The 44-acre property was purchased by the city from flower grower Robert Hall  in 2001 for $17 million.  Since that time, it has been bogged down by battles between various interests – in short, those who want the land to be developed into a sports park (heavily supported by city officials), and those residents living nearby who would prefer to have it be passive park land, arguing their way of life will be radically altered by the new facility  The proposal, as it stands now, includes five sports fields, a dog park, a skatepark, children’s play structures and a swim complex.

To keep up to date on the Hall Property and other issues concerning our beautiful Encinitas community, whether Old Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia or Olivenhain, sign up for the newsletter by emailing stoprezoning@yahoo.com.

Hey, Blake…if you’re looking for Del Mar CA Real Estate…you know who to call

Please come share your vision – even the smallest inputs will be of value.
Community Specific Workshops, all from 6pm-8pm
1. March 8 (Monday) in Olivenhain (Olivenhain Town Hall, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road)
2. March 9 (Tuesday) in New Encinitas (Diegueno Middle School, 2150 Village Park Way)
3. March 11 (Thursday) in Cardiff (Cardiff Elementary School, 1888 Montgomery Ave)
4. March 22 (Monday) in Leucadia (Paul Ecke Central Elementary, 185 Union Street)
5. March 23 (Tuesday) in Old Encinitas (Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Ave)

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!

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!

For their innovation, the City of Encinitas has been awarded the international 2009 Renewable Energy Project of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers. The project also won the San Diego Excellence in Energy Award from the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

It sounds far-fetched, but apparently the new hybrid system will cool the Civic Center by making ice at night during low-cost and low-demand energy use periods.  The ice will then be used to cool the facility during higher energy demand periods during the day.  The cost of this $3.5 million dollar project, which includes 501 solar electric panels, was partially offset by rebates and incentives.  Hopefully, the money was well spent.

The Saint Mark’s celebration, which is a four year tradition now, served up thirteen turkeys, eighty pounds of mashed potatoes and sliced dozens of pumpkin pies.  Visiting Marines were treated to a great meal, complete with large screen football, family table games and lots of new friends.

It’s a great way to thank these men and women who to step up to defend our way of life, regardless of one’s opinion of the rightness or wrongness of the war…

Encinitas Holiday Parade

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