WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Outdoors => Topic started by: Wrightwood on Mar 06, 05, 09:53:36 AM
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This was an email addressed to the moderators and administrator of WrightwoodCalif.com.
March 05, 2005
This is regarding a series of posts on your public forum that I have run across recently. Under >Hot Topics >Weekend invasion of the snow players, a series of posts that is instigated by diget7 on the 25 of February, has some serious accusations that are completely untrue. I have seen other posts regarding the Acorn Trail and the land surrounding the top of Acorn Drive, as well as the "Acorn Shrew", which have appeared in the past, but have not commented since they contain very little truth and are mostly gossip. This last series of posts has me very concerned, however. I will shed some light on a few things in this message, and would appreciate it if this were to be posted on the boards, are at least parts of it, to settle the matter.
I live at the top of Acorn Dr., and I happen to be the son of the "Acorn Shrew", or "Troll", or any of a number of names she has been called on this Web site. In direct response diget7 and their post, nobody had a shotgun pulled on them, or were threatened with the use of shotgun at the top of Acorn Dr. That is a very serious accusation that is a complete lie. There is not a shotgun, nor any type of firearm on this property, and even if there was, it would not be used for such reasons. This is a completely ludicrous statement, and is an insult to my family!
Yes there were altercations at the top of this road that weekend, but everyone in town had similar problems. I was at the top of Acorn all weekend, and know what went on. One altercation even resulted in the snow player pulling down her pants and relieving herself in the middle of the street in front of our house, then asking for some toilet paper afterwards! Yet even that did not involve the mention of shotgun, let alone brandishing one at somebody. My mother runs a business out of her home and can not have these kinds of allegations posted on a public forum such as this.
As to the question of property, and who owns the road, the trail, and the land to the trail, I will explain: The entire portion of Acorn Dr. above the entrance to Camp Mariastella is private property. That is where the big "No Trespassing" sign is located. This is broken into several sections, the very top of which, the 250 feet or so just before the gate, is owned by my mother, the "Acorn Shrew."
She has a deed, and it is recognized by the County of San Bernardino as being her property, and she reports it on her taxes as such. This deed has an easement for foot traffic only, and anyone on foot is allowed, actually encouraged, to use the road. Vehicles on the other hand, are not included in this easement. When hikers use the road, they are not accosted or threatened, in any way. Our family is full of avid hikers and we enjoy their traffic and their conversation. When there is a confrontation, it is because people park their cars where they are not allowed to be.
There are several reasons for this.
(A.) The gate must remain clear for fire crews and water company at all times, this includes our vehicles as well. By parking in front of the gate, you make the access road unusable.
(B.) The Pacific Crest trail has hikers that hike for days, if not weeks, and they feel that the top of Acorn is a good spot to park their car while they are gone. This poses a big problem if just one or two cars are left there unattended.
(C.) Our driveway constantly gets blocked to where we cannot leave to go to town, to work, or anywhere else. People have even parked in our driveway, and would continue to do so if they are not told to otherwise.
(D.) It's just a matter of principle that people should respect their neighbors and their property. We do not park in your yard, please don't park in ours. It is clearly posted several times going up the road so there is no mystery to situation.
As for the forest past the gate, it is private as well. It is owned by Camp Mariastella and is not Forest Service land for another 1/2 of a mile (give or take), where the dirt road ends and the trail starts. They are in complete agreement with our views of keeping vehicles off the road, as are our neigbors.
Hikers are more than welcome, as are snow players, as long as their cars remain at the bottom of the hill. It is a matter of respect for other people's property. We would invite those that introduce themselves up to use our driveway, but very rarely do we even get a friendly "hello". People come here expecting a confrontation and are most often the first to raise their voice or scream insults. It is public postings such as this that cause such expectations. We do not want these conflicts to continue, but we are not going to ignore the disrespect shown to us either. So the next time you want to come and hike in Acorn Canyon, please be courteous enough to park on public land, and introduce yourselves as you pass, for you might find that we are very friendly people that want to get along with people we meet.
Thank you,
Chris Sellinger, top of Acorn Dr.
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Hi everyone,
Well...here is my humble two-cents worth.
I have never dealt with the woman on Acorn Trail. By what others are saying...she might be a little on the gruff side. Maybe that's part true- maybe that's part interpretation. However, stop to consider...she's been living there a long time. Sometimes people just get used to "re-acting" when they've been taken advantage of over and over and over for years and years and years. (i.e, can't get out of THEIR driveway, people peeing in their front yard, etc.) Maybe she's just inclined to re-act because it has become a habit. She's probably not a mean woman at all...just frustrated as you or I would be if countless people did things like pee in our front yard...and then ask for toilet-paper, block your car in all while you are trying to run a business from your home. And ya know...even if she IS the biggest-shrew on the face of the planet...why don't those of you that visit go out of your way to be nice. If she's rude...say "hey...that's not nice, why are you being like that to me? I didn't do anything to you...I was trying to brighten your day" Maybe she will try to change how she greets you all.
I'm thinking she is just frustrated by years of dealing with those of us who aren't thoughtful when they park or come on to "her" actual property. I'm not trying to say that anyones points are invalid as I haven't experienced the situation of Acorn Trail personally. But if I do go up there I will be taking my own advice. Twenty bucks says I can turn it into a positive instead of a negative. I hope you can to. I just takes one time to change things.
Again, my humble opinion. They're like buttholes...everyone's got one. ::)
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Well said RW.
I gave a jerky response because of my own past personal encounters with this person. I know there are always two sides to a story. I can see their frustration, but the way we were verbaly attacked was totally irrational. I can understand someone having a bad day and over reacting, but this was much more than that.
Shmonsta, I like your outlook too, but when she went off on us it was so shocking and out of control, that I was unable to gather my marbles and say anything. I am sure most of you would think I would have had a come back or two. But I was floored. Let us know if you decide to go up there and take your own advice.
Every situation is different. I was not in her driveway, peeing in her yard, asking for toilet paper etc.......etc..... I was simply parking at the end of a trail-head looking to go on a hike. When I got home I called the sheriff and asked if I was in violation by parking there. He said no. I also called Gary at Gary's towing and he informed me that he had never towed anybody from there. Even with this information, I still will not park there because I will respect their so called private property.
If I ever go on a hike past her house, I will not go out of my way to approach her. If she acknowledges me then I will respond politely.
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I totally agree with shmonsta....it might just be years of people totally ignoring that they are intruding on her private property (parking in her driveway?), but none the less it doesn't give you a free pass to ream people just for being in the general vacinity of your home.
I wonder what this lady would do if everyone she encountered just killed her with kindness? Maybe her nasty disposition would fade, and maybe....just maybe she would be a little more open to let people enjoy the trailway. I'm feeling the love already...hehe
Just my two cents :)
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I HAVE hiked up Acorn trail, but not parked there, and haven't had any trouble with the lady. She has a dog that barks at you, but so do ALL OF THEM, IN WRIGHTWOOD. We have never tried to park our car there, or poop or pee in the street, so maybe those are the main causes of her stress.
I would love to live where she lives, except for the snow removal problems and the potential for long-term ice floes.
OK, I would love to live there in the summer.
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hillbillies......here is a karma for you because it takes alot to stand up for what you know is the truth in your eyes while someone like a "son" is telling you anything but it. I hope you have lots of pleasant hikes up there to make up for the crappy one you mentioned :)
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I am not trying to play devils advocate here, but only relaying my own experience. I have never had a problem with the lady at the top of Acorn. She has always been friendly to me and my dog when I have been hiking up there, but I have never parked up there. She also has a rather neat dog I believe is named Miko, who she has allowed to hike part way up the trail with my dog and me.
As a matter of fact our webmaster asked me a couple of years ago if I had ever had problems with this lady while hiking and I told him that I never had problems with her. I told him some of the same things that her son Chis posted above about people parking in front of her driveway blocking her in. I could feel her pain on this issue as when there are events in town I have people park right in front of my driveway blocking my entrance or exit. They have also done the same thing to my neighbors. They act like they are entitled to park wherever they darn well please without ever thinking of the inconvience their actions cause to other people. So I am sure that after dealing with so many jerks that some innocent people might have been treated poorly, to me that is understandable. I say she has probably had to put up with a lot of crap over the years and should be cut some slack. In the future if you come across someone who you think is treating you mean, I say catch them off guard and kill them with kindness, you just might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. You might be able to make up for the many jerks who came before you.
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Now that this topic has been reintroduced, I simply have to tell of my experience on Acorn.
I moved here years ago from Montana, and was excited to explore the many trails Wrightwood has to offer.
During the winter season, I parked my car near the top of Acorn in front of a home that was not currently occupied (it looked like no one had been living in it for years).
I proceeded to walk the trail with my dog. When I returned to my car, I found 2 things: My car was completely blocked in (the vehicle was actually touching my bumper), and there was a woman standing on her deck, phone in hand, across the street. She began yelling foul remarks at me, and told me that the police had been called, as well as a tow truck.
I was FLABBERGASTED! I had no idea how to respond to such an attack. I put my dog in my car, got inside, turned it on, and sat... The woman came down after about 10 minutes, and moved her vehicle (she was still making remarks which I was unable to hear from inside my car). I have never been back to that spot.
I understand a person becoming frustrated over the years, as stated in previous posts, but this was different. I was so upset, (my blood still boils just writing this), and decided the woman must be crazy. I still had Montana plates on my car, so upon reflection I thought maybe she just hated "outsiders". Obviously this was not the case, and I have to agree that she is an extremely unhappy person. I can't IMAGINE why she would continue to live in such a place that causes her so much unhappiness and grief!
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I haven't been up there in forever so I dunno if this might already be in effect but just a thought . . . Are there any signs that say something along the lines of open to foot traffic and closed to vehicles? I can see how people who aren't familiar with the area and know ther is a trail there could be confused by no trespassing signs. Okay Okay, I know, we should obey all signs anyway but I can see how some might think that someone just put those up to keep people away from their yard or to lessen the amount of traffic up there. So people who don't know any better (I'm not agreeing with or sympathizing with them) might ignore them and drive up the road anyway. So maybe if there were some signs that said "private road, no vehicles allowed, foot traffic to trailhead ok" then maybe there wouldn't be so many trespassers. If Chris is reading this, maybe that might help you guys out. I know you shouldn't have to explain - it's your property - but it might make things easier for everyone. Of course this wouldn't get rid of the people who are just trying to be rude or that ignore everyone else's rights just because they think they can, but it might help alittle.
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If exposed to these same circumstances I would BE what so many people accuse this lady of!! Nuts AND a shrew, too!!!
I live right here in town and have had morons pull up in my driveway, park and start to walk away from their cars!
I had one guy pull INTO my front yard, park and head out.... PARK in my yard!! He was dazed when I yelled at him "You just parked in my yard! Move it!" Seems that one was on drugs or alcohol.
Some people don't need booze or dope to be inconsiderate, sleepwalking pests.
If someone peed on my property, whether to aggravate me or just because it was convenient for them...
I'd be glad I didn't have a gun either way....
But especially glad if they were trying to make me angry:
That'd be MISSION ACCOMPLISHED on making me angry!! >:(
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For newcomers to the forum I'd like to point out that this subject has been discussed on the Wrightwood Forum before. There was a great deal of heated debate over many of the issues Chris brings up in his letter.
The biggest concern that Chris raised in his letter was the idea that a shotgun was used to scare people away, or even the threat of a shotgun. He pointed out that a shotgun doesn't even exist on the property and statements or rumors about threats with guns just aren't true.
The letter was clear, to the point and not rude. He also stated that hikers are allowed to use the property to access the trail head and that clears up a great deal of previous debate.
I'm sure Chris and his mom are reading each of the comments being made on this topic and realize that some people may have had issues over the years that didn't deserve it. Each of us should take a moment to consider the amount of trouble and frustration that the homeowners at the top of Acorn Drive have experienced over the years. We're talking about problems year round not just snow player weekends like many of us have experienced this winter.
I hope Chris, his mom and Acorn Drive residents understand that this forum doesn't reach everyone and they will continue to have visitors that create a nuisance by parking and blocking their driveways.
The Wrightwood Forum was put online to help resolve community issues and this is a great example on what our mountain community is all about.
Let's take this opportunity to help turn things around at the top of Acorn Drive. Each person reading this topic now understands that hiking through the area is acceptable - parking on the private road is not.
Post your feeling on this topic but leave out the hateful, sarcastic, rude or false comments as they don't belong.
Webmaster
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Well said John.
Perhaps some pictures can be taken and posted as to where the Private Road begins and of the "signs" that have been talked about.
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The top (southern most) block of Oak also.
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In Phelan, most of the dirt road are private property. My deed says that I must dedicate 30 ft of my northern border as an easement to allow people to pass over to and from property that is further in from the paved dedicated county road. This doesn't mean that others have the right to park, sit, picnic, or take part in any activity other that to pass over my property. If people were using that easment for activities other than what it is dedicated for I would get upset too and so would you. If you don't believe me take look at the snow players page.
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Had friends on upper acorn, parked IN their driveways with permission. Still go the verbal abuse. Its been years, so no worries. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, maybe people were parking in driveways without asking. Still, if you assume I am doing wrong when I'm not, you must be a little paranoid.
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I've met Chris's mom a few times and she was a very pleasant and courtious woman. The only reason you dont hear about the other residents up there on that PRIVATE road being rude or yelling is because none of them live at the end of it.They all get the luxury of having a private road and only that poor woman has to enforce that it stays that way. Me thinkith that the rest of them should have to bring a chair up there every few days and do their share and see if they dont get a little teed off istead of sitting silently by knowing that shes being ostrisized by the town for standing her ground,her PRIVATE ground at that. I couldnt imagine waking up every day and have to wonder"how many people will tresspass today" or go into town and know peoplle are learing at you.How sad that must be.
You know how your street/front yard looks at Moutaineer days(if you live next to town like me)or on Memorial/YardSale weekend or kids cutting thrugh your yard to get to the next block,just think how it would be year round.I'd be a little teed off too.
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Damtam, I gave you a good Karma point for that posting.
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...and 1 back at ya!!
I past 100 posts and I scored 2 points all in one day!!
happy happy~ joy joy
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I have heard that you can park at camp Maria Stella. Does anyone know what the deal is? I usually walk from my house but by the time I get to the trail my dogs and I are already tired from all the uphill!!!
I would like to be able to park somewhat near the trail so that I can go further up it!!
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You could do it as an "upside-down hike"; park right at the top and hike down and up. Not my preferred type of hike, though.
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If you drive up to the dead end and park in front of the last house on the right, she'll come out and tell you where to go! BEWARE...... Just kidding don't do this.
As far as I know, you can park below the big no tresspassing sign.
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I know that you can park at the bottom of the private road signs but wont that just tick another home owner off?
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Sagebrush,
I merged this with other posts about Acorn Canyon and hope it helps.
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Our family went up there once to go for a hike. That's all it took, 1 time of yelling! Never have we been there again and it's been over 10 years! I think it's the water bc meanies rule that road! :'(
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I wouldnt want a bunch of people parking in front of my house either. Just wanted to know the closest place to park without causing a problem...
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It is an awfully long hike uphill from "legal parking" to the trailhead. To prevent problems, I have my wife drop me off at the trailhead. I then call her on the cell when I'm ready to be picked up.
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Thats a good idea but I want my man to go with me!! Anyways Ill figure something out. As far as the parking situation up there it stinks but I completely understand her not wanting people on her property.
When we first moved up here we split our time between here and OC. We had a neighbor across the street who had four kids (homeschooled) with no supervision. Her kids would always be in my driveway and even my garage. Then I started coming home to her parked either in my driveway or completely blocking it!!! Drove me crazy!! Finally had to get rude with her to get my point across!! Its a shame that we all cant share but not everyone has manners!
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hey, was hiking acorn canyon a few weeks back, parked close to the locked gate, and got a nasty note left on my windshield. So, was wondering if there wasn't someone willing to give me permission to park in front of their house. That way I wouldn't have to walk an extra mile on paved road (bummer!). Would be much appreciated.
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I parked my little vehicle by the weekend house that is never occupied. The "witch of Acorn" house is alive and kicking again. Got yelled at by a young guy and he later apologized. I was only there for 30 minutes, to walk the dogs and check on how buggy the trail was.
It was buggy... I left.
I was not blocking the gate, or the driveways of anyone, either. My car can fit in anywhere. The guy was upset because he has people from out of the area block his driveway and leave trash and crap all over.