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Local
News at Campo Ocotillo 2008
It is with much sadness that Mrs Carol Pauley passed away in El Cento Hospital
at 7:30 am May 31, 2008.
Our heartfelt condolences go to her husband Ron and her Family.
Carol was an active member of our community and always had a smile for anyone
that was in contact with her.
.........
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| At the top of the bluff, secured by hundreds of tires, stands what is
commonly called 'The Lodge', a meeting room used by many, many Campo Ocotillo
groups and also Non-profit Organizations. It is a place for fun and the
view is awesome. |
.
Excerps from the minutes in 2008 and explain our thoughts
and ambitions.
12 April 08: A GREAT ROUND OF APPLAUSE, THANK
YOU TO SALVADOR for getting the water into the camp and to the individual
residents so quickly. Sal’s next project will be to enclose the
entire camp with fencing. Contractors and other workers will not be
allowed in after 5 p.m. This will help our security program. It is
absolutely NOT OK to rent out buildings or space for week-ends or short
periods for $50 - $100 even with a business permit. This is a private
camp for “55 or Older” please. We’ve come a long
way from ground zero to build this camp. Sal and others have had equipment
stolen. Lupe and Sal Jr. are building homes in this area. It is to
help them with security that we have stop signs and lights in this
area. They stay!
Ron Fensler commented that the stop sign at his corner, put out only
on Wednesdays, is working.
Ron Lind suggested 2 more stop signs needed in his area. Sal approved.
Joni thanks everyone for the good year we’ve had
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8 Mar 2008: President Joni Kahn wished to advise
that there were insufficient Board members and HOACO members for a
meeting. Our final meeting for the current season will be at 2pm on
12th April 2008.
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2/9/08 Excerpts from the minutes. Water. Salvador
advised they have begun work on installing water pipes and the charge
per residence will be $1200. He plans to have one full time worker
on maintenance once we are hooked up to city water. In a year or two
the camp will turn the ownership of the lines and therefore all maintenance,
over to the city.
Animal Rescue Benefit. Volunteers were requested to help on the
evening of the benefit and we appreciate the response.
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1/12/08 Excerpts from the minutes. We have a committee
preparing a Welcome Package for newcomers to the Camp. It will include
a map and telephone list so that newcomers will feel right at home,
immediately.
Things are moving right along towards getting city water for the
Camp. Many of us are grateful, some are still skeptical. Let's hope
we see it in our lifetime. We will now have electricity, water and
in the most cases, everyone has proper 3000 ltr Septic Tanks. We're
practically citi-folk.
Fires have popped up in a trail of Recreation Vehicles being burned
in the last few months in San Felipe. One such fire happened in Campo
Ocotillo itself on or around December 24. Unexpectedly we have a "FireChief" whom
we have honored with a plaque and hope to give him the necessary
support to take on this new responsibility. Thank you Lupe...see
photo below.
There is an ongoing investigation by the Fire Dept and the Police
Dept but we now have permission to clean up the area for the sake
of the Camp. Since that trailer was being offered for Sale by agent
Eugene Hoshell, and he has disappeared for the last month, Salvador
will take it upon himself to dispose of the wreckage from his Camp.
A second Animal Rescue Benefit Night is
planned with Pizza and Beer, games and great prises, for Senior Citizen
Sunday 2/17/08. This Fund Raiser will be
a lot of fun with a Playing Card Bingo game
with numerous small prizes and a Chinese Auction of
Gift Certificates from local businesses such as Latino Gardens and
the Art Gallery. Bring lots of $1.00 or 10 peso coins.(See flyer
above)
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11/10/08 Excerpts from the minutes. Everyone applaud Salvador for
putting 2 street-lights at the entrance of the camp. High on the agenda
was our interest in getting city water into our camp. We had been waiting
for the opportunity when the cost would come down. At least we should
get the permits now before they too went out of sight. Also, it was
noted that City Trash Sight costs have gone up. We discussed the need
of a Dialysis machine in town, and indeed right in this camp. But costs
are exceedingly high. Maybe the Rotary Club or Lyon's club could speer-head
action to get one for the town and then we could help.
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Ron and Carmina Fensler and Joni Kahn present a plaque to our great Fireman
Lupe
See more pictures here
12/8/07 Excerpts from the minutes. Our President
thanks all those who joined a 'Clean-up' crew to canvass the camp and
pickup trash. The Camp itself is proud of its appearance and is hoping
all residents will keep their lots attractive and therefore more valuable.
The owner of "Boganvia Gardens", a Mini RV Gated Community
now under construction promises it will be very attractive and clean.
She hopes all residents around her will eventually be attractive and
kept clean of trash.
A group within the camp wanted to assist Dr. Victor Abasolo with
his efforts towards his new Clinic. They gathered together and donated
a set of glass doors at it's entrance. This was not done as an HOACO
project but everyone congratulated the effort.
A discussion regarding barbed-wire that is dangerous to animal and
wild-life and not acceptable by the owner of this camp. He has asked
that it be removed. It was reminded that the owners, Salvador and
Miguel initiate the rules and if we choose, endorsed by HOACO. Nevertheless
we, as residents, must abide by the rules of the camp.
And guess what! Byron and Lorna Rogers are constructing a "Put
n Play" golf area from Camino Del Ray all the way to the front
area by the highway. Many are delighted at the aspect of enjoying
golf right here, daily.
Kurt Bagby offered to lead a desert run for residents interested
in a day of fun, out to the valley sometime in January.
Fenslers will host a Christmas dinner Dec 22 for all who wish to
come. Donations will help differ the costs.
A step arobics exercise group will meet 5 days a week at the lodge
at 7:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to join is welcome.
Adrian Strepple already has a body-maintenance Excersize Group going
that meets on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Those that now participate
endorses this program and hopes to continue it as long as possible.
Everyone is welcome.
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___________________________________________________________
11/10/07 Excerpts from the minutes. Our first Home-Owner's
meeting of he 2007-2008 Season. Board of Directors are
President: Joni Kahn, Vice President:
Doug Bailey, Secretary: Loralie Cecotti, Treasurer,
Jean Breslin,
Excerpts from the minutes. An indepth inquiry as to who still owe
a balance on the electrical infrastructure, enjoyed by literally
everyone within the first 60-resident area, will be conducted by
a small committee appointed. Many, but not all residents went above
and beyond by borrowing money on their credit cards at 18% interest
to get this project done and expect some refund for their efforts.
This same committee will, with the help of Salvador's daughter, Abril
his book-keeper, verify the names of new owners of properties and
who paid and did not yet pay their fair share of this infrastructure
but are enjoying the electricity. Letters of verification are now
going out to residents for their response.
New infrastructure for water is being researched and hopefully spear-headed
into action. However, the HOACO treasurer is not handling these costs.
Rather, the owner of the camp itself will complete the entire infrastructure
and those who wish water can pay their fair share to Abril Flores,
Sal's book-keeper
We have created "NO BEACH-CAMPING" and "NO FIREWORKS" signs
within the camp.
Purchase of a defibulator for use here at Campo Ocotillo was discussed
and maybe donations towards the purchase of a Hemo-Dialysis machine
for San Felipe under Dr. Abasolo's professional use. Both will be
researched.
The camp has noticed a remarkable increase in undesired traffic
so Street lights have been installed by the Camp at the entrance
to Campo Ocotillo and at the Calle Viejo/Camino Real intersection.
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Campo Ocotillo Ladie's Luncheion held at Tatoo Rose restaurant in town.
More pictures
here
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How the North-End is ChangingJan 2008Highway
5 is now a 4-lane highway; Plans are when this project section is completed
it will be 4-lane 25 miles, all the way to the Check Station. During
the construction of this wonderful highway is very, very dangerous. You
can hardly follow the signs; rather follow the traffic if possible. Old
signs and arrows still appear where they are now meaningless. No shoulders
in some places, beautiful shoulders completed in other places. An excavated
center in some places, striped posts installed in others. Get the picture?New
enterprises are popping up all along this new stretch. In this area alone
we have at least 6 little restaurants now. Of course we still have the
larger enterprises such as Playa de Oro, Pete's Camp and El Dorado's
Juanita restaurant. The gas station is now open with an ATM and the little
Mall near there is starting to be more active.We still don't have an
active Pharmacy. Other malls are popping up and advertisements of Business
Centers say they are on their way. Will Costco follow? I spotted a water
dispensing building going up on our the highway close to Campo Ocotillo.
That about completes the necessary businesses needed to live comfortably
without going to town. No we don't have a school or a bank out here yet,
but????
This whole infrastructure will be needed when the hundreds
of condominiums now in construction are completed in El Dorado. No joke,
folks. They are packed in there at the waterfront and most are already
pre-sold. The beautiful golf-course is the drawing card which is already
up and running with it's own pavillion for dining and festivities. Houses
and Condos are going up on almost every property along this stretch now.
And changing hands often. The picture is for what used to be Campos to
find a Realtor for the entire camp who then pre-sells to a developer who
in turn pre-sells to individuals. Don't be too fast to invest. Check out
the whole picture to be sure; A few have invested only to find the developer
didn't deliver. On the whole it's very, very exciting.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How Campo Ocotillos is changing
Almost every piece of property is now sold in our Camp. We
have electricity; and we now have city water available; soon to be brought
right to our individual properties. The front section of the Camp all the
way to the highway is now a Putting Golf Course. What remains is to create
a beautiful entrance to reward all the work that has been put into this project.
In 1998 the owners used hundreds of tires to develop individual
property lines and bulkheads. It's hard to remember that many of us started
in trailers, graduating to very enterprising homesteads, some already landscaped.
Almost all properties in the first section near the water are in full development.
Properties sold more recently between this section called the 'Y' and the
golf-course, are mostly still occupied by trailers or are in initial construction.
I can't imagine what the next 5 years will bring.
.........
Photograph
by: Maria Flores Montes. 2007
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We're planning a fund-raiser, and a fun-raiser
at best
ANIMAL RESCUE BENEFIT
Paula's Hair Design
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Lilliana's Day Spot
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Latin Garden Restaurant
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Dr. Rodriguez, DDS
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Baja Woodcraft
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Stretcher-Cize |
Nancys Hair Salon |
Juanitos Restaurant |
Sundance Deli |
The Net |
Colorado Restaurant |
Rossano Art Gallery |
Art from the Sea of Cortez
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Rancho de Otro # 2
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A second Animal Rescue Benefit Night is
planned with Pizza and Beer, games and great prises, for Senior Citizen
Sunday 2/17/08. This Fund Raiser will be
a lot of fun with a Playing Card Bingo game
with numerous small prizes and a Chinese Auction of
Gift Certificates from local businesses such as Latino Gardens and
the Art Gallery. Bring lots of $1.00 or 10 peso coins.(See flyer above)
|
1/12/08 Excerpts from the minutes. We have a committee
preparing a Welcome Package for newcomers to the Camp. It will include
a map
and
telephone
list so that newcomers
will feel right at home, immediately.
Things are moving right along towards getting city water for the Camp.
Many of us are grateful, some are still skeptical. Let's hope we see
it in our lifetime. We will now have electricity, water and in the
most cases, everyone has proper 3000 ltr Septic Tanks. We're practically
citi-folk.
Fires have popped up in a trail of Recreation Vehicles being burned
in the last few months in San Felipe. One such fire happened in Campo
Ocotillo itself on or around December 24. Unexpectedly we have a "FireChief" whom
we have honored with a plaque and hope to give him the necessary support
to take on this new responsibility. Thank you Lupe...see photo
below.
There is an ongoing investigation by the Fire Dept and the Police
Dept but we now have permission to clean up the area for the sake of
the Camp. Since that trailer was being offered for Sale by agent Eugene
Hoshell, and he has disappeared for the last month, Salvador will take
it upon himself to dispose of the wreckage from his Camp.
|
 |
Ron and Carmina Fensler and Joni Kahn present a plaque to our great Fireman
Lupe
See pictures here
12/8/07 Excerpts from the minutes. Our President
thanks all those who joined a 'Clean-up' crew to canvass the camp and
pickup trash. The Camp itself is proud of its
appearance and is hoping all residents will keep their lots attractive
and therefore more valuable. The owner of "Boganvia Gardens",
a Mini RV Gated Community now under construction promises it will be
very attractive and clean. She hopes all residents around her will
eventually be attractive and kept clean of trash.
A group within the camp wanted to assist Dr. Victor Abasolo with
his efforts towards his new Clinic. They gathered together and donated
a set of glass doors at it's entrance. This was not done as an HOACO
project but everyone congratulated the effort.
A discussion regarding barbed-wire that is dangerous to animal and
wild-life and not acceptable by the owner of this camp. He has asked
that it be removed. It was reminded that the owners, Salvador and
Miguel initiate the rules and if we choose, endorsed by HOACO. Nevertheless
we, as residents, must abide by the rules of the camp.
And guess what! Byron and Lorna Rogers are constructing a "Put
n Play" golf area from Camino Del Ray all the way to the front
area by the highway. Many are delighted at the aspect of enjoying
golf right here, daily.
Kurt Bagby offered to lead a desert run for residents interested
in a day of fun, out to the valley sometime in January.
Fenslers will host a Christmas dinner Dec 22 for all who wish to
come. Donations will help differ the costs.
A step arobics exercise group will meet 5 days a week at the lodge
at 7:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to join is welcome.
Adrian Strepple already has a body-maintenance Excersize Group going
that meets on Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Those that now participate
endorses this program and hopes to continue it as long as possible.
Everyone is welcome.
|
___________________________________________________________
11/10/07 Our first Home-Owner's meeting of he 2007-2008
Season. Board of Directors are
President: Joni Kahn, Vice President: Doug Bailey, Secretary: Loralie
Cecotti, Treasurer, Jean Breslin,
Excerpts from the minutes. An indepth inquiry as to who still owe
a balance on the electrical infrastructure, enjoyed by literally everyone
within the
first 60-resident area, will be conducted by a small committee
appointed. Many, but not all residents went above and beyond by borrowing
money
on their credit cards at 18% interest to get this project done
and expect some refund for their efforts. This same committee will,
with
the help of Salvador's daughter, Abril his book-keeper, verify
the names of new owners of properties and who paid and did not yet
pay
their fair share of this infrastructure but are enjoying the electricity.
Letters of verification are now going out to residents for their
response.
New infrastructure for water is being researched and hopefully spear-headed
into action. However, the HOACO treasurer is not handling these costs.
Rather, the owner of the camp itself will complete the entire infrastructure
and those who wish water can pay their fair share to Abril Flores,
Sal's book-keeper
We have created "NO BEACH-CAMPING" and "NO FIREWORKS" signs
within the camp.
Purchase of a defibulator for use here at Campo Ocotillo was discussed
and maybe donations towards the purchase of a Hemo-Dialysis machine
for San Felipe under Dr. Abasolo's professional use. Both will be
researched.
The camp has noticed a remarkable increase in undesired traffic
so Street lights have been installed by the Camp at the entrance
to Campo Ocotillo and at the Calle Viejo/Camino Real intersection.
|
Disaster
struck Jo  ni's new Carport. I t was too late to save it. |
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| The Santa Ana Winds sometimes do great damage. Strong winds,
strong waves and very little visibility hit us this Sunday, 10/21/07 |
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Campo Ocotillos Ladies Luncheon at the all
new
TATOO ROSE Restaurant
A beautiful setting right here in down town San Felipe.
And the dinner was served so elegantly, nothing plain about this place.
They even teased us with a chocolate cake you never have tasted before.
Each took a teaspoon to the palet. Carmina has the last bite.
10/18/07 |
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CAMPO OCOTILLOS
LADIES LUNCHEON
September 17, at the Pavilion,
El Dorado
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| Enjoy an evening on the outside patio when weather permits |
The newly designed landscape is almost a
permanent view.
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A peak over her shoulder at those apetizing
plates
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Our gracious waiter took this picture of
the entire group.
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Campo Ocotillos is a fine place to live. Most everyone goes out of
their way to get along. One good way to do this is to have group activities,
like the Ladies Luncheon held the 3rd Thursday of every month at a
place of their choosing. This was truly a great choice. . We started
with beverage of your choice and time to visit. After a reasonable
time, the menu was served. It was appetizing and served with class...meaning
linen napkins placed on your lap, of course. We usually celebrate the
birthdays of the month. A fine way to catch up on your neighbor's activities.
Photos and written by Shirley Thompson
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A wedding on the beach
On
June 9, at precisely 10:00 a.m. Wayne and RuthAnn jumped the broom to
become the new Mr. and Mrs. Cutting. It was the culmination of 2 days
of fun and anticipation. The ladies of Campo Ocotillo all got together
the night before and gave her a bachelorette party. Ask anyone, it was
a fabulous night. And RuthAnn did not get cold feet and back out the
next day. It was a great turnout, a wedding party that lasted all day.
Congratulations Mr. and Mr. Cutting.
For a larger picture and a photo of the bachelorette party, click here.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How the town is changing
June 19, 2007
The highway in front of Campo Ocotillo will soon be a 6-lane
Boulevard. Construction has been completed up to within a quarter of a mile.
Maybe tomorrow it will be open past this intersection. This is part of a 4-lane
freeway to be installed between San Felipe and Mexicali, (well, the check station
for sure) within the next 2-3 years. The reason for the 6-lane here is that
they are going to have a 4-lane toll-road and the old 2-lane freeway for all
who live here now. They are building it in pieces, and everyone plays guessing
games as to where they are going with this piece; is it going to be part of
the old 2-lane road or part of the new 4-lane boulevard. No-one can guess for
sure.
As of this date the gas station at the corner of Saltito Road
and the highway is still not open. It has been in construction now, what for
3 1/2 years, as part of a small mall. We understand that paperwork is still
not completed.
I spotted a water dispensing building going up on our the highway
close to Campo Ocotillo. That about completes the necessary businesses needed
to live comfortably without going to town. No we don't have a school or a bank
out here yet, but???? But there is an ATM out at El Dorado in the business
section which is open to the public. There are several small malls being installed,
competing for your business. One includes a pharmacy. My oh My.
This whole infrastructure will be needed when the hundreds of
condominiums now in construction are completed in El Dorado. No joke, folks.
They are packed in there at the waterfront and most are already pre-sold. The
beautiful golf-course is the drawing card which is already up and running with
it's own pavillion for dining and festivities.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How Campo Ocotillos is changing
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Campo
Ocotillos |
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When the tide is out it is a great time for clamming. |
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To think this all started by terracing the land with tires. |
June 19, 2007
Campo Ocotillos is not just a piece of beachfront property anymore.
Many houses are completed and occupied full-time now. Properties are being
picked up right and left. Soon all will be sold, or resold. It used to be a
concentrated residential center down near the water-front with all properties
having a choice view. Now there are properties and homes built between these
properties and everyone has to vie for the best view. Nevertheless, we are
all so happy we are living here, with the breezes off of the water moderating
our temperatures somewhat while enhancing the beauty of our properties.
Here in Campo Ocotillo, things are normally slow through
the summer. That
is not to say we haven't been busy. There are probably 3 small construction
crews working here. To help you orient yourself while reading of our progress,
the road leading into camp is named Camino Real and the one
crossing at Cory Dudley's house is Camino Viejo. When Camino
Real reaches the "Y" in the road it becomes Calle de la Luna and Calle de Sol.
We call this the HOACO triangle.
In the HOACO project (our triangle)
Bert Streppel is doing his own construction with a little
outside help, and is coming along very fast.
On Calle de la Luna:
Slemmers have fully retired and have finished their place very
comfortably. They are a very busy couple so we don't see much of them.
Breslen's house is now a home. Jeanne finds retirement very rewarding
as she loves to garden and swim. Naturally they have a lap-pool being constructed
as we speak. More pictures coming.
Thompson/Cecotti still have the Lodge, where more and more activities
meet: SFARP, LAS AMIGAS, HOACO, SFAR, and of course group activities sponsored
by Campo personnel. We have had funerals and weddings here, and plenty of welcoming
and good-bye parties. It seems to be very comfortable for whatever is needed. Porter's purple house (formerly Peter & Vicky Wendt's) is up
for sale again. It was structured much like a cathedral with high ceilings,
a large interior fire-place, and large rooms meant for entertaining. However,
they lost their beautiful view as residents have increasingly built closer
together. Sal's place is now on their door-step. It will be interesting to
watch this play out.
On Calle Segunda
(2nd St up from the water) between
Calle de la Luna and Calle del Mar there is a beautiful
home in hiding. Besides the fact that the home is gorgeous the gardens
take
your breath away.
McConnohie's: Here is a picture of that busy garden. Larger
pictures here.
On Calle del Mar
A lot of work has been done on that road going down to the beach.
Sal put up a lot of signs of 'privacy' for this camp to discourage
unwanted traffic on holidays etc. Most residents are adhering to traffic STOP
signs
and the many speed bumps to slow traffic down in this congested residential
area.
Bob Shrader has constructed a very pretty place just west of
the triangle, complete with palapa coverage in front
and back. They were quick to put out their shingle, CHOCOLATE LOVERS, because
they
do
make
the
best chocolate
candy this side of heaven and it is very reasonably priced. Bob has also developed
a large piece of property on the south side (opposite Miguel's house). He built
a retaining wall and a huge set of steps
(like the pyramids )coming back down to ground level. You have to see it
to believe it. However, I hear rumors now that he may sell the whole thing?
Salvador's own house has been finished beautifully. They are
wonderful people. I do believe Alta Gracia is the heavy, keeping the area clean
and very neat. She loves gardens too. Miguel's home is situated directly in
front of Sal's and you will find them all somewhere
between
the
homes most
of the
time.
On the Waterfront
Don and Judy Maurice have fully settled in. Their home is beautiful,
right on the waterfront. They are a very busy couple, but always seem time
to add beauty to the grounds which are already beyond belief. This is a picture
of their courtyard entrance. Larger
pictures here.
South Side:
Sal reported that all of the properties between the Shrader's
and Juan Tapia's (Hammontre's trailer) have been spoken for. I managed to wiggle
my
name onto the one just west of Camino Viejo, but Sal says
he is not selling any more on the south side of Camino Real for now.
North side
Cory Dudley's place, on the east side of Camino Viejo is
becoming a masterpiece. He has sold off his birds and is continually adding
to the landscape. People must be drawn to it because more and more are setting
down roots, mostly in trailers to start, but with plenty of dreams.
Just west of Camino Viejo Salvador Jr
has set up a trailer and is developing that property. I think there
might be one space between his and Lupe's mobile home, which is slowly
being developed.
Moving further west (towards the highway) I show the name of Kelley on a large complex of 6 spaces. No further information.
There is no further development at Jesus and Martha's place but
Roger's place is distinctly beautiful and different. If you talk to them ask
them how they incorporated structures for their dog....pool???
And at the highway, someone enclosed property with a chain-link
fence. Sal is using it as
a Public
Works
lot,
and
keeping most
ALL
of his
maintenance equipment in there.
I'm sure I've missed some at this round. Please jog my memory, or ask questions.
email here
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I shall try to take photos of the beautiful homes finished or
still in construction. We are all proud of them. This will take time. Keep
tuning in for the next couple of weeks.
Column written and photos submitted by Shirley Thompson
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