Community Organizations

There are three public entities in Bayview. Bayview Water & Sewer, The Community Center Foundation and the so called Chamber of Commerce.

The Water & Sewer issues have been well aired and need not be repeated here. Of the other two, the dba Bayview Chamber of Commerce, is not a Chamber of Commerce, but a dba. It is not affiliated with either the Idaho Chamber or the U.S. Chamber. I doubt that the official Chambers of Commerce have given Bayview permission to represent themselves as such. Many members of this community, having experienced the wake-up call that all three groups tend to be incestuous, insofar as they are controlled by a small group of insiders that do not particularly want other in the community to participate.

If I recall, there is a rule that Foundation board members must be members of the dba Bayview Chamber of Commerce. This is very questionable as to it's legality. But then many practices have been questionable in the past. It would be desirable for the Foundation to publicize their charter, so that the residents can understand the basis it was formed and for what purpose.

I challenge both groups to publicize their election processes, board members and scheduled elections in the near future. This will allow enough knowledge for members of the community to participate if they wish. It is obvious that the community at large have demanded transparency. We can do it the hard way, or the easy way. Refusing Stephen May's paid ad in the Chamber news letter was not appropriate. Neutrality should have been observed.

Slander

I am addressing this issue today because my computer froze up Friday and I couldn't get it fised until today.

An e-mail widely circulated came back to be as they always do. It was written by Norma Jean Knowles and was about the Water & Sewer Board election and installation. In it she accused me of doing the bidding of Chan Karupiah.

That she would make such a wild accusation about Chan, who she hates, and now me astounds me. Anyone who knows me would tell you that Chan neither before or during a new post. I'm sure he agrees with some and not with others, but we seldom compare notes, or discuss Bayview politics.

For an individual to start a fund raiser to stop Karupiah from investing in Bayview Properties is ludicrous and makes one wonder what logic was used there. Norma Jean has the right to speak about any subject she wants, but there are penalties for naming a person with inaccurate accusations.

Slander is a false accusation that is both inaccurate and made with malice. It does not include asking a question, only a statement about a specific person. The old guard has run Bayview's activities without challenge for a long times.

The recent election wasn't about either of the incumbents. It was about cleaning house and making ways to assure accountability.

It would behoove the holdovers to quit playing defense and cooperate with this town. Times are a changing and people must also change.

***Additional comments that were e-mailed to me anonymously. It is well written and makes great points:

I do not understand the statement regarding the new Board members being very adversarial and bent on destruction, not working as part of a Board to make things better or work cooperatively. From what I saw, they participated in the meeting, made motions and were complaint with the process of going through the agenda. Since there was an agenda, there was not an opportunity to give the current Board and the employees any credibility of the things they have accomplished or are trying to work on, not wanting to learn or listen to why things have been done the way they have been.

Certainly the community attendees were vocal because they thought that an appointment had been made during a secretly held meeting that excluded the new Board members. And, actually, that was the case, and that’s why people seem to think all the Board members have been acting illegally, unethically and secretly. In addition, that was why the Press was apparently interested. It’s news when people’s access to their elected officials is interrupted.

Similarly, the accusation that Sharon Meyer and Steve May were meeting secretly themselves amongst other members of the community and that this is somehow wrong is ludicrous. Because they were all appointed, the veteran Board members all seem confused about the fact that they represent constituents. The bizarre acknowledgments that all the Board members were expected to sign, promising that they would not discuss Water Business outside of the Water Board group, totally defeats their ability to represent the members of the community. However, speaking with constituents is seen as “creating havoc”.

Likewise, there seems to be a misunderstanding regarding the Idaho Statutes and what is required of the Board. Actually, I think the statutes that are applicable are IC 42-51 not IC 42-32 as some have referenced. Regardless, I can assure you there is no stipulation in the Idaho Code regarding community members’ not being able to speak to the Board about concerns. 

As for continually attacking policy, procedures and character integrity of the others that hold a seat I do not see that happening. What I do see is an organization that was never properly set up to handle a half million dollar budget; with unwritten Policy and Procedures; apparently no By Laws and a history of “because I said so, we’ve always done it that way”.

And that, like it or not, makes them look arbitrary and poorly managed. There are no personal accusations needed. It is not personal, it is business. It is what it is and it is fixable with some hard focused teamwork.

There should be no need for WW III Bayview style. There are probably talented people in the community who would assist with policy and by law development. People do care and are helpful, but nothing gets done when everyone has a pile of chips on their shoulders and go around all butt-hurt.

Cape Horn Aftermath

These two pictures are of a peek-a-boo look at the luxury home and the lot next to the house where the fire reached the road.

The third and fourth pictures show where the fire crowned and crossed down to the water.

That the fire only got away once was either a miracle or a very highly trained and dedicated group of expert fire fighters, or perhaps both.

Charts, statistics and press releases just do not tell the story of this fire. I drove out this afternoon expecting to see massive damage. Certainly, up hill where the fire really took off was harder to control and even harder to get pictures.

After driving to the end of the road, except the gated community, of which I did not want to intrude, one thing stood out all the way to the end.

With only one crown fire that crossed the road and would have caused all of the homes that were consumed to burn, all along the road there were burn patches where they held it from crossing Cape Horn Road.

Time after time the fire would creep up to the uphill side where some very nice homes sit. They are all still there. In one case, a luxury home on a large tract with a blacktop driveway curving up to the house was framed by trees along the way. It appeared from the road the the fire had knocked on their back door, only to be refused by the firefighters.

The lot just to the west burned all the way to the road, where once again it was turned back.The one place I referred to as having  crossed the road and burned down to the lake, is just a block or two east of the slide area.

With nice homes lining Cape Horn Road, not one of the uphill homes were sacrificed. The pictures  I took are not spectacular, because they show where the fire wasn't allowed to spread.

Bayview Citizens Angered By Board

An angry crowd of at least fifty citizens of Bayview, and also Water & Sewer customers greeted a very defensive board of directors yesterday, July 21. In addition to the two new board members, there was a third that was hastily appointed just 5 days after the president, Chuck Waller, died.

The board, claiming an emergency, had quickly appointed one of the two losing candidates from the spring election. Two things were obvious. One was to maintain the old guard majority of 3-2, which would have negated any effect the two new members might have had. The second is they forgot that a 24 hour legal notice must precede any sudden unscheduled meeting.

I walked out after a loud mouth board member referred to us as Persona Non Grata. This type of attitude unfortunately, was what led to the contested election this spring. The first such open contest in my memory, and I've been here 20 years.

After the meeting I learned that the unlawful appointment at an illegal meeting was reversed. At some point in the near future, a proper appointment will be made. The law requires a replacement within 30 days of the vacancy occurring. The open solicitation for applicants apparently will take place. At this time, with only four voting members participating. This will prove interesting since it tends to show the old guard vs the newly elected reformers as a 2-2 standoff. If the chairperson cannot vote except to break a tie then the decision would fall to the new comers.

Some great comments, all in objection to the sitting board, were shown in the Coeur d'Alene Press Wednesday am. Although holding onto a big frog/small pond attitude, the greatest service the incumbents could give the community would be to resign, allowing a makeover long over due. The employees do a fine job, although the manager probably should refrain from volunteering as a bouncer, since he may be answering to new bosses that actually respect the public.

Interestingly, while shouting down those that wished to speak occurred for some, others were allowed to speak freely. There was a young man from JUB Engineers, who though not recognized by the chair interjected comments at will. Another, a woman rose to a point of order and was allowed to speak. The majority of the rulings came not from the chair, but from board member Gardner who visibly sneered at the public gathering.

Somehow, I sense a recall election may take place to cleanse the board of arrogance.

SMELL TEST

The Bayview Water and Sewer board, consisting of two incumbents and two expired terms met July 8 to appoint a successor to Chuck Waller who died 5 days prior. Faced with losing their majority, the surviving two held a rump meeting  without notice and without inviting their secretary.

Both Waller's death and the meeting at which the illegal board met were after July first, the date the new members were official. That they weren't sworn in is immaterial. If the president of the united states dies, the vice-president is immediately president regardless of when the swearing in happens.

Faced with a two-two tie, the incumbents acted quickly, and I believe illegally to cement a 3-2 majority, appointing one of the two losers in the recent election, Chuck Murray. This isn't about people, it's about legal acts, honesty and transparency. The obvious correct way to have handled this is for both factions to agree on one outsider that doesn't have an ax to grind. Also, electing a new president after the two losers were already out of office is disgusting, and also probably illegal.

They just don't get it. This kind of weaselly behavior is what got new members elected. This district and it's members have long been kept in the dark as to accounting for expenditures. At a meeting which many community members attended, an audit was still 2 years late, when legally required to be annual. Now, two years later, the audit is four years in arrears.

The second act and where the smell test applies, is the Bayview Water & Sewer board invested in a brand new large capacity paper shredder. This in anticipation of an audit?  Stay tuned. A court of law can take over, lock, stock and barrel in these situations, and damn well should.

This is, unless the board gets their act together quickly, will probably end up in a law suit. It will be interesting when auditors, Magnuson-McHugh are subpoenaed to testify as to why they rejected the audit. Is it possible that the district  wouldn't supply the auditors with the material needed for the audit?

So then,  we have a new/old board member who along with the other former member, voted for one of them to replace Waller, AFTER their terms expired. If all else fails, these incumbents will fall in the next election.The public strikes back after being sucker punched too many times. I would encourage the citizens of Bayview to take up a collection for the hiring of an attorney that can then file a suit, demand disclosure  and discover where the rats are eating the cheese.

Does someone have something to hide? Stay tuned.

Bayview Still Deserted

While the permanent residents of Bayview are home, the summer people are not. Float home owners, boat owners and RV people are missing in droves. In talking to one marina owner, it is the over hyped television media that is misrepresenting the Cape Horn fire status.

The "50% contained" mantra is said over and over. The truth of the matter is that the skies are blue, no smoke in the air, in short, a normal summer day. What isn't normal is the enduring silence that exists as the streets are empty and for no legitimate reason.

The portion of the Cape Horn Fire that is not controlled is miles north of Scenic Bay. The rugged mountains north of Cape Horn are difficult to access, but very few homes are anywhere near the head of the fire which is traveling even further north as the prevailing winds dictate. There is absolutely no fire burning on the south slope of Cape Horn. That fire is completely out.

The mountains between Cape Horn and the naval research establishment are still in danger, but the fire is moving very slowly.

In the mean time, our restaurants and marinas are close to empty as television viewers are led astray. It is past time that KHQ, KREM and KXLY stop sensationalizing routine recovery. They are killing Bayview. "If it bleeds it leads," is a true description of the wolf pack mentality of the broadcast media.

Get a sense of responsibility people, or you next story will be the mysterious decay of a once thriving tourist destination.

Fire Aftermath

Actually this isn't the aftermath, since the Cape Horn Fire is very much alive, but burning on the north slopes. Smoke is not visible here as the wind is apparently blowing it north.

I ran into a firefighter in the Mercantile yesterday who had two things to say. One, he had never been treated so well as here in Bayview. There were restaurants giving free meals to firefighters and hospitality is rampant.

Secondly, and bizarre, If it is dry enough Wednesday, they are going to start a back fire that should kill the blaze. I thought it strange that the firefighters wanted it dryer.

Life has returned to normal in most of the areas, except Cape Horn. On a sad note, one of the homes that burned down created a mystery. The authorities couldn't find the owner. Finally, she was located ...At a hospital. Can you imagine the trauma when the doctor says, "You may go home now."

Thunderstorms have been circling around, but other than a five minute sprinkle, none have reached Bayview, which could really use some heavy rain. We have had an entire summer's experience just half way through. Many are wondering what next?

Thunderstorms Prowling The Area

The sun is back out after dodging yet another thunder bumper. We got just a few sprinkels and one peal of thunder. Mot of the storms this year have traveled to the south of Bayview, Idaho. This tends to work against the Silver Valley, as they get hit head on.

Another wave is due in about 30 minutes. We shall see. But prior to the serious stuff arriving, there were some beautiful towering cumulus clouds overhead.

Humongous Thunderstorm

A humongous Thunderstorm is heading up from the south, now perched around St. Maries, Idaho and heading our way. Like we need more fire. It may hit here, or not. Thunderstorms are notional and pretty much go where they want.

You can tell though with weather radar. Storms tend to circle a cold or warm front. This one has a monster center south of the panhandle, and is heading due north. It will probably turn east toward the mountains, but if it doesn't, look out.

Tomorrow will tell the tale. I am still traumatized from the last evacuation and will not go next time, if there is a next time. It has been many years since a firestorm has obliterated a city here in Idaho. 1910 to be precise. What is now Farragut State Park was destroyed in that fire, which burned up Bernard Peak and joined the main blaze in the  Silver Valley.

I have water, sprinklers and mucho protection from losing my home. If another fire comes along, I'll be out on my deck playing my banjo, which I have neglected, while between wetting down the deck. When you have a bone dry wood deck 8x30 in front of a single side mobile home, it would destroy the entire deal.

As traumatic as the evacuation was, and the errors in judgement by the fire bosses, we and they survived to fight again. I haven't yet congratulated our heroic fire fighters, but better late than never. They were magnificent,fighting an uphill out of control blaze, while experiencing 95 degree heat.

The businesses out of order for two days will be OK. If you want to help, donate to the Timberlake Fire Department emergency fund, or their retirement fund. There has apparently been yet again a shakeup with several including the chief suspended. As usual, no information is being given out. This would explain why the Northern chief was the spokesperson.

If this ever happens again, please try to avoid treating us like sheep.

Bayview Is Open To All

Bayview is open to all as of this morning. Cape Horn just for residents. The traumatic experience may be over, but we still have the thunder storms coming in which could spell trouble.

Ralph Jones tells me that there are bulldozers running a line the north face of Cape Horn, a 60 degree slope. That takes brass Whatchacolits.

Anyway, all blockades into Bayview have been lifted and everyone is free to come on down.

IF, IF, IF

I finally found someone that was knowledgeable about what was going on in the card game, fire versus public interest regarding the ability to access their homes and regain the life that was interrupted last Sunday Afternoon.For all, it has been traumatic. For us older folks it was much worst.

You see, the older you get, the more the loss off one's comfort zone is. When I left Bayview Sunday afternoon, it was in anticipation of a monster traffic jam of the three day weekend crowd leaving all at once. I left at 2:00 pm. Staying with friends complicates two things. My routine was destroyed, and so was theirs. To there credit they were very kind in saying it was a pleasure to have me over. You see, the urge to help those in need was a paramount issue with them.

Thank You John and Jan Land, for your kindness. I also got an invitation from Jana Tritto, the caregiver of several forever children, of all ages. These patients, or family members range from preteens to adults that will never be able to cope with life on their own. I think the current label is developmentally disabled, but I never can keep up with politically correct terms.

Yesterday, by hook or crook, I slid into Bayview and  reunited myself with my home. I don't care what burns down, I have sprinklers in both my front and back yards. I will stay with my home 'til hell freezes over. No more living out of a suitcase, I'm fighting back.

Rumors of public access to Bayview, from reliable sources, suggest that with the exception of the predicted thunderstorms with heavy winds could derail that effort. We will hope for the best. The local restaurants are open, have been resupplied by the wholesale suppliers, as did the Mercantile.

I will be back mid morning with news of the day. Stay tuned...

Bayview Resident Restrictions

We  here in Bayview have some unique problems. During the Winter months we probably have 450 year round residents. Some of those have their permanent residence in Bayview and can prove their residency.

Then there are those that are currently prohibited from entry, that live year round in an RV. Winter? Usually Arizona or perhaps Palm Springs. They then spend every summer in Bayview. They are part of an expanding herd of constant travelers. All but a few RV guests are gone, having been repeatedly told they are not welcome here because they are not residents. Admittedly, these are uniquely difficult times. Still, cannot we make adjustments for seasonal residents?

For those of you in government, a great amount of taxes are collected from seasonal residents. Are they then taxed without any privileges?

The there are the float home owners. Most of them live elsewhere in the winter and live here in the summer or on weekends. Are they not able to access their summer homes? The entire bay is made up of Marinas. Some fall into the category of float home residents, but many populate  a very lucrative marina businesses, for week end boaters. They pay taxes here too.

First, I encourage all seasonal residents and boat owners to bring with them any receipts or other evidence that they are not just looky loos, which get in the way of the fire fighters but have a legitimate reason for coming to Bayview. They have a financial interest in this place.

To the State, federal and county authorities, Bayview starts in the winter with a flock of snow birds, then  expands to thousands in the summer. Restaurants, marinas and other businesses that stayed, busting their butts to serve the community, are you willing to take away the two months of income that keep them going all year?

This town is unique and must be treated as such. Otherwise, after several years of recovery from fishing and recession problems, you are going to see this town destroyed financially and it will come not from the fire itself, but from the scattered stupid lack of a plan and coordination between information sources and agencies. The fire itself, except for the timber holdings, will not affect Bayview or Cape Horn much in the long run.

What will, is the destruction of tourism here. Get your collective heads out of your asses and cure problems, not create them.While get out of town information came quickly and regularly, there are still residents that don't know they can come home. This county needs and deserves a better system to communicate other that the laughable 765 number who apparently wasn't informed correctly either. You have unnecessarily disrupted this town to the brink of disaster. Not from fire, but from ignorant handling of public information. I see law suits on the horizon.This is the 105th anniversary of the great collection of fires called the 1910 fire. They didn't have a plan either.

FREE AT LAST

After Ralph Jones interrupted Sheriff Ben Wolfinger last night at the community meeting the subject of why in hell the cops blockaded Pier Road to keep traffic out of the cape when they could have blocked Lime Kiln at the top where Cape Horn Road joins, the sheriff, who probably was unaware of the stupidity of someone n his chain of command, opened the road this morning at 8:00 am.

Unfortunately, those that were turned away have no way to know they can come home now. My thoughts go to Yvonne Wallis who, disabled, was turned back yesterday along with myself, and many others. Unnecessary closures occurred at two marinas and the Captain's Wheel because the order to close Lime Kiln was misinterpreted to mean at the bottom, not the top at the juncture with Cape Horn Road. Some like Yvonne do not have a computer and their only means of communication is TV will not know they are sheep anymore. As this is written, the Captain's Wheel is opened again, along with the Bitter End, (how aptly named) Scenic Bay Marina. Businesses may not prosper just yet. As long as non-residents are turned back these boaters that live elsewhere are still unable to travel to Bayview.

Unfortunately, the folks that live out Cape Horn are still unable to freely access their homes. They can however, met with the sheriff dept at the community center for scheduling supervised visits to their homes to check for damage and regain access to their important belongings. The treatment of us has been as if we were sheep and it will long be remembered how we were recklessly and thoughtlessly treated. B-a-a-a-a.

PS:A new smoke plums occurred NW of Bayview, a spot fire. The firefighters are addressing it as well as another closer to the original fire.  Cherokee Road is now closed and fire equipment was seen on that road.

The Sound Of Silence

I awoke this morning to a vague sound of a lawn mower. Realizing the improbability of that happening, opened the door to the vague sound of a far away Helicopter. I saw a car passing up the hill on the verboten Lime Kiln Road and wondered what sort of influence this dude had.

There was a community meeting at the Community Center last night that was probably informative if I could only have had transportation. I was forced to leave my car at Ralph's and hitch a ride with neighbors who had a golf cart. The convoluted logic is that it is alright to use Lime Kiln if you are traveling in a golf cart or ATV, but not a car.  Two blocks in my car and I would have had an escape option if the fire kicked up again. Now, on foot and lame, I have no option but to man the hoses and keep things wet.

The silence is unheard of this time of the year. That helicopter is gone and only total silence can be heard. One can hope that the delivery of food and beverages will be delivered by tomorrow, or the mercantile will be unable to supply food any longer. Will the trucks be get through? Will they even try. Those that do not have computers have no way of getting news, since the newspapers are not delivering.

Had the powers that be blocked Lime Kiln at the junction with Cape Horn Road instead of at Pier Road, they would have had an effective blockade. Instead they isolated the Captain's Wheel Resort, The Scenic Bay Marina and it's office which administrates five of the seven marinas here in Bayview, nor to mention my home which I managed to get to by bumming a ride on a golf cart. I want my car back now. I have at this point no transportation options, except walking, which I no longer can do for any distance.

That I am disgusted with the bureaucratic and yes, autocratic handling of this business of herding the citizens around like  minor irritants is a given. The current rumor is that it is OK to pass golf carts because they take up less room than a car. Well, since I came home yesterday afternoon, not one piece of fire equipment has been seen here. For the obstinate attitude that taking a car two blocks and parking it off road they have left me and others adrift as refugees in our own communities. No access to food or other necessities. Am I pissed? You betcha.

Do you remember Yvonne Wallis? She was the victim of a viscous hammer attack a coupe of years ago. Completely recovered now and disabled, she was refused entry by the same deputy that stopped me from driving home.I can throw a rock at her house from mine. She is now adrift, without the funds to support her away from home. To be able to access your home hitching a ride on a golf cart, only to be set adrift and afoot is stupid and thoughtlessly cruel.

If the handling of residents were as smoothly run and the firefighters that have at great risk contained this blaze the inconvenience to the folks that live here would have been a blessing. As it is, we are, as I said before refugees in our own community.

HOME, ALMOST

Herb, currently only the residents on Cape Horn are not allowed to go back in, the residents of the "core" are being allowed to come and go. The evacuations of Bayview, west to Salee Cr were strongly recommended - and still are due to the fire's behavior.

With the myriad of agencies involved in the now 2000 acre Cape Horn Fire,  confusion reigns. The command and control and PIO suck big time. Yesterday, after seeing KREM  TV announce that if you live in Bayview you can go home, I jumped in the car and headed north. I had been staying in a friend's home in Hayden. When I reached the blockade in Farragut State Park, I was turned back.

Today, the sheriff face book page listed an information page and a phone number to call for fire status. This number is 208-765-7243. I called that and was told that with the exception of Cape Horn Road, it was OK for me to return to Bayview. So fine. I thanked my hosts, John and Jan Land with whom I resided the last two nights, stopped at Super One to stock up on fresh food and boogied up the road toward Bayview. Reaching Hwy 54, the lighted sign warning that the road is closed at mile marker 12. With trepidation, I drove on. At the road block I was told that yes, if I could show ID with my address on it I was free to go home.

I'm thinking, FREE, FREE, FREE AT LAST. But no. When I got to Pier Road a very friendly deputy stopped me. He said nobody was permitted to Lime Kiln. I explained that is he was lost, Lime Kiln is considered by all as being part of the core of Bayview. I'd like to be present when an authority told Dick Hansen that he didn't live in Bayview.

So I figured I would need to store my perishables and Marie was more than happy to take care of them at the Mercantile.  I then stopped at Ralph's where the other refugees were gathered. One neighbor that lives on the top of Lime Kiln where it merges into Cape Horn Road was present with a golf cart. They offered me a ride, which brought me to my home at last. You can't walk or drive a car on this road, but they smile and let golf carts through.

I am now home. The 765 number nor the people at the road block have the same information as the cop on the ground, not does the Sheriff Facebook page. Which replied to me that it was OK everywhere except Cape Horn. Unfortunately, the guy with a gun ruled. A friend just stopped by, (on an ATV and offered to move my car to a better place.

The bottom line is that not everyone involved with enforcement and public safety is on the same page and are giving out contrasting and contradictory information.

Oh and to whoever stopped to water my tomatoes, thank you large. Since I have no idea who did it, I would appreciate it if you called me at 683-9107.

Chuck Waller R.I.P.

Many of us had differences with Chuck over his management style, it is real poor form to jump on a person just after they died. Please, unless it is news pertaining to the Water-Sewer
board, let's leave the dead alone. Show some class.

Ima Refugee

Today, I ventured forth to collect some meds and other things firm in the belief that KREM had the facts when they announced that Bayview Residents would be allowed in for a short period to collect  important stuff.                                                                                                                            


Well, they were wrong. The park people were manning  (or womanning the barricades.)

Emphasizing the nobody, not even you Herb goes through here. As I prepared to make the U turn, I spotted Randall Butt and stopped to chat. I suggested to him that under the circumstances, those that so vigorously opposed thinning and prescribed burns might now understand the why of it. He just grinned.

I'm holed up with Dr. John Land and his bride in Hayden until either we can return home, or my son in England e-mails me burglar info so that I can use his home for a few days.

Some are still holed up in Bayview. If you are one of them please run over and water my tomatoes.

Anyway, after a quick trip to the Sandpoint VA for a prescription covering those things I didn't bring with me, then a 1 1/2 hour wait at Safeway to fill them, I now have most of the meds I need. Although much of the information is wrong, the bottom line is we would be in the way.

For evening pictures of of fire fighting try MacDonald's Resort/web cam.

BAYVIEW EVACUATED

I am writing this from a motel room in Coeur d'Alene. Bayview is under emergency evacuation orders due to an uncontrolled wild fire near the East end of Cape Horn. The fire started around Noon to 12:30. I looked up and the Farragut Peninsula was hidden in dense smoke.

None of this has been verified except I did call 9-1-1 who verified the evacuation order. I went from business to business like a modern day Paul Revere telling everyone that they needed to leave. Nobody believed me, but I flagged down a deputy Sheriff who promised to deliver the message personally.

Whether the blaze reaches downtown Bayview is unknown at this time, except the wind shifted as I left Bayview coming from east to west which is not good. As I looked over my shoulder it appeared that the fire had at least doubled in size and was ominously heading toward the town with marinas packed with boats and RV parks filled up.

I understood from a scanner, that fire trucks were unable to address the blaze, as it was climbing up hill in a road less area. Perhaps they can set a fire line somewhere on Cherokee Road. Not unusual, there was more traffic heading into the town than out as people couldn't believe this was happening.

A huge traffic jam is about to occur if it hasn't already. As of the time I left, no helicopters or bombers had responded.

Emergency Averted

I got a call from Ralph Jones, Ralph's coffee house, last night. It turns out the PA system that was stored in the community center basement was a victim of flooding and is ruined. This morning I called around and got help from Rudy Rudebaugh of Victory Auto Parts. He had the equipment and was willing to lend it to Bayview for tomorrow's parade. As we speak, Ralph is at Victory Auto Parts, gathering the equipment. A huge thanks for the ever community minded owner of Victory Auto Parts.

A few tips for those that will b here to celebrate the birth of our nation. Dogs are not patriotic and hate fireworks. Their hearing is at least 10 times better than humans and panic at the sounds of explosions. Every year, someone loses their dog. When they panic they run in any direction and when they stop they have no idea where they are. One year, a dog got away, ran down to the marina and off the end of a dock where it drown. Keep your dogs indoors with windows and doors closed.

Bayview Daze cranks off with the street parade which starts at 11:00. If you want to watch it, be early. Parking is at a premium. If you have no interest in the parade but are heading to your favorite marina to hop on your boat, you will be stopped at around 10:45 so that traffic doesn't interfere with the parade. Time your arrival accordingly. 

Every year somebody calls for starting time for the fireworks show. Duh, it is when it is dark enough for a good contrast. That usually happens around 10:00 pm. Fireworks are prohibited in and around the marinas. Please do not burn Bayview down. Saturday night is the fireworks show. With our show coinciding with the 4th there will be shows everywhere. Ours is the best one in the area. I have had consistent reports from visitors that have attended both Coeur d'Alene's and ours that Bayview has the best.

The Buttonhook has opened in time for the festivities which will take some pressure off of Ralph's, Mario's and the Captain's Wheel. Law enforcement will be plentiful, so for you visiting firemen, please don't make them assist you out of town. The food isn't great at the county jail and booze is not available.

As I pointed out in a previous column, this year there are security cameras all around town. The will be monitored for illegal fireworks. Don't make our businesses eject you. If you bring fireworks take them back home with you. We would rather have you burn you neighborhood down than ours.

We hope you have a great time and a safe one too.