6/7/10
SANTA MARGARITA TRAIL
Hidden beach welcome surprise at preserve
By Priscilla Lister, SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
Sunday, June 6, 2010 at 12:04 a.m.
It seems improbable, but I came upon one of the county's sandiest beaches about 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
It's wide open, with deep, soft sand, lots of shells and not a single beachgoer in sight.
It fronts the Santa Margarita River in Fallbrook and was the highlight of the 2.5-mile trail in the Santa Margarita County Preserve.
The 220-acre preserve is part of the county's Multiple Species Conservation Program. In partnership with the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, the trail is open to equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and dogs on leashes.
However, I can't imagine mountain biking, at least on the part of the trail I hiked, since it was so deeply sandy most of the way.
From the trail's southern entry point off De Luz Road, hikers enter a dense riparian habitat, where arroyo willows make bushwhacking off the trail virtually impossible, and where big old sycamore trees and coastal oaks provide some welcome shade.
Lots of yellow wallflower blooms add color to the trail, with an occasional purple phacelia and evergreen wild grape vines clinging everywhere. A little more color popped in with a blue Western scrub jay, while a little black crested Phainopepla bird perched on a limb.
The Friends of the Santa Margarita River website (fsmr.org) notes that the Santa Margarita River basin boasts impressive diversity, including more than 500 plants, 236 species of birds, 52 species of mammals, 43 species of reptiles, 24 species of aquatic invertebrates and 26 species of fish.
I hiked on the sandy trail heading straight ahead for about a mile, crossing the river at one point across a line of rocks, following the map offered at the trail head. But the dense willow and other foliage made it impassable beyond that point.
I retraced my steps and followed a trail spur to the west, where a sign is posted with the preserve rules.
This short spur led directly to that wide-open beach and the free-flowing river - a genuine surprise.
Deer and other large mammals are said to make their homes here, relying on the fresh water from the Santa Margarita River.
It's one of the last free-flowing rivers in Southern California , according to Friends of the Santa Margarita River. The river's upper watershed begins at the confluence of Temecula and Murrieta creeks in the Santa Margarita Mountains, Santa Rosa Plateau and Palomar Mountain, eventually emptying into the ocean on Camp Pendleton.
It's also one of the largest riparian systems in Southern California, according to the county, covering about 1,500 acres along its 27 miles. A primer on its ecology on the Friends of the Santa Margarita River website notes that riparian is derived from the Latin word, "ripa," meaning bank or shore. A riparian habitat characteristically surrounds a stream, creek or river.
"Nowhere else in Southern California is there a comparable unbroken length of riparian environment and its complement of plant and wildlife species," the website says.
After walking the length of the sandy beach, I had to return to my entry point and continue along the main trail.
Reaching the parking area again, I took the smaller trail just to the south of the main trail to see where it led. Again through thick willow groves and heading right at the T-intersection, this trail was far rockier, as though it were once a creek bed. It quickly ends up at another point on the river itself, where I could see a trail on the other side of the deep water but couldn't navigate my way there.
I retraced my steps, and this time took the left at that T-intersection, which wasn't a very good idea. This was a short spur, filled with spider webs and dense foliage, evidence that it doesn't get much traffic, and it quickly dead-ended anyway.
SANTA MARGARITA TRAIL
Trail head: To reach the main trail head, from Interstate 15 north, exit at Mission Road/Fallbrook, heading west. At the light, turn right onto Mission Road. Continue for about five miles, turning right onto Pico Avenue (one block after Main Street), which immediately turns into De Luz Road. Continue about two miles; at the intersection with Sandia Creek Road, stay on De Luz Road (which curves left), where you'll see the sign for the Santa Margarita Preserve.
To reach the northern trail entry, at the intersection with Sandia Creek Road, turn right onto Sandia Creek Road, continue for about a mile and you should reach another preserve parking area.
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from now through summer; at other times of year, it closes half an hour before sunset.
Difficulty: Easy. Allow at least an hour and a half.
Priscilla Lister is a freelance writer from San Diego.
6/4/10
ACTION ALERT/GREGORY LANDFILL/DRINKING WATER
Tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect San Diego County's drinking water
BackgroundThe San Luis Rey River and its aquifer are threatened by the Gregory Canyon Landfill. This critical drinking water source faces pollution by toxic chemicals that could leach from the proposed 300-acre landfill.
Although the project has been in the works for over two decades, it has yet to obtain any of the required permits. Last year, thanks to your action, the regional water board postponed its decision on that permit.
Now, the landfill is seeking a permit under the federal Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is seeking input on the type of environmental review to give the project. We need to make sure the Corps takes a hard look at this flawed project, and evaluates a broad range of alternatives.
Action Requested
Please tell the Army Corps to protect the San Luis Rey River, uphold the Clean Water Act, and ensure clean drinking water for the San Diego region. Send an email to the address in the sample letter (or mail a hard copy). Deadline is June 18, 2010.
Dear Dr. MacNeil:
I am deeply concerned about the proposed 300-acre Gregory Canyon Landfill, which would be built right on the banks of the San Luis Rey River. This project is a serious risk to the region's drinking water supplies, which must be protected at all costs.
In applying for the federal Clean Water Act permit needed to start construction, the landfill's proponents first tried to use an abbreviated "nationwide permit" to avoid meaningful environmental review. The Army Corps has correctly abandoned that streamlined process and committed to conduct a full and comprehensive environmental review.
I commend the Army Corps for taking a hard look at this flawed project. However, this review will only be meaningful if it includes a broad range of alternatives to managing San Diego County's waste, such as increasing waste diversion and recycling, and using existing landfill space more efficiently. These alternatives would have far less impact on the environment, and would more effectively address San Diego County's waste issues, than building a new landfill on the banks of a river.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Sincerely,
Although the project has been in the works for over two decades, it has yet to obtain any of the required permits. Last year, thanks to your action, the regional water board postponed its decision on that permit.
Now, the landfill is seeking a permit under the federal Clean Water Act from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is seeking input on the type of environmental review to give the project. We need to make sure the Corps takes a hard look at this flawed project, and evaluates a broad range of alternatives.
Action Requested
Please tell the Army Corps to protect the San Luis Rey River, uphold the Clean Water Act, and ensure clean drinking water for the San Diego region. Send an email to the address in the sample letter (or mail a hard copy). Deadline is June 18, 2010.
Sample Letter
June 4, 2010
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Division, Ventura Field Office
ATTN: CESPL-RG-N-2010-00354-SDM
RE: Gregory Canyon Landfill ProjectDear Dr. MacNeil:
I am deeply concerned about the proposed 300-acre Gregory Canyon Landfill, which would be built right on the banks of the San Luis Rey River. This project is a serious risk to the region's drinking water supplies, which must be protected at all costs.
In applying for the federal Clean Water Act permit needed to start construction, the landfill's proponents first tried to use an abbreviated "nationwide permit" to avoid meaningful environmental review. The Army Corps has correctly abandoned that streamlined process and committed to conduct a full and comprehensive environmental review.
I commend the Army Corps for taking a hard look at this flawed project. However, this review will only be meaningful if it includes a broad range of alternatives to managing San Diego County's waste, such as increasing waste diversion and recycling, and using existing landfill space more efficiently. These alternatives would have far less impact on the environment, and would more effectively address San Diego County's waste issues, than building a new landfill on the banks of a river.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Sincerely,
___________
Thank you for taking action
THIS WEEK AT RAINBOW CHURCH - 6/6/10
Pastor's SERMON: Battling our Desire for Superficial Christianity (Phil. 3:1-9)
Communion Sunday.
Offertory Worship: Justin and Lily
Fellowship Lunch: Angie's World Famous Chicken Rollups
JUICE YOUTH NIGHT THIS FRIDAY, (games, Bible, fellowship, fun) from 6:30-8:30pm at church. All ages welcome. Food will be served. Call Pastor Dale for more info: 760-689-8807 (cell)
BRINGING UP DAUGHTERS. This is the message for our Father's Day service.
SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR FAMILY. Every Fall I like to address issues of family and parenting, so in September we'll start a series on setting Boundaries.
WOMEN'S SUMMER BIBLE STUDY begins June 16 with BETH MOORE'S new study on REVELATION. VBS FOR THE KIDS DURING THE WOMEN'S STUDY. Contact our Women's Director Beth Sousa for details: bethsousa@sbcglobal.net
BAPTISM. Father's Day (June 20) at the Ohlsons will be our next Baptism service. We have 3 people being baptized so far. Please let me know if you would like take this step of obedience and public confession to Christ.
MEN'S Bible Study, New Study starting this Tuesday at church, 6pm to 7:30pm (see Pastor Dale for info)
Teens Weekly Bible Study at church. Thursdays 6pm to 7:30pm (See Pastor Dale for info)
Our 2010 Church Prayer focus: Individual Holiness (from today's Victory Bible Reading Plan)
Pr 3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Be Holy for our God is Holy, Pastor Craig
6/3/10
RAINBOW PLANNING GROUP MEETING AGENDA
A San Diego County Heritage Community Since 1880
Advising The Board of Supervisors ~ San Diego County
If there are any changes an updated version will be posted at the Grange Hall at least 72 hours prior
to this meeting.
IV. Open Forum: Opportunity for the public to speak on items not on the agenda.
Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. Speakers should address community land use
issues.
V. County Action Items:
1. Correspondence from county
VI. Old Business
VIII Call for July 21, 2010 agenda items
IX Adjournment until July 21, 2010
Advising The Board of Supervisors ~ San Diego County
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Rainbow Grange
If there are any changes an updated version will be posted at the Grange Hall at least 72 hours prior
to this meeting.
I. Call to order and Pledge Allegiance – Paul Georgantas – Chairman
II. Call for a Quorum
III. Approval of Previous Regular Meeting Minutes
IV. Open Forum: Opportunity for the public to speak on items not on the agenda.
Each speaker is limited to 5 minutes. Speakers should address community land use
issues.
V. County Action Items:
1. Correspondence from county
VI. Old Business
- I-15 Advisory Committee ~ report
- Pala Raceway noise pollution issues and Supervisor meeting date of June 21.
- Request for traffic study SR395.
- Post Office petitioning for Rainbow.
- Liberty Quarry issues.
- High speed rail line update.
VII. New Business
- Reimbursement requests.
- Nominations for seat #4.
- Graffiti issues.
VIII Call for July 21, 2010 agenda items
IX Adjournment until July 21, 2010
5/26/10
GREGORY CANYON LANDFILL MEETING
Deny the Gregory Canyon Dump!
Attend the Army Corp of Engineers Scoping Meeting
Thursday, June 3, 2010
6 p.m.
City of San Marcos Senior Center
Horizon Room
111 Richmar Ave.
San Marcos, CA 92069
Why this matters: The Gregory Canyon Landfill is proposed to be carved into the side of a mountain sacred to the local Luiseño people. Environmental Health Coalition has opposed this project from the beginning because of environmental justice concerns. The dump would be located next to the Pala reservation, home to more than 600 people. The landfill would also contaminate the San Louis Rey River, which supplies water not only to the Pala tribe but also to the City of Oceanside.
6 p.m.
City of San Marcos Senior Center
Horizon Room
111 Richmar Ave.
San Marcos, CA 92069
5/24/10
PINWHEEL QUILT CLASSES
We are starting a new project June 1, Tuesday from 10:00-2:00. Class will run about 6 weeks. The quilt is called a pinwheel quilt, pattered designed by Geri Williamson. Class is held in the Big Red Barn at 1864 Camino Rainbow. Fee is $40.00 plus supplies. For Information call 731-1243
RAINBOW CHURCH/FALLBROOK PRESBYTERIAN PRODUCTION
Rainbow Church is partnering with Fallbrook Presbyterian Church to host Sierra Madre Congregational Church's Youth production of Celebrate Life, a free Gospel presentation of the Life of Jesus.
This Sunday May 30, 2pm!
5/23/10
GREGORY LANDFILL SCOPING MEETING
As you know GCL (dump) project has been assigned to the Army Corp of Engineers, many think this is a significant set back since they basically have to start over with the approval process Here is the information we all need to know and act on.
Please plan to attend the scoping meeting and state your opposition, ask your friends and neighbors to come. This is a very important opportunity to help kill this serious danger to our environment and for many of us our way of life.
Please plan to attend the scoping meeting and state your opposition, ask your friends and neighbors to come. This is a very important opportunity to help kill this serious danger to our environment and for many of us our way of life.
Scoping Process: The Corps will conduct a public scoping meeting for the proposed Gregory Canyon Landfill Project Draft EIS to receive public comment and to assess public concerns regarding the appropriate scope and preparation of the Draft EIS. Participation in the public meeting by federal, state, and local agencies and other interested organizations and persons is encouraged. The meeting will be held onJune 3, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM (PST) at the City of San Marcos Senior Center (Horizon Room), 111 Richmar Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069. Comments on the proposed action, alternatives, or any additional concerns should be submitted in writing. Written comment letters will be accepted until June 18, 2010.
The Corps also anticipates formally consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and with the State Historic Preservation Officer under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Availability of the Draft EIS: The Draft EIS is expected to be published and circulated by mid-2011, and a public meeting will be held after its publication.
Thanks for your help,
Bud Swanson
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