Monday, December 30, 2013

ALTA SIERRA ARBITRATION RESULTS REBUTTAL BY RESIDENT

FROM RESIDENT - 

The recent e-mail that the ASPOA board sent regarding the outcome of the lawsuit against the ASPOA needs clarification. We have been asked by many to distribute the actual arbitration decision. Please follow this link that will allow you direct to read for yourself as it directly affects your property rights.

http://recallaspoa.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/arbitration-decision.pdf

First and foremost of importance, which was not mentioned by the board in their email, was the determination that the ASPOA had no legal basis to try to convert Alta Sierra into a mandatory HOA with mandatory dues in order to enforce the Deed Restrictions on your property. This ruling has been recorded and will serve as a guarantee that neither this board nor any board in the future can attempt such an effort. This was the basis of the lawsuit against the ASPOA and our opposition to the board's actions and expenditure of legal fees from the treasury. The ruling was a success for the lawsuit.

Second, as per the lawsuit, it was determined that the ASPOA has no authority to enforce our deed restrictions. There are 21 subdivisions and each one has it's own separate restrictions. The importance and repercussions of this ruling is evident by the arbitrator's decision that the board cannot be sued for past actions against homeowners who they attempted to exercise authority over. However, in moving forward, if the ASPOA attempts to usurp their authority to enforce the deed restrictions, they are open to a lawsuit...with a ruling that has already been decided and recorded. The duties of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), which again are not all the same in each of the 21 subdivisions, does have authority over matters such as: new home construction, fence building, mailboxes and tree cutting. Because the ARC has allowed just about everything in the past, they cannot now arbitrarily pick and choose what they deem acceptable. Further, new home construction and new additions are covered by county regulations. The rules pertaining to fire prevention and trees are defined by fire safety regulations, which trump the ASPOA. The ASPOA has never had authority to fine anyone and because of this, the board, through legal means, attempted to pursue the mandatory HOA/Davis Stirling Act, which would have allowed it.

What this ruling means is that approx. $25,000 in legal fees was completely wasted from the treasury from 2012 and 2013 in attempting to enforce the deed restrictions that the board had no power to do, and to pursue a mandatory HOA, for which Alta Sierra could never have qualified under the Davis Stirling Act.

The arbitrator's ruling chastises the board for breaking their own By Laws by not providing the updated membership list so that the Recall could properly notice all members. Yet the recall was ruled invalid because the Recall was unable to properly notice all members. In order to accomplish that, the Recall would have had to file another lawsuit, gone to court to have a judge force the board to comply with their own By Laws. Unfortunately, there were not unlimited funds for legal fees nor was there a treasury from which to draw funds. The members were noticed in every way possible under the circumstances, and we had competent and experienced legal advice. However, the arbitrator ruled that because we had the option to file another lawsuit, the recall vote was invalid. Whether you support the board's actions or oppose them, it is your right to voice your opinion and receive accurate facts. The ASPOA is a voluntary membership organization of far less than half of the residences and it does not speak for Alta Sierra as a whole, and cannot by law, be involved in political issues.

We are all neighbors and regardless of our opinions, we can treat each other with respect. We can agree that we want the best for our community, even as we may see that road differently. These court decisions have succeeded in putting important issues to rest. Thank you for your involvement in this process.

Kathy Monteiro

575-7984

I was asked to mention: Some residents are exploring the idea of having another voluntary neighborhood organization/club as an alternative choice to the ASPOA that could also provide the propane discount and offer new benefits to the community separate and apart from the beneficial, established ASPOA programs. Two organizations could provide choices in member dues and provide more benefits, especially if the two agreed to work together. Your thoughts and ideas are welcome by replying to this email.

ASPOA ARBITRATION RESULTS





Dear ASPOA Member,

Arbitrator Simon delivered his arbitration award to the parties in the late afternoon of December 1st, ruling the following:

· The October 19th recall vote of the ASPOA Board to remove 8 of the 9 Directors was not a valid action as it was not properly noticed.

· The subsequent November 2nd recall election of 8 replacement Directors was not a valid action as the recall action was not ruled valid.

· ASPOA has the legal authority and responsibility to enforce the Deed Restrictions relating to those matters within the purview of the original Architectural Committee (fences, trees, building plans, setbacks, temporary dwellings, etc.) for each subdivision in Alta Sierra. Alta Sierrans, themselves, may seek to enforce DR violations within their own subdivision (easements, signs, pets, appearance of yards, etc.).

The delivery of a binding ruling by Arbitrator Simon should bring us all relief from the conflict that has plagued our community for months, and gives our association the opportunity for a fresh start. We have all agreed upon the importance of resolving disagreements with respect and a civil dialogue. Let’s put aside our differences and all work together for the benefit of our membership as agreed upon in the mediation settlement. Instead of resorting to recalls, lawsuits, and inflammatory newspaper articles, let’s use the agreed upon concept of a conflict resolution committee to receive, review, and decide issues where there is disagreement. And let’s call upon the members to provide input for program priorities and large expenditures by the Association.

Another notable achievement is the completion of the official ASPOA election held on Monday, Dec. 2nd. We tallied an amazing 496 ballots submitted by members, who made their voices heard in this balloted election. The top three candidates who received the highest number of votes were elected to the ASPOA Board. Results are as follows:

Nominated Candidates
Write-Ins
George Horrigan: 372  (WON)
*Brad Dixon: 2
Diane Coelho: 339  (WON)
*John Noone: 1
Enid Powell: 315  (WON)
*Fred Crowder: 1
*Gerald Gates: 261
*Brad Peceimer-Glasse: 1
*Laura McLeod: 141

*Denotes candidates who ran in the recall election held on 11/2/13.


The election process was skillfully overseen by Dai Meagher, CPA, whose attention to detail, professionalism, and expertise ensured a fair election for all of our members. Dai spent countless hours developing an election process that sets a very high standard for future elections in Alta Sierra, and ASPOA wishes to express our gratitude for his tireless efforts.

In addition, we would like to thank our amazing team of volunteers for their help: Carol Baker, Bob Crooks, Marlene Engel, Debbie Ireland, Vivian Kee, Lou Merzario, Al Schafer, and Jim Shea. The Nomination Committee, consisting of John Ford, Julie Reaney, and Julie Siegenthaler, spent numerous hours coordinating the election, as well. A phone call outreach effort was also made to the nearly 400 members for whom the Association does not have email addresses, to ensure every member received equal treatment in this election.

We hope the judge’s ruling and balloted election mean the conflict has finally ended. Indeed, with a binding legal opinion, and the official results of a popular vote among members, we believe it has.

Thank you for remaining members of ASPOA throughout these difficult months. We welcome input from members via our website, email address aspoa@suddenlink.net, and member feedback line (530) 231-7755.

Friday, December 13, 2013

ASPOA 2013 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED

IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Annual Membership Meeting takes place this Saturday, December 14th from
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. in the dining room of the Alta Sierra Country Club. We’ll be
giving a short presentation and recap of 2013. All members are welcome – we
hope to see you there!


Dear ASPOA Member,
Arbitrator Simon delivered his arbitration award to the parties in the late afternoon of December 1st, ruling the following:
·        The October 19th recall vote of the ASPOA Board to remove 8 of the 9 Directors was not a valid action as it was not properly noticed.
·        The subsequent November 2nd recall election of 8 replacement Directors was not a valid action as the recall action was not ruled valid.
·        ASPOA has the legal authority and responsibility to enforce the Deed Restrictions relating to those matters within the purview of the original Architectural Committee (fences, trees, building plans, setbacks, temporary dwellings, etc.) for each subdivision in Alta Sierra. Alta Sierrans, themselves, may seek to enforce DR violations within their own subdivision (easements, signs, pets, appearance of yards, etc.).
The delivery of a binding ruling by Arbitrator Simon should bring us all relief from the conflict that has plagued our community for months, and gives our association the opportunity for a fresh start. We have all agreed upon the importance of resolving disagreements with respect and a civil dialogue.  Let’s put aside our differences and all work together for the benefit of our membership as agreed upon in the mediation settlement. Instead of resorting to recalls, lawsuits, and inflammatory newspaper articles, let’s use the agreed upon concept of a conflict resolution committee to receive, review, and decide issues where there is disagreement. And let’s call upon the members to provide input for program priorities and large expenditures by the Association.
Another notable achievement is the completion of the official ASPOA election held on Monday, Dec. 2nd. We tallied an amazing 496 ballots submitted by members, who made their voices heard in this balloted election. The top three candidates who received the highest number of votes were elected to the ASPOA Board. Results are as follows:
Nominated Candidates
Write-Ins
George Horrigan: 372  (WON)
*Brad Dixon: 2
Diane Coelho: 339  (WON)
*John Noone: 1
Enid Powell: 315  (WON)
*Fred Crowder: 1
*Gerald Gates: 261
*Brad Peceimer-Glasse: 1
*Laura McLeod: 141

*Denotes candidates who ran in the recall election held on 11/2/13.
The election process was skillfully overseen by Dai Meagher, CPA, whose attention to detail, professionalism, and expertise ensured a fair election for all of our members. Dai spent countless hours developing an election process that sets a very high standard for future elections in Alta Sierra, and ASPOA wishes to express our gratitude for his tireless efforts.
In addition, we would like to thank our amazing team of volunteers for their help: Carol Baker, Bob Crooks, Marlene Engel, Debbie Ireland, Vivian Kee, Lou Merzario, Al Schafer, and Jim Shea. The Nomination Committee, consisting of John Ford, Julie Reaney, and Julie Siegenthaler, spent numerous hours coordinating the election, as well. A phone call outreach effort was also made to the nearly 400 members for whom the Association does not have email addresses, to ensure every member received equal treatment in this election.
We hope the judge’s ruling and balloted election mean the conflict has finally ended. Indeed, with a binding legal opinion, and the official results of a popular vote among members, we believe it has.
Thank you for remaining members of ASPOA throughout these difficult months. We welcome input from members via our website, email address aspoa@suddenlink.net, and member feedback line (530) 231-7755.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

SANTA'S PERSONAL PHONE NUMBER


Recently I saw this photo being passed around so I called. I heard Santa's voice. If you have children please take a moment and give it a try. Your child will be able to leave a message for the man who lives at the North Pole. Merry Christmas to all and all a goodnight!

USA BASEBALL TRYOUT - 9U TO 18U



THE NORCAL TRYOUT EVENT FOR THE USA-LABC 9-18U BASEBALL TEAMS WILL BE HELD ON FEB 9,2014 1:00PM AT LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL LINCOLN, CA. ALL POSITIONS CONSIDERED. NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. FREE TRYOUT AND EVALUATION PROVIDED.

ALL UNITED STATES TEAMS WILL BEAR OUR COUNTRY’S COLORS IN THE LABC 2014, HELD IN SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON AUG 6-12, 2014. THIS IS THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL EVENT IN LATIN AMERICA AND ANNUALLY ATTRACTS NATIONAL TEAMS FROM ALL ACROSS THE LATIN AMERICAN REGION.

USA COACHES ARE FORMER AND CURRENT PRO BASEBALL PLAYERS AND COLLEGE COACHES. TEAMS COMPRISE OF PLAYERS FROM ALL ACROSS AMERICA AND ARE IDENTIFIED FROM 22+ NATIONAL TRYOUT EVENTS.

4 GAME GUARANTY, OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES, BANQUETS, MEDIA, EXCLUSIVE USA EVENTS AND TOURS, AND MUCH MORE. GAMES ARE PLAYED IN AND AROUND SANTO DOMINGO AND AT THE MLB COMPLEX FIELDS OF THE WHITE SOX, CUBS, DIAMONDBACKS, PHILLIES, METS, AND ORIOLES.

THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY ON FOREIGN SOIL AND COMPETE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL TITLE. FOR MORE INFO:

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.BIGLEAGUEEDGE.COM

OR EMAIL: JIM@BIGLEAGUEEDGE.COM

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE - SIGN UP TIME


With the holiday season upon us and the longing for spring days that lie ahead, it’s time to register for Bear River Little League. The 2013 season was another enjoyable experience for the more than 250 local boys and girls that participated and the 2014 season promises to be even better.


The Bear River Little League Board is extremely grateful for the efforts of all parents and volunteers and appreciates all the hard work they put in on behalf of the children and our community. Whether through coaching, cheering as a parent in the stands, umpiring, or working the snack shack, your efforts are valued greatly. It is because of the combined efforts of our many volunteers that we are able to look forward to another GREAT season of Bear River Little League Baseball.



**NEW FOR 2014 – Students attending any of the following schools are eligible to participate in BRLL**
Alta Sierra Elementary,Cottage Hill Elementary, Magnolia Intermediate, Forest Lake Christian, Sierra Montessori. Regardless of your address, children can now sign-up for Bear River Little League and play with their classmates.

On-Line Registration is currently underway at: www.bearriverll.com

Please take advantage of this quick and easy way to register. You’ll be able sign all the appropriate waivers, provide important contact information and pay your registration fees in a few easy steps.

Registration closes on Saturday, January 18th, so…Log on and register today!!!

Please make sure to visit our new website at www.bearriverll.com, now and throughout the season for important up-dates and information regarding the league.

If you have any questions, please contact us at one or all of the following:
president@bearriverll.comvp@bearriverll.com - info@bearriverll.com

Saturday, December 7, 2013

ALTA SIERRA GOLF CART PARADE


The 2013 Alta Sierra Golf Cart parade and Holiday party has been canceled do to the snow.

SUPPORT NEVADA COUNTY FILM MAKERS



FOR RELEASE: December 6th, 2013 Media Contact: Anthony Barrios, LineMakerProductions@gmail.com Vote for us at: https://review.wizehive.com/voting/view/mogamegavideo/0/1714679 Local start-up company Line Maker Productions is excited to announce its participation in an international online video contest. With a great creative appetite and desire to prove ourselves, we decided to compete against a variety of like-minded filmmakers in the “MOGA Mega Video Contest”; the contest lasts from December 6th to December 12th, 2013. Some of our competitors have a thousand or more YouTube fans and we hope to level the playing field with support from our friends, family, and of course our community. An individual can vote for a video once per day, so everybody’s continued support throughout the voting period is appreciated. This video entry is due to the teamwork of two Nevada County locals and their love of film, art, and music. This is all a learning process, but our goal continues to be to produce quality videos and establish a larger fanbase, and we hope to make Nevada County proud with our productions. We’d like to start the New Year with a strong step forward and keep that momentum going through all of our future projects. Anyone interested in contacting us can send an email to LineMakerProductions@gmail.com For more information on the contest, please visit http://www.mogaanywhere.com/video-contest

MOGA Mega Video Contest Votingreview.wizehive.com