Last weekend, I was chatting with a mother of young children about raising kids in the Covenant and the difference between the master-planned communities of the Ranch and nearby SantaLuz. Rancho Santa Fe has long been recognized as an enclave of quiet luxury, elegant Latin architecture and rural living.
But lately, I wonder if we’re becoming a bit…single-note.
While Rancho Santa Fe has certainly upped its game with more family-friendly events like Family Movie Night on Richardson Field, the Easter Egg Hunt and the Christmas Tree Lighting, this mom shared that the vibe and variety of activities at SantaLuz offer something for everyone, whereas RSF feels like it’s playing the same tune. That is never more evident than when you look at how the Association spends its roughly $36 million annual budget.
For the past six years, our capital spending has been largely devoted to zhuzhing up the golf course, gutting the restaurant to create a better member experience, building a new golf snack shack, and generously staffing it all. And now the Association has announced plans for a new fitness center adjacent to the Tennis Club.
If your idea of recreation involves a driver, a racquet or a putter, Rancho Santa Fe has you covered.
But we are a community of roughly 4,300 residents. Even if every golf and tennis membership were full, those amenities still serve only a fraction of the people who call the Ranch home.
Remember the proposed Covenant Club that members were so enthusiastic about? Every country club kid has memories of long summer days at the pool – even if they had one at home. (We all have kitchens, but still eat out at restaurants.) It wasn’t just about swimming and munching on a grilled cheese. It was where friendship was made and community happened. The project was “postponed” in 2016 until after the fiber project was completed. Sadly, it never came back.
One place that has served the Ranch families for more than 50 years is the Community Center. The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center calls itself “the heart of the Rancho Santa Fe community where children learn and laugh, families build connections, and neighbors gather to share experiences.” Its programs range from summer camps, sports camps, after-school care, and enrichment classes. Years ago, they even offered a “Parents’ Night Out,” giving neighborhood kids an evening program while parents enjoyed an evening out.
What’s remarkable is that the Community Center receives no funding from the Rancho Santa Fe Association or from government. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it relies entirely on donations.
This Rancho mom shared how she has attended events at SantaLuz with friends who are members there. The vibe is very welcoming and intentionally designed to serve a wide range of residents. It is a multi-generational community with something for everyone. From toddler playgroups to seniors who fancy a game of Mahjong – and everything in between: book clubs, dinner clubs, hiking clubs, Bagels & Brew to welcome new residents, plus the usual community celebrations throughout the year.
It doesn’t help that Osuna Ranch is still on lockdown. Having such a unique rural setting to host meetings, events and the annual Celebrate Osuna festival certainly broadened the Ranch’s offerings and gave families something to do. The Farm-to-Table Dinner was another bespoke event for foodies that, once canceled, was essentially replaced with dinner on the golf course. Not the same thing.
Also… what if we did an event on the Village Green? We own it. It’s a gem sitting in the middle of the Ranch with beautiful views in every direction. Like Osuna Ranch, it offers a unique setting with shade. Or how about bring-your-own-steak Beef & Brews around the campfire at the Arroyo Preserve? Let’s get creative.
As I listened to this neighbor describe the family-friendly culture SantaLuz has cultivated, I couldn’t help but think of a family that once came before the Art Jury seeking approval for an ambitious new home that pushed the limits of the building regulations. Then something unexpected happened: they moved to SantaLuz and are enjoying the lifestyle so much that the Rancho Santa Fe dream home is still sitting on the drawing board. Maybe until the kids grow up.
The Community Center has done an incredible job fostering community for more than 50 years. Imagine what could be accomplished by the Association – with its facilities, staff and resources – if we broadened our community programming to create even more reasons for neighbors to gather.
If we want the Ranch to thrive for the next hundred years, we need to think beyond projects that serve one corner of the membership and invest in the places and programs that bring more folks together.
Kelli Hillard is a former Art Jury member and editor of the RSF Post.