A Bridge Builder for Our Community
Meghan O’Ryan Spieker for Del Mar City Council
Why I’m running.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Del Mar needs a bridge builder. That’s what I am.
Our City Council has been short one member since the fall of 2024. We’ve seen it become more factionalized. I bring an open mind and fresh perspective, along with 25 years of deep roots in Del Mar, to enable our leadership to be more collaborative, respectful, and effective.
As a courtesy and in the spirit of openness, I shared with all four sitting City Councilmembers last December my intention to run to fill the vacant seat. When I say that I’m a bridge builder, I mean it.
Del Mar has generational challenges – and opportunities – to tackle state housing mandates, move the railroad tracks off the bluff, manage climate-driven safety risks, and more. But legal dictates from Sacramento have eroded Del Mar’s ability to exert local control.
To achieve best outcomes that keep our community vibrant, we need strategic thinking, an astute legal perspective, and support from key local and regional partners who can make or break our success. My experience includes over fifteen years of business litigation, over a decade of nonprofit leadership, and a lifetime focused on solutions.
In my work on behalf of human trafficking survivors, we found common ground among traditionally polarized groups, including prosecutors, public defenders, and legislators from both sides of the aisle. It took patience, discipline and great communication.
I’m ready to bring that same spirit of solutions-oriented collaboration to embrace the opportunities facing our community. Let’s work together to safeguard Del Mar for the next generation.
Please join me in making sure that Del Mar is the ultimate winner in this race.
Sincerely,
Meghan O’Ryan Spieker
Candidate for Del Mar City Council
Principled. Prepared. Pragmatic.
About Meghan
Family
Meghan’s time in Del Mar started in 2001 when she and her then-fiancé, Warren, rented a canary yellow convertible, opened a Thomas Guide map, and drove up the coast, looking for a place to call home. Shortly after, they found themselves filling out a rental application for a bungalow on 7th and Stratford.
So began a love affair with the village that helped raise four sons, who grew up going to Summer Twilight Concerts and taking Del Mar Pizza to the beach. Meghan and her family have lived in six different houses: west of Stratford, east of Camino Del Mar, south of 9th Street, north of 15th Street, and next to the Village Center, building a personal appreciation for Del Mar’s neighborhoods and needs. Meghan’s husband, Warren, serves older adults by building and operating award-winning retirement communities, including the community in Carlsbad where Meghan’s mom now lives. You can often see Meghan walking her dog, Croi, around town.
Professional Qualifications
Meghan spent 16 years as a business litigator at two major law firms, both in San Francisco and San Diego, solving complex business disputes, including by litigation when unavoidable.
Following her time in private practice, Meghan turned to non-profit leadership. She was the Founding Board Chair of Free to Thrive, a San Diego-based nonprofit that provided direct legal services to survivors of human trafficking. She was a Trustee at her sons’ school, where she chaired the Governance and Development Review Committees. And for more than 10 years, Meghan has served on the board of the California Wildlife Officers Foundation (CalWOF), which provides citizen support to the wildlife officers who protect California’s natural resources.
Meghan earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and her law degree, with honors, from Georgetown.
Service to Community
As a 25-year resident, Meghan knows and loves Del Mar. Now in her second year as a Planning Commissioner, Meghan strives to serve with respect, rigor and equanimity. She recognizes the need to manage the pressures of growth dictated by Sacramento, while safeguarding the vision embodied in Del Mar’s Community Plan.
Meghan has completed the FBI Citizens Academy, served as President of Teen Volunteers In Action (an organization of teen boys committed to volunteerism), and is a member of the Del Mar Women’s Giving Collective (a nonprofit of Del Mar women who support San Diegans in need).
Priorities & Key Issues
Like you, I'm personally invested in the challenges and opportunities affecting Del Mar. In alphabetical order, these include:
Affordable Housing
The state has mandated affordable housing in every community, including Del Mar. My goal is to satisfy this mandate by harmoniously integrating that housing, while preserving our unique character. Equally important, I will work to rebuild local control and help shape future housing mandates. As with other priorities, success for Del Mar depends on support from local and regional partners.
Climate Action & Resilience
To protect Del Mar, we must be leaders in climate action and adaptive capacity to prevent and protect against risks like fire and flooding. Kudos for the work already being done. This includes banning single-use plastics, replenishing sand on our beaches, and undergrounding utilities. Let’s continue this work assertively.
Fairgrounds
Del Mar shares common ground with the Fairgrounds, literally and figuratively. The recent changes to the Fairgrounds leadership offer an opportunity to build relationships that serve all our interests. I am committed to investing in these relationships so they work for Del Mar.
Financial Strength
Del Mar is fortunate to be financially strong. This is a vital asset to be protected. It is not, however, a problem that needs solving. Our committees, city staff and Council have all the financial expertise needed. I’m committed to paying this financial strength forward.
Infrastructure & Basic Services
Well-maintainted roads, parks, sewers, and beaches make our community vibrant and welcoming. So do basic services for residents and businesses. My goal is to ensure we have well-developed capital improvement plans and budgets so that our infrastructure, public safety systems and government serve your needs.
Local Control
Over time, the state has eroded Del Mar’s local control over what happens in our City. As a charter city, Del Mar has the opportunity and legal standing to reassert influence. As an attorney, I’m well-prepared to take a leadership role in reclaiming this control. We know what works in our community.
Rail Alignment
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move the train off our bluffs. The challenge is to protect Del Mar’s interests through the long process of gathering evidence, evaluating options, and participating in final decisions. I appreciate the grassroots advocacy that has ensured full consideration of the Northern Yellow Line. I pledge to continue studying the issue, listening to public input, and advocating for a solution that works for Del Mar.
Shores Park
The Shores Park master planning process is back underway. I look forward to improving this special recreational and communal gathering space for our community.
Underground Utilities
I support undergrounding our utilities, which improves public safety while beautifying our community and increasing property values. As the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the City, we must balance the timeframe for completion and our financial capacity. Let’s continue this steady progress of investing in our future.
Endorsements
San Diego County Democratic Party
U.S. Congressman Mike Levin
"Meghan’s legal expertise, principles, and judgment make her an excellent leader. She will be a strong advocate both locally and regionally for Del Mar.”
Wish to support?
Every vote and dollar count. Thank you!
Email: Meghan4DelMar@gmail.com
Tel: (858) 922 - 6130
Address: PO Box 115, Del Mar, CA 92014
Donations: the maximum campaign contribution is $200 per person.
Checks: can be made out to "Spieker for City Council 2026." Couples may donate on one check so long as it is a joint account and both parties sign.
Donations online: may be made using the "Donate Now" button below.