Several weeks ago, I wrote a post about the proposed expansion of the Del Mar Fairgrounds to include a hotel and convention center.

I recently received a copy of a letter written by Drew Cady, Del Mar CA resident and concerned citizen, to the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board on December 11, 2009.  If this plan is approved, it will seriously impact the quality of life for residents and visitors of the villages of Del Mar & Solana Beach and adversely impact the delicate wetlands adjacent to this fairgrounds.  In Drew’s opinion, it is an “ill-conceived, greedy attempt to secure revenues for the State, by sacrificing nature and our local communities.”  If you agree, or have an opinion to share, please comment.  You can also voice your opinion directly by writing your own letter to the board…

Here’s the letter:

Letter to the Board of Directors, 22nd District Agricultural Association, State of California commenting on the draft EIR for the expansion and development of the Del Mar
Fairgrounds

Dear Board Members of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Agricultural District No.33:

I attended a meeting of the Fairgrounds Board of Directors several weeks ago and
spoke to you during the public 3ʼ commentary.  What I said is that I believe the quality of
life, not just for human beings, but for all the creatures who live on and near the Del Mar
Fairgrounds land will be radically and negatively altered forever by the enormous
development which you have set forth in your plan.  This development is wrong and
represents the greedy interests of a few people who are shortsighted and unaware of
the fragile ecosystem which exists around this massive fairgrounds land.  The other
evening while at the Inn LʼAuberge Hotel, I viewed an historic photograph of the river
basin that is now the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  Before me was a serene wilderness which
represented perhaps one of the most wonderful aspects of this relatively undisturbed
coastal area, up until man placed his heavy footprint upon it.  The slow takeover and
alteration of this marshland and delta which is the outflow of waters from a major
watershed along southern California has been mostly without regard for the damage
that it has caused to the natural environment.

We have learned a great deal in recent decades about how critically important these
natural environments are in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle for those of us who live in
this region, as well as for our offspringsʼ future.  To overdevelop this fragile land area, as you have depicted in your ʻmaster planʼ is thoughtless and reckless and damaging to
the future potentials of this region.  Like any environment, ours relies upon a cycle of life and a restorative water culture, which can endure all the burdens which mankind places
upon it.  I dare say, we are at a critical juncture in our history; one, that perhaps we will look back upon in future years, and realize that without significant efforts to preserve our watersheds, we would not have been given the privilege to continue to reside in this coastal desert land.  The earth is a naturally sustaining ecosystem which miraculously absorbs so much of the industrial and overdevelopment schemes of man, but we are rapidly approaching a time when these fragile systems will not be able to counteract the enormous pressure put upon them by Manʼs non-sustainable usage of natural
resources.

We are at this crossroad together and it is only through careful planning that we will be
able to assist the earth as it attempts to restore from all of the plunder it has endured
during the ʻreign of manʼ.   Our erroneous political structures and overactive
development instincts have proven us a weak caretaker of these lands, but we now
have perhaps our last opportunity to reverse this behavior and begin to work with the
earthʼs naturally sustaining systems in building a healthier and friendlier environment in
which to sustain our race and take care of all the other living beings on earth.

You can either ignore the pleas of what you might regard as a radical environmentalist
without any rationale for how to better utilize these Fairgrounds, or you can recognize
that your master plan represents a short sighted personal gain for few, at the expense of
the masses and our revered nature.

What a magical world the San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas CA becomes after sunset! 

After spending a few glorious hours exploring the gardens with my family last Sunday morning, with a particularly long visit to the Hamilton’s Children’s Garden, a true masterpiece in conception and realization, we heard about the Garden of Lights and decided to return later that same evening.

After the sun goes down, the Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with thousands of sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience. Many of these lights are LED, which are much brighter than regular lights. Adding to the sparkle is the “Poinsettia Garden,” festively decorated with many varieties of poinsettias, and serving the most delicious warm mulled wine.  Two buck Chuck never tasted yummier!

My two kids, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous activities offered, including a horse-drawn wagon ride, marshmallow roasting, a visit with Santa in a charming holiday decorated gazebo, and live music – all magically illuminated. 

If you haven’t had a chance to visit this spectacular event yet, RUN!  You only have until December 30th.  I promise, this might be the most memorable holiday experience you’ll have – here in Encinitas CA or anywhere!

Being a pet owner most of my life, I love the pet friendly attitude here in Encinitas CA where I live.  However, the issue of off-leash dogs at local parks in Encinitas has recently set off a real dogfight in the community. 
 
Complaints about Sheriff’s enforcement actions for loose dogs in area parks during non-“off leash” hours caused the city council to expand those hours at several local parks.  “Off leash Hours” are the times that dog owners can let their pets roam leash free in designated parks.  The council approved the action on a 4 to 1 vote.

Orpheus Park in Encinitas CA

Proponents of the new hours celebrated the extended hours citing years of loose dogs that have never led to a serious incident.  Opponents say “Encinitas is going to the dogs”.  They feel the extension was unnecessary and hampers the rights and freedom of non dogowners.  Some local residents have even requested that the city consider fencing in loose dog areas to keep kids and loose dogs separate.  Especially residents with small children, who aren’t comfortable letting their kids roll around in the grass because of the amount of dog poop that’s repeatedly deposited there, are up in arms over the expansion.  They are particularly afraid of an incident that might be scary or even traumatizing for a young child.

Courtesy of This Year's Love, flickr

So far, dog lovers have won.  Orpheus, Sun Vista and Viewpoint Parks will begin the new “off leash” hours; 6:00 to 9 a.m. and 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday in Mid January 2010.  Glen and Hawk View Parks will be considered for extension in the spring.  Keep in mind, fines for having your dog off leash where or when it is not legal can cost as much as $445.00!

We haven’t even caught our collective breath from a failed attempt by the Governor to sell our fairgrounds, and here comes government with another very bad idea.  It seems that the 22nd Agricultural District Master Plan includes a massive expansion project that would adversely affect the area in so many ways.

The new additions would include a 330 room multi story hotel, a 60,000 sq ft health club, and a large convention center.  Along with with all the commercial activities that go along with such a project, they want to add sports fields on the rooftops!  They even want to put a large casino like electronic sign advertising facility events along the freeway.

Finally and probably most disturbing, the 22 Agricultural District actually wants to fill in part of the San Dieguito Lagoon wetlands that we just finished revitalizing.  After all, we can always use more parking lots, can’t we?

This project is wrong for our community. A large hotel and convention center on the Del Mar Fairgrounds will bring more crowds, noise, traffic congestion and bright lights to our community year around.  It will re-damage sensitive ecological areas that were just restored from past mistakes.

Local residents, as well as fans of all the activities that we enjoy at our county fairgrounds, should make themselves heard.  Contact the Ag Board and tell them to get back to their original charter, running the county fair and the Del Mar horse races.

More holiday festivities are around the corner – the Encinitas Holiday Parade is coming up on Saturday, December 5th, in Encinitas CA.  The fun starts with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00pm in the courtyard of the Lumberyard Shopping Center on Coast Highway 101, adjacent to the famous St. Tropez Bistro.  The Parade itself begins at 5:30, heading south along Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street. 

This year’s Parade theme is “Season’s GreeNings,” celebrating all things environmental in Encinitas.  Shuttle bus service will be available from parking locations near I-5 directly to the Parade. Call (760) 633-2740 for exact shuttle service locations and for general Parade information.

Bring your family and friends (and a lawn chair or blanket) to watch as nearly 100 entries make their way down the Parade route.  And stick around afterwards to enjoy dinner at one of the many great downtown Encinitas restaurants. Q’ero is one of my favorites, and the relatively new 3rd Corner is excellent, reasonably priced and has a phenomenal selection of wines.

The 3rd Corner Lounge in Encinitas CA

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and here in Del Mar CA, it kicks off with the 15th annual “Holiday of Lights” at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Starting with opening night on Thanksgiving, November 26th, we can once again enjoy the unique transformation of the fairgrounds into a holiday wonderland decorated with thousands of lights.

The 1.5 mile journey through luminescent tunnels, loops of garland, snowflakes and many other amazing displays all made of holiday lights is a great family experience. From the comfort of your car you’ll see everything from dinosaurs to elves playing volleyball. While driving through the spectacular displays, you can tune your radio to the fairgrounds holiday radio station and enjoy festive music to complete the experience.

In years past over 500 vehicles a day have cruised through this North San Diego Coastal holiday experience. This year’s event will run through January 3, 2010, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 11:00 PM. The cost is $14.00 per car for up to five occupants.

So come to Del Mar CA and experience this great holiday event. Once inside, you can drive back through as many times as you like.

The new Hamilton Children’s Garden, a place where children and families can enjoy the outdoors and experience the wonder of being close to nature, is now open at the San Diego Botanic Garden (formerly the Quail Botanical Gardens) in Encinitas CA.  The centerpiece is Toni’s Tree House, an ADA-compliant banyan tree environment that combines a man-made “trunk”, with living trees that kids can explore from roots to canopy through tunnels, walkways, and rope ladders. 

Throughout the themed gardens that make up this 1 acre space, whether it’s building structures in Earth Builders, casting shadows to “read” the time at the Amazing Sundial, hopping from rock to rock in Rock Hoppers, touching and smelling in Spell and Smell, or making mud pottery in Art’s Garden – the rule is most definitely “hands on”.  It’s a perfect location for a fun filled and educational birthday party.  Just remember – no party dresses needed!

On September 12, 2009, the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas CA offically became the San Diego Botanic Garden.  Although the name has changed, thankfully, the wonderful experience of visiting this magical place has not.

The Quail Botanical Gardens began as a 30 acre private estate belonging to Charles and Ruth Larabee.  The Larabees landscaped their property with exotic plants they acquired while traveling around the world. They created this amazing place where people could walk through different ecosystems–all right here in San Diego County!

Highly involved in scouting and the education of area youth, the couple used their garden to teach about nature.  Continuing in the same spirit, Ruth Larabee left her beautiful garden and grounds to the County of San Diego in 1957.  Quail Botanical Gardens was officially born.

The Quail Gardens Foundation was founded shortly thereafter to support this one-of-a-kind botanical garden here in North San Diego County.  The County provided funding and management until 1993 when tough financial times in local government forced the garden to go private as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. 

Still holding true to the original mission to serve the botanical and horticultural needs of San Diego County, this amazing urban retreat is still right here in Encinitas for all to experience and enjoy. 

The San Diego Botanic Garden provides demonstration gardens including threatened and endangered plant species, drought resistant gardens and a chance to see all of these plants fully grown in a majestic setting.  From tropical to local sage, the garden has glorious presentations in a park like setting. One of my favorite exhibits are the bamboo groves – the Garden has the largest bamboo collection in the nation with tens of different species represented.

These days we are dealing with prolonged drought conditions and severe water shortages.  Places like the San Diego Botanic Garden are just what we need to help us be part of the solution.  Here one can learn how to grow and maintain a gorgeous thriving landacpe with a minimum of water and a modest burget. 

While visiting this beautiful and educational place, many people discover that their gardening habits may be damaging the environment or even damagin or killing their home gardens themselves.  Problems like over watering and smart plant selection are addressed while you look at these demonstration gardens already designed and established.  You quickly learn that many drought resistant plants from around the world are quite colorful and will grow extremely well right here.

The beautiful environment of the Gardens, located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas CA, is the perfect setting for all types of events.  Weddings and other social engagements can be held in the garden. Other fun and exciting events are sponsored throughout the year.

Admission to costs $12 for adults, $6 for children (3-12), and $8 for senior, students, and the military.  It is free on the first Tuesday of every month and car pools of four or more can waive the $2 parking fee anytime. Memberships are also available for free entry and other benefits.

Whether you are looking to start your own drought-resistant garden or are just looking to relax and experience the beauty of nature at its best, take a trip to San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas CA.  It’s a Zen experience!

If you live or have spent any time at all in San Diego County, chances are you’ve at least heard of the Del Mar Fairgrounds if not visited a few times.  Located 20 miles north of downtown San Diego in beautiful Del Mar, this historic facility is home to fun activities all year long. 

A Brief History of the Del Mar Fairgrounds

San Diego residents have been participating in “County Fairs” since 1880.  Early fairs were agricultural gatherings but included such fun activities as horse racing and pie contests.  The location of these annual celebrations moved from place to place yearly which lead to struggles for the sponsors.

In 1936, the 22nd District Agricultural Association bought land at the mouth of the San Dieguito River for a new San Diego County Fairgrounds to help promote successful venues.  Thus was the beginning of the San Diego County Fair. The Fair was renamed the Del Mar Fair decades ago, and, while it returned to its original name in 2002, locals still refer to it as the Del Mar Fair.

Today’s fair offers displays of everything from livestock to fine jewelry.  Of course, now there are the wild rides and quality concerts to draw just about every type of person who lives in Southern California. This year, even in a severe recession, a record 1,274,442 people visited the Del Mar CA fair making it not only one of the biggest in the nation but arguably one of the best!

Here Come the Ponies!

Courtesy Ewen and Donabel, Flickr

The Thoroughbred Club was later established in 1937 by major motion picture personalities  Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien with corporate  support by Paramount Studios.  Crosby was at the gate on that first opening day to personally greet the fans.  In 1938 Seabiscuit ran a historic race that was the first nationally broadcast on the radio right here in Del Mar CA.  Early purses ran as high as $25,000.  Today, the Pacific Classic pays a solid $1,000,000 to the owner of the winning horse.  Traditions, such as “Hat Day” on opening day, prevail today much as they did during the Hollywood era in the 1940s.  Del Mar racing season runs from mid July to mid September annually.  And, after 7 weeks of excitement, the 2009 season will be drawing to a close tomorrow, with ”Free and Easy Wednesday” on September 9th.

Fans can continue to bet on the ponies after the Del Mar race season closes in mid September at the Surfside Race Place.

What’s Happening at the Fairgrounds and Track Now

Today’s Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track are home to numerous events throughout the year, most of them family oriented.  From bazaars to home expos to gun shows, you will find it at the fairgrounds.
The more prominent events are:

• The Del Mar National Horse Show in April
• The Del Mar Fair in June and July
• The Del Mar Races in July, August and September
• The Scream Zone in October
• The Holiday of Lights in December

There are many other fun and exciting events such as the San Diego Home and Garden Show and the Crossroads of the West Gun Show. No matter what your taste, you will find year round fun and entertainment at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack!

Living in Paradise

Sometimes, when you live and work in a gorgeous vacation destination like Del Mar California, you find that you don’t often get a chance to take advantage of the many attractions the area has to offer – you’re too busy living life!

A weekend getaway at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla CA

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to play “tourist”.  A friend (who also happens to be my hairdresser and the owner of Do’s and Lipstick, an upscale salon located in the design district on Cedros in Solana Beach CA) mentioned he had a connection at The Lodge at Torrey Pines.  He had arranged through her to have a weekend getaway at the Lodge at a phenomenal rate, but was going to have to cancel – instead of letting it go to waste, the sweetheart that he is, transferred the reservation to my husband and me!

A perfect place to stay while looking at Del Mar CA homes

What an exquisite place!  Situated adjacent to the world renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course on the ocean bluffs in La Jolla, just a mile and a half from Del Mar CA, this craftsman style resort offers spectacular golf course views, majestic ocean vistas and fresh sea breezes.  For those of you exploring the possibility of purchasing a second home here in Del Mar CA or La Jolla CA, or perhaps those who might want to relocate to this neck of the woods, I can’t think of a more idyllic spot to stay while looking at Del Mar CA real estate.

Give me a call – I’ll help you negotiate the best price for your very own piece of paradise!