e-TECC

e-TECC

An electronic bulletin of The Escondido Creek Conservancy | www.escondidocreek.org | 760.471.9354

e-TECC #5, December 13, 2006

	New Urban West's 'Harmony Grove Village' proposal will go before the County of San Diego Planning Commission, Friday, December 15 at 9:00 am. Plan to attend if you can to express your concerns over the impacts to traffic, community character and the local environment that this proposal would bring about. TECC has concerns about the signficant housing density of 742 dwelling units on 468 acres, traffic impacts, and sewage infrastructure, all of which would affect Escondido Creek. The proposed development is on the site of the existing chicken ranches at County Club Drive and Harmony Grove Road.
Complete project details including EIR can be found at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/docs/PR/9-18-06/0408011.html The Planning Commission meets at the County Operations Center at 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B in San Diego. This is at the corner of Clairemont Mesa Blvd. If you cannot attend the hearing, please let the planning commission know of your concerns TODAY: Michael J. Beck (representing. District 2, Supv. Dianne Jacob) Leon D. Brooks, Jr. (representing District 4, Supv. Ron Roberts) Adam Day (Chair, representing District 5, Supv. Bill Horn) David B. Kreitzer representing District 3, Supv. Pam Slater) Read Miller (Vice Chair) representing District 5, Supv. Bill Horn John K. Riess (representing District 1, Supv. Greg Cox) Bryan E. Woods (representing District 2, Supv. Dianne Jacob) Please address all correspondence to the Planning Commissioners at: County of San Diego Attn: Cheryl Jones 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B San Diego, CA 92123 Or E-Mail Cheryl.Jones@sdcounty.ca.gov (858) 694-3816 (telephone); (858) 694-3373 (FAX)
The 468 acre site currently includes two working egg ranches, an equestrian facility, and two non-operational dairy farms. The proposed Village Drive would run to the east across Escondido Creek to connect to Citracado. This road would pass just to the left of the old quarry mountain, left of center in this photo.
This view of the southern end of the project proposal clearly shows the area south of Harmony Grove Road that is the site of another project proposal: Harmony Grove Meadows, a plan for 228 lots (217 homes) on 111 acres by SunCal developers. This high-density project follows the Board Alternate GP2020 Map, and among other problems, would make it impossible to downgrade Country Club Drive to a residential road. Allowing these two project proposals to go forward would destroy the rural atmosphere of Harmony Grove, force the upgrading of Country Club and Harmony Grove Roads, and likely force the construction of the 'SC1375' connector road proposed between Country Club and Del Dios Highway (which would pass through the low saddle in the center of the above photo) -- which the community strongly opposes. Please join with TECC in opposing the Harmony Grove Village project in its current form, and in demanding assurances that limits to high-density development be imposed in the surrounding region.
"Go to the mountains and get their good tidings..." - John Muir Wed, Dec 20, 9:00 am - noon: Derbas Property morning hike This hike is a unique opportunity to explore the recently-acquired 345-acre Derbas property at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. TECC purchased this property in 2002, then ‘flipped’ it to the County of San Diego which manages it as open space in perpetuity. TECC is working with the County to remove invasive eucalyptus trees, and establish a public trail system. Meet at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve on Harmony Grove Road. Outing to closed area by permission. Signup (required)
Interpretive Center Capital Campaign Moving Ahead With over $300,000 raised to date, we are well on our way to fulfilling our dream of an Interpretive Center at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Imagine a day of hiking on one of the Reserve's many trails, that begins or ends with a visit to the Interpretive Center to learn about the plants, animals, early history and natural systems of the area. Or just have a few words with Ranger staff or TECC docents on duty... We need your help to make this happen . Help us reach our goal of $600,000. Visit the web site to learn more and find out how you can help make this vision a reality. The Center will be located in the 'corral' area of the of the parking lot staging area, pictured here...
The volunteers that form our TECC Corps are the water that help TECC grow! We have opportunities for just about everyone, from planting trees to sawing wood, stuffing envelopes to filing, leading walks to public speaking. If you want to do something, we have something to do! Visit our opportunity page and join in the fun today! All TECC Corps members are rewarded with praise and thanks on a regular basis!
	The photo at the left is notable more for what is NOT there than what is -- hundreds of huge eucalyptus trees have been removed over the past several months as part of a habitat restoration project on TECC's '76' property, located on Harmony Grove Road just downstream from the EFRR parking lot staging area. For the first time in decades, Escondido Creek can be seen -- and heard -- babbling its way to the pacific ocean! Watch this area as newly-planted sycamore and willow trees take root and begin to fluorish. This restoration project, and a similar effort on TECC's 'Quarry Property' at Country Club Drive, are funded through off-site mitigation funds by private developers, under the direct supervision of TECC personnel.
Support TECC Consider an end-of-2006 tax year gift! Your generous gifts make a difference! TECC relies on your support for operations, rent, and management. Giving couldn't be easier! Simply click here to donate with your credit card: ... or learn more about other giving options, including car donations, eScrip, and household goods donations. Donate today and receive our quarterly The Watershed Voice newsletter -- our highly acclaimed and informative publication
Give the gift of TECC this year! Surprise your friends with a gift membership. We will provide you with an attractive note card describing your generous gift, which you can hand deliver or mail to the recipient. A membership in TECC is a gift that keeps on giving! Contact the office for details.	Sweeten Things Up This Season A $5 jar of native Harmony Grove honey -- produced from wild bees on TECC-owned property -- makes a great seasonal gift or stocking stuffer (tea mug not included.) Contact the office to arrange for pickup or free delivery
Regional Environmental Events Calendar ~~~	"Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining wilderness be destroyed." - Wallace Stegner, The Wilderness Letter