New Section: One Paseo

A new section on CVSD.com: A One Paseo Overview. This is a place where I'll post information on the project and possible ideas to make this development better match the character of Carmel Valley. I hope our community ends up with more of a village feel, rather than the massive housing and retail blocks currently proposed by Kilroy. Here, you'll find a place to get independent news from a site that isn't supported by the developer, or anyone else!

Carmel Valley

Welcome to the community of Carmel Valley.

The City of San Diego has been called a “City of Villages,” and Carmel Valley is one of those villages.

Carmel Valley is a master planned community that began with the institutional name “North City West.” When originally proposed, the residents of Del Mar were concerned about the impact of this new development. Lawsuits were filed to prevent this urbanization (see July 1, 1982 Reference). Originally only occupying a small area, Carmel Valley has grown by leaps and bounds. With the development of Torrey Hills, Pacific Highlands Ranch and other adjacent areas (which I will include in “Carmel Valley,” even though they are not part of the original planning area), the community now fills the entire 92130 zip code.

Towne Bakery coming to the Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Here's an article from the Carmel Valley News that the Del Mar Highlands Town Center will be getting a new bakery, called Towne Bakery. They write, "In addition to its traditional offerings, Towne Bakery will highlight signature items and unique creations such as 'Pie Pockets', whoopie pies, homemade puddings and cheesecakes." It looks like they'll be serving both coffee and great baked goods starting in March 2012! Hope this doesn't impact the existing Village Mill Bread Company or the French Champagne Bakery!

Parents' Night at Love To Dance, Feb 11, 2012

Love To Dance, a dance studio in Torrey Hills, is holding a "Hot Jazz Mardi Gras Party" (Parents' Night Out) on February 11, 2012. Love To Dance says, "Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Why scramble for a sitter when you can bring your children to Love to Dance?" Drop off at 6:00 p.m. and pick up at 9:30 p.m. Cost: $35.00 per child. Open to children ages 7 years and up. Limited space available, see the Love To Dance Announcement Page or the Parents' Night Out page for details.

Carmel Valley Residents join Ronald McDonald House Board

Carmel Valley residents Christina de Vaca and Wendy Newman have joined the board of trustees for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Details are in the attached press release. We appreciate volunteers everywhere and thank you for your service! Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a “home away from home” to families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. To learn more, visit www.rmhcsd.org.

Assembyman Fletcher at the CV Library, March 10, 2012

Join State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher at the Carmel Valley Library on March 10 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Constituents with state-related issues affecting their neighborhoods and those wanting to learn more about State government are encouraged to attend. For additional information or questions, please email Nathan Fletcher, or phone at 858-689-6290.

Against One Paseo, It's too Big

If you haven't already noticed, I'm against the One Paseo, San Diego project that Kilroy is proposing to build in Carmel Valley. And, unlike Kilroy, who is probably spending boatloads of money to try to convince you that there is broad community support for this project, and unlike other websites that might have conflicts due to sponsors or financial contributions they receive, I'm a totally independent, totally volunteer voice in the community. No real estate connection, no sponsors, no donations, no support -- just me. And, it's not like I'm a NIMBY sort, or anti-development: I was an early proponent of the idea of having a mixed-use project on this site. When Kilroy mentions that they're only doing this because it's what the community wants, they're talking about me -- literally: I was one of the "community leaders" at the first meeting with Kilroy where they asked if Carmel Valley would be interested in a "mixed use" project at this site. I was picturing a development like the Del Mar Plaza, possibly with a Trader Joes and some restaurants, plus some office buildings, and some residential, so, I said, yes! After all, Carmel Valley doesn't want just another office complex, we want something better!

Unfortunately, the scale of the proposal is now beyond my ability to imagine it. If you want a rough estimate, imagine taking the Town Center shopping center across the street and putting it into this much smaller space. Then add the Pell Place apartments (next to the Rec Center), twice! In addition, add two buildings the size of the Marriott hotel (down by the ARCO) and the 8 story office building next to it, and finally, add the Doubletree hotel across the street! I think that’s roughly the amount of development proposed. I just can't support this much development at this small site. And, the traffic that goes with it! See the One Paseo section for more posts on this subject and the One Paseo image.

So, let's ask Kilroy to come back with a reduced, mixed use development that better fits Carmel Valley! I hear they're taking input at talk@onepaseo.com. How about 200 apartments, some restaurants, a community gathering space and a Trader Joe's? We're not against development, but there should be a better idea that gets us something great for the community and allows them to build a profitable center. Anyway, that's my opinion.

Ken Farinsky, Community Volunteer

February 2012 Events at Grace Point Church

Two events happening at Grace Point Church this February: First, a Marriage Conference, Feb. 3 - 4. On Friday, 6:00pm - 8:30pm, hear from the author of “Marriage Forecasting,” Professor Tim Muehlhoff. On Saturday, 3 sessions plus Q&A time, 9:00am - 3:30pm. Free Friday night childcare, no childcare Saturday. Cost: $35 couple. Sign up at (858) 481-0424 (or gpc@gracepointsd.com). Next is a Parenting Seminar on Friday, Feb. 24 from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Dealing with Anger & Bad Attitudes in Children, & Their Parents! Childcare not provided. Cost is $20/adult or $30/couple. Register online at www.biblicalparenting.org/register or call (800) 771-8334.

CV Middle School Free Electronics Recycling, Jan 7, 2012

From the San Dieguito Union High School District Facebook page, the Carmel Valley Middle School PTSA is hosting a free electronics recycling event this Saturday, January 7th, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the school. This is a great way to get rid of your old, unused technology (computers, TVs, monitors, etc.) and support fundraising for the PTSA's new classroom computer fundraising campaign. A list of acceptable items is located on their website (www.cvmsptsa.com). It looks like they accept most small electronics, but do NOT accept: appliances, microwaves, lamps & bulbs, alkaline batteries and other hazardous waste.

CCA Swap Meet, Jan 14, 2012

The Canyon Crest Academy ASB is holding a swap meet on January 14, 2012, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm in the CCA parking lot. If you have stuff you'd like to get rid of, you can get your own spot for selling goods (see the CCA ASB Vendor Form). Vendor forms due by Jan 11.