PMLA General Managers Message
Joe Powell, PCAM, CCAM-LS, CMCA, AMS
PML Director Resigns and the Board Appoints New Director
PML Director Brian Watson resigned from the Board of Directors as he relocates to his home in Scottland. Brian served our Association well and always encouraged members to attend board meetings and get involved. He fostered transparency, dialogue and positivity at every meeting and event. We wish Brian well in this new chapter of his life and will miss him.
I am pleased to announce that at the September 27th PML Board meeting, the Board of Directors appointed one of our upstanding committee members, Dianne McDermott to fill the open director position. Dianne is a native Californian who has been a resident of PML for the past 5 years. She is married to a retired firefighter and Deputy Fire Marshall with two grown children.
Dianne recently retired from Fremont Bank, where she held the position of Senior Director of Mortgage Operations. In addition to her banking career, Dianne has served as Secretary to the PML Budget and Finance Committee. She is also a member of Brainy Groveland, where she tutors fourth graders. She also taught Budget and Finance at two local community colleges.
Dianne’s commitment to community service includes previous roles such as Board Member of a Homeowners Association (HOA) in Hayward, California, and eight years’ service as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Hayward, one year as the president. She also served as a board member for the PMLA Resident’s Club. One year in the City of Hayward, she was elected Volunteer of the Year. She also served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Hayward for three years.
Dianne has served in several leadership roles and President of several organizations such as the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, the Hayward Education Foundation, and the Mission San Jose Rotary Club.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management team, we congratulate Dianne on her appointment and look forward to working with her.
PML Member Survey Update
The PML triannual member satisfaction survey came to an end on September 30th. Our team and the Long-Range Planning Committee will be reviewing the results, and these results will be reported at the November 15th Board meeting and a final report will be posted to the official PML website for member review.
At the November Board meeting, we will also choose the winners of the three PML gift cards from a drawing of all of the members who chose to participate.
The PML 2026 Budget development process
The PML 2026 Budget development process continues, with the setting of the 2026 Fee Schedule at the September 27th Board meeting. Our Controller Dan will finalize the first draft and roll-up. When that occurs, he will distribute it to the Board, management team and Budget and Finance Committee for review. The individual board members will meet with department managers to review their budgets one more time to ensure that they have a clear understanding as to what is included.
The annual budget meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th at the Lake Lodge and all members are welcome to attend. This is an important meeting as the board will be approving the budget and annual assessment for next year.
PML Roads Refurbishment Project
Our roads refurbishment project is nearly complete. The asphalt and slurry sealing is finished as well as most of the painting of the parking lot and roadway line and parking space striping and road legends. We experienced several challenges during the project this year. While we had planned our work to avoid conflicting with PG&Es undergrounding and power pole replacement schedule, they moved up their 2026 work and it impacted us this year. Additionally, GCSD decided to install their new water line down Mueller Drive and Ferretti Road so that they can relocate their emergency water treatment plant from the PMLA Maintenance yard back to their property.
We have been working with both PG&E and GCSD to lessen the impact of their projects on our project and the membership, but it has been chaotic at best. Regardless, our project will soon be completed and we will work to address and mitigate impacts caused by PG&E and GCSD through constant and thorough communication and we will continue to post information to our members as it becomes available. Hopefully they will both complete their projects before the end of November.
Until next month, wishing everyone a Happy Halloween!
October President’s Message
MIKE GUSTAFSON – PMLA BOARD PRESIDENT
Every season here in the Sierra foothills has its own special feeling and the end of summer and the onset of the fall colors is no different. I admit that summer is my favorite season with warm weather, good boating, lake fun, and excellent flying weather. The fall brings fewer visitors, downtown is quiet, the lake gets quiet and a certain calm falls over our little slice of heaven. Did you know that 70% of our homeowners call Pine Mountain Lake their second home or vacation house? So out of 3400 homes total, only about 1020 are here full time. Those of us lucky enough to live here all year should acknowledge the financial support of the off-the-hill folks. Thank you all!
In early September a major fire swept through Chinese Camp and pretty much destroyed the town. A few structures were saved but the devastation was significant. We are all mourning the loss of the homes and historical buildings, but luckily there was not any loss of life. At almost the same time, a hangar and all its contents burned at the PML airport.
These fires reinforce the importance of everyone doing their best to keep our homes and neighborhoods as fire safe as possible. If you have any questions about how to protect your property, contact our fire safety coordinator Joe Milani at 209.990.5260.
On a happier note, I am pleased to report that Labor Day weekend brought a huge influx of folks to enjoy the last hurrah of summer. By all accounts the number of folks at the Marina, Lake Lodge, golf course, and the Grill rivaled the July 4th weekend! Kind of amazing really, but we are happy to see people enjoying themselves and for the business at the Lake Side Café and the Grill.
At the last Board of Directors meeting some folks complained about the goose problem around PML. I sensed that they might be new to our neighborhood so to be educational here are all the steps we have taken over the years to reduce the goose population:
1. We used dogs, off leash, to drive them away. This works temporarily.
2. We used a remote-control model car/boat to scare them off the grass and beach.
3. We tried loud “bangers” that worked until the noise annoyed the homeowners.
4. We continue to oil their eggs as we find them around the association.
5. We purchased two swans that attacked the geese but they were outnumbered!
6. We coated the grass with a chemical that was supposed to deter the geese from eating same.
7. We tried predator effigies at the Marina and Golf Course to try and scare them off.
8. We tried sterilization pellets and feeding stations.
9. We tried signage to deter people from feeding the geese.
10.We tried laser lights to frighten them off. Didn’t work.
11.We have literally tried every non-lethal method to scare off the geese and none of them have worked effectively.
12.Our latest trial is to hire a professional Guide and hunters who shoot them during the goose hunting season. This is effective and chases the survivors away for a few months.
All of the above efforts worked to some degree but we have not ever been able to permanently “solve” the goose problem. We will keep trying.
For many years, we have worked with a professional lake management consultant and our management team have prepared a PML Canada Geese Management Plan and this is available for member review on the official PML website. The plan details all of the activities that our Association has engaged in to try and resolve the overpopulation of Canada geese in our community.
The October 18th Board of Directors meeting will be dedicated to hashing out the 2026 Budget. It is a long day, but I encourage everyone to attend and see how the sausage is made!
Enjoy the Fall colors!
HONORING PMLA GENERAL MANAGER JOE POWELL AND HIS 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO PML
We would like to congratulate our General Manager, Joe Powell, who has reached an incredible milestone of 35 years with our Association. His hard work and dedication over the years have had a lasting impact on our community and the membership.
Joe started out as a part time bartender at the Country Club (now the Grill), and over the years has served as Bar Manager, interim Club Manager, IT Manager, webmaster, PML News Editor, Assistant General Manager and 20 years as our General Manager.
He’s guided the Association safely through multiple wildfires, floods, community evacuations, lawsuits and largescale projects.
His leadership, work ethic and commitment serve as an example for all of our employees. Thank you Joe for all you’ve done and continue to do.
PMLA Money Matter$
By Dan Szathmary, Association Controller
It’s September, most of summer has come and gone, and we are reviewing how money flowed through PML through August of 2025.
Year to date, PMLA is still performing extremely well to budget. Net Operating Expense, the golden metric of our Operating Fund, is running more than $480k under budget. Vehicle Access fees, the most significant indicator of how much guests are contributing to our financial well-being; broke record for the second year in a row.
All in, operational revenue, the money used to supplement our dues needed to fund PMLA operations, is running over $450K higher than this point last year. That’s the equivalent to a 5% increase in our assessment (aka “HOA dues) for the year. A large percentage of that sales volume are contributions visitors and guests make while enjoying this wonderful community.
The Grill is hitting record sales numbers and the test of being open, at least for lunch, 7 days a week has proven to be a resounding success. The Marina is also showing record numbers, and some heavy hitters in Administration, such as legal fees, are trending down significantly.
The improvements in managing collections and accounts receivable are starting to really bear fruit. It can take 12-18 months to resolve seriously delinquent accounts, even under “normal” conditions. It’s a long road and we are getting there one day at a time. This represents the extra weight members that pay their fair share have to bear from those that don’t. It an issue we take very seriously, and have been working very diligently on it for a considerable amount of time now. The tides are really starting to turn and the published numbers speak for themselves.
The solar project that wrapped up a couple of years ago continues to pay huge dividends. PMLA has realized six figure savings so far thanks to some careful planning, hard work, and many days of sunshine. That PG&E bill still stings, but a lot less than it would have if solar power wasn’t helping us out.
We are continuing to roll out our new Point of Sale system and upgrades to PMLA IT infrastructure overall. Yuris, the “new” IT Director is doing an outstanding job across all departments bringing us up to date with the latest tools and technology. This has had a notable impact on the efficiency of operations, and the rate at which these efforts pay dividends for the members will only grow though this year and next.
With a great wrap up to peak season, you money management team charges in to planning and setting the framework for 2026. Budget time. The best is yet to come.
Would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me anytime. Controller@PineMountainLake.Com or 1-209-962-8606.
Compliance Corner
Suzette Laffranchi - Community Standards Director
They say fall is the best time to branch out and explore!
While you are out there exploring with your furry friend remember the wildlife is out and about too. Squirrels, deer, turkeys, skunks and much more are out looking for their next meal or preparing their bodies for the winter months ahead. It is important that when you are out with your dog to keep them on a leash for the safety of your dog and for the safety of our local wildlife.
Household pets out exploring on their own is a concern in our community. Our Rules and Regulations are clear when it comes to a pet owner’s responsibility. Article VIII, Section 6 of our Association’s CC&Rs tackles the Household Pet issue and an owner’s responsibility to manage their animal’s care, maintenance and control.
Tuolumne County Ordinance code, chapter 6 Animal Control, 6.04.280 Control of dogs. Every owner of a dog shall keep it exclusively upon their own premises: provided, however, that such dog may be off such premises if it is under the control of a person capable and actually restraining the animal by a leash.
Having dogs running loose in our community creates a lot of frustration. It is the owner’s first responsibility to be in control of their animal at all times and allowing them to roam the neighborhood is unacceptable. Letting your dog out and hoping they stay on the property is less than responsible or in control.
Always walk your dog on a leash. Prey animals like rabbits and squirrels will usually run away from your dog, but others will try to defend themselves by various means, like a skunk with his spray. Larger predatory animals like coyotes, mountain lions or bears can attack if chased or confronted by a dog. Either way, your dog is at risk. Be considerate of your neighbors, our wildlife and keep your dog safe, in control and on a leash.
A convenient way to get information, find links, review frequently asked questions, or continue to develop a better understanding of the rules and regulations, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is to visit the Pine Mountain Lake Community Standards web page. You will find our page at www.pinemountainlake.com under the resource tab, click on the Community Standards Icon or Scan the QR code for quick on the go access. Here you will find other resources such as FAQs, a list of common rules, rental registration or the link submit an exterior project such as a dog run.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me, Suzette Laffranchi at 1(209)962-1241 or communitystandards@pinemountainlake.com I will be happy to guide and provide you with the information you need to navigate our governing documents to maintain our beautiful community.
DON’T BLAME THE BEARS
CARRIE HARVEY-COMMUNITY STANDARDS SPECIALIST
Fall is here, and the bears are foraging and getting ready for the cold weather! Have you had the chance to spot one of our furry friends yet? Although we may not see them, they are here, and they are hungry. Bears instinctively avoid people, but we make it easy for them to access unsecured garbage, bird feeders, pet food, livestock and feed, and other human-provided food sources. Maybe it is not a bear problem that we have, but a human problem. We all need to do our part to protect not only the bears, but all wildlife, and ourselves. There are a few ways we can enjoy the bears, while keeping them at a safe distance:
• Make sure your garbage is put out on the morning of your scheduled pick-up day, not the night before.
• Keep garbage cans cleaned, closed and secure.
• Keep grill/smoker cleaned and covered when not in use.
• Do not leave food left unattended when cooking/grilling outdoors.
• Do not feed birds/hummingbirds when bears are active in our area, once they realize bird-feeders are full, they will come back.
• Please do not put food out for the wildlife.
• Keep garage doors closed, to keep bears away from stored pet food.
• Make sure your pet doors are locked at night.
Please be mindful of the bears, and remember we share this beautiful place we call home with them. Let us all do our part to keep them safe and healthy. Bears are very intelligent, and quick learners. They can be active at any time of the day. Be bear aware! If you have any questions regarding compliance, garbage cans, etc., please feel free to reach out, and I will gladly assist you. You can reach me at 1-209-962-1242 or compliance@pinemountainlake.com
Caring for our Dam# Big Dam
STEPHEN McCORD – LAKE MANAGER
Pine Mountain Lake Association owns and operates Big Creek Dam, which holds back the water creating Pine Mountain Lake. The dam was completed in October 1969, and the reservoir first filled and began flowing over the spillway in March 1970. Happy belated 55th birthday!
The dam foundation was dug deep and filled with a grout “curtain”. That center is relatively impermeable clay while most of the structure is just compacted dirt—envision it from the side as a tall, narrow triangle of clay with dirt on either side to hold it in place and large boulders on the surface to protect against erosion. It is elegant in that it efficiently uses the space available (minimizing excavation) and critical material (minimizing expensive grout and imported clay) and stabilizes it all with local material. The concrete spillway, dug into rock, allows large volumes of storm flows to pass quickly and safely around the earthen structure.
Due to the potential catastrophe that a dam failure could cause, Association staff and many others take their responsibilities for dam safety seriously.
The Grumbling Ground
Catastrophic earthquakes elsewhere are useful reminders that the Earth’s tectonic plates are always shifting. The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Earthquake Information Center operates a global Earthquake Hazards Program. Email alerts are sent to me and others for any activity greater than magnitude 4.0 anywhere in the Sierra Nevada region. We periodically monitor movement of the dam itself by precisely surveying a line of 11 “monuments” on the dam crest and tracking if they’re sinking or moving downstream.
The pressure of over 100 feet of water on the dam is significant. So, even with the grout and impermeable clay core for the dam, there is a risk that shifting from an earthquake or pressure from a flood event will change how water seeps through or around the dam. To monitor that, the dam has two wells on the downstream side in which we can observe if water is saturating that side of the dam. [Good news: they’re always dry.]
Also, there is a series of five perforated pipes under the back side of the dam with outlets draining into a small pool. Water does trickle out of those, so we monitor for discoloration (wouldn’t want dirt from the dam to be coming out) and change in flow (as indicated by the pool depth). [More good news: that water is always clear and its flow is always slow and steady.]
Tracking Storms
Dam spillways are designed to handle extreme events. Most of the time, the spillway looks ridiculously over-sized. Yet on the other hand, even a spillway designed to pass a 1-in-500 year storm still means (loosely speaking) that the dam could fail once every 500 years. And even that is based on only a few decades of historical data (could that period have been a long-term drought?), which does not account for expected worse storms associated with climate change.
Storm forecasts trigger lots of activity by the Association so that you can sleep better at night. First, several managers get alerts from weather services about incoming storms. Those lead to increased monitoring of the dam—both inspections by safety and maintenance staff, as well as more frequent checks on the online video camera. Staff are also alerted of high flows from upper Big Creek into the dam and high lake water levels at the dam.
Dig Baby, Dig
One inevitable issue with dams and the lakes they create is that there’s always going to be more sediment coming in than going out—some material settles onto the lakebed. Most mountain meadows used to be lakes, which filled in over time. And likewise, Pine Mountain Lake will eventually have to be renamed Pine Mountain Meadow if the accumulated material is not removed. Sedimentation is a major hassle for lakeshore property owners in the coves (which fill in first), plus it removes space that could dampen the flood flows to relieve the spillway. But removing sediment from the lake is a major hassle and a major upcoming expense that the Association is wrestling with.
Community members can help by minimizing erosion and keeping other materials out of the lake, staying away from the dam and spillway, and alerting staff of trespassing or vandalizing around the dam.
[Stephen McCord is the Association’s Lake Manager. He is a Certified Lake Manager with the North American Lake Management Society and a registered Professional Engineer in California. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of California Davis. He is President of McCord Environmental, Inc., based in Davis, CA. Comments and questions can be sent via email to sam@mccenv.com.]
Recreation Update
Melody Wisdom- Recreation and Seasonal Operations Manager
Sharing the Lake with Our Feathered Neighbors
Pine Mountain Lake is having some beautiful fall weather, crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and stunning lake views framed by autumn colors. Members and guests are out soaking up every last bit of the beauty. But we’re not the only ones enjoying the lake… the geese have returned in full feathery glory, strutting the beaches like they’re on vacation too.
Whether they’re sunbathing on the docks, sneaking snacks in the grass, or organizing a honking choir at sunrise, the geese are here to stay. And while we love them as part of the lake life experience, we need to set some ground rules, both for their sake and ours.
Goose Etiquette 101
Don’t feed the geese. Bread, chips, and snacks may feel like a friendly gesture, but it actually makes them sick, encourages overpopulation, and guarantees more goose “gifts” on our lawns, beaches, and docks.
Don’t throw things at the geese. Aside from being downright rude, it’s against the law to harass wildlife. Tossing objects at geese can result in more than just angry honks—it can result in legal trouble.
Do admire them from a distance. Watch their antics, snap a photo, and enjoy the free entertainment.
The Bottom Line
The weather is beautiful, the lake is full of life, and we’re all lucky to share it. Let’s enjoy these autumn days together, people and geese alike without breaking the law or turning our beaches into a goose buffet.
So next time you see a goose waddling proudly across the beach, give it a respectful nod, resist the urge to share your snacks, and remember: Pine Mountain Lake is big enough for all of us.
For more information, contact Melody Wisdom at 1(209) 962-8604.
Don’t Hesitate, Don’t Wait
Natalie Trujillo, Director of Safety
The Main Gate will often receive a sudden deluge of reports from members that seem to store up information like squirrels store nuts for winter. Sometimes it’s things that might have happened three years ago, sometimes it’s a problem that’s been going on for months unresolved.
Please don’t wait until an issue, problem, etc. has reached a fever pitch or is completely unbearable, or even scary, before reporting it to the Main Gate. It may be that we advise you to pass your concern, issue, or violation information on to another department or higher agency so that it can be properly addressed and rectified. At your request we can even create a record of your reports under a ‘for information only’ label when no action need yet be taken.
The ability to track the progression or rates of occurrence for a specific issue or concern is invaluable. On top of this, it becomes exponentially more challenging to investigate crimes, violations or what have you when the person reporting it only has a vague idea of when it might have happened. Details can become hazy and things that may not have seemed relevant at the time could potentially form a pattern or indicate a bigger issue as time goes on. As I have seen personally so many times with gate violations alone, memory is not infallible. What a person may have recollected happened at a certain time can turn into an uncertain time when hours or even days pass before it is reported to us. Specific time and details matter so much. Don’t wait to call.
If there is something you would like to share with us via video, please make sure you include information on the date and time when the video was taken. Videos can be emailed directly to the Main Gate at maingate@pinemountainlake.com
Any objectionable or suspicious activity can be reported to the Main Gate at 1 (209) 962-8615 as Safety Officers are on-duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Friendly Reminders for Life at Pine Mountain Lake
By John Ferles, Rental Compliance Coordinator
Life at Pine Mountain Lake is all about enjoying the peace and beauty of our community while respecting one another and the environment we share. To help keep things running smoothly, here are a few end of summer reminders from your Rental Compliance Coordinator!
Quiet Hours
Our quiet hours run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This is the time when everyone—residents, vacationers, and even the wildlife—get their well-deserved rest. Please be mindful of noise during these hours so that everyone can enjoy the calm of Pine Mountain Lake nights.
Dogs in the Community
We love our four-legged friends, but remember: dogs must be leashed at all times, and they are not permitted at any of the beaches. While out on walks, please clean up after them. A little courtesy goes a long way toward keeping our trails and streets welcoming for everyone.
Garbage and Trash
Please reinforce to your guests not to leave garbage outside your home. Instead, have them connect with your property manager if they have questions on proper disposal. This simple step helps us avoid unwanted visits from wildlife and keeps our community clean.
Water Taxi Service
The marina store is your source for the latest information on water taxi hours. You can reach them directly at 209-962-8631.
Parking Rules
To keep roads clear and safe, no parking is allowed on the streets. Please make sure to let your guests know where they should be parked when arriving at your property!
Driving and Traffic Safety
Please obey all posted traffic signs and speed limits. The maximum speed within Pine Mountain Lake is 25 miles per hour. Set an example for everyone coming from near or far! Driving slowly protects not just our neighbors but also the deer, turkeys, and other wildlife that share our community.
Private Property
Please do not trespass or park on private property. Respect for one another’s space is one of the cornerstones of life here.
Boating on the Lake
Only property owners may launch personal watercraft on Pine Mountain Lake. If you’d like to enjoy the water without owning a boat, rentals are available through the Marina store May-September.
By following these guidelines, we ensure that Pine Mountain Lake remains a safe, peaceful, and welcoming place for all. Thank you for doing your part as a neighbor to uphold the values that make our community such a special place to live.
Is it haunted, or Just Falling Apart?
Ashley Henderson - Architectural Control Specialist
Picture this: You’ve just bought your home for a killer deal—the papers are signed, you’ve got your gate cards in hand, and you start moving in. But slowly you start to realize that deck is creaking like the Tell-Tale Heart, and the lights flicker with alarming regularity. And, is that…moaning coming from the walls? Surely you can’t be those people, right? You know, the cliché ones in the horror movies who have inadvertently dropped their entire life savings into a haunted house?!
While fun to catastrophize that Casper the not so friendly ghost has unwittingly become your roommate, it’s unfortunately far more likely that you have come face to face with the chilling reality of an older home in need of some TLC. That creaking deck? Needs to be replaced. The flickering lights? The electrical panel is on the fritz. The moaning walls? That’s the HVAC system’s death rattle. So, while not the preferred circumstances, at least they’re not paranormal.
Prior to beginning any work, all exterior projects must be submitted to the Environmental Control Committee for approval. For your convenience, all projects can easily be submitted online at: https://www.pinemountainlake.com/ecc-project-submittal-process For specific project requirements, you can review our newly updated ECC Guidelines which can be found on our website. Just sign into the My PML tab, and then navigate to the governance tab.
And, while I may not be able to help decipher if the flickering lights are actually Casper’s morse code way of communicating with you, I am more than happy to assist you with submitting your more corporeal projects. I can be reached at 1-209-962-8605 or ecc@pinemountainlake.com
October at the Barn
KENDRA BROWN – EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Fall is upon us, bringing cooler evenings and warm afternoons. These changing conditions can be hard on horses, and veterinarians remind us that this is a prime time for colic. Please make sure your horses continue to drink plenty of water as the weather shifts. Before long, blankets will be coming out to keep horses comfortable through dropping temperatures, so now is a great time to have them washed and ready before the cold truly sets in.
October is also bringing some exciting events to the PMLA Equestrian Center. On Saturday, October 18th, we are proud to host Dave Stamey and Jennifer Grant in concert. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased on our website or at the barn office. Pricing is $40 for the concert only or $65 for dinner and concert. Dinner will feature tri-tip, a baked potato bar, salad, and dessert. Gates open at 4:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m., and the music begins at 5:00 p.m. A no-host bar will be available, but please note that outside food and alcohol are not permitted. Guests are welcome to bring their own seating to enjoy the show.
The fun continues the following weekend with our first-ever Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25th, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and families can look forward to a variety of activities, including a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a petting zoo, and games for all ages. At 2:00 p.m., we will host an inflatable costume race that is free to enter, with categories for both kids and adults. We encourage everyone to bring a family-friendly inflatable and join in the fun.
For tickets or more information about either event, please call the barn office at 1 (209) 962-8667 or visit us online at www.pmlequestriancenter.com
Open Monday-Sunday 7:00am-5:00pm
13309 Clifton Way
Office: 209-962-8667
