SAVE PACIFIC CREST APIARIES FARM!!
Donation protected
Owner, Dana Mumm - Pacific Crest Apiaries875 Calabasas Rd. Watsonville, CA 95076
To my friends, neighbors, community and beyond:
I am in a battle to save my honey bee farm and my home.
I need funds and fast for lawyer and court fees:
before and by January 1, 2017 Please Help!
1/5/17: CORRECTION: When I first started my Campaign I was told by the company that they were going to begin "breaking ground" to begin building a telecommunications facility beginning 1/2/17 or soon. This is the reason my campaign began with a plea to "act fast" to donate. Today, 1/5/17: I have no idea as to when or if this will occur. I would like to win this case. Therefore, as attorney fees accrue I still need support. Should there be court costs in the future, I will still need support. Please understand that these legal issues change day to day which at the time, at my first posting, I was not aware of. I have never been in any legal battle in my life. I am finding out much, however. If you notice the amount I am trying to raise changes to a lower or higher dollar amount, here is why: Law battles take twists and turns. It reminds me of a roller coaster ride. Some times, you think it's over and can get out of the seat. But, then something is found. You need to sit down and begin again, but in a different car and on a different ride.
ABOUT PACIFIC CREST APIARIES: HISTORY
My husband taught me beekeeping 25 years ago. His passion for honey bees became my passion. Our honey farm has been a part of our community for a little over 50 years. Ed has kept many of his bees on his farm and home property on Calabasas Road for all those years.
A Honey Bee Farm for all Visitors:
Nearly 13 years ago, we opened our farm to the public. At our honey farm, we not only have a place for educating about the importance of honey bees and agriculture as a whole, but we also offer the beautiful benefits our honey bees give back: honey and my hand crafted candles of pure beeswax.
Today, we are the only local apiary that offers a place for schools to come for field trips to further education about honey bees, the extraction process and the over all importance of our local agriculture. We invite community for related activities, such as teaching about the honey bee colony by actual hands-on experience inside a hive.
Beekeeping classes, beeswax candle making classes, are just a small part of the many activities we offer. Nutritional education on honey and other honey bee by-products is another important subject discussed and taught.
2006: Ed Mumm, Sr. hand processing a frame filled with honey
WHY I AM SEEKING HELP IN SAVING PACIFIC CREST APIARIES HONEY FARM: Here is the Story
In March 2013, my husband, Ed's and my life was about to change: for the worse. And, we never saw it coming.
We were thinking of going into semi-retirement. However, beekeeping for both of us was so much a part of our lives, we wanted to keep the bee farm going.
A telecommunications company, whose name I am legally unable to divulge at this time, convinced my husband that putting a Cell tower on our property would be a benefit to us financially. Ed thought that the extra income would help us to stay in our home and on our farm for the next 10-15 years. He was thinking only about the added income, nothing else.
Ed took care of the "negotiations" with this company.
In the past, he was always careful about matters pertaining to agreements needing signatures. In fact, I trusted him completely regarding any legal matters. There was never any indication not to trust my husband.
TIMELINE FACTS
The agreement which is called a Ground Lease Agreement (GLA), was signed. My husband told me this was a great deal, and to go ahead and sign. I did. I completely trusted he understood fully what the agreement was and that he had read it.
March 2013, two facts I did not know:
1. Ed was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease which is a terminal disease which adversely affects the brain. He was mentally compromised and unable to fully understand the agreement he and I signed.
2. I did not realize he did not know what he was agreeing to regarding this Ground Lease Agreement (GLA)
Ed's health began to decline rapidly, and by late 2013, after a first spinal surgery (his Alzheimer's disease was yet to be discovered), I was his caregiver, 24/7 and trying to maintain staying in our home by working on our bee farm and keeping it open to the public.
By late February 2014, Ed had to go through yet another major spinal surgery involving fusion of the spine. After this last surgery, my entire time was caring for his needs. What time I could give to our farm, I had to for financial reasons.
As I was in 100% caregiver mode, taking Ed to doctor's appointments, helping him dress, shave, and basically other needs, this Cell tower agreement was the last thing on my mind. I never gave it thought.
In August 2014, after a brain MRI, Ed was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
His health was spiraling down, although, hope was always on my and our family's mind.
His condition worsened. And as his health worsened, my job as his primary and only caregiver was taking a toll on me as well.
The telecommunications company, in the meantime, were advised by me that Ed was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. There were incidences where we were contacted by this company about the status of this Cell tower, but I still didn't give any thought to what that agreement was about.
And, the thought of Ed suffering early onset Alzheimer's back in early 2013 wasn't on my mind what so ever.
All I could do was to take care of Ed. My entire "being" was devoted to his care. It was all I could do to take care of his needs, and to keep our honey farm afloat. It was a part of our income. We needed it.
April 6, 2016: My husband passed away. His loss has been extremely difficult to deal with. I have been under duress but life must go on. I am actively involved with our honey farm to this day and plan to be. Now, I am forced to deal with this problem.
Our Pacific Crest Apiaries honey farm is an important asset in our community. At least I, and now my partners who are assisting me, hear from people who have come up to visit tell us that they love what we are doing and appreciate us being here. Many remember my husband, Ed as the kind, quiet, and gentle man that he was. They also know about his life with honey bees.
Ed left a legacy. After all, if it wasn't for him, this farm would not be in existence. His passion for honey bees and their care was great. His special love of honey bees spread to others like dandylions do.
WHAT MUST BE DONE NOW
I must do what I can to STOP this Cell tower from being erected on my farm property!
The second worse day of my life, the first being my husband's death this April, the second worse day was on October 21, 2016.
That was the day that I found out what was in this Ground Lease Agreement (GLA) we had signed back in March 2013 with this telecommunications company.
My husband would have never signed an agreement such as this if he had been "brain" healthy.
It is extremely one sided: the telecommunications company has taken much of my property rights away. It is a 30-year lease which cannot be broken. It could very well bring not just my property value down, but all neighbor's property values down as well. And, whatever any one person believes about cell towers in neighborhoods and how they might affect honey bees is yet another matter.
You might ask why I didn't do something sooner. Here's why: I was involved in mind and body, caring for my husband from mid-2013 until the day he died this year.
(If you have ever been a caregiver 24/7 with a patient suffering from Alzheimer's, you completely understand how and where I was regarding Ed)
The subject of this agreement was not on my mind.
I had no reason to read it because in my mind, I truly trusted my husband's decision regarding this Ground Lease Agreement with this company back in 2013.
Once I realized what was in this egregious agreement, I had to take action to stop it. Losing this case will cause this honey farm of 50 years to cease. It would force me to leave my home of 26 years. It would completely destroy my livelihood, which is beekeeping and having a farm store which brings in much needed living wages for me. I have been in this business of beekeeping, candle making, and a small business woman for 20 years. All of this has been taking place at my (our) honey farm called Pacific Crest Apiaries.
FUNDS FOR LAWYER/COURT FEES NEEDED FAST!
I received the news that this case will cost me $36,000.
It could cost more. But, the above amount is what I know as of today, Dec. 2, 2016.
Please, if you love how our apiary has affected you and you would like to help out. Please do so now. If you appreciate honey bees and beekeepers, and agricultural endeavors, please help now.
Thank you so much for your time and for your donation to help keep Pacific Crest Apiaries honey farm & gift store open for future visitors. And, this will also help keep me in my home on the farm and protect my livelihood.
Dana Mumm
Pacific Crest Apiaries
875 Calabasas Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
www.pacificcrestapiaries.com
To my friends, neighbors, community and beyond:
I am in a battle to save my honey bee farm and my home.
I need funds and fast for lawyer and court fees:
before and by January 1, 2017 Please Help!
1/5/17: CORRECTION: When I first started my Campaign I was told by the company that they were going to begin "breaking ground" to begin building a telecommunications facility beginning 1/2/17 or soon. This is the reason my campaign began with a plea to "act fast" to donate. Today, 1/5/17: I have no idea as to when or if this will occur. I would like to win this case. Therefore, as attorney fees accrue I still need support. Should there be court costs in the future, I will still need support. Please understand that these legal issues change day to day which at the time, at my first posting, I was not aware of. I have never been in any legal battle in my life. I am finding out much, however. If you notice the amount I am trying to raise changes to a lower or higher dollar amount, here is why: Law battles take twists and turns. It reminds me of a roller coaster ride. Some times, you think it's over and can get out of the seat. But, then something is found. You need to sit down and begin again, but in a different car and on a different ride.
ABOUT PACIFIC CREST APIARIES: HISTORY
My husband taught me beekeeping 25 years ago. His passion for honey bees became my passion. Our honey farm has been a part of our community for a little over 50 years. Ed has kept many of his bees on his farm and home property on Calabasas Road for all those years.
A Honey Bee Farm for all Visitors:
Nearly 13 years ago, we opened our farm to the public. At our honey farm, we not only have a place for educating about the importance of honey bees and agriculture as a whole, but we also offer the beautiful benefits our honey bees give back: honey and my hand crafted candles of pure beeswax.
Today, we are the only local apiary that offers a place for schools to come for field trips to further education about honey bees, the extraction process and the over all importance of our local agriculture. We invite community for related activities, such as teaching about the honey bee colony by actual hands-on experience inside a hive.
Beekeeping classes, beeswax candle making classes, are just a small part of the many activities we offer. Nutritional education on honey and other honey bee by-products is another important subject discussed and taught.
2006: Ed Mumm, Sr. hand processing a frame filled with honey
WHY I AM SEEKING HELP IN SAVING PACIFIC CREST APIARIES HONEY FARM: Here is the Story
In March 2013, my husband, Ed's and my life was about to change: for the worse. And, we never saw it coming.
We were thinking of going into semi-retirement. However, beekeeping for both of us was so much a part of our lives, we wanted to keep the bee farm going.
A telecommunications company, whose name I am legally unable to divulge at this time, convinced my husband that putting a Cell tower on our property would be a benefit to us financially. Ed thought that the extra income would help us to stay in our home and on our farm for the next 10-15 years. He was thinking only about the added income, nothing else.
Ed took care of the "negotiations" with this company.
In the past, he was always careful about matters pertaining to agreements needing signatures. In fact, I trusted him completely regarding any legal matters. There was never any indication not to trust my husband.
TIMELINE FACTS
The agreement which is called a Ground Lease Agreement (GLA), was signed. My husband told me this was a great deal, and to go ahead and sign. I did. I completely trusted he understood fully what the agreement was and that he had read it.
March 2013, two facts I did not know:
1. Ed was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease which is a terminal disease which adversely affects the brain. He was mentally compromised and unable to fully understand the agreement he and I signed.
2. I did not realize he did not know what he was agreeing to regarding this Ground Lease Agreement (GLA)
Ed's health began to decline rapidly, and by late 2013, after a first spinal surgery (his Alzheimer's disease was yet to be discovered), I was his caregiver, 24/7 and trying to maintain staying in our home by working on our bee farm and keeping it open to the public.
By late February 2014, Ed had to go through yet another major spinal surgery involving fusion of the spine. After this last surgery, my entire time was caring for his needs. What time I could give to our farm, I had to for financial reasons.
As I was in 100% caregiver mode, taking Ed to doctor's appointments, helping him dress, shave, and basically other needs, this Cell tower agreement was the last thing on my mind. I never gave it thought.
In August 2014, after a brain MRI, Ed was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
His health was spiraling down, although, hope was always on my and our family's mind.
His condition worsened. And as his health worsened, my job as his primary and only caregiver was taking a toll on me as well.
The telecommunications company, in the meantime, were advised by me that Ed was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. There were incidences where we were contacted by this company about the status of this Cell tower, but I still didn't give any thought to what that agreement was about.
And, the thought of Ed suffering early onset Alzheimer's back in early 2013 wasn't on my mind what so ever.
All I could do was to take care of Ed. My entire "being" was devoted to his care. It was all I could do to take care of his needs, and to keep our honey farm afloat. It was a part of our income. We needed it.
April 6, 2016: My husband passed away. His loss has been extremely difficult to deal with. I have been under duress but life must go on. I am actively involved with our honey farm to this day and plan to be. Now, I am forced to deal with this problem.
Our Pacific Crest Apiaries honey farm is an important asset in our community. At least I, and now my partners who are assisting me, hear from people who have come up to visit tell us that they love what we are doing and appreciate us being here. Many remember my husband, Ed as the kind, quiet, and gentle man that he was. They also know about his life with honey bees.
Ed left a legacy. After all, if it wasn't for him, this farm would not be in existence. His passion for honey bees and their care was great. His special love of honey bees spread to others like dandylions do.
WHAT MUST BE DONE NOW
I must do what I can to STOP this Cell tower from being erected on my farm property!
The second worse day of my life, the first being my husband's death this April, the second worse day was on October 21, 2016.
That was the day that I found out what was in this Ground Lease Agreement (GLA) we had signed back in March 2013 with this telecommunications company.
My husband would have never signed an agreement such as this if he had been "brain" healthy.
It is extremely one sided: the telecommunications company has taken much of my property rights away. It is a 30-year lease which cannot be broken. It could very well bring not just my property value down, but all neighbor's property values down as well. And, whatever any one person believes about cell towers in neighborhoods and how they might affect honey bees is yet another matter.
You might ask why I didn't do something sooner. Here's why: I was involved in mind and body, caring for my husband from mid-2013 until the day he died this year.
(If you have ever been a caregiver 24/7 with a patient suffering from Alzheimer's, you completely understand how and where I was regarding Ed)
The subject of this agreement was not on my mind.
I had no reason to read it because in my mind, I truly trusted my husband's decision regarding this Ground Lease Agreement with this company back in 2013.
Once I realized what was in this egregious agreement, I had to take action to stop it. Losing this case will cause this honey farm of 50 years to cease. It would force me to leave my home of 26 years. It would completely destroy my livelihood, which is beekeeping and having a farm store which brings in much needed living wages for me. I have been in this business of beekeeping, candle making, and a small business woman for 20 years. All of this has been taking place at my (our) honey farm called Pacific Crest Apiaries.
FUNDS FOR LAWYER/COURT FEES NEEDED FAST!
I received the news that this case will cost me $36,000.
It could cost more. But, the above amount is what I know as of today, Dec. 2, 2016.
Please, if you love how our apiary has affected you and you would like to help out. Please do so now. If you appreciate honey bees and beekeepers, and agricultural endeavors, please help now.
Thank you so much for your time and for your donation to help keep Pacific Crest Apiaries honey farm & gift store open for future visitors. And, this will also help keep me in my home on the farm and protect my livelihood.
Dana Mumm
Pacific Crest Apiaries
875 Calabasas Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
www.pacificcrestapiaries.com
Organizer
Dana Mumm
Organizer
Watsonville, CA
