YLP Community News
Equestrian Center documents open for comment
Comments are now being accepted from YLOA members on proposed changes in two documents affecting the YLP Equestrian Center — the Rules and Regulations and the Waitlist. The documents may be downloaded and read here: https://bit.ly/EC-rules...
2022 holiday lights in YLP
Fire safety rules change proposal
YLP’s Fire Safety Task Force “Vegetation Management For Fire Prevention Rule Change and Fines Structure” is now up for public comment for 28 days.
URGENT: Water conservation required!
Posted 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 Thanks to everyone who has cut back on water usage during this time of extreme heat. It has made a huge difference; HOWEVER, consumption still exceeds current demand. PLEASE, limit water usage to absolute essentials. Even after the heat...
Messages from the General Manager
AUG. 3, 2022The pizza kitchen will be closed for the next few weeks, starting Wednesday 8/3, as we make a couple requested changes. Here is a summary of what is happening: A few weeks ago the Madera County Department of Public Health performed an inspection of the...
And a great time was had by all! Patriotic bike parade startsA little patriotA little patriot with escortCal Fire — always good to see them!Fresno Honor Guard for flag ceremonyPart of the Silent AuctionSilent Auction is a busy placeGeneral Manager Jonathan...
Invasion of the natives (plants, that is)
By ROYAL CALKINS Some things you just have to do. Like when you’ve been digging holes in the yard and your back tells you to sit down. Or when you hear that Phil Wimer’s band is playing at the clubhouse and you notice that you’re already wearing your dancing shoes....
A quilt for a soldier
My name is Patty Cramer and I'm a YLP resident. I am a fourth generation quilter who has been quilting for over 50 years. I met Dr. John McMillan's wife Yvonne playing canasta and then learned that her husband, who has a Ph.D. in Higher...
Native plants for YLP: Sages
by Patty Groos (“Poppy Patty”) #2 in our “5 for YLP” series, Cleveland Sage and its related sages can form key elements of your YLP native garden. We describe five of our favorites that will be available at our Nov. 14 plant sale. Named after plant...
Native plants for YLP: Deergrass
This is the first in the series 5 for YLP: 5 Easy-To-Grow CA native plants for a waterwise, deer-resistant, wildlife-friendly native garden. Most of these plants will be available at the November YLP plant sale. #1 of 5 for YLP: Deergrass Two years ago, my...
Offices return to pre-pandemic status
Excitement is in the air at YLOA/YSPUC, as we will be returning our operating hours to their pre-pandemic status beginning this Monday, Oct. 4. Office hours going forward will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our dedicated staff appreciates your...
Meet YLPer Marie Touitou
Meet Marie Touitou, a 20-year YLP resident and community leader extraordinaire.
Water restrictions lifted
Emergency water restrictions are lifted. HOWEVER, we do ask that everyone continue conservation efforts to help prevent a dramatic increase in consumption. Our repair teams have completed repairs to the Lilley Mountain booster stations and made significant progress on...
Meet YLPer Marty Pol
Meet YLPer Marty Pol, longtime manager of the Fairway Cafe.She’s enthused about the cafe’s recent renovation and improvements, and invites everyone to come out and see them and enjoy a mouth-watering meal.
YLPers online: Photographer Robert Groos
The Duck Days of Summer
Online booking for YLP golf!
Yes, now you can book your tee times in advance and from the comfort of your home or on your smartphone! Just GO HERE, do a quick signup, pick your times, pay with credit card, and get ready to hit the links!
Meet YLPer Doug Dorsey
Meet YLPer Doug Dorsey, a 21-year YLP resident and current YLOA vice president who is an active volunteer and community booster despite a painful back-injury disability.
3 elected to YLOA Board, with video
Results of the 2021 YLOA Annual Election Continuation meeting held Sunday, July 18, at the YLP Clubhouse: Beate Olivas 642 votes Doug Dorsey (incumbent) 441 votes David Mahan (incumbent) 428 votes Randy Sacks 421 votes Preston McGill 194 votes The three seats to be...
Temporary return to masks
From Jonathan Penrose, YLOA/YSPUC General Manager: In the past 45 days California has experienced a significant upsurge in COVID infections. In Madera County the number of new cases per day has increased from about five per day to over 40 per day. The test positivity...
YLP cash infusion secured
From Jonathan Penrose, YLOA/YSPUC General Manager: We are pleased to announce that we received notice this week that we successfully complied with the required uses for the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) funds we received last April and that those funds have been...
Arrests in YLP mail thefts
From Jonathan Penrose, YLOA/YSPUC General Manager: On Tuesday, August 17, Clovis police, in cooperation with Madera County law enforcement, arrested two suspects in connection with mail thefts in YLP. FOX26NEWS Our own local security, led by Tammie Hairell, provided...
Meet YLPer Randy Sacks
Meet YLPer Randy Sacks, a newly appointed member of the YLOA Board of Directors who moved to YLP from the Bay Area in 2017, looking for someplace more peaceful and closer to the mountains.
Eigenman, Sacks named to board
A special YLOA Board of Directors meeting was held Thursday morning after the passing July 29 of newly elected board President Sue Beck. Director Todd Benzie announced his resignation and the board voted to appoint Randy Sacks, a candidate in July's annual board...
Clubhouse, cafe, staff updates
Published July 30, 2021 in our weekly YLP Life email newsletter From YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose: PROGRESS ON CLUBHOUSE BATHROOM We are pleased to announce that after several attempts, we were able to secure a plumbing contractor to perform needed work...
Bob Groos: Goslings of Bird Poop Rock
I can’t begin to imagine what it is like for a goose to spend over a month, alone and exposed to the elements, on an inhospitable surface like Bird Poop Rock.
New welcome gifts, guide
From left, Diana Binney, Sue Beck and Audrey Johnson prepare to distribute Welcome Bags and Welcome Guides. The Communications Committee has been hard at work putting together welcome gift bags and brand-new, updated Welcome Guides for all new homeowners. The...
Update on reopenings
From YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose:We are excited to continue reopening/expanding our services and amenities. Social distancing and masks are no longer required for those who have been vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, CA rules require...
Correcting social media falsehoods
County planners reject venue
From YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose: For those who haven't heard, the Madera County Planning Commission held a hearing Aug. 3 on the request to grant a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed wedding/event venue. The meeting began at 6:00 and concluded...
Re: staffing, phones, mail
From YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose: Staffing Levels: Due to workshare and employee turnover, our available labor hours remain very constrained. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we hire and train additional staff. Phones: Our policy is to...
About fire safety & generators
From YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose: Given potential fire risk in the event of an extended power outage, PG&E has placed YLP in a top priority position for emergency generators. Last fall, ahead of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)...
Cafe renovation moving along
Photo taken Thursday, June 3 Extensive renovation of the Fairway Cafe, part of YLP's 5-year Fix Our Stuff plan, is moving along but will likely take a bit longer than expected due to unanticipated electrical work that needed to be done. The project announced in April...
Memorial area dedication
About 35 people turned out for the Memorial Day dedication of what is to become a YLP memorial area on the west side of Blue Heron Lake, likely to be named Reflection Point. General Manager Jonathan Penrose made the presention and explained that it is to be a quiet...
YLP horseshoe pits repaired
YLOA Director Doug Dorsey, left, and Jadyn Carter proudly show off the revamped horseshoe pits. Jadyn Carter picked himself a ringer of a senior project when he decided to revamp YLP’s run-down horseshoe pits. The Yosemite High student worked every day for a week,...
Proposed ADU/JADU guidelines
The YLOA Board of Directors recently approved proposed ADU/JADU guidelines to follow local and state government law. Guidelines are now posted for a 28-day review and comment period. They can be seen here and on our Public Documents page. Comment for these guidelines...
Gardening in a ‘foreign country’
By JEANNIE COSBY Jeannie Cosby at the Salvia Creek Garden. I moved from Los Angeles to Yosemite Lakes Park ten years ago, full of confidence that I was going to have one of the most beautiful yards here in YLP! Of course, it would be wonderful. For years,...
Fairway Cafe closed for repairs & remodeling
From YLOA-YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose: As part of our planned 'Fix Our Stuff' program to address the deferred maintenance and renovation of our amenities, the Fairwaty Cafe will be closed temporarily beginning April 12. Roof work begins on the Fairway...
Best wishes to 2 YLOA employees
Jake Koenen and Ciera Johnson are leaving their jobs with YLOA to pursue their dreams and move on in their careers. They have given the association and our community much in their own ways and we will miss them. This is our salute to their services here and a fond...
Cal Fire: Create your defensible space
March 29 news release from Cal Fire: Madera-Mariposa-Merced- Recent rains were a welcome sight to drought parched California, but the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) firefighters are not letting their guard down. CAL FIRE’s Defensible Space...
HOA Education Spotlight
An occasional presentation by the YLOA Communications Committee to help residents understand their community and what makes it a place to love where you live. February 2021 DORs and bylawsEvery lot/homeowner should have a copy of the YLOA bylaws & DORs...
Outside seating to resume
Thank you, everyone
President comments (given at Jan. 12 YLOA Board meeting) Welcome to 2021! I thank all of the YLOA & YSPUC managers and staff, and our General Manager Jonathan Penrose, for all their dedication and hard work during some very unsettled and difficult months. Sandy...
Assessing YLP’s roads
From Jonathan PenroseYLOA/YSPUC General Manager Our roads assessment has been completed. This is an important part of our overall roads plan, as it allows us to prioritize the most appropriate and cost effective treatments based on road conditions and to measure our...
A holiday ride through YLP
https://youtu.be/BbL8OnwAa2Q
LOL welcomes new leaders
At its December meeting, Ladies of the Lakes installed the new 2021 board: Michele Sartain, president; Mary Swenson and Gail Jeffus, co-vice presidents; Carole Lorenzini and Melissa Lacy, co-treasurers, and Lora Toles, secretary. Diane Mahan will remain on the board...
LOL: Successful fundraising
By Diane Mahan, Ladies of the Lakes president Ladies of the Lakes' final Silent Auction of 2020 exceeded all the previous ones we have held this year. We raised $930 with merchandise bidding and received additional donations of $195, netting $1,125 for our high...
Permit required to burn
CAL FIRE has lifted its outdoor burning suspension, but burning is allowed only if you have a valid residential burn permit AND it is a permissive burn day. Please read the release below.
LOL: Results of silent auctions
From Ladies of the Lakes President Diane Mahan: The latest silent auction sponsored by Ladies of the Lakes for the benefit of Station 10 raised $720. We would like to thank the residents of YLP for donations of merchandise and their generous bidding. A...
LOL: Memorial Tree
From Ladies of the Lakes President Diane Mahan: While we looked out on the clubhouse lake last Saturday, a sunny fall morning, friends and family of men who gave time, service and heart to YLP were memorialized by the planting of a tree purchased by Ladies of the...
Celebrate YLP’s 50th!
Clubhouse flag waves again
Old Glory waves again atop the YLP Clubhouse flagpole, after local volunteers and YLOA maintenance staff were able to get again to the top of the pole and restore a halyard which had broken and slipped off the pulley months ago. A big thank you to all who helped!
Proposed sign guidelines
The YLOA Board of Directors recently approved proposed revised sign guidelines to follow local government law. Guidelines are now posted for a 28-day review and comment period. They can be seen here and on our Public Documents page. ...
YLOA board takes action
Motions approved Tuesday, Oct. 6, by the YLOA Board of Directors: • Change the regular monthly meetings of the YLOA Board of Directors from the last Tuesday of each month to the first Tuesday to give additional time for preparation of board packets. This will...
LOL makes donations
Diane Mahan, 2020 Ladies of the Lakes President Ladies of the Lakes resumed their fall monthly meetings via Zoom with a discussion as to how we could show compassion to those impacted by the Creek Fire. First, we agreed to send $500 to an animal...
YLP Cares accepting donations
YLP Cares is now accepting donations at www.ylpcares.org.
About the emergency water repairs
Published Aug. 28, 2020From General Manager Jonathan Penrose's report to the YLOA Board of Directors: ○ In August, we experienced a total failure on well 36A that supplies water to tank 4 and serves the lower Long Hollow area. Due to high demand, we had previously...
Water for golf, landscaping
Published Aug. 28, 2020 From General Manager Jonathan Penrose’s report to the YLOA Board of Directors:The current water emergency threatens sustainability of the golf course. While most of the water used at the golf course is from natural run-off, this is the time of...
YLP FAQs
NOTE: YLP Q&A session videos are now on the Videos page What about the roads, the water, the dues, the amenities? YLP people have questions and want answers! Well, we may not be able to answer every question right away, but here's a place where you can get the...
Help plants through the heat
Caring for California native plants during extreme heat The air is yellow today, plus extreme heat and dangerous air quality. My morning garden walk was a search and rescue mission, for plants showing signs of extreme stress. I did spot- watering, mostly...
Water levels holding steady
Published Aug. 19 Thanks to everyone's efforts to conserve and great work by our YLP staff, water levels are holding steady at the Long Hollow tank — barely. The new pump is assembled and being lowered to the proper depth in the well. It is presently at 500 feet and...
YLP water status critical
Published Aug. 13 A number of recent events are requiring YSPUC to alert all water customers to reduce usage immediately. Since most of the extra demand on the system comes from external (outside the home) watering, YLOA/YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose is...
Pool reopens-new rules
POOL REOPENS WITH NEW RULES Please read and observe the new rules: https://www.yosemitelakespark.org/pool-tennis/
Reminder: office hours & calls
YLOA office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 Monday through Friday, except for posted holidays when the office is closed. If you call on these days, between these hours, you should be able to reach a customer service representative by choosing "1" at the first prompt. If you...
Save water in YLP
With a dry, hot summer well under way, YLOA-YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose is asking everyone to conserve water whenever possible. Water usage is up this year because of many more people staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get useful conservation tips...
2020 election results
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS YLOA has a new Board of Directors for 2020-21. Following a 3-hour vote counting by volunteers, Inspector of Elections Marie Touitou has announced this year's election outcome: YLOA 2020 Election Results Quorum required for the...
Trucks for water company
YLP's water company crews will soon have a couple of long-awaited and much-need specialty trucks. The YSPUC Board of Directors meeting in special online session on July 17 approved purchase of the trucks with the price not to exceed $180,000 without further board...
Video: the floriferous Brandegee’s sage
A star of the California native plant garden is Brandegee’s Sage, Salvia brandegei. It’s fast, lush, floriferous, resilient, deerproof and remarkably drought-tolerant. Join me in my springtime garden, as I sit in a patch of this intoxicating sage,...
State mandates masks
Face coverings now required in California public places.
Federal program helps YLP
By Jonathan PenroseYLOA/YSPUC General Manager The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) received some much needed revision recently that will benefit our community and association. The PPP provides federal funding to businesses in financial need to help weather the fiscal...
Coronavirus: Latest YLP news
(This page will be updated whenever there is new local information) The ONLY OFFICIAL source of information about how YLP is dealing with COVID-19 is yosemitelakespark.org and direct YLOA communications. The situation is dynamic as new information...
2020 YLOA election
2020 YLOA election & candidatesBallot and envelopes included with election packet mailed to each YLOA member in early June JULY 12 UPDATE The Inspector of Elections announced that as of 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12, the number of ballots turned in did not constitute a...
Got joy? Try native plants
by LESLIE LIPTON In the spring I make coffee, feed the birds, and wander in my garden. I’ve been known to lose my coffee cup. Why? The joy disorients me. My mostly-native YLP garden explodes with color and life. Buzzing calms my overactive...
About 2020 election changes
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS In response to questions received prior to the open YLOA Board of Directors meeting Tuesday, May 26, regarding the upcoming election, the board provided the following information: The changes to Davis-Stirling brought sudden...
A book for each grad
A YLP couple have launched a nonprofit called The MJ Project with the mission "To inspire teens with choice, a book, and the confidence to imagine what could be." As a part of that project, Leslie Lipton and Tom Nelson are making this generous offer to Class of 2020...
State: keep pools closed
PER STATE DIRECTIVE, POOL CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. During the shelter in place directive, the governor issued an order requiring PUBLIC pools to be closed. Per Davis-Stirling newsletter, HOA pools were not considered PUBLIC, and thus opening the pool and/or hot...
LOL cancels 2020 events
By Diane MahanLadies of the Lakes 2020 presidentLadies of the Lakes board has decided to cancel all community events the remainder of the year, and while we are hoping to resume club meetings in September, only time will tell. For those of you that look...
YLOA board election notice
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS This year we have six qualified candidates running for four open seats on the Yosemite Lakes Owners' Association Board of Directors. Sue Beck Todd BenzieRebecca Brannon Kathleen MillerRandy SacksKen Sartain The four...
YLOA board OK’s new budget
OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS On Tuesday, April 28th, the YLOA Board of Directors voted 6-1 to pass the budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The new budget includes a modest increase to homeowners assessments of $6.17/month — primarily to...
GM reports passing of Layton Gillette
By Jonathan PenroseYLOA/YSPUC General Manager I am deeply saddened to inform the community that Layton Gillette, our previous General Manager, passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. Our prayers and condolences are with Faye and we offer her our...
YLP Q&As
YLOA and YSPUC General Manager Jonathan Penrose invites members of the YLP community to email him questions about YLP matters and he will answer them in a live chat at 6 p.m. each Tuesday at yosemitelakespark.org. Just email to QA@yloa.org or QA@yosemitelakespark.org....
Look for: Official YLP Business
To: All YLOA members and the YLP community Please look for this on our social media communications: OFFICIAL YOSEMITE LAKES PARK BUSINESS ALL OTHER SOURCES should be considered to be the personal opinion of the social media poster and often do not accurately...
2020 annual election packet
It's a challenging time, but the business of our community continues — and for YLP in April, that means preparing for annual Board of Directors elections. After publishing the official notice of election a few days ago, we're now providing the complete packet for...
‘Lord of the Rings’ readings
During this time of 'shelter in place,' the opportunities for entertainment and social interaction with those in our community is severely curtailed.Join our general manager, Jonathan Penrose, for a social reading of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic "Lord of the...
Notice of election
Fairway Cafe goes to card-only payment
Starting Friday, the Fairway Cafe will accept only phoned-in orders using credit or debit card.
Why social distancing is crucial in YLP
Be smart. Be safe. And PLEASE take the recommendations from the CDC and health professionals seriously.
Prudence, not panic
These are unprecedented times for most of us here in YLP…
YLOA board sets stage for election
The YLOA Board of Directors took the following actions at the regular Feb. 25, 2020 meeting
Madera County growth boom
According to the latest government data, Madera County is outpacing other similar-sized counties, both in California and around the western U.S., in terms of economic growth.
Native plants grow in YLP
An enthusiastic group has begun what they hope will be a transformative project to beautify YLP in a new, more natural, and less water-dependent way.
Oakhurst Hwy 41 project
SierraNewsOnline: A major construction project will impact traffic along Oakhurst’s main artery — Highway 41.
Valentines for WWII vet
A World War II veteran, age 104, is asking for a few cards and letters to be sent his way this Valentine’s Day.
Wheeler’s 2020 priorities
SierraNewsOnline: District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler thinks 2020 is going to be “another up year” for eastern Madera County.
YSPUC budget for 2020
The Yosemite Spring Park Utility Co. Board of Directors meeting on on Dec. 29 approved a new budget for 2020. Read the overview and view the budget…
New YLOA rules OK’d
The YLOA Board of Directors on Sunday, Dec. 29, approved new Membership Meeting and Voting Rules to comply with new California law…