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EL CAJON – In response to today’s fatal collision on La Cresta Road, Ron Nehring, Chairman of the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group, issued the following statement:
We are heartbroken by today’s tragic loss of life in a traffic collision on La Cresta Road. Full details of the collision are not yet known. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones. We are grateful to the California Highway Patrol, Sherriff's Department, firefighters, and all first responders for their professionalism and courage. We especially acknowledge their heroic efforts to rescue and save the life of the trapped passenger under extreme circumstances. Serious collisions on La Cresta Road are an ongoing concern for residents. This road is a vital connector between the communities of Crest, Dehesa, Harbison Canyon and Granite Hills and the City of El Cajon and Interstate 8, and its safety affects thousands of daily drivers. Public reporting indicates at least five fatalities on this stretch of road in the past decade, including four in the last six years alone. Even one fatality is too many. Between Greenfield Drive and Mountain View Road there are eight blind curves where westbound drivers have limited visibility into oncoming lanes. Long stretches of roadway also lack a shoulder, leaving no room for drivers to avoid a vehicle that crosses the center line. These conditions have raised sustained concerns in the community about roadway safety. Drivers must approach La Cresta Road with heightened caution. The combination of blind curves and narrow margins for recovery means unsafe driving can have immediate and irreversible consequences for residents and other motorists. Treating this road casually puts lives at risk. SAN DIEGO, CA -- Citing unavoidable risks to East County's environment posed by San Diego County's proposed cannabis expansion ordinance, the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Community Planning Group voted unanimously to advise the County against adoption of its "Socially Equitable Cannabis Program." The risks and negative community impact were identified in the County’s own Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The Planning Group represents four largely rural, residential communities spread across 33 square miles in East San Diego County and serves in an advisory capacity to the County on land use and planning matters. “The County’s own environmental review makes clear this program would bring significant and unavoidable impacts, particularly odor, water supply strain, traffic, and noise,” said Ron Nehring, Chairman of the Planning Group. “The negative impacts fall most heavily on rural residential communities like ours, where roads are narrow, water resources are limited, and homes are often adjacent to agricultural or semi-industrial zoning.” Nehring noted commercial cannabis production and related operations are currently prohibited in unincorporated San Diego County, aside from a small number of legacy facilities, and that the proposed program would expand cultivation, distribution, retail sales, and consumption into areas where such uses have not previously been allowed. “Our communities have not had this issue come before us in recent years,” Nehring said. “That makes it all the more important to look carefully at what this policy would mean before it’s adopted, rather than reacting after the fact.” In its resolution, the Planning Group formally opposed adoption of the proposed program. However, recognizing that the Board of Supervisors may move forward regardless, the Planning Group urged the County to adopt the most restrictive alternative identified in the DEIR, known as Alternative 4, which prohibits outdoor cultivation and reduces overall environmental and community impacts. “If the County is determined to proceed, then at a minimum it should adopt the most restrictive option available,” Nehring said. “Alternative 4 is the County’s own environmentally superior alternative, and it does a better job of limiting harm to unincorporated communities.” The Planning Group emphasized the need for stronger protections for rural neighborhoods, including larger buffer distances, enforceable odor controls, limits on the concentration of facilities, and meaningful community oversight. The Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group’s action adds to growing concerns raised by other unincorporated communities across San Diego County regarding the scope and impacts of the proposed cannabis program. Residents of Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon have an important opportunity in 2026 to reduce wildfire risk around their homes through two grant-funded programs offered by the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County. These programs are specifically focused on high-risk, rural and semi-rural communities like ours and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Home Assessment Program (HAP) – Free The Home Assessment Program provides a free, on-site wildfire risk assessment of your home and surrounding property. A trained specialist will spend approximately 30–45 minutes reviewing:
How to sign up: Visit www.firesafesdcounty.org/hap and register online. Defensible Space Assistance Program (DSAP) – For Eligible Homeowners For homeowners who cannot complete defensible space work due to physical and economic barriers, additional help may be available through the Defensible Space Assistance Program. This program can provide:
Eligibility is limited and based on age, disability, and household income thresholds. Why This Matters for Our Communities Wildfire preparedness is not theoretical for Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, or Harbison Canyon—it is a reality. These programs bring professional expertise, practical guidance, and in some cases direct assistance, directly to residents who need it most. Early participation increases the chance of securing an assessment and, where applicable, additional assistance. Questions? For help or additional information, residents may contact: Morgan Dioli Wildfire Resilience Program Manager Fire Safe Council of San Diego County / RCD of Greater San Diego County Phone: (619) 562-0096 Email: [email protected] We encourage residents to review these programs carefully and share this information with neighbors who may benefit. Congratulations to the Crest Fire Safe Council on being awarded a three-year CAL FIRE grant to support for a curbside chipping program.
Crest is a community of approximately 4,180 acres, with nearly 2,900 residents and 1,395 structures, and lies entirely within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The Crest Fire Safe Council has shown sustained leadership in promoting defensible space and fuels reduction throughout the community. This grant represents an important continuation and expansion of that work. The curbside chipping program funded by this grant will help remove practical barriers that residents often face when disposing of cleared vegetation. By providing scheduled chipping days using a local contractor, the program enables residents to improve defensible space on their properties without ground disturbance and without the burden of hauling or disposal costs. The grant will support approximately 10 chipping days per year, serving an estimated 60–70 households annually, for a total of roughly 180–210 participating residents over the three-year period. This will result in measurable, community-wide reductions in hazardous fuels and improved wildfire readiness. Building a Resilient Subregion: Discover San Diego County’s Community Risk Reduction Program6/17/2025
Protecting our community from wildfires and emergencies is a top priority. San Diego County’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program offers a strategic, comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance public safety and strengthen our preparedness. Here's why every East County resident should consider participating:
🔍 What is CRR? CRR is an all-hazards, proactive approach combining six strategic pillars—Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, Emergency Response, and Empowerment—to reduce risk and build community resilience (usfa.fema.gov, sandiego.gov). 🏡 Dive Into Key Initiatives 1. Wildfire Prepared Home Program Backed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, this program helps homeowners reduce wildfire vulnerability.
2. California Wildfire Mitigation (Home-Hardening) Pilot Targeted in high-risk areas like Dulzura, this initiative offers financial support for low- and moderate-income homeowners to implement defensible space and retrofits (sandiegocounty.gov). 3. Community Chipping Events Free to residents, these events help clear brush and reduce wildfire fuel risks. Look out for local drop-off dates across the County (sandiegocounty.gov). 4. CERT Volunteers Learn lifesaving skills—first aid, light search & rescue—and join fellow neighbors in disaster preparedness through CERT training (sandiegocounty.gov). 5. KnoxBox, Fire Inspections & Codes CRR also covers commercial and residential fire safety measures—including KnoxBox access, and defensible space regulations (sandiegocounty.gov). ✅ Why It Matters for Crest
🛠 How to Get Involved
Visit the San Diego County Fire – Community Risk Reduction website to explore all options and start making a difference today. May is Wildfire Awareness Month nationwide, with Wildfire Preparedness Week observed from May 1–7. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has released a helpful bulletin outlining practical steps you can take to get ready and lower your wildfire risk.
The communities of Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon are rated among the most wildfire-prone areas in the entire United States. It's critical residents take proactive steps now to protect families and property. Create and maintain defensible space around your home, clear dry vegetation, and ensure emergency vehicles can access your property. Sign up for emergency alerts through AlertSanDiego.org, and have a clear evacuation plan in place. When the fire comes, preparation can make all the difference. The Crest-Dehesa-Granite Hills-Harbison Canyon Planning Group has made reducing wildfire risk our top policy priority. We continue to advocate for fuel reduction projects, improved evacuation routes, and defensible space to better protect our communities. For detailed guidance on preparing your home and family, visit Readyforwildfire.org CREST, CA -- Crest Northeast has become the first community in the subregion to receive official recognition as a Firewise USA® site and the 11th such site in San Diego County by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This pilot marks a significant step forward in enhancing wildfire preparedness and resilience for residents in the area.
The Firewise USA program provides a framework to help communities reduce wildfire risks by implementing proactive mitigation efforts and fostering collaboration among residents, fire agencies, and emergency management organizations. Communities that earn the Firewise USA® designation commit to reducing wildfire hazards through education, defensible space initiatives, and proactive home-hardening measures. "The Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group is pleased to recognize this effort, which has resulted in the first community in our subregion earning this important distinction," said Ron Nehring, Chairman of the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group. "This achievement underscores the community's commitment to wildfire preparedness and encourages other neighborhoods to take action to protect their homes and families." Information on becoming a Firewise USA site will be provided at the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group's February 10 meeting, which will be held at the Crest Community Association Clubhouse at 6:30 PM. Benefits of Becoming a Firewise USA® Site: • Increased Wildfire Safety: Firewise USA® communities develop strategies to minimize fire risks, making them better prepared to withstand and recover from wildfires. • Community Collaboration: The program fosters strong relationships between residents, local fire departments, and emergency services to enhance coordinated wildfire response efforts. • Potential Insurance Benefits: Some insurance providers recognize Firewise USA® communities and may offer policy discounts for homes in designated areas. • Access to Expert Guidance: Participating communities receive resources and best practices from wildfire mitigation experts to strengthen their resilience. In 2024 the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group unanimously passed a resolution supporting all communities in the subregion in their efforts to become Firewise USA® sites. This first recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local residentswho took the initiative to research, develop and submit the necessary documentation along with support from CalFIRE, San Miguel Fire & Rescue, Alpine Fire Protection District and Sunrise Powerlink Fire Mitigation Group., "We encourage other communities in the subregion to follow this example and take the necessary steps to become Firewise USA® recognized," said Chairman Nehring. "Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility, and together, we can build a safer and more resilient region." The Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group will meet next on Monday evening, January 13 at 6:30 PM at the Crest Community Association Clubhouse at 113 N. Park Drive, El Cajon.
Topics for discussion will include road improvement priorities, wildfire preparedness, and a presentation from I Love a Clean San Diego. Agenda The next Planning Group meeting will be Monday, December 9 at Dehesa School at 6:30 PM. This will be the annual organizational meeting at which time the committee will elect its officers for 2025.
Agenda The next Planning Group meeting will take place at Dehesa School at 6:30 PM on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Normally the Planning Group meets on the second Monday of each month. Due to the Veterans Day holiday we are meeting one week later than normally. If you have an issue of concern for the Planning Group, please contact a Planning Group member. |
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This is not an official County of San Diego website. This site is provided by elected Planning Group member Ron Nehring as an additional resource for citizens concerning the work of the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group. All official notices, agendas and meeting minutes related to the Planning Group can be found at the County of San Diego's official website for the Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group. Paid for by Ron Nehring, elected member, Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group . Contact |