Ponderosa Property Owners Association



Page 14Mike & Lorna McWilliams7300 Feather River DriveBakersfield, CA 93308May2021Address Service RequestedPage 15Change of AddressDetach here and mail to the address aboveBelow is a change of address form. It is important to let me know if you have moved or have a new PO Box number. Each time I receive an address correction from the US Postal Service it costs PPOA extra money. Please notify me by email at ppoanewsletter@ or mail this form to Lorna McWilliams, 7300 Feather River Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308Name ___________________________________________________________________________________New Home Address ________________________________________________________________________City ______________________________________________State _______________Zip ___________ New Phone __________________________Email_______________________________________________Ponderosa Address ________________________________________________________________________Detach here and return to PPOA at the above addressBelow is a form to join the Ponderosa Property Owners Association for the 2021 year. The cost for a developed lot is $30 a year OR $15 for an undeveloped lot. Fill out the form below and mail it along with your check to PPOA 56693 Aspen Drive, Springville, CA 93265. Page 12Page 13President’s Message May 2021I hope this Newsletter finds you all well and healthy. You will find here helpful information on fire prevention and clearance as well as on the upcoming PPOA meeting. The PPOA Board of Directors met recently to discuss two specific issues that I want to communicate to PPOA members – in the name of all the directors. A first issue has been the fire prevention and the clearance of developed and not developed properties in Ponderosa. As you will also read from our Fire Chief’s message, the fire season is already upon us and although we may think that with the SQF fire, a lot of fuel has burned around Ponderosa, there is a significant amount of fuel inside our “defense perimeter”. Should a fire start inside the community, it may be extremely difficult to control. The Board considers that although fire intervention is primarily the responsibility of the brigade, fire prevention is even more important and the responsibility of all property owners in Ponderosa whether they have a structure on their property or not. The Board therefore would like to call upon all owners to clear their property before June 15, 2021. In this Newsletter you will find information on members of our community who could do the clearance for you for a reasonable price. Let’s everyone take care of this for the protection of all! A second issue is related to communication. The PPOA Board directors have also been made aware of exchanges of angry words among members of the community through social media. In line with its values, the Board believes that communication is not only a 2-way street but should be open and honest. The Board considers that when there is disagreement, a courageous and respectful face to face (mask to mask for the moment) communication rather than angry statements on social media should be used. We should all realize that what is said and placed on social media not only affects the people involved but also has an impact on all members of the community. Why do we live in Ponderosa or have a property there to spend weekends and holidays? It is surely to enjoy the quiet surroundings that nature offers to us and which take us away from the worries of our daily lives, and it is also to enjoy the company of people who care about the place and about each other. Nature got hit substantially with the SQF fire for reasons that are not entirely under our own control. There is no reason to hit the spirit of our community that we entirely have under our control. Yves DeClerck and PPOA Board Directors Jordan-Slate Earthwork“For on time and reliable work, call Matt!”GradingDrainageBuilding SitesFire ClearanceTree Removal/Haul AwayGravel, Road Base, DG and Sand DeliveredSeptic Tanks and Leach LinesChimney Sweeping (Most $150-$210)SNOW REMOVAL(NEW & IMPROVED BLOWER)!!?Matt R. GoldsmithMailing Address: 57860 Peppermint Dr. Ponderosa, CA 93265Office: (559) 542-2709 Mobile: (559) 359-9712Email: goldhsu@Website: License# 989184/Fully Endorsed CDLWorker’s Comp. Insured/Liability InsuredPage 2Page 3Ponderosa Property Owners’ AssociationNewsletterPage 8Page 9PPOA Board MembersPresident:Yves DeClerck(323) 661-8482 or (559) 542-2872declerck.yves5@Vice-PresidentRichard Thomas559) 542-2970 or (805) 640-1266 richjefe@ Treasurer:Julie LaPere(559) 542-2452juliedp99@Secretary:Matthew Corso(559)542-2438matthew.corso@Members - at - Large:Kit Korf(559) 542-2504 or (805) 498-2944korfknb@Juana Gray(559)542-2993 or (559)359-9426juanagray@Shawn Alexander(559)920-1825superiorpipelines@Social Committee: Tammi Stewart559) 542-2218 tammistewart27@Sunshine Committee: Tammi Stewart(559) 542-2218 tammistewart27@Street Signs and Roads Committee and Fire Brigade:Fire Truck Community Emergency Response:Dave LaPere(559) 542-2452 or (559) 719-9970 dlapere68@PCSD Liaison:Beth Bentonbbenton@Mail Boxes :Tammi Stewart(559) 542-2218 tammistewart27@PPOA Newsletter:Mike and Lorna(661) 304-4945 McWilliamsppoanewsletter@ Webmaster:Julia InestrozaJulia@PPOA Directory: Betty Korf(559) 542-2504 or (805) 498-2944korfknb@Newsletter available online at: Page 5Page 4Page 6Page 7Page 11Page 10Street Sign Project Update:The long-awaited street sign project is underway! If you visited Ponderosa in late April or early May, you might have noticed a few intersections had temporary cardboard street signs. A few members of the PPOA, including committee lead Dave LaPere, pulled signs from four intersections to have them repaired. These signs are scheduled to be replaced on Sunday, May 16. The signs that were selected were identified to be the most in need of repair. These signs are being re-routeredon the same vintage wood as used in the 1960s, repainted, and will be reinstalled onto new posts with support brackets. If you are interested in assisting with the street sign project, or if you would like to donate funds specifically to that project, please email Julie LaPere atjuliedp99@. We anticipate hosting a fundraiser later this summer to assist in moving this project along.Guide to Winterizing Your CabinShould I turn off water each time I leave the cabin? Anyone that does not live in their residence ‘full time’, and those full time residents that leave for extended periods of time for vacations, etc. should always turn off their water as a precaution, even in the Summer months. It only takes a few minutes and if a leak/break occurs, the only amount of water that can potentially leak out will be what is actually in the lines at the time. This simple precaution could save thousands of gallons of water and the homeowner a costly bill.When Should I Winterize? It is recommended that you ‘winterize’ your cabin beginning in the fall, typically around Thanksgiving Day. By then the temperatures typically drop below freezing each night. How to Winterize: While the ‘set up’ in each cabin can differ, the following is a simplified version of the procedure.1) Go to the Water Heater and turn the settings dial to ‘vacation’. Older Water Heaters may not have a ‘vacation’ setting, if so turn the dial to the lowest setting. By placing the water heater on the low setting, it will use a minimal amount of propane or electricity to keep the water warm and hence prevent it from freezing in the tank. If you intend to shut off your water heater completely, then you should drain it completely.2) Go into the ‘sub area’ (underneath the cabin) and find the water supply line where it enters the foundation. This will ‘typically’ be a copper or galvanized pipe line coming out of the ground with a shut off valve very close to this point. The ‘shut off’ valve may be either a round handle not unlike the handle to your hose bib, or it can also be a ‘directional’ handle. If it is a directional handle, turn it until the handle is at a 90 degree angle to the incoming water line. In either case, make sure the valve completely shuts off water to your cabin. You can test this by opening a valve inside your cabin (i.e. kitchen sink); no water should come out of the faucet if the shut off valve is properly closed.3) Once the water is turned off, find the lowest water faucet (preferably on the exterior) and open the faucet, and leave it open. If there is no exterior faucet, open whatever faucet is at the ‘lowest’ elevation point in the cabin. 4) Now, go back through the cabin and open every water faucet, shower/tub faucet, and flush every toilet. As an additional safety measure, make sure to partially open the shower head ‘diverter’ valve, if so equipped. You goal is to eliminate as much water from the pipes in your system as possible. 5) Next, pourintoand everyin the cabin including shower drains, sink drains, and toilets(both the bowl and tank). exact amount of antifreeze will depend on the type of antifreeze you use - read the directions on the container carefully. Some use regular auto antifreeze and others use antifreeze designed for RV plumbing. You might also find some ideas through internet research.6) Lastly, close the door to your Dishwasher (if applicable) and turn on the Dishwasher for just a few seconds. This will activate the solenoid in the Dishwasher allowing what little water is in the line serving the Dishwasher to drain and prevent the plastic solenoid from freezing and breaking. You may need to do the same thing if you have a washing machine and also set the ice maker in your freezer to the “on” position as well as the water dispenser on the refrigerator, if you have one.7) As an added precaution, some of us leave our heater (assuming you have one) set to a low setting of about 50 degrees. This will keep the interior of your cabin warm enough to prevent interior pipes from freezing, but most heaters only work if the electric power is on. In the event of an extended power outage, this extra precaution will be nullified.Conclusion: Even though you properly shut down and drained your cabin, it is virtually impossible to evacuate all of the water from the system. There will always be an amount of water still in the pipes. The amount of water depends on if the plumbing system was properly ‘sloped’ when it was installed. When we experience freezing conditions, the remaining water in the system can still freeze and result in broken pipes. If you or someone else has not been to your cabin recently, we have very strong words of caution. Do not turn on the water and leave the cabin without looking and listening for breaks!We hope you find these tips helpful, and if you have any questions about how to properly winterize your cabin, then we suggest you contact one of the long term or full time residents who can offer specific advice for your situation. The following people may be able to help you if you have questions:Bill Dolmovic559-542-8000Jimmy Parminter559-542-2524Richard Thomas559-542-2970Kit Korf559-542-2504To place an ad: email ppoanewsletter@ Personal ads are free for PPOA members, space permitting.$5– Business card$10– 1/4 page$15– 1/2 page$25– Full page$40– Both sides of pageContact PPOA Treasurer Julie LaPere at juliedp99@PPOA Newsletters will be published four times a year1.You can “opt-in” to receive newsletters by mailif you are a PPOA member in good standing. Please send an email toppoanewsletter@opt-in or call 661-304-4945 and leave a message with your name and address.2.You can go to theand "Subscribe" at the bottom of the page to receive notices that newsletters are available online. You will get an email acknowledging your subscription which you will have to confirm.You will then receive an email notification when the newsletter is available and a link to open it.You will also periodically receive notifications of other posts on the Ponderosa website. 3. You can visit, click PPOA, and follow the links to all Newsletters posted.You will not be alerted when current Newsletters are posted. Social opportunity...“Ladies that Hike”Ladies That Hike will post on Ponderosa Private any hiking adventures.Tammi Stewart at (559)542-2218 or tammistewart27@Michelle Gletne at (559) 542 2415 or mgbanker80@ Social opportunity...The Ponderosa Book ClubThe Book Club has not started back up yet.Tammi Stewart at (559)542-2218 or tammistewart27@Ponderosa residents interested in getting a mailbox key, please contact Tammi Stewart at (559) 542-2218 Annual Mailbox dues $20 by March 1stPlease make payment to :PPOA56693 Aspen DrSpringville, Ca. 93265Ponderosa Fire Brigade Update by Fire Chief, Dave LaPereIn light of last year's tragic Castle Fire (of the SQF Complex of fires), I'm sure we all share the common goal to keep our cabins and community safe from fire this summer. The Brigade encourages all property owners - cabin and vacant lot alike - to take some time this summer to clean-up pine needles and dropped tree limbs, to bring down standing dead trees, and if you plan to burn outdoors, please get a burn permit! Burn permits are available through CalFire and can be found online at September 2020, the Ponderosa Fire Brigade established a 501(c)3 organization, and donations are always welcomed. If you are interested in donating to the Brigade, please reach out to Brigade Treasurer Julie LaPere atjulie@.to California Service Dog Academy for a $5,000 grant which is a welcome addition to our newly established coffers, and will support the Brigade's goal of replacing outdated equipment and expanding our program. The Fire Brigade Board has ambitions of someday replacing the 1979 Type 6 engine, and possibly even someday growing our fire program to host a full time seasonal firefighter. In April, the Board applied for a grant through the "Students4Giving" program at CSU Fresno; if awarded, this $8,000 grant will be used for a new radio in the engine and 6 new handheld radios for emergency operations. Special thanks go out to Board Member Frank Ohnesorgen for writing the grant application, and to Board Member Matt Corso for partnering with me in the interview process. The Brigade also wants to thank SheriffBoudreaux, District 5 Supervisor Dennis Townsend, and Imperial Ambulance for writing letters of support in this grant application.Lastly, the Brigade wants to recognize the Good Samaritan efforts of Brigade member Billy Lowry, whose quick and thoughtful response to a snowmobile accident this winter assisted in saving the lives (and, quite literally, the limbs) of two fellow Ponderosa cabin owners. His technique in splinting a broken leg was a great example of his ability to stay calm in an emergency situation, which is a skill all Brigade members strive to demonstrate.If you are interested in joining or supporting the Ponderosa Fire Brigade, please email me atdlapere68@. Our next training will take place Sunday, May 16, at 10:00 am outside the Ponderosa Community Services District building. As we're still in the midst of a pandemic, please be prepared to observe social distancing measures. Please also wear appropriate footwear to practice some basic firefighting techniques.This is a non-profit organization managed by property owners, Matthew and Rebecca CorsoPPOA 2021 MembershipFill in the form below and return it with your check. This year, we’ve added Venmo as a payment option! Find us on Venmo: @Ponderosa-POA. Just include your name and cabin address or lot number in the comments. Otherwise, please just fill out this short form and mail in a check to 56693 Aspen Drive, Springville, CA 93265. Name: _________________________________________________Home Address (if not on check): ___________________________________________________City_____________________ State: ______________ ZIP: ________Cabin Address: _____________________________ OR Lot Number: _______________Email: ________________________________________Amount enclosed: Property: Cabin: ______ Lot: _______ $________ Ponderosa Property Owners Association?Our Mission The mission of the Ponderosa Property Owners Association is to promote the welfare and enjoyment of the property owners. Our ValuesHonesty: We will be open and honest in all our actions and activitiesCommunity: We will engage in only those activities that serve and build our community and avoid any that detract from or divide itDiversity: We welcome all to our community and will champion equity and inclusion for all. We are committed to representing and reflecting our whole communityCommunication: We believe communication is a two-way street. We welcome input from the community, and we will attempt to keep the community informed about all action, activities, and initiatives of the AssociationEnvironment: We will engage in activities as an Association that protect and promote our environment which includes our natural habitat and resources as well as the general appearance of our mountain community and the many recreational opportunities it presents. PPOA Board 2020-2021President: Yves DeClerckVic-President: Rich ThomasTreasurer: Julie LaPereSecretary: Matt CorsoMembers at Large: Juana Gray Kit Korf Shawn AlexanderCALENDARFire Brigade Training: Sunday, May 16 at 10 AMPPOA Board meeting: Sunday, May 30 at 10 am (PCSD Building)Zoom request by email at declerck.yves5@ Parade and Picnic: Saturday, July 3 starting at 10 amPPOA Board Meeting: Sunday, July 4 at 10 AM (PCSD Building)June/July Fire Brigade Training: TBAIndependence Day Celebration Date: Saturday July 3rdBBQ is planned with auction and games for kidsLive Music from 1:00-5:00Location TBAParade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the LodgeTrophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placeAs in past years, there is no formal entry required… just show up with your vehicle and you are in. Of course, you will probably want to decorate the vehicle too.We will be awarding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for the best-looking entries. Of course, we will be celebrating the 4th of July so dress up your ride with flags, sparklers, streamers and other patriotic do dads. Any type of vehicle can enter. For more information, contact Tammi Stewart: (559) 542-2218 or tammistewart27@ Ponderosa Lodge 559-542-2579 Memorial Day Weekend: Live Music all Weekend and $4 off burgers a la carteFather’s Day Chili Cookoff and Salsa Contest 1st 2nd and 3rd place prizesRules: Chili to be pre made and in warming serving device such as a crock pot. Meat products must not be introduced into chili prior to arrival. Bring your unseasoned meat products for inspection by our chef then cook on our outside burner in your own pan. Anything precooked can be brought, but must be unseasoned for proper inspection. Your warming device will need to be able to reach minimum of 180 degrees.Bring your own minimum of 2 quarts of salsa and enter!Saturday Night Dinners ~ reservations onlyCall ahead Wednesday or after as seating is limitedComing Soon...Sushi nights prepared by professional chefWine Tastings from Paso Robles winemakersand Fine Dining from Chef Clark Please contact Lodge to be on Ponderosa Lodge email list, or get onto the Private Community Message Board that is on Facebook called “Ponderosa Private “. Membership Update:As of April 20, 2021, 65 of 140 cabins in Ponderosa have paid 2021 membership dues. Nearly half isn't bad, but as we prepare to support new projects such as replacing street signs in a "Ponderosa aesthetically compatible way" and partnering to replant trees in the fire ravaged areas surroundingmountain community, we could use all the support we can get! If you haven't already paid your membership dues this year, please take a moment to send in a check with the form included in this newsletter. Or - if you prefer, Venmo is now an available payment option. You can find us as@Ponderosa-POA - just include your name and cabin address. Vacant lot membership fee is $15, and developed cabin membership fee is $30. If you have any questions, please reach out to Julie LaPere, Treasurer, atjuliedp99@.?Mailroom BusinessPlease remove your packages from mailroom ASAP. You can also request packages be delivered to your cabin address.Please do not give our the code to the mailroom and report any suspicious activityI’m removing the Christmas lights (yay) and replacing with White Lights.Thanks, TammiThanks, TammiGRANTS UPDATE by Jeff GletneThe Tulare County Resource Conservation District is applying for another Calfire fire prevention grant for the Ponderosa community. Work would include cleaning up more lots, chipping or masticating brush and slash near homes and on the Kramer property, and removing hazard trees on Forest Service land around the perimeter of the private property.Grants will be awarded in the summer and work would likely begin next spring. Several of the fire professionals on the Castle Fire have stated that the fuel reduction work done over the last few years was instrumental in saving our community, so let’s hope we can get more funding to continue this work.Upcoming PPOA Meeting May 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.PCSD Building and/ZoomThe May PPOA member meeting will take place either on site or on Zoom pending on the CDC and State recommendations regarding COVID-19. If on site, we will try to have a simultaneous Zoom webinar. Members interested in joining by Zoom should send a request by email at declerck.yves5@.Agenda:Approval of the February Meeting: Matthew CorsoTreasurer’s report and membership: Julie LaPereStatus of our 501c(3): Matthew CorsoLiability Insurance: Matthew CorsoStreet sign project: Dave LaPereWelcome pamphlet project: Lorna McWilliams, Sam Bach and Yves DeClerckRecognition plaque policy and SQF firefighters, agencies, and community member recognition: Richard ThomasSummer project with girls’ camp: Juana GrayCommittee Reports:A. Fire Brigade: Dave LaPere (brush and pine needle clearance and brigade activities)B. Social Committee: 4th of July event - Tammi StewartC. Mailboxes: Tammi StewartMinutes from the February 2021 PPOA meeting can be found on the community website: FYI…..ads can be placed on the Ponderosaca website and Facebook for minimal cost. Please contact Julia Inestroza if you are interested.(Julia@)CHIPPER DAYS by Jeff GletneThe Tulare Resource Conservation District will be offering free Chipper Days at the Ponderosa again this year. The tentative dates are Tuesday June 1, Tuesday July 6, and Tuesday September 7. The work is designed to help landowners improve defensible space around their cabins.Residents can neatly stack small trees and brush, from one inch to ten inches in diameter, along the road and we will chip it and scatter the chips on your property. ................
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