Newsletter: Planet Pala Fall 2024
Planet Pala Newsletter
The Pala Environmental Department and Planet Pala announce the Planet Pala Fall 2024 Newsletter.
Letter from the Director
Welcome to News from Planet Pala.
Fall is my favorite season. The way the light changes as the days grow shorter, the turning of the leaves, and the return of sweater weather make this time of year a delight. This fall, the Pala Environmental Department will be busy with lots of activities, including a Swap Shop in September, hosting a Tribal Climate and Health Summit in November, kicking off our first Pala Reservation Emergency Preparedness (PREP) community meetings, and planning for a spooky Halloween display for Pala’s kids to enjoy during trick-or-treating. What is your favorite part of fall?
You can read all of our newsletters in the Planet Pala Newsletter archive.
Please reach out to us with comments, questions, or suggestions. We are here for Pala and you!
Pala’s Long-Range Transportation Plan
Thanks to a grant from CalTrans, we are finishing work on a Long Range Transportation Plan for Pala. We all know some of the big issues – weeknight traffic coming from the 15, roads that need paving, some turns that can be unsafe during certain times of day – but to access some funds and move projects along, a Transportation Plan is a needed first step. Pala has been working with a contractor for the last year to complete a detailed plan on our current transportation status and issues and how they are projected to change as Pala grows as a community and with potential economic development.
You may have seen us or our contractors at a community event or our social media posts asking for comments. This plan is about the needs of the community and people of Pala, so we have incorporated the comments, needs, and ideas of the people we spoke to, including Pala’s Executive Committee members, into the final document. These planning documents are only useful if they reflect Pala’s needs.
One of the crucial components of the Long Range Transportation Plan is the updated BIA roads inventory. As new roads are built in neighborhoods or old roads are improved, Pala’s government keeps a list and then provides that list to the BIA. This can also assist Pala in getting funds for road work, road maintenance, and provide an accurate view of transportation within Pala. There is also a need to understand which roads need improved culverts and bridges, and to inventory those.
When the Long Range Transportation Plan is complete, Pala will have more leverage when working with the state and county on projects to improve our transportation needs. We can also use this plan when planning housing and economic development to prevent congestion and accidents. The short-term and immediate goal is to use this document to work out ways to solve some of the major rush hour traffic issues that have been causing backups and major safety hazards for the last decade along Pala’s roadways, especially heading north toward Temecula. This is the first step to finding and utilizing funds to improve everyday travel.
PED & Xerces Society Pilot – Free Plants for Pala Community Members
Are you interested in getting some FREE low-water, pollinator-friendly plants for your yard this fall? PED is joining the Xerces Society with a new pilot program that is just open to our tribal members and residents of Pala. Xerces Society will be giving away 18 plants per household this fall – but only if you sign up before September 27, 2024. These native plants are sure to bring butterflies, bumblebees, and other beneficial pollinators to your yard, and they don’t take very much water or maintenance! You’ll also get an amazing sign for your yard (in Cupeño) to show off your pollinator plants.
Here’s how to get your plants:
- Fill out this short application before September 27th – space is limited! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecfsM0M_vxoR7wcay06YbiO011sghPV1A0qZmMcwCyZH5oqg/viewform
- In November, you will pick up your plants at the Pala Administration Building (exact date will be revealed once you are selected)
- Plant your kit and send us a quick photo of the plants in the ground
- Next June, please send us some photos and an update on how the plants are doing (this helps us set our plant list for next year).
To find out more about the project & the plants in the habitat kit: https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/habitat-kits/southern-california
Planet Pala Swap Shop
Come to the next Planet Pala Swap Shop at Pala Park on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Bring clean, working items to donate, swap, or just stop by and shop.
Official First Day of Fall
Sunday, September 22, 2024, is the official first day of fall! Cooler weather is on its way and I’m sure we are all happy the heat waves of summer are over. Now is the time to prep your garden for fall and winter crops. Leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, chard, and kale thrive in cooler temps. We can also direct sow root crops to enjoy for the holidays such as beets, turnips, radishes and carrots.
Favorite Crops
One of my favorite crops (especially if you have limited space) is the fava bean. Unlike other bean varieties, favas do well in cooler weather. They are large broad beans, easy to prepare when green and tender and absolutely delicious sautéed in butter. When dried, they store well in a cool dark place for years. Just soak dried beans in water overnight and use them in a soup. The leaves and flowers are also edible and make a great addition to a salad or just drop them in a soup and let them wilt. The leaves have a slight beany flavor as do the flowers but the flowers have a very light floral flavor as well. Because you can eat it three ways, fava beans are a multi-use crop that saves space in the garden.
As a bonus, these beans fix nitrogen in the soil for your spring and summer crops. When the last of the beans are harvested and the plant starts to die back just cut it at the soil instead of pulling it up and you’ll have nitrogen rich soil ready to plant for your next crop in late spring. Peas are also nitrogen fixers and do well in cooler weather.
So, consider these legumes when planting your fall garden and get the satisfaction of loading your soil with nitrogen for a naturally fertilized garden in late spring.
Sticker Designs
Look out for our latest stickers at upcoming events! We received 10 new sticker packs that I designed including the bat (machishet), ceanothus silk moth, and tarantula hawk that were featured in our last newsletter along with an Anna’s hummingbird (tuchily), carpenter bee, bumble bee (kutangvel), and monarch butterfly (malval).
We also have three exciting new designs of important native plants. The beavertail cactus (navet), native tobacco (pivat) and prickly pear cactus (navet). If you have not had an opportunity to get your hands on the previous batch of stickers we still have a few left and we will have some available at future events as well.
Septic Smart Month
September is Septic Smart Month, when we highlight the importance of properly maintaining your septic system. Did you know? If you live south of the river in Pala, you have a septic system.
Why is it so important to properly maintain your septic system? First of all, it helps keep our groundwater clean, which also happens to be Pala’s only drinking water source. It also prevents very costly repairs to your system, and/or replacing the entire unit (very, very expensive).
Septic Tips
Here are some quick tips that you can follow to care for your system:
The Do List
- Know where your septic tank and leach lines are (and the pump-out tank)
- Have your septic tank pumped every 3 – 5 years (this is a free service to tribal members, and you can submit a work order to do this through the tribe)
- Use water-efficient appliances to reduce how much is sent to your tank
The Don’t List
- Don’t put this down your sink – cooking grease, oil, coffee grounds/food, household chemicals
- Don’t put this down your toilet – non-flushable items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels, cat litter, or pharmaceuticals (you should dispose of all of those items in the trash instead)
- Don’t plant trees or park vehicles over your leach field.
Videos
Here are some more resources and short videos to help you maintain your septic system in tip-top condition: https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-education-materials
Start a Conversation: National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme is “Start a Conversation.” The Pala Environmental Department is encouraging everyone to talk with their family, friends, and neighbors about disaster preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Who to Call in an Emergency
In an emergency, dial 911 immediately for assistance. Do not call the Pala Fire Department directly, as this can waste precious time. Emergencies are situations requiring urgent help from fire services, law enforcement, or medical teams.
How to Stay Informed During a Disaster
Sign up for Pala’s Emergency Alert System to get real-time updates and important information during a disaster. This system ensures you stay connected to the latest emergency news on the Reservation. Register at: Pala Emergency Alert System.
What to Do During a Power Outage
- Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
- Leave one light plugged in to signal when the power is back on.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
- Avoid using candles due to the risk of fire. Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead.
Where should we meet?
It’s crucial to have pre-designated meeting spots in case of an emergency.
- Near your home: A safe, nearby location like a neighbor’s driveway or a tree across the street.
- Away from your neighborhood: A spot like the Pala Administration Building can be a backup location in case you cannot reach home.
Identifying these locations before a disaster strikes will help ensure everyone knows where to go, even if you cannot communicate during the event.
Why It’s Important to Talk About Preparedness
Disasters can be unpredictable, and thinking about them may feel overwhelming. However, by discussing possible scenarios and creating a plan, you can reduce anxiety and increase your family’s safety.
Upcoming PREP Community Meetings
As part of the Pala Reservation Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Project, the Pala Environmental Department, in conjunction with the Pala Fire Department, will host community meetings on Tuesday, December 10, and Wednesday, December 11, 2024 (more details to come). These meetings will focus on improving disaster readiness for all families and neighborhoods across the reservation.
During the meetings, the PREP team and Pala leaders will distribute the Pala Disaster Preparedness Handbook and other vital resources to help keep you and your family safe. Join us to learn more, get informed, and start preparing today.
Welcome to the Team
Patricia “Pilly” Sanchez
My name is Patricia Sanchez, though I prefer the name Pilly. I am honored to serve as a Cultural Resource Monitor and Archive Assistant for the Pala Band of Mission Indians. The Village of Pala holds great significance for me, as I have lived here throughout my life and am raising my five children in this community, following in the tradition of generations before me.
I feel privileged to reside and work in an area renowned for the beauty of the Palomar Mountains, the rich history of the San Luis Rey River, and the Pala Mission Church, surrounded by family and friends. I am deeply committed to the preservation of our culture, with a focus on safeguarding our Cupeño language and traditional practices and the protection of our sacred sites. I carry the history of our people, including the painful memories of our ancestors’ removal from Warner Springs in 1903. I believe our songs convey invaluable wisdom, particularly for our children eager to learn.
I understand the critical role archiving and tribal monitoring play in advocating for and protecting our history. To honor and promote cultural awareness, it is essential to keep our traditions alive. I am proud to contribute to the Environmental Department at the Pala Band of Mission Indians, which shares a vision of safeguarding and enhancing our tribe as a vibrant culture today. Additionally, I have collaborated closely with the local school and have been actively involved in the Indian Education Board and the School Charter Council for several years, emphasizing the importance of providing our children with accurate historical education and safety.
I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has played a significant role in my upbringing. It is important to me to ensure that the children on the Pala Indian Reservation have access to various opportunities for success and well-being. I am dedicated to this community and look forward to building a long-term working partnership with the Pala Tribe.
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