From Del Mar racing season changes to government proposals to sell the Fairgrounds, budget cuts and the Fair’s summer concert lineup, we’re hear to give you the skinny on North County news in San Diego. Let’s see who said what about recent Del Mar news.

Up for Grabs: And it’s on the market! On Tuesday, June 9 at 1:30 pm the District Agricultural Association’s Board of Directors will hold their monthly meeting to discuss the potential sale of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Board encourages anyone wishing to give their input on the sale to attend next week’s meeting. Find more on the Board agenda and information about the Fairgrounds here.

Racing Updates: Get ready for some changes in the 2009 racing season. Del Mar officials have been exploring the idea of a five-day race week for several months and it has been officially set into motion, breaking from its long tradition of six-day weeks. The schedule for the most part is structured to include 9 races on Wednesdays, 8 races on Thursdays, 9 races on Fridays and 10 races on both Saturdays and Sundays. Although the plan has reduced the meet from its usual 43 days down to 37, you’re still guaranteed to get an action packed season of fun this year. Opening day is Wednesday, July 22. Don’t miss out!

 

The Fair Comes To Town: It's time once again for all things fried and rides that make you flip, fly and whirl. For weeks, the hot dog stands, sky-high rides and giant barbecue pits have been wheeled into the fairgrounds and now it's almost time for the gates to be opened to the public for the summer. The San Diego County Fair will be open from Friday, June 12th until Sunday, July 5th and is guaranteed to present patrons with an action-packed weekend of fun this summer. Featuring new fair foods like oatmeal cookie chicken sanwiches and chocolate covered bacon strips, an Olympic-style Purina Incredible Dog Challenge and a Musicpalooza Talent Contest with a grand prize of $25,000, kick off your summer right at the fair and join in all the fun.

Budget Cuts: After facing dramatic revenue losses over the past two years, Del Mar city officials decided to make significant cuts to maintain a balanced budget through 2011. For the past two fiscal years, Del Mar has experienced steady downturns in revenue with total losses hitting $1.6 million. Through the implementation of strategic business models and operational efficiencies the new proposal is set to reduce expenditure by more than 6 percent through 2011. Get info here.

The Lineup is In: If you've yet to hear the 2009 San Diego County Fair concert lineup, we’re here to give you the skinny on who’s hitting town this summer. Veteran rockers Melissa Etheridge and Joan Jett as well as R&B legend Smoky Robinson, country stars Clint Black and Loretta Lynn and San Diego’s very own alternative group Switchfoot will be part of the festival this summer. But stepping away from the traditional roots, the Fair will also have performances from American Idol sensations Kelly Clarkson, David Cook and David Archuleta. Find more info on concert on the concert lineup and ticket pricing here.

Cleared: San Diego officers Benjamin Douglas and Brian Lenahan were finally cleared of the fatal shooting of a mentally ill man in Del Mar Heights two summers ago. The police officers had been standing on opposite sides of 35-year-old Alan Jay Kosakoff’s car when he accelerated in reverse towards them in his mother’s garage. The officers told reported to investigators that they believed that Kosakoff was endangering their lives and that of a third officer in the garage when they opened fire on him. Kosakoff, who had been diagnosed with psychosis and mood disorders, died in a hospital six weeks after the shooting after suffering a bullet wound to his head and another to his right leg.

Rock Out for Free: With a recession on our hands there is nothing we love more than free entertainment. This weekend on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, Del Mar’s neighbor, Solana Beach, will be holding the 30th annual Fiesta del Sol. The two-day free music festival will feature everything from jazz and rock to reggae to ska alongside arts and crafts booths, children’s games and a beer and wine garden. The event is expected to draw a crowd of more than 50,000 people so bring your family and friends and kick off the summer – for free.

 

Discover more about Del Mar in San Diego.