By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Three special guests updated the members of the Lake Arrowhead Municipal Advisory Council on topics of concern to the MAC and the residents the council serves.
Catherine Cerri, general manager of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District, noted that concerns had been raised about the health effects of PFAS – known as “forever chemicals” – in the drinking water the district distributes to its customers.
Every five years, she said, the EPA comes out with a list of emerging concerns that are not yet regulated. They determine where they are, how concentrated they are. They study the health effects and decide whether to regulate them.
“There are thousands of these chemicals,” Cerri said. “We are testing for 29. We found two of the most common at higher levels.”
LACSD is contracting with an engineering firm to design a treatment plan. Since removal of the PFAS will be expensive, the water district has applied for funding to cover at least part of the cost.
They are studying the different tributaries and looking at different sources. Papoose Lake, she said, has lower levels of PFAS than Lake Arrowhead but the chemicals are still present. “We are looking at recycled water to see if it is contributing to PFAS in Lake Arrowhead. It is mathematically not possible for it to be the only source.”
Some people have pointed to leaks in the sewer system as a source. “Our #1 priority on the wastewater side is to make sure it doesn’t seep out. None is seeping out,” Cerri said. The district has sliplined 90 percent of the sewer system with new PVC piping, which does not contain PFAS.
They have spoken to local firefighters, who have said they aren’t using foam with PFAS.
When asked why they delayed notifying the community, Cerri said they had not. “All agencies tested their wastewater in 2020. We only started testing drinking water – we were one of the first agencies to do so. We notified the public earlier than required to do so.”
Joe Barna, the interim assistant chief of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, brought Measure W – which is on the March 5 ballot – to the attention of the LA MAC and the community members who logged on to the Zoom meeting.
LA MAC-Measure W
The wording of Measure W calls for the repeal of FP-5, an annual assessment voted for by residents in 2008 to provide for services provided by County Fire. FP-5 currently accounts for 19 percent of County Fire’s annual operating budget. It directly pays for fire stations.
If FP-5 were repealed, Chief Barna explained, there is no replacement revenue available. It could mean a reduction in staffing at fire stations with the possibility of some station closures. Residents could expect an increase in response times and could possibly see an increase in insurance premiums.
In 2023 just in Lake Arrowhead, County Fire responded to 2,742 calls for service. Medic Engine 91 responded to 701 calls in 2023. Lake Arrowhead currently has three fire stations: 91 by Lake Arrowhead Village, 92 by Mountains Community Hospital and 94 at the corner of North Bay Road and Peninsula Drive.
Revenue from FP-5 supports 3-0 staffing (a captain, engineer and firefighter-paramedic) at each station, hand crews and heavy equipment, fleet upgrade and replacement, and station maintenance and improvements.
Chief Barna clarified that a “yes” vote on Measure W would call for the repeal of FP-5 while a “no” vote would continue the tax and funding for County Fire.
Kristine Scott, the public affairs manager for SoCal Gas, brought two other staff members with her to address issues of communication, meter safety and safety preparedness.
The utility’s goal, Scott said, is to communicate more effectively with its customers. She told the attendees that many of the incidents from last winter are still under investigation by their legal department so she could not address them.
She directed their customers to an updated website where they can find safety information: www.socalgas.com/stay-safe/safety-and-prevention/natural-gas-meter-maintenance-and-safety.
Addressing meter safety was Rudy Fernandez, who stressed the importance of protecting the gas meter from ice and snow falling from the roof. “Keep the area around your meter clear,” Fernandez said, “During a winter storm, when it’s safe to do so, use a broom or brush to remove snow from the meter. Be careful not to allow snow to pile up around the meter.”
If you smell any gas, he said, call SoCal Gas.
“We are focused on creating a more robust design for meters in snow areas,” Fernandez said. And, he added, “we are evaluating some commercially available meter shelters. We are running impact testing on them. We may recommend particular brands or models.”
MAC member Steve Valentine said he thinks meter shelters are a good idea but he doesn’t want SoCal Gas customers to feel it’s another cost being pushed on them. He asked what the cost might be. Fernandez replied the ballpark number is $200 to $300.
Larry Andrews, the director of emergency operations, said they have taken a proactive approach in operations as a result of what they saw in Lake Arrowhead last winter. They now have 4×4 trucks and have retrofitted other equipment with tires and chains so they are “more robust and prepared.”
In addition, Andrews said, “we are reaching out to first responders to understand lessons learned, how we can better serve the community.”
They have added a watch office under his department to “monitor the service territory for incoming weather, fires, any risks we need to respond to. We will continue to enhance our response capability. And we are working with partners on mutual assistance.”
Scott addressed the issue of high gas bills last winter. Prices this year, she said, are trending lower compared to last year. SoCal Gas does offer assistance programs for customers having trouble paying their bills. Information is available at www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs.
Emily Leinen from Caltrans offered the exciting news that the eastbound 210 Waterman off ramp will be widened, offering an additional lane for exiting traffic. This project will likely begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
Resident Scott Rindenow, who had repeatedly asked for this widening to be done, expressed pleasure at this news. “We had been told it was impossible,” he said.
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