Palomar Mountain News

We owe a lot to our mountain historian, Peter Brueggeman for endless hours sourcing and providing links to stories and books, old photos and so much more. Here is his latest collection of how some of our mountain areas got their names:

From: Peter Brueggman

Here’s links to pieces I’ve researched and written on the origin of various Palomar Mountain placenames. Note that the placenames for Colb Valley and Parayne Hill are misspelled from the original people involved.

 Birch Hill… named after Henry and Arthur Birch
 see https://archive.org/details/birch_202301

 French Valley…. named after Hubert Foussat and Jean Foussat
 see https://archive.org/details/foussat

 Parayne Hill … named after Jean Bertrand Peyregne and Jean Louis Peyregne
 see https://archive.org/details/peyregne

 Gordon Point… named after Donald Gordon
 see https://archive.org/details/gordon_20241217

 Morgan Hill … named after William Henry Morgan
see  https://archive.org/details/fry-morgan

 Barker Valley… named after Joseph R. Barker
 see https://archive.org/details/barker_202412

 Dyche Valley … named after George V. Dyche
 see https://archive.org/details/dyche_20240220

 Colb Valley… named after William Jasper Kolb
 see https://archive.org/details/kolb_20240530

 Jeff Valley and Will Valley… named after members of the Cook family
 see https://archive.org/details/cook_20240608

 Pedley Valley … named after Nathan Chaffin Pedley
 see https://archive.org/details/pedley

 Love Valley … named after John A. Love
 see https://archive.org/details/love_20241123

 Frazier Point… named after Maria and Elizabeth Frazier
 see https://archive.org/details/fraziers-of-palomar-mountain_202310

 Doane Valley … named after George Doane
 see https://archive.org/details/doane_202402

Thank you Peter!!!

Interested in some fun history on George Doane? And, here is the link to his book!

There are fabulous photos and endless reading on Peter’s Palomar History resource.

You’re amazing Peter!

Bonnie Phelps

Many of you have already had letters notifying us that SDG&E is putting the power underground for fire safety. A couple years ago when they started installing the large metal poles I asked the crews what it would take to get them underground. They very confidently told me that undergrounding is next. Now it is to really happen eventually.

Yesterday I met these surveyors on State Park Road. Joshua Thompson is the superintendent is the Chief Field Surveyor for N V 5 and his assistant Christian is working with him. He said they have just finished Valley Center, Ramona and Julian. Now, they will be on the mountain a couple months or so. In addition to locating all poles they are also locating all meters so you might see Scott and Christian them on your property. They did tell me they are a couple years out.

This will be the ultimate photoshop for the mountain. Here are quick before and afters from a pretty snow one year.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor DRE#1293655 & PMNews Editor since the beginning of the Century 760-533-1742

Everyone is invited to a old fashioned time of Christmas music and singing Monday Evening. Bruce and Rita Druliner will be leading ’round the big stone fireplace at the Community Center next to the Fire Department. They even have song sheets if you’d like to sing along. This is just a peek of the decorations. Elves will be busy making it very nice for you so we can pretend we have a White Christmas.

Mountain music from Bruce goes way back. His family purchased their ranch on Palomar in 1954. We remember many events when we lived up here in the 1970’s and ever since, enjoying Bruce with his soulful voice and his guitar. Now, his wife Rita, will have her keyboard, too. Just thought of a fun memory I must share. About 20 years ago we had a progressive dinner. The first stop was appetizers hosted at the Druliner Ranch. We knew it might rain but no snow in the forecast. We enjoyed the first few songs. Then, as soon as Bruce and the band started started singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”, we saw HUGE flakes of snow through the windows! It was really coming down so a few minutes later we’d packed up to get all the cars up their long driveway and on to the next house. Hummm, I wonder if they have that song in their play list this year?

You’re welcome to bring a favorite hardy appetizer to share or Christmas dessert. Cecelia has been busy making her annual toffee and cookies, John Lesac will have his recipe book out for some of his amazing creations on his wood stove. We’ll have a crock pot of meatballs plus all sorts of goodies. So, if you’d like the night off, you don’t have to bring anything at all. Love to have you.

The event is hosted by the volunteers of the Community Center with hot chocolate, coffee and tea. We’ll start gathering at 5:00 and hope you can join us.

Although it’s been said, many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to YOU!

Bonnie Phelps for Cecelia and Robert, too

Do YOU have dead or dying trees close to your home or cabin on Crestline or Birch Hill? Would you like them removed for FREE?

Our local Resource Conservation District has grant funding to remove dead or dying trees within 150 feet surrounding any habitable structure on Crestline and Birch Hill. This first tree removal grant is only for the Crestline and Birch Hill areas. Very sorry! We know this service is needed in other areas, too. The homes from the General Store to the State Park area should be included in the next grant.

Here is the link for the fillable Temporary Entry Permit. It is very easy to click through and fill out. No printing needed, it is all online. Please take a minute from your busy holiday schedule to get it sent directly to Stan’s inbox.

Stan will then be contacting you to evaluate your property needs for the dead and dying tree removal grant. He told me today that they will address the most most dangerous trees first and then others as the grant funds allow. He is already promised more funds so stay tuned for the next grant info.

Some of you have dead and dying trees that are within 150 feet of your home or cabin but are not on your property. Some standing dead trees might be on vacant lots. The Water Company for Crestline and Birch Hill is sending a mailing to all share holders but often the vacant lots don’t own a water share. So those owners wouldn’t get a notice and might not subscribe to PMNews. We’re glad to help you contact the property owner directly. Just reach out to me as I am glad to connect you to the owners for this free service.

Many thanks to our Palomar Mountain Fire Safe Council and Stan Hill who all work so hard to help keep our mountain firesafe.

Bonnie Phelps 760-533-1742

Here is Stan Hill’s info:

Stan Hill, Forestry & Fire Prevention Project Manager

Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County

In Partnership with the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County

And Wild Willow Farm and Education Center

11769 Waterhill Road, Lakeside, CA  92040

Office Tel: (619) 562-0096 Ext. 110

Cell: 951-553-3013 stan.hill@rcdsandiego.org

www.rcdsandiego.org I www.wildwillowfarm.orgI www.firesafesd.org

The wind finally caught up to the power outage for much of SoCal. All of Palomar went out about dinner time. I knew it was coming so had some candles lit for a fun ambiance with friends heading our way. Perfect timing as SDG&E had the power off a few minutes later and our generator started humming.

Do you work from home and would like to plug in or charge up? You’re welcome to come on over. We have a couple of desk options for you for privacy if you’d like. Or, join the party that is often happening ’round our Starstrucks Coffee Counter and warm fire in the wood stove.

David Ross, editor of the Valley Center Roadrunner called last night. Their power was out. Dave was finishing up publishing his newspaper and checking on the mountain. When the power went out up here, we didn’t have even a slight breeze. The wind kicked up a bit by bedtime so with the promise of getting stronger, we took down our flags and wind chimes. I’ll run out this morning and put away the cushions that blew off the patio chairs. So far the wind hasn’t been pretty mild but constant so we’ll see how this storm does over the next couple days.

Call or text for directions and come on by,

Bonnie and Don 760-533-1742

Hoping you enjoyed your Thanksgiving celebration today. Running out to be with family and friends today, I had to giggle. Our resident turkeys don’t know how lucky they are as they should be quite thankful today to live on this beautiful mountain.

Very thankful today and always. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.

Bonnie and Family

Driving ’round through Birch Hill, you are greeted by this adorable snowman. He is so excited because we just may get our first dusting this weekend of that delightful white stuff! He is not alone as there are bears and bowls and clocks, even a dolphin and all sorts of critters waiting for a new home.

The craftsman is a favorite neighbor, Justin Davis who has created such a fun business with wood from the mountain, of course. Follow Palomar Mountain Woodworks on social media and reach out to Justin with your gift list and commission ideas. 760-651-2704

From: Yvonne Vaucher

The California Fire Safe Council is happy to formally announce that we are launching a new Fire Safe Vendor List. This free digital publication will be available for download on our website and will include a variety of businesses working in the fields of fire safety, prevention, and/or mitigation.

If you are a vendor, come list with us! A call for applications will be announced soon via email, social, and our website with the final list available early 2025. 
 
Vendor types will include:
 
o   Fire Resistant Building & Materials 
Including contractors, siding, vents, gutters, screens, and more.
 
o   Wildfire Mitigation Platforms & Services
Including assessment apps, data tracking, and services such as chippers, tree trimmers, mastication, grazing, traffic control, and more.
 
o   Environmental Consultants 
Including CEQA compliance, biological surveys, CWPPs, grant writing, forestry, and more.
 
o   Fire Detection Software, Equipment, & Services 
Including sensors, cameras, drones, satellites, AI, and platforms.
 
o   Emergency Response Equipment 
Including sprinklers, alarms, sirens, disaster plan apps, and more.
 
We know local Fire Safe Councils are often looking for services and products to source their projects, and they are also asked of homeowners, “Who do you know?”. While CFSC does not endorse vendors on our list, we are doing some of the legwork to identify and help narrow the field for wildfire resiliency sourcing.

We are also committed to widely sharing the Fire Safe Vendor List through the Fire Safe Council network and beyond. It is our hope that this results in safer and better-protected communities throughout California!

If you’re a vendor offering services in one of these areas, we hope you apply!
 
For questions about the publication or the program, please contact Melanie Hogan at mhogan@cafiresafecouncil.org.

The clouds rolled in and a friend had just arrived. Time for a campfire! Party lights were on when I showed up for a few photos. Fall has arrived on Palomar Mountain and doesn’t this look inviting?

Warm up by the fireplace insert in the Great Room with updated kitchen and a whole lot more make it so easy to move right in. Very unique, beautiful, one third acre of fabulous boulders and your own forest.

Click for lots of photos then come on up for a tour!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor with the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate!

760-533-1742

New listings to ‘Fall’ for on beautiful Palomar Mountain. The leaves are just beginning to turn and you’ll appreciate jackets when heading this way. The Little Green Cabin in the Woods is just perfect for weekend getaways or joining us full time. For those of you who work from home, great internet is already set up and there is the perfect little office waiting for you …. see that window at the very top?? What a great “tree house” view from from the cutest ‘cubicle’ ever! Maybe you’d use it as an artist studio or a craft room or??? What would your plans be? The exterior was recently professionally painted, appliances are included and furniture is optional. How fun is that! Hurry, come see!

Three escrows just closed and three new options are heading your way! Simply click for all the details of with lots of photos then lets connect for your tour!

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor-stoking-the-wood-stove!

Call or Text 760-533-1742