Rancho Monserate residents thank firefighters

On behalf of the residents of Rancho Monserate, I want to sincerely thank the fire and sheriff personnel who valiantly fought the Highway Fire that threatened our community on Wednesday May 14. With help from fire companies as far away as Palm Springs, Anaheim and Long Beach, the wind-driven flames that whipped toward our residences were subdued within a few hours.

When Sheriff Department deputies patrolled our streets, announcing a mandatory evacuation, our residents were alerted and able to leave immediately.

Fireman performed “mop-up” maneuvers for many days after the fire. An emotional mom...