Bear Valley Community Services District

GRAND OPENING OF THE

HISTORICAL KAWAIISU PRESERVE

IN BEAR VALLEY SPRINGS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017

2:00 PM—Traditional Kawaiisu Invocation by Kawaiisu Elder Luther Girado at the Preserve

3:00 PM—Cultural Arts Association Insights Reception at Oak Tree Country Club

The new Historical Kawaiisu Preserve in Bear Valley Springs will be opening to the public on October 22, 2017. BVS’ newest amenity, the Preserve is located at the corner of Sunset Way and Stirrup Way, just off Jacaranda Drive. Kawaiisu Elder Luther Girado will commemorate the Preserve with a traditional Kawaiisu invocation. Afterward, the BVS Cultural Arts Association is hosting a celebratory reception at OTCC. Refreshments will be served, and presentations will be offered describing the significance of this new BVS destination. Among the speakers will be well-known archaeologists/anthropologists David and Tamy Whitley, residents of Bear Valley Springs and professional consultants to the Kawaiisu Preserve project. Other speakers will include popular Tehachapi News columnist Jon Hammond, an expert on Kawaiisu history and culture, and Tehachapi Heritage League president Charles White.

The unique Historical Kawaiisu Preserve is an area that was occupied for perhaps thousands of years by the Native American people who were the first inhabitants of the Tehachapi area. The site is notable for the large number of pa-haz, or acorn “grinding holes” that are scattered throughout a field of large granite boulders and mature valley oaks. The Preserve has been developed with a light hand on the natural setting, and includes a number of informative signs that describe key aspects of original Kawaiisu society. There is a parking area at the base of the site along Stirrup Way that has space for six vehicles. Since parking is very limited, visitors to the opening ceremony should consider car pooling. Most parking will be along either Stirrup Way or Sunset Way. The trailhead to the meeting site is located at the upper right of the parking area.

For reservations contact Linda Turco (phone: 661-821-1505; cell: 310-739-3772; e-mail: LSTURCO1@GMAIL.COM) or leave a message stating the names of all those in your party, and whether you will need a gate pass (your contact information would also be appreciated). Directions to the Preserve are available on request. This event is free to the greater Tehachapi community. Refreshments will be served, and wine will be available for a nominal fee.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

for the

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

ADVISORY COUNCIL

In 1995, the Bear Valley Community Services District established a standing citizen's committee with the sole purpose of keeping the District's Emergency Operations Plan up to date and to monitor District disaster preparedness.

The Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council is an advisory committee to the Public Safety Committee of the CSD Board of Directors which meets to “review the general progress of emergency planning within the district and…recommend changes to the district emergency plan.” The council consists of five residents appointed by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. 

Each year the District solicits candidates from the public and will make appointments for the upcoming year. Ideally, volunteers will possess a background in emergency management, public safety, public works, fire, police, engineering, water and wastewater systems, or roads.

If you would like to be considered for this committee, please send your letter of interest and optional resume to the Bear Valley CSD at 28999 S. Lower Valley Road, Tehachapi CA 93561, Attention: DPAC Recruitment. Or you may email: kmcewen@bvcsd.org with DPAC Recruitment in the subject line. Letters of interest must be received by October 20, 2017.

KEEP OUR WILDLIFE WILD

One of the great advantages of living in Bear Valley Springs is the abundance and variety of wildlife. Seeing a black bear or a large group of elk is an exciting opportunity, but along with this privilege comes responsibility to protect both ourselves and our wildlife. Here are a few facts to remember:

• While elk appear gentle and docile in the summer months, they are wild and skittish animals that can become aggressive and charge without warning if approached too closely.
• If a wild animal feels threatened, it will act out aggressively.
• If you encounter a wild animal, utilize the Thumb Trick. Extend one arm with a thumb up, close one eye and attempt to hide the animal with your thumb. If the animal cannot fit behind the entirety of your thumb, back up and give the animal more space.
• Use binoculars or a zoom lens to achieve that close-up view
• If wild animals have access to human food and garbage, they want more and more. They lose their natural fear of humans and can become aggressive.
• Once a wild animal is habituated, they become a dangerous nuisance and may have to be euthanized.

Wild animals are our neighbors and most will not bother us. They naturally fear humans and keep their distance – so long as they remain fully wild. It is our responsibility not to annoy them, entice them, or interfere with their natural instincts to avoid us.

Important Reminders Regarding the Gate

1. Please do not give out your Tract and Lot. If you need a pass for a guest, contractor or worker, please call in the Tract and Lot yourself - 821-5261. Giving out this number may jeopardize the security of Bear Valley.

2. Please slow down while entering and exiting through the gate. The posted speed limit is 10 mph.

3. There is only one phone line at the gate; please be patient if it is busy. Do not call the Police Dept.

4. You can also fax your pass requests to 821-3507.

5. For special events - weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, etc:

• Prepare a list for the gate well in advance with location of event and dates and times

• Make sure you tell your guests that their names will be listed under “Special Events”

• Bring your guest list to the gate or fax (821-3507) at least 24 hrs. in advance of your event

6. Please make sure you have a current decal on your vehicle and/or show a current amenities card with a blue BVSA sticker adhered to it

Remember: The gate personnel appreciate the residents of Bear Valley and they are here to ensure your security as well as doing their best to make sure you get through as easy and quickly as possible.