plans for the new Shores Park. When my adult children were young, we spent quite a bit of time at the playground there. I sincerely hope that plans for a new playground will be included in the proposed design of the park.

Sincerely,
Lesley MacArthur
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Lynn Wight <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 3:19 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shores Park
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I have lived the past 42 years between Carmel Valley Rd and Via de la Valley.

One of my favorite parts of Del Mar is Dog beach and the Shores Park.

I have been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful dogs and their humans at both.

Bleu (my dog) and I look forward to every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday when we both get to visit with friends, play and talk about life.

Please keep the park as is, I am voting for option 1.

Thank you,
Lynn Wight
Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Kim Mueller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 4:29 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: Shared space
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To Whom It May Concern,
I was not able to attend the meeting today. Regarding the Shores Park Master Plan, I’m very much in favor of Option #1.

I enjoy the shared space on the baseball field and have enjoyed the hours spent with my dog and other community members.

Kim Mueller
2542 Via Pisa
Del Mar, CA 92014
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: sasha novikov <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 5:49 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Playground at new shores park
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.

To the council,
To echo other Del Mar residents and as a parent of two small children in the area I would love to see playground space for children. An area with play structures wooden/ built into the landscape would be wonderful. Something on the slope could include a slide and climbing structures.

We do not currently use the open space with our children due to high waste on the grass. Imagine having a picnic or rolling around in grass with this amount of waste on it. We would very much appreciate taking into consideration families with children when planning this space. Consider placing playground in the activity node.

Thanks very much
Aleksandra Novikov, Ben Arena
223 10th street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: sasha novikov <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 5:52 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Playground at new shores park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I would also like to comment I would prioritize clean green space and a playground for play for children above Alvarado house. I agree with separate play area and dog area.

Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 9, 2026, at 5:49 PM, sasha novikov <[email protected]> wrote:

Thanks very much
Aleksandra Novikov, Ben Arena
223 10th street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: michael gross <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 6:51 AM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I have lived in Del Mar for the past 57 years, and I have watched as many family-friendly activities, such as the Fourth of July parade and holidays in the village, slowly disappear. This decline has made Del Mar a less family-oriented place.

I encourage the city to maintain a thoughtful balance in the park by preserving the upper portion as a welcoming space for children and families while designating the lower portion for sports and active recreation. Keeping these areas distinct allows families with young children to enjoy a safe and relaxed environment while still accommodating community members who use the park for athletic activities.

Furthermore, the park would significantly benefit from a dedicated play area for children, providing a safe and engaging space for kids to play. This addition would support family use of the park and strengthen its role as a gathering place for the entire community.

Michael Gross
232 11th Street
Del Mar
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: ulla rang <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 6:44 PM
To: City Clerk Mail Box
Subject: To City Council and Shores Committee
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 Council and Shores Committee Members,
Unfortunately I could not attend The Shores workshop last Monday. However, I sent in a red dot expressing my wishes to get the playground back. My son and I played there daily when he grew up. Regardless of the sad and bad shape that the playground was in, we had so much fun there. Please let the children of Del Mar growing up today have that same magical experience. We also need to attract more families to Old Del Mar and a playground could do the trick..

I also heard that there were big discussions about whether the grass area should be a combined dog park and children's games/sports, or separate the two. As a microbiologist, I cannot stress enough that the two should be separated. It is extremely unsanitary to have children play on the exact same grass area where dogs go every morning for their bathroom business.

I have been a dog parent and she was the best of my children, but human children must come first. The play area of the two has to be separated and if that means that the dogs get a smaller place to run around at than now, it's unfortunate but so be it. Don't misunderstand me, I love dogs. I go for walks just to run into dogs, but the unsanitary situation of mixing children's play and dogs' bathroom business is just not safe.This should not even be an issue and has been going on long enough as is.

In regards to the Alvarado house, it is wonderful that it has been saved, but does it really have to be at this small park, our only green play area? How about putting it back on 10th street at parcel 3 which is a City owned lot. I know it is set aside for Affordable housing, but the lot can house both the Alvarado house plus two 2-bedroom Affordable Units, and the other 6 Affordable Units can be placed at Parcel 1. Leave the park for play. Put the Alvarado house back on 10th street where it belongs. Alternatively it could stay at the Fairground.

All my best and thank you for all that you are doing.

Camilla Rang
10th Street
September 22, 2026 Item 7
1 Robert Silva
From: Robert Silva
Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2026 4:59 PM
To: Robert Silva
Subject: FW: Winston's History at Shores Park and Future Planning Considerations From: Laura <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2026 1:41 PM
To: Ashlea Houston <[email protected]>
Cc: Kim Kanetis <[email protected]>
Subject: Winston's History at Shores Park and Future Planning Considerations 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.