DEL MAR — The city of Del Mar was recently contacted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Office with questions about the City Council’s vacant seat, the city attorney confirmed last week.
At the Del Mar City Council’s Feb. 19 meeting, City Attorney Leslie Devaney reported that the DA’s Office contacted her earlier that month and told her that a complaint had been filed with their office regarding the council vacancy that occurred following Dwight Worden’s resignation in the fall.
The DA’s Public Integrity Office investigates and prosecutes criminal misconduct related to public officials. Devaney said the deputy district attorney who contacted her was calling strictly on background and did not confirm the complainant’s name or whether there would be an investigation.
“She asked if I could give her background on that item, which I did. She also confirmed that the council’s handling of the vacancy is not a criminal matter,” Devaney said.
The DA’s Office declined to comment on the matter.
“We do not provide information or even confirm whether we are involved in investigations,” spokesperson Tanya Sierra said.
Some community members have criticized the outcome of the recent council vacancy. Between October and November, City Council members repeatedly failed to agree upon an appointee for the position and deadlocked on whether to proceed with a special election.
Because official action was not taken by the November deadline, the council was left with a seat that will remain vacant until the next election in 2026.
Some community members and appointee candidates criticized this outcome, with concerns that the four-person council will continue to deadlock and be unable to complete city business.
