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H20 Love in San Marcos

August 29, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith Leave a Comment

 

h20loveIt’s hard to believe that we are just now starting what is traditionally our ‘fire season’ here in San Marcos. After what we experienced with the fires in May, it is easy to think, ‘We are done’…’We had our disaster’…’We are safe’.

But are we? Will we experience more Santa Ana conditions in the coming weeks? Probably. Will we experience more wildfire threats? Maybe.

It feels like this entire year has been ‘fire season’ here in California. For most of California, 2013 was the driest year in recorded history. And, 2014 isn’t looking much better – so far.

If you’ve lived here any length of time, you’ve experienced drought conditions before, but it seems that conditions like these haven’t been seen before in California’s recorded history – which is a bit unnerving, especially at this time of year.

Water. It is one of our most precious resources. And yet, it is so easy to take for granted because it shows up every time you turn on the faucet.

But, let’s be honest. How many times have you not realized a sprinkler head was broken and wondered how long it had been watering your neighbor’s car or the sidewalk? How many times have you left the water running waiting for it to warm up? How much does your water bill increase at this time of year just to keep your landscape looking decent?

The cool thing about water is that it connects all of us. As a community, it truly is one of our most shared resources. We all pay for it. We all use it. We all benefit from it.

And, if our access to it shrinks, it shrinks for all of us.

In August, Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors unanimously voted to move to a Level 2 Drought Alert. This means mandatory water-use restrictions for all Vallecitos customers for the foreseeable future. This will help San Diego County keep as much water as possible in storage for 2015.

What does that mean for you and me as residents?

Well, first of all, it means we all work together to raise water awareness – to value our water just a little bit more. It also means we start to spread the word to others and to report water waste when necessary. And, it means it’s time for each of us to get a little smarter about conservation.

The good news is that we have access to many conservation programs and resources here in San Marcos, so it’s easy to get educated and to have an impact.

The Cocos Fire helped all of us see what ‘proactive preparedness’ can mean in a natural disaster. We witnessed a well-executed plan and became much more aware of what goes on behind-the-scenes here in our community.

At the community Thank You event hosted by the City of San Marcos after the Cocos Fire, it was fascinating to hear how resources were gathered and distributed – especially water – and how the response to the fires began long before the first flame even sparked.

As soon as the Santa Ana conditions were forecasted, Vallecitos Water District began to fill all of their tanks and reservoirs to capacity. It’s one of many precautionary procedures that goes on behind-the-scenes that most of us take for granted.

From there….

What we as residents learned from the fires was: the importance of creating a defensible space around our homes, having an evacuation plan, and why we should listen to authorities during a disaster and get out of their way so they can implement their defense without obstacles.

The question is – will we do the same when it comes to water?

It’s such a simple task to preserve water, if we all just do a little bit. If we each comply with the mandatory restrictions, if we help report water waste, and if we get a little smarter about sustainability –  we just might get to witness a well-executed response to a serious threat in our water supply. And, we just might be one of a few cities in California to rise to the top as an inspiration to the rest of the state in how a community can come together to preserve and to SHARE resources.

Are you in?

Let’s make San Marcos not only home to an amazing school district and vast array of educational resources, not just a City with a fantastic fire and safety response system, but also a proactive, well-informed population that cares not only for today, but for the future. To be recognized as a diverse community willing to work together to protect our most valued resources, improve our sustainability, and leave a positive footprint for the next generation.

A lot of it has already started – all you have to do is jump in!

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Discover Old California Restaurant Row

July 27, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith Leave a Comment

Old CA Restaurant RowOne of the landmarks in San Marcos is Old California Restaurant Row.

There are fifteen restaurants in this complex right next to the Edwards Stadium 18 Cinema. Whatever time of day and whatever mood you’re in, you are sure to find something to satisfy your appetite.

  • Acapulco Restaurant
  • China Wokery
  • Cocina Del Charro
  • 55 Yard Line Grill & Sports Bar
  • Fish House Vera Cruz
  • Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen
  • IHOP
  • Indian Princess
  • Katsu Sushi & Teppan Grill
  • King & I Thai Restaurant
  • Old California Coffee House & Eatery
  • Old California Mining Company
  • San Marcos Brewery & Grill
  • Sublime Alehouse
  • Tony Roma’s

Did you know?

The area that is now Old California Restaurant Row was once just a simple fruit and vegetable stand?

In the early 70s, Jim and Vera Eubank moved to San Marcos from Newport Beach and fell in love with the rural setting and community. As a real estate developer and business man, Jim had a hunch that San Marcos would become a bustling place. So, he decided to purchase a 20-acre parcel on what is now San Marcos Blvd. and Via Vera Cruz.

Constructing a small building on the property, they started the first ‘Farmers Market’. This local produce stand became very popular and it wasn’t long before Jim began construction on an open food court, which quickly became the talk of the town.

In 1978, Jim personally built his first full service restaurant. It was called Gentlemen’s Choice. And, over the next 25 years, the Old California Restaurant Row we see today became what is now an icon in San Marcos.

To learn more, visit www.oldcalrestaurantrow.com.

Filed Under: Dining & Entertainment, Uncategorized

San Marcos Art Walk, Car Show & Farmer’s Market

July 27, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith Leave a Comment

Wangari in booth Ready for some Sunday morning fun?

The first Sunday of each month, Old California Restaurant Row hosts ArtWalk from 10AM to 2PM and it’s becoming quite a community event. Held in conjunction with Sensational Sundays Car Show and the Farmers Market, ArtWalk truly has something for everyone.

Come take a stroll on Sunday, August 3, with your family and friends. ArtWalk offers a delicious variety of fine art and hands-on activities for every member of the family. And Sunday’s events are free for all ages. Special offers on dining and entertainment are also available for a variety of businesses at Old California Restaurant Row.  

The Sensational Sundays Car Show, ArtWalk and Farmers Market are held on the first Sunday of each month from 10AM to 2PM, now through October. Contact Raziah Roushan at (760) 518-8578 or contact@raziahroushan.com for more information. (And, just in case you didn’t know – Restaurant Row is located at 1020 West San Marcos Blvd.)

Filed Under: Dining & Entertainment, Events, Organizations, Recreation & Leisure, Uncategorized

2014 CVS/Caremark Student Award of Excellence

June 27, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith 1 Comment

CVS Student Award #16--2

Each year CVS/Caremark, in collaboration with WorkAbility 1, selects one student from each of the five WorkAbility regions in California to receive the Student Award of Excellence in recognition of their participation in a work experience opportunity at a CVS/Pharmacy store.

Carlos Baeza, a junior at San Marcos High School, decided to apply for the award. He was chosen to receive the 2014 award and a check in the sum of $200. Carlos worked at the CVS/pharmacy store at 734 South Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos during his fall semester and received a perfect evaluation at the end of his work experience period. Carlos intends to put the money toward his college education and future goal: to study Criminal Justice at Palomar College with a view toward becoming a sheriff. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Filed Under: Community Service, Education, Uncategorized

Pink House Ponderings

June 26, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith Leave a Comment

photo 5--2

How often do you cruise along Discovery Street? Have you ever wondered about that little pink house that sits on the corner of Discovery and Via Vera Cruz? (Or at least that where it was sitting until a few weeks ago). Back in May, if you drove along Discovery, you were probably even more puzzled to watch as the house was lifted and moved down the street away from the corner.

Why? What is the significance of this house? Why was it moved?

We talked with Tanis Brown at the San Marcos Historical Society and learned a little bit about the history of this house where they refer to it as the Meyer/Doran House. It was built around 1889 by Wilhelm Meyer. He was a widow and father of four and his daughter Emma inherited the property after his death around 1906.

After the house was built, a man named William Doran approached Mr. Meyer about subletting some of the property around the Meyer house. Eventually, Doran managed the entire property.

The Meyer house made news one year when Doran got in a scuffle with one of his partners – Gus Eliason. Eliason had a reputation for drinking too much and on this particular day, he and Doran got into a quarrel. During the scuffle, Eliason was shot and died three days later. No one knows exactly what happened that day, but Doran was acquitted of the crime a few months later and his reputation recovered quickly. In 1912, he married Meyer’s daughter, Emma, who owned the property and in 1917, he was elected to the state Assembly.

photo 4--2

Today the City owns this property, which sits within the area planned for the Creekside District. There aren’t many of these original farm houses left in San Marcos, so the pink house is being saved. As the City prepares to begin improvements on the Via Vera Cruz bridge, the house had to be moved. So, it was lifted off of its foundation and moved away from the corner.

Plans have been developed to transform the area surrounding the pink house into park and trail space. And, while several options are being considered for the future use of the pink house itself, there are currently no plans in place. Only time will tell.

For now, the little house sits as a bridge between the past and the future of San Marcos.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Disaster Preparedness – San Marcos, California

May 25, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith 2 Comments

The City of San Marcos offers some great resources for disaster preparedness right on their website.

  • How to Prepare
  • What to Include in an Emergency Kit
  • San Diego Preparedness App

Will you be ready for the next wildfire?

Here’s a great resource from Cal Fire to walk you through a step-by-step process to prepare your home and your family. Cal Fire Ready For Wildfire

Local Emergency Information Sources

It’s easy to get caught up in the news frenzy during an emergency – which often only feeds the chaos and your own fear. Throughout the Cocos Fire, these local resources kept me consistently informed so I could remain grounded in facts without the drama.

  • The City of San Marcos Website
  • The City of San Marcos Facebook Page
  • 2-1-1
  • Register for Reverse 9-1-1
  • Updates from www.sdcountyemergency.com

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

San Marcos Rallies after Cocos Fire

May 24, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith 1 Comment

photo 2

We will not soon forget what happened here in San Marcos starting May 14, 2014 as the Cocos Fire swept through our City. It’s one of those major events that we will refer to for years to come.

As I pulled out of the gates in my own neighborhood off of Echo Lane at 3:30PM that afternoon to drive into San Elijo Hills, I saw the black plumes of smoke. And my heart sank. After a day of following the fires in Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton, it wasn’t hard to quickly understand the threat these flames raging just behind CSUSM represented.

What I didn’t realize is just how fast this threat would consume not only our hills, but our lives.

As I drove into San Elijo Hills and looked back over the hill, I could see why residents there would be terrified. They couldn’t see the source of the flames, but the smoke coming over the hill was ominous.

I instinctively knew it would be best to go back home, so I continued my drive down San Elijo Rd. and back into my neighborhood the back way – driving up Rancho Santa Fe and through the Lake toward Discovery. By the time I reached Craven Rd. – the evacuations had already begun.

I had left home only 30 minutes before and already my neighborhood was a ghost town. A quick check on the City of San Marcos Facebook page confirmed it – mandatory evacuation.

I’ve lived in San Marcos for 20 years, so this wasn’t my first evacuation. The fires back in 1996 when we lived on Goldfinch Way were my first experience of what fires can do to here in San Marcos. Next were the fires that caused the evacuation of our home in San Elijo Hills in 2007. Through each of these experiences, we have learned what we will take with us in an emergency and how to react swiftly without panic.

Even so, on this particular day, I was home alone with only our 2-seater car, which meant, I wouldn’t be taking much beyond the laptops and the dog. My phone was ringing with friends checking in. And texts were pouring in from my family as we confirmed our rendezvous location.

As I pulled out of the driveway, staring at the thick smoke behind our house, I paused for a moment – grateful to know my family was safe and confident we’d return home soon.

photo(6)

On Thursday, after watching dozens of hours of news frenzy and hearing the stats of the fire steadily increase from 400 to 1000+ acres and climbing, after reading hundreds of posts from friends via Facebook, and falling behind on work, it was getting stressful.

I decided to take a drive down San Marcos Blvd to pick up my daughter’s car, which was parked off of Knoll Rd.

And, that’s when it all sank in.

As I stood in the parking lot near Starbucks, I could see the structures standing on the scorched hillside. I watched the helicopters circling overhead as they scooped up water from Lake San Marcos and made their way back to the flames.

The orchestration of the response. The evacuations. The emergency personnel. There was no chaos. Instead of feeling like we were in the midst of an unexpected emergency, it became quite obvious that we were witnessing a response that had been well-planned.

Helicopter Cocos Fire

That’s when the gratitude starts to sink in. That’s when you recognize the value of being part of a community. The value of sharing. Knowing our sheriff deputies were guarding our evacuation zones. Knowing our firefighters were skillfully keeping the fire from devouring our neighborhoods. Knowing our City was orchestrating the necessary emergency statuses and external resources.

I personally have a great deal of pride in our City – for so many reasons. Our schools and educational opportunities. Our parks and trails. Our public safety. Our City leadership and staff. And, as devastating as this fire has been, it’s also been a perfect example of why I am so proud to live here.

Not only did we rally through the emergency response, but today, we continue to rally in the after-math. The clean up. The recovery. The response of residents who are raising funds for the families who lost their homes. The thank you notes and posters and gifts pouring into our local fire stations. The way that this disaster has brought us all together has been nothing short of amazing.

We will no doubt learn new lessons through this experience about how to be better prepared for an evacuation, where to go for information, and how to give back. And, the only way to get the most from this experience is to SHARE it with each other.

Here are a few of my favorite lessons, but I’d love to hear directly from you. Leave some of your own comments, thoughts and experiences in the comments below, so we can learn from each other.

Thanks for making San Marcos such a great place to live.

Disaster Preparedness

Stuff We All Know (but rarely do):

  • Have a plan.
  • Talk with your family about where you will meet should you be separated in a disaster.
  • Have an emergency kit for each person in your family in an easily accessible place.
  • For a list of items to include, click here.

Additional Things to Think About:

  • Pets. What’s your plan if you can’t get home to them? What’s your plan if you have to take them with you? What local resources do you have for boarding in an emergency? Are they current with their vaccinations?
  • Kids. Pack an activity bag for each of your children – fun things to do when you may not have electricity or when you’re stuck in a hotel room for days.
  • Sanity. Make a list of items you will take with you. Put it in the emergency kit so that if you have time to prepare, you can gather those items and not rely on your memory when the stress of an evacuation sets in.

Emergency Information Sources

It’s easy to get caught up in the news frenzy during an emergency – which often only feeds the chaos and your own fear. Throughout the Cocos Fire, these local resources kept me consistently informed so I could remain grounded in facts without the drama.

  • The City of San Marcos Website
  • The City of San Marcos Facebook Page
  • 2-1-1
  • Register for Reverse 9-1-1
  • Updates from www.sdcountyemergency.com

How to Say Thank You!

Most people feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude when a disaster is over. How do you give back or say thanks?

  • Identify a family in need and rally friends to provide donations and support
  • Make a poster or hand-written thank you note to first-responders
  • Host a neighborhood gathering and invite local firefighters and sheriff deputies to attend. (Developing a strong sense of community among neighbors is one of the best things you can do for disaster preparedness).
  • Commit to preparedness. The more prepared you are for an emergency, the easier it is for our first responders. Make sure you have a defensible space around your home. Establish a neighborhood watch program. Have a comprehensive emergency plan and kit in place. Be prepared to volunteer. Get CPR/First Aid Certified.
  • Never forget. Take the time to give respect and gratitude to local firefighters and sheriff deputies even when there is no active disaster – a smile, a thank you, and a silent promise to yourself to be a good citizen to make their lives just a little easier.

Below are some of the photos sent to us from residents throughout San Marcos – before, during, and after the fires.

Old Cal Coffee House Helps with Disaster Relief
Evacuation Center at Mission Hills High School
View from Mission Hills High School – Evacuation Center May 14, 2014
View from Double Peak Park
Lemonade Stand Benefits Firefighters

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Hop Highway via San Marcos, CA

May 24, 2014 By Karen Friend Smith 1 Comment

Hop HwyBy: Carol Farrar, 1850 Realty

Have you heard of the Hop Hwy? It’s in your own backyard.

North County San Diego is on the map & gaining recognition for being a place to live & work, but also a place for beer.

Over the last decade, the craft brewing community has become one of the most recognized industries with over 2500 craft breweries in the entire country, according to the Brewers Association. Craft beer connoisseurs from all over the world visit San Diego as a destination on the beer map with 88 operational brew houses in the County & another 30 in the planning stages.

When did we become known as the Hop Hwy?

San Diego’s craft beer scene started taking shape in the late 80’s with brewpubs like Pizza Port Solana Beach, but it wasn’t until a decade later that breweries like Stone Brewing came into the picture.

Fast forward to today, North County has inherited the name Hop Highway because of its ever growing list of breweries. To date, there are 27 breweries along Hwy 78, which include Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside & Carlsbad making North County home to a third of the breweries in all of San Diego County.

Our region is a destination where craft beer lovers abound come to seek out culture, hand crafted brew & community.

The taps keep flowing & so do the awards. We are lucky to host such highly recognized businesses who love their craft. Validation comes often, it seems, with accolades from competitive events like, World Beer Cup & Great American Beer Festival. San Diego hosts its own event every summer at the county fair called the San Diego International Beer Festival. This year it’s hosted in June on 20th where over 400+ beers in 19 categories from all over the world are judged blindly making it one of the largest competitions in the US. Our very own Lost Abbey in San Marcos won Champion Brewery of the year in 2013 as well as earning 6 medals for their Belgium inspired beers.

The beer community is a tight knit one. Lost Abbey was originally the home of Stone Brewing Company before moving into their multimillion dollar brew house, bistro & gardens in Escondido. The connection goes deeper, Lost Abbey is in the Port Brewing family & Pizza Port Solana Beach was the first to carry Stone beers on tap back in 1996. When the opportunity came in 2006 to take over the established brewing facility on 155 Mata Way, it was a no brainer for Stone to pass the baton to the folks at LostAbbey/Port Brewing.

Getting thirsty?

The list of places to visit can seem daunting as it would take you 2.5 months to visit every brewery in San Diego, an exhausting yet noble feat for any craft beer enthusiast. Some sage advice from one craft beer lover to another, start by visiting breweries in your own backyard. San Marcos is home to five breweries & one on the horizon. If you haven’t already patronized these locally owned & operated establishments, you should do yourself the favor & stop into one of these tasting rooms.

San Marcos

Rip Current Brewing Co – Established in 2011 by award winning homebrewer & Master Beer judge, Paul Sangster, this up & coming brewery offers a myriad of beers. Local patrons know this brewery well for the delicious variety of West Coast Style IPA’s. A favorite of mine is the Lupulin Lust San Diego-style IPA, grapefruit & floral notes with a smooth hoppy finish. The latest word through the hopvine is Rip Current is getting ready to expand into a facility in North Park. Beer aficionados in the southern parts of our county are thrilled.

Stumblefoot Brewing – Established in 2012 by Bill and Pat began as home brewers in 2001. Their willingness to experiment is what inspired their name as the definition of the name is the science of gaining new knowledge through the happenstance of interesting encounters. Some of the beers I found interesting at this microbrewery were; Schwarz be with you… Black Lager – a German style black lager & the Questhaven Sour, a beer aged for a year in sours bourbon barrels with apricots and peaches.

Dos Desperados – San Marcos’ newest brewery opened its doors in March with 8 beers in their lineup including crowd favorites, Fugitive Farmhouse Ale & Jail Break IPA. They also uniquely offer Hoppy Yoga on Saturdays at 10:30. $15 pays admission for a one hour class & a beer or flight after class. BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat)

Coming soon… Kurakali. Once opened this will be San Diego’s first Sake brewery with plans to produce a variety of craft beers. Follow them at www.kuracali.com for more news on their opening.

List of Breweries along the Hop Hwy:

Stone Brewing Co, Escondido

Plan 9 Ale House, Escondido

Offbeat Brewing Company, Escondido

Port Brewing / The Lost Abbey, San Marcos

Rip Current Brewing Co., San Marcos

San Marcos Brewery & Grill, San Marcos

Stumblefoot Brewing Company, San Marcos

Dos Desperados, San Marcos

Kurakali San Marcos – coming soon

Vista

Prohibition Brewing Company, Vista

Mother Earth Brew Company, Vista

Aztec Brewing Company / 7 Nations Brewing Company, Vista

Back Street Brewery, Vista

Barrel Harbor, Vista

Belching Beaver Brew, Vista

Booze Brothers, Vista

Indian Joe Beer, Vista

Iron Fist Brewing Company, Vista

Latitude 33 Brewing Company, Vista

Oceanside

Bagby Beer, Oceanside – scheduled to open in June

Breakwater Brewing Company, Oceanside

Legacy Brewing, Oceanside

Oceanside Ale Works, Oceanside

Carlsbad

Arcana Brewing Co, Carlsbad

On-The-Tracks Brewery, Carlsbad

Karl Strauss Carlsbad, Carlsbad

Pizza Port Bressi Ranch, Carlsbad

Pizza Port Carlsbad, Carlsbad

Filed Under: Business, Recreation & Leisure, Uncategorized

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