Carmel Mountain, CA

Developer has proposed building 1,200 town homes and apartments on former Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club golf course

Carmel Mountain Ranch —

The next battle over what should happen to a shuttered golf course has begun in Carmel Mountain Ranch, where the fairways, tees and holes of the Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club golf course have gone to seed since the course’s closure in July 2018.

A local developer has submitted plans to the City of San Diego’s planning department to construct 1,200 town homes and apartments on the 164 acres of the former course, which is surrounded by homes.

There is, of course, opposition to the plans. As has been true at every golf course that has closed in the county in the past decade, people who bought their houses thinking they would be overlooking beautiful green vistas peppered with golfers now fear what housing development will mean to their property values and their way of life. Traffic, fire evacuation and community character changes highlight concerns.

The golf course was closed nearly two years ago when the Hwang family decided the cost of watering the property made the business unprofitable. The year before its closure, the golf course consumed 45 million gallons of potable water -- the cost of which had risen 33 percent in the previous three years.

The entire Carmel Mountain Ranch community, including the course, was constructed in the 1980s and early 1990s and there has been little built in the area since, primarily because there isn’t any land available. The proposed project, proffered by New Urban West, is named “The Trails at Carmel Mountain Ranch” because the new in-fill community will take advantage of the existing golf cart paths to create six miles of trails, New Urban West Project Manger Jonathan Frankel said.

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Roughly 40 percent of the units will be for-sale town homes with the remaining 60 percent being apartments, Frankel said. He added that 120 homes will be designated “affordable housing” and priced at 60 percent of the median income for the area.

“That’s 120 affordable homes in a community that doesn’t have any deed-restricted affordable housing. None,” Frankel said.

All of the housing will be built on just 30 percent of the land with the rest remaining open space, he added.

New Urban West was selected over a dozen other companies to pursue the right to build the project, just as it was several years ago in Escondido. For several years, many residents surrounding the abandoned Escondido Country Club had fought tooth-and-nail against housing plans. After New Urban West came in, and after a final lawsuit was settled, the project finally became a reality with bulldozers now rolling.

Frankel said the opposition to the Carmel Mountain Ranch plans has not reached the same level as it did in Escondido, but it does exist.

“No homeowner that lives on a golf course would expect a golf course would go out of business and become defunct,” Frankel said. “We completely understand the concerns in the neighborhood about critical issues that need to be addressed and will be addressed -- things like traffic, school, impacts of parks and libraries.”

One of those homeowners is Tony Daum, a financial planner, who has lived on the golf course for 30 years. He is the founder of CMR United, a group of more than 500 area residents opposed to the proposed project. They realize that golf isn’t coming back, and they say they aren’t opposed to housing in general, but not on the golf course.

“The development they are proposing is very inconsistent with what the community looks like,” Daum said. He said the majority of the units would be rentals as opposed to just 25 percent in the existing neighborhood. “It’s very different from the community plan that’s been in place for 30 years.

“We aren’t against development,” Daum said. “We understand we need affordable places for people to live. But we believe the idea of changing golf course property over to dense urban projects is not really a smart way to develop.”

The land is currently zoned for agricultural use. Daum said he approached the owners quite some time ago with the possibility of turning the course into a winery operation, like what has happened in Fallbrook, where the former Fallbrook Golf Club in the Gird Valley has become the Monserate Winery.

But Daum said the owners aren’t willing to consider anything but housing development.

Frankel said the project planning process is still in the early stages and that New Urban West hopes to go before the San Diego City Council early next year for approval. It would likely be a year after that before construction would begin.

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.

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

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.

The Junipers will be for people 55 and older. The project still needs approval from city council.

San Diego planners gave initial approval Thursday to a 536-housing unit senior community in Rancho Peñasquitos.

Developer Lennar’s project, called The Junipers, was unanimously approved by the San Diego Planning Commission. It will now go to the City Council for final approval, likely sometime in June.

The community will be restricted to individuals 55 and older. It will include a mix of townhouses and single-family homes, with 81 apartments set aside for low-income households. It will also include a 2.87-acre public park and a 2.82-acre loop trail near the intersection of Carmel Mountain Road and Peñasquitos Drive.

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The 112-acre Junipers project will be placed on a section of a shuttered golf course. Planners have discussed the project before, but Thursday’s meeting was to consider the completion of an environmental review of the project — which found no significant impact.

All seven planning commissioners were bullish on the plan, despite some community opposition. Their comments expressed a need for more housing and relief that Lennar’s project had a balance of different needs.

“We have a crying need for housing,” said Commissioner Douglas Austin, “we no longer have a crying need for golf courses.”

The plan had already been approved by the Rancho Peñasquitos Community Planning Board in March but some callers into the virtual meeting said they wanted to keep the open space provided by the DoubleTree Golf Resort, which closed in 2015.

Joe Pierzina, who lives directly adjacent to the proposed development, said he and many of his neighbors enjoy the open space and wanted the project scaled back or not built at all.

“My neighbors and I have grown accustomed to, and developed our properties, in relation to the golf course,” he said.

Still, commissioners said more housing was needed for the region and some lamented it was not denser.

Plans call for 133 single-family homes, 136 duplexes and 186 sixplexes. Almost all housing is set to be for-sale housing, but 81 one- and two-bedroom apartments will be subsidized housing for low-income seniors. Lennar did not give an estimate of the cost for the for-sale housing.

Planning for The Junipers took about five years and involved community outreach. Ryan Green, a division president at Lennar, said they kept hearing about concerns of residents living near the proposed project that it could overwhelm local schools. So, he said Lennar decided to avoid the controversy by making it a community for those 55 and older.

Alan Nevin, director of economic and market research at Xpera Group, called into the meeting to support the project because, as a Rancho Peñasquitos resident, he said it fit well into the community.

“Shuttered golf courses are a meaningful opportunity for infill development,” Nevin said. He cited recent legislation introduced in the State Legislature, called Assembly Bill 672, that addresses this. The legislation, introduced by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, would rezone many municipal golf courses throughout the state for residential purposes.

The Southern California Golf Association strongly opposes the legislation and says it threatens the future of the sport. “AB 672 is the most damaging piece of legislation (for) golf to be filed in a generation,” it wrote.

Rancho Peñasquitos has become a focal point for the city’s housing needs with several large projects being improved in recent years, including the 600-home Pacific Village.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — The U.S. Postal Service announced over the weekend that people who are considering international travel during the upcoming winter holidays should get their passports in order now.

"Due to extremely high demand, the current processing time for new passports is three months or more," according to the USPS. "Passport agency officials advise those planning international travel to submit their passport applications as far in advance of their departure dates as possible."

To that end, the USPS is hosting "a blizzard" of passport fairs on July 15 at 25 post offices across San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial Counties. One additional post office, in North Palm Springs, will be hosting a passport fair on July 22.

Postal employees at all 26 locations will accept applications for new U.S. passports during these events.

"With the 4th of July barely in our rearview mirrors, it may seem a little early to be thinking of Christmas, but that’s not the case if you’re thinking of international travel during the holidays," the USPS said.

The scheduled July 15 passport fairs:

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Alpine at 2127 Arnold Way

8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Calimesa at 600 W Avenue L

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Carmel Mountain at 11251 Rancho Carmel Dr.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chula Vista at 340 Oxford St.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in College Grove at 3426 College Ave.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Colton at 265 N 7th St.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in El Cajon at 401 W Lexington Ave.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Encinitas at 1150 Garden View Rd.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fallbrook at 747 S Mission Rd.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Jamul at 13961 Campo Rd.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in La Mesa at 8064 Allison Ave.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in La Quinta at 79125 Corporate Center Dr.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Moreno Valley at 24040 Postal Ave.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Otay Mesa Annex at 2960 Fern Ave.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Palm Springs at 333 N Sunrise Way

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Redlands at 201 Brookside Ave.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Riverfront at 2600 Camino Del Rio N

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Riverside Downtown at 3890 Orange St.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Tecate at 441 Tecate Rd.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Temecula at 30777 Rancho California Rd.

11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Thermal at 87200 Airport Blvd.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in University City at 3298 Governor Dr.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Victorville at 16333 Green Tree Blvd.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Winchester at 28453 Winchester Rd.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Yucaipa at 12460 California St.

The scheduled July 22 passport fair:

7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in N Palm Springs at 64117 Dillon Rd.

Customers attending the above events will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required.

Routine and expedited new passport applications will both be accepted. Payment of U.S. Passport Agency fees must be made with cash, debit cards or money orders, according to the USPS.

Applicants are advised to complete their DS-11 new passport application in advance, print it and bring it unsigned to the event with an acceptable passport photo, fees and documents. The DS-11 application form can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html

For information on new passport application requirements, forms and fees, go to www.travel.state.gov or call the toll-free National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.