By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The Crest Forest and Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Councils held a joint meeting at the San Moritz Lodge on Feb. 3.
County Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s area representative Robin Bull spoke on the recently designated First Responders Day, which will be Oct. 28. She requested ideas from the community on how to celebrate it locally and which groups want to be involved in recognizing it.
Bull also mentioned the proposed Hume Camp expansion project which affects the Green Valley Lake community. The proposal is currently under appeal.
Captain Craig Harris from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station announced the new Quality of Life deputy position. This deputy will contact the chambers of commerce, businesses and local organizations. The idea will be to see how the sheriff’s station can direct their efforts in a more focused manner.
They are still having problems with shoplifting, Captain Harris said. “Many businesses don’t call us but please do,” he said. “Give us a chance to get your merchandise back and get those people in the system.”
County Fire reported they have a new aquatic drone, which will be a huge asset in underwater searches. They had just taken delivery of a prototype drone which has the ability to fly over an area and drop water on small fires. They noted that keeping fires small is half the battle.
Cal Fire reported they have been able to burn 15 piles of stacked. Brush at the Sawmill treatment area; 60 other piles of brush have been created.
The Zone Zero (AB3074) requirement of having no vegetation, fencing or decking within five feet of any structure is a hot topic, they said, noting it is still only a recommendation. They anticipate it being required for new construction with existing homes phased in over the coming years.
Shane Massoud representing Southern California Edison said they have installed 300 miles of covered conductor wiring on the mountain and hope to install another 75 more miles this year. They are replacing what he called “antiquated infrastructure” which should provide the mountaintop with more power and more grid capacity.
The potential for EV charging stations at Lake Gregory was discussed. Massoud said that some infrastructure upgrades would need to be added to accomplish that. There is an SCE program that could help pay for those improvements.
The Lake Gregory Community Advisory Committee reported all the restrooms have been installed and are working. The lack of snow so far has affected the lake and the fishing season, as the water at 48 degrees isn’t cold enough. They had stocked the lake the previous week with 1,000 pounds of lighting and rainbow trout. The lake weed has been growing because of the warm water temperatures and will need mechanical treatment. The green algae is blooming now which means it won’t bloom all at once later in the year.
The December storms brought some refuse into Lake Gregory. Dredging will need to take place; the county is doing what it can to move the process forward.
Water from the lake is constantly being released into Huston Creek; the lake level will be stabilized on April 10 when the county installs the spillway height boards.
Materials for the new playground next to the dog park have been delivered. Construction will begin soon and they hope to have a ribbon cutting ceremony in early spring. The entrances to the dog park and playground will be separated for safety purposes.
Cindy Gardner, president of the Rim of the World Unified School District board of trustees, reported that the governor’s budget projects a $3 billion deficit. The board is disappointed, she noted, that the governor is holding back money owed to districts per Prop 98.
Gardner also noted the new adult education program is doing very well with 60 enrollees.
There are more categories in the budget, Gardner said, telling districts how to spend the money. “They are restricting the ability of districts to meet the needs of their students. We know what we need to do. It is disappointing we are continuing in this trend.”
Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano noted that, under Measure E, the district has hired architects and is working with consultants and contractors. The board has set certain priorities: HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing issues. “They are sexy but they are important,” Dr. Sevillano said. “They will create a safe environment in which our students can learn.”
He thanked the representatives from the sheriff’s department who came out to review the district’s safety plans. “It’s a good collaboration,” he said, adding they are investing in new radios for the classrooms and offices.
The Lake Arrowhead MAC will meet at the Twin Peaks County Building on Thursday, March 5 at 6 p.m. The next meeting of the Crest Forest MAC will be on Tuesday, April 7 at the San Moritz Lodge at 6:30 p.m.
0 Comments