Protect Rancho Santa Fe is once again making its “Stop Silvergate” yard signs available to Covenant members and San Dieguito River Valley property owners who wish to show their support for preserving the community’s unique character.
The signs are provided free of charge, although a suggested $20 donation helps offset printing costs and supports the organization’s ongoing educational and community outreach efforts dedicated to preserving Rancho Santa Fe’s rural character.
As the new sign campaign gets underway, the Rancho Santa Fe Association’s enforcement department has reminded Protect Rancho Santa Fe that noncommercial signs remain subject to the Association’s authority under the Protective Covenant. In response, Protect Rancho Santa Fe President Russ Penniman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to complying with both County and Association requirements.
“I have been in touch with the County and have a full understanding of the setbacks required from the County road rights-of-way,” Penniman said. “All signs will be placed on private property well clear of any County right-of-way.”
Penniman also noted that the temporary signs were intentionally designed to complement the Covenant’s rural setting, featuring a subdued green-and-white color palette and the organization’s tree emblem. He emphasized that the signs reflect the values that have long defined Rancho Santa Fe.
“The messages themselves speak directly to the qualities that define Rancho Santa Fe and that the Covenant exists to safeguard: privacy and security, property values, the rural lifestyle, historic character, open space, and overall quality of life. In short, the signs are about protecting the very attributes this community has long valued.”
Penniman also cited California Civil Code § 4710, which protects homeowners’ rights to display noncommercial signs on their own property, subject to reasonable size limitations and certain public health and safety exceptions. He added that Protect Rancho Santa Fe will continue working cooperatively with the Rancho Santa Fe Association regarding the design and placement of its signs under Paragraph 19 of the Protective Covenant.
Protect Rancho Santa Fe encourages residents who share its vision of preserving the community’s unique character to display a sign and help raise awareness about the importance of thoughtful planning, open space, and protecting the qualities that make Rancho Santa Fe one of California’s most distinctive communities.
Whilst at the post office the Protect Rancho Santa Fe team had the chance to meet so many supportive neighbors who want to get involved in protecting RSF. Join our efforts at www.protectrsf.com. There are so many events and meetings coming up.
Our next Town Hall will be held August 27th at the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society.
We’ll also be back at the Post Office starting July 29th, and plan to be there weekly, on either Mondays or Wednesdays for the foreseeable future.
Protect Rancho Santa Fe is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization of Covenant members and San Dieguito River Valley property owners dedicated to preserving the region’s low-density, rural character. Donations to support the organization’s educational and community outreach efforts may be made through its website.
Pasquale Kourie Yorath is executive director of Protect Rancho Santa Fe.