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Meeting Minutes, Item 30. Lake California Second Access Road

a) Direction to staff to look at Routes 4 and 6 for a possible second access road to Lake California. Diaz and Associates Planner Eihnard Diaz displayed maps and gave the Board an overview of the six different routes that could be considered for a second access road. Mr. Goodwin said any of the routes in question will require talking to those property owners which to this point, has not been fruitful. Supervisor Williams asked if this access will be for emergencies only or for everyday use. Mr. Diaz said we haven’t gotten to that point yet. He added it is primed for residential development and needs a secondary access point. Supervisor Williams asked who is going to pay to put this road in. Mr. Diaz said that is the next step that will need to be discussed. Supervisor Garton said up to this point he was under the impression that this discussion was an emergency access only road being considered. Supervisor Chamblin said whether it is an emergency access or a permanent egress road he just wants everyone to be upfront about what the discussion is. He said we all need to be on the same page. He said we just need to do it complete and right this time. Mr. Diaz said his clients just want assurances that the Board, if necessary, will utilize eminent domain. Chairman Carlson said that to her, eminent domain is a very last resort unless there was an absolute necessity. She said she takes the property rights of others very seriously. Mr. Goodwin said there are six alternatives to consider. He added every route will cross private property and eminent domain will have to be considered. In response to Supervisor Williams, Mr. Goodwin said none of the land that will be crossed is in the Williamson Act. Discussion was held regarding a plan-line study. Supervisor Garton asked about the property owned by Wild Thyme Ranch and if the road would spilt the property in half. Mr. Diaz said there would only be a total of 13 acres that would be needed. Tehama County Fire Assistant Chief Matt Chamblin said there are pros and cons to all the suggested routes. He said Tehama County Fire doesn’t want to step on one side of the fence or the other on this issue. He added he doesn’t like changing conditions on an existing property. He said the ridgeline is a potential hazard unless they are flattened and widened out enough for a safe passage for residents to use. He said if he had to choose a route today, it would be the River Ranch Estates option for no other reason than it’s a shorter distance and it has existing roads already and it would be the most benefit to the community. He said this would also improve the insurance premium rates for the communities. Supervisor Garton said on Google maps there are two access roads to River Ranch Estates. Assistant Chief Chamblin said he believes one of those roads is all gravel. He stated a secondary road might attract more nefarious activity that could increase wildland fires. Supervisor Williams asked what exactly was being asked of County staff. Mr. Goodwin said to provide direction on which route or routes the County would like additional studies on for the possible future road. Supervisor Williams said he would like alternatives 4 and 6 looked at in this case. Supervisor Chamblin said he would support the citizens of Lake California coming to a deal to form a secondary emergency egress. He added but if we are looking at a permanent two-lane road then we need to look at the best possible solution for long-term use. John Wimmer said he lost a house in the Santa Rosa Fire in 2017. He said in that case there were four access roads that were reduced down to one and Lake California needs another road out in case of an emergency. Maria Chambers read a letter from other Lake California residents asking for the second road. Supervisor Garton read a letter he received from Fredrick Webster asking for the second road. Louise Wilkinson discussed recent emergency events and the importance of having the second access road. Penny Beems said several of the routes looked at her today are not feasible. She said we need to talk to the residents of River Ranch Estates and tie into that road which would also lower their insurance rates due to the Lake California Volunteer Fire Department. Lake California General Manager Scott Nielson thanked everyone for their consideration in this matter. Following additional discussion, there was consensus from the Board to research Routes 4 and 6 for possible future second access to and from Lake California.

Response from Senator Jim Nielsen:

Senator.Nielsen@senate.ca.gov

Tue, Mar 19, 2019

Dear Ms. Andrews:

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding the exit roads for the community of Lake California, and the lack of a secondary access road. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the chance to respond.

It is my understanding from your correspondence with my staff that you are worried about the safety of your community, due to what you consider to be a lack of access roads. The safety of the communities that I serve is of the utmost importance to me. First, I would like to commend you for raising your three boys on your own, and wanting to provide them with a safe community to grow up in.

Upon researching the issue of secondary access to Lake California, it has come to my attention that the issue has come up a multitude of different times over the years. As I am sure you are aware, the development of Lake California was approved in the late 1960s as a fly-in resort and fishing area. The Tehama County Department of Public Works has confirmed that the community is fully compliant with the standards that were in effect at the time of the approval, in regards to access roads. At the time of development there was no requirement for a secondary access. As a result, the County does not have jurisdiction over any plans to provide the secondary roadway. From the communications that my staff and I have had with Tehama County staff, they are actively engaged in assisting your Property Owners Association as they move forward with their analysis of alternative routes.

A secondary fire access route, along with a second route for public use are being examined. The routes being analyzed may require the Tehama County Board of Supervisors to use eminent domain in order to acquire the right-of-way from neighboring property owners. Moreover, I am told the financing of both routes are still being discussed.

The Department of Public Works understands that Lake California Drive, the access road, is currently in poor condition. During the winter months potholes can easily become a problem, as the addition of water, along with wear and tear on the road, exacerbate the problem. Currently, due to the weather conditions, the roads can only be temporarily patched with a cold weather material called “Hydro-patch.” In order for the proper repairs to be made the weather will have to warm up, so that hot mix asphalt can be laid. For these potholes to be fixed, they must cur around the areas into competent material, place the base rock, and then the hot mix. The process does take time, but I have been made aware that the Department of Public Works is preparing to undertake the job when the weather improves.

In regards to the devastating Camp Fire, I pray that no community will ever have to face such a catastrophic wildfire again. The Camp Fire that ravaged the Town of Paradise burned 153,336 acres and destroyed 13,972 homes and multi-family residents, and 4,821 businesses and other structures. In all, 4,665 personnel fought the Camp Fire with 389 fire engines, 95 fire crews, 17 helicopters, 46 dozers and 52 water tenders in what is now the deadliest and largest wildfire in California history. In all, 86 people lost their lives in the fire. It has been my intention to focus my legislative efforts on the Camp Fire, and any issues that arise during recovery and rebuilding. Throughout these processes I hope to partner with other legislators who also represent wildfire-damaged areas and together pass meaningful solutions and policy reforms in order for our communities to be better protected and prepared for any potential wildfires.

While, the differing routes and financing of secondary access roads for your community are being discussed, the Department of Public Works will continue to maintain Lake California Drive, as to see that your community has a roadway that is safe and satisfying to travel on. Furthermore, even though the County is not obligated to create a secondary access as the conditions of development do not mandate it, I have been told that they are going to continue to search for a solution to the issue at hand.

If you are interested in staying informed on this issue and other issues of state interest, you can access my Senate homepage at www.sen.ca.gov/Nielsen.

I also interact daily with constituents through Twitter and Facebook, which will keep you updated on activities in which I am involved both in the Capitol and Senate District 4 that I represent. My Twitter account is @CASenatorJim and my Facebook page can be found under Senator JimNielsen.

If you have further questions, please email me at Senator.Nielsen@Senate.CA.Gov or contact my Chico District Office at (530) 879-7424.

Sincerely,

JIM NIELSEN

Senator, Fourth District

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