We have good news and bad news.

First, the good news. On October 5, the City of Del Mar filed its official response to the Surface Transportation Board (STB, which overseas railroads) opposing the NCTD’s request for the declaratory order. The City has retained legal counsel that has expertise in this field.

Two Del Mar residents who have been highly engaged on this issue, Shirli Weiss and Laura Schaefer, have also submitted a citizens’ opposition to the STB. It is outstanding.

The bad news is that the NCTD is clearly not going to voluntarily back down. On September 28, Executive Director Matt Tucker issued a strongly worded letter to the San Diego County chapter of the Surfrider Foundation defending its intentions, noting state law “prohibits illegal crossing of railroad tracks” in its discussion of the fencing.

You can read all three documents here: https://danquirkdelmar2020.com/train-fence

The best way to ensure that no fence is built is to continue putting public pressure on the key decision makers. The NCTD board includes publicly elected officials from Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, and Escondido. A train fence will not be popular with voters anywhere. I will be reaching out to the board members, and plan to send a petition update ahead of their October 15 Board meeting.

In the meantime, the more signers we get, the more effective we will be. So please continue to spread the word! Strength in numbers!

Dan

p.s. I am running for Del Mar City Council, and ballots are dropping in the mail this week. If you like my advocacy on this issue, please vote for me, or learn more at my campaign website. Spread the word! https://danquirkdelmar2020.com/