This past Sunday (January 12th, 2020) we got the year off to a fine start with another Holfuy weather station installation, this time at Little Black. After about a year and half of working with the park rangers there (well done Jeff Brown!) we agreed on a spot, set up a date, and rallied the troops.
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So you found the SDHGPA weather station on El Cajon mountain, eh? Maybe you hiked out there and saw the QR code link on the mast*. Maybe you heard about it from a fellow paraglider or hang glider pilot. Perhaps you’re a supporter of the San Diego River Park Foundation, or a biologist over at the US Forest Service. However you found it, there’s a pretty rad story behind how it got there, who the players were, and just how much effort and expense we went to in order to plant that mast and gather weather data.
Like any good story, this one starts in a few different places.
Effective 7-25-19 The Palomar Main LZ is Closed for a Roberts Ranch Project until further notice. We are trying to see if we can keep the site open using the other LZs and Bailout. Until we have confirmation on that, The Entire Palomar site should be considered closed. From the Pala EC: “The Executive Committee is currently working on a project at Robert’s Ranch, and are storing equipment and water linings and etc., on the LZ Landing Area. This project is going to last 4-6 weeks, maybe longer. Chairman Smith asked me to notify you to cease using the LZ Landing Area until further notice. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the time we are having projects done on our property. Please notify all your members immediately. “  Palomar has been reopened for Weekday flying starting 7-16-19. However, there are new Protocols worked out with the Pala Roberts Ranch for checking in and out with the Ranch office and Tribal Security along with a few other protocol updates. Make SURE all Pilots read the full updated Palomar site guide! Key updates and those not followed 100% in the past few months:
 Park South/ West of the Office Building in the Main LZ even if just pulling up for a short time. Flying Laguna? There's a new protocol. More to follow, but the short version is this:
As soon as it is known how many are going to take off from the upper launch, send a text to Bill Helliwell (his area code is 760, then dial 500 followed by 1265) with the number of pilots. Sorry for the robot avoidance attempt. Bill will text the park ranger Point of Contact. Also As soon as it is known how many pilots are landing at the Earthquake Valley LZ (the number could be zero) send another text to Bill Helliwell. For all Site Protocols and information, see the full Laguna Site Guide.
All Gate Codes are available in the Member Only Section
Palomar has been reopened for Weekend flying starting 4-27-19.
However, there are new Protocols worked out with the Pala Roberts Ranch for checking in and out with Tribal Security and a few other protocol updates. Make SURE you read this! MEETING MINUTES FROM CLUB MEETING 4/18
What's going on with Palomar? Is it really closing for good? What can we do about it? Also, XC for new pilots, Q&A with salty dogs. San Diego Sky People!
UPDATE: Palomar closed to pilots on week days M-F until further notice. This is due to the power pole project and recent site issues with pilots & non-pilots not following rules. We'll keep you updated regarding when this site will re-open for free flight. SDG&E is using the Palomar LZ as a staging area for its power pole replacement project. This project will be staging massive pilot-impaling ankle-rolling leg-snapping wing 'n line catching telephone poles in the Palomar Main LZ through May 8th. SDHGPA Annual 2019 Membership Renewal is open for the 2019 Calendar Year! Now is the Time to renew as All 2018 memberships expire on Dec 31st.
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May 2025
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