Jacob Addresses Fire Recovery, Jess Martin Park at Annual Coffee

By Bobbi Zane

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob outlined steps the county is taking to reduce fire danger in the Julian area, issues related to development of Jess Martin Park, and offered the county supervisors recommendation on a number of ballot measures during a constituents coffee held in Julian on Oct. 28.

Resolved and still unresolved fire recovery issues sparked a lively discussion between Jacob and the 40 to 50 people in the Town Hall audience.

Jacob asserted “we are safer than we were a year ago, but we’re not there yet,” as she outlined measures the supervisors have taken to improve fire safety in the unincorporated areas.

The supervisors have allocated funds for a $23 million upgrade of the communication system used by public agencies.

Two fire-fighting helicopters will be online by spring. The county sheriff will operate them using CDF contracted pilots.

CDF has changed its policy and now allows pilot discretion in responding to fire on federal property.

The county/fire fighting agencies have received grants of $4 million from three Indian tribes to purchase more trucks and one of the new helicopters.

The county is nearing completion of a new emergency alert network based upon a reverse 911 system. “If a phone is listed, it’s on the grid.” Additionally, “community evacuation plans are in the works and the emergency alert network via television and radio is being revised.”

Identification and removal of dead and diseased trees is on track.

Responding to concerns about the development of Jess Martin Park, Jacob said, “I’m determined to make Jess Martin Park a first class park for kids, with fields, community center, restroom, and drinking fountains.” She cited a dispute over use of water with the Julian Community Services district as ‘the sticking point.’ “We will try to work out the remaining areas of disagreement and we are looking at alternate solutions” to the water issue. In the meantime, she charged park supporters to “organize a Friends of Jess Martin Park and devise a master plan” for its development.

Since the meeting was held just a week before the general election, Jacob discussed county supervisor endorsements of and opposition to of several ballot propositions including Proposition C, concerning fire safety, which passed overwhelmingly.

San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob answers questions during a Constituents Coffee held on Oct. 28 in Julian Town Hall.