LAKE SHASTINA’S HOY FAMILY PLANS FOR SPRING!
By Kay Short

Lake Shastina’s Hoy Family Park Committee is looking forward to spring, when the trees begin to bud and the grass is ready for use! As soon as the lawn is seasoned, we can begin to enjoy this new improvement.

Hoy Park is anticipating two possible springtime events. One planned event will be the dedication-Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the park. Another possibility is our very own Easter Egg Hunt. However, work on the park is just beginning. In order to make it a home for people to relax and visit, and a place for families to have reunions, birthday parties and other family events we need donations for benches, picnic tables, playground equipment, and lots of other things! The dream of a covered picnic pavilion with a built-in barbecue is still just that, a dream. However, if we don’t dream we don’t create so we are “creating”.

In order to make these dreams a reality we need donations. If you haven’t already done so, drop by and visit the park. Think about what you would like to see added to it and then help us add the amenities by sending a donation. Tax deductible donations are a way to bring these dreams into reality. They can be sent to the Lake Shastina Administration office. Checks should be made out to Lake Shastina CSD. Also, look in the next issue of the Lake Shastina News for information and a form that can be included with your donation.

ER Emergency Room to Open February 1st at COS

COS Department of Theatre and Director of Theatre Tom Murdock will be opening ER (Emergency Room) Friday February 1st in the Ford theatre on the COS campus. E.R. is a comedy-drama set in the chaos of a Chicago emergency room, with over 30 characters in the cast. With seven of the many cast members being faculty and staff you will surely see some familiar faces in some unfamiliar circumstances; this is one ER you will love to visit time and time again. Show dates are February 1st , 2nd, 8th and 9th at 8pm, and Sunday the 10th of February at 2pm. Ideal for mature audiences. Tickets are available at the box office or the PIO office if you would like them in advance. $10 for General admission , $5 for students and seniors, free for current COS students with proof of registration.

Additionally, auditions for the Spring Musical "The Spitfire Grill" will take place on February 12th from 5-8pm at the COS theatre. A sign up sheet is posted on the call board in the Performing Arts building. Interested audition should prepare a monologue as well as 16 bars of a song; an accompanist will be provided. For more information on any of the above please feel free to contact Tom Murdock at 530-938-5349.




Tom Murdock

Director of Theatre

College of the Siskiyous

murdock@siskiyous.edu

530-938-5349

Puttering . . . as an artform

Most arts and craftspeople do not know that their modern hobbies began in the dusty stables of medieval times. But it wasn’t necessarily the same crafts we know today . . . macramé probably started out when someone started braiding scraps of rope tack for example. And, to drill down to their true beginnings one has to examine the ancient practice of puttering. Which is what drew those neocraftspeople into those smelly horse stalls in the first place.

We have only now re-learned how important it is to putter and to have a part of the home as a puttershop or in modern speak, "power shop". The term derives from the verb "to putter", meaning to doze while appearing to be in deep thought, surrounded by rows of expensive power tools.

Observers will often mistake the vacant gaze of a putterer as, well, vacant. How far this is from the truth only the initiates of this mystical guild can appreciate. Rather, the sleepy pose, often with coffee mug in mid-swig, represents a transcendental moment. Often the issue is just how to make that cosmically difficult mortise and tendon joint. But just as often it goes more like "Let's see, what can I dream up to avoid any real work today?". Which, as we all know is a perfectly valid activity.

I recently have joined these elite ranks, having just completed the first stages of "shop building", that is to say, the least expensive part of the experience, before one begins the exhaustive process of selecting the many, several, and expensive digital power tools necessary to truly define it as a "SHOP".

This has a neat twist to it, too. In order to justify the whole process the male spouse inevitably has to agree to build things for the home. The more extensively one furnishes the shop the more one mortgages his/her future with such promises. To no married person’s surprise this is a skewed arrangement. Buried in the marital contract there is a clause that says one will return ten (varies, can range up to 1,000) –fold what one spends in both time and money to the other suffering spouse.

For instance no, I can't build the new cabinets that we now need to get for the kitchen with my $399 table saw. So that automatically creates a $3,990 cabinet "debit" with my name at the bottom. I tried an end run by offering to buy a $7,700 cabinetmaker’s table saw to do this but that just upped the ante to $77,000 worth of cabinets.

I think I will go back to braiding rope in the barn and limit my mortgage payments.

This is the county airport just north of Montague. It was apparently used as an emergency landing field during WWII when the Army Air Corps leased it and extended the runway to 7,300 feet to accommodate disabled B-17’s and other bombers. The military left in 1945 after the field was approved for scheduled commercial airline use (I’m still digging to see if any airline did land here; do any of you readers know?).

The field was re-commissioned during the Cuban Crisis in 1962, with interceptor squadrons from Hamilton Field and later Travis AFB based here under the “dispersal” strategy (I think this means scattering our forces so as to not lose all in one attack as happened at Pearl Harbor). By 1971 the field was again considered surplus and returned to the county.

Of interest is a 1998 report which appears to be an inspection for possible ordnance left by the military. A small depression was identified as an ammunition disposal area off the end of the abandoned NE-SW runway and several “hits” were reported on the team’s magnetometer. A farmer who had leased the land and filled in the small depression said the pit had been used for this purpose but he had filled it in to level his pasture.

At only one acre in size this “area B” is described as having possible ordnance by the report in the form of 20mm, bombs, and air-to-air missles. Recommended action is “EE/CA (RAC 4)”, whatever that means. I’m still digging.

In the meantime the field apparently is host to several private companies who lease space from the county, as well as Cowling Air, the FBO (530-459-0900). I’m told gliders use the runway as well and that many radio-control model flyers practice there in addition to some private pilots. I’ll go up one of these days and poke around to learn more. If I get some pictures I’ll post them along with any further news.

PS: If you or anyone you know were ever stationed or employed at this field, particularly as a military pilot we’d love to hear from you!
Editor

CC&R Corner for January 2008

CC&R Corner

By Will Bullington, CC&R Compliance Officer

January 2008


At our most recent Environmental Control Committee (ECC) meeting we were discussing what many of us saw as consistent misconceptions about what needs to be approved by the ECC. First let me start by quoting the CC&R’s:


Section 5.1. Environmental Control Committee Approval of Improvements.

(a) Approval Generally. Before commencing construction or installation of any Improvement within the Properties, the Owner planning such Improvement must submit a request for approval to the Environmental Control Committee. The Owner's request shall include structural plans, specifications and plot plans satisfying the minimum requirements specified in the Architectural Rules (see Section 5.5 of this Declaration). Unless the Committee's approval of the proposal is first obtained, no work on the Improvement shall be undertaken. The Committee shall base its decision to approve, disapprove or conditionally approve the proposed Improvement on the criteria described in Section 5.5 of this Declaration.

(b) Definition of "Improvement". The term "Improvement" as used herein includes, without limitation, the construction, erection, or installation of any buildings, decks, fences, swimming pools, patios, driveways, ground-based satellite reception dishes, or any other structure of any kind. In addition, it also includes alteration by painting, roofing, siding, or remodeling of the exterior of any buildings or any other structure of any kind and the filling, grading, or excavation of any Lot or portion thereof.

(c) Modifications to Approved Plans Must Also Be Approved. Once a proposed work of Improvement has been duly approved by the Committee, no material modifications shall be made in the approved plans and specifications therefore and no subsequent alteration, relocation, addition or modification shall be made to the work of Improvement, as approved, without a separate submittal to, and review and approval by, the Committee. If the proposed modification will have, or is likely to have, a material affect on other aspects or components of the work, the Committee, in its discretion, may order the Owner and his or her contractors and agents to cease working not only on the modified component of the Improvement, but also on any other affected component.

In the event that it comes to the knowledge and attention of the Association, its Environmental Control Committee, or the agents or employees of either, that a work of Improvement, or any modification thereof, is proceeding without proper approval, the Association shall be entitled to exercise the enforcement remedies specified in this Declaration including, without limitation, ordering an immediate cessation and abatement of all aspects of the work of Improvement until such time as proper architectural review and approval is obtained.

This in essence is the heart of why it is most people want to live in a planned unit development. They want to know that their neighbor just can’t throw up a fence or other improvement without some type of a system of checks and balances, that would help insure the aesthetics of the neighborhood, and help maintain their property values. An example is the case where a homeowner went through the steps above items “a” through “b.” They ignored item “c” and decided to paint their improvement a different color than they had submitted and was approved by the ECC. When the final inspection came up everyone said “what the heck happened?” The owner made some last minute decisions and did not realize they had to go through step “c.” Some neighbors also called and were not happy with the artistic license the neighbor took.

The ECC must consider the following when approving or disapproving projects:

Section 5.5. Basis for Approval of Improvements. When a proposed Improvement is submitted to the Committee for review, the Committee shall grant the requested approval only if the Committee, in its sole discretion, makes the following findings regarding the proposed project:

(a) The Owner's plans and specifications conform to this Declaration and to the Architectural Rules in effect at the time such plans are submitted to the Committee;

(b) The Improvement will be in harmony with the external design of other structures and/or landscaping within the Properties;

(c) The Improvement, as a result of its appearance, location or anticipated use, will not interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of any other Owner of his or her property; and

(d) The proposed Improvement(s), if approved, will otherwise be consistent with the architectural and aesthetic standards prevailing within the Properties and with the overall plan and scheme of development within the Properties.

The Committee shall be entitled to determine that a proposed Improvement or component thereof is unacceptable when proposed on a particular Lot, even if the same or a similar Improvement/component has previously been approved for use at another location within the Properties if factors such as drainage, topography or visibility from roads, Common Areas or other Lots or prior adverse experience with the product, design or components used in construction of the Improvement. Finally, it is expressly agreed that the Committee shall be entitled to make subjective judgments and to consider the aesthetics of a proposed Improvement project, so long as the Committee acts reasonably and in good faith.

The ECC denied the deposit refund and told the owner they needed to paint their improvement as originally approved. The owner applied for a variance and through a public hearing the variance was denied. Owners have a right to appeal this to the Governing Board whom is the final say on these matters. Both the ECC and the Board are compiled of five members each and their decision is a vote based on objective and subjective (especially in the case of aesthetics) decisions. They are elected (in the case of the Board) and appointed by the Board (in the case of the ECC). They are people just like you and me, yet they have a fiduciary responsibility to represent all owners and to uphold the CC&R’s that were voted on by a majority of the membership. Democracy in a republican form of government doesn’t get more basic than that.

What defines an “improvement” is spelled out in the CC&R’s, but not everything is listed and this subject becomes a hotly debated subject. Shed? Yes. Dog house? No. (within certain dimensions as spelled out in the outbuilding guidelines).

Last subject is home occupancy. Just because the County gives you an occupancy permit you still need to have your home “finaled” by the ECC prior to occupancy. Homework assignment: read section 6.6.

Fire Safe Counci Meeting for January

Tom Wetter, Chairman LSFSC announced that by group consensus at December, 2007 meeting, the January 2008 meeting is cancelled.

NEXT MEETING LSFSC TO BE HELD TUESDAY, 5 FEBRUARY 2008.

SEE YOU THEN. THANKS, JOHN KILBURN SECRETARY.
QUESTIONS? TEL: 938-3177

Looking for Partners to Build an Airplane

I'm thinking of buying and building this amphibious kit plane called the SeaRey (www.searey.com) and wonder if anyone is interested in investing and building it with me.

There is a dealer in Chico with a model based at Orland for demo flights and training and this qualifies for the new Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) designation recently approved by the FAA which requires among other things a limit on gross weight and flying altitude (1400 lbs. and 10,000 ft. I think).

But most important the pilot license can be obtained with a drivers license and does not require a flight medical so just about anyone with basic flying skills can get one.

I have a garage where we could assemble it and am scouting an airport to hanger it, thinking to first try the county airport north of Montague first as there is gliding and RC activity there.

Depending on how we equip it the total expense plus freight might run 60 to 70 thousand and 500 to 600 hours of labor so the cost would depend on how many partners we get. I think this is like a flying club where useage and maintenance is also proportioned on numbers of partners and their contribution.

Are there any ex pilots or wannabe pilots out there with mechanical and flying skills who'd like to discuss this?

Bruce Batchelder 938-0385

Our Hedge Against Wildfire

The LSPOA’s new tractor was busy in December doing brush clearing on vacant lots, road right of ways, and the greenbelt common areas. The tractor’s attachments, a bush hog and mastication arm, are capable of chopping up growth of large manzainta.

We live on Muskrat, just off Jackson Ranch Rd. and along with many neighbors, were evacuated during the Hoy Fire. We have pulled and cut brush since then to give us 200 feet or more of clearance from our home and feel much safer now.

But a neighbor pointed out that we are also removing habitat, not only deer but all manner of birds and small animals that use the brush for shelter or food. She was not a tree-hugger at all and in fact had her lot mowed by LSPOA, too. But her point is fair; the subdivision is in a deer wintering area, a place where they historically spent the colder months.

Another friend told me that Fish and Game actually had a say in lot size back in the 1970's and that they were the ones who required some of the open spaces we see now (greenbelts, park sites, Zen Mt., etc.) in order to not adversely impact this pre-existing deer scenario.

Wildfires are natural too, like the deer, and some say needed. At the meeting after the Hoy Fire I recall hearing CDF say there had been many, many burns here before. But who wants their house to burn down?

Are there any compromises out there?

Editor

The Black Ice Curve

There are several black ice curves on Big Springs Road of course but possibly the most traveled (and most graveled) one is just 1/2 mile from highway 97. Coming to Lake Shastina it's downhill and most of us hit it way too fast, having to hit the brakes as we realize what's happening.

But it goes the other way, too. As an uphill we are on the pedal and don't always appreciate the temperature. Cinders and de-icer notwithstanding cars leave the roadway against their driver's will. Sally saw one upside down off to the right just last Sunday.

And it seems we don't learn. We're late. We're in a hurry. We're on the phone.

But the ice waits and doesn't care what we think so pay nature it's due and back off that pedal.

Major Snow Storm Headed Our Way Thursday

The government's weather station at the Medford airport this morning posted a travel warning for a strong storm coming to our area later this week that promises up to a foot of snow. Here is the text (which you can also access at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/):

(the photo is just sick humor from our Mexico trip)

...A MAJOR WINTER STORM IS EXPECTED LATER THIS WEEK..A SERIES OF STORMS WILL BRING HEAVY SNOW TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. THE FIRST STORM WILL MOVE IN THURSDAY AND WILL BRING IN 2 TO 6 INCHES OF SNOW ABOVE 3500 FEET OVER WESTERN AND CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTIES. SNOW SHOWERS THURSDAY NIGHT WILL BRING INANOTHER 3 TO 6 INCHES ABOVE 3000 FEET...BUT COVERAGE WILL BESPOTTIER.

A SECOND STORM WILL MOVE IN FRIDAY...AND THIS WILL BRING THE REALLY HEAVY SNOW TO WESTERN AND CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY. ONE TO TWO FEET OF SNOW IS EXPECTED ABOVE 3500 FEET...WITH ANOTHER FOOT POSSIBLE FRIDAY NIGHT. THIS STORM WILL CAUSE MAJOR DISRUPTIONS FOR TRAVELERS AS THE HIGHER ELEVATION PORTIONS OF I-5...US97. ..AND CA89 WILL ALL RECEIVE A LOT OF SNOW AND MAY BE CLOSED AT TIMES. TRAVELERS ARE URGED TO MODIFY TRAVEL PLANS TO AVOID THE STORM. IF TRAVEL IS UNAVOIDABLE...BRING PLENTY OF EXTRA FOOD...WATER...BLANKETS...AND COLD WEATHER CLOTHING.

We need the precipitation certainly but if you saw any of the car accidents here with the black ice on Big Springs Road last week you know to drive carefully at this time of year.

Bruce

The Men's Club

The next meeting of the Men's Club is Wednesday January 9th at 8 am for breakfast at the Lake Shastina Resort Restaurant. Started last summer by Al Brezinksy and Marv Zeman, the group has no agenda, officers, or formal structure.

There are no speakers or minutes at the breakfast meetings either, which are usually the first Wednesday of the month (second this month due to the holiday).

If you would like to know more about the group call Al at 938-1761 or just show up. We order off the menu and visit over the meal for about an hour. It's fun and completely non-political.