Help Wanted!!!

Due to my over demanding work schedule, and constant business trips I'm looking for some blog authors. I've already sent author invites to residents who are our committee leaders.

A blog author is simply someone who can start a post on this site. I just don't have enough free time as I'd like to devote toward the blog. I'm not stepping down from the blog, you'll see my post here and there but I feel that the Committee leaders can give you the best info about their meetings and intentions.

If you're knowledgeable of things going on in our community and would like to contribute to the blog please email me cyrusthevirus12@gmail.com and let me know who you are, where you live, and what you feel you can contribute to the blog.

I thank everyone for their participation and dedication to reading the blog to this point. I know that it can only get better from here. Please give the new authors the same amount of attention as you did toward me.

New Authors you are free and clear to start posting from here on out. If you have any trouble posting email me and I'll get back to you ASAP.

WARNING,THE BITCH SESSION!!!

WOW!!! LET ME JUST START BY SAYING NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RE-CAPTURE THE EMOTION FROM WED NIGHTS MEETING!!! FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED, WHAT A MAY LAY THAT WAS, FOR THOSE WHO MISSED IT, IT WAS A GOOD ONE!!!

As I approached the clubhouse I saw a significant amount of people ready to enter the meeting, plenty of new faces I might add, as we walked into the clubhouse we were told that there would not be a meeting because we did not have a significant number of board members present. I was a little bit bothered, because I was missing the Laker game until Charity said that she would be taking Comments and Complaints individually and then we'd go home. The funny thing is that she said it like there weren't many complaints and we'd be out of there in a jiffy. Boy was she wrong, and I'm not sure she knew exactly what she was in for. She also informed everyone that Adriana was resigning as Chairman of the Social Committee and that she'd be looking for someone to fill her spot. She then decided to turn things over to us, but before any homeowners could start speaking, Sarah stepped in and said that since we have all of the committee Chairman present, we should at least hear from them.

First up was Joe from the Safety Committee. Joe told us that the cameras were on track to be completed next week and that we would probably hear people on our roofs during the day. He also mentioned that he brought in an ex-car thief to our community and had him do an assessment about our current vandalism situation. I was little surprised by this, and wondered how he was able to pull that one off, but I didn't bother asking questions as he seemed really into what he was saying. Joe told us that the ex-thief gave him some useful advice that he wants to relay to the community but needs some time to prepare it. (Joe, feel free to post it here or e-mail me.) Before he finished with his update Sarah brought up the idea of gating off the community and said that she and Joe would further explore the possibility of gates. Joe asked if anyone would like to step up and join the Safety Committee and one female resident proudly raised her hand and said that she would join the committee.

The female resident, whom I wasn't able to catch her name, began telling us that she was the one who had been the victim of the two home break-ins, here at the Monterey Villas. She highly backed the idea of the safety committee and said she would be more than happy to join. On another note she commended the Santa Ana Police Department for their quick response and attention in her matter, something that has not been said about them pertaining to other matters.

(I'm picking this part up on Monday afternoon, I made sure to get away for the weekend, you didn't really think all I did was blog about this place did you? Now let me tell you that it has been awhile since the meeting so some of details are going to be a little rough in my mind, if anyone has anything to add please do so.)

Things seemed to be flowing well at this point but then things started getting a little heated up. Danielle, a younger female resident from S building, was in attendance and decided to call out Charity. At first it seemed that she had a complaint about the increase in HOA fees, and her landscaping but soon after it was apparent that her frustration went beyond that. She straight up called Charity a liar, and said that she did not have a interest in our community. Danielle went off on her for a couple minutes, but all Charity could do is roll her eyes, and Danielle called her on that too. She told her that she shouldn't talk to us like children and believe me I hate when she does that shit too. At one point in all of this I thought Charity was going to cry, I'm sure that people feel sorry for her but a lot of times its easy to see that she just can't handle us as part of her job.

Sarah tried to play peacemaker in their argument but Charity had some very interesting words to say. She said that she understands people don't like her, and that words have been said about her publicly;I think she was talking about the blog. She proceeded to say that we are free to look for new landscapers, and what surprised me the most is when she said "YOU'RE EVEN FREE TO LOOK FOR A NEW MANAGEMENT COMPANY." Now I'm not the smartest person out there but doesn't that sound like a plea to get her out of that hole she's dug for herself?

Eventually Sarah had Adam speak on behalf of the Architectural and Rules and Regs. Committee and he told us that the parking permits will not be taking effect until the middle of next month. He will also be available June 11 and I believe June 14th to distribute permits for those who have not already received them. (Adam Please Confirm this date and reiterate what you said about the windows for the two bedrooms. I walked out to get some air and couldn't hear what you said about this.

Once Adam finished, Sarah told everyone that association dues were increased to compensate for the poorly thought out budget which was mimicked this past year. At this point, an asian male resident entered the meeting and interrupted everything. I know he had good intentions but his failure to show up on time almost took us back to the minute we entered the clubhouse. We found out that it was his first meeting in two years and he wanted us to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner. He was quick to hear from another resident that this was not an official meeting but rather a "Bitch Session." This seemed to keep him quiet for awhile, and he apologized for the interruption. Sarah tried to wrap up what she had to say but was constantly interrupted by residents. 

There were comments flying left and right, it even got to the point when one of the converters got right in face of a resident. Good thing the pool table was in the way or these two would have went at it. 

I wasn't too mad that I was missed some of the Laker game since Joe was giving us the score frequently,  but I had to leave the meeting before it ended to at least catch the fourth quarter. I'm sure the hiatus continued  throughout the night but someone else could add on to what I missed. The alcohol I consumed this weekend probably didn't help the second half or this post but hey I needed it. 

WARNING!!! NO WATER!!!

THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FROM 9AM-3PM TOMORROW, MAY 13,

thanks to Footballrules for this one,

Alert!!! No Water. I have it on good authority that the water to the entire community will be turned off on Tuesday May 13, 2008 at 9:00 am for an emergency plumbing repair. The water is supposed to be off until 3:00pm.

I just got back from a business trip, more post to come later tonight.

Bubbles of Troubles

The following is from an e-mail which I received from a resident:

Cyrus,

First I want to thank you taking the time to keep this blog up!!! It is much appreciated. I wanted to share an issue with you. Below is a copy of the email that I sent to Charity tonight.

I was out at the pool this evening and disturbed to see bubbles foaming up past the hand rail in the hot tub. There were 4 children playing in the hot tub, 2 women sitting at a table watching them. I asked the little boy (about 6 yrs old) "Did you put the bubbles in the hot tub?" He said said he did with a big smile on his face. The mom then jumped up and said, "No, it was here before we got here." I had been at the pool for about 15 - 20 minutes when I noticed the bubbles. I had walked right by the hot tub when I entered the pool area and did not see any bubbles. I have to believe the little boy was telling the truth. To make matters worse they also had a small dog at the table in the pool area. I told them that dogs were not allowed at the pool. They proceeded to ask "were does it say that?" I told them that it is in their CC&R's. We really do need signs posted!

Can you please have the pool guy come out again to clean this up? I'm worried this may cause more issues with pump.

I also wanted to mention that the rules for dog owners are not in the current newsletter. We are experiencing constant problems with dog owners who are not following association rules in regards to animal care. Can this please added to the next months newsletter. This was requested 2 months ago at the association meeting.

I remember us being told by Charity that signs were on the way but like everything else she just forgets about it and it never gets done until its too late. Well here is another instance. No signs of the signs or Charity.

Association Meeting Tomorrow

Mark your schedule, our monthly meeting will be held tomorrow night 7pm in the clubhouse. I'm not entirely sure what is going to be discussed being that the agenda for the meeting still has not been posted.

From what I can recall from the last meeting and from some e-mails this is what I think will be talked about:

• Finances, aka our new budget
• Parking Permits
• Security Cameras
• Lighting
• Cinco de Mayo Party
• ...and I believe a representative from Coin Mach is to be in attendance.

I know its not just me but don't you really feel that Beacon Property is leaving us all uninformed? From what I can recall Charity mentioned to us that there are new laws requiring that meeting agendas be posted prior to our monthly meetings, I know we get our newsletters every month with our statement but really that just recaps what went on at the last meeting.

I think I'm going to spend some time researching HOA laws because shit here is really starting to stink and I think I have an idea of where its coming from.

THE LITTER BOX

This is in reference to a recent comment on a post entitled Here's a Long Shot:

Anonymous said...

Regarding the two tennis courts, one of the reasons I bought here is because of the 2 tennis courts. I have been playing tennis for 20 years and still loving it. I disagree putting a basket ball court next to a tennis court since tennis requires quietness for concentration. Besides. the two tennis courts looks really nice the way it is architecturally and they have been resurfaced recently by the builder. Other communities in Irvine have more than 2 tennis courts and they get used all the times. I play on these two courts 3 times a week. The tennis courts need some maintenances like trimming the trees away from the courts so the leaves wont fall on the courts. We need 4 chairs/ one trash can, one squeegee, a broom, a water fountain and a net trap.

I guess I never thought about it needing to be quiet to play tennis but I see your concerns. My general thought behind it was that it would be nice to have an extra amenity on our facility and one that would be used. I was pleased to see that some homeowners gave this idea voice at one of the recent meetings. Like a lot of post I write it was a mere suggestion.

Well maybe an alternative can be derived from this. What if we converted the volleyball court from a "Giant Litter Box" to a basketball court. I don't think we'd be able to fit a full court in its place but a nice half-court would be great. Has anyone every seen or used the volleyball court? How would you feel about this conversion? Those who live near the volleyball court, is this a thumbs up or thumbs down idea?

Brighter is Better

In a collective effort this week the Architectural, Landscape, and Safety Committees met with our light vendor to do a night walk of our community. They were hoping to address our current lighting situation, and in a lot of places the lack of lighting. The committees  were able to point out non-functioning light while also suggesting where new lighting should be installed. 

The update I got didn't specifically point out where the new lights would be installed but it did say that the parking areas where the main focus and if we could have the parking stalls better lit if should drop the number of break-ins we encounter. Wait, there was a specific location in the update, the unit letters on the front of the buildings would be lit up. That would help when we have visitors stopping by, plus it would just look good.

Other lighting concerns discussed were replacing the broken light poles and fixing the electrical work which was the cause of most of our light issues.  Thank you to the committee members who take their personal time to make this a better place.

ROCKY, ROCKY, ROCKY...

In case you haven't noticed yet the rocks under the stairwells are currently being installed. I must say it was a very noisy install but what do you expect, they're ROCKS!!! They look good. Hopefully they finish up soon because those parking spots would really come in handy this weekend. I know I haven't been posting much lately but I've been a little busy at work. Look for things to pick up in the next couple weeks. I just got an update from the Landscape, Safety, and Social Committee's so I'll have something up later today or early tomorrow.

Here is a summary of what's ahead:

1. More Lighting
   
2. Clubhouse possible open to watch sporting events
   
3. Cinco de Mayo Party  

***NEW PARKING POLICY***

AS I POSTED IN MY MARCH MEETING RECAP, THE BOARD IS PROPOSING A NEW PARKING POLICY...AT THAT MEETING CHARITY SAID THAT SHE WOULD SEND OUT THE POLICY WITH THE NEWSLETTER. WELL IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND NO NEWSLETTER, I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN THE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE SO HERE IT IS FOR YOU.

PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR CONCERNS POST YOUR COMMENTS HERE, E-MAIL CHARITY, OR COME TO THE NEXT MEETING APRIL 16TH @ 7PM. THIS WILL BE A RATHER LONG POST BECAUSE THE CC&R CHANGES ARE INCLUDED. I'LL HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN POINTS.

Re: Association Parking Policy

Dear Homeowner:

As we all know, parking is limited and of great concern to many of our residents. With this in mind, the Board of Directors is proposing the following policy in an effort to address parking in the community. In accordance with Civil Code 1357.130, the Board of Directors shall provide written notice of a proposed rule change at least 30 days before making the rule change which must be made at a board meeting.

The reason for the rule change is to allow members who live and pay association dues to have equal access to the common area and reduce the amount of stored vehicles on site. If you have any questions or comments regarding this proposed policy, please submit them in writing to the board, e-mail management or come to the upcoming board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 P.M. in the clubhouse.

Please review the proposed rules in their entirety and we expect these rules to be in effect by April 19, 2008.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors

Monterey Villas HOA

P.S. Applications will be processed on site on April 19, 2008 & April 26, 2008 from 11:00am to 1:30pm near the club house. Upon approval of the application, parking permits may then be picked up.

Monterey Villas

Parking Rules and Regulations

In accordance with the Bylaws of the Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation, the Board of Directors has established policies to curb abuses of the rules and to safeguard the proper use of the parking lot and spaces for the benefit of Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation unit owners. These policies are provided here and can be amended at any time; any changes to the policies will be disseminated to the unit owners.

All unit owners shall observe and abide by all Monterey Villas Maintenance Corporation (Association) policies, as well as municipal parking and traffic law and regulations. Failure to observe and abide by these policies, laws, and regulations may result in vehicles being removed from the parking lot by an independent contractor at the unit owner’s risk and expense, for which the Association accepts no responsibility or liability.

I. General

A. The parking lot within Monterey Villas is for the exclusive use of Monterey Villas unit owners, visitors, and for those having business with the Association.

B. No open parking spaces are assigned (the only assigned spaces are the privately owned and covered carports).

C. Additional parking permits will be issued by the Rules and Regulations Committee on a case by case basis.

D. Fines may be imposed and parking privileges may be revoked as a result of consistent and/or repetitive infractions of the rules and covenants.

E. A unit owner who is a landlord may transfer the parking permit to the unit owner's tenant, and the tenant shall observe and abide by these policies.

II. Restricted Uses

A. Vehicles may park in any unrestricted uncovered space.

B. Restricted areas include but are not limited to: fire lanes, pedestrian access areas (striped areas), in front of trash bin enclosures and fire hydrant zones.

C. Vehicles must be in working condition. Vehicles in open spaces may not remain in one spot for more than 96 hours unless a written request is submitted in advance to the Board of Directors.

D. Only ordinary light maintenance on vehicles may be performed in the parking lot. (Such as cleaning interior or removing trash, changing a flat tire.)

E. Vehicles may never be driven or placed on curbs or grassy-garden areas.

F. Each unit owner (with two vehicles) who is current on dues and has no violations will be allowed to apply for a valid parking permit, only one parking permit per unit will be issued after the application has been reviewed, and the vehicle for which the permit will be used must have current registration. A valid parking permit is defined as one issued by the Monterey Villas rules and regulations committee to the individual unit owner, and one that contains a permit number that has not been voided.

(1) Parking permits will be issued only to unit owners who are current in condominium fees, late fees, and other financial obligations to the Association.

G. A unit owner who transfers a parking permit to a tenant must retrieve the permit from the tenant upon termination of the rent or lease.

H. Vehicles must display a valid parking permit when on the premises.

I. The parking permit must be displayed in the designated location, hanging from the rear view mirror or fixed to the top left driver’s side corner of the rear window. (Convertibles should display the permit in the top left driver’s side corner of the windshield or of course hanging from the rear view mirror as a hanging permit will be issued.

J. You may park your motorcycle, without a permit, in any of the marked motorcycle spaces. You may not park your motorcycle in any other parking lot space unless a motorcycle area has not been designated.

K. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of rule, regulation, or policy, upon receipt in writing from the Sheriff of Orange County, the Police Department of Santa Ana, the Fire Chief of Orange County, or their respective designees attesting that:

(a) a unit owner or tenant is an employee of that official's agency,

(b) a government vehicle has been assigned to the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant,

(c) such vehicle is to be operated exclusively by the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant in the execution of official duties, and

(d) such duties are in the furtherance of public safety, the Board of Directors may issue a parking permit for that vehicle upon approval of the aesthetics committee if the vehicle is not in violation of the association’s CC&R’s or Rules and regulations.

(2) A parking permit issued pursuant to paragraph (1), shall be affixed to vehicle in the above prescribed manner. The parking permit is transferable. If the Board of Directors finds that the parking permit has been illegally duplicated and affixed to multiple vehicles, the Board of Directors shall revoke the parking permit and cause the number to be voided. The Board of Directors shall not issue another parking permit for that unit owner or any other government vehicle assigned to the unit owner or the unit owner's tenant during the remainder of period during which the original parking permit would have been valid.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), in the event that the government vehicle to which the parking permit was issued is temporarily or permanently replaced during the period for which a parking permit is valid, the parking permit may be transferred after the official provides notice to the Board of Directors.

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not be construed to compel the Board of Directors to issue a parking permit. The decision to issue or revoke a parking permit is reserved exclusively to the Board of Directors and/or the Rules & Regulations Committee..

III. Enforcement

A. Failure to follow parking policies. Failure to abide by any Monterey Villas parking policies, rules and regulations may result in towing and/or the revocation of parking permits or privileges.

B. Counterfeit parking permits. Any duplication or facsimile of the original parking permit will be considered counterfeit, and the vehicle will be subject to towing and additional penalties. The parking permit will be confiscated and the number voided when the permit holder is found counterfeiting a parking permit. Revocation of the one allotted parking permit per unit means that the unit owner must pay $250.00 to get a new valid parking permit. In addition, the permit holder will lose the right to park in the Monterey Villas parking lot for 30 days, incrementing in 30-day periods per incident (e.g., 30 days for the first incident, 60 days for the second, and so forth).

C. Financial delinquency. If a unit owner is more than ninety (90) days delinquent in meeting financial obligations to the Association, regardless of the amount, the Board of Directors shall provide the unit owner with notice and grant the unit owner an opportunity to be heard. The unit owner may respond by appearing in person before the Board of Directors at such time and place as provided in the notice or replying in writing by the date as provided in the notice. Failure to respond shall constitute waiver of all privileges, and the Board, shall revoke the parking permit and void the permit number, and the vehicle shall be subject to towing. A new valid parking permit may be issued if, at the time such permit is issued, the amount necessary to bring the account current has been paid and recorded on the books of the management company. Revocation of the parking permit shall result in the unit owner paying $250.00 to get a new valid parking permit.

D. Towing. Towing of the vehicle will be carried out by an independent contractor. The Association accepts no responsibility or liability for the actions of the independent contractor.

IV. Voiding and Replacement of Permits

A. A parking permit can be exchanged without charge for a new parking permit if it becomes damaged.

B. Parking Permit numbers are voided when—

(1) The unit owner sells the unit.

(2) A parking permit is exchanged.

(3) A new parking permit is issued.

(4) The unit owner is 90 or more than ninety (90) days delinquent as described in III.C.

(5) A parking permit holder is found to have counterfeited a parking permit.

C. The replacement cost for a permit is $100, regardless of reason. (Free if damaged)

D. The Board of Directors will consider appeals upon submission of a written request.