Dog found in B-BAR-H Ranch 3-15-12

Here's a copy of an email I received today.  Please help if you know someone who lost their little dog! Thank you!!!!

Jason and I found a little dog roaming Bubbling Wells.  We have called all the local shelters and no one has made an inquiry.  Is it possible for you to post her pic up on the blog to see if anyone has lost this little cutie (or if anyone may be interested in taking her in). 

She’s looks like a mix of Chihuahua and possibly Dachshund.  She is good tempered and likes to play with dog toys.  Unfortunately, we already have our hands full with our own brood of dogs, but will foster her until we can find a good home.  Of course, taking her to 1KPalms animal clinic will be last resort.

I have attached a pic of her.  You can link my email to the post if you wish or can go through you.

Thanks in advance.  Hope all is well.

REGARDS,
CHRIS BASCONCILLO
chrisb@cbasmanagement.com

Neighbors Meeting Make a Difference

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.

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

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! 

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

________________________

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.

________________________

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.

Clean Up Day Planning Meeting a Success!

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:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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!

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

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.

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

FREE Clean Up Day & Neighborhood Meeting Agenda

Please click a link to view the B-BAR-H Community Association Neighborhood News.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend both events.

Event #1 = October 11, 2008

FREE Neighborhood Clean Up Day at Bubbling Wells Elementary School

Event #2 = October 18, 2008
B-BAR-H Community Association Neighborhood Meeting at the VFW Hall

Special thanks to everyone who made donations for the Neighborhood Watch signs. President Curtis Schway and Treasurer Jim Fosbinder attached the signs at 12' heights on telephone poles throughout our community.

If you would like to make a donation to the Neighborhood Watch effort, please contact the Webmaster @ PaintbrushTrail.com.

FREE - FREE - FREE Come & Get it!

FREE TO GOOD HOME
LIGHT WOOD - GOOD CONDITION

One Table & Four Chairs (shown)
(B-BAR-H Ranch, DHS Area)

A B-BAR-H resident has a table and chairs set looking for a good home! See photo above. If you need a table and matching chairs and have a way to pick it up, write to Webmaster @ PaintbrushTrail.com. You must include your name and phone number. We will forward your information to the people who have the free furniture, and they will call you to arrange a time when you can pick it up. No deliveries are possible.

Newsletter & Meeting Notice Delivered Today!

The B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood News was distributed by volunteers today to 180 homes. We are not sure if every home received the Neighborhood News, so please talk with your neighbors, tell them about the blog, and tell them about the meeting details listed below.

Your comments and feedback about the Neighborhood News and the September 13th meeting are appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to write.

EVERYONE is welcomed to contribute to the blog. If you would like to become an author and write articles for the blog, or post an announcement, please send a request to:

Webmaster @ PaintbrushTrail.com

News Flash.... Join us at the VFW on Labor Day!

B-BAR-H Community Welcome! Come to the VFW on Labor Day from 2-6 p.m. for a BBQ. $5.00 donations.

This is a perfect way to meet each other and see each other again!

A separate Neighborhood Meeting at the VFW is in the works, stay tuned. We'll share more information here soon! We'll also put a meeting notice in everyone's mailboxes to make sure those who do not use the Internet will have plenty of time to plan for the meeting.

We are looking forward to meeting our neighbors, and Labor Day is a perfect time to say, "Hi!"

______________

Veterans of Foreign Wars

1 B Bar Ranch,

Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241

Neighborhood Clean-Up: Keep your property value

It's times like NOW when it's important to keep your property in good shape. The economy may be poor, but your home is a big investment. So, keep your property in good shape to avoid losing its value.

We are a dedicated group of people with new homes and good attitudes. We are professionals in a variety of industries. We work hard, we invested in new modern homes, and we plan to increase the value of our homes.

The major effort we are currently making is a "neighborhood clean-up." We live in the county where the rules are not as strict as city ordnance's. Yet, we take pride in our new homes and in our neighborhood.

This blog is created to make anonymous comments in an effort to help us join together and make a difference. If you see an area of land, a vacant lot or a messy yard, please send us the address of the property and we'll do our best to get the area cleaned up.

This blog is for the residents of an area called the B-BAR-H Ranch. You know who you are. The entrance to our community is greeted by the B-BAR-H Ranch wooden arch constructed in 1929. We want to hear from you. We want to see what you have to say. Anyone can post a comment. Nobody will know who you are. If you have something to say, please say it here. We'll do our best to follow up on all comments and suggestions.

Post a comment, join the conversation. Make a difference.