April 2024 Newsletter
HAVE A RING? CAMERA THAT IS....
Sad to say we’ve already had THREE incidents of corners being hit by oversized vans on the brand new carports. We understand accidents happen however, for those who fail to take responsibility, all owners pay the price. Although the HOA has cameras throughout the community, until we complete relocation and upgrades, the angle may not be quite right to be able to identify the vehicle license plate and/or driver. If you have a Ring or similar product on your front door and you’re willing to help when an incident occurs, please contact the office. Your name and address will remain anonymous. Soon you will see signs posted on each of the double space structures noting no vehicles over 7’6’ tall are prohibited in the area-even if you live here.
OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
As an owner, you are responsible to make sure anyone using your condo abide by the HOA rules whether it’s a weekend guest or family member or a tenant. Handbooks are readily available in multiple locations-the owner website, the resident website, QR code signs posted at the mailboxes and the pool area. There’s even a summary of the most frequent infractions on the back of each newsletter.
CARPORT PROJECT COMPLETE!
All reserved spaces are available. United Carports will be returning next week for a final walk with the City as well as complete a punch list so we may need you to vacate the space while they do. I will contact you if that’s the case. Owners and residents have been sharing their appreciation for the “new” single space design, improved/ increased lighting and the new reserved parking space placards the on site team is in process of installing. The on site team at Surfside would like to thank those of you who cooperated every step of the way. The words of encouragement and kindness offered during the challenges are appreciated! You know who you are!
INTERIOR PLUMBING LINE PROECT
The pilot units for the two front bedrooms of the downstairs units that service the half bath of the unit above were a huge success. We found several pipes had cracks so it was literally a matter of time before they failed. Doing this project proactively is literally a third of the cost to the HOA and a gallon of paint to the owners. We’re hoping this success continues until we are able to complete this project with all 67 ground floor units. In the mean time, If you own or live in a ground floor unit, please check both corners on both sides (door and window side) on the shared wall between the front bedrooms. If you see or feel any signs of moisture, please contact us right away.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
In order to save the Association thousands of dollars to hire a third party company to conduct ballot counting at our Annual Membership meeting and Election of Officers, each year we’ve polled members of the community asking for volunteers. THANK YOU! to Don and Lynn Buck, Shannon Beagin and Jesse Zapata for doing so in the past. While Jesse has agreed to volunteer again for the upcoming elections, the Bucks and Beagins have other commitments and will not be able to this year, so we need two more volunteers. Even though the Annual Meeting isn’t scheduled until October, Civil Code requires the first of six mailings be sent at least four months prior to the meeting date. If you’re interested in doing your part to help the Association save money on Election requirements, please contact Dawn at the office for more details.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY AND WHO TO CALL
Management is on call 24 hours for emergencies however lately we’ve received a number of calls that either are not an HOA issue OR not an emergency. If you’re a tenant, your first call should be to the owner or the owners agent.
If a single plumbing fixture (toilet, tub or sink) is clogged, contact a plumber. Oceanview Plumbing (805-485-5678) is the preferred vendor for Surfside but you’re welcome to use any company you choose.
If you lock yourself out during office hours, we’ll be happy to let you borrow the key we have on file however we do not provide that service once the office closes. Several owners/residents say Miranda Locksmith (805-420-2525) is very reasonable.
For disturbances (common areas or units) or trespassing, please call Archon (800-274-5717).
For solicitors, dumpster divers, suspicious people or activities, call the non emergency police number 805-986-6530.
If someone is parked in your reserved space without your authorization, call Tom’s Towing (805-647-0733).
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
The on site team is probably just as excited (if not more so) the carport project is complete. Every reserved space is now available for parking. If you have feedback you’d like to share-good or not-please let me know.
We’ve started the next 2024 project of drain line replacements and will be systematically working through a majority of the downstairs units this year if everything continues as planned. We’re simultaneously in process of getting proposals for much need camera system upgrades and the final balcony inspections were completed in March so be on the lookout for the reports for your unit soon.
Proud parent moments: Grandbaby number two is due in less than a week. My husband and I have plotted to take our son and daughter in law on a very long walk this weekend in hopes we can encourage baby Mason to make his debut. If I’m missing for a day or two, we succeeded :) Our son who is in the Marine Corps will be retiring some time this summer. Dates are still pending and of course the office will be closed while we attend the ceremony. Last but certainly not least, our Army son just completed his final course to obtain a promotion to Staff Sergeant. Beyond blessed!
Regards, Dawn