News

News Alerts & Announcements

Hilltop Park Children's Playground (June 28, 2018)

Hello from your Parks, Pools & Events (PP&E) Committee:

The greatly anticipated time to re-open the Hilltop Park Children’s Playground has arrived! All new playground equipment designed for ages 5 through 12 is now open for your enjoyment. Come on over to the park with your children and have some fun.

Official dedication and plaque in memory of Judy McCarroll will be presented at the Annual Membership Meeting on July 28 in appreciation for the many hours of hard work she contributed to make the new playground happen.

Many thanks go to the maintenance crew for all of their hard work in getting it installed!

Shipment of additional swing set and spring rider equipment was delayed and will be added when it arrives.

For Owner Only News Click Here

Fire Update - Parrotts Fire (updated August 6, 7:40am)

136 acres burned - 60% contained

Fire Update - Parrotts Fire (updated August 5, 7:20pm)

Please be proactive in obtaining fire information. Do not rely completely on this site for your information.

www.fire.ca.gov

www.mymotherlode.com

www.nixle.com

Hilltop Park Children's Playground (September 4, 2018)

The final pieces of equipment are being delivered today. The maintenance crew will be working to get the pieces installed and open to the association as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience and understanding while we complete the project. Also thanks for the positive feedback on the equipment that was installed.

Reflective Delineators on Buckthorn Drive (September 12, 2018)

In an attempt to increase road safety, as a test, we have installed reflectors on Buckthorn Drive from the 4 way stop to Hilltop Park.

We are encouraging feedback – whether it is good or bad. Please email your comments to the office

gm@fmowners.com, or deanna@fmowners.com

Hilltop Park Children's Playground (September 21, 2018)

The remainder of the Children's playground equipment at Hilltop Park has finally arrived and the playground is now fully installed!

Come and bring your kids to check out the new spring riders and swings or have a little jam session on the bongos.

Road Reflectors (September 21, 2018)

As part of our “Road Reflector Test” on Buckthorn, changes are in the works in response to owner feedback. Several of the tall white deflectors we taken down and replaced with shorter green units. Additional work will be done next week.

Feedback on the shorter deflectors is welcome and should go through the office.

This project is an effort to improve community safety.

Regards,

Your Roads Committee

Update to Hilltop Park Children's Playground (October 2, 2018)

The swingset currently has 4 regular swings. We are waiting for 2 toddler swings to be shipped here so we can install them. Thank you for your patience.

TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System (October 3, 2018)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) on October 3, 2018 (today). The WEA portion of the test commences at 11:18 AM California time, and the EAS portion follows at 11:20 a.m. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.

The WEA test message will be sent to cell phones that are connected to wireless providers participating in WEA.

Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes beginning at 11:18 p.m. PDT. During this time, WEA compatible cell phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA should be capable of receiving the test message. Some cell phones will not receive the test message, and cell phones should only receive the message once. The WEA test message will have a header that reads "Presidential Alert" and text that says:

“THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. (October 8, 2018)

Fire crews are fighting to surround a wildfire. It scorched thousands of acres in Solano County and sent smoke drifting across the Bay Area.

The Branscombe Fire started at 11 Sunday morning. The fast moving brush fire scorches thousands of acres and burned structures in Solano County. High winds whipped the fire across 4,000 acres in just a few hours. Firefighters confirm one home and a barn burned, as well as some cars. People were evacuated from the hunting grounds for duck clubs.

The fire is 70-percent contained.

Fire watch crews were on scene throughout the night. Strike teams are also available should there be any flare-ups.

No word yet on the cause of the fire.

Smell Smoke? (October 23, 2018)

California State Parks in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection (CAL FIRE) have begun prescribed burns that started Monday, October 22 in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The goal is to complete 302 acres this fall. All 302 acres were previously thinned, reducing the fuel loading, and allowing for a safer and more controllable broadcast burn. Much of this work was funded through Propositions 84 and 1 grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, an agency of the State of California Click Here for more information

FMOA has a supply of sand and bags to fill - grab a shovel and come down to the Gallery parking lot and fill up the sand bags for your use

Broken Water Pipe (December 16, 2018)

There is a large water break near our front entrance (on the adjoining property). CCWD is aware of it and is working on it--it appears to be several different breaks in the same area. (you'll recall this is the pipe that is supposed to be replaced next year). Wanted to let everyone know in case your water pressure suffers.

Dick Christensen of SGM (January 2, 2019)

Dick Christensen, longtime golf pro at the Forest Meadows golf course, passed away on December 22. He would have been 84 this January 1st.

Dick was a PGA teaching professional and a friend to many in the Forest Meadows golfing community. He was a constant presence at the golf course, happy to be involved in what he loved.

The FMOA board and staff sends condolences to his sons Jeff and Jon, two of the principals in Sierra Golf Management, and the rest of his family. We will update everyone with any other information as we receive it.

Sandalwood Drive Road Closure (January 4, 2019)

Sandalwood Drive will be closed over the weekend from Forest Meadows Drive to Fox Glove Court. This is due to the golf courses (SGM) dead trees and the high winds expected over the weekend.As these trees are on SGM's property, the association is unable to cut these trees down. The Board feels that is is in the best interest for the community to close this section for the safety of our residents. The road will be re-opened after the winds have subsided Monday (1/7/19) of Tuesday (1/8/19).We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.Thank you,

Board of Directors

Sandalwood Drive Road Closure Update (January 9, 2019)

Sandalwood Drive will remain closed from Forest Meadows Drive to Foxglove Court throughout the week due to the ongoing storms and the hazard the dead trees on the Golf Course property pose.
PLEASE DO NOT MOVE THE BARRICADES OR DRIVE THROUGH THIS AREA. THE BARRICADES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE FOR YOUR SAFETY.
As these trees are on SGM's property, the association is unable to cut these trees down. The Board feels that is is in the best interest for the community to close this section for the safety of our residents.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.Thank you,Board of Directors

MEASURE A INFORMATION FROM EBBETTS PASS FIRE DISTRICT

The Ebbetts Pass Fire District has been running in a deficit and can no longer operate at its current level, starting July 1st, 2019.

Currently, the District takes great pride in its ability to be able to provide a high level of Advanced Life Support, Ambulance Transport and Fire Protection services to our citizens. The District is able to accomplish this because of two Special Taxes that our voters approved by over two-thirds majority. However, these two taxes were flat fees with no annual increases. Each was designed to fund its program for a period of 10 years. The District, through several cost saving measures, has been able to stretch these funds to last 15 and 20 years. However, the special tax budget is no longer sufficient to support these programs. This year we have a $398,913 deficit. This is without any funding for Capital outlay (replacement of equipment).

The Cost of nearly everything has increased over the past 20 years. These costs are outside of our control. Our data reflects a 2.4% annual increase in expenditures over the last 15 years. This has resulted in our budget shortfall.

EPFD Management and Employees have worked very closely together to manage the provided funding and to extend the lifespan of the Special Taxes, including concessions from the employees group, restructuring our Fire Station loan payments, reducing health care costs by joining a JPA, leaving the Assistant Chief Position vacant since 2011 and freezing our capital outlay (Not purchasing new items such as Fire Trucks, SCBAs, and Heart Monitors), to name a few. We have also actively sought and exhausted all existing avenues for alternative funding including grants.

At the end of this fiscal year we will no longer be able to use The District’s Reserve funding and our lack of Capital purchases has left our fleet aged and worn out, in need of replacement (our newest Type 1 Fire Engine is 25 years old).

Without additional funding going into the next fiscal year we will be unable to fill the required daily personnel openings and effectively go from 2 ambulances each day to 1, frequently. This will also effect our ISO Class 2 Rating. This rating change could result in increased insurance rates and a decrease in availability of homeowners insurance.

EPFD created a Focus Group to establish several different options for moving forward with a Special Tax and to determine what level of service the community would support. The Focus Group met and spent several hours with community members before having our Townhall meeting. At the Townhall meeting we explained the financial problem and the impact it could have on our community. We then requested the community’s input by a written survey of what they thought was the best option for moving forward.

The Community’s Choice
The community requested that EPFD not only continue to provide the current service level, but they also recommended that we increase staffing on our Paramedic Fire Engine from 2 persons each day to 3 persons each day. This greatly affects the ability of the District to provide resources throughout our District during peak emergency times. EPFD would also continue to provide a minimum of 2 Advanced Life Support ambulances with no Out-Of-Pocket transport expense to our citizens. The community also requested that we include an annual increase and for that annual increase to have a sunset in ten years.

The Special Tax
This new Special Tax would be in addition to our existing Special Taxes:
• A $134.00 for improved parcels
• With an annual increase of $6.28 for ten years.
• A $43.10 for unimproved parcels
• With an annual increase of $2.42 for ten years
What is the Tax Measure exactly? What will it provide? Cost?
What will this funding provide?
• Avoid a reduction in service level beginning July 1st 2019 keeping 2 ambulances on everyday
• It will fully fund the Advanced Life Support Programs (Paramedic Engine and Ambulance) and ensure their sustainability.
• Reinstate a Capital Outlay plan (New heart monitors, safety equipment, Fire Engine)
• Rebuild our District Reserve Fund
• Add 3 Firefighter Paramedics (1 per each shift). This 8th position will be used as a 3rd firefighter on Engine 5, or an automatic Paramedic for a 3rd Ambulance when needed, or to deploy on Code 5 assignments more often, or to avoid staffing challenges to keep 7-0 on duty 365/24/7
How much does this new Tax Measure cost?
• $134 dollars per household annual increase ($11.17 per month)
• Grand total when combine with existing Tax Measures $262 Annually
• Unimproved lots $43.10 dollars per lot annually ($3.59 per month)
• Flat annual increase of $6.28 per year is the estimated inflation trend for improved lots and $2.42 per year for unimproved.Please contact Ebbetts Pass Fire District if you have any questions or concerns (209)795-1646 EPFD@EPFD.ORG www.facebook.com/EbbettsPassFireDistrict

Measure A has passed with 84% in favor

Measure A has passed with 84% in favor. Thank you to all of you that voted. Please have your Measure A signs removed from your property by May 20th.

Attention all bocce enthusiasts and players!

Come join your friends and neighbors for our Third Annual Memorial Day Bocce Tournament on Sunday, May 26 beginning at 3:00pm.

Couples and single players welcome! Teams will be assigned by the Bocce Tournament Committee, so please submit your name(s) by Wednesday, May 22 to be included in this very fun and well-attended event.

Bring along a lawn chair for seating and viewing. The two lucky team winners will be the keepers of the traveling trophies until next year’s tournament!

A potluck will follow the tournament, so please plan to bring a dish to share and beverage of choice. Plates, cups and utensils will be provided.

Please call Lisa Titus (890-7830) or e-mail her at lisatitus222@gmail.com prior to the May 22 deadline. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet up with old friends and perhaps meet some new ones.

Front Entry Gate

Many of you are aware of the recent problems with our front gate. It has been determined by the gate vendor that the loops (detects your car and opens the gate) to the gate have been the issue with the gates not functioning properly and they need to be replaced. The loops are located underneath the asphalt at the track to the gate. Since we are replacing the asphalt, gates and guard house starting next month, it is not cost effective to have the loops replaced to the old gate. The vendor is looking for a temporary solution and the Board will be discussing their options tomorrow at the Board meeting. and add your own text.

Forest Meadows Hilltop and Meadowview pools

Forest Meadows Hilltop and Meadowview pools will remain closed during Memorial Day Weekend due to the late rainy season. We are hoping to be able to open them on June 1st weather permitting.

We have installed new entry gates at both pools. They require a pool gate card for entry. They are locking gates which are locked 24/7.

Please review the notice "RECREATION RULES AND GUIDELINES" included in the Views Newsletter that was sent out last week, which explains the procedure to obtain the new "Recreation/Pool Card(s)" for this year. You will need to pick up the Pool Gate Card(s) at the Office. If you are not able to come in during office hours, which are Monday thru Friday 9 - 4 (holidays excluded), we will be opening the office this Saturday, May 25th from 10 am until 2 pm and next Saturday, June 1st from 10 am until 2 pm to facilitate picking up the cards for those of you who are only here on weekends. The office will be closed on Monday, May 27th for the Memorial Day Holiday. If you cannot make it into the office to pick up your cards, please contact Deanna Ghirardelli at (209) 728-2511.

Bocce Tournament Re-schedule

Memorial Day bocce tournament and BBQ scheduled for May 26th has been postponed due to weather. It will be rescheduled for Sunday 9/1/19, Labor Day weekend.

Forest Meadows Hilltop and Meadowview Pools

Forest Meadows Hilltop and Meadowview pools are scheduled to open on June 1st, weather permitting.

We have installed new entry gates at both pools. They require a pool gate card for entry. They are locking gates which are locked 24/7.

Homeowners will need to bring the signed form in or give the signed form to their renters to pick up the Pool Gate Card(s) at the Office. If you are not able to come in during office hours, which are Monday thru Friday 9 - 4 (holidays excluded), we will be opening the office on Saturdays through June from 10 am until 2 pm to facilitate picking up the cards for those of you who are only here on weekends. We have extra forms in the office to sign if you have misplaced yours. If you cannot make it into the office to pick up your cards, please contact Deanna Ghirardelli at (209) 728-2511.

July Golf Cart Parade

Ken Woznak is organizing a Golf Cart parade to celebrate the 4th of July.

The purpose of this email is to see how many people are interested in decorating and parading their carts around the community. If you don’t own a cart, beg, borrow or steal one to join us!

ALSO, the FMHOA will be sending an email to all residents with info on the 4th of July BBQ to follow at Meadowview Park

PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL Dianemiller176@comcast.net IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PARADE

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All Burning Suspended Below 3,500 Feet Started Monday, June 10th at 8am.

San Andreas, CA...Effective Monday, June 10, 2019 at 8 a.m. burning will be suspended in Zone 1, which is the area below 3,500 feet in elevation in Tuolumne, Calaveras and eastern Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties.

It is your responsibility to check burn day status by calling your local Air Pollution

Control District with jurisdiction over your area. Calaveras County: (209) 754-6600

For more information on burning, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.
Follow us on Twitter: @CALFIRETCU

and on Facebook @CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit

4th of July in Forest Meadows

Absolutely no fireworks of any kind are allowed in Forest Meadows due to fire hazards.
If you have rental property in Forest Meadows, it is very important that you let all of the renters staying in your home know.

All Fireworks are illegal in the Ebbetts Pass Corridor. Ebbetts Pass Fire District has also posted this on their big Amber Alert sign coming up Highway 4, just past the stop light in Murphys.

If you see or hear any fireworks in the community please call the Sheriff's Department immediately. 209-754-6500

Please see more information in this link:
https://epfd.org/fireworks-are-not-allowed-in-epfd/

Front Entry Project Update

As you probably have noticed, the Front Entry Project has yet again been delayed by the contractor due to underlying water issues.

The new start date has been moved to Monday, July 15th.

Front Entry Project

The front entry re-paving project will begin on Monday, July 8th

Contractors will be moving dirt and trees to make room for the 3rd traffic lane entering Forest Meadows.

There will be traffic control in place. This part of the project will take about 3 months.

Please allow a little extra time and drive slowly when driving through the construction zone.

Front Entry Project Update

You remember Murphy’s Law right? Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong…..Well, that seems to be what’s going on with the Front Entry Project.

We have (2) major issues that have stopped the project:

After USA had marked for utilities, the contractors found after digging, that the main water line to the community would be directly under the ADA compliant parking spot’s slab of concrete and not where USA had marked it. CCWD requires that you are 2 ft. away from a main line. So the architect and Project Manager are working on a solution to this issue.
Also, after USA had marked for utilities, the contractors found that the main line for the community is also not where it is suppose to be. The main line under the asphalt is very old and all the wires are bare. The contractor PG&E will be here today to look at this issue also before they proceed.

Please always obey traffic control. We will keep you informed as we go along.

Major Traffic Jam in Angels Camp

8/16/19 11:00 a.m. - We just heard that there is a major traffic jam in Angels Camp due to a power line coming down in the 300 block of Main Street. Reports are that traffic is backed up for miles on Hwy 49 and PG&E crews will have it repaired sometime late this afternoon.

CCWD Algae Bloom in Effluent Pond on Sandalwood

8/18/2019 The Calaveras County Water District recently conducted testing for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in all water supply sources for its drinking water systems, and the results showed no HABs were present. Tests were also performed in a reclaimed water storage pond on Sandalwood Drive in Forest Meadows, and those results were initially reported incorrectly by CCWD to be absent for harmful algae. Upon further analysis, it was determined the Forest Meadows effluent pond does contain harmful algae and is not safe for human or animal contact. The prevalence of HABs is a relatively new development in the area, and the District is working with the Calaveras County Department of Environmental Health and the State Water Board to better understand the causes and respond appropriately. CCWD is releasing this information to correct to the press release it sent out on September 5, 2019, and apologizes for any confusion caused by initial reports regarding the Forest Meadows effluent storage pond.

To see the complete release please visit the following link:

https://ccwd.org/ccwd-drinking-water-sources-still-clean-but-harmful-algal-bloom-found-in-forest-meadows-effluent-pond/

Roadwork on Dogwood Drive

9/9/19 Starting Friday, September 13th, contractors will be gearing up to install (2) drains on Dogwood Dr. During the week of September 16th through September 20th Dogwood Dr. will be down to one lane at times. Please drive carefully in this area while work is going on.

PG&E Forecast WebPage

9/26/19 We wanted to provide information to you regarding PG&E's emergency power shut off information. These websites have their current information. We are in zone 8.

https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-weather-map.page?WT.mc_id=Vanity_weather

You can also visit their Safety Action Center website.

https://www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com/

Or, their Weather Portal to view real-time weather information.

https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-weather-map.page?WT.mc_id=Vanity_weather

Forest Meadows Pools

9/29/19 The weather has cooled. Hilltop and Meadowview Pools are now closed for the season.

Holiday Decorating Contest Results

Forest Meadows is looking very festive! Thank you to everyone who participated. Following are the winners from the Home Decorating Contest judging that occurred on the 12th and 13th. Click here for the results

Thursday FMOA Happy Hour @ HTCH

1/7/2020 Come join your neighbors for Happy Hour on Thursday at the Hilltop Clubhouse at 4 pm.

Newcomers are Welcome!

This is a potluck event so bring something to share. The theme for this week is Italian. There will be Italian Wedding Soup as the entree.

Please RSVP to Ken Woznak 209-890-7533 or kensgetaway@comcast.net

Thursday FMOA Happy Hour @ HTCH

1/15/2020 Come join your neighbors for Happy Hour on Thursday at the Hilltop Clubhouse at 4 pm.

Newcomers are Welcome!This is a potluck event so bring something to share. The theme for this week is Southwestern/Mexican. There will be enchiladas and chili as an entree.Please RSVP to Ken Woznak 209-890-7533 or kensgetaway@comcast.netClick here to have your email address removed from our mailing list

Front Entry Update

1/17/2020 The revised plans for the guard house have been at the County Planning Dept. since November. We have now been notified by the County that the plans will be reviewed by the end of January.

In case you did not attend the Town Hall meeting on November 9th, the Architect, Andy Flies, was present to explain what the issues were at the front entry. The biggest issue is that CCWD and PG&E both have lines underground where the original placement for the new guard house was to be built. These underground utilities were not previously located by CCWD and PG&E. The consensus was to move the guard house over to be clear of all underground utilities as a less expensive option compared to moving the CCWD & PG&E lines.

If/when we get the approval from the County, we should be able to start the guard house in February.

Front Entry Update

1/8/2020 The Front Entry Project will resume on Monday, February 10th.
Please obey all traffic control and thank you for your patience during construction.

PG&E Underground Upgrade Information

2/12/2020 On February 6th PG&E sent out a letter to all Forest Meadows residents notifying them of the up coming equipment upgrades to the underground electrical. This letter is on our website if you did not receive it.

This is not connected to the front entrance project. This work will begin on February 18th on Lupine Ln. They will be trenching on one side of the road and the road may be only one lane at times. As the project moves through the community the office will update the residents of the streets they will be on next. If you have any questions regarding this project you may contact the Project Manager for PG&E, Michelle Myles, cell phone 209-484-0743 or email MLMw@pge.com.

Tree Removal and Temporary Road Closure

2/17/2020 The tree removal and temporary road closure has been rescheduled to occur this Wednesday, February 19, 2020, between 9 am and 11 am.

The paving contractor will be removing a cedar tree on the corner of Lupine and Forest Meadows. The road will be closed for a ½ hour period during this time while they bring the tree down. Please be prepared to wait if you are entering or leaving forest Meadows during the 9 am – 11 am period.

PG&E Road Closure Update

3/4/2020 FMOA was just informed of the road closures for this week from 7am-5pm

3/3, 3/4 & 3/5, Forest Meadows Drive NB Lane and Dozer Lane at the end of Snowberry Court

FMOA Office

3/19/2020 As the Coronavirus cases rise and businesses continue to close, Pam Haught, FMOA President and Debbie Shipman, General Manager have made a tough decision. We will be closing the office to all outside persons with only employees entering the office. We will also close all FMOA facilities and cancel all future events at the clubhouse until further notice.

As the second quarter dues will be due on April 1st, we have installed a locked drop box at the front door to the office for all payments or paperwork and will be checked throughout the day. The other option is to mail your payment through regular mail.

Please call the office at, (209) 728-2511, and we will help with anything we can.

To assure all owner’s that at this time the office staff is still working and snow plowing will continue as needed.

Forest Meadows Operations

3/11/2020 Due to concerns regarding the Corona Virus, (COVID-19), the Forest Meadows Homeowners Association Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel this month’s board meeting. We will continue to monitor the situation and encourage all members of our community to take all necessary precautions and stay safe during this outbreak.

Please be assured that the normal day to day FMOA business operations will continue as usual. Things like maintenance, snow plowing, office staffing, guards, etc.

The board would like to announce that Ken Woznak has made the decision to step down from his duties as president of the board and assume the position of Director at Large and become the construction liaison for large projects within the community. With his extensive knowledge of the construction industry, we feel that he is the best person to oversee the PG&E project, gate construction and the repair of drainage issues within our community.

The new structure of the board will be:

Pam Haught - President

Kent Harris - Vice President

Gini Madison – Secretary

Roy Blair – Treasurer

Soraya Fregosi – Director at Large

Eric Davis – Director at Large

Ken Woznak – Director at Large

Hot Lunch for Seniors over 65

3/20/2020 Murphys Senior Center will be providing meals for persons 65 or older.

Deliveries will be on Tuesdays 11 am – 1 pm

Send an email to stayverticalcalaveras@gmail.com

Include your name, address and how many people over 65

If you do not have email capability, you can call Murphys Senior Center at

(209) 728-1672

All meals are made and provided by Ironstone Vineyards.

3/27/2020 Pursuant to recent guidelines issued by Governor Gavin Newsom and Calaveras County, Forest Meadows guards will be turning away any short term vacation home renters (VRBO, Homeaway etc.) Following you will find the directive from Calaveras County clarifying the Governors and State Health Officer’s “Stay At Home” order as related to lodging facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the stay at home order go into effect and how long will we stay home? What areas of the state are covered?
The order went into effect on Thursday, March 19, 2020. The order is in place until further notice. It covers the whole state of California, and it exempts activity as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, critical government services, schools, childcare, and construction, including housing construction.

What can I do? What’s open?
Essential services will remain open, such as:
• Gas stations
• Pharmacies
• Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
• Banks
• Laundromats/laundry services
• Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

What’s closed?
• Dine-in restaurants
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Public events and gatherings
• Convention Centers
• Hair and nail salons

Can the Order be changed?
Yes. The State Public Health Officer may issue orders as needed – for example if more information emerges about the public health situation – and issue new orders and directives as conditions warrant.
How does this order interact with local orders to shelter in place? Does it supersede them?
This is a statewide order.

Business and Taxes

What businesses and organizations are exempt?
Businesses and organizations that provide critical infrastructure for the state are exempted, including health care and public health, public safety, food and agriculture and media.

I run/work at an exempted business or organization, as defined by the Order. Do I need to get an official letter of authorization from the state to operate?
No. If your business or organization is in the list of exempt sectors, it may still operate. You do not need to obtain any specific authorization from the state to do so.

Do I need to pay my taxes?
Yes, state and federal deadlines have been extended. All state taxes are now due on July 15.

Schools and childcare

My school is providing free grab-and-go meals and childcare. Are those still open?
Yes. It is essential to keep children fed and educated. School employees should report to work and focus on distance learning, school meals, and childcare/supervision.

Are daycares still open? Can my babysitter still come to the house?
Yes. Daycares are still open, but only for children of parents working in essential sectors. Daycare centers that remain open should employ heightened cleaning and distancing requirements. Babysitters may also come to the house to care for minors of parents working in essential sectors.

Health Care and Helping Sick Relatives

What if I need to visit a health care provider?
If you are feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, please first call your doctor, a nurse hotline, or an urgent care center.
If you need to go to the hospital, call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival. If you need to call 911, tell the 911 operator the exact symptoms you are experiencing so the ambulance provider can prepare to treat you safely.

What about routine, elective or non-urgent medical appointments?
Non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, and elective procedures must/should be cancelled or rescheduled. If possible, health care visits should be done remotely.
Contact your health care provider to see what services they are providing.

May I still go out to get my prescriptions?
Yes. You may leave their homes to obtain prescriptions or get cannabis from a licensed cannabis retailer.

Can I leave home to care for my elderly parents or friends who require assistance to care for themselves? Or a friend or family member who has disabilities?
Yes. Be sure that you protect them and yourself by following social distancing guidelines such as washing hands before and after, using hand sanitizer, maintaining at least six feet of distance when possible, and coughing or sneezing into your elbow or a tissue and then washing your hands. If you have early signs of a cold, please stay away from your older loved ones.

Can I visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility?
Generally no. There are limited exceptions, such as if you are going to the hospital with a minor who is under 18 or someone who is developmentally disabled and needs assistance. For most other situations, the order prohibits non-necessary visitation to these kinds of facilities except at the end-of-life. This is difficult, but necessary to protect hospital staff and other patients.

Outdoor Recreation

Can I still exercise? Take my kids to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block?
Yes. So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air. Gyms are closed.

Can I walk my dog? Take my pet to the vet?
You can walk your dog. You can go to the vet or pet hospital if your pet is sick. Remember to distance yourself at least six feet from other pets and owners.

Can people still go hiking or visit State Parks?
Californians can walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods as long as they continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet. This means avoiding crowded trails & parking lots. To help reduce crowds, State Parks is modifying operations at some parks, including closing vehicular access and parking lots to reduce density of visitors. A list of closures can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/flattenthecurve. Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” by maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, and staying home if they are sick. If visitors cannot maintain social distancing, they need to leave the park.
For information on National Parks, please visit their website here.

3/27/2020 In case you aren't signed up to receive messages from our District Supervisor, Merita Callaway, please read the following information about our District. To Sign up to receive her messages, click here

4/2/2020 The following message was issued yesterday by Sheriff Rick DiBasilio, Calaveras County

Calaveras Sheriff to All Non-Essential Visitors to Calaveras County, Please Stay Home.

We implore all persons in and around Calaveras County who do not either reside here or provide essential services, to recognize the impact that the population increase due to visitation has on our community and health care system. Now is not the time to come to our community. If you are visiting for the day or short term, please respect our request to return to your primary place of residence. If we all do not practice STRICT social distancing and self-quarantine, we will suffer grave consequences. We cannot support recreation, visitation, close proximity, or non-essential public interaction right now. There is no other alternative and this must be accomplished now. If you want Calaveras County to remain the vacation getaway it has been in the past, we all must act to ensure a speedy recovery

4/1/2020 The Parks, Pools and Events committee regretfully announces that the Easter egg hunt at Hilltop is cancelled.
However, the Easter bunny was busy stuffing eggs for the FM children in February.
If you would like to have the Easter bunny deliver stuffed eggs safely to your front door, so that you can hide them in your back yards or homes, please contact Lisa Titus @ 209-890-7830 or lisatitus222@gmail.com.
Please include the # of children you have in your home that wish to participate so we can get you enough eggs.
The eggs will be delivered on Saturday April 11th between 11:00am-1:00pm.

4/7/2020 Security Update

The Board and office staff hope that everyone stays safe and well during these trying times.

As management of a Homeowner’s Association is considered to be an essential business, the office staff is working in the office as usual and have put into place safety measures for our employees. At this time the office is closed and only employees may enter. You may call the office at 728-2511 if you need assistance. A payment drop box has been installed by the front door at the office if you would like to drop off your dues payment.

In addition to the above precautions, the guards will no longer perform the following:

Security will no longer round up dogs that are loose and running around the community. Please call Animal Control at 209-754-6509 to report a stray dog.
Security will no longer be conducting vacation checks. Please call volunteer Sheriff (see below for link to Sheriff vacation checks).
Security will no longer respond to any emergency calls as they are not equipped with the proper medical safety gear (masks, gloves, respirators, hazmat suits) to protect themselves. If emergency services personnel requests the guards assistance, the guard will assist.
Security will no longer do patrols and will stay in the guard house at this time.

Thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times. Together, as a community, we can work through this.

Calaveras County Sheriff's Office

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is offering Extra Patrol Requests for your home or business.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is offering Extra Patrol Requests for your home or business. If you are interested in making an Extra Patrol Request please email us at

https://calaverasgov.us/Feedback/Sheriffs-Office or,

SheriffDepartment@co.calaveras.ca.us

Please email us the following information;
1. The specific request or reason for the email (example- Vacation House Check or Vacant Business Check)
2. The physical address of your business (example- 123 Main Street San Andreas California 95249)
3. Your Full Name (example- John Doe)
4. Your contact Phone number
We cannot guarantee a Deputy Sheriff will make it to your home or business. Pending calls for service and other emergencies will take priority over your home or business check however, if the Deputies have time they will stop by and check on your home or business during their shift.

Address/Location
Calaveras County Sheriff's Office
Jeff Tuttle Dr
San Andreas, CA 95249

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-754-6500

4/13/2020

CAL Fire Burn Permit Information

Come May 1st burn permits will only be available online to comply with Governor Gavin Newsom’s COVID-19 “Stay at Home” order.

The CAL Fire Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit will transition to an online residential yard burn permit website to provide for minimal contact between staff and the public.

“They’ll [the public] be asked to watch a short three-minute video about fire safety and then they can fill out an online application,” states CAL Fire spokesperson Emily Kilgore, who continues, “Just print it and sign it all from the comfort of their homes.”

Once the permit is signed, it will be valid, according to Kilgore. As permits are only valid for two years, those with a previously issued permit should check the expiration date. Kilgore adds, “The burn permit website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is currently active for the unit. However, burn permits are not required until May 1st.”

Burning is only allowed on permissive burn days. Kilgore encourages the public to “use this time wisely” and complete debris burning prior to that date. Anyone not able to use the online service is asked to call the headquarters office for assistance at 209-754-3831, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Click here to apply for a burn permit.

4/20/2020

Update CCWD Reach-1 Project.

Beginning April 27th, 2020, CCWD will be working at the Forest Meadows front entry. They will be saw cutting across Hwy. 4 to Northwood and changing a pipe location. This project will continue until May 4th. You should expect delays and there will be traffic control.

Please visit the CCWD website www.ccwd.org for updated information.

5/4/2020

FMOA Tennis and Pickleball Courts Now Open

As Calaveras County has amended it’s restrictions on the Stay at Home Order, Forest Meadows' tennis and pickleball courts are now open for play as of May 4.

Please follow the restrictions as outlined in the Second Amended Order & Emergency Regulations.

Click here or copy and paste the (corrected) link below into your browser to view the current regulations.

https://covid19.calaverasgov.us/Portals/COVID19/Documents/Other%20Documents/5-1-2020%20HO%20Order%20Further%20Amending%20Regulations%20for%20Outdoor%20Exercise%20Activities.pdf?ver=2020-05-01-152734-923

5/4/2020

PG&E to Resume Work on May 18th

PG&E will be returning to Forest Meadows on May 18th to restart their project to replace underground lines and transformers.

***These are the planned road closures for the week of 5/18***

Road Closures:

Monday-Thursday: South bound side of Lupine Ln. for potholing.

Monday-Thursday: North Bound side of Forest Meadows Dr.

Monday-Thursday: Dozer Ln off of Snowberry Ct.

Thank you

5/22/2020

Forest Meadows Facilities

On May 13, 2020, the California Department of Public Health accepted the local attestation submitted by Calaveras County officials to move further into Stage 2 of Reopening. Unfortunately for Forest Meadows residents this attestation does not include the reopening of pools, playgrounds and picnic areas. As soon as the State of California and the Calaveras County Health Department give us the go ahead we will reopen all these facilities. In the meantime here is a list of activities that you can enjoy!

Your patience and understanding during these difficult times is appreciated.

Click here for the Press Release

Healthy activities are encouraged as long as you maintain a safe physical distance of at least 6 feet from people who don’t live with you. Outdoor exercise and recreational activities include:
• Athletics
• Badminton (singles)
• Throwing a baseball/softball
• BMX biking
• Canoeing (singles)
• Crabbing
• Cycling
• Exploring Rock Pools
• Gardening (not in groups)
• Golfing (singles, with carts)
• Hiking (trails/ paths allowing distancing)
• Horse Riding (singles)
• Jogging and running
• Kite Boarding and Kitesurfing
• Meditation
• Outdoor Photography
• Picnics (with your stay-home household members only)
• Quad Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Roller Skating and Rollerblading
• Rowing (singles)
• Scootering (not in groups)
• Skateboarding (not in groups)
• Soft Martial Arts – Tai Chi, Chi Kung (not in groups)
• Surfing
• Tennis and table tennis (singles)
• Throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball (not in groups)
• Trail Running
• Trampolining
• Tree Climbing
• Volleyball (singles)
• Walk the dog
• Wash the car
• Watch the sunrise or sunset
• Yoga

5/26/2020

PG&E Road Closures for This Week

***These are the planned road closures for the week of 5/25***

Road Closures for 5/26/20 – 5/29/20:

Tuesday-Friday: All of Lupine Ln. for trenching.

Tuesday-Friday: South Bound side of Forest Meadows Dr.

6/1/2020

Tennis & Pickleball Courts Scheduled Closures

The Meadowview tennis and pickleball courts will be closed this week on Wednesday & Thursday, June 3rd & 4th. The tennis backboard is being moved from the pickleball court to the tennis court area.

All courts will be closed for the week of June 8 through June 12th at both Meadowview and Hilltop courts. All tennis courts will have a new overlay installed.

We apologize for the inconvenience while the courts are being revitalized.

6/1/2020

PG&E Road Closures for This Week

Please see below for the road closures this week.
Road Closures for 6/1/20 - 6/4/20:
Monday-Thursday: All of Lupine Ln. for trenching.
Monday-Thursday: South bound side of Forest Meadows Dr.

6/3/2020

Pools Remain Closed

The FMOA office has received many emails and phone calls regarding the opening of the parks and pools located within our community. As of today, Calaveras County has advised us that parks and pools are to remain closed. Additionally, the Calaveras Environmental Health Department and the Calaveras County COVID Community Call Center has also advised us that parks and pools should not be open. All of the Ebbett’s Pass HOA/COA’s have closed their pools and one COA will not open them this summer. Several lakes are open but limited to homeowners only and in limited numbers.
FMOA is currently reviewing CDC guidelines in order to be fully prepared to open the pools and parks when we get the go ahead from the state and county.

We will continue to abide by the State and County regulations regarding the opening of the parks and pools.
If you have questions, please direct them to:

Calaveras County COVID Community Call Center
PHONE: 209-754-2896
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 4pm
Calaveras County Environmental Health Agency
PHONE: 209-754-6399
Mon – Fri: 8am – 4pm

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Forest Meadows Owner’s Association

6/4/2020

Update Tennis Courts

The Meadowview tennis and pickleball courts will be open all day on Friday, June 5th and will be closed on Saturday until noon for the cement to cure.

Reminder – All courts will be closed on June 8th through June 12th.

We apologize for the inconvenience while the courts are being revitalized.

6/4/2020

Black Sand Bags in FM

The black sand bags have been placed along the road sides for erosion control and is required by PG&E.

Please do not move them.

6/5/2020

PG&E Road Closures June 8 - 11

Please see below for the road closures next week.

Road Closures for 6/8/20 - 6/11/20:

Monday-Thursday: All of Lupine Ln.

Monday-Thursday: South bound side of Forest Meadows Dr.

6/8/2020

4th of July Golf Cart Parade

6/15/2020

PG&E Road Closures June 15 thru 18

Please see below for the road closures.

Road Closures for 6/15/20 - 6/18/20:

Monday-Thursday: Forest Meadows Dr

Monday-Thursday: Buckthorn Dr

Monday-Thursday: Dogwood Dr

6/22/2020

PG&E Road Closures June 22 thru 25

Road Closures for 6/22/20 - 6/25/20:

Monday-Thursday: Forest Meadows Dr

Monday-Thursday: Buckthorn Dr

Monday-Thursday: Dogwood Dr

6/28/2020

PG&E Road Closures June 29 thru July 2

Road Closures for 6/29/20 - 7/2/20:

Monday-Thursday: Forest Meadows Dr

7/17/2020

PG&E Road Closures July 20 thru 24

Road Closures for 7/20/20 - 7/24/20:

Monday-Friday: Forest Meadows Dr

Monday-Friday: Snowberry Ct

7/6/2020

PG&E Road Closures July 6 thru July 9

Road Closures for 7/6/20 - 7/9/20:

Monday-Thursday: North side of Forest Meadows Dr

7/24/2020

Front Entry Project Update

The final phase of the new guard house starts today and it will be a long busy week next week.

All power lines will be installed today in the new guard house.

Saturday the old guard house will be demolished and on Monday the gates will be installed and there will be traffic control.

The paving should begin soon after the gates are installed.

Please be extra cautious during this construction phase.

8/4/2020

CCWD Boil Water Notice Advisory

An 8” water line was damaged as part of CCWD’s Reach 1 Pipeline Replacement Project today August 4th, 2020. This failure resulted in the emergency isolation of the water main in order to make the repair. This failure affects customers from Hunter Dam Road along Highway 4 West to below Forest Meadows. There is an active Boil Water Notice in effect.

Please click here for the Boil Water Notice Advisory

8/5/2020

CCWD Boil Water Notice Update

Mike Minkler, CCWD’s GM, says we will be on the “boil water” restriction until Friday. After a breach they are required to have two “no pollution” tests before they can go back to business as usual. The first has been sent to the labs and when it returns a second one will be sent which puts us into Friday with luck.

8/5/2020

CCWD Notice Sign up Information

If you did not get a call from CCWD regarding the Boil Water Notice, there is a chance that you have not signed up for their emergency notices.

Click here to activate your emergency notification preferences.

7/20/2020

Notice of Proposed Changes for Pool Hours

The Parks, Pools & Events Committee has proposed new hours for both swimming pools to the Board. This is being done to better accommodate for the needs and requests of the community.
As this is a change to the current pool hours, pursuant to Civil Code Section 4045, the board shall provide general notice of a proposed rule change at least 28 days before making the rule change. This notice will be posted on the Forest Meadows website (fmowners.com), posted at the bulletin boards at both parks and eblasted to those who have signed up for the Forest Meadows eblasts.
The new pool hours will be adopted by the Board at the August 17, 2020 Open Meeting. At that time owners can express their concerns or questions. Or you may also email the General Manager, Debbie Shipman, at gm@fmowners.com.

Click Here for the proposed new pool hours:

8/7/2020

PG&E Road Closures 8/10/20-8/14/20

The PG&E Underground Construction crews will be back in the community starting next week. Below are the road closures for the week of 8/10/2020 to 8/14/2020.

The following streets will be closed next week.

Buckhorn

Lupine
Forest Meadows

Please be cautious around these areas and follow the detour signs. We appreciate your patience while this road work is being done.

9/12/2020

Security Guards Temporary Cell Phone

The guards are now up and running with phone, internet and cameras. Please use the office phone number, 209-728-2511 and then press 1 for Security, as usual, to contact the guards. The temporary cell phone will no longer be working. Also, as the entry gates will be installed in the next week, the guards will no longer be on 24 hours and will be leaving the gate at 8 pm.

8/31/2020

Front Entry Update

We know the front entry is going slowly at this time and the reason for that is the vendors, as well as all of us in FM, didn’t expect this project to stretch out this long. Problems began right from the start and have continued through out this project. The vendors have other contracts that they were committed to start during the summer and they have been trying to fit our work that still needs to be done, in between their current jobs.

Please remember……….this project began almost 8-9 years ago and never got started. This project was just resurrected 1 ½ years ago and it is now almost done. Not exactly in the time frame we expected, but it is getting done.

On that note, the gate installers will be working at the front entry starting tomorrow (9/2/2020) and will be here for the rest of this week. They will be pulling wires and installing operators.

Also, it’s time you find your gate remotes or cards or purchase new ones. Remotes are $42 and gate cards are $10 each

Please be careful and slow down at the entry gate.

September 29, 2020

Forest Meadows PG&E Construction Progress

Underground Construction crews will not be on site the next few days due to the increased fire threat to our area.

The dirt pile behind the office will be removed.
The civil work (trenching) has been completed on Forest Meadows Drive, Lupine Lane, dirt road parallel to Forest Meadows Drive, dirt road parallel to Snowberry Court/Larkspur Lane, dirt road parallel to Dogwood Drive, Dogwood Drive, dirt road parallel to East West Drive, dirt road perpendicular to Snowberry Court, Snowberry Court. Dirt road parallel to Buckthorn Drive.
These locations are currently being worked to complete. Dirt road parallel to Forest Meadows Drive and Dogwood Drive.
Transformer pads have been installed at locations on Larkspur Court, Sandalwood Drive, Heather Drive and the dirt road off Forest Meadows Drive.
This week transformer pads at locations on East West Drive, Laurel Lane, Buckthorn Drive and the dirt road parallel to Dogwood Drive should be set.
PG&E is planning to begin the permanent paving on October 12, 2020, in the areas that have already completed the trenching activity.

October 5, 2020

Forest Meadows Hilltop and Meadowview Pools

The Hilltop Pool is closed for the Season.

The Meadowview Pool is heated and will remain open through Sunday, October 11, 2020, weather permitting.

October 14, 2020

Halloween Parade Saturday, October 31 - Hilltop Park 2:00 pm

The Parks, Pools & Events Committee is sponsoring a Halloween Parade on Sat., October 31. Participants may ride in their golf cart, ATV, or bicycle (bicycle riders must be 16 years of age or older). We encourage seasonal decorations and maybe even costumes to add to this festive event.

Due to restrictions during Covid, and the fact that our resident youngsters may not have an opportunity to go trick or treating, the committee will be distributing bagged treats along the parade route. If you would like your child to be a recipient, please call Sue Friedman, 209-728-8183 to register. The parade route will be similar to the July 4th route, but we’ll add streets if needed for treat distribution.

We had a total of 19 July 4th parade participants with some very creative entries. If you would like to be a parade participant, please call Sue Friedman, 209-728-8183 to register.

The parade will depart at 2:00 sharp, so please plan to assemble at Hilltop Park no later than 1:45. Late stragglers will be able to follow at the tail end of the parade. A route map will be eblasted and posted on the FM FB pages by Oct. 29 so spectators will know the approximate arrival times at their streets. The parade will end at Meadowview Park parking lot.

This parade will be cancelled in the event of rain.

Hope you can join us!

November 6, 2020

Front Entry Gates Operational Starting November 11th

At long last the Front Entry Gate Project is finally finished! The gates will be operational starting next week Wednesday, November 11th, 2020, at 10 am.

At this time we are waiting for the signs to be installed. All gates are finally fully operational (at the same time) and we are ready to go on Wednesday.

If you want your name listed in the gate directory, cell phones WILL work if service is available. As you know, AT&T does not work well in Forest Meadows and Verizon service can be spotty at times.

Please remember to find your gate cards/remotes or you can purchase them at the office. Cards are ($10) remotes are ($42).

November 10, 2020

2000 Bulb Giveaway for Forest Meadows Residents

2000 Bulb Giveaway for Forest Meadows Residents - Rain or Shine

Hilltop Park

Sat Nov 14th 1:00 to 2:30

20 free Spring bulbs per household.