This afternoon I was visiting the Red Cross relief center that has been set up on top of Palomar Mountain when an SD&GE crew chief came in to say that they were bringing up a mega generator that they would be able to run the entire mountain's power off of while they finish fixing the power lines that were lost to fire last week.
The SDG&E crew chief said they were aiming for 6 p.m. tonight. Obviously that time has past, but I wouldn't be surprised to see electricity return sometime tonight. At least residents won't have to wait until Nov. 11, which was the estimate earlier this week.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN OPENS TO RESIDENTS
The following message was sent out by Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:
Palomar will open to Residents and businesses only at 9 am today.
Please have photo I-D ready.
The Burn Center is running short of blood - please give at your local blood bank.
Some of the Deaths and injuries were caused by residents returning to an evacuated area that had active fire.
Night operations continue to work on open fire lines in the north sections of the fire and crews continue to work on hot spots in the burn areas.The weather is better with good humidity recovery at night.
The wind event predicted for the weekend is a mild Santa Ana.
The active fire is in the North Division N and P.Land mark is north of Crosley Saddle/Crosley Homestead and Eagle Crag / Cutca Valley.
There are no fixed wing air craft on the fire, only 7 helicopters working the north fire line.
The is much heavy fire equipment traffic on local roads.
We have 4 large (30 yard) dumpsters located at 4 neighborhood locations(Bailey's by Robert Caryle's, Crestline @ East Grade, East Grade at the highest turnout, and by the Lodge).to dispose of spoiled food.There will be plastic bags, gloves and disinfectent for everyone to get this first task done.
FEMA, the Red Cross, and the DPLU have inspected all the damage and are putting reports together.
The water systems are full and pure and ready to flow.
We are ready to assist residents in removing the barricade gel from the homes with the fire engines.
We will close off the neighborhood roads with fire engines to allow only residents in only just like we try during snow.
There will be food and supplies from the red cross at the summit landing zone for residents and firefighters.
The PMVFD Fire Station will be the local command center for resident to report problems and get assistance.
Be careful re lighting and propane units and be careful running and fueling generators.
Everyone be kind and understanding to each other.
I am very proud of the Palomar Community !!!!!!!.
Palomar will open to Residents and businesses only at 9 am today.
Please have photo I-D ready.
The Burn Center is running short of blood - please give at your local blood bank.
Some of the Deaths and injuries were caused by residents returning to an evacuated area that had active fire.
Night operations continue to work on open fire lines in the north sections of the fire and crews continue to work on hot spots in the burn areas.The weather is better with good humidity recovery at night.
The wind event predicted for the weekend is a mild Santa Ana.
The active fire is in the North Division N and P.Land mark is north of Crosley Saddle/Crosley Homestead and Eagle Crag / Cutca Valley.
There are no fixed wing air craft on the fire, only 7 helicopters working the north fire line.
The is much heavy fire equipment traffic on local roads.
We have 4 large (30 yard) dumpsters located at 4 neighborhood locations(Bailey's by Robert Caryle's, Crestline @ East Grade, East Grade at the highest turnout, and by the Lodge).to dispose of spoiled food.There will be plastic bags, gloves and disinfectent for everyone to get this first task done.
FEMA, the Red Cross, and the DPLU have inspected all the damage and are putting reports together.
The water systems are full and pure and ready to flow.
We are ready to assist residents in removing the barricade gel from the homes with the fire engines.
We will close off the neighborhood roads with fire engines to allow only residents in only just like we try during snow.
There will be food and supplies from the red cross at the summit landing zone for residents and firefighters.
The PMVFD Fire Station will be the local command center for resident to report problems and get assistance.
Be careful re lighting and propane units and be careful running and fueling generators.
Everyone be kind and understanding to each other.
I am very proud of the Palomar Community !!!!!!!.
HIGHWAY 76 OPENS AT 9 A.M.
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, the La Jolla Reservation, the Palomar Mountain community area and the Highway 76 corridor from the Valley Center Road/Rincon Ranch Road area to the Lake Henshaw Resort area are being opened to residents and businesses only.
All residents return to these areas are reminded to be cuatious and drive slowly due to fire equipment and personnel in the area.
Residents are encouraged to minimize travel and traffic in the area.
The following road conditions will be in effect:
Hwy 76 from VC Road/Rincon Ranch Road to the Lake Henshaw Resort area just east of East Grade Road will be opened.
Nate Harrison Grade north of Hwy 76 will be opened.
Harrah's Rincon Resort is currently open and serving patrons.
Casino Pauma is currently open and serving patrons.
No areas remain closed.
All residents return to these areas are reminded to be cuatious and drive slowly due to fire equipment and personnel in the area.
Residents are encouraged to minimize travel and traffic in the area.
The following road conditions will be in effect:
Hwy 76 from VC Road/Rincon Ranch Road to the Lake Henshaw Resort area just east of East Grade Road will be opened.
Nate Harrison Grade north of Hwy 76 will be opened.
Harrah's Rincon Resort is currently open and serving patrons.
Casino Pauma is currently open and serving patrons.
No areas remain closed.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
SMOKED THANKSGIVING TURKEYS
The Valley Center Opitimists will be selling smoked Thankgiving hams beginning Friday, November 16 through Tuesday November 20 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Wednesday November 21 between between 9 a.m.to noon in front of Fat Ivor's Rib Rack on Valley Center Road. Points of contact are Bill Paulson (751-3339) and Ron Rayhawk (749-4295). Proceeds will again go to Valley Center youth programs and scholarships.
PALOMAR MTN. REMAINS CLOSED
The following is an update from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:
"The POOMACHA FIRE is now 70% contained, and has burned 49,540 acres. Pending favorable weather conditions, a large burnout operation of 3,500 acres could be conducted in the Agua Tibia Wilderness/Palomar Mountain area within the established control lines of the fire. Residents in the surrounding areas should anticipate a large plume of smoke. This operation is being conducted to clean up unburned fuels within the fire perimeter. Focus is continued with structure protection and perimeter control. Control lines have been tied into the WITCH FIRE. In an effort to return residents to the La Jolla area, heavy mop up and patrol continues to ensure the valley area is safe. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today. The fire is within the Aqua Tibia Wilderness, and control operations within this area are difficult given the steep terrain and inaccessibility. Communities still threatened: Mt. Palomar Community, Palomar Observatory, Crosley Homestead & Dripping Springs Major problems and concerns: Conditions were not favorable for firing operations today. Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Moderate runs upslope interior of burn. Steep inaccessible terrain on North and Northwest side of fire. Dozer and hand line have been completed around slopovers in some areas, but are still of concern. Today’s observed fire behavior: Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Short uphill runs to ridgetops within the interior of the burn. Actions planned for next operational period: Continue structure protection and perimeter control. Firing operations to continue as weather and conditions allow. Continue to implement strategies to minimize the impacts to the Agua Tibia Wilderness. Burnout operations will continue on indirect line constructed in the Agua Tibia Wilderness as conditions allow. 76 East open to Rincon Ranch Road 76 still closed from Rincon Ranch Road to Lake Henshaw Palomar Mt. still closed."
"The POOMACHA FIRE is now 70% contained, and has burned 49,540 acres. Pending favorable weather conditions, a large burnout operation of 3,500 acres could be conducted in the Agua Tibia Wilderness/Palomar Mountain area within the established control lines of the fire. Residents in the surrounding areas should anticipate a large plume of smoke. This operation is being conducted to clean up unburned fuels within the fire perimeter. Focus is continued with structure protection and perimeter control. Control lines have been tied into the WITCH FIRE. In an effort to return residents to the La Jolla area, heavy mop up and patrol continues to ensure the valley area is safe. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today. The fire is within the Aqua Tibia Wilderness, and control operations within this area are difficult given the steep terrain and inaccessibility. Communities still threatened: Mt. Palomar Community, Palomar Observatory, Crosley Homestead & Dripping Springs Major problems and concerns: Conditions were not favorable for firing operations today. Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Moderate runs upslope interior of burn. Steep inaccessible terrain on North and Northwest side of fire. Dozer and hand line have been completed around slopovers in some areas, but are still of concern. Today’s observed fire behavior: Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Short uphill runs to ridgetops within the interior of the burn. Actions planned for next operational period: Continue structure protection and perimeter control. Firing operations to continue as weather and conditions allow. Continue to implement strategies to minimize the impacts to the Agua Tibia Wilderness. Burnout operations will continue on indirect line constructed in the Agua Tibia Wilderness as conditions allow. 76 East open to Rincon Ranch Road 76 still closed from Rincon Ranch Road to Lake Henshaw Palomar Mt. still closed."
REPOPULATION OF PALOMAR AREA NOT CONTINGENT ON ELECTRICITY
Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia provided the following briefing this morning:
Update as per this morning briefing:
Yesterday's proposed backfire to be done in the wilderness area (Aqua Tibia) division Q was not done due to bad weather conditions.
They will try again today so there may be fire and smoke visible from the north side of Palomar Mountain.
All fire units assigned on top of Palomar Mountain will remain in place due to the Santa Ana Weather event predicted for this weekend.
The Fire remains heavy and dangerous. Re population of the Palomar Mountain residential neighborhoods is a top priority and not contingent on electricity.
It is only when the roadway's are safe and repairs and any fire danger has passed (new winds could start a hot spot into a unburned area).
We are making many plans and provisions for the return of the Palomar Residents such as large 30 yard containers for spoiled foods at 3 neighborhood locations. These spots will include plastic bags, gloves and disinfectent.
The Red Cross is set up on the helipad and will feed everyone with hot meals for as long as we need.
The Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department continues the fire patrols in our local residential neighborhoods 24/7 to watch hot spots and security.
The work on Hwy 76 may be complete by Wednesday and Cal Trans understands the need to open that route.
Anyone who must return due to business (livestock-operations) may get a pass from the SDSO.
Please do not abuse this privilege.
Thank you everyone for your understanding and support.
My cell phone is on for anyone who has a specific concern.
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
firechief97@aol.com
george.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
Update as per this morning briefing:
Yesterday's proposed backfire to be done in the wilderness area (Aqua Tibia) division Q was not done due to bad weather conditions.
They will try again today so there may be fire and smoke visible from the north side of Palomar Mountain.
All fire units assigned on top of Palomar Mountain will remain in place due to the Santa Ana Weather event predicted for this weekend.
The Fire remains heavy and dangerous. Re population of the Palomar Mountain residential neighborhoods is a top priority and not contingent on electricity.
It is only when the roadway's are safe and repairs and any fire danger has passed (new winds could start a hot spot into a unburned area).
We are making many plans and provisions for the return of the Palomar Residents such as large 30 yard containers for spoiled foods at 3 neighborhood locations. These spots will include plastic bags, gloves and disinfectent.
The Red Cross is set up on the helipad and will feed everyone with hot meals for as long as we need.
The Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department continues the fire patrols in our local residential neighborhoods 24/7 to watch hot spots and security.
The work on Hwy 76 may be complete by Wednesday and Cal Trans understands the need to open that route.
Anyone who must return due to business (livestock-operations) may get a pass from the SDSO.
Please do not abuse this privilege.
Thank you everyone for your understanding and support.
My cell phone is on for anyone who has a specific concern.
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
firechief97@aol.com
george.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
Monday, October 29, 2007
TRICK OR TREAT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL
Diane Conaway gave us the following:
"I was at the high school today when they were working on Halloween plans for
everyone still in the high school gym. Will you please put out the word that
we'll be trunk or treating at the high school on Wed. night at 6 PM in the
upper parking lot (in front of the administration building)? Plan to arrive
a few minutes early to get a parking spot and bring lots of candy. Everyone
is invited."
St. Stephens Church is also hosting a Trunk or Treat in their parking lot and organizing them to walk down with their parents. And everyone is welcome to trick or treat in the Woods Valley Development, according to resident Dana Chisholm.
"I was at the high school today when they were working on Halloween plans for
everyone still in the high school gym. Will you please put out the word that
we'll be trunk or treating at the high school on Wed. night at 6 PM in the
upper parking lot (in front of the administration building)? Plan to arrive
a few minutes early to get a parking spot and bring lots of candy. Everyone
is invited."
St. Stephens Church is also hosting a Trunk or Treat in their parking lot and organizing them to walk down with their parents. And everyone is welcome to trick or treat in the Woods Valley Development, according to resident Dana Chisholm.
POOMACHA FIRE IS 70% CONTAINED
The Poomacha Fire is 49,540 acres and 70% contained. Full containment is expected on Oct. 31 and full control on Nov. 5. There are 2,793 firefighters assigned. There have been 21 injuries to firefighters. Cost to date $8.8 million. 143 homes, 77 outbuildings destroyed. Four homes, 12 outbuildings damaged. In addition to the structures destroyed, there were 363 vehicles destroyed.
FLU SHOTS OFFERED AT LACS
Flu Shots Offered at County’s Local Assistance Centers
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is offering flu shots at its Local Assistance Centers (LACs) for residents affected by the fires. They are located at:
· Fallbrook:
Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, 92028
· Ramona:
Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road, Ramona, 92065
· Rancho San Diego:
Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon 92109
The hours of operation for the above centers are:
Mon – Fri 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Rancho Bernardo LAC is also offering flu shots. It is located at:
Glassman Recreation Center
18448 West Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
Mon – Fri 7a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is offering flu shots at its Local Assistance Centers (LACs) for residents affected by the fires. They are located at:
· Fallbrook:
Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, Fallbrook, 92028
· Ramona:
Ramona Community School, 1710 Montecito Road, Ramona, 92065
· Rancho San Diego:
Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon 92109
The hours of operation for the above centers are:
Mon – Fri 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Rancho Bernardo LAC is also offering flu shots. It is located at:
Glassman Recreation Center
18448 West Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
Mon – Fri 7a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
YUIMA WATER HOLDS ITS OWN DURING CRISIS
The following is a report from Linden Burzell, general manager of the Yuima Municipal Water District, which serves a large portion of Pauma Valley:
"Yuima lost no water system facilities to the fire, and adequate supplies to meet health and safety needs were available system-wide throughout the emergency.
A portion of the District did lose SDG&E power, with two main consequences:
(1) power was temporarily interrupted to several chlorinators, resulting in low chlorine levels for short periods during the transition from main power to generators. As a safety precaution, a "Boil Water" order was issued for the District on October 24th, to remain in effect until system-wide testing shows that water at all points is in compliance with health standards. We expect to be able to cancel the order on or about Thursday, 1 November.
(2) backup power to some pump stations was adequate for only 50% operation -- hence the mandatory restriction on irrigation from Tuesday through Monday (23-29 October) in order to protect water in storage for health and safety needs. The temporary restrictions on irrigation were lifted this morning, Monday the 29th, when main power was restored.
We have had second-hand reports of some other issues in the mutual water companies that are not served or managed by Yuima; first-hand updates on the mutuals should probably come directly from Rancho Estates Mutual Water Company (contact: J.P. Bartkowski - 473-5821) and Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company (contact: Earl Rutz - 742-3443).
Call or email if you need more details."
"Yuima lost no water system facilities to the fire, and adequate supplies to meet health and safety needs were available system-wide throughout the emergency.
A portion of the District did lose SDG&E power, with two main consequences:
(1) power was temporarily interrupted to several chlorinators, resulting in low chlorine levels for short periods during the transition from main power to generators. As a safety precaution, a "Boil Water" order was issued for the District on October 24th, to remain in effect until system-wide testing shows that water at all points is in compliance with health standards. We expect to be able to cancel the order on or about Thursday, 1 November.
(2) backup power to some pump stations was adequate for only 50% operation -- hence the mandatory restriction on irrigation from Tuesday through Monday (23-29 October) in order to protect water in storage for health and safety needs. The temporary restrictions on irrigation were lifted this morning, Monday the 29th, when main power was restored.
We have had second-hand reports of some other issues in the mutual water companies that are not served or managed by Yuima; first-hand updates on the mutuals should probably come directly from Rancho Estates Mutual Water Company (contact: J.P. Bartkowski - 473-5821) and Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company (contact: Earl Rutz - 742-3443).
Call or email if you need more details."
FIRE 65% CONTAINED
The Poomacha fire is 65% contained according to CalFire. About 2,600 personnel are assigned to the fire, which has destroyed an estimated 136 homes with 500 still threatened.
YOU MAY SEE SMOKE NEAR CUCA
The County is advising residents that firefighters are planning to conduct a firing operation on the northeast corner of the Poomacha Fire today near Cuca Valley.
A back fire is a fire set along the inner edge of a fire perimeter to consume the fuel in the path of a wildfire. Today’s controlled burn will cover about 3,500 acres.
Residents may see smoke in the area.
Residents can get the latest information about the status of the fires by visiting the County of San Diego’s Emergency Web site at
A back fire is a fire set along the inner edge of a fire perimeter to consume the fuel in the path of a wildfire. Today’s controlled burn will cover about 3,500 acres.
Residents may see smoke in the area.
Residents can get the latest information about the status of the fires by visiting the County of San Diego’s Emergency Web site at
FRAUDULENT RELIEF SOLICITATIONS!
WATCH OUT FOR FRAUDULENT SOLICITATIONS
Now that the fires have passed the vultures have flown in to try to nab a few tasty treats.
Readers are already starting to get phone calls solicitating donations for the Valley Center Fire Protection District.
Those phone calls are FRAUDS!
Also, the folks selling T-shirts “memorializing” the fire are working for themselves and no one else. Their profits are not going to any local relief effort.
Now that the fires have passed the vultures have flown in to try to nab a few tasty treats.
Readers are already starting to get phone calls solicitating donations for the Valley Center Fire Protection District.
Those phone calls are FRAUDS!
Also, the folks selling T-shirts “memorializing” the fire are working for themselves and no one else. Their profits are not going to any local relief effort.
REVERSE 911 NOW AVAILABLE FOR CELLS
Last week, when about a million people were evacuated throughout San Diego County, a key element was the Reverse 911 system.
But people with cell phones and some who get their phone lines through cable companies or VoIP, or those with emails, have been left out.
Now such people can be included in this life-saving system.
Residents who live in San Diego County, which includes all 18 cities and the unincorporated areas of the County, are encouraged to register their cell phones and e-mail addresses for emergency notifications by visiting www.alertsandiego.org/ within the next few days.
Possible moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are forecast for next weekend, according to Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn, who urged resident this week to take advantage of this new service.
Once e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers are registered, it will take up to 24 hours for that information to be updated into AlertSanDiego, the County of San Diego mass notification system that is commonly referred to Reverse 911.
People without a computer at home can access the Web site at county libraries.
This system, called AlertSanDiego, will be used by emergency response personnel to notify those homes and businesses at risk with information on the event and/or actions (such as evacuation) that the County is asking them to take.
The system utilizes the region’s 9-1-1 database, provided by the local telephone company(ies), and thus is able to contact land-line telephones whether listed or unlisted.
It is TTY/TDD capable. If the call is picked up by an answering machine, the system will leave a voice message. If the telephone called is busy or does not answer, the system will redial that number up to three times in an attempt to deliver the message.
But people with cell phones and some who get their phone lines through cable companies or VoIP, or those with emails, have been left out.
Now such people can be included in this life-saving system.
Residents who live in San Diego County, which includes all 18 cities and the unincorporated areas of the County, are encouraged to register their cell phones and e-mail addresses for emergency notifications by visiting www.alertsandiego.org/ within the next few days.
Possible moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are forecast for next weekend, according to Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn, who urged resident this week to take advantage of this new service.
Once e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers are registered, it will take up to 24 hours for that information to be updated into AlertSanDiego, the County of San Diego mass notification system that is commonly referred to Reverse 911.
People without a computer at home can access the Web site at county libraries.
This system, called AlertSanDiego, will be used by emergency response personnel to notify those homes and businesses at risk with information on the event and/or actions (such as evacuation) that the County is asking them to take.
The system utilizes the region’s 9-1-1 database, provided by the local telephone company(ies), and thus is able to contact land-line telephones whether listed or unlisted.
It is TTY/TDD capable. If the call is picked up by an answering machine, the system will leave a voice message. If the telephone called is busy or does not answer, the system will redial that number up to three times in an attempt to deliver the message.
A THANK YOU FROM CINDY WESTON
I wish to send a thank you somehow to Mike Gratzl Grading in VC for his team of dozer operators and swampers who worked for so many days and hours cutting fire breaks around the side of LaJolla reservation and near Cuca and Palomar ,Rey River Ranch, They were one of the few dozer crews on the mountain for days!!! They are still up there working. Unsung heros who do not get the recognition because they dont wear the untiform of CDF or Cal Fire. If there is a way you can add this thankyou to them Id appreciate it . Candy W
RESTORING POWER, SORT OF
RESTORING ELECTRICITY, SORT OF
SDG&E isn’t being particularly helpful in stating who will get power back and when.
They refer people to their Web site: http://outages.sdge.com/publicOutageWeb/servlet/OutageList
They say that 97% will be restored by this weekend, but they don’t say which 97%.
Over 25,000 people were without power at the height of the wildfires last week, however many local residents are still without power.
Currently over 5,200 are without power, but 750 crew members are working to restore them.
Most of the effected homes are along Hwy 76, in Pauma Valley, Pala and on Palomar Mountain.
San Diego Gas & Electric Co. says it could be until Nov. 11 for those folks to get their power back, although they
In Pala 49 poles were damaged. Fire damaged overhead wires and poles. Six poles will need to be set with a helicopter on Nov. 2.
In Valley Center and parts of Pauma Valley fire damaged the substation and overhead wire and 14 poles. Crews are on scene working.
SDG&E reports that 95% of homes in VC and Pauma have been restored.
On Palomar Mountain, in the state park area 15 poles were damaged near the substation. Service restoration to 150 customers was anticipated by Sunday, but had not yet happened on Monday. Crews are working in very difficult terrain.
About 1,200 utility poles and 60 transformers were damaged. So far 170 new poles have been restored.
SDG&E isn’t being particularly helpful in stating who will get power back and when.
They refer people to their Web site: http://outages.sdge.com/publicOutageWeb/servlet/OutageList
They say that 97% will be restored by this weekend, but they don’t say which 97%.
Over 25,000 people were without power at the height of the wildfires last week, however many local residents are still without power.
Currently over 5,200 are without power, but 750 crew members are working to restore them.
Most of the effected homes are along Hwy 76, in Pauma Valley, Pala and on Palomar Mountain.
San Diego Gas & Electric Co. says it could be until Nov. 11 for those folks to get their power back, although they
In Pala 49 poles were damaged. Fire damaged overhead wires and poles. Six poles will need to be set with a helicopter on Nov. 2.
In Valley Center and parts of Pauma Valley fire damaged the substation and overhead wire and 14 poles. Crews are on scene working.
SDG&E reports that 95% of homes in VC and Pauma have been restored.
On Palomar Mountain, in the state park area 15 poles were damaged near the substation. Service restoration to 150 customers was anticipated by Sunday, but had not yet happened on Monday. Crews are working in very difficult terrain.
About 1,200 utility poles and 60 transformers were damaged. So far 170 new poles have been restored.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
SOME NEWS ON CUCA RANCH
I received this post from some Cuca Ranch folks a short time ago:
"Those of us at the West Cuca Ranch want to let
everyone on the mountain know that if there is any thing we
can can do or provide, please just ask.
All of our homes on Calle El Potrero, ( just below
South Grade), are in good shape and all of our homes were
saved thanks to Cheif Lucia and Barricade. I am be
eternally grateful for having been given the
opportunity to be invited to PMVFD's demonstration on Barricade.
FYI: I did speak with John from Barracade and he said
that it will take a pressure washer to get it off the
houses if it's been a few days since it was sprayed
on, especially with the heat. Please pass this on if
anyone is interested.
I also spoke with Nick Ricchiutti who is in Colorado
and he said that there place off of East Grade was fine
at this point. Nick and I are childhood friends.
Please continue to keep in touch and we will all get
through this together.
Also, the information below is the name of someone who has
some Honda generators. He seems very helpful. Give him
a call if you or anyone needs one.
"Cory Foster"
phone is 858-449-5909 email is
cory@coryfostersales.com
Crystal Wells
760-331-7252
31924 Calle El Potrero,
Pauma
crystalwells99@cox.net"
"Those of us at the West Cuca Ranch want to let
everyone on the mountain know that if there is any thing we
can can do or provide, please just ask.
All of our homes on Calle El Potrero, ( just below
South Grade), are in good shape and all of our homes were
saved thanks to Cheif Lucia and Barricade. I am be
eternally grateful for having been given the
opportunity to be invited to PMVFD's demonstration on Barricade.
FYI: I did speak with John from Barracade and he said
that it will take a pressure washer to get it off the
houses if it's been a few days since it was sprayed
on, especially with the heat. Please pass this on if
anyone is interested.
I also spoke with Nick Ricchiutti who is in Colorado
and he said that there place off of East Grade was fine
at this point. Nick and I are childhood friends.
Please continue to keep in touch and we will all get
through this together.
Also, the information below is the name of someone who has
some Honda generators. He seems very helpful. Give him
a call if you or anyone needs one.
"Cory Foster"
phone is 858-449-5909 email is
Crystal Wells
760-331-7252
31924 Calle El Potrero,
Pauma
ASSISTANCE CENTERS
The County has established four Local Assistance Centers (LACs) to provide held from County, State and Federal agencies to those who have suffered losses through the fires.
Fallbrook
Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Rancho San Diego
Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy
El Cajon, CA 92109
Ramona
Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Rd.
Ramona CA 92065
Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo-Glassman
Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
You will find building and environmental health professinals, American Red Cross, California Office of Emergency Services, Small Business Adminstration, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Property Tax reduction information, utilities and various volunteer organizations.
For FEMA disaster assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA or apply online: www.fema.gov. Temporary FEMA registration centers are located at the Rincon Fire Station and Valley Center High School.
San Diego County Fire Recovering Hotline: dial "211
County Road information: Dial "511"
County Fire Recovery Web site: http://sdcountyrecovery.com
Fallbrook
Fallbrook Community Center
341 Heald Lane
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Rancho San Diego
Cuyamaca College
900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy
El Cajon, CA 92109
Ramona
Ramona Community School
1710 Montecito Rd.
Ramona CA 92065
Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo-Glassman
Recreation Center
18448 W. Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
You will find building and environmental health professinals, American Red Cross, California Office of Emergency Services, Small Business Adminstration, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Property Tax reduction information, utilities and various volunteer organizations.
For FEMA disaster assistance call 1-800-621-FEMA or apply online: www.fema.gov. Temporary FEMA registration centers are located at the Rincon Fire Station and Valley Center High School.
San Diego County Fire Recovering Hotline: dial "211
County Road information: Dial "511"
County Fire Recovery Web site: http://sdcountyrecovery.com
HOW THE POOMOCHA FIRE STARTED
By DAVID ROSS
Sunday afternoon those who got the word were able to hear the latest fire information from the mouths of the incident commanders who have been in charge of the Poomacha fire from the star. It was an all-star gathering of emergency honchos at the quad at Valley Center High School.
As helicopters dangling water buckets fly by overhead from their base at Blackington airport and continued east to drop water on the fire, the various officers of the combined incident command structure told a little about how they had first reacted to the fire and then what residents might expect now.
The Poomacha fire was the last of the major fires that have been burning to start. It is estimated to have started about 3:09 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the La Jolla Indian reservation, probably from a burning building. No one knows yet exactly how the fire started.
But what is known is that it spread very rapidly from its inception. The first incident commander was Wes Ruise, fire chief at the La Jolla Reservation. By the time the chief arrived the fire had spread to five acres. That's when he gave it the name: Poomacha, which means "valley" in the tribe's language.
"I wish now that I had given it an easier name," joked Ruise Sunday.
Within a few minutes 20 acres were burning and it had spread west to the Cuca Ranch and into the Bell property. At first the firefighters tried to save structures, using the method of letting the fire go past the house, and then going back to put out the burning embers.
But soon they realized that they were outclassed. "When you have more structures burning than you have people—you can do the math," said Ruise.
The fire moved FAST¡
By 8:30 a.m. it had crossed South Grade and into the State Park area of Palomar Mountain near Boucher point. It burned 23,000 acres in its first five hours. It had also crested the ridge at Yellow Brick Road.
At this point Div. Chief Mike Bratton took over command of the incident, bringing in Cal Fire.
Because it was the last major fire to start in San Diego County, there were fewer resources to throw at it. Kevin O'Leary, CalFire Battalion Chief and VC Fire Chief, took independent action and brought in as many engines as he could.
By this time most of Valley Center had been given the reverse 911 call and were on the move out of the area, or to the high school evacuation center.
They realized that the fire was too big and moving too fast to react locally. Fortunately CalFire, which had three incident command teams at work in San Diego, had put another one, Team 4, in reserve in Riverside County.
"It's actually quite amazing that we had that one available," said Bratton.
Because Valley Center residents for the most part had been evaucated by the reverse 911 calls CalFire was able to respond to the actual fire more efficiently, rather than worrying about having to rescue people caught in the blaze.
At this point the fire was large enough to qualify for a Major Fire Incident Command, run by the state. Incident Commander Dave Ault explained: "When we got here the local resource drain was almost insurmountable."
Alt arrived to take command at 8 p.m. Wednesday. They slowly built up the number of firefighters. Currently there are about 2,600 firefighters battling the blaze.
Residents are still seeing a lot of smoke coming off the mountain. But a lot of that is brush that is within the lines of containment that have been drawn around the blaze. In other words, it's burning in areas that have already been overrun.
That fire is in steep and often impossible terrain for hand crews to reach. Fortunately there are about 23 aircraft taking part in the battle. That includes ten fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters.
Authorities predict that they will have drawn a line completely around the Poomacha fire in two days time. It is currently 35-40% contained.
"Up here on the mountain is our main concern," Ault commented. "We now have a small sector with an active fire line."
Currently damage assessment teams are going through the burned regions to identify all of the houses that have burned. It is estimated that the fire has destroyed 136 homes.
At Sunday's meeting Chief O'Leary complimented high school Principal Ron McCowan for his take-charge attitude in organizing the evacuation center at the high school when the Red Cross was unavailable. At one point 3,000 people were at the center. "Our principal took command, aided by a very few staff members and our local CERT team," said O'Leary. McCowan was given a round of applause.
But once the fire is past a new danger looms. "Now the runs are coming," said O'Leary. Any places denuded of brush will be prime candidates for mudslides.
Michael Ainza, assistant director of the County Dept. of Planning & Land Use, said that the County stands ready to help cut the red tape for those who need to rebuild. Most of those people are on the reservation, and so they won't need County assistance. However, anyone whose house burned down in unincorporated land will need to go through the process. Residents should be aware that if they are rebuilding a home that was built in some earlier decade that the rebuilding will be subject to new building codes. This caused a great deal of problem for residents after the 2003. However, the County will be showing it's kinder and gentler side by not charging fees to rebuild for the first year.
Sunday afternoon those who got the word were able to hear the latest fire information from the mouths of the incident commanders who have been in charge of the Poomacha fire from the star. It was an all-star gathering of emergency honchos at the quad at Valley Center High School.
As helicopters dangling water buckets fly by overhead from their base at Blackington airport and continued east to drop water on the fire, the various officers of the combined incident command structure told a little about how they had first reacted to the fire and then what residents might expect now.
The Poomacha fire was the last of the major fires that have been burning to start. It is estimated to have started about 3:09 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23 in the La Jolla Indian reservation, probably from a burning building. No one knows yet exactly how the fire started.
But what is known is that it spread very rapidly from its inception. The first incident commander was Wes Ruise, fire chief at the La Jolla Reservation. By the time the chief arrived the fire had spread to five acres. That's when he gave it the name: Poomacha, which means "valley" in the tribe's language.
"I wish now that I had given it an easier name," joked Ruise Sunday.
Within a few minutes 20 acres were burning and it had spread west to the Cuca Ranch and into the Bell property. At first the firefighters tried to save structures, using the method of letting the fire go past the house, and then going back to put out the burning embers.
But soon they realized that they were outclassed. "When you have more structures burning than you have people—you can do the math," said Ruise.
The fire moved FAST¡
By 8:30 a.m. it had crossed South Grade and into the State Park area of Palomar Mountain near Boucher point. It burned 23,000 acres in its first five hours. It had also crested the ridge at Yellow Brick Road.
At this point Div. Chief Mike Bratton took over command of the incident, bringing in Cal Fire.
Because it was the last major fire to start in San Diego County, there were fewer resources to throw at it. Kevin O'Leary, CalFire Battalion Chief and VC Fire Chief, took independent action and brought in as many engines as he could.
By this time most of Valley Center had been given the reverse 911 call and were on the move out of the area, or to the high school evacuation center.
They realized that the fire was too big and moving too fast to react locally. Fortunately CalFire, which had three incident command teams at work in San Diego, had put another one, Team 4, in reserve in Riverside County.
"It's actually quite amazing that we had that one available," said Bratton.
Because Valley Center residents for the most part had been evaucated by the reverse 911 calls CalFire was able to respond to the actual fire more efficiently, rather than worrying about having to rescue people caught in the blaze.
At this point the fire was large enough to qualify for a Major Fire Incident Command, run by the state. Incident Commander Dave Ault explained: "When we got here the local resource drain was almost insurmountable."
Alt arrived to take command at 8 p.m. Wednesday. They slowly built up the number of firefighters. Currently there are about 2,600 firefighters battling the blaze.
Residents are still seeing a lot of smoke coming off the mountain. But a lot of that is brush that is within the lines of containment that have been drawn around the blaze. In other words, it's burning in areas that have already been overrun.
That fire is in steep and often impossible terrain for hand crews to reach. Fortunately there are about 23 aircraft taking part in the battle. That includes ten fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters.
Authorities predict that they will have drawn a line completely around the Poomacha fire in two days time. It is currently 35-40% contained.
"Up here on the mountain is our main concern," Ault commented. "We now have a small sector with an active fire line."
Currently damage assessment teams are going through the burned regions to identify all of the houses that have burned. It is estimated that the fire has destroyed 136 homes.
At Sunday's meeting Chief O'Leary complimented high school Principal Ron McCowan for his take-charge attitude in organizing the evacuation center at the high school when the Red Cross was unavailable. At one point 3,000 people were at the center. "Our principal took command, aided by a very few staff members and our local CERT team," said O'Leary. McCowan was given a round of applause.
But once the fire is past a new danger looms. "Now the runs are coming," said O'Leary. Any places denuded of brush will be prime candidates for mudslides.
Michael Ainza, assistant director of the County Dept. of Planning & Land Use, said that the County stands ready to help cut the red tape for those who need to rebuild. Most of those people are on the reservation, and so they won't need County assistance. However, anyone whose house burned down in unincorporated land will need to go through the process. Residents should be aware that if they are rebuilding a home that was built in some earlier decade that the rebuilding will be subject to new building codes. This caused a great deal of problem for residents after the 2003. However, the County will be showing it's kinder and gentler side by not charging fees to rebuild for the first year.
NUMBER OF LOOTERS
Sheriff's Lt. Sean Gerrity tells me that there were only two looters during the evacuation. Both were in Pauma Valley. One was on Adams and the other was on Los Hermanos. Of course, as residents get settled and get a chance to resume their lives, they may find that the number of looters is higher.
"My goal was no looters," he says. He says that if there had been fewer residents who refused to evacuate that it would have been easier to apprehend the looters. "It's harder to catch the bad guys when you have to keep stopping and asking for ID from the good guys," he said.
"My goal was no looters," he says. He says that if there had been fewer residents who refused to evacuate that it would have been easier to apprehend the looters. "It's harder to catch the bad guys when you have to keep stopping and asking for ID from the good guys," he said.
BOIL WATER ORDER FOR RANCHO CORRIDO
Boil Water Order for Rancho Corrido RV Resort
The County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order for Rancho Corrido RV Resort, located at 14715 Hwy 76 in Pauma Valley.
Due to the fires this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. As a precaution a Boil Water Order is being issued until laboratory results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.
For more information on the Boil Water Order, please contact Glen Crowder at (760) 742-3755.
The County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order for Rancho Corrido RV Resort, located at 14715 Hwy 76 in Pauma Valley.
Due to the fires this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. As a precaution a Boil Water Order is being issued until laboratory results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.
For more information on the Boil Water Order, please contact Glen Crowder at (760) 742-3755.
PALOMAR FIRE IS 50% CONTAINED
Here is the latest bulletin from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:
"The Poomacha Fire is 50% contained and has burned 49,150 acres
Today crews will focus on continued structure protection and perimeter.. Control lines have been tied in to the Witch Fire, and are holding this area. The firing operations within branch 1 and 2 are complete (East Grade)
Mop up and patrol is underway within the valley areas (east grade/ hwy. 76).
The area around Pauma Reservation and Palomar Mountain are still active with fire and mop up will continue.
Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today.
The fire is within the Aqua Tibia Wilderness, and control operations within this area are difficult given the steep terrain and inaccessible.
Riverside County will see significant smoke.
The fire started during the morning of October 23.
The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.
There have been 18 minor injuries.
The fire is 50% contained
The fire has destroyed an estimated 136 homes.
No structures have been destroyed at the mountain top including webber ranch, Nate Harrison complex and the PCCC/6th grade school.
Over 2,123 fire personnel are assigned to this incident.
Fire and Law officials are continuing to assess the roads and infrastructures so that residents can return home soon and be safe.
A military marine wing support squadron has arrived as per the original plan and is supporting control efforts with a heavy equipment module which includes 4 D-10 dozers, and other support equipment.
There are 10 fixed wing aircraft assigned to the incident.
There are 13 helicopters assigned to the incident.
The Palomar Mountain continues to be off limits and please cooperate and stay out of the way.
If you must return due to a necessary business (live stock- water-crops) please get a pass from the SDSO / CHP for this purpose only.
We are almost there !!!
Hang on, everyone has been great."
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
firechief97@aol.com
george.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
"The Poomacha Fire is 50% contained and has burned 49,150 acres
Today crews will focus on continued structure protection and perimeter.. Control lines have been tied in to the Witch Fire, and are holding this area. The firing operations within branch 1 and 2 are complete (East Grade)
Mop up and patrol is underway within the valley areas (east grade/ hwy. 76).
The area around Pauma Reservation and Palomar Mountain are still active with fire and mop up will continue.
Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today.
The fire is within the Aqua Tibia Wilderness, and control operations within this area are difficult given the steep terrain and inaccessible.
Riverside County will see significant smoke.
The fire started during the morning of October 23.
The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.
There have been 18 minor injuries.
The fire is 50% contained
The fire has destroyed an estimated 136 homes.
No structures have been destroyed at the mountain top including webber ranch, Nate Harrison complex and the PCCC/6th grade school.
Over 2,123 fire personnel are assigned to this incident.
Fire and Law officials are continuing to assess the roads and infrastructures so that residents can return home soon and be safe.
A military marine wing support squadron has arrived as per the original plan and is supporting control efforts with a heavy equipment module which includes 4 D-10 dozers, and other support equipment.
There are 10 fixed wing aircraft assigned to the incident.
There are 13 helicopters assigned to the incident.
The Palomar Mountain continues to be off limits and please cooperate and stay out of the way.
If you must return due to a necessary business (live stock- water-crops) please get a pass from the SDSO / CHP for this purpose only.
We are almost there !!!
Hang on, everyone has been great."
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
BOIL WATER ORDER IN EFFECT IN PAUMA
The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order for the Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company, located at 15907 Pauma Reservoir Road in Pauma Valley and the West Cuca Mutual Water Company, located at 20001 Hwy 76 in Pauma Valley.
Due to the fires these public water systems lost pressure in their water distribution systems. As a precaution a Boil Water Order is being issued until laboratory results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.
For more information on the Boil Water Order for the Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company, please contact Earl Rutz at (760) 728-7171.
For more information on the Boil Water Order for the West Cuca Mutual Water System, please contact Shane Fitzgerald at (760) 742-4292.
Due to the fires these public water systems lost pressure in their water distribution systems. As a precaution a Boil Water Order is being issued until laboratory results show the water is free from bacterial contamination.
For more information on the Boil Water Order for the Pauma Valley Mutual Water Company, please contact Earl Rutz at (760) 728-7171.
For more information on the Boil Water Order for the West Cuca Mutual Water System, please contact Shane Fitzgerald at (760) 742-4292.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
IMPORTANT FIRE MEETING SUNDAY
The Unified Command Team will provide a briefing on the Poomacha Fire Sunday, Oct. 28, 4 p.m. at the Valley Center High School. They will provide the most current information on the progression of the fire. The public is invited to attend.
THE LATEST ON THE PALOMAR MTN. FIGHT
Here's the latest from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia about the fire fighting efforts on Palomar Mountain:
"Control Objectives:
Keep fire west of highway 79
Keep fire east of highway 15
Keep fire south of highway 79
Keep fire north of the Witch Fire and highway 78
The cold trail line (mop up to 300' to interface and 100 mop up around structures) has been completed between Crestline/Birch Hill and East Grade. This safe line is growing everyday.
The active fire fight continues past Morgan Hill and Webber Ranch with heavy Dozer operations and aircraft support as per the operations plan. This operation was hampered at 4pm due to bad visibility due to smoke and clouds. Helicopter drops continued while fixed wing units were grounded.
This remains the active fire area with the Observatory being protected by many crews.
Back firing operations continue tonight's around the Palomar Christian Conference Center and the 6th grade school complex tonight.
Light rain and some humidity will assist fire surpression efforts tonight.
Reminder that no one may be on the mountain and it remains dangerous.
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
firechief97@aol.com
george.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
"The Thin Red Line" "
"Control Objectives:
Keep fire west of highway 79
Keep fire east of highway 15
Keep fire south of highway 79
Keep fire north of the Witch Fire and highway 78
The cold trail line (mop up to 300' to interface and 100 mop up around structures) has been completed between Crestline/Birch Hill and East Grade. This safe line is growing everyday.
The active fire fight continues past Morgan Hill and Webber Ranch with heavy Dozer operations and aircraft support as per the operations plan. This operation was hampered at 4pm due to bad visibility due to smoke and clouds. Helicopter drops continued while fixed wing units were grounded.
This remains the active fire area with the Observatory being protected by many crews.
Back firing operations continue tonight's around the Palomar Christian Conference Center and the 6th grade school complex tonight.
Light rain and some humidity will assist fire surpression efforts tonight.
Reminder that no one may be on the mountain and it remains dangerous.
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
Palomar Mountain Fire Department
SD Station 97 (CSA 110)
cell-760-644-9933
firechief97@aol.com
george.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
"The Thin Red Line" "
CAN ANYWONE ANSWER THIS QUESTION?
Can any of my readers help this gentleman?
Name: David Gunn
Phone Number: 807-1440 (cell)
Message: I evacuated from Upper Hellhole and wish I hadn't. I can't get any news from up there here in San Diego. The media doesn't understand the VC geography when they do mention VC which is extremely rare. I can only get info from you; not even the Fire Dept. is very helpful.
I hate to bother the harried telephone people at the VCFD and your office. And it is expensive to drive up there to get very little info and we are being told to stay off the roads as much as possible.
Could you include just a bit more info in your blog? I have been told there is no structural damage in Upper Hellhole but I can get no info as to what is going on up there that keeps them from letting me back in. Nor will they give me any idea of when they will let us back in.
There are things at my place that need attention. I know I am not the only one hanging in the wind out here.
My wife says to tell the VCFD that she is as good a shovel "man" as they could get and we could help them put down hot spots. Take my word for it, she loves to swing that axe - splits up all our firewood after I cut rounds to length. We are tired of living out of the back end of our Ford Ranger at our daughter's house.
Anyway, we would be able to do better with a little more info, at least. I am sure that others swinging in the breeze would appreciate more info and it would save us from pestering you and the VCFD.
Thanks for what you are giving us.
Tell Us About You...: Resident (Non-subscriber)
Name: David Gunn
Phone Number: 807-1440 (cell)
Message: I evacuated from Upper Hellhole and wish I hadn't. I can't get any news from up there here in San Diego. The media doesn't understand the VC geography when they do mention VC which is extremely rare. I can only get info from you; not even the Fire Dept. is very helpful.
I hate to bother the harried telephone people at the VCFD and your office. And it is expensive to drive up there to get very little info and we are being told to stay off the roads as much as possible.
Could you include just a bit more info in your blog? I have been told there is no structural damage in Upper Hellhole but I can get no info as to what is going on up there that keeps them from letting me back in. Nor will they give me any idea of when they will let us back in.
There are things at my place that need attention. I know I am not the only one hanging in the wind out here.
My wife says to tell the VCFD that she is as good a shovel "man" as they could get and we could help them put down hot spots. Take my word for it, she loves to swing that axe - splits up all our firewood after I cut rounds to length. We are tired of living out of the back end of our Ford Ranger at our daughter's house.
Anyway, we would be able to do better with a little more info, at least. I am sure that others swinging in the breeze would appreciate more info and it would save us from pestering you and the VCFD.
Thanks for what you are giving us.
Tell Us About You...: Resident (Non-subscriber)
SCHOOL WILL OPEN WEDNESDAY
Talked to Assistant School Supt. Ken Clark on Friday and he confirmed that school will resume on Wednesday with the regular schedule. Classified staff are cleaning up (particularly at the high school, which was used as an evac center) all this weekend. They cleaned rooms on Friday and Monday will start outside. Staff will return on Monday as well. It's almost like returning from a vacation, eh?
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL CANCELLED
There will be no Halloween carnival this year.
Amy Archipov of the Teacher Parent Club sent the following:
"It has been determined by the VCPUSD School Administration that our 2007 Carnival be canceled this year, based on the unstable status of the community. Check
We appreciate all the efforts that have been done so far for this event and will save any donations for next year.
We are now focusing on the much needed recovery of our town and I have included below the info, attachments, and web links that I have received so far as to how we can contribute to these efforts."
Amy Archipov of the Teacher Parent Club sent the following:
"It has been determined by the VCPUSD School Administration that our 2007 Carnival be canceled this year, based on the unstable status of the community. Check
We appreciate all the efforts that have been done so far for this event and will save any donations for next year.
We are now focusing on the much needed recovery of our town and I have included below the info, attachments, and web links that I have received so far as to how we can contribute to these efforts."
WORDS FROM CHRIS THE WOODCUTTER!
I posted yesterday (I think) that Chris the Woodcutter's house had burned. But at that time no one I knew had heard from him. Well, here's something from him:
"Howdy everybody,
This is the first time that I have ever written a letter to a bunch
of people and I am not quite sure that I even want to send it.
Ashes are falling and the sky is overcast with the tremendous upsurge
of smoke. The fire is behind the observatory now into the Auga Tibia
wilderness. I am at the Randall ranch which is the finest wildlife
habitat left in the region, I am looking at a costa's hummingbird at
my feeder, Watching the deer steeling the grain and alphalpha left
for them and am pleased to see the brown towhee that hatched out in
the garage is feeding from the tractor disk that got the grain in it.
There is no one here as far as the eye can see. Reckon they are all
out there saving structures. Being somewhat sloppy and junkyard
oriented my place has already burned to the ground. Such a shame,
there was some really neat stuff there: Family history things,
Palomar prized wood and carving sort of stuff, tools given to me be
any number of really wonderful people. OOpps didn,t really want to
share all of that. Stuff aint all that important anyway?????
The Point that I wanted to make is that there is an incredible number
of people that want to use this place, hunt this place, play here,
hike here, profit by it, protect it, rule it, legislate it, love it,
gaurd it,
enjoy it, save it, improve it, clean it............
It is a gift from God that in this silence, surrounded by these
creatures, breathing the smoke, I am writing you, All is well on
Palomar
many happy days
love chris"
"Howdy everybody,
This is the first time that I have ever written a letter to a bunch
of people and I am not quite sure that I even want to send it.
Ashes are falling and the sky is overcast with the tremendous upsurge
of smoke. The fire is behind the observatory now into the Auga Tibia
wilderness. I am at the Randall ranch which is the finest wildlife
habitat left in the region, I am looking at a costa's hummingbird at
my feeder, Watching the deer steeling the grain and alphalpha left
for them and am pleased to see the brown towhee that hatched out in
the garage is feeding from the tractor disk that got the grain in it.
There is no one here as far as the eye can see. Reckon they are all
out there saving structures. Being somewhat sloppy and junkyard
oriented my place has already burned to the ground. Such a shame,
there was some really neat stuff there: Family history things,
Palomar prized wood and carving sort of stuff, tools given to me be
any number of really wonderful people. OOpps didn,t really want to
share all of that. Stuff aint all that important anyway?????
The Point that I wanted to make is that there is an incredible number
of people that want to use this place, hunt this place, play here,
hike here, profit by it, protect it, rule it, legislate it, love it,
gaurd it,
enjoy it, save it, improve it, clean it............
It is a gift from God that in this silence, surrounded by these
creatures, breathing the smoke, I am writing you, All is well on
Palomar
many happy days
love chris"
Poomacha Fire update
According to CAL FIRE, the Poomacha Fire is the only blaze in San Diego County with active flames along the perimeter. About 2,690 residents of the Palomar Mountain and Pauma Valley area remain under an evacuation order tonight, as the fire remains active in those communities. Fire officials will re-evaluate the situation tomorrow.
Friday, October 26, 2007
TWO CONFIRMED BURNS
Longtime Rincon resident Max Mazzetti came in the office today and confirmed that the house that he and his wife, Clarine built burned. They built the home in the 1950s. They are currently staying Escondido.
We also confirmed that Leo Calac's home burned.
We also confirmed that Leo Calac's home burned.
VALLEY CENTER ROAD REOPENS
VALLEY CENTER ROAD REOPENS TO HWY 76
At 10 a.m. the County reopened some roads to residents and business owners only.
The following road conditions will be in effect.
• The Rincon and San Pasqual Reservatins, and areas noroth of Lake Wohlford are being opened to residents and businesses only.
• The remainder of Valley Center Road will be opened, although the Hwy 76 access remains closed.
• Lake Wohlford Road/N. Lake Wohlford Road will be opened.
• Guejito Road south of Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
• Oakvale Road south of Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
• Paradise Mountain Road east of South Canal Road will remain closed.
• Cole Grade road rom McNally Road to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
• Lilac Road from McNally Road to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
• Hwy 76 from just east of Hwy 15 to Hwy 79 will remain closed.
• The Pala Casino and Casino Pauma will remain closed to public access at this time.
• Valley View Casino has reopened to local customers only. Check with Harrah’s Rincon to find out its schedule.
REMAINS CLOSED
The following areas will remain closed: Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch, Palomar Mountain, the Hwy 76 corridor from the Pala area to Hwy 79, the Pala, Pauma and La Jolla Indian Reservation; Rancho Heights, the areas south of Lake Wohlford, including the Bear Valley and Guejito Ranch areas.
At 10 a.m. the County reopened some roads to residents and business owners only.
The following road conditions will be in effect.
• The Rincon and San Pasqual Reservatins, and areas noroth of Lake Wohlford are being opened to residents and businesses only.
• The remainder of Valley Center Road will be opened, although the Hwy 76 access remains closed.
• Lake Wohlford Road/N. Lake Wohlford Road will be opened.
• Guejito Road south of Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
• Oakvale Road south of Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
• Paradise Mountain Road east of South Canal Road will remain closed.
• Cole Grade road rom McNally Road to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
• Lilac Road from McNally Road to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
• Hwy 76 from just east of Hwy 15 to Hwy 79 will remain closed.
• The Pala Casino and Casino Pauma will remain closed to public access at this time.
• Valley View Casino has reopened to local customers only. Check with Harrah’s Rincon to find out its schedule.
REMAINS CLOSED
The following areas will remain closed: Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch, Palomar Mountain, the Hwy 76 corridor from the Pala area to Hwy 79, the Pala, Pauma and La Jolla Indian Reservation; Rancho Heights, the areas south of Lake Wohlford, including the Bear Valley and Guejito Ranch areas.
MANDATORY EVACUATION
There is a mandatory evacuation of Lake Henshaw, Mesa Grande and La Jolla Indian Reservation. The EAS [I don't know what that stands for] message advises that 'Due to a fire from south and west residents in the area west of Hellhole Canyon have a mandatory evacuation order."
I'll post this on my blog too. Are you staying up late tonight?
I'll post this on my blog too. Are you staying up late tonight?
FIRES STILL BURNING
Just because many people are being let back into Valley Center, we should not forget that many of our neighbors are still under the threat of fire.
Thursday night Ray Flores, our photographer, and I took a drive along Hwy 76 to see what we could see. Between Pauma Valley and Palomar Mountain we saw several instances of homes that had burned.
We found the home of our great friend, the artist Chris the Woodcutter, which had sadly burned with all of those marvelous wood sculptures. Truly a tragedy!
We found evidence of fire up the South Grade, but at the top I was delighted to find that Crestline has not yet lost any homes. I even visited my own cabin and found that it was OK.
No electricity up there as yet, and probably won't be for another week. Ditto for returning residents. There's still too many spot fires burning. On the way up we saw many trees with glowing embers.
It is still dangerous up there. DO NOT GO UP THERE! The authorities will let you know when you can safely return.
We walked in on a staff debriefing with Chief George Lucia and his volunteers. Not enough can ever be said about these folks who saved their homes and that of their neighbors,and will continue to battle the menace along the fire lines.
It was heartening and deeply touching as the chief asked each of his firefighters to express his or her thoughts about the fire. I'll wrote more about this when i have a chance to think about it a little more.
I found out that most Palomar refugees are living the high life at a hotel evacuation center at Borrego Springs. Actually, I doubt that they are living the high life, but at least it's not the low life!
We continued our trip down the 76 to Casino Pauma where we drove into the eerily deserted parking lot and took a picture of a fire that appeared to be marching down the slopes overlooking the casino. That's part of Palomar Mountain also.
It looked either like a glowing necklace in the night or a lava flow. Choose your metaphors.
But it was part of a longer, meandering line of fires that stretched along the mountain, and appeared to me like it was moving down and menacing the valley. I'm not a fire professional, so don't take my word for that.
The latest fire report from CalFire refers to this area:
"Pauma Reservation and Palomar Mtn. areas are still active. Fire has entered the Aqua Tibia Wilderness. Control operations are difficult within this area due to steep terrain, inaccessibility and lack of crew resources. Active structure protection in Mt. Palomar area. 450 structures threatened. A general assessment of structures lost is in progress."
That's undoubtedly the glowing fires that people on Pauma Heights and the high school have been asking about.
It's certainly a concern.
More tomorrow.
Thursday night Ray Flores, our photographer, and I took a drive along Hwy 76 to see what we could see. Between Pauma Valley and Palomar Mountain we saw several instances of homes that had burned.
We found the home of our great friend, the artist Chris the Woodcutter, which had sadly burned with all of those marvelous wood sculptures. Truly a tragedy!
We found evidence of fire up the South Grade, but at the top I was delighted to find that Crestline has not yet lost any homes. I even visited my own cabin and found that it was OK.
No electricity up there as yet, and probably won't be for another week. Ditto for returning residents. There's still too many spot fires burning. On the way up we saw many trees with glowing embers.
It is still dangerous up there. DO NOT GO UP THERE! The authorities will let you know when you can safely return.
We walked in on a staff debriefing with Chief George Lucia and his volunteers. Not enough can ever be said about these folks who saved their homes and that of their neighbors,and will continue to battle the menace along the fire lines.
It was heartening and deeply touching as the chief asked each of his firefighters to express his or her thoughts about the fire. I'll wrote more about this when i have a chance to think about it a little more.
I found out that most Palomar refugees are living the high life at a hotel evacuation center at Borrego Springs. Actually, I doubt that they are living the high life, but at least it's not the low life!
We continued our trip down the 76 to Casino Pauma where we drove into the eerily deserted parking lot and took a picture of a fire that appeared to be marching down the slopes overlooking the casino. That's part of Palomar Mountain also.
It looked either like a glowing necklace in the night or a lava flow. Choose your metaphors.
But it was part of a longer, meandering line of fires that stretched along the mountain, and appeared to me like it was moving down and menacing the valley. I'm not a fire professional, so don't take my word for that.
The latest fire report from CalFire refers to this area:
"Pauma Reservation and Palomar Mtn. areas are still active. Fire has entered the Aqua Tibia Wilderness. Control operations are difficult within this area due to steep terrain, inaccessibility and lack of crew resources. Active structure protection in Mt. Palomar area. 450 structures threatened. A general assessment of structures lost is in progress."
That's undoubtedly the glowing fires that people on Pauma Heights and the high school have been asking about.
It's certainly a concern.
More tomorrow.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
CASINO OPEN FOR LOCALS
Valley View Casino will reopen Friday for locals only, since only local people are being allowed in yet. It's certainly a good place to get a meal if you've been a gypsy like some of us, or else been hanging out an evacuation center.
HORSE SHOE POSTPONED
The Vaqueros' Halloween Fun Show is being postponed from the 28th to Nov. 11. My source is Del Smith, the club's secretary.
SLOW HAND BAND
Patrician Grillo and the Slow Hand Band provided a nice concert Thursday night for the folks that are still at the Valley Center High School evacuation center.
DELI TO REOPEN IN THE MORNING
Abe Boulos us working hard to be able to open the Country Junction first thing in the morning as Valley Center continues to wake up.
FURTHER REFINEMENT OF WHO CAN GO HOME
Here's further information from the County as to which areas residents are being allowed back into.
Valley Center residents and businesses may reenter the following areas of Valley Center (according to Thomas Brothers maps):
MP 1029- B-7, C-7, D-7, D-6, D-5, E-5, F-4, G-4, H-4, J-4
MP 1030: A-4, B-4, C-4, D-5, E-5, F-6, F-7, G-7, H-7
MP 1049: A-1, B-1,
MP 1050: H-1, H-2, J-2, J-3, H-4, G-4, F-5, G-5, G-6, F-6
MP 1051: A-4, B-5, C-6, C-7. D-7
MP 1071: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, C-4, D-5, D-6, D-7
MP 1091: D-1, C-2
The following areas will remain closed: Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch; Palomar Mountain; the Highway 76 corridor from the Pala area to Highway 79; the Rincon, Pala, La Jolla, Pauma and San Pasqual Reservations; the Lake Wohlford area.
Updated road closure and opening information
Lake Wohlford Road will remain open.
Cole Grade Road south of McNalley Road will be opened.
Lilac Road south of McNalley Road will be opened.
Highway 76 from just east of Highway 15 to highway 79 will remain closed.
Valley Center residents and businesses may reenter the following areas of Valley Center (according to Thomas Brothers maps):
MP 1029- B-7, C-7, D-7, D-6, D-5, E-5, F-4, G-4, H-4, J-4
MP 1030: A-4, B-4, C-4, D-5, E-5, F-6, F-7, G-7, H-7
MP 1049: A-1, B-1,
MP 1050: H-1, H-2, J-2, J-3, H-4, G-4, F-5, G-5, G-6, F-6
MP 1051: A-4, B-5, C-6, C-7. D-7
MP 1071: E-1, E-2, E-3, E-4, C-4, D-5, D-6, D-7
MP 1091: D-1, C-2
The following areas will remain closed: Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch; Palomar Mountain; the Highway 76 corridor from the Pala area to Highway 79; the Rincon, Pala, La Jolla, Pauma and San Pasqual Reservations; the Lake Wohlford area.
Updated road closure and opening information
Lake Wohlford Road will remain open.
Cole Grade Road south of McNalley Road will be opened.
Lilac Road south of McNalley Road will be opened.
Highway 76 from just east of Highway 15 to highway 79 will remain closed.
SOME VC RESIDENTS LET BACK IN!
Official news from CalFire and the VC Sheriff's Dept.
Beginning at 2:30 some Valley Center residents are being allowed back into their homes.
It will be open to businesses and residents ONLY. No looky lus! ID will be checked.
This opening is only for residents on the west side of town.
Cole Grade Road, south of McNalley, will be opened.
Lilac Road, south of San Antonio Way, will be opened
Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
Higwy 76 east of hwy 15 to Hwy 79 will remain closed
Valley Center Road, from N. Lake Wohlford to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
Pala Casino, Pauma Casino, Harrah's Rincon Casino and Valley View casinos remain closed to public access.
The following areas remain CLOSED:
Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch
Palomar Mountain
Hwy 76 corridor from Pala area to Hwy 79
The Rincon, Pala, Pauma, La Jolla and San Pasqual Reservations.
The Lake Wohlford area.
Beginning at 2:30 some Valley Center residents are being allowed back into their homes.
It will be open to businesses and residents ONLY. No looky lus! ID will be checked.
This opening is only for residents on the west side of town.
Cole Grade Road, south of McNalley, will be opened.
Lilac Road, south of San Antonio Way, will be opened
Lake Wohlford Road will remain closed.
Higwy 76 east of hwy 15 to Hwy 79 will remain closed
Valley Center Road, from N. Lake Wohlford to Hwy 76 will remain closed.
Pala Casino, Pauma Casino, Harrah's Rincon Casino and Valley View casinos remain closed to public access.
The following areas remain CLOSED:
Paradise Mountain/Skyline Ranch
Palomar Mountain
Hwy 76 corridor from Pala area to Hwy 79
The Rincon, Pala, Pauma, La Jolla and San Pasqual Reservations.
The Lake Wohlford area.
VERY USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT
Jon Vick and Lael Montgomery have left the evacuation center and drove around in the Pauma area and filed the following report:
Dear Everyone,
Jon and I left the VC High School evacuation center this morning and are spending the day at home on McNally Road.
We've just returned from a reconnaisance mission to PV. We drove down Cole Grade Road and along Rte 76 in both directions covering the from a few miles west of the Pauma Indian Reservation and then east to the Pauma Store. At the Pauma Store we found chikcen breasts and a Forest Ranger. We also drove earlier this morning around 8A to the Pauma Valley Security Building at (just about) the corner of Cole Grade Road and Route 76 and met up with Augie at PV Security.
Here's what we saw and what the ranger and Augie told us.
The Valley floor -- on both sides of the road -- is NOT BURNED. Orchards are green, TY Nursery is green. Sam's Mountain up to the water tower is green, trees around the water tower are green. We saw no fire damage on the south side of Rte 76 between these two points. The Pauma Casino is fine. PVCC is fine. The San Luis Re river bed is fine. The farm is fine. Pretty much up to the first ridge line on the north side of Rte. 76 is green. The air is clearer than it was this morning. This morning we couldn't see the hills to the north of Rte 76.
Fires are burning though in spots about 1/2 mile north of the 76. The ranger told us that the fire was burning slowly now (at 1PM) along NORTH MESA ROAD. There is little to no wind. The ranger said that "they" are feeling that the wind has shifted; it is now blowing from the ocean, sending what remains of the fire back up the mountain into an area that has already burned. They are, he said, not worried about this section of Pauma Valley at this point. BUT, should the wind change the situation is still volatile.
There were (at 1PM) no air planes or heliocopters dousing these pockets of flame. The ranger told us that there are some ground crews up on the ridges. The ranger also said that some houses were lost on Quail (Road?) several days ago. He did not know the status of homes on South Mesa Road.
We saw Augie earlier today. He said pretty much the same thing AND that people would NOT be allowed back into PVCC until "Friday or Saturday." We've heard about "armed" National Guard folks at all the entrances to PV and VC but haven't seen them first hand.
South of Route 76 -- between Pauma Casino and Pauma Valley Country Club, is unburned. This is the only area we covered ourselves.
Dear Everyone,
Jon and I left the VC High School evacuation center this morning and are spending the day at home on McNally Road.
We've just returned from a reconnaisance mission to PV. We drove down Cole Grade Road and along Rte 76 in both directions covering the from a few miles west of the Pauma Indian Reservation and then east to the Pauma Store. At the Pauma Store we found chikcen breasts and a Forest Ranger. We also drove earlier this morning around 8A to the Pauma Valley Security Building at (just about) the corner of Cole Grade Road and Route 76 and met up with Augie at PV Security.
Here's what we saw and what the ranger and Augie told us.
The Valley floor -- on both sides of the road -- is NOT BURNED. Orchards are green, TY Nursery is green. Sam's Mountain up to the water tower is green, trees around the water tower are green. We saw no fire damage on the south side of Rte 76 between these two points. The Pauma Casino is fine. PVCC is fine. The San Luis Re river bed is fine. The farm is fine. Pretty much up to the first ridge line on the north side of Rte. 76 is green. The air is clearer than it was this morning. This morning we couldn't see the hills to the north of Rte 76.
Fires are burning though in spots about 1/2 mile north of the 76. The ranger told us that the fire was burning slowly now (at 1PM) along NORTH MESA ROAD. There is little to no wind. The ranger said that "they" are feeling that the wind has shifted; it is now blowing from the ocean, sending what remains of the fire back up the mountain into an area that has already burned. They are, he said, not worried about this section of Pauma Valley at this point. BUT, should the wind change the situation is still volatile.
There were (at 1PM) no air planes or heliocopters dousing these pockets of flame. The ranger told us that there are some ground crews up on the ridges. The ranger also said that some houses were lost on Quail (Road?) several days ago. He did not know the status of homes on South Mesa Road.
We saw Augie earlier today. He said pretty much the same thing AND that people would NOT be allowed back into PVCC until "Friday or Saturday." We've heard about "armed" National Guard folks at all the entrances to PV and VC but haven't seen them first hand.
South of Route 76 -- between Pauma Casino and Pauma Valley Country Club, is unburned. This is the only area we covered ourselves.
MAYBE HE HASN'T LEFT AFTER ALL
I'm getting conflicting reports on the Bush thing. Apparently his jet left to go to Pendleton to be refueled, but he's still in the area. We'll see if he and the big guy end up here after all. I hear that the president's security people are annoyed that we know about his trip and that it's a 'breach of national security' to have it on the blog. Well, tough cookies!
NEWS FROM PALOMAR MOUNTAIN
Joel Mendenhall and Jenna just came down to Henshaw from the Mountain and here is his report (as with all second hand reports, I can't personally vouch for this info):
"The fire burning up the South side of the mountain is looking really good. The East back-fired all the way down to and including Dyche Valley. The fire burning up towards the Christian Conference Center and toward French Valley is probably our biggest threat now.
We're sorry that some homes were burned on the South Grade and the down hill side of East Grade. However, the back fires that were set on East Grade probably are saving all of Crestline and Birch Hill.
Baileys and all of Canfield Road haven't burned."
"The fire burning up the South side of the mountain is looking really good. The East back-fired all the way down to and including Dyche Valley. The fire burning up towards the Christian Conference Center and toward French Valley is probably our biggest threat now.
We're sorry that some homes were burned on the South Grade and the down hill side of East Grade. However, the back fires that were set on East Grade probably are saving all of Crestline and Birch Hill.
Baileys and all of Canfield Road haven't burned."
APPRENTLY NO BUSH, MAYBE ARNOLD
Well, we know that Bush has left the area on his jet, so he's not going to be here today. But maybe Arnold. That's what I get for publishing a "report," instead of something that I've seen with someone else's eyes!
TERRY'S IS OPEN
A reader reports that Terry's Hay and Grain has reopened and is stocked with plenty of hay.
POST OFFICE RESUMES DELIVERIES
The Valley Center post office is resuming deliveries today. We saw postal delivery people loading up with mail. The retail operation at the office is also open.
Please note, this doesn't mean that residents are being let back into their homes yet. Kinda strange since people aren't here yet to receive their mail. But I don't 'splain it, Lucy, I just report it.
Please note, this doesn't mean that residents are being let back into their homes yet. Kinda strange since people aren't here yet to receive their mail. But I don't 'splain it, Lucy, I just report it.
SKYLINE RESIDENTS TRY TO GET BACK IN
This morning residents of Skyline Ranch mobile home park, all of them seniors, were banging on the gates at the park, trying to get in.
According to the authorities, the seniors, who have been staying at the Valley Center High School evacuation center, decided that they had had enough, and piled into cars to try to return home.
Problem is, according to Sheriff's Lt. Sean Gerrity, that area still isn't safe. Also, the management of the park isn't ready to let people back in.
"Skyline is still in a precarious area," said Gerrity.
According to the authorities, the seniors, who have been staying at the Valley Center High School evacuation center, decided that they had had enough, and piled into cars to try to return home.
Problem is, according to Sheriff's Lt. Sean Gerrity, that area still isn't safe. Also, the management of the park isn't ready to let people back in.
"Skyline is still in a precarious area," said Gerrity.
ARNOLD, BUSH TO VISIT HIGH SCHOOL
ARNOLD, BUSH TO VISIT VALLEY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
We have it on reliable authority that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and President George W. Bush will tour the burn areas today and that their visit will include dropping in by helicopter to the Valley Center High School evacuation center.
The visit is expected to happen around 1:30 p.m.
Security personnel for both the president and the governor have been spotted around town, which is still mostly evacuated, but where a few businesses, such as the drug store, are open.
We’ll give you an update if the anticipated visit happens.
We have it on reliable authority that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and President George W. Bush will tour the burn areas today and that their visit will include dropping in by helicopter to the Valley Center High School evacuation center.
The visit is expected to happen around 1:30 p.m.
Security personnel for both the president and the governor have been spotted around town, which is still mostly evacuated, but where a few businesses, such as the drug store, are open.
We’ll give you an update if the anticipated visit happens.
VC RESIDENTS NOT ALLOWED IN YET
VC RESIDENTS NOT ALLOWED IN YET
By DAVID ROSS
For those who ask if they can return home yet to Valley Center—the answer is no.
But the answer may soon be yes. Perhaps as soon as today. Perhaps tomorrow. Certainly within 48 hours.
The official news will be released through the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center.
WE WILL POST THAT NEWS ON OUR INTERNET SITE AS SOON AS WE GET IT.
It will also be announced on TV, the radio and all other news outlets.
Rest assured, the authorities would like to get residents back into their homes as soon as possible.
However, do yourself a favor and don’t show up at the checkpoints just yet. A nice young man in a National Guard uniform will just turn you away.
However, at the command center briefing this morning Sheriff’s Lt. Sean Gerrity announced that he and his staff are working on a plan to let VC residents back in—in stages.
Phase I would likely be the western part of town, i.e. the part of town nearest to Escondido.
Phase II would be the eastern part of town, where fire actually invaded the town.
The meeting was attended by the fire’s incident commander, various CalFire executives, school and water authorities. Supervisor Bill Horn was also there.
The meeting was led by CalFire liaison officer Steve Gasaway, incident commander Dave Alt and Gerrity.
“We have a lot of good things happening, announced Alt.
He noted that much of the land that was hit by this fire was the same part of town hit four years ago.
This time, however, there was much less property damage, and no deaths, unlike 2003.
“Our issues are trying to get people back into their homes,” said Alt. “The law enforcement issue is reduced when people are back in their homes.”
Lt. Gerrity noted that “I still have areas that I need to keep people out.”
He explained the reasons why law enforcement wants residents out of the area and off the streets until it’s safe to return:
• They don’t want people on the streets getting in the way of law enforcement and firefighting vehicles.
• They only want people who should be in town so that they can readily ID those they spot who might be potential looters.
“This works best if everyone who is there is someone who needs to be there,” said Gerrity.
Everyone who doesn’t have an official reason for being here gets stopped, he said. That’s why platoons of deputies and National guardsmen are patrolling the area.
If there’s a lot of people on the road, “then I’m wasting my time stopping the good guys when I should be stopping the bad guys,” he said.
Once residents are allowed back in ONLY residents will be allowed back in. If you can’t prove you live here, you won’t be allowed through the checkpoints manned by the National Guard.
Authorities have been allowing owners of large agricultural operations in to, for instance, feed large chicken populations.
“Chickens need water,” said Gerrity. “If they don’t get it they die and we have a large health problem.”
Several people, including this writer and fire board Pres. Mel Schuler, who, with CERT volunteers has been manning the fire district’s phone center, expressed extreme frustration that we were not being feed timely information about the situation.
“We are getting hundreds of phone calls asking us questions and we don’t have the accurate information to give them,” groused Schuler.
Your editor made similar comments to the effect that the local paper should be the first in line to get information to disseminate to the residents, and not told to call a public information officer or a phone number.
Having said that, however, there is a number that residents can get somewhat accurate information on: 211.
However, I believe I made enough of an impression on the group at this morning’s meeting that we should be, as Chief O’Leary put it, “in the pocket” of the CalFire public information officer.
Later this week deputies will begin checking near the burned areas to see if there are any victims that weren’t reported earlier and to make sure that there are no live power wires down that haven’t been accounted for.
Gerrity once more reiterated that his first goal is to get as many people home as soon as he can. Once that happens, he said, the potential for crime drops dramatically.
By DAVID ROSS
For those who ask if they can return home yet to Valley Center—the answer is no.
But the answer may soon be yes. Perhaps as soon as today. Perhaps tomorrow. Certainly within 48 hours.
The official news will be released through the San Diego County Emergency Operations Center.
WE WILL POST THAT NEWS ON OUR INTERNET SITE AS SOON AS WE GET IT.
It will also be announced on TV, the radio and all other news outlets.
Rest assured, the authorities would like to get residents back into their homes as soon as possible.
However, do yourself a favor and don’t show up at the checkpoints just yet. A nice young man in a National Guard uniform will just turn you away.
However, at the command center briefing this morning Sheriff’s Lt. Sean Gerrity announced that he and his staff are working on a plan to let VC residents back in—in stages.
Phase I would likely be the western part of town, i.e. the part of town nearest to Escondido.
Phase II would be the eastern part of town, where fire actually invaded the town.
The meeting was attended by the fire’s incident commander, various CalFire executives, school and water authorities. Supervisor Bill Horn was also there.
The meeting was led by CalFire liaison officer Steve Gasaway, incident commander Dave Alt and Gerrity.
“We have a lot of good things happening, announced Alt.
He noted that much of the land that was hit by this fire was the same part of town hit four years ago.
This time, however, there was much less property damage, and no deaths, unlike 2003.
“Our issues are trying to get people back into their homes,” said Alt. “The law enforcement issue is reduced when people are back in their homes.”
Lt. Gerrity noted that “I still have areas that I need to keep people out.”
He explained the reasons why law enforcement wants residents out of the area and off the streets until it’s safe to return:
• They don’t want people on the streets getting in the way of law enforcement and firefighting vehicles.
• They only want people who should be in town so that they can readily ID those they spot who might be potential looters.
“This works best if everyone who is there is someone who needs to be there,” said Gerrity.
Everyone who doesn’t have an official reason for being here gets stopped, he said. That’s why platoons of deputies and National guardsmen are patrolling the area.
If there’s a lot of people on the road, “then I’m wasting my time stopping the good guys when I should be stopping the bad guys,” he said.
Once residents are allowed back in ONLY residents will be allowed back in. If you can’t prove you live here, you won’t be allowed through the checkpoints manned by the National Guard.
Authorities have been allowing owners of large agricultural operations in to, for instance, feed large chicken populations.
“Chickens need water,” said Gerrity. “If they don’t get it they die and we have a large health problem.”
Several people, including this writer and fire board Pres. Mel Schuler, who, with CERT volunteers has been manning the fire district’s phone center, expressed extreme frustration that we were not being feed timely information about the situation.
“We are getting hundreds of phone calls asking us questions and we don’t have the accurate information to give them,” groused Schuler.
Your editor made similar comments to the effect that the local paper should be the first in line to get information to disseminate to the residents, and not told to call a public information officer or a phone number.
Having said that, however, there is a number that residents can get somewhat accurate information on: 211.
However, I believe I made enough of an impression on the group at this morning’s meeting that we should be, as Chief O’Leary put it, “in the pocket” of the CalFire public information officer.
Later this week deputies will begin checking near the burned areas to see if there are any victims that weren’t reported earlier and to make sure that there are no live power wires down that haven’t been accounted for.
Gerrity once more reiterated that his first goal is to get as many people home as soon as he can. Once that happens, he said, the potential for crime drops dramatically.
MOVING BACK TO THE PAPER
The Roadrunner in exile will be returning from exile this morning. We are moving back to the office and I will conduct the blog from there once reestablished.
For those of you asking about specific areas in Valley Center and whether your home is safe: If you are not in the Guejito, Paradise Mountain part of town, your home should be safe since there were no structures burned down in the main part of town, although there were a few spot fires.
I'll be attending the CalFire briefing this morning and so will post after that. I'll be off for a few hours, so please be patient.
For those of you asking about specific areas in Valley Center and whether your home is safe: If you are not in the Guejito, Paradise Mountain part of town, your home should be safe since there were no structures burned down in the main part of town, although there were a few spot fires.
I'll be attending the CalFire briefing this morning and so will post after that. I'll be off for a few hours, so please be patient.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MOM AND GRANDMA FOUND
We got this email earlier this evening:
"Dear Roadrunner Staff & Community:
Thanks everyone, Mom & Grandma have been found. They are at VC High School and are doing fine. They hope to be able to return home by tomorrow afternoon. We finally got a call this evening (10/24/07) from Mom using some “Good Samaritan’s” cell phone. They must be being taken good care of at the evacuation center…she couldn’t understand why any of us might be worried! Thank you Valley Center for caring!!
Sincerely,
Pastor Mike Trent"
"Dear Roadrunner Staff & Community:
Thanks everyone, Mom & Grandma have been found. They are at VC High School and are doing fine. They hope to be able to return home by tomorrow afternoon. We finally got a call this evening (10/24/07) from Mom using some “Good Samaritan’s” cell phone. They must be being taken good care of at the evacuation center…she couldn’t understand why any of us might be worried! Thank you Valley Center for caring!!
Sincerely,
Pastor Mike Trent"
TOWN IS STIRRING/ BUT IT'S STILL DANGEROUS
The Roadrunner crew returned to the office for a few hours today as we published our issue of the paper, a day late. We're still not open yet and may not be for awhile. While we were returning we actually ran into some National Guardsmen (with guns!) who asked our business. That lets you know it's serious.
While there we noticed that some businesses are stirring. The Valley Center Market and Papa Bear's restaurant were open, so was Bob Wisecarver's Community Pharmacy and two gas stations. Keep in mind that the authorities are not letting residents back in yet, mainly because they don't want them underfoot as they move emergency vehicles to and fro.
Sad news from Linda Jauregui whose family lost their home last night as the fire came over the Guejito in a firestorm. They lost everything despite their efforts, including their pets.
Donna & Peter Jauregui, Matt & Valerie Jauregui, John & Crystal Culver and apparently five other couples lost theirs. I can't say whether they all lost them last night, but that's the total so far. You can read their whole post in our comments section.
Please note that if anyone needs help to get ahold of us at The Roadrunner so we can post your need on our "Aid and Comfort" column that will be running each week and on the website. This will be dialed in with local relief efforts.
The experience of the Jaureguis and these other families will perhaps quiet down some of the whiners who wonder why they can't get back home. There is still DANGER in Valley Center. You can always disregard the authorities when they tell you you have to evacuate, but once gone you should rely on their best judgment in letting you back in.
Here is an update from a gentleman named "Mitch B." I will occasionally include posts that I can't personally vouch for when they seem to gibe with known facts, so here it is:
" Anyhow as of 8:56 pm 10/24/07:
Came back into town trough Old Castle/W Lilac (Yes it is officially closed!) no access unless official business!! Town proper north and south nodes are quite and fine.
Officials are covering the town and things are very quiet (command post at Community/Civic center @ Lilac & Valley Ctr Rd), this is good! fire and sheriff are just keeping eye on things in town proper.
Came up to Mac Tan North of Fruitvale via Vesper... all south, west, and as I can see to north are good.... things are very quiet. no smoke or glow close to this location or to the south, west, or north, (NE faint glow....) smoke is minimal. wind changinging faint from the NE??...not great but any info on The line to held @ Hellhole or Yellowbrook (SIC) please advise but for now we look very good!"
I'm going to sign off for the evening unless I hear something significant, such as my home burning down.
Meantime. Good luck and be safe.
While there we noticed that some businesses are stirring. The Valley Center Market and Papa Bear's restaurant were open, so was Bob Wisecarver's Community Pharmacy and two gas stations. Keep in mind that the authorities are not letting residents back in yet, mainly because they don't want them underfoot as they move emergency vehicles to and fro.
Sad news from Linda Jauregui whose family lost their home last night as the fire came over the Guejito in a firestorm. They lost everything despite their efforts, including their pets.
Donna & Peter Jauregui, Matt & Valerie Jauregui, John & Crystal Culver and apparently five other couples lost theirs. I can't say whether they all lost them last night, but that's the total so far. You can read their whole post in our comments section.
Please note that if anyone needs help to get ahold of us at The Roadrunner so we can post your need on our "Aid and Comfort" column that will be running each week and on the website. This will be dialed in with local relief efforts.
The experience of the Jaureguis and these other families will perhaps quiet down some of the whiners who wonder why they can't get back home. There is still DANGER in Valley Center. You can always disregard the authorities when they tell you you have to evacuate, but once gone you should rely on their best judgment in letting you back in.
Here is an update from a gentleman named "Mitch B." I will occasionally include posts that I can't personally vouch for when they seem to gibe with known facts, so here it is:
" Anyhow as of 8:56 pm 10/24/07:
Came back into town trough Old Castle/W Lilac (Yes it is officially closed!) no access unless official business!! Town proper north and south nodes are quite and fine.
Officials are covering the town and things are very quiet (command post at Community/Civic center @ Lilac & Valley Ctr Rd), this is good! fire and sheriff are just keeping eye on things in town proper.
Came up to Mac Tan North of Fruitvale via Vesper... all south, west, and as I can see to north are good.... things are very quiet. no smoke or glow close to this location or to the south, west, or north, (NE faint glow....) smoke is minimal. wind changinging faint from the NE??...not great but any info on The line to held @ Hellhole or Yellowbrook (SIC) please advise but for now we look very good!"
I'm going to sign off for the evening unless I hear something significant, such as my home burning down.
Meantime. Good luck and be safe.
FIRE IS NOT MOVING TOWARDS VALLEY CENTER
Contrary to what you might have seen on a local TV station, such as Channel 10, the fire in Pauma Valley and the Nate Harrison grade is not moving towards Valley Center.
VC Fire Protection District Board Pres.
Mel Schuler, who spoke this evening with Chief Kevin O’Leary and told me that, while it looks pretty frightening to someone who might be watching from Pauma Heights, the fire is burning over areas that it has already passed through, rather than moving into a new unburned area.
“They have no concern about it crossing Hwy 76 and into Pauma Heights,” said Schuler.
He noted also that the wind is shifting over to the east now, which is also away from that part of Valley Center.
“It’s not moving towards Pala at all right now,” said Schuler.
He was reacting to an earlier report from Channel 10 news that the fire was coming off the mountain and heading towards VC.
“We don’t want to spook the people who are in the evacuation center at the high school,” said Schuler.
VC Fire Protection District Board Pres.
Mel Schuler, who spoke this evening with Chief Kevin O’Leary and told me that, while it looks pretty frightening to someone who might be watching from Pauma Heights, the fire is burning over areas that it has already passed through, rather than moving into a new unburned area.
“They have no concern about it crossing Hwy 76 and into Pauma Heights,” said Schuler.
He noted also that the wind is shifting over to the east now, which is also away from that part of Valley Center.
“It’s not moving towards Pala at all right now,” said Schuler.
He was reacting to an earlier report from Channel 10 news that the fire was coming off the mountain and heading towards VC.
“We don’t want to spook the people who are in the evacuation center at the high school,” said Schuler.
HIDDEN MEADOWS RESIDENTS CAN GO HOME
This is the official word from the County:
Hidden Meadows evacuation notice lifted.
Evacuation notice for the community of Hidden Meadows has been lifted.
Residents who have evacuated the area are allowed to return to their homes.
Mountain Meadows evacuation notice lifted
Evacuation notice for the community of Mountain Meadows has been lifted.
Residents who have evacuated the area are allowed to return to their homes.
Hidden Meadows evacuation notice lifted.
Evacuation notice for the community of Hidden Meadows has been lifted.
Residents who have evacuated the area are allowed to return to their homes.
Mountain Meadows evacuation notice lifted
Evacuation notice for the community of Mountain Meadows has been lifted.
Residents who have evacuated the area are allowed to return to their homes.
HORSES NEED FOOD
According to Del Smith of the Valley Center Vaqueros the club has 40 horses dropped off at Aerie Park, off Betsworth. They need alfalfa hay and manure forks, and help feeding.
ROVING REPORTER
Our roving reporter Ray Flores has been out on the road again, assessing fire damages. This time his wheels took him out on Hwy 76 east.
At Red Gate Road he reports that it looks as though most of the mobile homes are gone at the park there and at Pasal Road. "They look pretty well trashed," he said.
At the corner of South Grade & Hwy 78 he found two homes gutted.
As he traveled east on 76 going to the La Jolla Indian Reserve, 50 percent of homes looked gone.
He saw fire coming DOWN from the slopes of Palomar Mountain and trying to breach the highway to cross at where the La Jolla gas station is.
At Red Gate Road he reports that it looks as though most of the mobile homes are gone at the park there and at Pasal Road. "They look pretty well trashed," he said.
At the corner of South Grade & Hwy 78 he found two homes gutted.
As he traveled east on 76 going to the La Jolla Indian Reserve, 50 percent of homes looked gone.
He saw fire coming DOWN from the slopes of Palomar Mountain and trying to breach the highway to cross at where the La Jolla gas station is.
RELIEF EFFORTS
Paradise Community Services is coordinating a recovery program to help our
neighbors who suffered losses in this disaster. We can be reached at
751-8692 or by email at mimi@paradisecommunity.org with information for
volunteers or donations. Trailers and household items will be needed during
the next few weeks as needs are assessed. Tax-deductible donations for our
Fire Relief Program can be made by credit card on line at
www.paradisecommunity.org or checks can be sent to P.O. Box 2418, Valley
Center, CA 92082. We will hold a Community meeting in the next few days.
Call if you would like to be part of the Collaborative group. More
information on line at www.paradisecommunity.org.
neighbors who suffered losses in this disaster. We can be reached at
751-8692 or by email at mimi@paradisecommunity.org with information for
volunteers or donations. Trailers and household items will be needed during
the next few weeks as needs are assessed. Tax-deductible donations for our
Fire Relief Program can be made by credit card on line at
www.paradisecommunity.org or checks can be sent to P.O. Box 2418, Valley
Center, CA 92082. We will hold a Community meeting in the next few days.
Call if you would like to be part of the Collaborative group. More
information on line at www.paradisecommunity.org.
HOUSE TO HOUSE ON PALOMAR
This is a report I was sent. I can't vouch for its authenticity, but it sounds in line with what I have been hearing from other sources. This battle is up near my cabin, so my fingers are crossed!
"Firefighters are waging a house-to-house battle on top of Palomar Mountain to save structures on Crestline Drive, where most of its residents live.
As flames approach houses and cabins, fire crew rush in to put them out. Wind conditions are moderate now, and so far the strategy has succeeded in preventing a major property damage. Fire officials, however, say increased winds would make the effort impossible.
Palomar has about 300 permanent and temporary residences.
Fires are also burning in Palomar State Park, a popular campground, although the extend of the damage there was uncertain. South Grade Road, one of two routes up the mountain, is littered with downed and still-burning trees and branches.
Several homes have been destroyed near the bottom of South Grade, where the fire began climbing the mountain yesterday afternoon. The flames on the mountain are from the Poomacha fire, which began as a house fire on the La Jolla Indian reservation."
-- J. Harry Jones
"Firefighters are waging a house-to-house battle on top of Palomar Mountain to save structures on Crestline Drive, where most of its residents live.
As flames approach houses and cabins, fire crew rush in to put them out. Wind conditions are moderate now, and so far the strategy has succeeded in preventing a major property damage. Fire officials, however, say increased winds would make the effort impossible.
Palomar has about 300 permanent and temporary residences.
Fires are also burning in Palomar State Park, a popular campground, although the extend of the damage there was uncertain. South Grade Road, one of two routes up the mountain, is littered with downed and still-burning trees and branches.
Several homes have been destroyed near the bottom of South Grade, where the fire began climbing the mountain yesterday afternoon. The flames on the mountain are from the Poomacha fire, which began as a house fire on the La Jolla Indian reservation."
-- J. Harry Jones
LOOTERS WILL BE SHOT! (JUST KIDDING)
Lt. Sean Gerrity of the Valley Center Sheriff’s substation has deputy platoons patrolling various sectors watching for looting.
They are on the look out for anyone who is not in a properly marked vehicle. They will stop you and ask for ID to make sure you have business in the area.
There are reportedly some National Guard units patrolling in the area, although we have not been able to confirm that.
They are on the look out for anyone who is not in a properly marked vehicle. They will stop you and ask for ID to make sure you have business in the area.
There are reportedly some National Guard units patrolling in the area, although we have not been able to confirm that.
NO HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL THIS WEEKEND
There will be no elementary school Halloween Carnival this Saturday. It may possibly be postponed for a week or two, according to Amy Archipov of the VC Teacher Parent Club.
NO MAIL DELIVERY YET
“I have not a clue!” said VC postmaster John C. Fuller this week when asked when mail delivery might resume.
“That decision is above me. I think law enforcement agencies would get very irritated at us if we were out making deliveries when they are trying to keep people off the streets.”
The post office is open and staffed with a skeleton crew, but the post master, John M. Fuller, noted that driving to VC to pick up your mail would be defeating the purpose of trying to keep the roads open.
Presumably the same applies to the Pauma and Palomar Mountain post offices.
“That decision is above me. I think law enforcement agencies would get very irritated at us if we were out making deliveries when they are trying to keep people off the streets.”
The post office is open and staffed with a skeleton crew, but the post master, John M. Fuller, noted that driving to VC to pick up your mail would be defeating the purpose of trying to keep the roads open.
Presumably the same applies to the Pauma and Palomar Mountain post offices.
DON'T TRY TO COME BACK HOME JUST YET
The authorities are not yet in a position to let people back into their homes in Valley Center.
According to Mel Schuler, president of the VC Fire Protection District board, that could be done by stages.
That would prevent thousands of people from flooding the roads all at the same time and hampering still very busy emergency vehicles.
Some owners of large agricultural businesses whose livlihoods depend upon taking care of their groves are being allowed in. Have busiess cards ready so you can prove who you are.
According to Mel Schuler, president of the VC Fire Protection District board, that could be done by stages.
That would prevent thousands of people from flooding the roads all at the same time and hampering still very busy emergency vehicles.
Some owners of large agricultural businesses whose livlihoods depend upon taking care of their groves are being allowed in. Have busiess cards ready so you can prove who you are.
DON'T TRY TO COME BACK HOME JUST YET
The authorities are not yet in a position to let people back into their homes in Valley Center.
According to Mel Schuler, president of the VC Fire Protection District board, that could be done by stages.
That would prevent thousands of people from flooding the roads all at the same time and hampering still very busy emergency vehicles.
Some owners of large agricultural businesses whose livlihoods depend upon taking care of their groves are being allowed in. Have busiess cards ready so you can prove who you are.
According to Mel Schuler, president of the VC Fire Protection District board, that could be done by stages.
That would prevent thousands of people from flooding the roads all at the same time and hampering still very busy emergency vehicles.
Some owners of large agricultural businesses whose livlihoods depend upon taking care of their groves are being allowed in. Have busiess cards ready so you can prove who you are.
EVACUATION CENTER NEEDS
The Red Cross Evacuation Center at Valley Center High School needs packaged food and bottled water. Since no one is being allowed to go into Valley Center right now, I don't know exactly how this can be accomplished. But if you are already up there, or can get up there, or want to contact the local Red Cross, they can use your help.
Note: Our understanding is that the evacuation center is now being run by the Red Cross, altho it was run for the first few days by volunteers.
Note: Our understanding is that the evacuation center is now being run by the Red Cross, altho it was run for the first few days by volunteers.
A REPORT FROM WOODS VALLEY ROAD
Here's a report from Justin, who is one of those residents who decided to disregard the evacuation notice:
"I have two homes in VC, and have stayed despite the evac - traveling
between the two during the week - Right now I'm in the woods valley
area and everything is fine. Yesterday we had a scare with a small fire
near Bates, but that was put out very quickly. My other home on the
North East side of VC is fine as well, as the firefighters have been
doing an outstanding job controlling the flames over by Yellow Brick
Rd. VC seems like a total ghost town, very rare when you see a vehicle
other than an official.... kind of like it was before the casinos came
in!Best wishes to all - and we pray for everyone to get through
this."
Justin
"I have two homes in VC, and have stayed despite the evac - traveling
between the two during the week - Right now I'm in the woods valley
area and everything is fine. Yesterday we had a scare with a small fire
near Bates, but that was put out very quickly. My other home on the
North East side of VC is fine as well, as the firefighters have been
doing an outstanding job controlling the flames over by Yellow Brick
Rd. VC seems like a total ghost town, very rare when you see a vehicle
other than an official.... kind of like it was before the casinos came
in!Best wishes to all - and we pray for everyone to get through
this."
Justin
THE LATEST FROM PALOMAR MOUNTAIN
This information was received directly from Fire Chief George Lucia this morning at 6:47, so it's pretty current.
"The fire on Palomar Mountain Continues to be dangerous and out of control.
Yesterday we did hold the fire fire from jumping State Park Road by pre
treating the roadway (edges) with foam and back firing the road edges.
But we continue to be at the mercy of the wind and low humidity.
The fire is nearing the Palomar Christian Conference Center and the 6th
Grade School.
The fire has burned up the entire South Grade and jumped East grade into
Crestline.
The Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department continues to around the clock
with the Forest Service and Cal-Fire to control this fire.
This continues to be a dangerous and out of control fire on Palomar
Mountain.
Do not attempt to return to the mountain as the falling trees and rocks
along with fast moving firestorms continue to occur without warning."
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
"The fire on Palomar Mountain Continues to be dangerous and out of control.
Yesterday we did hold the fire fire from jumping State Park Road by pre
treating the roadway (edges) with foam and back firing the road edges.
But we continue to be at the mercy of the wind and low humidity.
The fire is nearing the Palomar Christian Conference Center and the 6th
Grade School.
The fire has burned up the entire South Grade and jumped East grade into
Crestline.
The Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department continues to around the clock
with the Forest Service and Cal-Fire to control this fire.
This continues to be a dangerous and out of control fire on Palomar
Mountain.
Do not attempt to return to the mountain as the falling trees and rocks
along with fast moving firestorms continue to occur without warning."
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Chief
ANOTHER PALOMAR MOUNTAIN REPORT
This came from Bonnie Phelps. It's from a gentleman referred to as "Bob K." I don't know who that is, or can't remember. Still, this is the only encouraging thing I've heard about Palomar and you should perhaps take my earlier report with a grain of salt.
"The fire burned through the State Park, lost a garage in State Park but
believes the homes were saved. Hasn't reached the Conference Center yet or
the School Camp yet but they certainly are not out of jeopardy
Baileys, Crestline, and Birch Hill all fine now.
Draw a line from the La Jolla Camp Ground to Boucher Lookout. That is the
line of the fire. It is cooled off, burning the undergrowth and not getting
a lot of the trees.
3 or 4 engines from Forest Service, one patrol truck from CDF, one engine
from Rincon, our volunteers have their tanker, and two engines staffed and
on the fire line.
Looks like we will be living this fire for a few days. There is no shortage
of fires in San Diego. The good news is we got their attention because they
did make a couple drops and hopefully they realize what we have up here.
The wind is so strong that it is now pushing everything down the sloop so
now the wind has really been a great asset to us.
We have seen this throughout Southern Cal that it looks so optimistic but
then things can change. No one should think of returning to their property
for least another few days to a week until the crews can construct a
complete line.
Without some sort of containment with either hand crews, retardant lines,
and bulldozers, the fire continues to threaten the Mountain."
Bob was on the East Grade Road at one of the turnouts and said he saw a
solid line of fire all the way to the County Road Station. The goal now is
to create a backfire all along State Park Road to hopefully get the fire
from jumping State Park Road.
Bob will report in for us in the morning.
Good night all.
"The fire burned through the State Park, lost a garage in State Park but
believes the homes were saved. Hasn't reached the Conference Center yet or
the School Camp yet but they certainly are not out of jeopardy
Baileys, Crestline, and Birch Hill all fine now.
Draw a line from the La Jolla Camp Ground to Boucher Lookout. That is the
line of the fire. It is cooled off, burning the undergrowth and not getting
a lot of the trees.
3 or 4 engines from Forest Service, one patrol truck from CDF, one engine
from Rincon, our volunteers have their tanker, and two engines staffed and
on the fire line.
Looks like we will be living this fire for a few days. There is no shortage
of fires in San Diego. The good news is we got their attention because they
did make a couple drops and hopefully they realize what we have up here.
The wind is so strong that it is now pushing everything down the sloop so
now the wind has really been a great asset to us.
We have seen this throughout Southern Cal that it looks so optimistic but
then things can change. No one should think of returning to their property
for least another few days to a week until the crews can construct a
complete line.
Without some sort of containment with either hand crews, retardant lines,
and bulldozers, the fire continues to threaten the Mountain."
Bob was on the East Grade Road at one of the turnouts and said he saw a
solid line of fire all the way to the County Road Station. The goal now is
to create a backfire all along State Park Road to hopefully get the fire
from jumping State Park Road.
Bob will report in for us in the morning.
Good night all.
PALOMAR MOUNTAIN'S LAST STAND
Fire officials this morning were talking about the importance of shifting major resources to try to keep the fire from wiping out the entire community of Palomar Mountain.
Of course, this may be a case of the cavalry arriving just in time to bury to the settlers, but this remains to be seen.
We know that the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept. is making a last stand on the mountain. Fire Chief George Lucia, who has a home on the Crestline, Birch Hill area, was released to lead his volunteers in trying to keep the blaze from taking down all of the houses in the heavily forested part of the mountain. I have a home not far from Lucia's place.
A forest is an extremely difficult thing to defend against fire.
I wish them luck.
This is the most recent posting from CalFire: "The Poomacha Fire is 25,000 acres and 0% contained. 659 firefighters assigned to
this fire. Cost to fight this fire is $350,000. Fire increased in size
due to extreme fire behavior, lack of resources and high winds. Some
resources are beginning to arrive, but no significant perimeter control
has been initiated due to structure protection priorities."
Of course, this may be a case of the cavalry arriving just in time to bury to the settlers, but this remains to be seen.
We know that the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept. is making a last stand on the mountain. Fire Chief George Lucia, who has a home on the Crestline, Birch Hill area, was released to lead his volunteers in trying to keep the blaze from taking down all of the houses in the heavily forested part of the mountain. I have a home not far from Lucia's place.
A forest is an extremely difficult thing to defend against fire.
I wish them luck.
This is the most recent posting from CalFire: "The Poomacha Fire is 25,000 acres and 0% contained. 659 firefighters assigned to
this fire. Cost to fight this fire is $350,000. Fire increased in size
due to extreme fire behavior, lack of resources and high winds. Some
resources are beginning to arrive, but no significant perimeter control
has been initiated due to structure protection priorities."
GOOD CONTROL OF FIRE IN VALLEY CENTER
8:15 a.m. Wednesday
I just spoke to Mel Schuler, president of the Valley Center Fire Protection District board. He just got back from a briefing of the state CalFire authorities who have taken over control of the fire fighting activities here.
Schuler also took a drive of the threatened areas. "I did get out in the area a little bit today. I think they feel pretty good about the control on Valley Center. There’s some spot fires. They are feeling good about the Yellow Brick Road and the areas between Lake Wohlford and Woods Valley."
Some structures have been lost on the Guejito Road area, on Old Wagon Wheel Road. That area seems to always get hammered whenever there is a major fire.
There have also been an unknown number of structures that burned on the Rincon Reservation.
Schuler did not have any information available yet on individual structures lost. But he hopes to get some to us later.
Firefighting efforts have been assisted by the dying down yesterday afternoon and last night of the high winds.
The evacuation center at the high school is still operating.
Roads are still closed to incoming traffic.
One of the major issues is about keeping them closed until the actual threat is passed. "The issue is to keep those roads open and people off the roads so they don't get in the way of emergency vehicles. This is especially acute because of the road construction going on Valley Center Road.
"They can’t have people going up and down the roads while they have emergency equipment trying to get places. I suspect that once the roads are open they will be open permanently," said Schuler.
I'll have a separate posting on the situation on Palomar Mountain.
A briefing by CalFire officials at 10 a.m. should further clarify the situation.
I just spoke to Mel Schuler, president of the Valley Center Fire Protection District board. He just got back from a briefing of the state CalFire authorities who have taken over control of the fire fighting activities here.
Schuler also took a drive of the threatened areas. "I did get out in the area a little bit today. I think they feel pretty good about the control on Valley Center. There’s some spot fires. They are feeling good about the Yellow Brick Road and the areas between Lake Wohlford and Woods Valley."
Some structures have been lost on the Guejito Road area, on Old Wagon Wheel Road. That area seems to always get hammered whenever there is a major fire.
There have also been an unknown number of structures that burned on the Rincon Reservation.
Schuler did not have any information available yet on individual structures lost. But he hopes to get some to us later.
Firefighting efforts have been assisted by the dying down yesterday afternoon and last night of the high winds.
The evacuation center at the high school is still operating.
Roads are still closed to incoming traffic.
One of the major issues is about keeping them closed until the actual threat is passed. "The issue is to keep those roads open and people off the roads so they don't get in the way of emergency vehicles. This is especially acute because of the road construction going on Valley Center Road.
"They can’t have people going up and down the roads while they have emergency equipment trying to get places. I suspect that once the roads are open they will be open permanently," said Schuler.
I'll have a separate posting on the situation on Palomar Mountain.
A briefing by CalFire officials at 10 a.m. should further clarify the situation.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
YES, DIANNE THRASHER
On a personal note, I wanted to tell Dianne Thrasher that yes, I'm the same Dave Ross who was in a play with her years and years ago called "Night of January 16th". I wish you and your family the best of luck!
YES, DIANNE THRASHER
On a personal note, I wanted to tell Dianne Thrasher that yes, I'm the same Dave Ross who was in a play with her years and years ago called "Night of January 16th". I wish you and your family the best of luck!
COUNTYWIDE FIRE UPDATE
10-23-07 7:46 p.m. Evacuation Lifted for Portion of Encinitas. The evacuation order
for the Olivenhein area of Encinitas has been lifted. It is open to residents only.
The National Guard is checking ID's at access points.
10-23-07 7:40 p.m. The Harris Fire is 72,000 acres and 10% contained, full
containment is expected October 31st. The cost to date to fight the fire is
$2,100,000. One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported
to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by
this fire. 4500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated. Additional
evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or
damaged. 1500 homes are or have been threatened. An additional 452 people are
assigned to the incident and are either enroute or were initial attack and have not
been released from the line to check in. The total personnel count is 1211.
The Witch Fire is 196,420 acres and 1 percent contained. 12 firefighters have been
injured on this fire, currently there are 1,492 firefighters assigned to this
incident. Fire will continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities
of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos and
Rancho Santa Fe. Fire has spread to the east threatening the communities of Julian
and Pine Hills. Current efforts are working towards a more accurate fire perimeter
size.
The Rice fire is 7,500 acres and 10% contained with full containment expected on
October 28th, with full control expected Nobermber 5th. 1 firefighter has been
injured. 206 residences have been destroyed, 2 commercial properties, 40
outbuildings, 91 vehicles and 20,000 Avocado trees. Active burning in the Rainbow
Glen area. Evacuation of Deluz Canyon area.
The Poomacha Fire is 20,000 acres and 0% contained, there has been 10 injuries to
firefighers, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident. 50 homes have been
destroyed. Fire increased in size substantially due to extreme fire behavior, lack
of resources and high winds. Some resources are beginning to arrive at the incident,
but no significant perimeter control has been initiated due to structure protection
priorities.
10-23-07 6:44 p.m. Mandatory Evacuation For Eagle Peak and Cuyamaca. A mandatory
evacuation notice has been issued for Cuyamaca, just north of State Route 79 and
Eagle Peak in the Engineers Road area.
10-23-07 6:21 p.m. Residents are advised that Granite Hills High School in El Cajon
is NOT a shelter location or donation drop-off site.
Horse shelter update. The Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association is helping to place
horses in private ranches in the Tijuana River Valley area. They have placed 200
horses and have room for more. For information, evacuees with horses can contact
John Gabaldon, the Chairman of the Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association, at
619-920-1282 and he will provide directions to the location of the corrals.
County Library update. Due to changing fire conditions, the Del Mar branch of the
County Library will be open tomorrow, despite previous reports that it would be
closed.
10-23-07 6:01 p.m. All Del Mar evacuation notices lifted. The City of Del Mar has
lifted all evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are allowed
to return to their homes.
10-23-07 5:55 p.m. Alert Issued for Julian. Residents of Julian are being advised to
prepare to evacuate.
Evacuation Order Lifted for City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad has lifted the voluntary
evacuation advisory for the City of Carlsbad, south of Palomar Airport road. There
are no mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders in effect for the City of Carlsbad.
10-23-07 5:07 p.m. CORRECTION on Evacuation of Some Areas of Rancho San Diego. In
Rancho San Diego, the following areas are under mandatory evacuation:
>From Del Rio Road EAST to Steele Canyon Road.
>From Fury Lane SOUTH to Millar Ranch Road and Millar Anita Road.
Residents should evacuate to Qualcomm Stadium.
10-23-07 4:17 p.m. All Chula Vista evacuation notices lifted. The City of Chula
Vista has lifted all evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are
allowed to return to their homes.
All Solana Beach evacuation notices lifted. The City of Solana Beach has lifted all
evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are allowed to return to
their homes.
10-23-07 3:33 p.m. Large Animal Shelter. San Diego County Animal Services has opened
a shelter for large animals near Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Dr. in El Cajon.
Directions: Take East on Hwy 67; exit at Bradley Avenue and turn left; right on
Cuyamaca; and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right
hand side of the road.
10-23-07 3:26 p.m. Mandatory Evacuation Ramona to Lakeside. A mandatory evacuation
notice has been issued for the Hwy 67 Corridor from Ramona to Lakeside.
Evacuation Order North Jamul. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for an area
bordered by the Sweetwater River on the north, Lawson Creek on the East and Lyons
Valley Road on the south including the community of North Jamul. Evacuees are
advised to go to Qualcomm Stadium.
Shelter for horses. Rohr Park in Chula Vista has plenty of room for horses. It is a
large community ring in Rohr Park, located at the intersection of 4600 block of
Sweetwater Road, near Winnetka Dr. They can handle 50-60 horses and have plenty of
water. Evacuees with horses can call Dave Braithwaite. 619-203-1640.
10-23-07 2:17 p.m. Evacuation of Rancho San Diego. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used to
issue mandatory evacuation orders to Rancho San Diego households. Residents should
evacuate to Qualcomm Stadium.
Evacuation of Pine Hills Road and Wynola Road in Julian. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used
to issue evacuation orders to residents of Pine Hills Road and Wynola Road in
Julian. Residents should evacuate to Borrego Springs High School.
10-23-07 1:20 p.m. A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for people in the
La Jolla Reservation area. People should go to Borrego Springs. People SHOULD NOT go
to the Palomar Mountain Evacuation center. This fire, which was spotted across
Highway 76 and established on the south face of Palomar Mountain at the base of
Palomar Mountain, is now being referred to as the "POOMACHO FIRE" by CalFire. It is
currently 20,000+ acres.
for the Olivenhein area of Encinitas has been lifted. It is open to residents only.
The National Guard is checking ID's at access points.
10-23-07 7:40 p.m. The Harris Fire is 72,000 acres and 10% contained, full
containment is expected October 31st. The cost to date to fight the fire is
$2,100,000. One additional civilian suffered burns and was treated and transported
to a local hospital. A total of 21 civilians have been injured and one killed by
this fire. 4500 people are or have been threatened and evacuated. Additional
evacuations are being ordered. An estimated 200 to 500 homes have been destroyed or
damaged. 1500 homes are or have been threatened. An additional 452 people are
assigned to the incident and are either enroute or were initial attack and have not
been released from the line to check in. The total personnel count is 1211.
The Witch Fire is 196,420 acres and 1 percent contained. 12 firefighters have been
injured on this fire, currently there are 1,492 firefighters assigned to this
incident. Fire will continue to move west and southwest, threatening the communities
of San Diego, Poway, Ramona, Escondido, Lakeside, Valley Center, San Marcos and
Rancho Santa Fe. Fire has spread to the east threatening the communities of Julian
and Pine Hills. Current efforts are working towards a more accurate fire perimeter
size.
The Rice fire is 7,500 acres and 10% contained with full containment expected on
October 28th, with full control expected Nobermber 5th. 1 firefighter has been
injured. 206 residences have been destroyed, 2 commercial properties, 40
outbuildings, 91 vehicles and 20,000 Avocado trees. Active burning in the Rainbow
Glen area. Evacuation of Deluz Canyon area.
The Poomacha Fire is 20,000 acres and 0% contained, there has been 10 injuries to
firefighers, 218 firefighters are assigned to this incident. 50 homes have been
destroyed. Fire increased in size substantially due to extreme fire behavior, lack
of resources and high winds. Some resources are beginning to arrive at the incident,
but no significant perimeter control has been initiated due to structure protection
priorities.
10-23-07 6:44 p.m. Mandatory Evacuation For Eagle Peak and Cuyamaca. A mandatory
evacuation notice has been issued for Cuyamaca, just north of State Route 79 and
Eagle Peak in the Engineers Road area.
10-23-07 6:21 p.m. Residents are advised that Granite Hills High School in El Cajon
is NOT a shelter location or donation drop-off site.
Horse shelter update. The Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association is helping to place
horses in private ranches in the Tijuana River Valley area. They have placed 200
horses and have room for more. For information, evacuees with horses can contact
John Gabaldon, the Chairman of the Tijuana Valley Equestrian Association, at
619-920-1282 and he will provide directions to the location of the corrals.
County Library update. Due to changing fire conditions, the Del Mar branch of the
County Library will be open tomorrow, despite previous reports that it would be
closed.
10-23-07 6:01 p.m. All Del Mar evacuation notices lifted. The City of Del Mar has
lifted all evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are allowed
to return to their homes.
10-23-07 5:55 p.m. Alert Issued for Julian. Residents of Julian are being advised to
prepare to evacuate.
Evacuation Order Lifted for City of Carlsbad. Carlsbad has lifted the voluntary
evacuation advisory for the City of Carlsbad, south of Palomar Airport road. There
are no mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders in effect for the City of Carlsbad.
10-23-07 5:07 p.m. CORRECTION on Evacuation of Some Areas of Rancho San Diego. In
Rancho San Diego, the following areas are under mandatory evacuation:
>From Del Rio Road EAST to Steele Canyon Road.
>From Fury Lane SOUTH to Millar Ranch Road and Millar Anita Road.
Residents should evacuate to Qualcomm Stadium.
10-23-07 4:17 p.m. All Chula Vista evacuation notices lifted. The City of Chula
Vista has lifted all evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are
allowed to return to their homes.
All Solana Beach evacuation notices lifted. The City of Solana Beach has lifted all
evacuation notices within the city. Residents who evacuated are allowed to return to
their homes.
10-23-07 3:33 p.m. Large Animal Shelter. San Diego County Animal Services has opened
a shelter for large animals near Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Dr. in El Cajon.
Directions: Take East on Hwy 67; exit at Bradley Avenue and turn left; right on
Cuyamaca; and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right
hand side of the road.
10-23-07 3:26 p.m. Mandatory Evacuation Ramona to Lakeside. A mandatory evacuation
notice has been issued for the Hwy 67 Corridor from Ramona to Lakeside.
Evacuation Order North Jamul. A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for an area
bordered by the Sweetwater River on the north, Lawson Creek on the East and Lyons
Valley Road on the south including the community of North Jamul. Evacuees are
advised to go to Qualcomm Stadium.
Shelter for horses. Rohr Park in Chula Vista has plenty of room for horses. It is a
large community ring in Rohr Park, located at the intersection of 4600 block of
Sweetwater Road, near Winnetka Dr. They can handle 50-60 horses and have plenty of
water. Evacuees with horses can call Dave Braithwaite. 619-203-1640.
10-23-07 2:17 p.m. Evacuation of Rancho San Diego. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used to
issue mandatory evacuation orders to Rancho San Diego households. Residents should
evacuate to Qualcomm Stadium.
Evacuation of Pine Hills Road and Wynola Road in Julian. Reverse 9-1-1 is being used
to issue evacuation orders to residents of Pine Hills Road and Wynola Road in
Julian. Residents should evacuate to Borrego Springs High School.
10-23-07 1:20 p.m. A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for people in the
La Jolla Reservation area. People should go to Borrego Springs. People SHOULD NOT go
to the Palomar Mountain Evacuation center. This fire, which was spotted across
Highway 76 and established on the south face of Palomar Mountain at the base of
Palomar Mountain, is now being referred to as the "POOMACHO FIRE" by CalFire. It is
currently 20,000+ acres.
CASINO CLOSES TEMPORARILY
Executives at
Valley View Casino announced today that due to the gravity of the Southern
California wildfires, the casino would temporarily halt its casino
operations and close to guests in order to provide relief to emergency first
response crews. Valley View Casino is providing local law enforcement
officers, fire fighters and other disaster response crews with food and safe
shelter during this challenging time. The casino plans to reopen its normal
operations tomorrow, Wednesday, October 24th, pending any further
developments.
"We want to do whatever possible to help out these first responders during
this demanding time," said Joe Navarro, president and CEO of the San Pasqual
Casino Development Group, Inc. "These amazing people provided us with
tremendous support during the Paradise fires in 2003 and continue to do so
throughout these recent difficult events, and we want to assist them in any
way that we can."
For more information about Valley View Casino, visit valleyviewcasino.com or
call 1-866-VIEW-WIN.
Valley View Casino announced today that due to the gravity of the Southern
California wildfires, the casino would temporarily halt its casino
operations and close to guests in order to provide relief to emergency first
response crews. Valley View Casino is providing local law enforcement
officers, fire fighters and other disaster response crews with food and safe
shelter during this challenging time. The casino plans to reopen its normal
operations tomorrow, Wednesday, October 24th, pending any further
developments.
"We want to do whatever possible to help out these first responders during
this demanding time," said Joe Navarro, president and CEO of the San Pasqual
Casino Development Group, Inc. "These amazing people provided us with
tremendous support during the Paradise fires in 2003 and continue to do so
throughout these recent difficult events, and we want to assist them in any
way that we can."
For more information about Valley View Casino, visit valleyviewcasino.com or
call 1-866-VIEW-WIN.
DAN KIDDER SIGNS OFF FOR THE NIGHT
Dan Kidder, who chose to stay in Valley Center, has sent us another report for the evening.
"Tuesday evening here in Valley Center came on with a welcome calm, as the
winds that were causing so much trouble for firefighters were steadily
reduced to nothing. Around 4 p.m., there was something of a light breeze,
and by 5 p.m., there was a dead calm for nearly two hours. Other than the
smoke to the north, it looked like a regular autumn day here in Southern
California.
Since then, the only reports we've heard have been good; the flames that
had been advancing towards North Lake Wohlford Road were reportedly held
up by the firefighters. As darkness fell, a glance in the direction of the
middle school showed no signs of that ominous orange glow we saw last
night and this morning, although it's still hard to tell what exactly is
happening over those hills.
It also seems like a lot of people stayed put, despite the mandatory
evacuations, as one by one house lights on the surrounding hills blinked
on. Every few minutes, a car could be heard nearby on Vesper, or more
distantly on Valley Center Road, heading east in both cases. There was a
helicopter over to the southeast at one point, and some sirens heading
away from the North Lake Wohlford area back towards Cole Grade, but the
overall feeling is one of calm.
To be on the safe side, I will be heading to Escondido for the night, as
will my neighbors. We all feel quite confident that the danger is minimal
to none, but at this point, there's no need to take any chances.
We've heard that the evacuation orders won't be lifted until sometime
Wednesday afternoon, but there hasn't been any official word at this
point, so the best thing to do is keep checking in with local news
broadcasts.
Of course, anything can happen at this point, but given what we expected
and what we've actually seen here over the course of the last two days,
Valley Center has been extremely fortunate to have escaped with very
little damage. The evacuations were quick and effective, and even though
information has been scarce and sometimes unclear, it looks as though
things here are much better than what people have heard in other areas.
So now we wait to hear more good news, and we think of our surrounding
communities and the ongoing battles there. Count your blessings, Valley
Center, and let's do what we can to help others around us as we try to get
through this as best we can."
Dan Kidder
Sports/Valley Life Editor
Valley Roadrunner
"Tuesday evening here in Valley Center came on with a welcome calm, as the
winds that were causing so much trouble for firefighters were steadily
reduced to nothing. Around 4 p.m., there was something of a light breeze,
and by 5 p.m., there was a dead calm for nearly two hours. Other than the
smoke to the north, it looked like a regular autumn day here in Southern
California.
Since then, the only reports we've heard have been good; the flames that
had been advancing towards North Lake Wohlford Road were reportedly held
up by the firefighters. As darkness fell, a glance in the direction of the
middle school showed no signs of that ominous orange glow we saw last
night and this morning, although it's still hard to tell what exactly is
happening over those hills.
It also seems like a lot of people stayed put, despite the mandatory
evacuations, as one by one house lights on the surrounding hills blinked
on. Every few minutes, a car could be heard nearby on Vesper, or more
distantly on Valley Center Road, heading east in both cases. There was a
helicopter over to the southeast at one point, and some sirens heading
away from the North Lake Wohlford area back towards Cole Grade, but the
overall feeling is one of calm.
To be on the safe side, I will be heading to Escondido for the night, as
will my neighbors. We all feel quite confident that the danger is minimal
to none, but at this point, there's no need to take any chances.
We've heard that the evacuation orders won't be lifted until sometime
Wednesday afternoon, but there hasn't been any official word at this
point, so the best thing to do is keep checking in with local news
broadcasts.
Of course, anything can happen at this point, but given what we expected
and what we've actually seen here over the course of the last two days,
Valley Center has been extremely fortunate to have escaped with very
little damage. The evacuations were quick and effective, and even though
information has been scarce and sometimes unclear, it looks as though
things here are much better than what people have heard in other areas.
So now we wait to hear more good news, and we think of our surrounding
communities and the ongoing battles there. Count your blessings, Valley
Center, and let's do what we can to help others around us as we try to get
through this as best we can."
Dan Kidder
Sports/Valley Life Editor
Valley Roadrunner
FIRE ON THE NATE HARRISON
8 p.m. on Tuesday
A fire is burning up the side of Palomar Mountain along the Nate Harrison Grade and volunteer firefighters are trying to keep it from cresting the mountain at the County Road Dept. on State Park Road.
From Valley Center High School you can see the fire burning along the ridgeline.
In Pauma Valley along Hwy 76 our reporter Ray Flores says that Valley Nursery has burned.
Hellhole Canyon is still burning with winds picking up again out of the east to the west.
Ray reports that Woods Valley Road is quiet. Authorities have closed Old Castle Road near the Blackinton Airport to incoming traffic. That means they will let you leave but they won't let you come back to Valley Center for the duration.
Good luck and stay safe.
A fire is burning up the side of Palomar Mountain along the Nate Harrison Grade and volunteer firefighters are trying to keep it from cresting the mountain at the County Road Dept. on State Park Road.
From Valley Center High School you can see the fire burning along the ridgeline.
In Pauma Valley along Hwy 76 our reporter Ray Flores says that Valley Nursery has burned.
Hellhole Canyon is still burning with winds picking up again out of the east to the west.
Ray reports that Woods Valley Road is quiet. Authorities have closed Old Castle Road near the Blackinton Airport to incoming traffic. That means they will let you leave but they won't let you come back to Valley Center for the duration.
Good luck and stay safe.
DEALING WITH SPOT FIRES
You asked for specifics, you got it! Mel Schuler, president of the fire board, tells me that firefighters dealt with spot fires in Hellhole Canyon and contained spot fires that jumped the line on Yellow Brick Road.
A two acre fire across from Bates Nut Farm on Woods Valley Road was contained and stopped.
The folks at the evacuation center at Valley Center High School will be there at least for tonight. We keep hearing that Red Cross is uncomfortable with there being an evac center this close to the fire. Of course, the evac center isn't being maintained by the Red Cross, but by volunteers.
They are letting people leave the center (there's over a thousand of them, I'm told) but once gone, they won't be let back in. The authorities hard hard road blocks at the bottom of all exits out of town. You leave, you gone for the duration.
You can get out of town on Lilac Road, the Grade, and Hwy 76 to I-15 north.
I'm a little frustrated that I can't get any information on whether the fires are moving up to the top of Palomar Mountain or not. So, like all of you, I'm waiting for info about my home.
Good luck and stay safe.
A two acre fire across from Bates Nut Farm on Woods Valley Road was contained and stopped.
The folks at the evacuation center at Valley Center High School will be there at least for tonight. We keep hearing that Red Cross is uncomfortable with there being an evac center this close to the fire. Of course, the evac center isn't being maintained by the Red Cross, but by volunteers.
They are letting people leave the center (there's over a thousand of them, I'm told) but once gone, they won't be let back in. The authorities hard hard road blocks at the bottom of all exits out of town. You leave, you gone for the duration.
You can get out of town on Lilac Road, the Grade, and Hwy 76 to I-15 north.
I'm a little frustrated that I can't get any information on whether the fires are moving up to the top of Palomar Mountain or not. So, like all of you, I'm waiting for info about my home.
Good luck and stay safe.
MANY QUESTIONS, ONE ANSWER
I've been getting this particular question a lot, about specific locations in Valley Center. Well, since there is only one place in town where there has been fire, that means by definition that any other places in Valley Center are OK, for the moment. So, while there have been flames at the east end of town, where the middle school and Valley View casino are, all other parts of town are untouched, except for the thick haze. We'll update with new news as we get it.
NO ONE IS BEING ALLOWE BACK YET (THIS MEANS YOU)
4:45 Tuesday
The state reaction team and command team is setting up at VC Community Hall as darkness falls on Valley Center, where daylight never really arrived today.
The team, which will coodinate all of the fire-fighting activities in the area, will also set up a staging area on the water district property across Lilac from the community center.
The most commonly asked question for this blog and to the fire department is: “When can I return to my home?”
The short answer is that no one knows at this time. As of now they are not letting anyone back in.
VC Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner a few minutes ago “At this time they are not letting anyone back into Valley Center and probably won’t until they get full containment. We’re not going to know when that’s going to be. I’m sure the command team will make that decision when it’s safe.”
They could know something better tomorrow morning. There will be a command briefing for the media probably several times a day beginning tomorrow.
Killing rumors: The middle school, nor any major structure in Valley Center HAS NOT BURNED DOWN.
The fire did get over to the VC Fire Station 73 on N. Lake Wolhford Road & VC Road, but nothing major has burned down. There were some spot fires, according to Schuler.
The state reaction team and command team is setting up at VC Community Hall as darkness falls on Valley Center, where daylight never really arrived today.
The team, which will coodinate all of the fire-fighting activities in the area, will also set up a staging area on the water district property across Lilac from the community center.
The most commonly asked question for this blog and to the fire department is: “When can I return to my home?”
The short answer is that no one knows at this time. As of now they are not letting anyone back in.
VC Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner a few minutes ago “At this time they are not letting anyone back into Valley Center and probably won’t until they get full containment. We’re not going to know when that’s going to be. I’m sure the command team will make that decision when it’s safe.”
They could know something better tomorrow morning. There will be a command briefing for the media probably several times a day beginning tomorrow.
Killing rumors: The middle school, nor any major structure in Valley Center HAS NOT BURNED DOWN.
The fire did get over to the VC Fire Station 73 on N. Lake Wolhford Road & VC Road, but nothing major has burned down. There were some spot fires, according to Schuler.
SPECIFIC PLACES
I've received several requests to post information about specific areas or streets. I'm sorry, but I'm posting the information as I get it. You're getting it as I do. If I don't post it, i don't know anything about it. Sorry, but that's the best I can do.
LARGE ANIMAL SHELTER
Large Animal Shelter
San Diego County Animal Services has opened a shelter for large animals near
Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Dr. in El Cajon.
Directions:
Take East on Hwy 67; exit at Bradley Avenue and turn left; right on Cuyamaca;
and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right
hand side of the road.
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San Diego County Animal Services has opened a shelter for large animals near
Gillespie Field, 1960 Joe Crosson Dr. in El Cajon.
Directions:
Take East on Hwy 67; exit at Bradley Avenue and turn left; right on Cuyamaca;
and left on Weld Blvd. The animal evacuation shelter will be on the right
hand side of the road.
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REPORT FROM VESPER ROAD
Our reporter Dan Kidder, who has stayed in Valley Center, despite crummy air quality, filed this report from his Vesper Road location:
"Things in Valley Center continue to be calm, at least here on Vesper Road,
but with the help of some neighbors we've been able to piece together what
we consider pretty reliable information about the surrounding parts of
town.
Around 10 a.m., Robert Palle reported that in a short drive around Vesper,
Mac Tan and Fruitvale, he saw firefighting crews in action, but hadn't
seen any flames in the area.
As of 12:30 p.m., a resident just to the south of Valley Center High
School reported seeing the haze of smoke we all see to the north, but
hadn't seen any flames of any kind. The east side of Cole Grade Road
appeared to be fine; no flames there, but still plenty of smoke. At that
point, we had heard again that the grade coming into Valley Center was
closed, but outgoing traffic was getting through just fine.
According to San Diego news broadcasts around this time, the La Jolla fire
(now called the Poomacho Fire) had worked its way towards Palomar
Mountain, and may be converging with the Witch Creek Fire from Ramona,
somewhere east of Valley Center. The report also said that the Valley
Center evacuations would most likely be in effect for at least 24 hours.
Also around this time, we heard that residents in the Saddle Creek area
were without power.
At 1 p.m., Kevin Bennett reported from the area between Cool Valley Road
and Yellow Brick Road that the smoke was heavy, with some patches of sky
visible, but no flames could be seen. He also mentioned that conversations
with friends and relatives outside the area weren't sure how much danger
was imminently present in the various parts of the community. He mentioned
that some of his neighbors were still in their homes at that point.
"There's still some people here and there," he said. "But it doesn't look
as threatening as the reports say."
Also around 1 p.m., radio reports indicated that there hadn't been any
flames sighted in the Old Castle/Cold Creek area.
Roland Horakh, reporting from near Valley Center Middle School, mentioned
a radio broadcast in which Bill Horn indicated that the La Jolla fire was
mostly to the north of the 76, but that a portion of the Witch Creek fire
had worked its way up the hills to the south of North Lake Wohlford Drive.
At that point, firefighters had been able to keep the fire to the east of
Lake Wohlford, so Horakh reported seeing lots of smoke, but nothing else.
At 1:30, a radio report indicated that the evacuation center at Valley
Center High School was in need of bottled water and non-perishible food
items.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Matt Tyler reported that
he had just left Valley Center High School, and that they had found food
in the school to prepare for the evacuees, and also that EOC had brought
sack lunches to be given out. He also said that once some residents began
to leave for the night, heading north to Temecula or other places, most
evacuees left the high school to either return home or head for a safe
destination.
As for things here on Vesper Road, the smoke is still present to the
north, and since the winds have died down to almost nothing, a lot of the
smoke seems to be settling down into the valley east of here. Hopefully
this means that the fires will be even a little more easily contained, and
that things will continue to get better.
For now, the general feeling is cautious optimism, although there are no
guarantees. After the unnerving conditions surrounding the evacuation this
morning, this afternoon has unfolded better than most had hoped. We still
have power, we still have water, we still have the luxury of a functioning
internet connection. Things could be so much worse, and from what we've
seen this weekend all throughout the county, things are much worse in so
many places.
And so with a great portion of the county still engulfed in flames, there
is still a long way to go. Keep praying out there, and we hope to have
some good news for you later on."
Dan Kidder
Sports/Valley Life Editor
Valley Roadrunner
Download this as a file
"Things in Valley Center continue to be calm, at least here on Vesper Road,
but with the help of some neighbors we've been able to piece together what
we consider pretty reliable information about the surrounding parts of
town.
Around 10 a.m., Robert Palle reported that in a short drive around Vesper,
Mac Tan and Fruitvale, he saw firefighting crews in action, but hadn't
seen any flames in the area.
As of 12:30 p.m., a resident just to the south of Valley Center High
School reported seeing the haze of smoke we all see to the north, but
hadn't seen any flames of any kind. The east side of Cole Grade Road
appeared to be fine; no flames there, but still plenty of smoke. At that
point, we had heard again that the grade coming into Valley Center was
closed, but outgoing traffic was getting through just fine.
According to San Diego news broadcasts around this time, the La Jolla fire
(now called the Poomacho Fire) had worked its way towards Palomar
Mountain, and may be converging with the Witch Creek Fire from Ramona,
somewhere east of Valley Center. The report also said that the Valley
Center evacuations would most likely be in effect for at least 24 hours.
Also around this time, we heard that residents in the Saddle Creek area
were without power.
At 1 p.m., Kevin Bennett reported from the area between Cool Valley Road
and Yellow Brick Road that the smoke was heavy, with some patches of sky
visible, but no flames could be seen. He also mentioned that conversations
with friends and relatives outside the area weren't sure how much danger
was imminently present in the various parts of the community. He mentioned
that some of his neighbors were still in their homes at that point.
"There's still some people here and there," he said. "But it doesn't look
as threatening as the reports say."
Also around 1 p.m., radio reports indicated that there hadn't been any
flames sighted in the Old Castle/Cold Creek area.
Roland Horakh, reporting from near Valley Center Middle School, mentioned
a radio broadcast in which Bill Horn indicated that the La Jolla fire was
mostly to the north of the 76, but that a portion of the Witch Creek fire
had worked its way up the hills to the south of North Lake Wohlford Drive.
At that point, firefighters had been able to keep the fire to the east of
Lake Wohlford, so Horakh reported seeing lots of smoke, but nothing else.
At 1:30, a radio report indicated that the evacuation center at Valley
Center High School was in need of bottled water and non-perishible food
items.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Matt Tyler reported that
he had just left Valley Center High School, and that they had found food
in the school to prepare for the evacuees, and also that EOC had brought
sack lunches to be given out. He also said that once some residents began
to leave for the night, heading north to Temecula or other places, most
evacuees left the high school to either return home or head for a safe
destination.
As for things here on Vesper Road, the smoke is still present to the
north, and since the winds have died down to almost nothing, a lot of the
smoke seems to be settling down into the valley east of here. Hopefully
this means that the fires will be even a little more easily contained, and
that things will continue to get better.
For now, the general feeling is cautious optimism, although there are no
guarantees. After the unnerving conditions surrounding the evacuation this
morning, this afternoon has unfolded better than most had hoped. We still
have power, we still have water, we still have the luxury of a functioning
internet connection. Things could be so much worse, and from what we've
seen this weekend all throughout the county, things are much worse in so
many places.
And so with a great portion of the county still engulfed in flames, there
is still a long way to go. Keep praying out there, and we hope to have
some good news for you later on."
Dan Kidder
Sports/Valley Life Editor
Valley Roadrunner
Download this as a file
ROVING REPORTER
Our reporter Ray Flores, who has been wandering around the area (after evacuating his family!) visted the high school evaucation center, where he says about 1,200 people are. "There's mattreses on the gym floor and a lot of people are taking it easy. Some are intently watching the TV. They are handling it real well, I thought."
Ray continued west on Hwy 76 all the way to I-15 without seeing any fires along the way. He notes that Rice Canyon is completely blocked off. "There's tons of smoke but no flames. I didn't see any more structure fires. I did see about 20 fire trucks going east towards Palomar Mountain.
Ray continued west on Hwy 76 all the way to I-15 without seeing any fires along the way. He notes that Rice Canyon is completely blocked off. "There's tons of smoke but no flames. I didn't see any more structure fires. I did see about 20 fire trucks going east towards Palomar Mountain.
LA JOLLA REZ EVACUATION/POOMACHO
A mandatory evacuation notice has been issued for the people on the La Jolla Indian reservation. They should go to Borrego Springs. They SHOULD NOT go to the Palomar Mountain Evacuation Center, which is at the observatory.
The fire, which jumped Hwy 76 and established itself on the south face of Palomar Mountain at the base of the mountain, is now being referred to as the Poomacho Fire by Calfire. It has currently burned 20,000 acres.
The fire, which jumped Hwy 76 and established itself on the south face of Palomar Mountain at the base of the mountain, is now being referred to as the Poomacho Fire by Calfire. It has currently burned 20,000 acres.
FIRES IN PARADISE
I'm getting some questions about other parts of Valley Center besides the ones that we are reporting being threatened. If I'm not mentioning a particular place that's because nothing is happening there right now. The fire threat currently is along the Yellow Brick Road line and Paradise Mountain. The rest of town is OK so far. I'll let you know if that changes.
CLARIFICATION
I misspoke when I said the VCHS evacuation center is closing. It's not accepting new people and they are trying to find a place to relocate it. Sorry!
SOME REFUSE TO LEAVE PARADISE
1:25 p.m. Tuesday
In spite of the fact that Valley Center was lying under a thick pall of smoke on Tuesday afternoon, Joy Justis, a spokesman for the VC Fire Protection District tells The Roadrunner that “I don’t think it has burned many places in Valley Center It has come up on the same slope that it came four years ago. It’s coming through Paradise.”
Although everyone in that part of town was ordered to evacuate early Monday, apparently lots of them chose to disregard that warning. Justis says that the fire department has been getting a host of phone calls from that area. “People should be out of there!” she said. “But a lot of them are not!”
Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner that firefighters are “holding the line along Yellow Brick Road. They are trying to keep the fire from cresting on that whole canyon. It seems like they are doing that. It has moved west, towards Paradise Mountain.”
The command post, which had been at the Sheriff’s substation on N. Lake Wohlford, is being moved out of the fire’s path. It will be relocated to the VC Community Hall.
The high school evacuation center has been closed, mainly due to air quality issues and also because the Red Cross doesn’t want to have a shelter that close to the fire.
Chief Kevin O’Leary is working with the Red Cross to try to set up an alternate site.
I-15 north is open, and folks who want to get away completely from the fire can take Lilac to Old Castle and then up the I-15 to Riverside Count.
An evacuation center is being maintained in Temecula at 30875 Rancho Vista Road, cross of Margarita. This shelter does not accept animals.
Our reporter/photographer Ray Flores is traveling through Valley Center looking for fire news.
He saw no flames burning on Woods Valley Road or Cole Grade. “There’s a lot of smoke and the wind is really kicking up,” he said.
At last call he went along Valley Center Road, less than a mile east of Valley View Casino. He saw flames at the big horse farm halfway down the grade towards Rincon.
At the Rincon fire station, just up the road from the casino he saw signs of the fire, but no destroyed structures. Random small blazes were still burning.
Across the street from Mazzetti’s Garage on VC Road, cross street of Rocky Top Lane he saw a major structure fire. The fire department has deployed four trucks.
“Across the street from Harrah’s there was an automobile storage that is completely gutted. Burned to the ground. A quarter of a mile up up a slope from the house that is burning a house has been completely destroyed,” said Flores.
In spite of the fact that Valley Center was lying under a thick pall of smoke on Tuesday afternoon, Joy Justis, a spokesman for the VC Fire Protection District tells The Roadrunner that “I don’t think it has burned many places in Valley Center It has come up on the same slope that it came four years ago. It’s coming through Paradise.”
Although everyone in that part of town was ordered to evacuate early Monday, apparently lots of them chose to disregard that warning. Justis says that the fire department has been getting a host of phone calls from that area. “People should be out of there!” she said. “But a lot of them are not!”
Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner that firefighters are “holding the line along Yellow Brick Road. They are trying to keep the fire from cresting on that whole canyon. It seems like they are doing that. It has moved west, towards Paradise Mountain.”
The command post, which had been at the Sheriff’s substation on N. Lake Wohlford, is being moved out of the fire’s path. It will be relocated to the VC Community Hall.
The high school evacuation center has been closed, mainly due to air quality issues and also because the Red Cross doesn’t want to have a shelter that close to the fire.
Chief Kevin O’Leary is working with the Red Cross to try to set up an alternate site.
I-15 north is open, and folks who want to get away completely from the fire can take Lilac to Old Castle and then up the I-15 to Riverside Count.
An evacuation center is being maintained in Temecula at 30875 Rancho Vista Road, cross of Margarita. This shelter does not accept animals.
Our reporter/photographer Ray Flores is traveling through Valley Center looking for fire news.
He saw no flames burning on Woods Valley Road or Cole Grade. “There’s a lot of smoke and the wind is really kicking up,” he said.
At last call he went along Valley Center Road, less than a mile east of Valley View Casino. He saw flames at the big horse farm halfway down the grade towards Rincon.
At the Rincon fire station, just up the road from the casino he saw signs of the fire, but no destroyed structures. Random small blazes were still burning.
Across the street from Mazzetti’s Garage on VC Road, cross street of Rocky Top Lane he saw a major structure fire. The fire department has deployed four trucks.
“Across the street from Harrah’s there was an automobile storage that is completely gutted. Burned to the ground. A quarter of a mile up up a slope from the house that is burning a house has been completely destroyed,” said Flores.
SOME REFUSE TO LEAVE PARADISE
1:25 p.m. Tuesday
In spite of the fact that Valley Center was lying under a thick pall of smoke on Tuesday afternoon, Joy Justis, a spokesman for the VC Fire Protection District tells The Roadrunner that “I don’t think it has burned many places in Valley Center It has come up on the same slope that it came four years ago. It’s coming through Paradise.”
Although everyone in that part of town was ordered to evacuate early Monday, apparently lots of them chose to disregard that warning. Justis says that the fire department has been getting a host of phone calls from that area. “People should be out of there!” she said. “But a lot of them are not!”
Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner that firefighters are “holding the line along Yellow Brick Road. They are trying to keep the fire from cresting on that whole canyon. It seems like they are doing that. It has moved west, towards Paradise Mountain.”
The command post, which had been at the Sheriff’s substation on N. Lake Wohlford, is being moved out of the fire’s path. It will be relocated to the VC Community Hall.
The high school evacuation center has been closed, mainly due to air quality issues and also because the Red Cross doesn’t want to have a shelter that close to the fire.
Chief Kevin O’Leary is working with the Red Cross to try to set up an alternate site.
I-15 north is open, and folks who want to get away completely from the fire can take Lilac to Old Castle and then up the I-15 to Riverside Count.
An evacuation center is being maintained in Temecula at 30875 Rancho Vista Road, cross of Margarita. This shelter does not accept animals.
Our reporter/photographer Ray Flores is traveling through Valley Center looking for fire news.
He saw no flames burning on Woods Valley Road or Cole Grade. “There’s a lot of smoke and the wind is really kicking up,” he said.
At last call he went along Valley Center Road, less than a mile east of Valley View Casino. He saw flames at the big horse farm halfway down the grade towards Rincon.
At the Rincon fire station, just up the road from the casino he saw signs of the fire, but no destroyed structures. Random small blazes were still burning.
Across the street from Mazzetti’s Garage on VC Road, cross street of Rocky Top Lane he saw a major structure fire. The fire department has deployed four trucks.
“Across the street from Harrah’s there was an automobile storage that is completely gutted. Burned to the ground. A quarter of a mile up up a slope from the house that is burning a house has been completely destroyed,” said Flores.
In spite of the fact that Valley Center was lying under a thick pall of smoke on Tuesday afternoon, Joy Justis, a spokesman for the VC Fire Protection District tells The Roadrunner that “I don’t think it has burned many places in Valley Center It has come up on the same slope that it came four years ago. It’s coming through Paradise.”
Although everyone in that part of town was ordered to evacuate early Monday, apparently lots of them chose to disregard that warning. Justis says that the fire department has been getting a host of phone calls from that area. “People should be out of there!” she said. “But a lot of them are not!”
Fire Board Pres. Mel Schuler told The Roadrunner that firefighters are “holding the line along Yellow Brick Road. They are trying to keep the fire from cresting on that whole canyon. It seems like they are doing that. It has moved west, towards Paradise Mountain.”
The command post, which had been at the Sheriff’s substation on N. Lake Wohlford, is being moved out of the fire’s path. It will be relocated to the VC Community Hall.
The high school evacuation center has been closed, mainly due to air quality issues and also because the Red Cross doesn’t want to have a shelter that close to the fire.
Chief Kevin O’Leary is working with the Red Cross to try to set up an alternate site.
I-15 north is open, and folks who want to get away completely from the fire can take Lilac to Old Castle and then up the I-15 to Riverside Count.
An evacuation center is being maintained in Temecula at 30875 Rancho Vista Road, cross of Margarita. This shelter does not accept animals.
Our reporter/photographer Ray Flores is traveling through Valley Center looking for fire news.
He saw no flames burning on Woods Valley Road or Cole Grade. “There’s a lot of smoke and the wind is really kicking up,” he said.
At last call he went along Valley Center Road, less than a mile east of Valley View Casino. He saw flames at the big horse farm halfway down the grade towards Rincon.
At the Rincon fire station, just up the road from the casino he saw signs of the fire, but no destroyed structures. Random small blazes were still burning.
Across the street from Mazzetti’s Garage on VC Road, cross street of Rocky Top Lane he saw a major structure fire. The fire department has deployed four trucks.
“Across the street from Harrah’s there was an automobile storage that is completely gutted. Burned to the ground. A quarter of a mile up up a slope from the house that is burning a house has been completely destroyed,” said Flores.
THE ROADRUNNER IN EXILE
12:45 p.m. Tuesday
We are back up after an evenng of excitement. After evacuating The Roadrunner office amidst a deep pall of haze that will probably leave a coating of ash in my lungs for weeks to come, we have reestablished The Roadrunner at ahome in Oceanside. We will try to publish an issue one day late and be on the stands by Thursday, if possible. If the post office is delivering by Friday then people will begin to get the paper in their mailboxes. Once the air clears in Valley Center we will be back in our office.
Meantime, I will keep this blog going, and, when possible, post full stories on the Website. Until that happens we will try to be your resource for information about the fires.
You can help by sending us informational emails about things that you have observed or that you know for fact. No rumors please!
Stay safe!
We are back up after an evenng of excitement. After evacuating The Roadrunner office amidst a deep pall of haze that will probably leave a coating of ash in my lungs for weeks to come, we have reestablished The Roadrunner at ahome in Oceanside. We will try to publish an issue one day late and be on the stands by Thursday, if possible. If the post office is delivering by Friday then people will begin to get the paper in their mailboxes. Once the air clears in Valley Center we will be back in our office.
Meantime, I will keep this blog going, and, when possible, post full stories on the Website. Until that happens we will try to be your resource for information about the fires.
You can help by sending us informational emails about things that you have observed or that you know for fact. No rumors please!
Stay safe!
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