Del Mar Council Race Heats Up with Fresh Faces

The fifth council seat has been empty for two years after Dwight Worden left because of health problems. Nobody has filled it yet, and the council is stuck.

Meghan Spieker and Jas Grewal are leading the race for the two open spots. Spieker lives in Del Mar and has been a lawyer for 25 years, handling business cases and supporting human trafficking survivors through charities. Grewal used to work at a bank and was on the city finance committee before stepping back. Both are new to the council but have served on the planning board.

Incumbent Terry Gaasterland is seeking a third term, while Jeff Sturgis, a former finance aide, trails behind. They are not ahead in the polls.

All candidates say they want more local control, like moving a two‑mile rail segment off the eroding bluff and building new homes. They also support fresh housing ideas. The council still can’t agree on who should fill the empty seat or whether to hold a special election before the midterm.