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Page !1November 2014 Issue
A Word From the President
Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association Post Office Box 449 San Ramon, CA 94583
Bollinger Hills Neighborhood Newsletter
Volume 2014 ~ Issue 4 ~ November
By Victor Petersen BHHOA President
Attention All Homeowners:
We hope you are enjoying the convenience of reading the Newletter IN COLOR from you Computer, Laptop, Amart Phone, Tablet, iPhone or whatever ... ANYWHERE!
Don't forget - You can also check out all Newsletters (past & present) on the HOA Website
www.bollingerhills.org
Add our website to your Favorites List for quick access!
We'd like to give thanks to everyone who cooperated with this exciting change by providing their email addresses to the HOA. Please remember to contact us should you have a change in your e-mail address.
To receive future issues & special announcements, send your name & e-mail address to : [email protected]
Greetings Everyone, "Summer may technically be over, but the weather didn’t get the memo. Once I realized the forecast weather was going to be summer hot into October, I decided it was best to leave the pool open to the end of October, pool usage has indicted that was the right decision. "As we head into fall, it’s time to tackle some fall projects around the house. Make sure to clean your gutters and cover-up any outdoor fixtures (BBQ?) that may need rain protection. Also, please make sure to adjust your sprinklers to winter (off) settings to help conserve water. "As we head into December, I hope to see many houses decorated with lights for the holiday season. As usual, we will hold the "
See PRESIDENT, Page 2 for moreNovember 19, 2014
7:30 PM "Bollinger Hills Cabana "Board Meetings are held at
7:30 PM on the 3rd Wed. each month
(check www.bollingerhills.org for any date changes) "All Homeowners
Welcome!
IF YOU NEEDTO: "• Look up HOA info. • Check out latest news. "
GO TO: "www.bollingerhills.org
www.facebook.com/BHHOA "Stay connected with your
neighborhood
Next Board Meeting
Bollinger Hills Annual Holiday Lights Contest "
Judging: Friday, Dec. 19th 7:30pm Rain or Shine "
Winners will be announced in the next Newsletter. Prizes will be awarded to the most impressive display.
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Message …………… 1 & 2"
Opt Out of Paper Statements ….. 2 & 5"
Real Estate Corner "
Spot Light Home ……………… 3"
Preparing for an Emergency .. 4"
Money Matters & Financials ……. 5"
Landscape Corner ………………. 6"
ARC Request ………….…………. 7 & 8"
Open Space Committee …………. 8"
Neighborhood Beat ……………… 9"
Neighborhood Bulletin Board …… 10"
Contact Us …………………………11
Page !2November 2014 Issue
Help us eliminate the need to send statements in envelopes with postage. " • We can e-mail everyone who wants to join in or you can just schedule the $240
payment for January 1 and July 1. • Even those who do not have a computer can join in. Just let us know that you will
send a $240 check or schedule a payment every January 1 and July 1. • The annual savings could be as much as $1,000 if everyone participates. • It is very “green". "We will not change your payment system without an email or a note in writing from you authorizing it. "If you have any questions contact: "Terry Cunningham [email protected]
PRESIDENT continued from page 1 "annual Bollinger Hills light judging on Friday, December 19. About 7:30pm, we’ll load the suburban with judges loaded with holiday cheer (except the driver), and in the end recognize those homes that we feel have gone the extra mile to make a special decoration. Please remember to have your lights on (even if no one is home), as the old saying goes. "As always, I offer all homeowners the ability to contact me directly at [email protected] with any questions. "Have a great Thanksgiving, and a wonderful holiday season! """"President Bollinger Hills HOA [email protected]
Still Time to GO PAPERLESS
"
Page !3November 2014 Issue
Bollinger Hills Real Estate Corner
By Mike Continillo, BHHOA Director Neighborhood Watch & Crime Prevention Committee Broker/Owner at Villa Properties [email protected] 925-519-0794
Bollinger Hills Spotlight HomeRecognizing homeowners who have done an exceptional job of maintaining their homes, which helps make Bollinger Hills one of the premier developments in the San Ramon Valley..
We are pleased to recognize Bryan and Trish Daylor for doing such an amazing job on their home at 156 Corral Circle. They have been Bollinger Hills residents for 20 years, and have made many improvements to their home in that time. This year it was time to work on the front yard. According to Trish it all started with a "sod job". They started looking into replacing the front lawn with new sod. One thing led to another, and they ended up renovating the entire front yard. The improvements include new landscaping, a new driveway, walkway, and stone accents on the front and entry. They also gave the exterior a fresh coat of paint. Trish's favorite part is their new wrought iron front door. We appreciate and acknowledge the effort that Bryan and Trish have made in maintaining their home.
If you would like to nominate a home to be recognized as our next "Spotlight Home" please email me at [email protected].
Page !4November 2014 Issue
Preparing for an EmergencyIn light of the recent earthquake centered in Napa I am sure we have all taken a moment to assess if we are prepared for an emergency or natural disaster. I know I did, and to be honest I am probably not as prepared as I should be.
It is important that we not only have the proper safety equipment and supplies in our homes but we should also have an idea of what actions we should take to help our families and our neighbors.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is comprised of individuals and families like you and I, who agree to help out when a disaster or emergency happens. When disaster strikes, law enforcement officials and emergency response teams may be overwhelmed. This is where our additional help as community members is often needed. CERT takes a positive and realistic approach to emergency preparedness where citizens learn to take independent actions that will likely save lives. For more information please visit the CERT page on the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District's website: http://www.firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/overview.asp
Coming up in December I will be teaming up with fellow Bollinger Hills resident, and CERT instructor Paul Turner for a brief training secession at the Cabana. Paul will provide us with a overview of how CERT works and what we can do to be more prepared.
We live in earthquake country. There is nothing we can do to stop an earthquake - but we can get prepared! Join with fellow community members at this free class geared to help you and your family prepare before an earthquake, survive during the quake and recover quickly after the disaster. You will learn hazard mitigation, utility control, the duck-cover-hold technique, as well as tips for creating emergency kits. Pre-registration for PEP is required and class size is limited to the first thirty participants each session. If you are interested in joining us please email me at: [email protected].
Are You Prepared?
Page !5November 2014 Issue
The above is a list of investments. Cash balances are invested in a money market accounts and CD’s at present. We can invest them in treasury bills and notes, money market funds and certificates of deposit as long as we do not incur capital risk. We maintain $236k in reserves for capital improvements and major repairs. We have another $260k in operating and planned spending funds. "Dues are due on the first day of each January and July. They are delinquent on the 30th of each of those months as stated in the COLLECTION POLICY. It is important that each homeowner pay his/her dues promptly to enable our Association to continue providing service at low cost and to avoid being charged fees for untimely payments. "We have some repair and improvement projects planned for the next one to five years. If you would like to know about these or be involved, please notify us at [email protected].
Remember LET’S GO PAPERLESS
Currently we have only 22 homeowners who wish to go paperless and not receive a statement for each billing cycle. They will receive an email to let them know the dues and when they are due. Their statement will be attached for their reference. "Just give us authorization in writing and we will no longer send statements. You only need to make sure you send us $240 each January 1 and July 1. Help us keep your dues low and be green at the same time. "You can send an email to [email protected] or send us a note by US Mail. You can drop that note in my mailbox at 309 Mare Lane.
By Terry Cunningham BHHOA Treasurer
"
Page !6November 2014 Issue
By Susan Friedman, BHHOA Landscape Chairman Owner of Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture [email protected]
Bollinger Hills Landscape Corner
Spring-cleaning is a time to refresh and renew. Fall cleanup is a time to put things away. It’s a time to prepare for shorter days, holidays and cooler stormy weather. Fall is the best time of year to clean up the outside of your home by removing unwanted landscape materials that can house rodents or puddles of mosquito larvae. Clean leaves out of your gutters and make sure drain pipes are not blocked with roots so rainwater can flow away from your house. Rake leaves and prune plants on your property and especially along public property easements to allow for safe movement in front of your home. Clear away your neighborhood storm drains from time to time as leaves and branches pile up – you will be doing your neighbors a great favor. Inspect your front sidewalk and contact the City of San Ramon if you notice large cracks or concrete upheaval. Check exterior light fixtures for working bulbs to allow for visibility during the darker times of the day/evening. Fall is also the best time to take care of tree pruning around your property when leaves are reduced, tree structure is more visible, and birds are not nesting. Also it’s best to remove weak and dead branches before they fall causing potential personal or property damage. Here are a few tips to consider when doing tree work around your property:
• Avoid tree topping; this common practice disfigures trees with large gaping tree wounds that are more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.
• Well-pruned trees are stronger and can withstand storms better than trees that have been topped.
• Trees that are topped lose their natural beauty, form, safety, and function along with their appraised value.
• Trees in a well-landscaped yard can increase the value of a house by 7 to 19 percent. That equates to and average value in Bollinger Hills of around $10,000 plus or minus.
• Trees not only increase the price of a home, but it also sells more quickly with healthy trees.
• Select the right tree for the right place or use in your yard. Be careful not to block your neighbor’s views or plant too close to sound walls, house foundation or other permanent features in or beyond your yard.
• Careful pruning within the first dozen years of a tree’s life can help eliminate the need for drastic pruning when the tree is mature.
When hiring someone to prune your trees, be sure they are licensed and insured. The last thing you want is an unlicensed laborer falling out of a tree on your property. No insurance will protect you on that. Hire a certified arborist who knows how and when to prune different tree species to insure healthy, structurally sound and beautiful trees. Take care of your trees and they will reward you with years of beauty and add value to your property. "" "
Fall ~ Time for Yard Cleanup
Page !7November 2014 Issue
The BHHOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) must approve any architectural or landscaping change that impacts the view of your property from the street. "The ARC is the review and approval point for modifications of structures and landscaping. The review process ensures that property values are maintained and the character of the neighborhood is preserved. At a time when many residents are upgrading their homes, it is especially important that architectural review controls be in place to preserve the high property values we all enjoy. "The best place to start is our website: www.bollingerhills.org/arc.htm Here you can find guidelines regarding selection of materials for your project. Selection of pre-approved materials and product types can substantially reduce the time needed for approval. You can also find the ARC Review Request form. "How to Obtain Architectural Approval: "To request architectural approval for your project, you will need to first complete the ARC Review Request form. "Include any plans, color schemes, roof types, and any other pertinent data. For simple requests, you can complete the form using your computer, save the file and then email it as an attachment. "If you use Outlook or another email program on your computer, you can take advantage of electronic submission. Complete the form and then click on the “Submit by E-mail” button embedded in the form. (This method will not work with web-based mail programs such as Yahoo or Gmail.) "Otherwise, Mail the form to: Bollinger Hills Homeowners Assoc., Attn: Architectural Committee, P.O. Box 449, San Ramon, CA 94583-0449 OR Fax the form and plans to: (925) 829-2110 "The Architectural Committee will review your plans. You will be advised if the plans are approved or not within 30 days of receipt of your request. We typically respond within one week, usually by email. Continued on Page 8
By Marv Miller Architectural Committee
Need to replace your roof? Paint your house? Landscape your front yard?
Page !8November 2014 Issue
The City of San Ramon has recently approved the establishment of an Open Space Advisory Committee. The Committee’s main purpose is to look for ways to permanently preserve and maintain open space within and around San Ramon. Seven members make up the Committee, including four residents at-large, the city planning Commissioner, Parks Commissioner and a non-governmental organizational member. They will begin meeting soon on a monthly basis. "This committee is an outgrowth of the Open Space Task Force that was established in 2011. The task force developed a complete listing of the open space properties contiguous to the city. Each property was given a priority ranking considering the following criteria: • Biological or ecological significance • Historical significance • Visual quality, including preservation of significant ridge lines, view sheds and
scenic vistas • Presents of waterways and riparian habitat • Recreational opportunities • Lands providing trail connections • Lands contiguous to existing open space "The new advisory committee will now begin their work finding opportunities and resources to secure funding for acquisition, permanent preservation and maintenance for selected properties. "If you have an opinion regarding properties you feel should be protected. Please contact John Youngblood, [email protected].
When You DON’T Need to Obtain Architectural Approval: "You don’t need to contact the ARC if you plan to remodel the interior of your home or if you are planning an exterior project that is not visible from the street. However, the city will sometimes require an approval document from the HOA for these types of projects. In that case, you will need to submit the ARC review request form and include an explanation. These types of requests will be expedited. "Installation of solar electric systems and solar heating systems do not require approval of the ARC. Installation of satellite dishes from Dish Network and DirecTV do not require approval.
By John Youngblood BHHOA Vice President
Open Space Committee
Page !9November 2014 Issue
Neighborhood Beat What’s Going on in Bollinger Hills?
Holiday Season Precautions: Keep your home & family safe this holiday season with these precautions: "
Always lock your house and car doors. Put indoor & outdoor lights on timers. Don’t leave packages/gifts visible in your car or home. Bring in delivered packages as soon as you can or have them left behind gates. Have someone pick up your mail & newspaper if you’re gone for an extended time. Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves. Do not use Christmas lights that are frayed or damaged. Make sure your Christmas tree stand is always filled with water. Keep the tree away from a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed. Do not hesitate to call SRPD (925) 973-2700, if you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood!!
Dates to Remember: November 10 & 11 ~ No school ~ Veterans Day November 19 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome November 24-28 ~ Thanksgiving Break December 17 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome December 19 ~ Holiday Lights Judging December 22 - January 2 ~ Winter Break January 19 ~ No school ~ Martin Luther King Holiday January 26 ~ No school ~ Staff Development Day January 21 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome
Bollinger Hills Resident Amenities Hours: "
Pool is Closed: Pool will reopen in the spring. Tennis Courts: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). Accessible by Bollinger Hills resident key. Park & Playground: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). No reservation required. Cabana: The cabana is open for the winter. Hours are variable, closes at 10:00 pm. Available daily by reservation only. For complete details, contact the Cabana Manager at 925-556-0747 or visit the HOA website at www.bollingerhills.org.
Page !10November 2014 Issue
Do you have a service or event that you would like to advertise? Place an advertisement in the Bollinger Hills Newsletter. "Newsletter: Website: Available Discounts: Ad size: Ad size: *Place an ad in both the Newsletter & on the BHHOA Business card $25 Half Banner (234x 60 pixel) $50 website & receive $10 off EACH ad. 1/4 page $35 Full Banner (468 x 60 pixel) $75 *Prepay Ad(s) for 1 year & receive 25% discount. 1/3 page $55 * Ads run FREE for Kid’s Businesses under age 18 1/2 page $70 (baby sitting, pet sitting, dog walking, tutoring, lawn mowing, etc.) Full page $110 Parental consent required. Minor’s personal cell phone number cannot be placed in the ad, must provide parent’s phone number. "(rates are price per quarter for one publication/color print) "For complete Details & Deadlines, visit our website at: www.bollingerhills.org To place an Ad, contact our Newsletter Editor, Christine Perezalonso at [email protected] "NOTE: The content in these advertisements are for informational purposes and does not constitute any recommendation by the HOA. Rates updated 09/2013
Newsletter & Website Ad Rates
Neighborhood Bulletin Board
Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association P.O. Box 449 San Ramon, CA 94583
Contact Us: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 449, San Ramon, CA 94583 Website Address: www.bollingerhills.org
Director, Officers, Committee Chairpersons:
President Treasurer Maintenance Victor Petersen Terry Cunningham Coordinator" " (925) 828-5664" (925) 355-1309" Patrick Teffs" [email protected] (925) 785-5661"" Vice President Recording Secretary Pool Committee John Youngblood Christine Perezalonso Victor Petersen" " (925) 830-1872" (408)807-9456 (925) 828-5664" [email protected] " [email protected]"" Director CC&R’s Traffic Committee Janet Miller Terry Cunningham" Victor Petersen" (925) 829-3410 (925) 875-9046 (925) 828-5664" [email protected] [email protected]"" Director Architecture Landscaping Jeff Kehr Marv Miller Committee" (925) 451-7829" " " (925) 415-0847 " " " Susan Friedman " [email protected] " " " " " " " (925) 806-0643"" Director Cabana Rental Pool/Park Keys Mike Continillo Mary Teffs Terry Cunningham" (925) 519-0794 (925) 556-0747" (925)355-1309" [email protected]" www.bollingerhills.org [email protected]" " Neighborhood Watch/ Newsletter Editor Crime Prevention" Christine Perezalonso" Committee (408) 807-9456" Mike Continillo " " " " " " " [email protected] " (925) 519-0794" [email protected]"" " "
November 2014 Issue Page !11