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Get It Done San Diego

The Fire

Residents of Tierrasanta experienced a wake-up call when a brush fire, ignited from a fire at an encampment in East Shepherd Canyon, spread quickly due to winds that lay a path of smoke from Antigua to Rueda in a matter of minutes.

San Diego Fire & Rescue responded by deploying seven engines, four brush engines, five battalion chiefs, an ambulance, and a helicopter. Firefighters expertly contained damage to two acres of canyon space while preventing several homes from igniting.

Crews from Tierrasanta Fire Station 39 were one of the first to arrive on scene, quickly assessing structural threats, and stretching a water line for a fire attack while additional deployed equipment and resources arrived minutes later.

Fire Station 39

Fire Station 39 houses six crew members that rotate between three divisions. Station 39 is also one of San Diego's oldest firehouses. Two of the six crew members are housed in an old single-wide trailer in the back lot of the station.    

Fire & Rescue crews must constantly train to be prepared for the call when someone is in trouble and needs life-saving help. Yet Tierrasanta Fire Station 39 lacks the adequate modern facilities that can accommodate mandated exercise equipment and training, leaving crews to exercise in a highly carcinogenic and cramped environment.

Career firefighters experience higher cancer mortality rates due to extreme exposure to carcinogens when fighting everything from car and industrial fires to brush and wildfires. The intense demand on these men and women also contribute to a higher rate of heart disease.

Among the benefits of a new fire station with increased garage space is the ability to house a utility rig, which veteran crew members say would benefit response times during seasonal highs that result in increases in calls from 911 calls out of Mission Trails. Mission Trails is served by Station 39.

Tierrasanta

Tierrasanta is one of San Diego’s oldest communities. Called the Island in the Hills due to its unique geography that shares no common border with another community. Much of Tierrasanta is surrounded by Mission Trails Regional Park, the largest park in San Diego and California, and sixth largest in the county.

Tierrasanta’s aging infrastructure is past the need for updates, renovations, or rebuilding. City facilities include a community pool, recreation center, library, and fire station, providing services to 30,000 residents that call Tierrasanta home.

405 Days

With extensive seasonally high rains received this past winter, the early return of dry and hot temperatures created an increased threat of a catastrophic wildfire reminiscent of San Diego’s Cedar and Witch fires of 2003 and 2007.

As we approach wildfire season, we need the city to address our long overdue needs for facilities that have been deferred for years. We cannot be left to submit requests for enforcement through the city’s Get It Done app. We may not be so lucky next time.

- Tom “TK” Keliinoi, Tierrasanta Foundation President

"Fix the Rec" Pool Projects Completed - Next up: The Tierrasanta Rec Center and Pickleball(?)

Thanks to strong local and County support, the Tierrasanta Foundation has completed two infrastructure projects at the Tierrasanta Pool. With paint purchased from community donations, painting of the pool building has been completed. It’s quite a change! The second project, replacing the sun-damaged windows in the pool building, has also been completed. In these photos, you can see a “before” and “after” comparison with the new windows.

Both projects were funded entirely by generous donations from the Community and support from the Tierrasanta Recreation Council. Arne Knudsen, representing the Tierrasanta Foundation, is shown in the photo above presenting a $4700 check for the new windows to Kathy Castello (San Diego Parks and Rec, Aquatic Division.

In the next phase of “Fix the Rec” we will leverage funds raised for the pool, a grant from the County, additional Rec Council funds, and Tierrasanta Foundation monies, to address improvements at the Tierrasanta Rec Center.  We are targeting replacement of broken equipment at the playground, fixes to the pergola structure adjacent to the Rec Center Office, new drinking fountains that will accommodate water bottles, and Mahjong boards. As a stretch goal, we are obtaining quotes to resurface the outdoor basketball courts with striping (and dedicated hours) for pickleball.

We are excited about this program and want to encourage Tierrasantans to offer suggestions as well as contributions of time or money. If you would like to join this effort, please contact Arne Knudsen at aknudsen@tierrasantafoundation.org or at 858-775-8751 Community support for these efforts will allow us to complete these projects and initiate new ones. If you can help, please make checks payable to “Tierrasanta Foundation” and mail to 10601-G Tierrasanta Blvd, Box 406, San Diego, CA  92124. The Tierrasanta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization - donations are tax deductible. You may also use Venmo (@TierrasantaFoundation).

2024 Tierrasanta “Monster Dash” 5K & Fun Run

Join us for the Spooktacular Tierrasanta Foundation “Monster Dash” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, October 26th, 2024! Last year, we set a record with nearly 600 participants, and we anticipate an even bigger turnout this year. Dust off your costumes and aim for the prize, prepare to hit the podium with your best run, or simply enjoy a morning of family fun and fitness with your kids and furry friends. There’s something for everyone—it’s guaranteed to be a blast! Gun time is at 8:30 AM sharp, so don’t be late!

Register early and save. Go to active.com!

Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park

Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park returns this Summer 2024!
Saturdays 6-9pm from June 29 – Aug 3.

Tierrasanta Recreation Center
11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.

FREE Kid Zone, Food Trucks, Bring Picnic Blankets & Chairs!

Antigua Fire: A Wake-Up Call for Tierrasanta

As many of you are aware, our community recently faced a threat from the Antigua Fire, which was ignited by a transient individual in our canyons. This alarming incident has highlighted the urgent need for increased attention to our neighborhood's safety and preparedness measures. We are fortunate that the fire did not spread further, but it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for such emergencies. Below are some essential disaster preparedness tips specifically tailored for our community:

1. Create a Defensible Space: Clear away dead vegetation, trim trees, and remove any flammable materials from around your home. This helps to create a buffer zone that can slow the spread of a fire.

2. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a bag packed and ready with the following items:

   • Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers)

   • Medications and first aid supplies

   • Clothing and personal hygiene items

   • Bottled water and non-perishable food

   • Flashlights, batteries, and a portable charger.

   • Firearms and ammunition

   • Irreplaceable heirlooms and valuables

   • Pet supplies, if applicable

3. Plan Your Evacuation Route: Know multiple exit routes from your home and neighborhood. Plan where you will go and how you will get there in case of an evacuation order.

4. Stay Informed: Sign up for “Watch Duty: Wildfire App” for immediate updates on wildfires in the area.

5. Communicate with Neighbors: Form a communication plan with your neighbors. Share contact information and check in with each other in case of an emergency.

6. Practice Fire Drills: Regularly practice fire drills with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire.

7. Secure Your Home: Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home. Ensure your roof and exterior walls are made of fire-resistant materials.

8. Support Local Fire Departments: Consider donating to or volunteering with the local fire department to help them remain well-equipped and prepared.

Let's come together to ensure Tierrasanta remains a safe and resilient community. Always report potential risks to “Get It Done.” A higher frequency of reports by more residents will call the City of San Diego’s attention to our “Island in The Hills.”

This fire was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we face living in such a beautiful, yet fire-prone area. By taking these proactive steps, we can better protect our homes, our families, and our community.

Tierrasanta Disaster Communications Team

Back in 2003 and 2007 San Diego experienced devastating wildfires. Homes and lives were lost. Neighbors worked together to recover. It was a crazy experience and those of us who were here remember quite clearly not knowing how serious the fire would become and what actions to take.

In the 2003 fire we had no idea that the entire community of Tierrasanta was going to be evacuated and “OFF LIMITS” for three or more days. Some Tierrasanta homes were lost. Some of us resorted to calling our answering machine to find out if our house was still standing. (If it answered, it was good news.)

Today we know to be prepared with a family “go bag” (including pet supplies) so we can quickly grab our important documents, medications, and treasures on our way out of the house.

But “knowing” is not the same as actually having a prioritized list of what to do if we are attacked by a wildfire. Besides that, we have to take advance actions to keep a fire from spreading in our neighborhood.

The Wildfire in Tierrasanta on Thursday June 20, 2024 was a wake-up call for all of us. Due to quick response of emergency services, the wildfire near Antiqua and Santo was contained… but it was a close call. (Thanks to those who supplied the photos.) It doesn’t take much to change a “serious” fire with a squadron of fire engines, helicopters, and fire fighters into an “OH NO!!! EVACUATE!!!” fire. We all share responsibility to Prevent, Prepare, Practice, and Act.

1. Prevent – https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/preparedness/wildfire.html

a. Defensible space – Our canyons are wonderful. But they are filled with fuel sometimes called “green gasoline cans”. Our own property can be filled with fire risks that can contribute to increased damage and injury for ourselves and neighbors.

b. “During the October 2003 Firestorms, it was painfully evident that there was insufficient "Defensible Space" on many properties which contributed to destroyed homes and other structures. As a result, the County of San Diego has amended an ordinance that requires residents to keep their property free of fire hazards: including certain vegetation types, green waste and rubbish. Residents can comply with this ordinance by creating a "Defensible Space" around their homes and by taking other preventative steps on their property.”

c. Please click to the link above and take any needed action in the next 2 weeks. If you already have, thank you!

2. Prepare –

a. Develop a Disaster Plan, https://www.alertsandiego.org/content/dam/alertsandiego/preparedness/en/resources/OES%20My%20Disaster%20Plan_ENGLISH.pdf

b. Know what to do in a wild fire https://www.alertsandiego.org/content/dam/alertsandiego/preparedness/en/resources/wildfire_preparedness_guide.pdf

i. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. (See the lists in this link – page 8 & 9)

ii. Assemble emergency supplies (See the lists in this link - page10)

3. Practice – Involve the entire family and practice a home fire evacuation 2 times a year and include a discussion about what you will evacuate with and where to meet if separated.

4. FIRE!

a. If there is a fire, Get Set. Be prepared to evacuate. Pack your emergency items. Prepare your home for a fire. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety. Visit www.AlertSanDiego.org and install the free SD Emergency mobile app.

b. Go! Act early. Follow your personal wild land fire action plan. Do not wait to be advised to leave if there is a possible threat to your home or evacuation route. Leave early enough to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. If you are advised to leave by local authorities, do not hesitate! Doing so will not only support your safety but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

This article is not to cause you anxiety. It is to remind you of our particular situation where we need to Prevent, Prepare, and Practice in order to Protect our loved ones, home, and neighborhood from Wildfire.

-Ed Langmaid, member: Community Emergency Response T

Summer Speaker Series Sponsored by Tierrasanta Village

Tierrasanta Village of San Diego (TVSD) is excited to announce its Summer Speaker Series which brings knowledgeable professionals to share their expertise with the community. TVSD invites the Tierrasanta community to hear from these presenters. The events are free and open to the public.

July 16th – Steve Wedeking, Wedeking Law 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Through this estate planning seminar, learn what all seniors should know about Wills, Estate Planning, Health Care Documents, and Asset Protection. Learn about the 4 essential components of a comprehensive estate plan and whether you need a will, a trust, or both to protect your family and safeguard your assets. This event is also available via Zoom and the meeting link will be provided at the time of registration. A second presentation is available online via Zoom on July 16th 5:30-7:00 p.m. To register for this online event, go to https://wedekinglaw.com/village

July 22nd – Senior Advisory Council 1:30 -3:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of dedicated professionals located in San Diego County who provide care planning needs for asset preservation, long term care, aging in place and general end of life solutions. The team at SAC consists of affiliated members who are dedicated to helping families recognize the need for long term care planning BEFORE it is truly needed. On July 22nd attendees will hear from all the SAC advisors and have the opportunity to connect with advisors after the event to ask specific questions. This event is also available via Zoom and the meeting link will be provided at the time of registration. Visit www.senioradvisorycouncil.com for a full list of advisor specialties.

August 26th – Southern Caregiver Resource Center 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) is the leading provider of free caregiver support services that include education, care planning, case management, counseling, respite care and support groups. The August 26th presentation will focus on the physical, social, and emotional changes of an aging adult, and successful ways of aging well. The importance of Long Term Care planning will be shared, discussing important factors such as level of care needed, expected costs, and where to turn for help when planning. This event is also available via Zoom and the meeting link will be provided at the time of registration. For more information on the numerous services SCRC offers, visit https://www.caregivercenter.org/

Registration is required for the above events. Presentation locations vary. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. To register, go to tierrasantavillage.org and view the Activities Calendar. Or RSVP to tierrasantavlg@gmail.com or 858-569-9119.

In Loving Memory, William Arthur Boldt II December 19, 2011 - May 13, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved William Arthur Boldt on May 13, 2024, at the tender age of 12. Born on December 19, 2011, William brought immense joy and light into the lives of everyone who knew him.

Raised in the Tierrasanta neighborhood he attended Tierrasanta Elementary School then was promoted to De Portola Middle School. He enjoyed spending time with his family especially his younger brother Noah, family vacations, and taking care of his puppy, Stone. William was a remarkable young man, blessed with many talents and a heart full of generosity. He excelled in sports, becoming a champion in both little league and basketball as well as playing soccer. His untimely passing has left a profound void just as he was beginning to embark on the journey of young manhood.

A true hero in every sense, William’s legacy extends beyond his life through the selfless act of organ donation, saving the lives of 4 people. His courageous spirit and the impact he made in such a short time are testaments to the extraordinary person he was. Known for his polite and outspoken nature William had a the gift of gab the endeared him to all. His love for music, particularly his skill with the saxophone, showed great promiseand was a source of pride for his family.

William is survived by his loving parents, his devoted brother, and an amazing extended family who will forever cherish his memory. His absence is deeply felt, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

William vibrant spirt, kindness, and talents will live on in the hearts of those he touched. We find solace in knowing that his legacy continues through his lifesaving donation and the beautiful memories he leave behind.

4th of July Fireworks

Wishing you a safe and joyous 4th of July! May your day be filled with celebration, laughter, and memorable moments with loved ones. Don't miss out on the spectacular fireworks displays happening around San Diego. Visit this website to find the best spots to watch the show. Enjoy the festivities and stay safe!