Recap of September 2009

# of Calls for Service by Security: 168

# of Member Communication Forms Received at Association Office:  9

One (1) complaint regarding two separate neighbors allowing their dogs to run loose and chase after people on a regular basis.

Action: Investigating Officer interviewed all parties, along with other neighbors and determined the dogs at both locations were causing problems.  Both dog owners given stern warnings to keep dogs contained. 

Two (2) separate complaints as a follow-up to the above complaint happened a few weeks later.  Party one complained that one of the neighbor’s dogs went into party one’s back yard where it proceeded to attack party one and their dog.  This caused party one’s boyfriend to come out of the house.  Party two, the owner of the dog which got loose then came out of their house, and filed a separate complaint that party one’s boyfriend had a gun on him when he came out of the house, and that he was yelling at party two. 

Action:  Investigating Officer was told that both parties had contacted the Sheriff.  The gun was identified as an Airsoft rifle.  Citations were issued.

One (1) complaint against a neighbor for an unkempt front yard, construction parking and debris, and devoid of any landscaping.   

Action: Investigating Officer issued a “Notice to Comply” giving the owner 14 days to generally correct the situation and to submit plans to the AEC Committee for landscaping.

One (1) complaint regarding use of a campsite without payment, and illegal dumping at the same location.  

Action: Investigating Officer wrote a citation to the individual responsible. 

One (1) complaint regarding a slip being possibly damaged and being used by someone not authorized. 

Action: Investigating Officer inspected the slip and found no damage, nor anyone using it.  Complaining party advised.

One (1) complaint related to receiving a “Notice of Decision” for a citation yet never receiving the “Notice to Appear” to be advised they had the right to appear at the Violation Hearing.  (The “Notice of Decision” stated the citation was upheld by Violation Hearing Officer.)

Action: Scheduled for Board Meeting as a “Member Dispute”. 

Two (2) complaints from the same individual regarding the same matter which relates to being denied access to  equestrian easement alongside the frontage of the 20 acre parcels.

Action:  Investigating Officer handling matter with notification to the offending party on how to comply with the CC&Rs.     

# of Citations Issued: 34

Parking Violation = 4

Driving / Parking in Common Area = 3

Defacing Common Area = 1

Unlicensed Driver = 2

Failure to Stop = 1

Excessive Speed in School Zone = 3

Unsafe Driving / Passing = 5

Firearms, Pellet, BB Gun, Etc. = 1

Illegal Entry = 8

Aiding Illegal Entry = 7

Vehicle not in HROA System - 1

Disturbing the Peace = 1

Unleashed Dog = 2

Barking or Nuisance Animal = 1

Theft of Property = 1

Lot – General Clean-up = 1

Lot – Weeds / Debris = 2

Lot – Stripped / Junked / In-op Vehicle = 1

Other = 1

(Multiple Violations = 12, Written Warnings Issued = 13)

Summary of action taken at Board Meeting(s) for September 2009

In September 2009, the Board of Directors held their regularly scheduled monthly Board Meeting on September 11^th.  The following appeals / security related issues were discussed or acted on (by agenda item):

3.  Approve/Disapprove to add minor Taylor to the Unauthorized Guest List SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1  Action: Approved

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 14.  Approve/Disapprove a new contract agreement between HROA and Gary Cochran “Hearing Officer” 

On October 25, 2005 HROA entered into a contract for services with Gary Cochran.  The services are generally described as “Hearing Officer”.  Such duties include: performing as Hearing Officer each month to decide whether or not the accused member of the Association has violated the CC&R rule he/she has been summoned to the hearing to protest.  Gary Cochran has performed the duties consistently since October 2005.  The intent is to negotiate the current compensation for the services provided.  Action:  Approved new contract

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 110.  Approve/Disapprove, to issue a postcard to Tract 424 regarding a proposed sloping lot line adjustment (variance) for Lot 11 of Tract 424, owned by Jezek, to be heard on October 16, 2009 

On June 25, 2009 Shari Doss appeared at the AEC Committee for property owner Jezek to discuss the possibility of obtaining a sloping lot line adjustment.  Doss stated that SLO County would not be opposed to such a request.  The AEC Committee advised Doss that there were steps required for submission of plans to the AEC Committee.  On August 14, 2009 Doss submitted plans to the AEC Committee along with a letter from SLO County confirming they would not be opposed to considering a sloping lot line adjustment on the stated property.  The AEC Committee reviewed the plans and requested the Board determine if a variance would be allowed.  The plans were acceptable as to all other general issues.  Action: Approved to issue postcard

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 112.  Discussion of changing speed limit at school zone from 25 mph to 15 mph 

This item was requested to be added by property owner Charlotte Brock.  It is the Board’s prerogative to discuss the item, table it indefinitely, or approve it as a later agenda item, setting a date and time at which the agenda item will then be heard (and in what format).  Action: Tabled indefinitely

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 seventy six (76) law enforcement related incidents, including: 30 disturbing the peace, 5 check the welfare, 6 fire related incidents, 2 thefts, 10 trespassing incidents, 4 vandalisms, 2 possible child annoying, 1 domestic violence, 1 assault on another, 5 possible burglary suspects, 1 shots fired, 1 illegal dumping and 1 traffic accident, as well as three other crimes which required an investigation.  Security also handled an additional thirty-three (33) dog related incidents.  

The investigated crimes included: a lost child, an assault which caused serious bodily injury and a vandalism.   

The lost child was reported on Sandpiper Lane.  The eldest brother was caring for his three younger siblings when the two-year old decided to go for a walk while his brother was using the rest room.  The lost child was found by an off-duty Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Deputy at Meadow Lark Lane near Sandpiper Lane.  HROA Security then located the eldest brother on the Ranch who was attempting to find the lost child on his own.  Both parties were reunited.  The SLO County Sheriff’s Department determined this was accidental as the two-year old has done this in the past.   All is well that ends well, thanks to the assistance by the off-duty deputy. 

An assault and battery occurred at the Main Marina on September 1, 2009 at 11:30 p.m.  The victim was struck in the face with a wine glass.  The victim received thirty-nine (39) sutures for facial lacerations.  Both individuals involved are females; this incident started from name calling and resulted in violence.  This investigation was turned over to the SLO County Sheriff’s Department for prosecution.  At this time the disposition of the case is unknown. 

The illegal dumping was at campsite #8 at the Heritage Ranch campground. A guest who was camping departed and left numerous items which HROA Maintenance had to remove.  The items included a table and a set of chairs.  The member who rented the space for their guest is the responsible party and received a citation for the violation.      

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 as soon as possible. 

Our goal is to maintain your confidentiality.  If you are complaining about another individual who resides on the Ranch, please keep in mind that certain complaints by their nature might require your cooperation in order to process them to your complete satisfaction.                

Sincerely,

Butch Cantalupo

Security Consultant for HROA

Tip of the Month -- Halloween Safety

A few years ago, around Halloween, HROA received a tip that individuals were scheming to go around the Ranch and poison our pets by either putting poison in meat or using chocolate.  The poison was going to be tossed into the backyards for the pets to consume.    

Please increase your awareness and keep your pets inside if at all possible during this time of year. 

Children should always carry a flash light with them while trick-or-treating, and wear colors that are reflective, or add reflective tape to their costumes.  Parents should physically check all treats the children receive prior to consumption.  There are no known reported incidents that have occurred at Heritage Ranch but safety should always be uppermost in our minds!        

PLAY SAFE

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

HELP US, HELP YOU