CRIT taking over Water Wheel right now, as I write

[PolarBearKing]

Sounds like it could've been a lot worse.

I'm sure there will be additional chapters added to this saga, but we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Kyote]

http://www.paloverdevalleytimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&subsectionID=1&articleID=12261

This article states that no lease payments have been made to CRIT for some time. What did the management do with the residents rent that was payed to them? Are they leaving with a barrel of money?

 

[OCMerrill]

I went by and all is well, except there isn't a boat under the carport.

Are you sure it's unit 112?

Let me know.

I just talked to Jeff 10 min ago. The boat was put away in the back of the MH after the holiday weekend I guess. So were good. Jeff's thinking about ripping that old mobile out and putting a newer one there. Bob was all for it but now who knows.

I suspect biz as usual as Crit wants the money but you have to know they will not care for the place like Bob did.

I will pass the info on. Thanks Roland. :thumbsup

 

[ROC]

I just talked to Jeff 10 min ago. The boat was put away in the back of the MH after the holiday weekend I guess. So were good. Jeff's thinking about ripping that old mobile out and putting a newer one there. Bob was all for it but now who knows.

I suspect biz as usual as Crit wants the money but you have to know they will not care for the place like Bob did.

I will pass the info on. Thanks Roland. :thumbsup

:thumbsup

CRIT wants the $$ I'm sure. Yeah, the Johnsons took great care of this place. Roads consistently graded and graveled, green grass, no trash etc.

Supposed to be a meeting tomorrow AM with CRIT and us. I'm anxious to see how they plan on doing the new lease deals. I ain't holding my breath for a fair deal. I have lots of questions for them

 

[jesco]

OK, I've been here for 90 minutes of so. I've had the opportunity to talk to most of the players on Water Wheels side.

They're out. Plain and simple.

The CRIT showed this morning and were going to make forcible entry into the store/office in order to enforce their eviction. THe Johnsons didn't resist and they opened the door and received theire eviction papers effective now. Riv Sherrifs were on scene as well, but, didn't drive onto the property. I guess they were there for other reasons pertaining to the matter.

Long story short, the CRIT is now going to take over management of Water Wheel Resort. They say they have no issues with the residents and don't want anyone to leave. From what I hear they want business as usuall. Sounds to me like an Aha Quin operation. We shall see.

Lots of CRIT police vehicles in the park. All the homes look to be normal and I even drove around in the golf cart with a beer.

Sounds like CRIT is giving the Johnsons a few days to get their belongings together and they say that they can take whatever is owned by Water Wheel.

Except for the intitial contact this morning with imminent forcible entry, all the Johnsons I talked to say the CRIT has been very cordial and not confrontational at all (today).

They built this place for many years and did a great job of keeping it super clean and in good working order. It's a sad day for them and for many residents who have always supported them. They haven't said one negative work re:CRIT, today either. Considering what an emotional day it is for them they're doing really well and are being totally respectful and stand-up. Their basic feeling is

"well, we fought, we thought we one but we lost and it's just another chapter in our lives. Carry on"

I have tons more info, but, that seems to be the key points.

Glad to hear all is good "FOR NOW" for all the home owners. Im sure there is a lot of people that were worried shitless about hearing this first thing this AM. Hope it all works out for the home owners, that park is one of the nicest on that stretch of water, hope it stays that way......

 

[Riverbottom]

I have a different opinion of Bob Johnson, I mean this in a good Christian way, he is a no good, lying, two-faced Son-of-a-Bitch,who only cares about Bob Johnson. Fuck him and I hope the fucking Indians get him good,he did not stand-up to his argeements or care how it would effect the residents in Water Wheel.

I totally agree, we were crunching numbers at work today, and everyone thinks Bob probably has made over 4 million in rent since he quit paying the Indians. Probably much more. He had a fair lease and did not keep up his end of the agreement. They should kick him out plain and simple.

 

[jesco]

:thumbsup

CRIT wants the $$ I'm sure. Yeah, the Johnsons took great care of this place. Roads consistently graded and graveled, green grass, no trash etc.

Supposed to be a meeting tomorrow AM with CRIT and us. I'm anxious to see how they plan on doing the new lease deals. I ain't holding my breath for a fair deal. I have lots of questions for them

Ill keep my fingers crossed for you guys. "Fair" isn't in the indian vocabulary though Im afraid, unless the ruling is for them of course.

 

[Nord]

Open letter to the residents of the Water Wheel Resort
August 20, 2010

PARKER, Arizona (August 20, 2010) - To the Residents of the Water Wheel Resort:

On August 17, 2010, the Colorado River Indian Tribes filed a Notice of Motion and Motion for Issuance of Writ of Restitution (Motion) against the Water Wheel Camp Recreation Area, Inc. in the Tribal Court of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (Court). The Motion asks the Court to order the immediate eviction of the Water Wheel Camp Recreation Area, Inc. and its agents or employees.

According to testimony provided by Robert Johnson, the agents or employees of the Water Wheel Camp Recreation Area, Inc. are Robert Johnson, Christine Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Salvador Sepulveda, Nellie Toburen, and Patricia Mirinda. The Tribe did not file, and does not intend to file, any document seeking to evict any resident of the Water Wheel Resort other than those listed above.
For more than three years, the Tribe has consistently stated it intends to take over management and operation of the Water Wheel Resort once Water Wheel Camp Recreation Area, Inc., and its agents or employees are removed from the premises. The Tribe has also consistently stated that it does not intend to evict individual residents of the Water Wheel Resort.

For your information, copies of the the Tribe's filings will be posted on the Tribe's website www.crit-nsn.gov. The Tribe sincerely hopes this action will not interfere with your continued use and enjoyment of the Water Wheel Resort.

If you have any questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to call Attorney General Eric Shepard at (928) 669-1271.

Sincerely,
Colorado River Indian Tribes

Declaration of Winter King in Support of Motion for Writ of Restitution

Notice of Motion and Motion for Issuance of Writ of Restitution; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support

[Proposed] Writ of Restitution

Chairman Enas letter to residents of Water Wheel

Now why would anyone think there stuff was going to be taken?

 

[Pushnwood]

:thumbsup

CRIT wants the $$ I'm sure. Yeah, the Johnsons took great care of this place. Roads consistently graded and graveled, green grass, no trash etc.

Supposed to be a meeting tomorrow AM with CRIT and us. I'm anxious to see how they plan on doing the new lease deals. I ain't holding my breath for a fair deal. I have lots of questions for them

Expect your rent to go way up, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next month , but it is going up! The indians leagley should not be able to change leases like they do, but unfortunatly it's leagle for them to do anything they want. :thumbsdown

 

[rvrmom]

Now why would anyone think there stuff was going to be taken?

That's why I posted that.

But my question is why if the resident's of WW knew that the owner was screwing around not paying the lease, why stick around??? Even though they say they aren't evicting residents, everybody got nervous when CRIT showed up this morning. I mean this with respect. But the resident's knew this was coming, I'm just wondering why wait till literally the last minute to 'see what's going on'

Like my Dad said, last time the gov't focked with the Indians General Custard got creamed.

Again, with respect, just curious you'd wait till shit hit the fan?

 

[Guest]

General Custard got creamed.

 

[coz]

Like my Dad said, last time the gov't focked with the Indians General Custard got creamed.

That one gave me a chuckle :thumbsup

 

[DPRVRKID]

For what it's worth, I had a place in Waterwheel for quite a few years, sold it and moved to Aha Quin. Bob was ok, but if he had an opportunity to make some $$'s off of you, he would. Some would call that being an a-hole and others, being a businessman. Whatever. I just kept my head low. He was in constant heat with the CRIT and I think what happened today was inevitable. For those of you who have homes in Waterwheel, I would not sweat it. The management team at Aha Quin who are employed by CRIT are very nice people who do their best. I would expect that CRIT will do the same with WW. Hire a career park manager and let them manage it. Both parks are huge money makers that really do carry the load. Rent increases are tolerable, but with the economy the way it is, a number of residents at Aha have voiced opinions that the next annual increase be flat or very small. We will see.

So, for all the Waterwheel crew, be patient and ride it out. My gut feel is that you will not see much change and the park may even get a bit more fun without Bob charging you for everything and anything. You may also find that the park management will expect you to help take care of the park by self-managing your homes and guests. Hang in there.

 

[rivermobster]

you can buy a lot of grass and gravel for 4 million dollars....shesh!!!

 

[ROC]

That's why I posted that.

But my question is why if the resident's of WW knew that the owner was screwing around not paying the lease, why stick around??? Even though they say they aren't evicting residents, everybody got nervous when CRIT showed up this morning. I mean this with respect. But the resident's knew this was coming, I'm just wondering why wait till literally the last minute to 'see what's going on'

Like my Dad said, last time the gov't focked with the Indians General Custard got creamed.

Again, with respect, just curious you'd wait till shit hit the fan?

I can do my best to answer the questions.

The WWR has been in litigation with CRIT for many many years. From what I understand, the case is still in litigation. Federal Appeals I think?

The residents didn't just stick around with blinders on. Everyone knew there would be a chance that CRIT would prevail in court. The hopes were/are that CRIT will just leave the residents be, and run WW like Aha Quin. Aha Quin was taken over years ago and I assume the majority of the residents there are fairly happy. The only difference is the residents will now write a check to CRIT instead of WW. That's the hope anyway.

As far as waiting till shit hit the fan? I don't know of anyone that knew if/when CRIT was coming. It just so happened to be this morning. CRIT showed up in force and ready to make forcible entry. Surprise.

Many of the old timers around here aren't worried a bit. The reason I came out right away was to try to prevent CRIT from Red Roostering us. I just didn't know what to expect. There is a meeting tomorrow AM that I plan on trying to crash to get more info. I hate not knowing.

 

[ROC]

That's why I posted that.

I could be wrong, but, I thought maybe Nord was being sarcastic in his question.

 

[ROC]

For what it's worth, I had a place in Waterwheel for quite a few years, sold it and moved to Aha Quin. Bob was ok, but if he had an opportunity to make some $$'s off of you, he would. Some would call that being an a-hole and others, being a businessman. Whatever. I just kept my head low. He was in constant heat with the CRIT and I think what happened today was inevitable. For those of you who have homes in Waterwheel, I would not sweat it. The management team at Aha Quin who are employed by CRIT are very nice people who do their best. I would expect that CRIT will do the same with WW. Hire a career park manager and let them manage it. Both parks are huge money makers that really do carry the load. Rent increases are tolerable, but with the economy the way it is, a number of residents at Aha have voiced opinions that the next annual increase be flat or very small. We will see.

So, for all the Waterwheel crew, be patient and ride it out. My gut feel is that you will not see much change and the park may even get a bit more fun without Bob charging you for everything and anything. You may also find that the park management will expect you to help take care of the park by self-managing your homes and guests. Hang in there.

You sound just like some of the old timers around here

 

[coz]

I can do my best to answer the questions.

The WWR has been in litigation with CRIT for many many years. From what I understand, the case is still in litigation. Federal Appeals I think?

The residents didn't just stick around with blinders on. Everyone knew there would be a chance that CRIT would prevail in court. The hopes were/are that CRIT will just leave the residents be, and run WW like Aha Quin. Aha Quin was taken over years ago and I assume the majority of the residents there are fairly happy. The only difference is the residents will now write a check to CRIT instead of WW. That's the hope anyway.

As far as waiting till shit hit the fan? I don't know of anyone that knew if/when CRIT was coming. It just so happened to be this morning. CRIT showed up in force and ready to make forcible entry. Surprise.

Many of the old timers around here aren't worried a bit. The reason I came out right away was to try to prevent CRIT from Red Roostering us. I just didn't know what to expect. There is a meeting tomorrow AM that I plan on trying to crash to get more info. I hate not knowing.

Nice to see ya looking out for everyones interest ROC :thumbsup:thumbsup

 

[rivermobster]

Nice to see ya looking out for everyones interest ROC :thumbsup:thumbsup

x2. Boater of the month award!!

 

[stevel]

I have delt with crit at the air port if they have a chance to screw you they will so be carefull. I have to ask why would anyone spend money on a home or trailer when the indians own the land? Or blm for that matter. I mean no desrespect for the people that have done it, but i have not been able to figure it out it just seems like a risk witn no reward at the end. Why not try to find a place where you own the land ther is some on the az side in parker. Is there any deeded land down river?
Good luck to you all.

 

[BoatCop]

Johnson's lease expired in 2007, and he hasn't made any payments except token amounts in 2003 & 2004, and nothing since. I don't know how much the residents were paying per month, but Johnson was pocketing it all, or "maybe" he put it in escrow, pending any decision on the "disputed lands". All I know it wasn't transmitted to the property owners, that being the ones that are acknowledged in the lease HE signed.

In any event, he should have either negotiated a new lease or turned over the property per the stipulations of the lease HE signed and/or assumed.

While the status of the land in California may still be disputed, he entered into and/or assumed the lease knowing full well the provisions that were in it. The fact that CRIT waited this long to remove him shows, at least, a desire to be reasonable. They could have run him out 7 years ago when he first defaulted on his payments.

In addition to evicting Johnson, et al, CRIT also has a $4,000,000 (Million) dollar judgment against Johnson. That judgment, and the eviction were reviewed and upheld by the Arizona Federal Circuit Court in an action that Johnson himself brought.

All one has to do is look at Aha Quinn, and you'll see how Water Wheel will be run. From what I've seen it's a first class operation. It's (Aha Quinn) actually improved quite a bit since CRIT took it over as their own enterprise.

 

[DILLIGAF]

I sent this info to a buddy of mine who has been in that park for many years. He did talk directly to one of the head legal guys at CRIT who told him that the problem is with Bob and not individuals within the park. He isn't overly concerned about it BUT....it is because he has had his place for a long time and doesn't have much invested in it. His rent is about $350. per month and is not concerned with the CRIT taking any of his property etc. He did tell me he was going to run out in the next day or so and check it out though. Basically Bob decided not to pay the increase to $20K for the park lease instead of the $2K or whatever it was before it expired. Take $350 a month X the amount of spaces and he was taking in huge amounts of money. The $350, is probably a low estimate for each space. I don't know how many spaces there are out there now.

Sounds like ole Bob got greedy but he did take very good care of the park. I know when I would visit them the park looked to be in excellant shape so you have to give Bob credit for that.

That being said there are only two things that are unknowns going forward for you guys:

1 What will the new lease rates be???? WTF knows
2 Will the park be taken care of as well as Bob was taking care of it...IMO highly unlikely but after reading BC post maybe I am wrong on this one.

Good luck to all of you with places in the park........

 

[Havexico]

Sounds Like Bob new what he was trying to do. Keep the park clean so the residents dont leave (so the keep paying their rent). If the residents knew that Bob wasn't forwarding their monies to CRIT, people might have stopped paying Bob. So Bob probably took a sheet load of money and stuck it in coffee cans.

Seems to me that CRIT went easy on Bob by allowing him to remove his stuff. They actually should have kicked him to the curb without his lunch bucket.

CRIT realizes (for the most part) that they rely on vacationers/boaters to keep them rich. So they dont want to upset the residents. At Havasu Landing when the Colonies were shut down it was too bad. The mobile home parks still operated "business as usual". They bring in a Casino and voila, more money.

The one thing that has always made me laugh about when the Landing was taken over and the Indians moved in, was that the people who were supposedly Indians, didn't look like Indians. Some of them probably didn't even know that they were Indian. All they knew was that they were in Long Beach and then the phone rang and someone said "hey cuz" grab your shit and move in for free (whitey owes us).

Most of them look like this

As far as I'm concerned I'm related to this guy and I think he was there first.

 

[OCMerrill]

I wonder what will happen to the 7:00-9:00 Daytona 500. LMAO. I have never seen golf cart racing before WW.

When I went there last I was smart enough not to step out in the street at 9:00 pm.

There is no way Bob pocketed all those rents with the up-keep he performed. I think a bunch of it went to legal council as well. Would it have been truly American if CRIT really does not own the land but on the other hand the lease belonged or belongs to someone.

Keep in mind the Johnsons bought the KOA in Blythe a while back and have been working that deal pretty hard according to some. All Bobs equipment except for one old water truck are already down there.

Crit is going to have to stock that sucker up and keep the Gas pump working. That's a big freaking deal right there. Jet boats don't run on Bud Light Lime alone.

 

[Mandelon]

I have delt with crit at the air port if they have a chance to screw you they will so be carefull. I have to ask why would anyone spend money on a home or trailer when the indians own the land? Or blm for that matter. I mean no desrespect for the people that have done it, but i have not been able to figure it out it just seems like a risk witn no reward at the end. Why not try to find a place where you own the land ther is some on the az side in parker. Is there any deeded land down river?
Good luck to you all.

It is way cheaper initial investment to buy a trailer there vs deeded land. Just like a house vs a mobile in any rental park.....there is a risk for sure though.

 

[2Driver]

It is way cheaper initial investment to buy a trailer there vs deeded land. Just like a house vs a mobile in any rental park.....there is a risk for sure though.

One is an expense and the other is an investment.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Just thought I would pass this along but many of you already know this.

The Water Wheel lease was originally negotiated 32 years go by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at a price of $100 per acre, or $2,600 a year. Johnson has collected well over a half-million dollars a year in rent over the past six years. Johnson also operates a small shop on the property from which he pays the tribes a percentage of gross sales on alcohol and other goods.
CRIT Attorney General Eric Shepard said that these severely under-market-value leases with the BIA were common many years ago ? a sore subject with many tribes that has sparked litigation -- and that one prime property along the banks of the Colorado, for example, is still being leased for $200 a year.
Under the terms of the lease, CRIT and Johnson were to renegotiate the base rent in 2000, adjusting it to the current, fair market rental value of the property. Despite a series of appraisals and negotiations, CRIT and Johnson never reached an agreement on the annual base rent for the last six years of the lease.
The BIA appraised the fair market value at $101,500 per year, while Johnson, having obtained his own appraisal, maintained that the land was worth only $14,503. Johnson paid the Tribes $14,503 in 2001 and 2002, then lowered the rent for himself back to $2,600 a year. In 2006, he quit paying altogether.
According to CRIT records Water Wheel paid the Tribes only $48,710 in base rent over the past seven years and $33,019 in gross sales proceeds for a total of $81,730. During that same period, Shepard estimated that Johnson took in well over $5 million in gross receipts.

The lease expired in 2008!

 

[Jet-Daytona]

Just thought I would pass this along but many of you already know this.

The Water Wheel lease was originally negotiated 32 years go by the Bureau of Indian Affairs at a price of $100 per acre, or $2,600 a year. Johnson has collected well over a half-million dollars a year in rent over the past six years. Johnson also operates a small shop on the property from which he pays the tribes a percentage of gross sales on alcohol and other goods.
CRIT Attorney General Eric Shepard said that these severely under-market-value leases with the BIA were common many years ago ? a sore subject with many tribes that has sparked litigation -- and that one prime property along the banks of the Colorado, for example, is still being leased for $200 a year.
Under the terms of the lease, CRIT and Johnson were to renegotiate the base rent in 2000, adjusting it to the current, fair market rental value of the property. Despite a series of appraisals and negotiations, CRIT and Johnson never reached an agreement on the annual base rent for the last six years of the lease.
The BIA appraised the fair market value at $101,500 per year, while Johnson, having obtained his own appraisal, maintained that the land was worth only $14,503. Johnson paid the Tribes $14,503 in 2001 and 2002, then lowered the rent for himself back to $2,600 a year. In 2006, he quit paying altogether.
According to CRIT records Water Wheel paid the Tribes only $48,710 in base rent over the past seven years and $33,019 in gross sales proceeds for a total of $81,730. During that same period, Shepard estimated that Johnson took in well over $5 million in gross receipts.

The lease expired in 2008!

Sounds like he hit a Home Run.

 

[RiverPatrol]

I have a different opinion of Bob Johnson, I mean this in a good Christian way, he is a no good, lying, two-faced Son-of-a-Bitch,who only cares about Bob Johnson. Fuck him and I hope the fucking Indians get him good,he did not stand-up to his argeements or care how it would effect the residents in Water Wheel.

I've lurked for a while, but I had to register just to agree 100% with this post. I've been at Water Wheel since '84 and have been raked over the coals many times by Bob. Good riddance, I say! Yeah, I'm one of the 'old-timers' and I have watched Bob screw over the indians and residents plenty of times. I will agree that Bob kept the park clean and maintained, but only as far as it benefited him. I know for a fact that the drinking water there is in violation of code and he has been cited by the EPA for his sewage treatment ponds and drinking water, but he uses the 'tribal land' to hide behind. That's right - don't drink the water there, even my dogs get sick from it. But for Bob to correct that would cost WAY too much $$$, so I pay Oasis/Sparkletts and Culligan every month for my water.uke:

I understand that at least one person just outside of WW was evicted yesterday, too. One of the riverfront homes just downriver from WW - but I'm pretty sure he hadn't been paying the CRIT either.

I have followed all of the legal proceedings regarding WW, read every brief. Bob knew this was coming and postponed it as long as he could, all the while filling his pockets while taking advantage of the residents. I for one am glad it's finally over. I am anxious to meet the new management and cooperate with them. It seems that the CRIT are fair as long as you don't ruffle their feathers. I paid my rent on time every single month - even when Bob increased it astronomically - that seems to be all the CRIT want is to be paid fairly. I can go along with that.

 

[C-2]

Be interesting to see whatthey do with that judgment. I wonder if it's enforceable since it's issued out of the CRIT court, and not a regular US Court. Otherwise, just a worthless piece of paper?

 

[Just Electric]

A friend of mine just got an eviction notice at Ranchos Not So Grande! They have been there for years (don't know if their current on their rent though.

hope it wasnt gary's brother:thumbsdown

 

[coz]

Be interesting to see whatthey do with that judgment. I wonder if it's enforceable since it's issued out of the CRIT court, and not a regular US Court. Otherwise, just a worthless piece of paper?

I'd bet this guy will have all his assets seized and sold off to satisfy creditors and debt. Probably not good to be Bob :bash:

 

[ROC]

Just had a meeting this AM with about 9 of us and a handful of CRIT officials and a couple of CRIT LEO's. I just sat and kept my mouth shut until the end when I talked with their Asst. Atty General.

Lots of info. This could be intersting.

Time will tell I guess

 

[Constant840]

I'd love to hear the dirt...

 

[Blytheonian]

Did they mention what was going to happen to the trailers South of the fence on the water that are not in Water Wheel??

 

[ROC]

Did they mention what was going to happen to the trailers South of the fence on the water that are not in Water Wheel??

We pretty much only talked about WW.

I haven't got a clue what's gonna happen to those guys.

This was obviously a huge victory for the tribe. I think WW is the first domino of many. Thank God they say they have zero issues with the residents here.

Other places, like the one you mentioned, not current on their lease? I have no idea what the folks in that area have or have not done.

Like I've said, there are lots of unknowns aat this point and I think that's more of a concern to a lot of us than anything really.

I guess time will tell.

I did mention to the Asst. Atty General that CRIT doesn't have a great reputation among many residents along the entire river. Whether real or perceived, their reputation is not the best when it comes to dealing with river folk. He explained he understands and they are trying to change that perception. Their intention, he said, is to continue business as usual at WW and maybe even make it a better place to be than it currently is. I think it's a pretty nice place to be.

Man, I could talk for hours, but, I'm gonna go back out and see what's up.

 

[Guest]

Just had a meeting this AM with about 9 of us and a handful of CRIT officials and a couple of CRIT LEO's. I just sat and kept my mouth shut until the end when I talked with their Asst. Atty General.

You're gonna stand there, ownin' a fireworks stand, and tell me you don't have no whistlin' bungholes, no spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker doos, hoosker don'ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistlin' kitty chaser?

 

[linus3]

:rotflmao:

 

[ROC]

LOL. That guy wasn't invited to the meeting

 

[riverroyal]

You're gonna stand there, ownin' a fireworks stand, and tell me you don't have no whistlin' bungholes, no spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker doos, hoosker don'ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistlin' kitty chaser?


View attachment 122182

View attachment 122183

that is funny,,good pull JBB

 

[Mandelon]

One is an expense and the other is an investment.

You make a valid point. And I would concur with the philosophy.

However, on occasion, the resale price of mobile homes has been known to go up in value, and deeded real estate has been known to go down in value. :grumble:

 

[NASTYTOYSRACING01]

love the blyth area but would hate to have a place down there you just cant beat owning your own land and house, try needles its bitchen down there and its a infestment i would hate knowing at any givin time my shit will be burried in a big hole and gone forever good luck guys

 

[PartyGirl]

I have been around the block...

I have been on the river for 42 years. My family first visited Aha Quinn (20 mi north of Blythe) when it was a fish camp. My parents saw the river for its skiing potential and bought into the river lifestyle right away. In those days, if you had a travel trailer with air and a ski boat, you were livin' large.

In the late 60's/early 70's I saw my first sign of Indian trouble when they wanted to take over Hackers camp (19 mi north of Blythe). It was burnt to the ground because the owners rather char the place then hand it over. Nothing is left but a few cement slabs.

I also remember when the Indians took over Aha Quinn and I saw the CRIT flag flying over the store. All the tribal elders sat in front of the store entrance like Floyd's barber shop in Mayberry. To the kids, the tribal elders were intimidating because they looked like they belonged in a John Wayne movie (I am not kidding). My parents didn't care who was managing the park as long as the toilet flushed, the electricity was on, the beer was cold, and the skiing was on glass. They never lost sight of their River priorities.

Yesterday, I was present when the CRIT seized Water Wheel. It was sad to see Bob loose everything he worked for because I believe we should all be able to run a business and make the most of it. I have to give him credit for having the fortitude to spend tons of money fighting for what he believed in. If the rulings had gone differently, his fight would have changed lots of people's lives. Don't get me wrong...I am not condoning his bi-polar management style, the sparse gravel on the roads, or the atrocious launch ramp holes...he has annoyed me too. His mistake was not paying for land use. It doesn't matter whether the land is Tribal, BLM or State of California. If you don't own it, you have to pay someone.

The moral of the story...shit happens, never invest more then you are willing to loose, and never forget that we bought into the River lifestyle for the fun! Aha Quinn has survived many years of Indian management and I am sure the WW folks are equally resilient.

For now, the best plan is to keep a positive attitude and work with the Indians for mutual benefit!

 

[Dan Lorenze]

My Uncle Steve has a place just down from WW, right next to where Red Rooster was. He's been good on his lease payments and he's had no problems with the CRIT, they keep cashing his checks.

If I owned a piece of land with folks paying rent on it I would expect a check every month for a certain amount. When the money doesn't add up there's gonna be problems. If it's true that Bob didn't pay the all money owed to the crit, then the tenants should be pissed off at Bob, not the people that own the land, like the CRIT said, this isn't about the residents but the people that were running the place. This had been going on for a long time, shouldn't really be a surprise that it finally came to a head. From what I read, it appears that Bobs lease was up anyways..

 

[rivermobster]

I have been around the block...

I have been on the river for 42 years. My family first visited Aha Quinn (20 mi north of Blythe) when it was a fish camp. My parents saw the river for its skiing potential and bought into the river lifestyle right away. In those days, if you had a travel trailer with air and a ski boat, you were livin' large.

In the late 60's/early 70's I saw my first sign of Indian trouble when they wanted to take over Hackers camp (19 mi north of Blythe). It was burnt to the ground because the owners rather char the place then hand it over. Nothing is left but a few cement slabs.

I also remember when the Indians took over Aha Quinn and I saw the CRIT flag flying over the store. All the tribal elders sat in front of the store entrance like Floyd's barber shop in Mayberry. To the kids, the tribal elders were intimidating because they looked like they belonged in a John Wayne movie (I am not kidding). My parents didn't care who was managing the park as long as the toilet flushed, the electricity was on, the beer was cold, and the skiing was on glass. They never lost sight of their River priorities.

Yesterday, I was present when the CRIT seized Water Wheel. It was sad to see Bob loose everything he worked for because I believe we should all be able to run a business and make the most of it. I have to give him credit for having the fortitude to spend tons of money fighting for what he believed in. If the rulings had gone differently, his fight would have changed lots of people's lives. Don't get me wrong...I am not condoning his bi-polar management style, the sparse gravel on the roads, or the atrocious launch ramp holes...he has annoyed me too. His mistake was not paying for land use. It doesn't matter whether the land is Tribal, BLM or State of California. If you don't own it, you have to pay someone.

The moral of the story...shit happens, never invest more then you are willing to loose, and never forget that we bought into the River lifestyle for the fun! Aha Quinn has survived many years of Indian management and I am sure the WW folks are equally resilient.

For now, the best plan is to keep a positive attitude and work with the Indians for mutual benefit!

Nice first post. Welcome to this nut house! :thumbsup

 

[YoPengo]

Welcome PartyGirl... Well said. :thumbsup

 

[cnj]

Welcome PartyGirl... Well said. :thumbsup

Agreed! That was very well stated Partygirl!

 

[Wheeler]

Hey Roc! are you still at the river? I looked for you today.

 

[PartyGirl]

I didn't make it back to the river last weekend, but the word in the community email is that all the conveniences we pay for are gone. The store is striped to a shell (expected since we watched Bob take his merchandise), the water truck is gone (could be a fire safety issue), I doubt gas is available (it looked like Bob was siphoning the gas out of the tank during eviction), the maintenance staff is gone (I suggest we take the initiative to water the grass at the beach when we visit...water is free) just to mention a few. Meanwhile, prepare to bring in your own gas and ice. I suspect the WW folks will be convening at the Aha Quinn store in the mornings. A WW friend freezes blocks of ice using plastic bins and breaks them down as he needs them. I never utilized his method because I like convenience, but in a bind it is a good workaround.

Hopefully park management will be announced soon and they will have the necessary experience to get their act together quickly. If anyone hears about the new management?.please post.

 

[460]

You're gonna stand there, ownin' a fireworks stand, and tell me you don't have no whistlin' bungholes, no spleen splitters, whisker biscuits, honkey lighters, hoosker doos, hoosker don'ts, cherry bombs, nipsy daisers, with or without the scooter stick, or one single whistlin' kitty chaser?


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Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Roc cut yo hair and they might take you serious:rotflmao::rotflmao: