News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Governor Signs Arrowhead Manor Water Bill

Governor Signs Arrowhead Manor Water Bill

Schwarzenegger Also Approves AB 2641

By Michael P. Neufeld
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Sacramento, CA – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office has just announced the governor has signed Assembly Bill 2680 by Assemblyman Anthony Adams. The bill provides for financial relief from payments, penalties and interest accrued by the prior owner of the privately owned Arrowhead Manor Water Company in Cedar Glen, for a loan obtained under the California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1976.

"Today is a huge victory for San Bernardino County and Cedar Glen residents," Adams stated. "After staving off fires and drought in the past few years, this community has endured its share of devastation. I'm pleased that the State could step up to ensure that obtaining clean, dependable and affordable drinking water is not a concern for residents."

Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) (Photo by State of California.)

Adams introduced the bill at the behest of Second District Supervisor Hansberger as the county began the purchase of the water company after Arrowhead Manor's private owners defaulted on a loan made in 1976 for approximately $900,000 from the California Department of Water Resources. The loan eventually swelled to nearly $1.9 million, including principal, interest, and late payment penalties.

The original loan was made under the California Safe Water Drinking Water Bond Law of 1976. Previous efforts to get the Department of Water Resources to forgive the loan were unsuccessful, so Hansberger appealed to Adams for help, contending paying the entire $1.9 million owed would be an unfair burden on taxpayers.

Adams bill will require residents to pay $910,520 over the remaining life of the loan. It will become effective January 1, 2009.

The governor signed 34 bills and vetoed 34 bills today bringing his year to date total to 653 signed and 322 vetoed. The governor has until midnight tonight to make decisions on 207 additional pieces of legislation.

The governor also approved Assemblyman Paul Cook's legislation dealing with a military ombudsman for state workers today.

State Assemblyman Paul Cook (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Assembly Bill 2641 - Military Ombudsman for State Workers This bill would require the Governor and each state agency and department to designate an ombudsman to take complaints and resolve and coordinate resolutions of these complaints from state employees who are members of the California National Guard or members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.