The October University Heights Community Association (UHCA) meeting was held Oct. 1 at our new location, Hsi Fang Temple on Park Boulevard.
President Marc Johnson opened the meeting with announcements of upcoming events, including the Fall Festival, Halloween in the Heights, and more. See www.uhsd.org/uhca-events for specific details.
As secretary, I announced that there were no nominations for UHCA officer positions, so the current officers agreed to run for another two-year term. Kelsey Diaz moved that Marc Johnson, Angela Jackson-Llamas, Andy Lange, and Deborah Morrison be elected to the positions of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary, respectively, by unanimous ballot. Lynn Wheat seconded. The motion carried. I also invited members interested in joining the board to attend two board meetings, which are open to anyone. After that, they can be voted onto the board, learn how UHCA works, and consider running for an officer position in two years. There were no updates from our local elected representatives.
Chief Tosca and his team talked about the elements of Zone Zero, including the 5-foot exclusion zone and steps property-owners can take to help prevent fire spread. Photos by ABC10.
Rachel Esguerra from the UH Library invited everyone to participate in upcoming events. See sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/?locations=1107 for a full listing.
Our speakers for the evening were Tony Tosca, San Diego Assistant Fire Chief; Raquel Elias, Code Compliance Supervisor; and Steven Macias, Code Compliance Officer. They provided us with a very informative and reasonable perspective on the upcoming Zone Zero requirements to create defensible space around our homes.
Assistant Fire Chief Tony Tosca. Photo by ABC10.
The presenters shared that embers within five feet of our homes will likely set the structure on fire if they come into contact with combustible materials such as plants, furniture, unattached structures, mulch, and storage bins or structures. (Noncombustible materials include rock, gravel, and concrete.) Residents should keep the five-foot area around the home clear of firewood, leaves, pine needles, and debris; maintain healthy, well-spaced plants by trimming trees and removing dead branches; space plants at least two feet apart; and keep plants away from walls and openings. This includes plants, mulch, and wood chips under or in front of windows or vents. Fences that are parallel to the home are generally OK; however, any fence of combustible material that is perpendicular to the home must be removed or replaced with noncombustible material. The space under decks must also be clear of storage and debris.
Enforcement begins in 2027, and full compliance is required by 2029. They encouraged us all not to wait before making needed changes. Many questions were taken from the audience, and the presenters provided informational brochures. Some in the audience reported already being contacted by their insurance companies; others reported that their insurance companies have not issued any information as yet. You may also request a home risk assessment by San Diego Fire-Rescue for approximately $163.
For further information or to request an inspection, visit www.sandiego.gov/fire/community-risk-reduction/defensible-space-property-owners.