News items from 2003
Crestline Soaring Society
Emergency Meeting - Water System
Where: Jersey’s Pizza, 985 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino, CA
When: Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 7:30 PM (19:30)
The “Old Fire” that devastated San Bernardino on October 25 and 26 has destroyed our water system. The landing zone is pretty much intact: the container, shade structure, grass and sprinklers are fine. However the reservoirs and pipeline that bring the water down to the landing zone have been destroyed. CSS needs to decide whether we invest the funds necessary to re-build the destroyed part of the water system, or abandon the water project. Below is a description of our options, with associated costs:
Option 1) Re-building of the destroyed part of the water system:
If we decide to re-build the water system, time is an issue if we don’t want to lose the existing grass. The estimated cost associated with re-seeding the grass again is $8,000. So it is preferable to keep the existing grass alive and avoid this additional expense if this option is selected. So this Option includes two tasks: 1) Keeping the existing grass alive by using water trucks 3 times per week until the water system is back online (estimated cost is $100 per day, with an estimated 1?month period to re-build the water system), and 2) Possibly use external labor to speed-up the re-construction period if we do not get sufficient help from the membership, or if help does not come in a timely manner. Estimated cost associated with re-building the destroyed part of the water system is as follows:
It needs to be clearly understood that our current water supply is not without risks. We may be asked at any time to remove it as we do not have rights over that water. Future fires and possible vandalism may also destroy it in part or entirely.
Option 2) We let the grass die and forget about the water project.
An estimated total amount of $25,000 was invested to build the current system. But this option incurs no repair expenses or maintenance costs. Amount saved each year by the CSS would be about $4,000. An argument in favor of this option is that since the entire project is vulnerable and by definition temporary, there is an unknown lifespan of any water pipeline. We could invest the $11,000 into the repairs and lose it all next month. Or we could get another 4 years like the first pipeline lasted. Or maybe more than 4 years. It’s just a gamble.
Please, come to the Emergency Meeting on Wednesday evening to decide on this issue. You can also email us your decision to president@... before Wednesday October 29, 2003 at 6:00 PM (18:00). Clearly state whether you vote for Option 1 or Option 2.
Thank you!
Hélène Baribeau, CSS President
The US Forest Service asked us permission to use AJ LZ from Tuesday Nov.18 through Sunday Nov.23, in their effort to rehabilitate the mountain (assessment of damage, prevention of slope erosion, etc.). We (CSS board) accepted the request from the Forest Service as we see this as an opportunity to possibly see the re-opening of the national forest (including Marshall launch) earlier than what we have been told so far (Mid-March 2004). During this time (Nov.18 through 23), Crestline launch and the LZ will be closed to flying. The status of Marshall launch hasn’t changed (still closed).
We truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation during time. We understand that the ability to fly our site is critical for some people (instructors, test pilots, etc), but we are hoping that the more we help the Forest Service, the better chance we have to see an early opening of Marshall peak…
Thanks a lot!
Helene Baribeau
CSS President