September 1998
This year's painting cycle has drawn to a close. The efforts of the Gold Coast crew have not only enhanced property values but given a fresh look, pleasing to those of us who live here and to those who visit. As well, a close look at the buildings being painted allows us to spot problem areas that need specific attention - such as broken tiles. Or wood trim that needs replacing.
Villa Monterey residents who take it upon themselves to remove existing common area landscaping in the vicinity of their homes are in violation of the landscape policy articulated in the Rules Manual All changes must have the prior approval of your Board of Directors. A permission form can be obtained by contacting the management company or by duplicating the sample in the manual. The cost of restoration of the common area will be born by the owner concerned.
A Villa Monterey garage has been/will be inspected by a city fire marshal for the presence of hazardous materials. It is a reminder to us all to look at what we have stored in our garages: oil-based paints, solvents, etc. Residents should give serious consideration to disposing of such items - not allowing them to remain for long periods of time., posing a potential fire hazard.
Please do not bring bikes into the pool yard, as they are an obvious trip hazard. There is a bicycle rack beside the entrance that has a chain. If you bring your own lock, you can secure your bike. As well, please note that dogs are not allowed in the pool area.
KEEP ASSESSMENTS DOWN! It costs literally thousands of dollars to secure the entrance to the pool with a customized gate and closing device. Please do not prop the gate open for your immediate convenience. Should an unauthorized individual -make his entrance without the use of a key and there be an accident, the Association may be held liable.
This was a project undertaken with safety as the initial consideration--the old wooden doors were accidents waiting to happen. But an important by-product has been an increase in the property values. An attractive new door was, in some measure, responsible for the recent sale of an E unit in one day for $199,000.00. just 6 months ago, an E unit in comparable condition sold for $164,060.00
To be sure, the bond between each animal and each man is as personal and as unique--as it is special. It is because of this curious circumstance that Freddie the pool cat was known by so many names. Whether it was Ginger, or Faith, or George, or Tigger, or Goldie, each different name, for each different person, represented a special, personal relationship with a tiny, defenseless, homeless friend and itself stands as testimony to the strong, unique and personal bond that links animal and man.
Whatever you chose to call him, Freddie always acknowledged your attention, much unlike most of the other members of his furry species. Freddie was a neighbor, but Freddie never asked for any favors, never wanted to borrow a tool, never needed a ride anywhere, and never asked for any lodging. It's because Freddie never seemed to really need anything. Freddie, it seemed, was not burdened by the roles and obligations that bind so many of his neighbors.
Freddie never really begged for any handouts either; he just showed up at your patio door, sitting quietly, calmly, with those innocent, penetrating eyes following your every movement, and his warm, hopeful anticipation pulling at your heartstrings.
Freddie came into Villa Monterey quietly and unobtrusively. His visit was unannounced and without fanfare or portfolio. No one knew his origins, no one knew his lineage, no one knew his breed, no one knew his past, and no one knew his rightful master, if indeed, he ever had one. And no one could, or would, take ownership because of individual circumstances.
And perhaps this was for the best, because claiming Freddie would have taken him from everyone else and would have taken him from forming his special bonds with so many other neighbors. Maybe it was just as well, because Freddie was a free spirit, beholden to no one, yet beholden to everyone who cared.
To me, Freddie was a friend and in his little way a great teacher. Not only did he come to remind us about ageless, special bond that grows between animal and man, but Freddie's short visit here also revealed the priceless quantities of kindness, tenderness, consideration, graciousness, generosity, and helpfulness that we showed to him as a neighbor, and the importance of these qualities as we might show them to all of our other neighbors.
Owners whose units have patio covers need to take a close look at their condition. We have found some that are badly deteriorated and need replacement of rotted wood.
We will notify those whose covers are unsafe or attached to common walls. Reasonable time will be given to owners to do the restoration needed. Those who do not comply may be asked to take down their covers.
Muriel Labadille from Lavalen Brie, France--a sixteen year-old exchange student--has spent the last month in Villa Monterey as a guest. Her hostess saw that Muriel wasn't any different from American teenagers. For instance, she fell in love with San Diego's beaches and her last night she wanted to spend in our pool. Her favorite foods were chocolate ice cream, as well as pancakes and bacon. In fact, her hostess sent a box of pancake mix home with her. Muriel is now back in the French countryside with her parents, a sister and brother, together with six dogs and two cats. No wonder she felt so at home in the HOA.
*** remains our "lost and found" lady. She'd welcome hearing from you if you found a set of car keys in the pool area on either the 8th or 9th of August. If so, please call her.
Sewing Machine Cabinet, contemporary white. Brand new, but has some internal shipping damage that a handy man can fix right up. Opening leaf raises up machine. Formica laminate work surface- Retail sale price: $350. Selling for $150. If interested, call K***.
© Copyright 1999 Villa Monterey HOA
Return to Newsletters Index