June 30th marks the 40th anniversary of the Normal Heights Heights Fire that consumed over 70 structures in an era when urban wildfire was unheard of. 

Today, urban wildfire is a major public safety concern in California after the recent Palisades and Altadena fires. San Diego is especially vulnerable due to the canyon landscape that can send wind swept embers up to a mile.

The good news is we can help prevent urban wildfire by clearing vegetation fuel from our open spaces. The newly formed Normal Heights Fire Safe Council [www.normalheightsfsc.org] will be hosting a clean up on Sunday June 29th from Noon to 4:00 PM. Teams will start at the far North end of 34th Street. Bring rakes, clippers, and green bins if you have them and be sure to wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and sunscreen. Removed brush can be left in a collection bin on the easement in front of 5145 34th St. 

A commemorative sunset toast will be held the following evening on June 30th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the same location. For more information, contact normalheightsfsc@yahoo.com

Join us on Saturday, June 28 from 3pm-6pm to lay the last of the solarizing material. We are 95% done with phase one of the community garden: killing the invasive weeds using the power of the sun. Once the solarizing plastic is fully in place, the summer heat will destroy the weeds and seeds without disturbing important subsurface biology. 

We are 64% of the way on reaching our fund raising goal as well! Thanks to everyone who has helped so far. We are excited to bring this long-awaited community garden to the residents of Normal Heights!