Palomar Mountain News

We are running this article on the front page of the paper this week, along with a picture of those wild pigs. Pick up a copy next to the post office! 

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN SAYS GOODBYE TO FIRST OBSERVATORY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

By DAVID ROSS Sometimes a public affairs officer can make a difference!

Eight years ago, when Scott Kardel took up his duties as director for public affairs for Palomar Observatory, he changed one thing the very first day.

Read More…

 From: Mike Stevens and Rosemary Johnston

Subject: Worst road in the county for motorcycles. Any guesses?

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/25/worst-roads-for-motorcycles/

“Highway to the Stars”

From: Mike Stevens

Subject: Worst road in the county for motorcycles. Any guesses?

“Highway to the Stars”

From: Brad Eells [mailto:bradlnss@ca.rr.com]

Sunday we also went to view the Eagle Fire, now over 11,000 acres.  Here is a panorama of the Eagle Fire from the Henshaw Overlook for you.

Read More…

From:  Jim Boldt Subject: recent thefts on the mountain

As a result of the recent burglaries here on the mountain I was contacted by a neighbor about putting in some kind of monitored security system – they knew I used to be in that business.  I was able to contact one of the people I used to work with and he will be on the mountain today to assess their home.  I was also able to get for them a promotional code in order to save them some $$.  If you know anyone else who wants to use the promo code (no obligation to buy), and at least get an idea of the cost to protect their homes and families, all they need do is call this number: 1-800-699-9238 and tell the person answering the phone the promo code of A3143.  This will get them a minimum $200 discount off installation. 

From: Brad Eells

I was on my way to our weekly check of the progress at Boucher Hill Lookout this morning when almost to the park boundary we heard a call from Cal Fire regarding a vegetation fire halfway up Nate Harrison Grade…Yikes! That’s in the neighborhood!

We raced (at the posted 15 mph) up the hill to the lookout to find a Palomar Mountain Volunteer unit already there to confirm the fire. I called Cleveland Dispatch as “Lookout 3”, my call sign “At Boucher Lookout” to confirm for the Forest that a fire was visible with a medium column of gray smoke about 2 miles from the lookout, just west of Nate Harrison Grade. Dispatch called back to ask for a Legal Description. Oops…I forgot to bring up my camera, binoculars and Forest map.

I raced down the tower at way over the speed limit for my bum knee to retrieve the items. I figured a Legal location and reported it to dispatch. Then I stood back on the catwalk and watched the air show that included 1 Air Attack, 4 fixed wing tankers and 3 helicopters. They made quick work of the fire and had it under control in less than an hour with only 1 acre burned. The fire was caused by (alleged) illegal shooting.

 So while we could not quite put Boucher Hill ‘In-Service’ today…we came pretty close! We would have been on that fire very quickly had the tower been open and staffed as it was literally right under our nose…

Read More…

Next BBQ Planning Meeting is today

Sunday, July 24th, 12 noon

at the Community Center.  

We look forward to seeing you! 

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN VOLUNTEERS ROCKIN’ THE MOUNTAIN!

Susie K.

 Oh to have a cabin on Palomar!  Here are TWO fixers that could make such good Vacation Rentals!  We really do have a demand for weekend retreats on Palomar.  ‘Cabin Fever’ and ‘Shady Oaks’ could pay for themselves before you know it!  Click for the cabin info and click for a peek at our Rentals available a mile nearer heaven on Palomar Mountain!   Come on up to take a look!

Thanks and hope to see you soon!

Bonnie 760 742-1742

Editor’s Note: We don’t have private property available for hunting that I know of.  Some hunters have been to this property a couple times, with no fresh signs of pigs.  They are MOVERS!  It is suggested to try the National Forest Land on the East Grade or www.mycountryclub.com  Hope you are successful!

Pigs are a real problem on Palomar.  Thanks to the East Grade property owner for taking these great pix.  Stay tuned for how fast these 18 destructive pigs can multiply!  Stats coming soon!

From: East Grade Property Owner

Thought I’d share a few pictures I snapped on my phone last week when I was up at our cabin.  I happened to be in the back bedroom when the wild pigs came tromping by and had a great view of them from the window.  There were 18 in total with about 5 babies I think.  They moved fairly quickly through the area, but did stop to eat acorns and roll around in the dirt a bit.  As usual, they left a bit of a path of destruction.
Don’t know how often they’re sighted, but thought not many get pictures like these!  Lauren