Info from the Joint Neighborhood Watch Meeting

There was a joint meeting of several Seascape Neighborhood Watch groups on the evening of Wednesday, November 28.  What a treat to see so many people who were interested and involved in helping protect their areas from becoming victims of crime.  As impressed as I was at the very large turnout, I was even more stunned by the high quality of the Power Point presentation by Sgt.  Paul Ramos.  I took a few notes that I'll provide below, although I am hoping to obtain a copy of his presentation to share with Uplanders, even though there seems to be a real reluctance to establish a neighborhood watch in any of our areas.  But before my notes I am going to provide some contact numbers from one of Sgt. Ramo's handout entitled "Keeping our Neighborhoods Safe".

Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  911

Non-Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831.471.1121

Abandoned Vehicles. . . . . . . . . . .  831.454.3139 (vehicles on public streets over 72 hours)

Animal Complaints. . . . . . . . . . . .  831.454.7303

Anonymous Crime Tip Line. . . . .  831.454.2847

Board of Supervisors. . . . . . . . . . . 831.454.2200

Graffiti Hotline, North County. . .  831.427-0462

Graffiti Hotline, South County. . .  831.722.7771

PG&E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  800.743.5000 (power outages, gas leaks)

Public Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 831.454.2160 (transportation, street issues, flooding)

Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast: 877.663.5433

Trans Dumped or Dead Deer. . . . 831.477.3999

Woman's Crisis Support. . . . . . . . 888.900.4232

(Apologies that I could not get those numbers to line up better. This is so ANNOYING!)

Aptos Sheriff's Center
19-D Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center (near the Safeway)
Aptos, CA 95003
831.662.0690

It may be useful to you to know that a lot of information is available through the Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff's Office website at www.scsheriff.com.  This includes crime statistics, a link to identifying the location of registered sex offenders, a link so you can register your cell phone to obtain public alerts, and several other types of information.  The site also includes a link where you can request extra attention (drive-bys) when you are on vacation.

While I cannot do justice to Sgt. Ramo's presentation, I thought you might be interested in a few tidbits from my meeting notes:

• Crime comes in waves.  An area may be targeted and worked for a while, then the perpetrators will move on to another area. The most prevalent crimes in our are are property crimes (thefts & burglaries) as well as fights.
• The best ways to protect yourself from burglary include locking doors, using your alarms, installing lighting with motion detectors (a hot issue for our area, since some motion detectors are triggering lights that are bothering neighbors), and letting your trusted neighbors know if you will be out of town. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper so that it doesn't appear the home is unoccupied. Pets can be a great alarm.  (I've actually been involved in the capture of a burglar because of my checking on a barking dog.) Remove valuables from plain view.  Trim bushes and hedges from around windows and doors so that people can't easily hide as they try to break into your home.  Always lock your car and roll up windows.  Park in lighted areas.
• It is important to report suspicious activity, including people and vehicles.  Use "gut" sense.  If something seems wrong it probably is wrong.  Some examples of what is suspicious include unusual vehicles, unknown people in the area, unknown people looking in windows, or an excessively barking dog. Gather as much information as possible. Try to get a head to toe description of the suspicious people. Be prepared to describe what behavior you are finding suspicious.  If it is safe to do so, get the license plate number of any vehicles involved.  Do NOT confront suspicious behavior or jeopardize your safety: let the officers investigate the situation.  You can ask for a call back on the status of the evaluation of the situation, but be patient.  They only have so many officers and they must prioritize their efforts based on their available resources.
• Keep serial numbers of your valuables in a safe location. One easy way to do so is to use your phone or other camera to take a photo of the item showing the serial numbers.
• There are lots of things you can do to protect your identity from being stolen.  However, identity theft is a very fast growing crime.  My recommendation, based on personal experience, is to check out the FTC website for suggestions on how you can protect your information as well as to find their step-by-step process of what to do should  you become a victim of identity theft. See http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft2012/ for more this information.
• The Sheriff's Department has one of those radar trailers that they can place in a neighborhood upon request if you are having problems with speeders.
• Drug houses can pop up in any neighborhood.  If you suspect there is a drug house, be sure to report it to the Sheriff's Department.  Be patient as their investigations can be complex and time consuming.
• We do have some gang issues in this area, as evidenced by the recent shooting down at the Seascape Beach.  The Gang Task Force is working in our area, and there are approximately 1000 documented gang members in Santa Cruz County. Keep in mind that documenting that someone is in a gang is a tedious process, so these numbers are expected to be lower than the actual gang member population.
• If you discover graffiti, it should be removed promptly.  If it is on public property notify the Graffiti Hotline.  Document the graffiti with a photograph if possible.
• Vehicles that are abandoned on the street can be removed after 72 hours. There was a humorous discussion regarding the boat that has been left periodically on Sumner.
• Consider registering your cell phone with dispatch. That way you can be notified if there are public alerts that may affect you.  You can register through the Sheriff's website listed above or go directly to www.sccecc.org/ to get notified.
• The Sheriff's Dept. can enforce dog leash and dog waste laws. 

I hope you find this information useful. 

Some Answers about the Resurfacing Project

Here are some answers to questions you may have regarding the upcoming paving project:

DeCamara will notify the following regarding services:

• Mail delivery
• Garbage pickup
• FedEx/USPS/UPS deliveries

If you have any of the following interests, you will need to notify the appropriate individuals

• Newspaper delivery
• Purified water deliveries
• Renters (although Earthworks will post notices and barricades)
• Any other services specific to your home

Additional clarification regarding the specific schedule for Zanzibar and Uplands should be forthcoming via letter from DeCamara.  However, as soon as I learn any details I will post them on this blog spot.

Also, you may have noticed in the 10/30 letter from DeCamara that we are allowing street parking (EXCEPT IN RED ZONE AREAS) from when the project starts to November 26.  This is to allow the roads time to "dry" so that the chance of tracking tar onto driveways will be reduced.

Questions should continue to be directed to DeCamara Management, Maegan Vidal. Their phone number is 688-0500.  They also have contact feature on their web site:  http://www.decamarahoa.com/web/index.php.

IMPORTANT Paving Information from DeCamara

Here's advance information that I just sent out via email and that will be going out via snail mail.  We only have about 66 residences in our Uplands Directory, so feel free to mention the issue to your neighbors just in case they didn't get the email or monitor this blog.

------------------------

The following is the updated letter you should have received via regular mail on 10/31/12.
------------------------

RE: Asphalt repairs

Dear Homeowner,

Your Board of Directors has approved Earthworks for asphalt repairs, overlay and slurry.

The project will begin Monday, November 5, 2012, weather permitting.  The vehicle entrance will be clearly marked and barricaded.  Below is the schedule that Earthworks has provided for your information.  Please mark your calendars!

November 5^th and November 6^th, Earthworks will be onsite making repairs throughout various sections of the roads. Please be mindful of barricaded areas and workers.

On November 7^th, November 8^th and November 9^th, Earthworks will begin an overlay on Lower Ventana Way. This will close Lower Ventana Way only during the day from 7:30AM to 6:00PM or until barricades are removed. There will be no ingress and egress of the driveway during this work. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to enter if required. They will open up the roads each night.

Earthworks will slurry seal Ventana Way area on November 12^th and on November 13^th they will slurry seal Zanzibar Drive area. All roads will be closed and barricaded at 7:00AM and not open until 6:00PM, or until barricades are removed.  With the fire road gates open you may park in the opposite cul-de-sac on the date your side is sealed, and drive in and out of the other gate (walking through the fire road to get home).   Any vehicles that are left in the driveways or garages during this time will not be able to leave. Additionally, please do not use any water on street areas for at least 24 hours before and after the slurry seal. We ask that any irrigation turned off during this time. 

Vehicles may return to garages or driveways after barricades are removed by Earthworks. Any damage caused by disobeying and entering barricaded areas will be the full responsibility of the homeowner.

Please be cautious when walking on the pavement for up to 48 hours after this work.  Please be mindful of heavy equipment and where you are walking.  Do not enter any areas that are blocked off.  Additionally, please pay close attention to children and pets in the construction area.  Also,

please note that you may want to remove your shoes before walking into your home, to prevent any seal coat or other debris from being tracked inside.  You may need to do this for a short

period of time until the repairs have completely cured.  The Association, Earthworks and De Camara Management will not be responsible for any damage caused by this substance on your personal property.

Additionally, street parking will be permitted until November 26^th, 2012, except in red zone areas.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation during this project.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

At the direction of the Board,

Maegan Vidal

Maegan Vidal

Seascape Uplands HOA Assistant Manager

De Camara Management, Inc. 

Oops - Safety and Security Meeting

My apologies, I misunderstood the meeting announcement from Jeanine on the previous post.  See new information below.  RSVPs still go to Jeanine.
------------
Hi All

Thank you so much for your quick replies about a meeting date. It was exactly

even between the 2 dates, so I left it to Caroline to choose a date. For those of 

you who cannot make the November date, I am sorry! This meeting is open to

our Cuesta, Cresta Vista, Vista del Mar and Uplands folks.. everyone on my list

and the expanded lists.

Here is the info:

We will meet at Seascape Resort Wed., Nov. 28, 6:30 - 8:00pm, with Sgt.

Paul Ramos and 3 - 5 other local NW groups.

THIS MEETING IS NOT ABOUT FIRE ISSUES - IT IS ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT &

SAFETY ISSUES!!

** I need you to RSVP by NOVEMBER 15. We only have room for 60 - 70 people, so

we need a head-count.

** If you have questions for Sgt. Ramos, please email them to me by November 15,

so I can forward them to Sgt. Ramos and he can prepare. This meeting will NOT be

an open complaint or Q & A time other than what you submit ahead of time.

Thanks for caring.

Jeanine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeanine Sande

831-684-1847

jeanine@jeaninesande.com

Latest on Fire Meeting

The following message is from Jeanine Sande.  Please reply to her if you are interested in attending.  This is the same message that went out via email, but since not every one has provided their email message I am reproducing the information below.
----------------------

Hi Neighbors.

We are planning a large NW meeting (5 groups, I think) with Sgt. Paul Ramos.

He will have a PowerPoint presentation, and be available for Q & A - but please

submit your questions ahead of time, so this does not turn into a complaint

session!

Question for those of you planning on attending - which date is better??

Wed. Nov. 28, or Wed. Dec. 12??

Please let me know and I will let Caroline know.

Take care & Happy Halloween. Jeanine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeanine Sande

831-684-1847

jeanine@jeaninesande.com

Fire Update 9-10-12

Since I'm in the midst of updating the email list for the Directory I won't be able to get this update out before this evening via email.  Hence, I'm putting it in the blog because I can cut and paste the information provided by Miles Kitchen, who lives in the adjacent residential area closer to the fire.

-----
Hello all:

Sorry for my silence, but I juggle this task with my work and life and wish I had more time for ALL!

Anyway, a few things to report....not as substantial as I'd like, but still positive, and informative.

I spoke to Aptos/LaSelva Fire Chief Jeff Terpstra again, and he is still working on setting up a meeting with our homeowner's group and the representative from Fish and Wildlife, who manage the canyon.  There are some back and forth communications going on, and as soon as some available dates are pinned down, I will let you know.  We're also looking for a place to have this meeting, as we expect a large turnout of homeowners.  John Della Penna and his wife, Cindy have been most gracious in hosting these thus far, but I think the group has outgrown what they can accommodate.  So, we're looking for somewhere where we can host 40-50+ homeowners and guests.  Seascape Golf Club can handle it, but it could be pricey doing it there.  A room at the Fire Dept is a possibility, and I will investigate that.  If any of you have connections with the school on Pinehurst, perhaps that is also a possibility, as it borders the canyon?  In any even, if you have some ideas/input on this let me know.  We will also likely have participants from our neighbors in the Uplands as well.

It seems that the cause of the canyon fire was definitely inappropriate and potentially criminal behavior by individuals.  There are leads as to who these people were, and we hope that convincing evidence will emerge to allow pursuit of criminal proceedings, once processed.  If anyone has further info relevant to this, please contact either the fire department, or SC County Sheriff's office with your info.  They will investigate.  AND, keep a keen eye toward any inappropriate or suspicious activity in the open space and report it when you see it! 

A portion of what we'd like to discuss with Fish & Game, and the other agencies now responsible for the canyon is ongoing Fire Abatement, whether THEY, or WE do it.   As you may have noticed, some trimming has been done around paortions of the perimeter.  This is largely done by private homeowners thus far.  Our discussions with them will  hopefully answer the issues of what THEY will do, what WE can do to help them address the appropriate priority to this in their agencies, and what WE can do as homeowners to do this ourselves without running afoul of their agencies  (some of the private trimming was stopped by them).  And, there are many of you(us) who need to more clearing on our own property.  This is also a topic for discussion when we next meet.  We may be able to combine our needs to hire having this done to save us all cost.

And, as most of you know, there was a second troubling fire across HWY 1 recently that involved air drops and both Cal Fire and Aptos/LaSelva crews in bringing it under control (AGAIN, HUGE THANKS TO THE FIREFIGHTERS who did this in an amazing an professional way!!!).  Had that spread to the west side of HWY 1, a number of us would not be here to talk about it!   BUT, that just reminds us of the urgency of FIRE ABATEMENT and clearing we all should be doing to keep this threat to a minimum.  This is an extraordinarily dry year, and we've gone a long time in our area without normal clearing/cutting, and fire abatement.  In my last meeting with Chief Terpstra, we talked about the Fire Dept's expanding role in addressing fire risk in the county.  Starting next year, we may find ourselves (those WEST of HWY 1) under increasing scrutiny from the Fire Dept regarding the 30 foot clear space, and the recommended 100 ft. defensible space around structures.  This will undoubtedly be a topic for discussion at our next meeting.

FYI, we have almost 50 names on our homeowner's list, but there are quite a few more people that border the canyon that should have interest in this.  Please let your neighbors know about this and have them send my their email address to JOIN this list.  The more we have involved, the BETTER for us ALL.

And finally, some of you may have seen the article on the cover of the Aptos Times this past week about Donna and myself.  Yes, that was us!  We were a bit embarassed by it, as we knew Donna was interviewed about her Triathalon participation (at age 63), but did NOT know is was going to be such a big deal, and on the COVER!  Thanks to those who sent comments, and FYI, Donna completed her portion of the Triathalon today, and did just great.  Her teammate who did the swimming portion even won a podium award!  She inspires me to do more, so that's part of why I am trying to help us all make a better neighborhood.  And, I appreciate your help and support!

Regards,
Myles (& Donna)!

Caution - This Stinks

If you know me, you know I am a dog lover.  We walk our dog twice a day, during which time she does her business.  We have one of those handy dog bag dispensers attached to her lease, so we are prepared for the inevitable.  In chatting with one of our neighbors today, I learned of the frustration several residents are experiencing in how one of our vacant lots is being used as a doggy toilet without picking up after their animals.  Now, you might think "Hey, it's a vacant lot.  Its biodegradable.  It's natural. What's the big deal?"  Well, let me illuminate.

1.  Those of us who really care about our animals get frustrated trying to wade through the mine field in order to pick up after our own dog.  Personally, it ruins my day when I step in "it".

2.  The vacant lot really smells downwind.  Imagine a nice day when you just want to air out your house but being downwind.  Imagine wanting to sit in your back yard or on your deck and being down wind.  It stinks.

3. You do know what feces draw, don't you?  Flies.  Imagine wanting to have a barbecue or eat outside.  Maybe enjoy a nice glass of wine in your patio and watch the sunset over the ocean.  That fly that keeps buzzing you and your food - you know where it has been.  Kind of ruins the moment, you know?

4.  Is this a big problem? Well I sized it up and ended up with over 12 pounds of primarily dried (but still stinky feces.)  That bag in the photo contains nothing but the remnants of a dog's previous meal.  That is a yard stick in the background.  And this was just from one vacant lot. 

So please, if you see anyone leaving behind their animals droppings speak up. Help them understand the impact on their neighbors. Ask them to pick it up and take it with them, even if it is a vacant lot.  Maybe even offer them a bag if it's one of those "unexpected" moments. It's the neighborly thing to do.

Fire Upate

I confess I "sat" on this email chain for a while because I was concerned about the applicability of some of the comments regarding clearing around our lots.  The original email is not from within the Seascape Uplands HOA, so please do not take actions outside of what is allowed by our governing documents.  We are in a Salamander Preserve, with special requirements that may not be applicable to those in the originating neighborhood.  That being stated here is an update regarding recent fire concerns.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Myles Kitchen <myleshkitchen@gmail.com>
To: Carltaylr@aol.com
Cc: pocopam@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2012 9:09 AM
Subject: Re: Quick Update - Aptos Willow Canyon Fire List

Carl, Pam:

Sorry for the error....

Myles

On Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 6:40 AM,  <Carltaylr@aol.com> wrote:
> Good Morning Pam,, I will be meeting Myles this morning as a neighbor and of
> course a person with extensive expeirence with ARC and David Laabs,,, I will
> inform him that I do not represent the BOD as he has indicated in this
> memo,,but simply head of ARC
> He sounds like the right person to deal with this serious issue,,, We need
> to have all of our members aware of this issue and also the land bordering
> Zanzibar on both sides are a real concern,and the land off San Andreas that
> could pose a real threat to this side of the uplands as well. For your
> information the original land planning for the uplands shows a Future Fire
> Station on San Andreas adjacent to uplands drive,,, it would be interesting
> for that to be brought up at our meetings with the Fire Dept and in the
> future with the new supervisor Zack Friend
> Thanks
> Carl
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: myleshkitchen@gmail.com
> To: MylesHKitchen@gmail.com, john@dellapenna.com, Carltaylr@aol.com
> Sent: 8/22/2012 8:02:11 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
> Subj: Quick Update - Aptos Willow Canyon Fire List
>
> Hello all:
>
> Sorry, but I was tied up all last week, and am catching up this week.
> There is some information to report, and will be more soon.  But,
> here's a quick update.
>
> 1.  For those who weren't aware, we had ANOTHER FIRE this past
> Saturday.  This time, it was just across HWY 1, on the Eastern
> hillside between Freedom Blvd and San Andreas, and broke out around
> 1PMish.  As Chief Terpstra explained to us at our last meeting, this
> is within Cal Fire's jurisdiction, and thankfully, they responded
> quickly.  I was in Monterey when it broke out, but my wife Donna was
> here.  She called me as helicopters and planes were dropping fire
> retardant and circling about 100 ft over our house!  As I drove back,
> from Seaside, I could see the smoke plume clearly as it rose straight
> up (thankfully).  It was a serious fire, this time likely started by
> hot embers from a car's catalytic converter spitting out hot embers to
> the dry grass along HWY 1, between San Andreas, directly across from
> us.  It burned about 2 acres, same as the canyon fire, and was handled
> swiftly by a combination of Cal Fire, and Aptos/LaSelva.  THANKS AGAIN
> GUYS!!  But, its another reminder of how vulnerable we all are right
> now, with abundant fuel buildup from  years of neglected fire
> abatement, and the speed at which a fire can travel.  THANKFULLY, no
> embers were blown across HWY 1, or I probably wouldn't be writing this
> to you right now.  This is yet another reminder of how urgent this
> issue is, and how we all need to support efforts for further fire
> abatement, and do our own parts on our own properties.
>
> 2.  Since our meeting, and my last update, I now have approximately 44
> names on our interested homeowners' list, and I hope you'll encourage
> more of your neighbors to email me.  Several Uplands residents have
> also joined (welcome!), including Carl Taylor, who is involved with
> the Uplands BOD, and is addressing their interests relative to the
> canyon and its management.  Please keep spreading the word, and ask
> your neighbors to email me to join this list to stay abreast of
> developments, and support our efforts.  I haven't counted the lots,
> but I know there are additional property owners adjacent to the canyon
> who should have interest.  Please let your neighbors know about this!
>
> 3.  Since the meeting, John Della Penna and I met with County
> Supervisor Ellen Pirie to make her aware of our concerns.  She has
> offered her help, and since our meeting has reached out to Fire Chief
> Terpstra to offer her support.  If needed, we plan to take her up on
> her offer, as may be needed, but she has contacted Chief Terpstra, and
> for the moment, has recommended we work directly with him to support
> fire abatement efforts in the canyon.  As you may be aware, Supervisor
> Pirie is in her last term in office, and the Supervisor elect is Zack
> Friend (starting Jan 1).  At the appropriate time, we will contact
> Supervisor Friend to bring him into our discussions.  The purpose of
> the meeting was to see if Ms. Pirie could assist us in coordination
> with the various agencies now charged with management of the canyon,
> represent our interests as property owners, and help with bringing
> attention to County government that fire abatement here is a priority.
>
> 4.  I am in contact with Chief Terpstra, and we have a meeting
> tomorrow at 10AM with Chief Terpstra to discuss various issues.  The
> Chief has been in contact with the responsible person at the Dept of
> Wildlife, and there is guarded good news, that at least they
> understand our need to maintain a fire abatement perimeter around the
> property, and that MAY be 100 ft from the property boundaries.  It
> remains unclear who can fund such clearing, but it is positive,
> nevertheless.  We will have further discussion about this tomorrow,
> and see if we can jointly work to find funding sources for the
> clearing that is desperately needed at the moment.  Carl Taylor, from
> the Uplands, will also join me in this meeting, and I will report on
> this separately.  We hope to get a) a definitive position from the
> canyon property management that a fire abatement buffer zone is
> necessary and part of their planning, and b) identify a way to
> prioritize this clearing, hopefully ahead of making ponds for
> salamanders (!).
>
> 5.  Once again, if any of you are attorneys, or know of attorneys
> within our perimeter of homeowners, I would welcome any legal guidance
> on these many issues that they might provide for their own, and our,
> benefit.  Please contact me with any info.
>
> 6.  I implore each of you to do what you can to clean your own
> property boundaries, and/or clear space around your homes.  As
> recommended by the County, 30 ft. from structures is necessary, 100
> ft. preferred.  For those of you on El Sereno Ct., and Sonata Lane, I
> will be contacting you separately to discuss what we should do here.
> If you aren't aware, the property boundaries on our streets are
> complex, and the Eucalyptus grove is partially on the open space, and
> partially on property of homeowners on Sonata Lane, and Zanzibar
> Drive.  We should meet collectively to discuss taking some actions
> here for our mutual interest as this area is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS at
> present.  I don't have any information on the Eucalyptus grove near
> Zanzibar further up, but perhaps we'll have more info on that soon.
> It appears that some thinning of that grove has taken place, and I
> consider that good for us all, regardless of who did it.  If you are
> aware of that, please contact me directly.
>
> 7.  FYI, there is a local service known as Dirtworks ( see their video
> at http://www.dirtworktractors.com/brush-cutting.php).  I had a quote
> from them over a year ago to potentially do some clearing along our
> area, and they seemed quite reasonable.  If you have individual needs,
> you might look into their approach to brush clearing (FYI, I have no
> financial interest in this business).  If we collectively have jobs
> for them, perhaps we can get a favorable quote if they worked in our
> area doing various clearing jobs.  If you're interested in this, let
> me know and I will work to coordinate this, as we have a need for them
> here on El Sereno.  Their machine mounted to the front of a Skid Steer
> can clear large brush quickly and efficiently, turning the debris into
> productive, weed inhibiting mulch on site.  Check them out.  If  you
> have info on noteworthy such services, please let me know.
>
> 8.  I plan to update everyone after our meeting tomorrow with Chief
> Terpstra, and we'll set a tenative schedule for another community
> meeting.  I welcome your inputs, and any of you who would like to
> volunteer to assist with this.  Again, please email me.
>
> Regards,
> Myles H. Kitchen
> 915 El Sereno Ct.
> 831 539 8707

Nextdoor Seascape

One of my Master Gardener friends in Seascape has set up a neighborhood information sharing service called Nextdoor Seascape.  It allows neighbors to easily share information.  If you are interested in learning more, go to the link below.

https://seascape.nextdoor.com/invite/1fb0f8a2edc3e403a8a0

Those Meeting Notice Signs

By now you may have noticed the sign on the gates on Uplands and Zanzibar announcing an Executive Board Meeting. For convenience, I'm including a copy of the sign below.  Note, it is a closed meeting as we are discussing contract issues.

Ok, so you ask why are we posting this meeting if it is "closed session"?  Well, under the Davis-Stirling Act a quorum of your Board of Directors cannot meet or discuss any HOA business (other than to set up a meeting) without notifying the Homeowners.  That includes telephone and email communications or even a quorum chatting at a party.  

What can be covered in a closed session?  Here's an excerpt from Davis-Sterling that might help:

"Executive sessions of the board of directors are provided by statute so boards can address issues involving privileged information and matters of a private nature. As a result, members do not have a right to attend executive sessions. As provided for in Civil Code §1363.05(b), boards may go into executive session for the following matters:

1. Legal Issues. This preservesattorney-client privilege, litigation strategy and settlement strategies for current and potential litigation matters. The association's attorney does not need to be present either in person or by phone for the board to meet in executive session to discuss legal issues.

2. Formation of Contracts. Boards may consider matters relating to theformation of contractswith third parties.

3. Disciplinary Hearings. Boards should meet in executive session for alldisciplinary hearings. The accused member is entitled to attend the executive session for that portion of the meeting dealing with member's hearing.

4. Personnel Issues. Personnel matters which include, but are not limited to, hiring, firing, raises, disciplinary matters and performance reviews.

5. Payment of Assessments. Board may meet with members in executive session to discuss requests by delinquent members forpayment plans.

6. Foreclosure. The decision to initiate foreclosure shall be made only by the board of directors of the association and may not be delegated to an agent of the association. The board must approve the decision by a majority vote of the directors in executive session. Civ. Code §1367.4(c)(2)."

Read more:Executive Sessionhttp://www.davis-stirling.com/tabid/1769/Default.aspx#ixzz23j3hUfCD
from Davis-Stirling.com by Adams Kessler PLC. 

Don't hesitate to contact me with your questions or comments.  It is your involvement in the community that makes serving on your Board worth my time. 

News You Can Use

Two items this time that I hope you will find useful. First the fun and then more serious stuff.

It's that time again!  Please support our neighborhood and attend the BBQ.  Be sure to RSVP early to Denise Burt so the Uplands Hospitality Committee can be plan accordingly.  

Thanks to all of those on the Hospitality Committee who are making this event possible!  It is a lot of hard work.

The recent fire has raised a lot of interesting questions.  One news item that I thought you should know about is how to add your cell phone to the reverse  911 emergency notification. This can be really handy if you are away from your Uplands home and there is a fire or other public emergency announcement.  You may not be able to respond when you are away, but perhaps you have a neighbor or friend who could look out for your home or pets.  To add your cell phone to the call list follow the easy instructions at http://www.scr911.org .

Please consider adding your phone and email contact information to the Uplands Directory.  When I sent out the recent email notice about the meeting on the Cuesta/Willow Canyon fire, I had only 43 email addresses, and several of those I had because of the Book Club.  We can particularly use contact information from the Zanzibar side of our community.  We are in the process of gathering information for the new Directory. We owe a particular thanks to Elida Aaron and Denise Norris who have offered to work on this project.  You should be contacted in the near future by someone gathering the information.  

Notes the 8/4 meeting on the Cuesta/Willow Canyon Fire of July 27, 2012

8/4/2012 Pam Poco

The meeting was held at the home of John & Cindy Della Penna (813 Vista del Mar) and was very well attended by residents whose homes surrounded the canyon where the fire occurred, including several from the Seascape Uplands[1].  Three representaives from the Aptos/La Selva Fire Department were present, including the Fire Chief Jeff Terpstra.[2]

There were several large issues that were discussed at this meeting including the following, which will be described in further detail below:

1)    Who is responsible for maintaining the gulch?

2)    What are the primary fire issues?

3)    What can homeowners do to reduce the risk of fire.

A follow up meeting is planned in the near future (1-2 weeks?) with a broader set of representatives from the various agencies associated with the management of the canyon/gulch.  I will send out an email to the Seascape Uplands group when the details become available.  Unfortunately, I only have emails for 43 of the over 100 lots in our area, so please feel free to spread the news about the fire and follow up meetings.  I will also post information on our Seascape Uplands Blog: http://seascape-uplander.blogspot.com

Maintenance Responsibility.  The first big issue associated with the fire is who owns the gulch.  The Fire Department is frustrated with a lot of finger pointing between the various agencies with jurisdiction in the area.  Until recently, the 66 acres in the gulch were privately owned.  It was transferred through the land conservancy to the State. Some of the agencies involved mentioned by Chief Terpstra include the California Department of Fish and game, the US Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Resource Conservation District. The Center for Natural Lands Management was not mentioned.

There does not appear to be money for maintenance projects in Cuesta/Willow canyon.  And of course with all of the jurisdictional lines, it is difficult to get anyone with jurisdictional authority to stand up and spend their limited funds on fire reduction. One of the follow-up actions from this meeting is to get representatives from the various agencies together with the interested homeowners to discuss jurisdictional problems associated with responsibilities and maintenance issues. The Aptos/La SelvaFire Department will be helping to set up the follow-up meeting with the various parties.

Until the early 90’s the canyon/gulch area was fairy well maintained from a fire-reduction perspective with fire roads and a 100’ clearance barrier.  However, with the identification of the salamander issues and the establishment of the preserve and other conservation efforts, the ability to minimize the fire risk was negatively impacted.  The local fire district has been concerned for years about the fire issues associated with our canyons.  It is important to note at this point that we are in the Aptos/La Selva Fire district.  They have local responsibility for fire fighting paid for through our property taxes.  That means any additional fire support is not augmented by state funding and would be paid for out of our district. 

Fire Issues.  There was a very good discussion of fire issues.  Native California plants in this area are designed to burn.  We are fortunate that our proximity to the coast usually keeps the humidity up and the fire danger lower than many other areas of California.  The primary concern for homeowners is the fuel (e.g. combustible materials) in and around homes.  The Fire Chief stated that the brush, Scottish broom, and pampas grass that are part of the habitat for the salamanders is also fuel for our fires.  However, it is fuel in the proximity of our homes that is of primary concern.

It is unclear when the fire actually started. Some reports came in that it may have been as early as 10-11 p.m. on July 26. However, the first official call came in shortly before 4 am on July 27 from 140 Zanzibar. (Way to go, Uplander!)  The Fire District has been trained on our area and is familiar with access points, and they can get through any of our gates.  While it was unclear at first as to the exact location of the fire, it was quickly identified.  A Command Point was established on Vista Del Mar, where they had excellent visibility of the fire.  Fortunately, there was no wind, it was near the top of a knoll, and the humidity was high, so there was little risk of the fire rapidly spreading. 

To maximize efficiency the Fire Responders sought information on the best way to access the area from the residents.   (No one knows the current situation of our area and how to access it like those who hike in it.)  Their 4-wheel drive vehicle out of La Selva responded to the Pinehurst access point, while other vehicles were directed as needed.  Since there was no immediate risk, the Fire Department took the time to deliberately deploy in order to most efficiently fight the fire.  The first vehicle quickly went through its 500 gallon water capacity.  Fortunately, other engines were close enough to tie into a Fire Hydrant so they had the necessary water to fight the fire in the most rapid manner.  (They ended up using 10,000 gallons of water.) 

It is thought that the fire was started by kids partying.  There is an ongoing arson investigation. Anyone with information about the people involved in starting the fire should call either the Sheriff or the Fire Chief (685-6990, x113).

Other useful or interesting fire information: 

·      The Fire Department can call for mutual aide, but in this case it wasn’t needed. 

·      They can easily use the reverse 911 call to notify residents should an evacuation be needed.

·      Those green water hydrants can supply up to 1,000 gallons per minute.

·      This is a good water supply area.  The Command Center notified the water company to make sure enough pumps were running.

·      We can get aerial support if needed.

·      Keeping the fire out was the hardest part of the fire-fighting effort as cutting brush has to be done by hand.  (Cal Fire came in to help.  Our Fire Department had to pay overage fee to have them show up early and provide the crew breakfast.)

·      Fires burn worst when there is a dry, north wind.  Should that have been the situation at the time of the fire, the response would have been stronger.

·      They did not use their sirens when they came into the neighborhood because it was night-time with no traffic, and there was no immediate danger.

·      If you see or hear of a fire nearby, do not go out and start hosing down your area.  You will be draining water from that needed by the professional fire fighters and will have essentially no impact on reducing your fire risk.

What can homeowners do? There were several questions about what homeowners can do to reduce the fire risk.  In my opinion, those with jurisdiction would be very wise to get involved to try to reduce the fire risk because residents whose homes are at risk will be sorely tempted to clear the areas around their homes even if State-owned and ask for forgiveness later. If the State and Federal Agencies truly want to be good stewards of the land they are responsible for protecting, they need to stand up to the plate.  We need to push such agencies to the plate through our joining together and speaking with one voice.

More than one homeowner asked about removing trees that they feel are threatening their homes.  It was pointed out that there can be severe fines for taking unauthorized actions on State-owned land.

There are some resources worth seeking out if you are concerned about reducing your risk.  “Living with Fire in Santa Cruz County” may be found online at http://www.rcdsantacruz.org/pages/resources/publications.php  It includes step by step guidance on ways to create a more defensible space around your home.  You can also call the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District (685-6690) to schedule an inspection pointing out specific risks. The Fire Department is also a good resource if you should have a vacant lot or rental with fire issues, such as a back yard of 3-5’ weeds.

It is important that should you be aware of any suspicious activity in the canyons that you call 911.  The Fire Chief discouraged the use of the regular number for anything that is urgent, such as situations where kids are partying in an area where they don’t belong.  When you dial the 7 digit numbers, it is automatically assumed there is not an urgent issue.

Seascape Uplands members need to be cognizant of the restrictions in our CC&Rs, particularly in regards to any spraying or brush removal in the Preserve.  Please contact David Laabs (831.345.9675, laabsbws@aol.com) if you have specific issues associated with the salamander areas.

That’s pretty much the extent of my notes. I will follow up with more information as it become available, particularly in regards to the next meeting with those representing the various jurisdictions.

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[1] See http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_21177679/fire-burns-two-acres-cuesta-canyon-area for the short article if you are not familiar with the fire. 

[2]The Aptos-La Selva Fire District home page is http://www.aptosfire.com/ .