Week of November 14, 2024
Week of November 14, 2024
A vegetation fire was reported at 12:02 pm on Wednesday 11/20/24. It was burning in two spots on the southbound lane of Old 395 near Lilac Rd. which was closed while they fought the fire. They were quickly extinguished by CalFire. Three brush units and one engine responded. It took 40 minutes to clear the... Full story
There have been multiple calls to the Village News about a fire on Old Stage in town. The cause is a flag burning ceremony at the VFW, which causes some blooms of black smoke. The VFW does this ceremony periodically, which is the respectful way to retire worn flags. Flag burning ceremonies, often conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts, are solemn events meant to respectfully retire worn or damaged American flags that are no longer fit for display. The United States... Full story
There is only one-way traffic being allowed on Reche Rd as well as 395 in both directions. There are about 20 SDGE large trucks and two cranes that are installing new power poles on Hwy 395. Traffic is backed up in all directions for about 15 minutes. There are also gas lines being installed on Alvarado St. in front of the Sheriff's substation all the way to Brandon Rd. W. Elder Street also has construction happening this... Full story
In the original early version of this story, we reported that six people had been transported from witness accounts that were on the scene. However, NCFPD PIO John Choi confirmed with Village News that it was four people transported that night. One person was transported with moderate injuries and three with moderate injuries. Early version story: Four people were reported to have been transported to local hospitals in three ambulances after two hit-and-run traffic... Full story
E. Mission was closed for an hour after a motorcycle accident, which sent the rider to the hospital with critical injuries. The accident was reported as a vehicle vs. a motorcycle. More will be reported if information is... Full story
UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS ESTIMATED BALLOTS TO BE PROCESSED: 56,000 NEXT UPDATE: NOV 21 BY 6 P.M. There is a controversy brewing as there are still at least one ballot box that hasn't been picked up by the San Diego Registrar of Voters in Bonsall. Village News will follow up on that with the County. This is crucial because there are races that are very very close. Here is where we are as of Nov 15, 2024. Locally, the closest race is a Fallbrook Union Elementary School... Full story
4 pm UPDATE: Crews have stopped the forward rate of spread on the Garden Fire and the acreage burned was lowered to 25 acres from 50 acres, according to CalFire. There is currently no structure threat or evacuations. All evacuations have been lifted. A significant amount of resources have been assigned and will work through the night in to tomorrow to strengthen control lines. It is 10% contained, according to NCFPD PIO Capt. John Choi. "There were several fire agencies that... Full story
Video of crash taken from Liquor Store across the street from the accident. https://youtu.be/u1gLqYOSnKk A chaotic scene unfolded outside a popular local Fallbrook restaurant this morning when a car crashed into a parked pickup truck, sending the truck careening into an outdoor dining area and striking patrons. One person was transported to the hospital with injuries, according to witnesses on the scene. The video shows one man walking in front of the area that narrowly... Full story
11/07/2024- 3:46pm A vegetation fire is currently in the zulu impact area. This is 3-4 miles west of Fallbrook and poses no danger to... Full story
Questions about the most recent plans for the Peppertree Park development caused the Fallbrook Community Planning Group to continue the hearing. Information about the current plans for Unit 7 and Unit 8 was presented at the Oct. 21 planning group meeting before the nine planning group members present that night approved continuing the hearing to the Nov. 18 meeting. “There were lots of questions that were not answered, mostly regarding traffic,” said planning group first vice-chair Stephani Baxter, who chaired the Oct....
A presentation on two senior housing projects planned for Fallbrook was given at the Oct. 21 Fallbrook Community Planning Group meeting, and the planning group members expressed their concerns about parking and demand on emergency services. “The number one concern was parking. The number two concern was the size,” said planning group first vice-chair Stephani Baxter, who chaired the Oct. 21 meeting in the absence of planning group chair Eileen Delaney. The input was in response to an informational presentation and was...
The various legal actions involving the Fallbrook Public Utility District and the Santa Margarita Watershed include allocated runoff from Lake Skinner in Temecula. A lack of recent runoff warrants a hydrologic review, and the Oct. 28 FPUD board meeting included awarding a contract for a hydrology study and conceptual runoff model. The 5-0 vote authorized FPUD General Manager Jack Bebee to sign an agreement with Stetson Engineers to perform the hydrology study and conceptual runoff model for Lake Skinner which will study the...
Don McDougal has been on the Fallbrook Public Utility District board since 2004 and did not file for re-election this year. No other resident of Subdistrict 4 filed for the seat, so the vacancy will be filled by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. McDougal has agreed to remain on the board, and the rest of the FPUD board members recommended that he be appointed to fill the vacancy. The 4-0 board vote Oct. 28, with McDougal recusing himself, approved a letter to the Board of Supervisors recommending that McDougal be...
FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce is planning several events in November and December including the following: Thursday, Nov. 14 – SunUpper hosted by Fallbrook School of the Arts, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 – SunDowner at Fallbrook Masonic Lodge, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 – Artisan Faire on Main Avenue, Downtown Fallbrook, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 – Christmas Parade, 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 – Holiday Wine & A Bite, 5–8 p.m. Call the Chamber for more details on any of these events,... Full story
The Fallbrook Regional Health District and Fallbrook Land Conservancy teamed up once again for a Wellness Walk this past Saturday, leading a group of community members through the scenic Los Jilgueros Preserve. Covering 47 acres, this treasured area protects a federally endangered bird species, the Least Bell's Vireo, and provides a peaceful setting for locals to engage with nature. The one-mile walk, led by Karla Ibara of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, is part of a...
San Diego County The San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission and Office of Economic Development & Government Affairs in partnership with the Prebys Foundation are announcing a new matching grant program to boost funding for local arts and cultural projects. Starting Dec.1 and until Jan. 31, 2025, organizations applying for County Community Enhancement grants can receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds from the Prebys Foundation when hiring artists or cultural practitioners for their projects. The foundation will...
The Fallbrook Community Planning Group addressed proposed battery energy storage facilities during the Oct. 21 planning group meeting and approved a resolution calling for restrictions on where such systems can be placed. Six members were absent from the planning group meeting that night while the other nine members voted to support the resolution. Letters accompanying the resolution will be sent to relevant government agencies. The resolution requests that battery energy storage system facilities not be placed near...
On Monday, Nov. 4, the Fallbrook Airpark Advisory Committee held its regular meeting in the FPUD meeting room, drawing an unusually large crowd of around 50 residents. Attendees voiced both concerns and support for the management of the Fallbrook Tennis & Pickleball Club. The club sits on Fallbrook Airpark property, owned by San Diego County as of 1997, and leased to Rex Neilson, the current Owner, Head Pro, and Director of Tennis. At the meeting, Neilson highlighted his personal investment of $400,000 in facility and court...
Roscoe Arthur McGuire, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, left this life to be with our heavenly Father and his beloved wife, Shirley, on October 16, 2024. He was 85 years old. Born on October 10, 1939, in Crescent, OK, Roscoe was the youngest of three children born to Roscoe O. and Margaret McGuire. He married the love of his life, Shirley, on November 4, 1961, in San Diego, CA. Together, they shared a beautiful life for 50 years until her passing.... Full story
Ben Myers died at home as he wished, attended by his family. Marvelously, the magical appearance of a hummingbird and a sudden brief burst of rain witnessed his passing. The date was Nov. 2, 2024, All Souls Day. He was 47 years old, and he left reluctantly. Ben loved life. He also deeply loved his family and his friends. He followed sports intensely and was passionate about his life's work – sustainability, good foods, coffee. Ben waged what should be considered a... Full story
Dragging my luggage around while trying to navigate Japan’s public transit system was no small feat – especially when I kept encountering the rigid tiles running right down the middle of the sidewalk. They were everywhere. After losing control of my luggage for the umpteenth time, I exasperatedly said to my wife, “Whose idea was it to put these bumpy tiles right in the middle of the sidewalk?” She responded, “They’re for blind people.” Awkward! That’s when I started taking a closer look and noticed a...
The Stormy McInerny Memorial Scholarship, founded to honor a man deeply respected for his service, resilience, and genuine care for his community, is now a cornerstone for local students aspiring to become first responders. Stormy McInerny's life was marked by a dedication to hard work, and he was known for his boundless drive, compassion, and humble approach to every challenge he faced. This scholarship not only honors his legacy but seeks to embody his values by supporting...
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of speed limits on Little Gopher Canyon Road and Old River Road. A 5-0 vote Oct. 9 approved the first reading and introduction of the ordinances to establish the speed limits and a 4-0 vote Oct. 23, with Joel Anderson absent, approved the second reading and adoption. Once the speed limits become enforceable Nov. 22, Little Gopher Canyon Road between Gopher Canyon Road and Old River Road will have a 30 mph speed limit and Old River Road between State Route...
FALLBROOK – Building an accessory dwelling unit or ADU in California is one of the best investments right now and homeowners should look into maximizing these laws to their fullest potential. But first, let’s take a look at what ADUs are and how homeowners can generate rental income from them. An ADU is like a second tiny house on your property. Its other names are granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. It has complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and has a few...
FALLBROOK – Dinosaurs, minions, mermaids, and all manner of scary creatures joined in on the fun at Boys & Girls Clubs of North County's Annual Trunk or Treat on Friday evening, Oct. 25. The event was held at the parking lot behind the Ingold Club House on Ivy Street. The trunks of cars were decorated in different themes from Dia de los Muertos, Basketball, and Skeletons. Trick or treaters went from trunk to trunk gathering a variety of candies. Everyone left with an...
Is your property starting to gather cobwebs, sitting endlessly on the market? There could be many factors at play—some beyond your control, but others might just need a bit of tweaking. Sometimes, it’s the small, overlooked details that hold back a sale, leaving potential buyers asking, “What’s going on here?” Let’s explore the common (and sometimes surprising) reasons why some homes won’t sell, and what you can do to break the cycle. Why Some Homes Won’t Sell They insist on an unrealistic price even though...
FALLBROOK – Teresa Platt, a Gird Valley resident for 20 years, will discuss her first novel at the Fallbrook Public Utility District building on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2pm to 4pm. Published to enthusiastic readers’ reviews, https://thedarksideofhungermountain.substack.com/p/reviews, “The Dark Side of Hunger Mountain” is available via Barnes & Noble Press, Amazon and on Substack at https://thedarksideofhungermountain.substack.com/. Submitted by Teresa... Full story
FALLBROOK – Carla Marasco will be the guest speaker at the Fallbrook Garden Club's Nov. 26 general meeting. She will talk about the "Bonsai Principles and Design." Marasco is a passionate artist and creator who owns her own photography business. With a deep love for all things artistic, she has been mastering the art of bonsai since June 2016. Her journey includes learning through classes, online training, books, and invaluable mentorship from several bonsai masters, thanks... Full story
FALLBROOK – The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sgt. Wm. Pittenger Camp 21 will be holding ceremonies for Remembrance Day on Saturday, Nov. 16, to commemorate the 161st anniversary of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address. As descendants of soldiers and sailors of the Union Forces during the Civil War, Sgt. Wm. Pittenger Camp 21 observes this event yearly in Gettysburg and elsewhere across the country. All are invited to join them to celebrate this event and remember the Boys in Blue. Ceremonies will begin at 1... Full story
Each month, Fallbrook comes together to celebrate its students' hard work, dedication, and character through the Student of the Month awards, recognizing those who shine not only in academics but also in their commitment to community and personal growth. With November's focus on gratitude, Superintendent Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez reminded attendees that appreciation should be a daily habit. "I believe we should be grateful every day," she said, encouraging the students to carry...
Fallbrook High School boys basketball coach Jonathan Terry also has the Blue Wave club, and the high school boys participated in a fall league. For Terry, success wasn’t a matter of the win-loss record in the fall league but of preparing the players for the CIF season. “We did good,” Terry said. The fall league began Sept. 9 and concluded Oct. 20. “It’s about development, competition,” Terry said. “We played higher-level competition.” The 2023-24 Warriors had an overall record of 14-15 including CIF playoff...
Although Fallbrook High School’s girls tennis team finished third in the 2024 Valley League standings, the Warriors handed league champion El Camino the Wildcats’ only league loss. Fallbrook and El Camino split their league matches, and the Wildcats won the league title with a 9-1 record in Valley League dual match play. El Camino defeated Valley Center in both matches between those teams while the Jaguars defeated Fallbrook twice and finished with an 8-2 league record. The two losses to Valley Center and the split with...
Achieving organic targets may require creating new markets In April, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration announced California will aim to convert 10% of its cropland to organic agriculture by 2030. Those targets could be a heavy lift in light of recent trends in organic acreage. In 2022, the most recent year with data reported, about 4% of the state’s cropland was organic, and after years of expansion, the share of acreage that was organic had declined for two straight years. Some stakeholders are pushing for the state...
FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Public Utility District’s Community Benefit Program sent contracts to nine local non-profit organizations for 2025 projects, Jim Mendelson, chairman of the committee, announced Oct. 30. According to Mendelson, the one-year contracts, approved by FPUD’s board of directors, allocate funds to improve several local cultural attractions, recreation venues and community access to popular facilities in the area. Each award, according to Mendelson, will contribute to community improvement within the FPUD...
FALLBROOK – While planning for the future of the Fallbrook Community Forest, Save Our Forest, a committee of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy looked back on how they started and the need to solicit volunteers to insure the future. Youth was the answer. Choosing to speak to horticultural classes was logical. They could become the caretakers of the future. Jackie Heyneman of Save Our Forest and Roger Boddaert, the Tree man of Fallbrook, teamed up to make a presentation to the...
FALLBROOK – Residents living in and around Fallbrook can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Zion Lutheran Church will host this community event on Nov. 26. The site is located at 1405 East Fallbrook St. Screenings can check for: • The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health. • HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels ...
FALLBROOK – The North County Parkinson's Support Group in Fallbrook is more than just a gathering. It’s a community of support, understanding, and resilience for individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and their families. Each month, this group provides an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and access resources tailored to the unique needs of those navigating life with Parkinson’s. This November, the NCPSG is thrilled to feature a guest speaker whose story highlights the power of service dogs in...
FALLBROOK – For D'Vine Path graduate Max Bolduc, his time in the viticulture program changed the entire trajectory of his life. After joining the program in early 2019, Bolduc developed a passion for winemaking and viticulture. From building his social skills to helping him obtain full-time employment, D'Vine Path helped Bolduc along his journey. Before joining D'Vine Path, Bolduc wanted to improve his social skills, meet new people and find a job. He aimed to prioritize...
It can be difficult for adults to take care of their families, careers, and stresses at the same time. Many times, worry and fear can get the best of you when you're overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. As a result, here are six work life balance tips on how to take care of your family and your career without getting overly stressed. 1. Set goals: An important way to remove stress is to set goals for yourself when you manage your family or career. When you get up in the mornings, try to set some daily goals...
President Trump is going to be the 47th president of the United States of America. It is a tremendous victory. There's been really nothing like it in American history in terms of what he had to overcome to gain his seat back or his office back. He faced large odds that no other president or candidate for presidency has ever faced. And he promoted and grew a broad national coalition that could have potentially long lasting solidity in our nation's political life where he... Full story
Save Our Forest volunteers. . . your work is appreciated by many. How unfortunate Susan Nikkel found it necessary to respond with a rather vitriolic-toned message regarding the work performed by the dedicated volunteers of Save Our Forest. Because of her derogatory comments regarding their work (invasive trees and oversized pots that occlude Main Street. . . ) perhaps she should consider volunteering her time to Save Our Forest projects rather than picking up her poison pen and ridiculing the work of volunteers who work... Full story
Trump and his cohorts might be lying, ignorant, corrupt, misogynistic, racist criminals, but the people that voted for him are not. They are good people with good intentions that truly believe Trump is going to do great things for this nation. If he really tries to make this nation into a tyranny, they'll turn on him. There are forces out there trying to dehumanize us and pit ourselves against each other – trying to make us lose faith in American institutions. Don't let them. We have the most secure and reliable election... Full story
As we enter Santa Ana season, the threat of wildfires looms larger, especially in our communities prone to high winds and dry conditions. San Diego Gas & Electric is closely monitoring these conditions, ready to act if necessary to protect our safety. One such precaution may be shutting off power to reduce the risk of fires igniting from downed power lines. While I understand the inconvenience of losing power, it is essential to remember that these temporary disruptions serve... Full story
Proposition 28, approved by 61% of California’s voters in 2012, established our current term limit system. California legislators may serve a total of 12 years – Senate terms are four years and Assembly terms are two. I’m now finishing my sixth Assembly term – my 12th and final year. Prior to 2012, legislators could serve a total of 14 years, but only three terms in either house. There are 99 legislative chambers throughout the 50 states. Of these, 16 states have... Full story
Whoopee! Oh, my gosh! Whew! The world is safe again. And that is all I have to say about the Nov. 5 results because America has spoken. Celebrating Veterans Day last Monday was a reminder of the high price of war. Like this new administration, I, too, believe our armed forces should never have to leave our shores to save anyone else’s hide, ever again. It’s up to the rest of the world to manage without us. Now that worry has lifted its ugly fingers from my brain, I can... Full story
FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Music Society will host acclaimed classical pianist Svetlana Smolina as she presents a "showstopper" program entitled "Favorite Encores" on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Mission Theater. Smolina has been officially recognized as among "The Best Pianists of the 21st Century." The solo recital will offer rapt listeners a program consisting entirely of a series of favorite encores by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, Gershwin and John Williams, among others....
FALLBROOK – Cinballera Entertainment is putting on a few events in November. The first one is a fundraiser the evening of Nov. 15, “Before the Ball: Cinballera” at 127 West Social House. There are no tickets to this event; it's just a fun night of music and activities at a restaurant which will raise money for the nonprofit company and introduce people to opera in an accessible environment. The second one is their big show at the Mission Theater the next weekend, “Cinballera Goes to the Ball” Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. and...
FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Newcomers Club offers a wide variety of fun and engaging social events and activities designed to foster friendship and enjoy shared interests, as well as the opportunity to explore new and interesting venues and attractions. On Sept. 30, the Newcomers visited La Serenissima Vineyards & Winery, a 20-acre Venetian Estate located in Warner Springs, during the monthly Tasting Tours event led by Activity Chair Keith Johnson. The Newcomers really enjoyed...
