Descanso91916 News and relevant information about Descanso, CA - the gateway to the Cuyamaca Mountains THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009 Hiking: Cold Stream Trail http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/17/cold-stream-trail-teems-wildlife-history/ Cold Stream Trail teems with wildlife, history BY PRISCILLA LISTER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009 AT 12:01 A.M. The Cold Stream Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has views of meadows and Stonewall Peak. The trail is often an excellent place to spot wildlife. (Priscilla Lister) COLD STREAM TRAIL Before you go: The best trail map of Cuyamaca costs $1 and can be purchased at entrances to the Green Valley or Paso Picacho campgrounds, at park headquarters, or at the Visitors Center, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Trail head: From Interstate 8, take state Route 79 exit, heading north toward Descanso. Park at the Visitors Center, now in temporary buildings, just off 79 between Green Valley and Paso Picacho campgrounds. The trail head for Cold Stream Trail is across from the placard for the Dyar House Trailhead parking area. The trail is well-marked. Length: Three miles one-way. Allow at least two hours for even a partial round-trip walk. Difficulty: Easy. Cost: A $10 day-use fee to park in the Visitors Center lot. For viewing wildlife, Cuyamaca is hard to beat. On its Cold Stream Trail late last month, I saw a bobcat, a troop of wild turkeys, bright-blue scrub jays and flocks of redheaded acorn woodpeckers. The path leaves from the Dyar House trail head at the Visitors Center of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. From the parking area, you will notice the stone-walled shell of the once-grand house built by the Ralph Dyar family in 1923. This historic home was once the park’s headquarters and visitors center. It even included a small museum, but it was destroyed during the 2003 Cedar fire, which also charred more than 270,000 acres of the county, including more than 24,000 acres of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Fire crews fought to save historic structures in the park, but the Dyar House, as well as all the historic buildings at Camp Hual-cu-Cuish, were burned. Camp Hual-cu-Cuish, used for years by local Scout troops, was first developed in the 1930s by the California Conservation Corps and “represented some of the best examples of CCC-era park rustic architecture in California State Parks,” according to The Wave, the newsletter of the California State Parks Rangers Association. The Dyar House was the mountain cabin of wealthy Beverly Hills residents Ralph and Helen Dyar. They had bought 20,000 acres that was Rancho Cuyamaca in 1923, selling it to the state in 1933, when it became Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The Cedar fire also devastated flora and fauna. “Ancient stands of stately sugar pines on Middle Peak and Cuyamaca Peaks were reduced to ash,” said The Wave. “These old-growth trees were as large as 6 feet in diameter and perhaps 500 years old. Very few survived the blaze.” Oak trees are far more resilient — 75 percent of them survived. One was “Grandfather Oak,” a giant tree estimated to be 300 to 600 years old. The oak is just below the Cold Stream Trail, where some large boulders make perfect perches in front of it. It’s a short way past the No. 12 post marker, with views of the meadow and Stonewall Peak behind it. Part of Cold Stream Trail is also called the Indian Village Trail. Numbered posts along it correspond with a brochure explaining how the Kumeyaay people lived in this area. The brochures should be available in a box at the beginning of the trail head. Near the posts marked 5, the brochure points out that the Kumeyaay made pots using clay from this stream; 6, that wild lilac sticks were used to kill rabbits; and 7, that willow branches were made into acorn storage baskets. Several oak trees hosted dozens of black-and-white acorn woodpeckers, their red heads bobbing on the tree trunks when they knocked against the bark. I saw the jays in this area, too. The wild turkeys were chowing down in a wide-open meadow below Stonewall Peak, one of Cuyamaca’s highest at 5,730 feet. But the bobcat was the best sighting. This rarely seen creature surprised me, literally, at the parking-lot trail head. It was just a bit larger than a house cat, with pointed ears and white-striped markings. When it saw me, it crouched, watched for a minute, then ran off. At that trail-head entry, if you go south on Cold Stream Trail, you’ll hit Sweetwater River in about a half-mile at the junction with East Side Trail. The river was too full to cross without taking off my shoes, so I turned around. Cold Stream Trail continues north for about three miles if you go all the way to its junction at Los Caballos. Priscilla Lister is a freelance writer from San Diego. Posted by Descanso91916 at 9:23 PM No comments: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009 Descanso Junction Seasonal Recipe Competition I keep forgetting about this great competition in Descanso at the Junction: each season, they solicit local's recipes for the "Best on the Mountain Seasonal Recipe Competition." According to the Alpline Sun, the winter event was held on Nov. 15. Seventeen chefs entered the competition in three categories: appetizers, entrée and dessert. This season's winners were: • Eva Nixon: Cinnamon Apple Green Salad • Corinne Lewis: Sweet/Barbecue Chicken • Rebecca Toth: Reb's Cuban Flan The next seasonal recipe contest for spring will be held on April 3. All are invited to participate with your best recipes. For more information on Descanso Junction, and for the recipes of the winners, visit http://descansojunction.com Posted by Descanso91916 at 9:18 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Descanso Junction Restaurant, Recipes WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009 Documentary on Granny Martin Interesting story about a grad student at SDSU who made a documentary film focusing on Granny Martin, old timer here in Descanso. Want to find out how we can view the movie: http://www.thedailyaztec.com/features/spotlight/spotlight-documenting-lives-and-inspiring-his-own-1.2098382 Posted by Descanso91916 at 9:58 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Descanso history, Granny Martin, SDSU WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 Events in Descanso Nov. 7 - 8 DESCANSO MERCANTILE’S 5TH ANNUAL FALL FLEA MARKET & ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from a variety of vendors, antiques, collectibles, knick-knacks, bric-brac, and more for sale, as well as a silent auction including single and box lot items. 8306a Highway 73, Descanso (619)659-9206. DESCANSO ANTIQUE & ESTATE SALE: Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual antique sale is held in conjunction with a 100-year-old estate sale on location, including lots of old furniture, small antiques and collectibles. 25104 Viejas Blvd., Descanso. Posted by Descanso91916 at 3:49 PM No comments: State Cuts Funding to Phoenix Academy Like all California institutions dependent on state funding (hello, education), the Phoenix Academy in Descanso is hurting. http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS196753+02-Nov-2009+PRN20091102 Posted by Descanso91916 at 12:31 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Phoenix House, State Budget Cuts TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2009 Descanso on Facebook Fellow Descansoan Rob Horne started a Descanso Facebook group page (Thanks Rob!). Go to this link and sign up: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14612412214 Posted by Descanso91916 at 4:54 PM No comments: Labels: Creekbed.org, Descanso, Facebook MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 Stimulus Dollars to Help Public Transportation in Descanso Federal stimulus dollars are going to help improve public transportation systems in the back country, specifically in Descanso: http://www.kpbs.org/news/2009/sep/28/rural-residents-benefit-stimulus-dollars/ Posted by Descanso91916 at 7:24 PM No comments: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 Arsonist Notifications? Interesting story in the East County Magazine about a paroled arsonist who had been living in Boulevard without the community being notified: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1941 Whaddya think? Should arsonists living in fire-prone areas be treated like sex offenders in that neighbors should be notified when they're living in their midst? Posted by Descanso91916 at 1:50 PM 1 comment: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Cowboy Swapmeet The 36th annual Cowboy Swapmeet will be held at the McClintock Saddle Works on Sep. 27. Phone 445-3946. Sell, buy, eat and meet other cowboys and cowgirls. Posted by Descanso91916 at 4:10 PM No comments: Labels: Cowboys, Descanso, Horses TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 RCD Oak Tree Morality Program for 91916 Residents According to The Alpine Sun, the Resource Conservation District (RCD) has a new program called D3 (Dead, Dying, Diseased) Oak Tree Mortality and Fuels Reduction Program (yes, a mouthful, but worthwhile). Right now, the Golden Spot Oak Borer (GSOP) is the major threat to Descanso (and southern California) oak trees. The Sun said that the GSOP has resulted in "an 85 to 90 percent mortality rate in the Sherilton Valley/Descanso area alone." People in the 91916 zip code region, west of the 79 corridor, can have dead, dying or diseased trees removed from their property free of charge through the RCD, with help from a federal grant. There are strict guidelines, however. For complete details and more information, visit http://www.rcdsandiego.org, or call 619-562-0096. Posted by Descanso91916 at 7:49 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Fire Reduction, Oak Borers, Oak Trees SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009 Ice Cream Social Draws Crowd to Descanso Library Descanso resident Julie Salmons won a Dreyer's Ice Cream block party for the town. She wrote a short essay on why Descanso was the town worthy of winning the Dreyer's Slow Churned Neighborhood Salute contest. Citing the many fire fighters and forest rangers who live and work here, and the many fire scares we have had, evidently Dreyers felt our town deserved an ice cream break. Julie was chosen as the grand prize winner among thousands of entries across the nation. The Descanso Library agreed to host Julie's party. She served the many varieties of ice cream to more than 75 local residents, including many of the volunteer fire fighters in town, scores of young children, oldsters, and even one service dog, Strider. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the yummy treats. The adults seemed to favor the traditional flavors like caramel swirl and pecan praline, while the kids went for "takes the cake" and cookies and cream. For more information on the Dreyer's block party giveaway, visit www. slowchurned.com Posted by Descanso91916 at 3:27 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Residents, Salmons, Social Events FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 72nd Annual Deep-Pit BBQ Big Success Our Lady of Light, Descanso's tiny Catholic parish, held its 72nd annual deep-pit barbecue on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Every year, many residents of Descanso and outlying areas -- not just Catholics, but Protestants, non-believers, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Native American spiritualists, and beyond -- come together to support this community parish and celebrate the end of summer. The annual event is the main fundraiser for Our Lady of Light and a fun-loving get together for the town. Live music by the Danielle Tucker Band had many on the dance floor, while children enjoyed fun and games. "Grandpa's Attic," the rummage sale of donated items, is always a big hit with bargain shoppers, as are the craft booths of local artisans. But the main draw is the food and beverages. The beef is slow roasted for 18 hours, wrapped in muslin, soaked, and seasoned. Beer and wine are served for adults, which helps get more people on the dance floor. According to The Alpine Sun, the annual event started 72 years ago as a wedding celebration at the church. Everyone had so much fun, that the church members continued the party every year. Congratulations to Our Lady of Light. Posted by Descanso91916 at 7:18 PM No comments: Labels: BBQ, Descanso, Our Lady of Light, Residents, Social Events CPR/First Aid Certification Class - 9/19 The Descanso Library will be hosting a CPR/First Aid Certification class on Saturday, Sep. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10, which covers materials and a continental breakfast. To register, contact the Descanso Library at 445-5279. Posted by Descanso91916 at 6:55 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Health and Safety, Useful Information Next Descanso Planning Group Meeting The next Descanso Planning Group meeting will be held on Thursday, Sep. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. At the Town Hall, of course. The Chair is Michael Sterns, 659-3801. Posted by Descanso91916 at 6:52 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Descanso Planning Group Alternative Ideas Proposed by Assemblymember Saldana An alternative plan to SDG&E's misguided proposal, from Assemblymember Lori Saldana: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1868 Posted by Descanso91916 at 12:38 PM 1 comment: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009 Latest on SDG&E power shutoff plan SDG&E power shutoff plan in jeopardy Posted using ShareThis Posted by Descanso91916 at 11:57 AM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Power, SDGE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 Oak Tree Updates Updated info about not transporting oak wood; could impact those who depend on firewood for heat this winter. Message is: keep it local. http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-09-01/news/local-county-news/rancho-bernardo-local-county-news-news/dont-move-oak-wood-in-san-diego-county# Posted by Descanso91916 at 9:36 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Oak Borers, Oak Trees SDG&E Plans for the Back Country Important information on SDG&E's plan to cut electrical service to Descanso and other rural areas: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/09/sdgampes-plan-has-bottom-line-cash/ Posted by Descanso91916 at 1:01 PM No comments: Labels: Descanso, Fire Reduction, Power, SDGE Newer Posts Home Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) About Descanso Descanso91916 Descanso, CA, United States I am a town. A small town in Eastern San Diego county, in the foothills of the Cuyamaca mountains. There are about 900 households with approximately 3,000 residents. I am mellow, quirky and unique. View my complete profile Descanso/East County Links Descanso Weather Descanso Weather Station Moon phases and astrological events Descanso Planning Group Information Fire Safe Resource Conversation District Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Vaquero Days Descanso Neighborhood Descanso Garden Club Descanso - Alpine Chamber of Commerce Descanso Demographics Stories About Descanso 2008: Guatay 2008: Three Sisters Falls 2008: Roberts Ranch 2007: East Mesa 2007: Perfect Drought 2007: What Will Burn 2007: Oakzanita Peak 2005: Western Azaleas 2004: Developer Propaganda 2003: Developer Eye Descanso 2001: Horsethief Canyon 1998: Roberts Ranch Gates Local Media San Diego News Network Voice of San Diego San Diego Union/Tribune The Reader East County Magazine Alpine Sun Followers Descanso Phone Numbers Descanso Junction Restaurant 659-2199 Descanso Pizza & Deli 445-3804 Descanso Real Estate 445-5011 Descanso Town Hall 445-9505 Descanso Trading Post Grandpa's Mountain Nursery 445-0869 Perkins Market 445-2578 McClintock Saddle Works 445-3946 Raintree Market 445-4537 Save Our Forest & Ranch Lands 445-9638 U.S. Post Office 445-2046 Blog Archive ► 2010 (3) ▼ 2009 (18) ▼ December (2) Hiking: Cold Stream Trail Descanso Junction Seasonal Recipe Competition ► November (4) ► September (12) Deze site gebruikt cookies van Google om services te leveren en verkeer te analyseren. 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