Solana Beach Files Lawsuit Against Del Mar Fairgrounds Over KAABOO Music Festival

The city of Solana Beach in California has recently filed a lawsuit against the Del Mar Fairgrounds concerning the approval of the multi-day music festival known as KAABOO. The legal action argues that the fairground’s governing board did not adequately consider the environmental impacts of the event, which is scheduled to return this September after a hiatus since 2019.

The lawsuit emphasizes concerns such as increased air pollution, public safety issues, and traffic congestion that may arise from hosting the festival. The Del Mar Fairgrounds, spanning across both Del Mar and Solana Beach, has been urged to reevaluate its decision-making process regarding such events that could potentially affect the local community.

Local residents living near the fairgrounds have expressed mixed opinions about Solana Beach’s lawsuit. While some residents understand the city’s environmental concerns, others like Susan Simonson, a long-time Solana Beach resident, have voiced support for events like KAABOO. Simonson mentioned that living near the fairgrounds means occasional noise from events is expected, and they embrace the lively atmosphere it brings to the community.

KAABOO has encountered legal challenges in the past, with a previous lawsuit looming over a planned move of the event to Petco Park post-2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical issues, the relocation was postponed. Last year, it was announced that KAABOO would make its anticipated return to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in fall 2024.

Despite the ongoing legal dispute, some residents like Mcelle Kelley are looking forward to the festival’s return and view it as a positive community-building opportunity. The Del Mar Fairgrounds stated that they have been in discussions with Solana Beach regarding the concerns and have worked closely with the festival organizers to address them in the event’s contract.

As the lawsuit unfolds, neighbors hope for an amicable resolution that would allow the music festival to proceed as planned. The city of Solana Beach seeks to have the contract between the Fairgrounds and KAABOO reassessed through an environmental review.

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