President’s Message: Time to Find a Way Forward

Update on Amenities and Commercial Spaces at The Farm in Poway

Many residents continue to ask about the status of the planned amenities at The Farm in Poway, including the fitness center, restaurant, store, amphitheater and dog park. These features remain an important part of the community vision, and GVCA would like to share current information along with context on factors affecting progress.

Fitness Center

The land designated for the fitness center is currently under contract to be sold to a San Diego operator of gyms and preliminary plans have been submitted to the City of Poway. The proposal includes a total of 20 multi-purpose tennis and pickleball courts and a 6,000 square foot gym building. Notably, the proposal does not include a pool. According to the property owner, the existing approvals require a pool, and City Council approval would be necessary to modify the conditional use permit to allow its omission.

The Barn and Social

The store and restaurant sites, located along Espola Road and GoodEve Drive, are intended to serve as welcoming gathering places and everyday conveniences for residents. At this time, the land remains vacant and is available for sale or lease. One of the main challenges slowing progress is the continued combination of high construction costs and elevated lending rates. These factors translate into higher rents, which makes potential tenants, especially locally focused businesses, hesitant to commit. Higher operating costs can also mean higher prices for residents.

GVCA recognizes that this situation serves neither the community nor future business owners. Empty storefronts or struggling establishments benefit no one. Re-examining certain design standards could provide a constructive path forward. A more cost-effective building approach, while maintaining quality, may help lower rents, attract viable businesses, and support more affordable dining and shopping options for residents.

Dog Park, Amphitheater and Flower Fields

The dog park and amphitheater are highly anticipated amenities that remain popular among residents. We understand that plans have been approved, and once the necessary permits are issued, construction is expected to take approximately 14 months. The flower fields are now all planted and maturing nicely.

GVCA believes this is an important moment to consider thoughtful adjustments that can help move these projects forward. With collaboration and flexibility, these amenities can become active, successful spaces that truly serve The Farm and the broader Poway community.

Looking Ahead

While 2026 brings its share of challenges, it also offers meaningful opportunities. District 2 will soon have a new City Council member filling the seat vacated following the recall and resignation of Council Member Tony Blain. By working together, we can make progress on wildfire preparedness, encourage thoughtful development, and continue to enhance the charm and safety of Poway.

We invite each of you to stay engaged, whether through participation, volunteering, or sharing your ideas and feedback by contacting us at president@GVCA.info. Your annual GVCA membership and commitment to our community are essential. Here’s to a productive and impactful year ahead.

Warm regards,

GVCA Board of Directors

Steven Stone, President
Steve Polito, Vice President
Vanessa Springett, Secretary
Jack Tripp, Treasurer
David Rauterkus, Membership
Wayne Hamburger, Board Member
Tim Flood, Board Member

District 2 City Council Special Election

A Special Election to fill the District 2 City Council seat will be held on June 2, 2026. District 2 includes much of north Poway. The seat became vacant following the recall and subsequent resignation of Council Member Tony Blain.

The City Council voted to hold the election in June to coincide with the California Primary Election, helping to reduce election costs. As of this mailing, both Vanessa Springett, a current GVCA board member, and Anita Edmondson, a former GVCA board member, have indicated their intent to run for the District 2 seat. The candidate elected will serve the remainder of the current four-year term, which expires in November 2028. The official candidate filing period runs through March 6, 2026.

Poway Adopts New E-Bike Ordinance Aimed at Safety

The City of Poway has adopted a new electric bicycle (e-bike) ordinance designed to improve public safety as e-bike use continues to grow across the community. The ordinance clarifies where e-bikes may be ridden, establishes age restrictions, and aligns local rules with California’s e-bike classification system. City officials cited concerns about speed, rider experience, and conflicts with pedestrians as key reasons for the new regulations, particularly involving younger riders.

UNDERSTANDING E-BIKE CLASSES

California law divides e-bikes into three classes, which Poway’s ordinance uses to determine age limits and permitted use.

• Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist only and stop assisting at 20 miles per hour.

• Class 2 e-bikes can be operated with a throttle and top out at 20 miles per hour, even without pedaling.

• Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour and are subject to the strictest regulations.

WHERE AND WHO CAN RIDE

Under the ordinance, children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes of any class, and riders under 16 may not operate higher-speed (class 3) models. Riders under 18 are also prohibited from carrying passengers. Helmet use is required for all riders under 18. E-bikes are generally permitted on roads, bike lanes, and designated bike paths unless posted otherwise. However, the city has banned e-bike use in certain areas, including sports courts, athletic fields, passive lawn areas, water detention basins, and sidewalks in business districts. Violations will initially result in warnings, followed by fines for repeat offenses. Law enforcement is also authorized to confiscate e-bikes used in violation of the ordinance.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY

The ordinance places new responsibilities on families, particularly parents of younger riders, to ensure children are operating legal and age-appropriate e-bikes. City leaders emphasize that the goal is not to discourage e-bike use, but to ensure it happens safely and responsibly in shared public spaces. The complete ordinance can be found on the Poway.org website under Poway Municipal Codes.

Hidden Valley Ranch Project Advances After Years of Planning

After more than 25 years of study and planning under the Poway Comprehensive Plan, the Hidden Valley Ranch project is moving closer to construction. Grading has begun, with home construction expected to start later this year.

The 425-acre property is located on the east side of Old Coach Road, just north of Blue Sky Reserve. The project’s specific plan was originally approved in 2003 and has been refined over time through multiple reviews and updates.

The current plan includes 40 single-family homes clustered on one- to three-acre lots. The original ranch home will be preserved, and approximately 305 acres will remain dedicated to agriculture, open space, and internal roads. As the project moves forward, GVCA will continue to share updates of interest to the community.

Fire Risk in Green Valley

It has been 59 years since a wildfire burned through Green Valley. In 1967, a fire that started near the Ramona Airport, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, destroyed 16 homes in our community. Photos from that time show a very different landscape. Since then, the number of homes and the amount of vegetation have increased dramatically. 

We were fortunate during the Cedar Fire in 2003 and the Witch Fire in 2007. Small shifts in the wind pushed those fires past Green Valley instead of into it. That luck may not hold next time, and we cannot afford to be complacent about the risk. Beyond the usual recommendations for vegetation management on your own property, we strongly encourage residents to think through their evacuation plans now, before a fire starts. For those living in Green Valley Highlands, a fire coming from the northeastleaves only two exit routes: Martincoit Road and Stone Canyon Road. Martincoit could be closed early in an active fire. 

GVCA has raised concerns with the City about unmaintained palm groves in the Green Valley area. If you have a concern about a fire risk, we encourage you to contact the City of Poway.