ADU LAWS

For New Bell Canyon Homeowners:

The AC Committee oversees construction projects. When I submitted my ADU application, I refused to sign documents tied to outdated CC&Rs that conflicted with California law—such as the restriction against kitchens.

My business partner reminded me that outdated CC&Rs, like the discriminatory ones once found in Lake Arrowhead, are overridden by state law. I explained this clearly to the previous HOA, but still received threatening letters from Eric, Lisa, and the HOA lawyer.

When I first met Eric, he threatened me—saying I “didn’t want to be the next Reingolds”—which I later realized was a legal threat. He also made it clear that the CC&Rs “held their weight in gold,” while simultaneously standing in the way of my legally protected project.

Eric told me I had to first be denied by the AC Board before he’d review my submission—a step I refused. Then I was told to work with him. When I tried to share my story on the HOA Facebook page, they hid or blocked my posts.

At a town hall, I confronted Eric publicly, and only then did he finally schedule my AC meeting—after a year of pain, suffering, and financial setbacks—exposing the tactics he had been using behind the scenes. He even bragged about allowing three-story homes in the canyon.

Now, they falsely credit Mike with my ADU approval, even though it was granted based on state law. Mike wasn’t on the board at the time. My ADU was officially approved on September 15, 2023.

The recall supporters have also been harassing me on Bell Canyon Strong, posting hurtful and offensive comments about the ADU I built for my widowed mother. I take pride in my property, which I’ve been visiting since I was eight years old and eventually purchased from my longtime mentors, the Bergers.

Eric and Lisa even told neighbors I was building an Airbnb to turn them against my family. Now that the financial audit is out, it’s clear why they were standing in the way of my ADU—which is fully protected under California state law.

Mathew Perelman
101 Buckskin