President's Message

President's Message - 2024

As we reflect on 2023, it's evident that a prevailing theme in our corner of Poway has been the constant hum of construction activity at the Farm development and the natural gas pipeline along Espola and Pomerado Roads. While we eagerly anticipate the day when the disruptions fade away, it's heartening to note the significant progress made this year, bringing us closer to the moment when normalcy returns to our lives. Let’s take a brief look back at some significant events from this year and share some thoughts for the upcoming year.

Looking back on 2022 and what to expect expect this year

Hello GVCA members and friends,

In retrospect, it feels like 2022 was simply a continuation of the strange new world that began with the Covid 19 pandemic almost three years ago. Locally,
if sky-high prices and recession fears were not enough, we were caught in an endless loop of jackhammers, bulldozers and saws, as development on and around the Espola Road corridor shook the north Poway communities relentlessly. Globally, a continuing raft of viruses and war in Europe have made it seem that the world will never return to “normal” again.

At GVCA, we are all Poway residents like you, and we get it. There’s plenty to grumble about. But there has also been great progress made over the past year, and if we can just remain patient, we have a lot to look forward to in 2023 and beyond.

The Farm in Poway

The conversion of the former StoneRidge Country Club property kicked into high gear in 2022. Lennar, the developer, has encountered more rock than originally anticipated, requiring modifications to the grading schedule and, unfortunately, a great deal of noise. Additional rock breaking on the site of the future fitness center location began in December. In response to resident feedback, the developer has taken steps to mitigate the noise and disruption to neighboring communities as they work to complete the project.

The developer’s latest timeline shows grading, street improvements, home construction and commercial construction expected to be completed at various dates from January 2023 through March 2024. For anticipated completion dates for the various elements of the project, visit https:// www.lennarsdbuilds.com/the-farm-in-poway. You can also register to receive construction updates at https://www.lennarsdbuilds.com.

Additionally, LifeTime Health is proposing to build and operate a 30,000 sq ft fitness center on the property. The operator will be seeking City Council approval of a conditional use permit and specific plan amendment for their proposal this spring. For more information on the operator, visit: https://www.lifetime.life. The GVCA is meeting with city staff to ensure compliance with thevoter-approved specific plan.

Sharp Hospice Care

In 2021, Sharp Healthcare acquired the property at the southwest corner of Espola and Valle Verde, and in 2022 demolition began for construction of a six-bedroom hospice care home. The State of California has responsibility for licensing of the hospice facility, and the City of Poway is responsible for approving the physical structure in accordance with local zoning standards. Administrative approval of the proposed building was appealed and following a hearing last May, City Council granted approval to proceed with construction.

According to Sharp Healthcare, the home has been designed to resemble a personal residence, and we haveheard from city officials that the design and landscaping are held to the same building standards as all single-family residence in the area. After looking into the issue, GVCA is optimistic that the finished home will be an attractive and unobtrusive addition to the community, however, we will continue to monitor its progress. For more details about the planned hospice home, visit Sharp’s website at https://www.sharp.com/give/ways-to-give/mountainview-home.

Poway Center for Performing Arts (PCPA)

During 2022, the PCPA returned to a pre-pandemic level of activities and events, including a scaled-back professional performance series presented by PowayOnstage and several concerts conducted by the Poway Symphony Orchestra, and a variety of local and school events. The GVCA believes that the PCPA
is a rare treasure in our community, serving to bring high quality arts and entertainment to our region as well as providing a unique educational venue for the PUSD and community groups. We will continue to stay in touch with the city and other stakeholders to monitor developments regarding this important city asset.

Water Project Update

In 2021, the city began construction on a series of projects to increase the reliability of Poway’s drinking water. The initial bypass project was completed in September 2022 and is now in use. This system uses temporary storage tanks to take the city’s outdated treated water storage system offline for replacement. The next phase, or clearwell replacement project, will supplant the old system with two new 4-million-gallon concrete tanks, and is expected to start in the summer of 2023.

At GVCA, we are pleased to see this important infrastructure project moving forward and nearing completion. Water storage tanks and pumping stations are not particularly exciting, but they are a vital foundation for our future as a city in drought-plagued southern California.

Looking Ahead

Change can be uncomfortable and worrisome, and lately we have seen our share of change in the north region of Poway. On the other hand, some change is inevitable, and the ways in which we handle it and manage it will determine the long-term effect that it has on our community.

At GVCA, we continue to believe that Poway remains one of the best places in the county to live, work and play. I hope that you will remain optimistic as we are about the future of our special community. And I hope that through your continued support as a GVCA member, you will take advantage of the opportunities to stay informed, to speak out, and to lend a hand to ensure that the changes impacting us in 2023 are well- managed.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2023!

John DeSantis
GVCA President

How 2021 issues and projects will impact us in 2022

Hello GVCA members and friends,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and good health. Let’s just say it: 2021 was a tough year. A year defined by COVID Delta and Omicron variants, masks and mandates, vaccines and boosters, cancelled and scaled-back events. It was a no-fun year following on the heels of the previous no-fun year. But life goes on, and through it all, our community continued to grow and make progress on the issues that are important to us.

Here’s a look at those key projects last year and how they will unfold and impact the GVCA community in the new year.

The Farm in Poway development begins

Following the passage of Measure P in 2020, The Farm in Poway development on the old StoneRidge Country Club property began in 2021. Cleanup of the dead brush and trees along Espola Road, demolition of the old clubhouse and support structures was completed last summer, trees were removed at the end of the year, and grading is now underway. Construction of the first houses is scheduled to begin this summer, starting at the back end of the property.

Measure P passed with over 60% of votes cast in 2020 and GVCA supported it as the best alternative for this troubled property in the heart of our community. To those who remain unhappy with this development, I would simply ask that you take a moment to consider the positives: the property is now in the hands of a local developer not an outsider; the dead and dying landscape along Espola Road has been cleaned up and will be replaced with new, healthy landscaping; the vandalized and graffiti-tagged clubhouse and other buildings are gone; and we are one year closer to having an attractive community of homes, social facilities and open space for the public to enjoy where an eyesore once stood for many years.

No property development perfectly meets the needs and wants of every individual in an entire community. But without The Farm at Poway, many years would have likely passed before another viable project came along, and with aggressive housing legislation being proposed by state lawmakers, it may have come with much greater density and impacts to the area.

I encourage residents to look past the dust and disruption of this construction period to the better neighborhood that will come from it.

Progress continues on Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs)

There has been progress in the city’s LMDs which will continue in 2022:

  • Last year, the city received a $1.9 million federal grant ($1.4 million from FEMA with a $500,000 city match) to remove hazardous trees that pose a fire and wind hazard. The designated areas for tree removal are the two LMDs along Twin Peaks Road (LMD 83-1) and Espola Road (LMD 86-1) and specific open areas in Green Valley. The city is currently conducting the environmental assessment phase of the Hazardous Tree Removal project. Analysis will be complete by May 2022. Removal of hazardous (dead, diseased and structurally unsound) trees is scheduled to begin in summer 2022. Based on our discussions with the city, this is a long-term project that will take years and additional funding to complete. Nonetheless, in this environment of persistent drought and threat of wildfires, we believe it is an important priority for our community, and we support the city’s ongoing efforts.

  • The city is nearing completion of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP) for the two LMDs. The LMP will provide concepts for replacing the lost landscaping at entrances to neighborhoods in the districts, as well as plans for replacement of removed trees along Espola Road and Twin Peaks Road. The city will hold public meetings on the conceptual/draft Landscape Master Plan this spring to share concepts and receive community input.

  • The LMD Advisory Group, a volunteer group of homeowners in both LMDs continues to work with the City of Poway to find a way to enhance our neighborhoods and address fire safety by securing sufficient funding to implement sustainable landscaping improvements and maintenance. For more information on the group, visit www.powaylmd.com or email them to sign up to receive periodic updates: PowayLMDAdvisory@gmail.com.

  • LMD Opinion Survey–residents in one of the two LMDs can take a survey at www.powaylmd.com through February 15th to share their thoughts on what should be done to address the landscaping issues within the LMDs. Survey results will be used to help complete the Landscape Master Plan and develop funding strategies.

Performing Arts Center returns to life

In 2021 we saw welcome signs of renewed life at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA). After more than a year’s absence, Poway OnStage returned with its first in a series of live professional performances in October, and the Poway Symphony Orchestra presented a concert in November.

In 2020 the city council established a task force to examine alternatives for the PCPA, including a potential sale of the facility to the Poway Unified School District, and other ways to operate and fund the facility.

However, last year the city council voted to retain ownership of the PCPA for the foreseeable future. Council also negotiated the elimination of subsidies to its tenant and booking agent, Poway OnStage, and is in the process of exploring the potential for an endowment and/or other sources of long-term funding to maintain the facility.

Moving forward, the outlook for the PCPA is still anything but certain. Discussions are ongoing with regard to how the facility can best serve the community at an acceptable ongoing cost to the city. The GVCA believes that the PCPA is a rare treasure in our community, serving to bring high-quality arts and entertainment to our region as well as providing a unique educational venue for the PUSD and community groups. We will continue to stay in touch with the city and other stakeholders to monitor developments with regard to this important city asset.

Water infrastructure project commences

In 2021, construction began on the first of three projects focused on increasing the reliability of Poway’s drinking water. Two storage tanks, each with the capacity to store 1.4 million gallons of treated water, will allow the city to replace the outdated water storage reservoir at the water treatment plant. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the San Diego County Water Authority and the State Division of Drinking Water.

While the capital project will undoubtedly result in increased water/sewage bills for Poway residents, the improvements are necessary to ensure the availability of clean water now and for future generations.

Looking ahead

Yes, 2021 was a difficult year. We have all suffered to some extent, physically, emotionally, even financially. Sadly, some of us have suffered great personal loss. I hope that you were able to find the strength and resilience to salvage some joy and happiness amid all of the madness, and to “sharpen your senses” to all that is positive around you.

For over 60 years, GVCA has made it our mission to be an “association of citizens who come together to protect and improve the quality of life in our community.” And that’s what we’ll continue to do. I remain optimistic about the future of our community.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2022!

John DeSantis
GVCA President

What the future holds for the Green Valley area

In spite of much our lives as we knew it being put on hold for most of 2020,
a lot happened during the year that will set the course for the future of this corner of Poway.

The Farm in Poway passes by a large margin
With the turn of the calendar, 2020 will be the last year we refer to the 117-acre former golf course as StoneRidge Country Club. With the passage of Measure P inNovember 2020, it is now officially “The Farm in Poway.”

Unlike the previous Measure A on the ballot in 2017, the GVCA board voted to endorse Measure P - The Farm in Poway Specific Plan after extensively reviewing project reports and studies, gathering public input, hosting a public forum, and considering the merits and concerns about the development.

The measure passed city-wide 62.1 percent to 37.89 percent with a total of 28,147 ballots cast, and approval in every precinct.* The wide margin of approval, particularly in the Green Valley, Valle Verde/Silver Saddle neighborhoods and the area directly around the property confirm that our endorsement represented local voter sentiment.

The project developer, led by local resident Kevin McNamara, has already begun cleaning up the property and preparing it for the next stage in the development process.

A call for civility

Like the previous ballot measure, Measure P spurred much local debate, something the GVCA highly encourages for major issues that would have a large and lasting impact on the community. The negative tone, however, in many online discussions was disheartening.

With the measure behind us and a new project to look forward to, we encourage all residents to find common ground in what is good for the community in the long run, and engage in constructive, not destructive, dialog on issues important to all of us.

What’s on the horizon

While the fate of the former StoneRidge Country Club property has been determined, the GVCA will continue to track its development progress and compliance with the Specific Plan.

We are also keeping an eye on other issues impacting the community, including:

• Possible Prop FF land use change to allow a hotel on the Maderas Golf Club property.

• Maintenance plan and future funding for the 86-1 Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) on Espola Road.

• Ownership and operation of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

Voters facing big decisions need information, not emotion

2020 is shaping up to be a big year for Poway residents to make important decisions at the ballot box. Two upcoming ballot issues are contentious and divisive as their passage could impact the quality of life for many in our community. While emotion often plays into the decision- making process, we advocate for an informed approach – taking a step back to understand the facts without bias. Here, we take a look at two key issues voters are facing this year. And see our LMD update inside for information on an issue that is still alive and could return to the ballot in 2021.

MEASURE P:
$448 Million PUSD School Improvement Bond

Last fall, Poway Unified School District initiated a Facilities Master Plan process to evaluate and score the condition of all 39 school facilities in the district. The study determined that 62 percent (24 out of 39) of PUSD schools will be in “poor” condition by the year 2023.

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To help fund improvements to school facilities, the district has put forth a bond measure, the first since the billion dollar Prop U capital appreciation bond (CAB) was approved in 2008. On March 3rd voters across the entire Poway Unified School District region will vote on Measure P which seeks approval for $448,000,000 in bonds to improve classrooms, science labs, and career-training facilities that support college and preparation/career readiness.

  • Passage will require at least 55% of voter approval.

  • If the measure passes, property taxes for all homeowners in the PUSD region will increase $33.90 for every $100,000 of assessed value while the bonds are outstanding.

  • If approved, PUSD would be eligible for $90,000,000 in additional state matching funds.

  • The money from the bond measure cannot be used for salaries, benefits or pensions for administrators or teachers. However, it could free up money in the district’s general fund that would otherwise fund facilities needs and be used for other programs and positions.

  • This bond measure includes community facilities districts (CFDs) – communities that assess a Mello Roos Special Tax – because Mello Roos funds may not be used for the ongoing repair, improvement, or maintenance of school facilities; they can only fund the construction of new facilities projects.

The Farm in Poway

Another potential hot-button ballot measure could determine the fate of the former StoneRidge Country Club. If placed on the November 3rd ballot by City Council, all voters in the City of Poway will be asked to approve a measure allowing the rezoning and specific plan for the 117 acres of the StoneRidge Country Club property. The proposed project is known as the “The Farm in Poway” and would include:

  • 160 homes on 33.86 acres for an average of 4.7 dwellings per acre

  • A 4,246 sq ft community social center, 2,673 sq ft cafe with wine and beer garden, butterfly farm, athletic club with pool, tennis and pickleball courts

  • Project amenities will include a tot lot, community gardens, public trails, dog park, amphitheater, 15+ acres of agricultural fields, and 20+ acres of open space

  • The GVCA is moderating a Q&A event on Sunday, March 1st at 4:00 pm at Painted Rock Elementary School. The panel will includerepresentatives from the developer, consultants, and City staff who will answer audience questions about the project.

Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) UPDATE

Following the defeat of the ballot measures in May 2018 to create two new LMDs and assessments along Espola Road (86-1) and Twin Peaks Road (83-1), City Staff formed an LMD Advisory Group comprised of residents from both LMDs. The Advisory Group is working with KTU&A, a landscape consultant retained by the City, to obtain feedback from residents in LMD areas, draft a Master Landscape Plan, and communicate with the public.

Upcoming activities and public outreach include:

  • Survey in April 2020 to gain an understanding of how residents in the two LMDs feel about the condition of landscaping in their district and their priorities for future work.

  • Community workshops in June 2020 to obtain public input on the Master Landscape plan.

  • Dedicated LMD website available soon: www.powayLMD.com

Residents in these districts are encouraged to watch their mail for a postcard mailing on the upcoming survey and to contact the advisory group with questions at any time by emailing: powayLMDadvisory@gmail.com

What is the GVCA and why should you care?

The GVCA, also known as the Green Valley Civic Association, was founded in 1960 as a not-for-profit civic organization by neighbors living in Valle Verde and Green Valley. At that time, the area was an unincorporated community in the County of San Diego and the group sought to ensure better representation at the County level on big decisions affecting quality of life in north Poway. Over time, the GVCA became a major voice in how this area of Poway was developed and its leaders were instrumental in Poway incorporating as a city in 1980.

HOW we serve members
For nearly 60 years, we have kept ourmission to be an “association of citizens who come together to protect and improve the quality of life in our community.” Recently, we have been involved in providing the community factual information on ballot measures for:

  • proposed development of homes and condos at the now closed StoneRidge Country Club

  • a 240-room hotel at Maderas Golf Club

  • fee increases for landscape maintenance districts (LMDs) along Espola Road.

To provide accurate and informative reviews of these ballot measures, the GVCA has met and discussed them with city staff, council members, consultants, community members and the owners/ developers. While these recent ballot measures did not gain the public supportneeded to pass, the proponents areevolving their plans and the GVCA will be there to examine and evaluate the future proposals and keep our members informed.

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WHO we are & who else benefits
Our board of directors is comprised of seven volunteer members–all active and long-time members of the Poway community. (See our website for bios www.gvca.info). Excess funds are returned to the Poway community through donations supporting performances pre-sented by Poway OnStage at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway High’s “Grad Nite,” and most recently the Abraxas High School gardens project (see next page), and other local activities, events and groups.

WHEN you should get involved
Now is the perfect time. This letter kicks off our 2019 membership campaign. Your generous membership dollars help financially support our mission, our ongoing communications, and community giving.

We are not a homeowners association and your membership is completely optional. Our hope is that you find the mission and work of the GVCA to be of great value and that you join/renew to be part of an important organization. Newmembers join for FREE the first year.

Together with your voice, your support, your civic action, we can effectively address issues impacting north Poway, and also serve as a positive force for local youth and activities, and more, in the community.

We look forward to serving you as a 2019 member!

Steven Stone
President, GVCA

A Future Together Without StoneRidge

President's Message Winter 2018

With the “No” vote outcome of the Measure A/StoneRidge special election last November, and the club’s permanent closing, many important questions remain and new ones arise. As we have done since 1960 with many issues facing north Poway, the GVCA will continue to serve as a watchdog, provide factual information, and be an advocate for our members and the community.

  • Moving forward, here is what we know about the property based on input from the City and property owner:

  • The club is permanently closed and irrigation has ceased; the owner has no intention of reopening the facilities.

  • The perimeter of the property has been fenced off.

  • Maintenance of the property’s landscaping will include only required fire management maintenance per city code.

  • The property is not for sale; the owner will consider any plan put forth by the community that is supported by the entire community.

We would like to thank our members and north Poway residents who contacted us before and during the Measure A campaign. Your input is important to our board as we consider critical issues such as this.

As time continues to pass, we encourage residents to move beyond the divisiveness that arose from Measure A so that someday this 117-acre property can once again be a centerpiece of our community. 

Steven Stone
President, GVCA

Big Decisions Impacting North Poway

President's Message Winter 2017

POSSIBLE REDEVELOPMENT AT STONERIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

Redevelopment plans are under serious consideration for StoneRidge Country Club and golf course. Over the last six months, Poway Open Space, Inc., a non-profit group formed by club members to preserve the golf course at StoneRidge, has been meeting with representatives of property owner, Michael Schlesinger, to reach an accord on potential redevelopment plans. On November 2, the Board of Poway Open Space met with a representative of Roni Hicks, Schlesinger’s consulting firm, and developer Cal Atlantic, to review the owner’s proposal that resulted from the planning group’s efforts. The Poway Open Space Board unanimously voted to endorse and actively support the StoneRidge Redevelopment plan and affirming Prop FF vote that:

  • Limits residential development to less than 15 acres (12%)

  • Delivers no less than an 18-hole par 70 course

  • Designs and constructs a brand new clubhouse for members and the community

  • Provides that the residential development be limited to 12 units per acre

  • Caps residential unit count (no more than 180 units)

  • Restricts residential development to an age qualified 55+ community (no impact on schools and reduced traffic impact)

  • Models development after Auberge in Del Sur by CalAtlantic

  • Limits height to no more than two stories

  • Records a Conservation Easement on the 105-acre golf course to insure it is permanent open space

  • Provides StoneRidge Golf Course is maintained in a first class standard throughout the City of Poway’s entitlement process

  • Allows for complete community input and involvement in the entire process

NEXT STEPS 

CalAtlantic is in the process of creating a land use map and plan for community review and input at an open house to take place sometime in the next few weeks. If the owner and developer decide to move forward this year, in accordance with the provisions of Prop FF, they will be required to gather signatures to place a measure on a special ballot to gain voter approval for a land use change that allows for housing.

GVCA’S POSITION 

Over the last 18 months, GVCA board members have met with the property owner, Roni Hicks representatives, the Poway Open Space group, as well as City Council members to gather information and provide preliminary input on potential redevelopment of this property. While we are encouraged by the level of cooperation between the property owner and lead stakeholder Poway Open Space, the GVCA will take a formal position when a land use map and plan have been made available.

 

President's Message Winter 2016

Paying more for using less:  What can we do about the water conundrum?

San Diego County Water Authority board member Matt Hall recently was quoted in the San Diego Union Tribune saying that our water situation is hard to explain to ratepayers. “It’s real hard to tell them, ‘You have to let your grass die,’ and in the same breath you have to tell them, ‘We have more water than we can use,’” he said.

So why is this? It is the direct consequence of California Governor Jerry Brown’s Executive Order B-29-15. This Emergency Regulation gives no credit to local water agencies for developing new sustainable water supplies, such as the new Carlsbad desalination plant – investments that our local water authority has made and we are paying for.

The City of Poway becomes part of this tangled web as it is required to comply with the Governor’s order to reduce water use by 32% (and to enforce the order). This steep reduction is contributing to rising water rates because local water agencies and the City are forced to meet revenue needs with lower sales.

What can we expect if the State continues to impose mandated water reduction as its primary drought plan?

  • Water allocations and penalties – Poway City Council passed an ordinance in late 2015 which establishes a baseline allowance and penalties for excess non-essential use.
  • Mandated irrigation standards – the State recently required cities to adopt irrigation standards for new construction, existing landscape rehabilitation greater than 2,500 square feet needing city approval, and for existing homes with landscape area greater than one acre.
  • Continued mandated water cuts and higher water rates – reduced water sales coupled with ever increasing operating cost and more expensive desalination and recycled water will result in higher rates.

What can YOU do?

  • Be engaged. Sign up to receive email notifications of City of Poway city council meeting agendas so you are informed of when new restrictive water-related ordinances are being considered and adopted. Go to: http://poway.org/list.aspx
  • Attend council meetings and contact Council Members directly to voice your comments on issues, such as water, that directly impact your quality of life, home value and community.
  • Contact our state legislators:

38th Senate District - JOEL ANDERSON
500 Fesler Street, Suite 201
El Cajon 92020
(619) 596-3136 • Fax (619) 596-3140 www.sen.ca.gov/anderson

77th Assembly District - BRIAN MAIENSCHEIN
12396 World Trade Drive, Suite #118
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 675-0077 • Fax (858) 675-0688 https://ad77.asmrc.org

These elected officials support petitioning Governor Brown to allow us to meet mandated cutbacks through both conservation and sustainable water supplies, such as the Carlsbad desalination plant. Let them know you support their efforts for a more balanced drought management plan. You can also contact the State Water Resources Control Board directly:

Jeanine Townsend, Clerk of the Board
State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street, 24th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov

President's Message - Winter 2015

“GVCA | Green Valley Civic Association” - What’s in a Name?

When you break it down word for word, “Green Valley Civic Association” holds a lot of meaning – and purpose – for North Poway residents like you:

GREEN VALLEY refers to the northern area of the City of Poway. This name dates back to the 1800s when the area was actively farmed with avocado and citrus orchards and nicknamed “Green Valley” by local ranchers. The area now encompasses over 3,000 homes in the north corner of Poway.

CIVIC engagement or participation “is the encouragement of the general public to become involved
in the political process and the issues that affect them. It is the community coming together to be a collective source of change, political and non-political. Civic engagement is about the right of the people to define the public good, determine the policies by which they will seek the good, and reform or replace institutions that do not serve that good. Civic engagement can also be summarized as a means of working together to make a difference in the civil life of our communities. It means promoting a quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” (Wikipedia.com)

ASSOCIATION is an organization of people with a common purpose and having a formal structure. (Dictionary.com)

Put together, these words truly define the Green Valley Civic Association (GVCA) – a north Poway association of citizens, people like our members, who come together to make a difference in the quality of life in our community. We do not represent a single entity, a specific neighborhood, or one issue, but rather the interests of the whole north Poway community and our members.

To that end, we need YOUR voice, YOUR support, and YOUR civic action to be fully effective. 

President's Message - Winter 2014

Does the GVCA make a difference...to you? ...to the community?

I asked myself that as I sat down to write this letter to you. After attending countless city council meetings, community meetings, consultant meetings, reading staff reports to council and consultant reports, and writing letter after letter, I certainly hope we make a difference; after all, that’s our mission. Let’s look back over the years and see...

(For those of you who are not familiar with the GVCA or Green Valley Civic Association, we are a volunteer- based community organization formed in 1960 dedicated to improving the quality of life in north Poway.)

What would Poway look like without the GVCA? We would likely have sprawling high density housing, gas stations and 24-hour convenience stores in our rural neighborhood, military air flight paths overhead, a noisy traffic-congested concert amphitheater, water rates that penalized even the thriftiest users on large properties, cell towers on residential homes, Espola Road developed as a highway, and even an asphalt plant. Well, I’m glad those things did not happen. Our efforts on behalf of, and with the support of, Green Valley resident members thwarted these issues that presented a real threat to our quality of life here.

Has the GVCA been a good steward in the community? We make donations to Poway High School crisis counseling programs and “Grad Nite,” support Little League teams, provide college scholarship opportunities, donate to the Poway Parade, and lead trash cleanup projects with Boy Scouts. So I think we have succeeded; and GVCA is making a difference – a positive difference – that improves the quality of life in our community.

With that said, I feel OK with asking you to join the GVCA.