Palomar Mountain News

For those of you on the mountain this afternoon, ‘The Calvary’ showed up for a fire that stayed under an acre, with much gratitude to them and the crews on the ground! I just got of the phone with our own Station 79 Captain Dean Kawaski. He said it started up on a ridge between the back of Frye Creek Campground and Doane Pond. About 30 to 40 firefighters really got a workout today because they had to hike back in some steep terrain. Palomar’s Fire Department was joined by crews from Valley Center, Warner Springs and La Jolla Reservation. They were just sitting down to dinner at about 8:30pm and plan to be out mopping up first thing in the morning.

When I first heard about the fire, I called Ray and Sue Carpenter who have a huge pond on their ranch in Mendenhall Valley. They invited me down for a front row seat watching helicopters draw water, including this huge twin engine Chinook, that showed up about every four and a half minutes over an hour and a half. It holds 3000 gallons. Their pond and others on Palomar have been used for every fire up here for decades. Another reason to not have the 500KV towers anywhere at all on Palomar Mountain.

The pond is three acres. In an hour and a half they had taken about 60,000 gallons of water. We noticed the light color showing up on the lower part of the reeds along the edge of the pond where the water level was dropping. Ray and Sue had already turned on their well system that pumps 250 gallons a minute to keep the water supply up to fight the fire. Another fire popped up about 20 minutes later so the helicopters were at the pond again. We are so blessed to have the outcome we have when so many other areas is So Cal aren’t as fortunate.

I’d kidnapped Sandrine (webmaster for Save Palomar Mountain). We first drove up to the Campground entrance where trucks and crews from Escondido, Pala and San Pasqual were staged to assist if needed. But thinking they might have been able to go back home tonight in their clean turn-outs and shiny trucks.

We are so thankful for all of the amazing support and resources that kept that fire from spreading on our beautiful mountain!

Bonnie Phelps

PS – We’re working on getting a great video to you along with a wonderful story from Ray about what it took to get another fire out up here back in the days.

“Step up. Live without regret. Reach out and help others.”

These people involved in the Boatlift were among the Hero’s 23 years ago. So thankful I saw this about the time it was first released in 2013. I’ve played it many times over the years but surprised to see so few views. This morning I thought I’d share with you Palomar Mountain News folks and friends as we remember this day, and will Never Forget.

Bonnie Phelps

A smokey haze clouded our drive to the city late afternoon yesterday. On the way home the moon was orange through all the smoke. So Cal has quite a few fires and we are thankful they aren’t close to us. But, I do think most everyone on Palomar might have woken up during the night by the strong smell of smoke perhaps coming our way from the bigger fires in Orange County and San Bernadino and others throughout SoCal. We’re thankful that it is much clearer out there now.

Neighbors, Jim and Teresa McCarthy introduced us to a Fire app you might want to follow. Watch Duty is simple to see up for alerts that keep you posted in the county or you can click on their maps to keep up with other areas.

Cooler temps on the way should be helpful, too!

For the past 24 years there are very few times that I’ve missed a Real Estate inspection. I’m there to represent the seller and usually the buyer, but also I am there to LEARN. It is always interesting. We had a couple septic inspections today and I learned something new.

See the photos showing a pipe with no cover? That happens to be the vent pipe above a bathroom on a vintage cabin. Those darn woodpeckers, thinking they are storing up food for the winter, have filled that open pipe with acorns. Their cousins and ancestors for many decades have done all that gathering and stashing for naught. Hundreds – oh, I’m guessing maybe thousands of acorns have found their way into the septic tank. They may even be the cause of the outlet tee and possibly the leach field needing replacing.

Yes, the cabin owner is bringing up a vent cover like this one:

You might want to make sure all your vents are covered. It could save a lot of $$$ someday on a septic repair to get the system working again.

Here is another tip! On days like this, you might want to visit the General Store for their large selection of ice cream and chilled coffees. Ah, yes…

It’s warm up here today but just heard its 115 degrees in Pauma Valley!

Thankful to be on this beautiful mountain!

Stay cool!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor gearing up for several new listings heading your way!

760-533-1742

So many items have been donated to the Silent Auction! What is up for grabs? A very contented bear, hand signed by the late, Chris-the-Woodcutter Marszalek, that cute little roll-top desk, tables full of fun things! A fun cooking class! Like new bunkbeds the bedding, too, a queen frame and restored vintage dresser. Simply place your bid and keep an eye on it as others might want it too!

What else? Live Music and booths! Come on out to the Hoedown today! Click for the details and see you there!

Thinking about having your septic tank pumped? Considering selling? We usually have all tanks pumped and certified during escrow. Here is your chance to save $100.00! While the rebates last, you can sign up for $100.00 county rebate, get your tank pumped and then a rebate check is to be mailed to you.

The County program was set up to provide rebates for 400 properties. There are 91 rebate opportunities left… Thanks to Lafe Ball, next door neighbor to this little cabin, for letting us know about the rebate. Who should you call for service? Thad with All In Pumping has been the best price and such a professional and pleasure to work with. When you have your lids uncovered, you will save even more.

Sign up on line for the County Rebate Program, or simply give Kate a call 619-431-0763.

When was the last time you had absolutely delicious street tacos? The new chef at “The H” is doing a fabulous job. I tried the sampler with grilled chicken, carne asada and carnitas. They make their own guacamole with fresh local avocados. I started off with a house salad with their homemade blue cheese dressing. They should bottle and sell it! Best ever! We eat there often as it is a great place to meet up with friends.

They buy slabs of beef to grind the hamburger fresh. Best Burgers in the Backcountry! The Catch of the Day is always a great choice. That cowboy I’m married to usually can not resist their steak or prime rib.

Oh, fun stories I must share… Our grandkids love the restaurant, too. They have been taught to be very polite and place their own orders since they were little. Starting about 7 years old, the youngest always seemed to notice when we are running low on his favorite appetizer. So, very politely he will motion a waitress to the table, turn and quietly say, “We’d like another order of potato skins please”. They always disappear so fast!

One time his brother, about 13 at the time, was sitting at the opposite end of a long table from his Grandaddy. He was paying attention when Grandaddy ordered. When the waitress got around to that hungry boy, he just said, “I’ll have what Grandaddy ordered”. I had to laugh. He’d always ordered a kids hamburger plate. Grandaddy was paying the bill and didn’t find out until we were served that he was treating that growing guy to a yummy steak dinner. They both ate every bit of their Ribeye and enjoyed it very much!

During the day it is fun to sit at the windows on the right watching the hummingbird feeders.

A quick 25 minutes from the top of the mountain: 16787 Hwy 76, Pauma Valley, California

Let’s meet up at Lazy H someday soon!

Are you coming up? We’d sure love to have you! Perfect weather is promised so it will be a great day to visit Palomar!

10 am until 2:00 – Get your entrance tickets for the event, visit the booths, meet the locals, check out the silent auction and the Kids Corner for fun games.

11 to 1 – Enjoy the music Chris Clarke and Friends, you might want to bring your favorite chair and/or boots for dancin’.

A great barbecue lunch will be available about noon – no charge for BBQ – it was donated by the Bailey Resort folks.

Entrance for the event is $15.00 for adults, $7.00 for kids 12 and under, and those 6 and under are free.

It’s a fundraiser to keep the Community Center rolling and able to provide events like this.

From the top of the mountain, turn to your right, you’ll see the cars. Event is to the left of the Fire Station.

What ideas do you have to donate for the Silent Auction? Here is a peek at a few things that have already come in. They’ve been delivered to the Community Center and Cecelia and Christine will make them into fun displays of irresistible items for your home, cabin or gifting pleasure.

Do you have contacts at Sea World, the Zoo, Animal Park, Center for the Arts, movie theaters or where ever for free gift certificates or tickets? How about the casinos for over-night stays, dinners, or two-for-ones at Rincon’s Lazy River? Maybe a great deal from the La Jolla Splash Park? Or a bag of feed from Tractor Supply? Cecelia just came up with another idea; Would you like to teach a class on whatever you love? Baking, wood working, sewing, a craft, or you pick? There is so much talent here on Palomar. Let’s do this!

Do you remember Chris the Woodcutter? One year he won a manicure! That was good for lots of laughs! Connect with your contacts and it will be so fun to see what you come up with!

With Fall and the Holidays just around the corner, maybe you have some wonderful like-new or vintage things that you are ready to pass on for someone else to enjoy?

Just off the phone with John Lesac. He has been busy with his mill and is donating a live edge slab that is seasoned and he plans to hand-finish for you to make into a side table or bench! That will be fun to see who goes home with that creative piece from the forest!

It would be wonderful if the items can be delivered ASAP or by Thursday August 29th via Cecelia 760-594-4688 or Christine 949-400-7997. They will get all questions answered about Silent Auction donations. You could then meet up with one of them to make arrangements to drop off or give them the donation info so they have the paperwork ready the day of the event.

So much fun ahead!

Cecelia and Christine

PS We are friends donating our time to put this Silent Auction together. ALL proceeds will go directly to the Hoedown Community Center Fund Raiser – This event provides funds toward insurance, paper goods and other expenses throughout the year. Thanks to All for contributing!

Wow! This fun event is only ten days away!?!

FROM: Robert Carlyle

All mountain neighbors are invited to bring your family to our annual event on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend at the Community Center House next to the Fire Station. We are going to kick it off earlier than advertised. Come on out at 10 am until 2:00.

ENTRANCE – Adults $15.00, Kids 6 to 12 are $7.00. Age 6 and under are free.

THANK YOU to The Bailey Resort folks. They are donating a very delicious, catered BBQ lunch. Their staff with Tom Mendenhall heading up and donated the lumber to re-built the stage. Julian Pie Company donates pies every year.

LIVE MUSIC – Weekender Chris Clarke is playing his guitar and singing bluegrass favorites.

SILENT AUCTION – There will be a fun Silent Auction this year! Full-timers have volunteered to have it all set up the day before in the Community Center House. Cecelia Borland and Christine Locken have some great ideas to make this a real successful event and fun for all. When you show up for the Hoedown, let the bidding begin! The auction will close at 1:45. The gals are donating 100% of the proceeds to the Community Center*. And, YES what do you have to donate for the auction? More on that in the next post.

CRAFT and COMMUNITY BOOTHS – Are you crafty? Do you have a special product you market, fresh produce to sell? Just let us know. We will provide a 6 foot table and you bring the rest. So far we have very cute carved bears and mountain themed cloth purse sets heading our way. Ted Berry, mascot for Save Palomar Mountain will be there, and who else? For those of you selling items, reserve your space then simply donate something to the Silent Auction and your booth is free.

CERT SIGN ORDERS – This will be the last day to order your address signs. Click for more info and check out their booth.

*COMMUNITY CENTER FUNDRAISER – This event provides funds toward insurance, paper goods and other expenses throughout the year. Thanks to All!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES –

1. Help with set up Friday August 30th
2. Help with clean up and put away Saturday August 31
3. Lunch ticket people needed to help Sharon Dall
4. Someone needed to clean Community Center House before event and after

Please email Cecelia farmgirl92060@gmail.com about Silent Auction donations

Please email me to volunteer to help and/or reserve a table for a booth.

Hope to have a great turn out!

Thank you,

Robert Carlyle carlyler37@gmail.com