2004 Year in Review
2004 was a year of
continued growth by the Saddle Creek Community Services District.
It was also a year of substantial growth in our community. The
sight of sold signs on so many lots and houses and the number of new
homes being built is encouraging to all of us as Board Members and as
residents. Castle & Cooke’s plans to start Copper Village shortly are
also exciting. We wish Castle & Cooke continued success in
developing the area.
Policies
During this last year,
under the capable oversight of Charlie Martin, our CSD General
Manager, we made strides that will help our operations run
smoothly for years to come. Charlie possesses an
understanding of municipal law and the inner workings of county
and municipal governments, city infrastructure and maintenance,
and wetlands management. His experience managing people,
developing working relationships with governmental agencies and
developers, and hands-on experience developed in his 10 years as
city manager in Los Banos has already proved invaluable.
As promised at the end of
2003, the CSD set up policies for the operations of the Privacy
Gates so that the Privacy Guards operate in a more professional
manner. We thank Castle & Cooke for providing uniforms to the
gate staff so their appearance to the public has been enhanced.
Because of the rapid growth
of Saddle Creek during 2004, we set up operational rules and
policies for CSD employees and set up policies for CSD business
operations. By implementing this structure now, we ensure
the CSD’s ability to operate under legally valid guidelines into
the future.
Growth
As your neighborhoods are
growing, so is your CSD. In fact, we have outgrown the confines
of the cramped Saddle Creek Gatehouse and have moved into a
trailer (graciously provided by Castle & Cooke). The new office
is located to the left and down the gravel road by the green on
Hole #2 next to the Castle & Cooke Administration building.
2004 saw our District Clerk
Ruth Foy leave for a new life in Arizona, to be replaced by Sue
Russ. We again thank Ruth for all her efforts and wish her luck.
Sue has jumped right in and will have the fun of organizing the
District records in our new office.
On-Site Staff
Greg Hebard and his
crew continue to make sure that Saddle Creek CSD property looks
its best. Their hard work makes the Board Members proud
because everyone in Saddle Creek benefits. Greg and his
crew have been provided uniforms so that the CSD’s presence is
more visible.
Greg has been appointed to
the Mosquito Abatement Regional Control Board. This is a great
accomplishment for Greg personally, and for the CSD. The CSD
Board has established the only Mosquito
Abatement District in
Calaveras County. This major
benefit to our residents is a vital step to our growth as a
community.
Fire
Of course, no 2004 summary
would be complete without mention of the Copper fire which
started on Friday, August 6th, and burned for several days
eventually burning over 3500 acres. Although told to prepare to
evacuate, Saddle Creek residents were thankful the fire was
contained before having to do so.
The
fire burned long into the night, keeping engines, bulldozers and
hand crews busy, and causing more than a few residents some
anxious moments. However to the efforts of the California
Department of Forestry (CDF), Copper's Volunteer Fire
Department, and members of our community, Saddle Creek was
spared any serious damage.
The CSD again extends its
sincere gratitude to Copper Fire District Chief Dennis Powers
and CDF Captain Mario Fernandez and their respective teams for
their tireless efforts. Additionally, we ask that you all
join us in praising Greg Hebard, CSD's Onsite Manager, and
Castle & Cooke employees Les and Tina Stanton, Eddie Gouzenne,
Ken Kelly and "Azzo" Azzopardi for going above and beyond the
call of duty to save our lovely valley. Additionally our
thanks to Calaveras Telephone for providing additional water
trucks.
See pictures of
the Copper Fire taken by incoming CSD President, Dennis
Merrill.
Thank you for your support
during the past year. We look forward to continuing to
serve the Saddle Creek Community.
