November 2000

Fences are Coming

Many of us are well aware that our patio fences are reaching the end of their useful fives. A survey was made of all fences in the Association. A list of fences that need to be replaced has been made. The board anticipates starting to replace these next year. It would be a waste of funds and good wood to replace fences that are sound but water stained. With increased energy cost on the horizon every effort is being made to spend wisely. A length of fence on Lemonwood was painted to determine is painting the fences will come to grips with the stained wood. The experiment was successful. It looks great given the cost of replacement. Please drive by and look. In order to upgrade the ambiance of the Association and have the new stained but sound fences match; all fences will be painted. This will accomplish two things.
 (1) It will present a common look throughout the Association.
 (2) Painting will help the fences last longer. This will save funds of other needed work. We will publish more information as the project gets closer.

Running Wild

The Board has received several recent complaints concerning dogs which have been reported running loose in the neighborhood. This constitutes a violation of our Association rules and regulations and of the San Diego Count3r Department of Control regulations. The Board most concern about the potential of dogs 'At Large" in the community and the serious threat of attacks to residents. Please, do NOT try to approach dogs 'At, Large'. Instead, you should contact Animal Control at (619) 236-4250. As well, a report should be made to Curtis Management during normal hours of 8:30AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday at (858) 587-9844. Your cooperation is most appreciated.

Its all about choices...

(Submitted by a resident of a sister association)

When we moved, to California from the east coast, it was our, choice. When we settled in San Diego, it was our choice. , When we purchased a home hi an Association after reading all the governing documents, it was again our choice.

We knew California had a higher sales tax and also a privilege tax on our vehicle. Again, it was our choice. We all made choices at one time or another, some good and some bad, but they were our choices, and we learned by them.

In California we have State Statues. In San Diego we have local ordinances, and living in an Association you have governing documents, and they all have to be enforced by those elected by the people to govern. And those who wish to appeal there is an appeals process. You have a choice.

To those who complain about Associations being too restrictive, they made a bad choice, but the choice was theirs, and, only :theirs. Also, I am sure there is a Realtorwilling to sell their property. Again, it is their choice, and good luck on their next choice. They will need it. Again, it is all about choices.

Rafter Storage

The garages at the end of each building have pitched roofs. inside these garages, the walls are supported by 2x4 boards strung as "rafters" which connect opposite walls (front and back).-Above these rafters is a big inviting space which many residents 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 2x4 rafters inside will pull in the walls, potentially causing serious damage, namely 'deflection" or sagging to the roof outside.

Pressure Regulators

A few residents in Villa Monterey are not aware of a simple, yet important mechanical device that keeps their homes from filling up with water form interior broken water pipes and fittings. The water pressure regulator, often times buried in a small concrete silo in the ground, is a simple mechanical device installed in the water line between the main water line buried in the street and the water pipes which transport fresh water into and within the home. When they are functional, water pressure, regulators work to lower the pressure in the main (usually about 120 lbs./sq. in. to about 50-60 lbs./sq. in which is the desired, approximate pressure of water in the pipes inside your home. The pipes in your home are mostly PVC (white plastic) and the connections (also PVC) are "glued" together. Neither are engineered to endure high pressures for long periods of time.

If the water pressure regulator for your residence fails to work, the pressure in the plastic pipes increases to the same pressure in the main line, a highly undesirable situation. Because when that happens, the pipes may contain double the pressure they were designed to withstand. The result, the pipes burst, or the connection split, break and rapid flooding can result.

How to avoid the flood calamity: Use a pressure gauge regularly to measure the water pressure of your internal pipes.

It's a simple process. Pressure gauges are available in hardware stores, cost is under $10. Like a garden hose, gauges have a threaded, end which screws onto any threaded faucet; for example, 'in your laundry room or on your patio. Next, once screwed tight, turn on the spigot and watch the reading on the gauge. If the reading is above 70 lbs./sq. in., start to be concerned; if the reading is above 100lbs./sq. in. call your plumber.