ALL ABOUT NEIGHBORS: News, what's happening at home, a birth, wedding, graduation, promotion, moving in or out of DV, a trip, anything to share. What you find is so special here. Send us a poem, a picture, a comical quip, or a meaningful quote or saying. Anything. Best with pictures.

WELCOME Heather and Patrick Alvarez...

Heather and Patrick Alvarez recently moved here from El Cajon so they could enjoy our quiet community. Heather has lived here most of her life, and Patrick is a native Californian. He served a tour in Iraq, and both of them work in law enforcement.

Their indoor cat, Blackjack, seems quite at home in his new surroundings.

The Alvarez family is very happy to be living in Deerhorn Valley, checking out our website as a way to get to know us. They are already anticipating fire safety by installing a reflective address sign and considering equipment needed to reduce and control flammable growth on their property.

–Susie Norton

UPDATE! We got this great note from Heather Alvarez. Our backcountry sure attracts great people. Thanks for sharing with us, Heather.

2/22/2010

Susie [Norton] came out and spoke to Patrick some time ago when we were moving in.  Like usual, I was at work and Susie was unable to get a picture for the DV newsletter.  I've been meaning to e-mail one out to you, but just never got around to it.  

I tune in to the DV newsletter often and keep seeing our little story in the "new neighbors" section.  I feel bad because we never got a photo out.  I am going to attach one of our engagement photos, taken at Balboa Park.  

A little more history... Patrick and I are newlyweds (married in May '09) and have been looking for a home to purchase for the last 1 1/2 years.  It was a very long road for us, but now we're here.

 Jamul was our first pick (of course) to live.  We love the beauty, privacy, and small town feel.  We are very fortunate to have our home in Deerhorn Valley.  Everyone we have encountered out here have been friendly and extremely helpful.  

Like the article says, Patrick and I are both in law enforcement and Patrick is currently in the Army also.  He has been a soldier for the last 16 years and is very patriotic.  He lost one of his soldiers in Iraq on Feb 12, 2004 and almost lost his own life during an IED explosion and ambush.  Patrick received the Bronze Star with valor for his courageous actions on that day.  I am very proud of him and honored to be his wife.  

I hope you are able to use the photo for your newsletter.  Finally the wonderful folks of DV can put a face to the names.  Thanks again for the sweet article and welcoming us to Deerhorn Valley.  

Sincerely,  Heather Alvarez  (Patrick's at work... like usual)   

We are thrilled to have you join the Deerhorn community... Hope to see you at the next get-together --- the Pancake Breakfast will be coming soon. -KH

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PAUL JACOB --- DEERHORN HERO

Paul was at the January CSZ, and as always sat quietly in the audience, never missing a word. When Pres. AnneEvosevich adjourned the meeting, she went on to make a special award: Paul was presented an American Heroes afghan to symbolize his "hero" status in Deerhorn Valley.

The list of his contributions is long: He and Dianne donated the land for our fire station, and Paul dealt with the nuts and bolts of permits, construction, and modifications. During and after the Harris Fire, Paul was at the station, often round-the-clock. It was even his generator that supported our emergency personnel during those traumatic and difficult days.

At a time when folks are finding either less time or interest to volunteer within their communities, there are a few folks who continue to remain involved in one capacity or another.  Paul Jacob is one of those rare individuals who continues to “give” to Deerhorn Valley. 

His generosity and activist role was recognized following a recent CSZ meeting when Paul was presented a “Fire Fighter Heroes” Afghan by the DV Auxiliary.  Anne Evosovich  thanked him for his support and guidance over the past year as she took on the challenges of CSZ President.  Anne said she had turned to Paul on many occasions  for historical information, explanations of documents, and sometimes just sharing his thoughts on various Fire Station issues--- Paul always offered invaluable support and wise counsel. 

Rob Deason & Kim Hamilton met Paul and Dianne some 26 years ago when they bought their home on Elena and Deerhorn. A week after, Jim & Betty Love, the sellers, began their introduction to the community and invited them for dinner with some Deerhorn friends: Paul, an airline pilot, and Diane, then active at the State-level PTA.

The community was tightly knit then. We had a marvelous cadre of neighbors who made it their (and soon our) business to create a wonderful, supporting, safe, and friendly place to live. And always, right there in the center of all the activity, were Paul and Diane. Paul became a mainstream support in our intent to keep and nurture our rural environment.

He is alweays a gentleman. In the heat of some of our community meetings, his calm, assured voice would break through the mire of discontent. Everyone listened; we knew he was (as usual) on target.

Paul is one of the most giving persons one could meet. Seldomwas there a community project that he wouldn’t offer a hand or a piece of equipment to help with the task. Few know just how much he helped during the fire. His property and efforts were always there. When firefighters stationed their equipment in Deerhorn, it was on his property. With his big generator he supplied them power for three days. Paul was there continuously.

Rob Deason spoke with Paul after the fires. He’ll never forget how moved Paul was recounting that in the midst of all the fury when the fire was encroaching on Deerhorn, he looked around and saw firefighters on duty around homes, protecting as much as they could, doing what they know best. And he was proud.

And Paul, we are so grateful.

- Jill Powell, Anne Evosevich, Kim Hamilton, and Rob Deason contributed to this article.

ARCHIE --- RURAL POSTAL CARRIER

One of the best things about living in the backcountry is knowing the folks who make things work by name: Archie brings our mail, David is the Fed-Ex guy, Oscar gets the morning papers out, Enrique and Dane are our local sheriffs. Who else can we give a tip-o-the-hat to?

Archie --- Our Rural Mail Carrier. Don't forget to wave!

Another DV'er (Sandra Ignosci) writes...

During all the rains and flooding, I was amazed that everyday mail was coming through-- even on the days where the Dips were almost impassible, and Mother Grundy was flowing. Our own Rural Carrier is ARCHIE.  When you see him on the road in his (self-purchased) mail car, give a wave. He ALWAYS waves back. He along with the others at Jamul PO did an outstanding job making sure we got our mail each day.  When the roads were closed off, flooded, etc. didn't we got out to our mailboxes and expect to open them and find mail?  And when we did, like magic it was there! And when I tried to Thank Archie all I got was 'That's my job'.  I think they all deserve a tip of the hat!

WE THANK YOU, ARCHIE!

Sandra Ignosci (The Elenas) is a former Jamul rural postal carrier. She knows all too well that rural carriers have unique challenges delivering mail to our backroads, dirt roads, and by roads.

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A WEDDING IN THE BENNETT FAMILY....

Great news from Emily Bennett....

We had a family wedding on the 2nd of January --Our Granddaughter Brooke Michael Bennett married Patrick James Russo at 2 pm in the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcaia-- the first Church in San Diego.  Patrick is a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot in the Army.  Brooke wore her grandmother's wedding veil.  What a beautiful event that was!!!  They are living  in Tennesse.

Congratulations Brooke and Patrick! Emily is a part of our Deerhorn history. She has promised to sit down with me and share some of the stories and knowledge of our past. Can't wait! -KH

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THE TRUTH . . . TRUST US!

THE BAGPIPER’S TALE - A Personal Testimony

As a bagpiper, I’m often called upon to play at weddings, military events, and funerals. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a grave side service for a homeless man. The man had no family or friends, so the service was set at the county pauper’s cemetery in the Kentucky back woods.

I was not familiar with the backwoods and soon found myself lost. Being a typical man I didn’t stop to ask for directions. I finally arrived an hour late – the staff from the funeral home was long gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight.

There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down. The vault lid was already in place. I didn’t know what else to do, so I started to play….

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I’ve never played before for this homeless man.

And as I played ‘Amazing Grace,’ the workers began to weep.  They wept. I wept. We all wept together.  When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car.  Though my head hung low my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, “I never seen nothin’ like that before and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years.” 

Sent by DV'r Frank Braunlich (Wide Oak Rd). Thanks for the smile. ____________________________________________

MORE NEW NEIGHBORS

WELCOME TO THE HUGGINS FAMILY'!

At the January Fire Safe Council Meeting, we got the chance to meet some new neighbors. The Huggins Family have moved into the former "Happy Hour Ranch" on Deerhorn Valley Road (soon to have a new name!). Betsy was so delighted to hear about the plans underway by the FSC for fuel reduction and defensible space. Jacob Huggins is a graduate of Humboldt State University with a major in Biology. He is also interested in sharing his writing and computer skills. Thomas, Besty's other half, completes the family trio. Besty says her dream was to escape the city and come to a place like Deerhorn. And we all know she picked the best place possible.

Welcome! --And forgive Rob for not getting your photo that night--- a senior moment. --- Give us a holler (rob-kim@deerhornvalley.net) and we'll find a place to meet up. -KH

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If you or your neighbors are new to Deerhorn or returning residents, give us a heads-up so we can post a welcome here.

KH & RD

rob-kim@deerhornvalley.net