Does your propane company charge sales tax? California has a tax exemption waiting for you for propane delivery. I called a couple local propane companies. Both were aware of the tax exemption. One doesn’t charge tax for any deliveries. But another company I spoke to DOES charge tax if you don’t send in the form. I questioned that practice as the first company automatically doesn’t add the tax on for any of their customers. You might want to confirm for yourself. If you are charged tax, you can save some dollar$ by submitting the form.
What a beautiful snow day! Reports of 10 inches overnight, the sun came out, then we were treated to another four inches or so this afternoon.
Want to come up? There are a few things to know. You’ll see a new sign at the top of the South Grade. Cleveland National Forest has created a Group Campground. They just installed posts for gates on each end of Summit Circle so that area is no longer available for parking. Also, there are ‘Road Closed, Residents Only’ signs posted at Crestline and Bailey Meadow Roads. And the Observatory is closed on snow days too, so Canfield road is ‘Residents Only’. Those three roads are closed to the public. Where to play in the snow? The Summit area by the store fills up quickly. The best place to play is the State Park. ALL other areas are private property.
Would you like to try my favorite hike in the Park? I call it ‘Rim of the World’. Officially, it is the Silvercrest Hike. When you come to the large ‘Palomar State Park’ sign on the right (small parking area there), look directly across the road to the trailhead. That mile and a half hike is so nice because you hike along the rim, taking in the spectacular views and then takes you to the Silvercrest picnic area and parking lot. There are new bathrooms there and picnic tables (covered in snow).
The General Store is stocked with your favorite snacks, some sandwiches to heat, delicious hot chocolate and sleds! (Mother’s Kitchen is closed for remodeling).
For those who can visit midweek, you’ll have better options for parking. Weekends are often so crowded. When you’re packing the car with extra dry clothes, socks, a picnic… be sure to have a trash bag to take your own trash back with you. Much appreciated.
Here is another idea! Several new listings are coming up that might just be the perfect property to get you past those ‘Residents Only’ signs… Glad to get your questions answered and just might have some keys in my pocket for a preview!
Every storm brings boulders and rocks down on the Grades. The county crews are out 24 hours to keep the roads clear. Over the years when lanes are blocked, I’ve seen other neighbors pull over and do what they can when they can. It is all much appreciated. I do have to give a big shout out to Nick and Janice Ricchiuti who were on their way up for brunch today. They saw this boulder in the road, had a strong tow strap and safely get that boulder and a few smaller rocks out of the road pretty quick.
Thanks you two and all who help make Palomar even more of a very special place.
Palomar enjoyed quite a rain recently. Several have asked how much we were treated to. It varies all across the mountain. I’d heard 7 inches and a little more over on Birch Hill. Thinking we had more out here on the west side, I asked our neighbor, Jim Hamerly and he shared his totals:
“That large rainfall dropped 10.14 in of rain. In January, we had a total of 0.74 inches. In total, 1.2 inches more than last year over the same 2 months.”
We’d been teased with a bit of snow. We had only an occasional dusting that didn’t last, but the rain froze on the trees. It was so pretty looking out the kitchen window at Round House Ranch.
We’d had a down-pour for about 20 minutes in August. But, nothing else significant since last April. We’re enjoying this sunny weather but also looking forward to the next storm and will be thankful for all moisture that heads our way.
Now the count for fire locations on South Grade and East Grade (County Roads S6 and S7) are a total of 15. There were fires started on Thursday night on the East Grade too. So, fires were set Thursday and Friday nights. When going up and down the Grades, have those dash cams on, cameras ready. Hoping someone can get a license plate.
An arsonist (or two) started five known fires on Palomar along the South Grade tonight, Friday, February 21, 2025. Thanks to the fire departments quick response, all fires are out.
Coming up from Valley Center tonight Teresa McCarthy and I passed several law enforcement parked a few miles apart, at the side of the road with their lights on. Pulled over and spoke to one La Jolla Tribal policeman who said they have had five fires started so far tonight.
A neighbor texted me that her husband, Eddie Sedarifa saw a fire on his way up. He said when he pulled up a black car with dark tinted windows sped away. He said they were using glass bottles filled with gasoline and a rag.
We saw one officer cleaning up dark green broken glass from the middle of the road.
Will Parent also texted his photo from the big lookout and spoke with the FD who said they are looking for someone in a white sedan lighting fires.
Ray and Sue Carpenter are volunteering to start up a ‘Palomar Patrol’. They have committed to driving the roads several hours a day. Everyone’s help is needed to really keep your eye out for anyone parked along side the road or out of a car looking suspicious. Have your phone handy and camera on when you’re driving the mountain. If you come upon a suspicious situation, when you can safely get a photo of the license plate, car description and description of people, that is what law enforcement needs.
The People of Palomar will Patrol and do their best to catch anyone messing with our Mountain.
For those of us fortunate enough to be on the mountain, we were lulled to sleep last night by a lovely rain. Today I’ve enjoyed so much watching from my desk, the turkeys down in our little meadow. They have been having a wonderful time grubbing for bugs.
However, as the locals know, when you’re out and about, you really need to be cautious. Even a little bit of rain usually brings rock slides. All three grades seem to be a magnet for small rocks or some huge boulders landing in the road.
One of our new neighbors left early this morning for work and let me know there are rocks to avoid in the road. Many of us have stopped and moved rocks to the side but often they are too heavy. That is when the County Road Station crew is so wonderful getting those boulders moved. I’m always thankful when I see them go by with the snow plow blades, like I did this morning. Even though we had no snow last night, they were out traveling the roads taking care of any mud and rock slides. When you come across those situations, simply call 911 and they will get the message to our great crew that works the mountain.
Thank you to all mountain folks, including our emergency responders who help keep our mountain safe and the very special place it is.
Learn about San Diego County’s first black homesteader
Join us for a fascinating talk with San Diego State University scholar Jamie Bastide as she shares the remarkable story of Nathan Harrison—a formerly enslaved man who became a celebrated figure in San Diego County. Learn about his life, lasting legacy and the artifacts uncovered at his Palomar Mountain homestead.
Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA
There is a lot more about Nate Harrison tucked away on Palomar Mountain News, see also:
Hungry for some great Barbecue? You might want to head down to Enzo’s in Encinitas or Oceanside. Many of you know Nick “The Cutie” (Ricchiuti). His family had a place up here for several decades. Nick and his wife live on the coast now but he is a frequent visitor as he loves the mountain and has a firewood business.
We enjoyed burnt ends and ribs for lunch. Just thought you might, too. This trailer load from a standing dead tree will be put to good use pretty quick.
Do you have a home or cabin in the Crestline or Birch Hill area? This poster at the PO tells a little of the grant that is planned to cover more neighborhoods in the future to help make Palomar more fire safe.
Only 30+ property owners have signed up so far and there is room for more with this grant. Do you have any dead or dying trees within 150 feet of your cabin or home? There could even be some on the neighbor’s land. Look around…
You might not realize you have the need for this service. This past year we have had quite a few fir trees that have been failing. Fir trees die from the top down. It can take a while or I’ve seen them go pretty quick lately. Take a look at the tops of your firs. One time I was invited to see new kitchen cabinets at a cabin. I parked out in front and noticed a fir tree with maybe 20 feet of dry branches and needles coming down from the top. I complimented them on the cabinets and asked “but what are you going to do about that fir tree? Those dry tops are pretty good at snapping off.” A couple weeks later it landed right down the center of the kitchen. So sad.
Cedars die from the bottom, up. We have had so little rain so you see thirsty trees all over the mountain. The lower branches die off from lack of water and/or lack of sun when they are so close together. Do you see black on the bark? I’ve been told that has something to do with a mite that moves in during time of drought. Eventually the branches just aren’t able to thrive.
Some oaks are suffering from the Gold Spotted Oak Boarer. So, you’re are invited to take a walk around your property and if you see anything that might need attention, click on this QR code and sign up. You’ll be contacted for an appointment to check out your property and make suggestions on the work.
There is no charge, no obligation and the grant provides several options for the clean up work.
Palomar Mountain News 