Meetings, vote on De Luz/ FCPG issue approaches

The official vote on whether or not to annex 21-square miles of De Luz into the Fallbrook Community Planning Group (FCPG) jurisdiction is nearing. Residents of De Luz are being alerted by mail and print media regarding two meetings which have been arranged to provide discussion of the issue.

At present, De Luz does not have a planning group or sponsor group to represent them in land issues. If residents attend a land use meeting for the De Luz area, they must drive to the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego.

“Currently, [De Luz] has no representation and the county is trying to get them some representation,” said Jim Russell, chairman of the FCPG. The County, explained Russell, formally asked the FCPG if they would consider taking on the responsibility of representing De Luz. Russell’s response was, “Not without having the folks in De Luz being informed as to what’s going on.”

Since then, the County has agreed to mail meeting notices to De Luz homeowners. The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 21, the second for Monday, May 19. Both meetings will start at 7 p.m. at Like Oak Elementary School at 1978 Reche Road in Fallbrook.

“We are holding two meetings because it takes a while to get the word out,” said Russell. The first meeting is intended to provide information and solicit feedback from attendees and planning group members. The second meeting will offer the same, but at the end of the discussion, an official vote will take place on whether or not the FCPG will represent land issues for De Luz.

“This is a vote of the Planning Group and not a vote of the citizens of De Luz,” said Russell. “We’re accommodating [residents of De Luz] so they can tell us what they think.”

Russell pointedly contends that he is not forcing anyone from De Luz to attend these meetings. “You shouldn’t attend if you don’t care about it [FCPG annexation],” he said, “But if you do care, then come on in and give us your thoughts.”

On a personal note, Russell claims he is indifferent in whether or not to annex De Luz. “I don’t care one way or the other,” said Russell.

The Board of Supervisors, he explained, will not consider creating new planning groups, so that appears not to be an option for De Luz residents.

“If the folks in De Luz say that they would like to have some representation, the only way they are going to get it is from Fallbrook.”

If the vote is passed, and FCPG adopts De Luz, it will officially take place in 2010, when the new General Plan goes into effect. It would also add new responsibility to the FCPG.

“If we fold De Luz into Fallbrook, then anyone out there [De Luz] is eligible to run for a FCPG election. And every resident out there is eligible to serve on one of our committees,” added Russell.

Members of the FCPG have differing opinions regarding the possibility of the De Luz annexation.

“If the folks in De Luz want us, that is fine with me,” said Russell.