District X Report
WILDFIRES RAVAGE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In October 2003, Southern California was decimated by a number of devastating fires. The wildfires destroyed 3,587 homes, blackened more than 743,000 acres of brush and timber, and resulted in 22 fire-related deaths. The largest of these fires was the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, which burned more than 330,000 acres.
Not widely reported was the total loss of the Miramar RC Flyers' (MRCF) flying site near the Miramar Marine Base, and damage to the Simi Valley Flyers' field in Ventura County.
The Cedar Fire swept over the MRCF field in minutes, destroying everything but the runway and causing more than $13,000 in damages. Ironically, less than a year before the fire the club had completed a major renovation of the field's shade structure and pit area.
The MRCF has already reopened the field and is committed to rebuilding. Club president Jerry Neuberger reported that members invested countless volunteer hours in the cleanup, and member donations have replaced much of the necessary field equipment. However, the significant loss of training aircraft and support materials has not yet been addressed.
Jerry stated, "We feel it is the responsibility of the club to support training, Boy Scouts, NJROTC, etc. Members have been filling the gap and although we're in no position to resume services, we've already received donations of two trainer aircraft, a radio, a buddy box, and simulator software."
Les Littlefield reported the Simi Valley fire burned through the Simi Fliers' field on October 25. "There are only two or three live trees left, damage to the storage shed (with lawn equipment, etc. inside), and the portable toilet. I'm surprised the wind sock is still flying!"
A survey of the site the Monday following the fire revealed, "Damage to our flying site was minimal. Our portable toilet and some of the things in our storage container were damaged, but we believe the firefighters moved our tables and benches out of harm's way. These people were real heroes. We were flying a week after the fire!"
Les took the following aerial photo with his Telemaster 40 and a Canon Nice Touch II 35mm camera. Although the fire completely encircled the field, an aerial view of the Simi Valley Flyers' field shows the club luckily escaped serious damage.
PLAYA VISTA GRAND OPENING STATIC DISPLAY
September 20–21, AMA and District X, with the support of the Ventura County Regional Model Aeronautics Association (VCRMAA), provided an aeromodeling static display at the Grand Opening of the Playa Vista planned community in Los Angeles. Organized by AMA Western Regional Flying Site Assistance Coordinator Wes DeCou, the two-day event provided an opportunity to build public relations and acquaint the local community with the fundamentals and benefits of model aviation.
Playa Vista is the newest residential community to be built in the urban Los Angeles area in the last 50 years and was created on the former site of the Howard Hughes aircraft plant. The property developers are intent on maintaining the site's aviation heritage, and AMA was expressly invited to participate in the Grand Opening celebration. Wes has opened a dialogue with the developers, and current discussions include the possibility of a permanent flying site to accommodate hand-launched gliders as well as RC electric airplanes and helicopters.
Also helping with the static display were Rich Cox (Camarillo Condors) and Rudy Bustamante (Valley Circle Burners). Display support was also provided by members of the Flying Circus. Thanks to all for your participation.
Till next time ... keep 'em safe and keep 'em flyin'.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
