R O L L I N G H I L L S R I V I E R A

13 1

Rolling StonesServing the Communities of Rolling Hills Riviera and Palo De Encino since 1959

Crime ReportWhat has been happening in our direct area as well as Rancho Palos Verdes overallPage 2

Next MeetingDue to Valentinersquos Day the next meeting of your homeowners association will be held on Monday February 13 at 730 PM at the home of Adrianne Ferree 28311 Pontevedra Drive For more information call (310) 833-0444

Need a contractorWhat you should know before you hire someone for repairs or a full remodelPage 8

Pumping Station UpdateThought it would never get done Perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel againPage 10

Facebook - wersquore on it Log on to facebookcom and do a search for RHRHA ldquoLikerdquo us to stay up to date with events affecting our area

Prepare yourselfHopefully you will never be a crime victim Being prepared before something happens is a good idea just in case the unthinkable does Tips for protecting your home can be found onPage 4

Published Monthly January 2012

The

Presidentrsquos MessageBy Jeanne Lacombe

Irsquom really glad this monthrsquos newsletter is going out to all the residents in our neighborhood We are dedicating this issue to crime and safety Our safety as a neighborhood depends on neighbors working together

A couple of weeks ago a friend and long time RHRHA resident walked into her home after being away only 45 minutes to find a smashed patio door Quick thinking took over and the homeowner immediately left the home and called 911 from the street only to find out later the criminals were still inside

This story ends with the dirt bags escaping out the back We hate to contemplate the possibility of coming home to a surprised burglar Irsquom not trying to scare you I just want you to be aware that burglary has been increasing in our neighborhood and we should all take steps to protect ourselves In the face of crime ignorance isnrsquot bliss

Over the past few years RHRHA has developed a sizable email database of our membership If you are member of RHRHA and have been a victim of a crime call the Sheriff immediately then phone or email me (email and phone in the back) and with your permission I will immediately inform our membership

Perhaps someone in our neighborhood saw a car or suspicious activity earlier that day which can lead to an arrest Perhaps someone on another block encountered a similar incident and can add to vehicle and suspect descriptions

Donrsquot confront strangers who arrive at your door and donrsquot assume those door-to-door solicitors are who they say they are ndash many if not most are scams Post the official ldquoDo Not Disturbrdquo sign near your front door and call the Sheriff when anyone solicits If you need a sign just call me

If you suspect someone is casing the neighborhood be sure to tell that to the Sheriff because thatrsquos a higher priority report than a solicitor and it will get a

quicker response No college or business solicits door to door because itrsquos too dangerous and a liability for the college or business

In other news RHRHA is conducting its annual membership drive so be on the lookout for the invoice which is mailed separately from the newsletter Please check out the flyer on page 3 and join us again for the 53rd year of RHRHA service to our neighborhood

Questions Comments I would love to hear them

RHRHA ApologizesThe December newsletter had a list of jokes called ldquo20 Undeniable Adult Truthsrdquo One joke wished ldquoGoogle Mapsrdquo had an Avoid Ghetto routing option

A reader correctly pointed out that the word ldquoGhettordquo may not have been the most appropriate word due to the wordrsquos historic ethnic connotations It would have better to use ldquodangerous neighborhoodrdquo We apologize for this oversight

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

213 January 2012

Crimes in Rancho Palos VerdesAccording to the Lomita Sheriff website wwwLomitaSheriffcom there were approximately 177 crimes in RPV between November 15th and January 15th Sheriff Deputy Brandon Epp informed RHRHA that there has been a rash of ldquoknock-knock banditsrdquo on the hill The criminals knock and if someone answers they make up a plausible story for why theyrsquore there If nobody answers they go around to the back or side of the house to gain entry Vehicle theft is also rising A common technique is for one scumbag to drive slowly down the street while their scumbag friend walks down the street trying car door handles

Most of these crimes occurred during daylight hours and on weekdays Monday was the most popular day Two burglaries in our neighborhood occurred within minutes after the homeowner left home only to return a short time later This possibly means homes are being watched and setup We need to send the message that we are watching the criminals So whorsquos watching us and how are they doing it Please see the related articles ldquoKnock-Knock Whorsquos Thererdquo and ldquoHow to Hire a Contractorrdquo for the answer

Crimes in our NeighborhoodDecember 713 Vehicle break-in 600p 28000 Block of MontereinaDecember 2413 Forced Entry Burglary at 540p 2000 Block of GaleritaJanuary 9 13 Forced Entry Burglary at 845a 28000 Block of PontevedraJanuary 11 13 Forced Entry Burglary at 1100a 2000 Block of Van Karajan

Crime Activity in Rancho Palos Verdes from 11152011 to 1152012

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

213 January 2012

Crimes in Rancho Palos VerdesAccording to the Lomita Sheriff website wwwLomitaSheriffcom there were approximately 177 crimes in RPV between November 15th and January 15th Sheriff Deputy Brandon Epp informed RHRHA that there has been a rash of ldquoknock-knock banditsrdquo on the hill The criminals knock and if someone answers they make up a plausible story for why theyrsquore there If nobody answers they go around to the back or side of the house to gain entry Vehicle theft is also rising A common technique is for one scumbag to drive slowly down the street while their scumbag friend walks down the street trying car door handles

Most of these crimes occurred during daylight hours and on weekdays Monday was the most popular day Two burglaries in our neighborhood occurred within minutes after the homeowner left home only to return a short time later This possibly means homes are being watched and setup We need to send the message that we are watching the criminals So whorsquos watching us and how are they doing it Please see the related articles ldquoKnock-Knock Whorsquos Thererdquo and ldquoHow to Hire a Contractorrdquo for the answer

Crimes in our NeighborhoodDecember 713 Vehicle break-in 600p 28000 Block of MontereinaDecember 2413 Forced Entry Burglary at 540p 2000 Block of GaleritaJanuary 9 13 Forced Entry Burglary at 845a 28000 Block of PontevedraJanuary 11 13 Forced Entry Burglary at 1100a 2000 Block of Van Karajan

Crime Activity in Rancho Palos Verdes from 11152011 to 1152012

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 3

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

413 January 2012

Tips for Protecting Your Home113 Be aware Look around and familiarize yourself with your neighborhood cars and gardeners Get to know your neighbors

213 Secure your garage door with locks Put locks on your side gates to prevent easy access to the back yard

313 Place a video camera in an obvious place as deterrence The technology is inexpensive easy to use and readily available

413 Display the RPV ldquoDo Not Disturbrdquo sign and report any door-to-door solicitors to the Lomita Sheriff

513 Open curtains or blinds slightly while you are gone Nothing tells a burglar that a house is unoccupied like closed blinds Open them just enough to make it appear as if you are home but not so much that someone can look in and see all the expensive items you own

613 Add motion sensors to outdoor lights Put indoor and outdoor lights on timers

713 Vary your schedule if possible

813 Place security signs on the front lawn Or better yet actually hire a security company

913 Donrsquot put valuables in obvious places Bolt TVrsquos to the wall They want fast easy valuables to grab Valuables also include documents with personal information too Jewelry doesnrsquot freeze - hide it in your freezer And no man will rummage through sanitary pad boxes looking for valuables ndash be smart (and hope the burglar isnrsquot female )

1013 Talk to your neighbors and watch out for each other Join your Homeowners Association and give them your email so you will be informed

1113 If you notice someone sitting in a parked vehicle for some time watching who comes and goes take note of the license plates and a description of the person and report this to the Lomita Sheriff

1213 Put a radio on to a talk show loud enough to hear from outside when you are not home

Community Events Calendar1st amp3rd Tue RPV City Council 27730 PM Hesse Park Community Center 221

1st Wed Neighborhood Street Sweeping 37

2nd Mon Northwest San Pedro 213630 PM Neighborhood Council Peck Park Auditorium

2nd Tue Rolling Hills Riviera 214730 PM Homeowners Association

4th Mon San Pedro and Peninsula 227700 PM Homeowners Coalition 769 W 3rd Street San Pedro

1313When you are on vacation ask a trusted relative friend or neighbor to watch your home and pick up any cards mail newspapers or flyers on a daily basis Check cars too This is how they can tell who is on vacation and patterns of behavior

1413 Donrsquot ignore a barking dog or ldquoshushrdquo your dog without checking first They may be trying to warn you

1513When you take a walk make sure you take your cell phone (and camera if your phone doesnrsquot have one built in) If you see someone suspicious call the Sheriff and let them ask the questions

1613 Take a photo inventory of your possessions and home for insurance purposes Talk to your agent and make sure you are properly covered in case you are a victim of a break-in

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 5

Rolling Hills Riviera

Real Estate ReportDo-it-Yourself Home Security Check from the National Association of Realtors

By Rose Muraro

A professionally installed and monitored home security system can be a nice addition to your homes defenses but it shouldnt be step one First conduct your own home security check After youve inspected your homes doors and windows make sure these essentials are covered

bull Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself Does my property look neglected hidden or uninhabited A front door or walkway thats obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window To improve security trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks

Too often homeowners believe that shrubs and trees that hide the home act as a deterrent as if not being able to see the house well from the street will cause the burglar to move on instead these plants are very inviting to thieves as they can easily hide as well as take extra time to break in without being noticed

bull Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting not just the front Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place

bull Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics cash jewelry and other valuables though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV Most make a beeline for the master bedroom because thats where youre likely to hide spare cash jewelry even guns

Tour each room and ask yourself is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) thats bolted to the floor joists is a good repository for items you dont use on a daily basis The importance of bolting the safe to the floor cannot be over emphasized If the safe can be lifted off the floor many thieves will do just that then take it to another location to break it open

bull Secure your data

While you probably wont be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon take steps to back up the personal information stored on it especially if you use a laptop computer that is easily carried Password protect your login screen and always shut off your computer when not in use (youll save energy too)

Dont overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify like digital photos Try this site for more information httpwwwhouselogiccomhome-advicehome-securityhome-office-security-check

bull Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home and store the file online or in your home safe Make sure you update it periodically or when major purchases are made

R O S E M U R A R O Trusted Real Estate Consultant

RealtorBroker Associate since 1982 310-408-2910

Eastview NeighborResident Realtor E-mailroserosemurarocom

wwwrosemurarocomDRE00842117

28901 S Western Ave 101 RPV CA 90275

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

413 January 2012

Tips for Protecting Your Home113 Be aware Look around and familiarize yourself with your neighborhood cars and gardeners Get to know your neighbors

213 Secure your garage door with locks Put locks on your side gates to prevent easy access to the back yard

313 Place a video camera in an obvious place as deterrence The technology is inexpensive easy to use and readily available

413 Display the RPV ldquoDo Not Disturbrdquo sign and report any door-to-door solicitors to the Lomita Sheriff

513 Open curtains or blinds slightly while you are gone Nothing tells a burglar that a house is unoccupied like closed blinds Open them just enough to make it appear as if you are home but not so much that someone can look in and see all the expensive items you own

613 Add motion sensors to outdoor lights Put indoor and outdoor lights on timers

713 Vary your schedule if possible

813 Place security signs on the front lawn Or better yet actually hire a security company

913 Donrsquot put valuables in obvious places Bolt TVrsquos to the wall They want fast easy valuables to grab Valuables also include documents with personal information too Jewelry doesnrsquot freeze - hide it in your freezer And no man will rummage through sanitary pad boxes looking for valuables ndash be smart (and hope the burglar isnrsquot female )

1013 Talk to your neighbors and watch out for each other Join your Homeowners Association and give them your email so you will be informed

1113 If you notice someone sitting in a parked vehicle for some time watching who comes and goes take note of the license plates and a description of the person and report this to the Lomita Sheriff

1213 Put a radio on to a talk show loud enough to hear from outside when you are not home

Community Events Calendar1st amp3rd Tue RPV City Council 27730 PM Hesse Park Community Center 221

1st Wed Neighborhood Street Sweeping 37

2nd Mon Northwest San Pedro 213630 PM Neighborhood Council Peck Park Auditorium

2nd Tue Rolling Hills Riviera 214730 PM Homeowners Association

4th Mon San Pedro and Peninsula 227700 PM Homeowners Coalition 769 W 3rd Street San Pedro

1313When you are on vacation ask a trusted relative friend or neighbor to watch your home and pick up any cards mail newspapers or flyers on a daily basis Check cars too This is how they can tell who is on vacation and patterns of behavior

1413 Donrsquot ignore a barking dog or ldquoshushrdquo your dog without checking first They may be trying to warn you

1513When you take a walk make sure you take your cell phone (and camera if your phone doesnrsquot have one built in) If you see someone suspicious call the Sheriff and let them ask the questions

1613 Take a photo inventory of your possessions and home for insurance purposes Talk to your agent and make sure you are properly covered in case you are a victim of a break-in

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 5

Rolling Hills Riviera

Real Estate ReportDo-it-Yourself Home Security Check from the National Association of Realtors

By Rose Muraro

A professionally installed and monitored home security system can be a nice addition to your homes defenses but it shouldnt be step one First conduct your own home security check After youve inspected your homes doors and windows make sure these essentials are covered

bull Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself Does my property look neglected hidden or uninhabited A front door or walkway thats obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window To improve security trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks

Too often homeowners believe that shrubs and trees that hide the home act as a deterrent as if not being able to see the house well from the street will cause the burglar to move on instead these plants are very inviting to thieves as they can easily hide as well as take extra time to break in without being noticed

bull Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting not just the front Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place

bull Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics cash jewelry and other valuables though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV Most make a beeline for the master bedroom because thats where youre likely to hide spare cash jewelry even guns

Tour each room and ask yourself is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) thats bolted to the floor joists is a good repository for items you dont use on a daily basis The importance of bolting the safe to the floor cannot be over emphasized If the safe can be lifted off the floor many thieves will do just that then take it to another location to break it open

bull Secure your data

While you probably wont be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon take steps to back up the personal information stored on it especially if you use a laptop computer that is easily carried Password protect your login screen and always shut off your computer when not in use (youll save energy too)

Dont overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify like digital photos Try this site for more information httpwwwhouselogiccomhome-advicehome-securityhome-office-security-check

bull Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home and store the file online or in your home safe Make sure you update it periodically or when major purchases are made

R O S E M U R A R O Trusted Real Estate Consultant

RealtorBroker Associate since 1982 310-408-2910

Eastview NeighborResident Realtor E-mailroserosemurarocom

wwwrosemurarocomDRE00842117

28901 S Western Ave 101 RPV CA 90275

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 5

Rolling Hills Riviera

Real Estate ReportDo-it-Yourself Home Security Check from the National Association of Realtors

By Rose Muraro

A professionally installed and monitored home security system can be a nice addition to your homes defenses but it shouldnt be step one First conduct your own home security check After youve inspected your homes doors and windows make sure these essentials are covered

bull Keep your home well-maintained on the outside

Burglars want an easy target Stand on the street outside your house and ask yourself Does my property look neglected hidden or uninhabited A front door or walkway thats obscured by shrubbery offers crooks the perfect cover they need while they break a door or window To improve security trim shrubs away from windows and widen front walks

Too often homeowners believe that shrubs and trees that hide the home act as a deterrent as if not being able to see the house well from the street will cause the burglar to move on instead these plants are very inviting to thieves as they can easily hide as well as take extra time to break in without being noticed

bull Install motion detector lights

All sides of your house should be well-lit with motion-activated lighting not just the front Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each and installing them is an easy DIY job if the wiring is already in place

bull Store your valuables

Thieves want easy-to-grab electronics cash jewelry and other valuables though some are not above running down the street with your flat-screen TV Most make a beeline for the master bedroom because thats where youre likely to hide spare cash jewelry even guns

Tour each room and ask yourself is there anything here that I can move to a safe deposit box Installing a home safe ($150 to $500) thats bolted to the floor joists is a good repository for items you dont use on a daily basis The importance of bolting the safe to the floor cannot be over emphasized If the safe can be lifted off the floor many thieves will do just that then take it to another location to break it open

bull Secure your data

While you probably wont be putting your home computer in a safe anytime soon take steps to back up the personal information stored on it especially if you use a laptop computer that is easily carried Password protect your login screen and always shut off your computer when not in use (youll save energy too)

Dont overlook irreplaceable items whose value may hard to quantify like digital photos Try this site for more information httpwwwhouselogiccomhome-advicehome-securityhome-office-security-check

bull Prepare ahead of time in case the worst happens

Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home and store the file online or in your home safe Make sure you update it periodically or when major purchases are made

R O S E M U R A R O Trusted Real Estate Consultant

RealtorBroker Associate since 1982 310-408-2910

Eastview NeighborResident Realtor E-mailroserosemurarocom

wwwrosemurarocomDRE00842117

28901 S Western Ave 101 RPV CA 90275

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

613 January 2012

Crime Prevention Tips

Knock-Knock Whorsquos Therehellip a burglar checking to see if anyonersquos home

This is a bad joke but itrsquos also a common pattern of criminal behavior This month the RHRHA received multiple calls and emails concerning people going door to door soliciting

The solicitorrsquos stories changed from house to house A popular story was from an ostensible ldquocollege studentrdquo saying he was from Chico State University and was attempting to earn points for college

Our RHRHA President attempted to verify this story with Chico State they said they have had thousands of calls attempting to verify such a point system program The student program officer said they have no programs for their students to solicit door to door and that this is a scam

Another story was a Barnes and Nobles ldquopoints for college programrdquo which was verified as a scam as well

During bad economic times our hearts go out to anyone we see attempting to improve their condition which increases our tendency to fall into traps The Lomita Sheriff has informed us they have seen a huge increase in the past

few months of ldquoknock-knock banditsrdquo

If a knock-knock bandit knocks on your door and no one answers they may assume nobodyrsquos home and may potentially go around to the back and break-in

If you answer they will have a ready story or quickly invent ldquoIrsquom lostrdquo or ldquoIrsquom new to the neighborhoodrdquo or ldquomy dog is missingrdquo stories

If you are home and answer the door please donrsquot open it unless you can see the person and recognize them If you are home and cannot answer the door be mindful of noises in your back or side yards Most people tell their children not to answer the door while home alone A 15 year old boy in Valinda became the victim of a knock-knock bandit for his obedience to this rule (See the related story)

Post an official City of RPV ldquoDo Not Disturbrdquo sign on your home so it can be visible from the street It is against municipal code to solicit anyone who displays such a sign and you may call the Sherriff ndash but please be reasonable ndash donrsquot use this code against your neighborrsquos daughter who wants to sell you Girl Scout Cookies or a neighbor that is asking

if you want to buy Mary Star Fiesta raffle tickets

Knock-Knock Crime Stories

GAINESVILLE FL -- One man police dubbed the Knock Knock Burglar was arrested in Florida in connection with thousands of burglaries throughout Southern California police said Monday

He was wanted in connection with residential burglaries in which they knock on the front door of the residence and after no response ransack the home taking jewelry money and guns

VALINDA CA -- The incident happened around 11a on a Tuesday 15-year-old Francisco Gonzalez was home alone when someone started ringing his doorbell repeatedly

There was something tapping at the window from my sisters bedroom Gonzalez told KTLA news The window just crashed he says describing what happened next Gonzalez picked up the phone in his parents bedroom and called 911

I tried getting under the bed but obviously Im too big for under the

Please turn to Page 7

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 7

bed Gonzalez said Do you have some blankets or something over you to disguise yourself the dispatcher asks Im trying to right now Gonzalez responds

Deputies arrived in minutes and knocked on the door 42-year-old Aurelio Hernandez answered pretending to be the homeowner Police quickly figured out that he was lying and took him into custody Hernandez is now being held on $50000 bail His parents told him for safety reasons never to answer the door

LOS ANGELES CA -- Los Angeles police are asking for the publics help in nabbing a group in the San Fernando Valley that they call the knock knock burglars The bandits hit more than 40 homes in Sherman Oaks Encino and Tarzana over the past six months Surveillance video

shows the suspects knocking on the front door of a home then breaking inside

Police said their strategy is simple If someone answers their knock they claim to be lost When theres no answer they break into the home The bandits have targeted homes and condos during daylight hours

TORRANCE CA ndash Three men convicted of committing ldquoknock-knockrdquo burglaries were sentenced to state prison April 2010

The defendants were dubbed ldquoknock-knockrdquo burglars because of their mode of operation prosecutors said One of the men would knock on the front door of a residence while the others drove around in the car

If no one answered the lead burglar would alert the others that the home was unoccupied by cell phone They

would then break in to the home through the back Upon entering the defendants would steal items such as jewelry or other small valuable possessions which they could carry on their person

Prosecutors said the defendants kept a police scanner in their vehicle which would alert them if police were called to the scene

GLENDALE CA-- Three women were arrested for allegedly going door to door in a neighborhood and attempting to rob unoccupied homes One witness reported that when she opened the door one of the women asked for directions to the freeway After a search authorities found burglary tools consistent with the damage left on one of the doors of a home that the burglary suspects tried to break into

Knock-Knock Continued from Page 6

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 7

bed Gonzalez said Do you have some blankets or something over you to disguise yourself the dispatcher asks Im trying to right now Gonzalez responds

Deputies arrived in minutes and knocked on the door 42-year-old Aurelio Hernandez answered pretending to be the homeowner Police quickly figured out that he was lying and took him into custody Hernandez is now being held on $50000 bail His parents told him for safety reasons never to answer the door

LOS ANGELES CA -- Los Angeles police are asking for the publics help in nabbing a group in the San Fernando Valley that they call the knock knock burglars The bandits hit more than 40 homes in Sherman Oaks Encino and Tarzana over the past six months Surveillance video

shows the suspects knocking on the front door of a home then breaking inside

Police said their strategy is simple If someone answers their knock they claim to be lost When theres no answer they break into the home The bandits have targeted homes and condos during daylight hours

TORRANCE CA ndash Three men convicted of committing ldquoknock-knockrdquo burglaries were sentenced to state prison April 2010

The defendants were dubbed ldquoknock-knockrdquo burglars because of their mode of operation prosecutors said One of the men would knock on the front door of a residence while the others drove around in the car

If no one answered the lead burglar would alert the others that the home was unoccupied by cell phone They

would then break in to the home through the back Upon entering the defendants would steal items such as jewelry or other small valuable possessions which they could carry on their person

Prosecutors said the defendants kept a police scanner in their vehicle which would alert them if police were called to the scene

GLENDALE CA-- Three women were arrested for allegedly going door to door in a neighborhood and attempting to rob unoccupied homes One witness reported that when she opened the door one of the women asked for directions to the freeway After a search authorities found burglary tools consistent with the damage left on one of the doors of a home that the burglary suspects tried to break into

Knock-Knock Continued from Page 6

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

813 January 2012

Yoursquod be surprised how common it is for the people we hire to come back later and steal from us ndash gardeners pool cleaners tree trimmers plumbers etc So before you open your home up to strangers wouldnrsquot it be a good idea to check them out

There are enough dependable licensed bonded and insured contractors in our area that nobody needs to hire someone hanging out in a home improvement store parking lot

Think about it ndash you have no idea who they are where they live what their experience is how to reach them in the future and you have no recourse if therersquos a problem But they will know a lot about you - your name address who lives in your house your daily routine and theyrsquoll probably get a good look inside your home

If yoursquore chatty you might even slip and mention you are trying to get the work done before you go away on a trip They got paid for the job but they may come back later for the bonus of tools electronics and jewelry Also what would happen if they slipped off a ladder and got hurt Is a potential lawsuit worth the money you saved

Here are some great tips and a checklist for hiring a contractor

bull Take your time before you make a decision about hiring a contractor

bull Get at least three bids and check references Itrsquos best to use happy customers that you know personally as references

bull Hire only licensed contractors Anyone performing home improvement work valued at $500 or more must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board

bull Get the contractors license number and verify it online at wwwcslbcagov or at (800) 321-CSLB

What you should know about the contract

bull Get your contract in writing and dont sign anything until you understand and agree with all the terms

bull Ask a friend or relative to review the contract before you sign it

bull Include in your contract a specific description of work to be done materials to be used total cost of the project and start and completion dates

How to Hire a Contractor

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 9

Beverly GlennCertified Public Accountant

Tax and Accounting Services2003 Avenida Feliciano

Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275

(310) 833-5354

Check the contractor license number at wwwcslbcagov to make sure it is current and in good standing BEFORE THEY COME TO THE JOB SITE You really donrsquot want an unknown person showing up at your house do you

Ask to see the contractorrsquos pocket license and a current photo ID when they show up and make sure it matches what they have already given you Itrsquos not unusual for fake contractors to ldquoborrowrdquo a real contractorrsquos license number

Ask for a current list of contact information (telephone number and business address) for the contractor subcontractors and suppliers

Find out from your local building department whether your project needs a building permit and confirm that your contractor will obtain all necessary permits

Get at least 3 contractor bids and references and check out in person recent projects by the prospective contractors that had similar specifications

Verify that your contractor carries general liability insurance and workersrsquo compensation insurance for employees DO NOT TAKE THEM AT THEIR WORD ndash VERIFY If the employees are not covered and there is an injury on your property YOU could be liable

Make sure all project materials and expectations are spelled out and signed in a written contract including clean-up debris removal and site security

Ask your contractor if he or she understands exactly what you want Make them repeat it both verbally and in writing

Have a timetable for each phase of your project and the corresponding payment schedule spelled out in the contract

Do not let payments get ahead of the work Pay no more than 10 down or $1000 whichever is less

Never pay in cash without getting a signed receipt

Keep all of your project documents including payment records in a job file

Try researching your contractorrsquos name online for additional reviewsmdashbut always consider the source

Checklist for Hiring a ContractorBased upon information from the State Contractor Board

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

1013 January 2012

Kidrsquos CornerAmanda Ferree is available for babysitting dog walking or vacation care for your animals Shersquos also available for elder care companionship Amanda is 16 years old very responsible caring and has been caring for animals since she was 9 Shersquos saving for a car She can be reached at 310-613-0405

Kids Have something you want to promote Send an email to Rolling Stones editor Richard Wagoner at rwagonercoxnet or send a letter to the Stonesrsquo mailing address listed on the back page of this and every issue

Unscrupulous Contractor ScamsDoor-to-Door Solicitations

A solicitor offers to do roofing painting or paving work at a reduced price Once payment is made little or no work is done and the project is abandoned

High Pressure SalesAn unscrupulous contractor pushes for an immediate decision about work which makes it impossible for the homeowner to get competitive bids check licenses or verify references The contractor may tell the homeowner theyrsquoll cut a deal for signing immediately with a story about how they have jobs lined up later that week

Scare TacticsA deceitful contractor offers to perform a free inspection and then claims that faulty wiring bad plumbing or a leaky roof have put the homeowner in peril The alarmed homeowner agrees to unnecessary and over-priced work

Demand for CashA contractor demands cash payments sometimes going so far as to drive the victim to the bank to withdraw funds With money in hand the unscrupulous operator takes the money and runs

Illegally Large Down PaymentsA dishonest contractor takes more for a down payment than is allowed by law claiming to need instant cash for supplies and to pay workers By law a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the project price or $1000 whichever is less (Presidentrsquos note I recommend only paying for material received at your home or for completed work Licensed contractors can protect themselves by placing a mechanicrsquos lien on your property but you have no such protection without filing a lawsuit and proving your case)

Verbal AgreementsA contractor states that a written contract is unnecessarymdashpromising to deliver on a verbal agreement The shady operator takes advantage of the situation to perform shoddy workmdashor none at all

Western Avenue Pumping Station UpdateLos Angeles County Sanitation District has secured a new contractor to complete the work The contractor Blois Construction is in the process of securing an encroachment permit to do the work throught the RPV Public Works Department

Blois anticipates starting the work in about 4 weeks This would hopefully mean by the end of February we should see some activity on Palmaras Place (Little Western) and Avenida Aprenda

T H E R O L L I N G S T O N E S

January 201213 11

Our 2011 HOA Officers and Directors

President13 Jeanne Lacombe13 833-04441st Vice President13 Pete Lacombe13 or chateau4usattnet 2nd Vice President13 Dan Stein 13 818-371-1351Secretary13 Your Name Here13 Your Phone Number HereTreasurer13 Glenn Cornell 13 831-3033Rolling Stones Editor13 Richard Wagoner13 521-1946Membership Chair 13 Pete Lacombe13 833-0444Directors at Large13 Adrianne Ferree13 626-484-249613 Don Shults13 833-913513 Jean Wagoner13 521-1946 13

Our Elected Representatives

City of Rancho Palos Verdes13 377-0360 13 Mayor Anthony Misetich13 13 City Council Brian Campbell (Mayor Pro Tempore) 13 Susan Brooks Jerry Duhovic Jim KnightCounty of Los Angeles 13 Supervisor Don Knabe (4th District)13 519-6021California Legislature13 Senator Roderick Wright (25th District)13 412-039313 Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal (54th Dist)13 562-495-2915United States Congress13 Senator Dianne Feinstein 13 914-730013 Senator Barbara Boxer 13 13 213-894-500013 Rep Dana Rohrabacher (46th District) 13 13 714-960-6483

Neighboring Cities and Associations

City of Los Angeles13 Council Office (15th Dist) Joe Buscaino13 13 213-473-7015Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council 13 Diana Nave13 13 732-4522Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council13 Doug Epperhart13 13 290-0049Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council13 Sue Castillo13 13 489-3026Mira Vista Homeowners Association13 Steven La Pine13 13 938-087513 Mark Wells13 13 241-0599Peninsula Verde Homeowners Association13 Dick Brunner13 831-8346Casa Verde Homeowners Association13 Barry Ogawa13 832-3010P V Council of Homeowners Associations (CHOA)13 Jon Cartwright13 544-3489San Pedro Peninsula Homeowners United 13 Chuck Hart13 13 833-0959

Useful Web Sites

City of Rancho Palos Verdes ndash13 wwwpalosverdescomrpvLos Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino -13 wwwcd15lacityorgNorthwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council ndash13 13 wwwnwsanpedroorgPonte Vista Development -13 wwwpontevistacomMark Wellsrsquo Ponte Vista Blog ndash 13 wwwpontevistablogspotcomPalos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District - 13 13 wwwpvpusdk12causR Neighborhoods Are 113 wwwrneighborhoodsare1orgLomita Sheriffrsquos Interactive Website13 wwwLomitaSheriffCom

Public Agencies and Local Organizations

ATampT or Cox Telephone - Repair13 611ATampT General Number13 1-800-CALL-ATTCalifornia Water Service13 257-1400CalTrans (Western Avenue) 13 213-897-0383City of Rancho Palos Verdes Animal Control 13 523-9566 General Administration 13 377-0360 Planning amp Code Enforcement13 544-5228 Public Works amp Graffiti Removal 13 544-5252 Recreation amp Parks13 544-5260County of Los Angeles Fire Department 13 13 Business13 679-113113 13 Emergency 13 911 Sanitation District13 437-6520 Sheriff 1313 13 Business13 539-166113 13 Emergency13 911EDCO1313 540-2977Cox Cable TelevisionTelephoneInternet13 377-1800Edison Co13 Street Lighting 13 800-655-455513 Customer Service 13 800-684-8123Green Hills Memorial Park13 831-0311Grocery Cart Pickup 13 800-252-4613Neighborhood Watch - Sandy McNeil 13 833-120513 Cell 600-1281Peninsula Transit Information 13 544-7108Schools Los Angeles Unified Crestwood Elementary School 13 832-8130 Dodson Middle School 13 241-1900 San Pedro Senior High School 13 241-5800School District Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified 13 378-9966 Dapplegray Elementary School 13 541-3706 Miraleste Intermediate 13 732-0900 Palos Verdes High School 13 378-8471 Peninsula High School 13 377-4888

The Rolling StonesPublished monthly by

Rolling Hills Riviera Homeowners AssociationP O Box 6164San Pedro CA 90734Edited by Richard Wagoner

Membership in the RHRHA is $20 per yearMembership dues may be paid by sending a check to our mailing address located on the back cover

If you are interested in advertising in The Rolling Stones please contact Pete Lacombe at (310) 833-0444

To submit story ideas send an email to Richard Wagoner at rwagonercoxnet

Rolling Hills Riviera Homeowners Association January 2012

R O L L I N G H I L L S R I V I E R A

P O Box 6164San Pedro CA 90734

Rolling StonesThe

Your Homeowners Association Newsletter January 2012

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDMAILED FROM ZIP CODE 90274PERMIT NO 49

Inside

Crime Prevention TipsHiring a Contractor

Pumping Station NewsAnd a little more

Special Note Due to the date of our regularly schedule meeting falling on Valentinersquos Day and the various problems that might ensue if husbands or boyfriends attended the meeting instead of taking their honeys out to a nice dinner we are

moving the meeting day to Monday February 13th Please see inside for more information