Valencia Hills Homeowners Association
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Neighborhood News
Board of Directors Meeting
The next Valencia Hills Board of Directors Meeting has been scheduled to
take place at the Valencia Hills Clubhouse on Wednesday, January 13, 2010
at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items will consist of Association Manager's report,
Committee reports, and New Business.
I**************************************************************************************************
Sharing in Fire Safety
A Holiday Prevention Fact Sheet
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,000
individuals and cause over $500 million in damage.
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are
simple, life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy
holiday. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances
of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Holiday Tree Fires
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live
tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and
deadly gases.
Selecting a tree:
Needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull back from
the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been
freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Bouncing the
tree trunk hard on the ground can identify old trees. If many needles
fall off, the tree has been cut for too long, has probably dried out, and
is a fire hazard.
Caring for your tree:
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or
heat vent. Heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily
ignited by heat, flame, or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick
cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or
leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with
water at all times.
Disposing of your tree:
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning
stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way
to dispose of your tree is by having it hauled away by your trash pick-
up service.
Holiday Lights
Maintain your holiday lights:
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, or gaps
in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking
or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an
approved testing laboratory.
Do not overload electrical outlets:
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions
indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord
before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically
check the wires (they should not be warm to the touch).
DO NOT LEAVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON UNATTENDED
Holiday Decorations
Use only nonflammable decorations:
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and
placed away from heat vents.
Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace:
Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a
chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial holiday trees:
If you are using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Use Care with Candles
Candles can be dangerous:
If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place
them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the
house with candles burning. Never put candles on a tree. Do not go
near a holiday tree with open flame-candles, lighters, or matches.
General Home Fire Safety
Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of you
home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with
fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help.
Remember to practice your home fire escape plan.
Contact Numbers
Emergency 911
Fire (non-emergency) (661) 259-2111
Sheriff/City of Santa Clarita (661) 255-1121
Emergency Preparedness (661) 286-4093
In case of an emergency
Do you know how to shut off the gas to your home?
Before an emergency
Know where your gas meter is located before an emergency occurs.
It could be located underground, in a cabinet, alongside or under
your house. Have a 10-12" adjustable wrench stored in a specific
location where it will always be available.
After an emergency
If you smell or hear gas escaping after an earthquake or emergency,
turn off your gas at the meter.
If you shut off the gas for any reason and you do not know how to
safely restore your gas service and inspect your appliances, call a
qualified service provider (for example, The Gas Company, a licensed
plumber, or a licensed heating contractor).
For More Information
You can also find emergency gas shut-off instructions in the front
pages of most telephone directories, or on The Gas Company website
at www.socalgas.com.
**************************************************************************************************
Parking
As a common courtesy to your neighbors, please park your vehicles in your
driveway or in front of your own house when possible.
**************************************************************************************************
Keeping the Neighborhood Litter Free
If you post signs advertising a garage sale, boutique sale, etc., please don't
forget to remove the signs after the event.
If there happens to be litter in the street in front of your house it just takes a
minute to pick it up and properly dispose of it. It also helps keep the
neighborhood streets litter and debris free.
If you happen to see an abandoned shopping cart left in the neighborhood,
please call the shopping cart removal hotline at (800) 252-4613 with the
location. They will have it removed within 24 to 48 hours.
**************************************************************************************************
Street Sweeping/Parking/Speed Limit
STREET SWEEPING is every other Monday. Please help keep our streets
and gutters litter free by parking your vehicles in the garage or driveway the
day that the streets are swept. We appreciate your help in the neighborhood
beautification program.
COMMON COURTESY...The Board of Directors and the Association
Manager have received several complaints regarding neighbors not parking
their vehicles in their driveway or in front of their own homes. As a common
courtesy, please park your vehicles in the driveway or in front of your home
when possible. Thanks for your help.
SLOW DOWN...since when did our streets become the Indianapolis
Speedway? The speed limit is 25 miles per hour in residential
neighborhoods...what's the rush? Is that extra 3 seconds really going to
make a difference? Remember, we are a family oriented neighborhood, we
have children at play. Please slow down!
**************************************************************************************************
ARCHITECTURAL FYI
Please check your siding and trim to see if you need to do a little touch-up
painting or if you need to re-paint this year.
The fences on your property that back up to the paseo are your
responsibility. Please make sure that they are painted and properly
maintained.
Did you know that the City of Santa Clarita has a height requirement for trees
and/or shrubs that hang over the sidewalk or street ? The height requirement
for sidewalks is 8' and the height requirement for streets is 14'. Please make
sure your trees and shrubs are trimmed up to the required height.
**************************************************************************************************
Tennis Court Gates
The tennis courts are in popular demand. If you would like to reserve a court
for a particular day and time, please contact the Manager at 259-8400. If not,
the courts are first come/first serve.
And please remember to keep the gates locked. Why?? To avoid vandalism
and non-homeowner use of the courts.
**************************************************************************************************
Paseo Trees and Shrubs
In 2000, a State Law was passed which prohibits homeowners from removing
any branches, limbs, shrubs, or trees from common area property even if the
branches or limbs are hanging into the homeowner’s yard. Removal of
branches, especially on larger trees on slopes, can throw off the balance of
the entire tree creating a stability problem should high winds or heavy rains
occur. If a homeowner is caught removing branches, limbs, shrubs or trees
from the common area they are in violation of this law and the CC&R’s of the
Association. Additionally, they are vandalizing the common area property,
and exposing themselves to liability for property damage and/or personal
injury should anything happen as a result of the improper trimming or
removal. Homeowners failing to comply with the state law and the CC&R’s are
subject to a fine, and will be charged to “fix” or “replace” what they have
destroyed.
Any alteration of the areas within a landscape maintenance district (our
common area paseos and slopes) must be approved by the City and
performed by City authorized crews. Landscape Maintenance District
employees are required to wear orange vests for identification purposes. If
you observe anyone performing any type of paseo maintenance, (tree
trimming, mowing, tree or shrub removal, etc.), who is not wearing a green
vest, we urge you to contact the Association Manager (259-8400) or the LMD
hotline (286-4050) immediately.
**************************************************************************************************
Paseos vs. Motorized Vehicles
21968 CVC states "No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any
sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a roadway or on any bikeway, bicycle
path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking trail or recreational trail."
Motorized vehicles have been observed racing at extremely high rates of
speed throughout our neighborhood and on the paseos. This is not only a
danger to the operator, but also to those enjoying a pleasant walk. Who is
responsible if an accident occurs?? If the vehicles are unlicensed are they
covered under an insurance policy?? And, according to the previously stated
section of the California Vehicle Code, where can they legally be ridden??
Parents, if your children have dirt bikes, motorized scooters or skateboards,
please remind them to respect their neighborhood and abide by the rules.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the paseos. The only exceptions are
the security vehicles for Santa Clarita Valley Public Safety and authorized
maintenance vehicles for Stay Green Landscape.
**************************************************************************************************
Pets and the Paseos
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, (while being walked on the paseos,
sidewalks, or anywhere else in the neighborhood, even in your front yard).
There have been several reports by residents of dogs running loose or being
walked off leash on the paseos. Additionally, please make sure that your
dog/dogs are secured in your backyard (gates are latched, fences are high
enough and in good repair, etc.). Allowing your pet to "run wild" is not fair to
your neighbors who may feel threatened if approached by an unleashed
animal. Please keep in mind that even though your dog may be friendly it
may be approaching another dog who is not. If your unleashed pet attacks
and injures a leashed pet or an individual, you can be held responsible for
legal and medical expenses. There is a leash law, it was designed to protect
both you and your pets. Please observe it.
Did you know that not removing dog or animal waste from public
areas such as parks, walkways, turf areas, planters and slopes is a
health code violation of the Clean Water Act and is punishable by a
fine of up to $500.00? On the February paseo walk we noticed that there
are a number of homeowners that are in violation of this health code...there
are areas that are literally full of pet feces. Doggie waste removal bag
dispensers have been installed throughout our paseo yet some homeowners
are still not using them.
Please...please...please...keep your dogs leashed and help keep our paseo
poop free by cleaning up after your pets. If you observe "roaming" or
"unleashed" pets or homeowners not cleaning up after their pets, I urge you
to contact the Association Manager (259-8400) or Animal Control (257-3191)
immediately for assistance.
The next Valencia Hills Board of Directors Meeting has been scheduled to
take place at the Valencia Hills Clubhouse on Wednesday, January 13, 2010
at 7:00 p.m. Agenda items will consist of Association Manager's report,
Committee reports, and New Business.
I**************************************************************************************************
Sharing in Fire Safety
A Holiday Prevention Fact Sheet
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,000
individuals and cause over $500 million in damage.
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are
simple, life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy
holiday. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances
of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Holiday Tree Fires
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live
tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and
deadly gases.
Selecting a tree:
Needles on a fresh tree should be green and hard to pull back from
the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been
freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Bouncing the
tree trunk hard on the ground can identify old trees. If many needles
fall off, the tree has been cut for too long, has probably dried out, and
is a fire hazard.
Caring for your tree:
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or
heat vent. Heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily
ignited by heat, flame, or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick
cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or
leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with
water at all times.
Disposing of your tree:
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning
stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way
to dispose of your tree is by having it hauled away by your trash pick-
up service.
Holiday Lights
Maintain your holiday lights:
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, or gaps
in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking
or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an
approved testing laboratory.
Do not overload electrical outlets:
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions
indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord
before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically
check the wires (they should not be warm to the touch).
DO NOT LEAVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON UNATTENDED
Holiday Decorations
Use only nonflammable decorations:
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and
placed away from heat vents.
Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace:
Wrapping paper can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a
chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial holiday trees:
If you are using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Use Care with Candles
Candles can be dangerous:
If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place
them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the
house with candles burning. Never put candles on a tree. Do not go
near a holiday tree with open flame-candles, lighters, or matches.
General Home Fire Safety
Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of you
home, test them monthly, and keep them clean and equipped with
fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help.
Remember to practice your home fire escape plan.
Contact Numbers
Emergency 911
Fire (non-emergency) (661) 259-2111
Sheriff/City of Santa Clarita (661) 255-1121
Emergency Preparedness (661) 286-4093
In case of an emergency
Do you know how to shut off the gas to your home?
Before an emergency
Know where your gas meter is located before an emergency occurs.
It could be located underground, in a cabinet, alongside or under
your house. Have a 10-12" adjustable wrench stored in a specific
location where it will always be available.
After an emergency
If you smell or hear gas escaping after an earthquake or emergency,
turn off your gas at the meter.
If you shut off the gas for any reason and you do not know how to
safely restore your gas service and inspect your appliances, call a
qualified service provider (for example, The Gas Company, a licensed
plumber, or a licensed heating contractor).
For More Information
You can also find emergency gas shut-off instructions in the front
pages of most telephone directories, or on The Gas Company website
at www.socalgas.com.
**************************************************************************************************
Parking
As a common courtesy to your neighbors, please park your vehicles in your
driveway or in front of your own house when possible.
**************************************************************************************************
Keeping the Neighborhood Litter Free
If you post signs advertising a garage sale, boutique sale, etc., please don't
forget to remove the signs after the event.
If there happens to be litter in the street in front of your house it just takes a
minute to pick it up and properly dispose of it. It also helps keep the
neighborhood streets litter and debris free.
If you happen to see an abandoned shopping cart left in the neighborhood,
please call the shopping cart removal hotline at (800) 252-4613 with the
location. They will have it removed within 24 to 48 hours.
**************************************************************************************************
Street Sweeping/Parking/Speed Limit
STREET SWEEPING is every other Monday. Please help keep our streets
and gutters litter free by parking your vehicles in the garage or driveway the
day that the streets are swept. We appreciate your help in the neighborhood
beautification program.
COMMON COURTESY...The Board of Directors and the Association
Manager have received several complaints regarding neighbors not parking
their vehicles in their driveway or in front of their own homes. As a common
courtesy, please park your vehicles in the driveway or in front of your home
when possible. Thanks for your help.
SLOW DOWN...since when did our streets become the Indianapolis
Speedway? The speed limit is 25 miles per hour in residential
neighborhoods...what's the rush? Is that extra 3 seconds really going to
make a difference? Remember, we are a family oriented neighborhood, we
have children at play. Please slow down!
**************************************************************************************************
ARCHITECTURAL FYI
Please check your siding and trim to see if you need to do a little touch-up
painting or if you need to re-paint this year.
The fences on your property that back up to the paseo are your
responsibility. Please make sure that they are painted and properly
maintained.
Did you know that the City of Santa Clarita has a height requirement for trees
and/or shrubs that hang over the sidewalk or street ? The height requirement
for sidewalks is 8' and the height requirement for streets is 14'. Please make
sure your trees and shrubs are trimmed up to the required height.
**************************************************************************************************
Tennis Court Gates
The tennis courts are in popular demand. If you would like to reserve a court
for a particular day and time, please contact the Manager at 259-8400. If not,
the courts are first come/first serve.
And please remember to keep the gates locked. Why?? To avoid vandalism
and non-homeowner use of the courts.
**************************************************************************************************
Paseo Trees and Shrubs
In 2000, a State Law was passed which prohibits homeowners from removing
any branches, limbs, shrubs, or trees from common area property even if the
branches or limbs are hanging into the homeowner’s yard. Removal of
branches, especially on larger trees on slopes, can throw off the balance of
the entire tree creating a stability problem should high winds or heavy rains
occur. If a homeowner is caught removing branches, limbs, shrubs or trees
from the common area they are in violation of this law and the CC&R’s of the
Association. Additionally, they are vandalizing the common area property,
and exposing themselves to liability for property damage and/or personal
injury should anything happen as a result of the improper trimming or
removal. Homeowners failing to comply with the state law and the CC&R’s are
subject to a fine, and will be charged to “fix” or “replace” what they have
destroyed.
Any alteration of the areas within a landscape maintenance district (our
common area paseos and slopes) must be approved by the City and
performed by City authorized crews. Landscape Maintenance District
employees are required to wear orange vests for identification purposes. If
you observe anyone performing any type of paseo maintenance, (tree
trimming, mowing, tree or shrub removal, etc.), who is not wearing a green
vest, we urge you to contact the Association Manager (259-8400) or the LMD
hotline (286-4050) immediately.
**************************************************************************************************
Paseos vs. Motorized Vehicles
21968 CVC states "No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any
sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a roadway or on any bikeway, bicycle
path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking trail or recreational trail."
Motorized vehicles have been observed racing at extremely high rates of
speed throughout our neighborhood and on the paseos. This is not only a
danger to the operator, but also to those enjoying a pleasant walk. Who is
responsible if an accident occurs?? If the vehicles are unlicensed are they
covered under an insurance policy?? And, according to the previously stated
section of the California Vehicle Code, where can they legally be ridden??
Parents, if your children have dirt bikes, motorized scooters or skateboards,
please remind them to respect their neighborhood and abide by the rules.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the paseos. The only exceptions are
the security vehicles for Santa Clarita Valley Public Safety and authorized
maintenance vehicles for Stay Green Landscape.
**************************************************************************************************
Pets and the Paseos
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, (while being walked on the paseos,
sidewalks, or anywhere else in the neighborhood, even in your front yard).
There have been several reports by residents of dogs running loose or being
walked off leash on the paseos. Additionally, please make sure that your
dog/dogs are secured in your backyard (gates are latched, fences are high
enough and in good repair, etc.). Allowing your pet to "run wild" is not fair to
your neighbors who may feel threatened if approached by an unleashed
animal. Please keep in mind that even though your dog may be friendly it
may be approaching another dog who is not. If your unleashed pet attacks
and injures a leashed pet or an individual, you can be held responsible for
legal and medical expenses. There is a leash law, it was designed to protect
both you and your pets. Please observe it.
Did you know that not removing dog or animal waste from public
areas such as parks, walkways, turf areas, planters and slopes is a
health code violation of the Clean Water Act and is punishable by a
fine of up to $500.00? On the February paseo walk we noticed that there
are a number of homeowners that are in violation of this health code...there
are areas that are literally full of pet feces. Doggie waste removal bag
dispensers have been installed throughout our paseo yet some homeowners
are still not using them.
Please...please...please...keep your dogs leashed and help keep our paseo
poop free by cleaning up after your pets. If you observe "roaming" or
"unleashed" pets or homeowners not cleaning up after their pets, I urge you
to contact the Association Manager (259-8400) or Animal Control (257-3191)
immediately for assistance.
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|
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|
| |
|
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|
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