Member Update:Current Lease and FPPC Review
Dear BearValley Springs Members,
Recent public discussions regarding the current lease between the Bear Valley Springs Association (BVSA) and the Bear Valley Community Services District (CSD),including the CSD's request for an advisory opinion from the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), have understandably raised questions within our community.
The BearValley Springs Association continues to operate and maintain the community's recreational amenities under the current lease. The FPPC has not issued an advisory opinion, and no court or government agency has directed that operation of the amenities be transferred.
We recognize that these discussions have created uncertainty for some members and BVSA staff. Our goal is to provide factual information, reduce speculation, and keep the community informed as this process moves forward.
WhereThings Stand Today
- The current lease remains in effect.
- The Association continues operating and maintaining all recreational amenities.
- The FPPC has not issued an advisory opinion.
- No court or government agency has determined that the current lease is invalid or directed that operation of the recreational amenities be transferred.
- The Association will continue providing factual updates as significant developments occur.
Understandingthe FPPC Review
The CSD has requested guidance from the California Fair Political Practices Commission(FPPC) regarding issues related to the current lease between the CSD and the Bear Valley Springs Association based on the CSD’s allegation that CSD directors had a conflict of interest when the current lease was made in 2007. To ensure the FPPC receives information from both parties, the Association also submitted correspondence providing additional factual background.
The FPPC is not a court. It does not determine contractual rights, invalidate agreements, or direct either party to take specific action. Its role is limited to providing guidance regarding California's conflict-of-interest laws as those laws apply to government agencies.
At this time, the FPPC has not issued an advisory opinion. The current lease remains in effect throughout this process unless and until a legal determination or agreement provides otherwise.
While the CSD has held meetings discussing possible operational planning, members and BVSA staff should not interpret those discussions as meaning that any transfer of operations has been ordered or is imminent. The Association believes that any change to the current operating structure, if one were ever required, would involve additional legal and administrative processes.
How We Got Here
In 2025, the CSD notified the Association that it was in default and believed the current lease should be terminated. The Association disputed those claims and requested supporting documentation that was never provided by the CSD.
The Association continues to maintain that the current lease remains valid and enforceable and is participating in the FPPC review to ensure the FPPC receives complete and accurate information before issuing its advisory opinion.
ThePractical Reality
Recent CSD Board meetings have included discussions regarding the possible assumption of responsibility for the community's recreational amenities.
Operating Bear Valley Springs' recreational amenities involves far more than ownership of the land and buildings.
While the CSD owns the underlying real property, the Association and its members own millions of dollars in vehicles, equipment, machinery, technology, furnishings, maintenance equipment, and other operational assets used every day to operate and maintain the recreational amenities. Those Association-owned assets are separate from the underlying real property and would not become CSD property simply because the management structure changed from BVSA to CSD operation
Successful operation also depends on experienced employees, financial systems, software,vendor contracts, maintenance programs, inventories, and years of operational knowledge.
Should operational responsibility ever change, these assets, systems, contracts, and responsibilities would require careful legal, financial, and administrative planning. Any transition would be significantly more complex than simply transferring operation of the facilities.
Members have also asked what would happen to the Association's operating funds and reserve accounts. Those funds belong to the Bear Valley Springs Association, a separate nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, and are governed by California law and the Association's governing documents. The Association will continue fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to protect those resources on behalf of themembership.
AdditionalBoard Actions
While the FPPC review continues, the Board has also evaluated whether certain Association Rules should be updated to better reflect today's community and address one of the concerns raised during the FPPC process.
The proposed revisions would allow qualified permanent residents including eligible tenants and adult household members who permanently reside in Bear Valley Springs to obtain a Use Privilege Card after establishing permanent residency through documentation acceptable to the Association.
The Board believes these proposed revisions recognize permanent residency while continuing to apply eligibility requirements fairly and consistently for all members and residents who actually reside in Bear Valley Springs.
MovingForward
We understand that many members and BVSA staff have questions about what these recent developments could mean for our community.
Our commitment is to provide timely, factual information not speculation as this process continues.
The Association will continue working with legal counsel and professional advisors,participating in the FPPC review, and taking appropriate legal, operational,and administrative steps to protect the interests of the Association, its members, and BVSA staff.
We encourage all Association members to stay informed and actively participate in the governance of the Association by attending Board meetings, engaging in the public process,and sharing their perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner.
In the meantime, the Association will continue operating and maintaining the community's recreational amenities under the current lease while this process moves forward.
As significant developments occur, we will continue sharing timely updates so members and BVSA staff have accurate information about matters affecting our community.
Thank you for your continued support of Bear Valley Springs and your interest and participation in these important community matters.
