Greater Golden Hill Fire Safe Council: Six Months In
Six months ago, the Greater Golden Hill Fire Safe Council held its first community event. Since then, neighbors have shown up — to learn, to work, and to make this neighborhood more fire-resilient. Here's a look at what we've accomplished together.
Home Hardening and Fire-Resilient Gardening Series
We launched our workshop series on April 27 with a presentation by Jesh Taucher of San Diego Canyonlands. Jesh shared why San Diego is considered one of the most biodiverse counties in the nation, and how the 3.3 million people living in our wildland-urban interface can reduce wildfire risk while preserving valuable habitat. He covered brush management zones, defensible space, and practical ways homeowners can balance fire safety with environmental stewardship — including how these steps can help with insurance coverage in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Our second workshop featured Greg Rubin, an award-winning native landscape designer and former aeronautical engineer. Greg brought a distinctive perspective: explaining wind dynamics, ember movement, and how thoughtful landscape choices can meaningfully reduce fire risk. He showed how properly selected and spaced native plants can create beautiful, water-wise gardens that are also more resistant to wildfire.
Green Waste Dumpathon
These workshops led directly into our first community Green Waste Dumpathon. Together, neighbors removed more than 14 tons of wildfire fuel — dead and dying vegetation and excess brush — from properties along our canyon rims. Four collection sites. Eleven dumpsters provided by the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department, coordinated with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. A real, tangible step toward making Greater Golden Hill safer.
Free Defensible Space Assessments — Now Available
We're pleased to offer a new free service for residents. CAL FIRE-trained volunteer Mike Tuke is now conducting free home assessments. Mike can help you understand how your property might fare during an insurance inspection, identify potential wildfire hazards, and recommend improvements — including steps to comply with the new Zone Zero requirements. Assessments take about 15 minutes.
To schedule yours, contact Mike directly at mtuke0522@gmail.com.
What's Next
Stay tuned for additional Green Waste Dumpathons, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities this fall. If you have questions or want to get involved, reach us at fsc@preservegreatergoldenhill.com.
Thank you for helping make Greater Golden Hill a safer and more resilient community.