Thank you~thank you~thank you from the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club to all residents and friends of Lake Wildwood who donated toys, food and money to the 18th Annual Nevada County Food & Toy Run! Rain may have dampened the day, but it did not dampen the generosity of our Community! We sincerely appreciate your support of this nonprofit, charitable event directly benefiting needy families in Nevada County at Christmas! Happy Holidays!
The Lake Wildwood Board of Directors has approved the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club's participation in the 18th Annual Nevada County Food & Toy Run. This will be LWW's 8th year of participation in this event and the Board commended the LWW Motorcycle Club for it's involvement.
This nonprofit, charitable event directly benefits needy families in Nevada County at Christmas. The Nevada County Toy Run provides a Christmas turkey, 10 lb. bag of potatoes and canned goods to needy families during the Holidays in addition to 3 toys for each child.
This year, on December 12th, the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club will join over 1000 motorcyclists and ride with police escort through Nevada City and Grass Valley to the Nevada County Fairgrounds where hundreds of children and adults await their arrival.
Residents and friends of Lake Wildwood are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to give back to our Community. New unwrapped toys, nonperishable/canned foods or cash (in the form of checks made payable to "Nevada County Food and Toy Run") are acceptable. Donations can be dropped off in decorated donation boxes located at the LWW Administration Office and North Gate beginning Monday, November 17. Checks can be sent to Paul & Susan Piper, P.O. Box 518, Penn Valley, CA, 95946. All donations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 11.
Please call Susan (432-7758) for additional information or to arrange for a pickup of your donation.
Thank you for your support!
The Lake Wildwood Board of Directors has approved the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club's participation in the 15th Annual Nevada County Food & Toy Run. This will be LWW's fifth year of participation in this event and the Board commended the LWW Motorcycle Club for it's involvement.
This nonprofit, charitable event directly benefits needy families in Nevada County at Christmas. The Nevada County Toy Run provides a Christmas turkey, 10 lb. bag of potatoes and canned goods to needy families during the Holidays in addition to 3 toys for each child.
This year, on December 9th, the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club will join over 1000 motorcyclists and ride with police escort through Nevada City and Grass Valley to the Nevada County Fairgrounds where hundreds of children and adults await their arrival.
Residents and friends of Lake Wildwood are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to give back to our Community. New unwrapped toys, nonperishable/canned foods or cash (in the form of checks made payable to "Nevada County Food and Toy Run") are acceptable. Donations can be dropped off in decorated donation boxes located at the LWW Administration Office and North Gate beginning Monday, November 17. Checks can be sent to Susan Piper, P.O., Box 518, Penn Valley, CA, 95946. All donations must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 8.
Please call Susan (432-7758) for additional information or to arrange for a pickup of your donation.
Thank you for your support!
Lake Wildwood's CC & R's include a declaration prohibiting operation of motorcycles on LWW streets. To change this declaration, in any form, a vote of more than 50% of the entire Community is required.
During February, a Motorcycle Access Survey was mailed to approximately 350 property owners within Lake Wildwood to gain a sense of Community feelings on this issue. Survey recipients were randomly selected and the following two questions were asked:
1. I SUPPORT permitting motorcycles
to operate during a 120-day test period
within Lake Wildwood under the following conditions. Yes___ No___
A. Motorcycle owners could operate their motorcycles between their
homes and the gates within Lake Wildwood.
B. Motorcycle riders would not be permitted to ride recreationally
within Lake Wildwood and would be required to comply with all
current laws including exhaust decibel/noise levels and safety.
Licensed operators only, age 18 or older, as required by law.
C. Motorcycles not owned by a Lake Wildwood Resident would not
be allowed in Lake Wildwood.
D. Motorcycle usage on Lake Wildwood roads would be limited to
7:00 am through 9:00 pm
E. The right of a resident to operate a motorcycle within Lake
Wildwood could be terminated by the Lake Wildwood's Board of Directors
at any time during the trial period without any recourse or appeal.
2. I SUPPORT permitting motorcycles
to operate within Lake Wildwood.
Yes___ No___
For Question #2, which would result in a permanent change to our declaration, results of the Survey were 35% in favor and 65% against. With a +/- 5% margin of error, the vote could have been 40% in favor and 60% against.
For Question #1 regarding a 120-day Trial Period, results of the Survey were 46% in favor and 54% against. With a +/- 5% margin of error, the vote could have been 51% in favor and 49% against.
Paul Piper, President of the LWW Motorcycle Club was pleased with the survey outcome. "When we first started this process, odds for success were estimated to be 1 in 8. We've come a long way. The results of the Survey clearly indicate the Community is not ready to vote on a permanent rule change but are ready to consider a 120-day Trial Period with restrictions."
On April 27th, based on results of the survey, the Lake Wildwood Board of Directors approved a Motorcycle Access Trial Period Ballot Measure to be mailed with the Community's Annual Ballot in July. The Community will be asked to vote Yes/No on a 120-day Trial Period for Motorcycle Access with restrictions.
LWW Motorcycle Club members feel it's possible for motorcycles to co-exist in harmony within the Lake Wildwood community and would like the opportunity to determine if this is true. The Club also wants to stress that they mean no harm to the Community. Per Paul Piper, "We all have a vested interest in this Community. In no way would we want to be responsible for advocating change that would be detrimental to Lake Wildwood. A Trial Period will provide a safeguard for all of us. It allows us to uncover any potential hidden issues and provides for an "easy out" should any unknown problems develop. The Board's action to allow a vote of this Trial is a logical and prudent course of action"
Following the Trial Period, there will be an opportunity to review the outcome. If the Trial Period is successful, there will be another opportunity at the Annual Ballot in July, 2005 for the Community to vote on a permanent rule change.
Thirty years ago Lake Wildwood enacted a rule barring motorcycles from the community. At the time, this rule made sense - off road bikes were tearing up undeveloped lots creating unease for residents while nearby motorcycle gangs were roaming the hillsides wreaking havoc in many communities.
Today, times have changed. LWW has few open lots remaining, motorcycle gangs are not an element within LWW and motorcycle gangs are no longer prevalent in the surrounding community. In fact, today's motorcyclists are a different breed as evidenced by those who make up the LWW Motorcycle Club. The typical LWW motorcyclist is a professional - doctor, engineer, business owner or retiree - with a love of the open road and adventure made possible by today's modern machines.
In March, 2003, a Town Hall meeting was called by the LWW Motorcycle Club to introduce its members, purpose and objectives. In this meeting, the Club publicly discussed seeking access to ride motorcycles to and from their homes and the gates. Since then, numerous articles and opinions for and against the issue have been published in The Wildwood Independent.
Last summer, the Club asked the LWW Association if a Trial Period could be allowed where motorcycle owners and the community could test the possibility of allowing motorcycles on our streets. In response, the Board advised that the Board could not approve a Trial Period but must defer this to the community via a community-wide vote. To avoid the expense of a community vote, the Club requested a less expensive survey of homeowner opinions be performed first.
A survey has now been written by a committee selected by the Board. The survey is a brief letter explaining the motorcycle initiative and the rules surrounding a proposed Trial Period. It will ask the homeowner to vote simply "yes" or "no" for a Trial Period initiative. Should the survey indicate enough people in the community are in favor of a Trial Period, then a full vote of all homeowners would be required to initiate a Trial Period. Voting in favor of a Trial Period does not change the community rules or bylaws. It simply agrees to test the possibility of granting motorcycle access for a limited time to determine if it's an amicable solution. Once the Trial Period is over, the initiative will be reviewed to see if the Trial Period warrants the second vote required to formally change the rule.
As part of this Trial Period initiative, the Club has proposed a set of restrictions on how motorcycles may be operated in LWW. These restrictions are self imposed by the Club to address the concerns expressed in the Town Hall meeting and from community input.
The restrictions to be enforced
during the Trial Period are:
1. Motorcycle owners could operate their motorcycles between their
homes and the gates within Lake Wildwood.
2. Motorcycle riders would not be permitted to ride recreationally
within Lake Wildwood and would be required to comply with all
current laws including exhaust decibel/noise levels and safety.
3. Licensed operators only, age 18 or older, as required by law.
4. Motorcycles not owned by a Lake Wildwood Resident would not
be allowed in Lake Wildwood.
5. Motorcycle usage on Lake Wildwood roads would be limited to
7:00 am through 9:00 pm
6. The right of a resident to operate a motorcycle within Lake
Wildwood could be terminated by the Lake Wildwood's Board of Directors
at any time during the trial period without any recourse or appeal.
LWW is an area composed of many special interest groups. This diversity gives LWW it's charm and sense of community. This diversity keeps LWW progressing forward with change as more and more special interests find representation. A few years ago Trick or Treat was not allowed, Bocce Ball was an unknown sport and the pool was not year-round - it didn't have a cover. Today things have changed. Trick or Treat is allowed, Bocce ball is an organized activity drawing improvement funds and the pool has a cover making it a year-round activity. These changes took effect because members petitioned for change and got it, even though some of us don't have children, don't play Bocce ball and don't swim year-round. Golf is another special interest group. A large portion of our annual fees go to support the golf course yet some of us don't play golf. And, although most of us don't mind negotiating the hill that separates the parking lot from the Clubhouse we think it's fine to provide a shuttle and assistance for those who need it. This is one of the great benefits of living in LWW. We all have divergent interests, yet we are tolerant enough to support each other as needs change and the Community moves forward.
Our purpose in sending this letter to you is to seek your help. We are asking each of you to closely examine your beliefs about voting for change within our community. As a Club, we mean no harm to the Community. In fact, we have as much a vested interest in maintaining the quality of life unique to LWW as each of you. We believe LWW's demographics have changed over the last 30 years creating a younger and more progressive community less resistant to change. As a younger, more progressive community we believe it's possible to loosen motorcycle restrictions so Lake Wildwood falls more in line with Pebble Beach, Blackhawk, Sea Ranch, Lake of the Pines and Auburn Lake Trails, each of which have no motorcycle restrictions and are on record as stating that they have no problems or issues providing that access. We believe it's possible to coexist in harmony with motorcycles and we would like the opportunity to learn if this is true. A 120-day Trial Period will grant us access with enough safeguards in place to "pull the plug if things go sour". Some have argued that during the Trial Period motorcyclists will be on their best behavior. Should the rule be changed, the argument goes, riders would fall into relaxed riding habits and lawlessness would prevail. Respectful to those putting forth this argument, this is not likely to happen. The Club will have an ongoing interest in regulating motorcyclists to stay in compliance with established rules so that harmony and coexistence prevails. To not provide these safeguards would hurt our cause and upset the balance.
Should you be one of the fortunate few to receive the upcoming Survey, the Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club sincerely requests you vote in favor of allowing the Trial Period to move forward and give us an opportunity to see if change and progression can coexist in a community strong in traditional values.
Respectfully,
The Lake Wildwood Motorcycle Club
One of the benefits of living in a Community like Lake Wildwood is the plethora of Clubs and Activities. There are over 40 Clubs, representing diverse interests from Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Fishing to Pinochle and Bocce Ball. Some of these activities require Capital Improvements and the Board is authorized to approve these funds as the needs arise ... and, they do this in a very objective and non-discriminating way. Recent example is the $18,000. approved for new Bocce Ball courts. Although the Club has few members and the new courts will benefit only a small percentage of the Lake Wildwood population, the need was present and the funds were made available. Each of Lake Wildwood's 2800 property owners contributed an equal portion to this $18,000. improvement from their annual dues assessment with no funds from the Bocce Ball Club.
Sometimes a Club needs even more money to make a Capital Improvement. Recent example is the $40,000. pool cover for year round swimming. The initial $18,000. was raised by the Club and the remaining $22,000. was contributed from the Association's Capital Improvement Fund. Each property owner contributed an equal portion of the $22,000. from their annual dues assessment.
Of course, many Clubs need Capital Improvement Funds and these funds have been used for Golf, Tennis and others. There is no discrimination and this is an important part of our overall Association's budget.
In recent weeks, it has been brought to the attention of the Community that more Homeowners have acquired motorcycles and parking for motorcycles at the Gates is becoming marginal to inadequate. This year, the Main Gate parking area has been filled to capacity and overflow parking has spilled over into the bicycle parking area and into the 20min. car parking slots. In addition, the North Gate parking is close to full, as well. Before long, it will be necessary to expand the motorcycle parking areas or consider some alternatives.
The current proposal of the Motorcycle Club will ask each of us to make a decision. Would we approve the "No Cost" request for Restricted Motorcycle Access or are we prepared to anti-up for expanded and improved parking facilities at the Gates? The Motorcycle Club members do not want to park their expensive bikes at the Gates - even if a facility was built with electricity and hot and cold running water. As a result, they are asking for restricted access to accommodate the concerns of the Community... without any cost to the Community.
Concerns expressed at the March 27th Town Hall Meeting, called to discuss Motorcycle Access, were in three categories - Noise, Security Issues and Younger Riders.
1. Noise: Motorcycles are manufactured with exhaust noise same as cars and lower than trucks. While some bike owners have modified their exhaust systems for personal preference as well as safety, at speeds under 25mph, motorcycle noise can be controlled. A major concern is the potential for "in-your-face" noise - the over-revving of motorcycles at an owner's home or driveway - a problem that could exist today in Lake Wildwood but doesn't. "Driveby" noise, the casual momentary motorcycle passing by a home, would be the only additional risk by allowing motorcycle access. And, "driveby" noise from motorcycles would be insignificant and lower than sound levels generated by diesel powered pickups, some specialty cars and even Lake Wildwood's Security boat. None of the other Associations contacted - Lake of the Pines, Auburn LakeTrails, Pebble Beach and Blackhawk had problems with "drive-by noise". Nonetheless, in the spirit of cooperation, Lake Wildwood motorcyclists agree that sound limits should be imposed.
California State Parks recently enacted a Sound Level Standard, measured to an SAE Engineering Society Surface Vehicle Standard. (Ref. SAE J1287). Motorcycles whose exhaust noise exceed this level are denied access to the State Park. The Motorcycle Club's proposal will include that standard as a prerequisite for motorcycle access.
2. Access, as proposed, would be difficult for Security to enforce: Concerns have been raised about how to treat street legal motorcycles. Some have noted the fact that street legal motorcycles are an alternative means of transportation. Based on this, they should not be treated any differently than cars. One Resident, who stated they are "neutral" on the issue, said in an e-mail, "There should be no more limitation on when motorcycles are allowed or what their destinations are than with automobiles. If one chooses to drive a golf cart to a Town Hall Meeting at the Clubhouse then they should be equally free to ride a street legal motorcycle. There will be less pollution than a car and less of a parking problem too." However, some Residents are still concerned that motorcyclists would abuse the privilege. In light of these concerns, the Motorcycle Club proposes that an alliance be formed with Lake Wildwood Security to monitor motorcycle Access privileges with a Pass, revocable for violations.
3. Fear that younger motorcycle riders would abuse the privilege: The problem age has been defined to be 15 or 16 years old - several years younger than the 18 year old requirement to ride street legal motorcycles in the State of California. By State law and before a license can be issued, all applicants between the ages of 18 and 21 are required to take and pass a Motorcycle Riding Safety Class offered by local Colleges. In addition, we have all witnessed Defiant Behavior by Juveniles(and even Adults) who thought their right to something was unfairly denied? Having a Pass, allowing that right, would benefit the Community because motorcycle riders over 18 years old would be on their best behavior if they realized that their Access Pass would be revoked for Defiant Behavior.
Whenever a new proposal/change is suggested, most often the initial reaction is negative. "Oh no! We can't allow 'Trick or Treat' on our streets. It would be extremely dangerous for the kids out after dark!" And, how about, "Oh no! We don't want "No Cost" NEV Golf Carts on our streets. We'll have accidents and congestion!"
Somehow we manage to overcome these obstacles and objections and before you know it the new outcry becomes, "'Trick or Treat' in Lake Wildwood is one of the best things that has happened for our kids!" and... "You know, I think the NEV's are great! They are pollution free, fun to use and they actually help in keeping speeds down on our streets!"
In the near future, we'll be asked to decide if we want to allow a "No Cost" 6 month Trial Period for Restricted Motorcycle Access. The proposal seems reasonable:
6 Month
TRIAL PERIOD with LIMITATIONS
· Only Homeowners
would have Motorcycle Access for their street legal motorcycles.
· Restricted hours of 7AM to 9PM for ingress and egress.
· Motorcycles would be required to have exhaust noise levels
lower than the new State Park allowable Standard.
· Motorcycles must be insured and have current registration.
· The Motorcycle Club would create an alliance with Security
and issue a pass, revocable by Security, for motorcycle violations.
· At the end of the trial period, the Community would have
another chance to vote to deny access or to make the Declaration
change permanent.
If we give it a try, we might
find it's not so bad after all!