YLP Life

[Kahlua Kid]

There have been so many rumors about YLP that I've heard over the last 2 1/2 years about costs, rules, mistruths, half-truths, etc...

Now that we've owned a home there for a couple months, so far I've learned not to believe all you hear.

For instance... one time there was a post about the septic aeration costing $30 ($1 a day) to run... Well, our rental home has been vacant for 2 months and my electric bill this past month was $8.00 (and that's with the security lights on at night, refrigerator plugged in, lights and central heat or air on when we go to show...) So one myth, now dispelled!

Any other Negatives or Positives you've found about YLP?

I'm finding positives so far...

Centrally located (fairly close to Fresno or Oakhurst or Madera)

Homes well-kept - no junk allowed to accumulate

CC&Rs aren't really that restrictive! (We lived in a condo years ago, and the rules were way more strict and confining).

Roads are well cared for/maintained

Rivergold School very close by

Community Pool, Golf, hiking trails, stables,

Close by gas, grocery store, and hardware store

I'll think of others I'm sure!

[Kahlua Kid]

Congrats Shiela!

Hey Mr. Sandman... do I get some Karma for helping you take your packages out to your Jeep at the Post Office!!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif Great to see you - have fun with the fam!

[Isah Moore]

Are you kidding? The roads are awful!, Except for the parkway. You just have not seen the homes with junk all over, they are out there.
Try going out on North Dome near the end to Quail court or the next left, can't remember which. (House on the corner) See Jethro and his brothers house if you know what I mean...
There is much much more negative but I don't have the time. See the "old" YLP forums for more.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Isah... if ya dont like YLP then stay outta YLP.

[Isah Moore]

I know, I know You Love YLP. (I read here more than I post)
There are some things I like about YLP.
My post was about some things I don't like and it was not directed at/for you...
I'll go to my home in YLP any time I want, (too bad) regardless of how much I like or don't like YLP (take a chill pill Yosemite Wolf)
geez

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Wolf gives the chill pill to Isah. You dont like YLP so I suggest putting your home up for sale since you dont even live here full time.

[Kahlua Kid]

Originally posted by Isah Moore:
Are you kidding? The roads are awful!, Except for the parkway. You just have not seen the homes with junk all over, they are out there.
Try going out on North Dome near the end to Quail court or the next left, can't remember which. (House on the corner) See Jethro and his brothers house if you know what I mean...
There is much much more negative but I don't have the time. See the "old" YLP forums for more.

Haven't been up North Dome... We're off Long Hollow and the road is great and all that I've seen along Revis, Stetson, etc... have all been nice, smooth pavement.

If junk is accumulating, per the CC&Rs, not allowed - maybe the neighbors just don't want to turn them in and keep peace?

Have had our property for 4 months now - we have a very happy tenant and I'm still happy with YLP thus far!

When you buy into a community with CC&Rs, you do need to look before you leap and understand what you are getting into. HOA Boards are tough to be on (I used to be President of one for 4 years at our condo) and it can get political if the Board allows it to... And if they are making decisions they feel are in the best interest of the entire community that may go against what one or a few homeowners want. I get that, and understood exactly what I was getting into.

For 2 years, I had been going through and around YLP, listening to all the chatter, visiting the YLP Boards well before we decided, its a good place to purchase!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

buy that Kahlua Kid a "toasted almond!" Lots of stuff that is illegal according to the CC and R's is ignored.... and i reckon its cos ppl just dont want to cause a fuss or piss off the neighbours.

[Isah Moore]

Your posting wrong information wolfie! I never said I don't live here full time.
I'll see you around the park...
and...
Dont assume anything, lesson 1

run your mouth some more http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif

[beautiful_mess38]

Go check out *********.com

You need to understand there is alot of "old blood" on the board. When that "old blood" or "the good ole boys club" dies off and the "new blood" takes over there will be alot of changes.

As of today I heard some people got fired from the board. They say it's because of *********.com..Funny thats only been around for a couple of months and the "ole boys club" have been around for 20 yrs.

I like living here. Rivergold is a great school. If you get to know the right people here you have some good friends. I like the close community lifestyle. And if I need to run to Fresno it doesnt take an hour.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

I like living here too. I have some really cool nearby neighbours, its nice to have ppl near by you can depend on like someone to watch your dogs, feed them etc etc. And though we are not truely in "the Mountains" YLP is still outta fresno, outta fresno county, and yet close enough so that I dont have a long hard drive to fresburg to work.

[Dodgergirl]

We looked in YLP when we were ready to buy, but I needed the tall pines, some snow in winter & as a bonus I got one of the best neighbors I could ask for...
And wolfie, I know if I needed you, you;d drive wayyyyy up here to help me out. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

thats right dodge.... dial a nurse http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif. And I really had a win win situation... either move to YLP and be neighbours with a Mess..... or move to NorthFork (which i considered) and be neighbours with a dodgerfan and a sandy dude.

[allsierra123]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
buy that Kahlua Kid a "toasted almond!" Lots of stuff that is illegal according to the CC and R's is ignored.... and i reckon its cos ppl just dont want to cause a fuss or piss off the neighbours.

Try living next to the president.IT was a 100% miserable experience and the sole reason why we left YLP.Its a great starter place to get of of fresno to.But it is no where anyone wants to stay permanently.It was originaly a retirement community and they just can seem to shake that mentality.Thats the reason for the assinine cc&r.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Like Messy says... the "good ol boys" are gonna die and the new blood will come in. one of my best friends in the park is an ex president of the board.... and the cc and r's arent that bad... i mean.. try living in Quail Lakes in Clovis.. where they come pissing down your neck on 1 Jan and tell ya "take down the xmas lights" or "you have to bring your rubbish cans in" or "you cant park your car in the driveway"
We dont get that here.

[Kahlua Kid]

CC&Rs are meant to keep a community looking good - no junk piling up - no purple houses - no offensive noises... etc.

The CC&Rs that YLP has make sense to me. But maybe that's because I've lived in a Community with CC&Rs before.

As you said YW, some other communities have really restrictive rules like you can't park in your driveway or on the street overnight - can't keep your garage door up if you weren't in the garage, etc... (that was my mother-in-laws's community's rule in Las Vegas - we'd go to visit and nowhere to park!!! And those who lived there with nothing better to do would go around and leave notes and then report to the association!)

Our Condo association had rules - most made great sense just common sense type rules to respect your neighbors and their right to enjoy their property in peace, quiet and beauty - same as YLPs.

I've found nothing offensive about the YLP CC&Rs - if I had, I would have backed out of buying there when we were in escrow - you have the right to do so within so many days of reviewing the Association's financials, reserve reports, CC&Rs, etc... I even made quite a few phone calls while in escrow to the YLP Water Dept., YLP Office, and talked with a board member to ask LOTS of questions and everyone was very helpful, polite and took the time to answer my detailed questions.

For those who don't like rules and want to do whatever you want with your property, then a community with CC&Rs is not your bag - and that's fine - that's what America is all about - differing opinions and choices!

I live outside YLP by choice- we like to do what we want with our property without anyone telling me what to do or not to do... but I absolutely HATE my neighbors junk in his pasture that continues to collect and grow larger... or other neighbors' dogs running loose and constantly coming over on to my property to chase our cats... but we don't have CC&Rs that would stop these things and its my neighbors' right to pile junk on his property if he wants... nothing I can do unless its a health/safety hazard that the county would step in to stop... and its not.

I personally like the orderliness CC&Rs create within a neighborhood.

So CC&Rs can be good if you don't mind living with rules that help protect your own property values... Or they can be cumbersome if you feel they are unreasonable.

But I do agree, Boardof Directors are human. And if the wrong group is together on a Board, they can get big heads and act as if they own the place... that's not a good Board when that happens and at the next Annual Meeting, different Board members should be nominated and voted in to help keep fresh ideas and blood on the Board so there can be no close friendships that cause collusion, monopolistic thinking and/or PowerGrabs.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

and KK... you forgot about the amenities... gas station tho a bit over priced, liquor store, grocery store, postal station, clubhouse etc etc
its nice to have a market a few minutes down the road.... even if i just use it for "forgotton items" in fresno.

[allsierra123]

no you are right i have seen more restrictive as well.But its pretty bad when you want to load the quads or bike onto the trailor and as soon as you start them you have someone call security on you for noise disturbance.But as you mentioned there is a place for everyone.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

That could happen in Oakhurst. You just had an A-hole neighbour.... I had one of those in Indian Lakes.

[allsierra123]

it could happen but there is no law in place that says i can be fined or anything.

[beautiful_mess38]

That's only because you lived next to the pres. allsierra. Other people usually don't mind.

[mountain]

So sorry,

Septic aerators costs $20-$25 per month for electricity.

Roads are very bad and the road fund has been depleted. No more money to fix roads unless fees go up alot.

YLP is managed by senior citizens who want others to pay for food and golf, while those seniors hope the road and water system has more life then they do.

A huge bill is due in the future from the lack of proper managemnet of YLp.

[mountain]

Originally posted by mountain:
So sorry,

Septic aerators costs $20-$25 per month for electricity.

Roads are very bad and the road fund has been depleted. No more money to fix roads unless fees go up alot.

YLP is managed by senior citizens who want others to pay for food and golf, while those seniors hope the road and water system has more life then they do.

A huge bill is due in the future from the lack of proper managemnet of YLp.

Oh and by the way, the home price appreciation of YLP relative to Coarsegold over 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years is that Coarsegold homes go up by 3% more per year.

YLP is the slum community of the foothills. Enjoy it.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Mountain... cant you try to be positive for once?

[Newcomer]

Do you live there Mountain?

I know for a fact our electric bill did not excess $14 a month when the home was vacant and that was with the sprinklers going and porch/security lights on at night - so the septic aerator did not cost $25 a month.

I talked personally at great length with the Treasurer of the Board about their road funds, budgeting and reserves and how they are managing the road repair and water pipe issue. No, they don't have the couple million it would take to go in and replace all pipes... so they are working on them on an as-needed basis. Repairing/fixing as they burst. Over time, the majority will be repaired.

They can't bill all the homes a huge assessment, noone would be able to afford it, so its will be taken and completed over time.

I have not seen the roads are bad - where? Name the place? Yes, when they must dig up a burst pipe it will be an inconvenience for a short time...

The YLP Rumors really need to be put to rest. Its ridiculous to spread such negativity. Things need to be repaired, its a reality everywhere - have you driven road 416 Spinelli lately - that's the lovely counties' responsibility... or how about Wells Road where a road committee district is facing an issue with lack of funding for chip sealing due to the high cost of asphalt/petroleum related products... or perhaps Douglas - now theres a lovely county maintained road! Its not just YLP that faces similar challenges.

And since when is a neighborhood with homes valued from $250,000 to over $1 million considered a slum?

[EdBailey]

I hear a lot more positives coming from people who live in YLP than people who don't. I have recently sold two homes in YLP. The buyers are very happy living there and glad they found it.

[mountain]

I know for a fact that my rental cost $20-$25 per month, but it depends on how long each day you run the aerator. The standadrd is 12 hours per day per YLP and the county. If your run it less, then you will get a smaller bill. Also, many homes in YLP need an additional pump for hills. Aerators costs alot more.

Sorry, but the roads are in complete dis-repair and need $20 to $30 miilion dollars from homeowners to get the roads up to minimal county standard.

Your Treasurer is simply not providing all the facts. I suggest that you dig into the issue with him. For instance, the reserves are based on a study done in 2000 when oil was under $20 per barrel and construction costs were low compared to today. Well, roads are mostly oil and construction costs have soared, so guess what, costs have sky-rocketed but the reserves have been run down to nothing.

The water system is in better shape because of an 55% to 80% increase in water rates a few years ago, but the management of the water company is questionable. Why else would a grass root effert emerge in mass to have the COUNTY take over the water system?

Why stop at the water system when the roads and all other services are so badly managed by a handfull of Directors who are not qualified to manage such services.

Really, do you trust a few old men to run the water, roads, and restaurants at YLP? Nothing in there past experience or successes suggests that things will improve.

[mountain]

Originally posted by Newcomer:
Do you live there Mountain?

I know for a fact our electric bill did not excess $14 a month when the home was vacant and that was with the sprinklers going and porch/security lights on at night - so the septic aerator did not cost $25 a month.

I talked personally at great length with the Treasurer of the Board about their road funds, budgeting and reserves and how they are managing the road repair and water pipe issue. No, they don't have the couple million it would take to go in and replace all pipes... so they are working on them on an as-needed basis. Repairing/fixing as they burst. Over time, the majority will be repaired.

They can't bill all the homes a huge assessment, noone would be able to afford it, so its will be taken and completed over time.

I have not seen the roads are bad - where? Name the place? Yes, when they must dig up a burst pipe it will be an inconvenience for a short time...

The YLP Rumors really need to be put to rest. Its ridiculous to spread such negativity. Things need to be repaired, its a reality everywhere - have you driven road 416 Spinelli lately - that's the lovely counties' responsibility... or how about Wells Road where a road committee district is facing an issue with lack of funding for chip sealing due to the high cost of asphalt/petroleum related products... or perhaps Douglas - now theres a lovely county maintained road! Its not just YLP that faces similar challenges.

And since when is a neighborhood with homes valued from $250,000 to over $1 million considered a slum?

A slum is a relative term: Since Homes in YLP appreciate by 3% less per year then in its surrounding area, I consider it to be a slum. Go to www.zillow.com (http://www.zillow.com) or www.realestateabc.com (http://www.realestateabc.com) to verify these figures. Over ten years, the loss of equity by living in YLP is astounding.

The aearotr bill difference maybe just the year of the bill and how long your aerator runs each hour. The YLP law is that you run the aerator 12 hours per day. If you run it less ( contrary to YLP and County standards), then your bill is alot less.

The YLP Board is authorized to raise fees each and every year by 20% plus an assessment of 5% of total budget without any prior voter approval. This is more power than government ooficials have.

Can you trust such persons with so much power?

The roads are in incomplete dis-repair, so I am shocked that you are not aware of this problem.

Do you really need street names???

I hope that you do not mind paying a new fee of $500 per year for the roads for the next 20 years. Maybe $700 per year.

But I am sure your friend, the Treasurer, has told you otherwise.

Perhaps, the same treasurer was the one who had the guts and intelligence to tell the community that the cost to repair the water pipes was $15 million when the original study concluded that $6 to $8 was sufficient.

YLP is an unsual community. The owners must pay for the water, roads, parks, restaurants, community center etc. yet the community is governed by a few persons who know little or nothing about the above activities or how to govern a city like community.

Really now, can you trust YLP to be governed by a Board that has for many years authorized that food represent 25% or more of the total budgeted losses. Really, this is bad management.

A sure fire formula for disasater as proven by the current and past performance of the YLP Board of Directors.

Sound business practices must be restored to YLP, but such a dream or hope is an allusion.

Home values will continue to drop. YLP is the slum of the foothills.

[EdBailey]

Actual sales figures taken from Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors MLS reveal that the average(mean) selling price for homes in YLP for the first 8 month of 2006 were 6.7 percent above the average selling price for the same period last year. 2005 average $315,692. 2006 average $336,909. Such increase in value in a "buyers' market" does not indicate a slum area to me.

I'm curious as to where the negative criticism of YLP is coming from. Is it from experience of living in the park, or from hearsay?

[beautiful_mess38]

I have lived in YLP for 3 1/2 years. I have seen worse roads outside of YLP. (and i drive all over ylp)

I do no consider YLP a slum area. Being I'm from southern CA and have been coming up here all my life, I have seen the real slums.

If your so negative about YLP mountain sell your rental and get the hell out.

There are alot of positves about living here especially if you have kids. This is a small close nit community where it benefits people like me.

Hey mountain I dare you to post this crap on *********.com...lets see what kind of reactions you get.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

if YLP is a slum.. then why did I earn OVER 100K in equity in ONE year? If ya wanna see slum.. go drive up 41 or 400 and look at all the pretty trash and junk and crapped out trailors on ppls land. This isnt about street names Mountain. And YLP ppl arent the only ones in the area who pay for water. When I lived in Fresno, guess what.. had to pay the city 50 something a month for water. When I lived in Paso Robles, had to pay the city 75bucks a month for water (and that was 12 yrs ago too).

[Kahlua Kid]

YLP is a nice community of homes - some upscale, some Western, Brickers, others custom... The homes are clean, no trash or junk piled high rusting in the yards.

I like YLP - and I don't live there. I liked it so much, I bought my mother's future home there.

So, say what you will. I like its amenities (pool, golf, horse stables, hiking trails, clubhouse, grocery and hardware stores, gas station, churches, restaurants), I like its proximity to Fresno, I even like its CC&Rs that keep the community looking fresh, clean and nice all the time.

Issues with water? Yup - I did... but not with YLP - on my property outside of YLP in Coarsegold where I had to pay over $10,000 (ME... not a group of homeowners) to drill and find more water when my "free" well went dry. So pick your poison...

And when I lived in the city I paid for water at $75 a month... so YLP's bill doesn't bother those who are used to paying for water in the city. Water is a precious resource and in the future we'll all be paying highly for it.

And the roads? I don't see where they are that terrible. I drive the 415 (Raymond Road) and other local roads with their pits and cracks... The county does less to maintain their roads than YLP does.

So... where do our property taxes go anyways? Why are we paying our full property tax and not getting what someone living inside Madera city proper gets (nice paved roads, streetlights, sidewalks, sewer, water...) We should ban to together and create a Citizen's Action Group to make them allocate an appropriate % of our property tax dollars back to the mountains for improvements such as our roads and/or give us a credit, cause they aren't giving back the same dollars we are sending in to them... its like we're sending our money overseas and its only down the mountain 30 miles away... And before you all jump on me, I realize we get Sheriff and Fire support... I just would like to see them send a more back for other improvements.

[beautiful_mess38]

In a recent post I said YLP is a great place to live especially if you have kids and living here benefits me.

We recieved a bulletin from the school regarding a man whom asked some kids if they needed a ride home. The kids said no (thank God) ran home and told thier parents.

2 days later on Friday this man was caught infront of the school.

With YLP being such a close community and everyone knowing everyone details get out. Friday morning a parent noticed this man. She called the school and 911. Sheriff came and took him away.

[mountain]

Hello,

YLP is not a bad place to live, in fact it is a great place to live. Both the people and its environment are top notch.

My comments were and are directed at the inane management of YLP. The HOA is nothing sort of of total joke in how it manages the park.

So I am sure you will disagree but that is ok.

YLP should be disovled and taken over by the county.

It is a badly managed organization.

[mountain]

Well,

No one objectively or factually rebutted my statements about YLP management.

Therefore, YLP is mismanaged.


Please provides facts to the contrary.

[Dodgergirl]

Originally posted by mountain:
Well,

No one objectively or factually rebutted my statements about YLP management.

Therefore, YLP is mismanaged.


Please provides facts to the contrary.

Ya gotta give um more than 5 minutes...

[beautiful_mess38]

Like I said before mountain, go to *********.com and discuss this issue with them. They actually live in YLP. As a matter of fact I had them come here and read your post you wrote in Sept. No one has seen you over there yet.
So, what are you waiting for...get going

[mountain]

Hey B Mess,

Let's get it on here.

I do not care about other forums.

I have yet to hear objectively or factually about any of my statements of "facts" concerning YLP management.

Specifically but not all-inclusively , I mentioned that YLP was mismanaged, road reserves were understated, etc. I can mention alot more about how YLP is mismanaged if you wish....

All, I heard is emotional ramblings and very little or no factual discussions on YLP.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

what.. you dont want to debate with the YLPers? You just want to trash the community?

[Kahlua Kid]

Originally posted by mountain:

I have yet to hear objectively or factually about any of my statements of "facts" concerning YLP management.

Specifically but not all-inclusively , I mentioned that YLP was mismanaged, road reserves were understated, etc. I can mention alot more about how YLP is mismanaged if you wish....


We haven't had a chance to get to know our YLP Board. Just too dang busy to get to the meetings. But we do keep an eye on the financials, etc. when we receive our packets. And yup, I saw where the restaurants and golf pro shop run at a deficit. But you know what - if the homeowners want to subsidize them to have the convenience, that is fine with me. I like having Blue Heron there. And the road budget, etc...

I sat on a condo HOA board of 180 units (YLP has far more than that to deal with and miles and miles of road and water pipes/distribution; you could almost call YLP a small town to run) for 4 years during a multi-million latent defect lawsuit (and my husband sat on it for 2 years following me during the reconstruction years following the lawsuit judgement and payout) and know what it takes to run an HOA - all the responsibilies, hard decisions, and of course complaints - you can't make all the people happy all the time. You have only a limited amount of resources/funds and many demands; it takes prioritization. Just can't just keep going back to the money well (the homeowners) for outrageous and unlimited amounts of funds - they won't cough it up.

[beautiful_mess38]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mountain:
Hey B Mess,

Let's get it on here.

I do not care about other forums.

I have yet to hear objectively or factually about any of my statements of "facts" concerning YLP management.

Specifically but not all-inclusively , I mentioned that YLP was mismanaged, road reserves were understated, etc. I can mention alot more about how YLP is mismanaged if you wish....

All, I heard is emotional ramblings and very little or no factual discussions on YLP.

------------------------------------------------

First of all there are statements of yours that I agree with. There are also some I don't.

There are only a very few on this forum that live in YLP. KK has a rental.

To be honest, I think it's cowardly of you to debate YLP on this forum instead of a forum related specifically to YLP like *********.com

There is a new GM for YLP and he's has gotten involved far enough to read and post on the forum. I am also smart enough to know the board can over rule him anytime. I do however, give him credit for getting involved with what the people have to say.

[beautiful_mess38]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by beautiful_mess38:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by mountain:
Hey B Mess,

Let's get it on here.

I do not care about other forums.

I have yet to hear objectively or factually about any of my statements of "facts" concerning YLP management.

Specifically but not all-inclusively , I mentioned that YLP was mismanaged, road reserves were understated, etc. I can mention alot more about how YLP is mismanaged if you wish....

All, I heard is emotional ramblings and very little or no factual discussions on YLP.

------------------------------------------------

First of all there are statements of yours that I agree with. There are also some I don't.

There are only a very few on this forum that live in YLP. KK has a rental.

To be honest, I think it's cowardly of you to debate YLP on this forum instead of a forum related specifically to YLP like *********.com

There is a new GM for YLP and he has gotten involved far enough to read and post on the forum. I am also smart enough to know the board can over rule him anytime. I do however, give him credit for getting involved with what the people have to say.

So again I challenge you to go to *********.com and debate us there. I'm not going to do it here because the people on this forum really don't care.

[SheilaMae]

mountain,
People I do know and care on this forum DO live in YLP and KK and Newcomer as property owners do have as much stake and say there as any "resident" seeing as that is an investment holding for them. (do you own a business or have investment holdings of interest?) And I agree with Mess - your issues are better exposed in the forum she suggests to get the kind of response you seem to be calling for. If you can't be at least that reasonable it seems pointless for the rest of us to take your concerns seriously here.

[mountain]

Hi,

Great Avatar for the time of season.

YLP is part of Coarsegold and Coarsegold is part of Easstern Madera County which includes among others Oakhurst. Hence, YLP is a valid discussion here.

Oddly, both Oakhurst and Coarsegold are seemlessly tied toghether.

Why not include Frank and Factual discussions here about YLP or North Fork etc???

Mountain

[Yosemite_Wolf]

but why dont you go discuss your issues in a forum that is YLP focused.. or are you afraid of being shot down?

well.. youve been shot down... so whats the problem?

[mountain]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
what.. you dont want to debate with the YLPers? You just want to trash the community?

Wrong again. I own investement property in YLP, so trashing it is not my aim. I want to improve YLP so that the home values come closer to Eastern Madera. YLP home values are under-valued. A few but significant changer over many and many years can change the valuation scene.

Again, look at the conclusions from web sites for YLP home values. I have previously provided these web sites. A change is needed.

I am on your side but some of you won'tv believe that.

[mountain]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
but why dont you go discuss your issues in a forum that is YLP focused.. or are you afraid of being shot down?

well.. youve been shot down... so whats the problem?

Hey,

Who shot me down????

Why not discuss YLP here? YLP is part of Eastern Madera. We are all one big family, aren't we?

[Kahlua Kid]

I think what they may be aiming at is at the YLP forum, you'd get more of the audience you are seeking - people specifically interested in YLP and a larger group to discuss it with.

There is nothing wrong with discussing YLP here in my opinion - the boards are open for local discussions as well as if we wanted to debate anything worldwide...

Originally posted by mountain:

I have yet to hear objectively or factually about any of my statements of "facts" concerning YLP management.

Specifically but not all-inclusively , I mentioned that YLP was mismanaged, road reserves were understated, etc. I can mention alot more about how YLP is mismanaged if you wish....


We haven't had a chance to get to know our YLP Board. Just too dang busy to get to the meetings. But we do keep an eye on the financials, etc. when we receive our packets. And yup, I saw where the restaurants and golf pro shop run at a deficit. But you know what - if the homeowners want to subsidize them to have the convenience, that is fine with me. I like having Blue Heron there.

And the road budget, that is a whole other story... Without a reserve study, that really takes into account the water pipe issue along side road repair, one can't say for certain if its underfunded or not. The only way to really know - is get on the board and get the real scoop. Get involved.

I sat on a condo HOA board of 180 units (YLP has far more than that to deal with and miles and miles of road and water pipes/distribution; you could almost call YLP a small town to run) for 4 years during a multi-million latent defect lawsuit (and my husband sat on it for 2 years following me during the reconstruction years following the lawsuit judgement and payout) and know what it takes to run an HOA - all the responsibilies, hard decisions, and of course complaints - you can't make all the people happy all the time. You have only a limited amount of resources/funds and many demands; it takes prioritization. Just can't just keep going back to the money well (the homeowners) for outrageous and unlimited amounts of funds - they won't cough it up.

As I understand it there are many retirees who live there on fixed income who come unglued any time the YLP board seeks more money.

Its always going to be a balancing act - just like any city, business or household facing the same issues: limited resources vs. a laundry list of needs that need to be addressed.

I think part of the undervalued pricing in YLP just has to do with it having an association to start with - many people don't like the fees or rules that live here in the mountains. It was like that in So Cal too when Associations first started coming out - we thought it was a waist of money to have others telling you what to do with your property. But those coming from the cities understand it, have lived within CC&Rs before and some appreciate it (keeps the neighborhood up). I think with YLPs proximity to Fresno, it will become a front runner in the future for values because its close to Fresno, but its still "city-like", but its a little country too (due to the size lots) and its got the mountain atmosphere (Ok... John@3300... foothill atmosphere) you can't get in the Valley. Only time will tell.

[mountain]

Kahlua Kid,

I agree with alot of your comments.

YLP property is under-valued because of the HOA and the Directors have not made the correct business decision to invest HOA fees into roads and water which are at the heart of property values while preserving property rights. The Diectors are intrusive while they fail to protect the property rights or the rights under the CC&R's. The worst of all scenarios.

Specifically, the YLP Directors have failed to abide by it's own CC&R's to allow owners to use
recreational property. Instead, the Directors have closed off thousands upon acreas of open land , rendering it worthless to all members.

I find it hard to understand why the Directors decide to spend so much money on subsidizing food and golf while the basic infrastructure falls apart. The priorities are wrong.

Most YLP residents have given up on YLP Directors. They have proven time and time again that their interest are not for the residents at large. A typical yet unfortunate syndrome of many HOA. THE REAL ESTATE FIGURES SUPPORT THIS FACT.

Yes, many retires live in YLP and have a big hand in how much money is spent . I have a Mom on fixed income and I know how the problems. But do these seniors really understand how much money is wasted on free food? Do they understand that their annual fees are most likely understated by $300 to $600 per year? If provided the correct facts, the seniors would surely rally around the flag. They do indeed have an vested interest. Seniors have kids and grand kids which they care and love for.

As far as the road reserves goes, you are right to want a road reserve study. But let me add a very stinty comment: Last year the Directors approved spending $350,000 on oil and rocks
(my terms) for 14 miles of roads. This procedure is required for all roads each and every three years. YLP has 55 miles of road.
Worse yet, thuis procedure is effectual when roads are in average condition , otherwise the roads need to be torn up with a machine and re-done.

The math is simple based on the above. Millions upon millions of dollars are needed to just keep the road in their currently really bad condition.

The Directors know that the cost to repair roads are grossly understated in their reserves which are now close to zero. THE RESERVES ARE BASED ON A STUDY THAT IS 6 YEARS OLD. ROADS ARE OIL AND ROCKS. THE COSTS HAVE SOARED SINCE THE LAST STUDY AND THE DIRECTORS KNOW IT. THEY ARE CONCEALING THE FACTS.

[seaside_bob]

Hi All,

We might end up in YLP in the near future and was wondering how those who already live there feel about the place.

Cheers, Bob

[Kahlua Kid]

You'll hear good and you'll hear bad from folks here on YLP.

We like YLP - we bought a 2nd home there (to be my mother's someday, rented out now.) We like the community feel, the country, but not in the boonies feeling. Paved roads, the amenities (close grocery shopping, gas, etc.) the clubhouse, 2 restaurants, lounge, swimming pool, hiking trails, tennis courts, golf course, etc...

We've owned the home for almost 2 years, and we are still glad we bought it.

I'm sure some will advise against YLP (Dues, Water bills (we paid for water outside YLP to the tune of more than $5,000 to dig deeper when our well went dry on our Coarsegold property outside of YLP, so you pay for water one way or another), CC&R rules (which I personally like because they keep the place looking nice and not like a junk yard), etc... just do your own full due-diligence and make your own decision!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

I like it. I like my house. Not fond of living right on the parkway.... but heck, it was buy my cool house on the parkway or get a cookie cutter "Western" house on other cul de sacs...... I like being out of the city, yet its not too far for me to drive to Fresburg for work.

[beautiful_mess38]

I also live in YLP. Its a very tight knit community. Also convenient, you don't have to drive far to get to where your going. We use most of the amenities. School, cafe, dance studio, park, ball field, stable, pool, market, gas station. It's 1/2 hour to Fresno and 20 min. to Oakhurst.

It's cheaper to live in YLP then the other place in Coarsegold on 415 and 41. And they don't have what we have.

If you like country community living you will like YLP.

For more info go to *********.com
there is also a thread there about why we like living in YLP.

[citizen]

First, you have to ask yourself, why are you moving to the mountains?

Weather: It's much hotter in YLP in the summer. You'll need that swimming pool. Do you want to live in the snow? YLP gets snow once every year or two and it lasts one day. If you like warmer weather and not a lot of snow, YLP has the better weather for you. If you enjoy snow in the winter and cooler weather in the summer, move to a higher elevation.

Landscape: Do you love Oak Trees? You'll get a lot of them in YLP. But if you like those tall Pines, you have to move up higher. YLP gets pretty brown in the summer time. It stays green all year round at higher elevations.

Wildlife: Although Rattle Snakes can be found at higher elevations, they are way more common at lower elevations. Be careful of pets and children. Mountain Lions and Coyotes are also very common in that area, but I think bears are less common. You'll get deer no mater where your at... they go down lower in the winter and higher in the summer.

People: Are you trying to move away from people? YLP is for people that enjoy community living. Your neighbors will know your business. If you want peace and quiet, get some property in the mountains instead of the foothills.

Commute: How often will you go to Fresno? Will you be commuting daily? If so, the 15 minutes you save on driving there is worth living in YLP. If you are only gonna head to the city once every few weeks, the extra 15 minute drive is not so bad. YLP does have a store, gas, restaurant, etc. But you will find yourself having to drive a distance for anything else. Basically, you would probably be driving to Oakhurst every day for something (doctor, cheaper gas, cheaper groceries, church, Radio Shack, etc.)

Personally, I enjoy living at a higher elevation. I like the shade of the Pines in the summer. I enjoy the green plants all year round. I don't like the look of brown weeds. I like a bit more privacy. I enjoy living close to Bass Lake. I hate snakes and wouldn't want to live in an area where they are more common. I wouldn't want CC&R's telling me what I can and can't do to my home. I enjoy winter snow storms. Afterall, that's one of the reasons why I am in the mountains. I am not a big fan of 100 degree weather with little shade. I'd prefer to be 10 degrees cooler and sitting in the shade next to the lake. Also, I like being able to get to town (Oakhurst) in just a few minutes. I drive there several times a day.

But that's just me. I'm trying to give you another perspective on it. Others love YLP. I'll let them give you that side of the argument.

Wherever you choose to move to, enjoy and welcome to the foothills/mountains (depending on where you go)
http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[seaside_bob]

Well... here's my dilemma, I like the mountains (not too high) and the green hills but not living under the trees. I've got that in Cambria right now and I'm tired of cleaning up fallen pine needles not to mention dead and fallen trees http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/worried.gif!

Oakhurst is great and I'd love to live there, but not sure to find the size home I want at the price I'm willing to pay. I love oak trees. My wife loves the beautiful granite rocks and rolling hills with distant snow capped mountain views. I'm not too sure about the heat as I've been living in Cambria for 15 years and am use to mild temps. That could take some serious getting use to.

Snakes!! Nobody said anything about snakes...

Not to keen on the idea of Mountain Lions either, but we have the same problem in Cambria. A lady was peacefully tending her garden down by the ocean a few months ago and a Mountain Lion walked right up to her. Luckily she was able to escape unharmed. Commuting is no big deal to us as we work out of our home.

We like community we've lived in a small town now for many years and would not be comfortable in a large city. Coarsegold and Oakhurst are a nice size. I'll keep you posted on where we end up.

Cheers, Bob

[Dee]

Bob, my first question is why would you want to leave Cambria? :-) And if you really would be selling your house there, please send me a PM and let's talk. My husband and I often think of buying a place there.

As far as the Coarsegold area is concerned, everyone has their own preferences (especially if a commute is involved). We are in the Bass Lake area and enjoy the pines (not too much cleanup!), the beauty and the cooler temps. Coarsegold is much hotter and you might want to consider that since you have been living in an ocean climate. YLP is a planned community so you might not get the "country" life that you might be seeking.

[Dee]

Also, isn't Cambria a smaller city than Oakhurst?? And...Oakhurst is getting bigger every year.

[seaside_bob]

Hi Dee,

Yes... every time I look out my window and see those beautiful views of the ranch, ocean and distant homes within the pines I wonder "and why are we moving"? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

Living here is fantastic, but unless you are independently wealthy (we are not) it's hard work and long hours. My wife and I are ready to slow down a bit and smell the roses, do more traveling and spend more time with the grand kids.

My dad always said "you can't eat a view". Well I've been fortunate enough to enjoy a view and eat at the same time for 15 years... Now I'm ready for a completely different view!

Cheers, Bob

[Kahlua Kid]

We've been in Coarsegold 4 years now - at about 2,500 feet. We have a view (not of the ocean) but of a sunset over western rolling hills, and the backside of Deadwood which gets snow on it here and there in the winter.

We've only seen one rattlesnake in the 4 years on our property (I chalk that up to the cats we have running around the property that we lock up at night to keep from becoming coyote-meals.) The coyotes run at night and we occasionally hear them, rarely see them. I have seen a bobcat 2 times from a distance at our home and a young mountain lion once from over 300 yards - I saw one only 20 yards from me in Oakhurst once. No bears - have smelled skunk (seen 1 one time at our place)... The deer do occasional damage to our yard. Overall, I like the wildlife here - it is something I respect and admire.

I like the quiet, light traffic, seeing the stars at night from here. I like the occasional rare snow (its fun and doesn't last too long). I could do without the 100+ weather, but love 80's and 90's... so I'm good to go - and when I can't stand the weather, there's always air conditioning or heading to the lake!

[beautiful_mess38]

Like I said I live in YLP....never seen a rattlesnake (we have outdoor cats) I've seen lots of rattlers in Awahanee 2000 ft higher. I've also been in Awahanee and Oakhurst when its 110 deg. I've been coming here all my life. Mountain lions are everywhere so are coyotes.
In YLP the elevation changes alot. You can be up on North Dome or Lily Mountain with beautiful views and an elevation of 2300 ft.

And YLP does't have the traffic that Oakhurst has. Nor the summer traffic.


As far as privacy goes I have neighbors on both sides of me and I can't see them.
When you leave town your house is watched by security and the friends you will be making here. (I introduced myself to my new neighbor today)

You just need to come and check out.

[Ironhorse]

LOL, I have to laugh about the comment of being tired of cleaning up pine needles when I think of the millions of oak leaves that are on the ground at my dad's in the fall. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif As fast as he can get them cleaned up, more fill the ground, so around he goes again with his little riding tractor. I've never seen a mountain lion on his property, just their paw prints in the mud, so they come through at night. Have seen what remained of a trash can that a bear lifted out of the trash can rack one night (and my mother learned that Thanksgiving never to put the turkey carcass in the trash till the day you take it out for pickup.) Have seen lots of coyotes up there (two got beaten up by 3 does for trying to get one of the fawns). They have about 20 deer that bed down in a thicket on their property at various times. The woodpeckers drive my dad nuts, constant battle with them. The 20 or so hummingbirds enchant my parents, grandkids and I all year long, even in the snow. As for the summer traffic, I could do without the RV's and people that don't know anything about driving mountain roads, but I do enjoy sitting downtown and watching the tourists and watching the Japanese tourists in stores like Raley's. The first (of many times) that I saw them taking movies in the grocery store my jaw probably hit the ground, LOL. The Japanese are very polite, the French and Germans somewhat rude and arrogant, some other nationalities are downright rude. It's interesting to watch the locals deals with them and their personalities. The snow I won't/don't/can't drive in, never learned, but hasn't caused me any problems. I keep an eye on the weather and plan my travels accordingly. The only drawback I have found is the cost of heating a home with propane. That can be a killer. I like the friendliness and helpfulness of people in Oakhurst and Coarsegold. And while people might know your business because it's a small town, they don't interfere in it. One drawback could be the cost of housing. I lucked out, condos like mine are now selling for about twice what I payed for mine 5 years ago, but then housing costs everywhere are high. But if you look around, it's doable. It's a good life.

[Dodgergirl]

Originally posted by Ironhorse...
"And while people might know your business because it's a small town, they don't interfere in it."

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/xxrotflmao.gif .

[Yosemite_Wolf]

"......Commute: How often will you go to Fresno? Will you be commuting daily? If so, the 15 minutes you save on driving there is worth living in YLP. If you are only gonna head to the city once every few weeks, the extra 15 minute drive is not so bad. YLP does have a store, gas, restaurant, etc. But you will find yourself having to drive a distance for anything else. Basically, you would probably be driving to Oakhurst every day for something (doctor, cheaper gas, cheaper groceries, church, Radio Shack, etc.)......"

Since when is food and petrol and other items cheaper in Oakhurst? I AVOID shopping in Oakhurst b/c Vons and Raleys is WAY over priced! And petrol is only cheap if you go to Vons gas and get your vons discount.
As for shopping in YLP.. yes, its pricey, but I find it the same as Oakhurst. Oakhurst also has crappy traffic...Just try making a left turn into Raleys on a busy summer day!!!
If you want cheap goods.. one needs to go to Fresburg.


I like living in YLP b/c it is a good community. People are no more nosy than they are in Oakhurst. I work in Fresno b/c in my area of work.. I have little choice. To get a job as an RN in Oakhurst means working at a doctors office for smaller pay and Ive yet to see a hospital in Oakhurst yet. Esp a hospital with oncology.

Oakhurst is a lot like Cambria when it comes to wages.
When I lived in Morro Bay, our usual comment to newbies was "bring your own money and your own S.O. cos there aint none in Morro Bay."

YLP is a great place.. yeah, it has CCRs...but its no hotter here than in Oakhurst. Heck, Oakhurst is a valley... in the summer it gets HOTTER then heck being that its ONLY at 2K feet. (remember, it IS 3K feet at the top of Deadwood... but you have to go DOWN into Oaky.

Ive found that you dont get cooler temps in the summer til you get up to at least 4K feet.. say at the Narrow Gauge in.
YLP is part of this mountain community, and it really annoys me that ppl in other areas such as Bass, Northfork and Oakhurst piss on Coarsegold. Coarsegold is a lovely town. What I like most about this area is the people are more worldy; unlike places like Squaw Valley or Watts Valley where the ppl are more "mountain only". Now, dont get me wrong.. I love it over in the tollhouse, prather, wattsvalley area... but the amenities just arent as available.
I used to say.. when you live in Watts Valley and forget the Pepsis while shopping in Fresno, yer screwed.. if you live in Prather, you can at least go to the store there and get a few forgotton items.. .in
YLP you have the store there.. in Oakhurst... yer just living in a city with pine trees sprinkled in.

[Ironhorse]

Yes, Oakhurst is a valley, I live in that valley, but that's the town and part of the housing. There's a whole lot of housing that is at the higher, "cooler" levels of Oakhurst. My mom's place is generally 5-8 or more degrees cooler in summer than where I am, she's at about 3100 feet. Of course, my advantage there is I'm generally WARMER in winter than she is, LOL. When she has snow, I don't always have it, nor do I get as much. So it's not like ALL of Oakhurst is in that valley. And since they did the work on 41/49, I think it's a lot easier to turn in to Raley's on a busy day. It's not perfect, but what town/housing area is? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif Ya gotta admit, it's still better than living in Fresberg.

[seaside_bob]

Wow!! As usual, I can count on everyone here to honestly state their opinions. It's a great help with deciding where to park my butt for the next ??? years. YLP is overall sounding very nice. However, It does seem that I might be trying to compare apples to oranges when it comes to deciding between the two, Coarsegold or Oakhurst. I guess they are very different.

We have been checking both communities out for the past few months with weekend visits. My real estate agent is out of Oakhurst and seemed to have a negative bent on YLP. It could be the CCR's, or the fact that she's more familiar with Oakhurst. I'm not sure. She mentioned that people either love it or hate it in YLP. Hence my topic...

I'm glad to hear that snakes are not really a problem (I don't like them). All other wildlife is fine by me. The convenience of having shopping, gas, recreation close by is a plus. The grand kids should have plenty to do when they visit. And what about Espresso?? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif One of my few weakness is a good espresso... are there any coffee shops in YLP?

Cheers, Bob

[beautiful_mess38]

LOL Coffee http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/coffee.gif well the Fairway Cafe or The Chevron gas Station. Hillside Market also has coffe.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Also.. there is Zanders Coffee in Coarsegold. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

Oh.. and the post office in Coarsegold is much more friendly than Oakhurst Post Office.

I like YLP cos each lot is AT LEAST an acre in size.
Ya don't get that in Oakhurst proper. Also, even if our water is pricey... but heck, where is it NOT pricey.. we DO NOT have uranium in our water like Hillside water district in Oakhurst.

Blue Heron restaurant in YLP, though it still has a few bugs to work out since its new Chef took over. .has a GREAT Bistro Night on Weds Night.

[Newcomer]

Snakes, Did you say Snakes??? If you want to lessen the risk of snakes on your property you need cats. Cats hunt down and kill rodents that are the prey of snakes.

http://www.alongtheway.org/rattlesnakes/images/eye-tongue.jpg Rattlers have heat sensors on the front of their face that can sense the slightest variation in tempature to detect rodents or pets nearby. They also use their tounge to touch the ground as they move along looking to pick up active rodent trails. rattle snakes like to ambush prey. When tattlers first emerge from their winter hibernation the first thing on their mind is a good meal. They will set up in an area that is not to hot (they can overheat and die) and they look for an active rodent trail to set up their trap in. There they wait for prey to come by. They will also head down any gopher hole to hunt out prey. We have many cats on patrol and have never had a cat killed by a rattler and in the 4 years we have lived in Coarsegold I have only seen 1 baby rattler. Snakes do not like to camp out where they become the hunted. You can also invest in some King Snakes who love to hunt out rattle snakes.

http://www.everwonder.com/david/snakes/kingsnake.jpg King snakes are immuned to the venom of rattlers if they get bit, that is what makes them the King. The above does not guarantee a Rattler free environment but it helps keep them away.

Video of Bobcat vs. Rattle Snake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhuM8qusvkA)

Hope this helps.

[Ironhorse]

But they're working on the uranium problem with Hillside. And several areas have the same problem, so it's not limited to Oakhurst. You just accept the fact that for cooking and drinking, you buy bottled water, not that bad once you get used to it. Oakhurst has a lot of good points, as does YLP, Coarsegold, Mariposa, all of the towns up here. Just depends on what you're looking for and willing to accomodate in your life. LOL, it's beginning to sound like we're trying to "persuade" seaside bob to move to our individual areas, like there's some kind of quota or prize, ROFL. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[jannyw]

Maybe everyone should consentrate more on getting along than bickering,geez
I personally think YLP is a pretty place to live.
Many years ago my late husband and another man built all the roads in YLP, it took 2 yrs to complete, so to see all the beautiful homes there now compared to what it use to look like, ya'll should be thankful you live in a good community