Concerned Resident of El Dorado Hills Heritage Village
Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation
CRHV NEWS BRIEF
BULLETIN: HERITAGE PARK LIGHTS NOT AUTHORIZED
In a letter to EDHCSD and LENNAR, the El Dorado County Planning Director wrote, “the sports court lighting that has been constructed on-site are not authorized.” The letter confirms that “no information regarding the lighting design or photometrics were submitted.” Additionally, the parking lot lights do not conform to County codes and design requirements for a conditional use permit. The letter negates CSD and Lennar claims that permits were proper and approved. This story is continuing to develop.
GRAND JURY CONDEMNS EDH CSD
The 2021-2022 El Dorado County Grand Jury report is a scathing review of grave EDH CSD mismanagement of the Carson Creek Heritage and other EDC CSD Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts (LLAD). The report lists thirteen specific negative findings and validates the appeals made by CRHV and individual residents in El Dorado Hills. The inconsistent treatment of Heritage assessments. conflicts of interest, and lighting issues are highlighted. Unfortunately, rather than address the well-researched independent report, CSD General Manager Kevin Loewen defiantly states the findings will “not be implemented.” Loewen dismisses the 16-member Grand Jury as uninformed and calls for a commission to investigate the Grand Jury itself. What unbelievable arrogance!!! CSD is required to respond in 60 days. Stay tuned.
LITIGATION: CRHV V. LENNAR & EDH CSD
CRHV filed a complaint on May 16, 2022, against Lennar Homes, EL Dorado Hills Community Services District, and CSD GM Kevin Loewen seeking injunctive relief and writs of demand in the public interest. The Defendants are issuing responses (known as a demurer) that predictably include motions to dismiss portions of the complaint. Accordingly, CRHV will respond and amend the original complaint as deemed necessary. The trial is anticipated in October. The complaint is available for inspection on the CRHV website. Mounting a legal battle is expensive, especially against a corporation and local government with unlimited resources. Fortunately, our dedicated attorneys are working with us. We strongly believe that our public-minded litigation to protect the quality of life and our environment is built on a sound foundation. We thank the many residents who have already contributed to the tax-exempt legal fund.
ASSESSMENT REFUNDS
Another Carson Creek LLAD #39 assessment refund for FY 2020 has been processed and should be in the hands of residents. CSD is required to accurately verify the amount of taxes to be collected. For a third year, we discovered CSD incompetently billed the assessments at different levels. As a result, different amounts were collected and subsequently refunded. In the letter accompanying the refund check, CSD claims that the refund was an “act of accountability and transparency.” In fact, County Auditor/Controller Joe Harn insisted that the erroneous assessments must be refunded. Mr. Harn publicly credits CRHV for its grass-roots efforts in securing refunds for improper and unjustified assessments. CRHV is continuing its quest for accurate and fair assessments.
PALMDALE SAFETY & CARSON CROSSING EXPANSION
CHRV has two efforts underway to research safety, noise, traffic, and other community impacts and future roadway plans. We have met with County officials to better influence and mitigate impacts. Carson Crossing is slated to be transferred from Lennar to the County. Before that occurs, CRHV seeks to ensure all outstanding construction issues are satisfactorily resolved and sound noise mitigation is addressed. Also, several plans are under discussion to connect Carson Crossing to Latrobe and the proposed HWY 50 Empire Ranch/Carson Crossing exchange. We have also confirmed that Carson Crossing Rd is designed for eventual four-lane expansion. Those issues remain unresolved, but CRHV is insisting that Heritage residents have significant direct input in this process. We are also focused on the segment of Palmdale Dr in front of the Park that will transfer to the HOA. Among the safety concerns being addressed are the blind line-of-sight spots, parking lot exits, illegal parking, trail convergence, and unobstructed resident and emergency vehicle access. CRHV has uploaded two preliminary report presentations on Palmdale and Carson Crossing on our website. Take a look and get involved in these long-term efforts.
CARSON CREEK PRESERVE PLAN AND TRAIL SYSTEM UPDATE
A significant issue facing our HOA is assuming ownership, responsibility, and liability for the Carson Creek Preserve and trail systems. As owners, we are responsible for repairing, replacing, and maintaining miles of trails, 39,560 feet of fencing, and many contingencies for unanticipated floods, fires, or other force majeure. We are told by the Lennar-controlled HOA Board that there will be NO financial impact and that Lennar has established a fund that covers management costs. Those assertions are subject to challenge. A CRHV analysis is being developed. We will challenge the new HOA Board members to accurately consider all implications of accepting the proposed plans and report fully to all residents before agreeing to move forward. The Lennar prepared draft Carson Creek Preserve Long-term Plan is available for download on our website. Become educated and stay tuned as we release research papers.
WETLANDS ECOLOGICAL PROTECTION
The Carson Creek wetlands are an ecological treasure that deserves preservation. In addition to our commonly observed beavers, our wetlands are the home of many species of concern. In fact, 38 endangered, threatened, and special concern species have been observed within the five-mile radius. CRHV is involved with the U.S. Corp of Engineers, CA Department of Fish & Wildlife, El Dorado County, and environmental groups to protect inhabitants like the western pond turtle, burrowing owl, golden and bald eagle, red-winged blackbird, and so many others. We are developing a library of information on this environmental richness to share with children of all ages.
CHEERS FOR PAINTING FIRE LANE CURBS
As part of our safety initiative, CRHV members volunteered sweat, toil, and time to paint the Palmdale curbs no-parking red. Thanks to Chad Barrow, Rick Burgardt, Roberta Chisam, Scott Chisam, Tricia Mobbs, Laura Rosen, Alma Wagner, Corde Wagner, Sue Williams, and David Ziese. A special acknowledgment goes to Management Trust’s Rich Swamy for his many efforts and the HOA for donating supplies and acquiring no parking signs.
CSD CORRUPTS BALLOT INITIATIVE MEASURE
Hundreds of Heritage registered voters successfully certified ballot initiative to repeal of the CSD special park assessments for LLAD #39. CSD has refused to honor the first initiatives as required under the California Election Code. The second initiative is scheduled to appear on the November 6, 2022, ballot, but with improperly altered wording inserted by CSD. Protests are underway with the El Dorado County Registrar of Voters to enforce the Election Codes. More about this CSD abuse of power will be forthcoming as we get closer to the election date. In the interim, feel free to email the Registrar of Voters to protest the CSD manipulation of the election codes: Bill.ONeill@edcgov.us
DONATIONS
CRHV is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that is funded by the generous donations of our Heritage resident members and friends. We are grateful for the tax-exempt contributions that have allowed us to continue the effort to research, educate, protect and defend our community and environment. Donations are accepted online at https://crhv.org/donate or by check; CRHV P.O. Box 4512 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
CRHV DEDICATED TO RESEARCH, EDUCATE, PROTECT & DEFEND OUR QUALITY OF LIFE