The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced the enacting of a Stage 1 Burn Ban, effective from Monday, July 1st, 2024, through Saturday, September 14th, 2024. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the risk of fire hazards and protect the community and natural resources. Sudden Valley follows a more restrictive protocol and, per our Rules & Regulations, no outdoor fires of any kind will be permitted. Cooking fires such as enclosed BBQs are allowed.

For more information, see Whatcom County information HERE.

As the 4th of July approaches, we would like to remind residents that the use of fireworks in Sudden Valley is strictly prohibited. Fireworks are dangerous both for the user and the surrounding homes and forests:

• Fireworks increase the risk of fire, disturb the peace of the neighborhood, and disrupt the activity of the animals that share our space
• Setting off fireworks causes many injuries each year

SVCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the use of fireworks. Security will enforce the No Fireworks Allowed policy and cite offenders on SVCA Rules & Regulations Section 1.4. The fine for violating this rule is $100. No warnings will be given.

SVCA would like to apologize for spreading false information about details of the accident that closed Lake Whatcom Blvd on Thursday evening. In our haste to alert the community about the traffic problem, the information we received from the security guard on site was not confirmed with the Sheriff’s office. In future, we will not post without confirmation.

Work on the 2024 Road & Drainage Project will begin on Wednesday, May 29^th.  Construction is being completed by Granite Construction.  The majority of the project is replacing numerous road crossing culverts throughout all of SVCA.  Residents should expect minor delays as construction proceeds, and the work is anticipated to last through August.  Granite Construction will communicate directly with residents when culvert work will affect their driveway access.  Please drive carefully and be respectful to Granite Construction as they work to improve SVCA’s drainage system.

SVCA’s Administrative Office will be closed on Monday, May 27th, in observance of Memorial Day. The office will be open on Tuesday, during our normal business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

A meeting for all builders currently working or planning to work on projects in Sudden Valley will be held Tuesday, May 21st, from 6 to 8 PM in the Dance Barn at 8 Barn View Drive.

The purpose of this meeting is to review recent changes to SVCA’s Architectural Control Policies and the Fines & Fees Schedule. We will also review the processes for submitting new applications and change requests, giving notice for road closures, and requesting inspections. Ample time will be set aside for Q&A.

Participation can be in person or via Zoom. To register to attend via Zoom, please visit https://suddenvalley.com/acc/ and scroll down the page. The meeting will also be recorded and posted to SVCA’s YouTube channel for future reference. Please call the Welcome Center at 360-734-6430 with any questions.

Congratulations to Ray Meador, who was selected to fill the vacant board position by SVCA’s Board of Directors at the Thursday, March 28th, meeting. Ray will serve until the November election.

Snowfall over the weekend was limited to the upper gates, but spread to all areas of the Association on Monday morning. Current conditions are slushy but passable, and the primary roads are being plowed. Most of Sudden Valley Drive is clear to the asphalt and gradually rising temperatures will melt the remaining slush, improving road conditions throughout Sudden Valley. Please drive carefully!

Beginning Wednesday, March 6^th, the launch ramp at Sudden Valley’s Marina will be closed for the installation of the new launch dock. No boats will be able to launch from the Sudden Valley Marina until the dock is installed. The launch area will reopen at the end of March, when the installation is complete. Updates will be posted if the schedule changes.

SVCA is pleased to announce that Kevin LeDuc, currently SVCA’s Head Professional, will take over from retiring Golf Director Brian Kruhlak on April 1^st.  As was announced last May, Brian is leaving after thirteen years at Sudden Valley to focus on the development of a personal business.

Kevin Le Duc is very familiar with golf at Sudden Valley having spent seven years as the 1st Assistant Professional (1992-1999) before leaving to become the Head Pro at Echo Falls GC. His career in golf also includes positions at Loomis Trail GC, Semiahmoo G&CC, and Eaglemont GC. He returned to SVCA as Head Pro in 2019 where he has supported the smooth operation and consistent growth of our golf program.

We are confident that the Sudden Valley Golf Course will continue to flourish under Kevin’s direction and we invite the community to stop by and wish him well!