Month: November 2016

There are many good reasons for Owners to keep trees and bushes trimmed off of the buildings. First, with winter storms on the way, trees encroaching on the buildings can cause damage to the roofing tiles or siding. Damage caused by trees in the Owner’s yard becomes the Owner’s responsibility to pay for. The HOA is trimming the trees in the common areas.

The second reason to keep trees and bushes trimmed off buildings is that rodents and other pests can actually use them as a pathway to get on the roof, and potentially into the buildings.

Last but not least, the HOA is preparing to paint the buildings, so all trees and bushes must have enough space for the painter to get in there and paint. Tree branches should be trimmed 2 to 3 feet away from the buildings, and bushes should never be allowed to grow directly on the stucco or siding. If you have ever pulled a vine off a stucco wall, you know the scar that is left by the roots which dig into the walls. Thank you in advance for being proactive and getting the trimming done as soon as possible.

Smoking is prohibited in the HOA, including all common areas, including the pool and clubhouse, including within 25 feet of windows or doors, and including inside your home. Signs will be posted around the community as a reminder, so please respect the new law.

Enjoy the heated pool while you still can. Pool area remains open for cool pool swimmers.

There has been a sudden increase in reports that rodents are being seen in the community. This is believed to be caused in part by new construction nearby which disturbs their homes.

The Board is proactively addressing the issue in the community by repairing damaged vent screens to keep rodents out of our homes, so please notify Cityscape Property Management if you see a damaged screen. The Board is also maintaining pest control stations around the community to kill the rodents. The Board has approved the landscaping company to mow the ivy every spring to ensure they do not provide a home for rodents to hide in. Finally, the Board regularly approves trimming of the community trees to ensure there is adequate clearance from the buildings, and the next common area tree trimming is scheduled for the end of November.

To help Homeowners, the Board negotiated a discounted price with Marquee Pest Management, the HOA’s pest control company, to provide rodent traps in Owner’s units or their exclusive use common areas such as the fenced in yard or even under the home or in the attic. Marquee Pest Management 510-683-9520 has offered to set traps and do a total of 5 trips at $55 per trip for a total of $275. Since the traps are placed in the Owner’s unit or exclusive use common areas, the cost is paid by the Owner, but it is a better price than some folks have been getting. Owners may use any contractor of their choosing for pest control in their unit or exclusive use common area. Use of Marquee Pest Management is at the Owner’s discretion and is a contract between the Owner and Marquee Pest Management.

Some Owners have had success with Ultrasonic Repellents. Cravegreens Pest Control Ultrasonic Repellent is one of many such products on the internet. It has been seen on Amazon.com for as little as $18.99.