OCTOBER 19, 2023: WWPOA recognizes Ron Parody, adds new Directors, and plans the 100th anniversary of Wrightwood
By Vicky Rinek
Wrightwood Property Owners Assoc. (WPOA) held its general membership meeting on Oct 11, 2023. Action items for the meeting
Pam Wright read a brief note about the passing of Ron Parody, a WPOA volunteer.
WWPOA is saddened to learn of the passing of Wrightwood Village Trail Co-Chairperson Ron Parody.
Ron and Sue Parody have served as co-chairs of the Wrightwood Village Trail for the WWPOA since 2018. Ron and Sue were part of the original group of Wrightwood residents who worked to establish and create the Village Trail 12 years ago. Ron and Sue are the last members of the group to still be present in Wrightwood. The passing of Ron Parody is a significant loss to all who knew him, to the Wrightwood Property Owners Association, and the entire community of Wrightwood.
Ron will be greatly missed and will always be remembered.
Sue Parody has recommended that Russ Drew be appointed as the new chairperson of the Wrightwood Village Trail. Russ has assisted with several activities and projects on the trail. The Board of Directors appointed Russ as Chairperson of the Wrightwood Village Trail.
Pam Wright asked the attendees to vote for appointing three individuals as new Directors to the WPOA Board. These include Elisa Gurlie, Carol Pettegrew, and Martha McFauls. The attendees unanimously voted to accept these three individuals as Directors of the WWPOA.
WWPOA noted that in 1924, the Wrightwood community was established. The community of Wrightwood will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024. In honor of the centennial event, the WWPOA will be appointing a committee to develop and recommend an appropriate celebration in Wrightwood. The WWPOA will be seeking volunteers to organize this historic day. If you would be interested or have ideas on how the community can celebrate, please call Pam Wright. (909-210-8547.
OCTOBER 11, 2023- SBCo Fire and CHP officers discuss winter traffic with
WWPOA
By Vicky Rinek
Wrightwood Property Owners invited Agencies to take questions on the Winter Traffic problems. CHP Office Jesse Rodriquez answered questions on what his department can and will do to help with the problems with traffic and illegal parking of snow players. First, Rodriquez told the attendees that the CHP works with all other agencies, CalTans and SBCo Fire, and SBCo Sheriff. “We try to have a unit specific that stays up on the hill as well, making sure we have a quick response with the help of Caltrans and Count Road maintenance.”
An attendee asked if a CHP could help at the stop sign with traffic control—Ben Smith from Mtn. High told the Board that they and Mike Troger of Mtn Hardware pay overtime to CHP officers to help control traffic in the Village; however, even when they ask for assistance, an office duty officer is not always available.
Rodriquez said, “This problem is a geographical issue. With only three roads in and out of the Village, and all the roads are only one lane, it is unfortunate as it forces the traffic to back up.” He continued, “Antelope Valley office is working on having a vehicle on the mountain regularly.”
Attendees expressed their frustration and asked if CHP could close Lone Pine. Rodriquez said they could not close a road without a catastrophic event, like a fire or an evacuation order. But traffic does not fall under a devastating event. He said they would issue traffic fines, but the problems still need to be solved. Towing does little to relieve the congestion. Ben Smith indicated that towing a vehicle could be dangerous because they would now have a family stuck in the snow with no way of leaving. “This could be a dangerous life threat.”
Concerns about blocked roads and emergency vehicles response time take over 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach their destination. Rodriquez said that CHP continues to ask people to move their vehicles, issue tickets, and even threaten towing; this might get some people to move, but another vehicle sees an open spot and moves in.
“We’re going to continue to do as much as we can, and we made great stride.”
“Many people coming up to the mountain are going to Mtn. High, But when a family from Rancho Cucamonga wants to take their kids to play in the snow, they are part of the thousands trying to find a spot too.” The CHP will make presents in the Village, and this does help to a point.
Ben Smith informs all the Agencies that the lift ticket reservation system is selling out when they forecast busy days.
Next week, all the Agencies will meet for their Winter Traffic meeting.
Brandon McCarthy from Wrightwood Fire Station 14 spoke to the attendees about their procedures to deal with winter issues. McCarthy said that residences need to prepare for winter. Last year’s winter was terrible, and he recommends that people need to make sure they have plenty of medication, food, and water; make sure you have your heaters checked out before it gets too cold. “We had fires due to a gas meter leak.” Said McCarthy, “Gas collects in the snow, and when an ignition is reached, an explosion happens. So clear the snow around your meter.” McCarthy said that chimney fires were also a concern. It would help if you had them inspected and cleaned.
Another concern in Wrightwood is that people think they could come to the Station for help anytime, but Station 14 might be on a call, out of the Station to any other emergency, and would not be at the Station. McCarthy stressed that during an emergency, a call to 911 is essential. “An individual was lucky when he had a heart attack and came to the station for help, but that could have been dangerous if the Station was out on a call.” McCarthy added, “ When you call 911, you get every emergency agency, like a CHP officer, ready to perform CPR until a paramedic arrives.” The network has a mutual aid agreement, so if Station 14 takes care of a crash victim off the hill, Station 10 in Phelan will cover Wrightwood. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of utilizing the 911 network for the fastest response. He suggests the community put out a message on social media and local newspapers reminding everyone to use 911 and not go to the Station because “we might not be there.”
|
Mountain Classic Car Show brings out the best in Americana vintage
|
By Vicky Rinek
The Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce brings the annual Wrightwood Mountain Classic Car Show. For the 28th year, the participants and invited new collectors gathered for the August 19 show.
Held in the Village streets, classic and custom automobiles, trucks, hotrods, and rat rods from original to total restored vehicles started lining up at 7:00 a.m. to get their choice parking spot. Then, out came the dusting cloths to make a perfect shine—nearly 250 cars of vintage pre-1965 line five blocks around the Village.
Fear of the pending storm did not scare away the crowd. The sky was cloudy, and a cool breeze kept everyone comfortable. Hundreds turned out to see the eclectic Show.
It was like a walking museum, with car fans and casual enthusiasts followed by those who dream of owning them.
These vehicles were all works of art. Restoration of antique cars takes time, money, and skill. These vehicles are a part of American history. Each embraces the very best automobile industry.
While people perused, live music rang around the Village. Live music by the “Lug Nuts Rock Band” performed classics from Beach Boys, Beetles, Chuck Berry to Elvis, covering classics mainly in the 1960s and 1970s.
Not just exotic cars were present, but exotic wildlife too, from The Wrightwood’s Slithers & Crawls. Their booth of plants and wildlife with a six-foot yellow python, boa snake, desert tortoise, and other exotic reptiles gave attendees a thrill.
In addition to the car show was a Red Cross Blood Drive. In the Community Building, they set up equipment for blood donors to arrive. Food vendors packed the parking lot with a good selection of food, beverage, and smoothies. The Chamber held an opportunity drawing from merchandise donated by local merchants, a 50/50 with $495 going to one lucky person, and a poker run.
Thirty-three award plaques and trophies went home to car owners at the Show’s end. Best in Show, won by owner & builder Rodney Stewart from Apple Valley, for his 1931 Ford two-door sedan, “Yosemite Sam” took 20 years on and off. He rebuilt the relic into a better-than-new gem, inspired by his dad Terry Stewart’s original 1917. He thanks his wife Michelle for her support during all the endless days and nights in the garage. Last year’s Wrightwood Car show was the first time he showed his car.
Additional awards went to:
Class #1 - 1920’s Open
• Entry #119 -- Ronald & Merry Thy -- Hesperia, CA -- 1920 Buick Touring
Class #2 - 1930’s Coupe
• Entry #163 -- Darin Alaimalo -- Apple Valley, CA -- 1930 Ford Model A
Class #3 - 1930’s Open
• Entry #70 -- Ron Dumelle -- Fontana, CA -- 1932 Ford Roadster
Class #4 - 1930’s Sedan
• Entry #32 -- Mike Ludwig -- Wrightwood, CA -- Na Na Na
Class #5 - 1940 - 1949
• Entry #101 -- Wayne Cronan -- Upland, CA -- 1941 Willys Coupe
Class #6 - 1950 - 1959
• Entry #75 -- Charles Scolastico -- Hesperia, CA -- 1957 Ford Thunderbird
Class #7 - 1960 - 1964
• Entry #99 -- Scott Thorngate -- Rancho Cucamonga, CA -- 1964 Mercury Comet
Class #8 - 1965 - 1969
• Entry #73 -- Steve Harrison -- Wrightwood, CA -- 1966 Ford Bronko
Class #9 - 1970 - 1975
• Entry #158 -- Jeff Yorke -- Riverside, CA -- 1970 Plymouth Cuda
Class #10 - Mustangs
•Entry #138 -- Rob Stewart -- Victorville, CA -- 1969 Ford Mach 1
Class #11 - Vettes
• Entry #16 -- Scharon Cole -- Riverside, CA -- 1970 Corvette Sting Ray
Class #12 - El Caminos / Rancheros
• Entry #140 -- Richard Hagen -- Hesperia, CA -- 1969 Chevy El Camino
Class #13 - Cameros
• Entry #156 -- Chris Ruen -- Pinon Hills, CA -- 1968 Chevrolet Camero
Class #15 - Chevy Trucks
•Entry #96 -- Charlie Jimenez -- Hesperia, CA -- 1955 Chevrolet Pickup
Class #16 - Ford Trucks
• Entry #139 -- Danjoe Lascala -- Oak Hills, CA -- 1970 Ford F100
Class #17 - Trucks / Other
• Entry #124 -- Kenny Lehman -- Wrightwood, CA -- 1934 Ford Truck
Class #18 - Tri-Year Chevy’s 55 - 57
• Entry #65 -- Phil & Eileen Lee -- Hesperia, CA -- 1955 Chevrolet Belair
Class #19 - Woodies
• Entry #13 -- Harold Fliegner -- Wrightwood, CA -- 1947 Mercury Woodie
Class #20 - Station Wagons, Nomads & Deliveries
• Entry #149 -- Larry Lee (Edsel Owners Club) -- Hesperia, CA -- 1959 Edsel Villager
Class #21 - Specialty Cars & Trucks
• Entry #127 -- Tony Albers -- Wrightwood, CA -- 1910 Na Model T, Replica
Class #22 - Rat Rod
• Entry #79 -- Levon Arklin -- Valyermo, CA -- 1952 Ford Truck
Class #23 - Under Construction
• Entry #58 -- Wade Piper -- Hesperia, CA -- 1962 Chevrolet K-20
|
Hollis M. Stewart Children’s Park Almost Ready
|
By Vicky Rinek
After more than two years, the Hollis M. Stewart Park on Pine will soon open to the public.
“This transformation will impact Wrightwood for decades to come,” said Natalie Lopiccolo, president of WCSD. “Hollis M. Stewart Park is, once again, a central cornerstone of the Village. It is an example for future generations of what’s possible for our Village.” Lopiccolo and past board member Michelle Schneider worked countless hours of due diligence, researching, planning, and collaborating with the community to create a perfect design. The State Grant procedures were tackled by General Manager Tammi Keen, requiring numerous hours working with State officials to secure the funds. Wrightwood Village Foundation collected nearly $82,000 from community donations for the added park features.
WCSD hired Innovative Playgrounds Company a renowned playground construction company based in Whittier, Ca. for the construction. BCI Burke is the manufacturing company, an internationally known commercial playground manufacturing company from Fond du Lac, Wi.
The unique playscape design is to encourage co-play between children and parents. The elements are distanced to allow ample space for safe play and interactions. Due to the unique topography, the playscape will enable visitors to experience the park from several different levels and aspects.
Other features include rock climbing structures, swings, and slides, seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape. A custom climbing wall and, for younger children, a custom climbing net; a new pedestrian bridge. The Konnection® swing is an engagement and interaction swing where adults and children can ride together. The Seat Rocker allows 2 to 4 children to teeter together. There is a six-seat swing-set, a large 8’ 11” boulder made of reinforced concrete and glass fiber to climb on, and a multi-user Spinetic® to spin around. The center of attraction is the Rope venture. A 10ft. X 9.5 ft dome with ropes interior for groups of children to climb. The Viper® slide, Kid Koaster®, Rock Panel, 16 Ft. Tunnel, and Charade® panel give children a perfect play area to be creative. Encouraging them to explore, build body strength, and challenge them in a safe environment.
The cost for the park construction and equipment came to $296,313.04. The complete turn-key service provided everything from site assessments, design drawings, project management, playground equipment, and installation. All equipment complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guideline.
A grand opening is just weeks ways. Waiting for a few small pieces to arrive to complete the project and open the park to the community. Watch for details on the WCSD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wrightwoodcsd/
|
Neighborhood Leadership Gather
By Vicky Rinek
Community leaders of Wrightwood gathered for a discussion on the challenges of their organizations.
Panelists included representatives from the Wrightwood Property Owners Assoc., CERT, Wrightwood Village assoc., Fire Safe Council, Chamber of Commerce, Timberline Lions, Rental Property Association CERT, Wrightwood Arts, Blue Society, Music in the Pines, and Friends of the Library.
The event was co-sponsored by the Wrightwood Community Services District, GM Tammie Keen, with the room, at the Community building set up as a round table. Near fifty guests from various organizations attended the event. These meetings allow neighborhood association board members and emerging leaders to share best practices, learn from each other, and have dialogue.
They had the opportunity to introduce themselves, describing each group’s mission, challenges, and volunteer opportunities.
First to speak was John Kozyra, president of Wrightwood Property Owners Assoc. The WWPOA is an advocacy group, a 501c4, with a mission to protect the property’s value and enhance the community. They aim to ensure local government is aware of the community’s wants and needs. The group also works to enrich the community by sponsoring community events. In addition, they generate a monthly newsletter available to all residents through email or the PO Box. They are not a homeowners association, and membership is free.
The Wrightwood Village Foundation speaker, Bruce LaClare, told the group that WVF, a 501c3 nonprofit, worked to bring smaller organizations together under its umbrella, such as the Wrightwood Christmas Tree Fund, Village Trail, and The Hollis Steward Children’s Park Fund Raiser. In addition, he hopes to bring together other groups, such as the Senior groups. Currently, WVF raised $80K for the restoration of the Park.
The community emergency response team (CERT), director spoke. CERT’s purpose is to ensure the community is prepared in an emergency. The fact is that Wrightwood would be isolated during a natural or manufactured disaster. Therefore, it would be up to CERT and its members to help the community with preparation and training. CERT can reduce uncertainty, fear, and panic and increase your chances of survival. Stretch told the group that an upcoming training event would take place in November, encouraging participation in the four-week course.
The Chamber of Commerce rep mentioned that the Chamber’s goal is to enhance business ownership in the Village, work together, network, and advocate on behalf of the business community. The Chamber holds four main events: the Mountaineer Days, Classic Car Show, Chili Cook-off, and Holiday festival.
The Firesafe Council member spoke about the 501c3 organization. Their group has a vested interest in wildfire prevention and loss mitigation. They aim to educate the public about reducing the risk to their homes. The WFS Council holds a pine needle and green waste event, chipping brush for defensible space, and conducts safety projects and education.
Wrightwood Historical Society’s president talked about the museum. The museum is open most Saturdays to the public. The museum houses various display cases showcasing artifacts of old Wrightwood. The Historical Society hosts guest speakers each month and rotating displays. She mentioned the upcoming guest speaker would share his collection of antique guns of the Old West. In addition, they are planning a Christmas party and a cookie exchange.
A member from the Friends of the Library shared their work. Their members volunteer at the library, sell a collection of books, and provide unique entertainers for the community. For example, this Halloween, there will be a magician to perform illusions to entertain children. The primary objective is to encourage and promote the use of the library. In addition, a book sale will be held on September 24, where a Jensen’s bag filled with books will only cost $5.
Timberline Lions of Wrightwood (TLW) president Jill Carltonpayne spoke about the Club. The TLW, a 501c3 organization, is a community service group. The mission is “To Serve.” Their primary focus is to provide children and adults with free vision examinations and prescription glasses. They also offer scholarships to Serrano seniors and promote educational programs in Snowline schools. TLW also supports summer camps for blind, deaf, and diabetes students. They raise funds through various events, including Bingo Night, BBQs at community events, and raffles.
Sue Parody, with her husband Ron, oversees the care of the Village Trail. The trail group is under the umbrella of the Wrightwood Village Foundation. Volunteers maintain the trail, and donations pay for supplies. The trail was established for children to walk safely to school. There is a planned clean-up and a planting daffodils date. Volunteers can meet at the west end of the trail, where they will do minor work, plant bulbs, paint rocks, and line up pebbles along the path.
Volunteer Pam Wright suggested that each group write in their calendar of events to the community would have one calendar for visitors to view online.
Everyone felt this meeting was very productive and suggested they meet again, possibly quarterly, to update each group’s progress.
|
Wrightwood Property Owners to Address Winter Traffic issues
Supervisor Paul Cook’s Office will call a meeting of all of the public agencies who are responsible for serving the Wrightwood area that is impacted by SNOWPLAYERS during winter snow time. The Wrightwood CSD will serve as HOSTS for the meeting on October 19, in the Wrightwood Community Building. The purpose of the “Winter Traffic Meeting” is to coordinate services for public safety.
In the Winter of 2020 the community of Wrightwood was severely impacted by a failure of those public services. The result the following:
1. Emergency medical response service average response time was 45 minutes
2. Roads into and out of Wrightwood were blocked by illegally parked vehicles
3. Traffic flow was also impeded by the number of vehicles required to make a stop at the intersection of SH2 at the post office and street vendors on the side of SH2
4. The number of port-a-potties funded by Wrightwood tax dollars were inadequate and visitors urinated and defecated in overflowing port-a-potties, in private yards, and on the side of the road causing health hazards.
5. The high volume of visitors stopped for snowplay left their trash and debris on the side of streets and roads.
6. Trespassing on private property by snowplayers was intimidating to private property owners and residents.
Many voices together are more powerful than one voice alone. The mission of the WWPOA is to unite the voices to protect the property values, quality of life, and lifestyle in Wrightwood. We can not be safe, we can not enjoy our lifestyle and our homes have no value if we can not be certain that all public agencies effectively perform the services paid for by our tax dollars.
On October 4, at 5:30 p.m. the Wrightwood CSD will open the Public Comment of their monthly meeting (The last meeting before the Winter Traffic meeting held here).This will be an opportunity for the residents and property owners in Wrightwood to let our local elected officials who will be hosting the meeting know how important it is that the public agencies, coming together for the Winter Traffic Snowplayer meeting, FOCUS ON MITIGATING THE ISSUES IDENTIFIED. (Just stating general plans or business as usual is NOT GOOD ENOUGH! We need to hear specific plans for MITIGATING problems ALREADY IDENTIFIED. What are they going to do differently?)
The WWPOA encourages YOU to speak up during the PUBLIC COMMENT session at the October 4th meeting. Speakers are allowed 3 minutes. We hope to have speakers focus on one of the issues needing mitigation. We hope we will have enough speakers to cover every topic.
You are encouraged to make your voice heard regardless of the topic.
If you intend to make a statement about one of the topics please email office@wrightwoodcsd.org to let them know they will have a public comment..
Please bring family, friends, neighbors with you to the meeting. NUMBERS do count!
Now is our opportunity to stand up for Wrightwood, protect our property values, the quality of life, and our lifestyle.
It is understood the snow belongs to everyone and that we live in the forest, and it’s always going to be a concern...but we pay taxes for public services to manage it and keep us safe too. Asking for MITIGATION to identified severe health and safety problems is not unreasonable.
We hope to see you at the WW CSD meeting at 5:30pm (sharp) on October 4th in the Wrightwood Community Building.
Legislative Action and Government Relations Committee
WWPOA
760 316 4255
email: jkozyra@gmail.com
|
|
