Expand<\/a><\/p>\nFour candidates are seeking two seats on the Del Mar City Council in the November midterm elections, one held by Councilmember Terry Gaasterland, who is seeking reelection for a third term, and one that has been open for the last two years.<\/p>\n
Candidates Meghan Spieker, Jeff Sturgis and Jas Grewal responded to questions from the Del Mar Times about how they would approach the key issues facing the city if they are elected.<\/p>\n
Gaasterland did not respond before press time.<\/p>\n
Describe your prior experience on any of the city\u2019s advisory bodies and how that will inform your perspective as a council member.<\/p>\n
Spieker: Serving on the Planning Commission has allowed me to build on my professional, volunteer, and personal experience while diving deeply into Del Mar\u2019s biggest challenges. We have considered housing element programs, scenic and open space easements, wetland buffer regulations, and coastal development proposals. We also adopted a resolution recommending that the City Council adopt the initial environmental study for the \u201cLagoon Levee,\u201d an important step in a long-term effort to protect our beach community from flood risk, enhance habitat, and improve our trail system. And we recommended improvements to local laws, including the Trees, Scenic Views and Sunlight Ordinance, to promote fairness and objectivity.<\/p>\n
As a lawyer and 25-year resident who has lived in six different Del Mar homes, I understand that planning decisions can have environmental impacts and set precedents\u2014not just for one property owner, but for neighbors, future projects, and the broader community.<\/p>\n
I strive to take a principled, disciplined approach: prepare thoroughly, study the facts, and carefully consider public comments, staff recommendations, applicable laws, and expert input. I recognize that planning decisions require balancing competing interests while protecting what makes Del Mar special.<\/p>\n
I have also come to understand that the opportunities and threats we face today are different from those of the past. I have built relationships with city staff, and leaders beyond our city borders, while gaining a deeper understanding of city administration. I am grateful for these experiences and relationships, which prepare me to be an effective council member.<\/p>\n
Sturgis: I have served on three advisory committees, including serving more than ten years on the Finance Committee as both member and chair. Understanding the city\u2019s budget and resources is critical to understanding what Del Mar can and cannot do, and where there may be opportunities to drive greater efficiencies going forward. The breadth of issues, priorities, and financial planning and analysis have helped me form a body of knowledge and perspective that I think is useful as a councilperson to serve the entire community into the future.<\/p>\n
Grewal: I served on the Finance Committee for eight years, including throughout the pandemic. This experience gave me a strong understanding of how our city operates and the challenges involved in balancing community needs and priorities while ensuring that the city\u2019s reserves and financial obligations remain secure.<\/p>\n
During my tenure, the undergrounding project was being studied, and today it is in full swing. My experience and knowledge will help me make informed decisions to move the project forward as efficiently and as fast as possible, while ensuring that our city\u2019s finances remain strong and resilient in the event of an economic downturn.<\/p>\n
As a planning commissioner it has been my responsibility to ensure all requests before us comply with the city\u2019s municipal codes and are in line with the Community Plan. Knowing these requirements in Del Mar provides me with a good understanding of the limits and areas of flexibility when negotiating compromises if necessary in denovo hearings for better outcomes for our residents.<\/p>\n
How would you want the council to manage the implementation of state housing laws, which increasingly require cities to accommodate more density, with Del Mar\u2019s community plan?<\/p>\n
Spieker: The goal of increasing housing, including affordable housing, is important. But Sacramento\u2019s one-size-fits-all approach does not adequately account for a fully built-out coastal community like Del Mar, where limited land, high costs, coastal constraints, and environmental protections make additional housing particularly challenging. We need to meet our obligations while doing everything lawfully possible to preserve local decision-making and the vision of our Community Plan.<\/p>\n
I would pursue a three-part strategy.<\/p>\n
First, understand and use every available legal tool. We need to know the law, understand where we have discretion, and develop a legal and legislative strategy to protect Del Mar\u2019s interests. Our charter-city status provides opportunities to defend local decision-making, while the Coastal Act provides additional protection and considerations because Del Mar lies entirely within the Coastal Zone. We should use these tools strategically to shape how affordable housing can work in our community.<\/p>\n
Second, rebuild our influence through strategic advocacy. Del Mar cannot afford to be isolated from Sacramento, SANDAG, and other regional decision-makers. We need to engage early, often, and constructively; rebuild relationships; and build coalitions with neighboring communities and other stakeholders. By working together and building bridges, Del Mar can punch above its weight.<\/p>\n
Third, use the Community Plan proactively. Rather than simply reacting to state mandates and development proposals, we should use its vision to guide future growth while protecting Del Mar\u2019s character, environment, and quality of life. That is how I would approach this challenge: strategically, legally, collaboratively, and proactively.<\/p>\n
Sturgis: Almost every California city is failing to comply with the multitude of California imposed zoning and housing laws. Only 5 of 538 jurisdictions in California are on pace in issuing permits to all income levels. The housing mandates imposed by California are overly burdensome, jeopardize preserving community character, and do not accomplish the affordable housing objectives they allegedly were designed to achieve.<\/p>\n
I believe the City Council should manage the affordable housing issue as follows: First, Del Mar is supporting Our Neighborhood Voices, a grass roots organization promoting a statewide ballot initiative that would amend California\u2019s Constitution by returning control over zoning and land use matter to cities like Del Mar. I will continue to support this effort.<\/p>\n
Second, I will work hard to restore local control of zoning and housing laws. Del Mar alone can\u2019t do this so I will work with nearby cities to lobby our State Representatives to change these laws as well as create coalitions with other cities struggling with these laws.<\/p>\n
Third, Del Mar \u201cdropped the ball\u201d in our current 6th\u00a0 Housing Cycle by accepting a grossly overstated affordable housing allocation based on an inaccurate jobs count.\u00a0 As a result, Del Mar\u2019s affordable housing allocation imposed by SANDAG is more than 3 times (175 units) what it likely should be (53 units). The planning for the 7th Housing Cycle (2030-2040) will start in the next 2 years. Del Mar must be much more involved in the establishment of Del Mar\u2019s affordable housing allocation number.<\/p>\n
Grewal: Del Mar is a 1.7-square-mile city with limited land, making it essential that state housing mandates be reasonable and equitable. I will work collaboratively with all parties to ensure Del Mar is treated fairly, particularly given the errors made by SANDAG during our 6th Housing Cycle (they assigned us 2x the jobs we actually have in the city). I am committed to thoughtful decisions consistent with our Community Plan\u2014directing appropriate density to areas such as the Professional and Downtown Commercial zones to create vibrant hubs, while preserving the character and quality of life of our residential neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Besides utility undergrounding, what are some of the important infrastructure projects you would want to prioritize?<\/p>\n
Spieker: My first priority is making sure Del Mar is well-prepared for this year\u2019s El Ni\u00f1o and fire season. That work is well underway. Starting on day one, I would work closely with city staff, our fire chief, lifeguards, and other first responders to support infrastructure projects that reduce fire and flood risks.<\/p>\n
Looking further ahead, I would prioritize investments that address our basic infrastructure needs while preparing for climate risks and improving public spaces. In my many conversations with residents, road conditions have come up repeatedly. I understand, and I would make road improvements a priority. I also favor projects that provide multiple benefits. The Living Levee project, for example, is designed to reduce flood risk along the San Dieguito River and protect our beach community while enhancing habitat and improving our trail system. I would also explore extending the Riverpath from the Grand Avenue overlook to Crest Canyon, connecting important parts of Del Mar\u2019s trail network.<\/p>\n
I would invest in recreation, including improvements to Shores Park, to make the most of this beautiful, underutilized community resource.<\/p>\n
Finally, Del Mar\u2019s utility undergrounding project is the largest capital program in the City\u2019s history. I would look for cost-effective opportunities to coordinate this work with road repaving, landscaping, and other improvements to maximize community benefits.<\/p>\n
Through these efforts, I would pursue grant funding wherever possible. My goal is to deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements while protecting Del Mar\u2019s long-term financial health.<\/p>\n
Sturgis: My highest priority is listening to the entire community, thinking and acting independently, and making sure I govern with integrity and doing what I feel is best for the entire community. That is what I have done throughout my service to Del Mar. I have listened to many residents. Residents are positive about our community but also have concerns about our infrastructure.<\/p>\n
1) Streets: One of the biggest complaints I hear is regarding condition of Del Mar\u2019s streets \u2013 not only the potholes and cracking caused by tree roots but also streets that are uneven due to a strip of new pavement installed when undergrounding is completed. I would do 2 things to address this issue. First, increase our budget to accelerate street repaving so all streets throughout Del Mar are of a quality consistent with our beautiful community. Second, when undergrounding is completed, the entire street should be repaved so there is a clean, well-paved street to complement the enhanced views created by undergrounding.<\/p>\n
2) Fire Station: Providing a rapid, effective response for medical emergencies or fires is a core responsibility of our city. We need to accelerate building a new fire station either at its current location, if we can get a favorable lease from the Fairgrounds, or co-located with the existing public works facility.<\/p>\n
3) Village Center and Street Medians Landscaping: Simply stated \u2013 our village center and street median landscaping need help. Landscaping should be at a level that enhances Del Mar\u2019s beautiful setting.<\/p>\n
Grewal: Street maintenance is a high priority for me, and we should expedite improvements to address what appears to be years of neglect. We have a plan and funding in place, and I encourage staff to move forward with the same urgency and commitment we bring to other essential services.<\/p>\n
As we update our Climate Action Plan and see continued growth in bike and e-bike use, I also want to prioritize designated bike storage areas that improve convenience while protecting pedestrian safety. Ensuring Del Mar\u2019s pedestrian-friendly status would be protected throughout any street maintenance and infrastructure upgrades would be a high priority.<\/p>\n
How would you as a council member handle the LOSSAN rail realignment?<\/p>\n
Spieker: Getting the LOSSAN rail realignment right is a top priority. The decision will affect Del Mar for generations, as well as the broader region and state.<\/p>\n
Like many Del Mar residents, I oppose tunneling beneath homes and businesses and oppose the use of eminent domain. While environmental review continues, we cannot afford to wait to rebuild the relationships and influence Del Mar needs to help shape the outcome.<\/p>\n
As a council member, I would make strategic advocacy a priority from day one. I would engage regional decision-makers who will shape the route selection, while working with state and federal representatives to secure funding for the option that best protects Del Mar\u2014even if it is the most expensive alternative. We must make Del Mar\u2019s interests clear, build alliances, and demonstrate why the right long-term solution matters to the entire region.<\/p>\n
I would also work with grassroots advocates who have kept the Northern I-5 route in consideration. Their efforts demonstrate the value of persistent, informed community advocacy. We need to bring that energy together with effective regional relationships and create a clear strategy to ensure Del Mar has a meaningful voice in this decision.<\/p>\n
Sturgis: First, I would fight hard to make certain that any option that involved disruption to our community for an extended period of time or any eminent domain of residences is eliminated by SANDAG. Second, I would pursue SANDAG\u2019s Alignment 10 because that alternative actually makes sense and serves a number of purposes. Alignment 10 has the tracks run along I-5 from Oceanside to Carmel Valley Road. I would propose a transit center near the existing RV park and I would propose affordable housing adjacent to that transit center. The benefits of the I-5 Oceanside\/Carmel Valley alignment:<\/p>\n
1) No eminent domain of residences, no impact on coastal bluffs, no disruption to Del Mar residents or businesses, and likely no impact on property values.<\/p>\n
2) The track follows I-5 so additional noise and vibration are not major issues.<\/p>\n
3) I-5 safety barriers can be leveraged to include the train tracks so as to avoid pedestrian\/train conflicts that currently exist.<\/p>\n
4) A new railway\/bus transit station that serves the needs of multiple communities as well as the Del Mar Fairgrounds.<\/p>\n
5) Co-locating affordable housing near the transit facility would be beneficial to residents who rely on public transportation as well as help with Del Mar\u2019s affordable housing requirement.<\/p>\n
The I-5 Oceanside\/Carmel Valley alignment is more expensive. However, it not only is the best solution for Del Mar but also the solution that better serves other communities.<\/p>\n
Grewal: Relationships Matter. The key to successfully addressing the rail realignment is building strong, collaborative relationships at every level. My first priority would be to reestablish a strong working relationship with SANDAG staff, followed by meeting individually with each SANDAG Board representative to establish open communication, build trust, and create a foundation for effective advocacy and collaboration.<\/p>\n
That same approach should extend to our state representatives in the Assembly and Senate, as well as our federal delegation. I already have strong relationships with Congressmen Peters and Levin, who represents Del Mar, and I would leverage those relationships to help secure the resources and federal support needed for the best solution\u2014one that protects Del Mar while ensuring no eminent domain and no tunneling under Del Mar homes or businesses.<\/p>\n
How would you want the council to approach Del Mar\u2019s role in other regional decision making at SANDAG?<\/p>\n
Spieker: Having a meaningful voice at SANDAG matters enormously to Del Mar\u2019s future. SANDAG decisions affect rail relocation, housing mandates, beach replenishment, habitat and lagoon mitigation, funding for local streets, and more.<\/p>\n
For Del Mar, the County\u2019s smallest city, having a seat at SANDAG is not the same as having a say. We are one of 21 voting members representing 18 cities plus the County of San Diego. Some votes are weighted by population, putting Del Mar at an even greater disadvantage.<\/p>\n
We cannot change our size, but we can rebuild our influence. As a council member, I would pursue a deliberate strategy of engagement: rebuilding relationships with regional leaders, understanding other communities\u2019 priorities, and building coalitions around shared interests. I would advocate early and consistently for Del Mar\u2019s needs rather than waiting until decisions are nearly final.<\/p>\n
I would also strengthen our partnerships with neighboring cities and regional stakeholders, while engaging our state and federal representatives when their support can make a difference. Our goal should be to shape regional decisions, not simply react to them.<\/p>\n
Del Mar has chaired SANDAG before. We can restore our influence by being prepared, pragmatic, respectful, and persistent\u2014and by building bridges that help us punch above our weight.<\/p>\n
Sturgis: City Council\u2019s approach ought to be one that is a unified and collaborative. Clearly, unless we strategically align SANDAG with Del Mar\u2019s priorities, the city will continue to be left out of important regional decisions that can negatively impact what we want in order to preserve our community character and sense of place.<\/p>\n
Getting greater collaboration is needed, but the real strategic focus must be with the City of San Diego. Take for example our current situation with the 22nd Agricultural District and negotiations involving Affordable Housing. A lot of land that could be developed on the Fairgrounds property east of Jimmy Durante Boulevard is in the City of San Diego city limits. Successfully negotiating with the City of San Diego for Del Mar to annex that land along with the City of San Diego\u2019s support of negotiations with the 22nd Agricultural District and at SANDAG could make Affordable Housing there a realistic solution.<\/p>\n
Grewal: Del Mar must always be a strong advocate for our residents and our community. At the same time, we should work to forge strong alliances with our neighboring cities and assist other communities on the SANDAG board in advocating for the issues that matter most to their residents. By working collaboratively, building consensus, and seeking common ground on regional issues, we can achieve better outcomes for everyone. A healthy, thriving region benefits us all, and pursuing win-win solutions is ultimately the best approach for every community we serve.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Meghan Spieker (Courtesy of Meghan Spieker) Jeff Sturgis (Courtesy of Jeff Sturgis) Jas Grewal (Courtesy of Jas Grewal)…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":493494,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[310,311,74,76,75],"class_list":["post-493493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-del-mar-times","tag-del-mar-times-news","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/493493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=493493"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/493493\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/493494"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=493493"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=493493"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=493493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Meghan](\"https:\/\/www.sandiegouniontribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DMT-L-meghanspieker.jpg?w=620\")
<\/p>\n![\"Jeff](\"https:\/\/www.sandiegouniontribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DMT-L-JGSturgisPic.jpeg?w=620\")
<\/p>\n![\"Jas](\"https:\/\/www.sandiegouniontribune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DMT-L-JasGrewalHeadshot2026.jpeg?w=620\")
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