Recap of December 2008

# of Calls for Service by Security: 93

# of Member Communication Forms Received at Association Office:  3

One (1) complaint regarding items thrown into and/or left in the dry lake bottom.

Action: GM directed Maintenance Manager to clean up. 

One (1) complaint against a neighbor who was purportedly riding dirt bikes on their large acreage parcel in such a manner (continuous, loud, etc.) to disturb the peace.   

Action: Turned over to Code Enforcement to resolve.

One (1) complaint stating that the light fixture at Gateway Park was missing a globe to shield the light emitting from the bulb.  

Action: Turned over to Maintenance Manager to order and install an appropriate replacement globe. 

# of Citations Issued: 39  

Parking Violation = 3

Parking Violation / Handicap = 1

Parking of Boat, RV, Camper = 4

Driving / Parking on Vacant Lot = 1

Excessive Speed = 2

Unsafe Driving / Passing = 1

DUI = 1

Off-Road Vehicle = 2

Vandalism, Graffiti, Littering = 1

Vessel Not in HROA System = 1

Foul Language = 1

Impounding of Dog = 2

Barking or Nuisance Animal = 1

Theft of Property = 1

Non-Payment of Usage Fees = 6

Illegal Tenant / Resident = 2

Lot – Weeds / Debris = 1

AEC Violation = 1

Storage of Watercraft = 3

(Multiple Violations = 5; Written Warnings Issued = 32)

Summary of action taken at Board Meeting(s) for December 2008

In December 2008, the Board of Directors held their regularly scheduled monthly Board Meeting on December 12^th.  The following appeals / security related issues were discussed or acted on (by agenda item):

2.  Property Owner Appeal – Pratt, Citation #9015, $25.00 Parking of Boat (use letter)  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1Citation requested to be voided by Security due to being written in error.
Action: Voided

3.  Property Owner Appeal – Martin, Citation #8844, $25.00 Driving or Parking on Vacant Lot (use letter) Citation requested to be voided by Security due to being written in error.  Action: Voided

4.  Property Owner Appeal – Cleary, Citation #8834 $25.00 Parking of Boat (use letter) Citation requested to be voided by Security due to being written in error.
Action: Voided

10.  Property Owner Appeal – Henigman, Citation #8842, $45.00 Non-Payment of Usage Fees, and Citation #8843, $45.00 Non-Payment of Usage Fees (4:45 p.m.)  Action: Upheld

11.  Property Owner Appeal – Barker, Citation #8423, $50.00 Bare Ground Cover (5:00 p.m.)  Action: Upheld

12.  Property Owner Appeal – Ptaszensi, Citation #8852, $300.00 Illegal Tenant (5:15 p.m.) Action: Changed to a Warning

There were also a total of thirteen (13) Compliance Deposit Forfeitures before the Board, with all but one (1) of those upheld.

You can find the agenda and minutes for all meetings by clicking on the CALENDAR found on the front page of the HROA website at www.hroa.us

Summary of Security-Related Activities

HROA Security continues to assist law enforcement, with twelve (12) law enforcement related incidents investigated in December 2008.  These incidents included: vandalism, theft and burglary.

The Country Store reported vandalism, done by unknown suspects, related to damage done to the coke machine located on the front porch. In the area of the 2500 block of Barn Road unknown suspects damaged a snow globe which was attached to a small air compressor.  In the 3000 block of Waterview Drive two (2) rear windows were broken with the estimated damage given at approximately $500.00.  The owner supplied possible suspect information which was turned over to the Sheriff’s Department.     

Also in December 2008, an individual reported they had parked their vehicle in the area of the Fish Cleaning Station, left the vehicle unlocked and went for a walk.  Upon their return, it was noticed that unknown suspects had entered the vehicle.  At the time of the report it was unknown if any property had been taken.  The suspects burned holes in the passenger seat with what is believed to be cigarette butts. 

A burglary was reported in the 4700 block of Pintail Lane. The point of entry was the doggie door; unknown suspects removed gift certificates and beer.  Another burglary was reported in the 5100 block of North Fork.  This burglary was an attempt.  The suspect was seen in the victim’s garage and the victim gave chase.  The suspect escaped and no property was removed. 

In Tract 1910, there has now been a total of four (4) burglaries reported occurring, beginning in November 2008.  A Neighborhood Watch meeting was held on January 16, 2009 which was sponsored by HROA at the request of members living in Tract 1910.  In that meeting it was discussed and agreed to create a Hotline E-Mail Service, in addition to this monthly Security Bulletin, to provide inform as it is received regarding crime activity on Heritage Ranch.  We will be including the exact addresses where crimes occur in the new Hotline E-Mail Service.  Our goal is to put all residents on notice, so if they see anything they can report that to HROA Security and/or Law Enforcement immediately.   We hope that by providing this additional service it will reduce crime in our community.    As a subscriber to the Security Bulletin, you will automatically receive the Hotline E-Mail Service which will be initiated this month.          

Firewood was stolen from Tract 1990 on more than one occasion in December 2008.  The thefts were reported not only to HROA Security but also to the Sheriff’s Department due to the value of the thefts.  Through a follow up investigation done by HROA Security, suspects were identified, cited and their information relayed to the Sheriff’s Department.       

HROA Security’s goal is to provide services to HROA Members that will most benefit them.  If you wish to speak to me directly, call the Association Office at 805-238-9641, leave me a message and I will return your call. All information received will be kept confidential and greatly appreciated.  Be a responsible neighbor and report suspicious behavior.        

Sincerely,

Butch Cantalupo

Security Consultant for HROA

Tip of the Month – Neighborhood Watch/Community Patrol

Burglary prevention is a priority, keeping your home and family safe is everyone’s responsible.  Burglars primarily are sneak thieves, opportunists who enter when you are away, but sometimes they will enter a home when the owner is present.  Those types of individuals are very dangerous as their intent is never clear.

This is why Neighborhood Watch is so important.  The Sheriff’s Department has an excellent program.  Crime Prevention Specialist Rob Bryan attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting held on January 16, 2009 at the Recreation Barn.    He will be able to assist you in starting a program in your neighborhood.  His direct phone number is 805-781-4547. 

Heritage Ranch also started a Community Patrol a few years ago.  Member volunteer interest waned and the program went by the wayside.  Sergeant Barrera would like to re-activate the Community Patrol with your help.  Community Patrol volunteers supplied safety to the membership along with assistance to HROA Security.  If you are interested in joining the Community Patrol contact us through the following e-mail address, security@hroa.us. 

PLAY SAFE

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

HELP US, HELP YOU