Podiatrist in Escondido, CA

Members of a rural valley community near Escondido are pushing back against a proposed battery storage facility which could be built feet from their homes.

If completed, what’s known as the Seguro energy storage project would be one of the largest in the country, with dozens of battery containers sitting on more than 22 acres of a former horse ranch in unincorporated North County. The AES Corp., a global energy company behind the proposal, said the 400-megawatt facility would help California meet its skyrocketing energy needs and address San Diego County’s goals for net zero carbon emissions.

California’s growing energy needs require battery storage projects to meet surging demand. Residents worry the risks could outweigh the benefits.

But in an area still shaken from wildfires in years past, four local residents told inewsource that the risk of a blaze would be too high to tolerate. They’ve pointed to recent incidents in Monterey County and at an AES-operated site in Chandler, Arizona, where destructive battery fires taxed emergency responders.

This plan for North County is somewhat unique: While Monterey County’s Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility was built on an existing power plant site and another known as Crimson Energy Storage Project was built in the California desert near the border with Arizona, the Seguro project would be in close proximity to homes.

“I thought it was absurd when I heard about this proposal to place it smack in the middle of a residential area. It made absolutely no sense,” said Andy Laderman, a homeowner who shares a property line with the proposed site.

He added, “It’s located in a very high fire-risk area.”

Maxwell Guarniere, development manager at AES, said the company chose the proposed site because it is close to both existing grid infrastructure and electricity demand. That way, he said, AES wouldn’t have to rely as much on long overhead transmission lines.

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Developers said they were safe. San Diego-area officials listened. Courts have blocked several housing projects over failures to analyze the wildfire risks.

The company said the site would have the capacity to store enough power for nearly 300,000 homes for four hours. It also said the project would bring new tax revenue and local jobs during construction and operations, though further details were not included on its website.

Guarniere said battery plants help meet San Diego’s energy needs by storing power for when the area needs it most. The Seguro development, he said, would add needed flexibility to help meet California’s decarbonization goals.

AES had initially intended to ask for a minor-use permit to begin the project. Two other battery projects in unincorporated San Diego have been built with a minor-use permit based on their limited size and infrastructure needs, county spokesperson Donna Durckel said.

But county officials have since countered with a bigger request for the Seguro project. Given the scale of the project, its proximity to Palomar Medical Center and the need for a utility line off-site, the county wrote in a May 12 letter, AES would have to apply for a major-use permit. That kind of permit is for projects “which have substantial impacts” — like airports, schools, hospitals and correctional institutions — and they require more oversight, Durckel explained. This means AES will have to prove to fire district officials that the project “doesn’t pose a significant risk to the community,” she said.

Guarniere said the company intends to apply for the new classification.

“This affirms AES’ sustainable development practices and our commitment to be a good neighbor when designing and proposing projects,” he told inewsource in a statement.

The county’s May letter also included a range of additional questions for the company about the project, including its potential impact on wildlife habitat, which it will have to answer for approval. The San Diego County Planning Commission normally approves major use permits.

A visit to the proposed location last week showed a fenced-in field surrounded by horse stalls and small homes. Attempts to reach a representative of the former horse ranch on the property were unsuccessful.

Plans for the Seguro project indicate barbed-wire-topped walls and shielded lights would secure the lot, which is zoned primarily for agricultural crop production. The site would house battery racks that would be kept within safe temperatures through a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. As many as 12 staff members would stay at the site at once.

An analysis of the environmental risks of the project has yet to be released.

The California Energy Commission explains on its website how battery storage companies like AES earn a profit. Operators can purchase energy from the grid at times of low demand — when electricity is cheap — and then sell it back to the grid when demand is high. The means for energy production are also reflected in the price: Clean electricity is generally cheaper than electricity created from natural gas.

That means batteries can technically help California energy become greener by making up for some of the demand for dirty electricity at times of high stress on the grid.

It’s still a “frightening” development, said nearby community leader JP Theberge, who leads the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council.

“We think it is a very dangerous facility in a very high fire-risk area,” he said. “It doesn’t appear to be a safe use of the land.”

Laderman said if a fire were to happen on the battery storage site, his horse would be at great risk of injury — as would those of other residents.

“I mean, our horse will be within 50 feet of the closest proposed battery,” he said. “If you say, OK, shelter in place with your doors closed and air conditioner off, well, I can’t really do that with the horse.”

The concerns over such projects have prompted action elsewhere. In New York, two state legislators introduced a law banning the construction of battery storage sites within Staten Island.

“Placing a large, sophisticated machine, filled with potentially explosive lithium-ion batteries, in residential or school communities is unacceptable,” said Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo in a February statement. “The fires caused by these batteries typically cannot be extinguished because of the presence of harsh chemical toxins, increasing the hazard and potential damage.

“At the end of the day, the terms ‘classroom’ and ‘blast-radius’ should never, ever be in the same sentence.”

Guarniere said that engaging with local community members is “core” to AES practices. The company “will continue to work closely with all stakeholders including nearby residents, San Diego County, and the local fire agencies to ensure the project includes community input and is designed to meet the latest applicable codes, safety standards and environmental requirements,” he said.

The company aims to begin operating in late 2025.

Type of Content

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Tagged: Housing and DevelopmentSan Diego County

Matt Kristoffersen

mattkristoffersen@inewsource.org

Matt Kristoffersen was a reporting intern for inewsource. He had previously reported for The Press-Enterprise, The Sacramento Bee and The New York Times, among other outlets. In 2020, Kristoffersen began working on The New York Times’ Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker. He has followed hundreds of vaccine... More by Matt Kristoffersen

Are you planning a trip to Escondido, California, and looking for some cultural enrichment? Look no further! Escondido and its surrounding areas boast a variety of top-notch museums that are well worth a visit. From art to history, there is something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best museums near Escondido, their geo-locations, exhibit highlights, and accessibility information.

The California Center for the Arts, located in downtown Escondido, is the closest museum to our starting point. This center features rotating exhibits, live performances, and a range of cultural events throughout the year. One of the most popular exhibits is the Museum’s Contemporary Art Collection, which showcases works by local and international artists. The museum also features a sculpture garden with impressive contemporary pieces. The parking lot is spacious, and there are plenty of spots for visitors. The museum is also fully accessible to those with disabilities.

The San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, located in nearby San Marcos, is a great destination for families with kids. The museum has a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities designed for children to explore science, technology, and culture. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Discovery Garden, where kids can learn about plants and gardening, and the Imagination Playground, where they can build and create using large foam blocks. There is a large parking lot, and the museum is fully accessible.

If you're a music lover, you won't want to miss the Museum of Making Music, also located in Carlsbad. This museum explores the history of music making and showcases a wide range of musical instruments from various eras. Visitors can take part in interactive exhibits, such as playing drums, guitars, and keyboards. One of the highlights of this museum is the "Woodstock to the Moon" exhibit, which traces the evolution of music from the 1960s to the 1970s. There is a parking lot available, and the museum is fully accessible.

For history buffs, the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park in Carlsbad is a must-visit. The park was once the home of actor Leo Carrillo, who played Pancho in the Cisco Kid television series. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the ranch house and learn about the history of the area. One of the highlights of the park is the impressive collection of peacocks that roam the grounds. There is a large parking lot, and the park is accessible to visitors with disabilities.

The Museum of Photographic Arts, located in nearby Balboa Park in San Diego, is a destination for art lovers and photographers. The museum showcases a range of exhibits that explore the art and history of photography. One of the highlights of the museum is the permanent collection, which includes works by renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Dorothea Lange. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibits throughout the year. There is a parking lot, and the museum is fully accessible.

In conclusion, if you're looking for some cultural enrichment during your visit to Escondido, you won't be disappointed by the range of museums in the area. From the California Center for the Arts to the Museum of Photographic Arts, there is something for everyone. We hope this guide has given you a taste of what each museum has to offer, and we encourage you to visit and explore them all.

ESCONDIDO — Dutch Bros Coffee continues its expansion into San Diego County with plans to open two Escondido locations by the year’s end.

The popular Oregon-based drive-thru coffee company has been spreading its reach southwards over the last few years, having recently opened the county’s first location in Oceanside last year.

Escondido is lined up for the county’s next two Dutch Bros locations, one on the east side of town at 2365 East Valley Parkway, where a former dental office was located and the other at 507 West Washington Avenue, which is currently home to the Rancho Las Palmas Mexican Grill.

While the city’s Planning Commission has already approved both locations, construction has only begun at the East Valley location after building permits were received on April 28. As a result, the previously existing building has already been demolished.

According to Dutch Bros spokesperson Madison Fahey, the East Valley location is expected to open by summer’s end.

Although the West Washington location has yet to receive its building permits, Fahey said the company expects it to open by the end of 2023. The Mexican restaurant’s current building will be demolished to make way for the new drive-thru coffee shop.

“Escondido is a very welcoming community and has all the factors our teams look for,” Fahey said via email. “We’re excited to introduce Dutch Bros and show Escondido what we’re all about!”

Dutch Bros opened in 1992 as a pushcart in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon, by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma. Since then, the brand has taken off, spreading to at least 15 different states. California now has the second-highest locations at 150, just shy of Oregon’s 1sitesons.

The coffee company recently announced plans for its first-ever Orange County locations to the north.

“We’re excited to have new development and two new restaurants here in town that provide what I hear is good coffee,” said Escondido City Planner Adam Finestone.

Dutch Bros is known for its employees’ friendly attitudes and loyal fanbase. Though their drive-thru lines tend to grow long, the company has followed suit with other fast-food restaurants that station employees outside with tablets ready to take orders ahead of the speaker to help keep the line moving quickly.

A beautiful home that’s in need of a makeover has landed on the real estate market in Escondido, California, for $600,000 and has managed to capture the attention of a popular TikTok page.

However, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence might need a large “caution” sign near the living room since there appears to be a massive stone rock in there, according to the photos on Realtor.com.

While the description doesn’t say much, the photos present a story of a perfectly lovely property that needs a lot of attention – especially the front exterior and the deck area. But those views alone might be worth it.

The TikTok page “Houses that are Cool” featured the 2,626-square-foot house with the creator looking through the images while wearing playful expressions.

“I’d stub my toe so many times it would fall off,” one comment in the video read.

“Home just needs a little love,” another wrote.

“Would be so dope if renovated,” someone commented.

“Looks like it came out of the Flinstones,” one person joked.

“Wow, I actually love,” another gushed. “You can definitely make something special.”

While homes that appear to be built around large rock structures are certainly a surprise to see, they’re not too rare. A residence in Evergreen, Colorado, that hit the market earlier this year went viral after the same TikTok page highlighted it thanks to the ginormous rock that was inside, McClatchy News reported at the time.

Currently, the California house is listed as “pending.”

Escondido is about 30 miles north of San Diego.

This story was originally published December 13, 2022, 12:21 PM.

Escondido, California, located in the beautiful San Diego County, is home to several top-notch colleges and universities. These institutions offer a variety of academic programs, fostering diverse learning experiences to meet the needs of students with varying interests. In this article, we'll explore the best colleges near Escondido, delving into their addresses, unique characteristics, and historical backgrounds.

Address: 1140 W. Mission Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069

Distance: Approximately 8 miles southwest of Escondido

Founded in 1946, Palomar College is a public community college that provides a comprehensive range of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs. With a strong commitment to student success, Palomar College offers state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning environment. The beautiful campus, situated on a 200-acre hilltop, provides an inspiring backdrop for personal and academic growth.

Address: 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos, CA 92096

Distance: Approximately 9 miles southwest of Escondido

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) is a public university established in 1989 as part of the prestigious California State University system. CSUSM offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, emphasizing a forward-thinking approach to higher education. With a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability, CSUSM provides a dynamic and engaging learning environment for its students.

Address: 1 Barnard Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056

Distance: Approximately 16 miles southwest of Escondido

MiraCosta College, founded in 1934, is a public community college that offers a wide variety of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs. Known for its strong focus on student support and high-quality instruction, MiraCosta College provides an exceptional educational experience. The college's modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive resources make it a standout choice for higher education in the region.

Address: 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093

Distance: Approximately 26 miles southwest of Escondido

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a renowned public research university that was established in 1960. As part of the distinguished University of California system, UCSD offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. With a commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and public service, UCSD fosters a vibrant learning community that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

The colleges near Escondido, California, provide exceptional opportunities for students seeking a diverse and engaging educational experience. From the comprehensive offerings at Palomar College to the research-driven environment at the University of California, San Diego, these institutions cater to the unique needs and interests of students from all walks of life. As you embark on your academic journey, consider the outstanding colleges near Escondido, California, as the ideal launchpad for your future.