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General Manager´s Blog

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We´re OK!

October 23, 2007 at 5:58 PM

Tuesday, 10-30-07 7:00 a.m.

I was told this morning that the Lake Arrowhead area was 100% contained last night around 8:00 p.m. The Running Springs area was 92% contained. This is a great way to start our full day back in saddle.

We have a much different feel today. The music is waiving through the lobby, Aromas is open for lattes and morning pastries, BIN189 is open and seating guests as I write and all through the Resort is the hum of normalcy. Ah... what a fine day it will be.

Spa of the Pines is offering very special rates to all our guests, local residents, and any friends who happen to need a soothing massage or body treatment. We really encourage local residents to take some time out for themselves and revitalize their bodies and minds. There is no better way than a 50-minute or 80-minute massage. I am quite partial to the facials myself. I find as my face lets go to the therapists fingers, I let go of all my thoughts and all the stress. My whole body is able to deeply relax. Don't hesitate to call us, you won't be sorry. Amber is on the front desk today and ready to assist you in any questions or choices so call 909-744-3000.

BIN189 will serve Appetizers and First Tastes from their menu at 50% off from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. We hope everyone will find it comforting to sit and chat in our Bar and Lobby area while enjoying great wine, specialty drinks and really comforting food.

All of us at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa welcome our community back and invite all our guests to join us is this spectacular upcoming month.

Ciao,

Peter Henry

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If you would like to contact Peter directly rather than submitting a blog note, please feel free to email him at either phenry@gemstoneresorts.com or kroetzer@laresort.com. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you!

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Monday, 10-29-07 8:00 p.m.

Good Evening Everyone,

No change tonight to the figures of containment and strange as ithat sounds, I am told this continues to be good news.

It was much quieter tonight while serving dinner to the emergency personnel. There were so many that checked out today to either go back to their homes or continue on to another area still needing help. I feel elated that we will start business as usual tomorrow but sad too for the loss of such terrific people. I know they are all looking forward to returning to their families and friends so I keep that foremost in my mind. We wish all of them the best life has to offer and more!

Thank you to all our readers for continuing to check in and wishing us well. I will continue to update tomorrow.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Monday, 10-29-07 2:30 p.m.

Good Afternoon,

As of this afternoon, everything is calm and stats remain the same as this morning. This is very positive. The relative humidity is at 38% and we hope for a bit of rain.

We have seen a definite change in our guests now. Many of the emergency personnel have checked out and while recovery crews are checking in. Lots of folks are here from both Edison and different Insurance companies.

Let me assure anyone who has reservations, we have you first in our minds and your rooms have already been assigned. We also have a limited number of rooms available during the week. As the Resort prepares to reopen tomorrow our employees are excitedly working to make sure all provisions are in place and everything looks and feels fabulous.

We have specials available for our local residents that we hope will give them a place to meet and chat as well as spa treatments to sooth any stress they may be experiencing. Our Therapists are amazing and the special rates are too. Just look to the right on our home page and you will see the heading November Special Offers for our local residents and friends.

I wish everyone well and will update again some time this evening when I receive more information.


Ciao,

Peter Henry

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Monday, 10-29-07 11:00 a.m.

Hello Everyone,

Containment in Lake Arrowhead continues at 95% and Running Springs is now at 90% with no new acreage. I love it!

The Resort is preparing to officially open tomorrow. The employees returning to the mountain continue to comment that they are amazed at the lack of any visible signs of fire other than emergency personnel traveling throughout the area. I want to be sure to state here that none of us are minimizing the heavy losses the residents incurred in the Brentwood area by making these statements but rather we are staying focused on the positive.

I would like to now thank the many individuals as follows:

with
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
to
FIRE FIGHTERS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
EMERGENCY SERVICES and PUBLIC UTILITIES
and
LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

Among those volunteers who deserve very special recognition
for their servitude and sacrifices well beyond the call of duty:
Kirk Coult - Village
Paula and Po - Paypaya Bay
Mike, Larry, Keith, Rick and Gary - Stater Brothers
Tim Miskell – Golf Professional at LACC and Interim Lead Dishwasher
Mike and Karen Stevens – General Manager at LACC
Jack Cooperman – Arrowhead Lake Association
Bob, Joe and staff – Timberline in the Glenn
Dave Stuart – Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives
Kathy and Jeff Reich
Hardy Strozier
Vicki Thompson
George and Edie Hill
Jeff Perlas
Keith Binkley

AND A VERY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THOSE RESORT STAFF MEMBERS
WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY FOR DAYS ON END
WITH LITTLE SLEEP AND NO BREAKS

Terry Hibbard – Director of Security and President of Raider Nation
Scott Avila – Human Resources Director
Wayne Broutsas – Director of Engineering
Scottie Bessent – Engineering, Mr. Fixit and Chief Cook
Denise Miskell – Revenue Manager and All-American Rooms Coordinator
Maggie Wagner – Spa Director
Len Thompson – Front Office
Matt Thompson – Security and everything else
Amber Miskell – You name it


I will be sure to update with further information tonight and hope everyone has a great afternoon.

Ciao,

Peter Henry

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Sunday, 10-28-07 2:12 p.m.

Hello Everyone,

We are seeing the first wave of employees returning to assist in any way they can and we sure do appreciate it. I can only assume there are many residents returning to the mountain as well.

I want to be sure to let residents know that we have a few guest rooms available in case they need somewhere to stay. The numbers of rooms available tonight are very limited because of the many recovery personnel staying on property in order to assist with recovery. Please don’t hesitate calling 909-336-1511 to see what is available. Our reservations staff will be happy to assist you in any way they can.

I would also like to take this opportunity to let residents of Running Springs know their area is not open yes, and they should wait for further information from the evacuation center.

I will update as we progress into the evening.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Sunday, 10-28-07 12:33 p.m.

From: rimoftheworld.net

The mandatory evacuation order for the communities of Twin Peaks, Rim Forest, Blue Jay, Agua Fria, Deer Lodge Park, Sky Forest, Cedar Glen and the majority of Lake Arrowhead will be reduced to voluntary evacuation effective 12:00 p.m. on October 28, 2007.


The area will be open to residents and re-entry passes will not be issued and are not required.


The areas that suffered extensive fire damage will remain under a mandatory evacuation area with road closures at the following locations:


Brentwood Drive @ Sonoma Drive


San Benito Drive @ Pinehurst Drive


Brentwood Drive @ Pinehurst Drive


Brentwood Drive @ Oakmont Drive


Brentwood Drive @ Grass Valley Drive


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Sunday, 10-28-07 7:25 a.m.

Just checking in. I am on breakfast duty so I will update later. We should have some more good news by early afternoon.

Ciao,

Peter Henry

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Sunday, 10-27-07 9:30 p.m.


Good Evening to All,


Wonderful news, absolutely wonderful; containment in Lake Arrowhead is at a whopping 95% and 65% in the Running Springs area. The sudden rain was a true gift for all those fighting these fires throughout the Southland.


There were happy, exhausted faces on our emergency personnel tonight accompanying so many uplifting stories throughout the Resort. Those who were going out for the night felt on top of the world with what’s been accomplished and what might be accomplished tonight. Again and again I find the fortitude and energy of these men and women beyond explanation. I know all of us are incredibly grateful to each of them.


We are beginning to move into recovery as the emergency personnel get a handle on these two containment areas. We have approximately 80 Edison workers here tonight and expecting at least 30+ insurance adjusters tomorrow. Emergency personnel will begin to move out but only when everything is completely safe.


As I mentioned earlier, we will open the Resort on Tuesday to our loyal guests who have been amazingly supportive with very few calling to cancel. We will be welcoming a wonderful wedding party next Sunday. The family has been amazing in checking in with us and offering their kind words of support. We know their special occasion will be perfect!


In closing tonight, I want to highlight some very special residents and leaders who have been here since the beginning to help wash linens, make beds, wash dishes, cook meals, and help where ever they could. I would like to offer my deep appreciation and thanks to Kirk Coult, Dave Stuart, Jack Cooperman, Bob and Joe from Timberline. These individuals stayed behind just so they could offer whatever help they could. And help they did, in every possible way.

I continue to pray for all our emergency personnel and all the residents up and down our mountains and I know you will too.


My Best to All,

Peter Henry


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Saturday, 10-27-07 3:23 p.m.

The 1,140 acre Grass Valley Fire as of 8:00 am this morning was 85% contained! Light rain fell earlier. We hope more falls throughout the later afternoon. I will update as I have more.

Ciao,

Peter Henry


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Saturday, 10-27-07 10:15 a.m.

Hello Everyone,

My kitchen companions put me onto egg duty this morning. There were little eggs, medium eggs, great big eggs, white eggs, brown eggs and more eggs. Eggs are little beasts at times I'll have you know, cracking in all different directions rather than the direction I intended. Ah, but they taste so good when prepared. I am happy to say my kitchen companions said I had good form and can do it again tomorrow morning. Yes!

Winds are non-existent this morning with highter humidity levels so all weather indicators are good for our emergency personnel to make another day of great progress. Their attitudes are great and they are pumped this morning. I am sure it's the eggs that gave them such a boost.

After careful consideration, I have decided to reopen the Resort on Tuesday rather than Monday. Employees are starting to arrive today and we want to make sure they and all provisions needed are in place. We are really looking forward to the arrival of our guests this upcoming week. As I have mentioned in earlier updates, guests will be very pleased to see that this mountain area is as beautiful as ever.

Please keep your prayers going for all the emergency personnel. Everyone here greatly appreciates it. I will update this evening.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry


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Friday, 10-26-07 10:35 a.m.

Good Morning!

I have become an official bacon pro folks. Mike from Stater Bros. sent over 150 lbs for the breakfast this morning and I began to cook it up at 4:00 a.m. I didn't quite believe it when I came to the last strip but I graduated with flying colors or so my kitchen companions tell me. I suppose the enjoyment on the faces of the emergency personnel this morning confirmed I must have done alright after all.

Mike from Stater Bros. continues to be a champion , donating sometimes up to $8000 a day for groceries and necessities. And the emergency personnel are ever grateful for all the help they are receiving.

We had 29 strike teams from all over California and other states staying with us last night. I would like to take a bit of space this morning and list them out and again say thank you. I would also like to say thank you to their mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, significant others and their children who have sent them out to us and wait for their safe return. We are so very grateful and will continue to take good care of them while they are in our care.

Union City Fire - Alameda County - Fremont - Oakland - Rialto - California Department of Forestry - San Bernardino County - Colton - LA City - Rancho Cucamonga - Upland - Chino Valley - 29 Palms - Morongo Valley - Victorville - Apple Valley - Whiskey Town - Fort Irwin - Montclair - Upper Lake - Lakeshore - Lakeport - Bishop - Barstow Fire - Loma Linda - Barstow Marine Corp - San Bernardino City - Mammouth - Fairmont Colorado (two teams)

Each strike team is comprised of three or four engines and upwards of 12-17 firefighters. Today's outlook is very positive and I will update this afternoon as we get new figures.

I think most people will be amazed when they return to Lake Arrowhead and see that the area seems unaffected by the fire. It isn't until you get to the area in back of the Country Club that you can tell there has been a fire. My heart breaks though for those who lost their homes in that area. I know this community is strong beyond words and there will be renewal.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Thursday, 10-25-07 9:30 p.m.

Containment for Lake Arrowhead is a over 70% and the Slide area is over 15%! Winds continue to stay calm. I couldn't ask for better news tonight unless someone told me a big rain storm was on it's way. I can dream a little can't I?

Back to our current reality. There are currently 70+ fire trucks in our lot and I am unsure how many other emergency vehicles as well. We have 400+ on site tonight out of the 1500+ emergency personnel on the mountain. We've gone to setting up cots in the Ballroom and the Evergreen room so everyone can find some comfort. It's absolutely amazing how this many folks can converge in one place and have no complaints, none at all. Instead, they are full of positive stories and their spirits are high and full of hope.

We also have residents in our community along with some of our own employees who stayed behind in order to help or were unable to leave. Mike, the store Manager at Stater Bros. in the Village has been absolutely on the spot from the start with all the food and grocery items we might need. The owners of Papaya Bay, Paula and Po have been here every single day and night to cook and help serve emergency personnel.

I am humbled by the selflessness each person has shown in their service to others, some despite their own devastating circumstances. I speak specifically of the Miskell family who's home was lost in the initial fire sweep in Lake Arrowhead. Tim Miskell is the golf pro at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club, his wife Denise is our Revenue Manager and Amber, their daughter, is one of our front desk personnel at the Spa. They lost every single thing they owned but they have been here from the start to be of service to others without thought of their own circumstances.

Then we have Scott Avila and Wayne Broutsas, Scottie Bessent, Maggie Wagner, Len and Matt Thompson and Terry Hibbard. I cannot say enough about their dedication and their unbelievable fortitude throughout. My deepest thanks go out to each and every person who has supported the Resort so the Resort could support the emergency personnel.

I hope you will join me in continued prayers and thoughts for all in our community and all our emergency personnel fighting on our mountain tonight.

Goodnight for now,

Peter Henry

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Thursday, 1-25-07 1:00 p.m.

Good news continues in Lake Arrowhead. I just arrived back to the property and found the drive revealed we still have a beautiful scenic mountain. I say this with great encouragement to those who did in fact lose their homes in this area. Soon, we will have the opportunity to draw together and begin to rebuild those areas as a community of strength and courage.

I will continue to update as I hear further reports and again thank everyone for their support and prayers. It means a lot to all of us.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Thursday, 10-25-07 9:30 a.m.

Good Morning to All:

As President Bush arrived in California to check on the current situation, the Resort sat over 400 emergency personnel thoughout the early morning for a warm and tasty breakfast before they headed back out to the containment areas. What an honor to serve these heroes.

Containment figures are now over 30% and we understand today should be a pivotal day for our Fire Fighters to take the upper hand. All great news!

I want to thank everyone who has called and emailed with their kind thoughts and best wishes. We all greatly appreciate the lift and look forward to your upcoming visits!

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Wednesday, 10-24-07 8:25 p.m.

Hello to All:

Winds are currently calm allowing our emergency personnel a much needed break. I can share that the fire in Lake Arrowhead is over 30% contained and full containment is expected by Sunday, possibly earlier. Great news!

There are approximately 200+ emergency personnel who are sitting down tonight at the Resort for a great meal provided by Papaya Bay in the Village. Many will rest their weary bodies and minds while others will return to the containment areas and take their rests later. These brave men and women are truely amazing in their tireless efforts and it is a great priveledge to be of service to them all.

We are now looking forward with great hope to next week when we can see all our employees back to work and the Resort can welcome guests to our beautiful mountain oasis.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Wednesday, 10-24-07 4:30 p.m.

Hello to All:

The Resort and Village continue to stand tall and strong. We are currently installing a backup generator which will allow us to better serve the emergency personnel this evening while the main electricity is off.

Reports are encouraging with numerous air drops having been made throughout the day. Emergency personnel continue to work towards containment.

I will report back this evening as I receive any new updates. If you would like to drop me a line, please feel free to do so on my Blog (Peter's Blog) under Talk to Us on left side of website.

My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Wednesday, 10-24-07 8:30 a.m.

Good Morning,

Our Wednesday morning update is quite encouraging. There are six air tankers dropping massive amounts of water on the two areas of Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. As a precautionary measure, Edison has shut the electricity down thoughout the area to protect any open lines while water is being dropped thoughout the area.

The Resort continues to care for emergency personnel as they break for rest and nourishment. Stater Bros., located in the Village next door, is providing the fresh foods necessary and continue to be an excellent support to the emergency personnel.

I would like to reassure our guests who have reservations that they have been cancelled without penalty. Also, any deposits collected for this time period will be applied to future visits. We will be in contact with each of our guests to arrange all the details once we are fully operational next week.

I hope you will join us in our continued prayers and thoughts for all the emergency service personnel and all of our neighbors. I will continue to provide updates as we progress though the day.


My Best to All,

Peter Henry

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Tuesday, 10-23-07

Hello to All our Guests, Friends and Family,

The Resort is fine. The area of fire is approximately six miles away and continues to burn away from the Resort. Emergency services are doing a great job at protecting this area.

We expect to be open and welcoming guests early next week. In the meantime, the Resort continues to stay open with a small crew to provide shelter, food and assistance to all the emergency service personnel on the mountain.

Guests who have reservations for the period we will be closed will of course not experience any penalty. Any deposits collected to date will be applied to future visits. Our reservations staff is expected back next week and will begin contacting each of our guests to arrange all details at that time.

I hope you will join us in our prayers and thoughts for all the emergency service personnel and all of our neighbors. We will continue daily updates thoughout the week.

Best Wishes to All,

Peter Henry


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If you would like to contact Peter directly rather than submitting a blog note, please feel free to email him at either phenry@gemstoneresorts.com or kroetzer@laresort.com. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you!

FIRE UPDATE FOR OUR GUESTS

 

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