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News Archive


GCSD Now Offering Web Payments


Groveland Community Services District has installed a new online Web Payment System. We are excited to bring you this new product and encourage all to take advantage of this new streamlined bill payment process.

Customers now have the ability to make payments online through our website by clicking on Payment Options under the Customer Service tab. by utilizing this new online payment system, customers can expect the following benefits:

man with computer

 

 

 

New Day and Time for Board Meetings


The board meetings will now be held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month and will begin at 10am. This became effective as of the May 5, 2011 board meeting.


Potential Flood Advisory


The Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services informs County residents that the National Weather Service forecasts rain in the lower elevations and snow in the upper elevations for the remainder of the week. Because rivers and streams are currently above their normal levels, now is the time to prepare for potential overflows in low lying flood prone zones. County residents may pick up sand at the following locations as of Monday, March 21, 2011:

Please bring your own shovel and bags to fill. Empty sandbags are currently available for purchase at the following local businesses:

GCSD Advertises for New General Manager


The GCSD Board of Directors has decided to publicly advertise an opening for the District General Manager position. The District will accept applications for this position until 4:00 pm on March 31, 2011. For more information regarding this position, please reference our Employment page.

 

Update for GCSD Customers


The District has formed a knowledgeable committee to investigate the alleged sewer spill on August 2010. We will be vigilant as we scrutinize the happenings in August and will have answers for our customers, the community, and the California State Regional Water Quality Control Board within the time allotted.
GCSD Staff


Winter Storm Watch


The County Office of Emergency Services advises citizens and visitors to the area to prepare for another cold winter storm. It is forecasted for Thursday afternoon, Feb. 24 through late Friday night, Feb. 25. According to the National Weather Service, Tuolumne County is under a Winter Storm Watch, which means that there is a potential for significant snow accumulation:

Preparation is Crucial

Prepare in advance of this storm by loading up on:

Medically fragile or special needs people may want to visit a relative or friend in a very low elevation leaving by Wed. night or Thurs. morning before the storms hit. If you know of local people who fit this description you are encouraged to check in on them now to see what they might need, or assist them in finding temporary living space below 1500 feet.


Once the storms hit, unless it is an emergency, PLEASE stay home. Park your cars out of the roadways and road right of ways so that snow plows can get through unimpeded. If you must travel, drive slowly and only with chains and/or four wheel drive vehicles. If you need to get out, be patient, Wait for road crews to clear the road rather than trying to ram your way through the snow. This causes unnecessary accidents and more work for emergency response crews.


If you are without power for any extended period of time, you may want to either load up your refrigerator with packed snow in bowls or transfer your refrigerated items out into the snow in an ice chest to keep everything at a safe temperature.

If you are using generator for heat keep it well-ventilated. The same goes for camping lanterns that use white gas. Use these only in a well ventilated space to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.


To report any unsafe road conditions such as downed trees, power lines down, mudslides, rocks and boulders in the roadway please call: 533-5601

(Information taken from the Office of Emergency Services press release.)


General Manager Retires


Dear GCSD Customers,

General Manager Jim Goodrich has officially retired from GCSD, effective 1/11/11. In an effort to keep the public informed, we would like to announce that the GCSD Board has appointed Goveland Fire Chief Shane Warner as Interim General Manager. The GCSD Board has not yet made any decisions as to a permanent replacement for Mr. Goodrich, but we will post more information as it becomes available.
GCSD Staff


bird watching

Checklist of Birds


GCSD land encompasses an area of more than 200 acres of habitat for different species of wildlife. The first serious birding on the property began in November of 2007. Almost all of the data used to build the GCSD Checklist of Birds comes from multiple monthly visit to GCSD land since 2007.


Dog Park


Dog Park Application


dogs

Many of you are eagerly awaiting the official opening of our new Groveland Dog Park. While the project is well on its way to completion, Dog Park permits will not be available for purchase from GCSD until January 10th. To receive a permit you will need to bring a completed Dog Park Application (available here or at our Administration office) and evidence of rabies vaccinations for each dog to be registered to our Administration office at 18966 Ferretti Rd. More information regarding the Groveland Dog Park facility will be available shortly.

 

 

 


Don’t Forget to Winterize!


cabin in the snow

As we move closer to winter, we need to pay particular attention to our home water systems. In early December 2009, our community experienced a cold snap that produced over 75 water line breaks in less than 48 hours. This resulted in the loss of over 3 million gallons of water. Virtually all the water line breaks were on the customers’ side of the water meter. Please don’t let this happen to you!


These breaks are wasteful and expensive, but more importantly they are preventable. First, if you haven’t done it yet this year, you should have your pressure regulator checked by a plumber. This should be an annual homeowner task. With the mountainous topography that makes our area beautiful comes the risk of water pressure fluctuations. The valve is usually located where the water service enters the house and protect your water pipes and appliances from high water pressure. Please click here for more information regarding pressure regulator maintenance.


If you live off the hill and don’t make it up to Groveland much during the fall and winter months, you should always make sure that your water is turned off at the master valve when you are away. This is generally located where the water pipe enters the house. Better yet, have a valve installed on your side of your water meter. After closing your master valve, open a water tap (preferably the lowest one in your home) and drain the water from the pipes so that water doesn’t freeze and break a pipe inside your home. Finally, drain your irrigation system. Many of the water line breaks were in drip irrigation systems that froze and ruptured. Please click here for more ideas on how to winterize your home.


Please remember that anything that occurs on your side of the water meter is your responsibility. If you have questions about winterizing your house, please give our office a call at 209-962-7161 x10, or check out the rest of our website for helpful tips and information.

 

PRESS RELEASE: Severe Storm Conditions

County of Tuolumne Office of Emergency Services

December 17, 2010


"The National Weather Service has posted a notice for periods of heavy rain over the Sierra Nevada and foothills of Central CA; Fri., Dec. 17 through Fri., Dec. 24, 2010. Tuolumne County residents and visitors are reminded to prepare for this storm by:

Sandbag Resources: County Emergency Services, in conjunction with County Public Works has established locations for emergency sand to assist County citizens with mitigating flooding at their homes or businesses. ...[Groveland] residents may pick up sand at the following locations beginning at noon on Fri., Dec. 17, 2010:

The County has confirmed that there are ample supplies of empty sandbags for purchase at the following locations:

County Fire, CAL Fire, Public Works, Safety and Law Enforcement personnel are currently on stand-by, preparing for this storm"

 

Let Your Vote be Counted!
October 12, 2010


vote usaWe at GCSD urge you to get out and vote in the upcoming November general election. Not only will this election give you the opportunity to cast your vote for California’s next Governor and numerous other state and local representatives, but you will also have the opportunity to cast your vote to fill four open GCSD Board positions. Of these four seats on the ballot, one is a two-year term and three are four-year term positions. There are six candidates running for these open seats. This new GCSD Board will face many new challenges in the next few years, and we urge you to do your research and let your voice be heard this November! Polls are open on November 2nd from 7am to 8pm.


Public Hearing Scheduled for October Board Meeting
September 22, 2010


The GCSD Board of Directors will conduct three Public Hearings at its regularly scheduled Board meeting on October 11, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the District Office. The Board will received comments on:

Please click here for a copy of the Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.


Help GCSD Prevent Water Waste!
July 16, 2010


sprinkler hose

As the weather heats up many people are beginning to water more heavily, and the District would like to remind everyone of the importance of checking your irrigation system for leaks. Every year the District loses hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to faulty irrigation systems. Although it is our policy to audit the monthly meter reads for unusually high usage, you can prevent potential water loss by walking the lines of your irrigation system and checking all of your timers. Let's all play our part in preventing water waste!


Memorial Weekend Barbecue A Huge Success!
June 3, 2010


On Sunday, May 30, 2010, the Groveland Fire Department held their third annual Memorial Weekend Barbecue at the Pine Mountain Lake Stables. There were kid’s games, gold panning, wagon and pony rides, face painting, a blue ribbon pie contest, basket auction, 50/50 raffle, petting zoo, and a delicious Kona Tri-Tip dinner. A great time was had by all and the weather was beautiful!

The Barbecue began at 3 pm and 700 dinners were served by 8 pm that evening. Firefighter Sarah Pennington, our dedicated event coordinator, and all the fire department personnel worked hard and long procuring donations for the themed basket auction, which brought in over five thousand dollars. This was definitely a community effort and there are many people who worked very hard to make this event a success for the Volunteer Firefighters' Association. We are extremely grateful to all of the event volunteers, and all members of the public who came out to support the Fire Department. Thank you!!!



GCSD Water Wins Silver!
May 24, 2010


silver ribbonAs many know, Groveland’s water comes from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which is owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco. Groveland is the first stop for water coming from the reservoir, and its residents represent the City’s first customers. This water is pristine. It has a dissolved salt content that ranges between 15 and 30 mg/l. By comparison, water is considered distilled if it has a dissolved salt content of less than 10 mg/l. Our water also doesn’t have the telltale chlorine taste often found in drinking water because we disinfect with chloramines and high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) light, which don’t leave a residual taste.


Recently, the GCSD Operations staff (those responsible for treating your tap water) entered our water in a competition between water agencies from all over California and Nevada. This event was sponsored by the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association—the largest municipal water trade organization in the world, boasting over 25,000 members. Through the long tasting process, Groveland’s water made it through the rounds of judging, finally ending up in the final four. In the end, we received the silver medal for our water. First place went to Mount Shasta who, due to their proximity to the snow fields, is able to supply completely untreated drinking water.


We commend our entire team here for working so hard to deliver such high-quality, good tasting water to you. We encourage you to enjoy a cold glass of tap water and savor its excellent, awarding-winning taste!


Groveland Fire Department's Relay For Life team

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Logo links to Groveland Fire Department's team site

Relay For Life Team
March 22, 2010


The Groveland Fire Department's team is preparing for the Tuolumne County Relay For Life event which will be held May 22-23, 2010 at Sonora High School. This 24 hour event raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Much of this money will aid in the support and treatment of cancer patients within the county. The Fire Department's team invites you to support the cause.

One of the most inspirational moments at the Relay For Life is the Luminaria Ceremony. A luminaria donation to the American Cancer Society lights the path for those walking through the night at the event. You may also pay tribute to someone who has battled cancer by purchasing luminarias.


GCSD to Conduct Equipment Surplus Sale!
March 16, 2010


GCSD will be accepting bids on surplus vehicles and equipment until 4 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2010. To see a list of available items and instructions regarding the submission of bids, please see our Surplus Sale Flyer.


Youth Center
March 5, 2010


Grand Opening Party date has been changed to April 17, 2010, noon to 3 pm. The community is invited!


New Youth Center Dedication
February 16, 2010

 

 

 

Youth CenterKurt VanderWeide representing Congressman George Radanovich, 4th District Supervisor John Gray, Tuolumne County Parks Department, GAINs Board Members and Chairperson Barbara Broad, GCSD Board Members and General Manager Jim Goodrich, Groveland Fire Department Staff and Fire Chief Shane Warner, and interested community members gathered together to dedicate the new Groveland Youth Center located near the skate park and basketball court in Mary Laveroni Park and adjacent to the Groveland branch of the Tuolumne County Library.


Board Welcomes Director Riley
February 9, 2010


Joseph Riley new GCSD Director

At the February 8, 2010, regular scheduled meeting of the Groveland Community Services District Board of Directors, Groveland resident Joseph Riley was appointed to fill the Board vacancy created by the December 14, 2009, resignation of Board President Wesley Johnson. Director Johnson was elected to a four-year term in November 2005. However, his term was extended by one year after the Board voted to change the GCSD election cycle from odd to even numbered years in order to align with state-wide elections.

 

While originally from southern California, Director Riley and his wife, Charleen, permanently relocated to the area several years ago and has since become the proprietor of The Cub Inn Bed and Breakfast in Groveland. Director Riley has over thirty years of private industry experience in business management, manufacturing operations, and mechanical engineering.

 

Youth Center

Dedication Planned for Groveland Youth Center February 16, 2010
February 9, 2010


The Groveland Youth Center is nearing completion! Kitchen appliances will be installed this week, along with the pool table and foosball table. This has been a collaborative effort, with many members of our local community donating appliances, furniture, and other miscellaneous items. Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors plans to unveil the facility at the Dedication Ceremony at noon on February 16th. The ceremony will be open to the public, and we urge you to come take a look at the new facilities!


GCSD Accepting Resumes for Board Vacancy

January 13, 2010


Due to the recent resignation of Director Wes Johnson, there is currently a vacancy on the GCSD Board of Directors. At the January 11, 2010 meeting, the Board voted to fill this vacancy through Board appointment. The Board will review the qualifications of each applicant and make their appointment at the next regularly scheduled meeting on February 8, 2010.


Any member of the public interested in serving out the remainder of Mr. Johnson’s term on the GCSD Board, ending in December 2010, is asked to submit his/her resume and cover letter to the District Secretary by February 3, 2010. Letters of Interest should state the reasons why the applicant wishes to serve on the Board and his/her qualifications. All candidates must live and be registered to vote within the boundaries of the GCSD to be considered eligible. You may bring your cover letter and resume by the District office, email it to the District Secretary at lspilman@gcsd.org, or mail it to: P.O. Box 350, Groveland, CA 95321.


GCSD Calls for Conservation

January 4, 2010


The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) from January 4 - February 5, 2010, will be conducting repairs and inspections of critical water and power infrastructure, which includes parts nearly 90 years of age. The project has taken more than 3 years of planning and will require a 32-day shutdown of water conveyance facilities between Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Moccasin.

 

Work will include improvements in the Mountain Tunnel for reliability, repairs at Moccasin Powerhouse to optimize water quality during storm events, repairs to an emergency water supply bypass at the Kirkwood Powerhouse, and inspections of Kirkwood Penstock infrastructure. This work is only possible when the system is offline and necessary to continue the reliable delivery of water, especially during emergencies, to the Groveland, Moccasin Fish Hatchery and the more than 2 million customers in the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

GCSD customers should not experience any interruption to their normal water service, however we do ask that you please be mindful of your water usage and conserve as much as possible for the duration of the tunnel shut-down. Please visit the Water/Wastewater tab for more suggestions on how to conserve water. We thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

GCSD staff


2010 Brings Change for the GCSD Board

December 14, 2009


Wes & John

At the December 14, 2009 meeting of the GCSD Board of Directors, the Board elected new officers for the calendar year 2010. Former Vice-President John Graham was elected President of the Board, while Director Gus Allegri was elected Vice-President.


Also at the December 14th meeting, former Board President Wes Johnson announced his resignation from the GCSD Board of Directors. Former Director Johnson was elected to a four-year term in November 2005, serving as Vice-President of the Board in 2008 and President in 2009. Mr. Johnson stated that he was proud to serve the community during the time of rebuilding at GCSD, and noted the tremendous progress that he had witnessed during his term. GCSD would like to thank Mr. Johnson for his exemplary service as a member of the Board and for his dedication to our community.


Any member of the public interested in serving out the remainder of Mr. Johnson’s term on the GCSD Board, ending in December 2010, is asked to Submit his/her resume and cover letter stating the reasons why he/she wishes to serve on the Board and his/her qualifications. All candidates must live and be registered to vote within the boundaries of the GCSD to be considered eligible. Please bring your cover letter and resume by the District office or mail it to: GCSD, P.O. Box 350, Groveland, CA 95321.