2012 Spring/Summer

spring/summer 2012

District News

Newsletter of Pebble Beach Community Services District First in Monterey County

National Weather Service recognizes Pebble Beach Fire protection and emergency medical services Wastewater collection, treatment and recycling Recycled water storage and distribution Garbage collection, disposal, and recycling Supplemental law enforcement

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Pebble Beach is now the first community in Monterey County to be recognized as StormReady® and TsunamiReady® by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Weather Service. At a March District board meeting officials from NOAA presented certificates to PBCSD and Pebble Beach Company for earning Jennifer Valdez, District Fire Captain, and Kevin the designations. (left), Safety Director of Pebble Beach “Pebble Beach is now one of only Cole Resorts, hold one of the tsunami signs that our community is now entitled to display. The recog21 communities in California to earn was presented by National Weather Service this high distinction,” said Mark Strobin, nition officials Mark Strobin, Senior Forecaster (center), and Kevin Baker, Meteorologist in Charge (not Senior Forecaster at the National shown), both of the Monterey office. Weather Service in Monterey. “They join the growing nationwide list of 106 TsunamiReady® sites in ten states.” To be recognized, communities must fulfill a long list of stringent requirements. The District developed comprehensive tsunami and storm response (Cont. on page 3)

Good news!

Vehicle accidents plummet in Forest

Free class for technophobes: Intro to Twitter and Facebook! Fri., May 4, 6 pm PBCSD Training Room Forest Lake and Lopez Roads, P.B.

For reservations and information please contact Fire Captain Jennifer Valdez at 647-5642, or [email protected]. CHP Sergeant Ray Faulk, who coordinates the stepped-up patrols in the Forest, attributes the program’s success to experienced officers and the District’s traffic research.

Six years ago when Pebble Beach residents expressed concern about reckless driving in the Forest, the District contracted for additional enforcement by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). We are happy to report that vehicle accidents have dropped dramatically since the program began, from 76 incidences in 2005 to just 16 incidences in 2011. Last year there were 11 “fender benders” and two accidents involving injuries as opposed to 44 fender benders and 17 injuries in 2005. “Pebble Beach is a difficult place to drive fast successfully,” said CHP Sergeant Ray Faulk who coordinates the patrols. “There are a lot of narrow roads with undergrowth and trees that hide cross streets and driveways.” (Cont. on page 2)

Top plant pick: Try this firesafe, drought tolerant native plant in your yard!

You can plant Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana) in rock gardens, in borders, or under oak trees where leaf litter will retain moisture. The rhizomes of the plant spread slowly, forming 2- to 4-foot wide clumps with showy blossoms of blue, purple, pink or cream. Morning sun, afternoon shade and rich soil will satisfy this forgiving plant, which can tolerate bad drainage but is also drought tolerant. It appreciates a light watering in summer, but a spot under a drippy eave may be all it needs. During dry periods it may go dormant and disappear, only to bloom again when the time is right. This native evergreen is also deer-resistant, produces many seeds, attracts birds and beneficial insects, and provides nectar for hummingbirds.

Pebble Beach Community Services District (PBCSD) is a multi-purpose local government voted into existence by Del Monte Forest residents on July 1, 1982. PBCSD administrative office (831) 373-1274 3101 Forest Lake Road, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Garbage collection and recycling Waste Management: 384-5000 Free 24-hour sewer service: 373-1274 If water is overflowing into your home it is an emergency. Call us immediately, day or night. Fire and medical emergencies call 911 PBCSD Board of Directors President Gerald F. Verhasselt Vice President Leo M. Laska Director Jeffery B. Froke, Ph.D Director Richard B. Gebhart Director Rick D. Verbanec General Manager Mike Niccum

Pebble Beach has a new fire engine! The District has replaced one of its aging fire engines with a state-of-the-art E-One Cyclone II Fire Engine custom-designed by District staff for our unique community. The Better protection for Forest residents District Fire Apparatus Engineers John Sado (from left) and Craig upgrade is part of the Bramhall, and Firefighter Justin Chaplin show off the increased District’s ongoing 10storage capacity on the community’s new fire engine. year engine rotation cycle which ensures efficient, reliable fire and medical rescue services. Our previous lead engine purchased in 2000 will now serve as a back-up vehicle, and our 1993 engine will be sold or donated. The project team included Battalion Chief Jude Acosta, who served as liaison with the District board, and Engineer John Sado, who oversaw design and construction along with Fire Captains Mark Treichel, Tuan Flower, and Bill Smith. Cost savings and efficiencies benefit community

To save money, Sado and his fellow B-shift crew members performed most of the customized work themselves including radio installation, equipment wiring, and the fabrication of the custom-designed storage compartments. “Throughout the process we went over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure we were getting the most for our budget,” said Sado. “We saved approximately $25,000 by doing work ourselves and by reusing parts from our decommissioned 1993 engine.” The money saved allowed for the purchase of additional equipment to serve the community. For example, the District now has rescue struts to stabilize upended vehicles so that responders can safely recover trapped accident victims. The engine’s many efficiencies include greater fuel economy, a tighter turning radius for the Forest’s narrow driveways, longer-lasting LED warning lights, and other new technologies that are better for the environment and increase the vehicle’s lifespan. The engine also fulfills current safety requirements with features such as air bags, a rollover prevention system and reflective striping. “Getting this new engine is a very big event for us and we’re grateful to the community for supporting it,” said John. “It’s a privilege to have this stateof-the-art equipment and we are all dedicated to using it to meet the needs of everyone in Pebble Beach.”

Vehicle accidents plummet (Cont. from front page)

Increased enforcement began in October 2006 after a Del Monte Forest Property Owners (DMFPO) community survey showed that speeding and reckless driving were top safety concerns for residents. In response, the District Board of Directors allocated $165,000 from existing revenue to contract for patrols and purchase four radar speed display units. Besides alerting drivers to the speed of their vehicles, the radar units also gather valuable traffic data. “The District and the Del Monte Forest Property Owners have done a lot of homework to identify traffic and speeding trouble spots in the Forest,” said Faulk. “Having a black and white patrol car posted strategically with experienced officers really encourages safe driving.”

New water tank will improve firefighting The District’s 20-year Water System Improvements for Fire Protection plan will enter its last phase this summer with the construction of an 800,000-gallon water tank on Huckleberry Hill. This last capital project will provide additional storage to ensure water availability for firefighting in areas that have had a deficiency. The $2.5 million tank will help protect Water when you need it most 1,159 residential properties from fires, in addition to A new storage tank being built on Huckleberry Hill will ensure availStevenson School and many commercial lots. ability of water for firefighting in Construction will begin this summer areas that used to be deficient. next to an existing California American Water tank located on Sunset Lane. The tank will be naturally screened to minimize views from the street. The project is currently in the bidding process and should be completed by next spring. Faster flows—even during power outages



Since the District began implementing the Water System Improvements for Fire Protection plan in 1994 we have upgraded three pump stations and installed backup generators so firefighters have access to water during power outages. We’ve also replaced 17 miles of undersized pipe to improve flow rates, and installed 120 new fire hydrants to increase accessibility. District engineers used a sophisticated hydraulic network computer model to prioritize the pipe replacements, which represent approximately 25 percent of Cal-Am’s total 67 miles of pipeline in the Forest. “Completion of the water tank project is an important milestone in our ongoing Fire Defense Plan,” said Fire Protection and Planning Chief Robin Hamelin. “Our improvements to the water delivery system ensure a constant supply of water at the proper flow and pressure which helps firefighters contain fires of any size.”

National Weather Service recognition (Cont. from front page) plans, integrated multiple public alert systems and established a 24-hour communications center for receiving weather service warnings and activating local response. “This is an important accomplishment for the entire community,” said District Fire Captain Jennifer Valdez, who led the effort. “It is the culmination of many years work creating response plans, mapping projected tsunami inundation zones for our coastline, implementing our Reverse 911 system and much more.” Recipients must also have an education outreach and training program to raise awareness and promote disaster preparedness. While no community is disaster-proof, the dual designations strengthen emergency operations and minimize the potential for injuries, fatalities and property damage. “I am confident that Pebble Beach is well prepared for any potential tsunami event,” said Strobin. “This solidifies the relationship between the Pebble Beach community and the National Weather Service so we can rely on each other for critical information during weather and tsunami emergencies.”

Meet the Staff

Marianna Pimentel, Accountant

From pens and paper to fire engines and hydraulic pumps, Accountant Marianna Pimentel makes sure that every District expenditure is accounted for in all departments. “When you track the money flow you get a unique perspective on how the system works,” said Marianna, who has worked at the District for five years. “It’s not just plugging in numbers. With all our different departments there’s always something new and interesting to learn.” Marianna assists with long-term financial planning, budgets, annual audits, and monthly financial reports for the board and the public. “Accountability and transparency are a priority here,” Marianna said. “Anyone can view all our revenue and expenditures in fine detail on our website.“ Marianna also said that her coworkers are a big part of the appeal of the job. “This is a small, efficient office so staff is always multitasking. When you work here you’re part of a close-knit group where everyone is ready to back you up to get the job done.”

To view District financial statements please visit pbcsd.org and click the “records” tab.

Fire safety poster contest

Just for kids: win a free pizza party at the firehouse!

The District’s Fire Safety Poster Contest for kids is a great opportunity to review safety basics with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandkids or any special child in your life. How do you practice fire safety at your house? Themes for posters might include: not playing with matches, lighters or candles; not overloading electrical sockets; keeping flammables away from space heaters, lamps and other heat sources; home fire escape maps; smoke detector maintenance; “stop, drop and roll;” “don’t hide—go outside” during a fire; etc. For more ideas visit the National Fire Safety Association’s interactive kids website, sparky.org. How to enter

1. Contest is for children in grades K-6 who are related in some way to a Pebble Beach resident. 2. Posters can be in any medium but must be at least 19 by 24 inches in size and have a fire safety theme. 3. Artwork must be delivered or mailed by June 1, 2012 to the District Fire Department, 3101 Forest Lake Rd., P.B., CA 93953 4. Multiple entries are fine, but each poster must have the child’s name, age, mailing address and phone number on the back.

Artwork will be displayed at the District’s annual Safety Day on June 23 when we will announce winners. All entrants will be mailed a certificate for free MYO frozen yogurt, and we will award a “Best of the Bunch” prize for each age category. One lucky young artist will win the grand prize of a free firehouse party for ten hosted by your District firefighters. The winner and his or her guests will tour the station, explore a fire engine, learn about fire safety and firefighting equipment, enjoy pizza, cake and ice cream, and compete in “knock over the cone” hose stream contests and other firehouse fun and games.

Don’t miss the District’s Open House BBQ and Safety Day!

Free CO detector & installation for qualified residents If you signed up on the District’s Emergency Assistance List you should have already received a letter about our free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Program. The District is distributing 250 alarms to listed residents, and fire department staff will install them free of charge with help from Community Emergency Response Team volunteers (CERT). Hundreds of people and pets die each year when cooking and heating appliances malfunction or are misused. CO alarms save lives by detecting the build-up of the deadly, odorless gas and are required by law as of July 1, 2011. If you are already on the Emergency Assistance List and want to schedule an installation or pick up your detector please call 375-9644. If you have not registered but think you may need extra help during storms or other emergencies because you are non-ambulatory, have limited mobility, special medical needs or do not drive a vehicle, please register now at pbcsd.org, or contact Fire Captain Jennifer Valdez at 647-5642, or [email protected].

Sat. June 23, 10 am-2 pm, Forest Lake and Lopez Roads, P.B.

Meet your neighbors, entertain the kids, enjoy a delicious buffet and pick up the safety information you need to protect home and family. Watch your mailbox for more details!

Free 2012 Clean-up Weeks Leave out up to seven extra cans, bags or boxes of trash for free pick-up during: July 9 - 13



October 1 - 5

Check out our redesigned website at pbcsd.org!

Printed by a certified Monterey Bay Area Green Business on sustainable and/or recycled stock with vegetable-based inks. Please recycle!

Pebble Beach Community Services District 3101 Forest Lake Road Pebble Beach, CA 93953

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Pebble Beach, CA Permit No. 5