Bear Creek Association

BCA News

  • 27 May 2021 6:39 AM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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.

  • 5 May 2021 8:45 AM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)


    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.
  • 3 Oct 2020 7:16 PM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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.


  • 31 Aug 2020 4:00 PM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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. 

  • 4 Aug 2020 11:08 AM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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.

  • 29 Jul 2020 10:52 AM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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


  • 6 Jul 2020 9:48 AM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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 

  • 23 Jun 2020 11:19 PM | Beth Scanlan (Administrator)

    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


  • 17 Jun 2020 9:34 AM | Brian Todd (Administrator)

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

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

  • 4 Jun 2020 10:57 AM | Brian Todd (Administrator)

    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.


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software