Vista del Mar Christmas Lights

Click play to see many of the community's Christmas lights. So many homes were decorated we couldn't get to all of them. Sorry if we missed yours. Some are a little blurry but it's still best with a large screen and the sound on. Enjoy!

New Goose Farm Groundbreaking

Thanks to our VHOA President, Curtis Sonoda, the geese on Via Del Mar are no longer homeless. Curtis and his wife, Kim, created a replacement for their old home that was recently taken from Jacque Shada's driveway. Pictures from the groundbreaking ceremony can be seen by clicking the video play arrow. Kudos to Curtis and Kim for making Jacque and the geese happy again.

Memories of Christmas Past

We can't gather this year but we can share pictures from previous Holiday Gatherings. Click the play arrow (below)  for some happy moments from past events. Who remembers the pics from 20+ years ago at the end of the video?

Crafty Residents

These talented Vista del Mar residents are artists who create pieces that could be found wrapped as a present under a tree on Christmas morning. To share examples of your arts and crafts, email pictures to vistadelmar55@gmail.com

Visitor Parking

Please remember to leave spaces open for special unexpected guests.

 

Vista del Mar Halloween 2020

Here are some of the Halloween decorations that were spotted on our walks. 
Happy Halloween!

Mystery Rock Artist Revealed

Valerie Zier-Gonzales has come out of hiding and confirmed her role as the “mystery rocker” of VDM. She began painting her rocks more than seven months ago after reading about someone doing the same thing on the internet. Valerie has insomnia so she would often be up late at night, painting and distributing the rocks around the neighborhood until her husband, Fred, said “you’re going to get shot if you keep sneaking around at night”. Valerie gave out more than 230 rocks and she still has more. If you didn’t get a rock and would like to have one, let her know. Thanks Valerie, for sharing your magical little gifts. We love them.

Street Resurfacing

UPDATE: Edco will pick up trash on Saturday the 24th that week.

 

Vista del Mar Artists

The October BHB was going to feature the art of several of our talented residents. Unfortunately, the street closure news has preempted that space and it left room for only one of the artists. Here's what was originally planned...

Verified Dart Masters

 A VDM dart group started recently in the Christman/Dannen garage. The "Verified Dart Masters" are Trent Hamlin, Bud Ellsworth, Larry Sullivan, and Roger Dannen.  And all this time you thought VDM stood for Vista del Mar!

A Brief History of VDM Pickleball

Pickleball began here in 2010 when Pat Carroll first held a clinic. They created boundary lines on the tennis court with tape but when the court was resurfaced in 2016, the pickleball courts were painted. You can play the video with music on or off and full screen or not, BUT you MUST WAIT for the pickle costumes.

Great Plates Meal Delivery

Did You Know?

The ballroom was not part of the original clubhouse built in the 80’s. Back then, the clubhouse ended where the library is now with a large fireplace on the south wall.  In 1993, the Board proposed adding the ballroom using some of the funds from the streets lawsuit. The fireplace on the back wall was removed and they opened a doorway to the ballroom we now have.

Solar Approved! What's Next?

After the community’s decisive vote to approve clubhouse solar, the Board has signed the Palomar Solar contract and the project is now underway.

The first step is system design and applying for permits so we won’t see any activity for a while. Hopefully, we will have the permits and be able to start the roof repairs around mid-September.The roof work could be completed by the end of October. At that point, the solar panels can be installed and final inspection with the city’s approval might happen by mid-November. Then again, it might not.

We’ll have to see knowing that timelines aren’t very reliable during pandemics.

Marijane Metcalf Farewell

Marijane Metcalf was awarded a certificate for all the outstanding services she performed for both the Social Committee and the Vista Del Mar community. No job was too big or too small and she would come forward and volunteer when no one else did.

Marijane will soon be leaving Vista del Mar and will be moving to Kentucky to be closer to family.

We sincerely thank Marijane for all she did for our community and we wish her a happy future with her family in Kentucky.

When Was VdM Bingo Legal?

In 1996, Sam Constantino and Henry Litchfield volunteered to apply to the City of Vista for a license to conduct Bingo games at Vista del Mar. That's how Bingo on Friday nights began. 

Meet The Candidates

These are the candidates who are running for your VdM Board of Directors.

To see their candidate statements CLICK HERE.

Did You Know?

When Via Argentina was "finished" in September of 1989, the residents closed the street to celebrate. Two years later the streets were bulldozed and replaced! The streets were paved by the developer in 1982 but there were many defects. The Vista HOA sued the developer and after a five year legal battle a settlement was reached. For a 9 year timeline of Vista del Mar's street saga, CLICK HERE.

Memorial Day Parade Video

Thank you Vista del Mar for showing such great community spirit during Monday's parade. Thanks also to all who sent pictures & videos. It will take a while to sort through them all but here's a video from some of what was sent...

What About The Cats?

We've seen quite a few of the VdM dogs but we've ignored our cats. We would love to correct that but you don't bump into many cats out on our streets going for a walk. Please send your cat pictures to vistadelmar55@gmail.com so we can include it in this group of Vista del Mar friendly felines.

VdM Memorial Day Parade

Watch for the Vista del Mar Memorial Day Parade this Monday starting at 5:00.

The parade will start at the east end of Via Santa Paulo and go up Via Bogota to begin a loop around the community lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Yes, you might have to wait a little while for the festivities. Just use the time to catch up with your socially distanced neighbors out on the street or maybe pull a few weeds.

Watch this space for updates...
5/24 Update: Route map is now included in the slideshow. You can
enlarge to full screen and hit pause if you want to try and figure it out.
5/25 Update: Announcing our Grand Marshals. See slide #2.

 

Happy Memorial Day

Honoring those who served and sacrificed because freedom isn't free. 

Rocks Reported

Pretty painted rocks have been spotted in various locations around Vista del Mar. Investigators have begun an inquiry into who might be responsible for these random rocks of kindness but the rocker's identity is unknown at this time. UPDATE: On recent walks more than 2 dozen rocks were found that hadn't seen before. As of early June there must be more than 70 rocks in VdM but we've lost track.

Happy Mother's Day

Here's to all of the Vista del Mar Moms!

via GIPHY

The Dogs of Vista del Mar

We share our community with a number of furry friends and this started with just a few, Pictures keep coming so there are now more to brighten your day...

Where Can VdM Eat?

Who else in VdM is looking for good food for takeout and delivery? Burgers or breakfast? Salad or sandwiches? Mexican or Chinese? Tell us your favorite "to-go" places in the comment section below so we can all support them.

Drive-by Birthday

Family and friends held a surprise birthday celebration on the street for Janet H. this afternoon. Happy Birthday, Janet!

R.I.P. Miss Kitty

We were sad to hear that one of our furry friends is no longer with us. Miss Kitty was a beautiful, sweet dog and one of the original friends to appear in our Dogs of Vista del Mar Slideshow. We'll miss you, Miss Kitty. 😢

We're In This Together Sing-along

The sing-along organized by Candice Sloan continues on Via Santa Cruz at 7:00 (exactly) every evening. It's only a few minutes of great community spirit but everyone is encouraged to join the fun... (from a safe distance).

Easter Eggs

Be A VdM Weed Walker

Wednesday Weed Walking (in the afternoon) is the best since many green waste containers will already be out on the street and weed disposal is easy.

Word Puzzle Answers

The Sun Will Shine

Virtual Happy Hour

A small but enthusiastic group recently gathered for an online happy hour. No Costco pizza but it was a great time. We all shared a toast from our homes.

Senior Meals

Homeowner's Manual

Did you know?

You can borrow jigsaw puzzles from the library. It's a fun at home activity.
UPDATE!!! Apparently as of Tuesday, 24th, the library is now closed too so... never mind!

Important Announcements

Pool Cleanup Party

Before the pool opens, volunteers will be needed to help with cleanup.
Keep watching for the date to be announced.

2019 Year in Review