Oakmont’s Semimonthly Newspaper
nMarty Thompson
www.oakmontvillage.com/news
West Rec. Damage Widespread
Damage to the West Rec. Center from the recent fire sprinkler failure includes destroying 90% of the building’s drywall. That was part of a report delivered to Oakmont’s board Sept. 21 by OVA General Manager Kimberly Rowland. “There wasn’t any space in the West Rec. that wasn’t affected by the water,” Rowland said. She expressed appreciation to groups who use the building for accepting temporary relocation to other OVA facilities during what was originally estimated as at least a three-month job repairing damage from the July 24 flooding of the building.
Rowland said the rest of the West Rec’s old fire sprinkler system would be inspected and upgraded as needed to avoid a repeat failure—“to make sure it doesn’t happen again.” OVA is working with Nordby Construction, a local firm that has been part of other Oakmont projects, to restore the building. It hasn’t been possible yet to set a date to reopen the building. In addition to sheet rock, damage included insulation, tile and lighting. Asbestos remediation also was needed, Rowland said. See board on page 3
President’s Message nTom Kendrick, OVA Board President
OVA Focuses on Fire Safety
As we move into Autumn, let’s reflect on all the hard work and progress that Oakmont has made in the past months to reduce our exposure to wildfire threats. While we can never completely eliminate these risks, we have become a much safer community because of the work of OVA members, sub-associations and our hardworking staff.
September 25, 2021 • Volume 60, Number 18
Board Opening with Lyons Exit
nOakmont News Staff
OVA Director Noel Lyons has resigned, and the board is inviting applicants to replace him in a vote expected at its October board meeting. Lyons is serving his third stint on the board—he was first elected in 2010. Lyons said he is leaving Lyons. (File photo the board effective Oct. 18 because by Julie Kiil) he and his wife, Jackie Kinney, are moving to Spring Lake Village. Members interested in joining the board should send a letter of application including their resume See lyons on page 3
We have junked innumerable junipers, cleaned up creek beds, replaced fire-prone fencing and removed dangerous debris from around and under our homes, and much more. While we can be justifiably proud of all the improvements we have made, there is more that we can, and must, do. OVA’s landscaping policies now include several updated restrictions related to fire safety that went into effect at the end of August. These changes are focused on better protecting your house, my house, See message on page 3
Town Hall—October 5
nOakmont News Staff
A two-part town hall dealing with insurance and with Oakmont’s firewise landscaping policy is planned Tuesday, Oct. 5. It will begin at 1 p.m. on Zoom. The program on homeowner insurance, for individuals and HOAs, will feature Emily Rogan, senior program officer of the nonprofit United Policyholders. The group’s mission is to be a trustworthy and useful resource for insurance consumers. It does not take funding from insurance companies, and aims to provide guidance on buying insurance and navigating claims. The second part of the program will explore the process for dealing with the firewise landscaping policy that went into effect in Oakmont this month. The Zoom address for the meeting will be provided in an OVA email.
E-Cars Get High Marks, But There Are Complications nAl Haggerty
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SANTA ROSA, CA PERMIT NO. 323
Panelists explored “the good, the bad and the ugly” of electric cars at a Sept. 7 Town Hall meeting, but the positives far outweigh the negatives, according to e-car owners. While the panelists explored the purchase price, the driving range and the low cost of maintaining e-cars, much of the discussion focused on the complications involved in charging the vehicles. These complications include everything from the various ways to charge an e-car at home to the varying location and availability of charging stations. Tesla, a leading e-car manufacturer, has 20,000 superchargers for its cars throughout the United States and Canada. While the number of public charging stations is growing, Tesla is far ahead. Asked about charging stations in Oakmont, OVA Board President Tom Kendrick, who chaired the town hall, guessed that OVA will “move in that direction within the next year.” It was noted, however, that it costs $100,000 to install a fast charger and since most Oakmont residents can charge their cars at home more cheaply, it might not be a wise investment. See e-cars on page 3