Neighborhood Blog

Neighbors Meeting Make a Difference

2012-02-14T22:51:00.000-08:00

Residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch gathered at the home of Steve Grasha on February 9, 2012 to discuss neighborhood items and plan for the future of their community.

The B-BAR-H Ranch located in an unincorporated section of Riverside County has a history all of its own, and the residents who own new homes in the B-BAR-H Ranch want to maintain the integrity of their community. The residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch get involved by meeting regularly to discuss current affairs. The hot item on the minds of many residents is the project promised to them by the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Riverside County Transportation Department.

Beginning in March, 2012, there will be new water pipelines installed by the CVWD. Following the water pipe installation, Riverside County Transportation Department will provide new surfaces to all the roads located within the north and south sides of the B-BAR-H Ranch.

Once roads are brought up to county standards, all the roads within the B-BAR-H Ranch will become Riverside County maintained roads.

Residents extend a special thanks to County Officials for making this project a reality. Special thanks are extended to Supervisor Marion Ashley, Supervisor John Benoit, Mojahed Salama (Riverside County Transportation Dept.), Amer Hassouneh (CVWD), Steve Hernandez, Brenda Freeman, and the many others who helped.

The project scheduled to begin in March 2012 is to be completed by July 2012.

Tags Graffiti Garage Doors

2012-01-24T01:21:00.000-08:00

Just when you think everything is perfect .... BAM ...

B-BAR-H Ranch was hit by Taggers late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. It was so windy here Saturday, I can't imagine a can of spray paint would work, but obviously it did. About 10 homes had their garage doors tagged.

Not the thing you want to wake up to on a Sunday.

The Riverside Sheriff's Dept. was notified and several of the residents filed reports. If anyone has a clue who did this please contact the Sheriff's Dept.

Every little thing has been so quiet and peaceful around here for a long time. So, this comes as a shock to all of us.

If your home gets graffiti or you see unwanted graffiti, please contact the Graffiti Busters. They are a great group of people who arrive quickly to clean off the unwanted tags.

Runaway Found - Owner Reunited

2012-01-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

B-Bar-H Resident Kaye Urey has a soft spot in her heart for runaways and strays. Over the past year she has provided a home and food for many stray animals.

Today she found the dog pictured above. And, this story has a happy ending. The owner was driving around looking for his dog just as Kaye was on her way with the dog to see if the dog recognized its home.

Many thanks to Kaye for looking out for all these little furry creatures who couldn't find their way home. Her safe house attitude and TLC makes a difference!

North Palm Springs Post Office Closing

2012-01-17T09:38:00.000-08:00

It's sad, and it's true. The little USPS Office located on Dillon Road near Indian Canyon is closing its doors on March 2, 2011. If you want to file a complaint, contact Consumer Affairs at 1-858-674-2670.

This location has been serving locals for over 30 years. It is a profit center for the USPS so it's very difficult to see it gone. Over the years many USPS employees have helped us all. This location will truly be missed!

Here's a list of the nearest alternative locations:

DHS 4.3 miles on Two Bunch Palms
Palm Springs 7 miles on E Amado Road
Palm Springs 9.7 miles on E Palm Canyon Dr Ste 605 (Smoke Tree)

Additionally, stamps can be purchased at Vons, Walgreens, Stater Bros and Staples. We are very sorry to report our little Post Office is closing! You will be missed dearly! Thank you for the wonderful service you've always provided and the friendly staff you've always employed!

Dogs Found in B-BAR-H Ranch!

2012-01-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Two small dogs were found this weekend. If you know someone who lost their dog, please Contact Us. Here's photos of the dogs:

Found on Sagebrush Trail close to Save-A-Pet. Appears to be about 3 months old. Shepherd mix. No collar.

Found in the field behind Paintbrush Trail. White with tan markings. Has pink collar on with a torn hang tag.

Please Contact Us if you know anyone who is missing their dog. Both dogs are very nice, loving animals. Thank you.

Cold Office? Give the Gift of Warmth!

2011-12-04T15:35:00.000-08:00

This holiday season give the gift of warmth to those people on your list who work in a cold office or suffer from arthritis or poor circulation. USB infrared heat penetrates deep through the skin's layers to muscle tissue. Keep warm with energy-efficient infrared heated computer gadgets.

Click the link below:

Heated Mouse, Warm Mouse, Heated Keyboard, +More! Hand Warmer, Stay Warm, Cold Hands Solution!

Shoulder Warmer

B-BAR-H Ranch -- Missing Kitty -- Please Help!

2011-11-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

His name is Scribbles
He is a year and a half
Last seen at home near 20th between Mountain View and Bubbling Wells
Contact Sandy

760.835.7984

Thank You for Your Help!

B-bar-H Ranch residents meet

2011-11-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

Residents met at the home of Walter Gaines on October 22, 2011 to discuss next steps.

Voice of the People: Comments from Final MAC Meeting

2011-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

by Joseph Okon, B-BAR-H Resident

Towards the end of the final MAC meeting held on October 13, 2011 at Bubbling Wells Elementary School, the subject came up that the golf course across from the B Bar H Ranch had been purchased by a Canadian group. They are trying to finance a project of approx. 250 million US dollars. They would also need to raise 10 million to bring water to the location. Their project may bring a new type of time sharing whereby Canadian's would become condominium owners that share properties for a 3 month period out of the year.

The layout of the architectural structure of the condos is unknown to us at this time. So there is concern as to the height of the structure possibly blocking the view of our buildings. But as this project has so far been finacially unachievable. The likeliness of the property being annexed into Desert Hot Springs when all is said and done is still a reality yet to be seen.

The question was presented to us as to whether the B Bar H Ranch owners were willing to hear a proposal presented by the DHS city administrators as to accepting us into the DHS city limits. Several flattering remarks were made about the new DHS administration's accomplishments. However the fact remains that they were less than seven years ago bankrupt and are still financially incapable of providing us with sidewalks, natural gas, and a sewer system. They already admitted that they cannot even provide these things to the project across the street at the Golf Course site. They asked the Canadians to pay for everything so that they can be accepted into the DHS city limits.

I am making this point to say that the 10 B Bar H Ranch residents at the meeting who said that they would like to hear what DHS has to say post haste. Should be more concern with the B Bar H Ranch water project being completed and the reduction of taxes that will now entitle us to only street cleaning, the resurfacing of existing roads to county road status, the cleaning of the road surface and the maintainance of existing street lights.

Things that we did not get are being put aside as money collected from previous property tax has up to this point not been utilized. So why focus attention on DHS instead of the money already spent on something that is pending.

This is peculiar behavior to me. Why would someone want to pay DHS taxes for missing services. We are in an economically down turned period in US history. Some of you have purchased homes at 25cents on the dollar value from cost at time of development. So I image that you saved a good amount of money during the purchase of your home. Why spend more for less. That is what you will be doing if we become part of DHS at this time. They do not have money for the utilities that make the difference between remaining unincorporated and being part of their city.

Hope that we all are thinking clearly on the subject. Hearing a proposal when other issues are not resolved is tantamount to moving from a position of weakness.

We should handle the business that is at hand. Not the two in the bush...

B-BAR-H Ranch Residents Get By With a Little Help from Our Friends!

2011-10-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Photos Taken by Walter Gaines - B-Bar-H Ranch Resident

It was long overdue, but not forgotten. The residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch finally got the job done, and they did it themselves with the help of Steve Wilkes - long time desert home owner who volunteered to help!

There were many vacant lots within the B-BAR-H Ranch being used as roads and entry ways into the desert by cars and off-road vehicles. The make-shift roads were causing problems for residents. Regardless of our requests to STOP, drivers insisted on using empty lots for illegal drives.

B-BAR-H Ranch Resident Walter Gaines took lead with the project to get boulders placed strategically to prevent roadways. Neighbor and friend, Steve Wilkes helped! Steve brought his tractor over to the B-BAR-H Ranch and together he and Walter completed the job as shown in the photos!

We believe in team work at the B-BAR-H Ranch! The placement of boulders was approved by lot owners who were very happy to hear we were taking safety measures to prevent illegal trespassing on their land.

Special thanks are extended to the residents who voiced their opinions openly at our neighborhood meetings, and those people who actually got the job done -- Walter Gaines and Steve Wilkes!

EDA - Riverside County Community Survey

2011-07-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2011

I've been asked by the people in B-BAR-H Ranch who attend County meetings to post a response to the "survey" the B-BAR-H Ranch residents received in the mail yesterday. I received several requests from residents for more information about the survey, and what to do about it, what it means and which option to select.

We have NOT received a guarantee from the County the work will be done as stated in the survey. Many of the long-term residents believe this is the County's attempt to abolish the CSA115 law which was established by ballot vote in 1977 for B-BAR-H Ranch maintenance.

Select option 3. We urge you to keep things the way they are until we get more information from the County to make an informed decision. If we lose the CSA115 law we have no control over our community's future, maintenance or improvement.
Work within the law. CSA115 is a law. If changes to CSA115 are to be made, we request a Ballot Vote in November, 2011. Not by an uncontrolled survey.
Riverside County has promised us things in the past and did not follow through. We have no proof of government funds for our roads or help from a declining County budget for the future of the B-BAR-H Ranch.
We asked Riverside County to define "road maintenance" and we did not receive a response.
We asked Riverside County to define "County standards" for our roads and we did not receive a response.
We are currently in District 5, Supervisor Ashley, and we will soon become part of District 4, Supervisor Benoit. We need to wait without making changes to the CSA115 law until we are officially part of District 4. The B-BAR-H Ranch Code Enforcement change has already taken place and we are now covered by District 4.

In lieu of the current state of the economy, the lack of State funds, a declining County budget, and the history with Riverside County -- for the future of the B-BAR-H Ranch -- we do not believe the survey to be a legitimate or fair way to address the current or future needs of the B-BAR-H Ranch.

Select Option #3.

Voice your opinion in person at the next MAC Meeting: July 14, 2011, 6:00 p.m., Bubbling Wells Elementary School.

Tokier Hearing To Resume Monday: After City's Case Collapsed, Lawyers called for 32-day delay!

2011-06-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Palm Springs Weekly will be TWEETING live updates all day throughout the hearing until the conclusion.

Follow on twitter @palmspringsweek

By Steve Grasha

Reporting from Palm Springs, CA - A personnel hearing that was open to the public began on Monday, May 23, 2011, and was expected to last 3 days in a case involving the termination of Palm Springs Police Lieutenant. Abraham Tokier who was fired by “Acting” Palm Springs Police Chief Al Franz a candidate for the permanent position created by the departure of David Dominguez after he was exposed for lying to the public and contradicting the sworn testimony of a Palm Springs Police Sergeant during a hearing in Superior Court.

Franz alleges that Tokier failed to obey a “Lawful Order” by not returning to the station by an arbitrally set time (7:30 PM) to turn in his city issued police gear after being placed on administrative leave. Tokier returned at 1:30 AM according to police testimony at the hearing.

The events unfolded after a Cathedral City Police investigation of reports of possible domestic violence at Tokier's home in Cathedral City. No evidence was submitted at Monday’s hearing that any domestic violence ever occurred in the Cathedral City incident. The case was filed with the DA by Cathedral City, the District Attorney who refused to bring charges against Tokier and the case was sent back to Cathedral City for lack of evidence.

Cathedral City Police maintain that the alleged victim has been “uncooperative”. Sources in Cathedral City have told The Palm Springs Weekly that the victim has been “completely cooperative” and that she was never harmed in any way by the 20 year Palm Springs Police veteran. Lake Havasu Police who interviewed the alleged victim also found no evidence or any sign of abuse.

When the Cathedral City Police originally spoke publically at a press conference, regarding the original allegations, they sparked a nationwide manhunt for a “Critical Missing Person” who was the “the victim of violent domestic abuse” only later to discover the allegations were bogus and nothing ever happened.

One police officer from Cathedral City told The Palm Springs Weekly that “They had walked so far over the line that they could not put the Genie back in the bottle” it appears, to maintain credibility they continue the official line that “ a violent assault took place” they just have no evidence to back-up the claim.

Sources with all police agencies that became involved in the investigation including Palm Springs Police, Cathedral City Police and Lake Havasu Police all admit that no evidence of any kind exists that suggests that an assault occurred as alleged by Cathedral City Police officials.

The Firing:

Acting Palm Springs Police Chief Al Franz said he fired Tokier not because of anything that happened in Cathedral City, only that “he refused to comply with a lawful order” while on administrative leave. Tokier was at his home in Lake Havasu when he was told to return to the Palm Springs Police Station by 7:30 PM on March 21^st. Tokier told the superior officer that it would be impossible to return that quickly and that he need at least 10 hours to get back to Palm Springs. He arrived at the station at 1:30 AM and turned in his city issued police equipment. Franz then notified Tokier of his intention to terminate Tokier.

A Lawful Order?

A respected attorney experienced in employment law said, “We frequently use the term insubordination to imply that an employee has not complied with a request from a supervisor. Making a legal case of insubordination requires the employee to have full knowledge of his/her action. Just telling an employee to do something does not mean that the employee received the message, understood the message, or understands the consequences from not complying with the message. Legal insubordination cases require a much higher threshold of understood evidence than the common term of simple insubordination. Supervisors must understand that difference to prevail in court cases of insubordination.

A charge of insubordination must show the following:

1. That the employee was given a clearly expressed direct order (preferably in writing, with a receipt of memo line signed by the employee and cc to personnel file).

2. That the employee understood the order given (acknowledged in the receipt of memo).

3. That the order was reasonable and work-related.

4. That the order did not place the employee in danger of his or her safety or health.

5. That the order did not violate any law or public policy.

6. That the employee was informed of the consequences of not obeying the direct order. The employee must be told that failure to obey the order will result in discipline up to and including termination.

Secret Tape Recordings and
Destruction of Evidence

It was inadvertently revealed at Monday’s hearing that all telephone conversations into and out of the Palm Springs Police Department are recorded on a sophisticated system made by Audix Corporation. After the police department witness realized that it was a mistake to admit to this, he attempted to back pedal.

When questioned further about whether such recordings were legal, one of the cities lawyers objected and blurted out that Tokier’s “council could put the chief in jail for illegal recording of telephone calls” but that line of questioning was not relevant to this hearing”.

The objection was sustained by the personnel committee chairman Bernard Sherwyn. Tokier’s attorney, Kasey Castillo questioned the Police Chief as to the whereabouts of the recordings involving the Tokier case the Chief admitted that he had destroyed them at which time, audible gasps could be heard from the audience prompting the chairman to call for order in the room.

After 8 hours of testimony, the attorneys for the city suddenly called for an end to the days preceding and requested a 32-day delay before continuing. The hearing had been previously scheduled to last 3 days.

The public hearing is scheduled to resume June 27^thWith Abe Tokier taking the stand.

Canadian cash boosts California county

2011-06-22T10:49:00.000-07:00

Click link to see the video:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/06/21/california-canada-cash-community.html

Speed Limit Sign Needed on Bubbling Wells Road

2011-06-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

Overturned vehicle on Bubbling Wells Road.
Saturday, June 18, 2011.

B-BAR-H Ranch Clean Up Day - May 14, 2011

2011-05-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

The B-BAR-H Ranch Clean Up Day is May 14, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. 'til Noon!

We'll meet at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch.

See you soon!

Click Here to see the Clean Up Day Flyer with details about what can and can't be collected in the dumpsters.

iPad Case with Keyboard - Website for iPad Cases

2011-05-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

iPad 2 Bluetooth Keyboard and Case

If you're like the millions of others who just bought an iPad and need a protective case for it, check out the new website devoted to iPad Covers and Cases.

The iPad 2 Bluetooth Keyboard and Case shown above converts the iPad into a laptop computer and allows you to use a wireless keyboard or the touch screen for typing. It's an awesome way to transform the iPad 2 into a laptop plus give it full protection inside a padded leatherette carry case.

There are a variety of iPad Cases and Covers available ranging in price from $25 - $60 each at http://www.ipadcandyland.com. Plus, click on the Contest link and enter to win a free iPad Cover and Case.

Mid-Century Modern Home for Sale at B-BAR-H Ranch

2011-04-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

67609 El Sombrero Lane
B-BAR-H Ranch, CA 92241

Stunning Mid-Century modern home! Located in the quite and secluded area of B-BAR H Ranch. This home features anything and everything modern; high catheral ceilings, granite counters, polished concrete flooring, stainless steel appliances, Nelson bubble lamps, and upgraded stainless ceiling fans! In addition, the former owner spent $40,000 to install an amazing salt water lap pool, landscaping and an automatic watering system. Three bedrooms, 2.25 baths, and views that will take your breath away! This home is in fantastic condition and almost feels brand new. There is nothing to do, but move in! See more photos and entire listing.

A real steal of a bargain at $145,000.00. Has a large lap-style swimming pool!

Debris Removal Welcomed by Open Roads

2011-03-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Street Cleaning at B-BAR-H Ranch
Just-In-Time for Spring 2011

Just in case you were not home that bright, crisp morning when the street sweeper arrived, here's a few photos to document the memorable occasion. My phone started ringing, emails started arriving, and residents were pleased to see their MAC make another community accomplishment!

Sometimes working through red-tape takes time, dedication and work, but the results are shared for the common good of all. We thank County Staff for working with us to get the roads cleaned. Now, we need to work with the County to make sure street cleaning remains a part of the CSA 115.

There's nothing better than taking your dog for a walk, riding your bike or powering your electric wheelchair on a clean surface! Not to mention making a turn onto your street without fish-tailing, slipping or sliding your vehicle. Driving into a clean community we all call home truly feels and looks great!

We Don't Want to Lose CSA 115 Road Cleaning!!!!

2011-03-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

By Anonymous, South B-BAR-H Ranch Resident

It took B-BAR-H Residents and Community Leaders over a year of debate with Riverside County to finally get roads cleared of built up sand, stone and debris. Street sweepers/cleaners arrived immediately once the document defining road maintenance was located.

Miscellaneous extended road maintenance -- Street Cleaning -- is defined in the Resolution of Intention and currently part of the taxes we pay.

The CSA 115 Resolution of Intention defines Road Maintenance for B-BAR-H Ranch:

Click Here
to read the
CSA 115 Resolution of Intention
defining Road Maintenance

We don't want to lose street cleaning, and the County may take it away. Under the current CSA 115 tax structure the B-BAR-H Ranch receives:

Miscellaneous Extended Road Maintenance
Road Improvement
Lighting (to pay an electric bill and replace bulbs)

Think carefully before changing any of the current CSA 115 tax structure until Riverside County presents a full and accurate report of the past and a detailed plan for the future of our roads. As a resident of the ranch for many years, it's important to see how much money has been collected and how it's been spent.

The CSA 115 Law currently protects the roads in our community. Please take decisions to modify CSA 115 as it is defined today seriously. We don't want to lose Miscellaneous Extended Road Maintenance and Road Improvement!

-----------------------

(The person who submitted this blog post requested to remain anonymous. We honor anonymous submissions. If you would like to make an anonymous submission, please Contact Us today.)

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Voice of the People: Stop Political Corruption!

2011-03-18T21:47:00.000-07:00

Road sign leaving Hope, AZ

by Chris Georgesco, North B-BAR-H Resident

This is Shocking News I have heard about the MAC meeting in regards to neighborhood B Bar H. I find it unacceptable to see Riverside County treat our neighborhood with unaccounted funds and expenditures. Our Taxes are paid and regulated for the maintenance of roads and lighting with all due consideration. I have seen the City Council in the City of Bell, and Desert Hot Springs take advantage of Citizens and their Tax Funds. I am hoping we do not end up in the same category.

No decisions should be made about appropriating funds to maintain our neighborhood till the accounts have been reviewed since 1977. Expenditures and Appropriations Accessed on the account most definitely have to be made public. It is expected of every tax payer and need be made public by the County. I do not wish use the word Robbed till the County has a had a chance to make their accounting public.. I find it odd putting money into account that has been misappropriated. I would like my credit funds returned if no such documentation can be provided. Authority does not give a Office the right to use our money for other purposes than collected for. It is Tax Fraud in that our tax's are not being used as collected. This seems to be a trend of 21st Century Politics and I do not wish to become a Victim.

Please provide the home owners of B Bar H Ranch a Honest account of of our tax's, before making decisions about our roads and maintenance. I find quite scary that that County officials can be so blunted about misappropriation of funds.

PLEASE PROVIDE AN AUDIT OF THE TAX MONEY COLLECTED AND SPENT BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISSIONS. I AM A AFRAID THAT I AM BEING ROBBED BY THE COUNTY OF THE MONEY SET ASIDE FOR MAINTAINING OUR COMMUNITIES ROADS AND CLEANING OUR STREETS. I JUST WISH TO RECIEVE THE SERVICES WHICH MONEY HAS BEEN COLLECTED IN THE FORM OF PROPERTY TAX.

7700 Prisoner Jail in OUR Back Yard!

2011-03-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

by Steve Grasha, North B-BAR-H Ranch Resident

The County of Riverside intends to build the largest prison in county history at the entrance to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley Covering an area the size of 100 football fields, the prison complex will house 7,200 inmates. It will cost $500 million to construct.

Although our 9 cities only have 16% of Riverside's Population, we will house 66% of the criminal population when this project is completed.

Riverside County Supervisors say that this will benefit our economy and safety. Opponents disagree and say that it will damage our $4.5 Billion Tourism industry and be a magnet for criminal gangs from all over the state and county.

Come to this important event to hear both sides of the debate.

Find out if becoming a prison town is what is best for our economy, our safety and our way of life.

Saturday, March 26 · 9:30am - 11:30am

Camelot Theaters - Large Auditorium
2300 E. Baristo Road
Palm Springs

Show us the M O N E Y !!!!!!

2011-03-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

CSA115 Financials 2003 - 2010

We asked County Staff to provide a full accounting of the CSA115 tax fund from 1977 - 2010.

We received the eight summaries listed below. They cover Accounting Records for 2003-2010. Each report includes expenditures for Road Maintenance and Road Improvements, Street Lights (SCE electricity) and Account Administration. The Economic Development Agency (EDA) charges CSA115 a few thousand dollars annually to administer the fund.

Please note: We asked EDA to provide a breakdown for Road Maintenance and Road Improvements. County Staff said they will provide this information to us at the May 12, 2011 DHS MAC Meeting.

The Brown Act Simplified

2011-03-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Here's simple, straight-forward information regarding the restrictions for our Neighborhood Meetings with respect to the Brown Act.

There's been some confusion about how MAC Board Members can talk at meetings. Simply stated.... Here's the rules for the MAC Board Of Directors (BOD):

Individual contacts or conversations between a member of the legislative body (BOD) and any other person is OK.
The majority of the legislative body is not allowed to meet to develop a collective concurrence as to the action to be taken on an item by the members of the legislative body (BOD).

These are the only two rules we must follow when participating in our Neighborhood Meetings.

What it means is this:

Members of the board can talk one on one with anyone about anything at any time!
The majority of members of the board (3 or more) can NOT meet to discuss decisions on actions they will take on an item they will be asked to vote upon at a later date.

In other words, we can talk about anything we want at our Neighborhood Meetings! The only restriction is we can't have three board members present talking about how they are going to vote on an upcoming item.

I hope this is a relief for many meeting attendees. It certainly allows us to feel a bit more relaxed communicating with our neighbors. The term "Brown Act Laws" can sound intimidating, yet it isn't at all. It basically gives guidance for common sense behavior for members of a legislative body to act appropriately.

This information was taken directly from the MAC Member Procedures Handbook. I reviewed the information and discovered we can openly discuss any information we want to talk about. Plus, all the information from our MAC meetings is public information and can be shared openly at all times. Questions? Contact Us.

Nine most terrifying words

2011-03-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are,
'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
Ronald Reagan

40th president of The Untied States (1911 - 2004)

By Steve Grasha, North B-BAR-H Resident

These are the words I thought of as I listened to county staff making a presentation at the last MAC meeting!

Our community needs to give serious consideration to the proposal to gut CSA115 if we approve the county's proposal we may find ourselves with no recourse when it comes time to repair and maintain our roads at an acceptable level as the county deficit looms at 200 Million dollars this coming year.

We have paid 1.5 million dollars to our special district since it's inception and the county can only account for less than One Hundred Thousand of it. The funds were to only be used for road maintenance and improvements within CSA 115 which is B-BAR-H Ranch.

I believe it would be wise to make no changes to our current CSA until we have adequate answers from the county as to what they have done with our ONE MILLION FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

This is money that was only to be used within the boundaries of our ranch and the boundaries of the LAW.

For Rent? For Sale? For Lease? List it here!

2011-03-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

By Tania Smith, North B-Bar-H Resident

If you or someone you know has a B-BAR-H Ranch house for rent or for sale, post it here. We'll keep an ongoing list of available properties for you on the blog.

In order to keep our neighborhood homes occupied, we will list availabilities on this blog.

If you have a home for rent, lease or sale please let us know, and we'll post availability with a description of the home and the pricing along with your contact information on the B Bar H Ranch Neighborhood blog for prospective tenants.

Click the Contact Us link at the top of the blog, and send the details in an email. Include the address, contact information and any other information you'd like a prospective buyer/renter to know.

March 9, 2011 - Home Intrusion Robbery

2011-03-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Don't open the door until you know who is on the other side!!!


Agency:	Palm Desert Station
Station Area:	Palm Desert
Written Date:	March 10, 2011	Time:	1230 P.M.
Incident Date:	March 9, 2011	Time:	3:00 P.M.
Incident Location:	67-800 block of Clubhouse Dr., Desert Hot Springs
Reporting Officer:	Sergeant Florez
File Number(s):	O110680017

Details:

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at approximately 3:00 P.M., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Palm Desert Station responded to 67-800 block of Clubhouse Dr. in the unincorporated area of Desert Hot Springs regarding a home intrusion robbery.

The homeowner was confronted by an intruder in his residence after hearing a knock on the door. The suspect struck the victim several times with an object before taking property from the residence. Witnesses observed the suspect leave the area in a silver-colored Toyota Corolla with a white male adult in the passenger seat. Detectives from the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station responded and assumed the investigation.

Local agencies were notified and a short time later Desert Hot Springs Police observed a vehicle with occupants fitting the description. The vehicle was stopped and the occupants detained for the Sheriff's Department. The driver was positively identified as the person leaving the residence and was identified as 51-year-old Palm Desert resident, Quinton Gray. The passenger was interviewed at the Palm Desert Station and later released. Gray was booked into the Indio Jail for robbery.

The victim was taken to Desert Hospital and treated for his injuries. He was later released.

Anyone with information can call the Riverside County Sheriff's Department-Palm Desert Station at 760-836-1600 or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-Stop (7867).

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department-Palm Desert Station would like to remind all citizens to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity, including any vehicles or persons to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department-Palm Desert Station by calling 911, or calling our dispatch center at (760) 836-3215.

B-BAR-H Suspected home invasion robber nabbed
2:14 PM, Mar. 10, 2011 |

A Palm Desert man was arrested Wednesday, suspected of beating a homeowner in a home invasion robbery southeast of Desert Hot Springs, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Quinton Ulysses Gray Jr., 51, was being held in lieu of $1 million bail Thursday at the Riverside County jail in Indio, according to jail records.

Gray knocked at the door of a home in the 67-800 block of Club House Drive, hit the homeowner who answered the door multiple times with an object and stole items from the home, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies were called to the neighborhood about 3 p.m. Wednesday and fielded reports from witnesses who said they saw the robber leaving in a silver Toyota Corolla.

Soon, Desert Hot Springs police spotted a car that matched witnesses' description and stopped it.

Sheriff's deputies questioned the driver — Gray, who was arrested on suspicion of robbery — as well as a passenger who was released.

The homeowner was treated and released from Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, according to the sheriff's department.

#1 Distinguished Neighbor Award B-BAR-H Ranch

2011-02-11T01:13:00.000-08:00

Jim Carter & Anna Miller

Have you ever known someone who selflessly helps people in need -- a person who gives without ever expecting anything in return? Well, the B-BAR-H Ranch is proud to have resident and home owner Jim Carter as a neighbor.

Jim Carter is one of those people who touches your life and remains a friend forever. He's a helper and a doer! Jim gives from his heart and helps with his hands. He's quite the guy, and he is the first recipient of the B-BAR-H Ranch Distinguished Neighbor Award.

Jim was presented an engraved plaque at the B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Meeting on February 9, 2011 in the presence of 23 of his neighbors. Presenting the award on behalf of the community was Anna Miller. There were several people at the meeting whose life Jim has influenced either with a helping hand or support in one way or another.

The B-BAR-H Ranch is proud to have Jim Carter receive the first Distinguished Neighbor Award! Jim, we love you!!!! Congratulations on being such a great person and friend to us all!

23 B-BAR-H Residents at Neighborhood Meeting

2011-02-11T00:34:00.000-08:00

Mr. Kevin Feagans graciously hosted the B-BAR-H Community Association - Neighborhood Watch Meeting at his residence located on the north end of the B-BAR-H Ranch on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. It was a full house. There were 23 residents in attendance.

We have a strong community of concerned home owners who want to make a difference for our area. Everyone was strongly urged to attend the upcoming DHS Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) Meeting on March 10, 2011 at 6:00 P.M., Bubbling Wells Elem. School to voice their opinions and get more involved in MAC activities.

It was wonderful to get together, meet our new neighbors and discuss ideas and share our thoughts for upcoming neighborhood events. We discussed the Annual Clean Up Day scheduled for May 14, 2011. Riverside County's Chaka Ferrell leads the Clean Up Day event and the B-BAR-H Ranch residents volunteer their time to scale the neighborhood of unwanted trash. Riverside County supplies dumpsters at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch from 7 a.m. until Noon. Come early! The annual Clean Up Day makes a huge difference within our community.

The next B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association - Neighborhood Watch Meeting is scheduled for April at the home of Kay Urey. Details, location and agenda will be emailed as we approach April.

DHS MAC stops illegal trafficking

2011-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

ONE MORE TO GO!

Illegal trespassing through empty lots on the North B-Bar-H Ranch has been a long time issue for residents. It's dangerous, destroys natural landscape and is against the law!

Special thanks to Mustafa Salama, Riverside County Transportation Department, for solving the problem by installing cement k-rail barricades along empty lots on Bubbling Wells Road. The "before and after" photos above indicate the areas completed. There's one more empty lot on Bubbling Wells to receive cement k-rail barricades.

Attend the next DHS MAC Meeting to hear more about the changes for road improvement and maintenance in the B-BAR-H Ranch. See the meeting schedule posted on the right sidebar.

MAC 5th District - Municipal Advisory Council More Teamwork Safety Progress

2011-02-04T11:31:00.000-08:00

The DHS MAC is making headway on many issues proposed by the residents of CSA115. Here's a few items we are working diligently with Riverside County Staff to resolve:

CSA115 original law and documentation (visit links below)
Road maintenance
Shoulder grading
Barricades for illegal traffic via empty lots

The four hot topics above have been discussed and addressed by the 5th District Municipal Advisory Council of Supervisor Marion Ashley's Office under the direct guidance and support of Project Manager Brenda Salas-Freeman. We are making accomplishments and taking safe strides in resolving issues brought to the MAC by concerned residents within the CSA115.

Riverside County Transportation Department is installing barricades on Bubbling Wells Road to prevent illegal trafficking through empty lots adjacent to Bubbling Wells. Children and parents can now enjoy freedom knowing their neighborhood is safe to play outside! Special thanks are extended to Mustafa Salama of the Riverside County Transportation Dept to help us resolve this safety issue.

Barricades are also planned for empty lots on Paintbrush Trail to prevent illegal traffic by off-road vehicles, illegal dumping in fields and minimize area disturbances. Special thanks to Riverside Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Dept. for helping us resolve this issue. Illegal traffic through vacant lots on the north end of the B-BAR-H Ranch will finally be stopped!

With the help and assistance of the Local Agency Formation Commission's (LAFCO) Crystal M. Craig, Local Government Analyst II, CSA115 residents were able to obtain original documentation to address road maintenance issues. CSA115 residents are concerned about the annual taxes paid for their roads and requested assistance from Riverside County Staff to address road maintenance in a proactive approach to reduce costs and future spending.

CSA115 Formation Documents:
LAFCO 1977-33-4_Formation Docs

CSA115 Sphere of Influence Study:
LAFCO 1985-73-3 SOI Study

CSA115 Sphere of Influence & Review:
4j 2006-87-4_CSA115SOI

Additional information found online defines County Service Area (CSA) and defines the CSA Laws:

County Service Area

CSA Law

Residents of CSA115 are grateful for the assistance they receive from County Staff. As a team, we work diligently to resolve issues. To attend a DHS MAC meeting, please refer to the meeting schedule posted on the Home Page of this Blog!

Farewell Oasis! We miss You!

2011-02-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

Click the image to read her story

One of our neighborhood friendly dogs, Oasis, passed away recently, and we want the world to know she is missed. Oasis was a kind, loving, peaceful dog who spent much time strolling the streets with her owners. Always willing go give a pet, and her face was as sweet as a pup's can be. Her graceful demeanor and friendly personality will always be remembered.

Oasis, you are missed by all the neighbors who loved you!

MAC 5th District - Municipal Advisory Council Working Strong!

2011-02-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

Corner of El Serape & Bubbling Wells Roads

AFTER

Visibility improved at the corner of Bubbling Wells Road and El Serape Trail! The residents on the North end of the B-BAR-H Ranch are pleased to be able to see clearly when making a turn onto Bubbling Wells Road now. The entire intersection was blocked by a large tree. Riverside County Transportation Dept cleared the tree per the request of many residents. We are very happy to see this large tree gone. Now, we can safely see oncoming traffic on busy Bubbling Wells Road!

The 5th District Municipal Advisory Council in Supervisor Marion Ashley's Office had the tree removed! Our MAC is a strong group. We make things happen with the help and support of Project Manager Brenda Salas-Freeman. Please see our meeting schedule and attend a meeting. Our mission is to improve our community. We invite you to join our MAC group!

MAC 5th District - Municipal Advisory Council kicks off new year with resolutions!

2011-01-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

A DHS MAC Meeting was held on Thursday, January 13, 2011. It was a very active and informative gathering. Brenda Salas-Freeman did an excellent job coordinating presentations made by Riverside County Code Enforcement, Transportation and EDA.

CSA 115 residents thank Riverside County for their ongoing support.

Major CSA 115 issues were discussed and resolved. Here's a brief summary:

1. Bill Brown, EDA, CSA Operations Manager, discussed the issue of using CSA 115 funds for road maintenance. Under CSA 115, the use of funds is allowed only for roads & lighting, but NOT for maintenance like cleaning, grating, etc. The funds are in reserve for fixing, repairing, resurfacing, etc. But the money can't be used to clean, sweep, etc. Therefore, Mr. Brown asked all CSA 115 residents to send feedback about their concerns regarding the maintenance of the roads within CSA 115. Please send ideas, suggestions, comments, concerns, regarding road maintenance within CSA 115 to Webmaster@PaintbrushTrail.com. Mr. Brown will collect this information and meet with other Riverside County Officials to design a program to address the road maintenance issues within CSA 115. One idea he suggested is creating an annual taxation of $75 per household which would cover the cost of maintenance, cleaning, grating and street sweeping twice monthly within the CSA 115.

2. Mojahed Salama, Transportation Dept., discussed two important CSA 115 topics: (1) Road Maintenance (2) Vacant Lot-Illegal Trespassing. First, he explained why CSA 115 roads can't be maintained by the County. In brief, what he said is the roads were not built to County maintenance standards and therefore, can't be maintained by the County. The cost to bring CSA 115 roads up to County standards would cost over 1 Million Dollars! He and Mr. Brown will be working together to develop a remedy for maintaining CSA 115 roads. CSA 115 residents' ideas and suggestions will become part of their solution so please send them in an email to Webmaster@PaintbrushTrail.com. Second, Mr. Salama discussed the vacant lot problem -- people using the lots to drive through from Sagebrush Trail to Bubbling Wells Road and from Paintbrush Trail by off-road vehicles. As a solution to this problem, Riverside County Transportation is going to install k rail cement barricades along the vacant lots on Bubbling Wells Road and along the vacant lots on Paintbrush Trail. This will finally put an end to a problem that has persisted within CSA 115 for many years.

3. Lorena Diaz, Code Enforcement Officer, discussed the ongoing issues within CSA 115 and shared case loads and ongoing issues. Ms. Diaz has worked closely with some of the lot owners and has obtained permission to install barricades to prevent off road access. Working with Transportation Dept, this solution will finally put an end to a long time ongoing problem within the north end of the B-BAR-H Ranch. A letter granting permission by lot owners is being sent to Transportation for their files.

4. Chaka Ferrel, Community Improvement, Code Enforcement, discussed our next Clean Up Day. Please mark your calendar for May 14, 2011. Once again, Riverside County will supply dumpsters at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch from 7 a.m. until Noon. We need volunteers for this event. Come early! The annual Clean Up Day truly makes a difference within our community.

5. Sheriff Sullivan, Riverside County Sheriff Dept. presented a brief summary of local events and issues handled in a timely manner by Officers. He discussed the off-road vehicle problem within CSA 115/B-BAR-H Ranch and assured residents action is being taken to address this ongoing issue.

CSA 115 residents' input is being requested by Riverside County. Please post comments with ideas and suggestions you may have regarding the maintenance of CSA 115 roads, and your comments will be forwarded them to Mr. Brown. Should you have any questions, please ask. Active participation in developing a solution for road maintenance is appreciated.

CBS News The Early Show Features the Heated Mouse!

2011-01-11T17:27:00.001-08:00

I-10 Billboard.......

2010-11-18T01:58:00.000-08:00

This year thousands of men will die of stubbornness.

B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association November 10, 2010, Meeting Highlights

2010-11-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 10, 2010, the B-BAR-H Community Association (Neighborhood Watch) Meeting was held and neighbors discussed the following topics:

•Welcome New Neighbors & Residents.
We welcomed one new neighbor who lives on Paintbrush Trail.

•Neighborhood updates.
There are 17 homes available within the B-BAR-H Ranch -- either vacant, for sale, for rent or in foreclosure.

B-BAR-H Ranch Address change. We are unincorporated. We are not a part of Desert Hot Springs. We are a part of the B-BAR-H Ranch. This has been a meeting topic since the beginning of our meetings. The residents at the meeting agreed to use the address for our unicorporated area as follows:

Your Name
House Number/Street Name
B-BAR-H Ranch, CA 92241

Example:
Joe Smith
67580 Paintbrush Trail
B-BAR-H Ranch, CA 92241

This address will be recognized by the USPS and USPS mail will be delivered. A conversation with the Postmaster confirmed our intention. Fedex and UPS will not be able to recognize the B-BAR-H Ranch name because there systems use post office zip codes only. Our mail goes through the Desert Hot Springs post office using 92241 just like Sky Valley, Desert Edge and other unicorporated areas. Please note, Sky Valley residents and Desert Edge residents made their name changes just like we are doing. They are both unincorporated areas using the 92241 zip code.

The B-BAR-H Ranch is unicorporated and does not belong to the city of Desert Hot Springs. Residents want to remain a part of the B-BAR-H Ranch. Our Arch names our area, and we are proud to be a part of the B-BAR-H Ranch history.

•Barricades to obstruct traffic update.
We are in the process of notifying empty lot owners. Some of the empty lot owners have been notified and agreed to our safety improvement efforts. Residents want to prevent make-shift roads through empty lots. Illegal roads through empty lots is very dangerous. People are using the empty lots for dumping. We need to prevent this behavior within the B-BAR-H Ranch. Residents will meet after the holidays to proceed with creating barricades to prevent through traffic in empty lots.

•Neighborhood incidents update.
There were two car break-ins at the B-BAR-H Ranch within the past month or two. Residents believe the barricades on the empty lots will help prevent vandalism. Some residents heard gun fire. Sheriff's Dept was notified immediately. Whenever there's suspicious activity call anonymously -- Sheriff's Dept 760.836.321.

Sagebrush Trail resident took one Neighborhood Watch sign and will have it installed at the south end of the ranch.

•Road maintenance.
Special thanks to B-BAR-H Ranch residents Francis, Renee, Walter and Fred who took it upon themselves to clear two intersections of heavy debris/sand/rocks/ etc. to make driving safe at these intersections. Now, we will rely upon support from the County to help us install permanent road improvements in a proactive approach to preserve the intgrity of the roads in the B-BAR-H Ranch.

Residents were encouraged to attend the January 13, 2011, DHS MAC meeting to discuss further details pertaining to proper permanent road improvements within the B-BAR-H Ranch. Items on the January DHS MAC Meeting Agenda are:

We are seeking Riverside County assistance and cooperation. CSA115 residents want to see a copy of the original law and any/all amendments pertaining to CSA115 public records.

The discussion of road maintenance within CSA 115 for "drainage improvements." We need to get the roads within CSA115 properly set up so all the debris, etc. does not accumulate and cause further damage to the roads' surfaces. Drainage improvements are cost-effective, permanent improvements which will keep the roads' surfaces cleared and proactively maintain the integrity of the surface to minimize deterioration. Some of the roads' surfaces are already beginning to show deterioration due to the lack of these permanent improvements when the roads were installed.

The discussion of "right-of-way perfection" for the turn off at Mountain View Road and 20th Avenue. This item has been on the table for discussion for a very long time and closure needs to be made to get this task completed.

•CERT (Community Emergency Response Training).
The B-BAR-H Ranch has two residents Certified by Riverside County as CERT members. CERT = Community Emergency Response Team. This is a free course offered by Riverside County. It is an excellent course. Please call 951.955.4700 to register for an upcoming class. Classes are held at the Roy Wilson Training Center in Thousand Palms. There's still room in the December 2010 class.

•Elec Co DHS Tax on statements.
It was brought to our attention some residents are being taxed by the city of Desert Hot Springs for electricity. Residents were asked to check their electric bill. This should not be happening.

•Future plans & ideas.
The B-BAR-H Ranch Arch topic was discussed. Residents were informed there's non-profit status being formed by one resident. If application has been made the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association has not been notified of any formal actions. We have discussed this topic in meetings about 3 years ago, but we do not have any current information action has been taken. Residents have had discussions with the Historical Society to help maintain the Arch. If there's any work being done regarding the Arch, please contact Webmaster@PaintbrushTrail.com with information to prevent any duplication of efforts. Our goal is to preserve the Arch. This is a team/neighborhood effort and something we have been discussing for a very long time. Your ideas/suggestions/help is appreciated.

Our next meeting is being scheduled for February 9, 2011 at a resident's home. An email with deatails will be sent in 2011. Our meeting time changed from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. to make it more convenient for more people to attend. The B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association (Neighborhood Watch) meeting will be held on the second Wednesday every other month. Please join us to keep up with neighborhood activities.

Supervisor Marion Ashley Responds Quickly to CSA115 Residents Seeking Riverside County Support

2010-11-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

In a sincere effort to create team work with Riverside County, the residents at the B-BAR-H Ranch (CSA115) requested support of the DHS MAC for permanent road improvements.

Supervisor Marion Ashley supports the ongoing efforts of the CSA115 (B-BAR-H Ranch) to properly maintain roads for safety and maintenance.

With the support of Brenda Salas, EDA Project Manager and County Staff, the following items will be addressed at the January 13, 2011 DHS MAC meeting:

We are seeking Riverside County assistance and cooperation. CSA115 residents want to see a copy of the original law and any/all amendments pertaining to CSA115 public records.

The discussion of road maintenance within CSA 115 for "drainage improvements." We need to get the roads within CSA115 properly set up so all the debris, etc. does not accumulate and cause further damage to the roads' surfaces. Drainage improvements are cost-effective, permanent improvements which will keep the roads' surfaces cleared and proactively maintain the integrity of the surface to minimize deterioration. Some of the roads' surfaces are already beginning to show deterioration due to the lack of these permanent improvements when the roads were installed.

The discussion of "right-of-way perfection" for the turn off at Mountain View Road and 20th Avenue. This item has been on the table for discussion for a very long time and closure needs to be made to get this task completed.

Please mark your calendar to attend the DHS MAC Meeting on January 13, 2011 at Bubbling Wells Elementary School, 6 p.m. in the large Multi-Function Room.

The MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) was formed for unincorporated areas of Riverside County to report and send suggestions for community improvements directly to the Supervisor's Office. Please join us! For more information, please contact Webmaster@PaintbrushTrail.com or click Contact Us to add your email address to our Neighborhood Contact List. We will notify you of upcoming meetings.

DHS MAC October 14, 2010 Meeting Highlights

2010-11-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

The DHS MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) met on October 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at Bubbling Wells Elementary School. Here is a brief summary of the meeting's highlights:

Many people showed up (20+) and got involved. As always, it was only B-BAR-H residents in attendance with one couple who may not be part of District Five. They weren't sure, and neither was anyone else. We welcomed them to our meeting and invited them to stay/attend. The Board thought they may be part of District Four.

B-BAR-H Residents were not happy about waiting 9 months to get a "no" on street maintenance for CSA 115.

A B-Bar-H Paintbrush Trail Resident made a presentation about the vacant lot behind Paintbrush Trail. He also stated there was a petition to prevent street lights. No record of the petition was filed with the DHS MAC Board.

Here's a brief summary of the meeting:

Approval of last meeting minutes moved to next meeting.
Board voted Steve Grasha as Secretary.
Board voted and approved a sub committee formed to address issues denied by County.
Board voted and approved monthly meetings.
Board voted to keep the name DHS MAC.
Ltn. Sullivan did a nice introduction to the community.

Next DHS MAC meeting was determined to be in November. Since that time, the next DHS MAC Meeting was confirmed for January 13, 2011.

CSA115 Request Riverside County Cooperation for Road Maintenance

2010-11-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Residents of the CSA115 (B-BAR-H Ranch) are asking Riverside County for support to maintain roads. The roads in the B-BAR-H Ranch (north & south sides) are not being maintained properly to reduce safety hazards. Although a few of the residents went out with brooms and shovels to remove the debris build up off two of the intersections on the north side, there's still an abundance of debris/overgrowth collected on many of the roads on both the north and south ends of the ranch. Therefore, residents are asking once again to use CSA 115 funds or Riverside County resources to grate the road sides, creating a safer "curb-like" clearing and to remove any build up of debris & overgrowth on the intersections and along roadsides.

The residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch see the County maintaining all the adjacent roads like Bubbling Wells, and they want the same maintenance for their roads inside the ranch. B-BAR-H Ranch annual tax paying funds are accumulated for road maintenance, and therefore, when roads need to be grated it's the County's responsibility to address the issues in a timely manner.

B-BAR-H Ranch residents were told by the County, the CSA 115 funds are being held by the County. B-BAR-H Ranch residents were also told by the County, if they forfeited their CSA 115 funds to the County completely relinquishing them, then and only then would the County maintain their roads. This does not seem ethical and does not settle properly with the DHS MAC Board or the B-BAR-H Community Association and its residents.

Arguing back and forth with the County for over nine months to get a task accomplished is borderline harassing, and some of the residents want to contact an attorney to investigate the proper use of CSA115 funded taxpayer monies. If the MAC and Riverside County is not working with the CSA 115 to address these issues, then it may circumvent the MAC and resume the CSA 115 meetings to get the things done for the CSA 115 territory as they were accomplished in the past.

If proper wording to get the road job accomplished is the issue, then please advise how B-BAR-H Ranch residents should state the request to get the task completed. Some of the roads have large green plants growing onto the pavement making it difficult for driver safety. Many of the intersections are filled with piles of sand and debris. To my understanding, there has been no road maintenance here for about 5 years or longer when the roads were built.

The Board of Directors voted 9 months ago to have road maintenance of north & south ends of the B-BAR-H Ranch accomplished and for some ungodly reason (possible wrong wording) B-BAR-H Ranch residents were denied the opportunity to use road maintenance funds for this purpose. It's their understanding CSA 115 funds are tax monies collected by the homes to maintain the roads in a proactive approach to prevent damage and to enhance safety.

Plus, stop signs on the south end have not been addressed or installed. If there are accidents on any of these roads after the County has been put on notice of these problems, B-BAR-H Ranch residents will turn over all liability to the County to resolve.

If B-BAR-H Ranch residents need to proceed to Supervisor Marion Ashley's office to get the road issues addressed, they will. They are determined as a community to use taxpaying road maintenance monies or Riverside County support to maintain their roads. B-BAR-H Ranch residents would also like to have a copy of the official documents used to determine use of CSA 115 funds for road & lighting maintenance as a working document, and they would also like documentation when requests are denied.

On October 14, 2010, the DHS MAC Board of Directors voted to meet monthly. They intend to meet on a monthly basis to discuss Neighborhood Watch and MAC issues to improve the quality and safety of our community. According to a conversation with Brenda Salas, Project Manager, regarding the unanimous vote, the DHS MAC was denied monthly meetings based on County staffing not available to attend. If County staff can't attend meetings, DHS MAC will report the meeting discussions to the County in an email following each meeting.

It's clearly understood there have been many useful DHS MAC accomplishments, and the unincorporated areas of DHS are grateful for the County's support to maintain the affected County roads. Our disappointment lies within the specific areas of the CSA 115 where taxpayer funds are being held and not used when needed to maintain the roads. If the County refuses to address these issues using CSA115 funds, then the County should take it upon themselves to come into the B-BAR-H Ranch area and maintain the B-BAR-H Ranch roads just like they maintain adjacent roads like Bubbling Wells, 20th Ave, Mountain View, and all other adjacent roads to the area.

B-BAR-H Ranch residents have requested a response from Riverside County about these concerns. The information contained here is public information and will be shared with those concerned who have brought the information to Riverside County's attention.

B-BAR-H Ranch residents look forward to hearing from Riverside County with great anticipation. If Riverside County is holding the CSA 115 funds with a tight fist, then they should use their trucks and equipment in the B-BAR-H Ranch area to maintain the roads just like they maintain all adjacent roads.

B-BAR-H Ranch residents believe it makes sense for the DHS MAC to make this happen!

And, if it makes sense, then we need do it!

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Updates

2010-11-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Watch Meeting

The November 11, 2010 MAC Meeting has been postponed until January 13, 2011. Please mark your calendar now for 6 p.m. at Bubbling Wells Elementary School for the January 13, 2011 MAC Meeting.

On November 10, 2010, the B-BAR-H Neighborhood Watch Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Please see email for location. Please bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

Agenda:

Welcome New Neighbors & Residents
Neighborhood updates.
Barricades to obstruct traffic update.
Neighborhood incidents update.
Street cleaning.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Training).
Future plans & ideas.

Please tell your neighbors about this meeting, and invite new residents so they can meet the neighborhood. If you'd like to be notified of neighborhood meetings, please submit your email address here: Contact Us

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MAC Update: DHS Municipal Advisory Council Achievement

MAC Board Member Gumer Arias suggested the County install stop signs near Bubbling Wells Elementary School. Thanks to Gumer's efforts Riverside County is going forward with installing the all-way stop control at Avenida Manzana. They are also conducting speed surveys on Campanero to establish a speed zone in addition to the existing school zone speed limit of 25 mph (applicable only when children are present).

Other future MAC item updates include:

Improved Turn Lane on Mountain View Road & 20th Avenue
Stop signs South side B-BAR-H Ranch
Alternating Monthly Meetings: MAC/Neighborhood Watch

Desert Hot Springs Municipal Advisory Council Board of Directors are:
Anna Miller, Chair
Pat Carney, Vice Chair
Steve Grasha, Secretary
Gumer Arias, Board Member
Curtis Witt, Board Member

Dorlaine Stanley, Alternate Board Member

The November 11, 2010 MAC Meeting has been postponed until January 13, 2011. Please mark your calendar now for 6 p.m. at Bubbling Wells Elementary School for the January 13, 2011 MAC Meeting.

DHS MAC Approves & Installs Street Light at Palm Canyon Drive & 20th Ave

2010-08-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

The DHS MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) made a recommendation to the Riverside County Transportation Dept. to place a new street light at the corner of Palm Drive and 20th Avenue. The street light illuminates the right turn onto 20th Avenue from Palm Drive. Prior to the light, there was little notice of the turn from busy Palm Drive road.

The DHS MAC meets quarterly to discuss and recommend community improvement efforts. Supervisor Marion Ashley's 5th District MAC meets quarterly at the Bubbling Wells Elementary School. Project Manager Brenda Salas coordinates MAC activities within seven unincorporated areas of Riverside County. For more information about MAC click here.

Meet Lt. Bill Sullivan - Riverside County Sheriff

2010-08-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Lieutenant Bill Sullivan &
Community Service Officer Lori Hardcastle,

Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.

The B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood was introduced to a new sheriff, Lt. Bill Sullivan from the Palm Desert Sheriff's Office. Lt. Sullivan may be new to our area, but he is not new to the job. Lt. Sullivan comes to us with many years of experience in law enforcement.

Deputy Sheriff Lori Hardcastle is a familiar face in our neighborhood and has been our community liaison with the Riverside Sheriff's Dept for some time now. We appreciate the time both Bill and Lori took from their busy day to stop and say hello to us.

Many of the B-BAR-H Ranch residents can look forward to an opportunity to meet Lt. Sullivan at an upcoming DHS MAC Meeting. The meet & greet meeting today was informal and brief. B-BAR-H Ranch residents stopped to say hello to Lt. Sullivan and Deputy Sheriff Lori Hardcastle. If you could not attend today's meet & greet, and you'd like to talk with Lt. Sullivan, please call him at 760.534.4285.

We look forward to our continued effort to work with Riverside County to keep our community safe.

We thank Riverside County for their continued and ongoing support.

DHS MAC more progress - stop signs installed

2010-07-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Riverside County Transportation Department responded quickly to a recent request made by the DHS Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) to install a stop sign at the Sagebrush Trail and El Serape Trail intersection located within the B-BAR-H Ranch. The corner was identified by local residents as a danger zone for incoming/outgoing vehicles.

There have been several close misses at the intersection. People coming into the area and people leaving had no traffic controls. Now, when using the Sagebrush Trail exit, people will be required to stop.

Special thanks are extended to EDA Project Manager Brenda Salas for being the liaison with the Transportation Department to accomplish the DHS MAC task. Brenda coordinates and leads seven MAC groups within Riverside County. The MAC groups make community improvement recommendations to County Supervisors' offices throughout Riverside County.

An additional stop sign was placed at the corner of Paintbrush Trail and El Serape Trail. Residents anticipate the additional stop signs will slow speeders in the neighborhood. The stop sign installations fall within Supervisor Marion Ashley's 5th District. Supervisor Ashley is dedicated to helping the County's 5th District residents resolve safety issues.

For more information about a MAC in your area, please contact Brenda Salas at 951.955.6046. Meetings are held quarterly, and all residents living in unincorporated areas of Riverside County are invited to attend.

Participating in a MAC meeting creates a forum for residents to speak directly with their County Supervisor. It's one of the best results-oriented communication vehicles Riverside County has implemented to streamline processes and create a team effort!

Two San Diego men arrested in connection to DHS attack

2010-07-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Two San Diego-area men were behind bars today on suspicion of attacking a Desert Hot Springs man as he slept, a sheriff's sergeant said.

Christopher Paul Caldwell, 19, of Poway, and Juan ``Johnny'' Zamora, 20, of San Diego, allegedly attacked the 24-year-old man at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 67000 block of Buckboard Lane, said Sgt. Andrew Nielsen of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The man had injuries to his face, head and upper body. There was no forced entry into the home, and investigators believe the suspects targeted the victim, although a motive for the attack was not given.

The suspects were arrested around 9 p.m. Thursday at their homes, Nielsen said.

Caldwell was booked on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon and was held at the Indio Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

Zamora is suspected of assault with a deadly weapon and was held on $25,000 bail.

A letter to Riverside County: CSA 115 - Low-Cost Solutions for High-Risk Safety Issues

2010-07-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Your meeting went well last Thursday, however, there were items not addressed which our neighborhood was depending upon receiving feedback. As a result, people have been contacting me directly wanting answers to their questions regarding issues they've been wanting resolved for over a year.

On behalf of CSA 115, it's time we take action. Our neighborhood decided they do NOT want to wait another 3 -6 months to get our minor safety needs addressed.

CSA 115 for B-BAR-H Ranch can work directly with Transportation to achieve our "small" requests for addressing minor safety issues.

The main problems are:

1. Stop Signs on the North side have been on the list for over a year. We can get these stop signs installed without waiting another 3-6 months. We need them immediately at the corner of El Serape Trail and Sagebrush Trail (and Paintbrush Trail and El Serape). El Serape Trail and Sagebrush Trail is a very high risk corner and today another close call occurred which almost resulted in a head on crash! I happened to be at the corner when this incident happened. They got out of their car, and I told the people I would contact you directly to get the problem resolved immediately. School is out and kids are playing outside. Not having a stop sign poses high risk for the children.

2. Street Cleaning. The streets within the North side of the ranch are filled with sand and the corners are dangerous when turning. Vehicles slide when making turns and it is very dangerous. Yesterday a small child slid off his bike and severely scraped his legs and arms. We want the streets here cleaned to prevent further accidents. We can't wait 3-6 months for this item to become an agenda item without resolution!

3. Cement Barricades needed for the empty lots on Bubbling Wells will detract illegal trespassing. I've already worked with Transportation to get some installed, and after this week's incident regarding a break-in, we want this addressed quickly without waiting 6 months for MAC meeting discussions.

We need to address these issues immediately. We do NOT want to wait another 3 months for feedback from the MAC without any progress or decisions. We can easily work directly with Transportation for these items. There's plenty of funds in the CSA 115 account to cover these low-cost solutions to high-risk safety issues.

Please advise the quickest way for us to get these issues resolved --- either work through you to get the issues addressed or you support us in working directly with Transportation to implement low-cost solutions to these high-risk problems.

Please reply so I can get feedback to the people who have been waiting patiently for these items to be addressed.

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MAC meeting agenda July 8, 2010

2010-07-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend our next MAC Meeting on July 8, 2010, Bubbling Wells Elementary School, 6:00 P.M.

Bring your ideas to help improve our community.

Bring your suggestions and concerns.

Our MAC has made progress thanks to YOU & Riverside County's Brenda Salas.

We are on a roll.... let's keep on rockin'

Click Here for the Full Agenda

B-BAR-H Ranch Clean Up Day March 13, 2010

2010-03-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Click Here or Click the image above to read the complete bilingual announcement.

The B-BAR-H Ranch Residents will meet at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch at 7:00 A.M. on March 13, 2010 to participate with Riverside County Code Enforcement Community Improvement to clean their neighborhood. This annual event is sponsored by Riverside County. The Community Improvement Specialist is Chaka Ferrel.

Please mark your calendar. March 13, 2010 from 8-Noon. Bring all unwanted items to the Arch where there will be large trash bins available to dispose of unwanted items.

Take advantage of this opportunity! Clean your yard, garage and house of unwanted items.

Announcement in bilingual format courtesy of Grace Escobar, Riverside County.

Supervisor forms new community council

2010-03-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Residents in the unincorporated areas around Desert Hot Springs have a new way to share their concerns with Riverside County leaders.

County Supervisor Marion Ashley recently established the Desert Hot Springs Municipal Advisory Council.

Composed of five members and two alternates, the group holds regular public meetings on topics from transportation to public safety.

The local input is then shared with county supervisors.

“Anything that comes up in the area, we try to bring it up to them and get their advice on it,” Ashley said. “It's been very helpful. It's taking government closer to the people. It gives them a voice.”

Last week, supervisors appointed four people to the council, two as members and two as alternates.

The council's coverage area includes the unincorporated area of North Palm Springs. Residents must live in or have a business there.

This is the seventh municipal advisory council Ashley created in the county's fifth district.

Riverside County's fourth district, which covers most of the Coachella Valley, has similar advisory groups called community councils.

“You start hearing grassroots input you would never hear before,” Ashley said.

March 2010 Meeting & Clean Up Day!

2010-03-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend:

March 11, 2010 - Larry Ward, County Assessor, will present at our Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting and talk about Property Taxes. We all pay property taxes and write checks to Larry Ward. Now, we'll be able to meet him in person and ask questions -- come prepared. DHS MAC Meeting, 6 p.m., Bubbling Wells Elem Schl.

DHS MAC Board Members & Alternates will be named. The DHS MAC has expanded its area to include more territory. Join us to meet new members.

Our MAC is sponsored by Supervisor Marion Ashley's Office and Riverside County Economic Development Agency. Brenda Salas is the Project Manager.

March 13, 2010 - B BAR H Ranch Clean Up Day at the Arch on Bubbling Wells & El Serape. We will repeat last year's clean up event. The dumpster will be located at the Arch from 8 - Noon. B BAR H Volunteers are needed to help at the Arch. Riverside County will supply T-Shirts and tools. Let's all meet at the Arch at 7:30 a.m. on March 13th to coordinate our efforts.

Arrive Early! PLAN TO BRING YOUR UNWANTED TRASH TO THE ARCH EARLY. Last year we ran out of bin space early and had to turn people away.

Last year's clean up day produced amazing results for our area. This year we are expecting a much larger response. Both the North and South sides of the Ranch were notified. Special thanks to Dennis Cline and Trudy Patee for notifying the South Side residents.

Clean Up Day is a great way for us clean out unwanted items, to see one another and work together to make our neighborhood look good. This event is sponsored and paid for by Riverside County Code Enforcement. Our Community Improvement Specialist is Chaka Ferrel.

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Please spread the word throughout the neighborhood about these two events.

Need a Pool Guy? Call Bob White!

2010-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

From Amy Lieurance, B-BAR-H Resident

"How would you like pool service 7 days a week for $50 a month? Or, pool and spa for $65 a month? If you already have a robot, deduct $20. (Prices assume an average-sized pool with no problems such as vegetation, equipment, circulation, or oil usage. Not included are algae treatments nor filter cleanings. It gets even better! Parts are at wholesale cost. I give you the invoice - there is no doubling or tripling here! Labor is $20/hr. 1/2 to a 1/3 the going rate!

Call me, Bob @ 760 251 1079 to arrange a look - see. I look forward to hearing from you!!!"

Bob White 13105 Cuyamaca, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

B-BAR-H Neighborhood News

2010-01-29T11:21:00.000-08:00

Missing Rottweiler Found!

Thanks to Our Neighbors

Mike and Tania Smith, Sagebrush Trail, had a sad day this week when their one year old Rottweiler got loose. We sent out an email immediately to everyone here and within one day the puppy was found at the home of another neighbor.

We look out for one another in our community. Please use the blog to post help or any other need you may have.

"Thank for your quick help with that email to the neighborhood. After combing the neighborhood today we found our dog at a neighbors house. He is now home safe and sound. We really appreciate your time. We are so grateful to be a part of such a caring community." Mike and Tania Smith

Oct '09 MAC Meeting Follow-Up from Riverside County Transportation Department

2009-10-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

When a Community Speaks, Riverside County Transportation Listens!

By Anna Miller, DHS MAC Board Member
Information from Lawrence Tai, Riverside County Transportation Department
October 30, 2009

The DHS Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) under the leadership of Ms. Brenda Salas met on October 9, 2009 to discuss transportation issues within our community. Mr. Lawrence Tai of the RCTD presented to the B-BAR-H Ranch residents and answered questions many people had about road and lighting improvements. As a result, Lawrence conducted research and responded to the community's needs. Below is a summary of Mr. Tai's findings and recommendations for moving forward:

1. Recommendations for the corner of 20th Ave & Palm Drive

Mr. Tai drove both 20th Ave and Palm Dr (making left turn from Palm onto 20th Ave) after the meeting. The intersection has no street lights and is quite dark. RCTD will install reflective markers (Type F-2) to delineate the corner returns (NE and SE) to better guide motorists onto 20th Ave.

RCTD will also replace the existing intersection warning signs/street name signs on Palm Dr in advance of 20th Ave with larger size sign with better reflectivity to increase the target value and visibility.

Regarding the possibility of installing street lights at this intersection, RCTD contacted the SCE planner for the area and try to obtain a cost estimate for the installation of two street lights (NE and SW corner) on wood posts. Due to the need for installing an additional post in the SE corner (to provide power) , there will be an installation charge from SCE. The preliminary cost provided by SCE is between $3,000 to $5,000. Will EDA be able to provide funds for the installation?

Brenda Salas said, "We need documentation from SCE they are willing to pay for the maintenance and the exact costs, if so then I am told it is likely Redevelopment will pay for this expense to install. Appreciate your work Lawrence!"

2. Check policy for maintaining B-BAR-H Roads

B-BAR-H Ranch roads are maintained through CSA 115 funds because they are not County owned.

3. Follow up pertaining to the 20th Ave & Mountain View Road project

Based upon a recommendation made by the B-BAR-H Ranch CSA 115, RCTD applied and was successful in obtaining safety grant funds for widening the shoulders on Mt. View Rd and adding left turn lanes at 20th Ave and at Club House Dr. The project is currently under design and environmental clearance review. Assuming we have no environmental clearance issues, we anticipate submitting to Caltrans (as project is federally funded) the request for authorization to advertize the project in March, 2010. Construction is expected to begin in Fall, 2010.

4. Stop signs inside B-BAR-H Ranch North at El Serape and Sagebrush Trail and Paintbrush Trail

Since CSA 115 roads are non-county maintained, it will be up to the CSA to determine if additional STOP signs are needed. This item needs to be put to a vote at an upcoming MAC meeting.

According to the CA Vehicle Code, at "T" intersections, traffic on the terminating street (stem of the T) has to yield to the traffic on the through street (top of the T). STOP sign typically is not needed. However, when there is sufficient traffic volume, and potential conflicts exist, STOP sign may be appropriate for the terminating street.

For cross intersections, if sight distance is restricted, two-way stop control may be beneficial.

5. What is the maintenance schedule for resurfacing the roads within the B-BAR-H Ranch North. We need to know when the last resurfacing occurred and when we can get them resurfaced again.

CSA 115 will have to research their records and make that determination. We will contact Andy Frost at EDA to obtain past CSA 115 meeting minutes and history to discuss at a future meeting.

6. We'd also like to know if we can work through the Transportation Dept for obtaining a low voltage solar lamp street light.

The need for installing additional street lights will be up to the CSA to determine. Regarding solar-powered street lights, these typically are LEDs and have a "Cool White" color - quite different from the color (more orange-yellowish) of the existing Hight Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights. Be cautious in using solar-powered lights at this time since the solar panel on the street lamp may require high maitenance (need a clean surface to produce maximum electric current, and is highly susceptible to vandelism). Who will be responsible for maintenance once the solar-powered lights are installed?

LED street lights using conventional power could be an alternative; however, as far as we know, the initial cost is high. Our recent analysis for currently available products shows that the recovery period (from energy saving) is longer than the warranty life of the street light. New and better products will be available in the next few years. Until then, the recommendation is to wait to utilize LED street lights.

If the MAC wishes to install additional conventional-powered street lights on non-county maintained streets within CSA 115, the CSA should work with EDA and contact SCE directly.

7. "No Dumping Sign" on 20th Ave are needed.

If the CSA pays for the signs, RCTD will install them. Unfortunately, these signs are subject to vandalism and knock down, and often get stolen. RCTD will NOT be able to maintain these signs within county road rights-of-way. We will also contact Chaka Ferrel, Riverside County Community Improvement Specialist, regarding this issue.

8. Centerline Striping on 20th Ave and on Bubbling Wells Road

Mr. Tai drove both 20 Ave and Bubbling Wells Rd after the meeting. RCTD will install the yellow centerline on 20th Ave between Palm Dr. and Mt. View, and on Buddbling Wells between Dillon and 20th Ave. RCTD will install the centerline in 4 to 6 weeks when the field crews can be scheduled.

9. Speed Limits on 20th Ave (between Palm Dr and Mt. View) and on Bubbling Wells Rd (between Dillon Rd and 20th Ave)

RCTD will be installing 45 mph speed limit signs on 20th Ave between Mt. View and Bubbling Wells Rd based on Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS). RCTD will obtain updated speed surveys on both Bubbling Wells (between Dillon and 20th Ave) and 20th Ave (between Bubbling Wells and Palm Dr) in November.

10. Street name signs for 18th Ave and for El Serape on Bubbling Wells Rd

Based on our field review, we'll relocate the "18th ST" street name signs to the dirt road intersection (18th Street), and install new advance street name signs "El Serape ->" on Bubbling Wells Rd in advance of the intersection of El Serape and Bubbling Wells Rd.

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Comments are open for our readers. Please feel free to submit your thoughts. Our next MAC meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2009 at Bubbling Wells Elementary School Library at 6:00 p.m.

Second Annual Riverside County Neighborhood Conference

2009-09-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

HOSTED BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Saturday, October 17, 2009

8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Heritage High School
26000 Briggs Road
Romoland, CA 92585

For more details and to register online CLICK HERE.

What you can expect....

* Educational Breakout Sessions
* Learn from Inspirational Speakers
* Exhibitors from a Variety of Organizations
* Excellent Networking Opportunities
* Free Parking
* Free Snacks and Lunch
* Activities for Children (ages 6-12)

Click Here to register online!

Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) District 5 Meeting #2

2009-09-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here's the time/date/place for our second MAC Meeting. Please mark your calendar to attend:

Thursday, October 8, 2009
6:00 P.M.
Bubbling Wells Elementary School

Guest Speaker:

Mojahed Salama, Riverside County Transportation Dept

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NEWS & UPDATES:

New Road Project -- For those of you who do NOT want the new road, please see the email copied below from Mr. Steve Hernandez, Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Marion Ashley. I forwarded the "stop the road project petition" to Mr. Hernandez and asked him what we needed to do to stop the project from proceeding.

Here's the response:

from Hernandez, Steven
to Anna Miller
date Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 9:38 AM
subject RE: B-BAR-H Ranch Road Project Update

Hi Anna,

We will not proceed with a project that the community does not want or deem necessary.

Steven Hernandez
Legislative Assistant to Supervisor Marion Ashley
951-955-1050

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Community Improvements -- Based on feedback from our community, the following community improvements will be proposed and submitted to the MAC for approval: mellow/solar lamps, road resurfacing and stop signs within our neighborhood. Other improvements will be proposed to include: center divider lines (20th ave & Bubbling Wells), no dumping signs (20th ave), improved visibility at corner (Palm & 20th ave). The attached map was created from ideas submitted by Andy Biswas, Jim Fosbinder, and Jodi Duffie.

------------------------------

Speed Bumbs Update -- I spoke extensively with Mr. Salama from the Transportation Department about speed bumps, and as a result think we need to revisit the need for speed bumps in our neighborhood. Here's a list of very good reasons why we should not install speed bumps:

1. it slows down an emergency vehicle; and sometimes a few seconds of time matters when it's a life/death situation. Emergency Response Personnel do NOT like speed bumps.

2. because we have no curbs, drivers will make paths around the speed bump to avoid them creating a mess on the landscape

3. they are noisey

We can discuss alternatives at our next MAC meeting.

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MAC District 5 Map -- See attached map of our MAC area from Brenda Salas. For any further details, please contact Brenda Salas.

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B-BAR-H Ranch Arch Update -- I spoke with Riverside Historical Expert Keith Herron. Keith suggested we proceed with a meeting with the land owner to express our interest in preserving the Arch. He also said a letter of endorsement from the DHS Historical Society would be helpful. Rose Alsup is helping with this project.

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Changing our Address Name from DHS to something else -- Many people here do NOT want to use the Desert Hot Springs name in our mailing address. We can have it changed. We need to meet to create a new name, and then we can set up a meeting with the USPS Post Master to implement the change. Let's talk about it at our next MAC meeting when the agenda opens for public comments.

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Do We Need Healthcare Reform?

2009-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Change is good. There's hidden opportunity in change. We need a change in healthcare. We've needed it for a very long time.

Does this story sound familiar? It's what many Americans are going through today! "For the past several years, my health insurance has increased by $100 per month. A few years ago I switched plans and now, the insurance company is back to its old tricks! Today, I pay an annual $4500 deductible and a $600 monthly premium. I tried to get a lowered rate and a different plan and have been denied due to a pre-existing condition. My insurance provider said I must live in California or they will drop coverage. I am cornered. I'm trapped. I've been paying on time to Healthnet Insurance Company for over six years. Never missed a payment, and RARELY use insurance coverage. In the past six years, I have NEVER met a $4500 deductible!"

It's time for healthcare reform. The insurance companies have been in control too long. They are unfair, over-priced and do NOT have the best interest of our health in mind!

8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage

Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions:
Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays:
Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care:
Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill:
Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
Ends Gender Discrimination:
Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage:
Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
Extends Coverage for Young Adults:
Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
Guarantees Insurance Renewal:
Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.

Myths
Don't believe all the nonsense against Healthcare Reform!

Read these MYTHS.....It’s a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.

MYTH ABOUT AFFORDING REFORM. It’s a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs; ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.

MYTH ABOUT EUTHANASIA. It’s a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult family decisions.

MYTH ABOUT VETERANS. It’s a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.

MYTH ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS. It’s a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

MYTH ABOUT MEDICARE. It’s myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut" hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.

MYTH ABOUT PERSONAL INSURANCE. It’s myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

MYTH ABOUT BANK ACCOUNT. It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you – and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.

Learn more and get details:

http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck

http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq

Community Improvement News

2009-08-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Desert Hot Springs Arial View Map
Click Image to Enlarge Map

from Chaka Ferrel,
Riverside County Community Improvement Specialist

There are two Community Improvement Programs being announced today. The programs are sponsored by Riverside County. Click the links below to read the details.

Junk and Trash Removal Program: http://www.paintbrushtrail.com/JunkTrashRemoval.pdf
Available in English and Spanish.

Desert Care Program:
http://www.paintbrushtrail.com/DesertCare.pdf
Available in English and Spanish.

Contact
Chaka Ferrel, (951) 892-1377 or email cosborne @ rctlma.org

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: Our County Roads Need Safety Measures

2009-07-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Photos Courtesy of Steve Grasha

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Our County Roads Need Safety Measures
Center Divider Lines - Speed Limit Signs - Stop Sign Reflectors

How fast do you have to be going to flip a car when swerving to avoid a rabbit in the road?

A few months ago, Jim Fosbinder, B-BAR-H Resident, contacted Riverside County about putting yellow center divider lines on 20th Avenue and Bubbling Wells Roads. He received a phone call from Riverside County stating there wasn't enough traffic on either road to justify center divider lines.

On July 9th, Steve Grasha, B-BAR-H Resident, asked Brenda Salas, MAC Project Manager, if we can get an updated traffic study of the roads to justify more safety measures for 20th Avenue and Bubbling Wells Roads. He requested the study be conducted in January not July.

The photos above were submitted by Steve Grasha. The woman said she swerved to avoid hitting a rabit and flipped her car. That was one heck of a swerve! We all need to be careful when driving on 20th Avenue and Bubbling Wells Roads. The traffic is fast, furious, and there are very little controls.

Bubbling Wells Road & 20th Avenue need:

- Center Divider Lines for lanes
- Speed Limit Signs
- No Dumping Signs
- Stop Sign Reflectors (or flashing lights) for night vision

Drive Defensively at All Times!

The $400K Road to NOwhere: MAC Meeting a Lively Discussion

2009-07-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

- VOICE OF THE PEOPLE -

The $400K Road to NOwhere: MAC Meeting a Lively Discussion
by Jim Fosbinder, B-BAR-H Resident

The first MAC meeting held July 9th at the VFW was attended by 20+ B-BAR-H Ranch Residents. And, it was a lively conversation. We learned about the purpose of the MAC, how we can participate, and most importantly, how we can be heard to get things done for the common good of all!

We were a little disappointed the "old" CSA 115 Board Members were up to their "old" tricks and decided to introduce the "new" MAC to their Standard Operating Procedure "coup d'etat" of no-show of one Board Member so there wasn't a quorum. We aren't going to tolerate that old way of doing business within our new MAC! Residents were eager to contribute suggestions and ideas for our next meeting which we hope will be scheduled prior to October!!!

Brenda Salas, Project Manager, explained we need more people for our MAC's Board of Directors; 5-7 Board Members is ideal in case there's any absenteeism. Volunteers came forth to become a MAC Board Member: Andy Biswas, Tad Seney, and Guy Hildebrand are applying for the MAC Board. Plus, Steve Grasha already submitted his application, and Brenda confirmed it has been received. We should have a strong MAC Board soon who will represent the area to help get things done for our neighborhood.

A lively discussion was centered around the new "Road to Nowhere." The County may have approved a second entrance/exit for our area, but we learned last night there's a 80-90% chance we can overturn the decision. There's no need to spend our tax dollars on a road we do not want or need. A petition was presented at the meeting signed by 20+ residents. The petition will be sent to Brenda Salas to present to the Board Of Supervisors as our first attempt to stop the "$400K Road to Nowhere." We also communicated clearly, we will do whatever it takes to stop this wasteful spending of our tax dollars.

Juan Perez, Director of Transportation, heads up Riverside County's transportation department. Brenda is going to ask him to attend our next MAC meeting to give us a staff report on the road project status and the amount of money already spent from our tax dollars for this project. We need to find out from Mr. Perez what we need to do to put a halt on this wasteful spending before it gets out of control. At our last Neighborhood Meeting (not the MAC), Chad Wilshire, Senior Development Specialist for Riverside County, informed us money has already been spent on some of the engineering of the road project. We really need to stop this unneeded spending of our tax dollars.

Did you know we have a second exit out of the area through 18th Street? It's a dirt road, but works perfectly if there's an emergency! It's large enough for dump trucks and fire trucks. We really need to think about spending $400K on a new road when we already have two entrances/exits from our area. Pat Carney said the 18th Street exit crosses a vacant lot. If you own the lot, please contact us. Regardless, I don't think Police, Fire or Ambulance care if the road crosses a vacant lot -- they'll use it anyway!

Someone mentioned the idea of putting up a gated road which would be locked and used only for an emergency. Only police and fire would have the key. Well, although this sounds like a fancy alternative, the tax dollars and cost would increase to create a gate and all! I don't think this is a good way to spend our tax dollars! And again, it's not needed because we can exit using El Serape Road and 18th Street onto Bubbling Wells.

There were many other topics discussed, and we are preparing information for our next meeting. The next MAC Meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 8, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. We're going to see if we can get an earlier date. The location will be determined later and posted on the blog.

Here's what we're planning for the next meeting topics:

1. Speed Bumps
2. Stop Signs
3. Road Improvement - Black Top
4. Solar Street Lamps
5. Traffic Study for 20th Avenue & Bubbling Wells Road
6. Change our Name from Desert Hot Springs to??? Please bring your ideas to the next meeting!
7. Arch Area Improvement
8. Staff Report from Dept. of Transportation about the status of the "road to nowhere" project

We were told things get done by people who attend the meetings.

It was good to see Code Enforcement represented at our first MAC Meeting. For those of you who are concerned, Mary Overholt, Code Enforcement Officer, said the broken fence at the end of Sagebrush Trail is being addressed. Plus, we were told there will be more Code Enforcement Officers scheduled to drive through our area on a regular basis to help us maintain the integrity of the community. On behalf of our area, we thanked Code Enforcement for attending our first MAC and for the help they've given us to clean up our neighborhood. If you haven't done so, take a drive around. You can see the difference Code Enforcement's Community Improvement Department has made! Our Riverside County, Community Improvement Specialist is Chaka Ferrel.

Let's create a fresh, new Municipal Advisory Committee! Let's do things for the common good of us all and create a community we are proud to call our home! Let's use our roads & lighting tax dollars wisely for the things we need to improve our community and our property.

Spread the word. Talk to your neighbors. Tell people who don't have a computer about the MAC.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: We Oppose a Second Entrance to Our Neighborhood & Higher Taxes!

2009-07-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
We Oppose a Second Entrance to Our Neighborhood & Higher Taxes!
by Andy Biswas, B-BAR-H Resident

Riverside County approved the building of a second entrance into the North End of the B-Bar-H Ranch using our tax dollars accumulated in the CSA 115 funds. None of the people who live here were given an opportunity to voice our opinion of this new entrance until now!

Talking with many of the residents, we do NOT want the second entrance into our area. We were told the second entrance is for emergency purposes, but we do not think a second entrance and the spending of our tax dollars is the solution for any emergency! We can't predict the future, and we cetainly do not want our tax money spent on something we don't need or with little guarantee it will help in the time of an emergency! There's absolutely no guarantee a second entrance is the solution for an emergency.

First, we like the safety of having one way in and out. Our area gets uninvited people driving through all the time looking for ways to vandalize the unoccupied homes. It's good to know, when these uninvited people enter, they must leave the same way. Many of us have already escorted unwanted visitors from these premises. If there's a second road to exit, it's just an invitation for trouble makers to come and go as they please.

Second, the traffic will increase. Right now, the speeders come zipping down our streets at high speeds. Having a second entrance/exit will only cause people to use this area as a thorough-fair. We do not want more traffic in here coming and going from both ends.

Third, we like the privacy, and we bought these homes because it is a quiet, secluded area. Opening it up and using our tax dollars to create more problems is not what we want. We need to maintain the roads we have now, not add more roads! Plus, using our tax dollars to add a road not needed or wanted may cause our property taxes to go up! We do not want to pay higher taxes for a road we do not want or need.

People say the second entrance is for emergency purposes. But, our current entrance located at El Serape and Bubbling Wells is huge. Between the Arch and the roads around it, at least 4-5 lanes can be used by cars in case of an emergency. If you look at the current large entrance design at the Arch area, we have 2-3 entrances/exits from this property.

We truly believe the approval of this second entrance and road was made without consulting or asking any of the residents, and we are upset. If you do NOT want the second entrance built, please leave a comment on this blog post. We are asking everyone who reads this blog to help us stop the building of a second road into the North Side of the B-BAR-H Ranch.

________________________

Please leave a comment, an opinion, or reaction to this blog post. Or you can send an email to Webmaster(at)PaintbrushTrail.com.

Please attend the MAC Meeting on July 9, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at the VFW to voice your opinion on how your tax dollars are spent for roads & lighting. Details are listed below.

________________________

Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) Announces It's Arrival to Help Our Neighborhood!

2009-06-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

You're Invited!
Our FIRST MAC Meeting
July 9, 2009
VFW Hall
6:00 P.M.

We are excited to say the least. Riverside County's Brenda Salas, Project Manager, Economic Development Agency for Riverside County is heading up a Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) for our area! This is the best news we've had in a long time to create a forum and get assistance for the things we need, want or don't want for our neighborhood!

There's been a long list of things accumulated over the past few years, and now we'll have the forum to get things accomplished through the proper channels. The MAC includes the CSA 115 tax funds for roads and lighting -- CSA as we knew it is now a part of MAC -- with MAC taking the lead to help us get things accomplished. At our last Neighborhood Meeting we learned there's money in the CSA 115 fund appropriated for roads and lighting. Now, we'll have a forum to discuss our needs for the appropriated funds.

Here's a partial list of some of the items many of our neighbors request:

B-BAR-H Arch "Park Area"
Road Signs
Stop Signs
Speed Limit Signs
No Dumping Signs
Speed Bumps
Center Divider Lines
Barricades Where Needed
Street Lights
Improved Road Maintenance
Barking Dog Help
VFW Needs Our Help (Commander George to explain at the meeting)

A voice in how our tax dollars are spent is top priority for many of us. Do we want to spend our tax dollars on building another road into our neighbohood? Or should we use the funds to maintain the roads we currently use? These questions and other topics should be brought to the MAC for discussion on July 9th.

Here's the invitation from Brenda Salas:
You are invited to attend the first Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting on July 9, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at the VFW Hall. See details below. Please attend. This is an important kick-off meeting.

Purpose of the MAC
5th District Municipal Advisory Councils (MAC) were formed by the direction of Supervisor Marion Ashley in order to bring government to the people. These meetings allow for community input and updates on projects happening in surrounding unincorporated areas of Riverside County. They serve as a forum to provide updates from various Riverside County departments and a venue to take back topics of importance. The purpose of the MAC is to advise, recommend proposed action, and receive reports regarding matters including, but not limited to; public safety, planning, health, transportation, parks and community development within the unincorporated territory. The MAC will also have regular updates regarding CSA 115 as this is a venue for a broader range of topics.

Please attend our first meeting. We’ll set a schedule for upcoming meetings on July 9th. We look forward to getting the entire area involved in the MAC process to create strong Community Involvement for the continued success of your neighborhood in Riverside County.

Thank you,
Brenda Salas
Project Manager
Economic Development Agency
County of Riverside

(Your comments are always welcomed, and your presence at this first meeting is very important. Please attend! Thank you!)

B-BAR-H Ranch Arch Repair - March 22, 2009

2009-05-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Frank Torres, Cochran Communications Construction
Sunday, March 22, 2009

Pat Carney, North B-BAR-H Ranch Resident, coaching Frank Torres of Cochran Communications Construction.

Jim Fosbinder, North B-BAR-H Ranch Resident

Walter Santos (left) and Bill Bentinck, North B-BAR-H Ranch Residents

On March 22, 2009, Cochran Communications Construction came to the resue and repaired the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch. The Arch was built around 1929, so at 80 years old, the Arch deserved some TLC. In 2007, the Arch was struck by a DUI from Bubbling Wells Road. The neighbors on the North side of the B-BAR-H Ranch gathered early on a Saturday morning to rebuild the broken down structure, and the last remaining item to repair, was the logs shown in the photos. The logs were jolted during the DUI accident and they remained hanging until March 22, 2009. Special thanks to Pat Carney, El Serape resident. Pat called Cochran Communications Construction and arranged to have Frank Torres come to our rescue. We thank Jason Cochran for helping us solve this long-overdue problem.

Neighbors gathered on this very windy day to watch the historical event! Jim Fosbinder, Bill Bentinck, Walter Santos and Pat Carney held their breath watching the skilled Frank Torres maneuver the repair. We all thought the wind would prevent the repair, but Frank handled it skillfully.

Special thanks to the North Side B-BAR-H Residents who donated time and money for this repair. Our neighbors deserve recognition for stepping forward to help preserve this special piece of the B-BAR-H Ranch history: Bill Bentinck, Walter Santos, John Annala, Mark & Sharon Boden, Fred Philippi, Bob & Rose Alsup, Steve Grasha, Jim Fosbinder & Anna Miller, Pat & Sue Carney, Larry Hoffing and Betty Woods.

Cochran Communications Construction
36630 Cathedral Canyon Dr

Cathedral City, CA 92234
Phone: 760-328-6778

Jason Cochran & Frank Torres

Do you want to say, "Thank You?" Click here and write a note of appreciation for Cochran Communication Construction.

Terra Gallery to Sponsor American Cancer Society Fund Raiser

2009-03-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Please join Team B-BAR-H Ranch - We BAR Cancer at the Terra Gallery on April 18, 2009, for an Artists' Reception. Laura Schway, Gallery Assistant Manager, is coordinating the event held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A proceed of the evening's sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Terra Gallery

Artists' Reception

April 18, 2009

6-10 p.m.

193 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92262

(Parking in Rear)

Artists will be available to sign artwork. The Artists have donated work to be raffeled that evening. Winners must be present to win. For more information or to participate in the evening's event, please call Laura Schway at Terra Gallery 760.322.8047.

To join Team B-BAR-H Ranch - We BAR Cancer Relay for Life Cancer Walk, please click here or on the logo at the top of the page.

West Valley and High Desert Disaster Preparation and Recovery Business Mixer

2009-03-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

17111 West Drive
Desert Hot Springs, Ca 92240
760-329-6403

Thursday March 26th

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Desert Dunes Golf Club

19300 Palm Drive

Desert Hot Springs, Ca

(between Highway 10 and Dillon)

Hosted by Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce

No Admission Fee

Open to Chamber Businesses, Residents and Guests.

A special welcome to the members of 29 Palms, Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, Cathedral City and Palm Springs Chambers

Join us for a networking event:
Networking with other chamber members
Information Tables
Checklists
Helpful Hints
What to Do's
How to's
Disaster Kits

Lots of ideas for preparing and recovering from flood, fire, storm or earthquake.

Raffle Items
Hotel Stays
Restaurants
Disaster Kits
Spa Packages
Basket
Many other items

Live Auction
Catering Package ($700.00 value)

DHS Community Improvement Fair - March 28, 2009

2009-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Read the Online Brochure for this Event

from Chaka Ferrel, Community Improvement Specialist

Volunteers are needed for the DHS Community Improvement Fair - March 28, 2009 at Bubbling Wells Elementary School. We need adult and kid volunteers to assist. All vendors are welcome to attend also.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please see the details by clicking here. Everyone is welcome to attend!

FOOD - FUN - ACTIVITIES...... SPONSORED BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT!

An Economic Resource Open House

2009-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

from Chaka Ferrel, Riverside County Code Enforcement

Networking Opportunities, Honoring Women, and Providing Resources and Support for Tough Economic Times

The Commission for Women, a group of experienced leaders who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors, will be hosting our annual Women of the Year Award presentation, as well as an Economic Resources Open House.

This event is offered for County employees and the Community who are experiencing hardships due to the economic crisis. Some of the resources available will be: Springboard Financial Counseling, Riverside County’s Homeownership Education Learning Program (RC’s HELP), EDA/ Housing Authority, Workforce Development, and Much More!

Event Details:
Economic Resource Open House
April 14th, 2009
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
County Administrative Center Annex
4080 Lemon Street, Riverside

Women of the Year Award Presentation
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
County Administrative Center Board of Supervisors Chambers
4080 Lemon Street, Riverside

To R.S.V.P. to be a Vendor at this event, in order to provide resources for Women, click on the following link or copy and paste the address onto your browser:
http://thecenter.rc-hr.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2053

To R.S.V.P. as a Participant at this event, click on the following link or copy and paste the address onto your browser:
http://thecenter.rc-hr.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2056

For more information, please view the flyer by clicking on the link
http://www.rc-hr.com/Portals/0/Flyers/Woman_of_the_Year_Flyer.pdf

or copy and paste the address into your browser.
For more information regarding the Commission for Women go to:
http://www.rc-hr.com/cfw

Should you have questions about this event, you may contact Diane Harris, Liaison for the Commission for Women at DIHarris(at)rc-hr.com

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Heroes!

2009-03-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Click Here to See the Complete Slide Show

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Pride!

About Clean Up Day
The B-BAR-H Neighborhood Clean Up Day held from 8-Noon on March 14, 2009, was a HUGE success thanks to B-BAR-H Residents and partners from Riverside County Code Enforcement -- Chaka Ferrel, Community Improvement Specialist, Officer Rich Arriola, Riverside County Code Enforcement, Grace Escobar, Media Relations and Barry Busch, Board Assistant to Supervisor Marion Ashley.

Riverside County Code Enforcement said this was the first event they've ever seen with such a large participative turn out by a small community. There were over a dozen volunteers wearing orange Riverside County T-shirts scouring the neighborhood and working at the dumpster site on March 14th. Please look at the Slide Show to see all our friends and neighbors!

We take pride in sharing this blog and thanking EVERYONE who participated in the March 14, 2009 community clean up event sponsored by Riverside County Code Enforcement. There are about 90-100 occupied homes in this area. According to the day's event, every home in the subdivision participated with the exception of about 5-6 homes. That's a record turn out for Clean Up Day!

The Volunteers
Special thanks are extended to the men and women who used their private vehicles, trucks and wagons to scour the neighborhood and carry trash to the dumpster. Without people like Dorlane Stanley, Curtis Schway, Bill Bentinck and Bob Alsup the day's event would've been less impressive. Curtis, Bill and Bob spent four hours driving through the subdivision loading their trucks to capacity with garbage and trash. Dorlane (DL) Stanley walked through fields and empty lots the entire morning hauling rubbish to the dumpster. Our hats go off to these residents.

Others who helped all morning include: Rose Alsup, Pat Carney, Larry Hoffing, Chayo Duarte, Jose German, Juan Villalobos, Joy Brown, Randy Blom, Gabriel Duran, D. Bonilla, Fred Phillipi, Jim Fosbinder, Anna Miller, Chris Georgesco, Walter Santos, John Annala, and others whose names we don't have at the time of this writing.

Children volunteered to go on foot throughout the neighborhood with bags and pickers. We are sorry we don't have their names to post here today, but they have become our blog's poster kids! See their pictures above and in the slide show. The children came back to the dumpster with full garbage bags continuously throughout the morning. Their photo is our website's icon! Thank you for showing pride in your neighborhood. You are wonderful children with a very good Mom. Thanks for encouraging your children to take pride in their neighborhood!

Take a few minutes and drive through the neighborhood. Just about every home and yard is clean with the exception of a few places. Actually, we ran out of time and dumpster room. We filled two full dumpsters. The dumpsters were full by 11:45 a.m., and we actually had to turn away a few last truck loads. We encourage people to arrive earlier next time to make sure we get everything dumped.

About the Arch
The day's event covered a dual purpose. During the clean up, we discussed and planned a "Save the Arch" event. All sorts of suggestions were discussed: make the Arch area into a park, repair the broken logs, paint it, fill the area with rocks, fundraising event, purchase the land, etc. The B-Bar-H Ranch Arch was built in 1929, and the residents want to keep it intact. They are willing to donate time and money to preserve the Arch. Help preserve the Arch by joining the effort. Contact Webmaster(at)Paintbrushtrail.com.

Early Saturday morning, March 21, 2009, everyone is going to meet at the Arch once again to clean up the Arch area, repair the broken log and discuss future plans. Pat Carney, El Serape Road, arranged to have professional assistance to help with the log repair. Chayo Duarte, El Serape Road, is arranging to bring a dump truck of large boulders and rocks to the Arch to create a barricade and protect the Arch from possible vehicle accidents. We almost lost the Arch a few years ago due to a DWI accident.

We're asking neighbors to make a donation to help preserve the Arch. The log repair is going to cost $200. We will all donate what we can to cover this cost. Please arrange your schedule to stop by the Arch on Saturday morning, March 21, 2009 to share ideas and make a donation. The B-BAR-H Ranch Arch is the entrance to our neighborhood and it's something we have all grown to love. Contact Webmaster(at)Paintbrushtrail.com.

View the Slide Show to see the B-BAR-H Neighborhood Clean Up Day
March 14, 2009

This Saturday: March 14th Neighborhood Clean Up Day

2009-03-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Get ready..... we're going to do it again.....

It's just about time to meet at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch located on the North end of the B-BAR-H Ranch to get our neighborhood cleaned up and lookin' good! The photos are from last year's event, and we'll take more photos this year!

Everyone is planning to meet at the Arch at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Riverside County's Chaka Ferrel is the Community Improvement Specialist assigned to our area. Officer Regina Keyes from Code Enforcement will be with us throughout the morning.

The neighborhood met, we discusssed a simple plan and now we'll make it all a reality this Saturday morning. Join us at the Arch at 8 a.m. this Saturday.

We're going to clean up and fix the Arch, too. Bring a ladder, bring your creative ideas and some muscle. This is a neighborhood team effort brought to you by the B-BAR-H Neighborhood Association.

CLICK HERE - Cast a Vote on Start Up Nation

2009-03-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

A warm vote for IGMproducts.com on Start Up Nation is appreciated. Please click the link below and cast your vote.

Please click the above picture and vote for our start up company on Start Up Nation. Voting deadline is March 31, 2009. Thank you!

http://www.igmproducts.com/

We specialize in Ergonomic Heated Computer Aids.

Clean Up Day Planning Meeting a Success!

2009-03-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

Meeting:
B-BAR-H Neighborhood Association, VFW, 6:00 p.m.

Meeting Minutes:
March 4, 2009

Many new people came to the meeting on March 4th. It was good to see and meet new neighbors. The purpose of the meeting was to plan the March 4th Clean Up Day sponsored by Riverside County Code Enforcement.

Discussion Topics:

March 14th Clean Up Day. Everyone will meet at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch on Bubbling Wells and El Serape Roads at 8 a.m. We will discuss and assign specific duties at that time.
Repairing the Arch. It was suggested we finish fixing the Arch and adding some solar lights to preserve the hisorical landmark built in 1929. We will discuss this more on the 14th and make plans to complete this project to the best of our ability. We already looked into preserving the Arch as a historical landmark. We spoke to the Historical Society, City Planners, and the State of California. The piece of land is privately owned.
Neighborhood problems. Many people are upset about some of the homes not being kept up properly or being overrun by vehicles. Code Enforcement visits our neighborhood frequently and will address these items.
Vandalism. Some people are seeing strangers in the area. We discussed a recent break in. If anyone sees suspicious things, they need to call the Sheriff's Dept. We are not to take anything into our own hands. Be safe. Call the Sheriff.

The meeting discussion was on task and was over by 7:00 p.m. We'll see everyone at the Arch on March 14th at 8:00 a.m. Special thanks to everyone who wants to preserve the integrity of our neighborhood!

More Neighborhood Pride: Chris & Maria Georgeso on El Serape

2009-02-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

Chris Georgesco was featured in Palm Springs Life Magazine. Click the Photo to read the story. Click on each photo to read the complete story.

Chris and Maria Georgesco were featured in Desert Magazine. Click the Photo to read the story.

We see Chris' artwork everyday when we drive down El Serape. His work definitely adds glamour to the neighborhood. His art is modern metal sculpture. It can be displayed inside or outside a home or business. Chris Georgesco Art is available for sale by contacting Chris through his website at http://www.georgescoart.com/

The B-BAR-H Ranch near Desert Hot Springs, California 92241

2009-02-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

Photos Courtesy of the Desert Hot Springs Historical Society.
To see more photos, Click Here.

On April 7, 1927, Lucienne Hubbard, a mogul in the film business, and Charles Bender, Hubbard’s son-in-law, purchased land from the Southern Pacific Land Company which was the beginning of the B-bar-H Guest Ranch. The size of this soon-to-be popular playground for the celebrities was 240 acres. Charlotte Stocks, Lee Anderson’s daughter, remembers bringing date shoots to the B-bar-H from her family’s date farm. Citrus and other products were marketed under the B-bar-H brand. Cattle and poultry were also raised at the Ranch.

Lucienne Hubbard was a professional writer, war correspondent and contributor to The Reader’s Digest. He spread the knowledge of Desert Hot Springs with its marvelous hot medicinal water far and wide. It was very exclusive, and was only by invitation that one could visit the B-bar-H Ranch. Eventually the temporary structures were replaced with permanent and more modern and deluxe accommodations. The present-day location would be from 18th to 20th Streets and from Bubbling Wells Road to Mountain View in Desert Hot Springs.

In l937 the B-bar-H Guest Ranch was opened to the public. In the April, 1939, issue of “Desert Magazine,” an ad for the ranch carries a Garnet, California address with a notation that it is in the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs. Joe Gottchalk was the desk clerk, bellhop, did the marketing with their station wagon, took money to the bank and ran errands as a teenager in l939-l940. He picked up guests at the train station in Garnet, rode a horse to deliver a telegram to Janet Gaynor at the Singing Trees Ranch near the B-bar-H on 20th street, and took guests gambling at the private membership Dunes Club in Cathedral City (today we would know that location as Date Palm Drive near Highway 111). There were also card games and slot machines at the Ranch.

Over the years, authors such as Les Starks, Cabot Yerxa and John Hunt have written about the B-bar-H and listed the many celebrities who frequented it and Cabot Yerxa’s Trading Post. Cabot tells of their interest in his pet rattlesnakes, lizards, and the items he sold at the Trading Post. Many visitors rode horses to h is place to just sit and visit. Jack Krindler, who originated the Twenty-One Club in New York City, was one of his visitors as well as Sol Lessor, producer of the Tarzan pictures.

Because Lucienne Hubbard was an outdoorsman, an expert rider and horseman, the atmosphere of the ranch was entirely Western in character. The ladies had many attractive Western outfits. In the dining room some folks were dressed like real cowhands; at the next table might be people just in from the city all decked out in swank evening clothes; however, if they stayed at the ranch for any length of time, they changed to Western-style clothes. Cabot writes that no matter how many millions they had or how much space in the newspapers was devoted to their names, they all had fun. Louis Sobol wrote of being initiated into the Order of Pamperers. The code of the Pamperer is never to do today what can be done tomorrow. There was laziness in the air. Charlie Bender was the host and manager of the B-bar-H Ranch, his wife helped organize picnics, campfires and riding parties nearly every day. They visited Seven Palms, Willow Hole, various mountain canyons along with trips to Two Bunch Palms, a beautiful oasis close at hand. Two Bunch Palms was once owned by the B-bar-H Ranch in the late l940’s. They traveled to Cabot’s place on Miracle Hill. Many of the guests at B-bar-H were from the nearby Circle B Ranch owned by Warner Baxter.

As time went on, a swimming pool, tennis court and rodeo arena were added to the property with stretches of grass and gorgeous beds of flowers which delighted the guests. Rodeo competitions were held in the arena, and on Saturday nights there was Western dancing at the recreation hall with live bands from Palm Springs. The accommodations and comforts of this guest ranch became famous and guests came from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Hollywood. Often large groups from all walks of life came to stay a weekend, a month, or the season. Bankers, financiers, men prominent in political life and big businessmen rubbed elbows with movie stars, those from the legitimate stage, famous writers and well-known musicians.

In l940, Jay Kasler (grandfather of Richard N. Roger MD of Rancho Mirage) paid $42,000 for the 240-acre B-bar-H Ranch. Mr. Kasler owned the Free Sewing Machine Company (second only to the Singer Company) which was sold to a Japanese company in l960. Mr. Kasler also founded City National Bank. Dr. Roger’s family spent almost every weekend and holidays at the ranch. They came from Los Angeles via old Highway 99, now Varner Road. The cash register from the B-bar-H bar is now located at Cabot’s Pueblo Museum. Dr Roger related that in l949 he took some 78 RPM records from Cabot’s Eagle’s Nest and returned them to Cole Eyraud (past resident/protector of Cabot’s Museum) in l974.

The present-day Covington Park in Morongo Valley was once a part of the B-bar-H holdings. The horses were moved up there for the summer. The 640 acres were purchased in l946 for $10 an acre. In l950 Mr. Kasler closed the Ranch to the public and maintained it for family use. In l959 he donated Covington Park to The Nature Conservancy.

In l978, Leonore “Lee” High purchased the B-bar-H property. It has been divided into ¼-acre individual lots, many of which have sold for more than $90,000. Lee remembers being invited to the B-bar-H Ranch by Ginny Sims and Mary Pickford. Lee was in real estate in Beverly Hills at that time. She also has memories and mementos from the party held there for employees of Lockheed. Many private parties were held at the ranch after it was opened to the public. Lee had purchased it for her daughter who planned to open a school, but this never materialized.

The beautiful old lodge on the Ranch boasts an impressive fireplace and great room for public, office or family use. There are several bedroom units accessible from the patio area, as well as a professional kitchen, dining room with beamed ceiling, bar room, and wine cellar. A VFW Club has used the former recreation hall for meetings; the swimming pool has been filled in.

In 2006, a new private owner acquired the lodge, and various homes have been built on the land, thus creating a new usage and future for those passing under the historic B-bar-H Ranch arch.

###

SOURCE: Unknown. Edited by Richard N. Roger, M.D., April, 2007, Word processed by Alta Hester, Secretary, Desert Hot Springs Historical Society.

Riverside County Graffiti Busters are REMARKABLE!

2009-02-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

We reported graffiti yesterday, and it's removed today! Sincere thanks to Riverside County Graffiti Busters for a job well done! How do they do it? Commitment, dedication, team work and all with a sense of urgency. Thanks to Riverside County Graffiti Busters from the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association.

When YOU see graffiti, don't wait for someone else to contact Riverside County Graffiti Busters.

Visit their website at http://www.rcgraffitibusters.com/ and complete the online form. It takes about a minute to complete the online form and Graffiti Busters respond within a matter of a few hours.

DHS Relay for Life Cancer Survivors & Caregivers Luncheon

2009-02-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is a special event for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers.

Please RSVP to Rossie or Dot.

Hope to see you there!

Clean Up Day Saturday March 14, 2009

2009-02-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

B-BAR-H Community Association News
Please RSVP -- Thank You!
----------------------------------------------------------

Last year our small area participated in the Riverside County Code Enforcement's Clean Up Day at Bubbling Wells Elementary School, and it was a huge success for us all. Our neighbors pitched in and helped to remove trash along roadsides and houses. The team effort really made a difference in our neighborhood.

For this year, we have Very Good News! We get our own dumpster!

We met with Code Enforcement, and here's the details for Saturday, March 14, 2009:

We will have one large dumpster located under the Arch on Bubbling Wells from 8 - Noon
We also get 6 people to walk the area and pick trash and litter
We get trash bags, trash pickers, gloves, T-shirts, a table, tools, etc. on loan from Code Enforcement
The B-BAR-H Community Association has $20 in the Treasury, so we are getting Orange Juice and DoNuts for the event. Plus, if anyone wants to donate food, please bring it to the Arch that morning.

WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION to ensure this event is meaningful and worthy.

Here's what you can do:

RSVP to confirm you have trash items to bring to the dumpster.
If you have a truck and can help bring items to the dumpster from the roadsides within our neighborhood, please confirm.
Volunteer to help supervise at the event.
Confirm if you want to bring food or donuts.
Talk with your neighbors about the event, and with those who don't use email.
Invite neighbors to the March 14th event - 8 a.m. til Noon.
Volunteer to help distribute paper invitations to our neighbors, please reply.

Last year Doug, Ford, Andy, Curtis, Jim, Kathy, George and many others created a successful team.

Let's do it again on March 14th! Any questions? Please write to Webmaster(at)PaintbrushTrail.com.

Please "Think Twice" before saying, "No." The coordination of a clean up event takes time, money and effort. If we do not receive neighborhood participation for the March 14th event, it will be the last clean up event the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association sponsors.

Jury Duty Scam - Read this warning!

2009-02-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

This has been verified by the FBI (their link is also included below). Please pass this on to everyone in your e-mail address book. It is spreading fast so be prepared should you get this call. Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.

The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security Number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo---your identity was just stolen.

The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma , Illinois , and Colorado . This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.

Check it out here:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm

http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp

March 14th Neighborhood Clean Up Day

2009-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

Volunteers at the Octbr 11, 2008 Riverside County Code Enforcement Clean Up Day held at Bubbling Wells Elementary School

* * *

Mark your calendar for March 14, 2009. We're having a clean up day in our area coordinated in partnership with Riverside County Code Enforcement Community Improvement Specialist, Chaka Ferrel.

Plans are for us to have one dumpster located near our area, probably under the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch shown above on the corner of Bubbling Wells and El Serape Roads. Specific details will be posted here after a meeting with Code Enforcement next Friday. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. until Noon on Saturday, March 14, 2009.

Our neighborhood actively participated in last year's event and brought truck loads of trash to the dumpsters. It truly made a difference in the neighborhood to see garbage and trash removed from yards and from alongside houses. This year's event will give everyone an opportunity to do the same by cleaning out old items too bulky for pick up by our weekly trash removal service.

This year, our neighborhood will get one dumpster placed nearby so we can dispose of unwanted items without driving to the school. However, the March 14th main event will be held at Bubbling Wells Elementary School just like last year's event.

If you have items not accepted in a dumpster, like tires, chemicals, paints, etc. contact County Waste Management for a list of their clean up events. They are held almost every weekend. The website is www.rivcowm.org and the schdedule can be found there for the disposal of tires, paints, and chemicals, etc.

Chaka Ferrel, Riverside County Community Improvement Specialist is sponsoring this event and will be available at Bubbling Wells Elementary School to answer your questions.

We anticipate this year's event to be as successful as last year's, and we'll keep you updated with news about the event. If you have a question, want to volunteer at the event, or suggestions for Code Enforcement, please send an email to Webmaster(at)IGMproducts.com.

Desert Hot Springs Code Enforcement Cases & Foreclosure Stats

2009-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Mountain views surround Desert Hot Springs, California

by Anna Miller, Secretary
B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Association

Desert Hot Springs, California is probably one of the best kept secrets in the State. It's a quiet city nestled between Palm Springs and Yucca Valley. It has a beautiful landscape with many new homes for sale. The cost of living in Desert Hot Springs isn't quite as high as its neighboring Desert Cities, and it has all the conveniences with short travel times to many other areas.

B-BAR-H Ranch Arch constructed in the 1920's is in need of repair

Our Community, the B-BAR-H Ranch neighborhood, is located in Riverside County between Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs. We're about a 10 minute drive to either city. Palm Springs is well-known and developed. Desert Hot Springs is smaller, mostly residential with a few shopping centers and many, small, well-known spa resorts. It's the perfect, quiet area to live and raise a family. Dining out is less expensive than other Desert Cities, and there are restaurants to please all sorts of traditional Thai, Italian, Mexican and American diners. The service is great and the people are friendly.

The B-BAR-H Ranch organized a neighborhood community watch program in 2008. Under the direction of a group of neighbors, the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association holds meetings and helps organize neighborhood functions to maintain the property value of the new homes located in the B-BAR-H Ranch neighborhood.

View from Pierson Blvd in Desert Hot Springs, California

An important function held throughout the year is a neighborhood clean up day sponsored by Chaka Ferrel, Community Improvement Specialist, Riverside County Code Enforcement Department. The B-BAR-H Ranch works in partnership with Code Enforcement to obtain annual clean up goals. Chaka, and fellow associate, Regina Keyes, Code Enforcement Officer, attended and presented at the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association meeting held on January 17, 2009.

Courtesy of City-Data.com

As follow up to our in depth discussion with Code Enforcement on January 17th, Chaka responded to our request with details about our area. According to Chaka Ferrel, as of November 2008 statistics, the Desert Hot Springs area has about 253 properties in foreclosure, and 39% of the 253 foreclosed homes have open, active Code Enforcement cases. There are about 98 Code Enforcement cases as summarized below:

20 – Accumulated Rubbish (20.4 %)
7 – Construction without Permit (7 %)
60 – Substandard Structures / Dwellings (61.2 %)
2 – Vehicle Abatement (2.4 %)
9 – Zone Violations (9 %)

Our goal is to continue to work in partnership with Riverside County Code Enforcement to keep the B-BAR-H Neighborhood clear of violations. Our next neighborhood clean up day is being planned for Spring 2009. The date, location and activities will be defined and posted here. We'll also send out an email and notify the neighborhood by printed newsletter. The tasks and activities sponsored by the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association are accomplished by a team of concerned neighbors. We work together to uphold the quality of our neighborhood.

For more information, to Subscribe to our emails, to submit an article for this blog, or to become a part of the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association, please send your email address to Webmaster(at)PaintbrushTrail.com.

January 17, 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-01-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

DHS Relay for Life Cancer Walk
Click to enter Team B-BAR-H Ranch: We BAR Cancer Website.
Join our team today!

B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association
January 17, 2009 Neighborhood Meeting Minutes Summary
By Anna Miller, Secretary

• New Year Welcome by President Curtis Schway
o Welcomed everyone & new attendees
o Summarized 2008 accomplishments
o We miss Guy Hildebrand and hope he is doing well.
o 2009 ongoing effort to keep our neighborhood clean and safe

• Guest Speaker Introductions by Secretary Anna Miller
o Neighborhood improvement is ongoing. Code Enforcement has already helped us by contacting the owners of many of the vacant lots to have the lots cleaned of garbage and construction remnants. Chaka and Regina from Code Enforcement helped us identify CE violations and what we can do to get situations addressed.
o Chaka Osborne, Code Enforcement Improvement Specialist. The next neighborhood clean up is schedules for March 21st. We'll be in touch with Chaka to get trash bins set at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch.
o Regina Keyes, Code Enforcement Officer establishd one point of contact for our neighborhood. We requested "illegal dumping" signs be posted along 20th Avenue and Bubbling Wells Road.
o There have been complaints about a trailer parked on the street in front of a house on Paintbrush Trail. Regina said she notified the owner to have the trailer moved to his driveway.

• DHS Cancer Walk by TreasurerJim Fosbinder and Pat Carney
o Team B-BAR-H Ranch - We BAR Cancer! has been established to walk in the DHS Relay for Life Cancer Walk 2009
o January 28th party at Senior Center - Kick Off Party, food, silent auction, fun!
o Contact Jim to register as a participant to walk on our team.
o Click Here to Register Online or make a donation to our team. All donations are tax deductible.

• Shake Rattle & Roll - Earthquake Simulation was announced by Pat Carney. It's scheduled on February 21, 2009 at the DHS High School Vendors will be there with products and services available to prepare for earthquakes. This is to be a very informative and simulated real-life event.

• Neighborhood Party by Toni M. Ringlein
o Toni Ringlein volunteered to head the coordination of our neighborhood party. It was suggested we have the party on the same day as the next clean up day, March 21st.
o Party Planning Committee was formed.
o First planning meeting is set for January 27th.

• Meeting Closure by President Curtis Schway
o Attendees want to meet every other month in 2009. Some people can't attend on the weekend. We decided to have our next meeting during the week. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 4th at 7:00 p.m. at the VFW. Pat Carney will confirm date and time.
o Invitations will be sent via door-to-door, email and posted on the blog at PaintbrushTrail.com. People volunteered to help distribute paper invitations.

Relay for Life Meeting - DHS Cancer Walk - Community Event

2009-01-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

Relay for Life Meeting

Desert Hot Springs Senior Center‎

11777 West Drive

Desert Hot Springs, CA‎

Thursday, January 8, 2009

6:00 p.m.

(760) 329-0222‎

Join us at the Desert Hot Springs Senior Center on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 6 p.m. for a meeting about an upcoming DHS Cancer Walk called the Relay for Life.

The Senior Center is located right behind the Carl May Center on West Drive. Mapquest the directions if needed. Above is a map. If more details are needed please contact Pat Carney.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting to coordinate a DHS cancer walk.

Neighborhood Meeting Notice

2009-01-04T13:33:00.001-08:00

We hope everyone had a restful and satisfying holiday season. Now, as promised, it's time for our next Neighborhood Meeting. Please mark your calendar...

January 17, 2009

10 a.m.

VFW
(South B-BAR-H Ranch)

We have guests coming to the meeting from Code Enforcement. Improvement Specialists Chaka Osborne and Regina Keyes from Code Enforcement will be introduced and asked to tell us more about how we can keep our neighborhood looking good. We can ask questions, discuss situations, and learn more about the Code Enforcement policies and procedures. Chaka was the driving force behind the last Clean Up Day we participated in at Bubbling Wells Elementary School. Let's ask her about getting her Department to sponsor a Clean Up Day specifically for the North and South B-BAR-H Ranch.

Here's the tenative agenda for the January 17th meeting:

New Year Welcome by President Curtis Schway
Guest Speaker Introductions by Secretary Anna Miller
Chaka Osborne, Code Enforcement Improvement Specialist
Regina Keyes, Code Enforcement Improvement Specialist
Audience Open Discussion: Questions for Code Enforcement
Neighborhood Party by Toni M. Ringlein

Please feel free to contact Webmaster(at)PaintbrushTrail.com if you would like to add an agenda item. We look forward to seeing you on January 17th.

Happy Holidays from B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association

2008-12-04T11:52:00.001-08:00

Elf Curtis --------- Elf Guy ----------- Elf Jim

May your holidays be filled with happiness and your new year filled with joy!

***********

Please mark your calendar for our next Neighborhood Meeting.

January 17, 2009
VFW Hall
10 a.m.

(Details to follow via email.)

Fa la la la la, la la la la!

A message from T. Boone Pickens

2008-11-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

A message from T. Boone Pickens

Years ago my dad told me that we always need to get behind the new President, regardless of who we vote for. He told me that after Election Day, we all go back to being Americans first and party loyalists second.

His advice to me then is just as important today as it was then - maybe even more so.

President-elect Obama will need our help to end our addiction to foreign oil. The answer to this problem is not about one idea or one individual - it’s about all of us coming together to solve this problem.

I'm sending President-elect Obama a hand-written note congratulating him on his victory and would like to ask you to do the same - an email, post-card or letter – regardless of whether or not you voted for him. Let him know we're here to help him make a difference and that his support of the Pickens Plan is our country’s way to create hundreds of thousands of new energy jobs and kick-start this ailing economy.

Click here to email President-elect Obama.

-Boone

November Community Events

2008-11-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a reminder of the two important community events this month:

November 13, 2008: The Great Southern California ShakeOut November 13, 2008 http://www.shakeout.org. Visit the website for more details about the largest earthquake preparedness event ever conducted. You can register to participate at the Shakeout.org website.

DHS Community Improvement Fair at Bubbling Wells Elementary School, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., November 22, 2008. Contact Chaka Osborne, Community Improvement Specialist, for more details. Her phone number is 951-955-5257 or cosborne ( at ) rctlma.org.

So! What's New Neighbors?

2008-10-23T16:02:00.001-07:00

If you're reading this, say, "Hi!"

If you have photos or information to contribute to the blog, send them to Webmaster(at)PaintbrushTrail.com.

Start thinking of ideas for planning our neighborhood block/street party. Who, what, when, where, and why. We should probably have a plan. Do you have any ideas on how to begin planning this event?

Riverside County Neighborhood Conference October 25, 2008

2008-10-22T23:42:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to attend the free Conference this weekend sponsored by Riverside County Code Enforcement. The jam-packed event features a number of free seminars and activitied for all family member. The date is Saturday, October 25, 2008.

Here's more details. To register online, CLICK HERE.

HOSTED BY RIVERSIDE COUNTY CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Saturday, October 25, 2008

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

UCR - Palm Desert Campus
75080 Frank Sinatra Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92211

VIEW FLYER HERE FOR MORE INFO MÁS INFORMACIÓN AQUÍ
Conference Agenda / Agenda de la Conferencia

Educational Breakout Sessions
Exhibitors from a variety of Organizations
Free Snacks and Lunch
Activities for Children (ages 6-12)!!
Learn from Inspirational Speakers
Excellent Networking Opportunity
Free Parking
Traductores en Español Disponibles
To register online, please CLICK HERE.

Have you cast your vote? Don't forget to vote by November 4th

2008-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Who will you vote for? Leave your anonymous comments on our blog. Will it be Obama & Biden? Or McCain & Palin?

Submit your anonymous comment today.......

If you haven't cast your vote yet, don't forget to vote on November 4, 2008. Make sure you are registered to vote, too. Visit Voter Registration to register before October 20, 2008!

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Minutes - Stray dogs discussed

2008-10-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

The main focus of today's Neighborhood Watch meeting was "stray dogs" what to do, who to call and how to help.

Officers Rosa and DuShane from the Riverside Animal Control Department delivered an informative presentation to a large group of community residents today. They stated the facts, brought hand out materials for our education, and gave us clear instructions what to do when we are faced with stray animals in the neighborhood.

There were many newcomers to the meeting. It's good to see and meet our neighbors. Today's meeting minutes are available by clicking the link below:

B-BAR-H Community Association Meeting Minutes October 18, 2008

There will be no meeting in November and December due to the holidays and people not being available. The next meeting will be scheduled for January. We'll post the date on the blog later this year.

Grafitti Busters of Riverside County Rock!

2008-10-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

The B-BAR-H Ranch had a few graffiti problems this past month. Some of the neighborhood watch members decided to have a chat with the parents of the neighborhood teens. Now, we think the problems will go away. We're hoping anyway. The graffiti was found on the sides of a few homes and on some of the area's signage.

Graffiti is annoying for many reasons. It devalues property and it creates a mess for someone to clean.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Graffiti Busters of Riverside County. Their response time is awesome. We reported graffiti on a home and within a few days the Graffiti Busters had the entire wall painted like new. Most of the Graffiti Busters are volunteers who are committed to keeping the community clean!

Thank You Graffiti Busters of Riverside County from the B-Bar-H Ranch Community Association! For more information about Graffiti Busters visit their website.

Clean Up Day a HUGE success!

2008-10-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Clean Up Day sponsored by Riverside County Code Enforcement on October 11, 2008, at the Bubbling Wells Elementary School was a huge success. There were six large dumpsters filled to the brim with throw-away items.

Volunteers arrived in the masses to be a part of something greater than themselves and for the common good of us all! One of the area churches drove in with over 12 strong, eager helpers to assist people with the loading and unloading of trash. Neighbors from the B-BAR-H Ranch Community Association helped, too.

Here's a list of volunteers from the B-BAR-H Neghborhood: Kathy and George Munoz, Curtis Schway, Andy Biswas, Doug Gordon, Ford Wathen, Anna Miller and Jim Fosbinder. Curtis and Doug volunteered to use their trucks and canvas the neighborhood for trash. They made several trips back and forth removing large items from the street sides in our area plus went into the fields to clear large items from the hiking trails.

Hats off to all the people for volunteering their Saturday morning in an effort to help create a clean community.

Chaka Osborne, Riverside County Community Improvement Specialist coordinated this event. Her Associates from Code Enforcement attended the event and included Officers Cindy Black, Tom McMullen and Tony Green. Everyone was in attendance to make the morning's event a huge success. Steve Hernandez, Legislative Assistant from the Board of Supervisors rolled up his sleeves and pitched in to help. It was definitely a true team effort.

People from all areas of the DHS Unicorporated areas filled their trucks, cars and trailers with unwanted items and arrived between 7 a.m. to Noon to this free clean up day. Driving home it was obvious the day was a success. The neighorhood looks better! Special thanks to Chaka, her team at Riverside County Code Enforcement and all the volunteers who made this event a HUGE success!

Deputy fatally shoots man in Desert Hot Springs

2008-10-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

1:35 PM Fri, Oct 10, 2008 Posted by: PE News

A man suspected of involvement in a disturbance outside a Desert Hot Springs church today was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy when he allegedly refused to comply with the deputy's commands at the end of a pursuit, authorities said. The deputy responded to a disturbing the peace call around 9:30 a.m. outside Grace Church on Bubbling Hills Road, near Dillon Road, according to sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez.

When the deputy arrived at the location, a person gave details on what had happened and provided a description of the suspect, who the deputy soon spotted less than a quarter mile away, the sergeant said. "The deputy tried to make contact with the suspect, and the man took off running," Gutierrez said. The suspect, with the deputy close behind, ran south until he reached the Save a Pet Adoption Center at 67600 18th Ave., according to Gutierrez.

He said the deputy shouted several commands to the suspect, but the man "did not comply" and the deputy fired his pistol at the man, fatally wounding him. Details on the nature of the disturbance that led to the shooting, and exactly what transpired at the end of the pursuit, were not immediately released, nor was the name of the suspect.