<![CDATA[Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon - Home]]>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 01:53:35 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Planning Group Continues Work to Improve Safety on La Cresta Road]]>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:50:05 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/planning-group-continues-work-to-improve-safety-on-la-cresta-roadThe Planning Group has spent much of 2026 working to address longstanding safety concerns on La Cresta Road, with a focus on gathering community input, working directly with County transportation officials, and developing practical recommendations for both near-term and longer-term improvements.

The issue has been a priority because of the road’s difficult physical characteristics. Between Greenfield Drive and Mountain View Road, La Cresta Road climbs through a steep mountain corridor with eight blind or near-blind curves, limited sight distance, and long stretches with little or no usable shoulder. These conditions mean that when a driver makes an error, there is often very little room to recover or avoid a collision.

February: Dedicated La Cresta Road safety page established
Following a fatal collision in February, the Planning Group created a dedicated La Cresta Road safety page on this website to provide information about the issue and solicit public input.
The response was substantial. More than 50 written comments were received from residents and road users. Those comments described concerns including excessive speed, tailgating, illegal passing, centerline encroachment, poor visibility, loss of control, and the lack of space available to avoid another driver’s mistake.

The Planning Group reviewed that input to identify recurring concerns and potential improvements rather than relying only on individual anecdotes.

March: Public discussion with County Traffic Engineering
At the Planning Group’s March 9 meeting in Crest, La Cresta Road safety was the subject of a publicly noticed discussion attended by representatives of the County Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering division.

County representatives listened to residents, answered questions, discussed existing roadway conditions, and reviewed potential safety measures with the community and Planning Group members.

Possible near-term improvements discussed included additional reflective pavement markers, curve delineators, improved guardrail reflectors, speed-feedback signs, enhanced signage, and reviews of traffic controls and speed limits.

The discussion also included longer-term possibilities involving shoulders, guardrails, evacuation needs, roadway widening, grant funding, and other geometric improvements.

April: Formal recommendations submitted to the County
Following the public meeting and review of community input, the Planning Group developed and submitted formal recommendations to the County.

Those recommendations included evaluating stronger centerline protection and delineation, rumble strips or rumble striping, improved reflective striping and pavement markers, enhanced curve warnings, advisory-speed signs and chevrons, additional speed-awareness measures, coordination with the California Highway Patrol, guardrail improvements, targeted recovery areas or pull-outs where terrain permits, improved driveway and intersection sight distance, and selective changes to roadway geometry and lane separation.

The Planning Group asked the County to conduct a comprehensive corridor safety review incorporating collision history, roadway geometry, and community input. The goal has been to look at La Cresta Road as a complete corridor rather than addressing individual crashes or roadway features in isolation.

July: County provides progress update
County Public Works representatives returned to the Planning Group’s July 13 meeting to provide an update on their work concerning La Cresta Road.

County staff have been responsive throughout this process. They have come to our community, listened to residents, engaged with the Planning Group’s recommendations, and maintained an ongoing dialogue about potential improvements.

The office of County Supervisor Joel Anderson has also been very supportive of the Planning Group’s efforts and concerns regarding La Cresta Road.

September: Letter to Supervisor Anderson following another fatal accident
The Planning Group’s most recent action was prompted by another fatal collision on La Cresta Road in September.

Following that accident, Planning Group Chairman Ron Nehring sent a letter to Supervisor Anderson asking for his continued support in moving the County’s safety efforts forward with urgency. The letter asks the Supervisor to help ensure that the Department of Public Works has access to the staff attention, engineering resources, funding, grant support, and interagency coordination necessary to produce meaningful improvements.

The letter does not suggest that every proposed improvement must be implemented. Instead, it asks the County to continue evaluating the corridor comprehensively and to identify a combination of near-term, intermediate, and longer-term measures that can materially reduce both the likelihood and severity of future crashes.

Particular attention is being requested for the eight blind or near-blind curves, where the combination of limited visibility and lack of usable shoulder can leave motorists with almost no time or space to react when another vehicle crosses the center line.

The Planning Group has now established a dedicated public information page, solicited extensive community input, held a public hearing, brought County traffic engineers directly into the community, submitted formal recommendations, requested a comprehensive corridor review, and continued to receive updates from County staff.

The objective now is to build on that work and help ensure that the process results in meaningful safety improvements on La Cresta Road.
Chairman Nehring Letter to Supervisor Anderson Concerning La Cresta
File Size: 164 kb
File Type: pdf
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]]><![CDATA[Planning Group Adopts Resolution on Suncrest 230 kV Loop-In Project]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:44:18 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/planning-group-adopts-resolution-on-suncrest-230-kv-loop-in-projectAt its July 13 meeting, the Planning Group unanimously adopted a resolution advising the County of San Diego of the Planning Group’s serious concerns regarding the proposed Suncrest 230 kV Loop-In Project.

The resolution recognizes the importance of electric reliability and safe infrastructure planning, while emphasizing that major infrastructure projects in high-fire-risk communities must be evaluated not only for regional grid benefits, but also for their long-term public-safety impacts on the communities directly affected.

The Planning Group’s principal concern is whether the completed project would increase, decrease, or otherwise affect net wildfire risk, evacuation safety, firefighting access, aerial firefighting operations, emergency response, and public safety in Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon.

“Major projects in our subregion should be required to demonstrate they reduce wildfire risk, not just avoid making it worse on paper. Otherwise, each project becomes another ratchet upward in risk, and over time our communities are left carrying a greater and greater public-safety burden. In an area already more prone to wildfire than 99% of communities in America, that is simply not acceptable," said Planning Group Chairman Ron Nehring.

The resolution advises the County that major infrastructure projects proposed in high-fire-risk areas should not be supported, approved, advanced, or recommended unless the applicant can demonstrably show that the project will reduce, rather than increase, net wildfire and public-safety risk to affected communities.

The Planning Group also called for a detailed, transparent, and community-specific analysis of the completed project’s long-term wildfire, evacuation, emergency access, aerial firefighting, maintenance, and public-safety impacts before any final decision is made.

The resolution further urges that temporary construction impacts be evaluated separately from permanent post-construction impacts. Construction-related concerns include road closures, lane reductions, equipment staging, excavation, traffic delays, school and work commute disruption, and temporary effects on emergency access. The Planning Group advised that any construction affecting roads serving Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, or Harbison Canyon should be consistent with the Planning Group’s broader position that access to and from these communities must be improved, protected, and made more resilient — not further constrained.

PLANNING GROUP'S ROLE IN THIS PROJECT IS LIMITED. The proposed Suncrest 230 kV Loop-In Project is subject to approval by the California Public Utilities Commission. As a County Planning Group charged with advising the County of San Diego, the Planning Group does not have the authority to approve, deny, or impose conditions on the project.
​When a project falls outside the Planning Group’s jurisdiction, County policy limits the Planning Group’s role to advising the County of its concerns and recommendations. The Planning Group has now done so through this resolution.

The Planning Group’s action at its July 13 meeting followed an extensive public briefing at its June 8 meeting, during which SDG&E representatives presented the proposal and answered questions from both the public and Planning Group members.
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Residents are encouraged to learn more about the project and submit comments directly to the CPUC. The Planning Group has created an information page with project links, public-agency resources, and step-by-step instructions for submitting comments.
Suncrest Loop-In Project Resolution
File Size: 126 kb
File Type: pdf
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]]><![CDATA[Trees Near Power Lines? SDG&E Provides Inspections and Vegetation Management]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:56:13 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/trees-near-power-lines-sdge-provides-inspections-and-vegetation-managementResidents of Crest, Dehesa, Granite Hills, and Harbison Canyon know that wildfire preparedness is a year-round responsibility. One important part of reducing wildfire risk is keeping trees, brush, and other vegetation safely away from electrical infrastructure.

SDG&E prunes and removes trees and brush near power lines, transformers, poles, and other electrical equipment to improve public safety, reduce the likelihood of power outages, and help reduce wildfire risk.

If you are concerned about vegetation growing close to a power line or transformer near your property, you can contact SDG&E directly to request an inspection.

To request an inspection:
SDG&E Customer Contact Center
1-800-411-7343

SDG&E also provides information about tree safety, pruning, pole clearing, vegetation management schedules, and what residents can expect when crews are working in an area.

For more information, visit:

https://www.sdge.com/safety/tree-safety-and-vegetation-management
​
Vegetation near power lines should be taken seriously. Residents should not wait until fire season to identify concerns. If trees or brush appear to be growing too close to electrical infrastructure, contact SDG&E and request that the situation be reviewed.
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Reducing wildfire risk requires action by utilities, public agencies, and individual property owners. This is one more resource residents can use to help protect their homes, their neighbors, and our communities.]]><![CDATA[Statement in Response to Fatality on La Cresta Road]]>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:52:19 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/statement-in-response-to-fatality-on-la-cresta-road​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.
]]><![CDATA[Planning Group Unanimously Recommends Against Proposed County Cannabis Expansion Program]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:54:44 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/planning-group-unanimously-opposes-proposed-county-cannabis-expansion-programSAN 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.
]]><![CDATA[Free Wildfire Home Assessments and Defensible Space Assistance Available in 2026]]>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:26:21 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/free-wildfire-home-assessments-and-defensible-space-assistance-available-in-2026​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:
  • Defensible space Zones 0, 1, and 2
  • Landscaping choices and fuel reduction opportunities
  • Home hardening and ember-ignition vulnerabilities
  • Practical, property-specific recommendations
There is no cost to participate, thanks to grant funding. The goal is education, preparation, and helping homeowners understand what actions will most effectively reduce wildfire risk.

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:
  • One full day of defensible space work per property
  • Brush and tree trimming or thinning
  • Raking of dead vegetation and pine needles
  • Chipping of removed vegetation
  • Work completed by licensed, bonded, and insured contractors
  • All work performed in accordance with CAL FIRE and local fire agency standards
Participation in the Home Assessment Program is required first. If a property meets eligibility criteria, homeowners may be referred directly to DSAP without needing to submit a second application.

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: firesafe@rcdsandiego.org
​
We encourage residents to review these programs carefully and share this information with neighbors who may benefit.
]]><![CDATA[Crest Fire Safe Council Receives Three Year CalFire Grant for Curbside Chipping Program]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:01:18 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/crest-fire-safe-council-receives-three-year-calfire-grant-for-curbside-chipping-programCongratulations 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.

]]><![CDATA[Building a Resilient Subregion: Discover San Diego County’s Community Risk Reduction Program]]>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:51:43 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/building-a-resilient-subregion-discover-san-diego-countys-community-risk-reduction-programProtecting 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.
  • Base Level: Class A roof, ember-resistant zones, exterior upkeep.
  • Plus Level: Advanced retrofits like gutter covers, nonflammable siding, upgraded windows/doors (sandiegocounty.gov).
County Fire partners with IBHS to guide homeowners through the process and inspections.

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
  • Prevention is Power: Preparing before emergencies strike drastically reduces property damage and safety risks.
  • Financial Incentives: Insurance discounts, grants, and fee waivers support your investments in safety.
  • Community Engagement: Programs like CERT and chipping build local solidarity and collective preparedness.
  • Proactive Over Reactive: CRR focuses on reducing incident risks rather than responding afterwards—a smarter, safer model.

🛠 How to Get Involved
  1. Start at the Wildfire Prepared Home website for a self-assessment.
  2. Contact County Fire (wildfire.prepared@sdcounty.ca.gov or 619‑693‑0923) to request guidance (sandiegocounty.gov).
  3. Look out for Chipping Events near Crest—ideal for clearing vegetation quickly (sandiegocounty.gov).
  4. Enroll in CERT training and be prepared to assist your neighbors (sandiegocounty.gov).

Visit the San Diego County Fire – Community Risk Reduction website to explore all options and start making a difference today.


]]><![CDATA[May is Wildfire Preparedness Month]]>Wed, 07 May 2025 00:45:09 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/may-is-wildfire-preparedness-monthMay 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]]><![CDATA[First Community in Crest-Dehesa-Granite Hills-Harbison Canyon Subregion Recognized as Firewise USA Site]]>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 07:18:43 GMThttps://www.crestplanninggroup.com/home/first-community-in-crest-dehesa-granite-hills-harbison-canyon-subregion-recognized-as-firewise-usa-siteCREST, 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."]]>