Residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch Facebook Group

We have a B-BAR-H Ranch Facebook Group.  Login to your Facebook account and join our group if you are a resident of the B-BAR-H Ranch!  

 Here's the link. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BBARHRANCH/ 

 

Neighborhood Clean Up Day March 15, 2014

Many of you have asked about our annual Clean Up Day!  

Please mark your calendar for March 15, 2014, 8 am - Noon, located at the B-BAR-H Ranch Arch at Bubbling Wells & El Serape Trail.  

Please review the above flyer provided by Riverside County.  This event is sponsored by Riverside County EDA Community Improvement.  

As in the past, volunteers to man the activity and help clean empty lots are needed.  If you live next to an empty lot, please bag garbage and bring it to the dumpsters.  

Remember to come early.  The lines get long, and the dumpsters get filled quickly.  Last time, the dumpsters were all filled and left before Noon.  So, if you have trash, please arrive early to assure space.  

THIS IS FREE!  NO DUMP CHARGE FOR RESIDENTS!  

Help spread the word to neighbors -- Residents of B-BAR-H Ranch, Desert Edge and Mountain View are invited.  Proof of residency will be checked at the dumpster.  Please bring a current ID or drivers license with your name and address.  

Please send your email address to Webmaster@PaintBrushTrail.com be notified for future events. 

See you on March 15, 2014! 

National prescription drug take back day in Riverside County on 10/26/13

Riverside County Sheriff's / D.E.A.
"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day"
Throughout Riverside County on Oct. 26

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce its partnership with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” day. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The program allows members of the public to drop off potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at any of the below listed Sheriff’s Stations throughout Riverside County.

Previous “Take Back” programs have been very successful in Riverside County. In 2012, Riverside County residents disposed of 2,124 pounds of unwanted and outdated prescription drugs.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

More information can be found by going to: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/ Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Attorneys General, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National District Attorney’s Association.

The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

The next Prescription Drug Take-Back Program is taking place on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the following Sheriff’s Stations:

Cabazon Sheriff's Station
Hemet Sheriff's Station
Jurupa Valley Station
Lake Elsinote Station
Moreno Valley Police
Palm Desert Station
Perris Station
Southwest Station
Thermal Station

http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/admin13-1026-1.asp

Contact Information:
Webmaster Riverside County Sheriff TSB
webmaster@riversidesheriff.org

Nextdoor Online for B-BAR-H Ranch

Nextdoor Home Page

The B-BAR-H Ranch an unincorporated area located in Southern California's Riverside County has it's own private social network thanks to B-BAR-H Ranch Resident Mark Todd.  A few months ago, Mark set up a Nextdoor online neighborhood network for the Ranch.  

Nextdoor is similar to the works of Facebook, only Nextdoor is designed for specific neighborhood boundaries (see map below).  Members of the B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor tested its viability quickly and learned Nextdoor is an ideal resource and opportunity for the B-BAR-H Ranch to communicate without boundaries.  

Neighbors of the B-BAR-H Ranch post items of interest for the neighborhood and members of the B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor make comments.  It's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening within the community.  

 B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor

Word spread quickly about the advantages of becoming a B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor participant, and neighbors joined.  As of today, membership includes 64 residents, and the B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor is growing strong.  

Boundaries for the B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor are shown below:

 B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor Boundaries Map

 (Click image to enlarge)

If you live within the boundaries of the map shown above and would like to become a member of the B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor, please follow the link B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor and become a member.  Not only will you be able to post and communicate with your neighbors, you'll also have available a host of other very valuable information:

• Classifieds
• Crime & Safety
• Documents
• Free Items
• General
• Lost & Found
• Recommendations

The B-BAR-H Ranch has made many achievements over the past years for the common good of its community.  We owe our accomplishments on our ability to remain in communication with one another and offer assistance and support to our neighbors when needed.  

Join the  B-BAR-H Ranch Nextdoor today by clicking the links in this post, and keep in touch with your neighborhood! 

Riverside County Neighborhood Enhancement

B-BAR-H Ranch Clean Up Day a Success!

The Riverside County Neighborhood Enhancement Program kicked off nicely on March 2, 2013 in the B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood.  Riverside County Community Improvement Specialist Grace Escobar led today's clean up event for the unincorporated areas.

The program, sponsored by Riverside County EDA, encourages and supports the idea of Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors to keep the unincorporated areas of the County looking good.  And, that's exactly what the residents of the B-BAR-H Ranch do -- they help one another!

Neighbors came out by the truck load filled with helpers and items for the dumpsters!  It was great to see everyone again!  Can't name everyone's name, but it's a fact many familiar faces were seen.  

Walter Gaines and Miguel Angel deserve a special award for the work they did cleaning up their yard and their neighbors' empty lots.  They made several trips back and forth with truck loads of debris. Fred Philippi swept the streets, Pat Carney, Steve Wilkes, Steve Grasha, Tad Seney and Bob Alsop participated. Plus, others helped neighbors unload vehicles at the dumpster.  It was truly the perfect example for doing more with less in support of Riverside County's new Neighborhood Enhancement Program.

Clean up days have been held in the B-BAR-H Ranch area for many years.  The residents appreciate the County's continued effort to provide sponsored clean up days. Participating in a neighbor-helping-neighbor program is ideal for the B-BAR-H Ranch.

Welcome to our clean neighborhood!  Thanks everyone and keep smiling.

North Pam Springs Post Office Remains OPEN

 Postmaster Janet Arizaga
NORTH PALM SPRINGS
800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777)

64117 DILLON RD
NORTH PALM SPRINGS, CA 92258-0400

Mon-Fri   
8:30am - 11:30am
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Sat-Sun    Closed

Great news to report for our neighborhood!  The North Palm Springs Post Office will remain OPEN for business.  

It was a tough few months wondering whether or not the USPS was going to close our favorite local Post Office.  We first reported its closing a few months ago, and heard this week it's not going to close.  We encourage everyone who used the North Palm Springs office to begin using it again.

Postmaster Janet Arizaga has the NPS Post Office looking great! It's clean, organized and inviting.  She plans to give the walls a facelift with new paint.  It's great for all your postal and passport needs.  Janet caters to small businesses and invites everyone to stop in and say hello.

New Roads & Water Pipes in B-BAR-H Ranch

The roads in the B-BAR-H Ranch were upgraded to Riverside County standards recently in order to be maintained by Riverside County.  The Riverside County Transportation Department did an amazing job for us.  Thank you!  

Residents are permitted to call Riverside County when their roads need to be cleaned or maintained. 
Visit the
Riverside County Transportation Website
for instructions. 

Preceding the road work, the Coachella Valley Water District worked perfectly replacing old water pipes in needed areas to improve the Ranch's service.  We appreciate the ease at which the project was completed once started earlier this month.  Thank you!

A letter from District4 Supervisor John J Benoit

Supervisor John J Benoit
Click Here for the Fourth District Resource List

Dear Ms. Miller,

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns in B Bar H Ranch. I appreciate hearing from you.

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Riverside County Transportation Department have scheduled significant public works projects about to break ground in B Bar H Ranch that include upgraded waterlines and new county maintained roads. CVWD has mailed notices on February 9^th informing residents that work on the waterlines will begin in the middle of March and will continue through July. Roadwork will commence immediately following the completion of the waterline project.

These water and road works are major investments in the B Bar H Ranch community, and I am glad to see these projects become a reality.

If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 760-863-8211. For your reference, I have attached a resource sheet with public agencies that may help on specific issues.

It is an honor to be your representative on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

Sincerely,

JOHN J. BENOIT

Fourth District Supervisor
Click Here for the Fourth District Resource List

Tags Graffiti Garage Doors

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. 

Dogs Found in B-BAR-H Ranch!

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.

Voice of the People: Comments from Final MAC Meeting

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...

EDA - Riverside County Community Survey

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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
4. We asked Riverside County to define "road maintenance" and we did not receive a response.
5. We asked Riverside County to define "County standards" for our roads and we did not receive a response.
6. 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.

Canadian cash boosts California county

Click link to see the video:   

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

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

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

 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!

Voice of the People: Stop Political Corruption!

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.

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

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.

• 2003 Fiscal Summary
• 2004 Fiscal Summary
• 2005 Fiscal Summary
• 2006 Fiscal Summary
• 2007 Fiscal Summary
• 2008 Fiscal Summary
• 2009 Fiscal Summary
• 2010 Fiscal Summary

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

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):

1. Individual contacts or conversations between a member of the legislative body (BOD) and any other person is OK.
2. 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: 

1. Members of the board can talk one on one with anyone about anything at any time!  
2. 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

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!

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.