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King tides could limit beach access this weekend

The highest high tides of the year are predicted for Saturday and Sunday mornings so lifeguards are recommending that beachgoers plan their visits for the afternoons.

The return of "king tides" — 6.96 feet at 8:03 a.m. Saturday, 6.93 feet at 8:50 a.m. Sunday and 6.61 feet at 9:37 a.m. Monday — has triggered a beach hazards statement from the National Weather Service through Monday morning.

Coastal flooding is not in the forecast, however, as predictions show the surf will decrease through the weekend to heights of two to three feet.

Low tides predicted for the afternoons will create a wide beach for walking and other recreation. Some beach access points could remain closed because of erosion or other unsafe conditions.

For a beach conditions report, call 858-259-8208.

Pink plume at Torrey Pines State Beach is part of Scripps study

Don't be startled by a pink plume in near-shore waters today off of Torrey Pines State Beach. The brightly-colored, nontoxic dye is part of a Scripps Institution of Oceanography experiment. 

The experiment, called Plumes in Nearshore Conditions, studies the interaction of fresh water in the surf zone and how it transports pollutants, sediment, nutrients and other materials.

During the ebb tide today, researchers are set to dump 15 gallons of Rhodamine WT dye into Los Peñasquitos Lagoon. They will track the plume's dispersal using a variety of sensors, watercraft and drones.

"The improved understanding of this mixing in the coastal ocean is crucial to quantifying the spreading of sediment, pollutants, larvae, harmful algal blooms, and other important material near the coast where many people live and recreate," a webpage for the experiment states.

Rhodamine WT dye is not considered hazardous to humans or wildlife.

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Monday: City Council meeting 

A regular meeting of the City Council begins at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at the Del Mar Civic Center Town Hall, 1050 Camino del Mar.

Members of the public can participate in person or remotely by Zoom or telephone. Participants wishing to comment live should join the Zoom meeting when the item they wish to speak upon is announced.

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Meeting ID: 847 9091 0014

Dial-in number: 669-900-6833

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Jan. 31: Comment period closes for SANDAG pedestrian proposals 

SANDAG is soliciting public comment through Jan. 31 on seven potential options for pedestrian access along the Del Mar bluffs. All of the concepts are preliminary.

The agency's draft Coastal Connections Study examines a combination of trails, crossings, ramps and stairs to the beach along 1.6 miles of blufftop railway between Coast Boulevard and Torrey Pines State Beach.
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Feb. 15: Junior lifeguard registration begins

Online registration for the 2023 Del Mar Junior Lifeguard program begins 8 a.m. Feb. 15.

Junior guards learn ocean safety and lifesaving skills, all within the Community Services Department’s culture of camaraderie and team-building. 

Slots fill up fast so don't wait to sign up!

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Public Safety

Sheriff's crime blotter:
Jan. 11-18

-2 cases

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Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Community Briefs

Library friends seek volunteer directors

The Friends of the Del Mar Library are seeking two volunteers to fill vacancies on the group's Board of Directors. For more than 40 years, the nonprofit Friends have supported the library and local community. Contact Pat Freeman: [email protected]

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Thursday: Volunteers sought for count of homeless people

The San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2023 We All Count Point In Time Count from 4 to 8 a.m. Jan. 26.

The annual census is designed to collect data on the needs of unsheltered people, increase awareness on homelessness and inform a regional response. 

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Feb. 11: Free recycling, shredding and mulch event

The City of Del Mar and EDCO are sponsoring a free recycling, shredding and mulch event from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 at the lower parking lot of Shores Park. 

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Del Mar Village Association

Wednesday: Community cleanup

DMVA is hosting its second "Keep Del Mar Green" cleanup from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 and will award prizes for the most trash collected, the largest item collected and the strangest item collected. Meet at the outdoor amphitheater at 15th Street and Camino del Mar.

Afterward, participants can gather at Rusty Del Mar to partake in refreshments hosted by Viewpoint Brewing Co.

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Committee Vacancies

Design Review Board - 1 non-voting, ex-officio member. Closes 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

Parks & Recreation Committee – 1 voting member. Closes 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

Undergrounding Project Advisory Committee – 1 voting member. Closes 4:30 p.m. Jan. 27. 

Learn more about  Committees, Vacancies and Volunteer Requirements

Meetings

Monday, Jan. 23

- Special City Council Closed Session, 3:30 p.m.
- City Council, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

- Measure Q Citizen Oversight Committee, 10 a.m.
- Arts Advisory Committee, 2 p.m.
- Design Review Board, 6 p.m.

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