tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84988968071948403132024-03-13T23:52:13.853-07:00Lawson Valley ConfidentialNotes from Outer JamulLawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-58359627917536533982014-05-31T14:37:00.000-07:002014-05-31T14:37:35.484-07:00SHOOTING BAN NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH REST OF FIRE SEASON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOGzCVjBSlU/U4pKwnXEuvI/AAAAAAAAADk/a8c1xXWXEPc/s1600/firedanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOGzCVjBSlU/U4pKwnXEuvI/AAAAAAAAADk/a8c1xXWXEPc/s1600/firedanger.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"></span></b></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em;">via <i>Deerhorn Valley Antler Alert: </i> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em;">Shooting on BLM land is now illegal
for the rest of fire season. Battalion Chief Clayton Howe says,
"</span></span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Doesn't
mean people won't do it but gives the agencies the ability to enforce,"
and </span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em;"> recommends contacting the Sheriff's
Office if you see anyone shooting. The BLM South Coast Area and Eastern San
Diego East County Mountains Area now fully restrict any recreational shooting
for the balance of the fire season. In 2012 seven nearby fires were caused by
shooting during the Shockey Fire. Last year's Otay Fire was also caused by
target shooting. Time to go to the gun ranges for practice. PLEASE don't take
unnecessary chances. </span></span><i style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">—Thank you to Robin B and Coral T for forwarding this
info.</span></i>
<br />
<div class="p1" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #606060; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;"> EMERGENCIES: DIAL 9-1-1 — INCLUDING FIRE,
SMOKE, & </span></b></span></span><b style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">ILLEGAL SHOOTING, </span></b><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica neue,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Non-emergency Sheriff Dispatch (858)
565-5200</span></span><br style="background-color: #e6e8d2; color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;" /><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sheriff Admin. Center Front Desk (858)
974-2222</span></span></span></span></div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-66565486075953296722014-05-24T13:10:00.001-07:002014-05-24T13:12:00.384-07:00Farm Fresh Fraud (three years later)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">February 2011<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though
the weather report predicted rain, the sun was still shining when the white
truck pulled smoothly up my driveway. Odd, I thought, I wasn't expecting any
deliveries. Maybe they were lost?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
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company logo hopped out. "Hey," said the red-haired one. "Maybe
you can help us out."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What
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could I possibly fall for this? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here
is what I remember:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
men said that a neighbor up the street turned down her regular meat order
because she was recovering from a root canal. They wouldn't be back in the area
until next week, so they'd really much rather sell the meat to me at cost than
have to take it back to the warehouse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At
this point, I was pretty disinterested, especially after they handed me their
brochure with their regular prices:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$529
for a box of meat? Yeah, right. But then something happened. I was charmed,
enchanted. The sequence of events is unclear, as happens in seduction. I do
know that they complimented my chickens, my house, the landscape. Affable,
chatty, and relaxed, they talked about everything from the weather to the fire
history of the area. I recall their mentioning the company's A+ BBB rating. I
know I thought a company doing business out here would have to be legit--the
backcountry grapevine runs thick and wide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
asked how long I'd lived here. Maybe that should have tipped me off: a newcomer
would be less likely to have connections, and I'd been out here less than two
years. It all just seemed like small talk at the time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
they were pulling individually wrapped steaks and pieces of seafood out of the
truck bed freezer now, laying them out for inspection. "See the marbling?
See how all the excess fat has been cut away? This is choice meat or better,
restaurant grade. You just can't get this in a store."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
were willing to sell me the meat at their cost, half the usual $1350. (Of
course, I now realize that was part of the trick. Start with an outrageously
high figure, and then any price mentioned afterwards--even if it's also
outrageous--sounds pretty darn good.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
told me that meat like this would be at least $12/lb. in the store, and I was
getting it for $3.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
certainly didn't need that much meat. But $3 a pound sounded pretty good. I
could . . . use it for parties? give it as gifts?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
red-haired guy said the other man was his supervisor and he was actually being
evaluated that day. "If my boss weren't here," he said, "I
wouldn't normally get to do this."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
said yes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
unpacked the meat quickly, expertly fitting it all in the freezer of my garage
refrigerator.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Heavy,
dark clouds rolled in as they took my credit card info.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
pulled away, smiling and waving and have-a-nice-day-ing, and the storm's first
rain drops began to fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
walked back to the garage through the rain and looked in the freezer. I laughed:
this had to be one of the nuttiest things I'd ever done. I looked again . . .
$3 a pound? No way was there over 200 pounds of meat in that freezer. I
estimated it at no more than 60 pounds; that means I paid over $10/pound. The
spell was lifting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time
to hit the internet: their web site, though poorly designed, checked out, as
did their BBB rating. Maybe most people would stop there. I'm not most people.
A dogged researcher, I was on the trail now and not giving up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Googling
"meat delivery scam" generated 726,000 hits. From news reports to
government publications to personal testimonies, site after site told the same
story: The delivery truck pulls up, says an order fell through, you can get the
meat at a steep discount. They fail to divulge the price per pound (or lie
about it); they do not inform you of your 3-day right cancel as required by
law. They take the boxes with them, destroying the evidence that the meat was
not sold per pound, also required by law. The meat turns out to be utter crap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
I picked up the phone, called the number on the brochure, and to my surprise, a
pleasant-sounding woman answered. (After skimming the internet, I was fully
expecting an automated "disconnected" message.) I started off,
"This is sort of awkward . . ." and explained that I had to cancel
the order. The pleasant woman put me on hold while she connected me to someone
who could help me. Jason Russell was as warm and calm as his salesmen.
Operations manager for Farm Fresh Foods, Inc., he said it was indeed a shame
that some companies used such unethical tactics and that they hurt honest
businesses like his, especially in this economy. When I raised the $3/lb.
issue, he said I had misheard, that the price they gave me was $3 per <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">piece</i></b>.
He reminded me of the one-year guarantee on the meat and urged me to try it and
see for myself what high quality it was. He said that if the meat was returned,
they would have to simply grind it up since it had left their possession. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
I said, okay, I would try the meat and see.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Meanwhile,
I did additional research, this time focusing more closely on California. (The majority of hits from my
first run were, interestingly enough, mainly from Iowa.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
found that, yes, California
does also have a 3-day right to cancel law on door-to-door sales, and moreover
the law requires both oral and written notification of this right at the time
of sale. I received neither.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
learned that this scam has been going on for decades, essentially unchanged.
According to the California Department of Agriculture, Division of Measurement
Standards, the practice may violate any or all of the following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Citation or
Criminal Complaint</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P (Business and Professions Code) 12024
Selling in less quantity than represented – misdemeanor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 12024.2 Unlawful computation of value -
misdemeanor or infraction in certain circumstances</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 12024.5 Sale of meat, poultry or seafood
other than by weight – misdemeanor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 12024.55 Door-to-door meat sales, price
per pound – misdemeanor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 12611 Unlawful Acts: Selling, etc.,
commodity in non-conforming container or with non-conforming label –
misdemeanor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Criminal Complaint
(Citation under certain circumstances)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>PC (Penal Code) 484 (a) Money obtained by
fraudulent representation - petty theft</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>PC 487.1 Value exceeds $400.00 - grand theft</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 17500 False and misleading advertising</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Civil Action</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>B&P 17500 False and misleading advertising</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>CC (Civil Code) 17200 Unlawful business practice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span>CC 1689.5 Three-Day Notice to cancel</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CC 1689.6</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CC 1689.7</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/k_9.shtml </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 200%;">http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/programs/qc/QCManual/Sec03_COMPLAINTS.pdf</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So
what to do? Simply proceed with cancelling my order, or try the meat?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
decided to give Jason every benefit of the doubt. (Why I felt compelled to this
degree of generosity for a total stranger is a mystery for another day.) I
chose what should have been the best piece: a bacon-wrapped fillet mignon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cooked it according to the directions.
Finally, the moment of truth. . . . And the meat was, in a word, horrid. You
know that really cheap stew meat, the stuff where the longer you chew it, the
tougher it gets? The "fillet" was just like that, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i></b>
it tasted weird. I'm not even sure it was beef.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Disgusted,
I went to bed, vowing to call Jason back first thing in the morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When
I awoke, I realized that I'd fallen right into Jason's trap: by trying the
meat, I'd sullied the order. Jason would say now that the order is incomplete,
it doesn't qualify for a refund.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
spent much of the morning considering my options. I certainly didn't want to
talk with Jason again. Then I realized that I didn't have to. In fact, I needed
to cancel the order in writing, which is exactly what I did. That afternoon, I
sent the following email:</span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="background: #F3F3F3; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 41.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 369.0pt;" valign="top" width="492"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">To: info@farmfreshfoodsinc.com
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Sent: Tuesday, February 22,
2011 1:25 PM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Subject: NOTICE OF
CANCELLATION</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">On Friday, 18 Feb. 2011,
two representatives from your company came to my home and sold me 2 cases of
steak and 1 case of seafood. After doing some research, I reversed my
decision to purchase these products and so contacted your office that
afternoon. I spoke with Jason Russell, who discouraged me from cancelling the
order.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">After further research, I
learned that per California Civil Code sections 1689.7, 1689.10 and 1689.11,
I have a right to cancel the order. In fact, your representatives were
legally required to inform me of this fact both orally and in writing and to
provide me with a copy of "Notice of Cancellation" (C.C. §
1689.7(c)). Because they did not, my rights of cancellation extend beyond the
three days regularly provided by law; however, I am still submitting my
notice within that timeframe (3 days excluding Sundays and holidays).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">According to C.C. §
1689.7(c), my payment of $684.38 must be returned within 10 days following
receipt of this notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make
available at my residence the goods purchased, and if they are not picked up
within 20 days, I may retain or dispose of the goods without any further
obligation per California
law.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">A copy of this email will
be sent separately via certified mail.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I hereby cancel this
transaction.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jason soon replied:</span></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="background: #F3F3F3; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 41.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 369.0pt;" valign="top" width="492"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">From: "Farm Fresh
Foods, Inc. Information" <info@farmfreshfoodsinc.com></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Sent: Tuesday, February 22,
2011 2:54 PM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Subject: Re: NOTICE OF
CANCELLATION</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">After our conversation the
same day as your purchase, I was under the impression that I had satisfied
your concerns and that it was your choice to keep the product. I am very
curious why now you have decided again to cancel your purchase, what is the
reasoning behind it? I did, during our conversation, notify you of the 3 day
buyer right to cancel verbally, and I also notified you that it is in writing
on the back of your receipt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, so
you are aware, a 3 day buyer right to cancel only applies if all of the
product is accounted for, unopened and unused. So, if you have consumed any
portion of the product we will have to negotiate a different resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let me know of your intentions and
the condition of the product.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jason Russell</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Operations Manager</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Farm Fresh Foods</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">619-588-1197</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Exactly
what I'd expected. I hate lying, but this situation certainly seemed to warrant
a fib about "consuming any portion of the product." I shot back,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">To: Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
Information </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Sent: Tuesday, February 22,
2011 4:55 PM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Subject: Re: NOTICE OF
CANCELLATION</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The product is as
delivered.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I do not recall you notifying
me of the 3 day right to cancel. I found that information from my own
research. Nor did I receive a receipt with the notice. The only receipt I
received is the credit card slip copy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Please note Part C of V. of
C.C. § 1689.7: "The buyer may cancel the contract or offer without
giving any reason until midnight of the third business day after the day on
which the buyer signed the document. 'Business day' means any calendar day
except Sundays and specified holidays."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">I have satisfied my end of
the legal requirements; now you must satisfy yours. I am done discussing the
matter.</span></span></div>
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</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Later,
a very dejected Jason called me. He barely sounded like the same person. The
old Jason was jovial, robust, inspired confidence. This new Jason was flatly
soft-spoken, grief-stricken almost--obviously the boss wasn't happy. We set up
a time for an employee to come out and pick up the meat (which was never
counted but unceremoniously tossed into the back of a truck), and eventually I
received my refund (though of course not within ten days).</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">***</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Over
six months later, I'm still appalled that human beings can be this
deceitful--and do it so well! I'm still mortified that I could be so completely
suckered, but I've gotten over the initial post-traumatic urge to suddenly become
suspicious of everyone and everything. And I still haven't filed a formal
complaint with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of
Measurement Standards. Maybe it's because I feel guilty about that little lie. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>But
there's also this: I'm grateful because confronting this fraud led me to
connect with the larger Jamul community in a way I hadn't before. The moment I
realized I'd been scammed, I contacted Kim Hamilton, who, I knew, published the
local <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deerhorn Valley Antler</i> and ran the
Antler Alerts that subscribers can receive via email. No matter how embarrassed
I was, I did not want what happened to me to be repeated in this neighborhood.
Kim responded swiftly by sending out an Antler Alert and posting on the web
page a warning about MEAT DELIVERY SCAM. (You can read the alert--and some
interesting comments it generated--here:
http://deerhornvalley.blogspot.com/2011/02/beware-of-meat-delivery-scam.html.) <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We've
been friends ever since, and my Tuesday visits with Kim and her husband Rob are
a highlight of my week. I'm now a member of the Deerhorn Valley Community
Association and write on occasion for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Antler</i>. I'm not sure any of this would have come to pass were it not for
Jason and the other crooks at Farm Fresh. So I really have to say, thanks,
guys! And have a nice day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">*****</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Post-script:
At 12:45, Saturday, 24 May 2014, as I was tending plants outside, a sleek white
truck once again pulled up to my house. I immediately spotted the cooler in the
back. The smiling man who jumped out of the truck announced himself as being
from Farm Fresh Foods and launched into the usual routine about the wonderful
deal he was about to offer me on my lucky day. As I shook my head, he said, “Yeah,
I know. Crazy, right?” I said, “No. Illegal.” After some b.s. banter back and
forth, he and his buddy finally left with a closing shot of “You’re crazy,
lady. Go back to bed!” I laughed. And then I posted this.</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-41460791742493349582013-07-17T15:52:00.001-07:002013-07-17T15:53:15.687-07:00Stolen Street Signs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhlQNLKMdrs/UecZ2lQeTvI/AAAAAAAAADM/lS4Hw9bxOsA/s1600/roadsign2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sign post without sign" border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GhlQNLKMdrs/UecZ2lQeTvI/AAAAAAAAADM/lS4Hw9bxOsA/s200/roadsign2.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
As you've no doubt noticed, the street sign from the top of Lawson Valley Road and Skyline has gone missing. So too has the sign at Wood Valley Trail and Lawson.<br />
<br />
Whether the work of bored kids seeking a thrill, recent high school grads looking for a neighborhood souvenir, or a poor soul suffering from roadside kleptomania, these sign thefts (which typically seem to occur during the summer months) put our community at risk in the event of an emergency.<br />
<br />
What might seem like a minor nuisance can quickly turn into a matter of life and death if first responders can't find someone who has summoned for help. In the case of a major disaster--like a wildfire--a sign's absence endangers the entire valley: resources from around the state are mobilized for large fires, and there's no guarantee responders will be local; in fact, it's highly unlikely. Combine smoke, lack of familiarity with the area, <b>and</b> no street sign . . . well, you can imagine the consequences.<br />
<br />
Important to note: while sign theft is generally a misdemeanor, if damage, injury, or death occurs as the result of a missing sign, the perpetrators can be held liable.<br />
<br />
Missing signs can be reported online via the <a href="http://www.sdcdpw.org/roadservice/" target="_blank">San Diego County of Public Works Road Service Request form</a> or by calling (858) 694-3850. I have already reported both missing signs. Unfortunately, replacement will take 6-8 weeks--right in the midst of the wildfire season.<br />
<br />
If you are aware of other missing signs, please report them immediately--don't assume that someone else already has. And please share with others the disastrous results these pranks can have. Your life may depend on it.Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-48726242276096106362012-12-08T13:47:00.001-08:002012-12-08T14:50:27.668-08:00Today's Good News: Thank You from a Neighbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXKE0spEW4Q/UMPD6vSETlI/AAAAAAAAACw/qGxTNapP_yY/s1600/Xena+blog+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXKE0spEW4Q/UMPD6vSETlI/AAAAAAAAACw/qGxTNapP_yY/s200/Xena+blog+(2).jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
Lawson Valley Confidential co-conspirator Shelly--or rather her dog Xena--has been having some nasty run-ins with coyotes lately. After a recent pack attack, Warrior Xena has been even more intent on extracting her revenge, so when she spotted some coyotes while on a walk this morning, she took off, leash and all, to chase them. Thanks to several neighbors who were passing by, a possible tragedy was averted. Shelly's thank-you follows:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
<i><b>To the following compassionate people who took time out of their day on a
Saturday morning to help us find our wayward dog, Xena, we wish to express our
most heartfelt gratitude. </b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>To the man in the truck pulling the boat on Dirt Rudnick who stopped to
give a ride to a frantic and desperate husband who must go home and admit to his
wife that he has lost her dog: thank you, we are grateful. Much time would have
been lost making the long walk home. We found her tangled up in the brush and
caught fast by her leash, but she had not strangled because we found her in
time. </b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>To the woman on the motorcycle who freely offered to go off-road into the
brush, take the high point and scan until Xena was found: thank you, we are
grateful for your kindness and generosity. It was a great comfort to have
another set of eyes broaden the search. </b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>To the white truck that stopped in case assistance was required. Thank you
for caring.</b></i></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>It is uplifting to know that there are good people in the world, but it
fills our hearts to know that such people are our neighbors. Thank you. </b></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
</div>
<div>
<i><b>Shelly, Michael & Xena</b></i></div>
</blockquote>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-44796903232478228512012-12-03T10:34:00.001-08:002012-12-04T09:57:56.631-08:00A Response to Raftery's Far East Editorial<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3XmNgsQRkA/ULzucf9EfKI/AAAAAAAAACg/Ke6yG0m3rxs/s1600/27feb11deer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t3XmNgsQRkA/ULzucf9EfKI/AAAAAAAAACg/Ke6yG0m3rxs/s320/27feb11deer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Disclaimer: I have not read the book [though I did order it
yesterday]; some of my photos are featured on the site and in the exhibit.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was with great disappointment that I read yesterday’s
editorial about The Far East Project in Miriam Raftery’s <i>East County Magazine</i>.
I have long been a supporter of Raftery’s work in this one-of-a-kind online
publication, so it was with an especially heavy heart that I saw her dismiss
another unique attempt to give East County a voice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Far East Project, headed by Justin Hudnall and funded
through a small grant from the San Diego Foundation, resulted in a <a href="http://fareast.sosayweallonline.com/" target="_blank">website</a>,
book, exhibit, and readings focused on East County. Hudnall hopes to continue
the project (sans funding), expanding to oral histories and multimedia accounts
from residents.</div>
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Raftery’s headline sums up her position: “FAR EAST PROJECT
PRESENTS SKEWED AND OFFENSIVE VIEW OF EAST COUNTY.” You can read <a href="http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/11845" target="_blank">the other 3,000 words</a> for yourself; I will attempt to reply with fewer.</div>
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The crux of Raftery’s argument is that the project is rife
with East County stereotypes, that it is “filled with ugliness,” “devoid of inspirational
value,” and “culturally insensitive,” among other sins. Since she refuses to
link to the website or present more than a handful of carefully selected
images, she also asks us to simply take her word for it.</div>
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What Raftery fails to mention is that every single
contributor is a resident or former resident of East County. The Far East
Project isn’t a case of outsiders bashing the region; it’s an attempt (albeit limited)
to give first-person voice to some of the insiders. To that extent, Raftery is
ridiculing the very population she claims to defend.</div>
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One gets the impression that Raftery went into the book and
exhibit intent on that ridicule. She interprets every word, every image negatively.
Mention a hooker? Oh, that’s bad! (Never mind the poetry of the writer adding
dimension to a character that I guess Raftery would just as soon remain hidden.)
A photograph intended to show the unanticipated beauty of a late-winter
snowfall is described as “a deer with a broken-off antler.” First of all, it’s
not a deer; it’s a fake plaster garden deer and just one element of the
photograph—tellingly, the only element Raftery focuses on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Raftery writes, “Efforts should have been made to reach out
to local publishers and photographers to assure balance.” I’m not sure why
Raftery thinks the views of publishers and established photographers are more
legit than those of local residents, but the statement itself speaks to her
misunderstanding of the project.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In addition, Raftery overlooks that Far East is a fledgling effort:
it’s new, the organizers are young, there’s no template to follow, and they had
only a year to complete the work. Was the project overambitious? Perhaps. Would
we be better off had it not even been attempted? No way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Raftery also glosses over the distinction between journalism
and a creative endeavor such as the Far East Project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Far East was intended to present individuals’
perspectives; by definition, such accounts are situated and limited. I’m
guessing, but I doubt that anywhere in the proposal or other associated materials
did the organizers suggest that this project would result in a comprehensive
360-view of the region. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I do agree with Raftery on one key point: the quality and
breadth of the project could have been enhanced with a broader range of
submissions. Publicity of the project was thin. A resident of East County, I
found out about it only through a friend who was on the mailing list for the
San Diego Foundation. I don’t know what outreach attempts were made by project
organizers—small ads in some local publications would have no doubt elicited a
response that went beyond the arts community. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<strike>However, I do know that as soon as I found out about the
call for photographs back in September, I immediately <a href="http://lawsonvalley.blogspot.com/2012/09/photographers-help-tell-east-countys.html" target="_blank">posted about it</a> on the
Lawson Valley blog (which is probably read by all of three people) and contacted
Raftery <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(whose publication is probably read
by thousands) to let her know. She indicated that she would definitely
publicize the event. Unfortunately, that never happened.</strike></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I hope that Justin Hudnall and others who worked on the
project, contributed submissions, or otherwise helped out will not be
discouraged by this one negative response. Indeed, Raftery’s editorial suggests
that more, not fewer, perspectives are needed in the region. Let’s get to work.<br />
<br />
<b>Correction: Although I searched <i>East County Magazine</i> for an announcement regarding the call for photos and didn't find it, that was my failure. Raftery did in fact run a story on the project: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/11148. My sincere apologies for the oversight.</b><br />
<br />
(<i>Postscript: I attempted multiple times to post a version of this response in the comments for the article, but despite trying two different browsers, was unable to do so. Probably just a glitch.)</i> <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-56168823319543899662012-11-14T11:57:00.004-08:002012-11-14T19:13:43.497-08:00Fire Fee Update: Recommendation from Jacob<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="mceItemHidden">Via deerhornvalley.net: </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="mceItemHidden">There has been much talk and discussion in our backcountry
about the new state fire tax. Supervisor Jacob has just sent these comments and
suggestions regarding the tax:</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"County Supervisor Dianne
Jacob advises residents in her district to pay a new state fire tax now being
levied on tens of thousands of local homeowners, but to do it under
protest.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"In recent weeks, many rural and semi-rural residents of
District 2 - a sprawling region that includes the bulk of the San Diego County
backcountry - have started to receive bills asking them to pay the state up to
$150 annually for each habitable structure on their land. Approximately 400,000
people in the region will be impacted by this
tax.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"Jacob has long opposed the tax, saying it stems from the
state's failure to adequately fund Cal Fire. "It's blatantly unjust and borders
on cruel that the state would hit homeowners up for more money when they already
pay property taxes to help fund public safety programs and, in many cases,
special local fees for fire protection," she
said.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"She noted the county also spends $15.5 million annually to
augment rural fire protection. More than $10 million of that money goes directly
to Cal Fire.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"The supervisor recommends that those receiving the tax
bill:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li style="color: black; font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">Pay it within the 30-day due date and write "UNDER PROTEST"
on the notation line of their check. Make copies of the check and send the
original with the bill.</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">Go to </span><a href="http://www.firepreventionfee.org/" target="_blank" title="www.firepreventionfee.org"><span class="mceItemHidden">www.firepreventionfee.org</span></a><span class="mceItemHidden"> and click on the link labeled "Petition for
Redetermination." Fill out the petition to formally challenge the
fee.</span></span>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">Send a copy of the petition and a copy of the check to these
three addresses: Fire Prevention Petitions, P.O. Box 2254, Suisun City, CA,
94585; Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, P.O. Box 944246, Sacramento, CA,
94244; and the Board of Equalization, P.O. Box 942879, Sacramento, CA,
94279.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">"All three steps must be completed should any lawsuits
prevail in overturning the fee and should the court order the state to issue
refunds."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="mceItemHidden">________________________</span></span></div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-26222351037172562402012-11-09T18:56:00.002-08:002012-11-09T18:56:39.350-08:00The Fire Fee
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3aXgaH1uDw/UJ3AxiuK4sI/AAAAAAAAACQ/WyBSUo4KWX8/s1600/money-burning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3aXgaH1uDw/UJ3AxiuK4sI/AAAAAAAAACQ/WyBSUo4KWX8/s200/money-burning.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
By now, you should have received a
heads-up notice about the fee, if not the bill itself. The fee,
levied on property owners in high-risk rural fire areas, is intended
to shore up the state's depleted CalFire budget (only one budget
among many shriveling in the state).
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As someone who just lobbied—hard--for the passage of Prop 30 to save California public education from
imploding, I feel ambivalent about the new fire fee.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do we want less firefighting
capabilities? Of course not. Should a select group of property owners
be targeted? That's a good question.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most challengers use the “this is an
illegal tax” argument: Because the fee can be interpreted to be a
tax, and because it wasn't passed by a two-thirds vote in the
Legislature, it is therefore unconstitutional. Additionally, they
point out, many rural residents already pay fire taxes, so the fee is
a tax on top of a tax.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're an anti-tax type, these
arguments are pretty compelling. I'm not though: I think paying taxes
is the patriotic thing to do; it's what holds us together as a
society; it's where we look beyond our immediate interests to the
greater good.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But here's the thing: I think this fee
is taking a very different position. In effect, it is saying that if
you live in the backcountry, where many wildfires start, you've got
to pay the bill. And that's just plain wrong.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As the Cedar and Harris Fires showed
us, what starts in the backcountry doesn't necessarily stay in the
backcountry. (Remember the directives to evacuate Del Mar?) And what
used to be country is now town—the back keeps getting pushed back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If anything, rural residents provide a
huge service to our suburban neighbors: we are quick to spot and
report fires that would otherwise smolder and make their way to more
populated areas. As a result, fire towers are now quaint artifacts.
Why pay a fire watcher when you have hundreds of residents on high
alert during the fire season? And the fire that gets doused in, say, Dulzura, is the fire that didn't destroy your home in Eastlake.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wildfire in California is a statewide
issue, not one limited to a select population. As with education, if
a statewide solution is necessary, all Californians should step up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not sure the below resources agree
with my sentiments, but if you're interested in fighting the fee,
here are some places to start:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">Supervisor
Dianne Jacob’s letter to constituents
<a href="http://www.diannejacob.com/resources/state-fire-tax-website.pdf">http://www.diannejacob.com/resources/state-fire-tax-website.pdf</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">How
to appeal <a href="http://www.calfirefee.com/appeal/">http://www.calfirefee.com/appeal/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">Howard
Jarvis <a href="http://firetaxprotest.org/">http://firetaxprotest.org/</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cal
Fire Petition Form
<a href="http://firetaxprotest.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Petition_for_Redetermination_Fillable.pdf">http://firetaxprotest.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Petition_for_Redetermination_Fillable.pdf</a></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-61454569133858382912012-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:002012-11-06T20:04:18.404-08:00Voting in the Dark<b>"Voting in the Dark" is not a metaphor or philosophical statement (though there could be places to go with that . . .). If you visited our assigned polling place after 5 pm today, you know what I'm talking about.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Below is an email I sent the Registrar of Voters. If you had a similar experience, please do the same--they are very responsive!</b><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
<div style="font: 10pt Tahoma;">
<div style="background: #f5f5f5;">
<div style="font-color: black;">
<br />
<a href="mailto:lkyoder@yodertown.net" title="lkyoder@yodertown.net"></a> </div>
<div>
<b>Sent:</b> Tuesday, November 06, 2012 7:48 PM</div>
<div>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:rovmail@sdcounty.ca.gov" title="rovmail@sdcounty.ca.gov">rovmail@sdcounty.ca.gov</a> </div>
<div>
<b>Subject:</b> Cal Fire Lyons Valley Station Polling
Place</div>
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</div>
</div>
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<div style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Calibri'; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">
Hi. </div>
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I voted this evening and wanted to share some concerns about my assigned
polling location. The people working there were great; the polling site was
not.</div>
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Lyons Valley Station is along a stretch of Skyline Truck Trail where
vehicles regularly drive 60 mph (or more). Worse, the station isn’t on the road;
instead, it is back a ways. Other than a small sign depicting a fire engine,
there is no signage indicating the location of the station, and it is not
visible from the road. (The yellow and black “polling place” signs are very hard
to see in the dark.) As a result, it is difficult to find and dangerous to enter
and exit this location, especially with the fast traffic.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Once I located the station, I was further dismayed to find that I had to
park a distance from the polls in pitch darkness on uneven dirt. I almost
tripped more than once making my way to the station. Leaving was also difficult
as the “parking area” wasn’t really designed for entering and exiting
vehicles—there was no room to turn around, so it took some creativity to get out
of there without taking some trees along.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Finally, there was no marking of the exit. Since there are several
off-shoots from the entry, it was confusing to figure out how to leave. I waited
until headlights sped by on Skyline so that I could tell which route to
take.</div>
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</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Again, I want to emphasize that the people working the polls were lovely;
they did an excellent job. But I do hope that this site will not be used again,
or at the very least, more provisions will be made in consideration of the
location and darkness.</div>
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</div>
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Respectfully,</div>
Name and address</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-52352885938603867372012-09-14T07:43:00.002-07:002012-09-14T07:44:30.396-07:00Photographers: Help Tell East County's Story!The San Diego Foundation Arts and Culture Program announces a new opportunity for local photographers. So Say We All has issued a call for photos for The Far East Project, a print/multimedia anthology and performance, comprised of curated personal narratives, interviews and histories from across San Diego’s East County communities and their residents.<br />
<br />
So Say We All seeks images that best capture the soul of East County as you see it. Submissions may include scanned family photos, portraits, landscapes of places or other subjects. Whether you shot on an expensive SLR, used your cellphone’s camera or opened up the photo album and started scanning, you can contribute to their mission to create a living people’s history of San Diego’s East County.<br />
<br />
Chosen entries will be printed and displayed at showcases and
galleries throughout the fall and winter of 2012 as part of El Cajon
and La Mesa Centennial celebrations, Far East performance showcases, and
future print publications.<br />
<br />
This year's deadline is Sunday, 07 October. See <a href="http://www.sosayweallonline.com/?p=6382">http://www.sosayweallonline.com/?p=6382</a> for more info and guidelines.<br />
<br />
Lawson Valley, let's represent! Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-34664021384586100782012-09-09T12:52:00.000-07:002012-09-10T21:53:00.822-07:00Report on Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group Meeting, 28 August 2012<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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First of all, let me apologize for the delay on this update.
The meeting coincided with a very busy period in my day job; I plan to have
other posts up in a more<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>timely manner.<br />
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<br /></div>
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I know that most readers are probably interested in the
outcome of the Lawson Creek Farms, LLC issue. Thank you to those of you who
showed up and/or wrote in. To those who couldn’t make the meeting for one
reason or another, I encourage you to attend at some point. It’s essential for
us as residents to become familiar with how decisions are made in our neck of
the chaparral and to get a sense of our role in the outcome.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here is the short version of the meeting’s outcome regarding Lawson Creek
Farms: The
project has been scaled back to 13,512 square feet. According to the Planning
Group, the process is at least one and a half years out, and no final decision
will be made until that time. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Before providing the long version, I’d like to mention a couple of other items that were on the agenda.
Most of us know about the current bridge work on Lawson Valley Road just west of Montiel
Truck Trail. According to project manager Jill Bankston, another bridge
improvement is in the works, this time east of Sloan Canyon.
The project will probably be presented to the Planning Group next year.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The second item was a cell tower planned for Skyline (I
think—I still haven’t managed to identify the site). Adjacent residents had
some concerns about noise (from the air-conditioning system necessary for the
tower), possible health effects, and how construction crews would access the
site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Planning Group member
Dan Kjonegaard, per the federal government “health is not an issue” with cell
towers. Another key point is that the sound limit at a property line is 65
decibels (dB). That’s about the sound of a normal conversation from three feet
away (like those annoying people at the table next to you at your favorite
restaurant) or the volume of piano practice while you sit next to the pianist.
In other words, not a big deal if you have to sit through it just for a dinner
or visit with Aunt Sally. But 24/7? Something to think about.</div>
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<br /></div>
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At any rate, Lawson Creek Farms was of course the big draw,
and several folks showed up to speak on it. First, though, were comments from
Planning Group member Jean Strouf, who reported that the project had undergone
a major downsizing and that applicants were waiting for community feedback
before proceeding. In short, said Strouf, there would be no indoor arena, nor
would there be pastures. The original plan of housing 32 horses had been
reduced to 20. Concerns about water, rig size (necessary to transport that number
of horses in an evacuation), fire and environment would be addressed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Next up was Ralph Tavares, project architect. He said that
changing the indoor arena (with a cover) to outdoor (without a cover) decreased
the project size by 30,000 square feet. Tavares also said that the living
quarters (in the second story of the large structure) had been removed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Kjonegaard and Strouf went to the property to talk to
trainer and resident Ann Judd. Kjonegaard pointed out several issues of which
the owners, architect, engineer, and Judd were not aware:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .7in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .7in; text-indent: -.2in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Water: There are two wells on the property
because the first didn’t produce. Kjonegaard suggests a hydrology study.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .7in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .7in; text-indent: -.2in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Storm water/ waste water drainage: Horse waste
cannot be allowed to flow into the creek, so there should be a drain-off plan
in place. (Later in the meeting, architect Tavares confirmed that no such plan
exists.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Fire evacuation: For Lawson Valley, there are
few choices: the main road or a poorly maintained trail that would hardly
handle horse trailers. Kjonegaard suggested that the applicants speak with
someone at the local fire district about procedures for sheltering in place.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The revised plans include the first floor of the barn at
9,785 square feet and a second floor at 3,727 square feet, for a total of
13,512 square feet for the primary oversized structure. In addition, a separate
2,800 square foot outside feed storage building is planned. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Planning Group member Randy White asked about the purpose of
the second floor. Trainer Ann Judd said that is was originally intended to be
half living space, half storage, but now it was all storage. Interestingly,
those who attended the Open House in July were told variously by Judd that either
workers or Judd herself would be using the living space. At the meeting, however,
Judd indicated that space had been intended as guest quarters for non-resident owners
the Tatars.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Planning Group chair Michael Casinelli asked about the
groundwater issue: Would they truck in water? Drill a new well? Judd mentioned
having tanks for “extra water” in case of fire but didn’t indicate where that
water would come from. Tavares said something about storing water during the “rainy
season” but again did not explain how that would be accomplished. Tavares also
mentioned drilling a second well (there are already two wells on the property)
and something about a “storage well,” though what that might actually be is
unclear.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Planning Group member Steve Wragg asked if there was a
vector control plan for flies. Tavares said there is no plan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Wragg then asked how much water a horse drinks per day. To
the surprise of many, Judd said, “Not much. About three gallons a day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Planning Group member Yvonne Purdy-Luxton
looked up the information on her smart phone and reported more accurate
figures: In 70 degree weather, a horse consumes about 10-12 gallons of water
per day; in hotter weather, consumption increases to 20-25 gallons per day.</div>
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The first community member to speak, Jacquelin Hancock, elaborated
on these figures. Twenty horses consuming twenty gallons a day is 400 gallons a
day, or 146,000 gallons per year just for equine drinking water. (Water for
bathing the horses would of course add to this figure, which also doesn’t
include human use; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the average household
uses around 350 gallons per day or 127,400 per year.) Hancock also explained
why water is such a serious issue for Lawson Valley:
rather than being on a water table, Lawson has “fractured access.” One person
can have a successful well while their next door neighbor can drill repeatedly
only to meet with failure.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Several other community members (Lynn Vaugh, Shelly Owens,
Leslie Yoder) spoke, echoing Hancock’s concerns and adding traffic, water
contamination, environmental damage, and fire safety and evacuation to the list
of problems the project could create. Owens revealed that Judd herself had
admitted that the property was unsuitable for their purposes. Yoder remarked on
the applicants’ frequently changing answers to questions and hoped that with
further education from the Planning Group, the Tatars might reconsider their
plans.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In addition, letters from local residents Wendy Collins,
Jordi Capdet, and Byron and Ron White reiterated these issues. Collins pointed
out that a neighbor’s well had gone dry. Capdet remarked on the number of
auto-related deaths in the valley. The Whites expressed their opposition even
if the project were reduced to 13,500 square feet (which is still over twice
the zoned size) and stated that previous attempts to maintain an orchard on the
property failed due to lack of water.</div>
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<br /></div>
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One resident, Kim Beales, wrote in favor of the project,
saying that more horses in the valley would lead to better trail management for
everyone. (Beales is apparently unaware that these show horses will never set
hoof on a trail.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Other community members had questions for the Planning Group
and applicants. Rob Henry asked what provisions were planned for the handling
of horse waste. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Member Kjonegaard again
stressed that the drainage issue must be addressed per the Health Department. Joan Kouns asked why the project didn’t require a major use permit and full
environmental impact report. Members Kjonegaard and Strouf said per new rules
outlined in the county’s <a href="http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/advance/Equine.html" target="_blank">Tiered Equine Ordinance</a>,
the project is not large enough to warrant those requirements.</div>
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Planning Group member White indicated that with the further
testing and preparation necessary for project approval, the process is at least
18 months out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Planning Group chair Casinelli said that tonight’s meeting
was intended to be informational, and no action would be taken.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Member Jean Strouf, apparently taking to task some community members who spoke, said she feels that people should be able to do what they want with
their land as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else.</div>
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I couldn’t agree more with Strouf. Zoning ordinances,
building codes, indeed even Planning Groups exist to ensure that individuals and
businesses do not harm the community with their actions. As was made clear in
the numerous comments of both local residents and Planning Group members,
without proper oversight, the project at 3131 Rudnick does have the potential
to hurt the area and the people who live here. Far from playing NIMBY, local
residents welcome new neighbors to Lawson
Valley; in fact, several
people who spoke at the meeting are recent arrivals. We all have the same goal:
the preservation and continued vitality of the community for everyone who calls
Lawson Valley home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our last poll asked, “Should the county permit the
construction of a 44,000 square foot structure on Rudnick Drive?” The results were one “yes”
vote, 19 “no” votes, and two “other” votes. Unfortunately, the comments made
for the “other” votes are not visible on the blog, but those voters wrote, “Not
if it is a business as the rest of us can't even have a small granny flat,” and
“Hell NO,” bringing the total of “no” votes to 21.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Please take a moment to vote in our new poll.</div>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-8978130639535611852012-08-30T20:54:00.002-07:002012-09-05T11:33:41.885-07:00Update in the WorksWe attended the Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group meeting last night and will have an update posted for you <strike>this weekend</strike> <b>soon</b>. Thanks for your patience!Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-86850237286566146882012-08-24T14:25:00.006-07:002012-08-25T11:19:08.825-07:00Planning Group to Hear Lawson Creek Farms, LLC, Tuesday: Will They Hear You?<br />
High voltage power lines running through the most fire-prone acreage of the county? It could never happen, right? Wrong. We now have <a href="http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/10538" target="_blank">Powerlink and a governor intent on "crushing" any opposition to the project</a>.<br />
<br />
Wind turbines with blades the length of a football field going up on public land and Indian burial grounds, killing wildlife and disrupting the lives of local residents? Not in a million years, right? Wrong. Talk to anybody from the town of <a href="http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/153" target="_blank">Ocotillo, where the destruction is ongoing</a>.<br />
<br />
A water-guzzling enterprise being approved for an area dependent on <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/04/special-report-aquifers-shrink-nation-digs-deep/" target="_blank">diminishing well supplies</a>? Yeah, that could be us. <br />
<br />
An <a href="http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/docs/PG/JAM120828AG.pdf" target="_blank">agenda</a> posted today (see below) confirms that the Jamul Dulzura Planning Group will address the issue of Lawson Creek Farms' administrative permit request for a 44,000 square foot oversized structure this coming Tuesday, 7:30pm, at Oak Grove Middle School Library, 14344 Olive Vista Road, Jamul. (For background on the controversy, see our <a href="http://lawsonvalley.blogspot.com/2012/07/big-business-comes-to-lawson-valley-not.html">previous post</a>.) <br />
<br />
Fortunately, we community members also have an opportunity to be heard. Yes, speaking in front of a group can be nerve-wracking, but the consequences of staying silent could be far more uncomfortable and long lasting.<br />
<br />
According to Janet Mulder, Secretary for the JDCPG, the procedure for presenting at the Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group is very simple. Typically, slips to request time to speak will be available at the desk in the library where meetings are held. The meeting will start at 7:30, and community members are encouraged to fill out the slips and bring them to Janet as Secretary. At the beginning of the meeting, there is an “Open Forum” during which people can address items <b>not </b>on the agenda for a maximum of three minutes. In this case, Lawson Creek Farms <b>is</b> on the agenda, and as the JDCPG addresses each item, the members of the Planning Group normally speak first, presenting the information they have researched, and then it is opened up for public input. Again, speakers are given three minutes each to address their topic. <br />
<br />
Needless to say, maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor is essential. We are not <b>against </b>anything or anyone; we simply want to share our concerns, informed by an awareness of on-going issues and our experience living in the backcountry. If one speaker raises an issue, there is no need for others to repeat. It is sufficient to simply state that your concern has already been expressed.<br />
<br />
After all testimony is given, the chair may call for a motion to approve or disapprove the project, or he may send it back to a sub-committee (which can be made up of both members and community) for further study.<br />
<br />
<i><b>If you would like to express your views but can't make the meeting, please contact Shelly at 445-9919 or Joan at 445-3724, or send us an email at lawson@yodertown.net. We'll make sure your voice is heard. </b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
JAMUL DULZURA</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FINAL AGENDA</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday August 28, 2012</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oak Grove Middle School Library</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7:30 p.m.</div>
1. CALL TO ORDER<br />
2. ROLL CALL<br />
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA for AUGUST 14, 2012 and minutes for July 24, 2012 regular meeting<br />
4. OPEN FORUM: Opportunity for public comment on any item not on the agenda, 3-minute time limit<br />
5. General Plan Update Zoning Cleanup 2012, report from BOS meeting 7/25/12 – Michael Casinelli reporting for Dan Neirinckx<br />
6. MUP12-014, AT&T Cell Site, located on Skyline T.T., east of Campo Rd., APN 519-210-37-00, property owner, Chris Buckel – Dan Kjonegaard<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">7. AD 12-018 – 3131 Rudnick Drive Lawson Valley – Lawson Creek Farm LLC – Osman and Lillian Tatar – Horse training and stabling facility, Ralph Tavares, applicant – Jean Strouf and Dan Kjonegaard</span><br />
8. Review of project public notice requirements – Michael Casinelli<br />
9. POD 08-006 – Site Implementation Agreement – Steve Wragg<br />
10. Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area/Honey Springs Ranch – Randy White<br />
11. Jamul Indian Village Casino Update<br />
12. JDCPG OFFICER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS</blockquote>
</blockquote>
Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-31405939891016505722012-08-04T10:47:00.000-07:002012-08-04T12:12:02.682-07:00We Are Eligible! $2000 Powerlink Fire Safety Grants, Community Meeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Many Lawson Valley homeowners are eligible for SDG&E Powerlink Fire Mitigation Grants of up to $2000. But the timeline is very short: applications are due in two weeks, 17 August 2012.<br />
<br />
Grant money can be used to fire-harden your home and/or create defensible space. It can also be used for certain purchases like electric generators or sprinkler systems.<br />
<br />
You'll find more information and online grant applications at <a href="http://www.sunrisepowerlinkgrants.com/">http://www.sunrisepowerlinkgrants.com</a>/. To request an application packet by mail, call the Powerlink Grants Office at 619-722-7512.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>An informational meeting will be held this coming Tuesday, 7 August, at the Deerhorn Fire Station, 2383 Honey Springs Road, at 7:00 p.m.</b> Please bring a chair, as seating will be limited.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sample map of eligible Lawson Valley properties: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqzbV4eCiOg/UB1anMlSBDI/AAAAAAAAACA/NYnHHfBsmyA/s1600/powerlinkmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqzbV4eCiOg/UB1anMlSBDI/AAAAAAAAACA/NYnHHfBsmyA/s400/powerlinkmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
(<a href="http://www.sunrisepowerlinkgrants.com/Qualification">http://www.sunrisepowerlinkgrants.com/Qualification</a>)Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8498896807194840313.post-11063963123475743532012-07-22T20:15:00.002-07:002012-08-02T16:13:23.804-07:00The 44,000 Square Foot Question: How Big Is too Big for Lawson Valley?<br />
<br />
Last week, several residents were surprised to receive a letter from the Department Of Planning and Land Use (DPLU), dated 12 July 2012, regarding a familiar neighboring property. According to the letter, owners of the parcel at 3131 Rudnick Drive, Osman and Lillian Tatar, plan a horse farm on the site of the former Rancho El Coyote. (County records show the property owner as Norma L. Tatar, but Osman and Lillian are listed as permit applicants.)<br />
<br />
What could be more at home in sleepy, peaceful Lawson Valley than a horse farm? Well, a lot as it turns out. There are horse farms (properties with several horses owned for personal use), and then there are Horse Farms: large-scale breeding and training facilities designed to turn a profit.<br />
<br />
According to the DPLU's "Notice of Proposed Administrative Permit Application," the Tatars have requested a permit for an "oversized structure," encompassing horse stables, an indoor arena, and living quarters.<br />
<br />
So how oversized is it? Current zoning ordinance limits an accessory building on a property of this size to 5,000 square feet. The Tatars' request: <b>44,013 square feet</b>. To put this area into perspective, it's approximately the size of a Best Buy store (before they began downsizing) or the Ralphs in the Rancho San Diego Town and Country Center. No other structure in the vicinity even comes close.<br />
<br />
And that's just the main structure. Also planned is a detached storage building of 2,800 square feet. These structures are in addition to the existing residence of 3,121 square feet and as well as current outbuildings. An outdoor arena is also in the works.<br />
<br />
The Tatars claim that all of this construction is for the benefit of their teenage daughter, a competitive equestrian who owns 22 horses, and so when a roadside sign announced an "Open House" at the property, several local residents attended to welcome a new neighbor and to have their concerns about the project addressed (as promised by the signs). <br />
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What they learned is that the Tatars have not been and would not be in residence. Instead, a company, Lawson Creek Farms, LCC, would be headquartered there. It seems that the property is to be a place of business only and was never intended to be the Tatars' home. While the project will no doubt serve the daughter's needs, the design appears to be a large-scale horse breeding and training enterprise.<br />
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Incidentally, records indicate that the Tatars also own another company, Novi Industries, Inc. While the relationship between that corporation and Lawson Creek Farms, LCC is unclear, they share the same Spring Valley address for agent for service of process.While state records locate the business address of Novi Industries, Inc. in Texas, they show 3131 Rudnick as the official address of Lawson Creek Farms, LCC, again underscoring the property's status as a business.<br />
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Appropriately enough, the open house guests were greeted not by the Tatars but by Anne D. Judd, the horse trainer living on the Rudnick property. Also on hand to address questions were structural designer Ralph Tavares and civil engineer James Draper. (Lillian Tatar and her daughter also attended, but questions were referred to Judd, Tavares, and Draper.) Unfortunately, these company representatives were not able to answer many questions and those that were answered only increased concerns. They confirmed the size of the 44,013 square foot facility, including a 36-stall stable, indoor arena, and two-story centerpiece with upper level apartment. These facilities, as well as the 2,800 square foot storage building, will be sited at the front of the property near the main road. <br />
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According to Section 7358a, an administrative permit may be granted only provided <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>That the location, size, design and operating characteristics of the proposed use will be compatible with adjacent uses, residents, buildings or structures with consideration given to:</b></i><br />
<i><b>1. harmony in scale, bulk, coverage and density,</b></i><br />
<i><b>2. the availability of public services,</b></i><br />
<i><b>3. the harmful effect, if any, upon desirable neighborhood character,</b></i><br />
<i><b>4. the suitability of the site for the type and intensity of use or development which is proposed and</b></i><br />
<i><b>5. any other relevant impact of the proposed use.</b></i></blockquote>
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The project proposed for 3131 Rudnick Drive fails to meet these criteria. As a result, neighbors have requested that DPLU schedule a public hearing on the matter. In the meantime, the issue is on the August 28, 2012 Jamul/Dulzura Planning Group Agenda.<br />
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Some of the concerns to date:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>WATER</b><br />
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Water is a major issue, as many residents have suffered from diminished rates and/or have had their wells go dry. This parcel is known to have such issues. There are two wells on the property, the second one drilled after the first failed. Prior owners have admitted that the second well was not as productive as they had hoped. Ms. Judd and Mr. Draper confessed to being ignorant as to the gal/min rate for the working well, saying no testing had been done. <br />
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Nevertheless, the company plans irrigated pastures, and in addition to the many gallons of water horses drink a day, show horses must be frequently bathed. The water use for this project appears to be above and beyond normal residential use and certainly unsupportable by the scant natural resources available. <b></b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>TRAFFIC</b><br />
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As locals will attest, Lawson Valley Road is a winding, narrow mountainous road and has many points along the route with poor visibility due to hairpin turns. This road is the only access road available to residents. When large vehicles come around a bend such as a bus or truck, oncoming traffic must often stop in the road to allow the larger vehicle to pass. At night, the road is dark.<br />
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Much of Rudnick Drive, where the property is situated, is unpaved and poorly maintained, with numerous and dangerous ruts. Brush also encroaches on the road, causing it to narrow further at points. Residents who walk their dogs or ride their horses on that road are vigilant since many vehicles traveling that road drive at unsafe speeds on loose decomposed granite while attempting to circumnavigate the ruts. On this already marginal road, Lawson Creek Farms, LLC may increase traffic, particularly in the form of multiple horse trailers, hay trucks, etc.<br />
<b><br />FIRE EVACUATION</b><br />
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Given the singular access point described above and its limitations, any attempt by Lawson Creek Farms, LCC to evacuate 36 show horses could result in road congestion at a very inconvenient time. When asked what the company’s plan was for evacuating 36 horses in the event of a fire, Ms. Judd responded that in an emergency they would acquire two 15-horse trailers. (A 15-horse trailer is a minimum of 48 feet long, 13 feet high, and 102 inches wide, requiring a tractor-trailer style truck such as a Peterbilt to haul it.) In order to fully evacuate Lawson Creek Farms’ projected 36 horses, there would have to be multiple trailers or multiple trips on the road.<b></b></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>FIRE</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A lot of horses require a lot of hay. Hay is known to spontaneously combust due to a number of factors and is an ever present danger (http://www.psla.umd.edu/extension/publications/haycombustionp1c.pdf). Due to the water issues on the property, the limited access and the distance the fire department must travel on an unimproved road to respond, as well as the tinder conditions of miles of surrounding brush, a hay fire at this address could prove devastating to the community.<br />
<b></b></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>MANURE MANAGEMENT AND NITRATES</b><br />
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The water supply in Lawson Valley is restricted to private wells, vulnerable to contaminates, such as nitrates. In other communities where a horse ranch has been in operation, this kind of contamination has been an issue due to the copious animal manure and fertilizers used in the pastures. </blockquote>
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Lawson Valley is a rural community, and residents who call it home enjoy living where the sidewalk ends. The farming aspect of this little community--whether having chickens, trading between neighbors of home garden produce, or enjoying an evening horseback ride--is part of the fabric of Lawson Valley. Locals admire the independence and pluck of those neighbors who have a home business and are successful. However, they make a distinction between the small, home-based business of a neighbor and a company that buys up property to use strictly as a business without regard as to the suitability of the property for such a venture or even the interest of its neighbors. The influx of such a business would irrevocably and forever change the complexion of Lawson Valley and sets a dangerous precedent for surrounding communities.<br />
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<b>Please let your voice be heard at the Jamul/Dulzura Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, 28 August 2012 at Olive Vista Middle School Library - 7:30 PM.</b><br />
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And stay tuned for news on the DPLU public hearing regarding this issue.<br />
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<br />Lawson Valley Confidentialhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15335273840381507724noreply@blogger.com10