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Nestled in a tranquil site named after the kings of the jungle, the homes at Lion Canyon have been designed to treat cats like royalty.
Nestled in a tranquil site named after the kings of the jungle, the homes at Lion Canyon have been designed to treat cats like royalty.
All homes at Lion Canyon are [[Furnishings|fully furnished]] and include several [[Lion Canyon#Free Benefits for Cats|free benefits]] for tenants with cats. Each home also has a different set of special architectural features designed to improve the lives of cats and their owners.


=== [[Highgate]] ===
=== [[Highgate]] ===
A large, traditional single-family home designed for 5 people and 3-6 cats. ([[Highgate|More Info]])
A large, traditional single-family home designed for 4-5 people and 3-6 cats. ([[Highgate|More Info]])


=== [[The Quarters]] ===
=== [[The Quarters]] ===
A small home designed for 4 people and up to 2 cats. ([[The Quarters|More Info]])
A small home designed for 4 people and up to 2 cats. ([[The Quarters|More Info]])
=== [[Highgate + Quarters]] ===
A combined home designed for 8-9 people and up to 8 cats. ([[Highgate + Quarters|More Info]])


=== [[Cloud Nine Studios]] ===
=== [[Cloud Nine Studios]] ===
Studio apartments designed for individuals living with 1-3 cats. ([[Cloud Nine Studios|More Info]])
Studio apartments designed for individuals living with 1-3 cats. ([[Cloud Nine Studios|More Info]])
All homes at Lion Canyon are fully furnished and include several additional [[Lion Canyon#Free Benefits for Cats|free benefits]] for tenants with cats.


== Location Details ==
== Location Details ==


As the property manager, I am happy to share all that I know about this location, having lived here for over 20 years. If you have any questions not covered in this section, please feel free to [[Rental_Inquiries|ask]].
{{:Location Details}}
 
=== Neighborhood ===
 
The best feature of this neighborhood is the people who live in it—this area has a curiously high concentration of wonderful, friendly neighbors.
* This is a quiet neighborhood of a few cul-de-sacs, so there is no through traffic. In fact, past this location there is only one short street with 18 homes, so few cars ever drive by at all.
* The neighbors are mostly seniors, with just a few homes with students, so parties are rare. Unlike many areas around SDSU, the people in this neighborhood are vigilant and don’t let parties get out of hand.
* This area is down in a canyon, so it is especially quiet and there is almost no noise from wind or surrounding areas.
* Since there is a hill on one side of the property, there is only one neighbor close by, and they are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. In fact, most of the neighbors here know each other, look out for each other, and are very friendly.
This is the best area of a great neighborhood, and I’m constantly grateful for living here.
* When bad things are happening in the world, it’s usually not so bad in the US.
* When bad things are happening in the US, it’s usually not so bad in California.
* When bad things are happening in California, it’s usually not so bad in San Diego.
* Of the relatively few problems San Diego does have, practically none of them occur here in this neighborhood.
* One of the largest problems in San Diego is high housing costs, but that’s a direct result of having so few other problems that everyone wants to live here.
 
=== Transportation ===
 
==== Freeway Access ====
 
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Freeways]]This location is about as close as you can get to freeways without having any freeway noise. It is near the nexus where most major San Diego freeways converge:
* I-8 and I-15 are just two miles away.
* I-805 is the very next exit from there.
* I-163 is only two miles past that.
 
Plus, during typical travel from this location, most of the time traffic is going in the other direction.
<!--
==== Parking ====
 
* Plentiful street parking—there is only one other neighbor on the entire block (and they always park in their driveway).
* Space for two large vehicles in a deep driveway for residents of [[Highgate]].
-->
 
==== Public Transit ====
 
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Public Transit]]With easy access to all three major San Diego public transit systems within walking distance, many people live in this area without cars.
* [https://www.sdmts.com/transit-services/bus-routes San Diego MTS Bus] Stop<br />Montezuma and 54th (0.3 mi.)
* [https://www.sdmts.com/transit-services/rapid-bus-service San Diego MTS Rapid] Stop and<br />[https://www.sdmts.com/transit-services/trolley San Diego MTS Trolley] (Green Line)<br />5260 Campanile Dr. (1.1 mi.)
 
=== Top-Rated Schools ===
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Schools]]
This is an incredible area for education with top-rated schools at every level, and many people live here specifically to get access to them. These include:
* [https://www.collegeparkpreschool.org/ College Park Preschool]<br />5075 Campanile Dr. (less than a mile away)
* [https://hardy.sandiegounified.org/ Hardy Elementary School]<br />5420 Montezuma Rd. (just two blocks away)
* [https://lewis.sandiegounified.org/ Lewis Middle School]<br />5170 Greenbrier Ave. (less than 2 miles away)
* [https://patrickhenryhs.net/ Patrick Henry High School]<br />6702 Wandermere Dr. (less than 3 miles away)
Furthermore, if you need tutoring or childcare services, there are so many college students nearby actively looking for extra work that you can often find graduate students in fields like education or child development who will offer great rates in exchange for convenient work close to home.
 
=== SDSU ===
 
If you study or work at SDSU, this location is difficult to beat, as this is one of the closest locations around—just 2-3 blocks away from the campus (near Parking Structure 7).
 
Plus, the SDSU campus is beautiful, and is a great place for anyone to walk, jog, or ride a bike.
 
Even if you are not a full-time student, the location is convenient if you need continuing education credits for your job. Or, if you want, you can even take classes at SDSU without enrolling. (More info: [https://ces.sdsu.edu/open-university SDSU Open University])
 
=== Grocery Stores ===
 
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Grocery Stores]]Trader Joe’s is so close that you can use it like an extended pantry, but there are several other grocery stores very close by as well.
* Trader Joe’s<br />5140 College Ave. (1.0 mi.)
* Grocery Outlet<br />4360 54th Street (1.2 mi.)
* Von’s<br />6155 El Cajon Blvd. (1.7 mi.)
* Ralph’s<br />6670 Montezuma Road (1.9 mi.)
* Food 4 Less<br />5975 University Ave (2.5 mi.)
 
=== Restaurants ===
 
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Restaurants]]There are hundreds of restaurants within a few miles of this location.
 
There are over 20 fast-food and fast-casual restaurants near the corner of Montezuma and College (about a mile away), with several more coming soon.
* McDonald’s (coming back soon)
* Epic Wings
* Lolita’s Mexican Food
* Everbowl
* Poki One ‘n’ Half
* Which Wich
* Eureka!
* Señor Pancho’s Fresh Mexican Grill
* Trujillo’s Taco Shop
* Jack in the Box
* 55 Thai Kitchen
* African Cuisine
* Domino’s Pizza
* Panda Express
* Rubio’s
* Oggi’s Pizza Express
* Shake Smart
* The Habit Burger Grill
* Chipotle Mexican Grill
* Plant Power Fast Food
* Subway
* The Garden
Plus, there are dozens more down Mission Gorge and hundreds on El Cajon Blvd.
 
Some others worth noting:
* D.Z. Akin’s<br />6930 Alvarado Road (less than 3 mi. away)<br />(619) 265-0218<br />A San Diego icon that started out with one space in a strip mall, then expanded five times to take over the entire building. This New York-style deli has something for everyone with around 400 items on the menu (they have over 100 types of sandwiches alone), a ridiculously extensive selection of breakfast served all day, a full dinner and dessert menu, plus a full in-house bakery. In over 25 years of going here, I’ve never had anything I didn’t love.
* Antica Trattoria<br />5654 Lake Murray Blvd. in the Lake Murray Village Shopping Center<br />(619) 463-9919<br />Speaking of strip malls, don’t let the location of this one fool you. This Italian restaurant has great ambience and the food is on par with the best restaurants in Little Italy, but with a much more convenient location—just one exit east from College Ave on I-8 to Lake Murray Blvd., then turn right to head north—it’s just past the Vons.
* Ponce’s<br />4050 Adams Ave.<br />(619) 282-4413<br />Great traditional Mexican food close to home. Closed Sundays.
 
Not close by but worth the drive:
* Funky Fries & Burgers<br />101 W Washington Ave<br />El Cajon, CA 92020 (plus two other locations)<br />(619) 328-2929<br />If you like burgers, it is impossible to overhype this restaurant. Just try it.
* Tacos El Gordo<br />689 H St<br />Chula Vista, CA 91910<br />(619) 207-0144<br />Open very late and serves some of the best Tijuana-style tacos and mulas around. Avoid peak hours, as the line can be almost an hour long.
 
=== Hospitals ===
 
[[File:Gray.png|thumb|right|Map: Hospitals]]Two major hospitals are within a few miles:
* Alvarado Hospital Medical Center<br />6655 Alvarado Rd. (2.1 mi.)
* Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center<br />4647 Zion Ave. (3.2 mi.)
 
=== Veterinarians ===
 
Several veterinarians are nearby; below are some of the closest.
 
For routine veterinary care:
* College Animal Hospital<br />5653 El Cajon Blvd.<br />(619) 286-1980
* Banfield Pet Hospital<br />4585 College Ave.<br />(619) 286-0963
 
For 24-hour emergency veterinary care:
* VCA Emergency Animal Hospital<br />2317 Hotel Circle S.<br />(619) 299-2400
* Pet Emergency & Specialty Center<br />5232 Jackson Dr. #105<br />(619) 462-4800
 
=== Shopping ===
 
Mission Valley is just a few exits west on I-8. There you’ll find several shopping centers and two large malls, Fashion Valley and Westfield Mission Valley. Practically every major retail store is only a few minutes away.
 
There are also two Costco locations just a couple of miles away:
* Costco Mission Valley<br />2345 Fenton Pkwy<br />San Diego, CA 92108
* Costco La Mesa<br />8125 Fletcher Pkwy<br />La Mesa, CA 91942
Note: While they are both about the same distance away, the Mission Valley location is used as a national test market, so it often has new and interesting products you may not find at other locations.
 
=== Gyms ===
 
There are many gyms close by, but here are just a few worth noting:
* [https://arc.sdsu.edu/arc ARC]<br />If you are a student or faculty member (or are sponsored by one), then you can’t beat the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) at SDSU, which has one of the largest gyms in the world and Olympic-level facilities for just about every sport in existence.
* [https://xplicitfitness.com/ Xplicit Fitness]<br />6628 Mission Gorge Rd. (3 mi.)<br />(619) 281-0800<br />Founded by a Golden Glove champion, Xplicit integrates boxing into an intense 40-minute workout that’s fun and feels like you have your own personal trainer. ([https://www.yelp.com/biz/xplicit-fitness-san-diego-25 Yelp]: 5 stars when last checked.)
* [http://www.crossfit858.com CrossFit 858]<br />5841 Mission Gorge Rd. (2.2 mi.)<br />(858) 566-4500<br />If you’re into CrossFit, this is highest rated CrossFit gym in the area, according to [https://www.yelp.com/biz/crossfit-858-san-diego Yelp]. (5 stars when last checked).
 
=== Local Rental Scams ===
 
[**COMPLETE]


Excessive application fees
== Special Features for Cats ==


Taking fees for hundreds of applications
{{:Special Features for Cats}}
 
“You’ll get the keys by mail”
 
Properties that don’t exist
 
<!--
=== Local Landlord Nightmares ===
 
This is a nice area, with plenty of nice places to rent. However, there are also many landlords here who take advantage of the incredibly high demand in the area to get away with unethical, Illegal, and dangerous practices—to the point where there are constant news reports about it.
 
This is not just a problem with the big apartment complexes—a staggering share of the homes in the area have been bought by giant corporations. Some put up a good front, making it seem like you’re dealing with a mom-and-pop landlord, but soon after the lease is signed, tenants face a host of problems.
 
Below are links to some reports from reputable new sources; however, if you check out NextDoor or Reddit for the area, you can find countless more.
 
* CBS 8 Report: Off-campus apartment near San Diego State University in squalor
** [https://youtu.be/6HP-lLTqwxA Original News Report (video)]
** [https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/apartment-near-san-diego-state-university-in-squalor/509-a40d76a0-be8c-451f-903a-6bec2f09d025 News Article (text)]
** <span style="color:#f49100;"><u>[https://youtu.be/2YV_ZUrTxig Follow-up News Report (video)]</u></span>
** <span style="color:#f49100;"><u>[https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/san-diego-student-will-receive-full-refund-after-squalor-apartment/509-df791160-ba06-4d12-a6f4-b7b728b64f8c News Article (text)]</u></span>
* More complaints against BLVD63 apartment near SDSU
** [https://youtu.be/4o4hWswZz64 News Report (video)]
** <span style="color:#f49100;"><u>[https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/more-complaints-against-blvd63-apartment/509-4d2b860e-206e-4760-94d6-97ecddeccfbd News Article (text)]</u></span>
-->


== Free Benefits for Cats ==
== Free Benefits for Cats ==


=== Adoption Fees ===
{{:Free Benefits for Cats}}
 
We will pay the adoption fees for a cat from [https://www.friendsofcats.org/ Friends of Cats] in El Cajon once per year for each home.
 
Please Note: Haven Homes is not affiliated with Friends of Cats.
 
=== Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes ===
 
Tenants who have more cats than [[Litter Closet|litter closets]] in their home (four or more cats in [[Highgate]]<nowiki>; two or more cats elsewhere) will be given the use of premium automated self-cleaning litter boxes (these typically cost $600 or more). Upon moving out, tenants will be given the option to purchase their litter boxes at a reduced cost.</nowiki>
 
=== Self-Filling Water Fountains ===
 
To promote your cats’ health, we will provide a filtered water fountain for any tenant who needs one.
 
For all homes with a [[Bowl Basin|bowl basin]] (i.e., [[Highgate]] and [[Cloud Nine Studios]]), we will also install an automatic filling device to make sure your fountain never runs dry. If you would prefer to use your own water bowl instead, we will modify your bowl to be automatically filled. (Most designs with a reservoir can be adapted.)
 
=== Automatic Cat Feeders ===
 
Each home will be given the use of an automatic cat feeder (these typically cast around $200) which allow the remote control and monitoring of cats’ feeding schedules. Upon moving out, tenants will be given the option to purchase their feeders at a reduced cost.
 
=== Cat Solariums ===
 
At [[Cloud Nine Studios]] or [[The Quarters]], upon request, we will install a cat solarium that has been custom-made to fit in a window in your home. (Note: [[Highgate]] already has a large permanent solarium.)
 
=== Cat Trees ===
 
In each home, there are spaces designed for cat trees of a specific size and shape which, when placed there, will give your cats access to other features. We will give a new carpet and sisal cat tree to you upon request, which you will be yours to keep, as we do not reuse cat trees.
 
<gallery>
File:Gray.png|Photo: Self-Cleaning Litter Box
File:Gray.png|Photo: Self-Filling Water Fountain
File:Gray.png|Photo: Automatic Cat Feeder
File:Gray.png|Photo: Cat Solarium
File:Gray.png|Photo: Cat Tree
</gallery>
 
== Site Policies ==
 
=== All profits benefit animals. ===
 
To have any chance of convincing larger developers to copy the model, the homes developed through this project must operate profitably. However, all profits will go toward promoting animal welfare.
 
Charity begins at home (or, in this case, at Haven Homes), so the first animals to benefit will be those living at Lion Canyon through a series of [[Lion Canyon#Free Benefits for Cats|benefits for cats]] provided at no cost to the tenants.
 
=== Keep Lion Canyon peaceful. ===
 
Lion Canyon is designed to be a calm, quiet refuge for both people and cats, which means excessive noise—like loud music or parties—is not allowed. Because the property manager works from home and lives 100 feet away, this policy will be enforced.
 
If you did not plan on making much noise anyway, then you can see this quiet policy as a pure benefit, since it won’t restrict you and will ensure your sleep, study, work, or enjoyment of your home will not disturbed by your neighbors. (Sleep is important for everyone’s health, especially cats—in fact, kittens need to sleep 16-20 hours a day for proper development.)
 
On the other hand, if you see this quiet policy as uncomfortably restrictive, then Lion Canyon probably isn’t for you. However, since practically no other housing in the area has such restrictions, you have no shortage of other options.
 
=== No flames or vapors. ===
 
Smoking, candles, incense burners, and anything that produces smoke or vapor other than steam are all prohibited. In addition to reducing fire danger, this also protects the eyes and respiratory tracts of cats, as well as prevents unnecessary anxiety and irritation, since a cat’s sense of smell is about 14 times more sensitive than that of a human.
 
=== Only cats are allowed. ===
 
Dogs are awesome and many dogs are wonderful with cats, but a single misbehaving dog could disturb all cats on the property, so no pet dogs or any other pets are allowed at Lion Canyon—only cats.
 
(We love dogs, and the next Haven Homes project planned is for large dogs; however, Lion Canyon is for cats only.)
 
=== Everyone can use the patio. ===


Since San Diego has famously perfect weather year-round, you may want to spend much of your time outside. You are welcome to do so on the giant 1,250 sq. ft. raised patio, which has outdoor seating and a 600 sq. ft. covered area with lights and fans, for your quiet enjoyment from 8 am to 10 pm.
== Site Rules & Policies ==

Latest revision as of 08:11, 9 October 2024

Homes

Nestled in a tranquil site named after the kings of the jungle, the homes at Lion Canyon have been designed to treat cats like royalty.

All homes at Lion Canyon are fully furnished and include several free benefits for tenants with cats. Each home also has a different set of special architectural features designed to improve the lives of cats and their owners.

Highgate

A large, traditional single-family home designed for 4-5 people and 3-6 cats. (More Info)

The Quarters

A small home designed for 4 people and up to 2 cats. (More Info)

Highgate + Quarters

A combined home designed for 8-9 people and up to 8 cats. (More Info)

Cloud Nine Studios

Studio apartments designed for individuals living with 1-3 cats. (More Info)

Location Details

As the property manager, I am happy to share all that I know about this location, having lived here for over 20 years. If you have any questions not covered in this section, please feel free to ask.

Neighborhood

The best feature of this neighborhood is the people who live in it—this area has a curiously high concentration of wonderful, friendly neighbors.

  • This is a quiet neighborhood of a few cul-de-sacs, so there is no through traffic. In fact, past this location there is only one short street with 18 homes, so few cars ever drive by at all.
  • The neighbors are mostly seniors, with just a few homes with students, so parties are rare. Unlike many areas around SDSU, the people in this neighborhood are vigilant and don’t let parties get out of hand.
  • This area is down in a canyon, so it is especially quiet and there is almost no noise from wind or surrounding areas.
  • Since there is a hill on one side of the property, there is only one neighbor close by, and they are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. In fact, most of the neighbors here know each other, look out for each other, and are very friendly.

This is the best area of a great neighborhood, and I’m constantly grateful for living here.

  • When bad things are happening in the world, it’s usually not so bad in the US.
  • When bad things are happening in the US, it’s usually not so bad in California.
  • When bad things are happening in California, it’s usually not so bad in San Diego.
  • Of the relatively few problems San Diego does have, practically none of them occur here in this neighborhood.
  • One of the largest problems in San Diego is high housing costs, but that’s a direct result of having so few other problems that everyone wants to live here.

Freeway Access

Map: Freeways

This location is about as close as you can get to freeways without having any freeway noise. It is near the nexus where most major San Diego freeways converge:

  • I-8 and I-15 are just two miles away.
  • I-805 is the very next exit from there.
  • I-163 is only two miles past that.

Plus, during typical travel from this location, most of the time traffic is going in the other direction.

Public Transit

Map: Public Transit

With easy access to all three major San Diego public transit systems within walking distance, many people live in this area without cars.

Top-Rated Schools

Map: Schools

This is an incredible area for education with top-rated schools at every level, and many people live here specifically to get access to them. These include:

Furthermore, if you need tutoring or childcare services, there are so many college students nearby actively looking for extra work that you can often find graduate students in fields like education or child development who will offer great rates in exchange for convenient work close to home.

SDSU

If you study or work at SDSU, this location is difficult to beat, as this is one of the closest locations around—just 2-3 blocks away from the campus (near Parking Structure 7).

Plus, the SDSU campus is beautiful, and is a great place for anyone to walk, jog, or ride a bike.

Even if you are not a full-time student, the location is convenient if you need continuing education credits for your job. Or, if you want, you can even take classes at SDSU without enrolling. (More info: SDSU Open University)

Grocery Stores

Map: Grocery Stores

Trader Joe’s is so close that you can use it like an extended pantry, but there are several other grocery stores very close by as well.

  • Trader Joe’s
    5140 College Ave. (1.0 mi.)
  • Grocery Outlet
    4360 54th Street (1.2 mi.)
  • Von’s
    6155 El Cajon Blvd. (1.7 mi.)
  • Ralph’s
    6670 Montezuma Road (1.9 mi.)
  • Food 4 Less
    5975 University Ave (2.5 mi.)

Restaurants

Map: Restaurants

There are hundreds of restaurants within a few miles of this location.

There are over 20 fast-food and fast-casual restaurants near the corner of Montezuma and College (about a mile away), with several more coming soon.

  • McDonald’s (coming back soon)
  • Epic Wings
  • Lolita’s Mexican Food
  • Everbowl
  • Poki One ‘n’ Half
  • Which Wich
  • Eureka!
  • Señor Pancho’s Fresh Mexican Grill
  • Trujillo’s Taco Shop
  • Jack in the Box
  • 55 Thai Kitchen
  • African Cuisine
  • Domino’s Pizza
  • Panda Express
  • Rubio’s
  • Oggi’s Pizza Express
  • Shake Smart
  • The Habit Burger Grill
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill
  • Plant Power Fast Food
  • Subway
  • The Garden

Plus, there are dozens more down Mission Gorge and hundreds on El Cajon Blvd.

Some others close by worth noting:

  • D.Z. Akin’s
    6930 Alvarado Road (less than 3 mi. away)
    (619) 265-0218
    A San Diego icon that started out with one space in a strip mall, then expanded five times to take over the entire building. This New York-style deli has something for everyone with around 400 items on the menu (they have over 100 types of sandwiches alone), a ridiculously extensive selection of breakfast served all day, a full dinner and dessert menu, plus a full in-house bakery. In over 25 years of going here, I’ve never had anything I didn’t love.
  • Antica Trattoria
    5654 Lake Murray Blvd. in the Lake Murray Village Shopping Center
    (619) 463-9919
    Speaking of strip malls, don’t let the location of this one fool you. This Italian restaurant has great ambience and the food is on par with the best restaurants in Little Italy, but with a much more convenient location—just one exit east from College Ave on I-8 to Lake Murray Blvd., then turn right to head north—it’s just past the Vons.
  • Ponce’s
    4050 Adams Ave.
    (619) 282-4413
    Great traditional Mexican food close to home. Closed Sundays.

Not close by but worth the drive:

  • Funky Fries & Burgers
    101 W Washington Ave
    El Cajon, CA 92020 (plus two other locations)
    (619) 328-2929
    If you like burgers, it is impossible to overhype this restaurant. People come down from LA to get burgers here. Just try it.
  • Regents Pizzeria
    4150 Regents Park Row #100
    La Jolla, CA 92037
    (858) 550-0406
    The only place I’ve ever seen that can make excellent New York and Chicago pizza.
  • Royal India Miramar
    8990 Miramar Rd #200
    San Diego, CA 92126
    (858) 457-9999
    Excellent recipes, very high quality ingredients (just look at the rice), and perfectly cooked vegetables, but nothing compares to the taste that comes from their spices, which they dry and grind themselves.
  • Tacos El Gordo
    556 Broadway
    Chula Vista, CA 91910
    (619) 207-0144
    Open very late and serves some of the best Tijuana-style tacos and mulas around. Avoid peak hours, as the line can be an hour long (for good reason).

Hospitals

Map: Hospitals

Many major hospitals within a few miles:

  • Kaiser Permanente Vandever Medical Offices
    4405 Vandever Ave, San Diego, CA 92120
    (2.1 mi.)
  • UCSD Health/Alvarado Hospital Medical Center
    6655 Alvarado Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
    (2.4 mi.)
  • Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center
    4647 Zion Ave, San Diego, CA 92120
    (3.2 mi.)
  • Kaiser Permanente La Mesa Medical Offices
    8080 Parkway Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
    (4.5 mi.)
  • Sharp Grossmont Hospital
    5555 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
    (6 mi.)
  • Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center
    9455 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123
    (7 mi.)
  • Rady Children's Hospital
    3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123
    (7 mi.)
  • Sharp Memorial Hospital
    7901 Frost St, San Diego, CA 92123
    (7 mi.)
  • UCSD Medical Center
    200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
    (8 mi.)
  • Kaiser Permanente Clairemont Mesa Medical Offices
    6911 Convoy Ct, San Diego, CA 92111
    (9 mi.)
  • Naval Medical Center San Diego
    34800 Bob Wilson Dr, San Diego, CA 92134
    (9 mi.)
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
    9888 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92037
    (14 mi.)

Veterinarians

Several veterinarians are nearby; below are some of the closest.

For routine veterinary care:

  • College Animal Hospital
    5653 El Cajon Blvd.
    (619) 286-1980
  • Banfield Pet Hospital
    4585 College Ave.
    (619) 286-0963

For 24-hour emergency veterinary care:

  • VCA Emergency Animal Hospital
    2317 Hotel Circle S.
    (619) 299-2400
  • Pet Emergency & Specialty Center
    5232 Jackson Dr. #105
    (619) 462-4800

Shopping

Mission Valley is just a few exits west on I-8. There you’ll find several shopping centers and two large malls, Fashion Valley and Westfield Mission Valley. Practically every major retail store is only a few minutes away.

There are also two Costco locations just a couple of miles away:

  • Costco Mission Valley
    2345 Fenton Pkwy
    San Diego, CA 92108
  • Costco La Mesa
    8125 Fletcher Pkwy
    La Mesa, CA 91942

Note: While they are both about the same distance away, the Mission Valley location is used as a national test market, so it often has new and interesting products you may not find at other locations.

Gyms

There are many gyms close by, but here are just a few worth noting:

  • ARC
    If you are a student or faculty member (or are sponsored by one), then you can’t beat the Aztec Recreation Center (ARC) at SDSU, which has one of the largest gyms in the world and Olympic-level facilities for just about every sport in existence.
  • Xplicit Fitness
    6628 Mission Gorge Rd. (3 mi.)
    (619) 281-0800
    Founded by a Golden Glove champion, Xplicit integrates boxing into an intense 40-minute workout that’s fun and feels like you have your own personal trainer. (Yelp: 5 stars when last checked.)
  • CrossFit 858
    5841 Mission Gorge Rd. (2.2 mi.)
    (858) 566-4500
    If you’re into CrossFit, this is highest rated CrossFit gym in the area, according to Yelp. (5 stars when last checked).


Special Features for Cats

Here are some of the special features for cats built into the homes at Lion Canyon. Not all homes have every feature, and some homes have features not listed here. See the page for each home for details.

Litter Closets

Video: Litter Closet at The Quarters

It’s hard to imagine having many cats in a large home or even just one cat in a small home without feeling like you’re living in a litter box, but it’s possible with a litter closet.

These tiny bathrooms for cats can be constantly ventilated to create negative air pressure, which means absolutely no air or odor escapes. This is accomplished using a hyper-efficient fan that costs less than a penny a day to operate in California. (A penny-and-a-half in San Diego.)

With a litter closet, the only time you will ever smell or even see your litter box is when you clean it. With an automated litter box (which we can provide), a single litter closet can usually be used by multiple cats—even ones that haven’t liked to share before.

Learn about litter closets to find out more about how they work to eliminate litter box odor in your home.

All homes at Lion Canyon include litter closets. Highgate has three, The Quarters has two, and each apartment at Cloud Nine Studios has one.

Bowl Basins

Video: Bowl Basin at Highgate

These small alcoves keeps your water bowl out of the way and always full, thanks to a water supply line with an automatic shut-off valve. (Should this valve fail, there are three other safeguards built in to prevent flooding.)

These bowl basins work with a cat fountain we will provide for your use, but if you want to use your own instead, most bowls with a reservoir can be adapted to work with it (which we will happily do for you).

These basins also have an ideal size and location, which is more important to cats than many people realize. Learn about bowl basins to find out how they can significantly improve the health and happiness of your cat.

Cat Lofts

Video: Cat Lofts at The Quarters

Cat lofts are finished alcoves over closets that provide extra storage and are also the perfect height and location for a quiet living space for cats. Your cats can access these lofts via strategically placed shelves and platforms, which provide a path that integrates naturally into your home.

Cats have an instinctual drive to seek out high perches from which they can observe their surroundings. Also, to feel safe, cats need a secure, reliable place to which they can retreat when they feel threatened. Cats experience anxiety when they lack either of these basic needs, which are especially difficult to provide in a small home, but a cat loft satisfies both.

Interestingly enough, research suggests that the overall size of an indoor living space does not matter much to cats, but having access to higher elevations within that space matters deeply. In short, cats experience significantly less anxiety in tiny rooms with accessible high platforms than in large rooms where they are stuck on the floor.

By providing a secure retreat for your cat with a cat loft, you will enjoy the benefits of living with a cat with less anxiety. If you want to spoil your cats rotten, you could turn the entire loft into a luxury feline apartment, which you can decorate and fill with toys and cat-sized furniture. However, you don’t need to use the entire space for cats. You can provide a generous living area for multiple cats and still have plenty of room left over for storage.

The Quarters has two cat lofts and each apartment at Cloud Nine Studios has one.

Scratch Stations

Video: Scratch Station at The Quarters

Cats have an instinctual need to scratch—it is necessary to maintain the health of their claws, plus scratching relieves anxiety and boredom.

Scratch stations provide a consistent, safe place your cats can rely on to take care of this need whenever the urge arises. Each station has a universal scratch pad holder that works with any size of pad and holds them at the ideal position for most cats to get the most out of scratching.

The scratch stations are located inside the litter closets, which lets cats clean their claws immediately after using the litter box rather than track dirty paws around the house. This location also keeps ugly scratch pads out of sight, plus it will keep shredded cardboard and catnip flakes contained to further help keep your home tidy.

All homes at Lion Canyon include a scratch station inside each litter closet.

Cat Tunnels with Brushes

Photo: Cat Tunnels with Brushes

Each litter closet is accessed via a decoratively trimmed tunnel that is lined with a stiff brush, so your cats automatically groom themselves every time they go in and out.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this brush reduces the amount of loose cat hair in the home. With multiple cats in the household, you’ll see a big difference immediately.

All homes at Lion Canyon include cat tunnels with brushes that lead to each litter closet.

Cat-Friendly Policies

Several policies help maximize the health and happiness of your cats. First, no pet dogs are allowed. Sitewide noise restrictions are enforced to ensure neither you nor your cats experience any unnecessary anxiety. Also prohibited are smoking, candles, incense burners, and anything that produces smoke or vapor other than steam, to reduce fire danger as well as to protect the health and comfort of cats.

Free Benefits for Cats

Adoption Fees

We will pay the adoption fees for a cat from Friends of Cats in El Cajon once per year for each home.

Please Note: Haven Homes is not affiliated with Friends of Cats.

Yearly Vet Checkups

Once per year, we will pay for all the cats living at Lion Canyon to get a physical health examination from a local veterinarian.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Tenants who have more cats than litter closets in their home (four or more cats in Highgate; two or more cats elsewhere) will be given the use of premium automated self-cleaning litter boxes (these typically cost $600 or more). Upon moving out, tenants will be given the option to purchase their litter boxes at a reduced cost.

Self-Filling Water Fountains

To promote your cats’ health, we will provide a filtered water fountain for any tenant who needs one.

For all homes with a bowl basin (i.e., Highgate and Cloud Nine Studios), we will also install an automatic filling device to make sure your fountain never runs dry. If you would prefer to use your own water bowl instead, we will modify your bowl to be automatically filled. (Most designs with a reservoir can be adapted.)

Automatic Cat Feeders

Each home will be given the use of an automatic cat feeder (these typically cast around $200) which allow the remote control and monitoring of cats’ feeding schedules. Upon moving out, tenants will be given the option to purchase their feeders at a reduced cost.

  • Photo: Self-Cleaning Litter Box

  • Photo: Self-Filling Water Fountain

  • Photo: Automatic Cat Feeder

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