Del Mar officials call for probe of AG Rob Bonta

The Del Mar City Council has voted unanimously to request investigations into California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Mark Arabo, a member of the Del Mar Fairgrounds board. The request calls on San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon to examine potential misconduct and conflicts of interest.

The controversy stems from a long-standing dispute over Seaside Ridge, a proposed 259-unit residential development. The city has repeatedly rejected the project, leading to ongoing litigation with the developer. Attorney General Bonta became involved in the dispute last year, alleging that the city was violating state housing laws by not providing a clear path for the project.

The call for an investigation follows a letter from resident Debrah Barnes, which raised concerns regarding campaign contributions. The letter notes that individuals connected to Arabo, including a luxury real estate agent involved with the Seaside Ridge team, made significant contributions to Bonta in 2024. Additionally, the letter questions whether Arabo should have disclosed professional ties to the development team while participating in Fairgrounds board meetings.