Communities

By Karen Pearlman

Photo:  Rabbi Scott Meltzer said his synagogue in San Diego has twice been vandalized with antisemitic graffiti.   

March 26, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council took a step toward condemning hate by unanimously voting for a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism.

The City Council’s 5-0 vote Tuesday afternoon came on the heels of 40 public speakers weighing in on the resolution to condemn antisemitism, introduced earlier this month by El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and Councilman Gary Kendrick.

“Antisemitism reared its ugly head again with the murder of 1,200 innocent men, women, children and babies by Hamas on October 7^th," Kendrick said, referring to the U.S.-designated terrorist group’s attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.  “I have several Jewish friends who are afraid to go out in public. Jewish students have been attacked at colleges. This hate must stop. This resolution is a small step in that process.”

The IHRA’s definition of antisemitism will be used as an education resource for police and other departments in the city of El Cajon.

It reads: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

The resolution includes contemporary examples of antisemitism, adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016, as an important tool to address antisemitism.

Wells said he was sent a social media post from a group that calls itself the “Jewish Voice for Peace,” which accused the mayor of intending to give orders to the city’s police department “to arrest anybody for a hate crime” for making a statement negative about Israel, which Wells said wasn’t true.

Public speaker Spenser Little (right) said he didn’t agree with the resolution and felt it was an unfair “application of language” and an attempt to stop criticism of Israel. He spoke of the city’s large number of refugees from the Middle East who have emigrated to America to get away from violence.

“El Cajon’s full of children that are from war-torn countries watching this happen in another country, and now they can’t speak their mind freely… and the freedom of speech to say what’s happening right in front of them,” Little said. “The silencing of the community to not talk about what the truth is, (what is) happening, is what concerns me.”

Speaker Tina Bernard (left), who said she converted to Judaism many years ago, said that those opposing this definition are doing it “because they want to continue their behaviors unchecked.”

Bernard said that the Jewish community and others “deserve a clear definition that protects against hate, safeguarding not just Jews but the values of mutual respect and co- existence that underpin our western democracy.

“It helps our line between free speech and hate crimes --and that line has gotten way too blurred lately.”

Another speaker, Julie Litman, called adopting the IHRA language of antisemitism “not simply a symbolic act -- it’s a moral imperative.”

“Antisemitism is a present-day crisis and it’s growing,” Litman said. “Jewish communities, like all others, deserve to feel safe, respected and valued, and when we let hate go unchallenged and when we let prejudice and false accusations fester, we all suffer.”

Litman said the IHRA verbiage sends a clear message that hate will not be tolerated, “no matter what it takes, and we’re ensuring that the next generation grows up in a community that stands up against injustice and stands with those who face discrimination.

“It’s more than just about the Jewish community, it’s about our shared humanity and it’s about making El Cajon a place where everybody, regardless of their background, can live in peace.”

Julia Gomez (right), interim managing director of the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial counties, said her group had sent a letter to the City Council urging a no vote on the resolution on antisemitism.

“The First Amendment applies to all of us, including those whose positions do not align with their with their government’s political stances,” Gomez said. “Any attempt to silence their voices is patently undemocratic. The ACLU staunchly defends their rights to criticize domestic and foreign governments. The IHRA definition on anti-Semitism is overbroad and incorrectly equates protected political speech with discrimination.”

Some speakers spoke to conflating anti-Zionism -- or opposition to the Israeli state -- with antisemitism, which is the discrimination, violence or dehumanizing action toward Jews.

Jose Cortes said he was “really disappointed to see how easy and very quickly we’re moving our proposal that really kind of exceeds the scope of the local City Council.”

Cortes said the resolution “kind of reduces and kind of divorces the genuine anti-Semitism that’s happening even here in El Cajon as recently as July from the very real systems that also affect Islamophobia, racism, homophobia (and) transphobia.”

While some public speakers at the meeting shared concerns that the resolution would chill free speech, Councilman Steve Goble said he didn’t think that was the case.

The resolution also mentions the city’s commitment to protecting freedom of speech and expression.

“We need to protect people who feel threatened by their very existence,” Goble said.

Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue in the Bankers Hill area of San Diego encouraged people to read the working definition of antisemitism and read the city’s resolution.

“While criticism of Israel is sincere and legitimate in all places where it is sincere and legitimate, it cannot be used as an opportunity for antisemitism,” Meltzer said. “That is rather than people being falsely accused of antisemitic comments when they criticize Israel, we are now finding that antisemitism is being given to the community couched as anti-Israel rhetoric.

“Just recently my synagogue twice was vandalized.  Clearly, vandalizing the synagogue is an antisemitic act and the comments that were made on all the buildings were anti-Israel comments.”

City Manager Graham Mitchell said the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism will “address antisemitism and all other forms of discrimination directed toward anyone within El Cajon.”

Mitchell said the resolution references the city’s diverse population and calls for nondiscrimination against all, including minority groups, refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Although statistics on antisemitic acts in El Cajon were not available, and numbers for 2024 not tabulated, the Anti-Defamation League reported that the greater San Diego area recorded 108 incidents of antisemitic assault, vandalism and harassment in 2023, soaring to 200 percent above the previous record of 36 in 2022.

The numbers reflect a global trend as Jewish communities worldwide face have faced heightened tensions and hatred in response to the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre and ongoing conflict – as seen on college campuses, in public areas and at anti-Israel demonstrations.

Alberto Mansur (left), a Mexican-American Jew, told the city council that “being a Jew is easy… until it’s not easy.”

“It’s not easy when people hate you for being a Jew,” Mansur said. “Not because of who you are but because of what you are. Being a Jew is being hated from both the left and from the right… Adopting (the IHRA verbiage) is crucial in saving our Jewish communities from violence and discrimination especially in light of rising antisemitism today.”

The dramatic spike of antisemitic acts in San Diego included 58 incidents post-Oct. 7, 2023 (during the last 85 days of the year).  The San Diego region has about 100,000 Jews, making up about 3 percent of the greater population, according to the American Jewish Committee.

The ADL also reports that antisemitic incidents across the U.S. have skyrocketed 360 percent in the aftermath of the attack in Israel.  With a population of about 6.3 million, Jews make up about 2 percent of the total U.S. population.

Nicole Murray-Ramirez of the San Diego Human Relations Commission, said that “hate crimes against the Jewish community is at an all-time high.”

“Jewish students are not safe at our region’s colleges and universities, and have been threatened and harassed,” said Murray-Ramirez, who added that he also has been discriminated against as a Latino Catholic man. “Nazi hate material has been plastered around Jewish neighborhoods and temples threatening children and families. In my over 16 years of state, county and city service, I’ve never witnessed such hate as that toward the Jewish community and now more than ever, we need the IHRA definition.”

Organizers are seeking a headline sponsor

East County News Service

March 26, 2025 (Escondido) -- Mark your calendars for Valley Vibes, a free, family-friendly fiesta with interactive exhibits, great food, crafts and live music courtesy of North Park Rock-n-Blues Band. Valley Vibes will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority are hosting the free event to celebrate nature and draw attention to the organizations’ conservation, education and recreation programs.

“Our plan is to have a great time while showing visitors the value of nature and how much it deserves our protection,” said Conservancy Executive Director Cheryl Goddard.

To offset costs, organizers are seeking a headline sponsor.

More than a dozen partner organizations are joining the party to showcase wildlife in the watershed. Visitors can participate in demonstrations of outdoor skills, get up close with reptiles, meet adoptable senior dogs, learn to track wildlife and interact with conservation experts.

Exhibitors include: San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy; San Dieguito River Park JPA; Volcan Mountain Foundation; Southwestern Field Herping Society; Master Gardeners; Surprise Farm Retreat Center; Friends of Sikes Adobe; Ilan-Lael Foundation; San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society; San Diego Mountain Biking Association; Frosted Faces Foundation; San Diego Tracking Team; Kit Fox Outfitters; Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary, and City of Escondido.

Interested in sponsoring Valley Vibes? As a $5,000 headline sponsor, your organization can be front and center during the event while tying your brand to our conservation and education mission.

Exclusive headline sponsors benefits include:  prominent placement on all digital and print promotions including websites, social media, newsletters and press releases; display of your banner for maximum exposure at the event, and multiple sponsor announcements during the event to highlight your support. Sponsorship of Valley Vibes is tax deductible. Let’s make Valley Vibes a huge success together! 

Contact 858-866-6956 or sdrvc@sdrvc.org.

By Miriam Raftery

March 25, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Today, the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for the Water Conservation will meet to weigh opens for long-term funding and stability of the Garden at Cuyamaca College.

At its Feb. 25 meeting, the board discussed future funding options after the City of San Diego’s representative Nicole Beaulieu DeSantis announced intent for San Diego to withdraw from the JPA in light of the city’s budget crisis. Helix and Otay water district representatives voiced optimism that their agencies will likely be able to fill the funding gap left by San Diego’s departure and avert having other agencies leave the JPA.

Lauren Magnusen, Director of the garden, provided good news on improvements in Garden revenues outside of the water agencies’ contributions. Large donations have come in from the Sam Ciccati Foundation and major donor Maggie Burnett.

“The numbers are a lot better than in the past,” she told the board. “We have more admissions and more events.”  The Garden has 77 new members and drew over 2,500 visitors in the prior two months, she said.  Events are returning, including Tomatomania in early March and the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival May 3.

But Magnusen added, “If we want more revenue, it’s in education. For education, we need educators.”

The board eliminated the Ms. Smartyplants education programs when it took over operations of the garden from the financially troubled nonprofit Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, which has since declared bankruptcy.

Helix Water District director Brian Olney said that despite the improved revenues, without contributions of the JPA’s member agencies, “The garden would be $180,000 in the hole right now.”

A draft letter has been sent to each member water agency for review; results are expected to be discussed at today’s meeting. It proposes that short term, Helix and Otay Water Districts will share in covering the revenues lost from San Diego pulling out.

Helix representative Dan McMillan said Helix is “fully committed to an upward budget. We will cover half if the city pulls out.”

Otay representative Jose Lopez said he believes Otay is committed, adding, “We’ll give it the best shot we’ve got.”

Sweetwater representative Steve Castenada asked for a non-escalator clause to be sure no agency would be “on the hook” for higher contributions if any agencies pull out in the future.  With that, he said, “We could probably get approval for more than two years.”

If increased funding doesn’t come through, the JPA would consider turning over operations of the Garden to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.

Chancellor Lynn Neault said, “We’re fully committed to the Garden,” but cautioned that they would need at least 18 months, and preferably two years notice to take it over, since it takes time to create college-oriented educational programs.

The Chancellor praised the work of the Garden’s volunteers, who provided 1,245 volunteer hours in the prior month alone. “God bless the volunteers,” Neault said. “That’s the work of 30 people. They’re the backbone of operations—it’s astounding.:

The JPA aims to make a determination as early as April on a plan for continued funding and future operations of the Garden after the current agencies’ agreement ends June 30.

Program to promote sustainable transportation

Source:  City of La Mesa

Image by raju shrestha on Pixabay

March 24, 2025 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa is introducing a pilot E-Bike (Electric Bike) Incentive Program, designed to encourage biking as a primary mode of transportation for those who live and work in La Mesa. As transportation remains the largest contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the city, reducing car trips will help create cleaner air and a healthier community.

Funded through a grant from San Diego Community Power, the City has partnered with two local bike shops to offer point-of-sale discount vouchers to make purchasing an approved e-bike more affordable. By reducing upfront costs, the City aims to provide residents and employees with a healthy, convenient, and sustainable alternative to driving — making it easier to commute, run errands, and explore La Mesa. Applications open on March 26, 2025, at 12 p.m. and close on April 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. The City is offering two tiers of vouchers:

• $1,200 for Income-Qualified applicants
• $800 for Standard applicants

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and either live in La Mesa or work for a business within the City. Approved applicants will be required to complete a mandatory virtual e-bike safety class before receiving their voucher.

Applications can be submitted online or in person at City Hall. Due to limited funding, vouchers will be awarded through a scoring and random selection process, prioritizing the first 150 applicants. Higher scores will be given to those who plan to use their e-bike frequently for commuting or errands within La Mesa.

To support safe riding, the City is partnering with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to offer a series of free bike safety and educational events throughout 2025. The first session, “All About E-Bikes,” will take place on March 27, 2025 at 6 p.m., a virtual course covering e-bike types, safety tips, details on the incentive program, and more.

To register for the class, visit San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's website.

For more information on the E-Bike Incentive Program, eligibility requirements, and educational opportunities, click here.

 By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

March 23, 2025 (Ramona) - The woman accused of killing her wife, a CalFire captain, has been arrested in Mexico more than a month after the slaying, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

“It could happen, at any water system in the United States. The systems were not designed for what we what we witnessed in L.A.,” says Helix Water District general manager Brian Olney, though Helix has taken steps to reduce risk

East County News Service

March 21, 2025 (Valley Center) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call yesterday reporting that a family member who recently passed away was buried on the family property in the 29000 block of Paso Robles Road, Valley Center.  Deputies found a grave that appeared recent.

“Due to there being no record of the decedent's death, the Sheriff's Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation,” says Lieutenant Patrick Fox with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200.  You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

Eligible low-income residents aged 55, older may receive funds for housing

Source: City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Services

March 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are launching the City’s first-ever Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, assisting seniors aged 55 and older who are at risk of homelessness. The program, operated by JFS, will provide 40 participants with a $500 monthly housing subsidy paid directly to their landlords for 12 months and individualized case management. Applications are being accepted beginning the last week of March. Priority will be given to applications filed by April 4.

According to the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, nearly half of unhoused Californians are 50 and older, and more than 41% are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives.

"With many seniors on fixed incomes challenged by increasing expenses, this program serves as a vital lifeline,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “The program will help rent-burdened older adults in La Mesa maintain housing stability and financial security, allowing them to age in place with dignity.”

Applicants must be 55 and older and reside in the incorporated area of La Mesa with a household income at or below 50% of the city’s median income. They must be currently spending at least half of their income on rent or be at risk of losing their housing. Their landlord must also be willing to participating in the program. Priority will be given to heads of household who are 65 and older and households with incomes at or below 30% of the area median income.

Working closely with the City of La Mesa, JFS will provide monthly case management, creating individualized plans and assessing each participant’s needs at the end of the program.

To apply and learn more, visit www.jfssd.org/our-services/older-adults/la-mesa-older-adult-rental-assistance. Or call (858) 637-3217.

JFS staff are also available to answer questions, help determine eligibility and begin the application process during the following office hours, with appointments required:

• March 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
• March 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• March 27, 4-7 p.m.

Individuals can call 619-667-1322 to reserve a 20-minute appointment. All sessions are hosted at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center located at 8450 La Mesa Blvd.

“We look forward to partnering with the City of La Mesa to run the Older Adult Rental Assistance Program. There is a great need for programs like these as studies show the number of older adults accessing homelessness services has more than doubled in the last seven years,” said JFS COO and incoming CEO Dana Toppel. “At JFS, we run a number of programs dedicated to supporting older adults’ health and well-being to assist them as they age in place with dignity. We are looking forward to continuing that mission through this innovative program in La Mesa.”

In addition to JFS’s On the Go rideshare, Fix It home modification, meal delivery, congregate dining and day center programs for older adults throughout San Diego County, the agency operates a privately funded Older Adult Rental Assistance Subsidy Pilot through its Center for Jewish Care. The pilot supports 27 Jewish participants at risk of homelessness with a $360 per month subsidy paid directly to their landlords for 12 months.

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together    

Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 105,000 people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.     

East County News Service

March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) - On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for students in Lemon Grove nearly a century ago. The mural is on the side of the building at 7963 Broadway, Lemon Grove. 

LEMON GROVE INCIDENT

March 30, 2025 marks the 94th anniversary of the first successful school desegregation case in the United States, in 1931, when Mexican-American parents challenged the Lemon Grove School District’s attempt to segregate their children. The case was called “Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District” and is often referred to as the Lemon Grove Incident. This was 23 years before Brown v. Board of Education case.

CELEBRATION

The celebration of the Lemon Grove Incident will take place in front of the mural on the side of 7963 Broadway.  The proclamation will be presented by Pastor Anne Stapleton to Roberto Alvarez Jr, the son of the original plaintiff in the landmark case. At the event, Alvarez will retell the story and artist, Mario Chacon, will talk about the mural he painted back in 2022.

The celebration will be hosted by the new tenants moving soon into 7963 Broadway – Grace Communion Lemon Grove, with pastors Anne and Mark Stapleton.

GRACE COMMUNION OPENS NEIGHBORHOOD SPACE AT SITE OF MURAL

GC Lemon Grove believes all people are built for connection and is therefore building out the space to be called “The Neighborhood” which will host local events that help neighbors connect with neighbors.

Members of the City Council and Planning Commission will also be present.

Mexican food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Lemon Grove Incident Celebration to help support future community gatherings.

County’s Planning Group to hear controversial proposal on April 18

Story and photos by Karen Pearlman

Photo,left: Valle de Oro Community Planning Group members during packed hearing on Cottonwood Sand Mine

March 20, 2025 (Rancho San Diego)  – More than 100 residents who would be most affected by the proposed Cottonwood Sand Mine gathered in force Tuesday, March 18 at the Rancho San Diego Library to let the Valle de Oro Community Planning Group know they don’t want it in their neighborhood.

After listening to more than two dozen people share their concerns, the community planning group voted 11-0 to recommend opposing the project that would see 214 acres of the former 280-acre Cottonwood Golf Course along Willow Glen Drive in Rancho San Diego turned into a digging site for sand mining for at least 10 years. 

The group also voted 10-1, with one abstention, to not agree with a design exception review to waive the undergrounding overhead utilities along Willow Glen Road.

Next step: County Planning Commission hearing April 18

Oday Yousif, chairman of the Valle de Oro planning group, said he would be submitting a formal recommendation on behalf of the organization and those it serves, to not approve the sand mine Major Use Permit application to the San Diego County Planning Department by the March 23 due date before the item is heard at the April 18 meeting.

That recommendation, along with a recommendation from the county’s Planning Department Services, will be presented to the county’s five-member Planning Commission. The County Planning Commission will then decide on whether to approve or not approve the sand mine operation permit application.

The County Planning Commission meets monthly to consider land use projects affecting unincorporated areas of the county. Its next meeting is March 21, but the meeting for the sand mine item has been set for 9 a.m., Friday, April 18 at the County Operations Center Hearing Room on Overland Drive.

Photo, right:  Valle do Oro Community Planning Group Chair Oday Yousif, left, looks on as County Land Use Planner Chris Jacobs gives presesntation.

Residents share concerns during crowded meeting

Residents at the meeting expressed concerns ranging from environmental, health and safety issues related to the silica dust being kicked up during the process, as well as traffic impacts, especially for emergency safety needs. Among those there to listen was applicant representative Brice Bossler and County Land Use Planner Chris Jacobs.  

San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District Director Theresa McKenna said that in 2022, then-Fire Chief Criss Brainard provided comments the county on the district’s concerns about the project related to emergency response time delays.

“Increased heavy truck traffic and slowing during construction all have the potential of increasing emergency response times,” McKenna said. “In our letter to the County, the Fire District requested health and safety concerns be mitigated for the benefit of the community, since even short delays can mean the difference between life and death.”

Detractors say that the project is inconsistent with both the County General Plan and Community Specific Plan. The Rancho Specific Plan identifies the golf course serving as a buffer area and providing a larger setback to sensitive habitat areas.

They also say that a final Environmental Impact Report has not been shown, so they are working off information culled from the Draft EIR, first circulated in 2021.

The site is in the middle of the Rancho San Diego region, and shares borders with homes, and is near schools and businesses.

Dr. Bob Foster (photo, left), a retired physician, said he is “extremely concerned about the negative health effects of this sand mine idea.”

“I’m adamantly opposed to it,” Foster said. “I think it's a horrendous plan that this is come up with and I want to be clear that we’ve got to do everything we can to stop this from ever becoming a reality. It’s a danger to those kids who have to walk to school every day across the clouds of smoke and sand that are going to be expelled from the sand mine operation. It’s just appalling to me that this plan has actually gotten to this level.”

The site also runs along the Sweetwater River watershed --a nearly 230-square mile region that goes from the Cuyamaca Mountains out to San Diego Bay.  Groundwater from its lower basin is also linked to the watershed. The site is upstream from a federal wildlife preserve.

Sweetwater Authority, which oversees the water in the region, has expressed concern in the past about the project’s impact on water levels and quality.

Josan Feathers (photo, right), a registered Civil Engineer and member of the Valle de Oro Cottonwood Subcommittee, posed some rhetorical questions to those in attendance.

“Would you trust an applicant or engineers who missed the need for an additional 3.5 million tons of backfill? Would you trust the same applicant to excavate 79 acres downstream of the 30-year-old Steele Canyon Bridge (in Jamul) and about 100 acres upstream up to 40 feet below the ground surface?”

Feathers said that the development proposes to backfill the river “with excavated materials they can’t sell.”

“This project can potentially taint and pollute the drinking water that flows into the Sweetwater Reservoir which serves almost 200,000 South Bay residences, potentially endangering and impacting them, as well as the wildlife in the area,” she said.

The developer’s view

The developer of the land at the golf course, New West Investment, has said previously that the project is needed to supply sand for local building and infrastructure projects, and its presence will mean avoiding the cost of importing sand.

Areas included within the project boundary that are not disturbed by mining would be subject to habitat improvement through removal of invasive species in the river channel (if necessary) or would be left in their current condition including the existing Sweetwater River channel. (See map of project site, left)

The project would also make certain improvements to Willow Glen Drive prior to beginning mining operations.

New West Investment and Los Angeles-based investor Michael Schlesinger purchased Cottonwood in 2015, four years after the golf course filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Representatives for the project were asked to weigh in the following day, and provided only a brief statement.

“The Cottonwood Proposal would ultimately transform a defunct golf course property into 200 acres of permanent, preserved open space for the community to enjoy,” the statement reads.

“In the near-term, it would provide critically needed sand supplies for housing and infrastructure projects through a phased approach that reduces community concerns around views. Creating a local sand supply at Cottonwood is a win for the San Diego region because it would reduce the increased costs and environmental damage caused by trucking sand in from outside the region and Mexico.”

Schlesinger has been planning to mine the site of the former Cottonwood Golf Course since 2018. He bought the property in 2015.

He had also purchased the Escondido Country Club in 2012, then shut down the golf course and worked to build nearly 400 homes on the site. Involved in several legal battles related to that, the homes were eventually built and are now known as the master planned Canopy Grove.

What happens if it’s approved?

While the new EIR has not been released, as originally filed, the proposal explains the plan to mine 4.7 million cubic yards with nearly 3.8 million cubic yards (or 5.7 million tons) of washed concrete sand (construction aggregate) produced over 10 years. It will be done in phases with reclamation planned after each phase for a total of 12 years of activity.

The extraction process would occur in three phases over the span of 10 years and the cleanup, equipment removal and final reclamation would occur in the fourth phase over two years.

Sand excavation and processing would occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with trucking operations for material sales and backfill import from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Stop Cottonwood group mobilizes opposition

Elizabeth Urquhart, who has spearheaded the Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine efforts, spoke passionately at the meeting and presented evidence she said “shows the continued sand mine Major Use Permit application is unsuitable for approval” based on myriad factors, “including impacts on the surrounding environment neighborhood character and public facilities.”

The stopcottonwoodsandmine.com site has been active since the beginning of the issue, and through its work, a large number of Rancho San Diego’s nearly 21,000 residents have signed petitions and have packed public meetings through the years to oppose the project.

After the meeting, Rancho San Diego resident Anne-Marie Jacques said residents “feel like the developers don’t give a crap that this project just doesn’t make sense in this community, and they’re hoping we just give up.”

“Communities like RSD don’t need a sand mine because it wouldn’t add anything of substance or value to us,” she said. “They’re only looking out for their bank accounts not the people who live, work and go to school in the area.”