December 2023 Newsletter
CARPORT PROJECT BEGAN!
Phase 1 of the carport project started on December 4 and we’re thrilled with how efficiently and quickly they’re moving through the demo stage. Crews will be working on Saturdays but no heavy equipment will be used. At different times throughout the project, every single reserved space at the community will not be accessible for parking. It’s unfortunate that we have inconsiderate residents who refuse to pick up their permits or park on Surfside Drive making a challenging situation even more challenging. We’re working through how to address this but in the meantime, regardless of what phase of the project your reserved space is located, please stop by the office for a temporary permit. Avoid citations we can’t fight.....If you are forced to park on the public side of Surfside without the temporary permit, you WILL receive a citation.
Please also pay attention to the fire hydrant areas (the white curb that used to be red) “The California Department of Motor Vehicles clearly states that vehicles may not park within 15 ft. of a fire hydrant. State law does not require that curbs near fire hydrants be painted red. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they are parked legally.”
For the latest information and updates on this project, visit the Carport Project page.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thanks to all who attended the Annual Membership meeting on November 27. Board President Phil Moreton provided attendees with information on achievements as well as heartfelt gratitude for each of the volunteers who’ve served this year. Treasurer Sharyn Field reviewed the budget for the upcoming year and gave a thorough explanation of the need for an increase-one we haven’t experienced since 2019. As you know, this was an uncontested election that did not require voting. Phil Moreton has been appointed for another three year term. Officer positions were chosen during the Organizational meeting. Each Director will hold their Officer position for another year.
2024 PROMISES TO BE BUSY
The first quarter of 2024 will be dedicated to completing the carport project however we have much to do in 2024. We’re working hard to maintain the community at the level of excellence you deserve but if you see something that needs attention, please call or email the office to let us know. We appreciate it more than you know!
PLUMBING
The on site maintenance team recently completed cleaning all the main drain lines accessible from the exterior of the units and I’m happy to report that very few units had products in the line that should not be flushed. That being said, this summer we experienced an unusual amount of failures so a plumbing committee was formed in hopes we can come up with a proactive plan to address the 50 + year old drain lines. More details will be coming soon.
NEED MORE SPACE FOR A HOLIDAY FUNCTION OR LIFE EVENT?
If you have a holiday function coming up and your home is just too small, have you considered renting the clubhouse? It has been beautifully renovated and now includes a small outdoor courtyard. The kitchen is fully equipped and there’s no need to rent tables or chairs because we have those available as well. The rental fee is minimal and the deposit is fully refundable if all the guidelines are followed. If you are interested in hosting an event in the clubhouse, please contact the office.
LOVE A GOOD CROSS BREEZE?
If you’re one who opens the slider and the front door, please be extra mindful of the noise levels from TV, radios, pets, and humans. Because most buildings face each other, it’s really easy for sound to travel to neighbors who are not necessarily right next door. On another note, while smoking is allowed inside the unit (tenants must get permission from the owner) doors and windows must remain closed to avoid creating a nuisance to neighbors. Smoking is never allowed on patios or balconies.
GET YOUR HOLIDAY ON!!
What a joy that residents have already started decorating for the holidays!!! Please remember while you can decorate your front door as little or as much as you want, please do not place anything on the stoop or in any of the landscape areas. Every home that participates will be entered in a raffle to win a holiday gift card! The drawing will be held on December 18th. Let’s show Surfside pride by being the best holiday dressed community!
FRONT DOOR KEYS
The worst time for management to find out the key we have on file for your unit does not work is when we have an emergency. If you’ve changed the lock OR it’s been some time since you verified the one we have works, please stop by the office as soon as you can.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Did you know if you’re a resident here and have an electric vehicle, there are discounted rates for using the charging stations? Please contact the office to set up the app and receive discounted rates for our residents.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Interested in getting to know your neighbors and enjoy a sense of community through HOA sponsored functions? If you have extra time on your hands and would like to help form and/or volunteer for a social committee, please contact the office.
Community Living in a Snapshot
While we encourage each resident to be familiar with the Rules and Regulations Handbook,
below are some of the more common issues we face
The vehicular exit gate is to be used ONLY as an exit gate unless it’s been marked for entry/exit by the on site team. For the safety of drivers and pedestrians, please follow marked traffic patterns/yellow arrows. Because we take safety very seriously, all these WILL result in fines
Hang tag permits are required on all vehicles parked on property and they must be displayed from the rear view mirror of the vehicle. Contractors should check in with the office for a temporary permit to avoid receiving a citation.
Pool and spa area:
1. Don’t eat food while IN the pool or spa
2. Persons who wear diapers must wear swim diapers
3. Glass or metal containers are not permitted
4. Tampering with safety equipment-emergency shut off for the spa, life rings or hooks-is also prohibited.
5. If you bring “music” to the pool, remember you need personal listening devices.
6. Only four guests (heartbeats) per household is allowed.
7. PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE POOL AREA.
Please don’t put the Board in the position that they are forced to revoke your privilege to use the pool/spa.
Hose bibs in common area are not for use by residents.
Please do not leave any personal items (potted plants, décor, hoses, shoes, etc.) outside your front door.
Planting or removing plants in common area is prohibited. If it needs attention, reach out to me.
One of the largest grassy areas the community has is along Ventura Road. While socializing of residents and their pets is certainly welcome, please be mindful of the residents who live in the building by doing your best to keep barking to a minimum.
Please be mindful when parking. If you pull in too close to a white line, it doesn’t allow enough space for your parking neighbor to get in or out of their vehicle without some serious effort to risk damaging both vehicles. Not to mention parking is at a premium and it could make a space unusable.
Trash should NEVER be left outside your front door as it attracts critters and pests to the buildings. When you’re ready to remove trash from your home, please take it to and place inside the appropriate receptacle. Placing unwanted furniture or other bulky items in the enclosure in hopes that someone else may want it is NOT ok.
Pets must be on leash and the leash must be held by someone able to control the pet when you are outside your home. Cleaning up is not only a responsible thing for pet owner to do, it is in the HOA rules and a County ordinance as well.
Patios and balconies:
1. Only furniture designed for outdoor use is permitted. Items such as coolers, folding “camping or beach style” chairs, tables designed for indoor use, etc. should be promptly moved inside when you’re no longer on your patio or balcony.
2. Storage of any kind is not permitted—mops and/or brooms, bicycles, fishing poles, empty planters to name just a few.
3. Pets cannot be left outside when you’re not home to monitor them and at NO TIME are pets allowed to use the patio area for their “restroom”.
4. Smoking is NOT permitted on patios or balconies.
5. Please do not hang anything on your patio or balcony (including railings) to dry!
6. If you have an umbrella on your patio, please remember to put it down or store it out of view when it’s not in use
7. Mops and brooms should never be left on the patio or balcony.
Flushable wipes are not flushable. If you use them, please do not flush them because even if they don’t clog your plumbing, it can and will cause and issue for your neighbors
BEFORE you start any renovations in your unit, please contact the office for guidance on what requires approval. Work that requires a permit and does not have approval will be reported to Code Compliance.
Video doorbell products are quite popular. You can mount them on your screen or front door but they cannot be installed on the stucco.
If you live in a two bedroom unit, it may be a good idea to check the door on the top floor from time to time Make sure it’s clean and the hardware is functioning. Because it’s a way for you to get out in the event of a fire, it’s important they work properly.
If it’s been a while since you cleaned your dryer vent line, please consider doing so. This is one of the most common factors for fires.
Considering cleaning your balcony? Please sweep and mop the area rather than dumping buckets of water on it. The neighbors below you will certainly appreciate not having dirty water invade their patio or bedroom window.
In most cases, it’s owner responsibility to complete minor plumbing repairs. If you have a clogged sink or toilet, your first call should be to a plumber. If they’re not able to rectify the situation, please call management. If your need to replace a fixture that would require shutting off the main, it will affect your neighbors. Please make sure you notify everyone directly next to/above/below you at least 24 hours in advance for non-emergency repairs!
A note from the Community Manager
Has this year flown by for you too??? Although I’m incredibly excited for the community the carport project has started, I realize it’s going to come with quite a few challenges. Please be patient through this process and know we will work hard with the contractor and the city to get this project completed as quickly as we can. It’s imperative that you use the temp permit and park on one of the designated areas the City is allowing us to use for free. 2024 promises to be a busy year with quite a few upcoming projects-balcony and walkway inspections and repairs, painting the buildings, resurfacing the west pool just to name a few.
Whether we’re able to complete them all is another matter but it is a goal. I’d really like to see and be a part of developing a sense of community by hosting more community sponsored events for all ages of our residents. Ideas are certainly welcome but we also need volunteers to coordinate and assist with events. If you’re interested, please reach out either by phone or email. As we go in to the holiday season, I’d like you to know how happy I am to be a part of the Surfside family and want to thank each of you who’ve taken the time to share kind words, thoughtful gifts and even those who’ve challenged me to become a better manager. I am truly grateful.
Regards, Dawn
“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie