February 2024 MEETING NOTES

1. Site info Updates:
Reminder that all flying Palo need to be current members with the completed applications and waiver step. https://www.sdhgpa.com/join-sdhgpa.html

Also, all need to sign in and out using the Palomar sign in Page:
​https://www.sdhgpa.com/palomar-sign-in.html

The Palomar Gate Codes will be changing Feb19th at Palomar.  We will then also update the Laguna gate codes in the next month.  The Gate codes will be published to the 2024 Members info page: https://www.sdhgpa.com/2024-membership-info-gates-cards.html

Please do not share the gate codes with non-current members as this is why Pala Law enforcement is changing the codes. 

Palo gate codes changing is a direct result of Pala Tribal Law Enforcement seeing pilots accessing the Site without properly signing in using the current sign-in system.  (They have motion sensors and cameras all over and want to know if motion sensors tripped is someone that has permission to be there or not. )

This lead them to believe non-current SDHGPA pilots without current waivers on file have been accessing the Site. This information was supplied to the Pala Tribal council as this is an issue for them. They view non-current SDHGPA user access without a current years waiver on file as trespassing.

Please respect the Palomar agreed protocols for our use of the Roberts Ranch with the Pala Tribal Council. Note that we are guests of the ranch and Not following the protocols puts our use of the Site at risk.  Note that our use agreement is up for renewal and renegotiating this coming fall. Every issue logged unfortunately gets reviewed during this review process.

Please encourage all to help preserve the Site by helping to encourage all to follow the Site protocols.https://www.sdhgpa.com/current-membership-status.html

2.  New Club Treasurer
     We have a new Treasurer (yeh Ana!)  

3.  We have a new PO box address:  (now at the USPS near LB)
    SDHGPA
    PO Box 720895
    SAN DIEGO, CA 92172

4.  Palomar XC Point Series — No updates

5.  2024 Membership Status:
We have 171 current members for 2024 so far.  Nominal dues helps pay for site access/insurance, WX stations and other Site maint, etc.  Key things for Landowners and our agreements with them are the application membership waivers completed on an annual basis.

6.  USHPA Chapter Renewal Submitted — USHPA dues have increase to ~$3,706      For Insurance, the Chapter is covered at all Sites we have Site Guides for and we are covering the landowners at the following sites this year:

• Palomar
• Little Black
• Laguna
• Horse

            Big Black Landowner not renewed until we need to for new permits if required for access.
            Blossom Landowners not renewed this year since site expected to be graded for homes.
 

7.  Discussion on importance of using satellite tracker (eg. Garmin) when flying XC.  Look at USHPA magazine to sign-up at ExpertVoice for discounts. www.expertvoice.com

8  We just received our 2024 permit for Laguna.  If flying Laguna, print-out a copy and put in your harness.  Also print an extra copy for your driver.  Follow the site guide at https://www.sdhgpa.com/laguna.html and be sure to text the rangers as specified in the Site Guide.

Laguna is part of Anza-Borrego State Park; therefore, not all State Park Rangers are familiar with hang-gliders/paragliders in the park.  Having the Use Permit on you will ease issues.

9.  Palomar Outhouse  - No update.  Well crap!

​Meeting adjourned.