Palomar Mountain News

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.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor for all Seasons

760-533-1742

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.

Palomar Patrol People; Ready, Set, Go!

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.

Let’s do this,

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor-on-the-watch

760-533-1742

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.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor for all Seasons

760-533-1742

From: Yvonne Vaucher via City of Carlsbad

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:

Nate Harrison has his own Webpage

Nate Harrison – Palomar Mountain Pioneer

Findings From Harrison Homestead

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.

Tell ‘um Nick sent you! Enzo’s for great wood fired BBQ

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor, still licking my fingers!

760-533-1742

Do you know about The Coop Coffee Company and Egg Ranch in Valley Center??? What a fabulous find! New Palomar neighbor, Samantha Nye and I went on an adventure and this was our first stop. They have cartons, flats of Jumbo eggs, and flats of 30 CHEX eggs is… how much??? $4.00 a flat?

Four dollars for 30 delicious Cage Free eggs? Yes. We just finished our first two flats and are very happy with the eggs. Chex eggs are fresh with irregular shapes, or might have a little crack. And, there is more! This cute little drive-through coffee and tea stop has delicious pastries, too!

Here is their info: https://www.flueggeeggranch.com/

27023 N Lake Wohlford Road at the corner of Woods Valley Road.

About 9 pm last night, we checked the weather and it said “Little or no snow accumulation”. So, bright and early when we looked out the bathroom window, this was quite a surprise. Some of the locals checked later than us so were more prepared because the forecast changed shortly after and we were treated to our 4 to 7 inches of snow. Lots of plowing ’round the mountain today.

So yes, all you folks off-mountain, we have snow. Looking for a fun place to play? Bring up a nice picnic and get a day pass at the State Park. Mid week is always the best.

Be sure to pop in at the Palomar General Store for sleds, snacks and the best hot chocolate, ever! Please avoid the neighborhoods as they are private property and remember to bring a bag to take your trash back with you. Thank you for helping to keep Palomar the very special place that it is and enjoying our winter wonderland.

Bonnie Phelps, Resident Realtor loving the Four Seasons on this beautiful mountain for the past 25 years!

Chat or Text: 760-533-1742

For those of you on Palomar, you might recognize Yasmira who manages our little Post Office. It was so fun to meet Sergio and their daughter Angelica and the Christmas Music evening. Yasmira has already worked here two years and now instead of driving up the mountain, she can walk to work as they just moved up close by! Her husband is a licensed electrician – hooray! More about that in the next post. Their eight year old daughter Angelica is homeschooled and would like to meet more mountain kids. She loves art, drawing, coloring and playing games. Welcome to the Mountain!