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...

23 B-BAR-H Residents at Neighborhood Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

CSA 115 residents thank Riverside County for their ongoing support.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Updates

 

B-BAR-H Ranch Neighborhood Watch Meeting

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

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

Agenda:

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

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

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MAC Update:  DHS Municipal Advisory Council Achievement

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

Other future MAC item updates include:

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

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

Dorlaine Stanley, Alternate Board Member

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

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

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

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

DHS MAC more progress - stop signs installed

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

The main problems are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.