Recent News
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Check out the new webcam that constantly monitors the Mission Canyon Hills. With many eyes, maybe we can catch the next fire in a hurry.
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Thieves hit a second unlocked car parked in a driveway, this one on Todos Santos Lane around 4 a.m. on February 6. They stole cash, tools, and house keys. About a week previous, a nearby vehicle on Mission Canyon Road was burglarized, though nothing was taken. Residents, be aware. (February 2012)
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Although February is the start of pile burn season, Station 15's firefighters remind all that it's largely a matter of common sense of when to burn and how much. Two pile burns that have gotten out of control in the past year -- one involving a pile burner with 30 years of experience, another involving a former firefighter -- have prompted changes to burn permits, which now require site inspections. All pile burners, no matter how experienced, are reminded that they must call Station 15 as well as the burn line before starting any fire.
This winter has been extraordinarily dry, possibly the driest since 1923. Pile burns, one of the most economical ways to get rid of pre-cut brush on multi-acre properties, must occur in completely cleared areas; even so, residents report that short grasses are easily catching fire because everything is so dry.
Not only does a competent adult need to tend the fire at all times, there must be enough water readily at hand to douse the flames and embers at any point -- you need more than one hose and water spigot! The amount of fuel on the fire must be manageable -- don't put too much on! Smoke may not intrude on neighbors -- don't choke out the people next door!
If you see a fire and are unsure whether it is a pile burn or not, Station 15 says to call them (681-5515) or 911 and that it is most helpful if you can tell them clearly where it is. They will always roll out to see what's up.
Remember: If it's hot, dry, or windy in your particular microclimate, it's not a good day to pile burn.
The washout 0.7 miles up Tunnel Road will be repaired starting around March 5, and the retaining wall and culvert repairs will take about four weeks to complete. (As in all construction projects, the date may change.) A lane will likely close during working hours (M-F, 8am-5pm), and flaggers will be on duty.
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City Public Works will be replacing a water main and installing a fire hydrant on Exeter Place, which will cause the stretch between Cheltenham Road to close during working hours roughly Monday through Friday the week of March 12.
Also, to all who use Exeter as a shortcut, the folks on Exeter tell us that exiting their driveways and walking on that road is dangerous because of speeders. Please drive carefully along Exeter.
- For older news, please see our Canyon Issues page.
Current Newsletter:
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In this issue:
Thanks to a last-minute rush of letter writing, MCA is proud to announce that it won a Fire Safe Council (FSC) grant for over $67,000 for the coming year. As many people know, the three members of our family who happened to be at home when the Jesusita Fire broke out decided not to follow evacuation orders. The decision was not taken lightly... To see older newsletters, check out our newsletter archive. |
Other Items
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