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.

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.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued an El Nino Advisory, stating that the El Nino conditions are expected to strengthen and last in the Northern Hemisphere throughout  the winter of 2009-2010.

For those of us in Southern California, North Coastal San Diego County in particular, that means way more rain than we’re used to.  There’s no doubt we need it after so many years of water shortages, but the torrential downpours can cause problems. 

• Make sure all your drains and gutters are cleared of debris and are functioning properly before the rain hits. 
• If your home doesn’t have gutters, you may consider having them installed.
• Visually inspect nearby storm drains before the storm season and after every rain.
• If drain are obstructed, notify your local Dept of Public Works 

Stay dry and enjoy the show!

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.

Faced with the worst budget crisis in California history, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed selling high profile state properties, including our very own Del Mar Fairgrounds and racetrack.  The Governor’s original proposal would have sold the entire 400 acre property, valued at between $400 to $700 million.

Fortunately, since the Governor’s proposal was unveiled in May of this year, there were no buyers lined up to purchase the famous place where the turf meets the surf.  Other State properties including San Quentin State Prison were also proposed for sale and apparently did receive some interest from potential buyers.  To each his own…

In June, follow-up staff studies in Sacramento found that the racetrack portion of the Del Mar property was the actual profit generator of the property.  With this in mind, the Governor’s real estate managers suggested splitting the property and selling the track separately – a move they hoped would make this already prime coastal property even more attractive. 

Courtesy Ewen and Donabel, Flickr

Meanwhile, local state legislators and coastal city government expressed their concerns over selling this historic property where so many county activities take place.  There was also virtually no San Diego support for the sale.  Located in an environmentally sensitive area, one that we locals are proud and protective of, the site is too fragile to allow distant politicians control over.  The loss of the Del Mar racetrack and/or fairgrounds would have had devastating effects for the Del Mar and coastal economy as well as the lifestyles of all San Diego County residents. 

Luckily, when the State Budget was revealed in July, the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack were no longer part of the state sell-off.  Apparently, San Quentin also avoided the auction block.  Other state properties such as the Orange County Fairgrounds and several state buildings are slated to be sold…

Although no one knows what the future will bring, it is good to know that the Governor and the State Legislature acted with the public interest in mind this time!  However, even though the adopted budget did not include these extreme actions this time, the Governor continues to stand by his idea to sell the valuable state properties.  The folks up in Sacramento, including the Governor, need to remember that decisions regarding the prize possessions of the citizens of this state should not be made without the input of those citizens. 

Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear should this ill-conceived plan rear its ugly head again.  Meanwhile, enjoy those hot cinnamon rolls and pick a winner at the track!  See you next summer at the San Diego County Fair and the next racing season at our Del Mar Race Track!

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 Del Mar California means living in beautiful Southern California coastal splendor.  A once neglected and unattractive stagnant slough in the middle of this little piece of paradise has just been restored to its natural condition, lost for decades.  I wrote about this in an earlier blog post Del Mar’s San Dieguito Lagoon Now Thriving!

The multi year project to reclaim this valuable wetland area of the San Dieguito Lagoon into a much needed bio refuge for indigenous wetland animals is nearly completed. Schools of fish have repopulated lagoon waters that they left over a century ago, and fiddler crabs, swallows and egrets have once again made the lagoon their home.

Observation points along hiking and biking trails invite local Del Mar residents and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of this newly restored wetland while respecting its sensitive and precarious habitat.  Rangers are on duty to ensure the rules are followed, and to teach visitors about this special reserve.  Biologists and students of wetland habitats have begun to watch and study the changes here.

The project is financed by an $86 million settlement from California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric for environmental damages caused by the San Onofre Power Plant. 

Dredging and removing silt and debris from the shallow lagoon has been a necessary step for the tides to move naturally through this 460 acre park that extends from the ocean to the east side of Interstate 5. 

Located just south of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the new revitalized San Dieguito Lagoon is quickly becoming one of Del Mar’s favorite attractions.  Enjoy quiet reflection while strolling along the River Walk or Boardwalk areas near Jimmy Durante Boulevard.  Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding along the Lagoon Trail will follow the lagoon to its end at El Camino Real.

Don’t miss this historic restoration—come visit the new gateway to the San Dieguito River Park, in beautiful Del Mar!!  If you’ve visited already and have enjoyed this newly flourishing preserve, please write and tell us about it.  We’d love to hear from you!

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!

High activity in the low end of North San Diego County

Those of us living and working in higher end North San Diego County markets like Del Mar CA have been watching other areas of the county bottom out and, in fact, become hot markets.  Many lower priced neighborhoods have had large numbers of short sales and REOs, and buyers have taken advantage of this great opportunity to buy at hugely discounted rates.  This increased activity had led to multiple offers and overbids.

In contrast, almost no activity in Del Mar CA… until recently!

Not so with Del Mar CA homes, Solana Beach CA property and other higher priced neighborhoods. Until recently, listings simply weren’t moving.  Del Mar prices were steadily declining until the end of last year.  Well, chin up, Del Martians!  Property, at least Del Mar CA property, is finally beginning to sell!

Del Mar CA is heating up!

Comparing the number of new listings with the number of new sales in any given month since the beginning of 2009, the ratios are finally showing improvement. Back in January, there were 34 listing new Del Mar detached home listings, while only 7 listings went into escrow during that same period.  This imbalance leads to increased inventory and declining prices.  In contrast, 30 detached Del Mar CA homes were listed in May, and 19 listings went into escrow! 

Here’s the data for the first 5 months of 2009.  The graph shows the ratio of new listings/new sales.  A smaller number means the inventory is decreasing:

Del Mar CA home sales

At a ratio of 1.6 new listings per new sale for the month of May, we are actually approaching a healthy balance, and, if this keeps up, prices will start to creep back up.

Another view, looking at the last 12 months, shows the steadily increasing number of new escrows since its lowest point in Ocober of 2008:

Del Mar CA home sales vs new listings

If you’re interested in relocating to Del Mar or in investing in Del Mar CA real estate, please give us a call (760-815-1318) soon or visit our website DreamHomesByTheBeach.com.  Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Statistics have always intrigued me – in part because they are so malleable. It’s easy to manipulate the numbers to argue just about any point you want to make.

The high end areas in San Diego County like Del Mar, Solana Beach and Rancho Santa Fe are still in serious decline, with very little activity and large inventory sitting on the market. 

An interesting analysis I recently did shows why the sellers had better get on board with the new reality or they will never sell their home.   I compared the price per square foot of homes that are active on the market (i.e. “not selling”!) with those that have sold, and more specifically, with those that have sold in the last 12 months, 6 months, 3 months, 2 months or 1 month.  I focused on Del Mar Ca real estate, since, after all, that’s where my office is and where much of my business tends to be.  I also restricted the analysis to detached homes in the $1m-$3m range, since that is the most representative niche in Del Mar.

Here are the raw numbers:

• 99 actives (NOT selling)
• 58 sold over the last 12 months
• 20 sold over the last 6 months
• 12 sold over the last 3 months
• 7 sold over the last 2 months
• 2 sold over the last 1 month
• 11 pending (in escrow)

When looking at the price per square foot of the Del Mar homes that sold in these periods, we see a trend:

• actives -      $784/SF
• 12 mo -      $604/SF
• 6 mo -        $573/SF
• 3 mo -        $518/SF
• 2 mo -        $554/SF
• 1 mo -        $322/SF
• pending -     $479/SF (once these close, the final sales price per square   foot [SP/SF] will be much lower, as the $479 is based on ASKING price)

A more visual depiction:

Del Mar Ca - Price per Sq Ft as function of period sold

In other words, those Del Mar properties that have sold more recently are those with a much lower price per square foot.  Del Mar listings still sitting on the market NOT selling, at an average of $784/SF, are simply OVERPRICED.  Of course price per square foot is not the only factor in selling a home, however, this analysis is certainly a telling indication of what’s selling!

For solid, realistic input on where you need to be priced in order to sell your Del Mar Ca home in today’s market, give me a call (760-815-1318) – I’d be happy to give you an honest assessment, with no obligations or strings attached.