Category Archives: San Elijo Hills News

City of San Marcos Building codes and plan submittal updates announced for residents and contractors

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The City of San Marcos’ building division has made a few important updates to its building design criteria, solar application process and plan review. The City of San Marcos’ building division oversees permit processing, plan review, permit issuance and building inspections on new construction and alterations of residential and commercial structures.

Building design criteria for developments has made an adjustment in relation to the 2023 Building Codes. Design criterion will be based on the 2022 California Building Codes for projects where the permit application is submitted after Jan. 1, 2023. The City utilizes these building codes to perform plan reviews and inspections on all alterations and new construction throughout the City. The building codes help establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress, access to people with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation. For further details, please check the Building Design Criteria webpage on the City website. 

For contractors processing residential solar permits, the City’s new SolarAPP+ feature offers an expedited permit process and permit issuance. SolarAPP+ offers a code-compliance plan check for many residential roof-mounted solar systems. After receiving plan review approval through SolarAPP+ the contractor can process their own permit on the City’s online permitting system (E-TRAKiT) and issue their own building permit. Contractors can check the SolarAPP+ Checklist on the City website to identify which systems are eligible. 

Those who are working to submit a building permit application that requires plan review, must be aware of the plan formatting requirements prior to submitting to the City for review. Plan checks were previously processed via hard copy but are now switching to electronic submittals which have certain requirements for proper submission. The plan submittal requirements can be found on the Plan Check webpage. Once the plans have been formatted per the City’s requirements, applicants can submit their submittal package electronically. Details on submittal guidelines can be found on the City website. 

For additional information, please contact the Building Division, through email at Buildingdivision@san-marcos.net or by phone at (760) 744-1050 ext. 3244.

 San Marcos Elementary School, former NFL player Jeff Garcia, Creative Minds Publishing/Tackle Read organization and Dr. Seuss Enterprises

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San Marcos Unified School District in partnership with Creative Minds Publications kicked off a Tackle Reading event this morning at San Marcos Elementary School, to celebrate National Read Across America Week and Dr. Seuess’s birthday. Current and former NFL athletes donate their time to serve as readers for the day in elementary schools around the country, and this morning, former 49ers player Jeff Garcia shared the love of reading with the students of San Marcos Elementary School. Students heard a motivational message, asked questions, and, of course, listened to them read one of their favorite children’s books!

New online public records portal provides simple and transparent process for requesting city of San Marcos documents

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City documents will now be easier to access in San Marcos thanks to a new public records portal being launched today. The portal allows people to request, track and access public records and documents as part of the California Public Records Act.

The new portal allows people to create an account, request records, track records response, and view records once available. Requests can also be made anonymously; however, anonymous requests are not trackable in the portal. 

All records requests and responsive documents will now also be accessible through the new portal.

Information about how to request city records and a link to the new portal can be accessed on the City’s Public Records webpage.  

 “The City is excited to offer this new resource to the community in its continued effort to be transparent and efficient with regards to its records management,” said San Marcos City Clerk Phil Scollick.  

Under the CPRA, the community has access to most city documents like City Council minutes and agendas, contracts, reports, ordinances, resolutions and more – except for those considered confidential, privileged, or otherwise exempt from disclosure.   

In addition to the online portal, residents can also request records by email, phone, in person or in writing. 

In accordance with the CPRA, the City of San Marcos will respond to public record requests within ten calendar days after receipt. If additional time is needed to locate, compile, or review responsive records, staff will contact the requestor. 

There is no cost to access public records at this time. 

For more information, please contact Deputy City Clerk Destiny Roig at (760) 744-1050, ext. 3114 or droig@san-marcos.net.

San Elijo Hills Community Garden Lottery

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SAN ELIJO HILLS COMMUNITY GARDEN LOTTERY

It is time for the annual community garden lottery! Grow your own flowers, vegetables and herbs! 

Plots will be available from 4.1.23– 3.31.24. The cost of a yearly lease is $50.00. All existing lessees must reapply for the lottery. 

If you would like to participate in the lottery to lease a space in one of the community gardens, please submit an application by clicking APPLY HERE no later than 3.15.23.  The community gardens are for San Elijo Hills Community Association residents only.

Gardeners must cultivate and plant their planter box within four weeks of assignment and visit their garden plants at least once every two weeks. Planter boxes and the surrounding area may not be left farrow or unused for any period longer than three weeks for more than one time each gardening year.

For more information, please call 760-798-9015 or email sehstaff@waltersmanagement.com/ sehdirector@waltersmanagement.com.

How to keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy-Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo 

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Dental (periodontal) disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions seen in pets.  This condition involves far more than dirty teeth and “doggy breath.” It is a serious condition which can have serious consequences for our animal companions.

Dental and periodontal disease begin early in a pet’s life, with most dogs and cats showing signs of tartar and gum inflammation as early as two or three years old.  Early signs of disease can include yellow buildup on teeth (tartar), bad breath, and red, swollen gums.  Even mild signs of disease warrant intervention as they are the beginning stages of a progressive disease that can ultimately have serious consequences.

Dental disease is progressive, starting with the early signs mention above.  Over time, it can result in tooth pain, tooth root abscesses, tooth loss, gum disease, jaw bone loss, and even kidney, liver, or heart damage.  These changes can be the source of chronic pain for our petsFor these reasons, good oral health has been shown to contribute to longer, happier, healthier lives for both pets and people.

Comprehensive veterinary dental cleanings are a core component of your pet’s wellness.   A proper veterinary dental cleaning includes: hand and ultrasonic scaling both above and below the gumline, probing of sub-gingival pockets (which can be sites of infection), a comprehensive oral examination, thorough enamel polishing, and fluoride treatment.  Additionally, full-mouth radiographs (X-rays) are essential for proper veterinary dental care.  This allows the veterinary team to look for disease below the gumline which can include tooth-root abscesses, tooth root resorption, and bone loss.

Because a proper dental cleaning involves radiographs, full oral examination, and probing beneath the gumline, safe general anesthesia is essential for the procedure.  While “anesthesia free” dentals may seem like an enticing alternative, they are both more stressful for the pet and they do not allow for comprehensive care and assessment of oral tissues.  Pre-anesthetic bloodwork, IV fluids, and comprehensive vital sign monitoring help keep anesthesia safe so that dental care can be performed on your pet safely and stress free.

Dental disease is most easily treated in the early stages of the condition when it can often be resolved by a routine comprehensive veterinary dental cleaning.  Pets with more severe dental disease may require extractions or other interventions.  

Once your pet’s teeth have been addressed through veterinary dentistry, a comprehensive home care program can begin.  The gold standard of home care is daily brushing.  While this is most easily taught to young puppies and kittens, even adult pets can learn to accept this procedure if you start slowly and train them using positive techniques.  For pets who don’t allow toothbrushing, there are other options such as dental health diets, dental health chews, toys that promote oral hygiene, and water and food additives.  It should be noted that not all pet oral health products are created equal.  Products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) have been rigorously tested and proven to promote oral health.  Finally, products that are very hard and/or are difficult to bend or break easily (such as antlers, bones, and synthetic bones) should be avoided as they can actually break teeth or chip tooth enamel.

February is National Dental Health Month.  This is a great time to start thinking about your pet’s oral health!  Addressing your pet’s dental health starts with a comprehensive veterinary examination.  As part of this exam, your veterinarian will check your pet’s teeth and gums. They will be able to give you a professional assessment of your pet’s oral health and give you recommendations for steps to be taken for your pet’s oral (and general) health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our hospital at (760) 736-3636 and set up an appointment with one of our experienced veterinarians.

Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo 

1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110

San Marcos, CA 92078

760-736-3636

www.sanelijovet.com

Water District to Sponsor Scholarship Contest

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Water District to Sponsor Scholarship Contest
Vallecitos Water District offers scholarships to local high school seniors and college students

San Marcos, CA – Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at both Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the District. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water-related issues impacting their community.

Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.

Students may download an application package from www.vwd.org, or contact Chris Robbins at (760) 752-7120 or crobbins@vwd.org to have the materials sent to them. Applications must be received via e-mail or at the District office by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area.

Clean Energy Alliance is the New Power Provider for San Marcos

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Clean Energy. More Choices. Locally Controlled.   

On April 1, San Marcos residents and businesses will have a new default energy provider, Clean Energy Alliance (CEA). CEA, a locally controlled not-for-profit entity, offers clean energy options at competitive rates to power your home or business. CEA currently serves the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Along with San Marcos, CEA becomes the default energy provider in Escondido this month followed by Oceanside and Vista in April 2024.  

CEA was formed to help meet the goals of its member city’s Climate Action Plans by providing electricity with a higher renewable content than San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The program is locally controlled and supported by ratepayers, with no taxpayer subsidies. Because CEA is locally managed and a not-for-profit, any excess revenue is reinvested into the member communities through on-bill savings and innovative energy projects and programs, including rebates and other incentives, low-cost energy programs, job training and more. 

CEA is governed by a Board of local elected officials from member agencies, who oversee decisions regarding power purchasing, programs and rate setting, and are directly accountable to the people who elected them. 

How It Works  

CEA follows the community choice energy model allowing local governments to purchase energy directly from power providers to meet their community’s electricity needs, offering an alternative to investor-owned utilities. SDG&E will continue to handle customer billing, transmission and distribution to homes and businesses.  

A How it Works on the Clean Energy Alliance

Local control allows CEA to make better investments in clean power purchasing.  

CEA is proud to offer three power supply products: Clean Impact 50% renewable; Clean Impact Plus 75% Carbon Free and Green Impact 100% Renewable. Each city government is responsible for selecting a default product for their community. The City of San Marcos has selected Clean Impact Plus for all customers to be enrolled in, which offers 50% renewable/75% carbon-free energy content. Customers will have the option to opt up or down with CEA’s other two power options or they may also choose to opt-out and remain with SDG&E.  

To learn more about the Clean Energy Alliance, visit TheCleanEnergyAlliance.org.  

City of San Marcos launches a new GIS portal to provide new levels of data transparency

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The City of San Marcos announced the launch of its new public-facing GIS, or geographic information system, to provide the community with a new transparent resource for exploring the City’s features, elevations, trails, land use areas, transportation lines, boundaries and zoning, among other data points.  

Available resources include more than a dozen interactive maps to help residents gain access to current details about San Marcos. Search queries can be saved and restricted to specific time periods for advanced, customized visualizations.   

“We are excited to announce this new evolution of GIS data available for our community,” said James Crandall, GIS program manager for the City of San Marcos. “Transparency is important to the City of San Marcos, and this new portal is easier to navigate and more customizable for improved searchability. Our goal is to share available data with our community, so everyone has access to the same information about our city.” 

The City of San Marcos’ new GIS website is powered by ArcGIS HUB, and was selected because of its improved functionality and ability to showcase more current data than the previous site. “We see it as a a bridge between the City of San Marcos and the community,” continued Crandall. 

Visit the City of San Marcos’ GIS website for more information

San Elijo Hills OPEN HOUSE Saturday 1/21, 12:00-3:00

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OPEN HOUSE Saturday 1/21, 12:00-3:00. See one of the only homes for sale in San Elijo Hills or CALL or TEXT Ed Philbrick 760 496-8134 to book a private showing. Situated on a private lot in the highly sought-after Crest View neighborhood of San Elijo Hills, prime location on a quiet cul-de-sac street. Beautifully maintained with upgrades throughout. Breezy trail walks to Questhaven Park playground, top-rated (Middle & Elementary) schools, town center, restaurants and shops, and all of the fantastic amenities of living in the award-winning community of San Elijo Hills. Private courtyard entry welcomes you with a wrought iron gate, tranquil fountain, detractive pavers, and updated landscaping. Highlights include surround sound, curved archways, bull nose molding, a family room fireplace, a gourmet kitchen with dual ovens and a butler’s pantry, ample storage spaces, bamboo flooring, one car, and a separate large two-car garage. The flowing open-concept floor plan features a desirable first-floor bedroom/bathroom suite with a walk-in shower, formal living and dining room, a kitchen overlooking the breakfast nook, and a family room. The second floor features a master suite with private retreat/optional office space, two upstairs secondary bedrooms with a shared bathroom, and an ample loft space currently used as an office or bedroom. Plus, an upstairs laundry room. Step outside to enjoy multiple outdoor spaces to relax. Fully fenced-in front, side, and backyard with BBQ Island perfect for entertaining. Backyard privacy with no neighbors directly behind you! Opportunities to expand the rear patio. 32 solar panels are enough to support electric vehicles. Zoned for San Marcos High School. This is your opportunity to live in San Elijo Hills and enjoy San Elijo Hills Community Association Events, including Octoberfest, Tree Lighting, Egg Hunt, Movies and Concerts in The Park, Last Day of School Foam Party, and Laser Block Party, all included in the low monthly HOA. San Elijo Hills is recognized for its ocean & sunset views! Short trail walks to community amenities & shopping. The community includes High-ranking schools, San Elijo Elementary and San Elijo Middle School, and San Marcos High. #sanelijohills #sanelijolife

www.hillsandcoast.com

Call or Text: 760-496-8134

E: ed@hillsandcoast.com

Edward Philbrick: REALTOR Lic #01967137

Coastal Premier Properties. Lic #01882160 

City of San Marcos Splash Pad Off-Season Closure Update

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Beginning in February, San Marcos will implement an off-season closure of the City’s five splash pads to support water conservation. The splash pad closures at the Buelow, Lakeview, Mulberry, San Elijo, and Sunset parks will start on Feb. 1 and conclude on Mar. 15.   

Looking ahead, the off-season closure will be in place annually during historically low usage in the fall and winter and reopen for peak usage in the spring and summer. While the splash pads are closed, other park amenities will be open for the community’s enjoyment. The City continually monitors local, and state water restrictions, and the splash pad off-season closure demonstrates we are mindful of drought restrictions. To learn more about local water restrictions, please visit Vallecitos Water District’s website. 

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