Week of November 21, 2024
The conditions of the detachment of the Fallbrook Public Utility District from the San Diego County Water Authority included an exit fee paid to the SDCWA to cover the loss of CWA fixed revenues. The agreement also included FPUD purchasing the CWA infrastructure used to provide water to FPUD. The Oct. 28 FPUD board meeting approved the acquisition of the Fallbrook 3 Flow Control Facility. The 5-0 vote authorized FPUD General Manager Jack Bebee to approve a Bill of Sale which will transfer ownership of the flow control...
FALLBROOK – The California Office of Transportation Safety has announced that the North County Fire Protection District was awarded a $165,000 grant to purchase new rescue equipment. This funding will allow the district to begin transitioning its current fleet of gas-powered equipment to battery-operated zero-emission lightweight extrication equipment. “We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which will allow us to purchase state-of-the-art rescue tools and provide training to our first responders that is critical...
OCEANSIDE – On Oct. 31, the Oceanside Area of the California Highway Patrol welcomed Captain Bradley Palmer as the new Oceanside Area Commander. Captain Palmer transferred to the Oceanside Area after serving as the CHP Capistrano Commander overseeing the South Orange County region. Captain Palmer is married with two children. He has lived in the Carlsbad area for the last 10 years, and his two children attend Carlsbad Unified School District schools. Captain Palmer earned a...
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
After two disciplinary write-ups and being placed on administrative leave, Cherie Juul, a 55-year-old woman who worked for the North County Fire Protection District for 13 years, is suing the agency, claiming age and gender discrimination and wrongful termination. Juul was the finance manager before the termination. When asked about the lawsuit, North County Fire Protection District Chief Keith McReynolds said, “The District does not comment on pending litigation but...
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
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
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
In recent months the North County Fire Protection District has been awarded more than $685,000 in grant funding. "It's been a great year for grant awards for the North County Fire Protection District," said NCFPD Fire Chief Keith McReynolds. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's U.S. Fire Administration has an Assistance to Firefighters Grant program which provides funding to fire departments and other emergency medical services providers so that those agencies can equip...
Mark Courtman is sparking a community-driven movement in Fallbrook with his "Peace Project," a vision that aims to bring peace from within individuals to the entire town. Courtman, the founder of the project, said the initiative goes beyond ideals and encourages people to become active participants in building a peaceful world. "The genius is going to come from everybody. That's part of it," Courtman said. "Peace isn't just an idea – it's a tangible goal that begins with...
FALLBROOK – Boys & Girls Clubs of North County is excited to announce its annual Toy Drive, aimed at bringing joy to local children in the community. This year, the club is determined to collect and distribute toys to children in need before the winter school break, ensuring that every child experiences the magic of the holiday season. Unwrapped toys and presents for ages 7 to 17 are desperately needed. On average, Boys & Girls Clubs of North County serves 2,500 Club...
FALLBROOK – Reaching the Hungry, a local ministry dedicated to mobilizing individuals and churches to serve the physically and spiritually hungry worldwide, has been honored with a 2024 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits, a highly respected platform that showcases reviews about nonprofits. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Carlos Sales and his wife Lisa Sales, both Fallbrook residents, Reaching the Hungry organizes international mission trips that make a profound...
The Bonsall Unified School District has renewed its music instruction services agreement with Kai Turley. A 5-0 BUSD board vote Oct. 16 approved a new independent contractor agreement with Turley for drumline learning enrichment courses. The agreement covers the 2024-25 school year from Aug. 14 to June 8, and Turley will be paid $14,400 for that period. “Extracurricular learning, such as our drumline classes, expose students to a variety of arts and activities to enhance the traditional core academics offered during the...
The county’s Health and Human Services Agency received a California Office of Traffic Safety grant to support its efforts to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats. The grant program runs through September 2025. “We are thrilled to receive this funding to support our child safety seat education program,” said County Health and Human Services Agency Community Operations Officer Barbara Jiménez. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a...
FALLBROOK – San Onofre School and Mary Fay Pendleton, two schools aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton exclusively serving students from active military families, have experienced unprecedented growth in academic achievement. Recent performance results in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics underscore a commitment to high-quality, targeted education tailored to the needs of military-connected students. Both schools have been awarded the prestigious Purple...
ADELPHI, Maryland – University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) graduated more than 3,200 students worldwide in the summer 2024 term. Fallbrook graduates included: Gabriel Reyes, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Lia Williams, Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy Marcelina Swan, Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology and president's list designation. To qualify for the prestigious list at UMGC, a student must have graduated with a bachelor's or master's degree and a cumulative grade...
It’s easy to make your property look great in the spring and summer. In those months, it’s often warm and sunny; flowers are blooming, grass is growing and your home’s features can shine. But what about the colder seasons? There’s no doubt that autumn and winter can make keeping up curb appeal a little challenging. You can make your home look beautiful no matter the time of year with these tips. 1. Opt for hardy plants. You might not be able to have a lush floral... Full story
The 25 mph speed limit on Flowerwood Lane between Knottwood Way and Gird Road will be retained. A 5-0 San Diego County Board of Supervisors vote Oct. 9 approved the first reading and introduction of the ordinance to retain the speed limit for the 1.35-mile segment and to recertify the speed limit for radar enforcement. The supervisors voted 4-0 Oct. 23 with Joel Anderson absent to approve the second reading and adoption. In order for a speed limit to be enforceable by radar, a speed survey must show that the speed limit is...
EL CAJON – The partnership between Cal Fire and the University of California San Diego's ALERTCalifornia has advanced the fight against wildfires statewide. Since its inception in July 2023, this collaboration has improved wildfire detection, response times, and public awareness, keeping us all informed and prepared. The VideoWall is the newest addition to ALERTCalifornia’s technology investments statewide. Located in the San Diego Interagency Emergency Command Center, the VideoWall provides real-time intelligence to...
The county has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans. The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds: · $6.5 million from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships program, · $3.5 million from the county’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund, · $1.5 million from the state’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation program. The NOFA also includes the opportunity to apply for Project Based Vouchers through...
FALLBROOK – Carrying on a tradition that was launched in 2005, CalRTA Division 81 awarded close to $3,500 in teacher support grants to 18 recipients this year. Since the program's inception, over $30,000 have been awarded to date. Durable teaching materials such as headphones, books, and science equipment were among the items funded. Teachers from all four local school districts were represented. Despite the fact that CalRTA Division 81 is merging with Division 45 and will...
FALLBROOK – Fire protection agencies utilized Rainbow Municipal Water District's Rapid Aerial Water Supply (RAWS) tank to aid in suppressing the Garden fire, a fast-moving brush fire that broke out Friday afternoon, Nov. 8 near Lake Garden Drive in Fallbrook. Fueled by Santa Ana winds and dry, flashy vegetation, the fire spread quickly, threatening nearby homes, and prompting precautionary evacuations. The North County Fire Protection District, Cal Fire, and several...
FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Climate Action Team will present a talk by Pam Heatherington, Environmental Center of San Diego Director, on the 30x30 Plan on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Heatherington was raised in San Diego and was treasurer for the San Luis Bay Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, commissioner on the Atascadero Planning Commission, a founding partner of the Marine Interest Group of Morro Bay, and founding member of the Organization for Regional Coastal... Full story
Bill Macy, Major USMC Retired, was born in San Francisco in1931. He graduated UC Berkeley where he met his best friend, Dean Crowder. He then joined the Marine Corps and was a White House Aide under President Eisenhower and an Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He served a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam before retiring in 1972. He then started his second career as a teacher. He taught English at Vista High for five years and social studies at Fallbrook High... Full story
The 2024 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club fall meet began Oct. 31, and during the first week of the meet, San Luis Rey Training Center trainers Rolando Quinonez and Peter Miller each saddled two winners. Quinonez and Miller each had a winner on the first day of the meet. Quinonez won the fourth race Oct. 31 with Everything Bugs Me while Miller’s win that day was in the sixth race with Game Warrior. Tisquantum won the first race Nov. 2 to give Quinonez wins in both of his starts the first week of the fall meet. Spirit Rules won...
Although a first-round CIF Division V-A playoff loss gave Fallbrook High School’s football team a season record of 0-11 for the 2024 season, the 34‑33 score Nov. 8 at Fallbrook was the closest the Warriors were all year to winning a game. “I did expect it to be a close game,” said Fallbrook head coach Ross Johnson. “Both teams had some pretty good offensive weapons.” The 242 rushing yards Monte Vista senior Alexander Villanueva gained against Fallbrook brought his season total to 2,104 in 11 games. “They had...
Hana Winton signed a letter of intent to play collegiate softball at California State University, Fullerton. High school seniors in certain sports were allowed to sign National Collegiate Athletic Association letters of intent on Nov. 13. The San Diego Sports Association and the CIF San Diego Section hosted a signing ceremony at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego that morning, and Winton signed her letter of intent there. "I'm super excited, and it's a huge privilege to go play...
Due to the high winds forecast and wildfire potential, County Emergency Services offers this quick checklist of things to do in preparation for any emergency or disaster. 1. Do not attempt to use power tools to clear away brush during a red flag warning because it could spark a fire. Instead, clear away flammable debris by raking or trimming vegetation with hand tools only. 2. In the event of a wildfire, just evacuate if conditions worsen and you feel unsafe. Do not wait for...
December in Southern California might not be as frigid as other parts of the country, but it still brings cooler temperatures and shorter days. While this may seem like a time to take a break from your garden, it’s actually the perfect time to prepare your yard for the coming year. With the right strategies, you can keep your landscape looking vibrant and ensure a thriving garden come spring. Here are some expert tips tailored to our unique Southern California climate: 1. Focus on Winter Pruning • Fruit Trees: This is...
The Fallbrook Public Utility District board awarded NMN Construction the FPUD contract for improvements to the Rattlesnake Reservoir site. The 5-0 vote Oct. 28 approved an $818,000 contract with NMN Construction, whose office is in Tustin. Rattlesnake Reservoir itself is in good condition, but the area around the tank is in need of significant improvements due to erosion and stormwater issues on the Olive Hill area site. Rattlesnake Reservoir was installed in the 1950s. The steel reservoir has a capacity of 3.5 million...
This Thanksgiving let's take a moment to celebrate not only the abundance of food on our tables but also the compassion in our hearts. These plant-based dishes are a beautiful way to nourish our bodies, uplift our spirits, and show kindness to the animals we share this world with. By choosing vegan recipes, we embrace a lifestyle that honors all living beings, making the holiday season even more meaningful. These three delicious recipes are perfect for bringing people...
During the holidays, overindulging in alcohol and food is widely accepted. Throughout history, for as long as the holiday season has been celebrated in the United States, we are encouraged to have that extra drink or plate of food. Alcohol, for instance, is widely used in excess, and this has never changed. While our knowledge about moderation and the short and long-term health impacts of alcohol have changed for the better, most Americans face the obstacle of overindulgence during the holidays, deciding whether to avoid...
As inflation in the U.S. remains high, you may be looking to adjust your lifestyle and spending habits. But when it comes to health care, it’s important to keep your budget and well-being in mind. This year’s open enrollment season is a good chance to review how you’re using health services and decide whether you’ll stick with the plan you’ve got or switch to another being offered. It’s also an opportunity to assess your overall care costs to help ensure you choose a plan that will work best for next year’s...
FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Union Elementary School District recently hosted Farmers Markets at La Paloma, William H. Frazier, and San Onofre schools, all organized by its dedicated Child Nutrition Services Department. These engaging events provided students with an incredible opportunity to learn about the importance of fresh, locally sourced foods and how these choices contribute to a healthy lifestyle. At the market, students were given play money and encouraged to shop for...
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters," Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher once said. Rarely do things go exactly as planned, especially during the holidays and especially with our older relatives. Honestly, have the holidays ever gone exactly to plan? Does any day really go as planned? As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s consider what the ultimate objective is. For each person this answer will be different. For me, it is to enjoy precious time with my friends and family. It...
They say, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Is this statement true? Apples do have multiple health benefits and many types for us to enjoy. From green to Granny Smith, to Fuji, Gala, and Red Delicious, there's a taste and type for different tastebuds. We can eat one right in the palm of our hand or cut it up and put the chunks/slices into pies, muffins, salads, oatmeal, smoothies, or mixed fruit bowls. There are nutritional benefits when we eat apples. One medium-sized...
On Nov. 5, a wave of optimism washed over America, bringing a renewed sense of patriotism and a restored faith in our elections. After nine torturous years fending off the evil forces arrayed to destroy him, Trump would ride atop a cresting wave of populism to emerge from the throes of political anarchy as our 47th President. It was a victory unequaled in modern times – putting an exclamation point on an embittered campaign fought by and for America's working class. Incensed by the endless acrimony targeting Trump and the... Full story
Effective age regression interventions hold the potential to not only alleviate but also prevent diseases associated with aging. This groundbreaking assertion has garnered the endorsement of the majority within the scientific community who increasingly view aging not as a disease per se, but as the primary catalyst/cause for nearly all age-related diseases. Diseases caused by aging represent a staggering 85% of all diseases that plague humanity. The pharmaceutical industry is acutely aware of this catastrophically negative... Full story
I’ve only “known” you for a short time. You first came into my life the night you stole my Harris/Walz sign from my front yard. My husband and I got two additional signs, glued them to plywood, and secured them to our mailbox post. That didn’t stop you. We woke one morning to find you had stolen a second sign, damaging our mailbox post in the process. Your next move was to tape a Trump/Vance sign over the top of our last remaining Harris/Walz. On Thursday morning, we awoke to what I hope was your final act: both... Full story
You may have heard that Governor Newsom is convening a special session to “‘Trump-Proof’ states liberal policies.” That’s an interesting thought. In fact, let’s take it a step further. What if our local municipalities adopted a similar approach to safeguard their common-sense policies from overreach by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta? As the Governor and Attorney General prepare for a legal fight with the federal government, they appear intent on using taxpayer dollars with little regard for... Full story
Why do so many Fallbrookians seem unaware of the joy of “going to the pictures” on Friday nights at the friendly Art Deco Mission Theater in the center of downtown Fallbrook? Could it be that only seniors have ever experienced the fun of a special date and a chance to enjoy a computer-and-TV-free evening with fellow film lovers? The theater holds 300 people, but Friday night attendance rarely reaches 100. My “date” David and I have been regular movie goers there for the past few years. I always enjoy a glass of... Full story
Bravo! Outstanding! Incredible! These are just a few of the exclamations from the audience regarding the recent piano performance of Svetlana Smolina. It is a rare treat to experience such spectacular musical artistry, and even more remarkable to attend such an event right here at Fallbrook’s Mission Theater! As president of FMS, Bob Freaney continues to dazzle us with an outstanding variety of exceptional, talented musicians. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 15, for “A Take 3 Christmas.” This delightful group is... Full story
You may have heard that Governor Newsom is convening a special session to “‘Trump-Proof’ states liberal policies.” That’s an interesting thought. In fact, let’s take it a step further. What if our local municipalities adopted a similar approach to safeguard their common-sense policies from overreach by Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta? As the Governor and Attorney General prepare for a legal fight with the federal government, they appear intent on using taxpayer dollars with little regard for... Full story
I am happy to see that The Planning Group is paying attention to the concerns of our Community. Thank you Steve Brown for your response to the letter of two weeks ago. There are several issues at play here and all of them have representation of our community and keeping it informed in the mix. Steve says I do not know what has been happening with the Planning Group because I only recently started attending meetings again. This is also true of most of our community as attending the meetings or going to the county website to... Full story
As we go to print, the case against Jose Ibarra, 26, who is accused of brutally killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley appears to be wrapping up. The killing of Laken Riley has added fuel to the national debate over immigration when federal authorities said Ibarra illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was allowed to stay in the country while he pursued his immigration case. Ibarra has been reported to be a member of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang. He enjoyed a... Full story
California’s leaders seem determined to make life even more challenging and costly for families across our state. Recently, I shared how Assembly Bill X2-1, sponsored by Governor Gavin Newsom, passed the State Senate and gave the California Air Resources Board (CARB) the authority to mandate restrictions on gasoline distribution. This was alarming enough, but just days after the election, CARB has wasted no time in pushing policies that will only raise costs even higher. On... Full story
FALLBROOK – This holiday season, the Fallbrook Art Center invites the community to embark on a captivating journey celebrating the diversity of holiday traditions. The much-anticipated International Holiday Show will be open from Nov. 22 to Dec. 24, showcasing an extraordinary collection of artisan gifts that foster intercultural understanding and appreciation. Located at 103 S. Main Ave., the exhibition invites art enthusiasts, families, and friends to immerse themselves...
PALA – The Modern Gentlemen will be performing Saturday, Nov. 23 at Pala Casino Spa Golf Resort. From their illustrious beginning in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame band "The Four Seasons" to their evolution as "The Modern Day Keepers of The Classics," brothers Brian and Brandon Brigham, alongside Landon Beard and Todd Fournier, infuse their harmony on yesterday's hits, today. Handpicked by the legendary Frankie Valli, they've captivated audiences all over the world with the...
Take a look and see what is happening nearby. Broadway San Diego is dark until Jan. 14 when it will open the new year with "Back to the Future." For tickets, call 619-564-3000 or go to www.broadwaysd.com. You won't want to miss this limited engagement. Performed by City Ballet of San Diego "The Nutcracker" opens Dec. 20 to 23 at the California Center for the Arts at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido, 760-839-4149. For tickets visit either www.artcenter.org or 858-272-8663...