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What Happens Now?

Steven Keefe, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty 
Arrowhead Home Loans, Inc.
www.mountainmoves.com
steve@mountainupdate.com
909.336.2131

I have been asked at least a hundred times what will the recent fire do the the local economy and real estate market.  I made the decision early on last week that I was going to remain in Lake Arrowhead unless it became so unsafe that I would be forced to leave.  Fortunately because of the excellent job that our local and visting fire agencies did, It never came to that point for me.

Having experienced the fire first hand, I can tell you that what was being reported was nothing like what was really going on here in Lake Arrowhead.  I spent most of the week dispelling the incredible rumors that were circulated by the media.

There is damage to our community, and that is a tragedy.  There are families that have been displaced as a result of the fire, what is awesome is how our community comes together to fill the need as a result of this unfortuate event.  Our organization as well as many others began immediately to put in place assistance programs to take care of "our own". 

I have two young sons, and a lovely wife.  Fortunately, our home was not affected.  Had it been, we wouldn't be leaving.  I have spoke to a dozen folks that their homes were affected and they have the same resolve that I would have.  There is no place in California that offers what Lake Arrowhead offers its families and residents and nothing short of a total burn down would drive us out of this great community.   

It is important to note that the damage was very much isolated to a specific area thanks to the great work of our trained emergency personnel.  No where in California is immune to natural hazards.  Earthquakes, fires, other natural disasters come with the territory.  What is key is how those hazards are managed.  We in the mountain communities are fortunate to have high quality expertly trained emergency personnel that do a great job of managing the potential risks.  We are lucky to have them and fortunate to call them friends and neighbors.

Back to what happens now?  What happens now is the dust settles and the work begins to assist our neighbors and friends who have been affected.  The dust hasn't settled and this process has already begun.  Fortunately, only a small area of Lake Arrowhead had been affected.  Resources are being committed to assist the folks in this area.  The rest of Lake Arrowhead and surrounding communities have not been impacted. 

A friend who was up visiting yesterday,  said to me "Based on what I saw on the news, it is nothing like what I thought it was going to be like.  They made it sound like the whole mountain burned.  I was really surprised at how isolated this thing was."

Thank you firefighters and all who assisted in protecting our beautiful community for our families and residents.  We are truly fortunate to have you.

Coldwell Banker to Host September Chamber Mixer

Steven Keefe, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty
Arrowhead Home Loans, Inc.
www.mountainmoves.com
steve@cbskyridge.com
(909)  336-2131

Start the home tour weekend early!  Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty is the host for the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce's September mixer.  This event is Thursday September 13 starting at 5:00pm and ending at 7:00pm.  Coldwell Banker is located in historic downtown Blue Jay Village.  Enjoy a wonderfull cool evening outdoors with great catered food, beverages, opportunity drawing, and a chance to be the Chambers next Member of the Month.  Bring your business cards as it is a great opportunity to network and meet new friends.

1st Annual Lake Arrowhead Pine Cone Festival

Saturday, October 20, 2007 will be a fun filled day for the entire family.   Detailed information can be found at www.pineconefestival.com

Come join the fun and win part of $2,000 worth of prizes in teh first annual Biggest Pine Cone in the world Contest.  Either find the biggest (Sugar Pine) or heaviest (Coulter Pine) cones.  For contest details, see www.pineconefestival.com

Yes on Measure C

Steven R. Keefe, Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty
Arrowhead Home Loans, Inc.
www.mountainmoves.com
steve@mountainupdate.com
(909)  336-2131

In November of this year the citizens of our community will vote on Measure C to impose a much needed and nominal assesment on the County Tax Rolls to support the Recreation and Parks District.  I urge you to support this measure to benefit our community as a whole.

The current $10 per parcel assessment passed in 1984 to fund the Rim of The World Recreation and Park District falls short of meeting today's most fundamental needs.  The initial assessment allowed for development of programs and facilities from Valley of Enchantment to Green Valley Lake, including pre-school through senior citizens.  Due to inflation, $10 per parcel barely pays for maintenance, much less the necessary improvements to meet the ADA and safety regulations required by law.  This limitation of funding has severly impacted the recreational services and programs available to our ever growing mountain community.  The enrollment in youth little league alone has grown by over 58% from 2006 to 2007.  The stress on facilities has reached a breaking point and it is up to our community to respond.

The proposed assessment would allow for much needed improvements, increases funding for continued maintenance of the existing facilities and expands recreational and other program opportunities for all age groups district wide. 

The Rim of The World Recreation and Park District must provide a safe, healthy environment for the nearly two hundred children currently enrolled in the District's Child Care Program, the over 2300 youth and 300 adult participants of league sports, the senior programs and the many families who use the Districts' programs and facilities.

Public comments, from every community show strong support for the proposed additional $15 per parcel.  This is the communities opportunity to provide for the needs of today, and prepare for the future of our Recreation and Park District.

Funds are needed to support this campaign, Please send checks payable to Go Rim Rec in any amount to P.O. Box 396 Cedar Glen, CA  92321

Local Insurance Agent Allison Banner Honored as an "Everyday Hero"

Allison Banner, Allstate Insurance, Blue Jay, CA
(909)336-9223
allisonbanner@allstate.com

Local Insurance agent Allison Banner was recently recognized by Allstate Insurance as an "Everyday Hero".  The nationwide award is given by the company to individuals who demonstrate excellence in customer service. 

Allison’s Secrets of Success:

Being Nice: “You’ve got to be nice to everyone all the time. You need to call back when you say you will; you need to be respectful and accessible. It can make all the difference.”

Being Ready: “I always have all the documentation ready for the customer to sign before they arrive. That way, they don’t have to wait for the papers, and we can spend time talking about other products, other cross-sales.”

Being a Part of the Community: “I participate in community events and I was recently elected to the Chamber of Commerce. It’s important that people know you are committed to the community and that you’re willing to give back to it. It creates tremendous good will and it brings in new customers.”

When Allison Banner, an exclusive agent in Blue Jay, CA, received the call from a customer named George, he was irate. George had been with Allstate for more than 30 years, but when his 2007 earthquake policy renewal arrived, he was surprised by a significantly higher premium.

“I had not been George’s Allstate agent before,” Allison said. “He had another Allstate agent, but when he tried to get answers about his policy, which he couldn’t afford, none were forthcoming. To say he was frustrated and angry would be an extreme understatement.”

In a letter to Allstate, George wrote: “As the renewal date got closer, I was ready to go to any company but Allstate for my insurance needs. I decided to give Allstate one more chance and called Allison Banner, whose office is only a few blocks from my home.

“I met with Allison, and she explained the reason for the increase,” George continued. “She spent many hours adjusting and readjusting the coverage until the final policy was one that my wife and I were both pleased with.”

Allison took the time to help George understand his earthquake coverage needs and offer coverage choices for him to consider. “He was so upset,” she said. “He needed someone to take the time with them that they deserved.”

Banner’s investment of time with George paid off. In his letter to Allstate, he concluded: “By providing simple, good old customer service techniques, Allison restored my faith in the integrity of Allstate…She prevented the loss of one of your long-time customers. Her actions are truly commendable.”

For any insurance needs, Allison Banner can be reached at (909) 336-9223 or via email at allisonbanner@allstate.com

Not all Photographs are Created Equal

Mike Blanchot has been involved in photography all of his life.  His mother was a retoucher for Hollywood's photographers and young Mike picked up her artistic talents.  Mike has trained with and worked for some of the most talented photographers in the business doing weddings, commercial photography and portraits.  He relocated to the mountian in 1999 where he joined Homes and Land Magazine in Lake Arrowhead Village as its manager.  During that time period he mastered the art of Real Estate Photography creating spectacular magazine covers and layouts.  Most recently, Mike has opened Lakeside Studio located in Lake Arrowhead Village.

Mike has come to be known in the real estate community as the premier real estate photographer.  He has the "eye" that takes an ordinary photograph and brings the subject to life.  When we need exceptional presentation, we call on Mike to create the story with his photograph.

For all of your photographic needs, Mike can be reached at the Lakeside Studio in Lake Arrowhead Village, on the internet at www.lakesidestudio.net or via telephone at (909)  337-2000 

About The Beautiful Lake Arrowhead Resort

• Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa offers thoughtful, unexpected amenities throughout.
  
  Guestrooms and suites feature LCD flat-screen televisions and bathrooms with slab-granite countertops and upscale bath products like Essential Elements. BIN189 offers an extraordinary wine-inspired dining experience, complete with a lounge and cozy waiting area with a fireplace.
  
  The premier Spa of the Pines offers soothing treatments using indigenous products and a fitness studio with yoga, Pilates, and a host of on-going fitness classes.
  
  We take nothing for granted, for we want your experience with us to keep bringing you back time and time again.

ACCOMMODATIONS

• Grand Lobby complete with huge granite fireplace and outdoor veranda with granite fire pit overlooking Lake Arrowhead and the resort’s outdoor pool area
• 162 recently renovated, freshly appointed guest rooms complete with plush grand-scale bed with pillow top mattress and 100% Egyptian cotton linens, goose down comforters, monogrammed waffle-weave cotton bathrobes, in-room safe, and large work desk. Most guest rooms have private balconies.
• Luxurious bathrooms with slab-granite countertop and Essential Elements body and hair care products
• LCD flat-screen cable TV with free movie channels and pay movie selections
• Most suites have two and some have three flat-panel LCD
• Well-stocked private pantry with premium liquors, gourmet snacks and beverages
• 11 suites ranging in size from 600 to 1,200 square feet. Each individually appointed with the finest furnishings and amenities including coffee grinders, whole-bean coffee, French Press, water warmer, coffee maker and DVD players.  Four suites have fireplaces
• All suite bathrooms have romantic deep-soaking whirlpool tubs, bathroom floor heaters and LCD televisions for viewing while soaking amidst tiny bubbles

GUEST SERVICES

• Guests staying in our suites enjoy twice daily housekeeping service
• High-speed wireless Internet access throughout the entire Resort including all guest rooms and outdoor pool area. Free of charge
• Weekly movies featuring films made in Lake Arrowhead.
• Non-smoking throughout the Resort including guestroom balconies, outdoor pool area, Wedding Lawn and Lakeside Terrace.  Smoking is permitted outdoors in the parking lot and on the pathway along Lake Arrowhead
• Pets welcomed.  Cats (declawed) and fully trained dogs weighing no more than 25 pounds and at least one year old

SPA OF THE PINES

• Spa of the Pines, a full-service luxury spa with nine treatment rooms, plus VIP Couples Journey Suite, retail boutique, fitness studio complete with the latest cardiovascular equipment, exercise studio for yoga, aerobics, and Pilates, beauty salon for hair and nails, three private lounges with an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Arrowhead, and two complete locker rooms each with steam room and experience shower
• In-room spa treatments available by advance reservation

DINING

• BIN189, the Resort’s highly-acclaimed restaurant, features remarkable wine-inspired dining, Magnum Private Dining Room, and a cozy cocktail lounge complete with fireplace
• Mountain Aromas, a vibrant coffee bar just off the lobby serving assorted beverages, fresh-baked pastries and light fare. An excellent assortment of Resort logo merchandise is also available for purchase
• In-room dining offering the very finest from the BIN189 menus

MEETINGS, WEDDINGS, AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS

• Beautiful outdoor Wedding Lawn with Lakeside Ceremony Terrace
• Deluxe Executive Boardroom complete with fully-equipped Private Business Center, state-of-art technology, reception area and private bathroom
• A variety of private rooms for meetings, social gatherings and receptions
• A fully equipped business center and two other lobby Internet stations available to Resort guests and meeting attendees

RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES

• Heated outdoor pool year-round to 84 degrees
• Two outdoor whirlpools
• Private beach along the shore of Lake Arrowhead
• Laundry and dry cleaning service available weekdays
• Exclusive golf and tennis privileges at Lake Arrowhead Country Club, just 10 minutes from the Resort.  Preferred tee times and court times available for Resort guests April through October by advance reservation through the Resort
• Upscale shopping at the Lake Arrowhead Villageadjacent to the resort. More than 120 specialty stores including attractions for all ages, convenience/local services, art galleries, apparel outlets, restaurants and specialty gift shops
• Wide assortment of recreation alternatives
• Scenic mountain hikes, horseback riding in Big Bear, golf and tennis nearby, guided fitness nature hikes, wilderness wildflower tours, fireside chats, yoga and tai chi in the Forest, yoga retreats, ice skating, Lake Arrowhead sightseeing tours and fishing

For Complete information on the Lake Arrowhead Resort, visit www.laresort.com

About The LACSD

The mission of the Lake Arrowhead Community Services District is to provide exceptional water and wastewater services, as we protect our water resources and preserve our environment.

Our motto: Provide, Protect, Preserve

The District is a self-governed Special District. A special district is a separate local government that delivers specific public services within a defined area. There are approximately 3,400 independent special districts in California.

The District provides water service to the Lake Arrowhead community and wastewater services to customers in the Lake Arrowhead and surrounding communities. Today, the District serves approximately 7,800 water connections and 10,500 wastewater connections.

The District operates two water treatment plants, 19 water pumping stations, two wastewater treatment plants, 21 wastewater pumping stations, 20 reservoir tanks and several hundred miles of pipelines. It is primarily funded by utility fees. Only the wastewater fund is augmented by a small amount of property tax revenue.

The communities served by the District range in elevation from 4,500 feet to over 6,000 feet and encompass approximately 15 square miles. As a resort area, Lake Arrowhead includes commercial areas oriented to tourists and seasonal residents as well as year-round residents. Approximately half of the residential dwelling units in the area are second homes.

For complete information on the LACSD visit www.lakearrowheadcsd.com

Lake Arrowhead Country Club a Brief History

The mountains around the Lake Arrowhead area in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s were primarily used for logging operations, lumber mills and a limited amount of gold and silver mining. Around 1893, construction began on the dams that created Lake Arrowhead and Grass Valley Lake in an effort to capture water to be sold to the San Bernardino area.  In 1920, a Los Angeles syndicate formed the Lake Arrowhead Company to buy the lake and surrounding property in order to turn the entire area into a unique year-round resort. They constructed the village, three hotels and a nine-hole course on what was originally a cow pasture. Much of the lakeside land was sold for private homes and secluded estates. Many Hollywood stars stayed at the hotels during that era and many of the movie studios used the location for filming movies. But the golf course eventually fell into disuse and returned to the cows. In the early 1960’s the Lake Arrowhead Development Company, to promote Lake Arrowhead, began updating the original course. The first phase of the project was entrusted to Billy Bell, designer of Canyon Country Club in Palm Springs.

In 1963 a back nine was carved out of the surrounding mountain. At the same time construction on a new clubhouse in the architecturally dramatic A-frame design was begun. Honored guests at the grand opening of the Club House included Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett.

In September of 1978, the members of the Lake Arrowhead Country Club purchased the course, clubhouse and tennis facilities from the then owners, California Golf, and turned it into the private, member-owned, equity Country Club that it remains to this day.

For information on membership at LACC, send me an email to steve@cbskyridge.com and I will put you in touch with the appropriate party.