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FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS AT:<br />
Mountain House Matters<br />
263 W Adoncia Drive<br />
Mountain House, CA 95391<br />
TO:<br />
Mailed to every Address in the 95391 zip code & more<br />
All Our Mountain House Neighbors<br />
PRSRT STD<br />
ECRWSS<br />
U.S. POSTAGE<br />
PAID<br />
EDDM RETAIL<br />
Local Postal Customer<br />
Issue# 115<br />
October 2023<br />
Volume 12, Number 10<br />
Inside this issue<br />
Harder Addresses Rotary<br />
Rickman Delivers State<br />
of the County Address<br />
MH Rec Mgr Swears-In<br />
Park & Rec Commissioners<br />
MH Valley Link Station<br />
moving forward<br />
Stars Casino Grand<br />
Opening Celebration<br />
MH Real Estate Matters<br />
5<br />
6<br />
8<br />
10<br />
14<br />
16<br />
Local Media Matters<br />
“City Of Mountain House” Incorporation Approved by LAFCo Board<br />
Residents approval in March 5, 2024 election final step in long process<br />
By Bryan Harrison<br />
Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin County Local Agency<br />
Formation Commission (LAFCo) voted unanimously<br />
September 14, 2023 to accept the proposal presented<br />
to their Board for the incorporation of Mountain House<br />
as the newest city in California.<br />
LAFCo Executive Director, J.D. Hightower, gave<br />
a thorough presentation to the board, beginning by<br />
outlining the historical development of Mountain<br />
House. Representative leadership from Mountain<br />
House present for the meeting included MHCSD Board<br />
President, Bernice King-Tingle, as well as Directors<br />
Manuel Moreno and Harry Dhillon. General Manager,<br />
Steve Pinkerton was present virtually by conference<br />
call, recovering from Covid.<br />
From the initial concept in the 1980s, formation in<br />
1993, groundbreaking in 2001 and first home development<br />
in 2003, Hightower took the board through a<br />
highlights journey of this community’s tremendous<br />
growth. He explained to the board that, from the earliest<br />
planning stages, developing this master-planned<br />
community was aimed at not only reigning-in random<br />
and sporadic development growth in the valley, but<br />
would also eventually grow to where the community<br />
could incorporate as its own city in a natural progression.<br />
Following years of study and preparation that started<br />
as early as 2015, The Mountain House Community<br />
Services District (MHCSD) first adopted a resolution<br />
on January 13, 2021, R-2021-01, and an amended<br />
resolution on May 11, 2022 requesting that LAFCo<br />
initiate proceedings for incorporation.<br />
The findings from the LAFCo Comprehensive Fiscal<br />
Analysis (CFA) provided a clear picture under several<br />
potential scenarios that the community is well-positioned<br />
to become a full-fledged city at this time.<br />
“The Sphere of Influence (SOI) for the existing Mountain<br />
House Community Services District (MHCSD)<br />
and proposed City of Mountain House (City) will be the<br />
same. The SOI amendment is essentially the renaming<br />
continued page 9<br />
Mountain House High School Celebrates Its 10th Birthday!<br />
Mountain House High School celebrated the school’s 10th<br />
Birthday September 8, 2023, with a lunchtime cupcake fest.<br />
School and District leaders passed out chocolate and vanilla<br />
cupcakes adorned with frosting in blue & white to students<br />
passing by on their Friday lunch break.<br />
First year Principal, Adam Auerbach, appeared to be having a<br />
great time doling out cupcakes to all who wanted one. LUSD<br />
Board Trustees, including President David Pombo, Lisa Boulais<br />
continued page 4<br />
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4 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #114 #115• September October 2023<br />
Happy 10th Birthday Mountain House High School!!<br />
continued from page 1<br />
and Vanitha Daniel, along with Superintendent<br />
Dr. Kirk Nicholas all helped<br />
create a party atmosphere for students.<br />
MHHS Activities Director, Eric Feinstein,<br />
was credited with having put this<br />
special event together.<br />
A decade in, with school enrollment<br />
nearing capacity, the District has<br />
additional classrooms already under<br />
construction, with temporary portable<br />
classrooms having been brought in for<br />
this school year.<br />
1st year MHHS Principal, Adam Auerbach<br />
MHHS Activities Director, Eric Feinstein, with the Mustang Mascot, Maximus!<br />
MHHS Friday lunch time fun time<br />
L-r: LUSD Board Trustee, Lisa Boulais, Trustee & president of the board, David Pombo, Superintendent<br />
Dr Kirk Nicholas, and Trustee Vanitha Daniel<br />
Students gathered for the celebration<br />
Grillz<br />
VP Alternative Ed & Secretary, Lisa Deleon
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Harder Addresses MH Rotary<br />
By Bryan Harrison<br />
Mountain House, CA – The Rotary Club of Mountain House had the good fortune<br />
of having local representative to the United States House of Representatives,<br />
Congressman Josh Harder, as their special guest speaker at the August 28, 2023<br />
bi-monthly meeting.<br />
Congress member Harder, a resident of neighboring Tracy, shared that he had been<br />
doing his best over the Summer recess to get out and see and speak with as many<br />
of his constituents as possible. His brief presentation demonstrated a deep and<br />
thorough knowledge of the issues affecting people in the valley.<br />
“Mountain House is a good example of what’s happening all over county - growth!”<br />
he said in his opening. Harder<br />
briefly addressed his pleasure at<br />
being able to represent Mountain<br />
House following the redistricting<br />
prior to the 2022 election. He<br />
praised the community aspect<br />
here, and his appreciation of the<br />
school system.<br />
the Altamont on a daily basis.<br />
“We need to bring more local jobs to our area,”<br />
he said, to at least help reduce the gridlock.<br />
The Valley Link Rail system now in the development<br />
stages is “an important game changer<br />
for our area,” he stated. Progress on the train<br />
system that will effectively connect the Valley<br />
to BART, is on schedule and moving forward.<br />
A top priority, he added, is to secure Federal<br />
funding to fill out the budget before construction<br />
begins, as early as 2025.<br />
“Water!” he stated. “We must protect every last<br />
gallon,” said emphatically. Harder spoke about<br />
how he is working to stop boondoggle projects<br />
Getting into the meat of his presentation,<br />
he touted the success of the<br />
American Rescue Plan, including<br />
being able to triple growth of summer<br />
schools as just one benefit.<br />
He shifted to speak about the<br />
severe challenge for more than<br />
100,000 people commuting over<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
like the delta tunnel, and expanding the Los Vaqueros<br />
Reservoir. The expansion plan for the reservoir effectively<br />
doubles it’s capacity, he said.<br />
Harder presents himself in a comfortable, homey style.<br />
He considers himself Independent, and seeks out the best<br />
ideas. His drive is to “be effective and get stuff done”,<br />
with locally focused priorities.<br />
The Congressman then took numerous questions from<br />
the crowd, adeptly addressing several topics and promising<br />
to learn more about those he didn’t have quick<br />
responses for.<br />
Mountain House Rotary President Wright thanked<br />
Congressman Harder and he stayed for several minutes<br />
afterward to chat with residents and attendees.<br />
Harder Delivers $3.8 Million<br />
to Expand Nursing Program<br />
at Delta College<br />
Rep. Harder secured funding for Delta College’s<br />
nursing program to train more nurses each year<br />
The San Joaquin Valley nursing shortage is growing drastically<br />
while demand is expected to increase by 35% in the next few years<br />
WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-9), a member of the<br />
powerful House Appropriations Committee, September 18, 2023 highlighted<br />
the $3.8 million community project funding (CPF) he secured to<br />
expand Delta College’s nursing program. The money is going to enable<br />
Delta College to upgrade and expand the program’s state-of-the-art simulation<br />
labs, where students can practice their clinical training on life-like<br />
‘patient mannequins’ and receive detailed feedback about their work. Delta<br />
College’s nursing program currently includes 120 students each year –<br />
funding will support the college’s plans to nearly double the number of<br />
nursing students being trained.<br />
“Our families are waiting way too long to get the healthcare they need. We<br />
have to train and keep more health practitioners in San Joaquin County,”<br />
said Rep. Harder. “I am proud to bring home this money to expand Delta<br />
College’s nursing program to make sure we are training talent right here<br />
at home and getting our families the health care they need.”<br />
“It’s critical that the San Joaquin Valley has enough nurses to serve the<br />
region’s rapidly growing population. This grant will allow Delta College<br />
to expand the number of nursing simulation laboratories on our campus,<br />
so that we can support our growing nursing program and help meet the<br />
community’s future needs. We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Department<br />
of Education and to Congressman Josh Harder for partnering on this<br />
important project,” said Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, Delta College<br />
Superintendent / President.<br />
Simulation-based nursing education (i.e., Sim Lab) provides students with<br />
opportunities to practice their clinical and decision-making skills through<br />
various real-life situational experiences in a safe environment. Students<br />
will be able to practice everything from setting up IVs and taking urine<br />
samples to shocking ‘patient manikins’ and performing tracheotomies. The<br />
simulators have tubing in their arms and legs so students can feel for a pulse<br />
while the manikins’ chests move up and down to mimic a human breathing.<br />
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6 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
6<br />
Produced by your neighbors right here in Mountain House, CA<br />
Established in late 2012, Mountain House Matters has grown<br />
into the go-to community news source. Moving back to monthly<br />
publication in the wake of the pandemic, <strong>MHMatters</strong> is distributed<br />
by Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to reach every address in town,<br />
as well as the reach of the Lammersville Unified School District<br />
in Tracy.<br />
Mountain House Matters was recognized in December 2019 with<br />
the notable CSBA Golden Quill Award for Excellence In Journalism.<br />
Now 10 years old, <strong>MHMatters</strong>’ mission is to provide news and<br />
information for and about the community of Mountain House,<br />
California. Circulation numbers have more than doubled since<br />
inception, including the expansion in September 2021 to include<br />
additional copies to the carrier route for our neighbors in the von<br />
Sosten area of Lammersville School - as part of our local school<br />
district (LUSD). As of the April 2023 issue #109, total mailed<br />
circulation for each issue now stands at 8,561 copies, reaching<br />
approximately 30,000 people.<br />
We look forward to continuing to grow as Mountain House moves<br />
on toward build-out.<br />
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bryan@mhmatters.net<br />
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Best of San Joaquin Ahead at State of County Address<br />
Tracy, CA – San Joaquin County Supervisor, 5th<br />
District, and Chairman of the Board, Robert Rickman,<br />
presented the first-ever “State of the County”<br />
address Tuesday, September 19, 2023 to a near<br />
capacity morning crowd at the Grand Theater here.<br />
Hosted by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, with<br />
Chamber CEO Maria Valenzuela serving as emcee<br />
for the event, the crowd gathered for a time in the<br />
lobby, enjoying coffee and pastries and greetings.<br />
Opening the show was president of the University<br />
of Pacific, Christopher Callahan, who shared some<br />
impressive information about UOP, its programs,<br />
growth and initiatives. As the first university in the<br />
Harder Reintroduces SAVE Water Resources Act to Address Central Valley Water Needs<br />
WASHINGTON DC – Representative Josh Harder<br />
September 20, 2023 reintroduced his Securing Access<br />
for the Central Valley and Enhancing (SAVE)<br />
Water Resources Act. The bill provides a wraparound<br />
approach to addressing water issues facing<br />
the Central Valley by increasing storage opportunities,<br />
spurring innovation, and making long-overdue<br />
investments in our aging water infrastructure. Water<br />
is a crucial resource for San Joaquin County’s<br />
agriculture industry, and Harder is committed to<br />
protecting it for generations to come.<br />
"Water is our most precious resource in the Valley<br />
and we must do everything we can to protect it and<br />
end the cycle of flooding and extreme drought,” said<br />
Rep. Harder. “Pitting us against each other to fight<br />
over water isn’t the answer. We need to invest in<br />
our water infrastructure so that when we see historic<br />
rain like earlier this year, it can be stored for later<br />
use instead of flooding our families’ living rooms.”<br />
Specifically, the bill:<br />
INCREASES WATER STORAGE<br />
Provides $250 million in storage funding and expedites<br />
a record of decision to move forward on the<br />
Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Phase II Project<br />
which will bring an additional 115,000 acre feet of<br />
water storage to the Valley.<br />
Helps farmers prepare for SGMA by leveraging<br />
federal resources to identify prime locations for<br />
groundwater storage and recharge in California and<br />
across the Western United States.<br />
UPGRADES AGING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE<br />
Establishes a water infrastructure and drought solutions<br />
fund to provide $750 million for water surface<br />
state of California, UOP has grown into three main<br />
campuses: Stockton, Sacramento and San Francisco,<br />
with a vast array of specialties, from legal and<br />
medical focuses to science and music.<br />
The main event, of course, was Supervisor Rickman’s<br />
address. After thanking the many dignitaries<br />
in the room, and the Tracy Chamber for hosting, the<br />
Chairman of the Board covered a lot of ground in<br />
about a 30 minute speech.<br />
Focusing initially on technological growth and<br />
advances in the county, he said the county now<br />
has “100% electronic plan review for all building<br />
permits to make the process less complicated and<br />
more efficient”.<br />
He mentioned that the county is<br />
hiring for numerous levels and<br />
specialties, and encouraged all to<br />
speak with him or go to the updated<br />
web site at: SJGov.org.<br />
and groundwater storage, water reclamation and<br />
reuse, and WaterSMART program projects.<br />
Reauthorizes the Rural Water Supply Act, which<br />
requires the Bureau of Reclamation to work with<br />
rural communities to improve access to safe and<br />
clean sources of drinking water.<br />
SPURS INNOVATION<br />
Creates an innovative financing program that would<br />
provide low-interest federal loans to fund local<br />
water infrastructure projects.<br />
Invests in water reuse and recycling by increasing<br />
funding for WaterSMART programs from $50 million<br />
to $500 million and extending the program's<br />
authorization.<br />
Expedites a request from Stockton East Water District<br />
to provide water to unserved rural communities<br />
in their Central Valley Project service area.<br />
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives John<br />
Garamendi (CA-8), Jim Costa (CA-21), Jimmy<br />
Panetta (CA-19), and Eric Swalwell (CA-14) and<br />
is supported by the Stockton East Water District and<br />
Contra Costa Water District.<br />
“Recent extreme drought has left no part of California<br />
untouched, posing significant challenges for<br />
farmers and communities,” said Rep. Costa. “The<br />
heavy rain and floods California received this year<br />
further demonstrate the importance of efficient water<br />
management. This bill will help increase water storage<br />
and spur innovation to ensure all communities<br />
have access to a sustainable water supply.”<br />
“Meeting California’s current and future water<br />
needs should be a priority for every member of<br />
The Supervisor touched on all areas<br />
of the Board’s purview, including<br />
the aforementioned technology,<br />
into Educational efforts and advances.<br />
“We put a premium on students and education,<br />
and we take care of our veterans,” he said.<br />
Law enforcement and Fire protection services have<br />
been a strong focus for the board, he said, highlighting<br />
the recent ground-breaking on new detention and<br />
programs facility in French Camp, and the success<br />
of the county DA’s office.<br />
“The County has committed more than $12 million<br />
in funding to 16 fire stations,” he said, outlining the<br />
numerous investments.<br />
Mr. Rickman gave a fair amount of attention to<br />
dealign with the homeless crisis affecting not only<br />
continued next page<br />
our Congressional delegation, Republican or<br />
Democrat,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I am pleased to<br />
cosponsor Congressman Harder’s commonsense<br />
bill again this year, which puts real solutions on<br />
the table to help modernize our state’s aging water<br />
infrastructure. The climate crisis demands that we<br />
act now to secure the water supply necessary to<br />
meet California’s growing needs. I call on Speaker<br />
McCarthy, Governor Newsom, and the rest of my<br />
Congressional colleagues from California to join us<br />
in getting serious about reform.”<br />
“Stockton East Water District is well underway<br />
towards reaching our goal of 20,000 acre-feet of<br />
increased surface water use to ensure sustainability<br />
of the basin’s critically overdraft groundwater<br />
supplies by 2040. We have surface water supply,<br />
conveyance facilities, water treatment facilities, and<br />
some available capacity within each to deliver more<br />
water within the basin, but are limited by the service<br />
area identified within our Central Valley Project<br />
(CVP) contract. We are thankful for Congressman<br />
Harder’s support for contract changes necessary<br />
for groundwater sustainability and foresight by<br />
realizing our necessary changes provide a benefit<br />
already realized by other CVP contractors,” said<br />
Justin Hopkins, General Manager, Stockton East<br />
Water District.<br />
“The Contra Costa Water District is very grateful for<br />
Rep. Harder’s leadership on the SAVE Water Resources<br />
Act. It contains several important provisions<br />
that will provide a direct benefit to our customers<br />
by making our water supply more durable and resilient,”<br />
said Ernie Avila, Board President, Contra<br />
Costa Water District.
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
State of County continued<br />
San Joaquin County, but the state, as well, calling<br />
it a “Humanitarian emergency in California”. He<br />
went on to express his view of the problem, having<br />
worked for 28 years from the law enforcement perspective.<br />
“We cannot view the issue as just one of<br />
housing. That’s just one component of the overall<br />
issue. Substance abuse, serious mental illness, a<br />
lack of available resources and personal accountability”<br />
all play a role, he said. “I am confident that<br />
working together and working locally we can make<br />
significant progress; look at its root and causes and<br />
reduce the homeless crisis long term.”<br />
He stated that the county is investing some $53 million<br />
dollars over the next 18 years from the National<br />
Opium Settlement. This will be a ‘one-stop shop’<br />
campus and facility on 23 acres in French Camp,”<br />
he said, with a wide array of services, opportunities<br />
and treatment.<br />
“In the past 2 years, along invested nearly $200<br />
million for county-wide projects ranging from<br />
permanent supportive housing, emergency shelters,<br />
responding to calls for services, hospital treatment<br />
and enhanced care management. These investments<br />
will result in the addition of over 700 new units of<br />
permanent supportive housing and increased shelter<br />
capacity countywide by 166%.”<br />
He spoke on Public Safety, saying, “The first priority<br />
of government is to keep our citizens safe.” He<br />
acknoweledged and thanked all the first responders.<br />
“We owe you a debt of gratitude,” he said.<br />
On the economic front, Mr. Rickman stated that<br />
“Economic development allows the county to<br />
continue its smart growth”. Expansion of Amazon<br />
and Tesla in the county, as well as the massive<br />
contributions by the Port of Stockton, provide jobs<br />
as well as a significant level of state and local taxes<br />
annually. The Port, along, he said, contibutes more<br />
than $78 million in taxes annually.<br />
Housing market continues to grow despite high interest<br />
rates average home value over $530k, he said.<br />
Agriculture production increased by 5.34% to $3.2<br />
billion in 2021, with exports to 94 countries. “So,<br />
it is true, from San Joaquin County, we feed the<br />
world,” he said.<br />
“Big plans are underway to improve the Stockton<br />
Airport,” he stated. The airport is “currently<br />
expanding the cargo ramp space, and conducting<br />
pavement rehab of their taxi lanes, to protect cargo<br />
operators; increase flight services, and contribute to<br />
the region’s economic development.<br />
“Airport 599,” he continued, “will add 3.47 million<br />
sq ft. of class A space for E-commerce, distributions<br />
and manufacturing while improving area infrastructure<br />
and bringing new jobs to a large work force.”<br />
Target Corporation, he reported, has entered into a<br />
lease of a 1.4 million sq ft logistics facility on 12<br />
acres of county land, with planned occupancy near<br />
the end of 2023-’24. “Target will hire approximately<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
2,500 employees,” he stated, some seasonal.<br />
“Water,” he said, pausing for emphasis. San Joaquin<br />
Delta is our most valuable resource. After a<br />
decade of severe drought, storms of 2022 and 2023<br />
brought extensive damage. Rickman commended<br />
emergency service response efforts in dealing with<br />
the flooding catastrophies, stating that it took public<br />
works less than one month to get roads back up and<br />
running. “We are actively preparing for the next<br />
flood event” including the use of drones to identify<br />
levy breaches and boils.<br />
The County continues to fight the proposed Delta<br />
Tunnel project, having defeated the governor’s<br />
project that would have devastated the delta.<br />
He concluded his remarks, saying “Thousands of<br />
people contribute to the success of this beautiful and<br />
unique area that is San Joaquin County.<br />
“San Joaquin County has a bright future ahead. We<br />
will continue to foster a county government that is<br />
more accountable, inclusive and accessible; one that<br />
is more efficient, effective and transparent. We will<br />
continue to break through ceilings and go farther<br />
than we have ever been before.”<br />
He ended saying “We will continue to deliver essential<br />
services and programs to make San Joaquin<br />
County a great place to live work and play!”<br />
Supervisor Rickman posted on social media shortly<br />
afterward, saying in part: “The State of the Coun-<br />
A large crowd turned out for the State of the County address<br />
September 19 at the Grand Theater in Tracy<br />
7<br />
ty was a huge success. The Grand Theater was<br />
packed. I want to thank Maria Valenzuela and the<br />
Tracy Chamber for hosting the event. I would also<br />
like to thank University of Pacific (UOP) President<br />
Christopher Callahan for being the guest speaker.<br />
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to attend<br />
and hear about the county’s accomplishments and<br />
vision for the future. It was a humbling experience to<br />
deliver the State of the County and I’m proud of all<br />
the great things we have accomplished. Thank you<br />
for your trust and confidence. San Joaquin County<br />
has a bright future ahead.<br />
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8 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Should investors ‘go it alone’?<br />
Submitted by Tom Kelly, Edward Jones<br />
If you’re going to enjoy a comfortable retirement,<br />
you should know, among other things,<br />
how much money you’ll need. And you may<br />
have a much better chance of knowing this if<br />
you get some professional help.<br />
Consider these findings from a 2021 study by<br />
Dalbar, a financial services market research<br />
firm:<br />
• Investors who worked with a financial advisor<br />
were three times more likely to estimate<br />
what they would have saved at retirement<br />
than “do-it-yourself” investors.<br />
• More than two-thirds of investors with a financial<br />
advisor were satisfied with the amount<br />
they would have saved at retirement, compared<br />
to about 27% of the do-it-yourselfers.<br />
How do financial professionals help their<br />
clients in these ways?<br />
First, consider the issue of determining how<br />
much money will be needed for retirement.<br />
It’s not always easy for individuals to estimate<br />
this amount. But financial professionals can<br />
help clients like you arrive at this figure by<br />
exploring your hopes and goals. How long<br />
do you plan to work? What kind of lifestyle<br />
do you anticipate enjoying in retirement?<br />
Where would you like to live? How much<br />
would you like to travel? Are you open to<br />
pursuing earned income opportunities, such<br />
as consulting or working part time?<br />
Next comes the other key question: How<br />
much money will be available for retirement?<br />
This big question leads to many others: How<br />
much do you need to save and invest each<br />
year until you retire? About what sort of investment<br />
return will you need to reach your<br />
retirement income goals? What level of risk<br />
are you willing to take to achieve that return?<br />
What is the role of other income sources such<br />
as Social Security or any pensions you might<br />
have?<br />
Having a financial professional help you gain<br />
a clear idea of your retirement income picture<br />
can certainly be reassuring. But there may<br />
be other reasons why “going it alone” as an<br />
investor might not be desirable.<br />
For example, when the financial markets are<br />
down, as was the case for much of 2022, some<br />
investors make decisions based on short-term<br />
volatility, such as selling investments to “cut<br />
their losses,” even if these same investments<br />
still have solid business fundamentals and<br />
good prospects for growth. But if you work<br />
with a financial professional, you might decide<br />
to stick with these investments, especially if<br />
they’re still appropriate for your long-term<br />
strategy. Other times, of course, the advice<br />
may be different — but it will always be advice<br />
based on your goals, needs and time horizon.<br />
Furthermore, if you’re investing on your own,<br />
you may always be measuring your results<br />
against the major market indexes, such as the<br />
S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average.<br />
But in reality, your portfolio should contain<br />
a wide range of investments, some of which<br />
aren’t contained in these indexes, so you<br />
might not be assessing your performance<br />
appropriately. A financial professional can<br />
help you develop your own, more meaningful<br />
benchmarks that can show the progress you’re<br />
actually making toward your goals.<br />
In some areas of life, going it alone can be<br />
exciting — but when it comes to investing<br />
for your future, you may benefit from some<br />
company on the journey.<br />
Adam Montoya Announces Launch of Valley H2O Pool Services<br />
Young entrepreneur, Adam Montoya, is pleased to announce the<br />
launch of Valley H2O Pool Services. For a limited introductory<br />
period, Valley H2O is offering discounted pricing for Mountain<br />
House residents.<br />
“We specialize in our weekly pool service, and are adept at maintaining,<br />
repairing, and installing pool equipment,” Adam explains.<br />
“I strive to give the highest quality pool service you can find in Mountain House, Tracy, Lathrop and the<br />
surrounding areas!”<br />
Adam’s enthusiasm for making your pool the best it can be runs deep. “If you have a green pool, I can fix<br />
it and keep it perfectly clear all year round,” he says emphatically. “If you’re having equipment trouble<br />
and need a repair, give me a call and schedule an appointment. I look forward to maintaining your pool to<br />
the highest standard and earning your business in the near future,” he states.<br />
An Owner/operator, Adam is licensed and insured. Though he is young, he has already achieved a strong<br />
level of work experience, as well as pertinent college education.<br />
“I have worked in the Bay Area for several years as a pool technician and was taught by the best. I went<br />
to College for Science and Chemistry which taught me all about water chemistry,” he explains.<br />
“If you want a quality Pool service that won’t break the bank, I am actively building my clientele in the<br />
Mountain House Area.<br />
Outside of his dedicated work environment, Adam shares that he enjoys growing rare and exotic cacti and<br />
succulents. He loves fishing, traveling, and going out with family and friends. “I have 2 dogs at home<br />
and live in Tracy with my parents and younger brother.<br />
You may reached Adam Montoya, of Valley H2O Pool Services, at: 209-914-6807 or by email, at:<br />
cavalleyh2o@gmail.com<br />
MHCSD Swears-In Park & Rec Commission<br />
Resident commission to work with District to guide policy moving forward<br />
The Mountain House Community Services District<br />
Recreation Manager, Laura Johnston, did the official<br />
swearing in of the newly appointed Park & Recs Commissioners<br />
at the September 9, 2023 Board meeting.<br />
Board President Bernice Tingle, along with General<br />
Manager Steve Pinkerton, worked with Ms. Johnston<br />
to establish the commission, the members of which<br />
were approved on by the board as a whole at the<br />
August meeting.<br />
Included on the commission are: Ronna Green, Vishal<br />
Nayyar, Scott Pfister Maninder Singh and Raj Singh.<br />
Two alternates were also appointed: Sanjay Sharma<br />
and Umar Sear.<br />
Commissioners are appointed for a four year term,<br />
however, the first order of business for the new commission<br />
will be to decide which two members will<br />
need to run again in just two years, in order to establish<br />
a staggered process moving forward.<br />
The commissioners will conduct regular meetings<br />
with Ms. Johnston and make decisions to take to the<br />
board for programs and ideas to serve the greater<br />
community.<br />
This article was prepared by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones<br />
Financial Advisor, Mr. Tom Kelly. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.<br />
With 30 years experience in the industry, and a Mountain House resident since 2018,<br />
Tom Kelly provides personalized investment services for the community at large.<br />
He may be reached at: 925-518-9382, or Tom.Kelly@edwardjones.com. More on<br />
the web at: www.edwardjones.com/TomKelly<br />
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Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Incorporation Approved by LAFCo Board<br />
continued from page 1<br />
of the SOI as the City’s,” Hightower told the board.<br />
“The Sphere of Influence is bounded on the west by<br />
the San Joaquin/Alameda County line, the northern<br />
boundary is the Old River, the eastern boundary<br />
is formed by the Old River/Wicklund Road, West<br />
Byron Road and Mountain House Parkway. The<br />
southern boundary is the Robert T. Monagan Freeway<br />
(1-205),” Hightower’s report laid out.<br />
Working under the guidance of The Cortese-Knox-Hertzburg<br />
Act (CKH), Section 56720,<br />
the Commission used specific criteria to determine<br />
the validity of reorganizing the MHCSD into The<br />
City of Mountain House. They conducted a Comprehensive<br />
Fiscal Analysis (CFA) including the use<br />
of financial data from the San Joaquin Auditor-Controller<br />
Office, and numerous other factors to make<br />
its determination.<br />
All of the existing powers of the MHCSD will be<br />
transfered to the new city, with one exception. By<br />
statute, a city may not enforce the type of Master<br />
Restrictions that guide the Mountain House Master<br />
Plan. Therefore, the CSD will continue to exist as<br />
a subsidiary district of the city, with the sole duty<br />
of guiding and enforcing the Master Restrictions.<br />
“The transfer of service responsibilities from<br />
MHCSD, except the enforcement of CC&Rs<br />
(Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) to the<br />
proposed new City of Mountain House represents<br />
the evolution of a governmental institution that will<br />
give residents a greater voice in local control,” Mr.<br />
Hightower’s report stated.<br />
“(The new) City will continue to provide the<br />
needed facilities to serve the residents within the<br />
boundaries with needed urban level of services.<br />
Public facilities, including all water, wastewater,<br />
storm water, streets/signals, lighting/landscaping,<br />
parks, schools, community centers, public safety<br />
buildings, library, corporation yard, and town hall<br />
are specified in the Master Plan, along with binding<br />
development agreements to ensure proper funding<br />
and thresholds for construction of public facilities.”<br />
Some key benefits to becoming a city include<br />
self-determination, as well as having a seat at the<br />
table with the county’s Council of Governments<br />
(COG). “This will allow residents to receive a<br />
share of Measure ‘K’ half-cent sales tax and State<br />
Gas Tax revenues that currently are not available to<br />
them being within a district.”<br />
The city will have its own autonomy and ability<br />
the CSD has never had in seeking out commercial<br />
enterprises that may come to town.<br />
“(The) City of Mountain House will have the ability<br />
to provide the services that are the subject of<br />
the reorganized area, including the sufficiency of<br />
revenues for those services following the proposed<br />
incorporation,” Hightower stated.<br />
As reflected in the resolution, the four (4) special<br />
taxes that are unique to Mountain House will<br />
continue to be collected to provide residents with<br />
a high level of service for: 1) Transportation and<br />
Community Services Operational and Administrative<br />
Functions; 2) Public Safety Services; 3) Parks,<br />
Recreation, and Community Facilities and Services;<br />
and, 4) Public Works.<br />
Hightower stated that these special taxes are a key<br />
element that have helped Mountain House develop<br />
its independence and will ensure a positive and<br />
measured level of local control.<br />
“Each of the Special Taxes is authorized to fund<br />
specific activities as prescribed in the respective<br />
ordinance. The Special Taxes are based on property<br />
square footage and livable area and are levied on<br />
all parcels based on land use. Under the operative<br />
ordinance, the Special Taxes remain fixed until such<br />
time as the MHCSD Board of Directors increases<br />
the respective Special Tax rate, which it may do<br />
annually by no more than 4 percent each year. The<br />
four ordinances for the Special Taxes do not contain<br />
a sunset date.”<br />
The special taxes comprise a major revenue stream<br />
that make the incorporation of Mountain House<br />
feasible.<br />
LAFCo’s Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA) for<br />
the incorporation assumed the continued collection<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
of these special taxes by the proposed City of Mountain<br />
House, stating that “during FY (fiscal year)<br />
2021/2022 collectively the special taxes generated<br />
$14,099,952 and by FY2025/2026 the special taxes<br />
are projected to generate $18,073,610.<br />
“Approximately $15.4 million (85%) will be needed<br />
to cover operational costs projected in the CFA<br />
without causing the General Fund to be in deficit.”<br />
The CFA assumes all fire district and law enforcement<br />
service contracts between MHCSD and<br />
the agencies will be assigned to the new City of<br />
Mountain House. Contracts with French Camp<br />
McKinley Fire District, San Joaquin County Sheriff,<br />
CHP and Rank Security will continue to operate for<br />
the new city.<br />
Following the unanimous vote by the LAFCo Board<br />
to approve moving forward with incorporation of<br />
The City of Mountain House, further community<br />
input and education is planned before the final<br />
determination will be put to registered voters in<br />
Mountain House on the March 5, 2024 ballot. A<br />
simple majority of votes cast shall determine the<br />
outcome of the election.<br />
As part of the incorporation process, the directive<br />
board that serves the community must shift from<br />
the CSD Board of Directors to a City Council.<br />
The City Council will consist of four (4) elected<br />
Council-members and an elected mayor, in a concurrent<br />
election, also on the March 5 ballot. Ultimately,<br />
each of the five will serve four year terms.<br />
However, in order to establish a tiered election of<br />
council-members, in the initial election the top two<br />
vote-getters will serve four year terms and the two<br />
with fewer votes will serve two years before having<br />
to run again for a four year term.<br />
The LafCo report also states that “Both the initial<br />
Incorporation Feasibility Analysis and the CFA<br />
came to the same conclusion that the proposed<br />
reorganization, including incorporation of the<br />
MHCSD and detachments, is fiscally viable with<br />
no further payments from San Joaquin County. In<br />
large part this is because both the County Board of<br />
continued page 11<br />
9<br />
Community Questions<br />
Addressed at Workshop<br />
The LAFCo reorganization review and evaluation<br />
process involved seeking out information or comments<br />
from the landowner or landowners, voters, or<br />
residents of MHCSD. The Commission conducted<br />
a Study Session on the Draft CFA on July 13, 2023.<br />
Additionally, on August 23, 2023, LAFCo held<br />
a workshop at the Mountain House Community<br />
Center. Jim Simon with RSG and staff from LAFCo<br />
and Mountain House gave a presentation on the<br />
reorganization background, Comprehensive Fiscal<br />
Analysis (CFA) and the next steps in the reorganization<br />
process.<br />
Participation in the workshop was both live and via<br />
zoom. Residents asked an array of questions (please<br />
see attachment for a full list), including but not<br />
limited to the following broad categories:<br />
• What happens to the CSD if it becomes a City?<br />
Response: The CSD remains for CC&R enforcement<br />
only.<br />
• Will the special taxes remain upon incorporation?<br />
Response: Yes, the special taxes will remain with<br />
the City.<br />
• How will City Council be elected?<br />
Response: Via city-wide elections; five (5) member<br />
city council with a directly elected mayor and four<br />
(4) city council members elected at large throughout<br />
the Reorganization area.<br />
• Will the City have its own Police Department?<br />
Response: Police services will be provided by the<br />
City. Currently the City contracts with existing<br />
law enforcement agencies, currently San Joaquin<br />
Sheriff’s Office. Periodically the City may decide to<br />
seek new service providers or the City may decide<br />
to form its own department.<br />
• Will the City have a healthy fiscal outlook?<br />
Response: Yes, the CFA shows that the proposed<br />
City will have a positive fiscal position the first year.<br />
• Can the City provide out of boundary service to<br />
unincorporated parcels?<br />
Response: Yes, upon approval by LAFCo and<br />
compliance to all City standards, specifications and<br />
application filing fees.
10 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Valley Link Rail Connection to BART On Track For 2028 Opening in MH<br />
Mountain House, CA – Kevin Sheridan, Executive Director/CEO<br />
of Valley Link, provided an update report<br />
via Zoom at the September 9, 2023 Mountain House<br />
Community Services District Board meeting on the<br />
progress of the vital railway system being developed<br />
to connect the “Mega-Region” to Dublin/Pleasanton<br />
BART. As the Bay Area continues to expand beyond<br />
the natural borders of the Altamont Pass, a larger<br />
vision of the region is now considered a mega-region.<br />
Mr. Sheridan gave an overview of Phase I of the<br />
project, which will create the initial connection on<br />
this side of the Altamont Pass, with the first station<br />
to be located in Mountain House, at the Southeast<br />
corner of town.<br />
The Valley Link Board of Directors, consisting of local<br />
agency representatives from Danville to Lathrop, and<br />
County Supervisors from Alameda and San Joaquin,<br />
with MH representation by MHCSD Board President,<br />
Bernice Tingle, continues work on what has been their<br />
timeline goal since the start. Construction is planned<br />
to begin in 2025, with a target date to have the first<br />
trains likely up and running by late 2027/early 2028.<br />
The Mountain House Station location represents a vast<br />
improvement over initial plans that would have put the<br />
first stop on this side of the Altamont further south,<br />
near I-580. Having the station located in Mountain<br />
House, immediately off the main I-205 corridor will<br />
not only provide easy access for residents of Mountain<br />
House, but a streamlined connection to the rest of the<br />
system as it develops.<br />
Sheridan stated that the current plans for the MH<br />
station includes somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000<br />
parking spaces, “but we’re still working on potentials,<br />
whether shuttles and other methodologies,”<br />
he stated.<br />
The station, which will be strategically<br />
located immediately west of Mountain<br />
House Parkway along the I-205<br />
interchange, will provide a crucial<br />
connection to BART that promises to<br />
reduce commute traffic snarls on the<br />
freeways.<br />
Ultimately, Valley Link will continue<br />
on, through Tracy and Lathrop,<br />
heading north toward the ACE train<br />
connection near Stockton.<br />
Phase II, however, needs additional<br />
Federal & State Environmental Impact<br />
Reports (EIRs), as well as determination<br />
for the City of Tracy’s best loca-<br />
tion for a station, before moving on to River Islands,<br />
North Lathrop, and ultimately to interface with the<br />
ACE Train system.<br />
In addition to the MH Station, immediately East of<br />
MH Parkway will be a layover and maintenance facility.<br />
“We are making efforts to reduce footprint on<br />
east side layover facility,” Sheridan said.<br />
The project has a focus on meeting “Buy America”<br />
standards for federal funding eligibility. All new<br />
transit buses must be zero emission by 2029. The<br />
Board is considering available zero-emission vehicle<br />
technology that supports both environmental and economic<br />
sustainability goals, including the possibility of<br />
Hydrogen trains, although he said they are still open<br />
to other new technologies.<br />
More at: www.valleylinkrail.com
Issue #115 • October 2023 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
11<br />
LAFCo Approves Incorporation of Mountain House<br />
continued from page 9<br />
Supervisors and the MHCSD implemented the<br />
goals and policies of the Mountain House Master<br />
Plan. The objective, ‘To ensure fiscal protection<br />
of the County and future community residents<br />
by creating an independent and self-sustaining<br />
community’ has been achieved.”<br />
The purpose of the CFA is to document the<br />
anticipated costs, revenues, and effects of the<br />
proposed incorporation, as well as present other<br />
information as may be necessary to make a<br />
well informed decision. The CFA found that<br />
the proposed City of Mountain House General<br />
Fund, including special tax fund revenues used<br />
for municipal services, is expected to produce<br />
a surplus in each year of the first ten years of<br />
incorporation.<br />
Pursuant to Government Code Section 56720(e),<br />
the Commission determined that the proposed<br />
city of Mountain House is expected to receive<br />
revenues sufficient to provide public services<br />
and facilities and a reasonable reserve during the<br />
first three fiscal years following incorporation.<br />
Assuming a simple majority of voters approves<br />
the incorporation in the March election, the<br />
effective date of the Reorganization (including<br />
the incorporation of the City of Mountain House)<br />
shall be July 1, 2024.<br />
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12 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
13
14 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Stars Casino Grand Opening Celebration<br />
The Stars Casino held a re-Grand Opening day of celebration<br />
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at their new location on Naglee Rd<br />
in Tracy. Located in the old Famous Dave’s Restaurant Building<br />
adjacent to West Valley Mall, Stars has done a very nice job of<br />
converting the restaurant with a new vibe.<br />
The day long event included a noon-time ribbon cutting, sponsored<br />
by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, Lion Dancers, complimentary<br />
food all day, live music in the afternoon, with Local radio<br />
station, The Hawk 104.1, streaming live from 1-3pm, before local<br />
headlining band, Mountain House’s own, Mojo Rising started<br />
at 5pm. Mojo played well until well after 8pm, giving way to<br />
DJ Matt Disko, who played dance music until around midnight.<br />
Stars Casino is featuring Black Jack Tournaments, Karaoke<br />
Mondays and much more. For more info, go to:<br />
www.starscasinotracy.com<br />
All in all, this was a most festive event, enjoyed by many.<br />
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Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
15<br />
Satisfied Clients say it best!<br />
Highly likely to recommend | 5.0<br />
9/6/2022 - Prasad W.<br />
Sold a Single Family home in 2022 in Mountain House, CA<br />
Local knowledge<br />
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“I was researching Realtors in Mountain House back in April when I<br />
decided to sell my investment properties. I had already heard about him through word of mouth<br />
as his reputation preceded him. It didn’t take long to realize Mike was by far the most experienced.<br />
l asked around and read some of his reviews and, I have to say, he really lives up to the hype.From<br />
the moment we made contact, man, he was ON IT! Now, the home wasn’t sell-ready at the time.<br />
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Within days of having signed the listing agreement, the painter was already in there masking it<br />
off. Within a few short weeks, the house was absolutely turn-key and ready to go.<br />
His stager, Janine, came in and made it look like a model home and his photography crew took<br />
beautiful photos & prepared a lovely virtual tour.<br />
Because it took a while to get the home vacated, the market had already turned but Mike knew<br />
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Even after dealing with flaky buyers and some dishonest buyers’ agents, it didn’t taint his spirit. He<br />
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staging experience were extremely impressive.<br />
The drone photography and video tour were amazing. The whole process from listing to selling our<br />
house was seamless and stress-free. Mike knew far more than we ever hoped about the process of<br />
selling a home. We won't think twice to choose them again. We highly recommend Mike Samawi and<br />
team for your real estate needs. ”<br />
Highly likely to recommend | 5.0<br />
4/10/2020 - Armi C.<br />
Sold a Single Family home in 2020 in Mountain House, CA<br />
Local knowledge<br />
Process expertise<br />
Responsiveness<br />
Negotiation skills<br />
“Mike Samawi was referred to us by one of our friends, and after<br />
the first meeting, we knew he was the one!<br />
His professionalism and expertise of the housing market weren’t the only things that won us over.<br />
It was his honesty and compassion that eased our nervousness about being first-time sellers.<br />
His team of stagers and photographers did an amazing job marketing our house. After<br />
one weekend of Open House, we received multiple above listing offers and<br />
accepted an offer that we couldn’t believe. Mike was always right there to answer all our questions<br />
during the process and our house closed without a hitch.<br />
We highly recommend Mike Samawi for anyone looking for an agent they can trust and rely on.<br />
If we ever come back to the area, we will definitely be working with Mike again. ”
16 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Housing Inventory Shrinking Even More In The Past Month<br />
By Salah Salah<br />
Happy Fall Mountain House Family. I am delighted<br />
to bring you the August/September<br />
market update.<br />
With the seasons changing, many in the market to<br />
buy or sell a home have hopes that the real estate<br />
market is also changing in their favor. You might be<br />
asking what has changed in the market since my last<br />
market update. We are still in a “seller’s market” like<br />
the previous month, but inventory has shrunk by half<br />
from the previous update. There are many buyers still<br />
out there searching for homes. What I have noticed is<br />
that buyers are more patient, they have to absolutely<br />
love the house to move forward with an offer in<br />
most cases. Homes selling over the asking price are<br />
appraised at value based on the transactions in which<br />
I have participated. We currently have 8 homes for<br />
sale in Mountain House compared to 15 during the<br />
last market update. We have 0.39 months of standing<br />
inventory compared to 1.15 last month. We are still<br />
seeing Non-contingent offers, but some offers come<br />
in with some contingencies attached. We are still<br />
witnessing some homes coming on the market with<br />
unrealistic expectations, and they are not selling. That<br />
is a seller and realtor issue, NOT a market issue. This<br />
market can be very confusing for many buyers and<br />
agents. Not all homes are flying off the market well<br />
over the asking price. Homes still need to show well,<br />
be presented to the market in a tasteful fashion, and<br />
be priced realistically to get the attention of serious<br />
buyers. If you have any questions about this article<br />
or our Real Estate market, feel free to contact me<br />
anytime. Remember, choosing a Realtor with vast<br />
experience listing & selling homes in your local<br />
market will put you in the best possible position to<br />
navigate these ever-changing Market conditions..<br />
Why Does Inventory Continue To Stay Low?<br />
We are experiencing a rippling effect from the historic<br />
low-interest rates during the past few years. Homeowners<br />
who purchased or refinanced during that time<br />
are less motivated to sell their current or primary home<br />
because of the low-interest rates they have. Many of<br />
the homes we see hit the market are secondary homes<br />
(rentals) or “life events” that are occurring i.e., an<br />
unfortunate death, separation/ divorce, or work relocation.<br />
The interesting part is that when you run the<br />
numbers, selling, and buying currently do make sense<br />
in many situations. Even though the interest rates are<br />
higher than the historic lows.<br />
Home Values<br />
Our Mountain House home values are continuing<br />
to rise. The best and most accurate way to get your<br />
current home value is to talk with a local agent. Most<br />
homeowners are in utter shock at their current home<br />
values! In our ever-evolving digital age, most homeowners<br />
utilize websites that have algorithms in place<br />
to obtain their current home value. Those sites cannot<br />
even remotely keep up with this current market and<br />
are highly inaccurate in most to all cases. Reaching<br />
out to a local and experienced Realtor is going to be<br />
the best approach for an accurate home value.<br />
What Is a Buyer’s Market?<br />
A buyer’s market refers to a situation in<br />
which changes to the underlying economic<br />
conditions that shape “supply and demand.” It means<br />
that purchasers have an advantage over sellers in price<br />
negotiations. A buyers market occurs when there is<br />
six (6) or more months of Inventory supply available.<br />
What is a Neutral Market?<br />
A Neutral market is when we have three to six (3-6)<br />
months of inventory supply.<br />
What Is a Seller’s Market?<br />
A seller’s market is a market condition characterized<br />
by a shortage of goods available for sale, resulting<br />
in pricing power for the seller. A Seller’s Market is a<br />
term commonly applied to the property market when<br />
low supply meets high demand. A sellers market<br />
equals less than three (3) months of inventory supply.<br />
What Does Months Of Inventory Mean?<br />
Months of inventory takes into account the number<br />
of homes for sale on the market with recently sold<br />
homes and reflects the number of months it would<br />
take to sell all homes currently on the market. You<br />
can calculate months of inventory by dividing the<br />
total number of homes for sale over the number<br />
of homes sold in one month. When months of<br />
inventory are low, it’s a fast-paced market dominated<br />
by buyers and few sellers. When months of<br />
inventory are high, there are generally more homes<br />
on the market (dominated by sellers) with fewer<br />
buyers or sales.<br />
MH Market Update from<br />
August 23 - September 28, 2023<br />
Active Homes Total as of 9/28/23: 8<br />
2 Condos & 6 Single Family Homes -<br />
(All Re-Sale)<br />
Pending Homes 8/23/23 - 9/28/23: 9<br />
(All Re-Sale)<br />
Closed Homes 8/23/23 - 9/28/23: 23<br />
(All Re-Sale)<br />
Sold Over $1 Million 8/23/23 - 9/28/23: 11<br />
(Re-sale)<br />
The highest sold home in Mountain House<br />
To Date $2,000,000.<br />
The Average price per Sqft sold in this time<br />
frame is $418.88<br />
The Highest price per Sqft sold in this time<br />
frame is $511.63<br />
The average number of days on the market<br />
before a home receives an offer in this time<br />
frame is 11 days.<br />
Total number of Million Dollar<br />
homes sold to date: 363<br />
Current months of Inventory supply<br />
available: 0.39 - Less than 1 Month<br />
(Sellers’ Market)<br />
JUST SOLD By Salah Salah |78 N Alta Dena |Altamont Village | 4 Bed | 3 Bath | 3,064 Sqft | 6,416 Sqft Lot |Sale Price<br />
$1,164,786 | SOLD for $65,906 OVER ASKING<br />
Your success is our goal.<br />
Your trust is our asset.<br />
Your satisfaction is our reward!<br />
Harshad Bhimani<br />
Realtor ®<br />
CalBRE# 01960659<br />
mobile: 408.616.0488<br />
harshad.bhimani@gmail.com<br />
www.NandHomes.com<br />
www.Facebook.com/NandHomes<br />
A Tradition Of Trust<br />
Mountain House Resident & Area Expert<br />
Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC. Coldwell Banker Residential<br />
Brokerage is owned by a subsidiary of NRT, LLC. If you have a broker relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.<br />
JUST SOLD By Salah Salah | 563 Burk Pl |Wicklund Village | 4 Bed | 2 Bath | 2,004 Sqft | 6,276 Sqft Lot | Sale Price $938,000<br />
| SOLD for $58,500 OVER ASKING<br />
About The Author<br />
Salah Salah is an<br />
award-winning Full-Service<br />
Neighborhood Realtor<br />
and an invested member<br />
of the Mountain House<br />
Community.<br />
Salah prides himself on<br />
his knowledge of local real<br />
estate trends, and strives<br />
to provide the best service<br />
for his clientele.<br />
510-378-6533 Cell/Text<br />
salah@refinedre.com<br />
LIC#02022642<br />
www.RefinedRE.com
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
How Important is Disclosure?<br />
By Mike Samawi<br />
Aside from it being the right thing to do, It’s<br />
also the legal thing to do and can be quite costly<br />
for a seller for not doing it! I’m talking about<br />
disclosure! Disclosing things you know that are<br />
wrong with a home.<br />
Remember this, if you know about it, chances<br />
are that the buyers will find out about it anyway.<br />
So it’s best to let the cat out of the bag.<br />
Now, there are instances where a seller does<br />
disclose everything they know but issues come<br />
to light after the fact. That’s an innocent mistake<br />
and can happen to anyone. That’s not what I am<br />
talking about here. I’m referring to malicious<br />
concealment. A BIG NO-NO!<br />
Not that this sort of thing happens often, but if a<br />
seller I work with asks me to conceal something,<br />
an ultimatum is given. They either disclose it or<br />
find another Realtor!<br />
The story below is true; the names, dates, locations<br />
and flooring types have been changed to<br />
protect the innocent.<br />
Some time ago, I was representing some buyers<br />
on a home purchase in the Bay Area. The<br />
home had recently been remodeled, and looked<br />
beautiful!<br />
We wrote a clean offer, and it was accepted.<br />
Shortly after move in and, I mean, VERY shortly<br />
thereafter, the buyers decided they just didn’t<br />
like the laminate flooring that was there. It<br />
was click-lock laminate, not glued down. They<br />
pulled it up and, to their surprise… MOLD!<br />
No way, right?!<br />
How was this missed? Even if the seller<br />
remedied it, he/she would have still needed to<br />
disclose it, but not a peep was said about it. The<br />
seller never even disclosed it was ever there, let<br />
alone STILL there.<br />
I reached out to the listing agent who claimed<br />
they and the seller knew nothing about it. They<br />
could have, and arguably should have, offered a<br />
compromise to resolve the issue. A reasonable<br />
solution could have been for the seller and/or<br />
their agent to send a mold remediation company<br />
out to deal with the mold, and then pay to replace<br />
the flooring. The buyers probably would<br />
have been satisfied with that.<br />
Instead, they told us to buzz off. Big mistake!<br />
Enter powerful real estate attorney.<br />
A threatening letter was sent and only then did<br />
the seller realize that this wasn’t going away.<br />
Long story short, the seller was forced to buy the<br />
home back, as well as covering any expenses,<br />
including the buyer’s attorney fees.<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
This could have all been avoided with a one<br />
line sentence on the disclosure form stating<br />
they found some mold on the floor and properly<br />
remediated it, of course. Instead, they had<br />
to buy it back, pay the fees, and now have to<br />
relist the home again and pay the fees that come<br />
along with it.<br />
Since it was just sold a month ago and is now<br />
back, it now puts an asterisk next to it in every<br />
buyers mind and having to disclose the mold at<br />
this juncture makes it look even worse.<br />
This seller definitely learned the hard way.<br />
About The Author<br />
Bringing Giggles, Glee & Memories!<br />
Let the fun and magic happen as Sparkles Delight and Ravioli bring a<br />
variety of energetic, fast-paced and mesmerizing performances<br />
whatever your occasion! Parties, Festivals, Corporate Events,<br />
School and Library Shows.<br />
Call or Text Us: www.ZanyEntertainment.com<br />
Sparkles: 209.835.8383 • Ravioli: 209.835.3535<br />
17<br />
Mike N Samawi is a local<br />
Realtor and Mountain House<br />
Expert Since 2009<br />
12 Time CVAR Masters Club<br />
Award Recipient & Outstanding<br />
Life Member.<br />
Team Samawi | Compass<br />
209.814.6370 Cell/Text<br />
Mike@TeamSamawi.com<br />
DRE 01872701<br />
www.compass.com/concierge
18 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Delta College Peer Advisor Excelling Beyond Adversity<br />
By Sadia Khan, Community Contributor<br />
Let's meet Nat Austin. Nat is a Peer advisor at Delta College South Campus, College Park MH.<br />
Nat Austin is a nineteen-year-old second-year student at San Joaquin Delta College double majoring<br />
in Psychology and Art, Humanities & Social Studies. Nat has been a resident of Bethany<br />
Village in Mountain House for the past 6 years.<br />
What is Your education, your experience, and your goal?<br />
I am double major, in Psychology and Art, Humanities & Social Studies.<br />
I aspire to go to Sacramento State College to pursue my Bachelor's and<br />
Master's degrees in social work. I initially attended Delta with the intent<br />
of receiving a Mathematics and Science degree and an Art, Humanities,<br />
and Social Studies degree because I wanted to become a park ranger<br />
for the United States National Parks. But after becoming homeless<br />
for a short while in the middle of my first year of college, I had new<br />
aspirations and dreams.<br />
I now want to start a foundation that focuses on providing resources<br />
and support services for underprivileged minority youths. I had a rough<br />
childhood and I know that there are too many other youths that have<br />
gone through hard times as well. I hope that by providing a strong support system and beneficial resources,<br />
minority youths will aspire to do what they're passionate about.<br />
What is your role at Delta College?<br />
I am a Peer Advisor at Delta College South Campus at Mountain House. I do clerical work and assist<br />
students with a multitude of things including, but not limited to making counseling appointments and<br />
navigating student websites such as Canvas, their student email, and their MyDelta Dashboard.<br />
What factors help you succeed in your role at Delta College?<br />
Something that helps me succeed the most in my role at Delta College is the very strong support system.<br />
From my coworkers, supervisor, and employers to the janitor and counselors, we all help one another when<br />
we can and it is refreshing, to say the least. When I became homeless, no one hesitated to lend a helping<br />
hand and that is something that will never be forgotten. Without their constant kindness and support, I'm<br />
not sure I would've been where I am today.<br />
How long have you been in this position?<br />
I have been a Peer Advisor for about a year now and I am always learning something new every day.<br />
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?<br />
In the next five years, I see myself graduating from Sacramento State University with my master's in<br />
social work. I see myself ready and eager to dedicate my life to supporting and helping underprivileged<br />
minorities prosper into the people that they want to be.<br />
Your message to the youth of MH?<br />
To the youth of Mountain House, I say, " You get to decide what you want your life to look like. I encourage<br />
you to be yourself and to speak up, especially if it makes you stand out. And last but not least, you are<br />
worth more than you know. Don't make yourself small so others can feel comfortable"<br />
Your message to the parents of the students seeking college education?<br />
"College can be extremely stressful and taxing. As students, it is our responsibility to seek the degree or<br />
degrees that we feel we will thrive and be passionate about. I ask that you have an open mind and support<br />
your student in the ways that you can".<br />
Fun facts about Delta College MH location?<br />
- Bunnies are rampant around campus but mainly in the parking lot. They are cute little cotton tails and<br />
are super fast.<br />
- Delta College South Campus at Mountain House has been around since 2009<br />
Some quotes you live by?<br />
"Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated." —Coretta Scott King<br />
"Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard<br />
work that creates change." —Shonda Rhimes<br />
"I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort" —Tracee Ellis Ross<br />
We are grateful to Nat for letting us get to know him. Thank you, Nat, Mountain House Matters wishes<br />
you success in all your endeavors.
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
MH Community Events<br />
CALENDAR<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Saturday, October 7<br />
Harvest Celebration - The Market @ MH 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. The Market @ Mountain House<br />
Join-in to celebrate all the businesses in the new Safeway Shopping Center<br />
Photo opps, trackless train, cotton candy, balloon twister, face painter, music & raffle prizes<br />
Monday, October 7<br />
“Indigenous Peoples’ Day” (observed)<br />
all day<br />
19333 S Mountain House Parkway<br />
Facebook.com/TheMarketatMountainHouse<br />
Friday, October 13<br />
The Gordie List - Live music 7 p.m. Delta Brews, Tracy<br />
“Last Show Ever” for this hotrod local trio<br />
47 W 10th St, Tracy<br />
Saturday October 14<br />
Mountain House Fire Department Pancake Breakfast 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. 911 Tradition St.<br />
There will be food, activities, and the announcement of<br />
our school art contest winner. Tickets will be available at the door.<br />
Mountain House Fil-Am Society Salu-salo/potluck/meet-up 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Bethany Park<br />
Food & games. Bring a dish or just show up.<br />
262 Legacy Dr.<br />
Better World Rescue annual Pups & Beer Cups Party 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Morgan Territory Brewing<br />
Featuring live auction, live music, bake sale, photo booth, raffle baskets, good food & more<br />
1885 N. MacArthur Dr, Tracy<br />
Traditional Garba & Dandiya Night 2023 5 p.m. MH High School Stadium<br />
CVGCA - Central Valley Gujarati Community Association<br />
https://cvgca.org<br />
Saturday October 28<br />
Mountain House Diwali Mela 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Central Community Park<br />
Everyone welcome- Free Entry-Free Parking-Family Event-Bring everyone & 209-701-0116<br />
let’s make this MH Diwali Mela Festival biggest & Successful together.<br />
mhdiwalimela@gmail.com<br />
Mountain House Witches’ Ride! 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Gather at Central Park near Town Hall<br />
Join the witches of Mountain House for their annual late<br />
ride as they move village by village on their broom...bicycles!<br />
Sunday October 29<br />
Mountain House Farmers’ Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. MH Town Hall/Library Parking Lot<br />
The MH Farmers’ Market is pleased to celebrate the Day of the Dead<br />
Halloween-theme includes games, treats, costumes, and live music with The Buds<br />
201 E. Main St.<br />
Facebook: Mountain House Farmers Market<br />
21st annual Mountain House Halloween Parade 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Bethany Park<br />
Join the longest running event in Mountain House history.<br />
The MH Flag Football organization hosts this event for all to attend<br />
262 Legacy Dr.<br />
Facebook: Mountain House Farmers Market<br />
Tuesday October 31<br />
Halloween<br />
A Very Scary Block Party 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Bethany Village Park<br />
Mountain House’s “most anticipated event” of 2023 returns to Bethany Village Park on<br />
www.MountainHouseEvents.com<br />
Halloween Night. Family-friendly outdoor event features spooky vendors, food trucks,<br />
photo ops, a ghoulish DJ dance party, and live entertainment. Fully themed with a massive decorated stage filled with lighting, special effects, and a laser<br />
light show. Admission is free to all residents of 95391 and kid-friendly from 5 PM - 8 PM, followed by a terrorizing teen and adult-centric dance party into the<br />
dark. Stay tuned to MountainHouseEvents.com and our FB/IG pages for more info.<br />
19<br />
Better World Rescue to<br />
Host Annual Pups & Beer<br />
Cups Party<br />
Better World Rescue is proud to host their annual<br />
Pups & Beer Cups party to benefit shelter animals<br />
and low-income pet owners. The fundraiser will take<br />
place Saturday, October 14th from 4:00-8:00pm at<br />
Morgan Territory Brewing in Tracy. There will be<br />
fun activities for the whole family including a live<br />
auction, live music, bake sale, photo booth, raffle<br />
baskets, good food and so much more!<br />
All proceeds benefit Better World Rescue, a local<br />
non-profit (EIN 87-4001454) focused on keeping<br />
animals in their loving homes and out of shelters<br />
through spay/neuter assistance, behavioral training<br />
resources, and medical bill assistance.<br />
https://www.betterworldrescue.org/<br />
https://www.facebook.com/betterworldrescue<br />
https://www.instagram.com/betterworldrescue<br />
https://www.facebook.com/events/145197815249342
20 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Brewing Up Success<br />
By Allie Shandonay (high school senior and MHHS newspaper columnist)<br />
LThanks to<br />
Everyone who<br />
helped make this<br />
paper possible!<br />
Photo cred: Allie Shandonay<br />
When I come back to my hometown of Mountain House years from now, the first thing I will do is pay a visit to the<br />
iconic boba tea cafe THub. We as residents of this town have been anxiously anticipating the opening of a restaurant<br />
or cafe for over a decade. And a little bit over a year ago our wishes were granted. The Seelam family became<br />
pioneers of food in Mountain House, and opened the first cafe to operate.<br />
Here at THub, we are bestowed with a vast selection of flavors for their artisanal boba beverages and handcrafted<br />
snacks. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview the daughter and heiress to the THub throne,<br />
Sathya Seelam, a now recently graduated Mountain House High School student. Throughout this interview, Sathya<br />
offered more insight to the history, fun facts, and purpose of this beloved Mountain House business.<br />
The Interview:<br />
Me: First and foremost thank you for meeting<br />
with me for this deep dive into your family’s<br />
business.<br />
Sathya: Thank you so much for this opportunity!<br />
Me: When and how did your family come up<br />
with the idea to make THub come to life?<br />
Sathya: As someone who grew up in the Bay<br />
Area, I was spoiled with the countless boba stores<br />
and cafes in reach. When my family moved to<br />
Mountain House five years ago, I was in search of<br />
a local eatery. When the Cordes Plaza construction<br />
began a few blocks from our street, we took<br />
the opportunity to bring something important to<br />
us, to our community.<br />
Me: What are the top five most popular drinks?<br />
Sathya: Undoubtedly, our Oreo Milkshake is<br />
#1, followed by our Mango Slushie, Thai Milk<br />
Tea, Crème Brûlée, and our seasonal specials!<br />
Me: What is your personal favorite drink and<br />
one that you believe that is underrated?<br />
Sathya: One of my personal favorites is our Thai<br />
Milk Tea (a classic!) but I think our Lychee Green<br />
Tea is surely underrated, it’s the perfect combo<br />
with lychee jelly!<br />
Me: What was the first recipe your family created/made<br />
for THub?<br />
Sathya: Brown Sugar Milk Tea was the very<br />
first recipe we made, back in 2020. Throughout<br />
the pandemic, we had numerous trials to brew<br />
black tea to perfection and boil boba to the right<br />
texture.<br />
Me: What was the inspiration behind the name<br />
THub?<br />
Sathya: We did not want to limit our cafe to<br />
serving only coffee or boba. We intend to serve<br />
everyone, of all ages and backgrounds. Hence,<br />
“hub”. We serve boba teas, coffee, snacks, sandwiches,<br />
and biryani. We believe in creating a welcoming<br />
space where people can gather, connect,<br />
and enjoy a diverse range of offerings, making<br />
our cafe a true community hub for everyone.<br />
Me: Before deciding on being a boba tea cafe,<br />
what other ideas were your family considering?<br />
Sathya: My family has been in the restaurant<br />
business for over three generations. After my<br />
dad managed our family’s restaurants, he was<br />
inspired to open one in the US. However, given<br />
our location, we decided that a cafe would be<br />
most suitable.<br />
Me: Where is your family from, and how long<br />
have you all been in the US?<br />
Sathya: My family is from South India and<br />
we’ve been in the US for nearly 15 years.<br />
Me: What are some similarities and differences<br />
of running restaurants in the US from where<br />
your family is from? Do you think your family<br />
would be able to run a boba cafe back home?<br />
Sathya: Some of the similarities we’ve observed<br />
are the strong entrepreneurial culture that both<br />
countries share. In addition, we see that parallel<br />
opportunities for expansion in domestic and<br />
global markets coexist in a competitive business<br />
environment. Yet, some of the notable differences<br />
include consumer preferences, which affect<br />
the business's products and marketing strategies,<br />
as well as the legal structure in the US, which is<br />
much more robust than India's in terms of establishment<br />
and operation. Yes, I am confident that<br />
we would be successful in establishing a boba<br />
cafe back in India since the society’s enthusiasm<br />
for unique dining options has created a promising<br />
market for a boba cafe.<br />
Me: What are you and your family most proud<br />
of?<br />
Sathya: We are most proud of the bonds that<br />
we’ve built with our community through our<br />
small business. It’s truly rewarding to see our<br />
products positively impact our neighbors, and<br />
the support and trust that has grown as a result.<br />
Me: Your family recently added new items to<br />
their menu, which ones do you recommend?<br />
Sathya: The hot summer always calls for refreshing<br />
drinks! This year, my personal favorite<br />
is our Royal Rose Lemonade. And we brought<br />
back the Tropical Sunset as it was very popular<br />
last year.<br />
Me: THub has limited edition drinks that correlate<br />
to the time of year or holiday. What can<br />
we expect for future seasonal drinks? Any sneak<br />
peeks into what drinks will be on the menu?<br />
Sathya: This Fall and Winter, we’re working to<br />
bring new flavors like chai and pumpkin. And<br />
in the Winter, we’re looking to introduce white<br />
chocolate and peppermint. Keep an eye out!<br />
Me: Are there any fun facts about THub you<br />
would like to share?<br />
Sathya: We have our own secret menu! If you’d<br />
like to try something new, or a drink that is not on<br />
the menu, please let our barista know! We would<br />
love to accommodate your customizations!<br />
Me: What was the most difficult part of creating<br />
THub or being in the small-business industry?<br />
Sathya: Operating a small-business post-pandemic<br />
came with many challenges that require<br />
us to adjust with the changing economy. Inflation<br />
and supply chain issues are our primary obstacles<br />
to delivering the highest quality service to our<br />
customers.<br />
Me: Are you planning on carrying on the THub<br />
legacy or anything in the restaurant industry?<br />
Or are you going down a different path? Do you<br />
think the challenges your family’s business had<br />
will impact your decision?<br />
Sathya: I’m headed to college this year to study<br />
computer engineering, but business has always<br />
been a passion of mine. I plan to pursue my MBA<br />
and definitely start a business of my own, but I<br />
am uncertain if I would continue in the restaurant<br />
industry. In the near future, I plan to help my parents<br />
in the expansion and management of THub!<br />
Me: Thanks so much for your time and input<br />
about your family’s business. I have always<br />
enjoyed going to THub, especially to study and<br />
read. It’s been a pleasure knowing you, Sathya,<br />
and being a regular customer.<br />
Sathya: Thank you Allie! It’s a pleasure serving<br />
you and the entire community of Mountain<br />
House!<br />
Well there you have it! I hope now you all<br />
have more insight into the iconic Mountain<br />
House cafe and why they even exist in the<br />
first place. Make sure to visit THub today<br />
and try their exclusive seasonal drinks this<br />
following scarf season, and get your pumpkin<br />
spice fix.
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Tracy, CA - In a heartwarming display of community support, the Tracy Senior Association<br />
created an initiative aimed at assisting low-income seniors to remain within the comfort and<br />
safety of their own homes. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group,<br />
the association’s effort to ensure a secure living environment is needed now more than ever.<br />
The initiative focuses on addressing crucial aspects of home safety and accessibility. Qualified<br />
professionals perform comprehensive assessments of any seniors’ living spaces, identifying<br />
potential hazards and recommending necessary modifications. These modifications could include<br />
installing grab bars, handrails, threshold ramps among others. By implementing these changes,<br />
the goal is to create an environment that not only minimizes accidents but also promotes independence<br />
and a sense of well-being. This free assessment is for all seniors regardless of income.<br />
Financial constraints can often hinder seniors’ ability to make these necessary modifications.<br />
However, the Tracy Senior Association has partnered with local organizations and the community<br />
at large to secure the funding needed for these projects. Through generous donations,<br />
fundraising efforts and grants, the program can offer these services to low-income seniors at<br />
no cost, ensuring that no one is left without the essential safety enhancements they require.<br />
In addition, the Tracy Seniors Association recruits volunteers to provide one-time services such<br />
as yard clean up, fence or gate repairs, small plumbing and electrical repairs (The adjacent<br />
photos illustrate the before and after of a recent a fence repair).<br />
Tracy Senior Association’s commitment to improving the lives of low-income seniors not only<br />
demonstrates their compassion for their community’s most vulnerable but also sets a shining<br />
example for others to follow. By promoting home safety and making needed repairs, this<br />
initiative empowers these seniors to continue living independently, gracefully aging in place,<br />
and preserving their dignity and quality of life.<br />
Walkers & Knee Walkers<br />
Wheelchairs<br />
Transport Chairs<br />
Scooters & Power Chairs<br />
Electric Hospital Bed<br />
Lift Chairs<br />
Oxygen Concentrators<br />
MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS<br />
Purchase or Rent to suit your needs<br />
Wheelchairs • Walkers • Knee Walkers<br />
ITEMS FOR RENT OR PURCHASE<br />
Electrical Hospital Beds<br />
OVER 1,000 ITEMS IN STOCK!<br />
OPEN: M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.<br />
350 W. Grant Line Rd<br />
Tracy, CA 95376<br />
(209) 834-1383<br />
reichsmedical@gmail.com<br />
www.ReichsMedicalSupply.net<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Tracy Seniors’ Association Working to Help Low-Income<br />
Seniors Remain Safely in Their Homes<br />
Submitted by Clara C Voss<br />
Recliners • Scooters<br />
The Tracy Seniors’ Association’s Home Safety & Accessibility Initiative provides assessments of any seniors’<br />
living spaces, including providing repair services, construction of threshold ramps, installing grab bars and<br />
handrails, and repairing broken fences, as shown above.<br />
21<br />
For more information please call 209-597-4417, email us at tracyseniorsassociation@gmail.com,<br />
and/or attend the monthly meeting on the third Tuesday of every month at 10:30 at Keller Williams,<br />
60 West 10 th Street, Tracy.<br />
Business at En Pointe Dance Studio Comes to an End<br />
Owner Hazel Maglasang announces her retirement just one year into her expansion<br />
Mountain House, CA – Dance studio entrepreneur, Hazel Maglasang, brought<br />
a select group of her closest followers together at her En Pointe Dance Studio<br />
September 22, 2023 for dinner and a mysterious surprise announcement.<br />
She provided a nicely catered buffet dinner for about 50 or so invited guests,<br />
with her parents serving-up the dishes. The core group who gathered ate<br />
in comfort in the well-appointed warehouse studio, where they enjoyed an<br />
extensive slide show she put together of the many performances the troop has<br />
participated in over the past decade.<br />
After the nice meal, Hazel sat at the front in a director’s chair to share her news.<br />
She began by reminiscing over all the years she’s invested in dance and her<br />
studio. She took the group down memory lane with some good stories, all of<br />
which hinted at what was coming.<br />
She then explained that the time had come for her to retire from the studio<br />
and that the doors would be closing at the end of the month. She said that she made every effort to find someone<br />
qualified to take over, or some other solution, but there didn’t seem to be one. She thanked everyone for all their<br />
support over the years, and hugged everyone in the room as the evening came to a close.
22 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE<br />
ENTERTAINMENT BY CLOWNS & MAGICIANS<br />
ZANY ENTERTAINMENT - Sparkles Delight & Ravioli Sparkles: 209-835-8383<br />
Bringing you magical giggles & glee in 2023 info@zanyentertainment.com • Ravioli: 209-835-3535<br />
PHONE APPS<br />
ME-CAM Custom Emojis - Donyell Johnson<br />
Take and crop a picture to create custom stickers for different expressions<br />
TRAVEL AGENTS<br />
Find What You Need in and around town right here!<br />
GET THE APP<br />
deejaysugarshack.com<br />
DWRIGHT TRAVEL - Darcella Wright (510) 331-3471<br />
www.darcellawright.inteletravel.com<br />
darcella35@gmail.com<br />
PERSONAL LIFE CARE<br />
BICYCLE SHOPS / SERVICES<br />
TRACY CYCLERY - Ed Phippen (209) 640-9380<br />
2217 N Tracy Blvd, Tracy, CA 95376<br />
DENTAL CARE<br />
ELITE DENTAL CARE - Raman Singh, DDS (209) 213-7808<br />
3246 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, CA 95304 - next to Golden 1 near Costco www.TheEliteDental.com<br />
GRANT LINE DENTAL - Daman Gill, DDS (209) 832-2525<br />
2242 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, Suite 102, CA 95304 - next to Dhaba www.DamanGillDDS.com<br />
MOUNTAIN HOUSE DENTAL - Isabela L. Putzlacher, DDS (209) 839-8755<br />
561 Wicklund Crossing, MH, CA 95391 www.MountainHouseDental.com<br />
DENTAL - ORTHODONTICS<br />
SPLASH DENTAL - Rob van den Berg, DDS (209) 650-6560<br />
230 S. Sterling Dr. Ste 233, Mountain House, CA 95391 www.SplashDental.com<br />
TROSIEN ORTHODONTICS - Andrew Trosien, DDS, MS, Inc. (209) 833-1240<br />
2850 N. Tracy Blvd., Suite 300, Tracy, CA 95376 www.TrosienOrthodontics.com<br />
MEDICAL SUPPLIES<br />
REICH’S MEDICAL SUPPLY (209) 834-1383<br />
350 W Grant Line Rd, Tracy, CA 95376 reichsmedical@gmail.com • www.reichsmedicalsupply.net<br />
SHOES & SHOE REPAIR<br />
SARVEY’S SHOES & SHOE REPAIR - Bob Sarvey (209) 835-7162<br />
501 W Grant Line Rd, Tracy, CA 95376 www.SarveysShoes.net<br />
FINANCIAL SERVICES<br />
FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES<br />
EDWARD JONES - Tom Kelly 209-839-0179<br />
2880 N. Tracy Blvd Suite 4, Tracy 95376 www.edwardjones.com<br />
INSURANCE SERVICES<br />
N&T INSURANCE SOLUTIONS - Pritpal Atwal (800)783-8565<br />
Mountain House resident - Auto, Home, Business, Visitors Coverage patwal@ntinsurancesol.com<br />
MORTGAGE BROKERS<br />
MORTGAGE SETH - Seth Conley<br />
(209) 845-SETH<br />
Mountain House resident - NMLSID#1595108 seth@mortgageseth.com • www.MortgageSeth.com<br />
U.S. BANK HOME Mrs (510) 301-5370<br />
Mountain House resident - NMLS # 1007568<br />
bryan.seavers@usbank.com<br />
- Services Directory<br />
For information on being included in this directory and/or other advertising opportunities, call<br />
or text Bryan Harrison, at: 209-597-8157 or visit www.<strong>MHMatters</strong>.net/rates.html<br />
FINANCIAL SERVICES CONTINUED<br />
TAX SERVICES<br />
CALL TAXES, INC. - Vishal Jalan, MBA, EA (Enrolled Agent)<br />
Tax & ITIN Services • MH resident 805-742-6378<br />
(IRS certified acceptance agent for new renewal) & Notary.<br />
contact@calltaxes.com<br />
TAX PREPARATION SERVICE - CRTP - Stacy Larsen 510-427-1867<br />
MH resident<br />
Stacy_Larsen@slztaxprep.com • www.slztaxprep.com<br />
HOUSE & HOME CARE SERVICES<br />
CARPET CLEANING<br />
ROBERT’S CARPET CLEANING - Robert Hoock (209) 814-6818<br />
Carpet Cleaning, repairs, installs<br />
https://RobsCarpets.com<br />
ELECTRICAL SERVICES<br />
TRI-VALLEY ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. (800) 449-6244<br />
No job too small - we do it all!<br />
www.tvesinc.com • service@tvesinc.com<br />
FLOOR COVERING & PAINTING<br />
SPENCER FLOORING & PAINT - Kipp Skelton (209) 835-5537<br />
See our showroom at 475 W. Grant Line Rd., Tracy, CA 95377 www.SpencerFlooringAndPaint.com<br />
PAINTING SERVICES<br />
FRESH COAT PAINTERS CENTRAL VALLEY (209) 390-4326<br />
Lic# 923812<br />
https://freshcoatpainters.com/locations/tracy/<br />
POOL SERVICE<br />
VALLEY H2O POOL SERVICE - Adam Montoya (209) 914-6807<br />
Lic# 06019135 • Pool Cleaning, Repairs, Installation & Filter Cleaning<br />
REAL ESTATE AGENTS & BROKERS<br />
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY - Harman Ratia (209) 237-9173<br />
CalBRE #01908137<br />
harmanratia@gmail.com<br />
CAPTAIN RYAN REAL ESTATE / REALTY ONE - Ryan Baker (510) 238-5303<br />
CalBRE #02092859<br />
ryan@captainryanrealestate.com<br />
COLDWELL BANKER - Harshad Bhimani (408) 616-0488<br />
5980 Stoneridge Dr Ste 122, Pleasanton, CA 94588 • CalBRE #01960659 harshad.bhimani@gmail.com<br />
COMPASS - Janine & Mike Samawi 209-814-6370<br />
MH resident - DRE #02020042 & 01872071<br />
mike@teamsamawi.com<br />
GOLDEN HILLS BROKERS - Camille Harrison 925-594-0837<br />
MH resident - DRE #00986382<br />
camillerealtor@yahoo.com<br />
MOUNTAIN HOUSE REAL ESTATE GROUP - Drew Jacobsen (209) 855-1308<br />
MH resident • CalBRE #01416016<br />
drew@mhrealestate.com<br />
REFINED REAL ESTATE - Salah Salah (510) 378-6533<br />
MH resident • CalBRE #02022642<br />
Salah@RefinedRE.com • www.RefinedRE.com<br />
SKY HEIGHTS REAL ESTATE - Aradhana Rotkar (650) 839-3568<br />
CalBRE #02078443<br />
aradhana@skyheights.com • www.skyheights.com<br />
SUNROOMS & PATIO COVERS<br />
ABOVE THE REST PATIO COVERS & SUNROOMS (209) 834-1771<br />
Check us out on Yelp and Facebook!<br />
www.AboveTheRestPatio.com<br />
MARKETING / PROMOTIONAL<br />
SIGNS & PROMOTIONAL ITEMS<br />
FAST SIGNS - Danielle Miranda (209) 290-0100<br />
1418 Mariani Ct. Suite 110, Tracy, CA 95376 https://www.fastsigns.com/2285<br />
Is there a heading you’re looking for here not currently represented?<br />
Let us know: text 209-597-8157 or email: bryan@mhmatters.net Deadline for submissions for the next issue is October 13, 2023
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
23<br />
SETH CONLEY<br />
"Mortgage Seth"<br />
NMLS #1595108<br />
Call/Text: (408) 373-6585<br />
seth@mortgageseth.com<br />
Now licensed in:<br />
California, Florida, Idaho,<br />
North Carolina, Texas & Arizona<br />
www.MortgageSeth.com<br />
209-845-SETH<br />
New to Mountain House? Maybe been here awhile and are ready to get<br />
more involved in the community? Here are some contacts, resources and groups<br />
that will hopefully help you plug in and turn on!<br />
LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CIVIC RESOURCES<br />
MH Community Services District: 251 E. Main Street<br />
www.mountainhousecsd.org - 209-831-2300<br />
MH Sheriff Services: : Emergency - 911 • Non-Emergency - (209) 468-4400<br />
MH Fire Services: : Emergency - 911 • Non-Emergency - (209) 407-2990<br />
MH Master Restrictions Enforcement - (209) 831-5606, or chathorn@sjgov.org<br />
or report online: www.mountainhousecsd.org/resident-services/report-a-concern<br />
MH Library: : www.ssjcpl.org/locations/county/mhouse.html - 250 E Main Street<br />
Mountain House Matters: : www.<strong>MHMatters</strong>.net - 209-597-8157<br />
Mailing Address: 2455 Naglee Rd #263, Tracy, CA 95304<br />
MH Facebook Groups: : facebook.com/groups/MountainHouse<br />
facebook.com/groups/MountainHouseResidents<br />
San Joaquin County Animal Services: : (209) 953-6070<br />
MH Welcome Center: : 955 Prosperity Street @ Mustang Way - (209) 221-6317<br />
COMMUNITY GROUPS & CLUBS<br />
To have your local group added to this list, please email your information to info@mhmatters.net, or call 209-597-8157<br />
Kiwanis of Mountain House: search Kiwanis of Mountain House on Facebook<br />
MH Autism Awareness: search Mountain House Autism Awareness on Facebook<br />
MH BNI Power Partners: search BNI Mountain House on Facebook<br />
Mountain House Cricket Club and Youth Club: : mhcricketclub@googlegroups.com<br />
MH Coding Academy: https://mhcodingacademy.netlify.app<br />
MH Filipino-American Society: www.facebook.com/groups/MHFILAMS/<br />
MH Flag Football, Inc.: : www.mhflagfootball.com (including: MH Tennis, Youth Cheer, Golf Club, & Kite Run)<br />
MH Game Club: Search Mountain House Game Club on Facebook<br />
MH Gardeners Facebook Group: : Search Mountain House Gardeners on FB<br />
MH Kindness Club: contact Hari Kattana: hkattana@yahoo.com<br />
MH LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual & Transgender) Group: www.facebook.com/groups/mhlgbt/<br />
MH Little League: : www.mountainhouselittleleague.org<br />
MH Matters Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MountainHouseMatters<br />
MH Mothers Club: : www.MHmothersclub.com<br />
MH Motorcycle Riders Club: www.facebook.com/groups/432747620431509<br />
MH Musicians' Network: search: "Mountain House Musicians Network" on Facebook<br />
MH Running Club: : www.MHrunners.com<br />
MH Scouting: https://mhscouting.com<br />
MH Soccer/West Coast Soccer Club: : http://westcoastsoccerclub.com<br />
MH Sports & Recreation Club: : https://www.facebook.com/groups/855075765382333<br />
MH Tracy Cricket Club: : https://boardmtca.wixsite.com/mtca<br />
Mountain House Tracy Women’s Cricket Club:<br />
MH Vintage Seniors’ Club: search: “Mountain House Vintage Seniors” on Facebook<br />
MH Virtual Garage Sale:www.facebook.com/groups/MHvirtualgaragesale/<br />
Neighborhood Watch: : search MH Neighborhood Watch on Facebook<br />
Poorba of Mountain House: : https://poorba.org/<br />
Rotary Club of Mountain House: : www.RotaryMH.org<br />
San Joqauin Audubon : https://www.sanjoaquinaudubon.org/<br />
Zinnia Way Volleyball Club:<br />
www.MortgageSeth.com<br />
Not a commitment to lend. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential<br />
Mortgage Act No. 41 30968; AL #22653; AR #32700; AZ #016043; Colorado regulated by the Division of Real Estate; #019623; FL #MLD819; Georgia Residential Mortgage License #20924; ID<br />
#MBL-5861; Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company #MC.0025601; KY: #MC701698; MD: #16927; Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Banking and<br />
Consumer Finance; Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; NC: L-152867; NV: #3681 : OK: #ML012358; Licensed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation #ML-3808;<br />
PA: #37008; TN: 112513; Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission #MC--5579; WV: #ML-31523/MB31759. NMLS #1141 . www.mnlsconsumeraccess.org.<br />
For ALL of your Real Estate needs<br />
whether Buying or Selling,<br />
Contact:<br />
Harman Ratia<br />
209.237.9173<br />
HarmanRatia@gmail.com<br />
Mountain House expertise<br />
REALTOR ®<br />
DRE #01908137<br />
Multimedia Ad Packages<br />
Now Available<br />
Monthly Print Newspaper Ads • Online Web Site Options<br />
Place Your Ad Package Today!<br />
Call or text: 209-597-8157<br />
Package Options and Available Discounts at:<br />
www.<strong>MHMatters</strong>.net<br />
Mountain House Matters is a community newspaper published by Mountain House Matters, Inc., all rights reserved. The paper<br />
is mailed monthly to every address in the 95391 zip code, and the Lammersville route along von Sosten Rd in Tracy by USPS Every<br />
Door Direct Mail. Circulation currently reaches 8,612 mailboxes, totaling approximately 30,000 people.<br />
The views and comments expressed within the articles herein are intended to bring current neighborhood village and community<br />
information to your door. Publisher assumes no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing<br />
authors to the publication, claims or statements made by advertisers, or for any errors or omissions in the paper. Please check<br />
with individual groups for further information as events schedules do sometimes change.<br />
Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. Mountain House Matters,<br />
Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement.<br />
Advertising placements and/or articles for consideration should be directed to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher/Editor<br />
bryan@mhmatters.net • 209-597-8157<br />
Mountain House Matters, Inc.<br />
www.<strong>MHMatters</strong>.net<br />
©copyright 2012-2023 Mailing address: 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 • Tracy, CA 95304<br />
all rights reserved
24 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
West Coast Soccer Success in the GA League<br />
Submitted by Adaurie Dayak<br />
This past weekend Mountain House’s local soccer<br />
club, West Coast Soccer, traveled to Fresno to play<br />
in a six game GA league fixture coming away with<br />
good results with 3 wins, 1 loss and 2 draws.<br />
The age groups that compete in the National Girls<br />
Academy League are U13-U19 Girls. The age<br />
groups are designated by their birth years. West<br />
Coast 2011’s won 7-0, the 2010’s tied 0-0, the 2009’s<br />
lost 0-3, the 2008’s won 2-1, the 2007’s won 4-1, and<br />
the 2006/5’s tied 3-3. Half way through the fall GA<br />
league play West Coast Soccer has three age groups<br />
(2010, 2008 & 2007) that are currently undefeated<br />
while 2011 and 2007 have only lost one game.<br />
West Coast Director Troy Dayak commented “We<br />
are very happy with the results thus far, the girls<br />
are developing nicely, having success and fun<br />
playing the sport. Last weekend we had three local<br />
NCAA College Coaches on our sideline watching<br />
our players. Fresno State, Fresno Pacific and CSU<br />
Bakersfield attended the games and the weekend<br />
prior UC Berkeleys head coach and SF State head<br />
coach came to recruit West Coast Soccer players.”<br />
Last weekend West Coast Soccer Club hosted Santa<br />
Clara Sporting in the Girls Academy (GA) fixture.<br />
2010 and 2007 GA age group teams started of the<br />
day side by side at 9:00am. The end result for the<br />
2007s was a 2-0 victory with goals scored by local<br />
player (Mountain House HS) Jayden Rynolds and<br />
Isabella Tognolini scored the second and sealed the<br />
2-0 shutout. The 2010s tied 1-1 with Skylar Burford<br />
scoring the equalizer.<br />
The second fixture games were the 2008 and 2011<br />
GA teams. The 2008s won their game 2-1 with Aliya<br />
Lopez and Elise Trevino being the goal scorers. And<br />
the 2011s had an astounding victory of 7-0 with<br />
goals scored by Adisyn Quadros (3), Capri Spycher<br />
(2), Mila Apodaca (1), and Diana Real (1). The final<br />
GA Fixture games of the day were for the 2009s and<br />
2006/05s. The 2009s won their game 4-0 with the<br />
goal scorers being Makayla Nenonene (2), Madelynn<br />
Hernandez, and Yazmin Karcher. The 2006s<br />
earned a 2-0 victory with goals scored by Hayden<br />
Crotty Romero and Olivia Maragos, leaving West<br />
Coast Soccer Club GA undefeated across the board<br />
this weekend.<br />
GA League play resumes next weekend in Los Gatos<br />
for West Coast Soccer. You can find more info at<br />
westcoastsoccerclub.com<br />
Anthony Hicks Earns His Eagle Scout Award!<br />
“We have an Eagle in the house!,” posted proud mom and scouting leader, Kim Hicks. “Anthony passed<br />
his board of review September 7 and officially earned his Eagle Scout award.”<br />
14 year old Anthony’s Eagle project was an 8x8 sandbox on the kindergarten yard at Bethany School.<br />
Anthony planned and oversaw the project. He is the 3rd Eagle Scout from an MH troop. It’s rare in the<br />
scouting world to see a young<br />
person reach this crown of<br />
achievement at Anthony’s age.<br />
“To say we are proud is an understatement,”<br />
Kim continued.<br />
“The amount of sweat, grit,<br />
determination, tears, joy and<br />
blood this boy put into getting<br />
here can only be diminished<br />
by putting it into words. The<br />
journey is not over…once an<br />
Eagle, always an Eagle,” she<br />
stated flatly.<br />
Mrs. Hicks serves the Scouting<br />
community at a high level,<br />
along with her husband, Ryan.<br />
She is the Chief Operating Officer<br />
at Mountain House Scouting<br />
Foundation.<br />
As part of Troop 511, she says,<br />
“Anthony will continue to mentor<br />
younger Scouts and help his<br />
troop-mates join him in the nest!<br />
MH Rotary Named Small Club of the Year<br />
The Mountain House Rotary Club held their second<br />
annual Bowling Tournament Sunday, September<br />
17, 2023 at West Valley Bowl in Tracy.<br />
The event was a fund raiser to help the victims of<br />
the Lahaina fire storm. 16 teams came together,<br />
playing a total of three games each. For the most<br />
part it was just a fun afternoon of entertainment.<br />
But, for the winners, it was game on!<br />
Numbers are still being tallied for the donation.<br />
Folks may still contribute to the fund, but going<br />
to RotaryMH.org.<br />
While at the bowling alley, club members learned<br />
that the Rotary Club of Mountain House was<br />
named “Small Club of The Year” at the district<br />
conference the week prior. A big feather in the<br />
cap for a growing group of do-gooders.<br />
“The Bro-lers” took first place in the bowling tourney<br />
“What the Hell” took second place<br />
For more about this happenin’ lil rotary group, go to: www.RotaryMH.org<br />
and the “Edward Jones Ringers” took third place
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
Assure Primary and Urgent Care & MHCC<br />
Host Another Sucessful Blood Drive<br />
Assure Primary and Urgent Care, in conjunction with the Mountain House Cricket<br />
Club, hosted another blood drive on Monday, September 18, 2023. This was the first<br />
event able to be held at the not yet opened Assure Primary & Urgent Care location.<br />
The Vitalant bus parked along Grand Ave at the back door entrance to the Assure<br />
office to conduct their business.<br />
“Thank you for everything you did for the Assure<br />
Primary and Urgent Care Blood Drive on Monday,”<br />
the folks at Vitalant were quoted as saying to<br />
Dr. Satyakant Chitturi, the main partner at Assure,<br />
and an active board member with MHCC.<br />
“It takes a village to maintain an adequate blood<br />
supply and your efforts are so appreciated,”<br />
Vitalant continued. “Vitalant needs around 5,300<br />
donations every day to help save lives. Patients<br />
depend on Vitalant Volunteer donors to provide<br />
approximately 11% of the U.S. blood supply.”<br />
Donors were mostly pre-registered with specific<br />
appointment times to give their donations.<br />
In all, there were 24 donors registered and 19<br />
people donated. Two (2) people who donated were<br />
able to contribute “power red” donations, along<br />
with 16 whole blood donations and 1 Plasma, for<br />
a total of 21 units of blood!<br />
“This was a great blood<br />
drive and we made our<br />
goal,” Dr. Chitturi stated.<br />
“I want to thank everyone<br />
who played a part<br />
in making this a success,<br />
especially given how badly<br />
blood donations are<br />
needed.<br />
The next blood drive will<br />
be scheduled for early<br />
2024. Stay tuned and<br />
join-in to help save a life!<br />
Dr. Satyakant Chitturi, MD, with wife and partner at Assure, Dr. Naga<br />
Vijaya Swathi Chitta, MD, at the September 18, 2023 Blood Drive<br />
Bryan Harrison in the chair, ready to donate, with Dr. Satyakant Chitturi, MD, of Assure Primary & Urgent<br />
Care, left, and his father, Kumudakar Chitturi, at the September 18, 2023 Blood Drive<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
MH Fire Department Presents Two<br />
Scholarships of Merit to MHHS Students<br />
On August 8, 2023, the French Camp/McKinley<br />
Firefighters Association presented their annual<br />
scholarships to two MH High Scholarship of Merit<br />
finalists. Congratulations to Yuji Buczynski and C.<br />
Ethan De Castro, each of whom received $500 in<br />
scholarship monies in recognition of the importance<br />
of education in our community.<br />
“Formal education rewards students with valuable<br />
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the ambition and desire to be resolute assets to our<br />
community, country, and world, regardless of major<br />
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Congratulations to both winners!<br />
Ethan De Castro and Yuji Buczynski were recognized by the MH Fire Department with the 2023 Scholarships of Merit August 8, 2023<br />
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26 MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
MHHS Boys Varsity Football<br />
Falls to Johansen 22-21<br />
The Johansen (Modesto) varsity football team won<br />
Friday’s home conference game against the Mountain<br />
House Mustangs in a tight one, with the Vikings<br />
edging out the Mustangs by a score of 22-21.<br />
The Mustangs made a strong finish, scoring 15<br />
points in the fourth quarter, but fell just short, as<br />
the Vikings held on for the win.<br />
MHHS Mustangs Johansen Vikings<br />
21 22<br />
MHHS Girls Varsity Volley-<br />
ball beats Ceres 3 - 0<br />
Mustangs topped Ceres 3-0 Thursday night, September<br />
21, 2023. The Mustangs move onto 5-1 in<br />
league conference.<br />
Setter Pleskac moved the ball around with 23 assists<br />
and 5 aces. Outside hitter Turner lead the team with<br />
15 kills and 2 aces. Starks followed with 7 kills and<br />
middle hitter Mangrum ended the night with 6 kills<br />
and 3 blocks.<br />
MHHS Mustangs Ceres Bulldogs<br />
3 0<br />
MHHS Girls Varsity Water<br />
Polo beats Pacheco 11 - 9<br />
Congratulations to the MH High Mustangs Varsity<br />
Girls Water Polo team on their first win of the<br />
season. The team was assertive in defense in their<br />
match September 21, 2023 vs the Pacheco Panthers.<br />
“Shout-out to our goalie Brooklyn Watson for her<br />
amazing blocks and to Elissa Retes for her two<br />
tenacious push-in goals,” said Coach Nora Bauer.<br />
Also scoring were Bria Eaquinto, Sophia Eaquinto,<br />
and Mimiko Ye, each with two goals, and with one<br />
goal each were Brookelyn Watson (from half-field),<br />
Katelyn Wiedner, and Isabela Morales. Congrats<br />
to the team!<br />
MHHS Mustangs Pacheco Panthers<br />
11 9<br />
MHHS Boys Varsity Water<br />
Polo beats Ceres 14 - 3<br />
The MH High School Boys’ Varsity Water Polo team<br />
beat Ceres Bulldogs handily September 26, 2023.<br />
“Today’s game was a great day for teaching patience,<br />
control and respect for players of the game.<br />
The Mustang boys made their coach proud today,”<br />
stated coach Alison Ordner.<br />
Liam Fobert was the points leader with 3 goals.<br />
There was a five-way tie for next most goes: Pete<br />
Lomeli, Preston Wiedner, Isaac Hashimi, William<br />
Schenck and Caden Busutill, with 2 goals a piece.<br />
Steven Gudilano had 1 goal, and Goalie Jacab<br />
Hashimi blocked 3 of the Bulldogs attempts.<br />
MHHS Mustangs<br />
Ceres Bulldogs<br />
14 3<br />
MHHS Mustangs 0 6 0 15<br />
MHHS Mustangs 29 25 25<br />
MHHS Mustangs 4 3 1 3<br />
MHHS Mustangs 6 5 3 0<br />
Johansen Vikings 0 8 6 8<br />
The Stallions: The Rising Stars of Youth Tackle Football in Mountain House<br />
Submitted by Harry Dhillon • Photos by Jose Moreno<br />
In the heart of the Mountain House community,<br />
a vibrant group of young athletes have<br />
come together to form an extraordinary<br />
youth football team known as “The Mountain<br />
House Stallions.” These dedicated<br />
youngsters, aged 6 to 14, epitomize the<br />
spirit of camaraderie, determination, and<br />
sportsmanship as they take to the field to<br />
pursue their passion for football, while representing<br />
the town they are growing up in.<br />
“The Mountain House Stallions” are more<br />
than just a team; they are a close-knit family<br />
bound by a shared love for the game. Each<br />
member brings their unique talents and<br />
personalities, contributing to the team’s<br />
synergy both on and off the field. Whether<br />
it’s an exciting touchdown celebration or<br />
a comforting pat on the back after a tough<br />
loss, these young athletes exemplify the<br />
importance of unity and friendship in sports.<br />
The Stallions take their football seriously,<br />
constantly striving for excellence. Under<br />
the guidance of dedicated coaches, they<br />
work diligently on mastering the fundamentals<br />
of the game – from precise passes,<br />
safe techniques for tackling to perfecting<br />
their footwork that can be utilized in any<br />
form of athletics. With each practice session,<br />
they inch closer to realizing their full<br />
potential, paving the way for a promising<br />
future in football.<br />
Beyond the field, The Mountain House Stallions<br />
actively engage with their community,<br />
organizing charity events, fundraisers, and<br />
youth outreach programs. They understand<br />
the importance of giving back and nurturing<br />
the next generation of aspiring athletes.<br />
Their commitment to community involvement<br />
highlights their character and values.<br />
As we watch the Stallions take to the football<br />
field, we see not only talented athletes<br />
but also the future leaders of our community.<br />
Their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering<br />
passion for the game make them<br />
role models for their peers and a source<br />
of pride for our community. With every<br />
practice and game, they will inch closer to<br />
realizing their dreams and becoming the<br />
football stars of tomorrow.<br />
A year ago, the Mountain House Stallions<br />
was just an idea to bring together our local<br />
youth through competitive football. Today,<br />
the Stallions have come together with over<br />
a hundred players and a community of<br />
supporters to make them the hottest ticket<br />
in town. The Stallions hosted their inaugural<br />
football home games on September<br />
09, 2023. BElow are some pictures from<br />
the event.<br />
More information can be found at<br />
www.MHSTALLIONS.com<br />
Ceres Bulldogs 27 17 16<br />
Pacheco Panthers 3 1 3 2<br />
Ceres Bulldogs 1 1 1 0
Issue #115 • October 2023<br />
MountainHouseMatters.com<br />
Lady Mustangs Tennis Remain Undefeated in League Play<br />
Submitted by Andy Su<br />
photo submitted by Coach Andy Su<br />
27<br />
It was another battle of 1 vs 2 in the Western Athletic<br />
Conference (WAC) Septmber 27, 2023. This time,<br />
however, for the first time since the Lady Mustangs<br />
girls tennis team of Mountain House High School<br />
joined the league, the 2nd place team was not the<br />
Lady Tigers of Los Banos High but the Lady Panthers<br />
of Pacheco High (in Los Banos).<br />
On a cool and breezy Wednesday, the 1st place<br />
Lady Mustangs (7-0), traveled south to Los Banos<br />
to take on the 2nd place Lady Panthers in a battle<br />
for league supremacy. While MH won the earlier<br />
match at home 9-0, a victory by Pacheco yesterday<br />
would have tied the teams at first place.<br />
Both teams ended their warm ups earlier than<br />
usual as both coaches were eager to get the match<br />
started. The Lady Mustangs were playing without<br />
junior co-captain and #1 player Anisha Pandey so<br />
freshman phenom Ishita Ahelleya stepped into the<br />
top stop to take on Pacheco #1 Elizabeth Gonzalez.<br />
Ahelleya played well to win the first set 6-2 and take<br />
a 5-0 lead in the second but a brief lapse allowed<br />
Gonzalez to win 3 games in a row before Ahelleya<br />
closed the second set 6-3.<br />
Junior veteran Akuokor "Bella" Sai moved up to #2<br />
to face Pacheco #2 and won a hard fought match<br />
6-3, 6-2. Senior Sehjal Nival moved up to #3 to face<br />
the very tough and consistent Pacheco #3 Priscilla<br />
Ceballos. While Nival fought hard, Ceballos'<br />
consistent strokes wore her down<br />
and took the first set 6-2. Nival tried to<br />
regroup in the second set and took a 5-3<br />
lead but some costly mistakes gave the<br />
next 4 games and the match to Ceballos.<br />
Senior Akhila Maganti moved up to<br />
#4 and took the first set 6-2 but struggled<br />
to win the second set 6-4. Junior<br />
co-captain Anya Palsson moved up to<br />
#5 and continued her strong play as she<br />
beat Pacheco #5 6-2, 6-1. Senior Neha<br />
The MHHS Girls Varsity Tennis team - Still undefeated at 9-0 in league play<br />
Bhaskarabhotla moved up to #6 from doubles due to<br />
Pandey's absence and started strong to take the first<br />
set 6-1 but had to fight hard to win the second set 6-4.<br />
Junior Akweley Sai and Sophomore Shreya Wunnuya<br />
continued to improve as a team and had no<br />
difficulty beating the Pacheco #1 doubles team 6-1,<br />
6-1. Both the MH #2 and #3 doubles also won in<br />
straight sets to end the match with a 8-1 MH victory.<br />
With the win, MH is now 8-0 in league play, 2 games<br />
in front of 2nd place Pacheco and Los Banos (both<br />
at 6-2). With 6 league matches left, the Lady Mustangs<br />
are striving for their record 6th consecutive<br />
league title.<br />
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