Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Blog

The San Diego Polo Club will host the "Boots & Bolos" charity event on Friday, August 29, 2008 from 5 to 10 pm.  The event will raise funds for the San Diego Chapter of Childhelp and will include a polo exhibition, a saloon & casino presented by Viejas, live music and dancing, a western style bbq and a Western Art Show. This polo gala is the charitable kick off to the Spreckels Cup, one of the most prominent polo events in San Diego.  Additionally, the coveted $250,000 Tiffany's trophy, to be awarded at the Spreckels Cup, will be unveiled at Boots and Bolos.

The beneficiary, the San Diego Chapter of Childhelp, is an organization that assists in the physical, emotional, spiritual and educational needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp focuses on treatment, prevention, research and public advocacy in attempts to alleviate this unseen epidemic.

Tickets to Boots and Bolos are $75 pre-sale and $100 on the day of the event. The Rancho Santa Fe Polo Club is located at 14555 El Camino Real. Suggested attire is Western or Casual.  Dust off your boots, wear your bolos and get ready to dance!  For more information call (858) 412-4935.

Canyon Crest Academy (CCA) begins the school year on August 25^th.

In March 2004, I was on the PTSA Board of the Carmel Valley Middle School and the topic of discussion was the new Carmel Valley high school that would help with the over-crowding being experienced at Torrey Pines High School.  David Jaffe, the principal of the "new" school, who was working out of a small room at the middle school, was excited and eager to fill the new school's 400 slots by the 8^th graders from Carmel Valley and other area middle schools.  The plan was that the students would not only be freshman, but also the only class of students in the school.  Imagine, not worrying about upperclassmen!  The classes would be smaller; the students would have the opportunity to establish many of the traditions at the school from mascot (Ravens) to school colors (red & black).

In August 2004, 342 students began their freshman year in portable buildings and despite their surroundings, they flourished at an incredible pace academically, athletically, creatively, and socially. By March 2005, the local and statewide accolades earned by these focused and motivated students attracted applications for the upcoming school year from over 400 incoming freshmen and over 50 incoming sophomores. In addition, in 2007, the College Board announced that CCA's class of 2008 led the nation in AP World History scores for schools of its size.  There are approximately 1,831 students attending Canyon Crest Academy. The current student to teacher ratio (overall) is roughly 34:1. The school's 2007-08 API score was the highest in San Diego County.

Canyon Crest Academy's first graduating class was in June of this year (2008). These graduates have achieved many honors during their high school careers and have been accepted into many top universities including Harvard University, Stanford University, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, USC, UC Los Angeles, and others.

One unique aspect of Canyon Crest is Envision, an arts program with 7 divisions: Digital/Fine Arts, Theater, Video/Film, Dance, Vocal Music, Audio Editing (new for the 2008-09 school year), and Instrumental Music. The program regularly sponsors shows & performances, and interacts extensively with professionals & teachers in the North County creative community. The Envision program also trains students in their particular field of interest, allowing unique opportunities such as being able to publish student work. Students also have the option of taking classes from Mira Costa Community College on the CCA campus, available after school.  CCA also offers a variety of elective classes not traditionally taught in public schools including American Sign Language, Japanese, Film and Society, Advanced Topics (math theories and phenomenons), Anatomy and Physiology, Science and Research, Environmental Science, Stage Craft, Music Theater production, Rock Band, Surf and Lifesaving, Recording Arts, Interior Design, and Fashion Design. Although Canyon Crest Academy sponsors many sports teams, there is no football team, and there are no plans to add one. Students wishing to be involved in high school football typically enroll in nearby Torrey Pines High School.

Canyon Crest Academy is located at 5951 Village Center Loop Road, in Carmel Valley and is a member of the San Dieguito Union High School District.  Students come to Canyon Crest Academy from middle schools such as Carmel Valley Middle School, Rancho Santa Fe Middle School and Earl Warren in Solana Beach.

Below are links to the following:

About Canyon Crest Academy

Canyon Crest Academy Incoming Student Information 

Canyon Crest Academy Academic Calendar of Events 

Canyon Crest Academy Daily Bulletins & News 

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Rancho Santa Fe,  contact us at (858) 245-9905 or visit our Rancho Santa Fe real estate website at www.RSFHome.com.

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved.

Torrey Pines begins the school year on August 25^th .

Torrey Pines High School is located at 3710 Del Mar Heights Road in Carmel Valley and is a member of the San Dieguito Union High School District.  Students come to Torrey Pines High School from middle schools such as Carmel Valley Middle School, Rancho Santa Fe Middle School and Earl Warren in Solana Beach.

Known as the "Falcons", student success is supported by tutoring centers on campus, over 300 parent volunteers, 150 extracurricular student clubs, and the Torrey Pines High School Foundation. Falcon students consistently earn top honors at academic competitions including a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad, the San Diego Science Fair, the national journalism convention, and drama and video film events. Torrey Pines High also offers a comprehensive Division I interscholastic athletics program with 26 different varsity-level sports.

Torrey Pines High School is a three-time National Blue Ribbon School, a California Distinguished School, and home to over 2,700 students from the communities of Carmel Valley (City of San Diego), Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar & parts of Solana Beach.

Torrey Pines High School is currently ranked 185^th in Newsweek's list of 1,300 top U.S. high schools.

Below are links to the following information sites for Torrey Pines High School:

Torrey Pines High School 2008-2009 Calendar  

Bell Schedule for Torrey Pines High School  

Torrey Pines High School Departments & Programs 

Interested in buying or selling a home in Rancho Santa Fe?  Contact Susan at (858) 245-9905 or visit our website at www.RSFHome.com.

Rancho Santa Fe schools open today, August 21^st at 8 am! 

The Ranch school, known as the "Home of the Eagles" is divided into the K - 4^th grade section under the direction of K. Pinkerton, Principal, and the 5^th -8^th grades which are supervised by Dr. Suzanne Roy, the 5- 8 Principal.  Lindy Delaney is the Superintendent. Rancho Santa Fe School District was founded in 1927, and for many years consisted of one school campus, where the younger students mingled with the older ones.  Now there are much needed renovation plans for the campus.

I taught fourth grade in Rancho Santa Fe when Dr. Roger Rowe was not only the Principal, but was also our Superintendent.  Dr. Rowe, a former military man, was a strict leader, but was respected by his students and the faculty.  It is well-known that Dr. Rowe was able to meet the needs of the Rancho Santa Fe parents without sacrificing the needs of the students.  I remember, the years I spent teaching there, working on study plans and my classroom on the weekends and seeing Dr. Rowe's van in the parking lot early mornings and many late evenings.  It is his devotion to the community that inspired many to have the school named after him, the Dr. R. Roger Rowe School.

It is said that it takes a village to raise good children, and I believe that it also takes a village to help a school to excel at educating our children.  Rancho Santa Fe has the good fortune to have the support of the community and parents who contribute generously to its programs.  The dedicated staff of teachers are always spending extra time with the students and making their school day a definite "adventure in learning"...  I know, because I was honored to work and learn from many of the great teachers at the Ranch school, including Donna Spaulding Miano, Barbara Brown, Glenda Sumida, Cynthia Kronemeyer, Michael Frees, Bud Taylor, Diane Jaffari, Sheila Fleet, Carolyn Flood, Peggy Jacobson, Kim Rau, and many others.  Many, if not all, have retired now but I am sure that there are teachers currently teaching that mentored under several of these inspirational teachers.

When my son was born, I quit teaching to spend his early years with him and eventually went into real estate.  I have always said that teaching is a labor of love and not a career that you can earn money doing.  My first commission check for the sale of a condo in La Jolla was more than my entire year's teaching contract!  Needless to say, I have continued my real estate career for the past 23 years, yet have looked back fondly on the memories of my students, their families and the dedicated staff at the Ranch school.

Here's to another GREAT year at Rancho Santa Fe School!

Rancho Santa Fe Calendar

Rancho Santa Fe School Map  

Rowe School Renovation Update  

If you are interested in buying or selling a Rancho Santa Fe property, contact Susan at (858) 245-9905 or visit our website at www.RSFHome.com.

The ABC7 television channel has a website where you can find the cheapest gas in your community.  Click the ABC7 logo to take you to the website, and fill in your zip code for the cheapest gas list in your neighborhood. Rancho Santa Fe's zip code is 92067. Great resource and hope you find it useful! 

Americans have a wonderful sense of humor, even when times are stressful...

 If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Rancho Santa Fe, California, contact Susan at (858) 245-9905 or visit our website at www.RSFHome.com.

Every September, just after school starts, the community of Rancho Santa Fe celebrates, "Rancho Days", a celebration of the history of Rancho Santa Fe.  This year's event is extra special because it marks the 80th Anniversay of Historic Rancho Santa Fe! 

Rancho Days takes place over several days and includes the list below of events including the Vaqueros Ride and Campout, the Rotary Barbecue, Kids Day at the Riding Club, Family Doubles at the Tennis Club, a Hoe-Down Dance, Riding Demonstrations, a Chili Cook Off at the Golf Club as well as the very popular Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department and the Community Center.  When I was a teacher at Rancho Santa Fe Elementary many of the horse owners in the Ranch participated in the Vaqueros trail ride and campout.  A fun event and something for everyone!

This year "Rancho Days" is from September 20th through September 27th.  A list of some of the events is below:

          SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

• Community Pancake Breakfast  -  7-10am
• Rancho Days Poker Ride and Lunch  -  10:30am-2 pm
• Riding Demonstration and BBQ  -  4-7pm
• Neighbor Night  -  5:30-8pm      

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

• Chuck Wagon Meal and Cowboy Poetry -  4-7pm

 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

• "Petals & Prose" Flower Exhibition and Reception -  5-7pm

 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

• Open House and Refreshments  -  9am-4:30pm
• Sponsors: RSF Art Guild, Union Bank of California
  
• Dessert, Refreshments and Art on the Patio  -  1:30-4:30pm
• Sponsors: The Country Friends, RSF Art Guild

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

• Fall Festival Family BBQ  -  4-8:30pm
• Sponsor: RSF Rotary

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

• "History in the Garden" with Diane Welch  -  2-4pm
  
• Fandango and Chili Cook-off (Cook-off 5-7)  -  4-8pm

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

• Free Family Tennis Clinic and Barbecue  -  1-4pm 
• Sponsor: RSF Tennis Club
  
• Osuna Open House  -  2-4pm
• Sponsor: RSF Association
  
• Rancho Santa Fe Hoe Down Dance  -  6-10:30pm
• Sponsors: RSF Golf Club, RSF Association
  
• Kids Night Out  -  5:45-9:30pm
• Sponsors: RSF Community Center

Please note: Schedule listed above is tentative; some of the listed activities may change.

Rancho del Lago is a guard-gated community of 43 estate-sized homes with floor plans up to 20,000 square feet.  These large estates are custom built on properties averaging over 4 acres.  The home sites tend to be level or with a gently slopping terrain.  Rancho del Lago is located on the same orange grove as the Groves development of Rancho Santa Fe.  All homes are located in the Rancho Santa Fe School District (elementary & middle school) and the San Dieguito Union High School District.

If you are interested in buying or selling a Rancho Del Lago home, contact us at (858) 245-9905.

Montecito is one of the three "Villages of Rancho Santa Fe".  A gated community, Montecito was constructed in 1984, the same time as the Olympic Equestrian endurance event was hosted at nearby Fairbanks Ranch Golf Course. Builder Ray Watt developed these 36 Spanish Mediterranean homes, some of which are cantilevered on the bluff overlooking the Fairbanks Country Club and horse facilites below. 

The three floor plans range from 2,200 to 3,000 square feet and are located on almost 25 acres of prime view property.  There are monthly homeowner's association dues which pay for a community pool and fitness center.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Montecito of Rancho Santa Fe, contact us at (858) 245-9905.

Las Villas of Rancho Santa Fe is a development built by Concordia Homes and located north of the Rancho Santa Fe Covenant and next to the Groves in Rancho Santa Fe.  This newer small subdivision of 10 homesites on 1+ acres are semi-custom single  & two-story homes set in a secluded countryside location many with beautiful views of the surrounding hills.  This is a gated community without a guard and the HOA dues cover the common area maintenance.

Interested in buying a home in the Las Villas development of Rancho Santa Fe?  Visit our comprehensive Rancho Santa Fe real estate website at www.RSFHome.com. 

RANCHO SANTA FE MARKET UPDATE

Rancho Santa Fe Current Available Listings:  273   

Least Expensive Home in 92067:  $1,150,000

Information:  Paseo Delicias Condo - 2 bdrms/2 baths, approx. 1,738 sq. ft.

Most Expensive Home in 92067:  $35,000,000

Information:  Rancho Los Arboles on 9 acres  - 8 bdrms/8 ½ baths in the Covenant

Rancho Santa Fe Pending/In Escrow Listings:  22

Pending Least Expensive Home in 92067:  $1,395,000

Information:  Loma Verde Short Sale - 2 bdrms/2 baths built in 1958

Pending Most Expensive Home in 92067:  $15,995,000

Information:  Poco Lago on 2.29 acres - 6 bdrms/7 baths plus 3 ½ baths built in 2007

Rancho Santa Fe Sold from January 1, 2008 through August 17, 2008:  84 Listings

Sold Least Expensive Home in 92067:  $935,000  (List Price $999,000)

Information:  Pimlico Corte in Del Rayo Downs - 2 bdrms/2 baths, apprrox. 2,762 sq. ft.

Sold Most Expensive Home in 92067:  $13,000,000 (List Price $16,900,000)

Information:  Avenida de Acacias - 5+ bdrms/5 baths, built in 2007

Interested in buying a home in Rancho Santa Fe?  Visit our Rancho Santa Fe real estate website at www.RSFHome.com  to learn ALL about the Rancho Santa Fe area, including Rancho Santa Fe Covenant information, Rancho Santa Fe school information, local neighborhoods, real estate prices, and much more!

Information above from Sandicor and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.