Greetings to All Silvergate Supporters,

As we move into the new year, I would like to update you on what has happened with the Silvergate RSF project over the past few months and what will be taking place in the coming few months. There is much to share with you.

The Question of Memory Care

At an Art Jury meeting last November, a question was raised about whether or not Memory Care could be included in the Silvergate retirement community project. Memory Care has always been a service offered at all of our Silvergate communities and is an integral part of the wide range of assisted living care services authorized under our R.C.F.E. license. However, during Member Input at the Art Jury meeting, an opponent to the project raised the issue of this service being in conflict with certain restrictions in the RSF Protective Covenant. The Art Jury referred this matter to the RSF Association legal counsel for consideration and resolution. At the following Art Jury meeting, the RSF legal counsel advised that applying this restriction to the Silvergate project was both illegal and unenforceable. Silvergate prevailed, and we continued our efforts towards gaining project approval.‍

The Question of Zoning

At the next meeting of the Art Jury, the opponents to the project once again attempted to block the approval process thru the Art Jury by submitting a petition with more than 300 signatures, asking the RSF Board to change the current zoning of the Silvergate property before allowing the project to proceed. Again, the matter was referred to the RSF legal counsel for resolution. After due consideration, legal counsel again ruled in our favor, advising that only the current land owner could institute a zone change request. Again, Silvergate prevailed and we moved on.‍

The Question of Land Use

And it just keeps going! At the following RSF Board of Directors meeting on December 5th, there was more discussion during Member Input about whether the current zoning of the land would allow for the property to be developed as a site for a retirement community. We had thought that this issue had been addressed long ago. When we first presented the idea of developing the land for a retirement project to the RSF Association Building Department more than two years ago, we were informed that this would be an allowable use. During all of our subsequent presentations to both the Art Jury and Board of Directors, not a single Art Jury member or Board member raised any questions or objections about the use of the property for a retirement development under the current zoning. So to finally clear this matter up, both opponents and Silvergate requested that the Board refer this matter to outside legal counsel for review and advice to the Board.‍

Rancho Santa Fe Board Review and Next Steps

That’s where we currently stand. The zoning matter has been referred to outside legal counsel. We now are awaiting the Board’s decision regarding the site’s zoning. Our legal counsel, a land use attorney who is an expert on property rights, has again reviewed our land use rights under the current zoning of the property and has again confirmed his opinion that the Silvergate development is an allowable use. As such, we have decided to move forward with a third presentation to the Art Jury on February 4th, 2025, for their final review and approval of Conceptual Review Application for the project. There are some new design changes to the architecture of the project as a result of the Art Jury’s input, so we invite you to attend next Tuesday’s meeting to bring yourself up to date.

Your Support Matters

The Silvergate Rancho Santa Fe entitlement process has required patience, collaboration, and persistence. While there have been challenges along the way, we remain confident in the importance of this project and its ability to serve future generations of Rancho Santa Fe residents.

There is one important way supporters can help right now.

As my son, Greg Petree often says, “You can’t get the order if you don’t ask.”

If you are a Rancho Santa Fe Covenant resident, we encourage you to share your support for the Silvergate project with the Rancho Santa Fe Association Board. A simple message expressing your support can make an important difference as the Board considers the project.

Thank You for Your Continued Support

We are grateful for the many residents, families, and community members who continue to support Silvergate Rancho Santa Fe.

Together, we are working to bring a thoughtfully designed retirement community to Rancho Santa Fe that provides exceptional care, preserves connections between residents and their families, and allows seniors to continue living in the community they love.

Thank you for standing with us as we work to make Silvergate Rancho Santa Fe a reality.

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Best Regards,

David G. Petree, Chairman/CEO
AmeriCare Health & Retirement, Inc.