September 1999
In conversations with original owners in Villa Monterey, your editor was struck by the changes that have taken place over the years. Those who moved into their units in the winter of '73 or spring of '74 recall the mud that seemed to be everywhere, and, how difficult it was too get into and out of Tierrasanta.
For instance, Clairemont Mesa Blvd. was one-way going west, while access was via Tierrasanta Blvd. Accidents could tie traffic up literally for hours. And, there were no grocery stores, banks, or churches. Shopping for food stuff had to be done in Clairemont or Mission Gorge. Clearly, living took some doing.
To accommodate the new homeowners, early Association meetings were held in a hotel meeting room and then in a school auditorium. -The clubhouse was in place but it was not considered large enough to hold all those wishing to attend. Incidentally, this area was open many evenings for general use and the pool remained opened 24 hours a day. Abuse and vandalism caused the changes now in place.
Those who lived through the early days recall a sense of community that led to potluck dinners and Christmas parties sponsored by and open to all in the Association. They think back a bit wistfully to the VM monthly fees -- then only $28 and they call to mind that the homes on the canyon and on the clubhouse green belt cost an additional $1,500. They remember, too, that our most expensive unit-an E model on the canyon-cost $44,000 dollars.
Your editor would welcome hearing from early residents -- just what do you recall of our "pioneer" days? Will made a good copy for a future MESSAGE.
The garages at the end of each building have pitched roofs. Inside these garages, the walls are supported by 2 x 4 boards strung as "rafters" which connect opposite walls (front to back). Above these rafters is a big inviting space which many resident inappropriately use for storage. Although this space might look like a "bonus" attic, the rafters are not designed to bear weight and should not be used for storage. Excess weight on the 2 x 4 rafters inside will pull in the walls, potentially causing serious damage, namely "deflection" or sagging to the roof outside.
Tungjatjeta! Greetings! Freedom and independence are two of the founding principles on which our country was based. These principles became more real for me during the month of July since I was fortunate enough to host a family from Kosovo. Some of you are already aware of my guests as they frequented the pool and adjoining park area. I'd like to introduce you to the family who stayed with me and four of their older children who stayed with a host family in Scripps Ranch. Aziz, Shukrije, and their granddaughter Gentiana stayed with me. Nazmi (Gentiana's mother died after giving birth to her.)
They all arrived in San Diego on July 9 after two full two days of travel from their camp in Macedonia and none of them speak English. They came having only the clothing on their backs. Over the two weeks that they stayed with me, we learned of each other through sign language, through simple Albanian phrases I tried to master, and through the universal language of hugs, smiles, tears, and laughter. There were numerous opportunities to see how blessed we are in America and how gracious so many have been in sharing what they have to help this family begin a new life in our country.
Aziz and Shurrije have 10 children-4 are here in America, 3 are in Canada, 2 are in Kosovo, and 1 is in Macedonia. Aziz spent 10 years in Vienna making skis and snowboards to make more money to send home to his family. They had a farm with lots of animals--all were - destroyed by Serbs. They witnessed many atrocities and lived in fear for their lives before arriving at the camp in Macedonia.
This is a family of hard workers. They have all asked me to help them find jobs-even Gentiana, the 6-yearold. She decided she would paint instead of going to school, after the painters in our complex gave her a brush to paint the trim on my place. Nazmi used to work as a salesperson in a clothing store and also worked on the farm. His two sisters, Hianmije and Qibrije, used to work in the fields and they do an excellent job of cleaning house. Fahrije will be doing to school. Even with Aziz's diminutive size, he says he is still strong and willing to work.
They are learning English along with how to use the many convenient appliances we have. After showing them the dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and dryer, they raised their hands, smiled and said with a little laugh-"Ah,een Amerik!-Mire (It's good!)"
If any of you would like to help this family and the others that are here in San Diego, please give me a call. They are now in their own apartment. They can use clothes, household items, furniture, kitchen utensils, linens. If you want to donate money for purchasing items or help tutor them in English or supply transportation, it would be greatly appreciated. If any of you have leads on job opportunities, I would love to talk to you. I have gained so much from this experience and know it would be a wonderful opportunity to share with them the many blessings that we have. Thank you very much! Falemonderit!
Because we have so many older residents and younger children, bike riders on our walks are asked to not exceed speeds of 5 miles an hour.
Each month the Landscape Committee, including a representative from Weststar Landscape and the property manager from Curtis Management , walk through the complex to identify areas that need special attention. "That looks dry, it needs an additional sprinkler head. Remove that dead bush.. That area looks very wet." Anyone interested in joining the Landscape Committee on their monthly walk through? Please call Curtis Management at the office number listed on the opposite page.
Nia is a 4 month old Rottweiler owned by Alex and Tamar, who've recently bought a unit on Edge Park. When she arrived, Nia weighed all of 8 pounds; today she's over 30 pounds. Not surprisingly, Nia loves treats and her toys, especially an old plastic bottle. Toilet rolls will do when she can't find other favorites. Tamara assures this writer that she does cute things every day. But you can see for yourself if you take a walk down our pool greenbelt.
© Copyright 1999 Villa Monterey HOA
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