SWEETWATER FIRE CONTAINED IN JAPATUL AREA
East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service Photo: Brush Fire Partyline on Facebook December 8, 2017 (Japatul) — Firefighters have contained an 8-10 acre brush fire that started south of I-8 near the Japatul exit in Cleveland National Forest. Multiple units responded from The U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Viejas Fire, Alpine and Lakeside Fire departments to the Sweetwater Fire. Sign up to receive free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at the top right side of our homepage and you may also receive our free weekly e-newsletter. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above, since you don’t know what form of communication will work best in a regional emergency. We thank our generous sponsors, Grossmont Healthcare District and SDG&E, for their support of our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, helping us keep you safe and informed.
UPDATES ON LILAC FIRE: HELP AVAILABLE FOR EVACUEES AND THOSE WITHOUT POWER
By Miriam Raftery Photo: SDG&E mobile command north of I-8 at Japatul has free wi-fi, charging stations and water for those affected by power outages in East County. December 8, 2017 (San Diego) — President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for San Diego County due to the Lilac Fire to maximize firefighting resources and the military is also providing aircrafts to fight the fires. The declaration does not cover rebuilding for fire survivors, which could be made through a separation action later. The National Weather Service’s revised forecast now indicates high winds will continue through Sunday, so the danger of new fires remains high and all residents are asked to refrain from any activities that could spark a fire. Countywide, thousands remain without power, many due to planned outages to prevent ignition, others due to damaged equipment and fires. But more help is now available. The Lilac Fire that started Thursday near the junction of Interstate 15 and highway 76 has scored 4,100 acres and remains zero percent contained as of Friday afternoon. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, the fire has burned at least 65 structures and killed over two dozen race horses, forcing evacuations as far west as Camp Pendleton. Evacuation enters now open are at the East Valley Community Center in Escondido and Stagecoach Community Park in Carlsbad. For East County residents left without power, the Bostonia Recreation Center in El Cajon has been opened as an emergency shelter and will accept small pets. Large animals and livestock can be taken to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. SDG&E has opened up a mobile command center on the north side of I-8 at Japatul east of Alpine, where you can charge your cell phone or other devices, use wi-fi, and get water. If you are traveling, be sure to check current road conditions and don’t rely on navigation system such as Warez, that was reportedly directing people onto untraveled roads within the evacuated areas near the fires. Lyft has announced that it will offer free rides, up to a fifty dollar value, to evacuation shelters for anyone in the evacuated areas here in San Diego County. Just use the code KeepSDSafe. If you would like to help survivors of the Lilac Fire, here are some actions you can take. The San Diego County Call Center needs volunteers for its 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. shift. You can volunteer by calling 858 300 1269. You can donate pet supplies for evacuated pets at the San Diego County Humane Society’s Amazon.com wish list. The Red Cross is accepting donations to assist evacuees in shelters. In addition, the Del Mar Fair Grounds seeks donations of animal feed, bedding, buckets, shovels and rakes for evacuated large animals that it has taken in, including many horses.
SAN DIEGO HALL OF CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER STARS OF THE MONTH
By Liz Alper Photo: Jahmon McClendon via San Diego Hall of Champions December 8, 2017 (San Diego) – The San Diego Hall of Champions has released their November Stars of the Month and a Monte Vista High football standout is on the list, as well as former and current SDSU football players and a Sockers player and former Poway High alumnus. PROFESSIONAL Kraig Chiles (right) – San Diego Sockers, Poway High alumnus The Sockers’ captain and all-time leading scorer finished the month with 13 points on 10 goals and 3 assists to lead the team. He was tops in the Major Arena Soccer League in points, goals and game-winning goals (3). Chiles earned MASL honors for his four-goal performance against Tacoma. Calvin Munson (below) – NY Giants, SDSU alumnus It didn’t take the former Aztec long to make his impact with the Giants, topping it off with a 13-tackle game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 6-foot, 241-pound rookie collected eight unassisted tackles in the 12-9 overtime victory. In three games for the month, Munson had 25 tackles. AMATEUR Kyavha Tenzino – football, San Diego State A sophomore linebacker, Tezino led the Aztecs to a perfect 3-0 record by totaling 32 tackles (next highest on the team was 20), six tackles for loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. He helped limit SDSU opponents to averages of just 13.3 points, 49.7 yards rushing and 299 yards per game. HIGH SCHOOL Jahmon McClendon – football, Monte Vista A bruising 6-foot-2, 210-pound running back, the junior led the Monarchs on a run to the section Division IV title game where he was a one-man wrecking crew, gaining 383 yards and scoring a section-record equaling 8 TDs.
RESIDENTS VOICE ANGER OVER POWER OUTAGES
Photo, left: Map of outages in San Diego County as of 7:45 a.m. today. December 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — SDG&E has sent warnings to 170,000 San Diego County residents to be prepared for power shutdowns due to the high fire danger posed by strong Santa Ana winds. The utility has already shut off power to thousands of homes in communities across our region including portions of Alpine, Bonsall, Boulevard, Campo, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Fallbrook, Jamul, Julian, Mount Laguna, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Vista and more. The utility has warned residents that their power could remain off for several days until it can be safely restored. The shut-offs, meant to prevent powerline fires such as those that ignited the 2007 firestorms, are sparking concerns and outrage among some residents, particularly in rural areas. Electric well pumps don’t work with the power out, leaving no way to provide water for people or livestock. Some rural areas lack cell phone service, leaving people with no way to learn about wildfires or other emergencies, unless they have a backup generator. Many residents are also shivering in cold temperatures dipping into the 40s at night, some left without electric heating. The widespread shut-offs comes just days after the California Public Utilities Commission ruled that SDG&E cannot charge ratepayers for its uninsured losses from damages in three of the 2007 wildfires that state regulators found were caused by SDG&E’s power lines. Another complaint has been the lack of accessible shelters. Only two shelters for those with power outages have been opened – one in Escondido, the other in El Cajon. In the mountain, high desert and rural communities, those shelters were an hour or even an hour and an half away – and completely inaccessible on Thursday, when Interstate 8 east of Alpine was shut down due to winds so strong that they flipped over a semi truck and a 30-foot trailer. Nancy Bauler Satallante posted on Facebook, “”A rep from SDGE just called me & told me it could be days until power is restored. I used the opportunity to let him know that this should’ve been handled differently….I also told him that they should bring a water truck out to help people w/ animals who are all electric…Also to set up a red cross emergency center out here so people can have a hot meal, etc. Having this many people w/ no power there needs to be more than ONE Red Cross shelter. Not everyone can get to El Cajon. The “need” is out here in the backcountry!! I hope that my suggestions will help!!” Red Cross spokesperson Emily Cox told us Thursday, “I know it is a little far, but we coordinate with County Office of Emergency Services and SDG&E to determine the safest place for us to put the shelters and we needed to have locations far enough from the potentially affected area so that they would maintain the safety. The recommendation was made for locations within the city limits of El Cajon and Escondido to guarantee full service for the shelters and we will evaluate the need for additional locations throughout the next few days.” Jan Hedlun, a Potrero resident and member of the Potrero Community Planning Group, says repairs on a pole in front of her home were delayed more than a year. She questions why maintenance was postponed until the current high wind conditions were eminent. “ I believe strongly that SDG&E dropped a major ball with their method of shutting down electricity, telling folks it will be days before they turn it on, and doing nothing to help,” she states in an email to ECM. “Potrero has two circuits – one from the Campo area and one through Barrett. The Campo link went off this morning and the Barrett link was shut off around 1:00 PM. On the outage map earlier in the day the restoration time was set for Monday the 11th. Now it’s Saturday the 9th at 4:00 PM. I love how they say: “If your power is out, please be sure you have adequate emergency supplies on hand for an extended period of time and check here for the most current information on expected restoration times.” They certainly didn’t give adequate warning for people to be prepared, especially those with livestock. And if cell service is out, power is out . . . how can anyone check the website? Really?” Hedlun adds, “I believe that Ms. Satallante is correct that the company should have set up the area better. They knew this event was coming long before we did and could have made arrangements. It should be mandatory if they are going to deprive us of service.” Supervisor Dianne Jacob, asked by ECM whether such extended shut-offs are warrented in her view, replied, “I’m concerned about any shutoffs because they can pose their own risks to property and life in a crisis, especially in rural areas where fire crews and residents need access to well water. I urge SDG&E to cut power only as a last resort and only if there’s the danger of an actual system failure that could ignite a wildfire.” ECM also contacted the offices of Assembly members Ben Hueso and Randy Voepel, who represent mountain and rural communities most severely impacted by the shut-offs, but thus far we have not received a response. California Public Utilities Commission spokesman Christopher Chow confirmed that such shut-offs are authorized by the CPUC. In an email to ECM, he wrote, “Decision 12-04-024, issued April 26, 2012 (http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/WORD_PDF/FINAL_DECISION/165063.PDF gave SDG&E authority under Public Utilities Code sections 399.2(a) and 451 to shut off power in emergency situations when necessary to protect public safety, including a situation where strong Santa Ana winds exceed the design basis for SDG&E’s overhead power-line facilities and threaten to topple energized power lines onto tinder dry brush. Public Utilities Code Section 399.2 requires utilities to operate their distribution grid safely. There is language in Decision 12-04-024 that references this
HOLIDAY SHOW AT VIEJAS
East County News Service December 8, 2017 (Alpine) — Each year, Viejas Outlets in Alpine lights up the night with a holiday spectacular show at the show court. Guests can enjoy a dazzling display of dancing fountains, lasers, firefworks and a gentle cascade of winter snow, choreographed to holiday music. The show is held each Friday at 5 p.m., weather permittiing. Note: Tonight’s show has been cancelled due to high winds.
SCHOOL CLOSURES ACROSS REGION TODAY
December 8, 2017 (San Diego) –Due to high winds, smoke and fire danger, many schools and districts will be closed today, including some in East County. Here are the schools and districts that are shut down today: Bella Mente Montessori Academy (charter school) Bonsall Unified School District Carlsbad Unified School District Classical Academy and Classical Academy High School (charter schools) Coastal Academy (charter school) Epiphany Prep: Escondido campus (charter school) Escondido Charter High School (charter school) Fallbrook Union Elementary School District Fallbrook Union High School District Guajome Park Academy (charter school) Heritage K-8 Charter (charter school) Julian Union Elementary School District Julian Union High School District Momentum Learning juvenile court and community schools (operated by the San Diego County Office of Education: Youth Day Center, Breaking Cycles, Innovations Academy of Empowerment, North County Technology Academy Mountain Empire Unified School District North County Trade Tech High School (charter school) Oceanside Unified School District San Marcos Unified School District Spencer Valley School District Vista Unified School District Warner Unified School District Palomar Community College District CSU San Marcos
PAW IT FORWARD: DONATE COATS, SWEATERS FOR PETS OF THE HOMELESS
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office December 7, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Get an extra pet sweater or coat, or donate an old one to County Animal Services’ “Paw It Forward” campaign. These “creature comforts” will go to pets of people experiencing homelessness. The new and gently used pet coats and sweaters will be given out at Project Homeless Connect, an annual event that offers a wide array of services to the local homeless population. They bring along dozens of dogs, and even some cats. So County Animal Services joins the event and offers some free services for the animals. “We give the animals brief check-ups, vaccinations, licenses and microchips but we’d also like to make sure these pets stay warm on cold, winter nights,” said Veterinarian Dr. Cassie Hamilton, D.V.M. “The owners often take better care of their pets than they do themselves so they’re extremely grateful for cozy sweaters or coats for their furry companions.” The Project Homeless Connect event takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Golden Hall. The County’s three shelters will accept the donations from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until Sunday, Jan. 28. All sizes are needed, especially medium, large and extra-large but any size is welcome. For additional information about the “Paw It Forward” campaign, call County Animal Services at (619) 767-2675.
HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE, SNOW FESTIVAL DRAWS BIGGER CROWD
By Jo Moreland, Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce December 7, 2017 (Alpine) — “Merry Christmas!” That cheerful message was shouted often during the “22nd Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival” on Dec. 1 in Alpine. Presented each year by the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, many spectators and participants declared that the combined nighttime event was bigger and better than ever. At the free Snow Festival in nearby Alpine Creek Town Center at 1347 Tavern Road, free snow sledding, more than 35 vendors — each with a different booth, entertainment and children’s activities kept crowds busy. One of the few night Christmas parades left in San Diego County, the foothills holiday celebration draws families and others from throughout the region. The Alpine Creek Town Center, Brixton Capital, Viejas Enterprises, San Diego Gas & Electric, United Rentals, EDCO Disposal Services, Bullseye Feed, Village Carpets/Flooring America, East County Transitional Living Center and RTL Traffic Control & Equipment Rental sponsored the family fun.
NEW YEAR, NEW STATE FEE AT THE COUNTY RECORDER’S OFFICE
By Valerie Watts December 7, 2017 (San Diego) — County Recorder’s Office personnel are bracing themselves for effects of a new fee imposed by the State of California. Beginning January 1, 2018, certain recordable documents will be charged a fee in addition to the usual recording fees to support the Building Homes and Jobs Act, SB 2 – Atkins. The new fees, which will range from $75 to a maximum of $225, will be charged for recording “every real estate instrument, paper, or notice required or permitted by law to be recorded” with certain exemptions. The most notable exemption is for recording documents in connection with a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier. This exemption will make it easier for most homeowners, but they need to be prepared. In order to claim such exemption from the fee at the time of recording, the document to be recorded will be required to state the specific reason for exemption, either on the face of the document or on a coversheet to be recorded with the document (at an extra charge). As of this writing, the coversheet was not yet available on the County website, although it is expected to be in place soon. A handout from the Recorders Office states, “Failure to include an exemption reason will result in the imposition of the $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act fee. Declarations of exemption are subject to review. Fees collected are deposited to the state and may not be available for refund.” In other words, if you haven’t prepared your document correctly, you will be charged the fee at the time of recording and you shouldn’t expect a refund even if it turns out you had a valid exemption. Mandated by GC 27388.1, the monies raised are to be deposited in the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness as well as to help create more affordable housing. The fee represents a change in the way documents are prepared for recording as well as a substantial increase in the amount paid. For instance, a three-page Quitclaim Deed currently costs $21 to record, but with the $75 fee it will jump to $96 –over four times as much. The County Recorder/County Clerk’s Office is trying to get ahead of the situation by informing all who come in about the change, but they expect that there will be a great deal of surprise, confusion and even anger at the beginning of the year. One employee quipped, “I’m thinking of getting a hockey mask.”
SDSU FOOTBALL’S RASHAAD PENNY HONORED AS A WALTER CAMP ALL-AMERICAN
Penny earns fifth All-America accolade of the day Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com December 7, 2017 (San Diego) – San Diego State senior Rashaad Penny (Norwalk, Calif.) was named a Walter Camp Second-Team All-American, as announced Thursday by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He also earned second-team accolades from SB Nation, after earlier in the day garnering first-team honors from Sports Illustrated, All-American and Bleacher Report. With the second-team accolade, Penny is now invited to attend Walter Camp Weekend in New Haven, Conn., from Jan. 11-13, 2018. Penny, also a finalist for the 2017 Walter Camp Player-of-the-Year award, and semifinalist for the Maxwell Award (college player of the year) and Doak Walker Award (nation’s premier running back), has rushed for a NCAA FBS-best 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 275 carries (7.4 avg.), while adding 18 catches for 142 yards (7.9 avg.) and two touchdowns, 15 kickoff returns for 459 yards (30.6 avg.) and two touchdowns, and two punt returns for 70 yards (35.0 avg.), including a 70-yard touchdown. Last week, Penny became the first player in Mountain West history to win two player-of-the-year awards when he was named the MW Offensive Player of the Year and the MW Special Teams Player of the Year. He is a two-time Walter Camp FBS National Offensive Player of the Week pick this year, five-time MW Offensive Player of the Week winner and a two-time MW Special Teams Player of the Week. Penny currently leads FBS in rushing yards (2,027), rushing yards per game (168.9), all-purpose yards (2,698) and all-purpose yards per game (224.8), and is second in total touchdowns (24), points (144) and points per game (12.0), tied for third in rushing touchdowns (19), tied for fifth in kickoff return touchdowns (2), sixth in rushing yards per carry (7.4), seventh in kickoff return average (30.6) and tied for 10th in punt return touchdowns (1). Penny has rushed for at least 100 yards in 10 of the team’s 12 games this year and five times has eclipsed 200 yards. SDSU (10-2) will play Army West Point (8-3) in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m. CT.