I would like to add, one of the main tourist attractions to PML is the deer population that fascinates both old, and younger people...and the "free range" they have to our property.  What will repeat episodes of gunfire do to that PML attraction?  In the case of deer, during the fall hunting season, I've had my grown children and grandchildren here and they witness, jaw-dropping groups of multi-antlered deer just strolling along the property or sitting, priest like under the trees....8-10 at a time!  This is part of the "blue sky" of PML. 

(We can argue ad infinitum about the effect the deer population has on our ability to "enjoy" our property, grow gardens, {except in Unit 12?}etc.)

Personally, I'm just fascinated in the late summer and fall with the nocturnal cries of the wildcats down in the Rock Canyon area.

What about the families of Red Fox that roam our areas?

I would also like to read here on "The Voice" the opinion of the representative(s) of Audubon.  What will the gunfire do the birding in our area? The "screaming Eagles" during mating season? The annual migrations that come thru our area that unfailingly fascinate my ability to attract with a simple caged birdbath (protected from squirrels, Jays and "night crawlers.")

PML was initially developed, and has been sold as "....the best kept secret in California."
A peaceful setting, enjoyment of the unrestricted, protected wildlife was/is one of the main attractions. The noise of gunfire will certainly "spook" so much of our wildlife that it will inevitably reduce one of the main tourist  purposes of our community; a planned one to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Sierra foothills. 

If, this gets to the planning stage I would like to see the PML board pass a resolution to, by mail, inform all residents of the proposed planning so as to enlist their opinions, and, do this early in the game before it becomes a kind of, "fait accompli".  The monthly PML meetings are not always the best indicator of the tenor of opinions, especially in the off-season when there is left just the "hard core" residents.  (I happen to be one of the hard core, and I love it here)
I would also urge the board to enlist the help of ECHO (Executive Council of Home Owners http://www.echo-ca.org/ ) a Northern California organization that I had the privilege to enlist for advice many years ago when I was involved in different capacities in a small "gated community" in Santa Clara Valley. (Our buildings were being "eaten alive" by termites and we had to eventually pass a special assessment to repair the damage...what a fight that was, but it literally saved and enhanced our property values in the long run).
 I've attended several regional seminars in my capacity with that association and you wouldn't believe the "common problems" that plague all associations, large and small. I believe PML did join (at my instigation thru another family member) some years ago but don't know if we have kept up our dues, etc.  The fee is very nominal, and the scope of advisory individuals is very good.

They can be queried on other gated communities experiences with this issue. 

The big differences will be topography, Sound up here travels like the roar of a lion.  So you have to be careful in comparing apples and oranges.

With respect to the, waiting to be pistol pak'in  "Cranky Grandma" Rita Hart (just ribbing you, Rita!) this is not (yet) West Oakland!  (I do respect Rita Hart's passionate service and devotion to PML).  Those issues are not in question.  And, I might add, the possession of in-home firepower has been proven to be not conducive to dispossessing the minds of particular criminals to home invasions. I'm sure there are some that live in West Oakland (and from other parts, even Modesto!!) who come here to get away from the gunfire!!  The best defense in this case is a healthy community that brings respect for people's enjoyment of their properties, for all others' viewpoints and leadership that grants and nourishes debate on a level playing field, and a refuge from the maniacal "virtual reality" lives that they live down in the "flatlands".

Lastly (for now), remember this is not a debate about "....the right to bear arms", or our personal opinions about the NRA.  Those are truly "hot button" issues and, in my opinion have no place in this discussion.

It's about the right balance of life we wish to live here.  And the primary responsibility of the board is to protect and enhance that quality of life, and also the value of our property. 
And, the way to achieve this is thru open debate.

What will the final costs of maintenance be such as patrolling, safety supervisory personnel, upkeep, insurance, effect on PML's neighbors, etc.

(Finally for a giggle, Thx Mr. Brizard!)

I wish to thank Roy Conley for establishing this site and allowing this debate to continue.

Bert Canepa

You're welcome, Bert! Webmaster