Ranch & Coast Magazine

09/07/2026

// Camp Pendleton to Get New Barracks

Ten new barracks buildings are coming to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, according to a U.S. Navy notice.

The Navy put out a fast-track solicitation for new on-base housing facilities for unmarried military personnel. The project includes four Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, with 401 rooms each.

The Navy wants barracks that are built using advanced manufacturing and industrialized construction methodologies including modular, hybrid, and Kit of Parts.

The project will also use the Progressive Design Build concept in which the government, contractors, and off-site manufacturers collaborate early in the design phase to cut construction time and design costs.

To learn more, please click here:

The new Bachelor Enlisted Quarters would replace 10 “outdated” barracks at the Marine Corps’ base north of San Diego.

09/05/2026

✨ A beautiful evening in celebration of fashion, philanthropy, and the people who make it all possible.

The Country Friends gathered at Mille Fleurs Restaurant for its 2026 Art of Fashion Patron Party, honoring the generous patrons and sponsors behind one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most anticipated fall traditions. 🥂

The festive evening set the stage for the upcoming Art of Fashion, now in its 22nd year in partnership with South Coast Plaza. The signature event at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will once again bring fall fashion to the runway while raising vital funds for The Country Friends’ chosen charities serving women, children, older adults, military families, and people with disabilities.

We at Ranch & Coast Magazine have long been proud to support and celebrate the incredible work of The Country Friends — and loved raising a glass to those whose generosity helps make that work possible. 💕✨

Swipe for scenes from a wonderful evening at Mille Fleurs as the countdown to Art of Fashion continues. 👗🥂

Photography by Bob Stefanko for Ranch & Coast

09/02/2026

After helping resolve a parking issue near Moonlight Beach, Encinitas resident Dave Dean stayed behind to pick up trash, pull weeds, and plant succulents.

Today, that once-forgotten hillside has become Dave's Rock Garden — a vibrant mosaic of more than 10,000 painted rocks contributed by visitors from over 130 countries.

It's a story of community, creativity, and how one person's vision inspired the world.

🔗 Read the story by Contributing Editor Bill Abrams here: https://ranchandcoast.com/explore/how-daves-rock-garden-became-an-encinitas-landmark/

📷 Photography by Donald Miralle

08/31/2026

Monday // A Newly Minted Marine

Private First Class Isaiah Hernandez, seen here at Marine Corp Recruit Depot San Diego celebrating his graduation from boot camp with his parents and sister, is now one the nation’s newest Marines.

Hernandez, who graduated from Oceanside High School in 2015 and who is the “I” in E & I Construction, will now train to be a Combat Engineer, a role responsible for breaching, demolitions, construction, and route clearance.

Hernandez is also planning to study psychology with the goal of working with veterans in the future.

08/26/2026

Clients, business partners, and friends of Latitude 33 Aviation came together at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to celebrate the Carlsbad-based company's 20th anniversary. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of thoroughbred racing, Baja-inspired fare, and trackside hospitality while commemorating two decades of leadership in private aviation. A race was held at Del Mar Racing in Latitude 33 Aviation's honor, with owners Casey Miller and Solomon Short welcomed to the winner's circle before being recognized with milestone awards celebrating the company's remarkable growth from a single Cessna Citation in 2006 to one of the nation's leading private aircraft management and charter firms. The celebration reflected the enduring relationships, trust, and commitment to service that have defined Latitude 33 Aviation's success throughout North County San Diego.

✈️ Congratulations Latitude 33 Aviation on 20 years in flight!

08/25/2026

🐾 Clear the Shelters — this Saturday! 🐶🐱

Looking for a new best friend? San Diego Humane Society is waiving ALL adoption fees on Saturday, August 29, from 10am-6pm at its San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, and El Cajon campuses. ❤️

With nearly 1,900 animals currently in its care and an average of 80 more arriving each day, the need for adopters is especially urgent. Every adoption not only gives a deserving pet a loving home — it also creates space for another animal in need.

All adopted pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

🏡 Meet your match and help Clear the Shelters!

🔗 View available pets at sdhumane.org/adopt

08/24/2026

// USS Abraham Lincoln Headed Home to San Diego

After 275 days at sea, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is finally headed home to San Diego, having been relieved by the USS George Washington earlier this month.

According to U.S. Central Command, the Lincoln departed the Arabian Sea after almost seven months in the Middle East, its last port of call being Guam in December of last year.

The Lincoln and its roughly 5,000 sailors, officers, pilots, and other crewman are expected home in the coming weeks.

08/18/2026

Experience the latest designs for your project in immersive, hands-on displays at Ferguson Home. Visit your showroom or shop the extended selection online.

08/17/2026

// The 3 Cs — Commitment, Challenge, and Community.

Officially opening next month, Burn Boot Camp Sorrento Valley is providing free Pop-Up Camps at Ocean Air Community Park in Torrey Hills every Saturday at 8am and every Wednesday at 5pm throughout August and September.

Burn Boot Camp is built around commitment, challenge, and community. What happens beyond the workout floor is as important as what happens in the gym.

To learn more, please visit https://locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/sorrento-valley-ca

Or to schedule your free attendance at one of the Pop-Up Camps, please click https://lo.ls/qpWr0Ec

08/11/2026

Happy Birthday, Mike! At 61, legendary jockey Mike Smith is still riding to win 🏇

The Hall of Famer and Triple Crown winner has spent more than four decades in the saddle, amassing 5,794 career victories, a record 27 Breeders' Cup World Championships wins, and more than $356 million in purse earnings. But as another summer unfolds at Del Mar Racing, “Big Money Mike” remains driven by the same things that captivated him as a young rider: the horses, the competition, and the incomparable feeling of crossing the finish line first

“I love horses. I love being around them. I love the competition. Nothing has changed from the time I was 20 until now”

Click below to read the full feature on Mike Smith and the remarkable career that’s still going strong.

https://ranchandcoast.com/people/legendary-jockey-mike-smith-returns-to-del-mar-at-61/

Photography by Benoit Photo, courtesy Del Mar Thoroughbred Club