Sky Forest Residents To Appeal Location Of Rehab Center

SKY FOREST (CBSLA.com) — Local residents in the mountain community of Sky Forest plan to appeal to the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday over the location of a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

Supporters of Above It All Treatment Center argue it is being unfairly disparaged, while local residents believe it does not belong in its current location near a school bus stop.

"I believe it makes us completely unsafe," said Sky Forest resident David Arnold. "I'm very concerned because the operation is so big and so secretive."

The facility's owner, Kory Averill, grew up in Lake Arrowhead. He told CBS2's Greg Mills that the facility employs more than 60 people, all of them local.

The scenic mountain environment is part of the facility's sales pitch, according to its website.

The scenery was also a draw for Kim Foltz, a former Angeleno who moved last July to what she hoped would be her "dream retirement home." She later learned she was living next to the treatment facility.

Foltz said she believes the facility is in violation of zoning laws.

"It isn't allowed," said Foltz. "I want them to be moved."

A county official said the facility is totally in compliance with state and county regulations, and does not violate zoning laws.

Still, residents are concerned about the location of a school bus stop in front of the facility. One woman said her daughter heard lewd comments from a couple of men being treated at Above It All.

Owner Averill said he wants the residents to come to him, but so far has not heard from anyone.

"We can have a community meeting right here," said Averill.

"I need to know what the fears are," he said. "Then we'll just take those one at a time."

The county said Monday that Above It All has no current violations, though they have in the past. None of the past violations were substantive ones, according to the county.

The group plans to appeal to the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.