Nabble - Bear Valley Wiki forum

Sewer Rate Increase Postponed

2009-09-09T10:55:36Z

The Prop 218 proposed 50% rate increase has been postponed until Jan 18 2010 to provide the community with additional information from the BVWD, to receive additional comments from the community and to collect needed scientific data related to sewer treatment. Use this opportunity to ask questions and make comments regarding sewer operations and rates. The rate increase will go into effect following January unless sufficient information is received which will alter the decision to build a tertiary treatment plant of the type currently being considered.

Sewer Rate Increase - New Bear Valley Homeowners Website

2009-09-02T13:09:04Z

Please also go to
http://www.bearvalleyhomeowners.com
for additional information on the sewer rate increase and ultimately other concerns of homeowners such as the water rate increase.

Re: protest water rate increases also

2009-09-02T09:09:59Z

The person who will be doing the detailed analysis of the financial records of LAWC will be Ogeonye Enyinwa. Her phone number is 415-355-5564 and her email is OE2@cpuc.ca.gov. The more senior person at the meeting, also, weighing in on the rate model used by LAWC is Peter T.K. Liu. His phone number is 415-703-1390 and his email is PTL@cpuc.ca.gov. We believe the fax number for both is 415-703-2655.

Our impression from the meeting is that with state budget cuts, this staff is working very hard on many rate cases.

Please also reference the CPUC website, www.cpuc.ca.gov, and follow the tabs to the water division.

Re: protest water rate increases also

2009-09-01T20:53:36Z

I wasn't at the meeting. I would like the contacts.

Thanks.

Re: protest water rate increases also

2009-09-01T20:46:46Z

Were you at the recent CPUC water meeting? Would you like the direct contacts for the two CPUC members handling our rate case?

protest water rate increases also

2009-09-01T17:30:25Z

Not only are the sewer rates trying to going up, but also the water rates. I can see the reasons for the sewer increase (but I believe it is still too high), but I cannot understand the need for such a large hike in the water rates. The reasons lack any detailed explanation. Perhaps if I had a better understanding of the need, I would be more accepting of the increase.

I wrote today. Perhaps you can to. My letter is below. Feel free to cut/paste/edit for your use. This needs to be done ASAP and mailed to both addresses.

Kimi Johnson
Office Manager - Lake Alpine Water Co
PO Box 5013
Bear Valley, CA 95223

California Public Utilities Commission
Water Utilities Division
Room 3106
505 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102

-Kaylor

============
8/25/09

Hello,

I am writing to protest the proposed increases in our Lake Alpine Water Company Bill.

Without having the overall budget to review, I cannot understand why the proposed increases need to be so high. The proposed increases will but a further strain on my monthly budget.

In general, I see issues with the following:
- our water quality seems to always be below, or just at, acceptable standards
- we are told to run our tap water for 5 minutes every time we arrive at our home (occasional visits). This will flush out contaminates but also wastes a lot of water
- water meters were installed years ago, but yet there is no clear plan or explanation as to why/when we will go on metered service
- it is unclear what the overall impact will be on my individual bill

There is also no explanation as to what the proposed rate increases covers, other than to say:
- necessary to offset increased operating expenses (no other details are provided)
- provide an adequate rate of return (no other details are provided)

Without details, it it hard to justify the huge rate hike.

I would like a copy of the LAWC's yearly operating budget with high level income/expenditures so that I can better understand the situation.

Thanks,

NAME
LOT
BEAR VALLEY ADDRESS

MAILING ADDRESS

Re: Write Protest to 50% Increase in Sewer Rates

2009-08-31T20:10:16Z

Thanks.... I edited a bit to make it look like mine, and it is a done deal.

Re: Write Protest to 50% Increase in Sewer Rates

2009-08-31T18:32:54Z

I will upload two files. One is of protest letter in PDF format and the other is Word. Also, in case something does not work correctly, here are the elements of the simple letter. Date, Address of BVWD - 441 Creekside Drive, P.O. Box 5027, Bear Valley, CA 95223, One line statement - This letter is to protest the proposed 50% rate increase, Signature line signed, Name line with spelled out name, BV lot no. or Address, Mailing address if different from above.BVWD+Rate+Increase+Protest+Letter.pdf BVWD+Rate+Increase+Protest+Letter.doc

Re: Write Protest to 50% Increase in Sewer Rates

2009-08-31T16:15:51Z

Yes, please let me know your letter format. I am afraid I will ramble on and on, and not make the good points clear enough.

I need to do this soon- I agree!

Write Protest to 50% Increase in Sewer Rates

2009-08-31T11:51:47Z

It is easy to do. The letter must be in the hands of the Bear Valley Water (this means sewer) District by the end of the hearing on September 14, 2009. Please do not procrastinate until then and mail it in today. I will gladly provide an explanation why and will give you a simple way to complete the letter if you reply to this post.

Re: Free Snowmobile

2009-05-31T09:56:34Z

Is the snowmobile still available? Any ideas why it died?

Free Snowmobile

2009-05-23T17:46:18Z

We have a 1993 Ski-Doo GT500 blue snowmobile. It was running mid-Winter and stopped working. The battery is dead. It is a bit beat up but works great once you get it working.
It's free to a good home. Please call if you're interested. Steve 408-202-0936.

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2009-01-01T20:00:13Z

Wasn't sure whether to start a new thread...but wanted to comment regarding dogs in Bear Valley. First, I love all the friendly dogs in BV and think it's great they have a "larger" home here by being able to wander more freely. HOWEVER, this past week while riding friends and family around on snowmobiles I became completely DISGUSTED with the amount of dog droppings on the roadways. Yes, I am sure occasionally a dog gets out and makes his business with owner unawares. But, this past holiday week it seemed like the roads were covered. If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to watch where they poop and pick it up. The rest of us shouldn't have to view/smell/avoid it on the roads. I don't let my kids poop in your front yard ;-))

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-16T00:10:21Z

let's just hope that the new mgmt understands the concept of customer service.... like at least acknowledge that the customer will be asked to order soon....

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-11T18:53:12Z

The partnership who owns the BVL/Red Dog etc.... is now going to own the pizza/pub. Stricter rules will apply to animals in a food place, I am sure.
A survey has been placed in the Gen Store, to help 'name' the new pizza PUB. It is fun to help decide on that. The famous 'bar top' from the former Red Dog/Basecamp pub is being moved over to the new pizza pub. Who knows what else will appear in there, as they recreate the interior.
Exciting to know there will be more options for eating out this winter. So what if it is all owned by the same. Locals with good respect will run it, so that is a good thing. Keep your dogs at home, or tethered outside....... I would say to not push the envelope.

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-11T16:15:16Z

so who owns the Pizza place now???

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-11T16:00:13Z

I remember I saw this one customer this past winter freak out at one of the co-owners and told them repeatedly that if they do not get the dogs out of here they were not only going to get up and leave without paying for their food, but also call the H.H.S. and have them shut down. It didn't do much but it was really interesting to watch. Well this winter is going to be different, with new owners there thats for sure. And since its been snowing (or atleast trying to) its really funny to watch people pretty much freak out about their shoes and clothing. I was watching this couple last night, when it barely snowed at all and this lady practically screamed at her husband to get the car because she didn't have the right kind of shoes to be walking in such deep snow. Mind you it was about a quarter or an inch or less. Very funny!

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-10T21:35:28Z

I love dogs too, having two bulldogs. But I just don't like mangy mutts walking around the pizza place when I am eating there, and then watching them cruise thru the kitchen with nary a glance from the proprietors. I remember the previous owner tell his partner to get his dog out of the restaurant, and the partner simply would not, and they had a little shouting match about it. Bear Valley.

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-10-09T11:25:51Z

Well I know that there has been a rule in affect at the restaurants in the lodge and also in the commercial center that are in reguards to dogs and pets. But the thing is it was not really inforced until this past winter. I work at the lodge and used to have a dog myself, a cute little husky. And this guy who used to work in the kitchen he had a dog, which made the rule become a huge issue. She was a pitbull puppy and people would make a huge scene about her being around in the commercial center and the lodge. So now its posted in most places that working personel can not bring their pets to work and also that pets are not allowed in the commercial center and are to be taken outside if one is in the lodge or commercial center. I know that the Pizza Parlor will most likely not have any dogs roaming in it this winter because of the new ownership. Other than that, I really don't mind the dogs here, I grew up with aussie mixes and love all types of dogs. Its a dog town and i love it here!!!
Nikki

Re: Slippery Rock - where is it?

2008-09-25T19:38:26Z

the official authority has spoken! thanks Susi...

Re: Slippery Rock - where is it?

2008-09-25T19:18:20Z

You are talking two different places. Slippery Rock, also called, slide rock, is accessed from the back end of Stanislaus River Campground, which is on the Spicer Res Rd, just before the bridge at the Stan River.
It is a swimmer's delight. Not this time of year, however.Levels are down. You would park in the day use area, hike back through the campground, head to the river and beach and go south. You will find it.

Slick rock rd....is the green sticker only OHV road from So Lake Alpine down to Utica Res. Put in originally by the Utica mining company to service the res. That used to be the only road from Silver Valley aka Lake Alpine to Utica, Union and old Spicer Res.

There is an OHV trail handout at the Calaveras Ranger District office in Hathaway Pines, and at Alpine Station in the summer. We are closing down after this Sunday. End of season!
Check out the Ebbetts Pass Historical Assoc Museum this winter.... I am there with info on all these OLD roads and secrets. Summer I am at the Alpine Ranger Station. ~ Susi Schimke Lewis

Re: Slippery Rock - where is it?

2008-09-25T18:46:41Z

well I *think* you are referring to a portion of the jeep trail that starts at Lake Alpine, heads due south, into a rocky slope that I heard was called "Slick Rock" .. .and it's just large granite boulder faces which are probably slippery now from all the rubber burned on them... dunno... still haven't seen it myself.

Google for slick rock shows this quick hit: http://www.californiajeeper.com/slickroc/review.htm

This might be what you are looking for...?

-tony

Slippery Rock - where is it?

2008-09-21T14:04:23Z

I have talked to several people who have described a place they both called "Slippery Rock". Where is this place and how do I get there?

From the descriptions I've heard it sounds like it is somewhere near Spicer reservoir on a 4-wheel drive trail. It must be on the Stanislas river and is described as a large granite rock where the river flows over the granite and you can slide down into a pool.

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-09-04T10:03:03Z

I too, love dogs. They just always seem happy. I'm OK with them in one's home, in the kitchen or hanging around the dinner table for scraps. I public though, I think the owners have to be responsible for their dogs actions. They must also remember that not everyone feels for dogs they way they might. Some people are afraid of dogs. I think consideration of others should be exercised when allowing dogs around the commercial center.

Bob

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-09-02T15:49:11Z

I have also seen only friendly dogs, well except for mine, who bark and charge, but only want to be friendly in the end (English Bulldogs). That is also why I need to use a leash. I just wish the dogs would stay out of the commercial center and area restaurants. But I know, it's Bear Valley and things are way more laid back. I'll take the good with the less good.

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-09-02T14:36:01Z

As a new owner in Bear Valley, I actually like the dogs in town. Yes I've seen a few piles around but it hasn't been bad. Honestly I see more around my main home in Los Gatos. I have yet to run into a dog that is anything but friendly. One reason I fell in love with Bear is the fact that I could take my Golden Retriever out without a leash. I don't let her run around unattended however and yes I do carry bags (and use them). Now if only there could be a few more garbage cans available...

Re: Dogs in Bear Valley

2008-09-01T16:39:05Z

what's the opinion from BV residents... do you like or dislike the fact that most dogs are roaming around without leash?

I bring two dogs up, but when I walk them, I use a leash, mainly cause they aren't that well trained and I don't want to chase after them. And 99% of their business gets done on my yard. But I see piles of dung here and there on roads, and once or twice in front of my porch... rarely, do I see an owner with the dog on leash, and even more rarely carrying a plastic baggie. Today I saw such a lady being dutiful and mindful with leash and baggie, but mostly the dogs use the town and subdivision as their dog run. I guess that's part of the Bear Valley scene. But when I see the dogs swimming in my drinking water, or running through the restaurants where I eat... that's another matter.

Like I said, I am a dog lover with my own pooches, but at some point, there is too much of a good thing.

Re: How was the music festival?

2008-08-25T18:03:21Z

agreed, like so much about the town, this music fest needs a bit of a refresh.

Re: How was the music festival?

2008-08-14T09:52:30Z

The BV music festival is a tradition, but I can't help but think It may be better attended with some more diversity of artist. Perhaps blues, country western, seventies rock.
Bob

How was the music festival?

2008-08-07T16:29:49Z

I wanted to go... there were some nice pieces on the agenda... but $50-70 to get up front? Uhm, this is the Bear Valley Music Festival, not the Chicago Symphony or the Met. How was attendance btw... the other thing I was wondering - if enough people came up to fill the tent, where would they stay... where would they eat?

Re: Bears in Bear Valley

2008-06-08T21:32:25Z

Well as we used to say back in the olden days of BV "If there was'nt any bears here they would have just named the place Valley". heh heh heh....

Re: Bears in Bear Valley

2008-06-04T14:20:28Z

bear bell: http://www.rei.com/product/721998
bear pepper spray: http://www.rei.com/product/623173

Re: Bears in Bear Valley

2008-06-04T14:07:44Z

lol... quiet mode. too funny. do you have a website link... I'd rather not be surprised by a bear either.

Re: Bears in Bear Valley

2008-06-04T10:32:51Z

Yeah Tony, I thought the same - that it would be too annoying. It isn't too bad, it's a little "jingle Bell" that comes with a little sack with a magnet to put into "quiet" mode if one wants. I'm not sure I'd use it all the time because part of the adventure of hiking is the quiteness and the occasional wildlife that one may come upon (like deer). ...and my wife made me do it!

Re: Bears in Bear Valley

2008-06-04T09:16:31Z

pepper spray sounds like a good alternative... I don't know why the lady did not deploy her spray... doesn't sound iike from any reading that bears are stealthy like mountain cats.
For me the bear bell would annoy me after 5 minutes and I'd throw it off.