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ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

IT’S TIME TO APPLY FOR COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Rim of the World Communities Scholarship Council is encouraging all high school seniors to apply for Community Scholarships for college, trade or vocational school scholarships. Scholarship amounts range from $500.00 to $2,500.00, depending on the donations we receive from our community. Scholarships may be used for both college or trade/vocational school to help cover tuition, books or other student fees.

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Applications are available to download right now on the Rim High School Scholarship webpage https://rimsd.k12.ca.us/10520_2.  Hard copies of the scholarship application are available at the RHS College & Career Center for RHS seniors. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Mills at_lisa mills@rimsd.k12.ca.us

Mountain High School seniors will be emailed applications directly and hard copies will also be available to pick in the MHS Front Office.

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Rim Communities Scholarship Applications along with Letters of Recommendation are due by 2 P.M. on Friday, March 29, 2024 at the RHS College & Career Center for RHS seniors, and the same deadline applies for MHS seniors to deliver their Scholarship Application and Letters of Recommendation to the MHS Front Office.

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Since 1957, Rim of the World Communities Scholarship Council has been providing monetary assistance to our local graduates.  The Council is proud to have awarded 45 scholarships to 2023 RHS Graduating Seniors for a total amount of $37,000.00. The Council hopes to raise even more scholarship monies this year from our generous community members and local organizations, so our high school seniors will have the financial assistance and encouragement to help them as they continue their education.

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Scholarship awards will be given out to RHS seniors at Senior Scholarship Night on May 20, 2024 in the RHS Performing Arts Center at 6 P.M. Scholarship awards will be given to MHS seniors at the MHS Graduation Ceremony on June 4, 2024.

 

The Council is a 501C3 and encourage all donations from community members.  Please consult with your legal or financial advisors regarding tax deductions.

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If you are interested in donating towards a scholarship or creating a memorial scholarship to honor a loved one or family member, please contact ROWCSC, PO Box 1816, Blue Jay, CA 92317 or email us at rimscholarshipcouncil@gmail.com or call 909 337-2997.

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ALA MEMBERS APPROVE ALL 8 BYLAW AMENDMENTS

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February 26, 2024

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Shortly after the 5:00 pm close of online voting on the ALA website, ALA Inspector of Elections, Mark Guithues announced via a Zoom broadcast, the results of the Membership vote. All 8 proposed Bylaw amendments were overwhelming approved by the ALA voting members. Instead of the Board voting to approve the 8 Bylaw amendments themselves, the ALA Board of Directors gave Members the ability to vote to approve these Bylaw amendments.  This process provided the memberships a voice over the Association's governing documents. of the association. Bylaws approved by the membership can only be changed by the membership. 

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For the complete official results and voting numbers, go to the ALA website at www.ala-ca.org.

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CALIFORNIA APPELLATE COURT RULES ON ALA APPEAL

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On February 7, 2024, the California Court of Appeal 4th Appellate District Division 3, ruled against the Arrowhead Lake Association in their appeal of the Preliminary Injunction Order by San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Gilbert Ochoa on January 19, 2022. The original lawsuit against the ALA was filed in July of 2021, naming the Arrowhead Lake Association, its General Manager and 5 Board Members as defendants. 

 

To read more on the ALA lawsuit, click here.

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To read the entire Appellate Court Ruling, Click here.

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UPDATE

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RESPONSE FROM THE PLAINTIFFS' ATTORNEYS ON THE APPELLATE COURT DECISION

FEBRUARY 16, 2024

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Introduction from the Plaintiffs:

We are, of course, encouraged to have our long-standing positions upheld by two courts and four judges.  We pursued this case to protect and preserve every Arrowhead Woods property owner's rights established by the 1964 Agreement—deeded rights that precede the ALA and cannot simply be “voted” away by a social club or its membership. 
 

Summary of Court of Appeals Opinion by Plaintiffs' Attorneys:

The arguments made on behalf of Arrowhead Woods property owners have now been completely upheld not once, but twice, and by two different California courts and four judges.  The first endorsement was by the San Bernardino Superior Court in a thorough 17 page opinion and order.  Now, three highly experienced justices of the California Court of Appeal, in an equally thorough 25 page opinion, have unanimously agreed with the Superior Court’s decision and have again upheld the arguments and positions taken by the property owners.  
 

At the same time, both courts have repeatedly rejected arguments made by the ALA as a justification for its attempt to interfere with Arrowhead Woods property owners’ property rights by banning short-term renters from using the Lake and the shoreline.  Those rejected arguments include, but are not limited to, claims that: a) short term renters are not “lessees” under the ’64 Agreement if they rent for less than 30 days; b) renting a home to a short term renter is a “commercial use of the Lake”; c) short term renters are not lessees/tenants but “lodgers”, like hotel guests; d) the ban on short term renters using the Lake and shoreline was a reasonable restriction; and e) membership in the ALA was required to use the Lake or the shoreline in any way.
 

But you do not have to take our word for it.  Here are some of the key rulings that the three justices of the Court of Appeal unanimously made.  We have quoted directly from the court’s opinion and have provided citations to the  pages where the quoted language appears:

1. Rejection of the “STRs are not lessees argument" made by the ALA:
 

“Additionally, the 64 Agreement does not limit the term of any lease….[The] 64 Agreement contemplates any person who is allowed exclusive use of Arrowhead Woods’ property for any period, regardless of how short that period may be, is a lessee.” (p. 14)

 

 

2. Rejection of the “commercial use” argument made by the ALA (defendants):
 

“Defendants also contend the use by short-term renters equates to a business or commercial use that is precluded by the 64 Agreement.  However, the fact a business or commercial transaction may exist between the Arrowhead Woods’ property owner and the short-term renter in the transaction to rent the property does not equate to the renter using the Lake or Reserve Strip in a commercial or business transaction.” (p. 15)

 

 

3. Rejecting the argument by the ALA that a short term renter is a lodger, not a lessee or tenant: 

 

“…a short-term renter would fall under…a tenant versus a lodger.” (p. 14)

 

 

4. Rejecting the ALA’s argument that the ban on STRs’ use of the Lake and shoreline was a “reasonable regulation”:
 

“A rule stripping a category of individuals of their right under the 1964 Agreement to Lake access cannot be reduced to constituting a mere regulation designed to promote the safety, health, comfort, and convenience of the recreation activities of persons enjoying the Lake.  Otherwise, the power conferred under the Agreement for the Association (as a successor in interest to the contracting parties) to make reasonable regulations to promote Lake activities could be further used to deprive property owners, their long-term lessees, and their houseguests of their rights to enjoy the Lake themselves; such a “regulation” would not be reasonable in light of the 1964 Agreement’s express grant of Lake and reserve strips access rights.” (p.17)

 

 

5. Rejecting the ALA’s argument that membership in the ALA is required to access the Lake and its shoreline:
 

“Again, the 64 Agreement provides all Arrowhead Woods’ owners, their lessees, and their guests with the right to access and use, for recreational purposes, the Lake and Reserve Strip.  Nothing in such language indicates or requires the owner must first be a member of the organization holding title to the Lake and Reserve Strips”. (p. 21)

 

“We agree with the trial court’s reasoning and conclusion.  The Association did not exist until 1974.  Arrowhead Woods property owners are not required to join the Association and, according to plaintiffs, most do not….  We agree the Association’s membership rule cannot be construed as a reasonable regulation to promote the safety, health, comfort, and convenience of property owners enjoying the Lake.”  (p. 22)

 

“The 1964 Agreement provides for the owner of the Lake to charge a reasonable fee for permitting piers and docks to be located and kept on the reserve strips or the Lake, and a reasonable fee for licensing boats to be used on the Lake and for rental slips.  It did not provide for further charges.” (p. 22)

 

 

6. The strength of the plaintiffs’ positions compared to the ALA’s positions:
 

“Plaintiffs therefore have demonstrated a probability of prevailing on claims based on a breach of the 1964 Agreement resulting from the Association’s exclusion of property owners who are not Association members from access to the Lake and reserve strips.” (pp. 22-23)

 

 

7. Rejecting the ALA’s claim that plaintiffs "want to make Lake Arrowhead a public lake”:
 

“Defendant [the Association] also contended that by imposing the requested injunction, the character of the Lake is changed from private to public.  But allowing those with the contractual right of access is not rendering the Lake open to the public.  It remains that the Lake is only accessible by the Arrowhead Woods’ property owners, guests, and lessees.  (p. 23)

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PFAS INFORMATION FROM THE LACSD WEBSITE

LACSD is committed to providing water that meets or exceeds all state and federal water quality standards at the lowest possible cost for our customers. As part of this commitment, LACSD continually monitors the water that we deliver to ensure it meets or exceeds all state and federal standards. In 2023, LACSD started testing its drinking water for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) in accordance with guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We found that some of these chemicals are present in our  drinking water and the District is acting quickly to reduce these levels. We will continue to update the public on our PFAS Updates page. Additional information can be found on our PFAS FAQ page.

An update was provided at our Board of Directors meeting held on January 23, 2024. You can access the video here.

Regulations require a full year of sample results to determine contaminant levels but LACSD is actively working in advance of that to install treatment systems that will remove PFAS from the drinking water. We have contracted with an engineer who has experience designing PFAS removal for other water agencies. We have also submitted an application to the state of California for assistance with funding the project.

Separately, LACSD is independently sampling the watershed to try to identify where the PFAS is coming from. Below is a map that indicates where we have taken samples so far. Most of the results are still pending. The majority of these samples are not required by regulators but it is our passion to serve our community and protect our precious resources. So far, we have learned that Lake Arrowhead has higher concentrations of PFAS than groundwater does. Certain tributaries have higher results than others. Click here to see raw water and groundwater sample results. These are not drinking water samples. When we receive additional results, we will post them on our PFAS Updates page.

Click here to see the most recent raw and groundwater results as of 1/30/2024. These results are consistent with prior sampling.

It is now more critical than ever that we work together to ensure that no polluted water enters into any stream, creek bed or drainage, including laundry wash water. Many textiles have PFAS which is released into the water. Also, do not dump water with any amount of paint or solvents. Please notify LACSD immediately to report any concerns or if you notice any unauthorized discharges to our waterways at (909) 336-7100 or email us at CustServ@lakearrowheadcsd.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting the public that construction contractors will continue emergency work requiring flagging and lane closure operations on State Route 18 at various locations.

 

WEEKDAY WORK is scheduled at State Route 18 (SR-18) from Thursday, January 4 through Thursday, January 11, 2024. Work will occur Monday through Friday from Upper Waterman Canyon to near Crest Forest Dr. from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No work is scheduled on Friday, January 12 in observance of the holiday. Note: Closures are dependent on contractor receiving proper materials for each job function. They can be changed or canceled at any time.

 

Drivers please note that SOUTH-BOUND (SB) LANE #2 will be CLOSED at Upper Waterman Canyon. Also, one-lane traffic control will be in place from just east of the SR-138 junction to near Crest Forest Dr. A pilot vehicle will be on site to direct traffic. Please proceed with caution and wait for the pilot vehicle to escort you through the designated zone.

LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES: Work equipment will transport material and may cause traffic delays at various locations along the route. Plan to avoid delays. Remember that noise may occur at and surrounding the construction zone.

 

NOTE: Remember to follow the posted speed limit on routes near the work areas following Construction Work Zone Speed Limit Reduction provisions.

 

Please remember to slow down for the cone zone, be mindful of work along the route, and take precautions in flagging zones. Work will require flagging operations from Monday through Friday.

 

Know before you go! To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to Caltrans District 8 and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow us for the latest information on Facebook and Twitter. To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap.



For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Public Affairs at 909-383-4631 or TTY 711.

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PFAS INFORMATION FROM ARROWHEAD WOODS INFORMED

 

RE: THE PROSPERITY OF LAKE ARROWHEAD. PFAS UPDATE.

Dear Arrowhead Woods Property Owners,

 

LACSD HAS IGNORED THE REPAIR OF THE SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE IN LAKE ARROWHEAD AND SURROUNDING THE LAKE FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
 

LACSD’s Game of Whack-A-Mole. The sewer infrastructure problems faced in Lake Arrowhead are growing and running away from LACSD. No one believes that LACSD can complete its planned repair/rehabilitation process within the next two years. At its current pipe repair/rehabilitation rate of .5 mile per year it will take 320 years. This is governmental procrastination and mismanagement at its finest.  It is a repair schedule calculated to leave the sewer problems to the next twenty LACSD Boards while this LACSD Board spends money on pet projects and salaries and our drinking water, our health and our property values are in jeopardy.

Having virtually ignored its collapsing sewer system, LACSD now finds that it has spent all of its money on pet projects like the corporate parking yard by the Mountain Community Hospital (6 million), an attempted Solar Farm in the City of Hesperia for energy generation (City of Hesperia Sued), the failed takeover of AWAC (Public Said No Way), outrageous salaries and general mismanagement. This would be synonymous to a homeowner installing a BBQ island and a hot tub in the backyard when the roof has failed and rain is flooding the house. A conscious decision has been made to put "lipstick on a pig" and let the problem fester and grow for the next guy to deal with. LACSD needs to stick to sewer and water and stop having delusions of grandeur and aspiration for power by attempting to steer themselves into creating a future quasi-city hall which will swallow adjacent communities and allow it to dominate as a “Greater Lake Arrowhead”. Time to stop daydreaming and wake up... 

Property Owners must step up and get involved because LACSD is currently being steered in the wrong direction and the proverbial cliff is up ahead. The steering wheel needs to be turned. LACSD can install a dozen filtration plants; Homeowners can install 10,000 home filters; but the lake will be irreparably contaminated. The fish in the lake will most likely also be contaminated. These contaminants are not going anywhere, anytime soon. It is our belief that real estate prices, dock prices and our general way of life will be affected in the foreseeable future.
 

Please, go to the link below to learn everything you need to know about the PFAS contamination and the District’s game of hide and seek with the authorities and the Public. Your health and pocketbook depend on it.

 

www.ArrowheadWoodsInformed.com/PFAS

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LAKE ARROWHEAD COMMUNITIES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce announces the results of the 2023 Board of Directors election, by majority vote of the Chamber Membership. New Directors are scheduled to serve a 3-year term 2024-2026.  Membership will get to meet the Board of Directors at the Lake Arrowhead Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting in early 2024.

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Meet the Newly-Elected Chamber Board Members

Derek D. Bobadilla

Owner - Bobadilla Finance Team Home Loans

Real Estate Home Loans & Mortgage Industry

Derek is currently the owner of Bobadilla Finance Team Home Loans in Lake Arrowhead where they provide loans and mortgage transactions in 34 states. He was recognized as the Top 10 producing mortgage broker in both Unit & Volume among

2,300 of his broker peers. Derek is committed to providing his clients with the highest quality mortgage loan services by offering the personal service of a mortgage broker with the full services of a large bank. He serves as a Board Member for the Realtor Association-Affiliates, and volunteers for Toys for Tots, Operation Christmas Child, and Rebuilding Together. His extensive background includes being a Mortgage Broker, financial advisor, expertise in real estate, investor trends, and business development. Derek enjoys collaboration with entrepreneurs and business owners. He and his family reside in the Lake Arrowhead area where they enjoy sports and outdoor activities.

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Sandra Koos

Co-Owner K & E Promotions

Sales & Marketing Industry

Sandra is currently the Co-Owner of K & E Promotions, a sales and marketing company that offers procurement service for promotional products from manufacturers. She is currently a Board Member and Marketing Director of the Rim

of the World Historical Society and the Editor of the Mountain Chronicles Newsletter. Her volunteer service has included UCLA Mountain Bruins, Rim of the World Interpretive Association and Heaps Peak Arboretum, Mountain Jewish Community, Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead, the Blue Jay Parade, and LACCC. Sandra’s background and experience in marketing and advertising originated in New York City and Los Angeles. She and her husband and business partner Terry Ebert moved to the mountain community 15 years ago. Sandra enjoys gardening, playing Mah Jongg, hiking with their dogs, and following the Formula-1 Indy Car Racing Series.

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Brad Lofland

General Manager - SkyPark at Santa’s Village

LACCC Leadership Circle Member

Brad is currently a Board Member of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce serving since January 2021. He is the General Manager and head of marketing for SkyPark at Santa’s Village where he oversees the daily operations of the park, including staff management, guest services, safety protocol, and financial budgeting. Also managing the marketing strategy and campaigns, he works closely with mountain community leaders to promote non-profit organizations with fundraisers and special events. Under Brad’s direction, SkyPark’s social media following grew to 100k followers in a few short years. Before joining the team at SkyPark, Brad was a U.S. Army Combat Medic and Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Brad, along with his wife, Jamie, and three children, love to go for RV vacations and have called the San Bernardino mountains home for almost ten years.

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Chad Logan

Owner - Logan Construction & Premier Property Maintenance

Construction &Property Maintenance Industry

LACCC Leadership Circle Member

Chad is currently the owner and CEO of Logan Construction, a full-service general contracting company serving California, Arizona, and Nevada. Since 2002, he has led Logan Construction in providing all types and phases of residential, commercial, and recreational construction. He also owns Premier Property Maintenance that provides

professional interior and exterior maintenance services that preserve, protect, and improve property values. Plus, he has a local snow removal service company called Next Level Snow Services. Chad has an extensive background in the construction industry, from small home remodels and custom homes to large commercial developments. Chad and his wife have invested in 4 businesses in the mountain communities, including a Showroom in Blue Jay and Snow Removal. They service several of the main shopping centers and Homeowner’s Associations in the area and are known for reconstructing the Lake Arrowhead Deli and Jensen’s Blue Jay, post- storm. Chad’s charitable work includes Homeless Outreach, Board member of the Paso Robles Youth Sports Council and Paso Cares. Chad and his wife enjoy getting

more involved in the mountain communities.

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Paul Medawar

General Manager - Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

Hospitality & Asset Management

Paul is currently the General Manager of the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa where he commits to cultivating a practical approach to management with a focus on controlling costs, team involvement, and guest services. His extensive hotel career spans over 33 years of hospitality and asset management. Paul is a son of immigrant parents from Egypt, and at a young age he began honing his skill in construction while assisting his father in his construction business before trying his hand in the

hotel business. At the age of 17, he started in the hotel business as a lobby attendant and worked his way up the ladder. Paul is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), credentialed through the California Hotel & Lodging Association. Paul has served on other Boards of Directors including Del Sol Rotary, Cupertino Chamber of Commerce,

and the Greater ABA Innkeepers Association. A native of Southern California, Paul is new to the Lake Arrowhead community where he is getting more involved in our business community. His guiding principle is “never let good enough be good

enough”. Paul and his wife of 23 years have an 18-year-old daughter and two dogs, and he is an avid sports junkie and die-hard Dodgers fan.

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Scott Rindenow

Owner - LakeArrowhedNews.com

Television & Media Industry Current Lake Arrowhead Chamber Government

Affairs Committee

Scott is currently the owner and founder of LakeArrowheadNews.com with 8 local Facebook pages including Rim Mountain Traffic which combined have over 20,000 subscribers. He has served 12 years on the Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) with the last 5 years elected as Council Chair. He designed and manages the local website rimspecialathletes.org and also manages the Lake Arrowhead Meals on Wheels website. He produced educational videos for the Arrowhead Lake Association Lake Safety Committee. Scott is currently a member of the Lake Arrowhead Chamber Government Affairs Committee (GAC) and is actively driving forward the community Highway 173 Reopening project. Scott has an extensive background in Television News and Journalism, received 7 Emmy Awards, Los Angeles Press Club and Associated Press Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America. He has lived in Lake Arrowhead since 1992.

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Tricia DuFour

Former LACCC Chairwoman

Owner & Marketing Director - Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

LACCC Leadership Circle Member

Tricia is currently a Board Member of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce serving since the ‘90’s and was the Chamber’s Chairperson for 5 years during the term 2018 to 2022. She and her husband Dave are the owners of historic Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins in Twin Peaks. They bought the property in 1993 and have renovated, preserved, and added properties to the cabin resort including a beautiful rustic wedding venue that has attracted media attention. Tricia has a strong background in marketing and community relations, she created the family-friendly “Pine Cone Festival '' in 2006 that has grown into a SoCal Mountain annual tradition. She and Dave raised three children in our local community, and now have grandchildren, many third generation growing up in the mountain communities. The DuFour family believes that business growth is nurtured through community involvement and local real estate and economic development. 

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Dr. Ken Witte

Co-Founder - Twin Peaks Farmer’s Market

Retired Educator & Administrator

 Ken is currently a Board Member of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce serving since 2019 where he cultivates an ever-increasing sphere of influence for the Chamber through his extensive government and educational relationships. Ken started the “San Bernardino County Economic Development Tours” in the mountain communities that have now spread throughout all the Unincorporated Area Chambers. He is a very active community leader as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Chairman of the Dam Committee overseeing Papoose Lake Dam and MacKay Park, Meals on Wheels, a member of the Elks Lodge in Rimforest, and long-time Secretary of the Masonic Lodge in Twin Peaks. For years he volunteered for the Rim of the World Interpretative Association (ROWIA) directly working at Heaps Peak Arboretum. When he is not tutoring our local students and working with the Rim Honor Society, he regularly volunteers at the LACCC Office greeting guests as a tourism concierge. Ken comes from a 3rd generation Central Valley family that inspires his philosophy of doing for others. Ken and his wife Virgie who is President of the Soroptimist have lived in the community since 2011.

 

The Newly Elected Members will be Joining the Current LACCC Board of Directors

Cecilia Ponce de Leon 

Real Estate Agent - Owner CAPRE Realty & Alpine Mountaineer

Serving LACCC Board since 2021

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Josh Martin

General Manager Lake Arrowhead Village

Serving LACCC Board since 2022

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Darren Diess

Owner The Boat Yard - On the Mountain Marine Storage Services

Serving LACCC Board since 2023

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Jileen Pattison

MPower Mortgage, Inc.

Serving LACCC Board since 2023

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Corina Colan

Attorney - The Law Office of Corina I. Colan

Serving LACCC Board since 2022

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Matt Weiss

Marketing Director

Benchmark Pyramid Luxury & Lifestyle

Serving LACCC Board since 2022

MIKE PATE NEW ALA GM

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The Arrowhead Lake Association announced the following on their website:

 

The Arrowhead Lake Association is pleased to announce that Mike Pate has been selected as General Manager of the ALA and will be assuming his position on Monday, October 16, 2023. The extensive search process yielded nearly 300 applicants.
 
Mike is a Cal Poly San Louis Obispo graduate with a BA in Speech Communication focusing on Public Speaking and Political Science. He is also a Certified Leadership Trainer. He has an impressive working career spanning more than 40 years with a wealth of experience as a CEO, Vice President, Board Member, Business Owner, Publisher, and Director. Mike has been a mountain resident for more than 20 years and for most of that time was CEO of the entity that operated Lake Gregory Regional Park as well as facilities in three other states, where he oversaw a workforce with 200+ seasonal and full-time employees and an eight-figure budget.
 
David Dahl, President of the Arrowhead Lake Association, would like to thank the ALA Board of Directors and ALA members Marilyn Dishell, Tony O’Keefe, Tony Manos, and Andy Sedlak, as well as the Board Executive Committee for their tireless efforts working with Wayne Austin to identify such an exceptional candidate. Mike can be contacted at 909-337-2595 ext. 111 or by email at MPate@ala-ca.org.

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SUPERVISON DAWN ROWE

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At the September 13, 2023, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Meeting, the Board unanimously approved Supervisor Rowe’s proposal to construct five new pickleball courts in Mackay Park in the Lake Arrowhead area.

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Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a trade group, the number of people playing pickleball grew by 159% over three years to 8.9 million in 2022.  

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Supervisor Rowe said, “One of my priorities as Supervisor is ensuring that our county has plentiful recreation opportunities. Many residents in the area have talked to me about their desire to have local pickleball courts. I’m glad to use my discretionary budget monies to support our mountain communities and I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”

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To make room for the pickleball courts, the existing exercise equipment will be relocated throughout the park. County Service Area (OSA) 70 D-1 will manage the project. A timeline will be available soon.

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Supervisor Dawn Rowe has served on the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors since 2018. She is currently Chair of the Board and represents the Third District, which includes Lake Arrowhead and the mountain communities.

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Arrowhead Lake Association Update August 2023
 
A BRIEF REVIEW FROM THE ALA
 
The ALA is aware that ALA members received an anonymous letter regarding a recall of directors.  The ALA Did Not provide your private confidential address to any other member.    Most likely it is anonymous because the sender(s) do not want to be held responsible for their numerous false and libelous statements.  Regrettably, this is behavior that we have witnessed on social media – false news – with no accountability, accuracy, or integrity.  Please review the ALA website for full transparency of information.
 
Litigation

The appellate court has scheduled the ALA appeal to the preliminary injunction in Vertical Web Ventures et al vs. ALA for September 2023.  At this time, the ALA is enjoined by the Court from enforcing Section C Article II of ALA By-Laws
The ALA continues to restrict short-term renters from usage of any watercraft
Short-term renters must register and purchase wristbands from the ALA
The ALA is not involved in any legal matter with AirBnB or VRBO
The ALA Board has NEVER voted to allow renters on ALA member docks; that decision is up to each individual dock owner
As a dock owner the ALA prohibits renters from ALA owned docks
All Directors are committed to keeping Lake Arrowhead private
 
Lake Management

The lake level is 5,105.86 or 0.84 feet below full
Lake weed remediation was reinstated this year and the first herbicide application is complete,
One bay was dredged to the allowable bottom contours at a significant price discount,
The bay was one of the top three creeks in terms of sediment flow, previous Boards had approved this bay for dredging
Suction dredging was recommended by the Lake Operations Committee, and unanimously approved.
Lake side dock trash pick-up is on Mondays – for waste generated at dock/pier site
 
ALA Staff

GM Bob Mattison announced his retirement for September 8, 2023
ALA Human Relations Director, Executive Committee and ALA members are reviewing applicants.
There are 29 full time employees:  11 Maintenance, 5 Lake Safety, 13 Shoreline/Admin
 
Survey

The ALA conducted its first member survey in many years during June 2023 on:
Activities and Facilities used and enjoyed by members
Member to Membership Communication
STR/Property rights litigation
ALA budget – operating and capital
1,000+ members responded to the survey
Survey results are on ALA website
Additional member input through future surveys is being planned
 
Trails

Happy Trails Day – was a HUGE success!!! More than 60 ALA members contributed their time and strength to enhancing trails around the lake.
Snowmageddon impacted many of our trails.  ALA prioritizes maintenance of ALA assets with a SAFETY-first objective.  ALA management will brief the members at the August meeting.
 
Financials

Revenue, operating expenses and capital expenses are within budget.  ALA’s balance sheet is strong.
The Board approved an Ad Hoc Committee to explore alternative revenue streams.
 
Transparency & Communication

ALA Board and Committee meetings are held in person and via Zoom Webinar, which has enhanced member participation
ALA Minutes and recordings of Board and Committee meetings are posted on the ALA website
ALA legal documents are posted on the ALA website
Member-to-membership communication has been enhanced. Traditional US postal mailing is still available but ALA added posting member letters to the ALA website and emailing members requests in conformance with California Corporation Code.
 

The ALA is aware that ~1,000 members have elected not to receive member-to-membership emails.  The ALA membership has been inundated with repetitive misinformation from a few members. 
The ALA fully supports the rights of members to express their opinions to other members as provided under the California Corporations Code.

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ALA does not condone the use of member-to-membership communication for personal attacks, the spreading of misinformation, baseless speculation, misleading dialogue, and unwanted creation of fear and confusion.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.
 
Sincerely,
Arrowhead Lake Association Board of Directors

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THE FACTS AND NOTHING BUT THE FACTS
ALA BOARD-STATEMENTS AND FACT SHEET REGARDING SHORT TERM RENTERS SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT - COMPLYING WITH THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

 

• Lake Arrowhead is a private lake. There is no litigation contesting the privacy of Lake Arrowhead.  All Directors have pledged to maintain that Privacy. Not a single Director desires Lake Arrowhead to become a public lake.

• We fully recognize that 2318 members voted in 2020 to adopt a bylaw prohibiting Short Term Rental clients from accessing ALA property.

  • However, at the time of the voting, members were not made aware of such an outcome potentially being a breach of the 1964 Agreement and therefore subject to a lawsuit for such an alleged breach.

  • As far as any of us can remember, 2021 was the ONLY summer season in the history of Lake Arrowhead in which STR client access was prohibited.

• The 2022 preliminary injunction issued by the Judge presiding over the lawsuit in San Bernardino County ORDERED ALA to not enforce the 2020 bylaw amendments, to the extent they are inconsistent with the 1964 Agreement, that prohibited STR renters from accessing ALA property, but allowed ALA to, for the first time ever, establish and enforce rules to mitigate the impact of STR client access, including:

  • STR clients must be registered by name on the STR owner’s account

  • STR clients must purchase wristbands from ALA and sign paperwork

  • STR clients may not use any watercraft including motorboats, sailboats and human-powered vessels such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)

  • Hence, access is not unfettered but is regulated, controlled, and enforced  

• ALA has appealed the 2022 preliminary injunction, but unless and until such an appeal is successful, it is in the best interest of the ALA to comply with the terms of that injunction.

  • In 2023, the full board was advised by legal counsel that under the terms of the preliminary injunction the ALA should not prohibit dock owners from allowing access to the owner’s dock to any properly registered guest.

    • As a dock owner, who rents slips to members, the ALA has decided to update its rental agreements to prohibit access by short term rental clients. The ALA DOES NOT ALLOW dock owner to decide whether or not to allow such access to their private property.

    • At last count there were 129 docks owned by members whose homes are registered with the county of San Bernardino as Short Term Rentals. Each of these 129 members can and should decide for themselves whether or not to allow their guests or clients to access their dock, and ONLY their dock.

 

The ALA membership has been inundated with repetitive misinformation by a few members, likely resulting in over 900 ALA members opting out of the member emails. Many ALA members believe these comments are libelous and slanderous.  The ALA will protect its interests.

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• We fully support the rights of members to express their opinions to other members as provided under the California Corporations Code on issues reasonably related to their interest as members.

  •  We do not condone the use of member-to-membership communications for personal attacks, the spreading of misinformation, baseless speculation, misleading dialog, and unwarranted creation of fear.

  • We encourage members who choose to communicate with the membership to comment or reference bylaws, rules, regulations, policies, and legal documents, all of which are posted on the ALA website.

  • We support having more than one option available for member-to-membership communications. Prior to 2020, the ONLY option available was for a US Postal Service mailing at the member’s sole expense. Current options include low- and no-cost methods.

August 17, 2022 

District:  Headquarters 

Contact: Will Arnold 

Contact: Tamie McGowen 

Phone:    (916) 956-0633 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Caltrans QuickMap Push Notifications Now Available

New App Feature Alerts Drivers to Nearby Road Closures and Emergencies

 

SACRAMENTO — Caltrans has launched a new push notification feature on its QuickMap app that allows drivers to automatically receive real-time notifications about nearby road closures, emergencies and other traffic updates.  

 

“With this new QuickMap upgrade, Californians now can receive instant traffic notifications based on their location,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Drivers can use this information to adjust their plans when needed, compare route options, save time and travel safely to their destinations.”

 

Caltrans’ QuickMap is a mobile app and website available to the public at no cost for travel planning. QuickMap provides immediate traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, emergency incidents, electronic highway message sign content, rest area locations, camera snapshots, and active chain control requirements.

 

The new QuickMap push notification feature allows travelers to opt-in to receive location-based alerts on their mobile devices. When a device with the QuickMap app enters an area within 10 miles of a road closure or other traffic-related event, a pop-up message will appear alerting travelers of the incident, including time, location and reason for closure.

 

Caltrans reminds drivers to use their mobile device responsibly, including only in hands-free mode when operating a vehicle. Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. In California, drivers 18 and older can only use their phones in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.

 

For more information, and to use the new feature, download the QuickMap app onto your phone or visit QuickMap.dot.ca.gov.

 

ARROWHEAD LAKE ASSOCIATION (ALA) PROPERTY RIGHTS LAWSUIT

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CLICK HERE TO SEE COURT DOCUMENTS FROM THE ALA WEBSITE

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UPDATES: 

On March 10, 2022, the Arrowhead Lake Association through its law firm Best, Best & Krieger LLP filed a Notice-Register of Actions to the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Appeals Division.

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On January 19, 2022, the ruling was made final with the plaintiffs being ordered to post a $100,000 bond. The next hearing on the matter is set for May 4, 2023, for a Trial Readiness Conference followed by a Jury Trial beginning on May 8, 2023 at

10:00 AM in Department S24.

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On January 19, 2022, Judge Gilbert G. Ochoa issued a Tentative Ruling on two motions. The first motion/Demurrer was filed by defendant Brian Hall, former ALA Board Member. The court ruled against Hall's Demurrer and it was taken off calendar. The second ruling by Judge Ochoa was as follows:

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(1) GRANT in part and DENY in part Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, Karakaya, and Lee’s Preliminary Injunction and

ENJOIN Defendants ALA, Clifford, Mattison, Kaitz, Hall, Heissler, O’Keefe, and Wilson from (a) precluding short-term lessees within Arrowhead Woods’ property from accessing the Lake and surrounding shoreline area and (b) precluding Arrowhead
Woods’ property owners, whether ALA members or not, and their lessees and guests from accessing the Lake and surrounding shoreline area;
(2) ORDER Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, Karakaya, and Lee to post a reasonable bond within 10 days of the Order;
(3) GRANT Plaintiffs’ request for judicial notice filed on November 8, 2021, but DENY Plaintiffs’ request for judicial notice filed on December 1, 2021;
(4) DENY Defendants Clifford, Mattison, Kaitz, Hall, Heissler, O’Keefe, and Wilson’s request for judicial notice;
(5) GRANT Defendant ALA’s request for judicial notice of the pleadings and Exhibits 4 and 6, but DENY Defendant ALA’s request for judicial notice of Exhibits 2-3, 5, and 7;
(6) Movant to give Notice and provide Order. 

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CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COURT'S TENTATIVE RULING OF 1/19/22

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On November 9, 2021, the Superior Court of San Bernardino ruled on the defendants motion to Compel Arbitration in this case. Both the plaintiffs and defendants submitted their arguments to the court regarding their positions. In the public notice filed by Judge Gilbert G. Ochoa, the following decision was rendered:

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"The Association's Bylaws, at Article II (Members), Section F (Enforcement of Bylaws and Rules), paragraph 9, states, "Any disputes between ALA or ALA Members regarding any pier site, dock, or fixture on the reserve strip or reserve strip additions or any property owned by ALA or pertaining to any membership in ALA shall be resolved by binding arbitration." [Hereinafter "Arbitration Clause"] (Defendant's Exh. 5.)

Under the Arbitration Clause, arbitration is mandated for disputes between the Association and its members concerning (a) pier site, dock, or fixtures on the reserve strip or reserve strip additions, (b) property owned by the Association, and (b) the membership in the Association. None of the limiting scopes is at issue in any of the causes of action pled in the
FAC. The causes of action concern the Association and Individual Defendants' actions in violation of a 1964 Agreement and engagement in discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory behavior. Plaintiffs Vertical, McKinley, or Karakaya are not asserting any claim associated with the rights as members of the Association. They are not asserting any rights associated with a pier site, dock, or fixture. They are not asserting claims concerning the Association's property. Again, they are asserting rights under a different contractual agreement providing certain rights to Plaintiffs and other Arrowhead Wood residents. Thus, Defendant Association fails to establish the Arbitration Clause in the Bylaws covers the claims pled in the FAC. Therefore, the Court denies Defendant Association's Motion to Compel Arbitration. Movant to provide Notice and Order."

 

The ALA has 30 days from this decision to respond. 

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On November 8, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed a lengthy Motion for Preliminary Injunction against Defendants Arrowhead Lake Association, its General Manager and 5 of its Board Members. Details of the motion can be found at the County Superior Court website under case #CIVSB2120604 - VERTICAL WEB VENTURES, INC., ETAL -v- ARROWHEAD LAKE ASSOCIATION, ETAL. The hearing on this motion originally scheduled for December 8, 2021, has been continued until January 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM in Department S24.

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On December 8, 2021, the Plaintiffs filed the follow request for injunction against the ALA:

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION 
TO ALL PARTIES AND THEIR COUNSEL OF RECORD HEREIN: 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on December 8, 2021 at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, before the Honorable Gilbert Ochoa in Department S-24 of this court, located at 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, California 92415, Plaintiffs Vertical Web Ventures, Inc., Jackie McKinley, Seline Karakaya, and Christopher Lee (“Plaintiffs”), will, and hereby do, move for the issuance of a preliminary injunction enjoining Defendant Arrowhead Lake Association (“ALA”), its employees, agents, and/or anyone acting on its behalf, from: 

1. Enforcing Article II, Section C of the ALA’s Bylaws or any other regulation prohibiting Arrowhead Woods’ guests and lessees from accessing Lake Arrowhead (the “Lake”) and its surrounding shoreline area (“Reserve Strips”) as permitted by paragraph 3 of the 1964 Written Agreement entered into between the Arrowhead Woods property owners, the Lake Arrowhead Development Co., and Arrowhead Mutual Service Co. (“‘64 Agreement”); 

 

2. Restricting Arrowhead Woods property owners, their guests and their lessees who are not members of the ALA from accessing the Reserve Strips and the Lake permitted by paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement; 

 

3. Enforcing rules that violate paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement by unreasonably and arbitrarily limiting the number of radio frequency identification (“RFID”) cards issued to Arrowhead Woods property owners; 

 

4. Enforcing rules that violate paragraph 3 of the ‘64 Agreement by unreasonably requiring Arrowhead Woods property owners to register their guests by name; 

5. Permitting ALA enforcement personnel to stop and demand that Arrowhead Woods property owners, their lessees, and their guests provide identification; 

6. Erecting any new fences or gates restricting access to the Lake and the Reserve Strips; and Plaintiffs also request an order that the ALA remove all new fences and gates and RFID access sensors installed in 2020 and 2021. 
 

On November 23, 2021, Defendants filed an eight page response in Opposition to the Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunction.

 

The Motion for Preliminary Injunction will be heard on January 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM in San Bernardino Superior Court Department S24 by Judge Gilbert Ochoa.

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Original story:

On July 28, 2021, notice was filed on the San Bernardino Superior Court website that a group by the name of Vertical Web Ventures, Inc., in addition to Jackie McKinley, Seline Karakaya and Christopher Lee have filed a lawsuit against the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) and several members of the Board of Directors. Named in the lawsuit, as defendants, are the Arrowhead Lake Association, ALA Board Members Gary Clifford, Eran Heissler, Alan Kaitz, Anthony O’Keefe, Christopher Wilson and Brian Hall (former ALA Board Member), Does 1 to 10 and General Manager Robert Mattison. Representing the Plaintiffs is the law firm of Arent Fox LLP of Los Angeles. Representing the Defendants are Greg Garrison and Michael Scafiddi for the ALA and the Law Office of D. Wayne Leech APC, for the named Board Members and General Manager. As to the former Board Member, as of 9/24/21, no legal representation has been listed on the court website.  

 

On September 3, 2021, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint.

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*The plaintiffs have filed an Unlimited Civil complaint for:

1. BREACH OF CONTRACT

2. INFRINGEMENT OF PROPERTY RIGHTS

3. BREACH OF COVENANT OF GOOD FAITH AND FAIR DEALING

4. INTERFERENCE WITH EASEMENT

5. DECLARATORY RELIEF

6. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

7. RACE AND NATIONAL ORIGIN DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

8. GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

9. RETALIATION IN VIOLATION OF PUBLIC POLICY

10. PRIVATE NUISANCE

11. PUBLIC NUISANCE

 

In anticipation of the lawsuit, the ALA issued the following statement to its Members: “Since learning of the threatened STR litigation, ALA has assembled a legal team and taken all other appropriate action to prepare for the lawsuit. Your ALA Board of Directors will each do everything in their power to protect our private Lake and ensure that your children, and your children’s children, will be able to enjoy the same Lake Arrowhead experience ALA members enjoy today. Your Board thanks you for your continuing support.” 

 

Upon further examination of the lawsuit, there appears to be much more to it than just a Short Term Rental issue. ALA recently promulgated a new rule, which appears to impact all Arrowhead Woods Property Owners, by requiring membership in the association in order to use the lake and trails. According to the Plaintiffs' filing, these property rights/lake rights are protected under the 1964 Agreement. In addition, the Plaintiffs' filing also includes allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and more. 

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At the August 28, 2021 ALA monthly Board meeting, President Gary Clifford spoke of the lawsuit and  told the members “If you haven’t looked at the lawsuit, I suggest you do.” 

 

To view the court filing, go to the ALA website at www.ala-ca.org and click on the link on the front page to read or download the document. The 123 page complaint filed, is scheduled in the San Bernardino Superior Court for a hearing on January 28, 2022 in Department S24 with Judge Gilbert Ochoa. Further information on this case can be found on the San Bernardino Superior Court website under Case Number: CIVSB2120604.

 

Lake Arrowhead News will update this story as it develops.  You can also CLICK HERE to see the Amended Lawsuit.

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*From the First Amended Filing by Plaintiffs dated September 3, 2021.
 

CLICK HERE TO SEE COURT DOCUMENTS FROM THE ALA WEBSITE

UPDATE:

A final approval vote of the newly revised ordinance was reached by the Board of Supervisors at their December 14th  meeting. On December 7, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the San Bernardino County Light Trespass Ordinance. The ordinance was first introduced to the San Bernardino County Planning Commission on February 4 of this year. Since that time there have been several workshops and meetings and on September 9, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors. This initiative will regulate light trespass and outdoor lighting to minimize direct glare and light pollution that interfere with residents’ ability to enjoy the benefits of our night sky. To protect dark skies, the ordinance establishes reasonable outdoor lighting curfews and enforces limits on how bright lighting can be. 

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The initiative will gradually take effect over the next two years. Commercial and industrial properties must comply within 18 months, while all other properties will have 24 months.

 

For additional information, please call 909-387-8311 or you may visit the San Bernardino County Land Use Services website.

 

 

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES NEW DARK SKY ORDINANCE

 

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., — September 09, 2021.  After much discussion and input from concerned residents and members of the County Staff, the San Bernardino County Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 to approve the new proposed County Ordinance on Light Pollution.  The proposed new Ordinance will now be sent to the County Board of Supervisors for its approval. If approved by the Supervisors, the new Ordinance will replace the current Ordinance on Light Pollution in the County. Lake Arrowhead News will update this story when more information becomes available.

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Click Here For The Link To The Ordinance

Southern California Edison's in-house meteorologists and fire scientist (https://energized.edison.com/stories/groundbreaking-technology-accurately-predicts-wildfire-spread) are once again forecasting extreme fire weather conditions in 2021 that will affect our communities located in high fire risk areas as early as May. SCE is committed to completing more grid hardening work and improving operations that would result in reducing the number of customers impacted by PSPS events. They would also like Mountain Residents to know about their Medical Baseline program that provides reduced electricity rates to qualified customers to help offset the cost of operating medical equipment or devices. In addition, they are increasing enrollment in their Critical Care Back-up Battery (CCBB) program that offers eligible Medical Baseline customers a free portable backup battery to power medical devices in the event of a power outage.

 

SCE representatives are available to answer any questions you might have related to their customer programs including California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) as well as our clean energy efforts. They have identified 72 circuits for expedited grid hardening; these circuits experienced four or more de-energizations since 2019. There are circuit-specific plans for these circuits and have identified work that will be completed by October to reduce the need for PSPS events.

 

Here are some links for background information on PSPS:

 

Learn about SCE's wildfire mitigation efforts and where customers can sign up for alerts at: https://www.sce.com/safety/wildfire, https://www.sce.com/wildfire/wildfire-mitigation-efforts 

 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs interactive map for information during emergencies: https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps 

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Tips for customers to prepare for a power outage: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages 

Dropcountr

To help residents save water, LACSD has partnered with Dropcountr to provide an app for homeowners to track water usage and reduce leaks. The free Dropcountr app will allow LACSD customers to track their hourly water use, receive leak alerts,  connect with utility alerts and rebates and receive direct support. Dropcountr is available as an app on Android and Apple phones and on the web.

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Track Your Usage
Dropcountr helps you keep track of your hourly, daily, weekly and monthly water use and compares usage to peers and your historical usage.

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Set Goals
Setting goals and measuring performance is the best way to manage your water use. Dropcountr helps you set goals based on historical usage, similar homes, and efficiency standards.

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Conservation Tips
Dropcountr is your one-stop destination for staying on top of tips and rebates.

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Sign Up Today
LACSD residents can set up a free Dropcountr account today by downloading the app from the Android and Apple App Store, or signing up online. You will need your name and account number as it appears on your LACSD bill.

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Questions? Support?

Customer support: email support@dropcountr.com

Register today for Dropcountr at www.dropcountr.com/lacsd or by downloading theAndroid/iOS app.