Deerhorn Valley Community Association Promoting)a)safe,)interconnected,)and)vibrant)community)Email:)TheAntler@DeerhornValley.net)

IN THIS ISSUE

CALIFORNIA 94 LIFELINE CASINO

YOLLIE PHIPS 4TH OF JULY COLLAGE

DISSOLVING RFPD? VULTURES

NATIVE PLANTS NEIGHBOR NEWS

NEW ENDEAVORS CLASSIFIEDS

SUMMER&JUN)JUL)AUG&20134Kim)Hamilton,)Editor))

Last night Mama Skunk returned through the cat door for a midnight snack, then settled in after eating her fill of cat food on top of the washer. Dave and I cautiously encouraged her to get down so we couldmbring all food in the house. She hid under the workbench again until she felt like leaving quite a while later. I hope there are no more chapters to this saga.

MORE THAN JUST A RURAL ROAD—

A BACKCOUNTRY LIFELINE

THE MASSIVE TRUCK LOAD choked off SR-94 for more than 54 hours.

It had passed the YMCA in Rancho San Diego sometime after midnight on Wednesday, August 7th. Slung between two large semis was a huge industrial-sized gas generator bound for an oilfield in Mexico. The semis pushed and pulled the 20ft-wide load down the middle of SR-94/Campo Rd escorted by pilot vehicles and multiple CHP units. At 231-feet its length was triple the posted length limit for double-trailer rigs. It crawled east down the middle of the undivided two-lane rural road and passed the “Trucks Restricted” sign at Otay Lakes Rd. At every twist and turn ground operators disembarked to remotely control the wheel clusters, specially built for cargo this size. By dawn it had travelled 14 miles from Jamacha Junction and was docked in a graveled area by the CDF Fire Station in Dulzura.

LATE THE NEXT NIGHT, about 10 PM, it resumed its journey along SR-94. A few hundred yards down the road an axle and U-joint gave way. Attempts to repair it at the scene failed, and for the next 24 hours it blocked 94 – both east and west. Trucks were unable to pass, and cars backed up in both directions. SR-94/Campo Rd was out of commission.

THE RESPONSE from those impacted was angry and emotional. SR-94 is the only direct route in or out for emergency responders and

residents living south of Dulzura. What individual or agency was responsible for this debacle, and how could such an irresponsible decision come about?

THE HAULER (KD Specializing) says CHP determined its route. Others pointed to CalTrans. Regardless, no alerts were posted, no “Road Subject to Closure” signs displayed. There was no communication with long lines of folks who were now cut off from jobs, school, medical aid, and wildfire responders.

Finally, at 3:22 AM, five hours after breaking down, the CHP issued a SigAlert for east and westbound traffic from Dulzura to Tecate saying they expected the closure until about 10AM. At 5:37 CalTrans advised commuters to avoid the area if possible. 10AM came and went, and at 11:11 AM CHP advised the situation would last “a couple more hours.” At noon, CHP information stopped, even though the SigAlert was in effect and would be for twelve more hours.

THE ALTERNATE ROUTE from Dulzura to Jamul is 80 miles long—via Buckmann Springs and I-8. Cars ran low on gas. Workers could not reach jobs. No one, not even firefighters, had been warned that this grossly-oversized load was traveling the major evacuation route for Dulzura, Barrett, Potrero, and beyond. Now everyone was stuck.

NEARBY RESIDENTS Donnie Durfee, Robin Brailsford, and Lisa Darroch watched the scenario unfold and sent regular updates to Antler Alerts. On Deerhorn Valley Facebook, posts from incredulous neighbors appeared. As another midnight approached, a temporary repair allowed the Monster to be moved down the roadway to Marron Valley Rd. There it would stay for another two weeks. (CON’T P2)

231 ft&

FROM DV FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/DEERHORNVALLEY

“The last two nights they've been moving this HUGE piece of machinery. Last night they only got about 100 yards. When they are moving it, they shut down the highway.”

“It does make me a little concerned that the highway is being closed down at night without notification. This is our main line out of here in an emergency situation.”

“Thanks for keeping us informed, as it seems no one else will."

“My in-laws tried to get through … finally turned around and went all the way back to Campo and around on the 8.”

“94 is a parking lot at Marron Valley Road and east.”

“Isn't there a sign on the 94 at Honey Springs that says nothing over 40' ?

“OUTRAGEOUS!”

A BACKCOUNTRY LIFELINE (CONT)

IT DOESN’T TAKE SOMETHING AS LARGE as this to close down SR-94.

Two days later on August 10, just before noon, a head-on crash with major injuries occurred just west of Honey Springs Road.

THIS CRASH CLOSED DOWN SR-94—for an hour in both directions. The line of eastbound cars reached all the way to Daley Ranch. Inexplicably, no SigAlert was issued. The first responding tow truck from Road One was stuck in the backup one mile behind the scene. 1:00 PM the CHP quit updating its Incident Report even though traffic was still motionless. Its previous posts disappeared. No communication—again.

Sharon and David Gladding were caught in the backup and had plenty of time to snap a photo of the eastbound line of cars ahead of them. They, like other drivers, had two choices: (1) wait or (2) turn around and make the long detour. No information was forthcoming that could help drivers make the decision.

CHP, CALTRANS, and CALFIRE all tell us to prepare for emergencies: have a plan, an emergency kit, gas in the car, fire-hardened homes, defensible space.

IT IS INEXCUSABLE when responsible agencies to fail to notify us of such a critical road closure. This is 2013—we have texting, internet, email, Twitter, Facebook. Each of these agencies have splashy websites and the ability to share information with the public.

WE DESERVE BETTER.

CASINO UPDATE: Jamulians Against the Casino (JAC) is mounting a major campaign to stop the latest effort by Penn National to build a 200,000sqft Casino on the tiny Jamul Indian Village (JIV) at SR-94 and Melody.

Their efforts include a legal challenge that contends JIV land does not and cannot qualify for gambling because the

tribe was not recognized when the Indian Reorganization Act was made law in 1934. In fact, there was no Jamul Tribe until 1981, and there was no land or “village” until 1982. [*see Carcieri v. Salazar 2009]

PROPOSED • 4.5 ACRES OF BUILDINGS • 200,000 SQFT GAMBLING FACILITY (3.5 football fields) • 9,000 MORE CARS, BUSES, TRUCKS DAILY • 24-HR ALCOHOL & GAMBLING, 7 DAYS A WEEK • ONE WAY IN & OUT—RURAL SR-94 • 5 ADDITIONAL SIGNALS BETWEEN JAMACHA & MELODY RD

SUPPORT THE JAMUL

DEFENSE FUND Jamulians Against the Casino (JAC) is mounting a major campaign to stop the latest effort by Penn National to build a 200,000 sqft full Casino on the tiny (4.5 acres) Jamul Indian

Village—JIV—on SR-94. THE NUMBERS 4.5 ACRES 200,000 SQFT GAMBLING CENTER (3 FOOTBALL FIELDS) PARKING STRUCTURE

Hello Kim. My name is Stewart Bain. My wife and I live at 20451 deerhorn. I wanted to email you and see if you can put something in the next antler about dangerous drivers on deerhorn and 94. Recently, a guy driving a white suburban license 6LKB549 has passed us on several occasions. Going up mountain and coming down, blind corners. A month ago he passed a car going east on 94 by fire station at the windy part before the double yellow breaks up. My wife was going west and she had to go into the dirt to miss him. My 19 month old daughter was in the car also. Definitely not cool. If he wants to kill him self that's cool, but don't take my family with

P.2&CASINO&)&FIRE&AUTHORITY&

COMMENTS… A week ago Sunday we were on our way to Deerhorn and stopped behind a car on Hwy 94 waiting to make a left hand turn onto Vista Diego. We heard screeching brakes, and our little Honda got hit from behind by an SUV. The driver of the car we stopped behind then took off like a rocket. I guess he did not want to get involved. The guy driving the SUV had 3 kids in the car . . . luckily, no one was hurt but my heart sank when I saw he had Mexican license plates. Years ago my father was waiting to make a left hand turn when his little Ford got hit by a heavy pick up truck . . . he was pushed into oncoming traffic and got involved in a head-on collision. And his car had to be cut apart so they could remove him to take him to the hospital. The car was destroyed and his medical bills totaled over $100,000. The guy who caused the accident walked away with no injuries . . and his license was suspended for DUIs, so no insurance. Recently, a guy driving a white Suburban (Lic# 6LK---) has passed us on several occasions. Going up mountain and coming down, even blind corners. A month ago he passed a car going east on 94 by the Jamul Fire Station. My wife was going west and she had to go into the dirt to miss him. My 19-month old daughter was in the car also. The 15 seconds they save getting home is not worth dying for! My in-laws tried to get through about 8 pm and after 20 minutes of waiting with nothing happening and no information, they finally

IMAGINE A CASINO 9,000 more cars/buses/trucks

Alcohol served 24/7 City-bred drivers

Dark, narrow, twisting roads Shoulderless roadsides

Crashes that block 94 for hours Then,

Imagine a WILDFIRE A Heart Attack

Help arriving TOO LATE

8/10/2013. A head-on crash closed SR-94 for in both directions for an hour. No SigAlert was issued. —Photo by David Gladding

THE DEERHORN VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

WE OPPOSE THE CASINO The DVCA concludes that construction and opertation of the Jamul Casino will endanger the safety of the Deerhorn residents. It will—

—ADD thousands more cars, trucks, and buses to our roads each day, and increase the number of crashes and road closures on SR-94, Otay Lakes Rd, Skyline TT, Lyons Valley Rd, and Jamul Drive, our only access and evacuation routes.

— JEOPARDIZE safe evacuation of residents during wildfire or other emergencies. Deerhorn Valley is already recognized as a community “at highest risk” of catastrophic wildfire. [SDG&E Powerlink Map]

—IMPEDE or PREVENT emergency help from reaching or transporting persons in distress.

DVCA Steering Committee, July 2013

JIV

JAMUL ROCKS SUMMER FUN-

RAISING CONCERT Bring Family & Neighbors Swim-Bike-Activity Center

LIVE MUSIC: “NRG”

SUNDAY 9/15 3-7 PM Hosted Burgers & Dogs

Tickets: $20 online $25 at door (Teens $10 - Kids Under 12 Free)

WWW.JACJAMUL.COM

1000 TRAILS CAMPGROUND (OTAY LAKES RD)

RAFFLE & AUCTION

RAISE $ ~ DEFEND JAMUL

SR-94 CRASH STATISTICS 2001—2011 THANK YOU TO LISA DARROCH OF JAC FOR COMPILING THESE

NUMBERS FROM CHP SWITRS

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NEIGHBOR NEW S ~ Around and About BUNNY PROS: Congrats to Jane and Sara Clark who showed their rabbits for the first time in the Eastern San Diego County Junior Fair. Said proud

POWERLINK GRANTS 2013 — YEAR TWO

For the second year, PowerLink’s $2,048 grants were available to virtually EVERY Deerhorn home owner who bothered to apply.

The SDG&E PowerLink increased fire danger in communities like Deerhorn Valley, Lyons, Dulzura, and Potrero. SDG&E was required by the CPUC to help owners of the properties now at greater risk of a catastrophic wildfire.

The $2,000 grants (adjusted to yearly inflation) are to improve defensible space and harden homes. Last year only 650 grants were given out BECAUSE PEOPLE DIDN”T APPLY. We have been told verbally that the funds were “rolled over” to future years, and we certainly hope that is the case.

It was disturbing that many grants were given this year to properties well outside the risk areas—central Jamul and downtown Alpine., for example These areas were never identified as At Risk or eligible properties on their Mitigation maps. This nearly tripled the number of grants awarded to 1,800.

BOTTOM LINE: You won’t get a grant if you don’t apply. Hire someone or do the work yourself and get paid ($20-$25/hr is the going rate). Make it a family effort, and keep a log of your hours and work. Or hire locally and support our local economy.

Besides normal defensible space work, this year up to $500 could be used to replace landscape with fire resistant plants. Some chose to replace old windows with double-paned, or add fire-resistant attic vents. Some covered their eaves. The inspection was quick and reasonable; they just wanted to make sure the work was done.

You must have code-compliant address signs posted at the drive to your house, and you need to apply. It’s easy, and the DVCA will help you apply online. Look for 2014 PowerLink Grant notices in the mail and as Antler Alerts starting next February.

MAKE SURE YOU APPLY NEXT YEAR. THIS IS A NO-BRAINER.

NEW ENDEAVORS Deerhorn Valley

SECOND TIME AROUND FARMS… …LOCAL, FRESH, & SUSTAINABLE

It all started when Tom Knepper and Russ VanCleve decided to buy a few chickens to have fresh eggs for their breakfast. With neighboring properties here in Deerhorn, and a desire to do their part for the planet, “Second Time Around Farms” was born.

Recycled materials are used for more than their intended purpose—well pipe is turned into fencing, spent beer grain is redirected from the landfill and used as supplemental feed.

They feature Dexter cattle, pigs, turkeys, meat birds and laying hens, and are planning 4,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse for veggies and Talapia production.

They use a “chicken tractor”—moved daily to allow grazing on fresh grass and bugs. Both keeps them safe, and lets them range.

They also raise heritage turkeys. These are Grandma’s turkeys — and why Thanksgiving was so eagerly looked forward to 50 years ago. Commercial turkeys are raised to be abnormally large and free-fed a high fat diet and antibiotics to encourage growth.

Deerhorn Valley wishes you success, Tom and Russ! We’re looking forward to seeing your project move ahead.

SECONDTIMEAROUNDFARMS.COM 619-572-6128

The BRADFORD RANCH at Deerhorn Valley The Perfect Venue For Weddings, Memorials, Celebrations, or

Special Events This is a brand new venture/adventure for ranch owner Carole Bradford. Featured on the DV Ranch & Garden Tour last April. the Ranch boasts beautiful grounds, an historic ranch house, pool, aged oaks and sycamores, and tile-roofed “Honey House.”

After an outdoor family wedding event in Northern California, Carole looked at the Ranch with a new appreciation: “What place is more beautiful than Deerhorn Valley!” she bubbles.

With her vast background in business and management, Carole brings a wealth of experience and organization to her endeavor.

Bradford Ranch lies on 150 acres nestled between Elena and Barber Mountains. A half-mile drive leads through meadows, sycamores, and liquidambar trees to the original homestead of the Walker Family. Today’s amenities include a pool, waterfall, barn, corral and a large cemented tennis area where canopies can create a dancing and dining space. We wish you well, Carole!

CAROLE BRADFORD, OWNER 619-947-3029

325ceb325@gmail.com

deerhornvalley.net/bradfordranch

August 8, 2013 - TIMELINE - Donnie Durfee ddurfee1@yahoo.com 6:49:43 AM They have one lane traffic control 7:18:04 AM Only the west bound lane is blocked. They are using EB for one way traffic. No need to go the long way around 7:19:27 AM It's not too bad at all. It's a mess for the trucking company but traffic isn't bad. 7:30:45 AM The last two nights they've been moving this HUGE piece of machinery. Last night they only got about 100 yards. When they are moving it they shut down the highway. Luckily, they were able to get it close enough to the edge to allow traffic by in the EB lanes. They trailer is literally against the bank on the WB side of the road. 8:59:51 AM It does make me a little concerned that the highway is being closed down at night without notification. This is our main line out of here in an emergency situation. 7:39:52 PM PDT 94 is a parking lot at Marron valley road and east. 7:24:49 PM Highway is now closed both directions. They have a new truck and trying to move the machinery. 8:14:13 PM Westbound is moving again. They've move it to the turnout at Marron valley road. FACEBOOK 8:54:26 Iris Gardener (Potrero) "My in-laws tried to get through about 8 pm and after 20 minutes of waiting with nothing happening and no info finally turned around and went all the way back to campo and around on the 8." 7:42:18 PM Hi, do you know why the 94 is shut down right now. -Elizabeth Oliver 6:03:24 Vehicle still stuck there of course... Only

Truck - Casino - SR-94 WHO TO CONTACT

YES ~ IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL Brian Pennings, Public Affairs Officer: BPennings@chp.ca.gov

CHP CITIZENS COMPLAINTS (online): BORDER DIVISION: http://www.chp.ca.gov/publications/ccp.html

COUNTY SUPERVISOR Dianne Jacob: (619) 531-5522 dianne.jacob@sdcounty.ca.gov

CALTRANS DIST 11 (SAN DIEGO) Laurie Berman - Director - 619-688-6668

laurie.berman@dot.ca.gov Bill Figge - Planning Deputy District Director -

bill.figge@dot.ca.gov 619-688-6681

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE Representative Joel Anderson: assemblymember.Anderson@assembly.ca.gov

Assemblyman Brian Jones: gail.ramer@asm.ca.gov (Senior Field Rep)

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NEIGHBOR NEWS DRIVERS ON DEERHORN AND HONEY

SPRINGS ROADS: PLEASE slow down for your neighbors &

their animals. SAD NEWS: Abbie, very special aussie shepherd belonging to Ramon and Heather Cruz, was hit and killed on Deerhorn Valley Rd. Friday, Aug. 23rd. Sadly, the driver did not stop or move her body to the side. Neighbor Bill Hague found her and took her to the side. Then Jake Borge and Kevin Foster brought her home and buried her under the oaks. The Cruz’s were on vacation when Abbie got out after her buddy dog dug under the fence. We are so saddened and send our deepest sympathies.

DANGEROUS DRIVERS: Stewart Bain nearly lost his wife and 19-month-old in a frightening encounter with a local driver of a white Suburban who passed illegally and sent their car off the road and into the dirt. This a special plea to drivers who speed down Deerhorn Valley Rd. PLEASE SLOW DOWN. Wherever you are going, it isn’t worth your life, or anyone else’s. SR-94 is already a dangerous road, and we don’t have to make it worse. If you’re confronted by a dangerous driver, you can call the Sheriff’s Office (858- 565-5200)and ask for one of our Resident Sheriffs (Dane or Enrique) to contact you. You can report crime online to sdsheriff.net on the “e-crime reporting” link

CRIME IN OUR VALLEY? Deerhorn is usually a pretty safe place to call home. But every now and then we’re reminded it’s still wise to be alert. Several thefts have happened lately, and gone missing are the kinds of things city folk don’t target: water troughs, fencing, firewood, auto-waterers. Here are some details:

• Maria and Arnie Mueller lost a large load of already-split firewood. To get at it, thieves had to lift it over the fence in view of Deerhorn Valley Rd. This could very likely be someone with local connections.

• Another Neighbor (Mother Grundy area) spied someone with a flashlight down by her corrals on several nights. She called Border Patrol (they have a lot of agents in the area), but was told there was no one patrolling the area that night. Casing maybe?

• Peter Dyke noticed wheeltracks in front of his place in Upper Deerhorn that looked like a vehicle with twin rears, like a trailer or heavy duty PU. “Like someone driving around in between the trees/bushes looking for stuff to "liberate.”

• Marie Hawley wrote: “Just before we moved into our home last year somebody stole the automatic water feeder and a large galvanized horse trough. [Our] property was empty at the time.

• Yvonne Purdy from Dulzura said similar incidents have been happening there.

• Cheryl Reinhardt did the best thing when her quad was stolen a couple of months ago: she notified the Sheriff and filed a report. If crimes are related, there’s a chance someone might connect the dots. Thieves believe that fencing and firewood thefts are not likely to be reported. Let’s prove them wrong and put a stop to this.

JAMUL CHAPARROS 4-H—www.jamul4h.org— A new school year is upon us, summer is drawing to a close, and the Jamul

Chaparros 4H club is gearing up for another fantastic year! Kids and young adults ages 5-19 are welcome to join. There are projects for every passion: rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry, horses, pygmy goats, outdoor adventure, and more. Meetings are the first Tuesday of the month at Jamul Primary School. The first is Sept. 2, 2013,

7pm. Membership dues are $40/year. Contact community leaders Kelli: 619-468-3696, or Wendy: 619-749-5211, wendyerin17@gmail.com

Lance Corporal JONATHAN KOOP, USMC, deployed August 23rd for the Western Pacific and Middle East aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS Boxer. They are scheduled to return at the end of April...(just in time for his 21st birthday!) L.Cpl Koop spent the final pre-deployment weekend at home with his family in Deerhorn Valley, filling up on Mom’s home cooking. Here’s Jonathan and Proud Papa Pete, Tearful Mom Karen, and Big Sis Hillary. A big salute from Deerhorn Valley, Jonathan!

JANINE PALMER, who lost her Deerhorn home to the Harris Fire in 2007, has just published a book about her experience. PLAINCHANT—part memoir, part reflection—recounts the changes life takes when terrible things happen. It is available from Amazon.com. Congratulations, Janine! Deerhorn is proud of you and all our fire-survivors!

Michelle and Gregg Grimaldo AKA “Deerhorn Unbridled” will be putting on a showcase Friday Sept. the 6th at the Bonita Golf course from 7 to 10 p.m. They sing the songs you know, love, and can tap a toe to. Last June, at the same venue, a lot of Deerhorn folks showed up and had a great time. The show will be outdoors on the patio.

GOT A MINI? Join four “plucky” residents [Jill Powell, Stevie Dillon, Peg Hance, and Michelle Lawson] who will drive their miniature horses in the Kiwanis/Jamul parade on October 20th. Minis, donkeys, etc. are all welcome (in hand or in harness). Contact Peg at 619-988-0222. This’ll be fun!

The IGNOSCI POSSE including DV Station Mgr Andrew Sumner will climb 110 stories at the San Diego 9-11 Memorial Stair

Climb on Sept 8th at the Marriott on the Bay. This year’s climb will honor the 354 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, and the 19 Arizona Hotshots killed in this summer’s wildfire. All funds raised by the team go

to Firefighter Aid, helping firefighters and their families in need. A group of DV’ers be take the trolley down to volunteer that day: cheering on climbers, passing out water, etc. Why not join them? Call Sandra Ignosci: 468-9336 or email SJIGNOSCI@GMAIL.COM444

CUSTODIANS, because they eat the remains of dead animals – road kill often, but they prefer rotting carcasses. Here [left] one devours a dead skunk. Turkey Vultures eat cooperatively. They don’t fight much over their food, nor fly off with it – I’ve heard they don’t have much carrying strength.

Vultures are also called “buzzards,” as in “buzzards circling overhead signify something on the ground is dead or dying.” True, but if

it’s early, they’re probably off to a day’s work. They’ll find a place, perhaps a pole top [left], to sit and warm in the rising sun. Their wings are heavily feathered, and if moist from a night of fog or rain, they’ll sit, backs to the sun, wings spread [above] to dry and warm. As the morning stirs and the surrounding air currents lift, they’ll leave their roosts, flap their wings just enough to catch a rising swirl, then soar all day. They’ll gather, and soar in a large, tall column [right] high and higher, then head straight out in all directions for their favorite hunting grounds. They’ll return at day’s end. I’ve heard that soaring birds may see colors in the infra-reds (heat) and be able to see rising air current columns (thermals) that they skillfully ride all day.

Turkey Vultures aren’t predators (they don’t attack and kill to eat), so they fly anywhere without distressing other birds. Red-tail hawks and impetuous crows leave them alone. But there is a vulture look-alike – as large as a vulture, larger than a red-tail. One of my photos [left] revealed a Zone-Tailed hawk. The Zone Tail will fly undetected among the vultures then swoop to deliver a lethal surprise for unsuspecting birds below. 4

Turkey Vultures –Graceful, Nobel Custodians)

Not Pretty – But Beyond Graceful in Flight)

Photos and text – Rob Deason. All birds shown are residents of Deerhorn Valley.

Return home in afternoon’s glow to the top branches of a eucalyptus.)

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Mexican flannelbush

Bush anemone Baja fairy duster

Matilija poppy, Lipstick

Warty stemmed ceanothus

Ramona ceanothus Wild calf rose

Deerhorn Valley Landscapes Native Plants4

by mary duffy

What’s not to love about native plants? They are drought tolerant, fire resistant, thrive in decomposed granite and poor soils, and they provide habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and pollinators. And, if you were lucky enough to attend this year’s Deerhorn Valley Ranch and Garden Tour, you were inspired by the thriving gardens that some of our neighbors have created with mostly native plants.

This year you’ll have two close-to-home places to find great deals on native plants. The Earth Discovery Institute (EDI) is holding its annual sale at the Crestridge Ecological Reserve on September 28, and the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve (Old Daley Ranch) on October 5.

These are opportunities to purchase beautiful natives that are hard to find at mainstream nurseries, including manzanitas, blue-eyed grass, California fushia, and Tecate cypress. Botanist, master gardeners and Jamul growers will be on hand to answer your questions. Seeds, and books on native plants and gardening will also be available.

The native plant sales benefit EDI’s environmental education and outreach programs. For more information go to earthdiscovery.org, email info@earthdiscovery.org or call 619-447-4715.

FIRE DISTRICT DECISION LOOMS

There’s a big decision ahead on whether to dissolve our Rural Fire Protection District and join the County Fire Authority (CFA)—the third and last step to regionalizing fire services under one umbrella—OR go it alone as an independent RFPD and depend upon volunteers [who have to meet the same physical and training requirements as paid firefighters.]

All4photos4are4by4DV’er4Maryjane4Quinn.4Her4native4plants4and44landscaping44was4one4of4the44most4popular4sights4on4the4April4DV4Ranch4and4Garden4Tour.44Natives4are4adapted4to4our4beautiful4valleys4and4foothills,4drought4tolerant,4and4typically4fire4resistant.444

FALL IS NATIVE PLANT TIME

CRESTRIDGE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE

SEPTEMBER 28TH 1171 Horsemill Rd

El Cajon (Crest) RANCHO JAMUL

ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE OCTOBER 5TH Old Daley Ranch

14715 Campo Rd (SR-94)

BOTH SITES: 7:30 - 1:00

At a “Town Hall Meeting” on July 17 at the DV Fire Station, residents heard from Fire Chief Dave Nissen, RFPD Board Members Randy Terry and Dale Amato, and two representatives from the new CFA. Most residents weren’t happy with the two choices: Dissolving RFPD means the CFA will make the decisions at a County level. But, they say, CalFire services and other resources and equipment would remain intact. To become independent means losing $2.1

million in County funding. With a total budget of only $3 million, that is just not a feasible scenario. No other options are on the table. In order to dissolve itself, the RFPD Board must vote unanimously next June. Other-wise it will be decided in a Special Election. JAMUL, Otay, Morena and Descanso currently have paid firefighter/EMTs. DEERHORN and five other stations are staffed part time with firefighters paid a stipend. Turnover of stipend staff is high.

JACUMBA #43 POTRERO #39 DULZURA #35 DEHESA #25 DEERHORN #37 HARBISON #24

DISSOLVE? GO INDEPENDENT? RFPD JAMUL #36 OTAY MESA #22 LAKE MORENA #42 DESCANSO #45

SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY

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T’WAS A GRAND OLD TYME…

4TH OF JULY PARADE & PICNIC -By Kim Hamilton

The 2ND ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE & PICNIC came off without a hitch. This Deerhorn Valley family-oriented event is a reminder of small town celebrations a century ago. No numbers, no assigned marching orders or instructions—just friends and neighbors getting together to mark a special day in a special community. This year featured vintage autos from 1915 and earlier, classic tractors, red wagons, big horses and mini ponies, llamas in full regalia, “Proud Marine” moms, kids, trikes, people movers, decorated dogs… all proudly strutting their stuff along Elena Lane, where flags flew the red, white, and blue colors of the day. Kudos to coordinators Sandra Ignosci and Susie Norton and ALL the volunteers who made the day so special! Be sure to check out the photos on our Facebook page: facebook.com/deerhornvalley Collage by Rob Deason

YOLIE PHIPPS: All-Around Champ And a Rodeo Rider Too

-by Kim Hamilton

When the Phipps Family bought their Deerhorn Valley Ranch eleven years ago, it came with a horse called Truman. Truman became 6-year-old daughter, Yollie’s, first horse . . . but not her last.

By the time Yollie was 10, she rode regularly in the Jamul Gymkhana and in National Junior High School Rodeo Association events. A year later she excelled in District and State

competitions, and went on to compete with the “Best-of-the-Best” at the Nationals in New Mexico, where she became the 2008 Barrel-Racing Champion. As a 6th-grader, she was one of the youngest competitors. The engraved saddle, part of her award, is proudly displayed and used only on very special occasions.

Yollie competes in Pole-bending, Team Roping, Break-away and Goat-tying events where she is often one of the youngest competitors.

For her first few years, Yollie rode English style. “But,” she explains, “I got kind of bored, and moved on to Western style.” At Saddlehorn Ranch in Lawson Valley she linked up with other girls who shared her passion and drive to excel, and she hasn’t looked back.

Yollie is now starting her senior year in high school. She is home-schooling with the Greater San Diego Academy where last semester she earned straight-A’s. She also competes in a full schedule of rodeo events, and works gentling, exercising, and training horses and riders both.

She is a natural teacher, and it is a joy to watch her work with both first-timers and the more experienced. When Yollie is in charge, you’ll learn more than just how to ride. You learn to care for the horse as if it was

yours. An hour of riding instruction begins with brushing your horse, cleaning its hoofs, selecting and placing its saddle blanket. Next comes the heavy saddle—really heavy for a youngster—and Yollie will only help if your tries aren’t successful. You position it, secure and cinch it, then on goes the bridle; she watches and coaches you to get it right. She says, “Talk to your horse, touch it, especially when you’re riding.” When Yollie rides, she is one with her horse.

Neighbor, Arnette Reed, says, “Yollie is a wonderful teacher and rider. She has been riding my mare for almost two years. She has kept her tuned up for me while I was sick and has amazing amount of knowledge for a young lady her age. She has

also been working with our granddaughter, Lily, and

built up her confidence and helped her with lessons on barrels and poles.” Left is a photo of Lily and her first of three belt buckles she has won since Oct 2012.

Rob Deason’s grandsons, Ian and Flynn, just started this summer with Yollie. He concurs, “She is just a born teacher—she understands that kids need to “do” and not just watch. She lets them struggle… and succeed.”

A year from now Yollie—and her horse—will be headed off to college. Although her senior year is just beginning, she has already accepted a scholarship to the University of Great Falls, Montana. There she’ll ride for the UGF Rodeo Team., and pursue her degree. Her studies may include both interior design and mechanics. Her options are wide open.

Deerhorn Valley is so proud of you, Yollie Phipps!

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Yollie Phipps

Lilly and her first of three 2012 buckles

Novice rider, Flynn Murray, follows Yollie around the barrels.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 4-7 PM McKinley’s Field (Elena Lane)

The Deerhorn Valley 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat is coming! Bring your vehicle [decorated or not] your trick-or-treats, and your little ghosts and goblins.

Park in a circle, pop up your trucks (or put up a table), and let kids have the fun of real trick-or-treating in a safe, family environment right here in Deerhorn Valley.

THE KEY IS YOUR PARTICIPATION! Don’t worry if your car isn’t decorated. That is NOT a requirement. What the kids want is lots of trick-or-treating. So this year we want as many cars INSIDE as possible.

FREE POPCORN - HOTDOGS, CHIPS & WATER - COTTON CANDY! PHOTO SPOT, PARADE, AND MORE

CRAFTERS: We’d like to explore having a Crafters’ Faire too. If you’d like to have a booth for your homemade items. GOT CORNSTALKS? We can sure use them for decorating—

Give a call to Karen Koop: (619) 345-4285

Jim & Susie Norton ~ DUBE´ VINEYARDS THE IGNOSCI POSSE

INVITE YOU TO

A SPECIAL WINE TASTING EVENT All proceeds will go to benefit Firefighter Aid

Light appetizers will be served

SATURDAY AUGUST 31 1:00 - 5:00 PM

TALAMAR GARDENS-Home of Jim & Susie Norton 20783 Deerhorn Valley Rd

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO FIREFIGHTER AID—helping firefighters and their families in need.

RESERVATIONS: Call Sandra Ignosci 468-9336 OR Purchase Tickets Online at DubeVineyards.com

$10 each (Use the Purchase Wine Link)

HORSES EXERCISED - LESSONS: Need your horse(s) worked? $15 per ride. Lessons too. (619) 592-5958 yolliephipps@yahoo.com

DUBÉ VINEYARDS 2516 Honey Springs Road TASTING ROOM NOW OPEN SUN 12-4 Tel/Fax: (619) 468-0030 info@dubevineyards.com REAL ESTATE RESULTS Vicki Beers ~ Marcia Spurgeon (619) 669-6622 DRE Lic# CA 925235 DR. DARCY YENT: ND~LAc Naturopathic Doctor ~ Lic. Acupuncturist (619) 887-0610 drdarcymarie@aol.com Deerhorn Location - Insurance BEACON HILL LLAMA FARM Dr. Ruth Baak www.llamajeans.com Animals - Fiber - Families Welcome Call for Appt. (619) 468-3074 ~ (760) 715-6644

WANT TO RENT in Deerhorn Valley for $500: Small apartment or detached room for single man with no pets. Please call Rich Salcido at 619-655-2432

BRADFORD RANCH A perfect venue for your wedding, celebration, memorial—Lovely 150-acre historic ranch, oaks, sycamore, stone pool. Carole Bradford, Owner: 619-947-3029

525 SQ FT TREX Transcend composite decking & fasteners. Tan color. Powerlink OK. Almost new. $2 per lin foot. 619-463-8408 or 619-985-0178

BOAT—only used twice about 2 years ago. Not started up since. 15’ 8” long. Built 1961. $550 including trailer. Mark: (619) 246-7405

WANTED: Experienced dog groomer to groom two Lhasa-Apsos (Puppy Cuts) inside our home (laundry tub available). Near Mother Grundy. Monthly. 619-468-3825.

HOUSECLEANING: Daily, Weekly, Monthly Interior/Exterior. Will Run Errands. No Job Too Small Licensed and Bonded. Teresa: (619) 933-9372

FOR RENT: 1 bedroom adorable casita off of MGTT sleeps 3, 1 double and a pull out single sofa bed $85 per night or $500 per week (619) 468-3011 mjqrch@gmail.com

HOME REPAIRS:I live in DV and specialize in rough and finish carpentry. My company is R.H. Construction( 619) 249-7571 Email: robert@rhconstructionimprovements.com

JANSON AND ASSOCIATES Pre-employment Background Investigations www.4backgrounds.com

CA LIC PI 16103 619-468-6890 MOBILE DOG & CAT GROOMING: Here in Deerhorn Valley! Full Service Prof. dog and cat grooming. Fully equipped mobile van. 619-414-4377 barkbathbeyond@ymail.com

GELDED DONKEY 4 years old, Great weed control, chases coyotes, easy keeper. Spunky & loves people. $200 obo. Contact Mary Duffy in DV. duffy.colorado@gmail.com

WANTED: Small stock or horse trailer, lightweight and open slated (airy). Contact Mary Duffy in DV, duffy.colorado@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS*&

codes, and should last decades. Prices include sales tax. ADDRESS SIGN: $27 24" x6" aluminum reflective address signs with white numbers 4" high and 1/2" wide on both sides

POLE AND HARDWARE: $27 Pre-assembled 5.5 foot galvanized steel pole and hardware kit for vertical signs only. "WATER SOURCE" SIGN: $24 Show firefighters to your water pond, pool, or tank. INSTALLATION: $45 Call 619 463-8408 for appointment. The cost is reimbursable with an approved Powerlink Grant, so keep your receipt. Possible mileage fee for more distant sites.

*Ads are free as space permits for local Deerhorn residents & businesses, and we always appreciate your

donation. Residential ads take priority over businesses. Contact Kim at

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IT’S COMING SOON!

ESPECIALLY THIS FIRE SEASON POST YOUR ADDRESS SIGN

STAY CONNECTED ANTLER ALERTS: DeerhornValley.net

FACEBOOK.com/DeerhornValley WILDFIRE ALERTS: EastCountyMagazine.org

SIGNS: Tom Lamb 619 463-8408