AMA News 2010/07
Fallbrook RC Flyers and Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians develop a world-class flying site
The Fallbrook RC Flyers and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians developed a world-class flying site. Below is a synopsis of an e-mail received in October of 2009 from club member John DePierro, who lives near Fallbrook in southern California, and a summary of the subsequent developments.
John DePierro’s outreach (October 2009)
“I spoke with you about one year ago regarding assistance in obtaining a new flying field location. At that time you sent me a batch of information that could be of use. That has been very helpful. In the meantime, I have spent many hours searching for a possible new location for the Fallbrook RC Flyers.
“Next week (late October, 2009), I have an audience with the Rincon Band of Indians, here in southern California. They own the Harrah’s Casino and Resort, which is about 25 miles from Fallbrook.
“They may be interested in sponsoring a flying field or allowing us to use a site within their reservation. Their thought may be in regards to organizing regional RC events, which would bring business to their resort area.
“I recently read in the AMA magazine about a fantastic flying field that was constructed. It sported a beautiful clubhouse and field layout. Can you let me know which issue that was in so I may use it for a presentation? If you have any advice or literature that you could send before 10/21, it would be appreciated.
“We also may have another opportunity with San Diego Gas & Electric Co. They may have open space that may work for us. Do you know of any clubs that have any experience with utility companies? If so, they may have information or advice regarding their association with the utility.
“I realize this is late to contact you, but if you have any time to speak with me, I can phone you anytime Tuesday to talk. Please let me know if you have any advice.”
Initial conversation and site search
During the initial conversation in 2008, John described the Fallbrook RC Flyers as a club that for the past 40 years had maintained a field on the south side of Highway 76 in Bonsall, California. A new four-lane highway was scheduled to bisect the existing runway, so the club began searching for a new field location to keep the decades-old club together.
John received flying site acquisition materials and did the legwork and phone work to arrange meetings with prospective site owners. Although the San Diego Gas & Electric opportunity did not work out, John continued his dialogue with the Rincon Band administration and was successful in arranging a meeting—almost a year to the day from the first e-mail exchange on the subject.
During his discussions with the band, John described what a well-designed RC field should look like and explained the educational and recreational benefits of the sport.
Success with the Rincon Band and opening plans
Eleven months after the initial Rincon contact, the effort produced a significant result. John reported:
“After a year of searching, club members made contact with the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, located in Valley Center, California. The Rincon people graciously offered to construct a new field as the beginning of a newly established Parks & Recreation Program.
“This newly constructed field is one of very few AMA‑chartered club RC airfields built on Native American land. To say the least, it is a wonderful new opportunity for all involved.
“The club will be hosting a display booth at an upcoming Earth Day event to attract new members and to kick off a flight-training program for kids and adults.
“The official opening-day event at the new field will include a barbecue, refreshments, a fun-fly, and an air show. The date will be set in the near future.
“The Fallbrook RC Flyers would like to extend our special thanks to the Tribal Council Chairman, Mr. Bo Mazzetti; Recreation Department Administrator, Mr. Tuuket Saas; the Rincon Council members; and Dick Watenpaugh, Tribal Administrator. All these people deserve appreciation for their efforts in helping to expand the RC family sport and allow us the use of their precious resources.”
Acknowledgments
- Tribal Council Chairman: Mr. Bo Mazzetti
- Recreation Department Administrator: Mr. Tuuket Saas
- Rincon Council members
- Tribal Administrator: Dick Watenpaugh
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
