By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
A raging snowstorm led to the Feb. 6 meeting of the Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council being held exclusively on Zoom. There was a power outage less than one hour before the meeting in the area, but power was restored to the areas the Crest Forest MAC covers; some other areas were without power for many hours that evening.
County Fire Chief Dan Munsey spoke to the Crest Forest MAC, adding to what Assistant Chief Joe Barna had reported to the Lake Arrowhead MAC at their Feb. 1 meeting and covered in the Feb. 8 issue of the Alpine Mountaineer.
Both chiefs addressed the needs of the fire department and the financial effects that Measure W would have on the department is voters voted to repeal FP-5.
Chief Munsey assured the people, “I will provide the best fire protection with the money given the department.”
Kristine Scott from SoCal Gas gave the same report that was covered in the Lake Arrowhead MAC article, as did Emily Leinen from Caltrans. Leinen also informed the audience that Highway 18 from the Crestline bridge at Highway 138 and uphill to Highway 173 to Lake Arrowhead will have some erosion control construction beginning Feb. 19 that will last for three months. They also are working on repairing the new potholes on the state highways.
Sheriff’s Lt. Mauricio Hurtado said during the snowstorms they have already responded to 79 calls for service. The new Sno-Cat will be delivered this week, enabling them to respond in all weather conditions. They have been busy responding to fraud cases and busting drug house cases. He thanked Tammy Ringhofer, who is retiring after 25 years of working at the sheriff’s station. They are now hiring to fill her position at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.
Nicholas King from the CHP reported that all vehicles during these months are required to carry traction devices for their tires in their vehicles at all times, as the weather situation can change swiftly, leading to their need. They are assisting Caltrans at the chain control stations. They have been responding to 15 to 20 accidents per day due to the weather and many drivers who were not using traction devices when needed.
Jenny Hueter from the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District announced there is an opening on their board of directors with the resignation of Hugh Bialecki, who has served on the board for 20 years. Applicants must live in District 2, which includes part of the San Moritz area and Twin Peaks, if they would like to be considered for the position. Interested parties should contact the district office for additional details on the requirements for the position and how to apply.
During the last storm, Lake Gregory rose 2½ feet, which would equal 68 million gallons of additional water, reported Nathan Godwin, general manager of the Lake Gregory Company. They prefer snow to fall as there is less erosion into the lake leading to less cleaning of the culverts. Plus, it soaks into the ground instead of running off quickly.
They will begin to stock the lake in March and continue through the summer into the fall. Most of the fish will come from the Calaveras Fish Hatchery because Godwin believes they raise the best fish. He stated the Lake Gregory Company has reinvested $1.4 million in profits back into the park. Also, those who wish to work at Lake Gregory should apply now as they are hiring all ages for all positions at www.lakegregory.com/jobs.
Lewis Murray said the board of supervisors declared a state of emergency in advance of the last storm. Forest Falls suffered mud flows and the county sent out reverse 911 calls in English and Spanish.
Murray suggested that all residents should read the Department of Public Works’ County Roads Department flier that was sent to all mailboxes on plowing procedures. They begin snow removal plowing after it has dropped two inches of snow in a 24-hour period. The plows have assigned routes, working from primary roads to lesser volume roadways. They have a goal of reaching each neighborhood within 24 hours from the start of plowing. Some road clearance of secondary roads may be delayed if it continues to snow, as the primary roadways may require re-clearing. He recommended everyone read the county’s “Prepare for winter” webpage.
The next Crest Forest Municipal Advisory Council meeting was announced as Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the San Moritz Lodge. The public is invited.
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