Valley Ranch Newsletter
Summer 2021
The Board Of Directors
Greetings from your Board of Directors of the Valley Ranch Homeowner’s Association. This Newsletter congratulates our newest Board Members - Rebecca Peterson, Treasurer, Julia Kinst, Secretary, and Penny Boeck, President. Thank you to both Paul Jeglum, who served in various Board positions including President and Secretary, and also to Marsha Tindall who served as Treasurer.
Congratulations to Steve Boeck and Llew Kinst who were voted to be a part of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
Although restrictions associated with Covid 19 have eased, there are still many people who remain caution minded regarding large crowds of people. Towards that end - our Valley Ranch Web Master - Llew Kinst, has put together an easy and convenient format that continues to allow Member participation for all Valley Ranch Homeowner’s Board of Director Meetings through Zoom.
We encourage you to take a look at all of the new and improved Valley Ranch webpage. From there you will find that you are able to communicate with the Board and various Committees via the Contact submission. We believe this will make contacting either Board or Committees easier and more effective for all of our members.
Membership Survey
Be on the lookout for the latest Member Survey that will be distributed in advance of the next scheduled Ownership Meeting. The Survey will be sent electronically to make it easier to respond. The answers will help the Board know what matters are important to you for the next HOA Annual Member meeting, currently scheduled for October 16, 2021 at the Graeagle Fire Hall.
If you have questions or ideas for the Board please Contact the Valley Ranch Board of Directors
Heat, Fire and Water Considerations
The summer of 2021 is already proving to be a hot one. So far, we have broken records for daytime highs, and persistent drought. The heat and drought have certainly contributed to fire activity. The Beckwourth Complex, Dixie, Fly and Tamarack fires are all major fires in the area. For up-to-date information on size, containment and evacuations, please visit the Plumas County web site. We encourage everyone to be safe. View our water conservation tips here.
Firewise Committee
Mohawk Valley Fuel Reduction Project
The planning phase of the MVFRP is still being completed. As mentioned in April, we are looking at the implementation of the project to begin this Fall. With the turnover of several lots in Valley Ranch, the committee will be updating the project map and contacting new owners to get them on board with the project as well.
Valley Ranch Emergency Evacuation Drill
The Valley Ranch Firewise Committee (VRFC) held an Emergency Evacuation Drill on June 23, 2021. Prior to the Drill, the VRFC members distributed GO-Bags with Fire Safe and Evacuation information as well as a “Safely Evacuation” door hanger and mylar blanket to VR residents. The actual Evacuation Drill took place at 10:00 am on the 23rd and residents were instructed to evacuate to White Sulphur Springs Ranch. 21 out of 52 residences were represented at the Emergency Evacuation Drill. That puts our community at 40% participation. If you take out the part-time residents that were not here, we're looking at closer to 50%. The committee members were pleased with overall attendance and the discussion that took place following the Evacuation.
Remember- The success of knowing what to do in the event of a fire or other catastrophe evacuation improves with practice. Although the dates have not yet been chosen, additional Evacuation Drills will be scheduled. If you did not participate in our first Evacuation Drill - we encourage you to participate in the next. The larger the number of Drill participants, the greater the chance of survival in the chance of a “real event”.
CodeRed Emergency Alert System
Plumas County has instituted a new rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®. The new system will distribute emergency messages via telephone to targeted areas or the entire county at a rate of 1,000 calls per minute. CodeRED® employs a one-of-a-kind Internet mapping capability for geographic targeting of calls, coupled with a high speed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses, live individuals and answering machines. By registering, you'll be added to the emergency call list. The Code Red system is one of the best ways to be notified in the case of emergency. To register, click here
Firewise GO-bags are available to any owner who did not get one. Please contact the Firewise Committee if you would like one.
Goodby Sarah Pahlow
After nearly four years of dedicated service to Valley Ranch as a member of the Firewise Committee, Sarah Pahlow will be stepping down effective December 31, 2021. Sarah was the first to step forward when Karen Neely spoke about forming a Firewise Committee in the Spring of 2018. Sarah has been instrumental in organizing the many Firewise Demonstration/Work Days, Special Events, and most recently the Mock Evacuation Drill. She has performed countless Hazardous Ignition Zone consultations and worked tirelessly with the committee to ensure that Valley Ranch was included in the Plumas County Fire Safe Council’s Mohawk Valley Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project. Sarah was always reaching out to new neighbors with information about Firewise in Valley Ranch. Her upbeat enthusiasm will be missed. Thank you, Sarah.
Architectural Review Committee
In past newsletters we have covered the make-up of the Architectural Review Committee and the Valley Ranch CC&Rs. Now let’s start to dig into the CC&Rs.
Section 3.01 of the CC&Rs gives an overview of what items require ARC review and approval. It states:
3.01 ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL. NO BUILDING, FENCE, WALL, SIGN OR OTHER STRUCTURE, OR EXTERIOR ADDITION TO OR CHANGE OR ALTERATION THEREOF (INCLUDING PAINTING OR LANDSCAPING) SHALL BE COMMENCED, CONSTRUCTED, ERECTED, PLACED, ALTERED, MAINTAINED OR PERMITTED TO REMAIN ON THE LOTS UNTIL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS SHOWING PLOT LAYOUT AND ALL EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS, WITH MATERIALS AND COLORS THEREFOR AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND LANDSCAPING, SHALL HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE. APPROVALS SHALL BE BASED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ON ADEQUACY OF STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND MATERIALS, CONFORMITY AND HARMONY OF EXTERNAL DESIGN WITH NEIGHBORING PROPERTY, IMPROVEMENTS, OPERATIONS AND USES, RELATION OF TOPOGRAPHY, GRADE, AND FINISHED GROUND ELEVATION OF THE PROPERTY BEING IMPROVED TO THE NEIGHBORING PROPERTY. THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUIRE ANY MEMBER TO REMOVE, TRIM, TOP OR PRUNE ANY SHRUB, TREE, OR HEDGE WHICH SUCH COMMITTEE REASONABLY BELIEVES IMPEDES THE VIEW OF ANY LOT.
As you can see, this covers almost any change to your property or the exterior of your house. This comes back to our rule of thumb – if the change you are considering can be seen from the street or a neighbor’s property, it probably needs ARC review. If in doubt, contact the ARC. We are here to help you complete your project in a way that enhances the Community as a whole. We may also be able to help you avoid pitfalls such as when permits are required or when regulations control your project.
Valley Ranch Community Corner
Annual HOA BBQ
We are excited to announce that we have scheduled the Annual Homeowner’s Barbecue for Saturday, August 28th, 3:30 p.m., at Whitehawk Pavillion. Keep an eye out for the announcement and be sure to let the BBQ Committee know what dish you will bring for the potluck.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, cheese, napkins, non-alcoholic beverages, plates and condiments will be provided by Valley Ranch Homeowner’s Association. Attendees can BYOB for their personal consumption.
Please RSVP by August 24th
To Susanne Remillard at 836-7332 or email
Three chefs with their portable propane Barbecues will be needed at Whitehawk the day of the BBQ.
We were unable to participate in the 2020 Annual Barbeque because of Covid 19. That means that we look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s event. The spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant is currently of concern. There are increasing cases in Plumas County of vaccinated individuals, including those over 60 years of age. Please consider this risk in any gathering.
Annual HOA Member Meeting
The Annual HOA Member meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th at the Graeagle Firehall. More information will be forthcoming.