Bear Creek Association BCA News

Bear Creek - It's Time to Create Defensible Space around Your Home!

Beth Scanlan — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 03:32:11 GMT

Have pine needles, pinecones, bushes, and other 'loose' yard waster that TTSD won't pick up? Have tree limbs, snapped trees or treetops that came down this winter? Take advantage of Green Waste Dumpsters from the pond: July 3-8 and August 1-7.

These dumpsters are for green waste only. Thank you!

Alpine Meadows Evacuation Information

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 16:44:43 GMT

Please keep this page (regarding Evacuation Information) handy in your home and on your hand-held devices for emergency.

Below is the full text:

ALPINE MEADOWS EVACUATION AND EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS INFORMATION 2023

Alpine Meadows is rated as a Very High Fire Severity Zone by Cal Fire so knowing what to do and what not do when conditions are ideal for a wildfire could be life-saving.
A great place to start for evacuation preparedness information is Ready for Wildfire https://www.readyforwildfire.org/
Red Flag Days -- The vast majority of out of control wildfires occur on RED FLAG days (low humidity and strong winds) which are declared for the Tahoe region by the National Weather Service in Reno 24-48 hours prior to the event.
The Tahoe region falls under Zone CA272 when looking for the Fire Weather Forecast. https://www.weather.gov/wrh/fire?wfo=rev&layer=nwsfwx_w
If you are a second homeowner, Red Flag days are a good time to avoid being in the Tahoe area. If you are not able to avoid the Tahoe area on Red Flag days, use the forecast warning as an opportunity to prepare: • Make sure your vehicle is fully fueled or charged. • Have your Go Bag ready and other important items. • Have an evacuation checklist and divvy it up so each family member has a section that they check off, to make the most efficient use of time and be mentally prepared to go. •
Have what you need to self-sustain for 72 hours; this is the amount of time it typically takes FEMA to stand up resources in the event of a disaster. • Clean up outside your house to protect your home from anything that an ember can catch on fire, and prepare the inside of your house. • Never turn on water/sprinklers/hoses prior to leaving; the water system will lose pressure that is desperately needed for targeted fire suppression. • Download Caltrans Quickmaps app (Apple and Android) so that you have real-time information on road closures/detours. • Add Placer County Sheriff, Placer County, CHP Truckee, and Caltrans District 3 to your social media favorites, as they will be issuing updates during an emergency. Evacuation Warnings/Orders Unless you are notified of an evacuation order, it will be up to you to determine when and where to go in case of an emergency.
Due to the limited number of first responders, do not expect to have door-to-door or neighborhood notification of the need to evacuate during a wildfire. It is important to monitor the situation and notify your neighbors as you learn of an evacuation advisory and a mandatory evacuation order.
Follow the directions of law enforcement for voluntary and mandatory evacuation, but don’t ignore gut instinct. If you feel uneasy, it’s better to leave early than to be stuck due to waiting too long. • An evacuation warning is a potential threat to life and/or property and will be issued to the extent time allows. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave. • An evacuation order is an immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave. The area is lawfully closed to public access. Follow the direction of law enforcement, regardless of where they send you as that is where the roadways and resources will be available to support evacuees.
Evacuating Alpine Meadows could take hours due to the congestion on SR 89. Consider leaving early rather than waiting for an evacuation order.
Evacuation information will be communicated through Placer Alerts, but you must sign up to receive notifications. https://www.placer.ca.gov//2426/Placer-Alert
Information will also be broadcast on local radio stations so be sure to have a battery-operated radio.
If it is not possible to safely exit Alpine Meadows, and you determine your home would not be safe from fire, go to an area that has little to no combustible material.
Placer County Sheriff and North Tahoe Fire have determined the Alpine Meadows ski area parking lot would be a temporary safe refuge, only to be used as a last resort. When you are in your car in an area with fire/ smoke it is important to: • Turn on your lights, so others can see you (this will illuminate your taillights, daytime running lights will not). • Leave your windows closed. • Turn on the air recirculation so that smoke does not enter the vehicle. • Keep an N95 in your glove box in the event you need more airway protection than recirculation can offer. • Wear cotton clothing with long sleeves, long pants, boots, goggles and a cap. Synthetic clothes can melt. Videos and Resources for Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness In September 2021,
Palisades Tahoe hosted a virtual evacuation drill for Olympic Valley. Watch the video for good information for both valleys, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26EKXBlULsA, and check out their website for additional information. https://www.palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/events-calendar/fire-drill-alpine-meadows August 2023, Eastern Placer County held an Evacuation and Emergency Preparedness Town Hall. You can watch the recording, https://vimeo.com/855853581?share=copy, to learn more about the County’s Office of Emergency Services, how the local agencies coordinate and cooperate to provide mutual aid, and what you need to do to prepare yourself, your family and your home.

Sept. 2nd 2023 -- Alpine Meadows Valley-Wide Meeting - audio/transript

Beth Scanlan — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 15:37:14 GMT

The Alpine Meadows Valley-Wide meeting was held on Saturday, September 2nd. Please take some time to listen to this important recording. The link also includes a transcript. Speakers include: Cindy Gustafson, our Placer County District Supervisor, Dan Alvey, of the National Forest Foundation, Troy Caldwell, White Wolf, and many other dedicated community leaders.

"https://share.descript.com/embed/7OTqF3VlfDf"

Annual Progressive Dinner - Saturday, September 2nd, 4pm

Beth Scanlan — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:26:42 GMT

Please join your community members for the annual Labor Day Progressive Dinner. Please look for the Evite, and kindly respond. Thank you!

WHEN

Saturday, September 2, 2023
4:00 PM PT

WHERE

Appetizers at 2240 Bear Creek Dr, Dinner at The Pond, Desserts at 2065 Big John Road

Annual Valley-Wide Meeting - September 2nd, 2023, 9am -- Alpine Meadows Ski Lodge

Beth Scanlan — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:21:29 GMT

Please join your larger Alpine Meadows community members. There will be updates and representations from various valley organizations, and each of the valley communities -- BCA, Juniper Mountain, AME and Troy Caldwell/WhiteWolf.

It is back! Bear Creek’s Annual Progressive Dinner 4:00 pm, Saturday, Sept 3rd, 2022

Beth Scanlan — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 16:00:00 GMT

BCA Community! Please join us for Bear Creek’s Annual Progressive Dinner 4:00 pm, Saturday, Sept 3rd, 2022

4:00 pm Appetizers, 6:00 pm Main Course, 8:00 pm Dessert.

Details on location, homes and food assignments can be found on the member's only-section of this website. :

Honoring Wendy Brody

Beth Scanlan — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:23:17 GMT

Bear Creek honors the life of Wendy Brody, a long-time resident of Bear Creek. Wendy will be remembered for her warm and outgoing nature, her devotion to others, her athleticism in sports such as skiing and hiking, and her dedication to charitable organizations. She carried herself with grace, always wearing her signature red lipstick even while tackling a challenging wilderness hike. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her son, John Brody (who lives here in Alpine Meadows) as well as her daughter Ingrid, son in law Justin and grandchildren William, Elina and Isla.

As remembered by BCA resident Brian Todd, ‘Wendy was on the tree committee here in Bear Creek, and would stay up for most of the summer. She loved it up here. She was an incredible walker and thought nothing of walking to Paige Meadows with her dog, from her house. When I walked with her, she would often wait for me to catch up. I will miss her very much. She was one of those people who always saw the bright things about life and didn't get down by things that were a challenge’.

Below is a bit more about Wendy and her life.

Wendy grew up in Stockton, CA and learned to ski on trips with her family to the mountains around Lake Tahoe. As we know, Wendy would later return to these mountains, spending summer and winter vacations and hosting friends and family at her home in Bear Creek.

Wendy was a trailblazer in the early 70’s. Her career as an economist included work at SRI in Palo Alto and the Social Security Administration in Washington DC. While there, in 1974, she authored a classic study titled ‘The Economic Value of a Housewife’ that was used to compute the economic contribution of people who were not directly in the workforce. This published work can be found on the web.

Wendy was an extraordinary volunteer and community builder. Amongst her contributions were: co-founding the Gamble Gardens in Palo Alto, CA, and over the span of 40 years, serving as a board member of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the La Jolla Music Society, the Walters Museum (Baltimore) and Mills College (her alma mater). John Hopkins University built the Brody Learning Commons, dedicated to Wendy and her ex-husband Bill’s contributions to the university.

Wendy contributed so much to her family, friends, and communities. She is deeply missed by all.

The above material was partially excerpted from Wendy’s memorial piece. With thanks to Brian Todd for providing additional detail.

2022 Wildfire Evacuation Drill - Saturday July 16th, 9:30am

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:04:21 GMT

2022 Wildfire Evacuation Drill

Saturday, July 16

9:30 a.m.

Alpine Meadows Parking Lot #4

Practice, practice, practice…the best way to prepare for a mandatory evacuation is to practice. Please join us and practice a situation where there has been a mandatory evacuation order.

A mandatory evacuation order is issued and you have 15-30 minutes to leave, what do you do?

· Dress in cotton clothing (long-sleeved shirt and pants) and boots/hiking shoes;

· Review your evacuation checklist;

· Grab your “Go” bag; and

· Join us at in the ski area parking lot.

We will hear from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department and North Tahoe Fire Protection District about evacuating from Alpine Meadows in case of a wildfire. They will share what was learned from the Caldor Fire and the evacuation of South Lake Tahoe.

Please see Cal Fire’s evacuation guide to help you prepare for wildfire: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/

Questions? Please contact johncmoise@icloud.com

Annual Bear Creek Association BBQ July 2, 2022 - update

Beth Scanlan — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:22:39 GMT

From the Bear Creek Social Committee:

“We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday afternoon for the annual BCA BBQ at the Pond. Please feel free to bring a beverage to share and plan to stick around after dinner for live music starting about 6:30. If you haven't sent a check in yet, you can now pay for by Venmo -- @BearCrk”

-- $30 per person, children under age 5 are free

Annual Bear Creek Association BBQ July 2, 2022 @ 4:00pm Bear Creek Pond

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

It's BBQ time at the Pond!

Please bring your favorite beverage to share

...and this year, we've added an after party with live music by acoustic duo, Carson & Reed. Music will run from about 6:30 to 9:00. (Bring yout lawn chairs and bug spray!)

RSVP by June 27th$35/person & children under 5/free, for payments recieved by June 27th.

$40/person & children under 5/free, for payments recieved after June 27th,

mail payment to:

BEAR CREEK ASSOCIATION,

c/o Granite Peak Management,

150 Alpine Meadows Road, #1,

Alpine Meadows CA 96146

(write "BBQ" in the memo line)

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Annual Bear Creek Association BBQ July 3, 2021 @ 4:00pm Bear Creek Pond

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 14:06:49 GMT

Annual Bear Creek Association BBQ July 3, 2021 @ 4:00pm Bear Creek Pond

Good food by Treats -- Great people -- Music

Please RSVP by June 28

Detach the stub and mail with your payment;

-- $30/adult, $15/ child for payments received by June 28 --- $35/adult, $20 /child for payments received after June 28 Make your Check Payable to Bear Creek Association {please write “BBQ” in the memo line of your check) Bear Creek Association c/o Granite Peak Management 150 Alpine Meadows Road, #1 Alpine Meadows, CA 96146

Name______________________________________________________ # ADULTS _____@ $30 PER ADULT =$____________ # CHILDREN ___@ $15 PER CHILD = $____________ TOTAL PAYMENT = $___________

North Tahoe Fire and Meeks Bay Fire Protection Districts Prohibit ALL Open Burning and Recreational Fires

Beth Scanlan — Thu, 27 May 2021 13:39:42 GMT

Tahoe City, Calif. May 27, 2021 –

On Monday, May 10, 2021 the CALFIRE AEU Unit suspended burn permits for the season, and on Monday, May 24, 2021 CAL FIRENEU followed suit, resulting in full suspension of residential burn permits in the Tahoe Basin.

These are the triggers that prompt North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD), Meeks Bay Fire Protection District (MBFPD), and Alpine Springs CWD jurisdictions to activate local fire restrictions by suspending all solid fuel recreational fires and open burning. The suspension takes effect Monday and will remain in effect through the remainder of fire season.

Following the adoption of the 2019 Fire Code, ONLY Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits and barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are allowed year-round except during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. All of these appliances must be utilized following manufacturer’s recommendations. Open-flame devices such as tiki torches and all fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, are illegal in California year-round.

For reports of hazardous/illegal camp fires, people should call 9-1-1, and illegal firework activity should be reported to local law enforcement. “Timber vegetation already at summer dryness levels, and above normal fire activity is projected in the Sierra and Tahoe regions this summer and likely into the fall.” said NTFPD Fire Chief Steve Leighton. “We saw the devastation that fires created in California in recent fire years, and we ask our residents and visitors to follow our fire restrictions to protect this precious area that is under severe drought.”

All sources of open flames, including Natural Gas (NG) or Propane (LPG) outdoor firepits and barbecues, and pellet grills/smokers are prohibited during Red Flag/critical fire weather conditions. Red Flag Watches and Warnings of critical fire weather in the Tahoe Basin are issued by the National Weather Service, Reno. “The National Weather Service will issue a Fire Weather Watch roughly 3-5 days in advance of critical fire weather conditions, including strong winds and low humidity,” said Chris Smallcomb, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist/PIO. “Once confidence levels are high enough, this is upgraded to a Red Flag Warning, usually 1-3 days in advance. Our fire service partners use the alerts to help guide staffing and resource decisions not just locally but over regional and multi-state areas.” NTFPD and MBFPD are asking residents to prepare for wildfire by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every structure. “It’s essential for residents to effectively maintain defensible space to improve their home’s chance of survivability from both surface fires and ember showers.” Said NTFPD Fire Marshal Steve McNamara. “Please sign up for free defensible space inspections, and free residential curbside chipping.”

Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property for wildfire:

• Maintain at least 5 feet free of combustible material around each structure.

• For a distance of at least 30 feet from the home, keep the area Lean, Clean and Green.

• Clear all dead and or dying vegetation 100 feet from all structures.

• Landscape with fire resistant/drought tolerant plants.

• Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris through chipping or green waste collection opportunities.

Gondola Construction: What to Expect

Beth Scanlan — Wed, 05 May 2021 15:45:49 GMT

We anticipate construction activities to begin soon on the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows base-to-base gondola. Construction activities will include (in approximate order) tree cutting, tree removal by helicopter, excavation & blasting, and building of terminals and towers. Local residents can anticipate the following impacts due to these activities:
Anticipated Impacts:

Hiking trail closures: Five Lakes Trail and Western States Trail will experience intermittent closures throughout construction this summer. During closures, hikers are encouraged to use other trails, with nearby Shirley Canyon and Granite Chief trails in Olympic Valley as great alternatives. Hikers who ascend to High Camp during operating hours of the Aerial Tram can download for free.
Estimated hiking trail closure durations for Five Lakes Trail and Western States Trail: 12 days in May, 14 days in June, 10 days in July and five days in August.
Closures will be communicated with access road signs, trailhead signs, the Squaw Alpine app and @Squawalpineops on twitter.
Tree cutting: Nearly all tree cutting will take place on the Alpine Meadows side, relatively little tree cutting needs to happen on the Squaw Valley side. There will be noise from chainsaws and tree felling around the Alpine Meadows base area. The Tree cutting areas will be closed to the public.
Excavation & blasting: Plan for noise from blasting and heavy machinery. Excavation areas will be closed to the public while work is ongoing.
Helicopter flying: Plan for noise from helicopter flying.
Parking: Areas of the Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley parking lots will be closed for equipment and construction material staging. The most convenient parking areas will remain available.

Construction Hours:

Noise emanating from construction activities, including helicopter flights, is prohibited on Sundays and Federal Holidays, and will only occur:

Monday – Friday, 6am-8pm (during daylight savings time, summer)
Monday – Friday, 7am-8pm (during standard time, fall)
Saturdays, 8am-6pm. Helicopters may be used on Saturdays, as needed.
Placer County’s Planning Director is authorized to waive these time frames based on special circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions.

Questions? Reach out to GondolaConstruction@squawalpine.com.

Bear Creek Mourns the Loss of BCA resident Marilyn Olmstead

Beth Scanlan — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 02:16:28 GMT

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of longtime Bear Creek Association resident Marilyn Olmstead. Marilyn died in a cycling accident this past Wednesday while riding on a rural road in Yolo County. We will all remember her as a warm and engaging member of the Bear Creek Community.

In her professional life, Marilyn was a University of California, Davis chemistry professor emeritus. The University has also been mourning her death. “We are heartbroken to learn that Professor Emerita Marilyn Olmstead has passed away,” said a Tweet from the UC Davis Chemistry Department. “Marilyn was a world-class crystallographer and an outstanding teacher beloved by her students. She will be greatly missed.”

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Alan Olmstead and their two children Nate and Janis.

2020 “Area of Refuge” Evacuation Drill in Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 23:00:00 GMT

2020 “Area of Refuge” Evacuation Drill in Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows - September 12th, 4pm

Combined event – Sept 12th 4-5 PM Microsoft Teams Meeting Conference ID: 751 609 340# +1 213-279-1097 United States, Los Angeles (Toll)

While the primary plans for wildfire in our area call for complete evacuation via 89, this drill (as last year) will simulate the limited scenario of a wildfire closing Highway 89 in both directions. In such a scenario, existing fire plans employ the ski resort parking lots as “areas of refuge”.

THIS YEARS EVENT WILL BE VIRTUAL! SIMULATED evacuation orders will be sent thru Nixle and Nextdoor at 3:55PM. That will be the signal to log into the meeting.

Do not go to the parking lots. Please sign up for Placer Alert at https://www.placer.ca.gov/2426/Placer-Alert. This system will be used in case of a real emergency. Squaw Valley Fire, North Tahoe Fire, and SV and AM Firewise Committees will make brief presentations. Ron Cohen CEO of Squaw Valley|Alpine Meadows will wrap up with a Q&A on the upcoming ski season.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ernest Wertheim

Beth Scanlan — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 18:08:51 GMT

On August 4th, long-time BCA member Ernest Wertheim passed at the age of 100. He will be fondly remembered by our community. Ernest is survived by his sons Rick and Andy, as well as his grandson Brian. His wife, Margrit Wertheim, passed in 2017. Ernest was born on Dec. 30, 1919, and lived a fascinating (and during his early years, quite perilous) life. As detailed in his memoir, "Chasing Spring," Ernest fled Nazi Germany in 1938 and arrived in America, where he later served in WWII. He settled in San Francisco in 1940 to practice landscape architecture. He built his home in Alpine Meadows in the early 1960's and served several terms as a director on the BCA board, including as President 1977-1978. Rest in Peace, Ernest.

Dumpster Removal, Sept. 30th

Beth Scanlan — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 17:52:00 GMT

Due to continuing problems with our dumpster, the BCA Board has decided to remove the dumpster at entrance 2 on September 30. The Board encourages everyone to begin using street side pickup as soon as possible.

Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal (TTSD) provides street side pickup at no cost to homeowners – financed by the Alpine Springs Water District. Everyone initiating street side pickup, with or without a bear box, should contact TTSD (530-583-7800) to open an account.

Placer County requires all homeowners who rent their homes to have bear boxes. Please comply with this requirement – renters are well known to be a source of excess garbage.

For homeowners who do not rent their homes, bear boxes are strongly recommended but they are not required. Homeowners who are here on Mondays can leave approved garbage cans and recycling street side Monday morning. They will be picked up Monday afternoon. Garbage cans should not be left out over night. TTSD provides guidelines for acceptable containers: http://www.waste101.com/residential-services/

Homeowners installing bear boxes must get Tim’s approval for placement and must meet BCPC guidelines for color. See the attached letter from ASCWD for more information. Tim will be contacting Tahoe Bear Box (www.bearbox.org) to negotiate a discount for our homeowners. Of course, homeowners can use other vendors. Please note that placement of bear boxes is subject to Tim’s approval instead of the Placer County or BCPC guidelines.

For homeowners concerned about cost, TTSD offers five year interest free loans of up to $1,200 payable at about $22/month. Homeowners interested in the loan program should contact TTSD before purchasing a bear box. Information is available at http://www.waste101.com/bear-aware/

TTSD also collects recycling through its blue bag program. Information is available on the TTSD website www.waste101.com

JEFF CHAMBERLIN, MBA, CCAM
VP Community Association Management
jchamberlin@GPeak.com
530-580-6349

Welcome Message from Eric Stern, new BCA President

Beth Scanlan — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 16:48:44 GMT

To all members of Bear Creek,

I’d like to introduce myself as the newly appointed president of Bear Creek. My wife, Beth, and I have been homeowners at Bear Creek for exactly 30 years today. Like so many of you we have thoroughly enjoyed everything about Bear Creek and the Alpine Valley community over the years. Our four children have spent summers at the pond and winters on the slopes - the memories are rich and will last forever amongst our family and friends. I recently decided to offer my time to work on the board on behalf of our community and was appointed president. While I was not expecting to be the president I’m excited to take on the role and look forward to it. I will do my best to support all of our members and help continue the great traditions and experience of being a member of Bear Creek. I know that one of the benefits of this position will be that I will get to know many more of the community than I currently do and that is exciting for me personally. I want to thank Rachelle for her years of service and all that she has done for the community. I hope to be able to provide a smooth transition and follow her example as someone that has contributed greatly to Bear Creek. I look forward to getting started and to meet all of you.

Regards,

Eric Stern

Pond Passes

Beth Scanlan — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 06:19:09 GMT

Three POND PASSES are being given to each house. We ask that at least one person in your group at the pond has it and DISPLAYS IT AT THE POND. Put them on lanyards to wear around your neck, attach them to your pond totes, safety pin it to your bathing suit—do whatever necessary to ensure you HAVE YOUR POND PASS ON YOU AT THE POND. Please SHOW IT to the Pond Monitor or BCA Member who asks to see. WE WILL ASK YOU TO GO BACK TO YOUR HOUSE TO GET IT IF YOU DON’T HAVE IT.

We are issuing POND PASSES to make it easier on our Pond Monitors and Members to identify BCA members and their guests at the pond. This is particularly important during COVID-19 and the need to maintain a six-foot distance from others.

Please do your part to keep our pond for BCA Members and Guests. CONSIDER YOUR POND PASS A BADGE OF HONOR AND DISPLAY IT ALL TIMES WHEN AT THE POND!

Thank you,

BCA Board of Directors

Download all attachments as a zip file

Garbage -- yikes!

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:34:59 GMT

With summer almost here, we need to face the daunting trash issue in the BCA community.

THE PROBLEM

End of December 2019 with dumpster pickup 3x/week: Mon/Wed/Fri

End of May 2020 dumpster pickup 2x/week: Mon/Fri

Garbage is being left outside of the dumpster. Not only is this unsightly, this attracts animals which is dangerous forboth the animals and people. It also requires additional time for garbage collection, which could result in extra charges to the association.

THE CURRENT SOLUTION

Recognizing that more people are residing in Bear Creek in the near-term, the Board voted to increase the dumpster pickup to 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) starting immediately. This will last through Labor Day Weekend. The Board may re-evaluate this decision should there continue to be garbage left outside of the dumpster as in the photos above.

We ask that you do your part:

· DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE OUTSIDE OF DUMPSTER.

· Flatten boxes.

· No large/outsize items (mattresses/appliances) – take them to the landfill or make other pickup arrangements with TTSD (Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal) at 530-583-7800.

· Take your green waste (defensible space clean-up) to the landfill (informational flyer) or make other arrangements with TTSD at 530-583-7800.

· If you rent your home (even just a weekend), follow the water district’s ordinance and install a bear box.

· Put your garbage out on Monday for residential pickup if you are around to bring garbage cans in. From the TTSD website (http://www.waste101.com/residential-services/)

o    Place your garbage within twenty feet of the county maintained roadside by 7:00 am.

o    Make sure your garbage is visible and easily accessible for the TTSD drivers. Any cans placed further than the allotted 20 feet will be assessed a “trip charge.”

o    Individual cans, bags, or containers must neither exceed 32 gallons in volume nor 60 pounds in weight.

o    For employee safety, we do not service fixed-lid rolling containers used for mixed solid waste.

o    Cans should have tight-fitting lids that are not screw top. We do not service the screw-top “bear resistant” cans or attached-lid trash cans.

o    If you have more than your regular household trash to be picked up, e.g. yard clean up or appliances, you need to call our office at 530-583-7800 and give authorization to pick up these additional items.

o    Place recycling (blue bags) beside garbage.

Consider Installing a Bear Box

BCPC will not require that installation of bear boxes be subject to BCPC approval or payment of fees as long as (1) the installation meets Placer County requirements and, (2) the box is consistent with the color requirements of the ARM (Ch 3. B.2.) and is located with consideration given, to the extent practicable, to the location and screening requirements of the ARM (Ch 3. B.14.). Bear boxes are generally manufactured in colors that are consistent with the ARM, such as brown or dark grey/charcoal. If you are going to install a bear box, you MUST coordinate with Tim first to ensure he can plow your driveway. Please provide Tim with the following, which the Board will forward along to BCPC:

1) Name of Homeowner;

2) Address of Homeowner;

3) Phone and/or email for Homeowner;

4) BCA lot number;

5) Location bear box will be installed (map or detailed description) being certain to indicate if the location meets Placer County requirements; and

6) Color and size of bear box.

Quick and Easy about the Granite Peak Portal

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 17:57:49 GMT

As you probably saw in your email boxes, the BCA Granite Peak Management business manager, Emily Fralick, sent an email about the 2020-2021 Budget and Disclosure Package.

For clarification, the Granite Peak Management online portal is wholly separate from the Bear Creek Association website. You will have separate registrations for both the portal and the BCA community platform.

The value of the online portal is in five areas:

Instantly update your account profile such as address, phone, and email which helps with the BCA directory
Set up one-time or split payments for the association dues, and the portal offers both ACH and credit card (sorry, no Amex), and the payments can be setup for autopay.
View the property details of each lot you own and whether it is rented.

If you haven’t registered for the online portal, click this link https://granitepeak.appfolio.com/connect

Then await an activation link email in your email. You have to click on separate activation links for each lot but you only have to register once with a password. The system automatically assigns all of the lots to your online portal.

BCA Board of Director Meeting Update

Fri, 29 May 2020 23:42:41 GMT

Following the May 22 Board of Directors meeting, the following updates are provided for the community:

ANNUAL MEETING AND BBQ – JULY 4, 2020
Given COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, the Annual Meeting will be held via Zoom Meeting. Instructions will be sent a week before the meeting. In the meantime, you will receive a packet with the Agenda, last year’s minutes, ballot and candidates’ statements in the mail within the next week.

The BBQ is being postponed. The Board will evaluate the BBQ and our traditional Labor Day Weekend activities later this summer.

BUDGET
The Board approved the 2020-21 budget resulting in a 3% increase in dues. While you will receive more details about this soon, we can share that a significant new cost to the association is the dumpster at Entrance #2. In recent years, this had been part of the water district’s dumpsters. Now that they no longer have complimentary dumpsters, we have to pay for it.

THE POND
Pond Passes: In the era of COVID-19, we decided to resurrect the pond passes! In the coming month, each homeowner will be issued TWO passes to help identify members and guests at the pond. We ask that a member of your group have the pass on them at all times and present it when asked either by a Pond Attendant or a fellow BCA member. While additional signs are being installed at the pond reminding people that the pond is for BCA members only, it is incumbent on all of us to discourage unauthorized use of it by others.

6-foot Distance: We ask everyone to maintain a 6-foot distance from non-family members. Please remember this applies to children and dogs as well, and the CDC recommendation is to keep dogs on-leash. We hope that people can self-police, although the Board will evaluate whether additional measures need to be taken during the summer to enforce state guidelines. You will see signs at the pond reminding you of the CDC recommendations.

Rafts: As a result of the pandemic, we are removing the rafts for summer 2020 due to the “high touch” nature of the rafts and paddles. We encourage you to bring your own flotation devises but remind you to remove everything at the end of the day.

Bathroom: There will be no bathroom at the pond this year for numerous reasons including COVID-19. Last year’s port-a-potty was a pilot to learn more about the demand for a bathroom. The survey indicated that those who used it appreciated it, yet it was unclear the full extent of the demand.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Around your home: Essential work under Governor Newsom’s stay-at-home order includes “…prevention, including personnel conducting, supporting, or facilitating wildfire mitigation activities.” We all must maintain defensible space around our home. It is encouraged that it be done by the end of June before fire season starts in the region.

Need an inspection to see what needs to be done around your house? Want to schedule chipping for your pile of branches? See North Tahoe Fire Protection District’s website at https://www.ntfire.net/defensible-space-chipping. Also please see the enclosed information from the Alpine Meadows Firewise Council and information about free green waste drop off.

Tree removal: If you want to remove a tree, please complete the tree removal form on the BCA website https://bearcreekassociation.com/Tree-Removal-Form and a member of the Tree Committee will review your request.

Community Fire Clean-up Day, Saturday, July 11, 2020: The annual clean-up day along Alpine Meadows Road will take place in the morning. Due to social distancing requirements, please sign-up for shifts by contacting Dawn Grass at tahoedrg@icloud.com. Please bring sunscreen, water, and work gloves. This year’s participants will be entered in a raffle to win an unrestricted season pass from SquawAlpine!

BEAR BOXES
Rental Property: Bear Boxes are required if you rent your home for any length of time. (See Ordinance 4-2019.) Short term rentals will be allowed for non-essential workers once Placer County moves into Stage 3 of California’s reopening roadmap. (As of May 26, Placer County is seeking permission to move to Stage 3.)

BCPC will not require that installation of bear boxes be subject to BCPC approval or payment of fees as long as (1) the installation meets Placer County requirements and, (2) the box is consistent with the color requirements of the ARM (Ch 3. B.2.) and is located with consideration given, to the extent practicable, to the location and screening requirements of the ARM (Ch 3. B.14.). Bear boxes are generally manufactured in colors that are consistent with the ARM, such as brown or dark grey/charcoal. Tim has made arrangements for a discount ($100 off) with Tahoe Bear Box Co., for box styles RCE 230g and RCE 330g. If you are going to install a bear box, you MUST coordinate with Tim first to ensure he can plow your driveway. Please provide Tim with the following, which the Board will forward along to BCPC:

1) Name of Homeowner;
2) Address of Homeowner;
3) Phone and/or email for Homeowner;
4) BCA lot number;
5) Location bear box will be installed (map or detailed description) being certain to indicate if the location meets Placer County requirements; and
6) Color and size of bear box.

WEBSITE (https://bearcreekassociation.com)
The Website Committee has been hard at work on Bear Creek’s new website. Please see the enclosed letter from the committee about the resources available there.

We look forward to seeing people, even if at 6-foot distance, around BCA this summer in addition to our Zoom meeting on July 4!

Placer County Free Green Waste Drop Off

Fri, 29 May 2020 23:23:26 GMT

Placer County residents can use two free green waste drop off options for the summer of 2020.

1. All summer drop off at the Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility, 900 Cabin Creek Road. Truckee; Mon - Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Note that each resident is allowed a maximum of 6 yards of disposal throughout the summer which means 6 bags x 6 yards = 36 bags. You get a punch card on your first visit to count off your allocation.

2. One day drop off - June 13 - from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm, at four locations with a maximum of 3 yards per trip ... so theoretically you could make multiple trips in one day and really dispose of a lot of green waste!

at Tahoe City: 925 Country Club Drive

at Homewood South Lodge: Tahoe Ski Bowl

at Tahoe Vista: 875 National Avenue

at Squaw Valley: "District Service Offices" (yeah, what is that?)

Any quid pro quo? Yep! If you aren't bagging, you need to have a tarp over and under your waste. You have to empty your own waste. You need to show id and proof of placer county residency (liberty utility bill or cable bill should work). Only green waste; no food, pet, or construction waste, and no dirt, sod, or rocks.

Questions: Call Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal at 530.583.7800

Keeping Safe at Bear Creek

Sat, 02 May 2020 01:46:03 GMT

Message from Rachelle Latimer, BCA President

As we head into summer, let's be sure to keep Bear Creek safe and clean for all so I have a few friendly reminders, particularly at the pond:

Maintain 6 feet social distance from non-family members.
Throw away all your trash including dog waste.
Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use.
Keep dogs on-leash as recommended by the CDC because dogs off leash tend to group together, which leads to less social distancing between their owners.
Use cloth face coverings/masks as recommended by the CDC.
DO NOT leave anything at the pond, including paddles for the rafts. Paddles are “high touch” items, and we currently are not providing a way to sanitize the paddles between uses.

As we look towards the summer – the pond, the Annual Meeting, and BBQ – the Board will be looking for recommendations from the state and local authorities. (As of this writing, Placer County’s Health Officer Order will expire on May 2 and residents will be guided by the governor’s Executive Order.) Hopefully we will have some more guidance when we hold our next Board Meeting on May 22.