Postal Customer PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Escondido, CA 92026 PAID Permit No. 273 Escondido, CA News ECRWSS Serving the communities of Castle Creek, Champagne Village, Deer Springs, West Lilac, Hidden Meadows, Jesmond Dene, Rimrock, and the Welk Resort

Volume 4, No. 2 Summer, 2007 Our Future? It’s Your Call! Consider a fire that wipes out the northern Hidden Meadows and Gordon Hill areas

On a quiet October morning, a small winds, dangerous and extreme fire spread and units would fight the fire, when they would arrive, spark ignited brush in a canyon near behavior, and the need to protect residents who and where they would be placed. Last year, when Old Castle Road in Valley Center. failed to evacuate.” several blazes raged simultaneously in Southern California, chiefs learned not to expect resources Fanned by Santa Ana winds, the flames Residents living on Gordon Hill Road have only to be available when they need them, O’Leary grew into a raging fire within minutes, one way out. Hidden Meadows Residents are in said. feeding on a vast stand of chaparral. a similar predicament but the Deer Springs Fire The fire raced southwest up a steep Safe Council is searching for alternative exit op- The Escondido conducts annual slope toward Hidden Meadows, the Gor- tions for these areas. surveys of overgrown brush. The department don Hill Road neighborhood, and the meets with CAL FIRE chiefs from Deer Springs and Valley Center to review plans to fight wild- Lawrence Welk Resort, burning well- fires and ride through the areas to appointed homes on spacious lots. become familiar with back roads and properties.

By noon it reached Interstate 15 and in O’Leary said a big lesson of the October 2003 less than two hours it charged almost fires is that residents in fire-prone areas must pro- five miles to Twin Oaks Valley Road and tect their homes before a fire hits. “The taxpayers will never be able to afford to have an engine at threatened San Marcos. Over 9,000 every house,” he said. “A home needs to be able acres were blackened and more than 200 to survive by itself.” He said residents should homes were destroyed before the wind evacuate as soon as they feel threatened by fire changed. Four residents were killed and not wait to be told. fleeing from the holocaust. In a recent article in the Union Tribune, it was A fictional story? It’s more like a prediction. It is Brush conditions in the scenario areas are simi- reported that the City of San Diego has responded one of three scenarios that the California Depart- lar to areas ravaged by the Paradise and Cedar to 30 per cent more brush fires than in the previ- ment of Forestry has drafted for rural areas in the fires where plants grew unchecked for more than ous two years. Through July 11th, there were 303 middle of North County to help fire departments 30 years in some places and drought made them brush fires this year compared to 236 last year develop attack and evacuation plans. CAL FIRE tinder dry. CAL FIRE Kevin and 232 in 2005. Those statistics do not include (new CDF name) began studying the scenarios O’Leary, who helped write the North County fire brush fires outside of the city. Rainfall for the before the October 2003 burned 376,000 scenarios, recalled standing in the center of the year ending June 30, 2007 was only 3.85 inches in acres and killed 17 people in San Diego County. It Paradise fire in Valley Center and fearing that San Diego compared to an average of almost 11 has similar scenarios for other areas. it could reach I-15 three miles away. The wind inches. That was the fourth driest year in record- shifted enabling firefighters to contain it well east ed history. A prediction from the battle plan for the fire says: of the freeway, but it burned 56,000 acres, killed “Based on past fire history (Harmony Grove two people and destroyed 223 homes. O’Leary fire, October 1996, and Gavilan fire, February said a scenario projecting a possible blaze in Are you ready? Check our web site, www. 2002), the residents will not heed the advice of Daley Ranch helped firefighters stop the Paradise DeerSpringsFireSafeCouncil.com and this news- law enforcement to evacuate until it is too late. fire from advancing toward North Broadway in letter for preparation suggestions. Fire crews will be faced with narrow roadways Escondido. congested with fleeing residents and vehicles, moderate defensible space, low water supply due Fire Chiefs likely to manage the attacks carry out Portions of this story are based upon a Michael Burge article, Preparing for the worst, published in the to demand, little to no air resources due to high tabletop exercises in which they work out what Union Tribune on March 28, 2004, Red Flag Warnings A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW... OR WILL SHORTLY THAT WILL CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

In the event of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service, the Fire Safe Council will post red flags at each Fire Danger sign throughout the District. To prevent unnecessary fires, Cal Fire has the following suggestions: * Don’t operate gas-powered tools like weed trimmers and lawn mowers. * Don’t drive in tall, dry grass. * Don’t have campfires or other open flames on your property. * Be extra careful if you smoke.

The Pool Pump provides instant protection for rural and suburban homes.

2190 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113 Phone: (619) 525-7286

Fire Lookouts Needed currently unstaffed.

Established by the Deer Springs Fire The duties of a neighborhood lookout Safe Council to satisfy the number one are simple. Whenever you look out complaint during the Paradise Fire, the the window to enjoy your view, take Emergency Communication System notice of any smoke or fire. If you see (ECS) will proactively gather and then something out of the ordinary, first call disseminate critical information regard- 911 and report it to the fire department. ing the emergency at hand. Then, call a special phone number that will reach the Council’s ECS command- Reports from neighborhood lookouts, er. Both calls are free and could save the incident command center, CERT countless lives. members, the fire district, the sheriff’s department, ham radio operators, etc. Can you help? Call Tom Francl, 751- will be fed to a centralized telephone 1111, for more information. New Fire Danger number. That number is manned 24/7 on Old Castle Rd. near Gordon Hill. by a Deer Springs Fire Council member. Signs Depending upon the type of informa- On extreme fire danger days, double tion received, the individual manning Upcoming Event With the help of Mike Rossman, State red flags which were made by Home the centralized phone will broadcast that Farm Insurance Company’s Public Ec teacher Sharon Eichten’s Escondido information to registered residents via Deer Springs Fire Safe Affairs Specialist for San Diego, the High School sewing students, will be affixed to the signs and will alert the our Reverse 911 calling system. Council Open Meeting Deer Springs Fire Safe Council applied for and received a grant to fund the public to be particularly careful during those times. As funds become avail- This is NOT a replacement for the 911 West Lilac & Castle Creek production of fire danger signs. Four large signs were subsequently designed, able through donations and grants, more call necessary to report the emergency. residents encouraged reflecting the Council’s logo and the signs will be produced and placed at to attend We are in need of 8 neighborhood look- words FIRE DANGER AREA (see other strategic locations throughout the photo). District. outs to replace those residents who have September 8, 2007 either moved away or are no longer able 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon to serve. If you live in a location that Craig Cook, Steve Kerrin, and Steve The Council is grateful to State Farm has a good view of the surrounding area Webb installed them, replacing the and the Escondido High sewing class Deer Springs Station One in any compass direction, please consid- smaller ones on Mountain Meadow for their support and to the District resi- 8905 Circle R Drive er volunteering as a lookout. The West Road, on Old 395 at Gopher Canyon, on dents who are diligent about following Lilac and North Broadway are areas N. Centre City Pkwy. at Ivy Dell, and good fire prevention procedures. Moosa Canyon Project During June and July the Deer Springs Fire Safe Council, in partnership with the Deer Springs Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE, conducted four seminars for Hidden Meadows residents along the ridge of Moosa Canyon. A total of 80 residents turned out making this project one of our most successful endeavors.

The purpose of the meetings was to educate residents about the dangers of wildfires and how they need to protect their homes and families by building a defensible space around their homes. The entire Deer Springs Fire District is considered an “I-Zone” or Wild- land Urban Interface area and requires different fire fighting tactics. The fire danger this year is the worst in 90 years due to the lack of rainfall and a hard freeze last winter.

In addition to covering how residents ought to prepare, a live demonstration of an “I- Zone Response” was conducted. Fire Safe Council member Steve Kerrin addressing his Faircrest neighbors. In the coming months, additional neighborhood meetings are planned for the North Broadway and West Lilac areas. Video Available

Each attendee to the Moosa Canyon series of seminars was provided with a DVD entitled “California Living: Fire Safe”. The video shows how to be- come fire safe from low-cost maintenance projects to fixes and remodeling. When it comes to fire safety, the effort you invest now will pay off, even if you never experience a .

This video is also available on the CAL FIRE web site at: http://www.fire. ca.gov/education_video.php.

Resident Feedback

“Great job today. The neighborhood meeting idea was brilliant. The folks were engaged and it was apparent they could relate to how important the fire safe procedures are. Really looking forward to working with Chris Amestoy and Danny DeViso in the future.” Captain Chris Amestoy relating his fire fighting experiences at the Canyon Country “Thank you for hosting this important seminar just for our neighbor- Road meeting. hood. I now have a concrete list of things that I need to do to be- come fire safe.” A ’s Summary Danny deViso “Thank you for all you’re doing for our community.” , Miller Neighborhood The County of San Diego and the south in general are experiencing below normal rainfall with unprecedented fuel conditions. What this means to me as a fire fighter is Meetings that the wildland fuels are not getting their normal amount of moisture content.

Planned We now have a significant and growing amount of dead fuel intermixed throughout the wildland fuel beds. With the absence of significant rainfall, fuels are exceptionally The seminars along the dry across much of the geographic area, especially for this time of the year. ridge line of Moosa Canyon were just a The winter freeze across much of the county has caused significant die back of native beginning. Neighbor- and non-native vegetation, especially in and near the urban-wildland interface. This, hood meetings are being combined with drought stress, may lead to extreme fire behavior in the coming sum- planned for the North mer months. Broadway & Alps Way areas and also in the No fire fighter gets up in the morning with the intent of being burned to death later West Lilac area. We that afternoon. We do not plan a disaster, but we can plan to prevent them. need volunteers to help CAL-FIRE reminds residents living in wildland areas to help protect their homes and organize a seminar for families from wildfires by creating defensible space around their homes. By clearing their neighborhood. dead vegetation 100 feet from homes, removing leaves, needles and debris from roofs, Please contact the Deer and trimming branches 10 feet from the ground, homeowners can drastically increase Springs Fire Safe Council the chance of their home surviving a wildfire. The department recommends that all I-Drill demonstration. at 751-1111 or 749-3220. work be done prior to 10 a.m. to decrease the start of fires with yard equipment. Emergency Radio The Etón Grundig American Red Cross FR400 is one of Etón’s American Red Cross branded, weather-resistant emer- gency radios. With a dependable hand-crank power generator that powers the unit’s AM/FM/TV/Weather radio, built- in LED flashlight, cell phone charger and emergency -- all surrounded by a sturdy, weather-resistant casing -- the lightweight and portable Grundig FR400 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a radio that can be relied on in emergencies or in environments where there are limited power sources.

At the heart of all of Etón’s emergency radios, including the Grundig FR400, is an internal generator that recharges the internal Ni-MH battery pack and powers the radio, siren, and light. Also, by plugging your cell phone into the jack on the back of the radio (the FR400 comes with several cell phone adapters), you can use the crank to power your phone. In our test, after draining our cell phone of power, we recharged it using the FR400 enough to make a few calls. The rate of cell phone recharging will vary greatly depending on the cell phone and the state of its battery, but the FR400 can provide your compatible phone with power in a pinch.

The FR400 offers AM/FM reception as well as 7 NOAA weather channels and a weather alert, and TV-VHF audio reception for channels 2 - 13. As was the case with all of the Etón emergency radios we tested, our AM reception was outstanding; we were quickly able to tune into every station we searched for. Reception for FM was also very good.

The FR400 is available at .com for $60.

Special thanks to the

Association of Resident Owners DC 10 Tanker (ARO) Did you know that CAL FIRE now has exclusive use of a DC 10 plane outfitted for fighting fires? The DC-10 is a former passenger jet that carried 285 passengers for for their continuing support American Airlines.

Three separate external tanks mounted along the center line which can hold 50 tons of water or retardant and are balanced with baffles to prevent shifting while in flight. The tanks’ ground clearance is approximately 15 inches above the tarmac. The tanks can be re-filled concurrently on the ramp in eight minutes. The plane dump as much as 12,000 gallons of retardant in as little as eight seconds.

The tanker is under contract for exclusive use to CAL FIRE through 2009. Each year it will be available for 122 days running from June 15 to October 15 with the ability to be available for additional days outside the contract period. The cost to operate is $41,000 per day for exclusive use by CAL FIRE which totals $5,002,000 per contract year. There is also a $5,500 per hour cost when the tanker is dis- patched to a fire. The new contract allows the immediate deployment of the plane instead of the Call-When-Needed activation period of 12 to 24 hours.

New Fire Station

We’ve been watching our Fire Station #3 being constructed all summer. The lat- est word from the contractor is that the project is on time and within budget. He expects that it will be completed in early November.

Chris Amestoy has been named as the new station captain and is getting ready for quick occupancy. No Cost Donations Did you know that normal, everyday shopping can help support our activities? That’s right. Your weekly grocery trips could actually fund the Fire Council’s Re- verse 911 system or our next newsletter...at no additional cost to you!

Sign up for e-Scrip at: www.escrip.com using Group Code 500004904 and future purchases at participating stores will qualify. A portion of your purchase is auto- matically sent to the council.

Purchases at Albertons can also qualify. Sign up for a Preferred Savings Card at: www.Albertsons.com/cp/ using Group Code 49001011648.

For questions or additional information, call Bret Sealey at 760-297-1057. Are You Prepared?

Are you ready for the next wildfire?

We all know that it’s coming and it’s just a matter of when, not if. You can prepare yourself, your family, and your property to sur- vive a wildfire. Increase your chances by following the suggestions in this brochure. Better yet, review the checklist before putting this paper down. And then review it again next year.

The District provides a wide range of services, including fire protection, fire Deer Springs Fire Protection District prevention, inspection and investigative services, medical and hazardous material response. Mission Statement The mission of the Deer Springs Fire Protection District is to provide an effec- Beginning July 1, 1994, replacing the original volunteer fire department, the Dis- tive level of fire protection for the preservation of life and property consistent with trict entered into cooperative fire services agreements with the California Depart- available resources. ment of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). In addition to contracting with this State agency, the District entered into mutual and automatic aid agreements District History and Organization with surrounding fire agencies, forming an emergency services group. The Deer Springs Fire Protection District was formed effective December 15, 1981, by the Board of Supervisors of San Diego County, pursuant to the District Organi- Geography/Terrain zation Law. The District covers approximately 47 square miles of unincorporated territory in northern San Diego County. It is approximately 12 miles at its longest distance A five-member Board of Directors elected to staggered four-year terms by local between north and south boundaries, and approximately 7 miles wide at its longest voters governs the district. The District’s service area is located north of the City of distance between east and west boundaries. Escondido, east and west of the I-15 corridor. The estimated current population is approximately 11,000. Most of the terrain in the District is rugged, offering steep hillsides and deep can- yons.

This four page publication is provided by the Deer Springs Fire Protection Dis- Pull Out and Save trict, 8905 Circle R Drive, Escondido, CA 92026. For additional copies, more information, or a personalized property inspection, please call 760-749-8001. other debris from your yard Homeowner’s Check List -- Contact the Deer Springs Fire District to see if open burning is allowed in your area; if so, obtain a burning permit before striking that match OUTSIDE YOUR HOME: 6 Emergency Water Supply 1 Design/Construction -- Maintain an emergency water supply that meets fire department standards -- Consider installing residential sprinklers with a minimum storage supply of 2,500 gallons on your property -- Build your home at least 30-100 feet from your property line -- Clearly mark all emergency water sources -- Use fire resistant materials -- Create easy firefighter access to your closest emergency water source -- Encase the underside of eaves, balconies and above ground decks with fire -- If your water comes from a well, consider an emergency generator to op- resistant materials erate the pump during a power failure -- Try to limit the size and number of windows in your home that face large areas of vegetation -- Install only dual-paned or triple-paned windows -- Make sure that electric service lines, fuse boxes and circuit breaker panels are installed and maintained as prescribed by code -- Contact qualified individuals to perform electrical maintenance and re- pairs -- Buy adequate homeowner’s insurance

2 Access -- Identify at least two exit routes from your neighborhood -- Construct driveways to allow large emergency equipment to reach your house -- Post clear road signs to show traffic restrictions such as dead-end roads and weight and height limitations -- Clear flammable vegetation at least 10 feet from roadway and driveway access -- Cut back overhanging tree branches 13’ 6” above roads -- Make sure that your street is named and a sign is visibly posted at each street intersection -- Post your house address at the beginning of your driveway or on your house if it is easily visible from the road INSIDE YOUR HOME:

3 Roof 1 Kitchen -- Remove branches within 10 feet of your chimney and dead branches over- -- Keep a working in the kitchen hanging your roof -- Maintain electric and gas stoves in good operating condition -- Remove dead leaves and needles from your roof and gutters -- Keep baking soda on hand to extinguish stove-top grease fires -- Install a fire resistant roof. Contact the Deer Springs Fire Marshal for cur- -- Turn the handles of pots and pans containing hot liquids away from the rent roofing requirements front of the stove -- Cover your chimney outlet and stovepipe with a nonflammable screen of -- Keep curtains and towel holders away from burners on the stove 1/2 inch or smaller mesh (spark arrestor) -- Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children -- Make sure that electrical outlets are designed to handle appliance loads 4 Landscape -- Create a “defensible space” by removing all flammable vegetation at least 2 Living Room 100 feet from all structures -- Install a screen in front of fireplace or wood stove -- Never prune near power lines. Call your local utility company first -- Store the ashes from your fireplace (and barbecue) in a metal container -- Landscape with fire resistant plants and dispose of only when cold -- On slopes or in high fire hazard areas remove flammable vegetation out to -- Clean fireplace chimneys and flues at least once a year 100 feet or more -- Space native trees and shrubs at least 10 feet apart 3 Hallway -- For trees taller than 18 feet, remove lower branches within six feet of the -- Install smoke detectors between living and sleeping areas ground -- Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year, when -- Maintain all plants by regularly watering, and by removing dead branches, clocks are changed in the spring and fall leaves and needles -- Install child safety plugs (caps) on all electrical outlets -- Before planting trees close to any power line contact your local utility -- Replace electrical cords that do not work properly, have loose connec- company to confirm the maximum tree height allowable for that location tions, or have frayed edges

5 Yard 4 Bedroom -- Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from all structures and remove vegetation -- If you sleep with the door closed, install a in the bedroom within 10 feet of woodpiles -- Turn off electric blankets and other electrical appliances when not in use -- Locate LPG tanks (butane and propane) at least 30 feet from any structure -- Do not smoke in bed and maintain 10 feet of clearance -- If you have security bars on your windows or doors, be sure they have an -- Remove all stacks of construction materials, pine needles, leaves, and approved quick-release mechanism so you and your family can get out in the event of a fire other. Establish a family/friend If a Wildfire is approaching: phone tree 5 Bathroom -- Become familiar with escape • Park your vehicle(s) facing out. Load the car with: (1) valuables, (2) critical -- Disconnect appliances such as routes documents, (3) mobile survival kit, (4) photographic record of your home, (5) fam- curling irons and hair dryers when -- Keep your gas tank above half ily treasures, artwork and jewelry that will fit in your car, (6) backup disks for your done; store in a safe location until -- Designate an emergency meeting computer, cell phone & charger. cool place outside your home • Secure pets and prepare them to be transported. -- Keep items such as towels away -- Practice emergency Exit Drills • Close shutters and heavy drapes. from wall and floor heaters regularly • Leave your electricity on and leave some inside lights on. Leave doors un- -- Backup computer on a regular locked. Make sign for front window, which says, “EVACUATED”. Post upon 6 Garage basis. Store disk backups off site leaving. • Attach garden hoses to exterior faucets and place buckets full of water around -- Mount a working fire extinguisher -- Consider installing a fire resistant the house. in the garage or fireproof safe in your home for • Place a ladder outside for roof access. -- Have tools such as a shovel, hoe, critical documents and valuables • Cover up by wearing long pants, long sleeved shirt, goggles or glasses and a rake, and bucket available for use in -- Outdoor cooking appliances such baseball cap and a bandanna to cover your face, 100% cotton clothing preferred. a wildfire emergency as barbecues should never be taken • Prior to evacuation, turn off gas at meter or propane tank. -- Install a solid door with self-clos- indoors for use as heaters • Put bolt cutters and a saw in your trunk should you need them to clear an escape ing hinges between living areas and route. the garage -- Dispose of oily rags in Underwrit- ers Laboratories approved metal containers Don’t Forget Your horse trailers are impassible to our ation planning. Many horses, for -- Store all combustibles away from Pets! fire engines. example, will not readily get into a ignition sources such as water heat- • Pets may react unpredictably to horse trailer. Pre-planning is abso- ers change and the chaos created by lutely essential. No one can be productive in a the emergency. They may become • Several evacuation sites in the -- Disconnect electrical tools and ap- disaster if they have not insured pliances when not in use stressed. Keeps pets safely confined Fire District have been identified. -- Allow hot tools such as glue guns the safety of family and pets. as they may bolt away from you. Contact the Deer Springs Fire Safe and soldering irons to cool before Planning and practice are key. • Have a pet carrier and leash read- Council to learn more. storing During the first few hours and ily accessible. • Positive identification of large • Prepare an emergency contact list animals is essential. Record age, -- Properly store flammable liquids days after a disaster strikes, in approved containers and away of veterinarians. sex, breed, color, tattoos, microchip, emergency services will be • Be sure your pets are properly brand, and tag identifiers. Take mul- from ignition sources such as pilot overwhelmed, leaving you on lights identified with collar tags and, ide- tiple photographs from all four sides. your own. ally, with microchips. • Store photographs and identifica- • Assemble an emergency kit in a tion on your personal Internet web • Take your pets with you! If it is waterproof bag. Include pet food, site for easy access from anywhere. DISASTER not safe for YOU to stay, it is worse bottled water, medications, vaccina- • Consider using a temporary paint PREPAREDNESS for your pets. They are helpless tion records, and a photo of your pet. stick to write your cell number di- without you. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for rectly on your animal in case you get -- Maintain at least a three-day sup- • Do not wait until the last minute to 72 hours. separated. ply of drinking water and food that evacuate! Roadways clogged with • Large animals need special evacu- does not require refrigeration and does not need purification -- Maintain a portable radio, flash- light, emergency cooking equipment, portable lanterns and batteries -- Maintain first aid supplies to treat the injured until help arrives -- Keep a list of valuables to take with you in an emergency; if pos- sible, store these valuables together -- Prepare a video record of your home - photographs if you don’t have a video camera. Keep with important documents, and update regularly -- Make sure that all family members are ready to protect themselves with STOP, DROP AND ROLL -- For safety, securely attach all water heaters and furniture such as cabinets and bookshelves to walls -- Have a contingency plan to en- able family members to contact each Structure Clearance

Adequate clearance of all flammable material is needed around structures. A minimum of 100 feet is required and greater distances may be required based upon slope. Consider landscaping with fire resistant plants or irrigated crops. Remove lower branches of ma- ture trees within six feet of the ground.

Stack woodpiles and locate propane tanks at least 30 feet from structures and all vegetation within 10 feet of them.

This is an example of a poorly maintained home. The yard is overgrown with weeds which are a tinderbox most months of the year.

There is neither the required 100 foot clearance around the home nor is there a 10 foot clearance from the roadway.

This is a good example of a well- maintained property. There is adequate clearance around the home and along the roadway.

The vegetation is irrigated and will stay fire resistant during our dry summer months.

Roadway Clearance

A minimum of 10 feet must be cleared of haz- ardous materials along all public and private roads including your driveway. In addition, there must be a 13’ 6” vertical clearance above those roadways.

One cannot expect fire- fighters to traverse your roadway if flames are lapping at their tires or overhanging branches could break off their radio antennas and emer- gency lights. DEER SPRINGS FIRE PROTECTION District. Cuttings may be mulched and left or federal endangered species protection pleted upon the deposit of said notice, post- DISTRICT atop of the soil to a maximum depth of six acts. Violations of the Sensitive Lands Ordi- age prepaid, in the mail. ORDINANCE 2002-03 (6”) inches or may be hauled to an approved nance of the County of San Diego or Federal 3. By posting notice in a conspicuous place DECLARING CERTAIN WASTE County Landfill Site. Endangered Species Protection Act shall be on the land or adjacent public right of way. AND/OR (i) Mature trees must be trimmed to six (6’) subject to penalties as described therein. feet above the ground or as approved by the Section 5: Appeal, right of, to the Board of VEGETATION MATTER A PUBLIC Deer Springs Fire Protection District and Section 2: Waste Matter Defined as a Public Directors NUISANCE AND PROVIDING FOR must be cut back at least ten feet (10’) from Nuisance Waste matter is hereinafter defined Within ten days from the date of posting, THE ABATEMENT AND/OR chimneys. as matter, which by reason of its location mailing or personal service of the required REMOVAL THEREOF (j) Land owners who have been noticed of the and/or character, may hamper or interfere notice, the owner or person occupying or existence of a rare, threatened or endangered with the prevention or suppression of fire controlling such lot or premises affected may The Board of Directors of the Deer Springs plant on the property to be cleared must no- upon the premises or adjacent premises. The appeal to the Deer Springs Fire Protection Fire Protection District ordains as follows: tify the State Dept. of Fish & Game at least requirement to abate same as defined herein District Board of Directors. Such appeal shall ten (10) days in advance of undertaking the or by Section 1.1 is hereby declared a public be in writing and shall be filed with the Fire ARTICLE I: That the health and safety of the vegetation clearance. If the landowner is nuisance. Marshal. At the regular or adjourned meeting Deer Springs Fire Protection District and the aware of any state or federal listed species on of the board of directors, not less than five residents thereof requires the incorporation the property, then the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Section 2.1: Waste matter defined (5) days nor more than thirty (30) days after of the following ordinance. Service and the State Dept. of Fish & Game Waste matter is defined for this article as receipt of such appeal, the board shall pro- should be notified prior to abatement. If a unused or discarded matter having no sub- ceed to hear such appeal, and the decision of ARTICLE II: A majority of all native vegeta- state or federal candidate or species is killed, stantial value and which is exposed to the the board of directors thereupon shall be final tion within the Deer Springs Fire Protection injured and captured, the landowner shag elements not enclosed in any structure or and conclusive. District constitutes a seasonal and recurrent report this information to the State Dept. concealed from public view. These items nuisance pursuant to the Health and Safety of Fish & Game or the U.S. Fish & Wild- consist, without limitation or exclusion by An administration fee of twenty-five dollars Code Section 14900.5. life Service. If Coastal Sage or Gnatcatcher enumeration, of such matter and/or material ($25.00) shall accompany any appeal filed. habitat is on the property to be cleared a per- as; rubble, asphalt, and any combustible non Said fee may be waived if financial inabil- ARTICLE III: The enactment of this or- mit from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is functioning material. ity can be reasonably shown. Application of dinance is pursuant to the authority of the required prior to clearing and/or abating the waiver shall be in the form of a letter signed Health and Safety Code Sections 13861(h); fire hazard. Section 3: Notice to Abate Hazard by the owner or their appropriate delegate. 13879; Division 12, Part 5, Sections 14930, (k) Persons owning, leasing, controlling, op- If it is determined that a public nuisance If the appeal is not accompanied by the fee et seq.; and Division 12, Part 6, Section erating or maintaining buildings or structures as herein defined exists on any lot,- prem or application for waiver, and acceptance 14930. in, upon or adjoining hazardous fire areas, ise, sidewalk, parking lot or street adjacent thereof by the , then the appeal will and persons owning, leasing or controlling to such areas, the Fire Chief, upon discov- be administratively denied. If the appeal is ARTICLE IV: Abatement of certain vegeta- land adjacent to such buildings or structures ery of such condition shall cause a notice to successful in reversing the prior demand for tion and waste matter: shall maintain an effective fuel modification be issued to abate such nuisance. Such no- abatement then the above administration fee zone by removing and clearing flammable tice shall be headed: “NOTICE TO ABATE shall be refunded to the appellant. Section 1: Certain vegetation and other items vegetation and combustible growth from ar- HAZARD” and shall, in legible characters, declared a public nuisance. eas within one hundred (100’) feet measured direct the abatement of the nuisance and re- Section 6: Abatement of Nuisance by the (a) All vegetation growing upon the streets, on a horizontal plane of such buildings or fer to this article and section for particulars. Fire District sidewalks or upon private or public property structures. The fuel modification zone may Notices served by means other than posting If the owner fails or neglects to abate the within the Deer Springs Fire Protection Dis- be replanted with either approved irrigated, as provided by this article shall contain a de- nuisance as herein defined within the time trict which by reason of their size, type, man- fire-resistant planting material or approved scription 5 of the property reasonably suffi- specified (as defined by citing authority), the ner of growth, proximity to any building or nonirrigated, drought-tolerant, fire resistant cient to identify the property and location of Fire Chief shall cause such nuisance to be improvements which will, with reasonable plant material. Replanting of the fuel modi- the nuisance thereon. removed and/or abated pursuant to Sections probability constitute a fire hazard. Said veg- fication zone may be required for erosion 14900 and 14901, of the Health & Safety etation or other items are hereby declared to control. Section 3.1: Notice to Abate Seasonal and Code. A report of the proceedings and an be a public nuisance and shall be abated to Recurrent Nuisances accurate account of the costs of abating the the satisfaction of the Fire Chief or his/her EXCEPTIONS: In the case of weeds/vegetation which have nuisance on each separate property shall be authorized representative. a. Agricultural crops, groves, nurseries, cul- previously been declared to constitute a sea- filed in the Fire Prevention Office. (b) Trash, rubbish, debris and other com- tivated, useful grasses and pasture shall not sonal and/or recurring nuisance, it is suffi- bustible materials which create a fire haz- be declared a public nuisance. However, the cient to mail a post card notice to the owners Section 7: Cost of Abatement and Removal ard must be removed from the property and Fire Chief or his/her authorized representa- of the property as they and their addresses Costs for abatement shall include any and properly disposed of. tive shall determine if a hazard from fire ex- appear upon the current assessment tax roll. all administrative costs including, but not (c) Properties that are abutting improved posure exists to adjacent improved property. The notice shall refer to and describe the limited to, costs of mailing, personnel time, properties, shall maintain a minimum of fifty Should said condition occur, an adequate fire property and shall state “nuisance” or dan- computer retrieval, plus contractor’s abate- (50’) feet clearance at the property lines abut- break may be required. gerous weeds of a seasonal and recurrent ment charges. ting the improved properties. Distance shall b. Trees, landscaping, family fruit gardens, nature are growing on the property and that be measured on a horizontal plane. ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used same constitutes a public nuisance which Section 8: Government Code Provisions Ad- (d) Improved properties of one (1) acre or as ground covers, provided that they do not must be abated by removal. If not removed opted and Collection Assessments less shall be cleared in their entirety. form a means of rapidly transmitting fire by the property owner, the Fire Chief, or his/ The provisions of section 39580 through (e) Properties of more than one (1) acre shall from the native growth to any structure. her authorized representative shall cause the 39586 inclusive of the Government Code, have a minimum clearance from structures c. Grass and other natural vegetation located abatement by removal. The cost of such re- and Section 14912 of the Health & Safety of one hundred feet (100’). Distance shall be more than thirty (30’) feet from buildings or moval shall be assessed upon the lot and/or Code, of the State of California are incor- measured on a horizontal plane. structures and less than eighteen (18”) inches lands until paid or collected through tax as- porated by reference and made a part of this (f) Roadways and/or driveways shall be in height above the ground need not be re- sessment. ordinance. The County Auditor shall enter cleared to a minimum clearance of ten feet moved where necessary to stabilize the soil each assessment in the County Tax Roll op- (10’) on each side of the roadway and/or and prevent erosion. Section 4: Service of Notice to Abate Haz- posite the parcel of land. The amount of the driveway. When conditions exist that are ard assessment shall be collected at the time and impractical, exceptions may be considered. Section 1.1: Definition: Abatement The notice required by Section 3 and 3.1 of in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes; Vertical clearance shall be to a height of thir- Abatement pursuant to this Ordinance shall this ordinance may be served by one of the and if delinquent, the amount is subject to the teen and one half feet (13.5’) and to the width be defined as the removal of the hazard or following: same penalties and procedure of foreclosure of the roadway and/or driveway. nuisance as defined by this Ordinance. It 1. By personal service on the owner, adult and sale as provided for ordinary municipal (g) Clearance of properties shall be accom- shall be the responsibility of the property occupant or adult in charge or control of the taxes. If the Deer Springs Fire Protection plished by methods that will not disturb na- owner to insure compliance with the require- property. District determines that it is in the best inter- tive soil or root stock. Grading shall not be ments of this section particularly if the prop- 2. By regular mail addressed to the owner or est of the district and its citizens, the District used to clear or abate the noted hazard. erty is protected by an open space easement person in charge and control of the property may contract out the abatement process. (h) Native chaparral may be thinned as ap- or is subject to protection under the sensitive at the address shown on the last available as- proved by the Deer Springs Fire Protection lands ordinance of the County of San Diego sessment roll. Service shall be deemed com- Section 9: Violation The owner, occupant or agent of any lot or premise within the Deer Springs Fire Protec- Demonstration Reporting a Fire Hazard tion District who shall permit or allow the unlawful continuance of a fire hazard and Garden An easy, confidential method of reporting brush or other fire hazards is now avail- or public nuisance as defined in Section 1 able on the Internet. Reporting these hazards is not like tattling on your school Through the volunteer efforts of the of this Ordinance upon any lot or premises mate. If your neighbor does not adequately clear his brush, your home and your owned, occupied or controlled by him/her, or Hidden Meadows Garden Club, our life are at risk. Do us all a favor and take care of the matter. who shall violate any of the provisions of this District now has its own fire-wise, ordinance, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor water-wise demonstration garden. Now Action Steps: and, upon conviction thereof, shall be sub- residents can view first hand what pro- 1. Go to: www.FirePrevention.net/DeerSprings_inspector.htm ject to a fine of not more than five hundred fessionals recommend for our gardens. dollars ($500.00), or to imprisonment for a Located next to the tennis courts behind 2. Complete the input form: period not exceeding six (6) months, or both the Hidden Meadows Community Cen- Enter “Deer Springs” as the City/District fine and imprisonment. ter, the garden is open to all residents. Enter your name and address Enter information regarding fire hazard ARTICLE V: That the Board of Directors The Deer Springs Fire Safe Council Finally, click the “Submit” button hereby declares that facts exist pursuant to contributed the signage for each plant Section 25123 of the Government Code of 3. On the final page, a confirmation is displayed. Print it with your browser if you wish. the State of California constituting an ur- and has constructed a web site with photos and descriptions of the plantings. gency, to wit: That, in order to promote and You can also contact our Fire Marshal at 749-8001 to report a problem. protect the public health, safety and welfare Visit: HiddenMeadows.US/garden/de- of the citizens of the Deer Springs Fire Pro- mogarden.html. tection District by reason of certain vegeta- tion and other items constituting a potential The Hidden Meadows Community Please health and fire hazard requires immediate Foundation provided financial support For Sale regulation and control by the Fire District; for this project and several area nurser- patronize that the Board of Directors does hereby de- Custom Hidden Meadows home with absolute ies contributed plantings. our adver- termine that such facts constitute an urgency; privacy and incredible 40 mile views. A three that the passage of this Ordinance is urgent tisers. Take a look and get some great ideas for bedroom, single level home with 2,843 square due to the severity and frequency of vegeta- feet on 2.6 acre lot. New 650 sq ft Trex deck. tion fires within the District. Therefore, the your own home. ordinance shall take effect immediately upon Gated access. Seller motivated. adoption, pursuant to Section 25123 of the Fire Station Open House Government Code of the State of California. Jim Larsh, Krueger Realty 749-3999 Coincident with Fire Prevention Week, the Deer Springs Fire ARTICLE VI: The Board of Directors hereby District will host an open house at Station Two, just south of Deer declares that should any Section, Paragraph, Sentence or Word of this ordinance or of Springs Rd. on Mesa Rock Rd. (next to I-15). the Codes or Ordinances referenced herein YOUR MAILING SOLUTION be declared for any reason to be invalid, it Residents are encouraged to stop by to meet our men and women in blue. Special activities are planned for young children so bring LETTERSHOP • EXCELLENT SERVICE • AFFORDABLE PRICES is the intent of this Board that it would have We Specialize in Small Runs adopted all other portions of this Ordinance the entire family. Everybody loves to touch a ! independent of the elimination therefrom of Mailers Unlimited any such portion as may be declared invalid. Refreshments, demonstrations, prizes, & fun! Saturday, October Lee & Heide White, Owners 13, 2007 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Phone: 760-749-3846 Email: [email protected] Welk Resort Current Fire Information Direct Mail Services Inkjet & Tabbing • DPV/Zip+4 / Barcoding • Labeling Inserting • Statements • Newsletters • Copy Services Thoroughly Modern Millie takes audiences on a fun- Tune to radio station KOGO at 600 AM. filled ride back in time and drops them off smack dab Television channels 7, 8, and 10 have also in the midst of the Roaring Twenties. This , agreed to broadcast alerts and news specific dancing, romancing musical takes place in Manhattan, to Deer Springs. 1922, with all the jazz-age razzmatazz you want in a Information big bright, brand-new Broadway blockbuster. Enclosed This newsletter contains valuable information It’s the story of a Midwestern girl who arrives in New about how you should prepare your family for York determined to take the town by storm. Winner the next wild fire. According to experts, it is of the 2002 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for not a question of IF there will be another fire Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie is filled with like we had in October 2003 but WHEN it will frisky flappers, dashing leading men and a dragon- occur. Study the preparation checklists and take lady of a villainess that audiences will love to hate. action today. Don’t just add it to your To Do List. You’ll enjoy great musical numbers like, “Only In New York,” “Gimme Gimme,” “Not For The Life Of Me,” and “I’m Falling In Love With Someone.” “Fire Safety News” is a quarterly publication of the Deer Show-stopping numbers and dance routines with Springs Fire Safe Council, Inc. which is solely responsible for its content. The Fire Safe Council is an IRS-approved laughter throughout make this a great day or night out tax-deductible corporation located at 9799 Crystal Ridge Dr., at the theatre. Yes, they do make musicals like they Escondido, CA 92026. used to! Now playing through November 4th. Publisher: Craig Cook Editor: Thomas Francl The Welk Resort has been a supporter of our Fire Safe Contributors: Kathryn Nelson, Georgia Herman Council since its inception. Large Animal Evacuation Planning & A SIGN OF SERVICE! Micro-chipping Dr. Steven V. Colburn, D.V.M. - Dr. Andrew R. Walker, D.V.M

Dr. Daniel H. Grove, D.V.M - Dr. Jeffrey D. Moss, D.V.M For information: Dr. Tad C. Bender, D.V.M. Georgia Herman Krueger 8751 Old Castle Road - Escondido, CA 92026 - 760.728.2319 760-855-1641 fax 760.751.1008 - www.creeksidevets.net - [email protected] Realty Help Wanted

The Deer Springs Fire Safe Council is looking for a few good men and women especially from the West Lilac and Castle Creek neighborhoods. 27739 MOUNTAIN MEADOW ROAD #1 ESCONDIDO (HIDDEN MEADOWS) CA 92026 If you would like to help your neighbors by participating with the Council, please Office Phone: (760) 749-3999 come to our next Open Meeting on September 8th at Deer Springs Fire Station #1 at 10:00 AM. Find out what your Fire Safe Council has planned for the coming months and how you might be able to contribute.

As Uncle Sam says: “I need you!” We’re At Risk

To help protect people and their property from potential catastrophic wildfire, the National Fire Plan di- rects funding to be provided for proj- ects designed to reduce the fire risks to communities. A fundamental step Jim Larsh, Owner/broker Roger Morton in achieving this goal was the iden- Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] tification of communities that are at high risk of damage from wildfire.

These high risk communities iden- tified within the wildland-urban interface, the area where homes and New CDF logo wildlands intermix, were published in the Federal Register in 2001. At the request of Congress, the Federal San Diego Fire Safe Register notice only listed those Council communities neighboring federal lands. The list represents the collab- This organization coordinates the 51 orative work of the 50 states and five local fire safe councils in the county federal agencies using a standardized providing support, advice, and state process, whereby states were asked representation. On Saturday, September to submit all communities within 29th, they will be hosting their second their borders that met the criteria of a annual picnic at Dos Picos County Park structure at high risk from wildfire. in Ramona. The general public, in ad- dition to the 51 fire safe councils, are invited to have fun and learn about re- With California’s extensive urban sources available to make our families, wildland-urban Interface situation, homes, and communities more fire safe. the list of communities extends Lunch will be served. beyond just those adjacent to Federal lands. The California State Forester Thermo-Gel® is a gel concentrate which when added to water Vendors will be demonstrating their (CAL FIRE Director) has assigned transforms it into a fire preventing and heat absorbing Class A products and several county agen- the role of managing the list to the gel. cies will be showing off their equip- California Fire Alliance. ment. Have you ever wondered what a R.A.C.E.S. is? Come and find out how There are 87 communities in San dedicated volunteers are helping out. Diego County at risk including: Hidden Meadows, San Marcos, For more information, call 619-562- 2190 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113 Escondido, Bonsall, Valley Center, 0096 or visit: www.FireSafeSDCounty. Phone: (619) 525-7286 org. and Vista. Serving the communities of Castle Creek, Champagne Village, Deer Springs, West Lilac, Hidden Meadows, Jesmond Dene, Rimrock, and the Welk Resort

9799 Crystal Ridge Dr., Escondido, CA 92026 [email protected]

An Open Letter to the Residents of the Deer Springs Fire Protection District,

As you have read in the articles of this newspaper, the Deer Springs Fire Safe Council has provided a variety of services to fulfill our mission “to preserve lives, property, and natural resources by mobilizing all residents to make their homes and neighborhoods fire safe.” As a non profit, all volunteer organization, the Council does not receive tax dollars earmarked for the Deer Springs Fire Protection District. Because of this, we depend upon donations from people like you.

Our expenses for the year 2006 were almost $10,000, primarily for community education projects, insurance, and the maintenance of our Emergency Calling System (Reverse 9-1-1). Through a small grant and by the generosity of donations from many of you, we were able to cover these expenses. We will continue to pursue obtaining government and business grants to fund special projects but a donation from you is vitally needed.

Should we be unable to raise sufficient funds in the future, several services of the Deer Springs Fire Safe Coun- cil may be terminated. Gifts in any amount will be gratefully accepted. Since the Council has a 501 (c)(3) status, all contributions are tax deductible.

Thank you in advance for your continued sup- port of the Council and its efforts to protect all of us in our community. Your donation will play a vital part in helping to keep our commu- Emergency Calling System The Deer Springs Fire Safe Council has established an Emergency Resident Notifica- nity safer from the devastation of wildfire. tion System that utilizes computerized phones. In case of an emergency, each regis- tered resident will receive a phone call advising them of what the emergency is and an assessment of the threat. The Council will not sell or otherwise use your phone Sincerely, number for solicitations. Enter your phone number(s) and name below. Sign and mail to: Deer Springs Fire Safe Council The Deer Springs Fire Safe Council 9018 Circle R Oaks Escondido, CA 92026

The following phone numbers are to be registered to receive automated mes- Checks may be made payable to: sages during an emergency. Include area code if not 760.

Deer Springs Fire Safe Council, Inc. ______9772 Calle de la Reina Escondido, CA 92026 ______I understand that this Residential Emergency Calling System is a supplemental mes- saging system and is dependent upon telephone network reliability and volunteer personnel. I hereby agree not to hold the Deer Springs Fire Protection District or the Deer Springs Fire Safe Council liable for any injury or damages resulting from the delivery or nondelivery of an emergency message.

______Print Name Signature

Closest Neighborhood: Castle Creek/W. Lilac ___ Champagne Village ___ Deer Springs ___ Hidden Meadows ___ Jesmond Dene ___

Included is my donation to support the Emergency Calling System: $______