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What’s Inside 4 Update from the Publisher 10 ALA Update 14 Winter Storm Impacts Lake Arrowhead 16 2020 Lake Arrowhead Boat Show 20 FAA Moving Flight Path 22 Fire Insurance Update 23 Discover Arrowhead Country Club 26 Resort Spa Welcomes Dr. Amanda Holden 32 New Regulations for Short Term Rentals 33 Mountain Vote Would Permanentize Hospital 35 Sound the Alarm! New Security in Town 37 Winterizing Your Home 40 Snow Valley Opens for Skiing & Snow Play 41 One-of-a-Kind Wood Products by Arrowhead Enterprises 42 Lake Arrowhead Film Festival Coming Spring 2020 44 Winter Dock Watch 45 ALA Proposed Bylaw Amendments for STRs 46 Mountain Business Directory Published by the Mountain News (909) 337-6145 | P.O. Box 2410, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 Publisher: Harry Bradley Managing Director: Angela Yap Advertising: Angela Yap, Colleen Collins, Theresa Cummings Editorial: Zac Moran, Zev Blumenfeld, Nick Kipley, Harry Bradley, Angela Yap Graphic Designer: Brenda Buffalin Cover Photo: By Angela Yap Chris Craft Launch 25 on Lake Arrowhead The Lake Arrowhead Update will be published six times in 2020 by the Mountain News. It is mailed free to Arrowhead Woods homeowners. The name and contents are Copyright 2020. Nothing may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. The next issue will be published in March 2020. For more information, email Angela Yap at ayap@mountain-news.com. Volume 22, Number 1 Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 3
UPDATE from the Publisher I demoed the 2020 Chris- pensive for STR’s and a great source of ALA income and Craft Launch 23 and 25 models high-paying seasonal ALA jobs. This could create a part- on Lake Arrowhead during time, middle-management ALA job, too. an unseasonably warm day in STR’s is an important issue. My observation was that December. First impression is the ALA members who oppose STR’s using the Lake and the classic styling; then I put the Beach Clubs were not represented at the first meeting. Do throttle down and WOW, this you want your voice heard, without have to drive up the is not your grandpas’ Chris- mountain to attend an ALA meeting on a Saturday? Then, Craft. Launching quickly past send an email or an old fashioned letter with a stamp. the ALA speed limit (I was the Every ALA member can weigh in with their opinion, only one on the lake) these new via e-mail. Economy of words is best and please leave out Chris-Craft’s are as agile as a the drama & harsh language. Send your opinion to: ALA sports car. Inland Boat Center is President, Clifford - gclifford@ala-ca.org; STR Chairman, the local dealer; located at 681 E. Mattison - bmattison@ala-ca.org. If you transmit e-mail San Jacinto Ave, Perris, CA 9571 to me I might publish it in the Mountain News and/or and Lake Arrowhead Marina or check them out at the Los UPDATE magazine. hbradley@mountain-news.com. I Angeles Boat Show, January 9 - 12, 2020 at the Fairplex, call this “transparency.” Pomona, CA. Do you want to stay connected ? Here’s how: Sign up for the ALA regular e-blast by calling ((909) 337-2595. Login to www.mountain-news weekly. Read the Lake Arrowhead UPDATE magazine and plan to attend the next scheduled ALA meeting to discuss Short-Term Rentals use of Lake Arrowhead and sign up to speak for 3 minutes. The ALA Board wants to hear from all their members. COUNTY REG’S CRACK DOWN ON STR’S Also read our report on page 32, the San Bernardi- no County Board of Supervisors tightened the reg’s and enhanced the enforcement of County STR rules. Got unruly STR’s? Call the STR Complaint Hotline 24/7: (888) 399-8591. I shine a 5 million candlepower spotlight on the noisy, late night STR’s. That clears the deck. FAA MOVED THE FLIGHT PATH Serenity has been restored to Lake Arrowhead thanks On the cover of the UPDATE magazine is the Chris- to David Caine who formed Quiet Skies Lake Arrowhead Craft Launch 25 GT. With a side-entry door and seating joined by Matthew Kallis, Anthony St. John of Friends for 10 plus a variety of power options, it is the ultimate, of Lake Arrowhead Mountain Communities along with family boat for Lake Arrowhead. over fifty thousand complaints filed by residents. I’m also ALA SHORT-TERM RENTAL REG’S grateful to the FAA for listening and responding. Read JANUARY MEETING POSTPONED the report in this edition. I agreed that postponing the ALA-STR meeting gives HOME FIRE INSURANCE the ALA Board more time to: “Breaking news” announced last night at the San • Survey the entire ALA membership on the STR issues. Bernardino County Supervisor’s meeting auditorium. Cal- • Survey a proposed compromise deal, too. ifornia Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced My compromise suggestion: Paid GUIDED access to a one-year moratorium against non renewals and cancel- trails, SUP’s, Kayaks, canoes and captained ski boats and lations of residential property policies following 16 recent pontoon boats for fishing, cruises, etc. This could possibly wildfires - including Lake Arrowhead. also benefit the ALA membership because there are those We are reporting the latest home insurance news in who don’t want to own a dock or boat. No boat licens- this edition of Lake Arrowhead UPDATE magazine with es - no boat usage, except owner and immediate family. forthcoming details in the Mountain News (in print and Issue wristbands at the Beach Clubs like Sky Park. Hire, on-line www.mountain-news.com) and our social media more paid Beach Club attendants to control the short-term will have video coverage of the meeting. visitors. View the UCLA guest recreation as a model; where everybody is guided. The compromise should be ex- — Harry Bradley, Publisher Page 4 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU These harsh weather conditions can easily damage your boats and we recommend taking them off of the lake to prevent any damage. If you are thinking about removing your boat, this would be a good time to get it done. With more storms rolling in on the forecast, taking them off sooner rather than later is always the best practice. If you have a boat on the lake, before, during and after any weather events: CHECK YOUR BOAT OFTEN! Have a friend: CHECK YOUR BOAT OFTEN! Hire a service to: CHECK YOUR BOAT OFTEN! Being proactive in CHECKING YOUR BOAT can save you time and thousands of dollars. ALA NEW BOAT LICENSE PRICING The ALA Board of Directors has authorized the following change to Boat License pricing: As of November 1, 2019, NEW Boat Licenses are $60.00 for a period of 3 years (equates to $20.00 per year). Renewal of EXISTING Boat Licenses are $30.00 for a period of 3 years (equates to $10.00 per year). To be considered as a renewal, the license must have expired within the last 12 months; otherwise it is considered a new boat license. Page 10 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
ELECTRONIC GATE LOCKS Project Update We wanted to take a minute and update our members on the project. What we’ve done As you are aware, Arrowhead Lake Association is increas- ing the security around the lake using electronic locks. We have completed changing out the locks on the Museum Dock, Woody’s Dock, Mc Donald’s Dock and the BofA Gate. What’s Next We are gearing up to add new gate locks to: • Access #63 Hospital Access Gate (Off Hwy 173) • Access #54 Tavern Bay Beach Club at Willow Creek Bridge • Access #53 Tavern Bay Beach Club rear gate near the restrooms • Grass Valley Pk Pedestrian gate at the entrance to Grass Valley Park • Access #22 Burnt Mill Beach Club near the play- ground • Access #12 Orchard Bay Gate – Near Auto Gate • Access #11 Orchard Bay Gate – Near John Muir Rd. • Access #7 Off Palisades Drive • Marina Fishing Dock at Peninsula Park What we’ve heard We are receiving positive feedback from members who are telling us they like this new system and hope it helps keep Lake Arrowhead private. What we’ve learned Members must carry their membership card with them when using the Trails, Beach Clubs, Marina and most especially the village. If members leave their card in their boat, they are not able to open the gate to the docks when they return. Should this happen to you, you will need to call our Lake Safety Patrol cell phone, so one of the patrolmen can come and assist you. That number is 909-744-2766. There will be signs on the gates giving you this information. What do members need to do? Please make sure your membership card is in good working order. Our new membership cards that were issued to you at the beginning of the 2019 season have RFID technology. To activate your current membership cards, just come by the main office or the patrol office at the Marina anytime 24/7, and wave your cards across the new membership card updater found on the right-hand side of the doors. You will know your cards are activated when you hear a very faint tone. (The color of the lights on the updater doesn’t matter, and you usually can’t see them because of the sun). It’s that easy! Your card information will be stored in the new system and updated every time you swipe them. We encourage all members to come by the office and update your cards to ensure the electronics inside the card function properly. Please note that if you have punched a hole in your membership cards, you probably damaged the electronics inside and your cards will likely need to be replaced. Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 11
DON’T THROW YOUR CARDS AWAY. THESE ARE “FOREVER CARDS” AND YOU’LL USE THEM YEAR AFTER YEAR This system is designed to help keep ALA and ALA members’ properties private and safe. Member Service Rep- resentatives are available at the ALA office in the Marina Monday through Friday from 8 am - 5 pm and will be happy to help you work out any problems you may have whether you are on sight or on the phone. Just give them a call at 909-337-2595. WINTER OPERATING HOURS ALA staff will do our best to be here during times of inclem- ent weather. During weather events, please be sure to CALL FIRST to find out hours and avail- ability of services such as launch ramp, gas docks, and office assistance. ALA IS BUSY WINTERIZING SHORELINE RESTROOMS ARE CLOSED FOR THE WINTER As the winter season approaches along with freezing temperatures, ALA has just finished the process of winteriz- ing the restrooms around the trail system. All trail restrooms are now closed until the weather warms up in the spring, including the ones at Burnt Mill Beach Club and Tavern Bay Beach Club. Page 12 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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NEWS RECAP Winter Storm Impacts Lake Arrowhead The heavy snow fall did some damages to some boats and docks. BY ANGELA YAP Austin also recommended that members call ALA to The Thanksgiving winter storm brought nearly three find out hours and availability of services during times of feet of snow to Lake Arrowhead. Strong wind and heavy inclement weather. snowfall not only damaged boats and docks, but it also “This is just the beginning of winter and I hope boat toppled a number of trees along the shoreline. owners will be more prepared as we enter the winter sea- “A few docks have sustained some damage,” said son,” said Rick Reisenhofer, ALA’s lake patrol supervisor. Wayne Austin, general manager of Arrowhead Lake “We offer a Winter Watch program for boat and dock Association (ALA). “If you are thinking of taking your owners,” said Aaron Lawler, owner of All American Dock boat off of the lake, this would be a good weekend to get Pros, who monitors his clients’ docks, gangways, and that done. Taking them off sooner, rather than later, is piers during winter. “We have a fully-equipped barge always the best practice with more storms rolling in on the on the lake year-round to address any issues or needed forecast.” repairs that arise.” “We have found no real damage to the ALA trails,” Boat and dock owners should regularly check on their Austin added. “There are a few trees and limbs down boats and docks or sign up for dock watch services from around the lake and several canopies have collapsed from local companies - All American Dock Pros, MJS Docks and the weight of the snow.” Kiwi Docks. Page 14 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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NEWS RECAP FAA Moving The Federal Aviation Ad- Flight Path ministration (FAA) officially published a new flight path over the San Bernardino Moun- tains that replaces a controver- sial route over Lake Arrowhead, which had generated numerous resident complaints since it was implemented in 2017. The new flight path was officially imple- mented on Dec. 5. It is similar to an older route over the mostly unpopulated area near Heaps Peak. “It took us a few years to get to this point, but by talking and working with the FAA, rather than tying this matter up in the courts, we were able to get this flight path changed sooner rather than later,” said San Bernardino County Second District Supervisor Janice Ruth- erford. “I appreciate residents’ patience as the FAA finalized the flight path it promised us Beginning on Dec. 5, airplanes will no longer fly over Lake Arrowhead. earlier this year and I am also thankful for the support of Sen- they did before the FAA implemented the new route. ator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Kamala Harris, and Con- On Dec. 4, the FAA sent out a letter stating that all gressman Paul Cook provided throughout our discussions aircraft would now be using the flight path named “JCKIE with the FAA.” TWO” for arrivals into Ontario International Airport start- The FAA implemented the SoCal Metroplex Proj- ed in the “pre-dawn hours” of Thursday, Dec. 5. ect in phases in late 2016 and 2017. It replaced dozens David Caine, the man who founded Quiet Skies Lake of conventional air routes with ones based on satellite Arrowhead and spear-headed much of the movement to navigation. One of the routes took planes over the Lake move planes away from Lake Arrowhead, responded to Arrowhead communities, which is more than 5,000 feet the letter. above sea level. “It is with great anticipation we await the end of the In April 2018, the FAA began diverting most night siege that harmed our community relentlessly. I want to flights from the route over Lake Arrowhead in response to thank you for listening to our community concerns. Even community concerns about the noise the flights generated. if there never was a real Community Involvement meet- In addition to her outreach to residents, Supervisor ing, we took action on our own and many residents filed Rutherford traveled to Washington, D.C. in 2018 to meet complaints and wrote you over the years. In fact, at the with FAA officials about the noise issues the flight path time of this writing on December 4, 2019 at 17:58 hours, created in the mountains. the number of filed complaints is 54,883! In a community While the FAA cancelled the route over Lake Arrow- this small, that is a phenomenal number of complaints, head, the agency noted that air traffic controllers may but sitting on a mountain nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, the have to direct aircraft off the new route because of factors flight path imposed over us brought descending aircraft including traffic volume and weather conditions. It is pos- so low the separation was often 2,000 feet above ground sible that this could occasionally result in aircraft overfly- and sometimes less.” ing the Lake Arrowhead area and other communities, as Page 20 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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State Issues Insurance Cancellation Moratorium California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara BY NICK KIPLEY Insurers consider the very recent past to underwrite, and On Wednesday, Dec 18, at 6:00 p.m. California State determine the rates for the following year, which we know Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara held a round table today. The insurance of the insurance industry has ap- meeting to discuss the problems mountain communities pointed a loss of $25 billion in losses in 2017/2018 alone. across the state have been facing with policy non-renew- So that is the perfect storm of what’s happening across the als due to climate change. The intense meeting laid out state and how it’s impacting, specifically, San Bernardino a ‘game plan’ for how the State insurance Commission- County.” er’s office was going to tackle the issue of Fire Insurance “Residential underwriting has also changed - and Non-Renewals in communities located in heavily wooded many of you have experienced this already.” Lara added. and fire-prone areas like the San Bernardino Mountains. “We know that insurance traditionally would look at your “We pretty much traveled the entire state, talking to individual parcel, your individual property, they will communities and talking to people about this ongoing come in and assess and see if you have done the appropri- issue,” Commissioner Lara began. “So in San Bernardino ate home hardening, if you had a defensible space. Now, County these are some of the trends we’ve been seeing it has completely changed. Now you have to get some that more or less correlate with the rest of [the state].” citizen to look at some satellite imagery that really in my “We’ve seen a 6%, increase in Cal Fire responsibility opinion doesn’t really tell the story of what’s happening at areas and we know that more are [to be] expected with the the granular level.” 2019 fires. We’ve also see a growth of 39% and in increase At this point in his presentation, Lara pointed to a of new and renewed policies by the FAIR Plan. And we PowerPoint slide that showed a ‘Google Maps’ like image know that the FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort in San of a mountain community with a large red circle drawn Bernardino County. And I’ll tell you, our department has around a small cluster of houses, compared to a diagram seen an increase of more than, 100 rate increases filed by showing a house surrounded by defensible zones that insurance companies statewide 2017/2018, that, again, insurers used to used to measure how protected a home doesn’t again account for the future filing of insurance was from a fire. He called the Google Maps approach the companies for wanting a rate adjustment for the 2019 ‘New School’ approach, and the individual house/proper- year.” Lara said. ty approach the “Old School” approach. Lara explained that what is driving the increase in “So, now they just look before you even get to that decisions of insurers to issue nonrenewals has to do with point [of assessing your property], you now go through a the frequency and ferocity of recent fires. first pass through this ‘evaluation filter’ that only looks at “Ten of the twenty most destructive California wild- slope, field [vegetation], in type of field [drought prone, fires in California History have occurred in the last four etc.], and access [roads]. So, in my opinion doesn’t really years.” Lara continued, “As risk increases, we know that give you the full picture of what communities have done the cost of insurance increases, and the availability of and what homeowners have done to harden their home, coverage decreases, those go hand in hand. And again, and to protect our properties.” I know many of you already know this information. “Many of our neighbors have had the same company for 30 plus years and have never had a claim, and they still Continued on Page 30 Page 22 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
Discover Arrowhead Country Club Arrowhead Country Club has been a historical landmark located at the base of the Mountains. Just a block from Waterman. The prop- erty is a hidden gem with magnificent vistas of the San Bernardino Mountains and has been a memory-maker for families for nearly 90 years. The 18 - hole golf course is manicured with Bermuda fairways and roughs, nearly 1,000 trees and flowerbeds and a challenging lay- out designed by the famous Billy Bell, the course is the pride of ACC and provides a serene and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Club events include monthly tournaments, wine tasting nights, holiday gatherings, and other special events. Experience golfing at this special public golf course this winter, and dine at the ranch style dining room where you may see a familiar face or two from Lake Arrowhead. Between the immaculate 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, full-service clubhouse, dining room, lounge, and year-round social activities, there is something for everyone in your family to enjoy. For membership information, tee time or dining reservations, please call (909) 882-1735. Arrowhead Country Club is located at 3433 Parkside Drive, San Bernardino. Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 23
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NEWS RECAP Resort Spa Welcomes Dr. Amanda Holden STORY AND PHOTO BY ANGELA YAP vides educational training “Wrinkle relaxers,” “dermal fillers” and “liquid to new RN, PA, NP and liposuction” are some of the new terminologies I learned MD injectors. She is also a when I attended the Botox and Bubbly Party at the Lake staff physician at Palomar Arrowhead Resort and Spa in October. Health in San Diego and Dr. Amanda Holden, with a dozen team members, at Bear Valley Community including her husband, parents, her mother-in-law as her Hospital in Big Bear. office manager, her marketing director and a team of injec- “We are delighted to tors, mingled with guests at the reception. partner with Holden,” said Holden and her injectors performed many treatments Summer Barron, director on-site after each participant was evaluated, assessed and of Spa at Lake Arrowhead photos taken throughout the evening from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Resort. “We are happy to offer this service to our Dr. Amanda Holden and her husband “Natural beauty,” Holden said. “Is what we strive for.” Holden explained that her natural beauty treatments hotel guests and locals.”All Josh at the Botox and Bubbly event held at Spa of the Pines, Lake are intended to leave clients looking younger and natural. participating guests were Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Holden is the founder, owner and medical director greeted with champagne of Holden Timeless Beauty, a premier provider of botox and treated with a spread of sushi and desserts while and dermal fillers in Southern California. She is also the listening to a lecture from Holden. medical director for a number of independent medical For more information, or to make an appointment, aesthetics practices in Southern California and she pro- call Spa of the Pines at the Lake Arrowhead Resort at (909) 744-3000. Page 26 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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Continued from Page 22 get dropped.” Lara said, “We’ve also heard that there’s up in Sierra County where we asked people “Have you no consideration for free fire mitigation, or home or fire shopped around? Have you found insurance coverage?” hardening. Many of our neighbors also say, you know, The gentleman [I asked this question of] laughed in my the insurance company said “I’m need to do X, Y and Z. I face and said, ‘Hey, nobody would call us back. The FAIR shelled out the $10,000 to do this [home hardening], and I Plan is the only option for us. It is the only permanent still got dropped.” Right?” option that we have. And that is the reality whether we “We want some statewide standards that are very like it or not.’” clear on what is going to keep community safe, and we “This is the reality and so we feel that we need to do need the insurance companies and our first responders to something about the Fair Plan,” Lara continued, “It needs be engaged in that process so that we all know as a state, to become a comprehensive HO3 policy, so that then what are some basic guidelines of community mitigation consumers don’t have to buy the ‘wraparound’ insur- standards. We feel that, in particular to the community ance, which only adds to the cost. So my argument is as mitigation standards, it helps us be proactive. So as a an insurance company you can have it both ways. You community what we need to do we look at our individual can send somebody the fair plan, knowing that is limited communities. Look at ingress/egress. At our fire stations. in scope, and then offer them the additional coverage for At the amount of water storage we have. Etc. Etc. That we what you are willing to take the risk. It’s not, it’s not fair. start looking at what that’s going to look like, as opposed So we want the FAIR Plan to be a full, comprehensive, to just parcel by parcel by parcel because we know that coverage and we have a plan for that.” in many cases you might have done everything spent the Pertinent to Lara’s Senate Bill 824, and Governor money to mitigate your property your neighbor might Gavin Newsom’s declaration of a statewide fire emer- have not.” Lara said. gency in October, all the surrounding ZIP codes of active “Or maybe it’s a second property for somebody who wildfires at the time became subject to a state-issued doesn’t live it doesn’t live there,” he added. “So we want moratorium of non-renewals. For the San Bernardino some community wide mitigation standards, we feel this Mountains, these ZIP codes include the following: 92404 is the way we keep being proactive lessen the risk. We try (the Del Rosa/Wildwood neighborhoods in, San Ber- to bring the insurance market back. And we also know nardino above 40th street), 92346 (Highland and the lower that the FAIR Plan is insufficient coverage. And we know portion of City Creek Road, extending east to Greenspot), that the new reality, unfortunately, is that the FAIR Plan 92407 (the neighborhoods along the 15 Freeway head- is the only option for so many of our neighbors. I was ing up the Cajon pass beginning in Muscoy and ending Page 30 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
in Cajon Junction), 92405 (Northern San Bernardino along the 215 Freeway), 92325 (Crestline, Valley of En- chantment, Cedarpines Park, Valley View Park, Skyland), and 92322 (Cedarpines Park), 92345 (Silverwood Lake up to Hesperia), 92314 (Big Bear City, Baldwin Lake, Sugarloaf, and the homes surrounding the Big Bear Resort Ski Area), 92315 (Big Bear Lake), 92352 (North- ern and Western Lake Arrowhead - excluding Lake Arrowhead Vil- lage, Blue Jay, Arrow- head Villas, Crest Park, the North Shore, Lake Arrowhead Villas, Deer Lodge Park), 92321 (Southern and Western Lake Arrowhead - in- cluding Lake Arrowhead cover everyone, [however] we want to show companies Village, Cedar Glen, Hook Creek Tract, Skyforest and the that cover those homes that [homeowners] have done homes around Skypark at Santa’s Village), 92382 (upper absolutely everything that we’ve asked them to do to keep City Creek Road, Highway 18 between Lake Arrowhead their own safe. We think that’s a fair trade. We think that’s and Running Springs, Heaps Peak, Portions of Running a fair thing for them to do. By their own admission insur- Springs), 92386 (Big Bear City), 92391 (Twin Peaks), 92341 ance companies have said that mitigating your home [and] (Green Valley Lake, and the homes near Snow Valley creating a defensible space lessens your risk.” Ski Resort), 92333 (Fawnskin), 92317 (Agua Fria), 92378 “I don’t want is for you want to invest thousands (Agua Fria, Rimforest, Daly Canyon and the homes along of dollars, and then still get dropped,” Lara continued, Highway from Red Rock Scenic Overlook to Rim of the “I want you to invest the money. And if you need that World High School), and 92385 (Skyforest). This means optimistic to receive that house and invest in your proper- that if you live in one of these ZIP Codes and your insurer ty, and then mandate of insurance companies, cover your did not non-renew on your policy prior to the Hillside home. That is the legislation we’re going to seek in the Fire and Old Water Fire in October, then they cannot coming year.” cancel you policy until at least October 2020. If you have In addressing the shortcomings of the FAIR Plan, been canceled on since October 2019 and you live in one Lara said: “We want the FAIR Plan to be a comprehensive of these ZIP codes, you are still entitled to coverage from coverage. We want to increase its coverage limits from your insurer. $1.5 million to $3 million by April 2020, and we want “We got the ZIP Codes for the Inland Empire commu- to allow the FAIR Plan policyholders to make sure they nities,” Lara said, “Big Bear, Arrowhead Running Springs, make monthly payments by credit card with no with no Riverside, Rialto, Highland, Colton, Perris. Over 50 ZIP additional fees. We think it’s the right thing to do. I mean codes in San Bernardino County are now protected as of just modernizing the FAIR Plan. Those [coverage] limits today. So that is a big win for us.” haven’t been risen since the ’70s. So, we want the FAIR After a round of applause, Commissioner Lara laid Plan to provide a full HO3 policy, [and] we will look at out his 2020 Action Plan. making sure that they have the right increase in fees to be “We’re going after legislation that says that if you’ve able to offer this service.” done everything to harden your home [and create] a New measures are also going to go into effect to pre- defensible space then an insurance company has to write vent policy nonrenewals from catching consumers off guard. you a policy.” Lara said, “They can no longer just abandon Lara’s new measures prevent nonrenewal notices from being you. We’re going to force them to state law to keep you covered. We’re not going to force insurance companies to Continued on Page 34 Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 31
NEWS RECAP New Regulations for BY NICK KIPLEY Short Term Rentals On Tuesday, Nov. 5 the Board of Supervisors met at the County Administrative Office in downtown San Bernardino to discuss - among other things - item #43 on the discussion calendar. Item #43 regards an ordinance amending Title 8 of the County Code, which relates to short-term residential rentals (STR) and accessory dwell- ing units (ADU). TIGHTENING UP ON OCCUPANCIES The revised ordinance contains a special focus on cracking down on “party houses” and addresses issues concerned with street parking and fire safety. It also looks at revising the language which currently permits property owners to list their primary residence or the guest house on their property as an STR, but not both. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The board voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance renting so they don’t end up parking where they aren’t on Nov. 5, which means it will be ratified at the meeting supposed to. This is intended to prevent streets from on Nov. 19 and will go into effect within 30 days of that being blocked and snowplow service from being inter- date. The discussed changes in language will be adopted rupted during the winter. before December. A 24-hour hotline dedicated to STRs in the mountain The language change comes in the form of regulating region, which has been in place for years, has been giv- ADU. As it currently stands, you cannot list both your en more support with these new STR regulations. With house and guest house as STRs. However, as of Nov. 5, funding for Code Enforcement to now work weekends, the language around STRs and ADUs has changed. Now, mountain residents will be able to report violations on the there will be a minimum acreage requirement to allow nights, when they need it the most. both a primary residence and ADU to be listed as STRs. Violations reported to Code Enforcement may involve The minimum acreage required is two acres. This means a suspension of the residence’s STR permit, with multiple that if you own two or more acres of property, and you suspensions invoking a revocation of the permit altogeth- have a primary residence and a guest house on that prop- er. This means that if you rent out your STR property to erty, you can list both units as short term rentals. guests who are caught parking in the street or repeatedly Another change in language helps ensure all STR resi- making too much noise, and Code Enforcement has to be dences have their STR permit and a fire evacuation map of called, you can potentially lose your STR permit. Under the residence posted next to the front door for inspection the new guidelines, once an STR permit is revoked the by Code Enforcement. appeal costs twice as much as the actual permit itself. ENFORCING THE NEW RULES The new Code Enforcement hotline will give you the name of the agent or owner of a property and allow you to These new ordinances should allow Code Enforce- file a complaint. It will also let you know if a property has ment to crack down on noncompliant STR owners. been suspended as an STR location. This, and tightening noise standards – found in other STR sites are normally only inspected by Code En- county legislature – should help put an end to owners forcement as a part of the STR application process and of STRs listing ‘party houses’ on short term rental sites upon renewal of the STR permit every other year. How- like Airbnb. ever, if a complaint is filed against an STR property, then Additionally, the ordinance was written with moun- Code Enforcement will be brought in to inspect it under tain communities in mind so that anyone attempting to the new rules. list their property as an STR must have parking for the If you are a mountain resident who would like to file tenants they are renting to, rather than tell renters to a complaint about a Short Term Rental in violation of the park on the street. It is also up to the owner of the STR new ordinances, the number for the Mountain Region property to collect information on their renters’ vehicles Short Term Residential Rental 24/7 Complaint Line is: and to let renters know how to find the place they’re (888) 399-8591. Page 32 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
Mountain Vote Would Permanentize Hospital Augmentation Assessments BY SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SENTINEL A measure on the March 3, 2020 Primary Election ballot to be voted upon by the residents of the western San Bernardino Mountain communities will make the current parcel assessment collected there to augment operations at the Mountains Community Hospital a permanent one. The property tax override was put into place in 1989 as a means of staving off the closure of the hospital. Resi- dents of the mountain communities agreed to impose on themselves a $40 per year assessment for vacant lots, $80 for homeowners, and $200 for commercial properties. As presented, the assessment regime was to be renewed ev- ery four years. Given the value the mountain communities place on having the hospital immediately available, as the closest hospital otherwise is St. Bernardine Hospital in San Bernardino some 35 minutes distant under ideal driving conditions, each successive measure has passed. Each HOSPITAL PARCEL TAX - YES OR NO! of those votes has perpetuated the $40/$80/$200 yearly assessment. No increase in the tax to sustain the hospital has been made. In the upcoming election, advocates for the hospi- tal are asking for two things: the elimination of the four year renewal requirement, such that the assessment will creased by more than 56 percent in just the past 10 years, remain in place into perpetuity, along with an annual in- but the tax has not gone up – ever. Approval of this ballot crease in the assessment that is tied to the Consumer Price measure will ensure the hospital can continue to meet the Index, pursuant to a 3 percent cap. needs of our community, today and in the years to come, Hospital advocates maintain that eliminating the four- as well as complete $40 million to $50 million worth of year renewal requirement will save the cost of having to necessary improvements.” pay for the elections and adjust the assessment to cover Taxpayer advocates, however, point out that the the continual increases in medical service provision costs. current arrangement by which the community’s residents Initially, at least, the assessment increase will be rel- are given the ability to monitor on a continuing basis the atively light, as three percent times $80 translates into an degree to which the hospital has proven responsive to assessment increase of $2.40. community needs and then has the option of renewing the Advocates for the increase point out that last year subsidization of its operations by participating in a vote there were 6,800 patient visits to the hospital of all type, a is preferable to granting the hospital an entitlement that record for the hospital’s 68-year history. is not subject to any future accountability or performance A press release put out by Mountains Community criteria. Moreover, taxpayer advocates point out, if the Hospital quoted Charles Harrison, the hospital’s CEO, measure passes, by 2050 the mandatory assessment will as stating, “Our patient volume is up and we are seeing have grown to $218.55 per household, without any mecha- people with increasingly severe and complex conditions. nism for the homeowners to protest or limit the amount of Our cost to provide essential healthcare services has in- money taken from them by the hospital. Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 33
Continued from Page 31 sent out 45 days from the date of the policy’s cancellation and extends the period to a minimum of 75 days. “Right now you have 45 ad- vance notice when you’re going to be non renewed by insurance company,” Lara said, “We think that’s insufficient. So the legislature review does increase it to 75 days. We want to get to a point where it gets to 180 days. We want to give you the appropriate time to make a decision about what’s going to happen. People have told us 45 days was nowhere near enough time to make a decision” Lara also said that he is working to put measures in place to provide more transparency for consumers on behalf of insurance companies when it comes to calculating your property’s ‘risk’ score. “Another thing we want to get done in the coming year, during the moratorium, is [provide transparen- cy on] these Fire Risk Scores,” Lara ogy that’s being used to assign these risk scores - which, said. currently, we have no idea how they’re doing this.” “These Fire Risk Scores need greater transparency. During the public comment section of the meeting, [When] you get assigned a risk score, you have no idea Michelle Wimmer of Farmers Insurance in Rimforest why or how [and] no opportunity for you to appeal that spoke about challenges she’s faced with the lack of trans- score. No opportunity to mitigate to lessen that score. And parency in how Fire Risk Scores are calculated. no ability for you to look at what the methodology was “I am a 29-year mountain resident and I’ve also been that [Insurers] used to [calculate] your score.” an insurance agent for the past nine years and I now run A common problem Lara says he’s encountered stems my own independent brokerage.” Wimmer said, “in all from this lack of transparency. this crazy mayhem we have done 1,800 rewrites. Peo- “Why is one neighbor, six and the other neighbor, ple who have now lost policies have been forced out of three, right?” Lara added, “So, we as a department are the markets and people have left the mountain and are asking for the authority to be able to open this ‘black box’ selling. Our market is getting very hairy. In 2015 my [Fire and determine how these risk scores are being assessed. Risk] Score doubled. It went from six to twelve. And my What is the creative process so that by which you can ap- insurance went from $1,300 a year to over $6,000 a year. peal your score, and make it more transparent so that local Now as an agent I have a discount, but I’ve been dragging community leaders actually know what is the methodol- Continued on Page 37 Page 34 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
Sound The Alarm! New Security in Town BY KASSIA GORDON Valor of the Lake Alarms Are you looking to feel safe, secure, and confident that your house is always being protected? Look no further. Valor of the Lake Alarms is a locally-owned company providing high-end security systems, home maintenance, and monitoring protection. Located in Blue Jay and providing service to the mountain communities and Inland Empire. Valor of the Lake Alarms offers security assessments, Analog and IP security cameras, access control, home security systems, fire/CO monitoring, Zwave home control with Alexa integration, alarm monitoring, key services, yard clean up, snow removal, housekeeping, boat storage, dock check, boat checks, and patrol services. “The brand we recommend and use the most is Honeywell. They’ve been in the industry for 50 years and they are ahead of all competition. Plus, they are #1 in security,” said Brennon Thompson President of Valor of the Lake Alarms. Offering reasonably priced services that compete with other local and larger companies, you know exactly what you will be getting with Valor, no hidden fees or contracts. “From all the people we’ve worked with thus far on the mountain, our rates have been better than any competition,” Thompson said. They offer a $35 month-to-month contract for wireless communication and remote services. A wireless communication panel bypasses the need for a phone line and rids the alarm system of a dial delay and ensures an opti- mal and quick response. Remote services allow you to access your alarm system from your phone. The convenience of this means you can turn your alarm on or off and get instant notifications if your alarm is triggered. Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 35
Valor of the Lake Alarms does not just provide security systems, but also a 24/7 patrol service. If you’re out of town or your mountain home is simply a vacation home, you can rest assured that everything will be kept safe while you are away. Instant alarm response means if your alarm is triggered a patrol car will be sent to your property followed by a compre- hensive house check and full perimeter check by the patrol. Feel safe all the time with the ser- vices Valor of the Lake Alarms has to provide or relax as they help keep your yard maintained. No need to stress about shoveling snow this season when you can call up Valor of the Lake Alarms. “This year, we did about 28 snow removal jobs, helping with the Thanks- giving storm. We can do even more now because we just got our own tractor. Parking lots, access roads, we can plow everything now” Thompson said. For more information on Valor of the Lake Alarms visit www.valoroft- helakealarms.com or call Trey Ursich and Brennon Thompson of Valor of the Lake Alarms (909) 744-9200. Page 36 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
Continued from Page 34 this ball and chain now going on five years.” Google Maps like tool to define risk. “People can’t afford [these rates] and there’s nowhere “[Comissioner Lara], you made an example of ‘old to rebut them and there is nowhere to talk to anybody and school’ versus ‘new school’. Well, we know that ‘old find out how/why/where this happened.” Wimmer add- school’ works,” Willis said. “It absolutely does work. And ed. “I just came home one day and now I have a [score of] as a Fire Official I know that the fireline score is really 12? There are cliffhanger [homes] above me on the down flawed in many, many, areas. I just want to tell you about slope with four miles of brush and they’re sixes or eights.” my property in the Big Bear community. It was not a weed Wimmer also expressed concern about where the or a tree on the property - not a single one - it’s pretty FAIR Plan might become a state mandated or ‘socialized’ much concrete and asphalt. The nearest house to me is 25 kind of insurance as this might lead to the mountain com- feet away and the reasons that were stated for my cancel- munities being back to the same box and down the road. lation were: vegetation (there are none), road access (not Comissioner Lara then addressed Wimmer’s concerns true - I’m on a 35 foot road) limited fire flow (I’m one of head-on. the highest fire-flow areas in our neighborhood), and in “We feel that for so many folks, [the FAIR Plan] my particular case I’m just not gonna argue with an insur- already is the only permanent solution,” Lara said, “My er is they don’t want to begin with and so we’ve moved job is to make sure we have a solid market that insurance on. And I’ve seen many, many, examples in our communi- companies have the resources they need not only to do ty with one property right next door another they’re rated business in California, but they have the resources to pay differently.” Willis said. out the claims. We’re going to do the same thing with the, “While I think the fireline score - the ‘new school’ with the FAIR Plan. But, the reality that’s happening now - has value, you can only rely on ‘new school’.” Willis is that it is the only permanent solution for so many com- added. munities, and it’s not a policy that [provides] full coverage Brenda Meyer, the broker/owner of Cozy Cabins Re- and it just exacerbates the cost for folks.” alty in Crestline, attended the meeting to speak on behalf Even fire prevention experts who know firsthand of other agents that are affected by nonrenewals. about creating a defensible space around a property are “We has been dealing with [nonrenewals] in the being canceled on. Big Bear Fire Department Chief Jeff mountains for 16 years. After the 2003 [Old] Fire, the Willis spoke about how his policy was dropped by his insurer due to the ‘new school’ way that insurers use a Continued on Page 38 Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 37
Continued from Page 37 major carriers started to exit our area, and then 2007 they But the ones, the property owners with families, I believe basically red-lined us.” Meyer sai. “So we were forced are greater at risk as the cost of their insurance expenses to advise our clients choice between the FAIR Plan or go continues to rise faster than wages.” “We have the po- with an out-of-state insurer, which many of us know out- tential of a decline in property values because of rising of-state insurers don’t have the regulations and protec- insurance costs,” Meyer said. “Or worse, foreclosures.” tions and work within California.” Commissioner Lara concluded the evening’s roundta- “Many of these homeowners didn’t realize when it ble by reiterating that he is working hard in Sacramento to came to that the FAIR plan was an insufficient policy. And help homeowners get approved for full coverage, hold on they didn’t realize that until they actually filed their claim to their full coverage, and be able to afford their coverage. and found out that their 10s-of-thousands of dollars in “More than half of California’s counties are categorized losses are not going to be covered. They were needless to as high-risk or extremely-high fire risk,” Lara said. “There say very upset and coming back to many of us. The alter- are around 3.6 million homes and apartments addressed native is another plan at a much higher rate so it’s under- in these [high fire risk] communities and so we’re going to standable that they chose what they chose. I’m a 30 year continue to work with the legislature, work with the FAIR policyholder that got canceled on last month. No claims. Plan, and work with local governments to figure out how And like so many they were just not renewing our area at we curtail these issues that are unraveling so many of our all. We do see all the indications of a perfect storm brew- local economies and communities.” ing. Escrows are falling apart because lending officers Commissioner Lara’s action to freeze non-renewals under-estimate cost of insurance and buyers find out they for one year affect over one-million homes and rentals, in- can’t afford the home of their dreams, because monthly cluding 3.6 million homes in the wildland urban interface insurance premiums throw them out of their approved across 133 ZIP Codes. monthly payment. Current homeowners are fixed income After the meeting, Commissioner Lara fielded a few sources like insurance and looking outside of California minutes of ad-hoc questions from the audience. for more affordable options. Affordability for first time If you would like to find out if your ZIP code has been homebuyers entering the housing market continues to affected by the non-renewal moratorium, or if have fur- be a challenge because of the limited availability and the ther questions please call the CA Department of Insurance added skyrocketing cost of insurance. [First time home Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or go to insurance.ca.gov. owners] have to wait longer to become a property owner. Page 38 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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NEWS RECAP Snow Valley- BY ANGELA YAP Skiing & Snow Play “With the early season snowfall and more snow and fantastic snowmaking conditions in the forecast, this season is off to a strong start. We look forward to a great season ahead!,” said Kevin Somes, general manager of Snow Valley Mountain Resort. “Our geographic location generally leads to Snow Valley seeing higher natural snow totals,” Somes added. Families can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding and sled- ding at Snow Valley. In addition to the fantastic terrain, Snow Valley’s award-winning Learning Centers offer lessons for all ability levels and ages in skiing and snowboarding lessons, private and group. “We make your Snow Play experience outstanding at Snow Valley by providing the sleds for the entire family at a reason- able cost,” Somes said. “We offer the longest runs in the region.” Snow Play is lift-serviced Friday through Sunday and on holidays. With 240 acres of skiable/rideable terrain, Snow Val- ley is among the largest ski areas in Southern California. To purchase tickets online, visit www.snow-valley.com. Skiers enjoy free styling on The Edge at Snow Valley. The Premier Destination For Skin Cancer Detection and Treatment The Latest in Cosmetic, Medical & Surgical Dermatology From a Board-Certified Expert — Dr. Jack Griffith Dr. Jack Griffith is the Owner of Alta Dermatology Medical Group and is a Board Certified Dermatologist and fellow in the American Society for Mohs Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Griffith has advanced skills in skin cancer detection and Mohs Micrographic Surgery to treat large and difficult skin cancers. Dr. Griffith specializes in a full range of dermatology which include acne, eczema, psoriasis, mole removal, skin tag removal, rosacea, seborrheic keratosis, warts, chronic rashes, foot and leg ulcers, Alta Dermatology alopecia areata, varicose veins, keloids, cysts, full body skin screening, Medical Group and contact dermatitis. Offers the following cosmetic treatments: Botox | Dysport |Restylane |Juvederm | Dr. Griffith specializes in the following lasers which are offered in his office: Kybella |Asclera |Glycolic Peels |Jessner Vbeam Perfecta-Is excellent at treating broken capillaries, rosacea, port wine peel |TCA Peel |Silkpeel Dermalinfusion. stains, spider veins, cherry angiomas, stretch marks,warts and acne scars. Gentle Max Pro-Permanent hair removal of unwanted hair. Removal of Call today to book an appointment benign keratosis and/or sun spots. VariLite- Reduce the appearance of facial veins, benign vascular lesions and pigmented lesions. (909) 948-8888 7365 Carnelian St, Ste 137, Fractional CO2- Improvement of fine lines, wrinkles sun damage skin, acne Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 scars, skin tone and texture. altadermatology.com Page 40 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
NEWS RECAP One-of-a-Kind Wood Products Arrowhead Enterprises BY ZAC MORAN At Arrowhead Enterprises, Inc., also known as AE making it into mulch or firewood. Whether they bring Wood Products, customers can buy all manner of wooden in the logs themselves, or get the logs from other tree creations or slabs to create their own projects. Vic Leader companies that don’t have as much yard space, they have is the founder of the Running Springs-based company, plenty of material and equipment to work with. There is which also does logging and custom milling. also no middleman because the wood goes straight from In recent years, Arrowhead Enterprises has his hands to the hands delved into creating a host of wood of his cus- products from the trees they tom- obtain during ers. With the services thin- and products ning jobs they offer, Ar- or other rowhead Enterpris- logging op- es has attracted clients erations. Some from all over Southern of these products California and even Las include furniture, floor- Vegas. ing, moulding, dowels, “Not everyone has good interior paneling, coasters A black walnut table crafted sources for slabs. They’re quite by Arrowhead Enterprises a bit more expensive down and just about any other wood product. the hill,” Leader said. “We’re Leader said that some of their bringing people to the mountain to buy our biggest sellers are the one-of-a-kind products. In turn, they get some gas or maybe wood slabs and their custom tables, bar eat at one of the local businesses.” tops, and fireplace mantles, all while using as “We need companies like mine on this moun- much of the tree as they can. tain to utilize the wood,” Leader added. “We process “Utilization is big…. Even on small stuff, we’re a lot of wood up here that otherwise would be piled up trying to make products off everything that we can,” somewhere or going to waste.” Leader said about their wood products. Their website is www.aewoodproducts.com and The utilization of wood involves turning as much of their storefront is located at 32765 Hilltop Blvd, Running the wood as possible into an actual product, rather than Springs. Vic Leader, owner of Arrowhead Enterprises Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020 u Page 41
Lake Arrowhead NEWS RECAP Film Festival Coming Spring 2020 Lake Arrowhead Film Festival CEO, Matthew Kallis, annouces plans for the 2020 event. BY ZEV BLUMENFELD my name’s Matthew. I’m new to town and I know about the film festival...’” said Jeff Perlis, the president of the The Lake Arrowhead Film Festival returning may festival’s board of directors. “And I said, ‘Can you slow it seem as probable as seeing the mythical Loch Ness Mon- down to 33 rpm?’” ster or a sasquatch trudging through Rimforest, but moun- On the phone was documentary filmmaker, Matthew tain movie buffs still hoping for a festival resurrection are Kallis, who was eager to relaunch the festival. After their in luck. conversation, Perlis spoke to the festival director, Mary On Saturday, Nov. 2, organizers hosted a cocktail gala Dippell, who had organized the program until its hiatus to announce that the Lake Arrowhead Film Festival will in 2012. be returning in May of 2020. “The mission for our festival is ‘United We Sit: Find- Over 100 people were estimated to have been in at- ing Hope and Stories That Unite,’” said Kallis, now the tendance at the home of festival co-founder, Bob Cavallo. festival CEO. “That’s the kind of festival we’re going to Excitement bubbled in the air as organizers detailed their create. A festival where people come together as a com- plans for the festival’s reboot. munity, where people find common ground.” “I got a call from a guy who said, very excitedly, ‘Hey, Page 42 u Lake Arrowhead UPDATE | Winter 2020
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