Oppose ALA’s proposed STR Bylaw Revision

The private governing board of the lake in the community of Lake Arrowhead, Ca, the ALA (Arrowhead Lake Association) wants to ban the guests of short term rental properties from using the lake trails, beach clubs, and private docks on and around the lake. This ban would contradict the 1964 settlement reached between Arrowhead Woods Property Owners and the Lake Arrowhead Development Co that specifically says property owners have "the right for themselves, their lesses and house guests to use the strips for private park and reasonable recreational purposes, and for ingress and egress by foot travel...the right for themselves, their lessees and house guests to use the Lake for reasonable recreational purposes, including but not limited to boating, fishing, swimming, and bathing." It also says the governing body can "promulgate and enforce reasonable regulations designed to promote the safety, health, comfort, and convenience of persons in or upon the Lake or in the vicinity thereof with respect to the conduct of such activities." This is in fact not a "Reasonable Regulation.”

The Lake Arrowhead community & local economy benefits greatly from visitors & tourism. Additionally, the economy relies heavily on short term renters, especially in the summer, who allow their guests to use their lake passes. If this ban passes, which is being voted on by the board on Sun 11/23 at 9am at Burnt Mill Beach Club, the economy of this holiday community would be greatly impacted. The impact goes beyond shops & restaurants; the opportunity of supplemental rental income opens the door for many homeowners, leading to an increase in demand and real estate value. Property values will be negatively impacted, and the real estate community (which makes up a huge part of the economy) will suffer.

Sensible and responsible rules and regulations are needed, not a complete ban. Imposing a strict ban on short term renters' access to the lake and walking trails is short sighted. There are more effective changes we could pursue to resolve concerns regarding safety and proper use of our ALA facilities & benefits.
An update to the bylaws is under consideration to prevent Short Term Rentals (STRs) from using the lake and all lake facilities. A PDF link to the proposed bylaw changes is below, proposed language is in red.
Bylaw (if passed) would become effective on January 6, 2020
The ALA would prohibit STRs from accessing or using any dock, pier site, the ALA walking trails, the ALA parks, or the ALA Beach Clubs. STRs could not receive ALA boat operator licenses, use kayaks, paddleboards, boats, sail, fish or swim in Lake Arrowhead or Grass Valley Lake.
ALA is holding a board vote on Saturday 11/23 at 9:00am, we encourage you to be present and arrive early to fill out a speaker card so you may voice your concerns and opinions on the matter.
Place & Time:
Burnt Mill Beach Club 27910 Lakes Edge Road
Saturday 11/23 at 9:00am
PDF: ALA proposed bylaw revision
Below please find list of ALA Board Member contacts where you can send a personalized letter regarding your concerns.
General Manager Wayne Austin: WAustin@ala-ca.org
Board Admin/Secretary: Sharon Pittman (spittman@ala-ca.org)
Alan Kaitz: AKaitz@ala-ca.org
Eran Heissler: EHeissler@ala-ca.org
Gary Clifford: GClifford@ala-ca.org
Brian Hall: BHall@ala-ca.org
Bob Mattison: bmattison@ala-ca.org