Friday, November 30, 2007

ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO RAIN

Several roads have been closed due to flooding this afternoon and evening. We had some reports earlier today of evacuations off of La Jolla Indian Reservation and Cuca Ranch area, but were unable to confirm one and pretty much discounted the other.

I talked to a man who lives on Cuca Ranch. He said there was some erosion but no evacuation. La Jolla Indian Reservation tribal authorities are pretty much impossible to get ahold of these days so I couldn't confirm any evacuations there.

However, the County Office of Emergency Services told me that while there had been some advisories issued for areas originally burned by the Witch Fire (i.e. Via De La Valle and San Pasqual Valley) that there were no such advisories listed for Hwy 76.

But then I learned later that Hwy 76 was being closed off at several points, including Valley Center Road (near Gilberto's), Harolds Road and way over to Hwy 79 & Hwy 76 at Lake Henshaw.

I also received a pretty reliable report that a boulder "the size of a Volkswagen" was blocking the road on S6. I can personally attest to boulders the size of basketballs and toasters this morning, but no Volkswagens. It's funny, but you never hear any reports of boulders the size of Hummers or Cadillacs! So, all of these things are keeping me off the mountain this evening, and probably a few dozen or hundred other folks.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

BODY FOUND ON ANTHONY ROAD

This morning (November 20th), the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call of human remains being
found in the front yard of a residence in the 29000 block of Anthony Road in Valley Center.
Sheriff’s personnel from the Valley Center Station, Homicide Detail and Crime Lab responded to the scene.
Once it was confirmed that the remains were, in fact, human, volunteers with the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
Unit went to the scene, where they conducted a search for the rest of the body. This afternoon, searchers
discovered what they believe to be the body of an adult male in a ravine approximately 200 yards from the
initial discovery.
At this time there is nothing that suggests foul play in this case, as a cause and manner of death has not been
determined by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-
2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).

Monday, November 19, 2007

Book Fair Palomar Mountain Schoo

The Palomar Mountain School Parent Teacher Club will hold a Scholastic Book Fair at the school and invites the community to come by and do their Christmas shopping.

The Book Fair will feature a large selection of books for children and teens as well as a selection of books for adults, software, gift items, stocking stuffers, and educational products.

The Book Fair will be open Wednesday night, Dec. 5 from 6–8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

The Saturday event will be accompanied by a School Open House where
teacher Mrs. Armstrong will open the "One Room Schoolhouse" for visitors and answer
questions.
>
Volunteers Needed! If you have any ideas or can help out in any contact Judi Easton at
> wjeaston@juno.com or any other Palomar Mountain School Parent Teacher Club
member.

Friday, November 16, 2007

FIRE RELIEF CONCERT

The VC-P school district will be reviving its “Teachers and Friends” Concert, which was originally used to raise money for the Maxine Theater. This time it will be used to bring the community together and support the families of VCPUSD students and employees who lost their homes in the fires. The concert will be Dec. 15, 2 p.m. in the Maxine. Production costs are being underwritten by donations so all proceeds will go directly to support our the stricken families. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students/children 18 and under.

OPTIMIST HAMS

The VC Optimists will sell smoked Thanksgiving hams from Nov. 16 –20 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Wednesday Nov. 21 from 9 a.m.–noon in front of Fat Ivor's Rib Rack. Contact Bill Paulson (751-3339) or Ron Rayhawk (749-4295). Proceeds go to Valley Center youth programs and scholarships.

SPECIAL FIRE BOARD MEETING

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
VALLEY CENTER FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (VCFPD)
Monday – November 19, 2007 – 6:00 p.m.

VALLEY CENTER FIRE STATION #72
28234 Lilac Road, Valley Center, CA 92082


AGENDA


1. Proposal to extend the term of the Agreement #2003-01 by and between Mercy Medical Transport, Inc. and the Valley Center Fire Protection District.

2. Proposal to modify the fee structure for Agreement #2003-01.

3. Adjournment

GET THEATER TICKETS FROM ME!

I'm a member of the cast of It's a Wonderful Life being put on by the Valley Center Community Theater Dec. 7, 8, 9 at the Maxine. This is a very inspirational story about a man who doesn't find out how well-beloved he is until he decides to jump off a bridge and is confronted by his guardian angel. You've no doubt see the Jimmy Stewart movie.

You can get tickets from me until Nov. 20 at a very special price that won't be this low afterwards. I'm involved in a contest to win an iPod and so I'm going to go all out to win. You buy the ticket from me and mention that you saw this article and I'll shave an extra buck off the price and EAT it! Also, I will mention you some way, some how in the newspaper. This is a deal you can't refuse!

Call me at 749-1112 to get your tickets. Cash or check only please!

FEMA DISASTER UNEMPLOYEMENT ASSISTANCE DEADLINE IS NOV. 26

Deadline approaching for Disaster Unemployment Assistance



PADADENA, Calif. — Californians who want to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for wages lost because of the destructive Southern California wildfires only have a short time left to apply. The deadline for DUA is Nov. 26.



Individuals who were unable to work as a result of the October wildfires in the seven federally declared counties may be eligible for DUA. The counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura were designated disaster areas by President Bush at the request of Governor Schwarzenegger.



To date, more than 6,120 workers affected by the fires have filed for unemployment insurance benefits.



DUA provides benefits from $144 to a maximum of $450 a week for individuals unemployed as a direct result of a major disaster.



In California, both DUA and Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims are processed through the Employment Development Department. Residents can apply on-line through www.edd.ca.gov/fleclaim.htm or by phone by calling toll-free 1-800-300-5616 for English;

1-800-326-8937 for Spanish; or TTY 1-800-815-9387.



While DUA is similar to regular UI in benefit amounts and duration, eligibility is somewhat different. Those eligible for DUA include those affected by the disaster who have a legal right to work in the United States; who are or have been self-employed; who are unable to establish a valid regular UI claim; or individuals who have exhausted their UI claim benefits. People unable to reach work because of the disaster; those scheduled to begin work that was terminated because of the fires; and people physically unable to work because of a disaster-incurred injury also may be eligible.



The Federal Emergency Management Agency funds the 26-week DUA program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor at the federal level and the California Employment Development Department (EDD) at the state level.



FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.



The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates overall state-agency response to major disasters in support of local government. OES is also responsible for maintaining the State Emergency Plan and coordinating California's preparedness, mitigation and recovery efforts.



Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 1-800-462-7585.



SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955.



Temporary housing assistance from FEMA does not require that an applicant file for an SBA loan. However, an applicant must complete an SBA loan application to be eligible for additional assistance under the part of the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. There are other ONA grants such as public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses that do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan to be eligible. FEMA will process applications for housing assistance regardless of whether the applicant has applied for an SBA loan, and eligibility determinations for applicants requesting FEMA’s temporary housing assistance will not be held up because the applicant has or has not filled out an SBA application.

SANTA ANA WINDS MAY BE BACK SOON

The following advisory was sent Friday by George Lucia, Valley Center Fire Marshal and Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Chief

New weather watch - we are still in Santa Ana and Fire Season.

The Weather Service is watching a wind event predicted for next week.

Palomar Mountain residents and anyone in a high wildland area needs to continue to be on guard and take measures to prevent and limit wildfire.

The recent Santa Ana wind event did blow much debris (combustible) around our properties.
Everyone needs to walk around your property and remove any combustible's that are near any structures, propane tanks and cars/recreational vehicles.
If you used fire gel on your home, be sure to contact the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for a new supply.
The used nozzel must be cleaned before reuse. The gel manufacture has offered free nozzel replacement through PMVFD.

Do review what went well during the past fire and prepare.
A full tank of gas in your car, items to be saved in boxes and ready to go and provisions for pets and animals.

The PMVFD found that working hoses (garden or fire) set up by your home helped patrolling fire units wet down (pre-treat) and also control spot fires.

Please understand that evacuation orders are controlled by the San Diego Sheriff.
Reverse 911 can be added to your cell phone.

Please remember that your life and safety is most important.

A pass is always available through the Sheriff to tend to a business, animals or agriculture, but please do not abuse the pass.

The recent fire was a serious event that burned houses and property.

The good side of this past fire was that no one was hurt on Palomar Mountain and everyone got to a safe place.

The success was based upon the Palomar communities preparedness and cooperation.

Please be alert and safe

Yours in safety

George E. Lucia Sr.

Monday, November 12, 2007

PROSPECTS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Hank & Su Kraus of Peacemark invite you to join them on Tuesday, November 13th at Cal State San Marcos for a special event. Marcia Freedman, Israeli Knesset Member and peace activist, will speak on the Prospects for Peace in the Middle East and the History of the Feminist Movement in Israel of which she was a Founder. The presentation will be in Academic Hall Room 102 and begins at 7:00pm. Reserved parking is available in the upper parking lot.

The Kruases added, "Sorry for the late notice. If you would like to ride with us or follow us, please call 760-751-2134."

Hank and Su Kraus
www.peacemark.org

Saturday, November 10, 2007

COUNTY BEGINS HAZARDOUS MATERIAL CLEAN UP

Following the devastating wildfires, the County last week began a coordinated Household Hazardous Waste Removal Program.
Homes and vehicles burned in the recent wildfires may contain items that can cause serious risk to health and safety if not carefully removed. The new program will deal with this potential hazard.
Common hazardous household materials include aerosol cans, batteries, propane tanks, paints and solvents, fertilizer, fluorescent lights and household cleaners.
Removal of these items will be done by teams from the California Environmental Pro-tection Agency’s Department of Toxic Substances Control and the U.S. EPA.
Hazardous household waste removal is being performed free of charge to residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the recent fires in the County of San Diego and the Cities of San Diego and Escondido.
The County’s goal is to complete hazardous waste removal at 2,400 structures by Thanksgiving.
There is no need for residents to be present during the cleanup. When the removal of hazardous household waste is complete, the teams will post a notice at the property.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.sdcountyrecovery.com for additional information, or call 877-308-8111.
Multiple teams will be working simultaneously in areas around the County.

EROSION CONTROL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

As anyone will note coming up the South grade, this is going to be one bad year for erosion on Palomar Mountain.

To help out, the County Public Works Department put together an office of erosion control after the 2004 Cedar Fire. They are available to send out trained personnel to advise you on erosion control on your property and how much straw, straw tubes and sandbags you need and how to use them most effectively at no cost to the property owner. The can be contacted at:

Free Erosion Control Assistance 1-888-846-0800

The sand bags and straw tubes can be obtained at the County Yard in Valley Center at 28565 Cole Grade Road (& Valley Center Road). They have young volunteers helping to fill the bags. There are also bags and sand at the hilo pad on the Mountain I understand.

There will be a 'Debris Removal Workshop' on Friday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. at the St. Francis Church in Pauma Valley at 16608 Highway 76. This program is to assist property owners in the unincorporated areas with the removal of structural fire debris. The program is provided at no cost to the property owner.

Also: Household Hazardous Waste will be collected from burned homes and properties. They will come by and remove any Hazardous Waste free of charge to protect the health of the residents. They want you to leave all Hazardous Waste in place - do not move it . Just call them. Contact: 1-877-308-8111

Thursday, November 8, 2007

EDCO WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE WASTE & RECYCLING SERVICES ON VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY

EDCO Waste & Recycling Services will be performing residential collection services on
Monday, November 12, 2007, Veteran’s Day.

There will be no service delays on Monday, November 12th, or during the remainder of the
week, for residential waste and recycling collection for EDCO customers in Lemon Grove,
La Mesa, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, San Diego, San Marcos, Encinitas,
Escondido, Poway, Vista, Fallbrook and the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Customers are asked to continue to place their waste and recycling containers out on
their regularly scheduled service day. This includes Fallbrook Waste & Recycling Services,
Escondido Disposal, Inc. and Ramona Disposal Service.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

FEMA HAS OFFICERS IN PAUMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened services at the relief center operating at Pauma Community Center on Hwy 76. I met Bill Lindsey, who is with the FEMA effort locally, aided by three staffers. Note: FEMA does not have people at the Red Cross center at Bell Gardens. Another nearby FEMA location is in Fallbrook.

Sarah Anne Taylor is the team leader at the Pauma center.

Residents who have been impacted by the wildfires are invited to drop by the FEMA center, or to apply using their 800 number: 1-800-621-3362.

BOIL WATER ORDER LIFTED FOR WEST CUCA MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health has lifted the Boil Water Order for West Cuca Mutual Water Company at 20001 Hwy 76 in Pauma Valley effective immediately. Analytical results for water samples indicate that the water is free from Total Coliform bacteria.

Due to the fires, this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. As a precaution, a Boil Water Order was issued until laboratory results showed the water is free from bacterial contamination. The water is free to be consumed without boiling first.

For more information on the Boil Water Order, please contact Shane Fitzgerald at (760) 742-4292.

ARANT TO BE GOP WOMEN'S SPEAKER

Gary Arant, the General Manager of the Valley Center Municipal Water District since March of 1989, will be be the speaker at the Valley Center Republican Women's November 14, meeting. He plans to give us the details and just what to expect, with the anticipated 30% cut in the water supply, but will leave plenty of time for questions.

The Valley Center GOP Women meet at the VC Library. The program is at 11:00 a.m., with lunch served following the program. Please call Joyce, 749-1849, for reservations.

POOMACHA FIRE MAY BE CONTAINED BY SATURDAY

The following update was issued today by Palomar Fire Dept. Chief George Lucia:

Poomacha Fire Update – Wednesday, November 07, 2007 @ 0900 hours.

The Fire remains 95% contained and at 49,410 Acres.
100 % containment is expected by Saturday, November 10.

The erosion problem is a priority for Palomar Local residents,
Please take advantage of the free sandbag at the summit heliport and
Work around your homes to slow drainage down during future rains.

The Summit Heliport will be converted to a SDGE staging area today, allowing
The final repairs to the grids to be competed at a rapid pace.

Palomar Residents have much to be thankful about.
The fire was weather driven, but much of the treatment and clearing that has been
Done in recent years gave all firefighters an advantage to save neighborhood.
We need to revisit our priorities and get moving again.
Our legislators have toured the mountain and are committing to
Millions of dollars to fund many fire safety and health forest project.
We need to get the Fire Safe Council very active again and set some goals
For continued clearing and chipping programs.

The FDNY DART RED CROSS group is leaving today.
We helped deliver all our extra supplies down to the LaJolla Reservation last night.
They received serious damage from the fire and will need our help to get back on their feet.

We are giving them a send off at 12 Noon at the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Station.
Anyone available, Please come over and help express our thanks.

The next serious area to be looked at is the backside of Crestline and Birch hill to the North down into Mendenhall Valley. A lighting strike in that area during a Santa Ana weather event would threaten the local neighborhood.
Lets put our thoughts together and encourage our community leaders to take an aggressive stand on continued fire safety programs.

Thank you everyone for your continued cooperation and support.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

BLUE STAR MOTHERS SEEK DONATIONS FOR DEPLOYED TROOPS

The local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America is collecting donations for holiday Care packages to be sent to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Items needed include: candy canes, small Christmas ornaments, holiday greeting cards, New Year hats and confetti, hot chocolate and apple cider packets, microwave popcorn, granola bars, lip balm, handheld games, and small puzzle or word books.

Donated items should be dropped off before the packaging date of November 17th at one of the following locations: Escondido Charter High School, Valley Center Roadrunner office, or Valley Center High School. Pick-ups can also be arranged. Items can be dropped off at the Escondido American Legion on the 17th as well. The addresses and additional items that would be appreciated can be found at the organization’s web site www.sdncbluestarmothers.org.

Financial contributions to help offset the cost of postage are also greatly appreciated. Hopefully, enough donations will be received to match the last mailing of 300 packages sent to deployed troops in July, which cost about $9 per package to send. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 301456, Escondido, CA 92030.

Blue Star Mothers of America is a non-profit, non-political support group of mothers whose children are serving in all branches of the military. Besides providing moral and emotional support for one another, the organization sponsors many activities in support of military personnel, veterans groups and causes that directly benefit the armed forces. This includes participating in the Miramar Air Show and the San Diego Veterans Day parade, holding picnics and activities for the local wounded warriors, and acting as “huggers” at local deployment farewells and homecomings.

Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at the American Legion in Escondido and all are welcome. For more information, go to the web site or call the president, Kathryn Hood, at (760) 594-4853.

Monday, November 5, 2007

POOMACHA FIRE IS 95% CONTAINED

The following is a bulletin from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:

Poomacha Fire Update - Palomar Mountain - Monday, November 05, 2007 @ 0900

The Poomacha Fire continues to be 95% contained.

Crews will continue to construct and improve handline around the full perimeter.

Residents may continue to see smoke in the hills of North Palomar Mountain Range into the Aqua Tibia Wilderness.

To assure the fire is safe and reduce residual smoke, crews are extinguishing and removing burning materials near the containment lines.

The mop up and and patrol activity is ongoing.

Due to fire activity, the Cleveland National Forest and the State Park is closed.

Save the date - Wednesday, November 07 at 1200 noon.

Everyone is invited to the Palomar Summit Heliport to say thanks and goodbye to our friends from the FDNY -DART red cross unit.

Please stop by one and all.

George E. Lucia Sr.

Fire Chief

Sunday, November 4, 2007

MOUNTAIN RESIDENTS GO INTO RECOVERY MODE

It’s been a week since the residents of Palomar Mountain were allowed to return home—and most of them have homes because of the work of firefighters, many of whom were members of their volunteer fire department.
Outside resources on the mountain began to be downsized on Sunday morning. Many of them had been in San Diego county more than two weeks.
Fire suppression continued against the fire in the Agua Tibia area (north west Palomar Mountain). This is tough, grinding work, a “hand to hand” battle in the words of fire chief George Lucia, an area where brush is thick, often impassable and very flammable.
Nevertheless, firefighters continued to draw a ring around the fire that they anticipated closing soon. As of Sunday the fire was 95% contained.
While they were waiting for the fire to be contained, residents on the mountain were subjected to a little tender loving care—comparatively speaking.
They were invited to come by for free breakfasts, lunches and dinners to the Red Cross center that was being maintained by volunteers, the most conspicuous being the members of DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team), who include retired and current members of the FDNY (Fire Dept. of New York (see separate story, this issue).
These crusty, friendly folks, just brimming with character and Naw Yawkish good humor, were supplemented by pastors from Calvary Chapel Relief, who brought their own large kitchen on wheels to fix firefighters coming off the lines and residents home cooked, hearty meals.
The center offered all sorts of supplies that newly returned residents might need, including meals that heat themselves, drinks, snacks, underwear, towels and toiletries.
On Wednesday night San Diego Gas & Electric, conceding that it wouldn’t be able to get cables and poles in place for many days, brought up a large generator and installed it on State Park Road.
The generator is a V-16 diesel about 4000 cubic inches in size and puts out 18 volts. It is housed in a 40 foot semi trailer and uses 135 gallons of diesel an hour.
Telephone service continued to be spotty on some parts of the mountain.
SDG&E is busy trying to get electricity to residents along Hwy 76 who don’t have it.
Firefighters continued to patrol the residential areas of the mountain 24/7 looking for hot spots to put out.
According to a ranger at the State Park, about half of it was burned and there’s not much water left in Doane Pond, which helibucket helicopters used over and over again.
Now, with the rains just over the horizon, mountain residents will soon be challenged by rock slides and mud slides.
Sunday, as the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Dept. prepared to go back to normal staffing they were reminded that their main work on weekends is to peel irresponsible motorcyclists off the tarmac when they lose control.
As soon as the roads were open the motorcyclists were tearing up the highway, looking for adventure.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

THANKING THOSE WHO HELPED US

Normally The Roadrunner doesn't print thank you letters, but in view of the overwhelming outpouring of thank yous among residents for firefighters and others who helped many local residents, we will offer residents a chance to put their personally "thanks" in a page that we will publish on Nov. 21, the issue before Thanksgiving.

Email or send them or bring them by the office. Keep them 40 words or less.

SUCCULENTS SAVED HOMES!

Debra Baldwin, a Hidden Meadows resident who wrote the book "Designing with Succlents," got an email from Suzy Schaefer, whose garden was featured on the cover of Baldwin's book "Succulents saved our home. The fire came within 6 feet of the house, but the garden saved the house from burning."

According to Baldwin: "I went there and saw how wildfire had blackened palms and eucalyptus in the canyon adjacent to the Schaefers' Rancho Santa Fe home and, sadly, consumed a house across the street. A stand of Aloe arborescens had shielded the corner of the Schaefer house closest to the canyon; the plant cooked but did not catch fire.


"In the south Escondido community of Del Dios, an area hit hard by wildfire, I saw aloes, agaves, jade, ice plants and prickly pear cactus still green near homes reduced to ashes. And no wonder -- succulents, which by definition are plants with fleshy leaves and stems, are like well-sealed water balloons.


This past week, the Associated Press interviewed me on using succulents for firewise landscaping, and I wrote an article on the subject for the Los Angeles Times (Home section, Thurs. Nov. 8). And tomorrow morning I'll be on Garden Compass radio, Sun. Nov. 4, at 8:45 a.m. The show is broadcast throughout California and parts of Arizona, and also via the Internet. Go to http://www.1360klsd.com/main.html and click on Listen Live in the upper right corner. To call in: 1-800-660-4769 or (619) 560-1360.

FREE MOVIE TICKETS!

There are still FREE tickets to see the movie Bella at the Regal Theater in Escondido for 3:15 TODAY (Saturday).
If you know anyone who would like to go...evacuees, church members, youth groups, friends, family...I will be picking up 115 tickets at 2:30 today and you can tell people to find me for their free tickets in front of the theater. I will give them out first come first serve. If we run out, there will be other showings you can purchase tickets for. Please forward this...I would like to see these tickets used! For those who do not know me personally, I will be wearing a blue sweatshirt that says "Chisholm" across the front :-) If you can't find me - call my cell phone at 760-822-4115 (but I can't hold tickets for anyone because that will get too confusing)

A large donor in San Diego has underwritten the purchase of 38 showings around San Diego and this is the only one left open! We need to use them- they are already paid for and this looks like a great movie! You can read about it on Focus on the Family at <>www.pluggedinonline.com or the officail site <>www.bellathemovie.com or tesitmonies of the actors at <>www.bellafaithemails.com

Friday, November 2, 2007

BOIL WATER ORDER LIFTED FOR RANCHO ESTATES MUTUAL WATER COMPANY

The County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has lifted the Boil Water Order and Public Notification for Rancho Estates Mutual Water Company, located at Adams Drive in Pauma Valley, CA 92061 effective immediately. Analytical results for water samples indicate that the water is free from total Coliform bacteria.

Due to the fires this public water system lost pressure in the water distribution system. As a precaution, a Boil Water Order was issued until laboratory results showed the water is free from bacterial contamination. This system’s users are free to consume the water without boiling it first.

For more information on the Boil Water Order, please contact J.P. Bartkowski at (760) 742-3876.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS SUNDAY

Daylight savings time 2007 ends Sunday November 4th at 2am. Turn your clocks back. Ah! An extra hour to sleep in!

YOU MAY SEE SMOKE ABOVE ARROYO SECO

The following is a fire briefing from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:

Poomacha Fire Update for Friday, November 02, 2007 @ 0800 hours.

The Poomacha Fire is 85% contained and has burned 49,410 acres.

Today in the north area of Palomar, there will be signifiant ground and air operations.

Smoke may be visable in the hills aboue Arroyo Seco.

Mop up and patrol is on-going.
Acreage changes are due to improved mapping accuracy.

Residents may see hot spots in and around the burn areas.
Any concerns should be called into 911.

Winds wil increase and humidity will drop. Red Flag warning in effect 3am saturday through
Sunday.

George E. Lucia Sr.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FIRE

In an effort to follow up on questions posed at the Poomacha Fire Community Information Briefing, the follow information is provided.

When will the electric power be restored?

Electric power was returned Wednesday to about 349 customers in the Palomar area. Power has already been restored along Rincon Rancho Road up to Starbeam Lane.

According to San Diego Gas & Electric spokesman Ron Smith, the vast majority of customers who lost power in the recent Poomacha Fire will have power restored by Nov. 6.

In a few cases where poles were burned and required replacement, restoration of power could take slightly longer.

For more information on electric power restoration, contact Ron Smith at 760-535-7314. Customers can also call 1-800-411-7343 for information. Be prepared with an account number, address or phone number. Select 0 to talk to a staff person.

Is the water safe in Pauma Valley?

Linden Burzell, general manager of the Yuima Municipal Water District, says water testing will be concluded by Friday, Nov. 2. Results of that testing will determine whether customers need to continue boiling their drinking water. The Yuima district serves an area covering 13,000 acres in the Pauma Valley.

For more information, contact the Yuima Municipal Water District at 760-742-3704.

Spokespersons for the Rancho Mutual Water Co., which mainly provides water to customers along Adams Drive, say there are no safety concerns with their water supplies. The Rancho-Pauma Mutual Water Co. also reports no problems with its water as a result of the fires.

CASEY R.I.P.

Casey, the dalmation belonging to Fireman Mike O'Connor, who many people were hoping would survive his car accident, died yesterday from a blood clot. Mike told us that Casey was up and walking around and seemed to be recovering from the surgery, but then keeled over. We're very sorry to hear that about a guy who does so much for the community, who has been heroically fighting the fires and who really loved his pooch.

TWO AMERICAN RED CROSS SHELTERS REMAIN OPEN IN COUNTY

The following shelters are open:


St. Peters Church at 450 S. Stagecoach in Fallbrook Fallbrook (Opened to replace Fallbrook Union High School shelter)
Valley Center High School at 31322 Cole Grade Road in Valley Center

PALOMAR RESIDENTS CAN GET THEIR MAIL

Palomar Mountain postmaster Lisa Di Paolo sent out the following message yesterday:

"All Palomar mail was brought up the mountain today Wed Oct31st. Now that the road is open to residents everyone can come pick up their piles of mail and packages. I am in the office normal hours, however, until I get some kind of power, I won't be able to assist customers with stamps or packages etc until that happens.

Lisa"

BURNOUT TO BE DONE NEAR FIRE PERIMETER

The POOMACHA FIRE is now 85% contained, and has burned 50,156 acres

Thursday morning November 1, 2007 a burnout operation consisting of several hundred acres will be conducted at the north end of the fire perimeter, 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. There will be significant ground and air support with this operation. Mop up and patrol continues along the perimeter.

FIRE IS 85% CONTAINED

The following report is from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:

The fire is 85% contained50,156 Acres have burned.
Palomar Mountain is now open to everyone with no identification required.
The Palomar Fire Department has some "voluntary" check in points in an effort to hand out the lasted information to returning residents.
The Burn Center is still running short of blood - please give at your local blood bank.
The wind event predicted for the weekend is a mild Santa Ana. The wind will pick up on Saturday morning and taper off by Saturday Evening.
The active fire is in the North Division N , P and #Land mark is north of Crosley Saddle/Crosley Homestead and Eagle Crag / Cutca Valley.Today there will be a large firing operation in this area using helicopter launched "ping pong balls" of fire.You will see fire and smoke in the north mountain area.
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.
The Large Generator located at State Park Road is now powering the entire mountain until damage repair is complete.
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.
There is food, friends and supplies from the red cross at the summit landing zone for residents and firefighters.The Halloween gathering of firefighters from everywhere and the returning residents was a joyful site last night.
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.
There are still hot spots in the burn areas that are very visible at night.These will soon burn out or be extinguished by local crews.
George E. Lucia Sr.Fire ChiefPalomar Mountain Fire DepartmentSD Station 97 (CSA 110)cell-760-644-9933firechief97@aol.comgeorge.lucia@sprint.blackberry.net
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"The Thin Red Line"