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

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

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!

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!

 

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

 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

  

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

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

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.

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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?

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

1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions:
   Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. Ends Gender Discrimination:
   Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
   
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage:
   Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
   
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults:
   Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
   
8. 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

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

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

- 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!

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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