I'm looking forward to serving my neighbors in Crest, Dehesa, Harbison Canyon and Granite Hills for a second term on our elected Planning Group.  Living in an unincorporate part of San Diego County, we don't have a city council -- the Planning Group advises the county on many of the issues on which a city council would normally make decisions, such as community planning, land use, transportation and related issues.

Based on ongoing conversations I've had with residents and neighbors, here are my top priorities for the next term:

1. Implementation of recommendations to improve safety from wildfire.  The Planning Group adopted a comprehensive plan of action at our June 2024 meeting.  That plan can only be advisory, making the next step working with the county, state, fire districts, Fire Safe Council and community associations to implement the plan's recommendations.  

2. Community Plan Update.  Our Community Plan is out of date and overdue for a comprehensive revision.  This update must place improving resilience from wildfire at the center of our planning, including better evacuation routes.

3. Secondary evacuation route for Crest.  It is unacceptable we are 20+ years after the Cedar Fire and Crest still does not have a proper alternate evacuation route that is suitable 24/7, 365, and in all weather conditions.  The lack of this secondary evacuation route poses a direct threat to area residents in the event of catastrophic wildfire and I will continue to do everything possible to persuade the County of San Diego to take long overdue action to ensure area residents have the evacuation capacity necessary for when the fire comes.

4. Safety on La Cresta Road.  As a major transportation artery linking El Cajon, Crest and Harbison Canyon, it is imperative the County of San Diego take steps to improve safety on this road.  Irresponsible driving has no doubt been a major contributing factor to numerous injuries and fatalities on this road, yet there is no doubt additional steps can be taken for reconfiguring it to reduce the risks posed to drivers.  I have counted 8 blind curves between Crest and Greenfield Drive, and I will continue to press the County to take action.

5. Opposing discriminatory taxes and fees targeting East County residents.  It's no secret the powers in Sacramento continue to push for higher density housing throughout the state, including by discouraging homebuilding in our urban-rural interface zones like Crest, Harbison Canyon and Dehesa.  Policies proposed in Sacramento will disproportionately target our residents as part of a broad effort to "encourage" more development along the coast by making it more difficult and expensive to build inland.  The recently proposed "mileage tax" is one such punitive measure.  The Planning Group voted unanimously to oppose the county's proposed "mileage tax" and I will continue taking every opportunity to weigh in heavily against such measures in the next term.

The Planning Group is only advisory to the county, but it is our local voice to county government.  Please send me a note with any concerns or issues you have that we may be able to address.  In the meantime, I'll continue working hard to make the community safer, better and more affordable for everyone.

Looking forward,
Ron Nehring
Vice Chairman and Crest Member, Crest Dehesa Harbison Canyon Granite Hills Planning Group

The Planning Group adopted the most comprehensive package in its history to improve safety from wildfire in the region.  Seven resolutions, each adopted unanimously, focus on integrating wildfire resilience into our community planning efforts and advising the County of San Diego on improving wildfire safety in the subregion.

These resolutions emphasize the importance of proactive measures such as creating defensible space around properties, implementing fire-resistant building materials and landscaping practices, enhancing emergency evacuation routes, and fostering community education on wildfire preparedness. These steps are necessary to mitigate the risk of wildfires to protect lives and properties and ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of our community. By prioritizing wildfire resilience, we can reduce potential damage, improve response times, and create a more resilient and informed community.

Taken together, the resolutions in this package include the following in the course of advising the county:

• Wildfire Risk Reduction and Vegetation Management
  • Reduction of Wildfire Susceptibility: Advocating for policies to reduce vegetation density and manage fuel loads​​.
  • Fuel Breaks: Establishing and maintaining fuel breaks along key roads such as La Cresta Road, Suncrest Truck Trail, Harbison Canyon Road, Dehesa Road, Willow Glen Drive, and Mountain View Road​​.
• Evacuation and Emergency Response
  • Evacuation Route Improvements: Recommending urgent action to enhance Suncrest Truck Trail to function as a 24/7 all-weather evacuation route​​.
  • Additional Capacity Needs: Improving Suncrest Truck Trail and ensuring other routes are sufficient for evacuation and emergency vehicle access​​.
  • Signage and Coordination: Placing appropriate signage on evacuation routes and coordinating with fire and law enforcement agencies​​.
• Building and Land Use Regulations
  • Fire-Resistant Building Materials: Promoting the use of fire-resistant building materials and practices including defensible space around structures​​.
  • New Developments: Recommending requiring new developments to clear vegetation, use Class A fire-rated roofing materials, install ember-resistant vents, and use tempered glass​​.
  • Land Use Planning: Integrating wildfire risk reduction into all land use decisions and planning activities​​.
• Community Engagement and Education
  • Firewise Communities: Encouraging communities to become recognized Firewise USA communities​​.
  • Public Education: Initiating public education campaigns on wildfire risks and preparedness​​​​.
  • Community Events: Holding public events annually to provide information on defensible space, home hardening, and evacuation procedures​​.
• Resource Management and Coordination
  • Comprehensive Fuel Load Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of current fuel loads and identifying critical areas​​.
  • Coordination with Property Owners: Enhancing coordination with surrounding property owners and communities to manage vegetation​​.
    
    

SUMMARY OF EACH RESOLUTION

Resolution 1: Establishing Wildfire Risk Reduction as the Top Policy Priority

This resolution establishes wildfire risk reduction as the top policy priority for the Crest Dehesa Harbison Canyon Granite Hills Community Planning Group. Given that the subregion is identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having a higher risk of wildfire than 94% to 100% of communities in America, it is imperative to implement proactive measures to minimize wildfire susceptibility. The resolution calls for initiatives such as reducing vegetation density, promoting fire-resistant building materials, enhancing evacuation routes, and integrating wildfire risk reduction into all land use decisions. This focus is necessary to protect lives, property, and the natural environment from the devastating impact of wildfires.

Resolution 2: Advising the County of San Diego on Immediate Action on Wildfire Preparedness and Evacuation
This resolution advises immediate action to improve wildfire preparedness and evacuation routes, particularly emphasizing the urgent need to enhance Suncrest Truck Trail as a reliable all-weather evacuation route. The communities of Crest, Harbison Canyon, Dehesa, and Granite Hills face significant wildfire risks, with limited evacuation options. Enhancing Suncrest Truck Trail and securing necessary easements from property owners are critical steps to ensure safe and efficient evacuations during emergencies. This resolution is necessary to address the imminent threat posed by inadequate evacuation routes, which could endanger lives and exacerbate the impact of wildfires.

Resolution 3: Advising the County of San Diego to Update the Community Plan, and Authorize a Major Update

This resolution advises the county to begin an update of the Community plan and proposes revisions, incorporating recommendations from a comprehensive review of wildfire risk, land use, and transportation capacity. The updates aim to enhance wildfire resilience, improve evacuation capacity, and ensure community safety. Key revisions include establishing fuel breaks, improving evacuation routes, and integrating fire-resistant building requirements. The resolution is necessary to ensure that the Community Plan reflects the latest best practices in wildfire management and addresses the subregion's heightened vulnerability to wildfires.

Resolution 4: Advising the County of San Diego to Update the Resource Management Plan for Stoneridge County Preserve and Take Immediate Action to Reduce Wildfire Risk

This resolution advises the County of San Diego to update the Resource Management Plan for Stoneridge County Preserve to reduce fire risk. Given the preserve is classified as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the resolution recommends conducting a comprehensive fuel load assessment, expanding fuel modification zones, and implementing regular maintenance and monitoring. It also calls for enhancing coordination with surrounding communities and updating fire management practices. This resolution is necessary to address the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires and to protect both natural resources and the safety of surrounding communities.

Resolution 5: Commending Fire Agencies

This resolution expresses gratitude to the representatives and personnel of the San Miguel Fire Protection District, CalFire, and the San Diego County Sheriff's Office for their expertise and dedication to wildfire resilience. These agencies have provided valuable advice and recommendations to the Planning Group, demonstrating unwavering commitment and bravery in protecting the community from wildfires. The resolution is necessary to acknowledge and appreciate the critical support and guidance these agencies provide in enhancing wildfire resilience and ensuring community safety.

Resolution 6: Commending the Crest Fire Safe Council

This resolution commends the Crest Fire Safe Council and the Crest Community Association for their exceptional dedication to developing and updating the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, providing public education on wildfire issues, and implementing programs to reduce wildfire risk. The leaders of the Fire Safe Council have shown outstanding commitment and leadership in enhancing community safety and preparedness. This resolution is necessary to recognize and appreciate the significant contributions of these organizations in mitigating wildfire risks and fostering a culture of safety and resilience.

Resolution 7: Advising the County of San Diego to Encourage Communities to Become Firewise USA Communities

This resolution advises the County of San Diego to encourage communities to become recognized Firewise USA communities, a program managed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Participation in the Firewise USA program helps communities assess wildfire risks, develop action plans, and implement measures to reduce those risks. The resolution highlights the benefits of being a Firewise USA community, such as enhanced safety, community engagement, access to resources, and potential insurance benefits. This resolution is necessary to promote proactive community-level initiatives that enhance wildfire resilience and reduce the risk of wildfire damage.