Palomar Mountain News

Hello Neighbors,

The very quick ‘Tour de Trees’ was fruitful. I was told to make it clear that this post is coming from me as a concerned community member, only.

Two people came and by the time we took off, we only had about 40 minutes so didn’t stop to get out. We looked out my car windows and saw many tall, standing dead trees over structures and parking areas. It was very obvious that a lot of properties and along our little roads should really have tree (and brush) work done to make the neighborhoods more fire safe. Many of the trees we saw are very dangerous with the potential for falling branches that could damage structures or vehicles (at a minimum) and it was quite obvious they should be taken care of sooner than later.

Since the grant funds arrived last fall, the funds aren’t going to be sent back, they are to be used on Palomar eventually. I was told there are still environmental issues to check off. This should be accomplished by the end of their fascial year which is September 30th.

However, when the work begins, the best use of the crew’s time is to start in one area, perhaps the east side of Birch Hill and work toward the Fire Station. So, even when progress is being made on the grant, there is no guarantee when your particular trees will be done.

I’ve connected with several folks already with this info, encouraging them to have their cabins made safe and not wait on the grant. Most all the cabin properties on Birch Hill and across Crestline are on the map for tree work but even after it starts, it could be done right away or it could be months before the crews could get to your property.

Trees will not be cut down if they are alive. So even if a tree is inches from your cabin, unless it is obviously ‘dead or dying’, the grant cannot take it down. If it is out in the open and not a risk of falling on a structure, it won’t come down with this grant. There are locals and tree companies who will do the work. You are welcome to reach out to me for recommendations and I do plan a post with a list for some options. It might be a good idea to go together in a neighborhood to get a crew to do multiple properties at the same time.

We’re thankful we do have a grant heading our way. It was made very clear that Stan Hill is the contact person. I’m glad the two folks came up for their tour. We all hope the work they need to accomplish to give the ok to ‘go to work’ happens soon!

Bonnie Phelps

PS. The link I included above with Stan’s contact info has a pretty clear photo of why you don’t want to wait if you have a dangerous tree near your structures.

You are invited to bring your family and friends for another fun time together on Palomar.

Festivities start at 10 am with booths set up for shopping and mountain info. Live music and dancing. You’re welcome to bring your own comfortable chair for people watching throughout the day.

Triple H BBQ is catering the lunch. The H stands for ‘Hens, Hogs and Heifers’ and their food was enjoyed at another celebration recently and delicious. This will be the best buy for BBQ lunch, pie, soda and water on the planet with $15.00 for adults and $7.00 for children. Lunch will be served from 11 to 1:00 or until they run out!

Cecelia is collecting donations now for the Silent Treasure Auction. What do you have that you could donate? Each year it is amazing to see what comes in. Some new items, gift certificates, or gently used or vintage collectables. Winners will be announced at the end of the day.

Your help in setting up or taking down is always appreciated, too.

Looking forward to seeing YOU there just a short month from today!

Happy Summer!

The funds for the grant arrived MONTHS ago. That money to make Palomar a little more fire safe is just sitting there waiting to be spent. Many properties on Crestline and Birch Hill have had their dead or dying trees marked with blue paint to come down and go away.

What is the hold-up? Stan Hill has been working Cleveland National Forest for 29 years and he has provided what has been requested and clarified. He is waiting for the OK to get boots on the ground. Today the latest is maybe by the end of September.

Trolling on FB tonight, this interesting post showed up, just had to share. Some of you might want to add your own comments and photos to that post or leave them as a comment on PMNews.

Like to take a tour? Click for all the info. Be sure to have a light jacket as it is about 40 degrees inside.

Posted by ‘California History’ on Facebook posted 7/26/2025 at 1 pm:

“Construction of the Palomar Observatory (1948)

In 1948, after decades of planning and wartime delays, workers at Palomar Mountain were finalizing one of the most ambitious scientific tools of the century: the 200-inch Hale Telescope. Located in the remote mountains of San Diego County, the observatory was far from city lights, offering crystal-clear night skies. Scientists and builders worked side-by-side, balancing fragile optics with concrete, steel, and innovation. When completed, it would be the world’s largest telescope, peering into galaxies never before seen. For years, Palomar would lead the field of astronomy, revealing the size and structure of the universe. In many ways, it brought the stars a little closer to Earth.”

I’m thinking this comment might be more correct:

From: Curtis Croulet

“The photo was taken in 1938. The 200-inch telescope would not be completed until 1947. It was dedicated and named the Hale Telescope on Jun 3, 1948. It wasn’t ready for science until Nov 13, 1949.”

Another shared about a wonderful book:

Howard Kasper

“An amazing story about how it was built.”

Lots of fun on the way with our Annual Apple Festival in the State Park! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 1st. Good old fashioned fun for all ages!

Nearly fourteen years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Gary and Lynda Lockard. They lived in Valley Center and just had to have a fun vacation home on Palomar Mountain. Gary would often be working in his garage and would always wave with a big smile as I went by. One time I had clients with me. He waved me over with a scowl on his face and called out real loud, “I have a complaint!” Oh my. I meekly introduced my clients and braced myself for what might be coming. “You knew when we purchased that this place was to be our second home. But, we have only spent eight nights at home in six months!” Whew! So funny!

They quickly became an active part of the community events showing up in one of their eye catching cars or even their 1930 Model A Coup at the Apple Festivals. Gary built that car by hand, they dressed up and dished out lots of happy smiles by creating such a fun photo op at the festivals. A couple years ago they generously sponsored the BBQ Dinner for all of us at the Labor Day Hoedown. Lots of very happy memories.

In addition to his cars, Gary had an amazing vintage tractor collection. Everyone is invited to Tractor Night this Friday Night at Cruising Grand in Escondido. Lynda is sponsoring this in memory of Gary who passed away November 2, 2023. Some of his tractors will be on display.

Friday Night, July 25, Cruising Grand with Live Music, vendors and food trucks

Grand Avenue at Broadway in Escondido from 5 to 9

We have another full-timer joining us! Yolanda is so very excited with her cabin up here. Arriving early Sunday morning she moved a few things in and started cooking. I was invited to stop by and they’d had a feast and big celebration for her family and friends. She is so happy to have room for a little yard for her two small pups. When I asked Yolanda (you may call her ‘Yolie’), why she just had to have a cabin on Palomar, this was her response with a big smile on her face:

“Oh, I don’t mean to get all emotional, but I moved to the mountains to leave the crowded and noisy city with so much bad habits and vices. I was looking to buy a cabin on some land and hopefully have a garden where I could watch the flowers grow with my family around me.  Living here on Palomar Mountain I’m looking forward to having a better relationship with my Lord and Savior and to work to have a more Christlike character. Being in a much quieter place I feel it will be easier to hear Him and to enjoy nature or as some call it ‘His second Bible’ which is a source of exhaustless instruction and delight.  I’m just grateful and Praise God!!! Be Blessed”  Yolie

Welcome Yolie, family and Friends!

It was so special to watch the progress of nest building above the front porch at the “Little Green Cabin in the Woods”. This beautiful Steller’s Jay was often there when I popped by for showings. She was very busy with gathering and weaving her sticks into a nest. Often I would see her patiently sitting on her eggs. She never seemed to be bothered at all with folks going in and out. She’d claimed this private corner of the world as her safe space.

I was pleased to get a quick ‘hello’ pic for you of her new family. Escrow closed last week and I think the new owner will be leaving that nest right there as it might be occupied next spring, too.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor and Birdwatcher

760-533-1742

This storm was a surprise to us. We’ve really had a lot of rain and quite a lightening show. It seems like it might be over now but thought I’d post a reminder for you to unplug. We have some pretty sad stories from neighbors who lost all appliances, TVs, refrigerators, dishwashers, computers, router, phone, and more when lightening hit their cabin. They had to replace it all.

What can you do? Unplug anything you’d like to not have to replace. Then, install a lightening rod or invest in good serge protectors. And keep those candles handy…

We’re sure thankful for the rain. It is so amazing to watch the lightening show from my desk. Enjoy the storm!