De Anza Cove - Mission Bay Progress

I have not been able to attend any meetings on the revitalization changes on the De Anza Cove.  But I can provide some information on the changes.

Pre-Covid in November 2017 the San Diego De Anza Committee presented the public meeting with these 3 options.

Option 1 was the clear winner!  Note the golf remains but as a 9-hole executive (3x9-hole),  tennis courts ae relocated and Rose Creek remains, basically untouched.

The committee certainly has been busy during Covid, and now offers only these choices.

Not much difference between them.  The golf course is removed and becomes part of the marsh land.  The tennis courts have been removed and Rose Creek will be allowed to meander through the marsh.

The swale in the RV park (pink) will allow for a better tidal flush.  The RV park should remain at 40 acres - the same size as Campland is now.

That’s enough background and with construction already underway, it’s time for a few photos of the work in progress.

I’ll start at the RV park.

The actual RV park itself remains unchanged from any previous visit.  A few more of the derelict mobile homes have been removed.

There are still quite a few left, but they are actively being removed.  

However the pool is now open!  Looks great.

The erosion along the perimeter trail has been cause by the wakes of the ski boats.

The pre-Covid plan continued ski boats to be allowed, and the boat launch ramp remained untouched.

All current options will include the launch ramp, but create a no-wake zone, allowing for more human or wind powered craft.  And improve landscaping at the parking lot.

However the De Anza Cove parking lot is not going to be entirely spared.  The partial removal of the De Anza Cove parking lot is already underway.

At the golf course the existing buildings are being demolished.

However the golf course itself remains open with the temporary buildings being used.

The golf course will become part of the marsh extension by 2035.

The Kendall Marsh will then extend from Crown Point in the west, east to the current boat ramp in De Anza Cove in the east..

Although the marina will be removed the condos will remain.

Rose Creek that flows under the Mike Gotch footbridge will become a large feed stream for the extended marshland.

The marsh will begin at Grand Avenue (bridge in the distance) and continue into the bay.

The idea is to allow the marsh to filter the water that is flowing into the bay from the now unobstructed Rose Creek.

Fran does not like the restroom redesign.  The new units will all be gender neutral.

Her point is ‘guys can be messy’ – good point!

In addition to new playground equipment,

exercise equipment is also being provided.

The new water fountains also include a doggy bowl.

The changes are not all what I voted for.  But should still create a better experience for visitors.

Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead

Day of the dead is an ancient Mayan and Aztec tradition to honor the departed.

With the arrival of the Spanish, the celebrations were incorporated into the Spanish All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2.

It is customary to have an alter to honor a loved one.  Old Town becomes transformed for this celebration of life.

Marigolds are the flower of choice as they ward off evil spirits and their vibrant color acts as a guide for any lost spirit.

Traditions vary, but departed children are celebrated on Nov. 1.  The children's alter includes sugar skulls, fruits and candles.

Disney’s Coco departed animals act as spirit guides.

And departed adults honored on Nov 2.

Traditional adult alters include water, breads and candles.  Often including items used in life. 

This alter is a bit different in that instead of water, a tequila cask is included.  I like it!

Old Town has it’s own alter to honor the ladies that were dedicated to the park.

There is a large public alter in the Old Town Market.

Guarded by a coyote.

Throughout the park are skeletons in colorful, often wacky, dress.
The bride

and her attendants

and Fran

This troupe has a coyote as their fiddler.

Another bride with her groom and wedding cake.

and flower girl

The father and mother of the bride are ready to party!

The artist

Some of the visitors get totally immersed in the festivities.

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The Old Town Sheriff was there to ensure no zombies interfere with the festivities.

We spent some time meandering through the Estudillo Museum.  The Estudillo family was quite prominent in early San Diego history.  The museum is housed in the original adobe home.

In the book Ramona ~Hellen Jackson Hunt the adobe is the setting for the wedding.

I’ve mentioned before that both my brother and Fran’s brother have married Latinas.  In their family homes a private alter is maintained for the deceased family members.  Probably something similar to this alter in the Estudillo home..

As we rode our bikes back through Mission Bay Park it was windy, which not only brought out a lot of kids with kites,

but big kids with Wing Foil Boards

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