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Del Mar introduces ordinance for SB 9 construction

Del Mar City Hall(Jon Clark) Del Mar introduces ordinance for SB 9 construction Luke Harold June 6, 2023 Del Mar City Council members introduced an ordinance June 5 to regulate new construction under SB 9, a state law that allows up to four housing units on most lots zoned for single-family housing.Since SB 9 went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, cities have been adopting ordinances to apply objective standards to new units constructed under the ordinance, which provide a limited set of criteria for oversight. Cities typically have a more thorough discretionary review for new construction that can be tailored to each project, but the new law largely supersedes local zoning.To the extent we can manage that, its in our interest to do that, Del Mar City Councilmember Dwight Worden said during the meeting.The bill allows duplexes, fourplexes and accessory dwelling units in any combination that adds up to no more than four units of housing in single-dwelling residential zones. There are certain exemptions, such as historically designated lots or lots that are also within environmental overlay zones.There are 768 lots in Del Mar that are eligible for SB 9, equal to about 38% of the city's residential lots, according to city staff.Through the ordinance, and a planned update to the citys inclusionary housing policy, council members said they want to make sure SB 9 contributes to the citys affordable housing stock. Affordable housing requirements were at the forefront of a Planning Commission meeting last month during a discussion of the proposed ordinance.Almost from the beginning weve been talking about these issues of affordability and opening up more housing all throughout California, Planning Commissioner John Farrell said at the time. Its been front and center for at least the last three years. I think we have to address it. If we dont address it, I think were being negligent in our duties.Council members discussed other standards that would help integrate SB 9 units into the community, such as setbacks and floodlights. But with a persisting housing affordability crisis, some residents throughout the state have raised concerns that objective design standards inhibit new SB 9 construction.I appreciate that were trying to strike a balance between following the law and doing it the Del Mar way, but I fear this rather exhaustive list of SB-9 regulations will unduly kneecap the intent of the legislation, which is to increase the supply of available housing full stop, Del Mar resident Brad Walters wrote in an email to the city ahead of the meeting this week. This is certain to invite state scrutiny, perhaps even further delaying the certification of our latest Housing Element.

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Construction costs projected to increase for Del Mar Hills Academy modernization

The student attended second grade at Del Mar Hills Academy.(Karen Billing) Construction costs projected to increase for Del Mar Hills Academy modernization Karen Billing June 6, 2023 The Del Mar Hills Academy is coming in about $3 to $6 million over budget as the Del Mar Union School Board continues to weigh its construction options.The school, built in the 1970s, requires a major structural rehabilitation for a seismic retrofit which has already pushed it over the original $20 million budget. Plans for the upgrade include removing all portables, enhancing classrooms and the innovation center, improving the schools entrance and a reconfiguration of the driveway and parking lot.At the May 24 board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Chris Delehanty wanted board direction on whether to move forward with the project as designed or consider a reduced option to keep the district on its timeline and budget. The district is hoping to develop construction documents to submit to the Division of State Architects by the end of the year and to start construction in summer 2024.Due to the campus single access point, Delehanty said it will be more costly to construct with students on site. This means phasing will need to be incorporated to complete the work. With construction occurring with students remaining on-site in a phased approach over two summers as designed it will cost $26 million. With students off-site, without factoring in interim portables or busing, the project will cost $22.8 million.If the board decided to strip out all of the classroom improvements, the project could be brought down closer to budget at $21.7 million. It does concern me to go over budget. But it also does concern me to strip it down to no improvements to the classrooms because were looking at a project that wouldnt impact the kids as much as wed hoped, Delehanty said. Im providing you no perfect option and I recognize that. Our goal throughout is to impact kids. So I have a concern about a modernization that doesnt impact classrooms.The majority of the board did not want to see anything taken out of the design. They gave direction to keep the scope of the project the same and to have the conversation on phasing and whether to keep kids on-site or off-site during construction at a future meeting,Heights and Hills are the two oldest schools in our district, board member Doug Rafner said. They pushed MM over the finish line so I dont want to shortchange them in their classrooms.Board Clerk Katherine Fitzpatrick was concerned about the lack of public input or outreach on the topic. The item was discussed under Facilities update on the agenda and the information was not provided ahead of time.I dont think this is fair to our Del Mar Hills community, said Fitzpatrick. We have to inform them that they have the potential to be losing a lot here. And without sharing that information to the community, I dont feel comfortable making that decision.The majority of the board shared those hesitations, with board member Erica Halpern suggesting more community outreach, more analysis and a budget workshop.Board President Gee Wah Mok also wanted to schedule a more thorough discussion of the overall Measure MM bond program. The new Pacific Sky School project came in $2.5 million under budget and the Del Mar Heights rebuild will be an increase due to the years worth of construction delays. With a overall look at the bond funds, board member Alan Kholos agreed they will have a better understanding of how much is left and how their decision on the Hills will impact other projects districtwide.Delehanty said the board will hear the revised numbers for the Heights at the June 21 meeting.

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Community members, board offer opinions on proposed park bathrooms

Carmel Knolls Park.(Karen Billing) Community members, board offer opinions on proposed park bathrooms Karen Billing June 6, 2023 Representatives from the city were expected at the Carmel Valley Community Planning Boards May meeting to discuss the new comfort stations, public restroom facilities, at Carmel Grove and Carmel Knolls parks. Due to a miscommunication, city staff was not in attendance but the city plans to provide an update on the park improvements at the boards June 22 meeting.The comfort stations were approved by the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board back in 2015, two of $18 million worth of local park improvements using Developer Impact Fees (then known as Facilities Benefit Assessment funds) paid into by local developers.Last year, the city scraped approved plans for a comfort station at Carmel Mission Park after several neighbors came forward in opposition. Residents cited a lack of need, questioned the citys ability to maintain it and also shared concerns about safety. Neighbors said that the public bathroom could become a venue for teens to loiter, smoke or do drugs and that it could also invite homeless people and other criminal activity.Planning board member Debbie Lokanc had requested the board place the Carmel Grove and Camel Knolls projects on the agenda due to similar concerns. On her own, she did a survey of homes surrounding the park and found 50 people were against the new bathrooms and 12 were in support: There were quite a few people who didnt want it, Lokanc said.One resident in attendance at the May 25 board meeting shared her opposition to the restroom due to concerns with safety, graffiti and cleanliness. Another resident, a member of the Friends of Carmel Knolls Park, said he is emphatically in support of the comfort stations. He walks the park every day and sees a human waste issue.With the amount of activity in the park, I cant believe there isnt a requirement for a restroom to support it, he said.Heavily used for youth sports programs, he said he inevitably often sees boys scurrying from behind the bushes because there is nowhere for them to gogirls often need to leave the park in order to use the bathroom.Like Lokanc, board member Jeffrey Heden also did his own researchcurrently 12 Carmel Valley parks have bathrooms and according to his conversations with the Northwestern Police Department, they havent had any issues with homeless people.Every single mom I talked to watching their kids on the playground said emphatically yes, please! and thanked me for it like I had something to do with it, Heden said.Heden said the restrooms are funded and would be an improvement to the parks: I think we deserve these things at a neighborhood park where kids are at.Im amazed that people are against this, he said.Heden also said the board should respect the hard work done to identify the needs of residents and their families years ago and projects already approved in public meetings. Councilmember Joe LaCavas Chief of Staff Victoria Joes said during last years discussion with Carmel Mission Park, as board makeup changes, they need to be careful about going back and undoing previous votes and projects.The Carmel Valley Community Planning Board next meets Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m. at the Carmel Valley Library.

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Volunteers invited to help clean up PHR Community Park on June 17

A falling tree and overgrowth in PHR Community Park.(Karen Billing) Volunteers invited to help clean up PHR Community Park on June 17 Karen Billing June 6, 2023 Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park is in need of a little love. The park will be hosting a Volunteer Day on Saturday, June 17 from 8 a.m. to noon for the community to come together to help whip the park into shape.The work day is sponsored by San Diego Councilmember Joe LaCava. Attendees must register the day of the event and are encouraged to bring their own gloves, hat, sunscreen and water.After a spotlight was shined on the lack of upkeep at the park at the May PHR Recreation Group meeting, city staff has come out to tour the park and expressed disappointment with the overgrowth, fallen trees, the damage to the field and the closed basketball courts.That was a mistake on the citys part, it should not have gotten to that position, said Emily Piatanesi, a representative from Mayor Todd Glorias office, at the Carmel Valley Community Planning boards May 25 meeting.The city is now working on addressing the situation, she said. Emily Lynch, a representative for Councilmember LaCava, said they have identified funds to fix the basketball court in the city's park budget for fiscal year 2024.The maintenance on the field has been performed and it just needs rest for 90 days. It is expected to remain fenced off and closed through at least September.The park is located at 5977 Village Center Loop Road. For more information on Volunteer Day, call (858) 538-8184,

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Falling debris in San Clemente halts train service again from San Diego to Orange County

Falling debris in San Clemente halts train service again from San Diego to Orange County North County Newsletter Phil Diehl June 6, 2023 June 6, 2023 Falling debris from a hillside below the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in San Clemente has again halted passenger rail service between San Diego and Orange counties."The tracks will reopen once the debris has been cleared and it is determined safe to operate trains through the area," Amtrak officials said in an announcement Monday morning. "We are working with partner agencies to secure buses to transport passengers around the closures."New debris from the unstable slope was discovered in the railroad right-of-way early Monday morning, officials said, and commuter service was halted "out of an abundance of caution.""Geotechnical engineers are assessing the situation," said Orange County Transportation Authority spokesman Eric Carpenter. "We don't have a timeline for re-establishing service at this point." During previous closures, Amtrak has provided bus service between the train stations at Oceanside and Irvine. No bus service is available for Metrolink trains, which normally come as far south as Oceanside. Coaster service between Oceanside and San Diego is unaffected.Amtrak and Metrolink resumed passenger service May 27 through San Clemente after a one-month suspension to stabilize the slope below Casa Romantica. The 2.5-acre site is an estate built by the city's founder in the 1920s. It is owned by the city and used for weddings, festivals and special events, and had partially re-opened over the Memorial Day weekend.The initial landslide at Casa Romantica occurred in late April less that two weeks after a previous six-month suspension of train service, the result of a different landslide two miles south at the Cyprus Shores community near the San Diego County border. Contractors hired by the OCTA reinforced a rock revetment on the beach and installed steel anchors into the hillside to stabilize the slope at Cyprus Shore in an effort that cost more than $13.7 million.A previous slide at the same Cyprus Shore site also suspended passenger train service for weeks in 2021.Soils in both the trouble areas are poor, and experts say a permanent solution will be difficult. The problem was compounded in recent months by the unusually wet winter.Freight trains have continued to use the tracks, slowed to speeds of 10 to 15 mph, through most of the construction. The coastal rail route is the only passenger and freight link between San Diego and Los Angeles, and to other rail destinations across the United States.Southern Orange County is one of several places where the train tracks are threatened by coastal erosion along what's called the LOSSAN corridor between San Diego, Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, has twice hosted federal officials in visits to see the tracks at Del Mar and San Clemente. Levin has emphasized the need to improve and relocate sections of the railroad that are vulnerable to sea-level rise.The OCTA received $5 million in April from the state's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program to begin studies for the possible relocation of about 11 miles of track in southern Orange County. The most likely route suggested in the past has been along the Interstate 5 right-of-way.Levin has supported funding for rail improvements in Orange and San Diego counties, including the planning, engineering and design needed to move about 1.7 miles of the route off the eroding coastal bluffs in Del Mar.Rerouting the Del Mar segment to an inland tunnel has been projected to cost more than $4 billion, an amount that is rising rapidly. Last year, the project received $300 million to begin preliminary planning and design work, and it is much further along than any Orange County relocation.San Diego Association of Governments officials say they are on track to begin the final design for the Del Mar segment in 2026, and that construction could start in 2028 and be completed in 2035.

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Del Mar receives long-awaited certification for housing element that adds 113 affordable units

Del Mar City Hall(Jon Clark) Del Mar receives long-awaited certification for housing element that adds 113 affordable units Luke Harold June 6, 2023 State officials certified the city of Del Mars housing element, according to a May 31 letter, concluding more than two years of back and forth between the city and state over the citys plans to accommodate 113 affordable housing units and other housing goals through the rest of the decade.Through the states Regional Housing Needs Allocation process, Del Mar had to adopt a housing element that can accommodate 175 new housing units at all income levels including 113 for low- and very low-income residents, relative to county median income.The Del Mar City Council approved its housing element before the initial deadline in 2021, but readopted the housing element twice in response to feedback from the states Department of Housing and Community Development.The clarifications and updates the city added to the now-approved housing element included more specifics about adding housing for low income and special needs households, according to a city staff report. Another revision specifies that the city will try to work with Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits to build housing on city-owned land.I do think we are at the finish line, at least I hope were there, Del Mar City Councilmember Dwight Worden said when the council approved the latest version of the housing element in April.Del Mar is now the 12th local government agency out of 19 in San Diego 18 cities and the county government to receive HCD certification of its housing element, according to the HCD website. San Diego County's cities and unincorporated areas are responsible for a little more than 170,000 new housing units for the sixth RHNA cycle, which runs from 2021 to 2029.The city of Del Mar is relying on an affordable housing development at the Del Mar Fairgrounds to provide about 50 of the 113 affordable housing units. A deal between the two sides to make that happen is still in progress. If they dont come to terms, the city identified the north bluff as an alternate location to upzone for more multi-unit housing.The north bluff is currently the proposed site for Seaside Ridge, a 259-unit development that would allocate about one-third of its housing for low- and moderate-income tenants. The city and developer are at odds over whether it can proceed as by-right with little city oversight, or if it would have to go through a more arduous rezoning process controlled by city officials.Darren Pudgil, a spokesperson for Seaside Ridge, said in a statement that Del Mars housing element certification has no bearing on Seaside Ridge because the project application was submitted while the citys housing element was out of compliance. State law allows residential development with affordable housing to proceed, even if it doesnt comply with local zoning, if a city does not have a certified housing element.The fact is, Seaside Ridge can significantly help Del Mar meet its state-mandated housing requirements, and in the most time-effective way, Pudgil said. It will provide affordable housing opportunities for the people who work in Del Mar and serve the residents of Del Mar teachers, nurses, sheriffs deputies, service industry workers and more. And it will provide public access to the property through a new park and trail, along with parking for the public.When the Seaside Ridge application first came in last year, the city officials responded that they did not agree with the legal basis, and that the housing element (which was pending HCD approval at the time) already included all the zoning needed to meet the citys RHNA numbers. The city also called the project application incomplete in an April 27 letter because it circumvents California Coastal Commission and California Environmental Quality Act standards for upzoning on a seaside bluff.Contrary to the Applicants legal position, both CEQA and the California Coastal Act do apply to the Seaside Ridge project, Matt Bator, a city planner, said in the letter.

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North County teachers, classified employees of the year named

Poway Unified School District bus driver Edward Wicburg has been chosen as San Diego Countys 2023 Classified Employee of the Year.(Poway Unified School District) North County teachers, classified employees of the year named Laura Groch June 3, 2023 THIS STORY MUST NOT RUN UNTIL MAY 31. THE SMUSD IS NOTIFYING THEIR TEACHERS ON MAY 30.A Poway Unified School District bus driver has been named as San Diego County's Classified Employee of the Year.Bus driver Edward Wicburg was a substitute driver for seven years with the district, and within months of becoming a permanent employee, he was named a Delegated Behind the Wheel Trainer. That means he teaches trainees, modeling how school bus drivers should perform their duties. Im honored and humbled to recognize Edward and all of his fellow nominees, who work tirelessly on behalf of San Diego Countys students," said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Paul Gothold in a statement. "They are the hidden heroes of education, playing key roles in the day-to-day functions of schools and districts.Wicburg has won several awards during his tenure at the district, including the Parents Choice Teacher Appreciation Award from the districts Community Advisory Committee; the California Highway Patrols Mark Saylor Memorial Award; and the transportation departments Employee of the Month.Ed is a true team player with an enviable work ethic, operating under the premise that everything one chooses to do deserves to be done well, wrote Arora Bishop, assistant director of transportation at PUSD, in her nomination of Wicburg. He now moves on to the state-level Classified Employee of the Year program for possible recognition by the California Department of Education.Besides choosing their Classified Employees of the Year, many San Diego County school districts have also named their Teachers of the Year, some of whom will move up to compete for the county and then the state title. The San Diego County Office of Education plans to choose and honor the San Diego County teachers of the year in the fall.North County school district winners certificated employees followed by classified employees are:Bonsall Unified School District: Lauren Kennington, third grade, Bonsall Elementary School; Liz Diaz, special education paraprofessional, Sullivan Middle SchoolCarlsbad Unified School District: Melanie Lupica, third grade, Magnolia Elementary School; Robin Pinner, administrative assistant at Aviara Oaks Elementary SchoolDel Mar Union School District: Cinzia Fisher, math teacher, Ocean Knoll Elementary School; Sasha Kukulj, instructional aide, Ashley Falls SchoolEncinitas Union School District: Kirsten Goyette, fourth grade, Flora Vista Elementary School; Liliana Ponce De Leon, office manager, La Costa Heights Elementary SchoolEscondido Union School District: Wendy Threatt, fourth grade, Felicita Elementary School, and Carrie McGibney, AVID and Foundations teacher, Rincon Middle School; Mayela Guerrero-Ramirez, Maintenance & Operations Department, Farr Avenue Elementary SchoolEscondido Union High School District: Courtney Coffin, special education teacher, Orange Glen High School; Rienda Lievanos, secretary II, Escondido High School Fallbrook Union Elementary School District: Emily Avila, sixth grade, Maie Ellis Elementary School; Kelly Espinosa, special education program assistant, Maie Ellis Elementary SchoolOceanside Unified School District: Felicia Ayala, fourth grade, Foussat Elementary School, and Debbie Dickson, third grade, Reynolds Elementary School; Brian Johnson, lead custodian, Del Rio Elementary School, and Martha Fregoso, Educational Support Services bilingual office assistant Poway Unified School District:  Carrie Jennings, third grade, Monterey Ridge Elementary School, Christina Bass, third grade and ASB adviser, Painted Rock Elementary School, and Sanford Carvajal, ASB adviser and digital media production teacher, Mt. Carmel High School; Edward Wicburg, school bus driver, Transportation Department, Gloria Tran, administrative specialist, Attendance and Discipline Department, and Jennifer Nguyen, food and nutrition assistant II, Westview High SchoolRamona Unified School District: Katie Skahan, Specialized Academic Instructor for grades TK-2, James Dukes Elementary School; Danielle Shaw, information systems support specialist, district office San Diego County Office of Education: Sarah Knighton-Wisor, special education teacher, HOPE Infant Family Support Program; Betsy DeLaRosa, special education assistant in the HOPE Infant Family Support ProgramSan Dieguito Union High School District: Paul Brice, math teacher, San Dieguito High School Academy; Patti Pike, Administrative I, Carmel Valley Middle SchoolSan Marcos Unified School District: Darshall Norman, first grade, Paloma Elementary School, and Danielle Dorsey, seventh-grade world history, San Marcos Middle School; Martha Duarte, behavior interventionist, Mission Hills High SchoolSan Pasqual Union School District: Heather Johnson, third grade, San Pasqual Union Elementary School; Julie Carroll, school librarian, San Pasqual Union Elementary SchoolSolana Beach School District: Robin Kilsby, sixth grade, Solana Pacific Elementary School; Jennifer Nam, special education instructional assistant II, Carmel Creek Elementary SchoolValley Center-Pauma Unified School District: Kimberly Williams, ceramics teacher, Valley Center High School; Lauren Holt, accounting specialist, district business office Vista Unified School District (Golden Apple award winners): David Hanlon, Vista High School, Stephanie Hall Garland, Vista Magnet Middle School, and April Sparks, Breeze Hill Elementary School; Melanie Paliotti, certificated administrator, Bobier Elementary School, Dewayne Cossey, information technology, classified management, and Patty Landeros, The Leadership Academy, classified employee

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Weekly crime log

Weekly crime log June 1, 2023 SOLANA BEACHMay 24 Motor vehicle theft-300 block of Shoemaker Lane, 11 p.m.May 27 Motor vehicle theft-2600 block of Via de la Valle, 10 a.m.DEL MARMay 24 Vehicle break-in/theft-13700 block of Recuerdo Drive, 1:30 a.m. Disorderly conduct, under the influence of drugs-2200 block of Jimmy Durante Boulevard,10:38 a.m.May 27 Disorderly conduct, alcohol-2200 block of Jimmy Durante Boulevard,11:45 p.m.CARMEL VALLEYMay 22 Assault, lewd or lascivious act with child under 14 years old-12500 block of El Camino Real, 11 a.m.May 23 Petty theft-3700 block of Del Mar Heights Road, 8:30 a.m.May 24 Grand theft-5300 block of Grand Del Mar Court, 10 a.m. Commercial burglary- Carmel Creek Road and Valley Centre Drive, 1:07 p.m. Vehicle break-in/theft-11800 block of Carmel Creek Road, 8 p.m.May 26 Petty theft, shoplifting-12800 block of El Camino Real, 12:26 p.m. Residential burglary-12400 block of Mona Lisa Street, 8:30 p.m.May 27 Vandalism, $400 in damages or more-11600 block of Clews Ranch Road, 1 p.m.

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Legal turmoil embroils San Diego's pioneering Fletcher family

Kim Fletcher, 90, lives on the low-lying coast of Del Mar in a neighborhood projected to be increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, shown here on April 26, 2018. (Photo by K.C. Alfred/ San Diego Union -Tribune)(K.C. Alfred/San Diego Union-Tribune) Legal turmoil embroils San Diego's pioneering Fletcher family Diane Bell June 1, 2023 The pioneering Fletcher family has been making news in Southern California for generations mostly good news, but not always.Charles Kim Fletcher,cq who died in 2019 at age 91, turned Home Federal Savings & Loan, founded by his father, into San Diegos biggest financial institution. It collapsed, though, in 1992 in the wave of S&L failures that swept across the nation.In his obituary in The San Diego Union-Tribune, Kim Fletcher was recalled as a kind and fair man, a powerful and revered supporter of the San Diego community and go-to leader in local GOP circles.The story noted that one of Fletchers grandfathers, C.E. Toberman,cq founded the Hollywood Bowl, Graumans Chinese Theatre and other Hollywood institutions. He also purchased beachfront property in Del Mar.The other grandfather, Col. Ed Fletcher,cq was a force in developing Del Mar and eastern San Diego including Grossmont, Mount Helix and Fletcher Hills. He was a director of the 1915 and 1935 Expositions in Balboa Park. As a state senator for 12 years, Ed Fletcher authored legislation to create the San Diego County Water Authority and transfer ownership of Mission Bay to the city.But this wealthy, ambitious family dynasty also has been plagued by discord.In 1993, the community reverberated with the news that Ed Fletcher III,cq in a reported alcohol-fueled rage, had shot and killed two friends, a couple who had joined him for dinner at his Borrego Springs home.Twenty years later, Ron Fletcher,cq a Mission Beach real estate agent, survived after being shot in the stomach while trying to fend off an attack in his home by his sister's estranged husband. Ron was honored for his courage by the District Attorney's Office.Today, another Fletcher saga is playing out in San Diego courts that pits some family members against others, in part, over the Fletcher family's Del Mar oceanfront compound.It is a long and complicated saga but, according to filings in San Diego Superior Court, Kim Fletcher and his second wife, Marilyn, had sold their Point Loma home and were living full-time in the multimillion-dollar beachfront property on Sandy Lane in Del Mar when he died in 2019.Fletcher had married Marilyn Rossercq in 1974 after he and his first wife divorced. Her two children from a previous marriage, Lori and Blake, had joined with his four kids, Wendy, Brian, Jody and Mindy, and she helped raise the combined family.In 1975, Fletcher transferred ownership of the Del Mar beach property to his company, the Investors Leasing Corp. (which he headed) reportedly for financial, tax and estate planning purposes.When, in 1997, the couple sold their Point Loma estate and moved into the Del Mar house part time, they began paying the corporation monthly rent with the idea that this would be their life estate.Court filings indicate the financial arrangement was laid out in a lifetime lease agreement running through 2031, with rent beginning at $7,500 a month, to be adjusted every 10 years based on the consumer price index.A couple years after Kim Fletchers death, however, Marilyn, now 91, found that things had changed, as had the dynamics of the Investors Leasing Corp. (ILC).cq It now was presided over by her stepdaughter, Wendy Fletcher Dyer.cqAfter the ILC filed a notice to evict Marilyn in June 2022, Marilyns attorneys responded in July with a lawsuit against specific officers, directors and shareholders of the ILC (referred to as defendants), alleging breach of contract, trespassing, wrongful eviction, intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraud, among other allegations.Beginning in the summer of 2021, defendants began taking hostile and harassing actions toward plaintiff, stated Marilyn Fletchers lawsuit.It alleged that the defendants were trying to sell the property. They "removed plaintiff and her belongings from the (detached) guest house, used the guest house and changed the locks to the guest house without plaintiffs permission and prevented plaintiff from using the guest house or accessing her personal property locked inside of it.The complaint also alleged that No Trespassing signs were posted by the guest house.Despite being ordered to vacate by Aug. 5, 2022, Marilyn refused to move out, citing the terms of the 1997 lease. The catch was that, while a copy of the lease document existed and the couple had made their intent known, the reported signed copy was nowhere to be found.Hence, the leading parties of the ILC filed an unlawful detainer case alleging that Marilyn was in violation of the eviction notice.Court filings show the split along family lines. The four children whom Kim Fletcher brought into his 45-year marriage with Marilyn on one side (along with ILC CFO Scott Kaohu),cq and Marilyn and her two children on the other.The attorney-filed paperwork has piled up from both sides, and a trial readiness conference is scheduled today Thursday in front of San Diego Superior Court Judge Ronald Frazier. cq The trial tentatively is slated to begin Friday.Perhaps there will be a settlement, and a trial can be avoided.However, Jennifer Freedman, cqwhose law office represents the defendants in Marilyn Fletchers lawsuit, said this week that she believes the case will go to trial. She referred my interview request to an attorney in her office closer to the case, but we were unable to connect before my deadline Wednesday.If a settlement isn't negotiated, the ensuing legal proceedings could provide another public peek into the Fletcher dynasty worthy of an episode of HBOs Succession, a hit series that follows family infighting to inherit control of a media empire.

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