Conditions Update: Friday, 3/25/11

• Posted on March 25, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Power Status – 3:30pm

Power remains on in Lilac Park. Grace Neurath, ALPHA’s Secretary/Treasurer, and her  husband Rene, walked Lilac Park this morning and found several trees down. There was one house with a tree on it’s roof and a deck that came down under the snow load. Both owners already know about it. If we find any other properties with any visible damage from the storm, we will be sure to let you know.

Power Status – 1:15pm

The power is back on in Lilac Park. Received word that a PG & E truck was headed to the top of the hill and an hour later the power was restored.  Let’s hope it stays that way.

Conditions

Snow conditions are such that if you’re planning to head up to Lilac Park today, be prepared to dig out / blow off your driveway. Average snow depths are being reported at three to four feet with a berm that’s much deeper depending on where you are.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

PG&E Issues Urgent Warning

• Posted on March 25, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

(From CBS13 web site)

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – PG&E is issuing an urgent safety warning to residents, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, hikers and others who may be visiting mountain areas with snow: watch out for low-hanging live power lines.

Normally these high-voltage lines would be 25-to-30 feet above the ground but with the huge amount of snow that has fallen, in some areas, the lines are now only about 6-to-8 feet above the top of the snowpack.

PG&E is warning people to stay away from the line and do not try to go under or near the lines.

And as the weather clears, PG&E is asking motorists to be aware that their crews may be working on power lines in remote areas.

Click the picture to go directly to the story. (Thanks Lynn!)

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

ALPHA Board Meeting for April 2011

• Posted on March 25, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners Association Board Meeting

• Saturday, April 2, 2011
• 10:00a to noon-ish
• At the Public Library in Arnold.
• Lilac Park Homeowners are welcome.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Update on conditions in Arnold

• Posted on March 24, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

After days without power, cable, and for some, internet access, we’re back on line. The weather continues to be extremely stormy, with high winds and continuous snow fall.
We encourage you to check the “Webcam” tab, as well as the “Bulletin Board” tab, and add your comments about weather conditions in Arnold. This is a great venue to keep all Lilac Park residents informed. Thank you!
(If you need the password, send us an email, and we’ll send it to you.)

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Weather Radar

• Posted on March 23, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Some serious weather moving in. Are you prepared?

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Power Outage Update

• Posted on March 23, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Power restored, Comcast service down

Attention Lilac Park Homeowners,

Power has been restored to Lilac Park as of 5pm yesterday (Tuesday, March 22 – it went out on Sunday, 3/20 around 11:00am), but Comcast service to much of the area remains non-operational. No ETA has been given as to when it will be restored.

We will keep you up-to-date via posts here on the ALPHA site and by e-mail.

Winter Storms Continue to Dump Snow

More snow is forecast for the Sierras and Arnold is expected to get more in the coming days. As always, please be prepared for winter driving conditions and carry chains. Be sure to check the road conditions (view ‘Road Reports’ to left) before heading into the mountains.

To view the Winter Storm Warning, click HERE.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Lilac Park Spring Web Site Launch

• Posted on March 22, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Welcome to the Lilac Park Spring Web Site!

The ALPHA Board of Directors has updated the web site for spring! None of the functionality has changed, but we did update many of the pictures, colors, and modified the layout slightly.

To keep the web site fresh, it is the Board’s goal to update the look and fee of the web site with the changing of the seasons.

We feel we have a pretty good handle on site content so that won’t change too much, but if you have any suggestions for our site, please let us know. We’re open to any and all ideas.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Make Your Property Fire Safe

• Posted on March 18, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

 

Make Your Home & Community Fire Safe Year Around!

 

Clear 100 feet for fire safety (or to your property line, whichever is nearest — as required by California Public Resources Code 4291

Remove Dead Vegetation

• First 30 ft – Remove everything that is DEAD: dead trees, branches, brush, all dry grass, leaves, and pine needles.
• Next 70 feet — Remove ALL dead trees and brush.
• Dry, cut grass, leaves and pine needles MAY STAY on the ground.
• Thin and Separate Live Vegetation
• Prune Your Trees

For more detailed information and information regarding required burn permits, click here. To download a CalFire PDF Flyer on burnpile safety, click here.

Cal Fire annual inspections to begin soon.

Lot Cleaning Services

These cleaning services are in no particular order. Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners Association makes no endorsement or recommendation of ANY lot cleaning services. These are listed for your convenience only.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

More winter weather on the way.

• Posted on March 17, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

According to the National Weather Service, there will be some snow falling in Arnold this weekend. It doesn’t look like we’ll get as much as we did during the last series of storms, but snow is on the way.

Weather forecasts are calling for 8 – 10 inches of snow down to 3000′ with accumulations of up to 2 feet above 7000′. Be prepared!

Click here to visit the storm advisory, then scroll down to “Winter Storm Warning.”

.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

March HOA meeting cancelled!

• Posted on March 13, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the March Arnold Lilac Park Homeowner’s Association meeting has been cancelled. The next schedule meeting will be on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Facebook 101

• Posted on March 10, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Come learn the in’s & out’s of Facebook at the next social media workshop on March 30th from 2pm-5pm at the Frogeteria. If you don’t yet have a Facebook page and aren’t sure how to get started, come at 2pm and we’ll get you going! At 3pm we’ll dive a little deeper into Facebook applications that can help business. BRING A LAPTOP! We will have wi-fi for all!

Click the graphic above to visit the Facebook site promoting the event. A Facebook account is required to view the page.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Murphys Irish Day

• Posted on March 4, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Saturday, March 19, 2011 – 10am to 5pm

Fun for the whole family! Admission is FREE!

One of the premiere annual events in the Mother Lode is Murphys Irish Day.  Each year thousands of people from Northern California and beyond gather in the historic gold rush town of Murphys to honor its Celtic heritage and to celebrate as only the Irish can. Its picturesque Main Street is filled with booths offering hand crafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.

Click here for more information.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

March HOA meeting changes

• Posted on February 28, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Note: The March Homeowner’s Association meeting is rescheduled to Saturday, March 12, 2011, starting at 10:00 AM at the Arnold Public Library.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Views from Lilac Park

• Posted on February 26, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

It’s a chilly, beautiful day in Arnold.
Check out our “Bulletin Board” and add your comments.
If you need the password, send us an email and we’ll get it to you. Enjoy!

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Spring Web Site

• Posted on February 25, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Just a courtesy note to ALPHA Members.

The ALPHA “Spring” web site will launch in mid-March. Fear not! None of the functionality will change and you’ll still find all of the same great content, we’re just updating the colors and layout slightly to correspond with the coming of Spring.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

ALPHA Board Meeting for March 2011

• Posted on February 25, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners Association Board Meeting

• Saturday, March 5, 2011
• 10:00a to noon-ish
• At the Public Library in Arnold.
• Lilac Park Homeowners are welcome.
• Annual Pro-Forma budget will be available on website and/or mailed to homeowners.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

More snow is coming.

• Posted on February 23, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Winter storm coming in this weekend.

A winter storm warning has been posted by the National Weather Service for this weekend beginning at 1pm Thursday and ending at 4am Saturday morning. This affects areas above 2000′ elevation. Heavy snow is expected at the higher elevations.

If you’re headed into the Sierras, please plan ahead. As always, carry chains.

Click HERE to read the advisory.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Lilac Park, Sunday, Feb 20, 2011

• Posted on February 20, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Beautiful day in Lilac Park!

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Lilac Park, Arnold CA

• Posted on February 19, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

It’s a beautiful, chilly 29 degree, snowy morning in Arnold. The sun is trying to make an appearance. Check our webcams. Plus, you can add your own photos to our Bulletin Board, we’d love to see them. If you need the password, send us an email and we’ll get it to you.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Power in Lilac Park is back on!

• Posted on February 18, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Good news! As of 4:00 PM this afternoon, power is back on! If you’re coming up to Arnold, be prepared to shovel your way into your driveway and home. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful winter wonderland in Arnold

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

WEATHER / CONDITIONS ADVISORY!

• Posted on February 18, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Update

2/18/11 @ 1800 – Power is back on in many parts of Arnold and, per various reports, most of Lilac Park. It is still snowing, but plows have been running all day and roads are currently free of heavy snow. This is going to change overnight as more snow is in the forecast through tomorrow afternoon. Skies are expected to clear on Sunday.

Check road reports | PG & E Outage Map

Big Storm Dumps on Arnold and the Sierras.

(Updated 2/18/11 at 6pm – See updates below)

Be advised. As of Friday, 2/18/11 0800, weather conditions in Arnold are severe. As much as two feet of snow has fallen overnight, road conditions are treacherous, and much of the town is currently without power.

There are a number of trees down throughout the area, but crews have been dispatched to begin the cleanup. However, efforts will be slow because of the ongoing severe winter weather. Snow continues to fall in the area.

PG & E crews are still assessing damage and determining which areas are without power. They are not willing to make any estimates on restoring power to Arnold as of this posting.

If you travel into the Sierras, please be prepared and plan ahead for severe winter weather.

A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until Noon, 2/19/11.
Read the Severe Weather Alert Here.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Winter Driving Tips

• Posted on February 14, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Ok we admit: this is late in the season and there isn’t a lot of snow on the ground right now. But there are a series of storms moving in this week and being prepared for winter driving conditions in the mountains can save you a lot of time and trouble. It can even save your life. Be prepared.

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued.
  Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Carbon Monoxide kills.
  Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Check your tires, check your car.
  Make certain your tires are properly inflated. Check your antifreeze level. Make sure your washer fluid is made for cold weather.
• Use common sense.
  Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Steer into a slide.
  If your steering wheel is turning but your car isn’t, you’re in a slide. Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Buckle up.
  Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
  Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly.  Speed limit is 25mph on snow and ice.
  Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• Increase following distance.
  The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds or more. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes.
  Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it.
  There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling, especially on hills.
• Don’t power up hills.
  Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill.
  There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home.
  If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
• Carry chains, even with 4wd.
  Even though your chances of using them are small, chains can save you. 4wd and Awd units can and do fail. Many people don’t think about servicing their 4wd power train. Don’t get stuck.
• Make up a Winter Driving Kit
  Plastic carry-all totes are inexpensive and can hold just about everything you need. If you frequently drive in winter conditions, consider the following for your kit:
  1. Some sand in a large coffee or paint can
  2. A tow strap
  3. Jumper cables
  4. A bright flashlight / Road flares
  5. Sturdy gloves / Rain & snow suit
  6. Camp shovel
  7. Ice scraper / De-icing  fluid /Squee-Gee
  8. First Aid Kit / Emergency blanket
  9. Chains and snubbers

Driving with chains. What you should know.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Healthy Late Winter Recipes and More

• Posted on February 11, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

The days are at their shortest but there are still many healthy fruits and vegetables at their prime during the winter season. Enjoy nutrient-packed root vegetables such as carrots and versatile winter greens such as spinach and kale. Citrus fruits are a treat this time of year, so stock up on oranges and grapefruit, and try delicious pineapple and pomegranates to add fiber and vitamin C to your day.

Click here to download a free slow-cooker mini-cookbook!

Reprinted from Eatingwell.com.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Chili Cook Off in Murphys

• Posted on February 4, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Take It To Heart Chili Cook-off

Saturday, February 19, 2011    Murphys Historic Hotel

♦ Registration & Set-up 8:00 am.
♦ Chili prep begins @ 9:00 am.
♦ Celebrity Judging 11:00 am.
♦ Chili Tasting 12 Noon ~ 3:00 pm.
♦ Awards: 3:30 pmCountry Western/Salsa Music.
♦ Cash Awards & PrizesContests for:  Best Judged Chili * Best People’s Choice Chili.
♦ Best Costumes/Décor * Best Chili Sides/Condiments.

For more details and entry form, visit the Soroptimist International of Calaveras County.

Chili Cook-off Proceeds Support SICC’s Take Women To Heart Free Cholesterol Screening Program in April & May 2011.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

ALPHA Board Meeting for February 2011

• Posted on January 28, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners Association Board Meeting

• Saturday, February 5, 2011
• 10:00a to noon-ish
• At the Public Library in Arnold.
• Lilac Park Homeowners are welcome.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Pro Forma Budget Distribution

• Posted on January 26, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Very Important Info for Lilac Park  Homeowners

Dear Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners:

California Civil Code 1365 requires that all homeowners receive a copy of their homeowner’s association Pro Forma Budget, other related documents, and disclosures on an annual basis. Our first Pro Forma Budget and other documents, will be ready for distribution in February 2011.

As of 2010, the law allows Homeowner Associations to provide this document electronically, through our website, if we have written authorization from homeowners.

I need your help.
Please let me know if you would like to receive the 2011 Pro Forma Budget by US mail, or if you will be able to access it through our website: www.arnoldlilacparkhoa.org
(ONCE IT IS APPROVED BY THE BOARD AND POSTED TO THE WEBSITE IN FEBRUARY.)

Your choices are:

1.  Send it US mail.
2.  I will access it through the website.

Send a note to gneurath@arnoldlilacparkhoa.org and let me know.

Thank you!
Grace Neurath
ALPHA Secretary/Treasurer

P.S.  The Pro Forma Budget and associated documents should be distributed no more than 60 and no less than 30 days prior to the beginning of our fiscal year.   We realize we are late this year, but we commit to having our 2012 Pro Forma Budget ready for distribution in a timely manner.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Winter in Lilac Park

• Posted on January 24, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Annual Assessments Due

• Posted on January 17, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

This is a reminder that Lilac Park Annual Assessments are due no later than Saturday, 4/30/2011 to avoid late fees.

Attention Lilac Park Homeowners: Please see the “Important Changes to Billing” under the Homeowners Only section.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Winter Explosion! at Bear Valley

• Posted on January 5, 2011 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Winter excitement at Bear Valley on Saturday, January 15th. Come join us for an evening of fun for everyone! There will be fireworks, torch light parade and live music.

• 4:00 PM: Games and a movie for the kids
• 5:30 PM: Great food for everyone
• 6:45 PM: Torch parade down the mountain
• 7:00 PM: Fireworks begin

Dinner tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children. View the flyer for the event.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors

Our New Web Site!

• Posted on December 30, 2010 by ALPHA Board of Directors

Welcome to the new web site for Arnold Lilac Park Homeowners Association! The new “blog” layout will make it easier for us to relay information to you quickly and easily.

You’ll also find that our site will change slightly with the seasons including new pictures, colors and layouts that fit with the time of year.

New and dynamic information
Information will be posted right here on the front page making it simple for you to find out what’s going on. Older posts will be categorized and search-able via the search tools in the bottom right corner so you can go back and find information quickly and easily.

Useful Tools and Links
Check out the links to the right. Here you’ll find useful information such as Road Reports, useful telephone numbers, information and links to various fire prevention resources, and more.

Fun Stuff
There is also a new photo gallery, bulletin board (where you can post pictures!), a page with area webcams, and links to more, plus a whole host of other features. Most of the photos you find throughout our new site are clickable and will take you to larger scale images. Try it. Use the “back” button to navigate back to where you were.

Security / Privacy
As a Lilac Park Homeowner, you should receive an e-mail containing the password to protected areas of the web site. If you didn’t receive the password, drop us a note (It’s the same password we used on the old site). If you received it and are having trouble logging in, be sure you have cookies enabled AND that your “caps lock” key isn’t on.

We hope you like our new site! Please leave your comments on the bulletin board page. We want to hear from you. Bookmark this page (press ‘ctrl + D’ to bookmark) and check back for the latest news and happenings from Lilac Park and Arnold.

Posted in ALPHA Board of Directors