May 2023 Newsletter
Still getting paper statements & don’t want to?
If you used to get email statements with the past management company and you’re getting paper statements from Concord, that’s a good indication the Electronic Delivery form is not on file with them. The May newsletter will be the last communication that go to the entire community (aka general mailing) that I will be sending through Gmail. While it’s not mandatory that you receive documents or notices electronically it sure helps reduce costs of copies and postage.
The dream team
I want to thank Jose, Luis and Mika — the on site team — for all their efforts to make the community “sparkle”. Even small details can make a big difference and they’ve been working just as hard on those as they have the bigger projects. I’m sure you appreciate them as well. Please let them know. It makes such a positive impact on their day.
Lost & found
Did you realize you left something behind in one of the common areas of the community, go back to retrieve it only to find it gone? One of your neighbors or one of the team members may have brought it to the office in hopes the rightful owner would check with the office. If you’ve misplaced something pet related, please contact me.
Carports
The Carport Committee, together with three different contractors, did a site walk to review the scope of work, the challenges with the soil and water table conditions and current design. Each meeting was quite successful. We’re hoping to have the revised proposals based on those site visits very soon. this project to fruition. Thank you for being so patient!
Hang tag permits
Every vehicle that’s parking on property should have a hang tag permit displayed regardless of where or when it’s parked. No one will be “searching” the vehicle to look for a parking permit. Please make sure you place it on your rear view mirror and make sure the number is facing the windshield so it can be easily seen. If it doesn’t fit on the mounting bracket for the mirror, please feel free to be creative with strings or rubber bands but it must be properly displayed on the rear view mirror.
Annual termite inspection
Over the course of the few months Allguard Pest Control will be conducting an inspection and treatment of every unit at the community. It is most helpful to have the inspection done on the scheduled day. If for some reason you will not be home/available, I can provide access as long as you send me an email advising I can. Because I’m not always sure residents see the emails I send, please make it a point to respond as soon as you can whether you’ll be home/making an appointment or asking me to provide access once you receive notice of inspection.
Call Port Hueneme Police
Over the years, the residents of Surfside have approached the city to do something/anything about the drag racing, vagrancy and petty crimes (like tagging) that happen right in front of our community. We need your help to get this in front of City Council for another look. Part of the issue is the tire streaks between Ventura Road and Market aren’t enough proof. Nor does it help if someone calls and reports issues days after it happens. If you are witness to any of the above, please call the police as it’s happening. This will not only allow them more of an opportunity to catch the offenders but it will also be documented calls as further proof of the public safety issue this presents to Port Hueneme residents, visitors and vacationers.
Balcony inspections
As you may know, the Board of Directors approved California Balcony Inspections to conduct a more comprehensive inspection of the more than 240 balconies we have at the community. Last year, 58 were inspected. This year, any balconies in units 307-400 will be done. If you live in a townhome in this series of units and haven’t provided permission to enter or scheduled an appointment with CBI, please do so as soon as possible. The final stage of these comprehensive inspections will be done in early 2024 - well before the SB326 deadline of December 31, 2024.
Big box deliveries
Recently someone was having furniture delivered and the oversized truck providing the service smashed in to the corner of the carport neat the exit gate. Because it was just after 5 and the on site team was just leaving, we were able to obtain the drivers information as well as where he was delivering to. Because this is not a “new” situation and to avoid damage to the soon to come brand new carports, the Board will be meeting soon to discuss an emergency rules change which will limit the size of trucks entering the community and especially the difficult to maneuver areas of the double carports. In the meantime, if you expect a delivery and your unit is located in or around one of these double carport areas, please make sure you communicate there are carports at the community so they can plan properly for the size of the truck they can bring in.
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:
For obvious safety reasons, 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. Please follow marked traffic patterns. Yellow arrows are painted on the roundabout parking for a reason. Please make sure you adhere to them even if it adds 3-5 seconds to your ability to park and/or leave. Because we take safety very seriously, all these WILL result in fines.
Hang tag permits are now 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.
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. During a recent walk through, some of the knobs and deadbolts appeared rusted shut. Because it’s a way for you to get out in the event of a fire, it’s important they work properly.
In most cases, it’s owner responsibility to complete minor plumbing repairs. If your shutoff under the fixture is not working properly and you need to shut 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!
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
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 IS PROHIBITED IN THE ENTIRE AREA
4. Tampering with safety equipment-emergency shut off for the spa, life rings or hooks-is also prohibited. If you bring “music” to the pool, remember you need personal listening devices.
5. Only four guest per household is allowed.
Please don’t put the Board in the position that they are forced to revoke your privilege to use the pool/spa.
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 over the patio or balcony railing 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.
Hose bibs in common area are not for use by residents. Most of the planters have been changed to a drip system which means less water waste because it’s being delivered directly to the plant. If the area around your home appears dry, please contact us so we can have the landscapers take a look at the irrigation.
Speaking of planters, please do not leave any personal items (potted plants, décor, hoses, etc.) in the planted areas outside your home. Planting or removing plants in common area is prohibited. If it needs attention, reach out to me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A note from the Community Manager
Wow has May been busy already or what? One building had the third floor walkway railings replaced and another just started.
Yet another building had the second floor walkway waterproofing replaced. Both pools and spas received a water refresh and next week, we’ll be starting the next round of balcony inspections. Much to do but appreciate being busy. In the midst of all this, we’re working diligently with the carport contractors for final and best pricing so some decisions can be made to move this project forward.
While I dreaded this milestone of entering a new decade this weekend, I was really looking forward to being surrounded by big beautiful trees. I learned that my husband who gets so excited during the holidays that he gives out gifts weeks before is a good keeper of secrets. When we arrived in Arrowhead, our darling grandson who we haven't seen for over a year (oh, and his parents) came from Georgia - shocked surprised elated in 3.5 seconds. My other son who once went to culinary school but now runs 10 ships off our coast cooked all my favorite meals. The youngest was “out in the field” doing military maneuvers got special permission from his CO to Facetime me on my day. A long weekend full of love and laughter. 60 isn’t so bad after all.
Warm Regards, Dawn