Dear Friend of Preserve Wild Poway,

Poway has long cherished its identity as "The City in the Country," with our character defined by the stunning, unspoiled ridgelines that frame our community. These scenic hilltops are more than just a backdrop; they are a vital part of our environment, public safety, and property values. However, some protections that once safeguarded these iconic landscapes have been lost over time, leading to concerning development.

Preserve Wild Poway believes that the Poway City Council has a critical choice: either restore robust ridgeline protections or continue jeopardizing our city's natural heritage. The 2013 decision to rescind ordinance 85-019 and approve ordinance 13-001 eliminated City Council review for all hillside and ridgeline development, a policy that had for decades prevented "visual scarring" and preserved sensitive areas. This decision stripped council members and residents of their voice, putting our scenic ridgelines at risk. It is now essential to re-establish strong protections and require City Council review to safeguard our community's iconic landscape for generations to come.

Why ridgeline protection matters

Preserves our natural environment

• Protects habitat and biodiversity: Ridgelines are crucial habitats for local wildlife, offering refuge and travel corridors for species such as bobcats, deer, and other animals that thrive away from human contact. Development can lead to habitat fragmentation, threatening the long-term viability of these populations.

• Maintains ecological integrity: Unspoiled ridgelines help maintain the area's ecological balance. They are home to native vegetation that supports local ecosystems and prevents invasive species from taking hold.

• Reduces light pollution: Homes built along ridgelines introduce bright, artificial lights that shine directly into surrounding habitats. This light pollution is harmful to wildlife and diminishes our community's ability to appreciate the starry night sky.

Enhances public safety

• Mitigates wildfire risk: As we've seen throughout California, hillsides are often in high-fire areas. Concentrated development in these zones can put residents and firefighters at increased risk, especially when access roads are limited. Restricting buildings on these hazardous slopes is a proactive measure to protect our community.

• Prevents landslides and erosion: Building and grading on steep, elevated land can increase the risk of soil erosion and landslides, which threatens homes and infrastructure both on and below the ridgeline.

• Lessens strain on emergency services: The need to access remote, developed ridgelines during emergencies like brush fires places additional risk on our firefighters and strains our city's resources.

Protects our city's scenic character and property values

• Safeguards our aesthetic appeal: Ridgelines are a significant part of what makes Poway a beautiful and desirable place to live. Preserving them from intrusive development ensures that our scenic vistas remain unmarred by construction, protecting the "City in the Country" feel that we all value.

• Maintains property values: The unique aesthetic appeal of Poway, with its natural open spaces and picturesque landscapes, is a major factor in our high property values. By preserving the scenic character of our community, we are also protecting a key investment for all residents.

A look back at our heritage

The importance of preserving open spaces is not a new concept in Poway. In January 2001, the city leveraged its Heritage Lands program to acquire and protect important ridgelines and hillsides, including properties on Twin Peaks and Van Dam Peak. In the past, the city council and residents also heard applications for hillside/ridgeline development; unfortunately, that process was changed in 2013.

Now, with development creeping up our hillsides, it is critical that we strengthen our commitment to these values.