Newsletter: Planet Pala Summer 2025
Planet Pala Newsletter
The Pala Environmental Department and Planet Pala announce the Planet Pala Summer 2025 Newsletter.
Letter from the Director
Welcome to News from Planet Pala.
Summer is here, and we’ve already been getting a preview with hot weather in Pala and a fire off Henderson Road. Although summer is many people’s favorite time of year, the heat and the fire are good reminders that we need to stay alert and safe as we go about enjoying this beautiful and fun season. Read on to learn more about the Henderson Fire, including the contributions of the PED Fuels Crew in clearing brush that could fuel the fire and maintaining fire breaks to keep it from spreading. We also have important information about how to be prepared and ready to evacuate from potential wildfires, and advice for staying safe in the heat and recognizing heat-related illnesses. And of course, we have also included some fun news, including a new exhibit at the Birch Aquarium and the adorable Denali Puppy Cam.
We’re also excited to welcome Belinda Morales, a new member of the PED team. Learn more about Belinda in her introductory article. Finally, we have a wrap-up of the grand opening of the Pala Atáxam Pemtew’náan’a (Pala People’s Garden), which included the Pal Atingva Kupa Singers. If you couldn’t join us for the opening, you can visit the garden any time that the Pala Administration complex is open. Just make sure to read the rules, and most importantly, have fun!
You can read all of our newsletters in the Planet Pala Newsletter archive.
Please contact us with comments, questions, or suggestions. We are here for Pala and you!
The Henderson Fire
The Henderson Fire started near the Pala shooting range on May 30, 2025. The fire quickly grew over the next few days, reaching 256 acres. Fortunately, it was stopped before much damage could be done.
The Pala Fire Department responded quickly to the fire. CalFire and other crews also came to assist. Several communities were evacuated, but those evacuations were quickly lifted without the fire spreading to any neighborhoods.
The many fuel breaks around the Pala Reservation were used by those fighting the fire. The Pala Fuels Crew has implemented fuel breaks along the roadways and behind neighborhoods throughout Pala. Those Fuel Breaks can be used to slow or stop fires, and are designed to allow places for vehicles and individuals assisting with wildfire responses to have places to stage their equipment.
Several messages thanked our Fuels Crew for their work around homes, offices, businesses, and roadways. We are also now planning to install a fuel break to the west of the Pala Shooting Range to provide more defensible space between the open areas and the community itself.
Evacuation Orders During Wildfire Season
Reflecting on the Henderson Fire and Getting Ready for the Next Emergency
This month’s Henderson Fire forced evacuations on the Pala Reservation. Thankfully, everyone has returned safely, and property loss was minimal. Now is the perfect time to reflect and make sure you’re better prepared for the next emergency.
Ask yourself:
- Did I have all the information I needed?
- Did I know an evacuation warning was coming?
- Did everyone in my household and neighborhood know where to go?
- Did we have a good system for staying in touch?
- Did we know who needed extra help?
- Were our emergency supplies ready to grab and go?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, this is your chance to improve your emergency plan.
“Make Leaving Safely Second Nature,” that’s a U.S. Fire Administration slogan – and it’s a good one to follow.
Before a Wildfire
Sign up for Pala’s Emergency Alert System. Get real-time notifications by registering on the Tribe’s website.
Know at least two evacuation routes. Roads may be blocked, so always have a backup.
Help others. Check with family and neighbors who may need assistance evacuating.
Build Disaster Supply Kits and Go Bags. Review the Pala Disaster Preparedness Handbook for supply lists.
Create an evacuation plan. Talk with your household about where to meet and how to communicate if separated.
Know your shelter options. During a wildfire, you might be directed to the Pala Fitness Center or Pala Casino. In some cases, you may need to leave the reservation. Choose potential meeting spots ahead of time and share the plan with your loved ones.
Pala PREP Team
The Pala PREP Team has resources to help you prepare for all types of emergencies. Visit the Pala PREP Page for checklists, planning templates, and local updates.
Rainwater Tank Pilot Program at Pala – OPEN NOW
Pala Environmental Department wants to work with YOU – we have 10 open spots for our tribal residents to install systems that will help you collect and reuse rainwater, stormwater, or water from your home, for use in your yard.
You can elect to get a FREE rain cistern (large rain barrel); a rain garden; or a greywater system that will divert your used washing machine water to your garden, rain garden, or planted basin.
Capturing rain and stormwater and holding it so that you can use it to water your yard later helps reduce the amount of pollutants that enter our groundwater system or run to our creeks. It also helps the tribe use less of our precious treated drinking water by using this captured water to irrigate your yard instead of drinking water.
If you elect to get a laundry-to-landscape (LTL) greywater system installed, you will help us reduce the amount of water that gets sent to our sewer/septic systems. This option will help you reuse the water from your washing machine to water your plants and landscape. This is an entirely safe and easy way to grow your landscaping, plants, and fruit trees. Best of all, you can always send the water back to the sewer/septic with the flip of a switch if you need to.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING ONE OF THESE SYSTEMS, please contact Heidi Brow (hbrow@palatribe.com) before the July 30, 2025, deadline.
A Grand Opening Celebration of the Pala Atáxam Pemtew’náan’a
What a special day it was on Saturday, June 14, 2025, as the community gathered to officially open the Pala Atáxam Pemtew’náan’a! Pala Atáxam Pemtew’náan’a, when translated from Cupeño into English, means the Pala People’s Garden. People of all ages came together for an enjoyable garden party.
The weather was warm, with abundant sunshine illuminating the vibrant new space. The garden was blessed with songs from Elijah Duro, Dylan Luna, and Omar Sanchez of the Pal Atingva Kupa Singers, and from the moment the sunflower ribbon was cut, the garden was alive. Children explored the winding pathways and discovered the Birds of Pala coloring books, while adults admired the diverse plantings and the new greenhouse. Our latest addition, the succulent and cacti garden, was an especially big hit. This garden has been years in the making as the environmental department found, applied for, and was awarded grant funds to put towards this project.
Many of the dedicated volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into creating this magnificent space were present. Their passion was infectious, and many attendees left inspired to get their own hands dirty! Of course, no garden party is complete without delicious refreshments. We had a build-your-own trail mix station and a drink station with elderberry lemonade. Additionally, there were baked goods, fruit skewers, and watermelon slices provided by Berry Good Farms. We would especially like to thank the San Diego Natural History Museum, which provided free museum entrance tickets to everyone who attended.
New Exhibit Opens at the Birch Aquarium
The Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery exhibition at the Birch Aquarium featuring the Giant Pacific Octopus replaces the aquarium’s Hall of Fishes. It includes several new displays that spotlight work at Scripps Institution of Oceanography to preserve endangered species and identify potential therapeutic compounds from ocean organisms. Summer is a great time to visit the aquarium and learn more about our ocean relatives!
Stay Safe and Cool This Summer: Important Heat Safety Tips from the Pala Environmental Department
As we enter summer and temperatures begin to rise, the Pala Environmental Department would like to remind you to prioritize heat safety. Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, especially for elders, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. By taking simple precautions, we can all enjoy a safe and healthy summer.
We encourage everyone to be mindful of the heat and take proactive steps to stay hydrated and cool. Let’s look out for one another, especially elders and those who may be more vulnerable.
Understanding the Dangers of Heat:
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. The table below lists the symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do when experiencing those illnesses.
Heat Safety Tips
Essential Heat Safety Tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and excessive caffeine, as they can lead to dehydration.
- Seek Cool Environments: Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting designated cooling centers such as the Pala gym, Admin building, or casino; or other air-conditioned public spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. A wide-brimmed hat can also provide protection from the sun.
- Limit Outdoor Activities: If you must be outdoors, try to schedule activities during the coolest parts of the day – typically early morning or late evening.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles: The interior of a car can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly, even on a seemingly mild day. This is a critical reminder.
- Check on Elders and Vulnerable Neighbors: Make sure they have access to cool environments and plenty of water. Offer assistance if needed.
- Recognize the Signs: Learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and know when to seek medical help.
- Take Cool Showers or Baths: A quick cool-down can help lower your body temperature.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel unwell, stop your activity and rest in a cool place.
By working together and practicing these vital safety measures, the Pala community can enjoy a vibrant and healthy summer. Stay informed, stay hydrated, and stay safe!
Welcome to the Team
My name is Belinda Morales, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Pala Environmental Department as the Grants Accounting Coordinator. I look forward to contributing to the great work being done here.
A little bit about me: I come from a background in property management where I’ve previously worked in accounting, operations and with the corporate team. Outside of work, I’m typically driving my kids around to sport practices, at the field watching their games or visiting my parents in Orange County.
I’m eager to learn and understand the unique culture, values, and history of the Pala Band of Mission Indians. It’s a privilege to be here, and I am excited to be part of this team. You can reach me at bmorales@palatribe.com.
Denali Puppy Cam
If you need some lighthearted entertainment, we recommend checking out the Denali National Park puppy cam. You can watch the five puppies, all named after weather events, play, nap, and have lunch!
Check back often to see what shenanigans they get up to throughout the day!
Planet Pala
Welcome to Planet Pala. This is the place to learn how you can help the Pala Environmental Department protect Mother Earth. Come to Planet Pala to learn about Pala’s plants and animals, discover how to do your fun activities like building a DIY bee habitat or planting a pollinator garden, and get tips on healthy, green living.
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Pala Environmental Department
For more information, contact the Pala Environment Department:
760-891-3510 | ped@palatribe.com | ped.palatribe.com