Residents of Rancho Monserate enjoy a recovery celebration

FALLBROOK – Rancho Monserate residents celebrated their recovery from the Lilac fire with a grand celebration on Sept. 29. The gala event was attended by over 250 residents, first responders and sponsors.

Honored guests included Assembly Member Marie Waldron and State Senator Joel Anderson. Both sponsored Assembly Bill 1943 that enables the San Diego County Building Department to issue 433A permits that allow Rancho Monserate’s residents to obtain mortgages. Waldron and Anderson accepted certificates of thanks.

The catered full course dinner by Ciao’s that kicked off the evening was praised by all. The meal was accompanied by a hosted bar that was also welcome by the homeowners. The Sundance Band provided the musical entertainment that residents danced to until 9 p.m. Many residents won raffle prizes and some won putting contests.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of first responders – heroes to the whole community. Kevin Mahr, Division Chief of the North County Fire Protection District, brought 11 firemen, medics and engineers in a bright red fire truck. Tears and cheers accompanied their entrance in their dark blue uniforms and polished badges.

The event was hosted and organized by Sequoia Home Replacement, LLC and was supported by 10 companies who have participated in the recovery. Sequoia sells, finances and coordinates replacement homes for Monserate residents who lost their homes in the fire. To date approximately 30 of the 75 owners who lost their homes in the fire are back into new homes and many others have repaired their damaged residences. A few people were unable to return, and their homes are on the market.

Real estate prices in Rancho Monserate have escalated along with the community’s recovery. Prior to the fire on Dec. 7, home and lot prices in Rancho Monserate remained stagnant. Only one or two new homes were built over the past couple of years. The significant number of new homes since December has raised overall property prices in the community by 34 percent over 2017. Rancho Monserate has a lot to be grateful for and their residents showed it with their rousing celebration.

Submitted by Sequoia Home Replacement, LLC.