PMLA General Managers Message
Joe Powell, PCAM, CCAM-LS, CMCA, AMS
2025 Annual Meeting of the Membership - Board of Directors Official Election Results
On April 14, 2025, the Association gave notice to the members regarding the upcoming election, including the number of board positions to be filled, the deadline for submitting nominations, and the manner in which nominations could be submitted, including a reminder regarding the nomination deadline on May 22, 2025.
As of the deadline for nomination of director candidates, the number of qualified candidates was not more than the number of vacancies to be elected.
The Board of Directors made a determination and subsequently adopted a resolution after review by Association General Counsel, that sending out ballots for an election of directors under these circumstances would be expensive, time-consuming, and would not make the outcome of the election more certain than seating directors by acclamation.
As a result, that the following candidates were seated by acclamation pursuant to Civil Code § 5103(e): Mike Gustafson, Dania Schaffer.
Selection of Board Officers for the coming year
The Board of Directors voted and selected the following officer positions:
· President – Mike Gustafson
· Vice President - Chuck Obeso-Bradley
· Secretary – Dania Schaffer
· Treasurer - Craig Prouse
· Director – Brian Watson
Congratulations to our new Board of Directors!
We would like to wish our out-going director, Karen Hopkins all the best.
PML Member Survey Update
On July 1st we launched the PML member satisfaction survey. Every three years, the Long Range Planning Committee prepares a survey of the membership to gauge overall satisfaction with our Association, specifically, the level of quality and service at our amenities, governance and enforcement. In recent past surveys members have been pleased with the level of service that we provide for their assessment dollars.
This survey will be used by the PMLA Board of Directors and management to determine where to focus our efforts and to assess how well we are doing in meeting your expectations.
So far, 408 members have responded. Our goal is to get at least a thousand. To that end, we sent out a postcard mailing with information and a QR code to all members encouraging them to take the survey. So if you haven’t done so, please complete the survey. All members who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for one of three PML gift cards, $25, $50 and $100.
The PML 2026 Budget development process
The PML 2026 Budget development process is in full swing. Our Controller Dan sent out the budget preparation schedule out to all department managers, board of directors and budget and finance committee members. The Budget process takes months of work and a lot of hours and culminates in the final approval at the annual budget meeting in October. This year the meeting will be held on Saturday, October 18th here at the Lake Lodge and will start at 9 am. We encourage all members to attend as each department manager will be covering the details of their individual budgets with the board.
GCSD work on Mueller Drive and Ferretti Road
In the past, GCSD worked out an agreement with PML to place their portable water treatment plant in our Maintenance yard due to the close proximity of the lake water irrigation line near the 9th green of the golf course. Our lake water is used to provide an alternative water source for GCSD and our community when Hetch Hetchy shuts down their water source tunnels in the winter months for maintenance, repair and replacement.
GCSD has decided to install a more permanent water line that connects to their own operations yard. They have hired an outside contractor to complete this work. This has impacted Mueller Drive and Ferretti Road. According to GCSD, there will continue to be temporary traffic delays and one-lane traffic control from time-to-time until sometime in October.
PML Roads Refurbishment Project
Our roads refurbishment project is scheduled to start on September 8th until September 15th. We have provided the schedule with the list of impacted areas in PML on social media and the official website. We will also use our normal communication methods to get the word out to members in affected areas. There may be adjustments to the schedule depending on operational needs and project constraints. We will communicate these changes as soon as possible. The road linestriping work will be completed after they finish the roads refurbishment project.
Until next month, wishing everyone a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MIKE GUSTAFSON – PMLA BOARD PRESIDENT
I am writing this note to you in August and that means your association is in full budget mode, working on the 2026 budget. Each department is looking how best to continue to provide excellent member service while keeping the assessment related expense down. It’s a very difficult trade-off! Each year members want a bit more of this or that, but resist any increase in dues. We all wish we could do it all for no increase in dues, but that is not realistic. The old hands who have been living here for years know the drill, but the new homeowners are all excited about their new house in the hills and wonder why they can’t have this or that for “free.” For sure, it is a learning experience.
Your Board of Directors will be meeting with each amenity manager and looking for ways to minimize your hard earned dues. The first step that you will see is at the September board meeting when we will be reviewing and approving the Amenity Fee schedule. The final budget is wrangled at the October meeting. Both meetings are open to all members.
The 2025 member satisfaction survey runs until the end of September, and I really implore you to take the survey. The Board will soon start getting the results which will inform the board on what you, the homeowners, feel are your most important priorities. Please take the survey and let us know your opinions.
Every once in a while, our beloved state legislators put through a really poorly thought-out new law that has devastating unintended effects on all homeowner associations. The new AB 130 is one such new law. The short version is this bill limits the amount of any fines levied by the HOA to $100 max! This means that if your neighbor wants to open an auto repair business next door to you, in violation of the CC&R’s, they just pay the violation fine of $100 and they are good to go! Same thing with all kinds of egregious violations that negatively affect neighbors and the community.
Normally the HOA has a lengthy process for dealing with scofflaws, first a Courtesy Notice, then a warning letter, then fines starting piling up, etc. 90% of the time the offending party comes to their senses and complies with the rules and everyone is content again.
We certainly hope the rule gets rescinded or modified soon. However, currently, with AB 130 in force, the violator is sent a Warning letter, then is fined $100, and if no corrective action is noted then the HOA has to file a lawsuit against the offending party to force compliance. This will result in the offender having to retain a lawyer, and the association will have to spend money with our lawyer, and then fight our way through the legal system. More of your hard earned dues will be wasted on lawyers. We will be forced to budget more money for these silly lawsuits.
I want to welcome Dani Schaffer to the Board. She is extremely qualified, both by experience and education, and I look forward to working with her. At the same time, we reluctantly say goodbye to Board member Karen Hopkins who has done an exemplary job as a board member for the last six years. Karen’s contributions have been strategic and carefully considered. We’ll miss her wise counsel.
Please get involved in your Association! Take the survey and attend the budget meetings.
Directors Corner
Karen Hopkins, former Board Director
By now you all know that I am no longer on the Board of Directors. Per our Bylaws I “termed” out after my two successive three year terms.
It has been my honor to serve on the PMLA Board of Directors. I did my best to represent our membership fairly and made decisions for the association in the best interest of the members. Most days it was a great way to volunteer my professional experience and interest in the community. Of course there were difficult times as well: two recall elections (neither successful) and a fair amount of social media hazing by a few disgruntled members. Of course, everyone doesn’t always agree, but with open communication, respect and courtesy I believe we can do what’s right for PML.
I would like to thank all of my Board colleagues for their encouragement, especially as I came up to speed on the complicated nature of the business of our association. Without them, it would not have been easy. I also thank Joe Powell (GM) and many other staff members for their assistance. And most importantly I thank the members for their faith and support.
I am looking forward to a little more free time, however, I will continue to serve on at least one committee and express my opinion on vital PML issues.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our HOA and make PML better for all.
Let’s Ask Angela
By Angela Hicks, PML Administration Office
And just like that….it is September!
Where did the summer go? We look forward to summer all year long, it arrives and then it is gone in a blink of an eye. It is that time of year where children are going back to school, the children are not as excited as the parents are. That is just a fac Grab a cup of coffee and a sweet treat and we will talk about some cool stuff.
Did you hear the news?
The PML administration offices are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes daily from noon until 1p.m. for lunch and is closed on weekends.
Feel free to call 209-962-8600 or email me at admin@pinemountainlake.com with any questions or concerns. We are always here to help!
THANK YOU!
Since the first article was published, I have noticed many more checks coming in with account numbers on them. THIS IS FANTASTIC. I appreciate that very much. It makes confirming accounts a lot easier. Good Job Everyone!
We have just closed on our new property. What do we do next?
CONGRATULATIONS!! Come on into the administration office and see Shari or myself. You will want to contact us as soon as you have a copy of your new deed. We will begin the process of getting everything set up in our systems. Tuolumne County will mail the deed to our office as well. This is how we are notified that you are in our community. Everyone is winning!
Property Owner Access Cards will only be issued to the property owners as described on the property deed, one per person. These cards will give you access to your property and all the amenities PML has to offer. We offer clickers also which provide the same ability to enter the community, these are optional and $75.00 each.
If you have family members that will be visiting on a regular basis, we can issue them each one generation up and one down a Special User Card which would allow your regular visitors access to PML and do not require the approval of the General Manager.
Shari Pingree, our Members Relations guru will make sure all your information is compiled properly into your account and you will officially be a welcomed addition to our Pine Mountain Lake Community.
Purchasing property is a life-changing event and we do our best to make this experience enjoyable and smooth for everyone.
BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!!!
This time of the year brings many emotions for both children and parents. Children are sad that summer is over and parents are happy summer is over. In any case the transition from sleepovers, late night tv and all the snow cones you can enjoy gives way for early bed time, getting up early, rules and homework. To make this time for everyone easier and stress free here are some good ideas to keep in mind. These ideas work well for children and parents.
Set a Routine Early:
Start waking up and going to bed at school – time hours at least a week or two before school starts. This helps everyone ease back into schedules a little better.
Organize Supplies:
Make sure you have all the necessary items: notebooks, backpacks, pens, tech devices and a lunchbox.
Create a Study Space:
Set up a quiet, clutter-free area for homework and studying. This helps clear the mind and provides the ability to focus and get tasks finished in a timely manner.
Use a Planner or Calendar:
Track assignments, tests and extracurriculars to stay on top of the deadlines.
Helps to develop a positive sense of responsibility.
Support Emotional Wellbeing:
Ask open-ended questions about their day and listen actively. People like to ask questions and be asked questions. This is a win for everyone.
Limit Screen Time:
Especially before bed – this helps with sleep and focus during a busy school day.
Stay Positive:
A new school year is a fresh start. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Remain patient, the summer always comes back around each year.
Stay Involved:
Attend school events, check in on homework and communicate with teachers. The more information you have, the better off you become.
Thank you for spending a few moments enjoying our magazine. We strive to give you permanent transparency as well as the pertinent information you deserve to make Pine Mountain Lake the best place to live.
Give me a call or send me an email with any questions or concerns because I am happy to help you find a solution.
"You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!" — Dr. Seuss
PMLA Money Matter$
By Dan Szathmary, Association Controller
That time has come around once more, time to dive into the budget.
If you've been keeping up with PML News, you might remember that around this time last year, I laid out how the budgeting process works. It’s a thorough one, involving department managers, the Budget and Finance Committee, and a detailed, line-by-line review by each Board Member.
And the final step? A public meeting where everything is brought together, concerns are raised, adjustments are made, and final decisions are shaped by member feedback.
Like many major topics in our community, the annual budget can stir debate. After all, we’re managing funds on behalf of more than 8,000 members across over 3,000 properties. It’s no small task, a balancing act with multiple levels of review and a core goal: figuring out what serves the greatest number of members, as fairly as possible. We understand that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone all the time. But we aim to reflect the wishes of most people, most of the time.
The only way we can do that? Hearing from you before the budget is finalized. Once it’s set, we’ll still listen, but it becomes much harder to act on new feedback until the next cycle. And ideally, we’d love to hear from more members across the board, not just the most vocal ones. Broader input leads to better outcomes.
As we go through this process, we’re evaluating amenity fees, reserve contributions, projected revenues, and ultimately, how much assessment income is necessary to keep the association running smoothly for the next year. No one’s excited about higher HOA fees, but most members enjoy the services those fees support.
There’s always a balance to strike between amenity fees and assessments. Want to reduce or eliminate amenity access fees? It’s possible, but the funding has to come from somewhere. Every dollar not collected at a gate or counter increases the pressure on assessments. At the end of the day, whether it’s collected as a fee or an assessment, in many cases it’s all member money one way or another.
Many members agree that the best source of extra funding isn’t out of members’ pockets, but from visitors. People who enjoy our community but don’t own property here. This is where the zero-sum dynamic can shift. Revenue from outside sources; things like merchandise, service fees, and rentals, can help pay for maintenance and improvements without additional burden on owners.
However, there is a trade-off there as well. More visitors can mean longer lines, more crowded amenities, and the few bad apples that don’t know how to behave when they visit here, will inevitably increase with more visitors spending more time here.
We’ve also heard plenty of interest in big-ticket projects. Things like a new pool and fitness center, expanding marina facilities, and upgrading the campground area. These ideas are absolutely possible. The funds are here. What we need is clear guidance on priorities and alignment on where those funds should come from.
Then there’s the question of reserves. Some members want to boost our reserve funding more aggressively, which is smart for long-term planning, but also contribute to increased assessments.
There is no one size fits all solution. It’s all about preference, consensus, and the balancing act of priorities when these many trade-offs are considered together. The more perspectives we gather from members, the more informed and representative our decisions can be.
What are your thoughts? We would love to hear from you as we go through planning for 2026 together.
Feel free to contact me anytime. Controller@PineMountainLake.Com or 209-962-8606.
STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT!
CARRIE HARVEY-COMMUNITY STANDARDS SPECIALIST
Star light, star bright, please turn off your lights tonight! A lot of times when coming up to your home on the hill, after a relaxing weekend, you forget to do some things before you leave, like turning the lights off. Not only will it save on your electric bill, but your neighbors will get to enjoy the pretty night sky we all love.
One of the issues we deal with here in the Community Standards Department are bright exterior lights. Lights are not always a bad thing, we understand some of you have the outside motion lights, they come on when wildlife walks by, and then they go off after a certain amount of time. We appreciate that! There are some that are not motion, some that have porch lights that shine right into the neighbor’s windows, or shine bright across property lines. If this sounds like your home, please remember that we do have some full-time residents here at PML, some that even love star gazing, and those lights can be bothersome. Please turn off your lights before you head back home.
The right light, in the right place, for the right time. If you need a light outside your home for when you arrive in the dark, maybe consider those motion lights that go off after a few minutes. This creates an immediate simple solution for reducing light pollution, by turning off unnecessary lights when they are not needed. Limiting the length of time lights stay on can be readily achieved through technologies such as timers and motion sensors.
Other solutions
are to install shields or angle the light to illuminate only the necessary
areas and limit light pollution. Using shield, sensors, timers and would vastly
reduce the negative impacts of artificial light and help to protect nature’s
night shift.
If you have any questions about lighting, or maybe you are not sure if
your light fixture is compliant, please feel free to reach out to our office,
we will gladly assist you. You can also log on to the Pine Mountain Lake
website. Under the Resources tab, you will click on the Community Standards
icon, there you will find the Environmental Control Committee information,
scroll down to the lighting fixture guidelines. You will be able to see what
type of light fixtures are compliant and non-compliant. As always, you must
submit your lighting project for approval prior to installation. We should all
be enjoying the beautiful stars that light up our wonderful community in the
dark!
Per our ECC Guidelines. Exterior Lighting. All exterior lights must be shielded or hooded and constructed so as not to create a nuisance or hazard. The lighting footprint must project downward and should not project beyond the property boundaries.
You may contact me at 1-209-962-1242 or compliance@pinemountainlake.com with any questions you may have. I will be happy to assist you!
PML News Editor Reaches 20-Year Milestone
By Joe Powell, PML General Manager
We are very pleased to recognize our long time PML News publishing editor and social media administrator, David Wilkinson of Sabre Design and Publishing. David has served as our PML News editor for 20 years. We appreciate David and his wife Christina and the exemplary service that they have provided to our Association. We asked David to provide the following history of Sabre Design and Publishing as it is a very interesting story and they have earned a long list of experience and achievements.
“Sabre Design & Publishing was first established in early 1991 in the San Francisco Bay Area with our very first project of creating the logo for Oz Audio. We continued working in the Bay Area until we moved the company to Henderson Nevada in December of 1993. Sabre Design grew quickly in Henderson adding the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, Grand Canyon Marketing, Poolside Pineapple (for whom we created custom designed glassware and souvenir cups), and many others to our client list. In 1996 we became the design firm of record for Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas whom we continued to work for up until Roy Horn’s death. Other notable clients were David Cassidy of Partridge Family fame, Dezi Arnaz Jr., the Clark County Museum, Nassiri Music, EFX at the MGM, Fisher Space Pens, the EAT’M Music Festival, The Mirage Hotel and Casino, and BOI Inc. An exciting project during this time was the design of The Rat Pack is Back logo for the stage show created by David Cassidy and still running with the logo still being used on the show in Las Vegas right now. Sabre Design also was the designer of the LVMPD K9 Trials program for over 10 years. During the time in the Las Vegas area Sabre designed the logo for KidsCharities.org which was recognized by Graphic Design USA as one of the top 10% logo designs in America in 2000.
One of the most exciting projects to work on was creating the logo and commemorative poster for the 40th Anniversary of Humans in Space. Sabre created the mission patch, souvenir pins, and custom artwork working directly with NASA, the Nevada Air & Space Education Center, Fisher Space Pens, along with multiple astronauts and cosmonauts. Patches of the design were placed on the Space Shuttle and brought back to Earth to be given as commemorative “space traveled” patches to dignitaries.
Sabre Design moved to Groveland in 2004. In 2005 we became sponsors and designers for the annual 49er Festival & Chili Cook-off through 2024 and began as the publishing Editors of the Pine Mountain Lake News. Sabre Design also founded and published regional magazine Gold Country Adventures. While here in Groveland Sabre has continued to work for the PMLA handling social media, design, the eSNAP program, menu designs for The Grill and Lakeside Café, design of the PML Maps and any graphic design projects that come up. Sabre Design created the t-shirts for the Where the Hell is Groveland? Car Show for over 10 years until it ended. Sabre Design was also the firm of record for Tuolumne County Business Council, the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority, and the AMGEN Stage 4 Bicycle Race for its leg in Tuolumne County. Sabre also founded and published AVOW Magazine (for women veterans) and Women Veterans Magazine for multiple states, as well as brand design for the television show "Opportunity Knocks" from the producer of Master Chef. A very exciting project has been working with Nancy Cartwright, better known as the voice of Bart Simpson, on many projects.
Sabre Design also founded in 2010 the ITSA Film Festival running for 8 years and the Back to Nature Film Festival running for 4 years.
Sabre Design has continued to work here in Groveland with local clients: Around the Horn, Trail Less Traveled Bike Store, The Grove Mercantile, PML Auto Parts, Yosemite Adventure Supplies, PML Realty, Top of the Trail, Iron Door Saloon, Camp Tuolumne Trails, Groveland Trailheads (Groveland Grind), Sonora Area Foundation, Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority, Flying Tigers Historical Organization, Black Oak Casino, Tuolumne County Business Council, multiple charities, and Tuolumne County Visitor's Bureau.
Sabre Design was named for our last name, "Wilkinson" playing on the history of the Wilkinson Sword Company based in England. David and Christina have over 65 years combined of professional design experience. We frequently work together on projects, art directing one another.”
Accolades
2000 - Graphic Design USA Award (Top 10% of graphic designers in the nation).
2002 - Washington DC award: National Trust for Historic Preservation 2002.
2004 - Three communication awards: Bronze Quill Awards.
PML Business Connect is here!
Exciting News for PML Members & Local Businesses
PML is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new service for Pine Mountain Lake Association members: Business Connect!
PML Business Connect is located on our homepage at www.pinemountainlake.com
This new online directory is designed to make it easier than ever for our members to connect with contractors and vendors operating right here in and around Pine Mountain Lake. Whether you need help with home repairs, landscaping, local services, or anything in between, this comprehensive directory is your go-to source!
What’s included in every listing?
Comprehensive Contact Information: easily reach out by phone or email.
Pictures: get a visual sense of their work or team.
Direct Contact Form: conveniently send inquiries right from their listing page.
Are you a Contractor or Vendor serving PML?
If you are a current advertiser with the PML News Magazine your business is automatically added as a premium listing in Business Connect (for free!).
To any other qualified contractors and vendors, please submit your listings for FREE until January 2026! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your services directly to the Pine Mountain Lake community. After January 2026, a nominal annual fee of $60 per year will apply.
To add your business to Business Central, click on the Add Listing button and then follow the prompts.
Visit https://pinemountainlake.com/connect today to explore the directory or submit your listing!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow your business and serve our vibrant community!
Recreation Update
Melody Wisdom, Recreation and Seasonal Operations Manager
Just like that—summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye! The kids are heading back to school, vacations are winding down, and the Marina has started to catch its breath. Over the past three months, it’s been wonderful to see so many members and guests out swimming, laughing, and making lifelong memories at Pine Mountain Lake. For those of you who prefer to avoid the summer bustle, now is your time—because the lake is still sparkling, the weather is gorgeous, and the crowds have thinned.
And here’s the best news: the fun doesn’t have to end with Labor Day! Normally, our Lakeside Café would close its doors after the holiday weekend, but this year we’ve decided to keep the good vibes going a little longer. To better serve our members, the Café will remain open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
September 5th-7th - September 12th-14th - September 19th-21st - September 26th-28th
So come down, grab a bite, and enjoy these sunny September weekends at the lake—without the summer rush!
Have you hopped aboard the water taxi yet this season? There’s no better way to kick back, relax, and take in the beauty of Pine Mountain Lake than by zipping around the shoreline—without having to do the driving!
And here’s a fun tip: did you know the water taxi with driver is also available to rent for private one-hour cruises? Picture this—pick up an early dinner or a soft-serve ice cream from the Café, gather up to 18 of your closest friends, and set sail for a peaceful hour on the water. Good food, good company, and our beautiful lake—it doesn’t get much better than that! Evening cruises will continue on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through September. Call the Marina Store to make your reservation now 1 (209) 962-8631.
