Politics & Government
Fruit Stand Coming to Christmas Tree Farm
You'll be able to pick up some fresh veggies roadside.
Mountain Pines Christmas Tree Farm got a new lease on life this week – and the OK to set up a fruit stand.
The iconic orchard that has graced the side of the I-5 in San Juan Capistrano under various ownerships since 1992 is actually on a city-owned parcel of land and is zoned open space.
The Tolmasoff family, has been running Mountain Pines since 2006, and its new lease, which garnered City Council approval Tuesday, gives them the right to keep growing Christmas trees through 20118.
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As part of the new lease, the operators can open a fruit and vegetable stand. After getting planning department approval, the stand can operate year-round if the Tolmasoffs wish.
The tree farm is right across the street from Hamilton Oaks Vineyard and Winery's tasting room.
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“I think we’re fortunate to have a Christmas tree farm and pumpkin patch on public open space,” said Councilman Larry Kramer.
The lease extension, which nets the city 6 percent of the gross proceeds or a fixed figure that changes each year – whichever is greater – wasn’t without controversy. Councilmembers Roy Byrnes and Derek Reeve thought the city might be able to get more bang for its buck if it offered the land through a competitive bid process.
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