By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY – Senior Writer

Last Wednesday’s bi-monthly breakfast meeting of the Rim of the World Association of Realtors (ROTWAR), held at the Lake Arrowhead Resort, gave some 60 members an opportunity to discuss important issues that are facing the Lake Arrowhead area communities.

Realtors filled one of the dining rooms at the Lake Arrowhead Resort.

Chief among those issues is whether the Arrowhead Woods Architectural Association (AWAC) should merge with Lake Arrowhead Community Services District (LACSD). The consensus of two of the three main speakers, AWAC Executive Director Crystal Upton and ROTWAR President Derek Leistra, as well as the majority of members attending the meeting, was that it should not happen.

Prior to breakfast, Leistra issued what he called a “Red Alert,” warning Realtors about California Assembly Bill AB 567, which declares that a tenant is not required to vacate a residential property on any days where a tenant could continue living in the residential property without violating health, safety and habitability codes and laws. Noting that the California Association of Realtors (CAR) opposes this piece of legislation, Leistra characterized the bill as “unfair and restrictive to landlords.” He suggested that members contact their congressman and senators to complain about it.

As wait staff set up the buffet, members seated themselves and sipped fresh-brewed coffee and tea while engaging in small talk with one another.  Local Realtor and longtime Scout District Commissioner Jim Newcomb was asked how the real estate market might be affected if the federal debt Limit bill were to be declined. He responded, “It would likely lead to higher interest on mortgage loans, somewhere in the 7 to 8-percent range, which could slow down sales.”

Following an introduction by Leistra, who led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and an invocation led by Deter Heuser, members got in line for the breakfast buffet, which featured fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes and pastries.

Rim of the World Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Fricker spoke about the recent sale of the district’s former headquarters building in Blue Jay, as well as the planned sale of their now abandoned Grandview Elementary School in Twin Peaks.

As breakfast was winding down, Leistra approached the lectern and introduced Rim School District Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Fricker, who he called a “Mountain Hero” during the late February blizzard and subsequent series of intense snowstorms for setting up evacuation centers at each of the district’s schools. Noting that the school district is the largest employer on the mountain, Fricker said there are still job openings.

As for the recent sale of the district’s former headquarters in Blue Jay, Fricker said she hopes that the opening of a major grocery discount chain would not dampen sales at the nearby Jensen’s Market. She added that the district is currently seeking a buyer for its long-closed Grandview Elementary School in Twin Peaks. When asked whether it’s true that Grandview in in need of some repairs before it could be sold, Fricker said, “There is a significant need for renovations. It would not be beneficial to the district to invest in renovations. We are hopeful someone will step up.”

AWAC Executive Director Crystal Upton discussed the proposal to merge LACSD with AWAC.

The next guest speaker was Crystal Upton, executive director of AWAC, who spoke about the hundreds of second homeowners who didn’t come to the mountains during the last two months due to the late February blizzard and the continuing extreme winter weather. They are just now returning, only to discover that their homes had been damaged by fallen trees and collapsed decks. “People are contacting us daily about the damage to their homes and complaining about short-term renters who have trash cans lying in the street. There’s a lot of repair work going on right now involving roofers and painting contractors,” Upton said.

Also of concern, Upton said, is a lot of misinformation. She said that ALA President Bob Mattison was misquoted in information posted on social media and in emails regarding STR (short-term rental) clients not having access to docks or trails. This matter is currently in litigation with a three-judge appellate court, with the next hearing expected later this year. Turning to other matters, Upton said, “Our board is concentrating on storm damage, which is overwhelming. We’re trying to get things done.”

Lake Arrowhead Realtor Lynne Wilson is opposed to the proposed merger of LACSD and AWAC.

Regarding a recent proposal for LACSD to merge with AWAC, local Realtor Lynne Wilson, speaking from the audience, said, “The board is in favor of taking over AWAC; we are not.” Concurring was Leistra, who said, “Our stance is not to let it happen.” The breakfast meeting was then adjourned.

Before exiting the Resort dining room, local Coldwell Banker Realtor Allison Banner’s winning raffle ticket provided her with $50 in cash, which she promptly donated back to the Association of Realtors.