Such a beautiful mountain-made bouquet, I must share with you! Both our sons are here this week so it’s very special. Brandon is back from Missouri, busy staging their properties to sell. He took a hike through their land, came back and created this beautiful bouquet. The lilacs are so fragrant. Wish I could send as a scratch and sniff. If you’d like some Good & Plenty, pop by, but you gotta be quick!
Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend.
Bonnie Phelps
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
With Love and Honor
A very respected neighbor for many years on Palomar was born April 4, 1923. William R. Leibold had the most interesting life, retiring as a Navy Commander. With his lovely wife, Grace, they built a home on the Mountain in the shape of a ship, and enjoyed it for many years. He passed away three weeks prior to his 99th birthday on March 11, 2022.
Over the years I had the pleasure of meeting Bill and Grace’s two sons and a daughter.
| Daughter, Ericka, sent this note: From: Ericka Waidley Subject: Bill Leibold’s passing I wanted to let you know that Dad passed, peacefully in his sleep, on Friday (3/11/22). Bill (Junior), Jim and I (and Bill’s wife, Marie) were there for several days before he passed and I truly believe he knew we were there and was ready to let go. We also had time to organize his belongings and retrieve all of the papers, etc. that will be needed as we move forward, just as he would have liked it! He and Mom always shared such wonderful stories of their time on Palomar Mountain and we all have fond memories of our visits there. I even took my Girl Scout troop camping on the mountain and we drove by the old homestead several years ago. We had a wonderful time! His wishes were to have his ashes buried at sea, so the arrangements have been made with the Navy in San Diego. They will let us know when the ceremony occurs and send us a videotape and the honorary flag. We are all sure they will do a wonderful ceremony that honors Dad’s service. I am putting together a memorial card to send out so if you would like to receive it, please send me your address. |
From the back of the card:
“Bill “Boats” Leibold was career military, serving 30 years in the US Navy. He joined in 1940 at 17 years of age. After recruit training, he was assigned to the USS Pruitt, in Pearl Harbor, HI. On December 7, 1941, Leibold manned the deck guns, where he as injured with shrapnel to his hand. I 1943 it was assigned to the USS Tang.
The USS Tang was a decorated war submarine. On 10/25/44, the Tang sank as a result of a faulty torpedo. Of the 13 men who made it to the surface, only nine survived and were picked up by a Japanese destroyer. Bill later received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroic conduct. The prisoners were released after 11 brutal months in war camps. He received the Bronze Star and the Prisoner of War medal for his service.
During his Navy career, he was highly regarded as a diving expert and was involved in forming the Navy Seal teams. He was Captain of the USS Greenlet ASR, CO of the Experimental Diving Unit in Washington DC, and of the Deep Submergence Submarine Rescue Vessel Project in San Diego. In addition to his other honors, Bill received two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, Navy Commendation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
He was a loving husband and wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be missed by all of those who had the honor of knowing him.”
We met Bill and Grace when we moved back to Palomar in 1998. Soon after, Palomar Mountain News was began as an email broadcast. My first message sharing a little about Bill’s service to our country and their lives together was on D-Day, December 7, 2004. It was sent to my subscribers via email but also included as part of several blog posts. Over the years, I eventually helped the Leibolds sell their beloved ‘Ship House’ (Photos taken May 2022) and downsize to a home in Escondido. That was sold when Bill moved to a nice retirement community where friends lived. Occasionally during our visits I would take photos and share some of his Navy life through PMNews. I include here a couple other posts mentioning Bill and Grace, too:
Presumed Lost in WWII – 2010 and 2004
A Visit with a Pearl Harbor Survivor 2018
Grace should have been a Realtor
Because the power of Google, I’ve been contacted by quite a few folks interested in Bill’s story over the years. I would always call and ask Bill if it was ok to give his contact info. Sometimes he’d rather not, we’d talk a little more, and occasionally I’d offer to be the go-between for a bit. He’d joke and call me his ‘agent’. I loved every minute of my time with Bill.
I’ve had the Memorial card from Ericka for a couple weeks. Today, this text came in:
“My name is Jaxon Hekkenberg, I am a 16 year old student from Toronto Canada. I am sending you this text because I have been interviewing WWII veterans for the past 11 months and saw that you know William Leibold …”
Yes, I did have the pleasure in knowing Bill. He would have loved to talk to Jaxon and tell him how pleased he was to hear from a young man interested in first-hand military history. It was every important to Bill that “nothing but the truth was told” in the several books in print and at the USS Tang Museum that Bill provided input for. He proof-read all my posts before I published. He would have appreciated Jaxon’s quest to seek out the men and women who lived to tell their stories of their time serving our country.
Jaxon, within these posts are the exact words from the last survivor of the USS Tang. You are invited to share with honor and respect to one of our true American Heros.
Bonnie Phelps
Palomar Mountain, CA USA
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
New paint, some repairs, road and driveway work done and now a new septic!?! Staged and ready for brand new owners to enjoy!
Click for MLS info and photos then come and get your cabin just in time for Summer Fun!
Bonnie Phelps, Resident Realtor for Cabins for All Seasons
760-533-1742 DRE #01293655
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
It is always sooooooooo fun to hear the Smith Mountain Boys! They will be off for the summer but playing at Lazy H tonight from 5 to 8. Call Jack for reservations – if you’d like to meet some neighbors, be sure to tell him you’re open to sharing a table. 760-742-3669
Load up your family , call your friends and come on out for a great evening.
Our Treasures are in Missouri now, but it was always so fun to hear little Atticus politely ask the waitress, “Please mam, may I have some more potato skins? Oh, and another shrimp cocktail, too?” The last time they were there with us, Judah ordered “that big steak like Grandaddy gets”. Don was at the other end of the table so didn’t realize his grandson wasn’t having hamburgers anymore until the dinners arrived. That kid ate every bit of his steak.
Hope to see you tonight!
BonanDon heading to the H!
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
Who would like some work beautifying the mountain and getting this spring grass cut? Several folks have asked for weed eater contacts. Would that be YOU?
Some customers need a contact with their own equipment, others have tools you can use.
Thanks for getting back to me as I’m glad to pass your info along,
Bonnie Phelps, Realtor
760-533-1742 DRE#01293655
See also Cozy Crestline Cabin for Sale
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Posted in Palomar Mountain News
LOTS of oak and fir are available for cutting. Bring chain saws and a friend or two for FREE wood. Some wood is green so will be ready to burn in a year or two. Some is dry and ready to use this winter. Some wood is suitable to mill. You can drive right up to most huge branches on the ground. Wood needs to have the slash cut and stacked with the cut ends facing the road for a chipper. There really is a LOT of wood available for the first to show up, cut and take and hopefully come back for even more. Perfect time to cut with no bugs out yet!
Just let me know and I will connect you with the property owners for permission with agreement to cut at no liability to the the property owner.
Thank you,
Bonnie Phelps, Realtor pointing you to Free Firewood
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
Programs and Activities, May 2022
Palomar Mountain State Park
** All programs are free to attend, but parking fee costs $10. Park at Doane Pond parking lot for closest access to programs taking place at the Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground. **
“Interpretation is a special form of communication that helps people understand, appreciate, and emotionally connect with the rich natural and cultural heritage preserved in parks. It is the mission of interpretation in California State Parks to convey messages that initially will help visitors value their experience, and that ultimately will foster a conservation ethic and promote a dedicated park constituency.”
Friday, May 6 – Talk: Palomar’s Geology and The Watershed
When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Palomar Mountain has a unique geologic history that greatly affects the way water flows off, around, and through it. It may surprise you just how much one affects the other!
Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 7 – Hike: Weir Trail
When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Hike streamside along Pauma Creek and discover the odd secret at the end of this scenic and diverse trail. 2 miles out & back, 200 ft. ascent coming back. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water!
Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot
Saturday, May 7 – Jr Rangers: Reptiles & Amphibians
When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s scaly and slimy friends! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request.
Where: Meet @ Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 7 – Campfire Program: Sing-Along Songs
When: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for a night of singing classic campfire songs! You’re sure to leave this program with a spring in your step and a song in your heart!
Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Friday, May 13 – Talk: Jurassic Origins
When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Did you know that some of the rocks on Palomar Mountain were formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth? Join us to learn how shallow seas became mountain peaks.
Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 14 – Hike: Doane Valley Nature Trail
When: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join us for a hike on the park’s quintessential trail. 1 mile in length. Moderate difficulty with 2 creek crossings. Diverse habitats await!
Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot
Saturday, May 14 – Jr Rangers: Birds
When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s feathered friends! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request.
Where: Meet @ Campfire Center of Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 14 – Meet & Greet
When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Meet our interpreter and other staff, and come with questions and curiosities. Props, games, brochures, and good times abound!
Where: Doane Valley Family Campground, near the campground entrance
Friday, May 20 – Talk: Soil Ecology
When: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
There is an entire world beneath our feet. Join us for an interpretive presentation to illuminate the fascinating ecology happening on a microscopic scale.
Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 21 – Hike: Thunder Springs to Upper Doane Valley Trail
When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The Upper Doane Valley is one of Palomar’s most pristine meadows and a vital component of the mountain’s delicate ecosystem. Join us for a 2-mile hike around the meadow.
Where: Meet @ Doane Pond Parking Lot
Saturday, May 21 – Jr Rangers: Geology
When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s rocky past! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request.
Where: Meet @ Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 21 – Campfire Program: Geology of Palomar Mountain
When: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Palomar Mountain has a decorated and unique geologic history that affects life on the mountain for plants, animals, and humans alike.
Where: Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Saturday, May 28 – Hike: Boucher Trail
When: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Boucher Trail traverses through the densest area of Black Oak in the park. Gorgeous spring colors and fantastic views await! 2 miles out & back, 330 ft. ascent.
Where: Meet @ Silvercrest Picnic Area Parking Lot
Saturday, May 28 – Jr Rangers: Plants
When: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Special program for kids ages 7-12. Learn about our park’s diverse plant life! Second session available for kids ages 6 and under upon request.
Where: Meet @ Campfire Center, Doane Valley Campground
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
Palomar Mountain State Park has openings available for Park Aides (Entrance Station Personnel) and Maintenance Aides during the summer months.
Positions available at Palomar Mountain State Park!
Seasonal Park Aide
Park Aides perform routine public contact work, staff park entrance stations, provide information to the public, keep facilities clean, and drive light vehicles.
Park Aide positions are limited to 189 days per calendar year. The position accrues vacation leave credits, sick leave credits, and has a deferred compensation savings plan.
Nights, weekends, and holiday shifts should be expected, as this is when the parks are at their busiest.
Experience is not necessary; however, cash handling and customer service skills are desirable – and of course you’ll need to love the outdoors! Pay ranges from $15.68 to $17.95 an hour.
Rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, Palomar Mountain State Park is a living legacy that’s been preserved and passed down for all Californians to enjoy. Why not consider being a part of this legacy, and help people discover it, enjoy it, and make it a part of their lives? Apply today! For more information and to apply visit:
Contact Ranger Supervisor at John.Deluca@parks.ca.gov or (619) 985-4449
Seasonal Maintenance Aide
Maintenance Aide positions are entry level positions with potential for advancement. Maintenance experience is preferred. Housing may be available.
Earn while you learn about exciting career opportunities with California State Parks. Minimum qualifications include: willingness to accept and benefit from training, follow simple directions and work cooperatively with others, perform sustained physical work, and use appropriate tools, supplies, and equipment. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. Safe driving record and the willingness to conform to departmental uniform requirements are essential.
Please inquire at our Kiosk (Entrance Station)
or call Shay McGhee at (760) 574-6539
Resumes or State of California Employment Application (STD 678) may be submitted by mail to: California State Parks, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004. For additional information please contact (760) 767-4037. Applications may also be acquired from the State Personnel website at: https://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf or at any State Park office.
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
| From: Rosemary Johnston Subject: County Fire upgrades Palomar Mountain Fire Station – Valley Roadrunner Read all about it: https://www.valleycenter.com/articles/county-fire-upgrades-palomar-mountain-fire-station/ |
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
| Brian McBrayer <brian@palomar.camp> |  | ||
Who is looking for work? We have some great jobs available at Palomar Christian Conference Center. Experienced with horses? Come to camp and be a wrangler for our summer camps.
Like to work in the kitchen? Learn from our great chef and staff that do such a fabulous job feeding sometimes 350+ campers three times a day.
With 320 acres and all our buildings, we sure need more on our maintenance crew. Normally we have 5 to 7 guys working with me but down to only one. You don’t have to have a trade skill but be handy and willing to learn. We would love to teach you electrical, drywall, plumbing and so much more life skills.
Check out our Main Page, see what could work for you and please share with your friends:
https://www.palomar.camp/employment
Horse Camp
Maintenance
Food Services
Thanks,
Brian McBrayer
Posted in Palomar Mountain News
Palomar Mountain News 