May 2004
Patty Werdowatz and Scott Linek were each reelected to a new term of office at the April 14th Annual Meeting. The Board appointed Charles Kachadoorian to the Board of Directors to fill the position vacated by Ed Abeyta's departure from the community. Charles retired from the Air Force as a master sergeant after serving 26 years. He and his wife, Rosemarie, have lived in Villa Monterey for 24 years. Charles has a degree in park and recreation management and hopes to put to some of his knowledge to use as the Landscape Committee Liaison.
The Multiple Listing Service lists the following information in Villa Monterey (HOA and COA properties are included):
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New carpeting has recently been installed in the clubhouse. Another upgrade is a new energy saving control system for the heating/air conditioning system. A knob on each of the units allows the user to set a desired time of up to two hours (additional time can be added) to keep the temperature between 68 and 72 degrees. There is now no need to turn off the system when leaving since it will automatically shut itself off.
The original homeowners in Villa Monterey were given banners with stylized lettering that said "Villa Monterey". One of the 3' by 5' rayon banners owned by George and Joan Popyack is now on display in the clubhouse.
You may have noticed that Paradise Roofing is walking our roofs. They are blowing off the leaves as well as checking for and replacing broken tiles. They will also reseal all vent pipes and openings as needed. Homeowners/renters, please refrain from walking on your roof. The tiles were not designed to withhold your weight and will break when walked on. Replacing broken tiles is expensive.
"I wish to thank all of my neighborhood friends, who were thoughtful in sending me get well cards and those for their get well wishes.
I appreciated your concern about my welfare. It certainly helped for a rapid recovery.
I sincerely thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Lee Shedroff"
The Coyote is a member of the dog family. In size and shape the Coyote is like a medium-sized Collie dog, but its tail is round and bushy and is carried straight out below the level of its back.
Tail
The Coyote's tail is used in threat displays. It becomes bush and is held horizontally when the Coyote displays aggression.
Ears
The Coyote's hearing is very acute and is used for detecting prey and avoiding danger. Movement and position of the ears is used to communicate mood and rank.
Nose
The Coyote's sense of smell is highly developed and is used to detect prey and carrion. It is also used to detect the scent left by other Coyotes as territorial markers.
Feet
The Coyote has 5 digits on the forefeet, including the dewclaw (remnants 5th digit) and 4 digits on the hind feet. The Coyote is digitigrade meaning it walks with only its toes touching the ground.
Vocalization
The Coyote is one of the few wild animals whose vocalizations are commonly heard. At night Coyotes both howl (a high quavering cry) and emit a series of short, high-pitched yips. Howls are used to keep in touch with other coyotes in the area. Sometimes, when it is first heard, the listener may experience a tingling fear of primitive danger, but to the seasoned outdoorsman, the howl of the Coyote is truly a song of the West.
As humans expand their living areas and coyotes expand their range as well, contact is inevitable. Most of the time, coyotes go out of their way to avoid humans, but they are discovering that humans are a good source for food. Resourceful and adaptable as coyotes are, they will take advantage of this when they can. In urban areas and in some National Parks the Coyotes are changing their behavior.
The most serious problem is that the animals may become habituated to people. As they lose their fear of people, they will become bolder in approaching people and may put themselves in hazardous situations they would normally avoid.
Coyotes, if fed regularly by people, will come to depend on people for their food. They won't starve if you stop feeding them, but they will be hungry and unafraid of people. They can get very aggressive in approaching other people. Some of the national parks now have coyotes that are begging for food. The most danger is in urban areas where young coyotes have learned to steal and beg for food. If they can't find food, then the small animals in the neighborhood will become their targets to solve their need for food. Children will also be at risk of being bitten.
Coyotes are not your average dog -- they are not to be messed with. They are smart, and they learn quickly. They can be dangerous, and when it comes to urban coyotes, steps should be taken to avoid encouraging them to visit your neighborhood. That means close garbage can lids tightly, do not leave pet food outside and do not leave small pets outside unaccompanied.
Coyotes love nothing better than cats and frequently take small dogs. Inform neighbors of your sighting and encourage them to take steps to NOT attract the clever little varmints. Remember: make sure that no pet food is ever left outdoors.
If a wild coyote bites you, report the injury to a hospital, which will notify the state department of health. You will have to get a series of rabies shots, which are expensive and painful.
Source: Coyotes wildlife information - DesertUSA
© Copyright 2004 Villa Monterey HOA
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