chelan – Page 5 – All Things Lake Chelan

OUT OF THE FIRE A NEW APPLE CUP CAFÉ EMERGES

by Richard Uhlhorn

To Order go to: https//applecupcafe.com

Out of the disastrous March 24 fire that damaged one of Chelan’s iconic restaurants, the Apple Cup Café, a new Apple Cup is emerging, albeit in a different location for the time being.

Ryan Peterson and his wife Erin have entered into a rental agreement with the Community Center for a takeout food service. “Seventy percent of this effort is to keep my staff employed,” said Ryan. “The other 30 percent is so I can have my chicken fried steak.”

The Peterson’s hope the new takeout Café will thrive until they are able to rebuild the new Apple Cup Café at its old location on upper Woodin Avenue.

The Peterson’s used the Community Center’s commercial kitchen to conduct a pancake feed for the graduating class at Chelan High School which led to an agreement with the board of directors and Maribel Cruz, the executive director to rent the kitchen for business.

This coming Friday morning, the new Apple Cup will be open for on-line and telephone orders from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. According to Ryan, the menu will be limited, but he is in hopes that his loyal customers and others will take advantage of this new enterprise.

“It’s new for us. We will be doing just takeout from the Center. We will play it by ear.”

Customers will be able to call in or order OnLine, and then pick up their meal on the way to work or eat it outside at some picnic tables. “There will be no service,” said Ryan.

“Our No. 1 priority is customer service. It is going to be interesting,” Ryan added. “We have no expectations going in.” His kitchen staff will provide breakfast and lunch items. “We have plans on introducing some new items when we get up and running.” One new item an Apple Cup Smash Burger. A smash burger is where the meat is smashed on a hot grill searing the outside and locking the flavor and juices inside.

The breakfast menu will have fresh orange juice. “We mostly use Navel oranges, but when they are not available, we switch to Valencia oranges,” said Ryan.

Peterson’s goal is to stay at the Community Center until the new restaurant is open for business.

The Peterson’s, based on advice from contractors who have looked at refurbishing the old building, decided it would be less expensive to level the old and build a new diner. “With all the new codes and regulations, restoring the old building doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

They are already working with an architect in Wenatchee and promise that the new restaurant will retain the diner feel.

“We are hoping to get some work on the new building this fall,” said Ryan.

In the meantime, the new Apple Cup will operate from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday. To order, call 509-682-5000 or go online at applecupcafe.com.

Insurance issues heard by state reps

by Richard Uhlhorn -June 20, 2024

Homeowner Insurance Issues:
Chelan Fire & Rescue followed up on the suggestion from the State Insurance Commissioner’s office that the only way to change criteria on the way home owners insurance ratings are accomplished was to go through a legislative process.

Homeowners throughout the State are suffering from either cancellation or large increases in their home owners insurance

The District commissioners and administration immediately set up a meeting with State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner along with State Senator Brad Hawkins.

Commissioner Russ Jones opened the meeting by telling the State Representatives, “We need a lot of help from you guys.”

The issue is how the current insurance companies are approaching wildfire risk assessments that include wholesale Zip Code exclusions on whether or not to cancel and/or increase a home owner’s policy. Jone’s stated that both Chelan 7 and District 5 would like to see the insurance companies assess individual properties for risk. Jones told the them if legislation was crafted right, it could be beneficial.

Many home owners have expressed concern about the ability to even sell their property when no insurance is available for the buyer.

Hawkins replied that passing any kind of legislation is hard. “We can pre-file new bills as early as December so they are ready to go in January.”

Goehner stated that the issue is very troubling to him. He talked about insurance companies risk assessing properties in one batch from Leavenworth to Stevens Pass. “There is a wide variety of properties where the risk isn’t that great,” said Goehner. “What is the real level of risk,” he asked?

Goehner went on to state that insurance companies have had some huge payouts. (the 2014 Carlton Complex had 365 homes destroyed.). “Any legislation pretty much has to be statewide. Representatives will be sensitive to their own area. We are going to have to have a more in depth conversation.”

“There are a lot of different insurance companies,” stated Steele. He brought up risk maps and wondered what a risk map of the entire state would look like. “We have a motivation…. There has been a giant swing in costs.” Steele added that the representatives have a lot of work to do to prepare a draft bill by December.

Jones said he was aware of the consequences. “I know that this isn’t going to happen overnight, but we have the obligation to try.”

Goehner asked about other states. Fire Chief Brandon Asher replied that he didn’t have all the details but there is a rumor that Oregon is preventing insurance companies from using a map.

Hawkins said bringing a bill forward sometimes results in positive things happening. “The insurance lobbyists are powerful,” said Hankins, adding that insurance companies try to recoup their costs the only way they can.

Goehner stated that the only way insurance companies can identify risk is be hardening. Asher replied that Chelan Fire & Rescue is always available for home inspections. He brought up the work that has been completed in Union Valley to keep fire from structures like homes.

Commissioner Mark Donnell said Union Valley where he lives has followed the DNR Fire Wise program but said they weren’t getting recognized. “What is hard… we are not being recognized,” he stated. “I’m doing all I can. Whatever insurance companies want, we would do,” he added.

Goehner said that Fire Wise was considered not effective and is not recognized.

Jones said the district was three weeks into this issue and that the items the representatives brought up were helpful. Asher said the current wildland map was way off. “We are coming up with a way more detailed map,” said Asher. He added that wildland/urban interface fire fighting capabilities is being evaluated.

Lisa Garvich asked how banks reacted when a home owners insurance is cancelled. Jones replied that the State has to satisfy insurance with banks, so homeowners are covered.

Goehner said the legislative staff has to immediately begin to work on what needs to be in the draft legislation.

Hawkins suggested that the Fire Districts ask the candidates running for Insurance Commissioner the questions. “Ask them the questions.” Steele added that they should be a part of the conversation.

The insurance issue will continue to be a hot topic amongst property owners and agencies responsible for protecting that property. Fire District No. 6 and No. 5 will continue to address the issue and try to force some reasonable changes to the criteria insurance companies use to assess fire risks with home owners.

**The Pioneer Fire looking up-lake on June 16..**

In other business:
Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to 88 calls in May. They have also sent personnel out on State Mobilizations. The District’s fire and rescue boat is deployed to the Pioneer Fire.

Backup in the lower Wapato Basin for any on water emergency will be handled by the Sheriff’s Department. Assistant Chief Shawn Sherman has put his personal boat into service with rescue gear on board.

Busy week ahead

by Richard Uhlhorn

Tuesday – 6.18.24
The visiting Paraglider pilots competing in the OZONE Chelan Open through Friday will continue to fly a variety of aerial tasks starting from the top of Chelan Butte. Look to the sky between noon and 1 p.m. to see the gaggle form above the Butte before the start of each day’s task set forth by the organizer.

At 6 p.m. there will be a major meeting of organizations and agencies at Manson’s Grange Hall. This community forum will include representatives from the Manson Community Council, Manson Parks, Manson Chamber of Commerce and Chelan County Fire District No. 5. The hope is that the community will be able to come together and have more of a say in what happens. Councilmember and Fire Commissioner Chris Willoughby (candidate for Chelan County Commissioner Position 3) will moderate.

A public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday June 18 at the North Cascades National Park Golden West Visitor Center near Stehekin to discuss and update the community on the Pioneer Fire burning south of the community.

A great place to grab a beer and food.

**Paddle boards are available from Lakerider Sports in Don Morse Park**

Wednesday – 6.19.24
A major meeting concerning the disturbing increase and, in some cases, cancellation of homeowners insurance will take place at the Chelan Fire Hall beginning at 3 p.m. This meeting brings State Representatives Michael Steele and Keith Goehner to discuss how the State Legislature can bring change to the way the insurers decide on massive rate increases and/or cancellations.

Thursday – 6.20.24
It is Ladies Night at Lakeside Surf. Lakeside Surf General Information. Spectators are always free. It is a great spot to get an early morning coffee from the Vine Coffee Kiosk and watch the dawn patrol surf the largest standing wave in the United States. Lunch is available at the Taco Truck and Two-Can Jenny’s offers soft drinks and beer. No Cash accepted…only Cards.

Friday – 6.21.24
The annual Lake Chelan Art Show begins in Riverwalk Park and will continue through Sunday, June 23.
The OZONE Chelan Open Paragliding Competition ends.

Saturday – 6.22.24
The U.S. Open of Paragliding begins with a practice day on Saturday with the professional competition beginning on Sunday, June 23 through Friday, June 28. This year’s annual competition has 128 pilots confirmed from 24 different countries. US Open of Paragliding – 2024 (airtribune.com)

**Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. from Don Morse Park as bicyclist ride out to their chosen ride.**

The annual Rotary event, Cycle Chelan begins at 8 a.m. as hundreds of cyclists hit the roads in and around Chelan, Manson and the South Shore. Be aware and careful while driving.

Other fun stuff:
Just visiting Chelan for some well earned vacation time. Check out these amenities that make memories while you visit:

Lakerider Sports – Paddleboard and kayak rentals. Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards – LakeRider Sports Chelan
Shoreline Watercraft & Boat Rentals in Chelan, Manson and Wapato Point. www.shorelinewatercraft.com
Chelan Mini Golf and Rally Alley at Don Morse Park
Lake Chelan Golf Course
Echo Ridge Trail System – great family hike and bike friendly trails
Visit a winery. My favorites – Vin du Lac Winery; Hard Row to Hoe; Karma; Benson; and Lake Chelan Winery, all of which are AVA estate wineries.
There are plenty of restaurants to tickle your taste buds.

Agritourism is probably dead in Chelan… not the valley!

The rolling hills of the Lake Chelan Valley used to be full of apple orchards. Today, as growers fail due to increasing growing costs, regulations and other forces, the orchards are taken out and replaced with subdivisions, vineyards and wineries.

by Richard Uhlhorn

AGRITOURISM
“The apple industry has been in trouble in the Lake Chelan Valley for the past several years,” said real estate broker, Bob Knauss of New Horizon’s Real Estate. “The problem is that everyone is getting a paycheck except for the grower.”

Several growers in the Manson Project that I’ve talked to have either received a bill from their warehouse or just haven’t made any money from their crops over the past several years.

All of this can be attributed to rising labor costs, declining returns on investment, more regulations like overtime requirement for ag. workers, and a declining environment for small scale operations.

This raises the obvious question; Is farming, as in growing apples, sustainable in the Lake Chelan Valley and can agritourism be the savoir of what remains of what once was one of the World’s best apple growing regions? The answer is probably not!

The City of Chelan has been struggling to update its Agritourism Code to allow growers to remain in business.

The entire subject of Chelan’s agritourism code came up when developer Tim McDonald’s Bluewater Terrace application to develop 20 homestays, an event center and winery with production facilities on family property utilizing the City’s current agritourism code.

McDonald, who claims that he was led to believe over the past seven years that his application would be approved had the rug pulled out from under him when the Chelan County Hearing Examiner ruled that his 20-homestay proposal on his application would not be allowed, but that he would be allowed to construct his winery and event center.

The proposed 20 homestay units was the monetary grease that would allow McDonald to move forward with the project. However, the old orchard land which was annexed into the City as a potential residential subdivision has no current agriculture on it. McDonald wanted to plant five acres of grapes to meet the agritourism code.

In meetings that has included the public, Planning Commission and City Council, John Ajax, current Community Development Director, has been seeking input to help rewrite the agritourism code in hopes of retaining agriculture in the City.

The input has not been helpful. Having discussed the issue with several old orchardists, one current grower, a Planning Commissioner, a past City Councilmember and John Ajax, himself, a code change allowing a more agreeable code to help preserve orchards is probably a non-starter to helping preserve small orchard plots, particularly when the land, according to Olson is much more valuable as real estate.

The retired growers, Mark Gores and Harold Schell, both stated that it costs upwards of $250+ per bin of apples delivered to a warehouse. If the variety being delivered is not making money, the grower comes away from a year of expenses without anything in his/her pocket.

The reality is that within the confines of the City and UGA, there are only 300 acres of orchard left and depending on what variety the grower is producing, these orchards may disappear in favor of the real estate value of the land.

Regardless of what the Planning Department does, they have until the Comprehensive Plan update to consider killing it, writing a new code for agritourism, or just leaving the current code alone.

City Council to discuss AI and funding for Boys and Girls Club

by Richard Uhlhorn

Artificial Intelligence:
“Our priority is getting more engagement from the Community,” said Mayor McCardle. “This platform will make it easier to go out to the community.”

She introduced the representative from Fulcrum Management Solutions who made a presentation to the Council and staff at last week’s workshop meeting on an AI engagement and research platform called the ThoughtExchange.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform will supposedly help the City engage with its residents in a more meaningful way through its data driven open ended survey capabilities. “It is more solution based on what’s working and what’s not working,” said the representative Jasmine.

Councilman Bob Goedde mentioned that many residents in Chelan are older and don’t have the necessary smart phones or computers to engage. “I don’t have a smart phone,” remarked Goedde.

McCardle told the Council that there are many AI applications the City could use. “We would own it, but it comes with an account manager,” said McCardle during a telephone conversation.

The $25,000 cost would be split between each department.

It will be discussed at this Tuesday evening’s Council meeting but no decision will be made at this point.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds:
The City has $233,000 ARPA funds remaining to be spent by the end of the year. These funds were allocated to the Anderson Road Project, but the Council was informed by City Administrator Wade Farris that the City was approached by the Chelan Community Center about supporting the Boys ;

Maribel Cruz, executive director, told the Council and staff at the June 4 workshop that the Lake Chelan Community Center has secured a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club to provide 10,000 sq. ft of space at the Center.

She provided a game plan for school age kids to use the space as a fun and safe place.

According to Mayor McCardle, the remaining ARPA funds would be used by the Boys and Girls Club for tangible items like computers etc. The City is also considering entering into a 15 year lease of the space at a cost of approximately $16,000 per year for the maintenance and operations.

PUD Park Prioritization:
The Council was also given a list of Riverwalk Park improvements that the HDCA (Historic Downtown Chelan Association) would like to see. The improvements they would like the City to consider includes:

Making the pavilion more usable year-round;
Make power more accessible throughout the upper areas of the park;
Improve the restrooms;
Improve the picnic shelter area
Add some interactive sculptures or waer features in the upper park area; and
Provide public restrooms on the south side of the park across the river from the Chelan side.

These improvements would require some City funding, but since Riverwalk Park is a PUD Park, it would make sense to enter into a collaborative effort to undertake some of the improvements suggested by the HCDA.

In other business:
The Waterfront Advocacy Group consisting of Art Campbell, Ron Foster and Greg Petersen, proposed an expansion of dock space in Riverwalk Park near the pavilion. The group expressed a need for a more expansive lakefront access to the downtown area.

This proposal is a moderate 40 t0 60 foot extension to the existing PUD dock beside the original bridge which could be designed to minimize any obstruction to the main Chelan River passing under the bridge. The group would also like to see a floating day use dock and access ramp installed just west of the pavilion.

These issues will be discussed at the Tuesday, June 11 City Council meeting which begins at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. Comments can be made by the public at the beginning of the meeting, or if it is an agenda item, made at that time.

Chelan Butte feasibility study stopped

by Richard Uhlhorn

Chelan Butte and its potential development outcomes has captured the interest of many residents in the Lake Chelan Valley.

**Chelan Butte dominates both the Chelan and Columbia River. A 900 acre portion on the Chelan side is under option for development.**

On Thursday, May 9, Peter Dykstra, Trust for Public Lands (TPL), was back at Chelan Senior Center to follow up on his Chelan Butte Feasibility Study public meeting held on April 4 to gather unput from the community.

A portion of that feasibility study was to seek what funding might be available to purchase the 900 acres in question from the owner, Golden Gate Ventures; Who might take on the acquisition (the land is within the City of Chelan limits and zoned for tourism development; and Who might assume the Maintenance and Operations of that land once it is in the public domain.

Unfortunately, Dykstra told the estimated 30 people attending Thursday evenings meeting that conditions were not right to move forward with the study. He announced that the TPL was stopping their efforts and preserving what funding the State Legislature approved for the study.

“I don’t think this is the end of the Story!
Peter Dykstra, TPL

Dykstra added that the closure of the TPLs efforts does not mean that open lands and recreation efforts on the Butte should stop.

“I know that is disappointing to folks,” said Dykstra. “We don’t think the conditions are (currently) right for us.”

**Chelan Butte dominates the lower Lake Chelan Scenery. Many Valley Residents do not want to see any development happen on the Butte.**

“There is not an owner willing to sell and there is no agency/organization willing to take ownership,” said Dykstra. “We don’t force owners to sell.”

“This was not an easy decision for us. If the conditions were reversed, we would be happy to come back,” added Dykstra.

However, Dykstra also added, “I don’t think this is the end of the story.”

Going forward, the community waits on the developer to let them know what the specific development plans are. The developer has not made any application to date on the property. Issues continue to be water, relevant City codes to adhere to and other concerns.

At this point, the property remains in private hands and the community can only wait until the developer lets the public know what the actual development plan is.

LAKESIDE SURF TO HOST FIRST EVER OPEN COMPETITION IN JUNE

Battle of the Butte

by Richard Uhlhorn

Lakeside Surf is hoping to become a Global River Surfing headquarters by adding a major new surfing event to augment its Fall Continental Surf Cup that pits the best European river surfers against the best river surfers the United States can challenge them with.

The Battle of the Butte will take place on June 28 and 29 and has been designed to challenge any surfer with the competitive spirit.

**Competition between Europe and the U.S. was fierce at last year’s Continental Surf Cup.**

There will be four different divisions with categories for both male and female surfers. Surfers in the Open Division can compete against their peers for that special place on the podium with the biggest prize being awarded an invitation to Team USA for the 2024 Continental Surf Cup.

“Our main goal is to promote the sport of river surfing while offering an exciting competition for both surfers and spectators alike,” said Manager Jared Eygabroad. “This event was created to generate some fun competition between surfers of all ages and skill levels.”

The two-day event will begin on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the Best Trick Trophy and the Super Groms (10 to 13 year olds) battle for a podium finish.

**Performing tricks on the way can be tricky.**

Saturday’s competition will feature the Groms (14 to 17), Prime (18 to 44), Masters (45+), followed by the Open division who will try to advance to the evening finals and potentially a spot on the podium.

The event will challenge the surfers skill levels and give them a chance to experience the thrill of competition. This event is less a winner take all and more of everyone wins while having fun on the water.

Spots for each division is limited, so surfers interested in competing should jump onto the $50 registration which will guarantee each participant a shared 90-minute warm-up session and at least one competitive heat and an event T-shirt.

Surfers can only only sign up for one age division, but can add to the fun by also registering for the $30 Best Trick competition. They will be guaranteed a shared 60 minute warm-up and at least one competitive heat.

For more details and information (including judging & scoring criteria) please visit: lakesidesurf.com/battle-of-the-butte lakesidesurf.com/battle-of-the-butte

**Last year’s Continental Surf Competition drew may hundreds of spectators to watch river surfers compete for the glory of winning. Lakeside Surf is always free to spectators.**

Spectators are always free at Lakeside Surf from the upper Slidewater parking lot where they can enjoy the competition, breathtaking views, some of the best fish tacos in Chelan and Two Can Jenny’s Surf Bar.

**Lakeside Surf offers spectators spectacular view of Lake Chelan especially when the sun dips below the horizon.**

**The sunsets from Lakeside Surf are stunning.**

Media and sponsorship opportunities for the Battle of the Butte are still being secured. Interested parties should reach out to tournament host Lakeside Surf at sierra@lakesidesurf.com.

For more information about the Battle of the Butte, Lakeside Surf, the Continental Surf Cup or sponsorship opportunities, please email jared@lakesidesurf.com