Carmel Mountain, CA

Eagle Scout candidate Dylan Kearse and a local environmental group, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy, have completed a new viewing deck over a vernal pool wetland on the Carmel Mountain Preserve in Carmel Valley.

Just in time for the rainy season, the deck gives visitors to the Preserve an opportunity for close-up viewing of fairy shrimp, tadpoles and other vernal pool life with interpretive signs on the natural history of vernal pools. The deck and signs were designed and funded by the Conservancy and Dylan with major additional funding from The Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, and review and approval by City of San Diego park rangers. Dylan has also repaired trail fencing as part of his Eagle Scout project as a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 765.

“I’ve enjoyed visiting the Carmel Mountain Preserve near my home and the vernal pool deck was a great fit for an Eagle Scout Project,” said Dylan, a senior at Canyon Crest Academy in a news release. “This project had a bit of several great life experiences including teamwork, logistics, engineering, construction and biology. It’s been fun explaining the project to passersby during construction and we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback.”

The 300-acre Carmel Mountain Preserve is located east of Interstate 5 and south of State Route 56 in Carmel Valley, with a trail system open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The Preserve was established in 1998 to protect several sensitive coastal ecosystems after a years-long grassroots campaign to block a residential housing development. The Preserve is now a part of the San Diego Multiple Species Conservation Plan and protects ecosystems like vernal pools, southern maritime chaparral and coastal sage scrub and several dependent endangered species like California gnatcatchers, San Diego fairy shrimp and Del Mar manzanita.

According to David Hogan, director of the Chaparral Lands Conservancy, vernal pools are one of California’s most endangered wetland ecosystems with over 95% of all original pools lost to development and agriculture. Seven animals and plants recognized as endangered or threatened under state and federal endangered species laws live on the Carmel Mountain Preserve and have benefited from a habitat restoration project conducted there by The Chaparral Lands Conservancy between 2012 and 2015.

“The original idea for the vernal pool deck originated with the Conservancy several years ago as part of our work to repair damaged habitat on the Preserve,” said Hogan in a news release. “But it took Dylan’s motivation and Eagle Scout project to get us over the finish line. Many visitors to the Preserve have heard of vernal pools and this is a great way to see them up close.”

While many trail options will get you there, the easiest way to check out the new viewing deck is via the trailhead at Ocean Air Community Park, located on 4777 Fairport Way.

SAN DIEGO —

A new court ruling could make it much harder for San Diego to follow through on plans to solve the local housing crisis by allowing more high-rise and mid-rise projects across the city.

Studies analyzing how such housing projects affect traffic, noise and wildfire threats could become less certain and more complex if a tentative ruling issued Wednesday by Superior Court Judge Ronald Frazier becomes law.

“It would potentially grind development to a halt,” Deputy City Attorney Ben Syz told Judge Frazier in court Thursday. “The city needs certainty as to what it’s looking at and what it’s analyzing.”

Frazier’s ruling says analysis of the 536-unit Junipers development in Rancho Penasquitos failed to account for two nearby projects — the 331-unit Millennium PQ and the 826-unit Trails at Carmel Mountain Ranch — even though city officials knew about them.

City officials and attorneys for developer Lennar Homes say the analysis, an environmental impact report, ignored those projects because plans for them were not complete when the EIR for the Junipers began in April 2018.

Politics

Jan. 2, 2023

They say the EIR process, which often takes more than a year, would become much more complicated and cumbersome if analysts who have launched such a review must continually adjust and re-start their work as they become aware of new projects planned nearby.

For that reason, the city always ignores any nearby projects whose plans are not deemed complete on the date that an EIR is begun.

“The law gives public agencies the discretion to pick a date and draw a line in the sand,” said Jeff Chine, an attorney for Lennar. “Unless that determination is arbitrary, it must be honored.”

Plans for Millennium PQ were not deemed complete by the city until 14 months after the Junipers EIR was launched. Plans for the Trails at Carmel Mountain Ranch were not deemed complete until 21 months after.

The City Council approved the Junipers project in June 2021, prompting neighbors to sue, contending the EIR was not properly completed.

Chine said the approval process for housing is already too complex and argued Frazier’s tentative ruling would make it far worse.

“It would take a process that is intended to be somewhat streamlined and make it very unstreamlined,” he said.

Syz said technical studies included in an EIR, such as how a project would increase traffic and affect nearby intersections, take many months and would have to be started over many times under Frazier’s tentative ruling.

“It’s not something that happens overnight,” he said. “There is complex modeling.”

In his tentative ruling, Frazier said the city and the developer should have used a different deadline — the date the draft EIR was released, not begun — to determine which nearby projects to include in the analysis.

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“The Millennium PQ and Trails projects were reasonably probable future projects known to the city well before the draft EIR was published,” Frazier wrote. “The city attempts to assert it was not obligated to consider these projects because neither of the applications was ‘deemed complete’ before the project’s April 10, 2018 Notice of Preparation was issued. The court is not persuaded.”

The ruling could halt construction of the Junipers, where 36 of the planned 536 units have already been built. Chine said there are 150 to 200 construction workers at the 112-acre site each day.

Chine urged Judge Frazier to consider such things when deciding whether to make his tentative ruling final in the coming weeks.

“Having 36 homes, open trenches and critical public utilities in the middle of construction — I think that deserves to be part of the conversation,” he said.

Chine also lobbied the judge to consider the wider concern of San Diego’s severe lack of affordable housing. “We are in the middle of a housing crisis, and this project provides 536 homes,” he said.

Josh Chatten-Brown, the attorney for a group of residents living near the Junipers who challenged it in court, criticized those comments.

“The housing crisis is not a reason to approve housing without mitigation,” said Chatten-Brown, contending construction should be halted and the EIR should be re-done.

He also criticized Lennar for making the risky move of launching construction despite the threat of ongoing litigation.

The group he represents, the 16-year-old Peñasquitos Northeast Action Group, issued a prepared statement Thursday about Frazier’s tentative ruling.

“We have experienced three significant housing redevelopments, all adjacent to the Carmel Mountain Road/Peñasquitos Drive intersection, and all have added significant density to our neighborhood and infrastructure,” president Stephan Haight said. “We are deeply concerned that the cumulative impacts of such an increase in housing density are not being considered properly in the city’s bid to add new housing.”

Frazier’s ruling could also impact approval of projects in areas vulnerable to wildfires.

If Lennar and the city are forced to re-do the EIR, they will have to consider the impact of all three new housing developments on how long it would take residents to evacuate. Other developments would also have to widen their analysis to consider what Frazier called “cumulative impacts.”

Frazier, who called the case “very interesting,” did not estimate during Thursday’s hearing when he might finalize his ruling.

Lennar or the city could appeal a final ruling to a higher court.

Tis' the season for joy and peace and several communities across San Diego County truly tap into the holiday spirit by showcasing stunning light displays right outside their homes. Whether you’re a hot chocolate person or an eggnog aficionado, one thing that can be agreed upon is that the displays local residents work hard on each year surely lift the holiday spirit.

Here’s a list of some of the biggest and brightest holiday light displays in different neighborhoods throughout the region:

San Diego

Fairway Village – Carmel Mountain RanchIf you’re looking to be dazzled by a light display, head on over to this Carmel Mountain Ranch community! Aside from the beautiful lights and display, this neighborhood hosts a yearly block party the Saturday before Christmas. Residents enjoy sips of hot chocolate and cider while they nosh on holiday cookies and snacks at the shindig. The event is open to the public.

Where to go: Stoney Gate Place in San Diego, CA 92128

When to go: Dec. 16 from dusk to 10:30 p.m. through Jan. 1

Garrison St. Lights – Point LomaNot too far from Sunset Cliffs rests a neighborhood bustling with holiday joy and stupendous displays. Garrison St. Lights is back with its festive lights that would inspire even those who typically say “bah humbug” to the holidays. Stroll through this Point Loma community for family-friendly holiday displays certain to lift your seasonal spirit.

Where to go: 3616 Garrison St., San Diego, CA 92106

When to go: 5 to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31

3600 block of Garrison Street in Point Loma

Christmas Card Lane – Rancho PeñasquitosIt’s iconic and a San Diego favorite year after year (it even has almost five stars on Yelp!). Christmas Card Lane features dozens upon dozens of homes that deck the halls with boughs of holly and their front yards with imaginative lights and displays. Visitors can cruise by the holiday attraction or go at a slower pace by taking a leisurely walk to truly take in every detail of each home’s décor

Where to go: 9190 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA 92129

When to go: Dusk to 10 p.m.

“Merry-tage Court” – Scripps RanchIf you’re in northern San Diego, one particular Scripps Ranch neighborhood gets deep in the holiday spirit for all to enjoy. “Merry-tage Court” takes its light displays seriously and several homes enjoy indulging in the winter fun. The neighborhood even gets so into the festivities that it earned its seasonal nickname as a fun twist on its street name.

Where to go: Merritage Court and Stonebridge Parkway

When to go: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. now through Dec. 31.

Belardo Lights – TierrasantaWhat started as an ode to his son and a way to bond with him turned into a yearly holiday tradition in this Tierrasanta neighborhood. Thanks to the creation of Randy Schimka, visitors can be awed by his home which is truly decked by the halls with impressive displays. Adding to the magic, the light display is synchronized with FM 106.1’s festive music.

Where to go: 5306 Belardo Dr.

When to go: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Monday, Dec. 27.

Joy to The World: Photos of Festive Holiday Displays in San Diego County

South Bay

Christmas Circle – Chula VistaIt has almost five stars on Google Reviews, nearly five stars on Yelp and 100 stars in the hearts of South Bay residents. This Chula Vista neighborhood gets deep in the holiday spirit each year and transforms into a beloved tradition known as Christmas Circle. As the name suggests, it embodies all things merry and jolly in this circular neighborhood.

Where to go: Whitney and Mankato Streets in Chula Vista, CA 91910

When to go: Starting Dec. 10 from 5 to 10 p.m. each evening through Christmas

North County

Candy Cane Lane – PowayHickory Street turns into a wonderful hot spot for holiday cheer each year with its dazzling lights. House after house in this area go to infinity and beyond to spread their jolly, good vibes through the holidays. Those who have a hankering for all things sweet can also take cash to buy some hot cocoa from residents.

Where to go: Hickory Street Poway, CA 92064

When to go: Second Week of December from dusk to 10 p.m. through Christmas (some homes leave their displays through New Year’s)

Christmas on Knob Hill – San MarcosDroves of people travel to San Marcos each year to engage in this community’s cherished tradition. Santa Claus, himself, has also made an appearance in previous years. He may return for those who made the nice list.

Where to go: 1639 Knob Hill Rd., San Marcos, CA 92069

When to go: 5 to 9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30

East County

Jingle Bell Hill – El CajonKnown as “El Cajon’s very own winter wonderland,” Jingle Bell Hill puts an extra twinkle in every visitors' eyes with the hundreds of lights that illuminate Pepper Drive. Stroll down the illuminated neighborhood on foot or feel free to cruise on down from the comfort of your car at this location.

Where to go: Pepper and Lindenwod Drives, or Pepper and Rockview Drives.

When to go: 6 to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends) nightly

Tinsel Town – LakesideThose who are looking for a merry, good time can head on down to Lakeside's "Tinsel Town" extraordinaire. The yearly feel-good display invites neighbors and all alike to take in the sights as dozens of homes light up the sky with their beautiful decorations. And to add to the fun, a special, green visitor is teased to make an appearance (Hint: he usually resides just outside Whoville).

Where to go: 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr.

When to go: evenings beginning Saturday, Dec. 5

Starlight Circle – SanteeThe nickname for this small Santee neighborhood is straightforward and deserved – it’s a circular residential area that twinkles in the evenings of December. Here, you can immerse yourself in a winter wonderland full of lights and displays that will make you say “ooh” and, dare I say it – “aah.”

Where to go: West Glendon Circle and East Glendon Circle in Santee, 92071

When to go: 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Christmas

Did we miss one? We want to know! Please click here to tell us about your favorite holiday light display in San Diego County residential neighborhoods.

CARLSBAD

YES meeting in person Thursday at center

Youth Enrichment Services invites the community to its monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Pine Avenue Community Center, 3209 Harding St. The presenter will be Sarah Garlejo, community health promotion specialist with the Office of Equitable Communities. The office is part of the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities. The topic will be the re-imagining of a new county system as it pertains to whole-family well-being. After the meeting, guests are invited upstairs to visit the Community Resources Fair to learn more about nutrition, mental health and other resources for youths. YES aims to help create a positive environment and safety net for young people in Carlsbad and the surrounding community by working with other youth-oriented agencies and organizations. Meetings are open to all. RSVP to Rosemary Eshelman at reshelman@carlsbadusd.net.

CARMEL MOUNTAIN

Gift and toy drive Monday at preschool

The nonprofit Promises2Kids is collecting new, unwrapped gifts and gift cards to distribute to foster children this holiday season. The Give From Your Heart Holiday Gift Drive is presented by Carmel Mountain Preschool from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and invites the community to join in. Drop off a gift at the school, 9510 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, and take a photo with the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Santa. Gifts can also be purchased online at Amazon and shipped to Promises2Kids (9400 Ruffin Court, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92123), or dropped off at Promises2Kids or at bin locations through Wednesday. Promises2Kids annually provides more than 3,000 current and former foster youth in San Diego County with the help they need to overcome difficulties and become successful adults. Visit promises2kids.org for a list of drop-off locations and information.

NORTH COUNTY

Students invited to apply for board seat

San Diego County students in grades 10 and 11 are invited to apply to represent the youth voice across this region as a member of the San Diego County Board of Education for 2023-24. Online applications are being accepted through Feb. 1 at sdcoe.net/board-of-education/student-board-members. The board will select five students, one from each board region, who will each serve two months. The board encourages applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those with traditional and nontraditional leadership experiences. “I would encourage all students to apply because all voices are important, whether it’s a student body president, football player, student from a migrant family, or someone shining at an afterschool job,” San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Paul Gothold said in a statement. Applications can be submitted online or by mail by Feb. 1. Email Matt Hayes at mahayes@sdcoe.net or call (858) 295-8857.

SAN MARCOS

Holiday concert at Palomar College

The Palomar Comet Concert Band presents “Sounds of the Season” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the college’s Howard Brubeck Theatre, 1140 W. Mission Road. This production will include selections from the concert band repertoire, including eclectic pieces and familiar tunes. Tickets are $10 to $15, available at palomar.universitytickets.com, or email boxoffice@palomar.edu.

SOLANA BEACH

School honors armed forces at celebration

The Santa Fe Christian Schools recently honored the U.S. armed forces at its 24th annual Veterans Day celebration, hosting 110 guests, including students, parents, local community members and veterans. The most senior veteran was James Ziegler, a U.S. Marine Corps corporal who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Ziegler was accompanied by his granddaughter, Megan Ziegler, who teaches AP science at Santa Fe Christian Schools. The guests were welcomed with performances by the school band and choir, along with a Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Navy Medical Readiness Training Command Color Guard. The keynote speaker was U.S. Navy veteran Tony Teravainen, who served 81/2 years operating and maintaining nuclear reactors in the submarine force. Teravainen is now co-founder and CEO of STEP (Support the Enlisted Project), a nonprofit working to help military families and veterans achieve financial self-sufficiency through counseling, education, and grants. Visit sfcs.net.

VALLEY CENTER

Two concerts this week with bands and choirs

The Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters are holding two Christmas Concerts: The Valley Center Middle and High School choirs will perform at 6 p.m. Monday, and the High School Marching, Concert, and Jazz bands will perform at 5 p.m. Tuesday, both at the high school’s Maxine Theater. The Boosters will have a bake sale Monday night before the choir concert. All proceeds will support the 500-plus music students in grades 5-12. The Maxine Theater is at Valley Center High School, 31322 Cole Grade Road. Seats are first come, first served, so early arrival is suggested. The Valley Center Pauma Music Boosters is a nonprofit supporting music in Valley Center schools. Anyone can become a Booster member for $10. Email vcmusicboosters@gmail.com.

Please send items to ncschools@sduniontribune.com at least two weeks before events.

Growing San Diego-based vegan drive-through chain Plant Power Fast Food will bring its newest outpost to Carmel Mountain Plaza in Northern San Diego County.

Plant Power Fast Food was started by Mitch Wallis, who is also the founder of Hillcrest's Evolution Fast Food. The first location of Plant Power Fast Food opened in Ocean Beach in January 2016 and quickly became a popular destination for those craving healthy and plant-based versions of traditional fast food offerings. After launching an online crowd-sourced funding initiative with the goal to make the company a national chain, a second location debuted in Encinitas in 2017, followed by a third launched in Redlands, CA. There is also a local branch in San Diego's Rolando area near SDSU, as well as locations in Long Beach, Riverside, Redlands, Sacramento, Fountain Valley, CA, and a branch opening in Las Vegas. Just this week, a new Plant Power opened within Venue D at the 10 acre UCSD North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Campus In the next couple years, the company aims to launch a food truck in Los Angeles and open more locations around San Diego and Orange Counties, as well as increase its presence outside of California.

The newest Plant Power Fast Food will soon install within the standalone building that last housed a location of Boston Market near In-N-Out Burger within Carmel Mountain Plaza. There will be a drive-up window for car dining or take out, and like other locations, the menu will be entirely plant-based with absolutely no meat, animal products, or GMOs. Expect items like the mock meat spicy Buffalo chicken sandwich and the meatless BBQ burger with onion rings and vegan cheddar 'cheese'. The eatery also serves an assortment of hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, smoothies, desserts and more, as well as offers a popular breakfast menu that features bagels and vegan cream cheese and 'egg' sandwiches.

Plant Power Fast Food is slated to open as early as this fall at 11846 Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego's Carmel Mountain Ranch area. For more information, visit plantpowerfastfood.com.