Did the lady on foot with the palomino at the entrance to Mt Woodson tract 3:45 am Mon get help? She wouldnt leave her horse [good for her!]and come with me- I stopped at the roadblocks and requested help from the sheriffs- did it come?
My name is Judy London We sill have friends there in and around Ramona can you tell me if the ranch That used to be called Big Sky Ranch on Old Julian Highway is still there?
Hey, I'm in the Scripps Poway Parkway Home Depot Parking lot with about 100 fellow Ramonans. We'll be happy to bring as many of those 10,000 water meter locks as we can purchase from Home Depot if you let us back in to OUR homes!
I have a simple question to pose to the water district.
So why, after the 2003 fires and the pump/waterline failure years ealier, have you failed to purchase emergency generators? I have designed water resource facilities in Oregon as an Engineer, and find it hard to believe this district does not have backup generators in case of electrical failure. That should be a priority, along with duality in the pumping system and a looped water supply system.
I find the omission of emergency generators imprudent.
I just saw the RMWD guys walking down the street turning off the meters! Come on people, don't turn them back on once they turn them off! Let these guys do their job so we can get this mess fixed and get everyone back home safely! These guys looked and sounded exhausted! Give them a break! AM
Hey Ramona citizens, hold on to your passion, when we get to the other side of this temporary mess we can use it to ask those tough questions that the media and the flat landers will not have the guts to ask. This thing could have been stopped Monday with the assistance of the best pilots and technology in the world. Check the RMWD website, the principal decision makers and oversite people are listed. I started sending e-mails to Supervisor Jacob's office Monday, the responses were immediate and spot on. Geoff Patnoe in her office is to be commended for his diligence and detail. Let's not forget our 3 Congressmen who blew the wistle on the cluster .... that went on from Sunday to Wednesday by the CalFire management. I stayed and I'm using pool water to flush the toilets, a little gamy perhaps but gratefull I stayed. The Estates has turned out to one of the safest places in the county. JD Baker; every thing south of San Vicente road seems to be safe and sound. Selby
I agree with Selby, Geoff Patnoe, Diane Jacob's Chief of Staff has responded to my emails with great information. An example:
Thank you for your email. Supervisor Jacob is as frustrated as you are about the inability of Ramona residents to return to their homes and property. I have attached two media releases from this afternoon that go into detail as to the reasons fire and State officials have not given the green light to allow people back into Ramona. Supervisor Jacob is currently at the County Emergency Operations Center demanding that this issue be addressed immediately. The primary reason for the delay is because the Ramona Water District did not request any mutual aid assistance from the County Water Authority until this afternoon since they do not have the resources to address the current water challenges in Ramona. The Water Authority had been ready to assist but could not move in without the request. Everyone is working on addressing the water situation and developing other solutions that may allow folks to return ASAP as long as the fire officials and the State approve the plan. I know this email may not give you the answer that you are seeking at the moment however it is the most up to date information available and I wanted to get you a response to your email. We will continue to send you updates as they become available. The information pasted below will help update you as well. Another good resource for information is the Ramona Sentinel website at http://www.ramonasentinel.com as Supervisor Jacob has been on the phone with the paper all day updating the situation with Ramona and the challenges of opening up the community. Another source of information is www.sdcountyemergency.com.
When all is said and done, I believe we should hold a town meeting to discuss what went well, and what we need to improve, and how to go about it. Diane Jacobs is not the only one at fault, she is one of many. I am amazed by how strongly we Ramonans stick together. Let's stay strong!!!
To anonymous from 4:42pm (sorry if you had your name signed I'd use it) - do not try to use Mina de Oro bypass. The western end had terrible burns with 30-40 houses detroyed. That is the only area of Poway still not open to residents either.
In the Last 6 months both my father and my husband have passed away, and now I have had to wait for 6 days and still do not know if I have a home to return to. I don't know much. But I believe all things happen for a reason. I, like many other Ramonian's have been waiting (not too happily, or patiently with the lack of information we have) But I think it is important in this time of crisis to remember those people who have risked their lives to save us and our properties. To them I say thank you very much. To those who now have the unfortunate task of following orders to keep us from our homes thank you also, I know you are only doing your job, and have families you want to go home to also. As for me, personaly, any info on homes on the dirt road on Elm?
I am looking for my daughter, Tina Scrofani, her significant other, Steve Jones, and her little son, Jason. Haven't heard from them since Sunday night when they said the fires were getting bad there.
Is their house still standing? 151 Carlin St..
Please let me know. We are beside ourselves with concern as we live in Texas.
You can email me at: ksmithey@gmail.com
My prayers go out to those who have suffered loss in these fires.
I emailed Diane Jacobs office and received a quick response. It reads as follows:
Thank you for your email. Supervisor Jacob is as frustrated as you are about the inability of Ramona residents to return to their homes and property. I have attached two media releases from this afternoon that go into detail as to the reasons fire and State officials have not given the green light to allow people back into Ramona. Supervisor Jacob is currently at the County Emergency Operations Center demanding that this issue be addressed immediately. The primary reason for the delay is because the Ramona Water District did not request any mutual aid assistance from the County Water Authority until this afternoon since they do not have the resources to address the current water challenges in Ramona. The Water Authority had been ready to assist but could not move in without the request. Everyone is working on addressing the water situation and developing other solutions that may allow folks to return ASAP as long as the fire officials and the State approve the plan. I know this email may not give you the answer that you are seeking at the moment however it is the most up to date information available and I wanted to get you a response to your email. We will continue to send you updates as they become available. The information pasted below will help update you as well. Another good resource for information is the Ramona Sentinel website at http://www.ramonasentinel.com as Supervisor Jacob has been on the phone with the paper all day updating the situation with Ramona and the challenges of opening up the community. Another source of information is www.sdcountyemergency.com.
I hate to start a rumor if this isn't true but a friend of mine just talked to a law enforcement officer that told him HWY 67 would be open @ 7:15 tonight. That means any minute now. Hope this is true.
First, thank you Ramona Sentinel for providing this communication line. Ramona is not getting much coverage since the flames died down. All the channels are fickle and looking for ratings.
There was a comment about a Channel 8 newsman, Larry Himmel, losing his home. I do feel for they guy, it must be devastating. But following Larry (or Jim Stone around as they go to find out if their homes are destroyed is just "yellow journalism"; staged drama so much that cameras were in place for tearful shots. Cheap tricks.
And speaking of that, "Cowboy Shawn Stiles" holding onto his micro phone as he helped move a fire hose a few feet is pure televison. I wonder how long it will be before we see this "sound bite" on intros to the 6 o'clock news.
The real heroes in this time are those quiet acts of heroism not done for attention or ratings but because it was the right thing to do. Firefighters, law enforcement, the Ramona Sentinel, horse trailer owners who ferried horses to safety; people who stayed behind to feed my cat and strangers feeding others livestock, evacuees donating time/water/food at Qualcomm and the countless unsung acts of kindness that are the hallmark of Ramona residents.
We will come thru this like we did the Cedar fire. We learned a lot of lessons with the Cedar and I'm sure that we will learn some more lessons from this one. Linda
I saw on channel 8 that the ramona water distric was offered help from other agencys and refused it.there are a lot of damaged water systems on peoples property that has water dumping out to the ground ,If they were let in this could be stopped and the water restored sooner. I learned from the cedar fire not to leave or you wont get back in. A couple of guys from town saved my sisters house the house 3 doors down had a small grass fire that was controllable that spread to the rv than to the house no one around to do anything about it .
jrtfan12, Thank you for the info on Rancho Santa Teresa. We use to live in Rancho Santa Teresa and worked in Ramona. My kids went to school in Ramona. We still feel like it is our home. So many good times and people in Ramona. We built and lived at 24620 Rancho Santa Teresa. Even though we don't own it or live there it is still close to our hearts. It is the 1st house off the 1st enterance from Ramona into Rancho Santa Teresa. Also does anyone know if there is a fund for Ramona and those that have lost so much? Or is there a fund to help with gas or animal feed for those that stayed to help save places, animals, feeding and getting info for others? Thank you all for the info. Patty Brown
I am a Ramona resident. Now that the roads are open, what in the heck am I gonna do with no power. I am letting all of the looneys go tonight. Whats gonna happen when everyone needs to go to the store when the food supply is short. I know I dont want to wait multiple hours in line to get up, just to wait in line for food. I also heard gas was short. Let the town replenish its resources. I don want a disaster once everyone realizes supplies are short.
Per OSHA guidelines, (1) toilet per 10 people is sufficient. If 20,000 people return tonight. Then 2,000 toilets would be necessary. I think Diane Jacobs crew needs to learn math.
HA! Told You! you just can't win. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard during these trying days, fighting the fires, taking time to drive all over Ramona to check address' for people who couldn't get in, to the girls who made sure Black betty had water, the person who posted the inquiry about the woman and her horse, to the folks at the airport, to the people who volunteered at shelters, the people who checked on strangers animals, and to the people with wells who will undoubtably open their homes to people with no water to shower. Thanks Ramona!
YEEEEEEEHAW! I can hear my neighbors coming home to Berryessa. Anyone in need of "flushing water" on the cul de sac, my pool has 15000 gallons. AND its CLEAN and crystal clear. Took me no less than a dozen filter cleanings over the last few days. When I stayed behind I PLANNED for this. Challenge to other pool owners: Be a good neighbor and help your neighbors.
Good luck to you all! My sister and I were talking how our mom must of been looking down on my dad's house on Budweiser! (Haverford and Pine) We found out today it was actually the firemen who always train out there! We are so grateful! They came by and talked to my dad today and told him their stories! They even used the water from the jacuzzi! We owe them more than words! You guys and gals are awesome and we love you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God Bless you all! And God Bless Black Betty! :) Kinds brings a smile to your face... doesn't it?
Didn't you guys learn anything at scout camp? Like how to dig a latrine or the true use of a sturdy tree! Just remember to take the paper away in a plastic bag! C'mon, this is Ramona...lots of private places. At least you are home.
I am one of the many that would like to commend the Ramona Sentinel for their coverage of the fire. It is nice to see names I recognize and reports that are from reliable sources that know the area. Thank you.
Evacuation Orders Which Have Been Lifted - Thursday, October 25:
RAMONA (FULLY LIFTED), FALLBROOK (PARTIALLY LIFTED) - Ramona residents will be allowed to return to their homes as of 7:15 p.m. today, via the following routes of reentry only: Highway 67 from Poway Highway 78 from Julian
Is there a plan for distribution of the portapotties? We do indeed need more than 300 for health and "stink-control". And by all means I hope there won't be concentrated "crapper-farms" music festival style. That would be bad. Before coming up the hill grab some five gallon pails at HoDep to bail pool water or other sources. Have fun. We're just campin'. This'll be over soon. And we'll install a new RMWD director. Pompous (choose your favorite expletive)!
carlo, power was out from 4:00 am to 1:00pm the same day. Have had little outages since but nothing too long. Sorry I can't remember the day power went out
San Diego Water District is here helping out. I spoke to one of the representatives who estimated water would be restored by tomorrow night. We have much to be thankful for.
Thanks to the Scherer's for giving so much information about homes and conditions in Ramona. I know everyone really appreciates it.
They said that the homes on Carlin St. are okay. As a former resident of Carlin Street ( The Doll Family), it's very good news.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fires. My sincere sympathy for those that have lost homes and animals. We should take heart in the fact that there has been little loss of life.
I have been through several natural disasters (Hurrican Hugo, Andrew, and Loma Prieta), and I can tell you that people are venting out of frustration, but that many, many, many, people have your best interests at heart.
Out of something so bad, the good will be a unity of the community. Now and always.
So many familiar names and places bring back so many memories to us. God Bless all of you.
is there any estimate when the 78 will open up from escondido? Is the FEMA only for people who lost homes...or also for people displaced and running up credit cards to pay for hotel/food/neccesities?
I got a text message on my prepaid cellphone earlier today that $29.00 had been credited to my account. I knew that I didn't add any minutes on my phone, so I logged in to my account to see what was up. Verizon added a "SoCal Wildfire Credit" of $29.00! What a surprise, I'm still in shock!
I want to offer a HUGE thank you to the Ramona Sentinel and all of those who have shared info- this site has been the connection that everyone needed- THANK YOU!
Thanks to the Doll Family for the information that Carlin St. survived. At least I know her house is still standintg.
I am still seeking any info about my daughter, Tina Scrofani, her significant other, Steve Jones, and her little son, Jason. Haven't heard from them since Sunday night when they said the fires were getting bad there.
I'm in Texas and not knowing anything is unbearable.
Thank you Ramona Sentinel, my only regret is that I did not hear about the blog until this morning. 78, 67 and Wild Cat Canyon all open into Ramona. It is my understanding that FEMA will only pay if you suffered a loss or damage to your home. Your homeowner's insurance should cover the evacuation expense, but only in excess of your deductible and they WILL file it as a claim, so be careful if you go that route, as insurance companies tend to drop you if you have 2 or more claims in a 5 year period. It may not be worth the risk for a few hundred $. Also, as far as the negative comments made to those individuals that were honestly sharing their frustrations on the blog. I applaud you. I was listening to AM600 on my way back into town and the announcer (don't know his name) couldn't stop talking about how PROUD and IMPRESSED he was with the passion and demand for answers that we Ramonans showed today. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!
We are home, no smoke in house, the power didnt go off long enough to melt the freezer. Everything is intact and the cat I couldn't catch made it too. I didn't see one burned house on SW side of town. The air is clear, we must have lots of electricity because every business I saw had their lights on.
I want to thank Diane Jacob, for getting to the bottom of this and letting us come home. I had been pretty harsh with her earlier. Now it looks like she is facing problems squarely and letting us know what situation is. Although I am kinda curious what happened with the water. Did it reverse siphon septic? Or is this just lake water.
Again I want to thank all the people who stayed, flew in, camped out fought fires around here. I wish I could have stayed with you. It seems quit an adventure.
Evacuating down the hill, multiple places and trying to keep working was tough also. We ended up in a 950 square foot apartment with 7 people and beds for 4. Not to mention the 2 dogs, 2 cats and a ferret in a no pets apartment.
Thank you so much to Bob V. and "Lynn on San Vicente" for the information on Bruce Pollock and his home on Galeria Cir. It put my husband at ease knowing he is okay.
Good luck to all Ramonans and I'm glad that some of you can go back home tonight.
RUTH TOWNSEND She is our neighbor and my parents fireman friend put the word out about her a few days ago. Our neighborhood was not affected by the fires so her house is fine! My parents will also look out for her when they're able to return to Ramona. Don't worry, I'm sure the neighbors are taking good care of her.
I lived in Ramona for many years, and my prayers are with you all. I have heard from some friends still there, and thought of so many more in reading this. Please remember the blessings you each have, and the ability to make more, regardless of what you may be currently facing. Only in death are you unable to make more memories, and even out of this tragedy, choices can be made to create good memories. We went up to help 4 years ago, and will do it again if needed. God bless you all, Laurie
so... are you going to vote for the a tax increase to support infrastructure and fire services? you can't have it both ways. if you are dissatisfied and think you can do a better job, get involved!
thanks j.d. for your wise quote.
wish everyone well. please help a friend or a stranger through this difficult time.
remember, we are all lucky to live amongst such beauty and wealth.
As we try to settle back into our lives with our individual challenges here in Ramona. I would like to see some needed changes with resources, identify process defects, or skill sets with in the RMWD. Regardless of what should of happened or not happened.. we can not afford to have it happen again. As a community what are our next steps? I dont think we are capable of sustaining another alike emergency in regards to our water resource. Any thoughts ?
I got a question, do we have to come back to Ramona if we prefer to have running water so we can have a shower and maybe wash the close we have been wearing for 5 days? I am one of those dumb water district customer who isn't in a hurry to get back to NO WATER!!!
My Grandparents lived near the 67 & Mussey Grade Rd & Split Road Rd. for 20 years. Visited Ramona during many summers & Christmas vacations. Glad to here that the area is OK. Thank-you for the information.
A big Thank-you to the Ramona Sentinel for this blog.
To the residents of Ramona sincere sympathies for those who lost their homes.
Hurray we can go home!! I will be leaving Temecula in the morning. If someone knows if items for Ramona need to be picked I have my large truck with me and can do it, to help out. 760-214-5234 Thanks everyone who checked our home and it is ok. Thanks for having this blog it really helped, since Ramona was always left out just like with the Cedar fire.
Glad to hear that Ramona families have returned home. So thankful that our kids, Ben, Kim and Jordan Narramore home was spared, but our hearts are heavy for those that have suffered a great loss. Ramona you are in our prayers. As you begin this time of recovery rebuilding your community,I pray that your faith in God will able you to make lemonade out the lemons you will be facing. May God bless Ramona.
I live in a home off of the Davis St. cross-street on Walnut near Ramona proper. A google map of the fire-line (on Wed) showed the fire as streaking across the back of our property line but not into our yard. It was a point-by-point straight line overlay but since fires are hardly so neat and orderly, hopefully my home is spared not only from the fire but perhaps even serious ash and soot damage.
My main question is this: If we receive water into the house via RMWD, but all outgoing is to our septic, would flushing be a problem still? Can I simply fill our toilet bowl (with our own water on hand) just for flushing? I have absolutely no intention of turning on our supplied water until given the go-ahead.
Sorry for my ignorance, I'm a city girl. I do not want to return home if this is a serious issue.
My secondary question is about the air quality as I'm an asthmatic. I realize the quality is bad all over and I'll have to medicate more, but is the smoke still hanging low or thick in the air or are the skies blue and clear?
I'm extremely anxious to get home but not at the expense or hinderance to my health or to others still displaced due to water issues.
===
I would like to thank everyone who has done so much for the community of Ramona.. from the public and civil servants to our very own friends and neighbors.
~~waves to Pastor D. I believe you are the fella to show up at my home when a shipment of books accidentally shipped to my address. I really appreciate all your responses to the questions of so many here.
I am concerned about my sister Holly Shelton Allen and her husband Joe Allen. I know their apartment on Montecito was not destroyed but I have not heard from them. If you know they are ok, please post here or email me at ksteen@dpi.state.nc.us They may be volunteers at In His Steps Mens Home. I am so sorry for the tradgedy you all have suffered in Ramona and I am keeping you in my prayers every day. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:31
Does anyone know anything about the SanDiego Country Estates in Ramona on Papas Dr? My family has a condo there and we haven't heard anything yet regarding if it was affected or not? Anybody have any knowledge? Thanks
I am attempting to find out information concerning my sister, niece and other relatives. I am out of town in Kentucky and I live in Florida. What about Elm St. in Ramona?
The Country Estates and property in that area is okay.
There were losses on Elm in Ramona, you can go to the following web site and it lists losses.
http://sdcountyemergency.com/
As for flushing your toilet. You can flush so long as you use bottled water. If you're one of the lucky ones that has a well and electricity you can use your well water to flush. I'm sure by now that the water dept. has all water meters shut off. I know they came down San Vicente last night around 8 turning off meters.
They said on the news a few minutes ago that water will probably be off for 48 hours. We'll all be smelling really good by then. A bit of humor.
There are port-a-potties next to the rotunda at the IEC and I've heard that the Village Store has some as well! Just think of this as camping without the marshmallows! WOO-HOO!
Does anyone have any information about Katy Cain, her sheep and pets? Her home on Black Canyon is listed as destroyed. She's been a pet sitter to many of us in Ramona.
Does anyone have any information about Katy Cain, her sheep and pets? Her home on Black Canyon is listed as destroyed. She's been a pet sitter for many of us in Ramona.
John Selby Big thanks to the Owner and staff of the Sentinel for your efforts during this time. Isn't curious that once the fire gets to the "wealthy" communities, Ramona seems to become an after thought. For the person asking abount the condos...all of the condos in the Estates have survivied. As to voting for more money , how much actually gets to the infrastructure? I'm of the opnion that rewarding poor management and incompetence sends the wrong message. Selby
John Selby Big thanks to the Owner and staff of the Sentinel for your efforts during this time. Isn't it curious that once the fire gets to the "wealthy" communities, Ramona seems to become an after thought. For the person asking abount the condos...all of the condos in the Estates have survivied. As to voting for more money , how much actually gets to the infrastructure? I'm of the opnion that rewarding poor management and incompetence sends the wrong message. Selby
STATUS: Does anyone know the status of the military housing apartments that sit between 10th and 11th Streets right behind Main Street? I have a daughter and son-in-law who are living there. ALSO ... Thank you, thank you, thank you, to the Ramona Sentinel for doing such a fantastic job keeping information up to date. We check this website several times throughout the day. Quite often, it has kept our family from much unnecessary worry. ~~ Our prayers are with Ramona
Thank you to the sentinel for giving this forum to alow us an avenue to comunicate with each other and find out info that we would not otherwise have been able to find out. Is there any more info on destroyed or damaged properties in the Ramona area? The list is very limited ... (is that becasue that is that is all the homes that were damaged?) I have yet been able to make it back to town. I have an elderly mother Please Respond someone
Thanks Ramona Sentinel....without this board, we would have never known what the hell was going on up in Ramona. Now we are home and are able to clean up and continue on with normal life. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who lost property or life in this disaster.
Oh Please, to all of the whiners out there....I have a GREAT idea. Why not let ALL of those folks into an unsafe area....maybe they will all get sick and then they can be hospitalized...have NO access to a computer, then people who are concerned about loved ones, the hardworking response teams can use this blog to find out USEFUL information. I believe that is what this blog is intended for!!!! Go to your pastors and cry!!!
A bit more humor ... With no electricity to watch TV, no water to drink or bathe, (so lets have a beer or 2 or 3), there will be a bunch of roudy, stinky drunk "hicks" with no cows to tip. Just think about that when you are in the porta-a-potties tee hee hee Or, if we all pee behind a tree, the water table might rise!!!
I am not a resident of Ramona, but I work there. I love Ramona, the people and the beautiful views all around. I hopefully will get up to work in the next day or so, and have a car full of clothes and blankets to donate. I am happy for all who got to finally go home. Be safe.
To all in Ramona, we are so sorry for all of your losses and hassles. We are glad to finally find a place to learn about our old community. To the people who live at 608 Pile St.--So glad your house is still OK. That was our home for 14 years. Keep on fighting, you guys!! Nancy Smith
I hear a town meeting is planned to vote the water district out. 6% surcharge on water bills and no results for 7 years this was supposed to be prevented. 4 days plus without water is ridiculous. Especially since there is no definite date when water will be restored. Unacceptable! I am also hearing conflicting reports regarding roads being opened. Some said it wasn't until 6 am this morning that the road was actually open. And the 78 is actually still closed from escondido to ramona?
To whoever gave the news on Ramona Vista (I'm assuming those are the military apartments I had asked about), thank you for the information. It is greatly appreciated.
People I know in the Estates said they only had to leave for 1 day and their home is fine. My home, which I had to leave for 6 days, Is OK Burned backyard and outbuldings. Why the BIG discrepancy in WHO was allowed back and WHO WAS NOT ?!?!?
Does anyone know what happened to Kritter Kamp on Creekside off of Old Julian Hwy? Are Jim, the people and dogs okay? We live in Ramona but are waiting until the water is back. Thank you to Ramona Sentinel, emergency services and everyone there to help and support us.
I am concerned about my sister Holly Shelton Allen and her husband Joe Allen. I know their apartment on Montecito was not destroyed but I have not heard from them. If you know they are ok, please post here or email me at ksteen@dpi.state.nc.us They may be volunteers at In His Steps Mens Home. I am so sorry for the tradgedy you all have suffered in Ramona and I am keeping you in my prayers every day.
Hi all. I do not live in Ramona anymore, but I am a San Diego Native and raised in Ramona since age 1. So I consider it my hometown for sure. I now live in Las Vegas. I am currently taking donations for you and plan to arrive with a truckload of goods sometime the week 11/5. I just received my first big donation of water, canned goods, personal hygiene products. Sorry no portable showers as of yet. I need to hook up someone in Ramona, possibly a church or charitable organization, so I can plan for my arrival. Please email me at lorna@edcnevada.com if you can help me out. God Bless you all, Lorna Kroepfl
Thanks for all the info that is being shared on this Blog. Especially JRTFAN12 who has given much detailed info.
You gave info of the Santa Teresa Estates Area. My mom's house was/is across the street behind Camelot Mobile Home Park. (Could be another name.) She called it 12 Oaks and it is not visible from the street. 24580 Hwy 78.
If anyone has info on this small home, I would appreciate it.
AT&T Mobility (Cingular) is giving FREE GO phones with $10 of free airtime while supply lasts to those that had to evacuate. Closest location is Santee on the corner of Mission Gorge and Town Center Parkway. Julian people are still displaced so if anyone knows of someone that would benefit please call Sherry Sprayberry 858-361-5538 for more info.
You all are in our thoughts. TY sentinel for this site. my mom, grandma, aunt, and two cousins live there. I havent lived there for almost 9 years, but consider it home.
I have been told my cousin lost her house and the other lost some out buildings.
rick jensen from vista called the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and said he has free 55 gallon drums. these are food grade (oil and such) can be used to store potable water... if you are interested call 760.580.1342
RE: Water Restoration, RCOC is in contact with the Water District, the Water District is trying to determine an ETA for water usage and will get back to us as soon as they know. Part of the issue is that the Health Department has to sign off on the water. We will Post this Info as soon as we get it.
To be displaced by an act of nature is one thing but to be put out because of the incompetence of the Ramona Water district is unforgivable. Not to have back up generators for an important town's water supply and not to have spare fuses for pumps is ridiculous. Everyone I talked to said why not put in a new fuse panel instaed of looking for old fuses. There may be a reason they did or cannot do this but someone should be held responsible.
It was a combination of lack of manpower,incompetence(not knowing how to fix electrical problem) and management egomaniac attitude. All this could have been prevented by Ramona Water requesting assistance from the County, just like every other district did. This is unacceptable and something needs to be done. Maybe than, next time we have to evacuate our town, due to natural disasters, we will be allowed back to our homes as soon as possible. The last thing we all need is to be kept away because someone is making poor decisions on our behalf. This was and is preventable.
Ramona will settle after the dust settles, I know so many are upset. But you do not really know the problems the water districts had, parts had to go here and there more then likely, and helped put out fires. I know you wanted to go home, but a day or two if you have a home you are okay, maybe the parts that they had to repair the pumps saved other homes elsewhere. Or stopped the fire from doing more damage then what was done to Ramona. Just be glad you have a home, and if you know someone who lost their home, help them.
Thae chatting has slowed because we are trying to clean the mess and are running on battery power, having to transport water and food, and trying to help our less fortunate neighbors. Hope you trying to help the less fortunate also.
All you folks complaining about what the Water District should have done to "prevent" this problem, I have a question for you? How did you vote the last time they wanted to raise rates? Backup systems don't pay for themselves. If you aren't willing to pay for the upgrade to the system, don't complain when it fails.
To those who lost their homes, my heart goes out to you.
I commend the folks who gave the all out efforts, I appreciate the communities that showed their heart, and I thank god for what I have. But now let’s get past this and address the issues that are present in our community in regards to our water resources. The RMWD holds a meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. I would guess that this would be a good time for the board to hold a "Special Meeting" with a very detailed agenda focused on our recent crises. As we elected these folks - we need to show this group some support by showing up to these meetings and voicing the changes needed as well as helping navigate objectives that may be initiated. If everyone is serious about driving some change there needs to be involvement. We also need to get past the "this is better than being dead" attitude,Or the above comment that insinuates “you get what you pay for” ..throwing money at anything will make it work. Good management of resources will make it thrive. Improvement is continuous and constant. I feel at this point we need to take a business approach and analyze our current capabilities, redundancies, water resources as well as our current decision makers and their skill sets.
Thank you to those of you who responded to the news of the Bishop's home. Jim, Terri & Family- we are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family & recovery are in our prayers.
Our hearts go out to all of the families that have suffered a loss in this disaster; yet our hearts are warmed by all the goodness that has been apparent since the onset of this tragedy.
Thank you to those of you who looked afer the animals of those who chose to evacuate- you actions are so selfless & loving.
Has anyone heard any news of Steve & Patti Grassilli's property? They live near Little Page / Sawday. We are concerned & would appreciate any information.
We're sorry that some of you feel your time is best spent complaining; there are so many better ways to spend your energy!
RGV - WELL SAID. I agree with your intelligent and realistic comments and plan on attending the special meeting, not to complain, but to ask how they going to fix the problem and ensur it never happens again. I heard it all started with a faulty fuse box and instead of fixing the problem, they kept replacing fuses until they had no more fuses left. When Dianne Jacob stated they did not have the electrical expertise to fix the problem, they should have called an expert, like you and I do when we need one, instead of burying their heads in the sand. Again, great post.
I am so sad to hear of the loss that so many have experienced. I grew up in Ramona and my parents still live there -- it has been long week wondering what they were going to come back to. We had so many family members evacuated from their homes throughout San Diego County, at times it was hard to keep track of where everybody was! I am so thankful that everyone in my family has had a home to come back to. I just want to say thanks to the Ramona Sentinel because it was the best source of information about Ramona that I could find. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. Stay safe and take care of each other.
BTW - If it wasn't for the ash, cinders and smoke, you would never know from the estates that there was a fire. At least from Pappas Road, nothing like the Cedar fire, where everything was a moon scape.
Please post an updated list of damaged homes/properties for friends of famalies in Ramona and if there were any deaths;very concerned.Not much has been written in detail about Ramona. Thank You for your assistance! Very Sorry For Ramona's losses.
I'm sorry if this question has alredy been asked/answered but has water and/or power been returned to Ramona yet? I live in Ramona Vista and we're still up in L.A. evacuated.
In the estates, as of right now power yes, water no. Does anyone have a status on the water? Will Ramona schools be closed if the water is not on by Monday?
So...in the Estates where there is no water, is the sewage and water treatment facility operating? If I can fill the toilet tank with pool/spa water, am I allowed to flush?
If you flush your toilet with "other than tap water" you're good to go. Sewer system working just fine. Would love to take a hot shower before having to go to work Monday morning though!!!
So check this out. I just called RMWD and spoke with a "representative" who told me they have NO IDEA when the water will be restored and once it does get restored it should ONLY be used for flushing toilets and NOT SHOWERING... Then when I asked her is there was anyone there that could tell me how this happened, SHE HUNG UP ON ME!!!! I guess we don't deserve any information or explaination even considering we are the CUSTOMERS who pay their salaries. UNBELIEVABLE.
We would like to extend our yard to any dog who may need a temporary home for anyone who has lost their home. We have a dog of our own who would love some company. Please call me on my cell if you need further information. 760-533-6258 Donna Bertolero
really, why can't RMWD post current info on their own website? soccer, baseball, school district all have status messages up. isn't the #1 topic right now water (not to discount those who lost homes or lives)? maybe DJ was correct in pointing the finger squarely at them! i'm sure they have a major challenge, and i do believe they are doing their best. i'll even give them the benefit of the doubt that they are doing a great job given the circumstances. but if their webmaster isn't out turning on water valves right now, it's hard to understand why they can't give an authoritive statement on their website. don't they have a message to deliver rather than conflicting reports from indirect sources?
Stop,think and breathe for a minute......there is No water right now....fine....now be creative and find other ways to make things work. Have you ever gone camping? purchase baby wipes and clean that way. Purchase a camping type shower and fill up barrels of good water somewhere else. This is not the end of the world for you...this is temporary. The end of the world would be something like 9-11 when many people didn't live and never went back home. Lets be creative with our time, accept what is happening and maybe learn from what happened. Maybe next time we can be more prepared. Chin up, we are still alive!
I think the most frustrating part of all of this water mess, is the story constantly changes from RMWD themselves. If they do or do not know when water would be restored, just tell us so we can plan accordingly. Why keep telling us tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, I've been hearing that since Tuesday.
FROM VICKIE AT THE WATER DISTRICT: Crews have been turning water meters on since 6 am, this water is available for "flush only", all other uses must wait until the Health Department approves the water quality... (guessing here at 24-48 hrs) DO NOT USE THE WATER FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR TOILET AT THIS POINT!
Is there any part of Orange Ave left, they are adding more and more. When you go Magnolia, to Pile, and turn left on Orange, my old place was 2110, I saw that 2112 is destroyed, so I would like to know, if I am right I know the person in 2112.
If all that we are waiting is for them to turn on the meters, and they are in such need of manpower to turn them on expeditiously; why not help them out a little and turn on your on meter?
Is the flush, shower and brush teeth appling to the estates as well? I was told if I touch my meter, I will be fined! Can I turn on my meter w/o getting my hand slapped since they are the ones who came here and turned it off?
Is the SANTA YSABEL RESERVATION still under evacuation? Where do I find info on that area? Very worried about my dad's place. Blessings to all you who have experienced losses, & prayers of love & light to you ALL out there!
I just called the RMWD and received an automated message. The messages says we can us the water for flushing, showers and brushing teeth if we don't swallow. NOT for cooking or washing food. Also to conserve because we are on limited supply so we should not water lawns or hose things down. God Bless.
HT Martial Arts Haunted House will take place as scheduled Oct 31 from 3-7. Reps from Red Cross will be on site to accept donations for the "San Diego Fire Storm." We hope all will come, both children and adults... Hope your ok.
Info on this water situation is coming directly from the Water District to the Chamber of Commerce to you who are reading this. This in not rumor or conjecture. We will continue to update this as we get new info.
I'm a student who attends Ramona High School and I am in the schools ASB. I am trying to put something together for the STUDENTS who attend Ramona High School and lost their homes. My goal is to get the information today and tomorrow, and put it together tomorrow afternoon with Connie Claxton at the highschools student store. Any information on families who have teenagers attending RHS would be greatly appreciated. my email is: stephthemidge@gmail.com if you wish to contact me further. God Bless.
I'm sure the water is fine for showers. Vicky at the RMWD told me via phone. I think that the Health Department has to come out and sign off on it but they are closed until Monday. I'm showering !!
The Corcorans at Corcoran Ranch Apple orchard are alive and well, but the house is a total loss. Most of the apple trees look like they'll recover. We already have a contracter and are looking forward to a new and improved home.
Do not touch water The following information is an advisory to residents in the Ramona Municipal Water District at 3:15 p.m today.
DO NOT HAVE ANY HUMAN CONTACT WITH THE WATER.
Local water agency crews are opening water meters today and tomorrow in Ramona to resume municipal delivery of water to residents and businesses. If your water meter has been opened and municipal water is being delivered to your property, please DO NOT HAVE ANY HUMAN CONTACT WITH THE WATER.
Bottled water should be used for all drinking, including baby formula and juice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.
Use bottled water or a hand sanitizer for hand washing.
Hot showers are available on Aqua Lane. Municipal water is permissible only for use in toilets and to do laundry. A formal UNSAFE WATER ALERT NOTICE was posted at Ramona residences on Thursday. Please refer to that notice for more information.
Additionally, outdoor water use is still prohibited. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
For additional information, visit www.sdcountyresponse.com or call 211.
I read the above too. I also spoke with RMWD and they said it was ok to shower and brush teeth just don't drink. I'm sure the RMWD does tests on the water to make sure it is safe. I think the only hang up is the Department of Health needs to sign off on it.
I'll let you know if I get a funny rash. You let me know if you start smelling funny from not showering.
Just had a call from the RWD and said not to have any contact with the water. My husband took a shower before this came out, so hopefully he does not contract any funky fungus or rash. Will let you know.
Has anyone tried using the "public" showers? Wonder where the water for those comes from - any ideas - maybe from RMWD. I have better things to do than stand in line with a bunch of other stinky folks.
what's in the water?? Is it bacteria, chemicals, or?? You can brush your teeth but not take a shower or wash dishes? That makes no sense. Exactly what are we in danger of? Or are they just being overly cautious...
A good site for information pertaining to the recovery of Ramona, and to provide a meeting place online for the people of Ramona and their families around the world to connect.
Just got back in the house after spending first couple of good nights sleep in Anaheim. Better air quality up there.
Regarding the water however, apparently RMWD has jacked up the chlorine levels in the water supply to the point that it burns your skin. I used my pool tester on the tap water in my house today about an hour ago to find chlorine pegged off the scale for a pool and pH was on the high end also (alkaline). Handling the water while bleeding the lines left my hands feeling dry and rough, similar to being in a public jacuzzi too long.
So what I'm getting at is it may not be for microbial reasons but sensitive skinned individuals may want to continue to bar human tissue exposure to the water. It can burn your skin and your innards (redneck term) if you ingest it.
Its a plot to make us all look Scandinavian. In a week we'll all look like Hanson, or Nelson, or Hansel, or the Skinners (sorry Suvi) .
On another note: Sunday night after sitting in my car for 2 1/2 hours during evacuation finally made it to Orchards shopping center. Stopped at Daniels and asked to use restroom since it was an emergency. I was told no public use.. I can understand this during normal times but found it wrong during time of emergency especially since they were only business open at that time. There were only 3 other customers in store, plenty getting gas. I have shopped there for over 20 years and was very disappointed.
I used the showers in town on Saturday and Sunday with my son. They are actually really nice. I was extremely grateful for the HOT ten minute shower.. The showers are open from 7 am-9 pm...
Sorry if this is a repeat question, but does anyone have any information on the welfare of the Hogervorst family? Their large property and egg ranch (Ebn HAezer) is off Dye road, and another family member's property is on San Vicente Road. Wasn't this within the fire perimeter. I have been out of touch for a long time and wondered if they had already been affected by the 2003 Cedar fire.
Reference to editiorial Oct 31 2007 We know that no one could have stopped the fire but what my concern was were is the back up plan. I have a generator for a back up. Why doesn't the water district? There were pumps so old they could not find fuses. I do wamt to hang anyone I just would like some answers.
From reading Keith Hansen's editorial in today's Sentinel, two facts become readily apparent: Hansen is a hand-maiden for the RMWD, and Hansen has absolutely no clue how things really work. He tosses out one red-herring argument after another in a pathetic attempt to apologise for the incompetenece of the management of the RMWD.
Hansen argues that the board had to evacuate like everybody else, which is true, but so what? The board is not involved in the day-to-day management of the district. The board is responsibile for hiring competent management to run the district.
Hansen argues that nobody could have stopped the fire, which is also true, but so what? What has that to do with seeing there was a backup generator at the pump site in case power failed? Hospitals have back-up generators, fire stations have back-up generators, police stations have back-up generators. Why is the only source of water for 30,000 people not protected with a back-up generator?
Why then, according to public statements of RMWD management published in the Sentinel, were they unaware of a lack of water until Tuesday morning when a low pressure alarm went off?
Why then, according to public statements by Diane Jacob, were the 25% of RMWD employees who came to work during the fire only working 8-hour shifts when other emergency pesonnel worked 24-hour and longer shifts?
Why then, according to public statements by Diane Jacob, did the RMWD only ask for help to restart the water system last Thursday, and even then only after getting leaned on by county administrators?
Keith Hansen insults the intelligence of the residents of Ramona! Is he implying that the existing board is the only choice we have of candidates capable of running the water department??? Any successful business has not only a back-up plan but plan "b", plan "c", etc. And any successful business does preventive maintaince to do just what it says: PREVENT the system from shutting down. You have extra parts, extra generators, whatever it takes to keep the system running, especially when you are a public service company ELECTED by the residents of Ramona. Of course we know they did not cause the fires, could not stop the fires, and definitely didn't have the authority to call for an evacuation! Thank God!!! But there is no excuse for not learning from past mistakes (yes, Keith, we know) to prevent future problems. We live in a rural area. We have annual Santa Ana winds. We have horrific forest fires. This is life! Don't stick your head in the sand and pretend that if you don't acknowledge something, and PLAN for it, that it won't happen! It will, again and again. And don't you dare try to raise our water rates to cover your lack of professional planning and prepardness! We need to incorporate and become our own city and make our own decisions!!! We have PLENTY of experienced men and women that can fill EVERY position needed to make our town stand out and be outstanding!!!!
People who are saying the Ramona Municipal Water District takes some kind of "special" people with "special" skills to operate are way off base. A municipal water utility is about as simple a business as it gets. It is certainly not rocket science.
They sell only one product -- water, which they purchase wholesale, mark up and sell at retail to the customers. They do not even have to advertise for customers as they are a monopoly. Anyone in the district that wants water, has to come to them. There is no competition for their business.
These attributes are, unfortunately, the primary cause of the recent failure. 99.9% of the time an idiot could run the water district and no one would ever know he is an idiot. It was only when adversity struck that we found out the people running the water utility were incompetent, parochial novices.
Just stumbled onto this blog. Read all the others (Needs - Resources, ect) first. Lots of hurtin folk in our neck of the smokin woods. The water issues will be analyzed and rehashed for quite a while, I hope cool heads will prevail. My gripe there is the call at 9pm Sat with a recorded message saying the water is "not for human contact", after my wife and daughter had showered. I'll tell ya the truth, if you want to talk with a live government official, don't try calling at 9pm or later on a Saturday nite....nothing but answering machines...I left messages at many levels tho, only got one call back - from the Gov's office. The 78 issue seems to be one that could be easily solved. Just a while ago they were letting one lane at a time go thru, why not now? Is the road out? I hear it'll be open Sunday, but who really knows? I also have issues with a "mandatory" evacuation where everyone stays behind and helps to collapse the water system.....I was happily snuggled in bed in my pjs reading a Nat'nl Geo. and my wife was hammering on me so hard that we were being "ordered" to evacuate that I packed a few items and made the three hour trek from my house to 67 - three blocks - (10pm to 1am)thinking I'd get cooked with the few animals in my auto. Well, I coulda stayed and been pretty comfortable. Water stayed on here till Thursday when everyone came back and they shut it off....oh well...sorry, rambling here....big gripe again was the recorded message about the "not for human contact" from the water guys....that was very irresponsible. Folks, let's be of help where we can. R
622 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 622 Newer› Newest»Did the lady on foot with the palomino at the entrance to Mt Woodson tract 3:45 am Mon get help? She wouldnt leave her horse [good for her!]and come with me- I stopped at the roadblocks and requested help from the sheriffs- did it come?
Don't know about her but, thank you for being so kind as to stop to try to help her and remaining concerned.
My name is Judy London We sill have friends there in and around Ramona can you tell me if the ranch That used to be called Big Sky Ranch on Old Julian Highway is still there?
Hey, I'm in the Scripps Poway Parkway Home Depot Parking lot with about 100 fellow Ramonans. We'll be happy to bring as many of those 10,000 water meter locks as we can purchase from Home Depot if you let us back in to OUR homes!
I have a simple question to pose to the water district.
So why, after the 2003 fires and the pump/waterline failure years ealier, have you failed to purchase emergency generators? I have designed water resource facilities in Oregon as an Engineer, and find it hard to believe this district does not have backup generators in case of electrical failure. That should be a priority, along with duality in the pumping system and a looped water supply system.
I find the omission of emergency generators imprudent.
J.R.
I just saw the RMWD guys walking down the street turning off the meters! Come on people, don't turn them back on once they turn them off! Let these guys do their job so we can get this mess fixed and get everyone back home safely! These guys looked and sounded exhausted! Give them a break! AM
Hey Ramona citizens, hold on to your passion, when we get to the other side of this temporary mess we can use it to ask those tough questions that the media and the flat landers will not have the guts to ask. This thing could have been stopped Monday with the assistance of the best pilots and technology in the world. Check the RMWD website, the principal decision makers and oversite people are listed. I started sending e-mails to Supervisor Jacob's office Monday, the responses were immediate and spot on. Geoff Patnoe in her office is to be commended for his diligence and detail. Let's not forget our 3 Congressmen who blew the wistle on the cluster .... that went on from Sunday to Wednesday by the CalFire management. I stayed and I'm using pool water to flush the toilets, a little gamy perhaps but gratefull I stayed. The Estates has turned out to one of the safest places in the county. JD Baker; every thing south of San Vicente road seems to be safe and sound.
Selby
I agree with Selby, Geoff Patnoe, Diane Jacob's Chief of Staff has responded to my emails with great information. An example:
Thank you for your email. Supervisor Jacob is as frustrated as you are about the inability of Ramona residents to return to their homes and property. I have attached two media releases from this afternoon that go into detail as to the reasons fire and State officials have not given the green light to allow people back into Ramona. Supervisor Jacob is currently at the County Emergency Operations Center demanding that this issue be addressed immediately. The primary reason for the delay is because the Ramona Water District did not request any mutual aid assistance from the County Water Authority until this afternoon since they do not have the resources to address the current water challenges in Ramona. The Water Authority had been ready to assist but could not move in without the request. Everyone is working on addressing the water situation and developing other solutions that may allow folks to return ASAP as long as the fire officials and the State approve the plan. I know this email may not give you the answer that you are seeking at the moment however it is the most up to date information available and I wanted to get you a response to your email. We will continue to send you updates as they become available. The information pasted below will help update you as well. Another good resource for information is the Ramona Sentinel website at http://www.ramonasentinel.com as Supervisor Jacob has been on the phone with the paper all day updating the situation with Ramona and the challenges of opening up the community. Another source of information is www.sdcountyemergency.com.
Geoff
When all is said and done, I believe we should hold a town meeting to discuss what went well, and what we need to improve, and how to go about it. Diane Jacobs is not the only one at fault, she is one of many. I am amazed by how strongly we Ramonans stick together. Let's stay strong!!!
To anonymous from 4:42pm (sorry if you had your name signed I'd use it) - do not try to use Mina de Oro bypass. The western end had terrible burns with 30-40 houses detroyed. That is the only area of Poway still not open to residents either.
In the Last 6 months both my father and my husband have passed away, and now I have had to wait for 6 days and still do not know if I have a home to return to.
I don't know much. But I believe all things happen for a reason. I, like many other Ramonian's have been waiting (not too happily, or patiently with the lack of information we have)
But I think it is important in this time of crisis to remember those people who have risked their lives to save us and our properties. To them I say thank you very much.
To those who now have the unfortunate task of following orders to keep us from our homes thank you also, I know you are only doing your job, and have families you want to go home to also.
As for me, personaly, any info on homes on the dirt road on Elm?
I am looking for my daughter, Tina Scrofani, her significant other, Steve Jones, and her little son, Jason. Haven't heard from them since Sunday night when they said the fires were getting bad there.
Is their house still standing? 151 Carlin St..
Please let me know. We are beside ourselves with concern as we live in Texas.
You can email me at: ksmithey@gmail.com
My prayers go out to those who have suffered loss in these fires.
Thanks so much!
I emailed Diane Jacobs office and received a quick response. It reads as follows:
Thank you for your email. Supervisor Jacob is as frustrated as you are about the inability of Ramona residents to return to their homes and property. I have attached two media releases from this afternoon that go into detail as to the reasons fire and State officials have not given the green light to allow people back into Ramona. Supervisor Jacob is currently at the County Emergency Operations Center demanding that this issue be addressed immediately. The primary reason for the delay is because the Ramona Water District did not request any mutual aid assistance from the County Water Authority until this afternoon since they do not have the resources to address the current water challenges in Ramona. The Water Authority had been ready to assist but could not move in without the request. Everyone is working on addressing the water situation and developing other solutions that may allow folks to return ASAP as long as the fire officials and the State approve the plan. I know this email may not give you the answer that you are seeking at the moment however it is the most up to date information available and I wanted to get you a response to your email. We will continue to send you updates as they become available. The information pasted below will help update you as well. Another good resource for information is the Ramona Sentinel website at http://www.ramonasentinel.com as Supervisor Jacob has been on the phone with the paper all day updating the situation with Ramona and the challenges of opening up the community. Another source of information is www.sdcountyemergency.com.
Channel 8 just announced that Ramona residents will be allowed back around 7:15 tonight! Believe it when you see it!
Al Garcia, Marmac Drive
I hate to start a rumor if this isn't true but a friend of mine just talked to a law enforcement officer that told him HWY 67 would be open @ 7:15 tonight. That means any minute now. Hope this is true.
I am hearing all kinds of traffic out on 67 right now!
Al Garcia
If the water goes out in any neighborhood are they going to force us to evacuate from now on?
roads are open drive carefully
does anyone know if wildcat canyon is open??
If the roads are open, does this mean water is back on?
No water!
First, thank you Ramona Sentinel for providing this communication line. Ramona is not getting much coverage since the flames died down. All the channels are fickle and looking for ratings.
There was a comment about a Channel 8 newsman, Larry Himmel, losing his home. I do feel for they guy, it must be devastating. But following Larry (or Jim Stone around as they go to find out if their homes are destroyed is just "yellow journalism"; staged drama so much that cameras were in place for tearful shots. Cheap tricks.
And speaking of that, "Cowboy Shawn Stiles" holding onto his micro phone as he helped move a fire hose a few feet is pure televison. I wonder how long it will be before we see this "sound bite" on intros to the 6 o'clock news.
The real heroes in this time are those quiet acts of heroism not done for attention or ratings but because it was the right thing to do. Firefighters, law enforcement, the Ramona Sentinel, horse trailer owners who ferried horses to safety; people who stayed behind to feed my cat and strangers feeding others livestock, evacuees donating time/water/food at Qualcomm and the countless unsung acts of kindness that are the hallmark of Ramona residents.
We will come thru this like we did the Cedar fire. We learned a lot of lessons with the Cedar and I'm sure that we will learn some more lessons from this one.
Linda
Confirmed - we're at 67 & Dye Road. Police escort just brought cars through. It looks like the floodgates are open.
I saw on channel 8 that the ramona water distric was offered help from other agencys and refused it.there are a lot of damaged water systems on peoples property that has water dumping out to the ground ,If they were let in this could be stopped and the water restored sooner. I learned from the cedar fire not to leave or you wont get back in. A couple of guys from town saved my sisters house the house 3 doors down had a small grass fire that was controllable that spread to the rv than to the house no one around to do anything about it .
roads open NO WATER good luck folks and please don't turn on your meters when you get home.
According to SD emergency on the 67 into Ramona is open as is 78 from Julian.
Wildcat Canyon is still closed at the Tribal Center
jrtfan12, Thank you for the info on Rancho Santa Teresa. We use to live in Rancho Santa Teresa and worked in Ramona. My kids went to school in Ramona. We still feel like it is our home. So many good times and people in Ramona. We built and lived at 24620 Rancho Santa Teresa. Even though we don't own it or live there it is still close to our hearts. It is the 1st house off the 1st enterance from Ramona into Rancho Santa Teresa. Also does anyone know if there is a fund for Ramona and those that have lost so much? Or is there a fund to help with gas or animal feed for those that stayed to help save places, animals, feeding and getting info for others? Thank you all for the info. Patty Brown
I just confirmed it with Barona Fire, Wildcat Canyon is still closed at the Tribal Center. No information on when it will open.
I am a Ramona resident. Now that the roads are open, what in the heck am I gonna do with no power. I am letting all of the looneys go tonight. Whats gonna happen when everyone needs to go to the store when the food supply is short. I know I dont want to wait multiple hours in line to get up, just to wait in line for food. I also heard gas was short. Let the town replenish its resources. I don want a disaster once everyone realizes supplies are short.
The road to 67 is open, o traffic is moving but the lines for the porta potties are about to get really long...tee hee
It will be sad now that all the whiners are home the blogging will slow down or stop
Per OSHA guidelines, (1) toilet per 10 people is sufficient. If 20,000 people return tonight. Then 2,000 toilets would be necessary. I think Diane Jacobs crew needs to learn math.
No they will start complaining about the porta potties next...betcha!
you got it,they sure will be complaining about the porta potties
HA! Told You! you just can't win. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard during these trying days, fighting the fires, taking time to drive all over Ramona to check address' for people who couldn't get in, to the girls who made sure Black betty had water, the person who posted the inquiry about the woman and her horse, to the folks at the airport, to the people who volunteered at shelters, the people who checked on strangers animals, and to the people with wells who will undoubtably open their homes to people with no water to shower. Thanks Ramona!
Please leave Jacobs alone, if there are only 300 porta potties, go away and return to where you were. At least there is something so quit whining.
from PAUL ANDERSON
YEEEEEEEHAW! I can hear my neighbors coming home to Berryessa. Anyone in need of "flushing water" on the cul de sac, my pool has 15000 gallons. AND its CLEAN and crystal clear. Took me no less than a dozen filter cleanings over the last few days. When I stayed behind I PLANNED for this. Challenge to other pool owners: Be a good neighbor and help your neighbors.
Good luck to you all! My sister and I were talking how our mom must of been looking down on my dad's house on Budweiser! (Haverford and Pine) We found out today it was actually the firemen who always train out there! We are so grateful! They came by and talked to my dad today and told him their stories! They even used the water from the jacuzzi! We owe them more than words! You guys and gals are awesome and we love you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! God Bless you all! And God Bless Black Betty! :) Kinds brings a smile to your face... doesn't it?
Didn't you guys learn anything at scout camp? Like how to dig a latrine or the true use of a sturdy tree! Just remember to take the paper away in a plastic bag! C'mon, this is Ramona...lots of private places. At least you are home.
Anyone know if Old Julian Hwy is also going to be open, and if power has been restored there?
I am one of the many that would like to commend the Ramona Sentinel for their coverage of the fire. It is nice to see names I recognize and reports that are from reliable sources that know the area. Thank you.
Evacuation Orders Which Have Been Lifted - Thursday, October 25:
RAMONA (FULLY LIFTED), FALLBROOK (PARTIALLY LIFTED) -
Ramona residents will be allowed to return to their homes as of 7:15 p.m. today, via the following routes of reentry only:
Highway 67 from Poway
Highway 78 from Julian
from Paul Anderson:
Is there a plan for distribution of the portapotties? We do indeed need more than 300 for health and "stink-control". And by all means I hope there won't be concentrated "crapper-farms" music festival style. That would be bad. Before coming up the hill grab some five gallon pails at HoDep to bail pool water or other sources. Have fun. We're just campin'. This'll be over soon. And we'll install a new RMWD director. Pompous (choose your favorite expletive)!
Just be careful if you are squatting in the woods, poisen oak has three leaves.. or is it four.. Oh S..t I don't remember.
I'll miss our little chats...
ououououch!
I've got the tar, who has feathers? We can pick up a rail on the way to the RMWD office!
the chatting has definitly slowed down now that the complainers are home. So sad.
Anyone know if/for how long power was out along the 67 west end? i.e. do I need to truck in enough to restock the freezer?
carlo, power was out from 4:00 am to 1:00pm the same day. Have had little outages since but nothing too long. Sorry I can't remember the day power went out
San Diego Water District is here helping out. I spoke to one of the representatives who estimated water would be restored by tomorrow night.
We have much to be thankful for.
Great, should be fine then! Thanks very much for the info.
Thanks to the Scherer's for giving so much information about homes and conditions in Ramona. I know everyone really appreciates it.
They said that the homes on Carlin St. are okay. As a former resident of Carlin Street ( The Doll Family), it's very good news.
My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fires. My sincere sympathy for those that have lost homes and animals. We should take heart in the fact that there has been little loss of life.
I have been through several natural disasters (Hurrican Hugo, Andrew, and Loma Prieta), and I can tell you that people are venting out of frustration, but that many, many, many, people have your best interests at heart.
Out of something so bad, the good will be a unity of the community. Now and always.
So many familiar names and places bring back so many memories to us. God Bless all of you.
J.Doll Beebe and the entire Doll Family
Carlo you are welcome.
Cool!
Love the tar and feather idea. Ever see "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Carlo - we never lost power at 67 & Dye Road or at Mussey Grade & Dos Picos Park Road. So hopefully you never lost it either. Good luck.
is there any estimate when the 78 will open up from escondido? Is the FEMA only for people who lost homes...or also for people displaced and running up credit cards to pay for hotel/food/neccesities?
Thank you to the people who saved my home.
Fire burned right up to the back door.
My neighbors out buildings.
Words can not express.....
I got a text message on my prepaid cellphone earlier today that $29.00 had been credited to my account. I knew that I didn't add any minutes on my phone, so I logged in to my account to see what was up. Verizon added a "SoCal Wildfire Credit" of $29.00! What a surprise, I'm still in shock!
I want to offer a HUGE thank you to the Ramona Sentinel and all of those who have shared info- this site has been the connection that everyone needed- THANK YOU!
Thanks to the Doll Family for the information that Carlin St. survived. At least I know her house is still standintg.
I am still seeking any info about my daughter, Tina Scrofani, her significant other, Steve Jones, and her little son, Jason. Haven't heard from them since Sunday night when they said the fires were getting bad there.
I'm in Texas and not knowing anything is unbearable.
Rancho Santa Teresa lost at least 7 homes, mostly on Oakana Road. Many of the homes to the east and south of RST were also lost.
Thank you Ramona Sentinel, my only regret is that I did not hear about the blog until this morning. 78, 67 and Wild Cat Canyon all open into Ramona. It is my understanding that FEMA will only pay if you suffered a loss or damage to your home. Your homeowner's insurance should cover the evacuation expense, but only in excess of your deductible and they WILL file it as a claim, so be careful if you go that route, as insurance companies tend to drop you if you have 2 or more claims in a 5 year period. It may not be worth the risk for a few hundred $. Also, as far as the negative comments made to those individuals that were honestly sharing their frustrations on the blog. I applaud you. I was listening to AM600 on my way back into town and the announcer (don't know his name) couldn't stop talking about how PROUD and IMPRESSED he was with the passion and demand for answers that we Ramonans showed today. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!!!!
Glenn - thanks, even better.
We are home, no smoke in house, the power didnt go off long enough to melt the freezer. Everything is intact and the cat I couldn't catch made it too. I didn't see one burned house on SW side of town. The air is clear, we must have lots of electricity because every business I saw had their lights on.
I want to thank Diane Jacob, for getting to the bottom of this and letting us come home. I had been pretty harsh with her earlier. Now it looks like she is facing problems squarely and letting us know what situation is. Although I am kinda curious what happened with the water. Did it reverse siphon septic? Or is this just lake water.
Again I want to thank all the people who stayed, flew in, camped out fought fires around here. I wish I could have stayed with you. It seems quit an adventure.
Evacuating down the hill, multiple places and trying to keep working was tough also. We ended up in a 950 square foot apartment with 7 people and beds for 4. Not to mention the 2 dogs, 2 cats and a ferret in a no pets apartment.
RRR
Thank you so much to Bob V. and "Lynn on San Vicente" for the information on Bruce Pollock and his home on Galeria Cir. It put my husband at ease knowing he is okay.
Good luck to all Ramonans and I'm glad that some of you can go back home tonight.
Thanks,
Julie and Carlos Galan
RUTH TOWNSEND
She is our neighbor and my parents fireman friend put the word out about her a few days ago. Our neighborhood was not affected by the fires so her house is fine! My parents will also look out for her when they're able to return to Ramona. Don't worry, I'm sure the neighbors are taking good care of her.
Is there electricity in North West Ramona i.e -highway 78, past Weekend Villa Road.
We just drove up to Old Julian and the 78 and had no power available.
So very glad to be able to get home!!!
THANK YOU!
- Katrina Glover
I lived in Ramona for many years, and my prayers are with you all. I have heard from some friends still there, and thought of so many more in reading this. Please remember the blessings you each have, and the ability to make more, regardless of what you may be currently facing. Only in death are you unable to make more memories, and even out of this tragedy, choices can be made to create good memories. We went up to help 4 years ago, and will do it again if needed. God bless you all, Laurie
so... are you going to vote for the a tax increase to support infrastructure and fire services? you can't have it both ways. if you are dissatisfied and think you can do a better job, get involved!
thanks j.d. for your wise quote.
wish everyone well. please help a friend or a stranger through this difficult time.
remember, we are all lucky to live amongst such beauty and wealth.
Hey Glenn,
So sorry to hear about the Bishops and the Ashtons.
lose your sense of entitlement and make the world a better place.
realize that most of the world lives in far worse circumstances everyday.
we are lucky, and we don't deserve it just by the fact we get to live in America. we didn't earn it, we inherited it. don't take it for granted.
As we try to settle back into our lives with our individual challenges here in Ramona. I would like to see some needed changes with resources, identify process defects, or skill sets with in the RMWD. Regardless of what should of happened or not happened.. we can not afford to have it happen again. As a community what are our next steps? I dont think we are capable of sustaining another alike emergency in regards to our water resource. Any thoughts ?
I got a question, do we have to come back to Ramona if we prefer to have running water so we can have a shower and maybe wash the close we have been wearing for 5 days? I am one of those dumb water district customer who isn't in a hurry to get back to NO WATER!!!
Glenn
My Grandparents lived near the 67 &
Mussey Grade Rd & Split Road Rd.
for 20 years.
Visited Ramona during many summers & Christmas vacations.
Glad to here that the area is OK.
Thank-you for the information.
A big Thank-you to the Ramona Sentinel for this blog.
To the residents of Ramona sincere sympathies for those who lost their homes.
To the firefighters a very big THANK-YOU!
The Family of Atanacio & Carmen Gonzales
Hurray we can go home!! I will be leaving Temecula in the morning. If someone knows if items for Ramona need to be picked I have my large truck with me and can do it, to help out. 760-214-5234
Thanks everyone who checked our home and it is ok.
Thanks for having this blog it really helped, since Ramona was always left out just like with the Cedar fire.
Glad to hear that Ramona families have returned home. So thankful that our kids, Ben, Kim and Jordan Narramore home was spared, but our hearts are heavy for those that have suffered a great loss. Ramona you are in our prayers. As you begin this time of recovery rebuilding your community,I pray that your faith in God will able you to make lemonade out the lemons you will be facing. May God bless Ramona.
I live in a home off of the Davis St. cross-street on Walnut near Ramona proper. A google map of the fire-line (on Wed) showed the fire as streaking across the back of our property line but not into our yard. It was a point-by-point straight line overlay but since fires are hardly so neat and orderly, hopefully my home is spared not only from the fire but perhaps even serious ash and soot damage.
My main question is this:
If we receive water into the house via RMWD, but all outgoing is to our septic, would flushing be a problem still? Can I simply fill our toilet bowl (with our own water on hand) just for flushing? I have absolutely no intention of turning on our supplied water until given the go-ahead.
Sorry for my ignorance, I'm a city girl. I do not want to return home if this is a serious issue.
My secondary question is about the air quality as I'm an asthmatic. I realize the quality is bad all over and I'll have to medicate more, but is the smoke still hanging low or thick in the air or are the skies blue and clear?
I'm extremely anxious to get home but not at the expense or hinderance to my health or to others still displaced due to water issues.
===
I would like to thank everyone who has done so much for the community of Ramona.. from the public and civil servants to our very own friends and neighbors.
~~waves to Pastor D. I believe you are the fella to show up at my home when a shipment of books accidentally shipped to my address. I really appreciate all your responses to the questions of so many here.
Good luck to you all and best of wishes!
LV
I am concerned about my sister Holly Shelton Allen and her husband Joe Allen. I know their apartment on Montecito was not destroyed but I have not heard from them. If you know they are ok, please post here or email me at ksteen@dpi.state.nc.us
They may be volunteers at In His Steps Mens Home. I am so sorry for the tradgedy you all have suffered in Ramona and I am keeping you in my prayers every day.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:31
Does anyone know anything about the SanDiego Country Estates in Ramona on Papas Dr? My family has a condo there and we haven't heard anything yet regarding if it was affected or not? Anybody have any knowledge? Thanks
I am attempting to find out information concerning my sister, niece and other relatives. I am out of town in Kentucky and I live in Florida. What about Elm St. in Ramona?
Thanks,
David
Does anyone have the link for the homes destroyed in Ramona
The Country Estates and property in that area is okay.
There were losses on Elm in Ramona, you can go to the following web site and it lists losses.
http://sdcountyemergency.com/
As for flushing your toilet. You can flush so long as you use bottled water. If you're one of the lucky ones that has a well and electricity you can use your well water to flush. I'm sure by now that the water dept. has all water meters shut off. I know they came down San Vicente last night around 8 turning off meters.
They said on the news a few minutes ago that water will probably be off for 48 hours. We'll all be smelling really good by then. A bit of humor.
Good luck to us all.
There are port-a-potties next to the rotunda at the IEC and I've heard that the Village Store has some as well! Just think of this as camping without the marshmallows! WOO-HOO!
Does anyone have any information about Katy Cain, her sheep and pets? Her home on Black Canyon is listed as destroyed. She's been a pet sitter to many of us in Ramona.
Does anyone have any information about Katy Cain, her sheep and pets? Her home on Black Canyon is listed as destroyed. She's been a pet sitter for many of us in Ramona.
John Selby
Big thanks to the Owner and staff of the Sentinel for your efforts during this time. Isn't curious that once the fire gets to the "wealthy" communities, Ramona seems to become an after thought.
For the person asking abount the condos...all of the condos in the Estates have survivied.
As to voting for more money , how much actually gets to the infrastructure? I'm of the opnion that rewarding poor management and incompetence sends the wrong message.
Selby
John Selby
Big thanks to the Owner and staff of the Sentinel for your efforts during this time. Isn't it curious that once the fire gets to the "wealthy" communities, Ramona seems to become an after thought.
For the person asking abount the condos...all of the condos in the Estates have survivied.
As to voting for more money , how much actually gets to the infrastructure? I'm of the opnion that rewarding poor management and incompetence sends the wrong message.
Selby
STATUS: Does anyone know the status of the military housing apartments that sit between 10th and 11th Streets right behind Main Street? I have a daughter and son-in-law who are living there.
ALSO ... Thank you, thank you, thank you, to the Ramona Sentinel for doing such a fantastic job keeping information up to date. We check this website several times throughout the day. Quite often, it has kept our family from much unnecessary worry.
~~ Our prayers are with Ramona
Thank you to the sentinel for giving this forum to alow us an avenue to comunicate with each other and find out info that we would not otherwise have been able to find out.
Is there any more info on destroyed or damaged properties in the Ramona area? The list is very limited ... (is that becasue that is that is all the homes that were damaged?) I have yet been able to make it back to town. I have an elderly mother
Please Respond someone
Thanks Ramona Sentinel....without this board, we would have never known what the hell was going on up in Ramona. Now we are home and are able to clean up and continue on with normal life. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who lost property or life in this disaster.
Oh Please, to all of the whiners out there....I have a GREAT idea. Why not let ALL of those folks into an unsafe area....maybe they will all get sick and then they can be hospitalized...have NO access to a computer, then people who are concerned about loved ones, the hardworking response teams can use this blog to find out USEFUL information. I believe that is what this blog is intended for!!!! Go to your pastors and cry!!!
A bit more humor ...
With no electricity to watch TV, no water to drink or bathe, (so lets have a beer or 2 or 3), there will be a bunch of roudy, stinky drunk "hicks" with no cows to tip.
Just think about that when you are in the porta-a-potties tee hee hee
Or, if we all pee behind a tree, the water table might rise!!!
I am not a resident of Ramona, but I work there. I love Ramona, the people and the beautiful views all around. I hopefully will get up to work in the next day or so, and have a car full of clothes and blankets to donate. I am happy for all who got to finally go home. Be safe.
ROMONA VISTA ON 11TH STREET HAS NOT BURNED DOWN. THANK GOD.
thanks for the info
lets keep it coming
To all in Ramona, we are so sorry for all of your losses and hassles. We are glad to finally find a place to learn about our old community. To the people who live at 608 Pile St.--So glad your house is still OK. That was our home for 14 years. Keep on fighting, you guys!! Nancy Smith
I hear a town meeting is planned to vote the water district out. 6% surcharge on water bills and no results for 7 years this was supposed to be prevented. 4 days plus without water is ridiculous. Especially since there is no definite date when water will be restored. Unacceptable! I am also hearing conflicting reports regarding roads being opened. Some said it wasn't until 6 am this morning that the road was actually open. And the 78 is actually still closed from escondido to ramona?
To whoever gave the news on Ramona Vista (I'm assuming those are the military apartments I had asked about), thank you for the information. It is greatly appreciated.
People I know in the Estates said they only had to leave for 1 day and their home is fine.
My home, which I had to leave for 6 days, Is OK
Burned backyard and outbuldings.
Why the BIG discrepancy in WHO was allowed back and WHO WAS NOT ?!?!?
Does anyone know what happened to Kritter Kamp on Creekside off of Old Julian Hwy? Are Jim, the people and dogs okay?
We live in Ramona but are waiting until the water is back.
Thank you to Ramona Sentinel, emergency services and everyone there to help and support us.
A BIG THANKS to all.
I am concerned about my sister Holly Shelton Allen and her husband Joe Allen. I know their apartment on Montecito was not destroyed but I have not heard from them. If you know they are ok, please post here or email me at ksteen@dpi.state.nc.us
They may be volunteers at In His Steps Mens Home. I am so sorry for the tradgedy you all have suffered in Ramona and I am keeping you in my prayers every day.
Hi all. I do not live in Ramona anymore, but I am a San Diego Native and raised in Ramona since age 1. So I consider it my hometown for sure. I now live in Las Vegas. I am currently taking donations for you and plan to arrive with a truckload of goods sometime the week 11/5. I just received my first big donation of water, canned goods, personal hygiene products. Sorry no portable showers as of yet. I need to hook up someone in Ramona, possibly a church or charitable organization, so I can plan for my arrival. Please email me at lorna@edcnevada.com if you can help me out.
God Bless you all,
Lorna Kroepfl
Thanks for all the info that is being shared on this Blog. Especially JRTFAN12 who has given much detailed info.
You gave info of the Santa Teresa Estates Area. My mom's house was/is across the street behind Camelot Mobile Home Park. (Could be another name.) She called it 12 Oaks and it is not visible from the street. 24580 Hwy 78.
If anyone has info on this small home, I would appreciate it.
AT&T Mobility (Cingular) is giving FREE GO phones with $10 of free airtime while supply lasts to those that had to evacuate. Closest location is Santee on the corner of Mission Gorge and Town Center Parkway.
Julian people are still displaced so if anyone knows of someone that would benefit please call Sherry Sprayberry 858-361-5538 for more info.
You all are in our thoughts. TY sentinel for this site. my mom, grandma, aunt, and two cousins live there. I havent lived there for almost 9 years, but consider it home.
I have been told my cousin lost her house and the other lost some out buildings.
Let the healing begin!!!!
Jeff Drake
For up to date damaged houses see link on right hand side of page:
http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov
see also ramonarelief.com for additional resources
Does anyone know if the mail has been delivered or when it will be?
The mail will be delivered tomorrow according to the US postal service website.
does anyone have any idea when water maybe restored? Can't find any info anywhere.
rick jensen from vista called the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and said he has free 55 gallon drums. these are food grade (oil and such) can be used to store potable water... if you are interested call 760.580.1342
RE: Water Restoration,
RCOC is in contact with the Water District, the Water District is trying to determine an ETA for water usage and will get back to us as soon as they know. Part of the issue is that the Health Department has to sign off on the water.
We will Post this Info as soon as we get it.
thanks for the info - have loaded up on bottled water but was just wondering about running water. thanks again.
To be displaced by an act of nature is one thing but to be put out because of the incompetence of the Ramona Water district is unforgivable.
Not to have back up generators for an important town's water supply and not to have spare fuses for pumps is ridiculous.
Everyone I talked to said why not put in a new fuse panel instaed of looking for old fuses.
There may be a reason they did or cannot do this but someone should be held responsible.
It was a combination of lack of manpower,incompetence(not knowing how to fix electrical problem) and management egomaniac attitude. All this could have been prevented by Ramona Water requesting assistance from the County, just like every other district did. This is unacceptable and something needs to be done. Maybe than, next time we have to evacuate our town, due to natural disasters, we will be allowed back to our homes as soon as possible. The last thing we all need is to be kept away because someone is making poor decisions on our behalf. This was and is preventable.
Does anyone know a woman named Swanee? Lives in Ramona. Hope she survived this terrible fire.
Thanks for any information you can offer.
Ramona will settle after the dust settles, I know so many are upset.
But you do not really know the problems the water districts had, parts had to go here and there more then likely, and helped put out fires. I know you wanted to go home, but a day or two if you have a home you are okay, maybe the parts that they had to repair the pumps saved other homes elsewhere. Or stopped the fire from doing more damage then what was done to Ramona. Just be glad you have a home, and if you know someone who lost their home, help them.
From http://www.fire.ca.gov/index.php#fires01
San Diego County
Witch Fire – 197,990 acres – 45% contained
Harris Fire – 84,300 acres – 20% contained
Poomacha Fire – 39,000 acres – 35% contained
Rice Fire – 9,000 acres – 40% contained
Horno/Ammo Fire – 19,353 acres – 80% contained
Wilcox Fire – 100 acres – 100% contained
Cajon Fire – 250 acres – 100% contained
McCoy Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
Coronado Hills Fire – 300 acres – 100% contained
too bad the chatting has stopped. Been two hours since anyone has blogged.
Thae chatting has slowed because we are trying to clean the mess and are running on battery power, having to transport water and food, and trying to help our less fortunate neighbors.
Hope you trying to help the less fortunate also.
All you folks complaining about what the Water District should have done to "prevent" this problem, I have a question for you? How did you vote the last time they wanted to raise rates? Backup systems don't pay for themselves. If you aren't willing to pay for the upgrade to the system, don't complain when it fails.
To those who lost their homes, my heart goes out to you.
Good luck, god bless, keep safe.
I commend the folks who gave the all out efforts, I appreciate the communities that showed their heart, and I thank god for what I have. But now let’s get past this and address the issues that are present in our community in regards to our water resources. The RMWD holds a meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. I would guess that this would be a good time for the board to hold a "Special Meeting" with a very detailed agenda focused on our recent crises. As we elected these folks - we need to show this group some support by showing up to these meetings and voicing the changes needed as well as helping navigate objectives that may be initiated. If everyone is serious about driving some change there needs to be involvement. We also need to get past the "this is better than being dead" attitude,Or the above comment that insinuates “you get what you pay for” ..throwing money at anything will make it work. Good management of resources will make it thrive. Improvement is continuous and constant. I feel at this point we need to take a business approach and analyze our current capabilities, redundancies, water resources as well as our current decision makers and their skill sets.
The Porta potties are out of t.p.!!!Damn the incompetance!!!
Kidding, couldn't resist I am just glad to be home! Thanks everyone.
thanks for the laugh about the porta-potties. We all need to lighten up.
Thank you to those of you who responded to the news of the Bishop's home. Jim, Terri & Family- we are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family & recovery are in our prayers.
Our hearts go out to all of the families that have suffered a loss in this disaster; yet our hearts are warmed by all the goodness that has been apparent since the onset of this tragedy.
Thank you to those of you who looked afer the animals of those who chose to evacuate- you actions are so selfless & loving.
Has anyone heard any news of Steve & Patti Grassilli's property? They live near Little Page / Sawday. We are concerned & would appreciate any information.
We're sorry that some of you feel your time is best spent complaining; there are so many better ways to spend your energy!
Paul & Susan Blackwell
Any new info on water restoration? I just tried washing rancid nasty dishes with bottled water. Its not working out to well.
Has anyone actually seen the porta-potties being used? I haven't...
RGV - WELL SAID. I agree with your intelligent and realistic comments and plan on attending the special meeting, not to complain, but to ask how they going to fix the problem and ensur it never happens again. I heard it all started with a faulty fuse box and instead of fixing the problem, they kept replacing fuses until they had no more fuses left. When Dianne Jacob stated they did not have the electrical expertise to fix the problem, they should have called an expert, like you and I do when we need one, instead of burying their heads in the sand. Again, great post.
I am so sad to hear of the loss that so many have experienced.
I grew up in Ramona and my parents still live there -- it has been long week wondering what they were going to come back to.
We had so many family members evacuated from their homes throughout San Diego County, at times it was hard to keep track of where everybody was!
I am so thankful that everyone in my family has had a home to come back to.
I just want to say thanks to the Ramona Sentinel because it was the best source of information about Ramona that I could find.
My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. Stay safe and take care of each other.
Does anyone know how long the electricity was off in the Estates. Is the food in our fridges ok to use? Or do we need to replace it?
Came back last night to the estates and I have no evidence the power was ever off. No clocks flashing etc...
BTW - If it wasn't for the ash, cinders and smoke, you would never know from the estates that there was a fire. At least from Pappas Road, nothing like the Cedar fire, where everything was a moon scape.
Oct 27, 2007
Please post an updated list of damaged homes/properties for friends of famalies in Ramona and if there were any deaths;very concerned.Not much has been written in detail about Ramona. Thank You for your assistance! Very Sorry For Ramona's losses.
I'm sorry if this question has alredy been asked/answered but has water and/or power been returned to Ramona yet? I live in Ramona Vista and we're still up in L.A. evacuated.
In the estates, as of right now power yes, water no.
Does anyone have a status on the water? Will Ramona schools be closed if the water is not on by Monday?
Re: Ramona Vista:
As of this (Saturday) morning there is no power. And, if you're on city water, there is no water. Everything looks OK in your area.
Bob V.
Estates have a lot of wind damage. A tree went through our roof and snapped the ceiling.
There is no school in Ramona until Tuesday. Students are encouraged to bring bottled water to school with them.
So...in the Estates where there is no water, is the sewage and water treatment facility operating? If I can fill the toilet tank with pool/spa water, am I allowed to flush?
If you flush your toilet with "other than tap water" you're good to go. Sewer system working just fine. Would love to take a hot shower before having to go to work Monday morning though!!!
So check this out. I just called RMWD and spoke with a "representative" who told me they have NO IDEA when the water will be restored and once it does get restored it should ONLY be used for flushing toilets and NOT SHOWERING... Then when I asked her is there was anyone there that could tell me how this happened, SHE HUNG UP ON ME!!!! I guess we don't deserve any information or explaination even considering we are the CUSTOMERS who pay their salaries. UNBELIEVABLE.
We would like to extend our yard to any dog who may need a temporary home for anyone who has lost their home. We have a dog of our own who would love some company. Please call me on my cell if you need further information. 760-533-6258
Donna Bertolero
really, why can't RMWD post current info on their own website? soccer, baseball, school district all have status messages up. isn't the #1 topic right now water (not to discount those who lost homes or lives)? maybe DJ was correct in pointing the finger squarely at them! i'm sure they have a major challenge, and i do believe they are doing their best. i'll even give them the benefit of the doubt that they are doing a great job given the circumstances. but if their webmaster isn't out turning on water valves right now, it's hard to understand why they can't give an authoritive statement on their website. don't they have a message to deliver rather than conflicting reports from indirect sources?
Stop,think and breathe for a minute......there is No water right now....fine....now be creative and find other ways to make things work. Have you ever gone camping? purchase baby wipes and clean that way. Purchase a camping type shower and fill up barrels of good water somewhere else. This is not the end of the world for you...this is temporary. The end of the world would be something like 9-11 when many people didn't live and never went back home. Lets be creative with our time, accept what is happening and maybe learn from what happened. Maybe next time we can be more prepared. Chin up, we are still alive!
what roads are open to get back into ramona?
I think the most frustrating part of all of this water mess, is the story constantly changes from RMWD themselves. If they do or do not know when water would be restored, just tell us so we can plan accordingly. Why keep telling us tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, I've been hearing that since Tuesday.
I came home yesterday around 5:00 pm using Hwy 67. I know that right now 67 and Wild Cat Canyon are open.
78 is closed due to the gardrails being destroyed and needing repaired.
FROM VICKIE AT THE WATER DISTRICT:
Crews have been turning water meters on since 6 am, this water is available for "flush only", all other uses must wait until the Health Department approves the water quality... (guessing here at 24-48 hrs) DO NOT USE THE WATER FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR TOILET AT THIS POINT!
poway road at espola to 67 is open?
Is there any part of Orange Ave left, they are adding more and more. When you go Magnolia, to Pile, and turn left on Orange, my old place was 2110, I saw that 2112 is destroyed, so I would like to know, if I am right I know the person in 2112.
Are they turning on meters in the SDCE?
If all that we are waiting is for them to turn on the meters, and they are in such need of manpower to turn them on expeditiously; why not help them out a little and turn on your on meter?
wouldn't quite do that at least yet, maybe at 5:00 I might.
Yeaw you are right!
Just verified with RMWD that it is safe to flush,shower and brush your teeth put DO BOT DRINK or give to animals.
has anyone used the showers in town, we are getting a little chummy around here.
Is the flush, shower and brush teeth appling to the estates as well? I was told if I touch my meter, I will be fined! Can I turn on my meter w/o getting my hand slapped since they are the ones who came here and turned it off?
GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH
OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, Oct 28th
9:00A-12:00P
I live in SDCE, East end of Pappas, and the water is back on here.
I see a bunch of water trucks going house to house messing with the meters here in the SDCE. Does this mean waters coming soon??????
quote: "Just verified with RMWD that it is safe to flush,shower and brush your teeth"
Who did you verify this with. There is no one at the RMWD to talk to? I would love to believe this.
Is the SANTA YSABEL RESERVATION still under evacuation? Where do I find info on that area? Very worried about my dad's place. Blessings to all you who have experienced losses, & prayers of love & light to you ALL out there!
I just called the RMWD and received an automated message. The messages says we can us the water for flushing, showers and brushing teeth if we don't swallow. NOT for cooking or washing food. Also to conserve because we are on limited supply so we should not water lawns or hose things down. God Bless.
12 pm: Vickie at Water District says water can be used for Every activity except consumption.
HT Martial Arts Haunted House will take place as scheduled Oct 31 from 3-7. Reps from Red Cross will be on site to accept donations for the "San Diego Fire Storm." We hope all will come, both children and adults... Hope your ok.
Jack Hazlitt
Jana at Water District say the STATE OF CA has reversed the decision to use the water. 2:13 Saturday
Info on this water situation is coming directly from the Water District to the Chamber of Commerce to you who are reading this. This in not rumor or conjecture. We will continue to update this as we get new info.
I'm a student who attends Ramona High School and I am in the schools ASB. I am trying to put something together for the STUDENTS who attend Ramona High School and lost their homes. My goal is to get the information today and tomorrow, and put it together tomorrow afternoon with Connie Claxton at the highschools student store. Any information on families who have teenagers attending RHS would be greatly appreciated. my email is: stephthemidge@gmail.com if you wish to contact me further. God Bless.
~*Stephanie Long*~
What about Ryland area? Seems everyone has water except us. Any word on when we can use our toilets and showers?
take a look at ramonasentinel.com front page.
I'm sure the water is fine for showers. Vicky at the RMWD told me via phone. I think that the Health Department has to come out and sign off on it but they are closed until Monday. I'm showering !!
No water on Davis cup yet either
The Corcorans at Corcoran Ranch Apple orchard are alive and well,
but the house is a total loss. Most of the apple trees look like they'll recover. We already have a contracter and are looking forward to a new and improved home.
Thanks for the concern.
Mike & Kathy Corcoran
Do not touch water
The following information is an advisory to residents in the Ramona Municipal Water District at 3:15 p.m today.
DO NOT HAVE ANY HUMAN CONTACT WITH THE WATER.
Local water agency crews are opening water meters today and tomorrow in Ramona to resume municipal delivery of water to residents and businesses. If your water meter has been opened and municipal water is being delivered to your property, please DO NOT HAVE ANY HUMAN CONTACT WITH THE WATER.
Bottled water should be used for all drinking, including baby formula and juice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation.
Use bottled water or a hand sanitizer for hand washing.
Hot showers are available on Aqua Lane. Municipal water is permissible only for use in toilets and to do laundry. A formal UNSAFE WATER ALERT NOTICE was posted at Ramona residences on Thursday. Please refer to that notice for more information.
Additionally, outdoor water use is still prohibited. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
For additional information, visit www.sdcountyresponse.com or call 211.
I read the above too. I also spoke with RMWD and they said it was ok to shower and brush teeth just don't drink. I'm sure the RMWD does tests on the water to make sure it is safe. I think the only hang up is the Department of Health needs to sign off on it.
I'll let you know if I get a funny rash. You let me know if you start smelling funny from not showering.
Just had a call from the RWD and said not to have any contact with the water. My husband took a shower before this came out, so hopefully he does not contract any funky fungus or rash. Will let you know.
Has anyone tried using the "public" showers? Wonder where the water for those comes from - any ideas - maybe from RMWD. I have better things to do than stand in line with a bunch of other stinky folks.
what's in the water?? Is it bacteria, chemicals, or?? You can brush your teeth but not take a shower or wash dishes? That makes no sense. Exactly what are we in danger of? Or are they just being overly cautious...
How about using your diswasher? Won't any water dry up in the drying cycle---getting rid of any bacteria?
www.ramonarelief.com
A good site for information pertaining to the recovery of Ramona, and to provide a meeting place online for the people of Ramona and their families around the world to connect.
I emailed north arabians the house is gone but the humans and the four legged family made it.
from Paul Anderson
Just got back in the house after spending first couple of good nights sleep in Anaheim. Better air quality up there.
Regarding the water however, apparently RMWD has jacked up the chlorine levels in the water supply to the point that it burns your skin. I used my pool tester on the tap water in my house today about an hour ago to find chlorine pegged off the scale for a pool and pH was on the high end also (alkaline). Handling the water while bleeding the lines left my hands feeling dry and rough, similar to being in a public jacuzzi too long.
So what I'm getting at is it may not be for microbial reasons but sensitive skinned individuals may want to continue to bar human tissue exposure to the water. It can burn your skin and your innards (redneck term) if you ingest it.
Its a plot to make us all look Scandinavian. In a week we'll all look like Hanson, or Nelson, or Hansel, or the Skinners (sorry Suvi) .
On another note: Sunday night after sitting in my car for 2 1/2 hours during evacuation finally made it to Orchards shopping center. Stopped at Daniels and asked to use restroom since it was an emergency. I was told no public use.. I can understand this during normal times but found it wrong during time of emergency especially since they were only business open at that time. There were only 3 other customers in store, plenty getting gas. I have shopped there for over 20 years and was very disappointed.
I used the showers in town on Saturday and Sunday with my son. They are actually really nice. I was extremely grateful for the HOT ten minute shower.. The showers are open from 7 am-9 pm...
Sorry if this is a repeat question, but does anyone have any information on the welfare of the Hogervorst family? Their large property and egg ranch (Ebn HAezer) is off Dye road, and another family member's property is on San Vicente Road. Wasn't this within the fire perimeter. I have been out of touch for a long time and wondered if they had already been affected by the 2003 Cedar fire.
Any information is much appreciated. God bless.
No fires on that side of town. Hogervorst are fine, no fire near them.
What's the situation on 78 between Ramona and Escondido? Thanks.
78 is replacing burnt guard rails and I hear it will not reopen until next week.
UGH! Let's hope and pray it will be sooner then next week, the traffic is a nightmare out in the morning and in the evening.
UGH! Let's hope and pray it will be sooner then next week, the traffic is a nightmare out in the morning and in the evening.
Reference to editiorial Oct 31 2007
We know that no one could have stopped the fire but what my concern was were is the back up plan. I have a generator for a back up. Why doesn't the water district? There were pumps so old they could not find fuses.
I do wamt to hang anyone I just would like some answers.
>What's the situation on 78 between Ramona and Escondido? Thanks.
Can the closed section be circumvented by taking Highland Valley Road? -- 211 says NO.
Is 67 - Poway Road - Espola - Twin Peaks the only way?
From reading Keith Hansen's editorial in today's Sentinel, two facts become readily apparent: Hansen is a hand-maiden for the RMWD, and Hansen has absolutely no clue how things really work. He tosses out one red-herring argument after another in a pathetic attempt to apologise for the incompetenece of the management of the RMWD.
Hansen argues that the board had to evacuate like everybody else, which is true, but so what? The board is not involved in the day-to-day management of the district. The board is responsibile for hiring competent management to run the district.
Hansen argues that nobody could have stopped the fire, which is also true, but so what? What has that to do with seeing there was a backup generator at the pump site in case power failed? Hospitals have back-up generators, fire stations have back-up generators, police stations have back-up generators. Why is the only source of water for 30,000 people not protected with a back-up generator?
Why then, according to public statements of RMWD management published in the Sentinel, were they unaware of a lack of water until Tuesday morning when a low pressure alarm went off?
Why then, according to public statements by Diane Jacob, were the 25% of RMWD employees who came to work during the fire only working 8-hour shifts when other emergency pesonnel worked 24-hour and longer shifts?
Why then, according to public statements by Diane Jacob, did the RMWD only ask for help to restart the water system last Thursday, and even then only after getting leaned on by county administrators?
Keith Hansen insults the intelligence of the residents of Ramona! Is he implying that the existing board is the only choice we have of candidates capable of running the water department???
Any successful business has not only a back-up plan but plan "b", plan "c", etc. And any successful business does preventive maintaince to do just what it says: PREVENT the system from shutting down. You have extra parts, extra generators, whatever it takes to keep the system running, especially when you are a public service company ELECTED by the residents of Ramona. Of course we know they did not cause the fires, could not stop the fires, and definitely didn't have the authority to call for an evacuation! Thank God!!! But there is no excuse for not learning from past mistakes (yes, Keith, we know) to prevent future problems. We live in a rural area. We have annual Santa Ana winds. We have horrific forest fires. This is life! Don't stick your head in the sand and pretend that if you don't acknowledge something, and PLAN for it, that it won't happen! It will, again and again. And don't you dare try to raise our water rates to cover your lack of professional planning and prepardness!
We need to incorporate and become our own city and make our own decisions!!! We have PLENTY of experienced men and women that can fill EVERY position needed to make our town stand out and be outstanding!!!!
People who are saying the Ramona Municipal Water District takes some kind of "special" people with "special" skills to operate are way off base. A municipal water utility is about as simple a business as it gets. It is certainly not rocket science.
They sell only one product -- water, which they purchase wholesale, mark up and sell at retail to the customers. They do not even have to advertise for customers as they are a monopoly. Anyone in the district that wants water, has to come to them. There is no competition for their business.
These attributes are, unfortunately, the primary cause of the recent failure. 99.9% of the time an idiot could run the water district and no one would ever know he is an idiot. It was only when adversity struck that we found out the people running the water utility were incompetent, parochial novices.
ENOUGH GRUMBLING ABOUT THE WATER. LET'S COMPLAIN ABOUT 78 NOT BEING OPENED. TRAFFIC IS AWFUL IN CASE NOBODY HAS NOTICED!!!!!!!
Just stumbled onto this blog. Read all the others (Needs - Resources, ect) first. Lots of hurtin folk in our neck of the smokin woods. The water issues will be analyzed and rehashed for quite a while, I hope cool heads will prevail. My gripe there is the call at 9pm Sat with a recorded message saying the water is "not for human contact", after my wife and daughter had showered. I'll tell ya the truth, if you want to talk with a live government official, don't try calling at 9pm or later on a Saturday nite....nothing but answering machines...I left messages at many levels tho, only got one call back - from the Gov's office. The 78 issue seems to be one that could be easily solved. Just a while ago they were letting one lane at a time go thru, why not now? Is the road out? I hear it'll be open Sunday, but who really knows? I also have issues with a "mandatory" evacuation where everyone stays behind and helps to collapse the water system.....I was happily snuggled in bed in my pjs reading a Nat'nl Geo. and my wife was hammering on me so hard that we were being "ordered" to evacuate that I packed a few items and made the three hour trek from my house to 67 - three blocks - (10pm to 1am)thinking I'd get cooked with the few animals in my auto. Well, I coulda stayed and been pretty comfortable. Water stayed on here till Thursday when everyone came back and they shut it off....oh well...sorry, rambling here....big gripe again was the recorded message about the "not for human contact" from the water guys....that was very irresponsible. Folks, let's be of help where we can. R
According to another fire blog, 78 will be open by November 8th.
http://sosdfireblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/100-miles-of-state-highway-damaged.html
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