This web site contains information, opinions, and news articles relating
to the High Point ridgeline development in Escondido, California. The development is the
last phase of the Palos Vista specific plan area of Escondido. The first
phase was the Emerald Heights subdivision which resulted in the destruction
of a nearby ridge.
City council member Ed Gallo once stated: "Emerald Heights is the worst thing
to happen to Escondido" (see full story "Escondido candidates agree on
protecting ridgelines" below).
Now the city is failing to prevent the destruction of
yet another ridgeline, allowing Hightpoint Country Manors to become the next
worst thing to happen to Escondido.
| 1989 |
original development agreement between Prima Development (previous owner) and City of Escondido
for 39 homes
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| 1993 |
City of Escondido extends development agreement for High Point through Jan 15, 2008 (Current mayor, Lori Pfeiler, sat on the 1993 city council). Here is a copy of the development agreement (PDF) which has references to California codes 65864-65869.5.
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| 1994-1996 |
Emerald Heights built atop a nearby ridge
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| 1999 |
Prima Development asks for increased density for a total of 110 homes... The city rejects.
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| 2000 |
Prima Development sells the property to "Capstone Escondido 500", a partnership between Capstone Advisors and Innovative Communities (a developer based in Escondido and also known as Innovative Resort Communities and Innovative Real Estate Companies)
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| 2001 |
City of Escondido passes a ridgeline protection ordinance (exempting already approved development agreements)
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| 2005 |
Capstone Escondido 500 asks for additional grading exemptions. Planning department approves. Decision is appealed to a city council vote. Council votes 3 to 2 to allow exemptions, against protests by community members.
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| 2006 |
Grading is ongoing throughout the year. Sales begin.
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| 2008 |
Developer defaults on their loan.
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| Date | Title | Summary |
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| 2008-07-08 |
Another day, another default in Wasco |
The developer of Highpoint has defaulted on another property in Wasco |
| 2007-07-10 |
Sales Update |
According to the HighPoint website on 7/10/2007, eight lots are sold (697, 698, 706, 707, 716, 717, 723, 727) and three are pending (692, 712, 796). |
| 2007-02-25 |
Lots finally released for sale |
There are now listings from two different agents on the San Diego MLS: listing 1 - listing 2. Listed price is $595k to $965k |
| 2006-10-19 |
HighPoint release date postponed |
Innovative Communities continues to delay the release date for HighPoint. Originally on their web site, it was: "early 2006" and is now: "late fall 2006". All lots are still listed as "available" on the rollover map. |
| 2006-07-12 |
Developer seeks exemption from Escondido ridgeline law |
Another attack on Escondido's ridges, this time from another developer, Landmark Consulting |
| 2006-03-15 |
Planners approve 34 homes east of Laurashawn |
Another project in Escondido by Innovative Communities is opposed by neighbors |
| 2006-03-12 |
Ad for HighPoint |
Innovative Communities has been ramping up its advertising efforts |
| 2006-01-18 |
Vallecitos Water District approves HighPoint project |
Almost all homes will require Septic systems. Half are above the elevation limit where proper water pressure can be supplied. These will require private pneumatic pumps maintained by the homeowner. |
| 2005-11-09 |
Capstone Advisors Press Release |
report on Capstone's portfolio stating that HighPoint will have a buildout value of $44 million |
| 2005-10-06 |
Disgusted by council's ridgeline vote |
Letter from Tom and Marlene Beard to the North County Times expressing disappointment over the city council decision to allow grading exemptions |
| 2005-09-22 |
Escondido council denies ridgeline appeal |
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| 2005-09-22 |
Appeal made against houses on ridgeline |
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| 2005-08-14 |
Ridgeline project raises ire of Escondido couple |
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| 2005-08-12 |
39-home project in Escondido hills challenged |
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| 2005-08-06 |
Couple challenges 39-home project in Escondido hills |
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| 2005-07-29 |
Planning panel approves changes to ridgeline for High Point project |
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| 2005-07-27 |
Residents clash with city over Escondido ridgelines |
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| 2005-07-26 |
Escondido Planning Commission to consider higher slopes for ridgeline project |
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| 2005-04-23 |
San Marcos one of last cities with no ridgeline law |
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| 2005-03-18 |
Innovative Communities to build in Escondido |
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| 2004-12-12 |
Protecting the heights: Several cities have policies to protect ridgelines from development |
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| 2004-11-02 |
Bill Effinger's Endorsements in campaign for Vallecitos Water District board member |
Tom Dobron, President of Innovative Communities (developer of HighPoint) endorses Bill Effinger, an outspoken critic of ridgeline development |
| 2004-10-13 |
Escondido candidates agree on protecting ridgelines |
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| 2004-10-06 |
Resident says wall may help restore ridgeline |
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| 2004-10-05 |
Skovgard announces ridgeline protection measure |
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| 2004-09-26 |
Officials must halt ridgeline destruction |
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| 2004-02-14 |
Beefed-up resources help stop blaze |
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| 2001-01-09 |
Capstone Advisors Funds Two New Residential Projects |
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| 2000-12-15 |
The Quail Hills Parallel to HighPoint: Part 2 |
He's not speaking about HighPoint, but Bill Effinger of Innovative Communities clearly states why a project like HighPoint would probably not get approved today-- because the community must be convinced that a project is worthwhile to the community as a whole. |
| 2000-10-16 |
The Quail Hills Parallel to HighPoint: Part 1 |
This is why Innovative Communities should understand why Escondido residents are opposed to HighPoint. In the Quail Hills case, Bill Effinger speaking on behalf of Innovative Communities states: "What might have seemed to make sense 15 years ago may not now ... because of all the development that has taken place around the project." Flash forward to the present day: Emerald Heights has caused Escondido to turn against ridgeline development. It doesn't make sense today, while it may have made sense when the project was approved long ago. |
| 2000-08-30 |
Innovative Resort Communities' newest project of home sites closed escrow on July 31 |
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