Rancho Peñasquitos (little cliffs) is a master-planned community in the northeastern part of the city of San Diego, California. PQ, as it is referred to by the locals, is mainly located south of Rancho Bernardo, west of Sabre Springs and north of Mira Mesa. Rancho Penasquitos residents appreciate its easy access to the rest of the county. The area is approxiately 10,000 acres including Black Mountain Regional Park and the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, a beautiful canyon open space preserve offering hiking, biking and equestrian trails. The most prominent feature of the community is Black Mountain which rises to an elevation of 1,500 feet. The hills and canyon seperate the area from the rest of the city and make it seem more country like than urban. 51 percent of Rancho Penasquitos is designated for residential development; 34 percent is designated for parks and open space; 2 percent is designated for commercial space. The population of Rancho Peñasquitos approximately 55,000 and is located in zip code 92129.
Homes are built on the mesas and hills and many of the homes have canyon, area and/or ocean views. There are a few condominiums and townhomes. The neighborhoods are quiet and well-maintained.
The Poway Unified School District , one of the best in San Diego County, provides the education for the area. Sports leagues and recreational activities are numerous and well-attended. At one point, Rancho Penasquitos had the largest Little League in the county. While there is not a lot of commercial development in the area, there are several small shopping area that provide services. Residents of Penasquitos are within easy striking distance of Poway, Mira Mesa, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho Bernardo and Sabre Springs.
Rancho Peñasquitos is bordered:
On the north by Black Mountain Ranch and Rancho Bernardo
On the south by Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and Mira Mesa
On the east by Carmel Mountain Ranch and Sabre Springs
On the west by Torrey Highlands and Del Mar Mesa.
Main thoroughfares
State Route 56 traverses east-west through the central portion of the community. Interstate 15 passes on the east side of Rancho Peñasquitos. Black Mountain Road is the main North-South artery, and Carmel Mountain Road/Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard is the main East-West artery.
Community events
Fiesta de los Peñasquitos -First Sunday in May
In Honor of the Fourth of July, Westview High School features a fireworks show (which until recently was hosted by MT. Carmel High School) (This show usually is held on July 3rd).
Christmas Card Lane (starting at Oviedo Street - off Black Mtn. Rd) after Thanksgiving and until Dec 31.
Parks
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve at Sunset
PQ Skate Park
Canyonside Recreation Center
Hilltop Recreation Center
Black Mountain Open Space Park
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
Schools
Rancho Peñasquitos is served by the Poway Unified School District.
High schools
Mt. Carmel High School (Sundevils)
Abraxas High School
Rancho Bernardo High School (Broncos)
Poway High School (Titans)
Westview High School (Wolverines)
Middle schools
Mesa Verde Middle School (Eagles)
Black Mountain Middle School (Raiders)
Meadowbrook Middle School (Stallions)
Bernardo Heights Middle School (Bobcats)
Oak Valley Middle School
Twin Peaks Middle School (Rams)
Elementary schools
Adobe Bluffs Elementary School (Aztecs)
Canyon View Elementary School (Coyotes)
Chaparral Elementary School (Hawks)
Creekside Elementary School (Geckos)
Deer Canyon Elementary School (Bucks)
Garden Road Elementary School (Eagles)
Highland Ranch Elementary School (Stallions)
Los Peñasquitos Elementary School (Hawks)
Midland Elementary School (Rattleskins)
Monterey Ridge Elementary School (Monarchs)
Morning Creek Elementary School (Colts)
Painted Rock Elementary School (Panthers)
Park Village Elementary School (Penguins)
Pomerado Elementary School (Bobcats)
Rolling Hills Elementary School (Pumas)
Shoal Creek Elementary School (Otters)
Stone Ranch Elementary School
Sundance Elementary School (Wildcats)
Sunset Hills Elementary School (Seagulls)
Tierra Bonita Elementary School (Cheetas)
Turtleback Elementary School
Valley Elementary School (Tigers)
Westwood Elementary School (Roadrunners)