- Home
- News
- Opinion
- Letters
- Sports
- Prospecting
- Essentials
- Obituaries
- Real Estate
- Comics
- Gallery
- Classifieds
- Advertisers
- Coupons
- Contact Us
Share Article
786
1,6457861,645
TWO GOVERNMENT ENTITIES are interested in acquiring BassLake and EID's 140 acres. Democrat file photo by Megan Jeremica
Bass Lake is for sale. So is a 14-acre parcel at Forebay Reservoir.
The El Dorado Irrigation District declared these two properties surplus in 2011. On Nov. 21, 2012, in accordance with state law the El Dorado Irrigation District issued letters to El Dorado County, Amador County and school districts notifying them they have 60 days to provide a written letter of interest.
So far EID has received letters from El Dorado County and Rescue Union School District. That starts up another 60-day period, this one for negotiating a sale or lease. The county is interested in two parcels at Bass Lake and also the Forebay property that includes a senior center and baseball field. Rescue is interested in all four properties within its boundaries, including the lake and a former sewer pond site.
EID staff will commission an appraisal of the properties, according to a Jan. 14 report by General Manager Jim Abercrombie.
EID used Bass Lake to provide backup water for the recycled water system when that system ran short. But that use of Bass Lake was discontinued in 2009, said EID General Counsel Tom Cumpston. Backup for recycled water now comes through pipes that deliver treated water instead of raw lake water.
The lake continues to have water in it from natural runoff, which Cumpston estimates at 60 acre-feet a year.
All total EID has 140 acres at Bass Lake that is surplus.
Director George Osborne indicated Jan. 14 there was a movement afoot to form a community services district in Pollock Pines to acquire the Little League field and senior center near Forebay.
This is one of those times where one just thanks a group for their kindness…Mr. Osborne and The EID board have been supporters of our little league and senior center near forebay(in Pollock Pines)WITHOUT needing any one to know. I for one salute all of them–for supporting our baseball players and all the volunteers that work so hard with the children up here–we have a beatuiful field. My grandson learned many things being part of baseball…teamwork, sportsmanship, concentration, and respect for other peoples abilities. EID quietly gives this oportunity to our children…and I thank them and respect any group that gives from the heart and just walks away. Our seniors–what a group of fun “sassy” people (you have to meet them–and you would understand my smile)…the nutrition program has moved to the community center up here–to allow more seniors to be able to get there for meals…it also provides a larger kitchen. However the little building (over by the field) is still being used. And there are horseshoe cages to be found as well…and they are used–people take horseshoes seriously up here. (I think people forget–we were the wild west up here..lololol) My heart to Mr Osborne and all the people on the board of EID…for the good things you guy do…from your heart…I just wanted you to know, that when people are fighting over water issues –remember to pat yourselves on the backwhen you get really frustrated–you guys have done some very gracious things through the years as well. Much respect from a retired team mom.
Unfortunately, I am not thrilled about the interested parties looking to purchase the property. At a time when the Rescue Union School district increased class size and gave teachers their pink slips only a few years ago, they have now somehow acquired enough cash/credit to purchase a multi-million dollar piece of mud and brush. Add a facility onto that and you are talking several millions of dollars. If they have anything but instructional facility and educational use on their minds then they better just forget it. El Dorado County is in no better financial situation as the fees to build anything anywhere are already so great that they can’t afford to build there. The best option is to open the property to the public and perhaps find some volunteer groups to setup benches, firepits, and perhaps allow overnight camping. Surely Serrano snobs, myself included, will have their high brows higher than ever if that happens. It’s a large puddle with largemouth bass in it, tear the gates down and let nature take its course. Let some anglers, young and old, get a chance at hooking into some really big fish! Sometimes investors have to walk away from their investments or take next to nothing for it. How long will it be on the market? How long will EID have this property as overhead? They should have put it on the market years ago and its operation contingent on a buyer.
Fisherman Bob…you sound like a gentle soul. I am interested in your remarks…and have questions. Isnt the reason for land purchase a way to secure funds for later needs ? (EID, as well as others agencies have land for this reason–and EID is fighting for our water rights as we write) I understand what you are saying…I dont know the background behind Bass Lake. I just know that our baseball field has been there for decades–it is well established for our children. Another question I have is this….if people wanted to have a natural “camp site” would one work with the county, state or federal government? (I live by the National Forest–which has been known to trade properties for this purpose–thats why Im asking) Schools tend to be open to educational ideas–people just need to approach them. (Again I dont know your situation.) I do know our field–and I am very glad they held onto this property for so long for our children. And the last question I have is about the Rescue Union School District being interested…that district is showing some very high scolastic scores…are they interested in furthering the students education by utilizing some of these natural surroundings? I for one would love to have someone teach my grandson how to fish…maybe you as a fisherman can bring those skills to that district (and both you and the district could benefit) Schools love support–even if its a voluteer showing students a skill–not for money…but because they know how–it only enriches a students life. And lastly, money for buildings…I have no answer for that–I regret that voluteers can do some of this work–and they are told “no”–people are afriad of being sued. Which is sad. The Habitat for Humanities has shown over and over what volunteers can do. This is what people do with a barn raising (also historically called a “raising bee” or “rearing”) it is the collective action of a community. I wish you well Fisherman Bob…your piece made me think…and thats always a good thing.
So how did EID acquire Forebay baseballl field in the first place? I thought when our sons were playing little league there (over 20 years ago) it was privately owned and the owner of the property allowed the kids to use it. Am I wrong? Anyone know the history?
I was part of PG&E I believe….EID purchased it decades ago–and has allowed the kids there for all these years…the sign going in has always said EID the person honored was an EID employee. That is what I know.EID has always been good about the field…it was never privately own by someone…people through fund raisers help pay for insurance. And big problems are done by EID.
This has not been a secret…they have put this protery on the back burner for years.They are very approcable…look up their meetings and go to one and ask. Many fundraisers in town keep things going–we have a strong town. Get others aware. Many dont know that our community center is not government owned and run. The people in Pollock and Camino pay for it–the little See s candy van at safeway–helps pay forthings it may need–has for years. The spaghetti dinners for little league–helps pay for a small portion of what they need–their bar-b-ques…same thing. Selling cards outside safeway–all to raise money to keep the league going. EID is a water agency they deal with water. Sly park recreation –is not just about “camping” it is about the water rights for our county. An outside person/persons wanted to buy the rights…EID went to washington to fight for these rights to stay within our county. All of this takes money..EID is fighting for our rights now–the state wants to come in and take some away. (article here) this “fighting” is very expensive–lawyers, specialists–lots of money. Any way…thats what I know…go to them–go to an EID meeting. I do know that they are not in the recration business–sly park is the exception–lots of water would have been lost. Even baseball–very political…one league wanted to consume another one. Find out. Secret-no.
I am sorry for my spelling for the rest of my life–some one send the dragon program…or just keep going….lololololol…grrrrrrrrrrr its not the spelling–I cant type.lololololol
There is a town meeting on Jan. 28th @6 pm at the community center in Pollock. Our Supervisor (that lives in South Lake Tahoe…and who loves us–so Ive been told) will be there…the meeting will be about “…creating solutions to issues that may be preventing us from thriving…” I think its because the mill was closed and smashed our econmy up here…but what do I know. Get people to come–everyone is allowed to speak. any other questions…call me–maybe I can direct you to the right people. Your little league people–are “good” people –trust them. They may have just found out as well. 6444072
Frances, I’ll be at the meeting and will look forward to meeting you. You seem to be someone that really cares about your community. The meeting on the 28th is so the county can get you to think about what facade you want put on your future high density housing and commercial projects that will be coming into your community region (urban) boundary line.
@ Sue– I will be at the meeting on the 28th–it will be interesting to see who will show–see you there. Thanks for the kind words. Fran
This sat, march 16th from 9:00 to 1:00 they are having their annual “get the place ready” day at Forebay Field Parents,Grandparents, Friends of the league, children and coaches get together for an old fashioned “clean-up.” So bring your rakes and your energy to open the field for the season–opening day is March 26th. They did some work today during practice…we had fun laughing and playing as adults–while the kids played and practiced in the back. Again you are invited to help “open” up the field after our winter (it wasnt long–but it was cold) “PLAYyyyyyy BALLlllll” See you this sat.
yesterday I heard that an environmental group wasinterfering with our baseball field, ADA compliance people have walked the grounds, and one of the residents would like to see “nice” houses there to raise his property value–WHO TAKES A BASEBALL FIELD AWAY FROM CHILDREN? They have been playing there for over fifty years. Sometimes I just do not understand people. Work with the league to buy the property–or just give it to them as a forever field.
By the way –I am glad to see you here among the posts cookie
From one pita to another. Fran