What's Up in Stallion Springs?

Police Chief Mike Grant presented his 2013 Year in Review report and Strategic Plan for 2014/2015 to support and sustain the department to the Stallion Springs CSD Board of Directors at its Feb. 18 meeting with over 60 residents in attendance.

Grant also responded to a number of questions raised by residents concerning the police leaving the jurisdiction to assist other police departments and how they reciprocate by covering for, and assisting our department. He also reviewed the extensive work and on call hours put in by the officers and reciprocal agreements with other local departments.

The Strategic plan goals include:

• To reduce the amount of on-call hours by hiring a part time police officer.

• To reduce time being used for administrative duties by starting a Citizens Service Unit/ VIP program.

• To increase coverage by continuing our reciprocal agreement with Bear Valley and the Kern County Sheriff's Department.

• To reduce crime opportunities and maintain the quality of life for residents by the apprehension of criminals and fighting eyesores in the community.

Grant said, "I'm really going to be challenging every one here, everyone in the community to help us fight crime and eyesores in the community."

John Martin discussed the current drought conditions in California and how it would impact the greater Tehachapi area. Martin said, "This is the worst statewide drought in California history.

"The state water project allocation is zero percent, and it will not change unless the state gets considerable rain and especially snow fall.

"Be mindful of how you use water this year.

"Try to conserve where you can. There a major water conversation program will get started this year which will include rebates for toilet replacements to more efficient ones."

Garrison suggested everyone look at their past use and shoot for a 20% reduction, "Right now, the board is not making anything mandatory, but please try to cut back. We're not in a crisis here but we still need to do our part."

In other action the board approved the annual weed abatement plan and approved the establishment of a pilot program of a Community Garden by the 4H on CSD land immediately behind the pool. Further information on the garden will be made available in coming weeks.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 18 at the CSD Administration building. General Manager Mary Beth Garrison reported the installation of additional reflector posts on corners plagued by fog and the CERT team will be assisting in freshening up the paint on faded street lines throughout the District. Faded STOP signs and about a dozen missing or faded or missing street signs will be replaced.

Garrison also reported that Director Dave Burt, who was in an automobile accident on Jan. 5 breaking his leg and his back, is doing remarkably well. He is walking with a walker and it is anticipated he will be back at the board meeting in March.

Plans are in the works for a spring Earth Day clean up event on April 26. Bulky household items, e-waste, and metal will be accepted. A shredder will also be available for document shredding.

Parks and Recreation

The Annual Chilly Dip takes place at 11:30 a.m. on March 8. Come out and jump in the pool or just have a bowl of chili. The event is a fund raiser for the Parks and Recreation department.

The next Houchin Blood Drive will be on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stallion Springs Community Center.

The next movie night in the Corral room is scheduled for March 21. The movie will be Frozen, there is no cost for the movie.

The CSD also offers open Volleyball, fitness classes, Open Gym, Men's Basketball, Kids Crafts, Family Skate Nights, and scrapbooking classes. Contact the CSD for further information.

The Police Activities League (PAL) will have its first Open House on March 22. New to the area or ever just wondered what Stallion Springs PAL has to offer? What other Community Services groups there are in the area?  There will be booths for robotics, Judo, CPR class sign-ups, Apple Box Derby, co-ed basketball and more!  We will be inviting the other Stallion Springs Community Services groups to participate in our Open House; POA, Parks & Recreation, 4H, and other local organizations.