Stimulus Dollars to Help Public Transportation in Descanso

Federal stimulus dollars are going to help improve public transportation systems in the back country, specifically in Descanso:

http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/sep/28/rural-residents-benefit-stimulus-dollars/

Arsonist Notifications?

Interesting story in the East County Magazine about a paroled arsonist who had been living in Boulevard without the community being notified: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1941

Whaddya think? Should arsonists living in fire-prone areas be treated like sex offenders in that neighbors should be notified when they're living in their midst?

Cowboy Swapmeet

The 36th annual Cowboy Swapmeet will be held at the McClintock Saddle Works on Sep. 27. Phone 445-3946. Sell, buy, eat and meet other cowboys and cowgirls.

RCD Oak Tree Morality Program for 91916 Residents

According to The Alpine Sun, the Resource Conservation District (RCD) has a new program called D3 (Dead, Dying, Diseased) Oak Tree Mortality and Fuels Reduction Program (yes, a mouthful, but worthwhile).

Right now, the Golden Spot Oak Borer (GSOP) is the major threat to Descanso (and southern California) oak trees. The Sun said that the GSOP has resulted in "an 85 to 90 percent mortality rate in the Sherilton Valley/Descanso area alone."

People in the 91916 zip code region, west of the 79 corridor, can have dead, dying or diseased trees removed from their property free of charge through the RCD, with help from a federal grant. There are strict guidelines, however.

For complete details and more information, visit http://www.rcdsandiego.org, or call 619-562-0096.

Ice Cream Social Draws Crowd to Descanso Library

Descanso resident Julie Salmons won a Dreyer's Ice Cream block party for the town. She wrote a short essay on why Descanso was the town worthy of winning the Dreyer's Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute contest. Citing the many fire fighters and forest rangers who live and work here, and the many fire scares we have had, evidently Dreyers felt our town deserved an ice cream break. Julie was chosen as the grand prize winner among thousands of entries across the nation.

The Descanso Library agreed to host Julie's party. She served the many varieties of ice cream to more than 75 local residents, including many of the volunteer fire fighters in town, scores of young children, oldsters, and even one service dog, Strider.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the yummy treats. The adults seemed to favor the traditional flavors like caramel swirl and pecan praline, while the kids went for "takes the cake" and cookies and cream. For more information on the Dreyer's block party giveaway, visit www. slowchurned.com

72nd Annual Deep-Pit BBQ Big Success

Our Lady of Light, Descanso's tiny Catholic parish, held its 72nd annual deep-pit barbecue on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Every year, many residents of Descanso and outlying areas -- not just Catholics, but Protestants, non-believers, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Native American spiritualists, and beyond -- come together to support this community parish and celebrate the end of summer.

The annual event is the main fundraiser for Our Lady of Light and a fun-loving get together for the town. Live music by the Danielle Tucker Band had many on the dance floor, while children enjoyed fun and games. "Grandpa's Attic," the rummage sale of donated items, is always a big hit with bargain shoppers, as are the craft booths of local artisans. But the main draw is the food and beverages. The beef is slow roasted for 18 hours, wrapped in muslin, soaked, and seasoned. Beer and wine are served for adults, which helps get more people on the dance floor.

According to The Alpine Sun, the annual event started 72 years ago as a wedding celebration at the church. Everyone had so much fun, that the church members continued the party every year.

Congratulations to Our Lady of Light.

CPR/First Aid Certification Class - 9/19

The Descanso Library will be hosting a CPR/First Aid Certification class on Saturday, Sep. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10, which covers materials and a continental breakfast.

To register, contact the Descanso Library at 445-5279.

Next Descanso Planning Group Meeting

The next Descanso Planning Group meeting will be held on Thursday, Sep. 17, beginning at 7 p.m.

At the Town Hall, of course. The Chair is Michael Sterns, 659-3801.

Alternative Ideas Proposed by Assemblymember Saldana

An alternative plan to SDG&E's misguided proposal, from Assemblymember Lori Saldana:

http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1868

Latest on SDG&E power shutoff plan

SDG&E power shutoff plan in jeopardy

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Oak Tree Updates

Updated info about not transporting oak wood; could impact those who depend on firewood for heat this winter. Message is: keep it local.

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-09-01/news/local-county-news/rancho-bernardo-local-county-news-news/dont-move-oak-wood-in-san-diego-county#

SDG&E Plans for the Back Country

Important information on SDG&E's plan to cut electrical service to Descanso and other rural areas:

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/09/sdgampes-plan-has-bottom-line-cash/