Big Bear Grizzly

Richard LaChina finally has what he's been waiting for-a white piece of paper. That paper means he can finally move forward.

LaChina is the owner/developer of The Club at Big Bear Village with partner Ray Gibson. They purchased The Club in January but have been marking time waiting for the Department of Real Estate to give the go ahead for the new owners to sell fractional shares in the units. The go ahead comes in the form of what is called a white paper, giving the owners final approval to close escrows.

The Club at Big Bear Village is a fractional ownership vacation resort across from Northwoods Resort on Village Drive. Owners purchase one-tenth ownership in a three- or four-bedroom luxury unit. They are able to use the villa 28 guaranteed days a year and more on a space-available basis. Fifty-seven fractional shares were sold prior to LaChina and Gibson taking over.

The development was placed under receivership in mid 2004 when the Securities Exchange Commission launched an investigation and filed charges against four men accused of bilking investors out of millions in savings. Daniel W. Heath, Larre Schlarmann, John W. Heath and Denis Timothy O'Brien are awaiting trial on charges related to an alleged Ponzi scheme that involved The Club at Big Bear Village and Northwoods Resort as well as numerous other businesses throughout the Southland. The four allegedly promised investors huge returns on their money that never came to be. The accused were all partners in the two Big Bear developments, both of which have since been sold.

When LaChina took over The Club in January, a dark cloud seemed to lift from the development. Employees were hired back, owners felt safe and secure, and the development started to shine again. When LaChina and Gibson took over, they subsidized the homeowners association financially, as the dues paid by the 57 owners wasn't enough to fund the facility needs. Those 57 owners are as thrilled as Gibson, LaChina and the staff that things are moving forward. ”People thanked us for taking over this project,“ Gibson said.

Throughout the winter, into spring, summer and now fall, LaChina and Gibson focused on what they term deferred maintenance, getting The Club ready for when the Department of Real Estate would give the OK to sell. ”We worked to make this place perfect,“ LaChina said.

The Club offers luxurious, well appointed villas, fully furnished, right down to the dishes in the cupboard. And if owners so choose, the food is in the refrigerator, the heat is on, skis and snowboards are waxed and ready, and the bed is turned down when they arrive. Vacationing at its finest.

Within the past two weeks since the final paper allowing sales was issued, 12 deposits have been converted to actual sales, LaChina said. The sales staff under the direction of John Wells had been able to accept deposits and open escrow accounts but couldn't move ahead until the white paper was issued.

”It's the best feeling ever,“ LaChina said of receiving the go-ahead to close deals. He always believed in the project but admits waiting for approval to complete the sales was a bit nerve wracking.

Most people use vacation homes between 18 and 23 days a year, statistics show. The Club is ideal, offering owners two weeks in the winter and two in summer. Owners don't need to reserve their vacation days all at once. They can take a few days here and a few more there, and it's possible they won't even be staying in the unit featured on their deed.

Owners can stay in any of the units available, as they are all the same with the exception of three or four bedrooms. All are equipped with the same amenities and all owners have access to the entire complex, which includes a spacious clubhouse, a pool, sauna, exercise room, children's game rooms and more. A reception is held Saturday evenings in the Clubhouse, giving owners a chance to get to know each other, as well as LaChina and Gibson if they are in residence.

And chances are they will be now that the white paper is in their hands.

Gibson lives in Kansas City, but he comes to California regularly. He is a hands-on owner, as is LaChina, who lives in the San Diego area. The young entrepreneur and his family planned to move to Big Bear this year but put plans on hold for several reasons. ”We will end up here,“ LaChina said. ”It's in the plan.“

For now, he jumps in his private plane to make the 30-minute hop to the mountains, where he owns not only The Club but several vacation rentals and a family home. He also owns a national computer support business, but ”The Club is the focus for me,“ LaChina said.

On Nov. 16, LaChina, Gibson and the entire staff at The Club at Big Bear Village are opening the doors for an open house. LaChina and Gibson want the Big Bear community to visit The Club and see what it's like behind the gates. Many residents and business owners don't really know what the development offers, and the open house will give them a chance to find out.

Gibson and LaChina are open for business. They want to make a difference in the community and not only meet, but exceed expectations.

Contact reporter Judi Bowers at (909) 866-3456, ext. 137 or by e-mail at jbowers@bigbeargrizzly.net.