http://ElfinForest.org/derbas.htm
http://ElfinForest.org/derbas.htmGREAT
NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
from The North County Times, October 3, 2002 |
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20021003/55153.html | |
Escondido Creek Conservancy, county secure Del Dios propertyERIN MASSEYStaff Writer ESCONDIDO ---- Longtime property owner Adnan Derbas handed over a deed to 3rd District county Supervisor Pam Slater on Wednesday, marking the end of a nine-month journey by the county and local environmental groups to preserve 345 acres of Del Dios property from development. "I am very proud to see this property is ultimately benefiting the whole community," said Derbas, who estimated that he will lose $5 million by not developing the land. "It's not a loss (of money) as long as people can get use out of the land. You don't always work for money in your life." Slater and the Escondido Creek Conservancy held a news conference Wednesday to announce the close of escrow on the land just southeast of Via Rancho Parkway and Del Dios Highway, which was originally slated for an 84-home project. "This property is home to nesting golden eagles and other protected habitat," Slater said. "This is really pristine habitat that connects to watersheds. It is so difficult to acquire significant sized parcels like this in this area." The county paid $1.2 million for 92 acres on the back side of the property, but that was all the county could afford this year, Slater said. So the Escondido Creek Conservancy stepped in, taking out a $3.3 million loan to buy the remaining 253-acre parcel, said Leonard Wittwer, the conservancy president. The conservancy plans to maintain the land, raise money to pay back the loan, and ultimately sell the land back to the county at the same price in three years, Wittwer added. "This is a way to connect even more of the open space in North County," Wittwer said. "Not only is there the value for wildlife, but for humans as well. The ridgeline will get protected instead of being covered with homes."
Pam Slater, Leonard Wittwer and Adnan Derbas |
A 4.4-acre parcel was purchased by the San Diego County Water Authority for watershed uses. The rest of the land in the area will be turned into public trails in the next two years, Slater said. The county hopes to create hiking trails and incorporate the property into more than 1,600 acres of open space that will connect with trails in the Elfin Forest Recreation Reserve and with the San Dieguito River Valley Park, she added. The link is crucial in the river park's proposed Crest-to-Crest trail stretching from the ocean far inland, Wittwer said. Derbas said he purchased the property 20 years ago with plans to one day build a ranch there. His son lived on the property but the house was destroyed in the 1998 Del Dios fire. Since the house was registered as historic, rebuilding it was riddled with restrictions, causing the family to lose interest in living on the land, he said. So Derbas decided to develop the parcel into estate-sized homes. He went to the city of Escondido in February to ask for an extension of plans approved in 1993. Despite ardent public opposition, the City Council granted a two-year extension to build the 84-home project on the 345 acres. Then opponents, concerned about the environmental effects of the development, started calling Slater, who is the county representative for the area. When she approached Derbas about not developing the property, he agreed to meet with her. "We had one hour-and-a-half meeting and it just started going," Slater said. "There were no problems; it just started going forward from there." Derbas credits Slater with bringing the project to fruition. "Without Pam Slater's persistent effort, this would not have come about," he said. The Escondido Creek Conservancy, which is working toward a long-term goal of preserving 3,000 acres of open space, also credits the county and local supporters for helping it to acquire the land. The group now owns 360 acres. "This started out as a pipe dream," said conservancy member Nancy Reed. "No one ever thought this would come to a reality, but here we are." Contact staff writer Erin Massey at (760) 740-5416 or emassey@nctimes.com.
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from The North County Times, September 30, 2002 |
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A rose ---- the "Soar Like an Eagle" award ---- to Adnan Derbas, who sold 342 acres of undeveloped land off Del Dios Highway at less than market value so residents of North County can enjoy the land forever as open space. San Diego County, the Escondido Creek Conservancy and the county water authority got together and arranged for the land to be purchased and maintained as a park. Derbas bought the land long ago to build a family ranch there, but when his children grew up and moved away, he said, he and his wife lost interest in the ranch. Eight years ago he obtained permits to build 84 estate homes on the land ---- a project that would have brought him considerably more money than he will receive by selling the land to be put in trust for the public. "It's a very beautiful piece of property, great views of Lake Hodges and the Mount Israel water reservoir," Derbas said in March, when plans for the regional park took shape. "On a clear day you have a view all the way to the ocean." The public should take great pleasure in thanking the Derbas family, who have generously and thoughtfully taken steps to preserve a grand piece of our land for the enjoyment of generations to come. |
Pam Slater , Sachiko Kohatu and Adnan Derbas |
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from The North County Times, September 26, 2002 |
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020926/52858.html | ||
A good deal for all of usPam SlaterCommentary The county of San Diego has approved using $1.2 million to purchase an undeveloped 345-acre property in North County for a regional park. It is a gorgeous site. It is unspoiled land. This property off Del Dios Highway at Date Lane in southwest Escondido is North County's Balboa Park. In fact, with chaparral-covered hills and sweeping views, it might be even better.
The Derbas property is replete with endangered plants, animals and watershed. It is scenic and pristine. It brings to mind old California. The county will acquire 92 acres for $1.2 million. The county Water Authority purchased 4.4 acres, and 253 acres will be held in trust by the Escondido Creek Conservancy. The most important part of the transaction is that this land will be held permanently as open space. The land belonged to Adnan Derbas, who bought it more than 20 years ago. The county approved 84 luxury homes on the property. I knew about the quality of the land and arranged a site visit. It was a Saturday and there I began discussions with Mr. Derbas and the conservancy. On Monday we met in my office. These were probably the most pleasant negotiations I've been involved in. But as is always the case with public sector funding, at times it was touch and go. Mr. Derbas was a gentleman throughout, determined to do the right thing for our community, and inspired by a higher purpose. He sold the property well below fair market value. This magnificent property links the Elfin Forest Preserve with other open space owned by the Escondido Creek Conservancy with the San Dieguito River Valley. Soon, hikers will be able to use both park trails by hiking across the mountain. The Coast to Crest San Dieguito River Park stretches 55 miles from the coast to Vulcan Mountain. |
If you live along the coast or in Rancho Bernardo, you may wonder how this affect you. People tend to underestimate the value of open space. In fact, if you're not an 'environmentalist you might not think twice about this property being put into permanent open space. Let me count the ways you should care.
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| County OKs $1.2 million for Derbas property | |||
from The North County Times,September 19, 2002 |
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020919/54747.html | ||
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MARTY GRAHAM Staff Writer SAN DIEGO ---- County supervisors on Wednesday approved using $1.2 million of county funds to purchase part of an undeveloped 345-acre Del Dios property that will help the county meet its preservation needs and may become part of the Crest to Crest Trail open space. Supervisor Pam Slater, who spearheaded the drive to purchase the property, said she is very pleased and proud of the county's action.
"This means we have now preserved 345 acres of pristine open space for many generations of county residents to come," Slater said. "If you can imagine, years from now when everything is built out, people will be able to go out to this scenic, majestic land and enjoy nature with their families and friends." The property, just southeast of the intersection of Via Rancho and Del Dios Highway on the northwest side of the highway, has sweeping views that stretch all the way to the ocean on a clear day. It is home to a pair of endangered golden eagles and several rare plants, including the Encinitas baccharis and coastal sage scrub. Wednesday's approval divides the land into three parts: a 92-acre part the county will buy with the funds approved Wednesday; a 4.4-acre parcel purchased by the County Water Authority for watershed; and a 253-acre parcel to be held in trust by the Escondido Creek Conservancy. The conservancy, which paid $3.3 million, will then give the county the option to buy the land at the same price in the next three years as the funds become available |
The land belonged to Adnan Derbas, who purchased it more than 20 years ago with
the idea that his family would one day build a ranch there. But, after his
children grew up and moved away to pursue professional careers, Derbas and his
wife lost interest in building a compound on the land. In 1994, Derbas won
county approval to build 84 large, luxury homes on the property and he began the
process of getting the final plans approved by the city of Escondido.
Neighbors were fighting the development, citing the presence of the endangered plants and animals, as well as traffic problems on Del Dios Highway, when Derbas surprised everyone in March by starting negotiations with open space advocates and Supervisor Slater. "I met him on a Saturday hike with the conservancy and he came in to meet with me on Monday to talk about the purchase," Slater said. "He sold it for a below-market price because he did not want to see the property overdeveloped." In an interview in March, Derbas said he would take the lower price if it would promise that the land would remain available and accessible to the public. The property links the Escondido conservancy with the San Dieguito River Valley open space, a link that makes possible the proposed Crest-to-Crest trail stretching from the ocean far inland. "The purchase has the added benefit of removing the possibility of development of homes and the additional traffic they would bring to Del Dios Highway," Slater added. "It is a great benefit to the county." Contact staff writer Marty Graham at (760) 740-3517 or mgraham@nctimes.com. 9/19/02
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| COUNTY
OF SAN DIEGO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SET HEARING FOR
9/18/02
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TO: Board of Supervisors
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DATE: March 13, 2002 SUMMARY: Acquisition of this property would protect diverse habitats and important wildlife corridors. This corridor supports a functional connection between the Multiple Habitat Conservation Plan (MHCP) to the north and the Lake Hodges Segment of the Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) to the south. It further provides connectivity with the proposed North County MSCP Escondido Creek area. Acquisition could provide passive recreational opportunities such as riding and hiking trails. Trails on this property could also link to the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park’s Coast-to-Crest Trail and the Elfin Forest Preserve trail system. Recommendation Fiscal Impact Advisory Board Statement BACKGROUND: The Derbas property is part of an important regional linkage for sensitive habitat and wildlife. The landscape in the area is characterized by rugged steep slopes to the north and large blocks of open space covered with mixed chaparral. The endangered plant species, Encinitas baccharis, was recently identified on the property. Acquisition of these parcels would provide connectivity with properties already conserved by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD). The property is immediately adjacent to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, owned by OMWD. It also abuts the large block of land set aside for the OMWD reservoir project. The property connects with the Lake Hodges Segment of the approved County of San Diego MSCP Subarea Plan. In addition, it is adjacent to the boundary of the proposed North County MSCP Escondido Creek area. Acquisition could allow public access in the form of riding and hiking trails. There is the potential for trails to connect with those on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Trails on the property could also link up with a larger trail system, the Coast-to-Crest Trail, as proposed by the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park. If the property is not acquired for open space, it is likely to be developed. In this area, the natural habitats and wildlife corridors are threatened by fragmentation from urbanization.
Respectfully submitted, |
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| Del Dios land may become open space | ||
from The North County Times, March 14, 2002 |
http://www.nctimes.com/news/2002/20020930/62907.html | |
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MARTY GRAHAM ESCONDIDO ---- A 342-acre tract of land, approved in 1994 for development of 84 large homes, may instead become pristine open space if the county and the owner can reach a purchase agreement. In a surprise change of plans for the property along Del Dios Highway, county supervisors Wednesday voted unanimously to enter into negotiations to purchase the land from owner Adnan Derbas. Last month, Derbas won renewed approval for an 84-lot development on the land despite opposition from conservationists and residents worried that the project, if built, would increase traffic along the winding, two-lane highway that weaves through hills from Del Mar to Escondido. But Derbas said he would be happy to see the land become open space that many people could use and enjoy. "It's a very beautiful piece of property, great views of Lake Hodges and the Mount Israel water reservoir," Derbas said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "On a clear day you have a view all the way to the ocean past Del Mar." Supervisor Pam Slater contacted Derbas about a week ago, he said, after he had talked with a conservation group about making the land open space. Derbas, who has lived in San Diego County since 1986, said he purchased the land long ago intending to build a family ranch there. But, he said, his children grew up, became professionals and moved away, and he and his wife have lost interest in living there. No one has begun to set a price for the land, likely worth millions of dollars. But, Derbas said, he is willing to take less than the property is worth ---- under certain conditions. |
"If it is going to be for public use, for open space and many, many people will have the chance to enjoy it, I will be willing to sacrifice on the price," he said. The land, on the north side of the highway near Date Lane, is home to several golden eagles and to an endangered plant called the Encinitas baccharis. If it becomes open space, it will easily link up with the Coast-to-Crest Trail, proposed by the San Dieguito River Valley Regional Open Space Park. Escondido City Councilwoman June Rady, who opposed the development plan, applauded the idea. "We've always believed the impacts of the development would be unmitigatable," she said. "I wholeheartedly support preserving those 342 acres in perpetuity." The San Dieguito Joint Powers Authority, and a half-dozen residents wrote letters supporting the idea of turning the land into open space. Opponents of the proposed development argued that it would have added more than 1,000 car trips per day to the already sluggish and crowded highway. And, they argued, the stoplight that would have to be installed at Date Lane would further delay traffic along the narrow thoroughfare. "If we can make this happen, it will be a great deal for everyone in the county," said John Weil, Slater's chief of staff. "It's a beautiful property and it would really enhance the existing open space at the same time it would turn out to be a traffic fighter for people who drive the Del Dios Highway every day." Contact Marty Graham at (760) 740-3517 or mgraham@nctimes.com. 3/14/02
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| Slater's parkland initiative might be a Derbas land-saver | ||
| from The San Diego Union-Tribune, March 9, 2002 | http://signonsandiego.com | |
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By Logan Jenkins A bouquet--the This Land Is Your Land award -- to Supervisor Pam Slater for seizing the initiative to purchase the drop-dead gorgeous Derbas property, a 343-acre rectangular parcel that extends from the Del Dios Highway to the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. As you may recall, the Escondido City Council recently voted 3-2 to extend development agreement with owner Adnan Derbas, who has proposed building 84 luxury homes on his breathtaking property. At the tense meeting, Escondido Councilwoman June Rady, who also serves as chairwoman of the San Dieguito River Park's governing body, argued in vain for a fresh review of the environmentally sensitive land. Many Del Dios-area residents oppose the project, known as the Montreux development, for a variety of reasons, including water runoff and traffic on the already congested highway. Also, environmentalists believe the rare Encinitas baccharis shrub, as well as a pair of golden eagles that nest on the cliffs overlooking Lake Hodges, could be threatened by development. Well, all that sound and fury could change to sighs of relief if Slater's bubbly optimism is warranted. On Wednesday, Slater will recommend to the Board of Supervisors that the county "investigate negotiation" with Derbas. "This undeveloped property has a willing seller for acquisition as permanent open space for conservation and trail purposes," the agenda notice states.
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In a roadside meeting at the foot of the Derbas property, Slater told me she is confident that Proposition 40, recently passed by state voters, will provide a likely source of funding. Derbas, an Old World gentleman who describes himself as an ardent environmentalist, told me he has spoken with Slater and will entertain a decent offer. "I am willing to sell the land for conservation purposes at a substantial discount," he said. He said he has invested about $10 million, and indicated he would let the county have the land for half that. Obviously, San Dieguito River Park champions welcome this preserved land, which links the Coast-to-Crest Trail to Elfin Forest. Bob Copper, the county's lead official in land issues, admitted he was excited. He agreed with Slater that the Derbas land is an ideal Proposition 40 candidate. He did not foresee any political hurdles at the board level. If the purchase were to get shot down following appraisal and reasonable negotiations, "I'd be shocked," he said. As for the courtly Derbas, he appears ready to make a fair deal on behalf of the natural world. "I know the value of the land from a conservation point of view," he said. Logan Jenkins can be reached at (760) 752-6739 or by e-mail at |
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SEARCH RESULTS 19 total results for Derbas from
The North County
Times
Roses
& raspberries - 9/30/02 - NCTimes.net
...A rose ---- the "Soar Like an Eagle" award ---- to Adnan Derbas,
who sold 342 acres of undeveloped land off Del Dios Highway at less than market
value so residents of North County can enjoy the land forever as open space. San
Diego...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020930/62907.html
Letters
to the Editor - 9/28/02 - NCTimes.net
...for approving the $1.2 million of county funds to purchase the 345-acre Derbas
property in the Escondido area. Slater spearheaded the drive to purchase the Derbas
property. The recent nearby purchase of Bernardo Mountain by the...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020928/zzzz.html
A
good deal for all of us - 9/26/02 - NCTimes.net
...The Derbas property is replete with endangered plants, animals and
watershed. It is scenic and pristine. It brings to mind old California. The
county will acquire 92 acres for $1.2 million. The county Water Authority
purchased 4.4...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020926/52858.html
County
OKs $1.2 million for Derbas property - 9/19/02 - NCTimes.net
...County OKs $1.2 million for Derbas property MARTY GRAHAM Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO ---- County supervisors on Wednesday approved using $1.2 million of
county funds to purchase part of an undeveloped 345-acre Del Dios property
that...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020919/54747.html
Trail
dream taking shape - 9/1/02 - NCTimes.net
...The county's initiation of efforts to acquire the 328-acre Derbas
property above Del Dios Highway, west of Bernardo Mountain. The ridge-top
property is an eagle nesting site. It would provide a crucial wildlife travel
corridor...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020901/54020.html
Letters
to the Editor - 4/1/02 - NCTimes.net
...As a resident of the Del Dios area of Escondido I am very concerned about a
proposed development on the 345-acre Derbas property along Del Dios
Highway. The city of Escondido has denied an environmental impact study. And we
know...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020401/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 3/27/02 - NCTimes.net
...Critics misled with facts on Derbas property In Mr. Greg Roberts March
16 letter's interpretation of my letter regarding the Derbas property, he
misinterpreted or neglected several of my points: Residents of the Del Dios area
did...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020327/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 3/22/02 - NCTimes.net
...who live in unincorporated areas recently made a presentation to# the
Escondido City Council# regarding the Montreux-Derbas project, in an
effort to halt the building of all those homes at# a very busy intersection. We
also object...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020322/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 3/18/02 - NCTimes.net
...of Escondido, not special interests. Ms. Hall misstated the facts when she
said golden eagles are nesting on the Derbas Montreax property. Fish and
Game and Fish and Wildlife both indicated that no eagles are nesting there.
She...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020318/zzzz.html
Del
Dios land may become open space - 3/14/02 - NCTimes.net
...supervisors Wednesday voted unanimously to enter into negotiations to
purchase the land from owner Adnan Derbas. Last month, Derbas won
renewed approval for an 84-lot development on the land despite opposition from
conservationists...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020314/54040.html
Escondido
extends Del Dios housing project - 2/28/02 - NCTimes.net
...Owner Adnan Derbas wants to build the houses at 9860 Del Dios Highway
between Via Rancho Parkway and Elm Lane. Derbas received a five-year
extension in 1997 and has until December 2002 to file papers to build the
project. His...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020228/94416.html
Council
to vote Wednesday on endangered plant - 2/24/02 - NCTimes.net
...between Via Rancho Parkway and Elm Lane. The council had already granted one,
five-year extension to owner Adnan Derbas in 1997, giving the developer
until December 2002 to file papers to build the project. Right before the...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020224/61030.html
Letters
to the Editor - 2/23/02 - NCTimes.net
...and another traffic light onto Del Dios Highway at the backup mess just south
of Via Rancho Parkway. The proposed Derbas project has let 10 years go
by, and now they want to impact the highway at the center of miles-long
congestion,...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020223/zzzz.html
Escondido
postpones Del Dios Project - 2/14/02 - NCTimes.net
...After Brindle received the map and the letter, he contacted Dave Ferguson, an
attorney for the project's owner, Adnan Derbas. Ferguson said he didn't
see the letter until 5 p.m. Wednesday and he couldn't read the accompanying
map...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020214/80450.html
Letters
to the Editor - 2/14/02 - NCTimes.net
...Why the light to handle 1,000 extra car trips that will enter from the
proposed Derbas project that plans to use this spot as an entrance onto
the highway? Alternatives have been suggested, such as routing this project
through the...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020214/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 2/13/02 - NCTimes.net
...Derbas project tests mayor's leadership In November current Escondido
Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler will ask our Rancho Santa Fe community to elect her to
the California State Assembly as the assemblywoman from the 75th District.
Our...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020213/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 2/11/02 - NCTimes.net
...light at Date Lane and Del Dios so that 1,000 car trips per day could feed
onto Del Dios Highway from the proposed Derbas project. When a number of
people requested studying better alternatives, they were ignored. Obviously,
the...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020211/zzzz.html
Letters
to the Editor - 2/10/02 - NCTimes.net
...approve the residential development known as the Derbas project along
Del Dios Highway has uncovered two tragic and somewhat comical digressions. The
first is the attorney for the Derbas Project, Dave Ferguson, stonewalling
the...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020210/zzzz.html
Del
Dios residents fighting for traffic, environment studies - 2/9/02 - NCTimes.net
...But Dave Ferguson, an attorney for landowner Adnan Derbas, said that
the project has not changed, which is necessary for a city to require new
studies. He added that the 1,008 new cars trips that will be generated by the
project...
http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020209/61041.html
SANDAG's mapping site, REDI , offers great bird's-eye views:
from the top you can see:
NORTH:
· Palomar Mountain MN 26 degrees, 25 miles.
EAST:
· Volcan Mt in Julian MN 65-70, 30 miles;
· North Peak MN 86 degrees, 32 miles;
· Middle Peak MN 90 degrees, 32 miles;
· Cuyamaca Peak MN 93 degrees, 32 miles;
· Woodsen Mountain (Poway) MN 105, 11 miles;
· Iron Mt MN 113 degrees, 134 miles.
SOUTHEAST:
· Lyons Peak MN 127 degrees, 34 miles;
· Tecate Mt (on Mexico border) MN 129, 43 miles;
· San Miguel Mt MN 143 degrees, 29 miles;
· Black Mt (Carmel Valley) MN 159, 7 miles.
MORE ECOLOGY, PHILANTHROPY, & CONSERVATION NEWS
