January 2024 Newsletter
FLOODING UPDATE
2024 started off with a bang when a water line for one building was hit during digging of the footings. After the city made repairs, the relatively small issue became much bigger because the valve on the city main failed. The City team was on site for more than 24 hours but was finally able to complete the repairs needed. If you don’t live in your unit full time and were not here for this “fun” event, please be sure to turn on all the water fixtures and flush your toilets to remove any sediment that may have entered the lines. You may also want to consider removing and cleaning any aerators on faucets and flow restrictors on shower heads. Moving forward, we’ve stepped up the precautionary measures to prevent this from happening again.
Photos courtesy of Dawn Cooper.
CHECK YOUR PATIO/BALCONY OUTLETS
If you have an older outlet on your patio or balcony, please consider replacing it with a GFCI outlet. Even though they have covers, if the cover is left ajar or open, it could cause a short and lead to a fire. During the deluge of rain we received right before Christmas, a resident contacted us because he lost power to balcony lights first but then heard a poof and saw a plume of smoke. Sure enough, the outlet had shorted. Had he not been working from home, this could have been a far bigger threat not only to the unit he lives in but the building as well.
CARPORT PROJECT
As everyone knows, Phase 1 was delayed by the heavy rain event we had before the holidays. An updated map and schedule was distributed to the community showing the entire project is only delayed by a week. Phase 2 of the project started on January 8 and minus the issue with the city water line, is moving along nicely. Whether you live here part or full time OR you think you don’t need them, please make sure you pick up temporary passes to park on either side of the public Surfside Drive. The office received numerous after hours calls and emails from residents who were ill prepared for how much of an impact this project is making on available parking inside the community. Failure to obtain a temporary permit during office hours does not waive enforcement of any parking rules inside the community or on the public side Surfside Drive nor will it be addressed as an emergency.
MORE FIRST QUARTER 2024 PROJECTS
Integrated Fire will be on site to conduct the annual inspection of the fire station panels, pull stations and fire extinguishers the week of January 16 As part of this inspection process, they will need to test the audible alarm.
California Balcony Inspections will be conducting the final round of balcony inspections for units 201-307 from February 13 March 1 (second floor/ townhome units only). All inspections will be conducted via ladder so they will not need to access your home. More information/preparation instructions will be sent closer to their start date.
Once all the carports have been installed, cameras will be relocated and replaced as needed.
We will also be addressing some plumbing issues and will update once we have more information. Much to do in 2024 so we appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
DECORATING CONTEST WINNER
Thank you to everyone who showed their holiday spirit. The volunteer judge said it was such a treat to walk through the community and see how creative people were. While there were a ton of lovely patios and balconies, we’d like to congratulate Gabriel Najar who went above and beyond by decking out his front door too!! Hope you enjoy your gift card Gabriel and thanks again for your glowing holiday spirit!
HOLIDAY DECOR
Reminder if you have a tree to dispose of, please place it in the marked area by the exit gate no later than Monday, January 15th. More likely due to construction, the City failed to pick up trees so you still have a chance to dispose of free of charge The city is closed today and Monday, but we will be contacting them on Tuesday the 16th, for a final pickup. While we love the holiday spirit, please remove any decorations by the end of the month. Thanks to all who helped make it Merry!
UPDATE TO CLUBHOUSE RENTALS
After careful consideration, the Board of Directors will now allow alcohol at private functions only if the certificate of insurance provides coverage for the same. Serving alcohol without proper coverage will result in automatic forfeiture of the deposit and could result in suspension or revocation of the privilege to use the clubhouse in the future.
RENTAL UNITS
If you’re hired a company to manage the unit for you, please make sure they're providing all the necessary information a new tenant would need to make their move in process go as smoothly as possible. Remember, first impressions are lasting and it’s not up to the on site management team to act as the owners agent.
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
WELCOME 2024!
I had a wonderful holiday surrounded by family, friends and lots of giggles. Hope yours was filled with the same. Boy did I get a quick reminder on how much energy a 9 year old has. If only we could bottle it…
As mentioned on the front of the newsletter, we plan to have a very busy year this year with quite a few projects. I’m really excited for March when the carports will be completed as I’m sure you are too. The added bonus none of us were considering is lighting will also be restored to it’s former glory from five years ago.
I’m so incredibly proud of how hard the group of volunteers work for this community. It’s so easy to second guess hard decisions without a full understanding of what has or needs to happen.
Finally, thanks to each of you who shared tokens of thoughtfulness with the entire Surfside 1 team-holiday cards, gifts, goodies and even the visits to say happy holidays. We so appreciate YOU and the recognition
Regards,
Dawn