State releases Fire Hazard Security Zone maps

Cal Fire’s updated “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” maps for California identify classifications for fire risk in the City of Del Mar.

Released March 24 by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the maps display hazard levels—moderate, high and very high—based on the likelihood of a fire reaching an area and the fire’s potential intensity.

The maps account for conditions such as vegetation type, density, terrain, weather, winds and fire history. For cities or “local responsibility areas,” the maps are designed to ensure that fire-preventative codes apply in appropriate areas.

State law requires local agencies to adopt the maps by ordinance within 120 days of their release.

In Del Mar, presentations and hearings by fire officials are expected to begin in April following a detailed evaluation of what the identified changes—which expand and increase Del Mar’s fire risk levels—will mean for the community.

While the public is encouraged to review the maps and submit comments using the form provided in the link below, under State law the City is not allowed to modify the maps to decrease the fire risk area identified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Only recommendations from local agencies to increase their levels of responsibility within Fire Hazard Severity Zones will be permitted.

Open webpage

Comment on Fire Hazard Zone Severity Map

A bloom of toxic algae is sickening sea lions. Photo: Udo Wahn

Lifeguards are reporting beached sea lions and reminding beachgoers to stay clear

Del Mar lifeguards this week are responding to daily reports of beached marine mammals and birds that have been sickened by toxic algae.

A bloom of poisonous domoic acid has infected fish and the sea lions and dolphins that eat them. The toxic algae also is affecting sea birds such as pelicans and grebes. The biotoxin bloom is believed to be tied to recent rains.

Beachgoers are reminded never to approach marine mammals. People and dogs must stay at least 50 feet away from wildlife.

Sickened sea lions have been observed foaming at the mouth, shaking and exhibiting seizure-like activity, according to the Marine Mammal Care Center.

As of Thursday, the SeaWorld San Diego rescue team is reported to have taken in 21 sea lions, four pelicans and one dolphin that were poisoned by domoic acid.

Report distressed wildlife on the beach:

Del Mar Lifeguards dispatch: 858-755-1556.
SeaWorld San Diego: 800-541-SEAL (7325) or SWC.Rescue@seaworld.com.

Marine Mammal Care Center webpage

Sea Cliff Park is located to the south of the Powerhouse Park Tot Lot.

Portion of Sea Cliff Park to be closed for bluffs project

Starting April 1, a portion of Sea Cliff Park will be closed to accommodate the installation of a storm drain.

The construction is part of SANDAG's Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization Project.

Sea Cliff Park is accessible from a gate south of the Powerhouse Park Tot Lot. The passive use park is furnished with benches and a walking path that wanders through succulent gardens.

The closure is expected to remain in place through mid-2026, according to a SANDAG notice.

Open SANDAG notice

Open SANDAG Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization webpage

Contact SANDAG: 858-549-RAIL or LOSSANcorridor@SANDAG.org

Coastal Commission seeks comment on strategic plan

The Coastal Commission is seeking public feedback to inform its strategic plan for 2026-30. The plan will guide the State agency's work to protect and enhance California's coast.

The deadline to submit comments is 11:59 p.m. April 4.

Open webpage

PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime blotter: March 21-27

Cases: 0

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

April 8: Latin jazz at library

To celebrate Día de los Libros, Luisa LaDichosa & Her Jazz Trio will play a concert of music from across Latin Americal from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 8. The all-ages show is presented by the Friends of the Del Mar Library.

Open webpage