Valencia Hills Homeowners Association
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Neighborhood News
Bird feeders & Rats
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The roof rat is a major problem species of rodent. Roof rats are frequently
seen traveling through neighborhoods along fence tops in search of the
perfect food source. Rats may feed on many different types of food sources
commonly found in residential backyards; fruits, nuts, ivy, and dog food, just
to name a few. Over the years the County Vector District has found that rats
are also attracted to grain food sources, such as chicken and rabbit feeds,
grass seeds, stored rice, and pasta. Included in these grain sources is
birdseed.
Bird feeders are very popular in Los Angeles County and provide many hours
of enjoyment for people who love to watch birds. However, citizens who feed
birds need to expect increased rat numbers around their homes. This is
because birds, while feeding, spill birdseed out of feeders onto the ground,
and it is impossible to remove all of it. Rats will be attracted and return often
in search of birdseed.
This information is being provided as suggestions for residents who enjoy
feeding birds:
1. Bird feeder Placement: Place feeders out and away from any
branches, fences, or other objects that rats may use to gain access to
feeders.
Hang feeders over an open space that allows any seed spillage to be picked
up by ground feeding birds.
2. Loading Suggestions: Do not overfill the bird feeder with seed. Fill
it with the minimum amount of feed that the birds might completely consume.
Do not leave any birdseed in feeders overnight. That is when rats are most
active.
3. Storage of Birdseed: Always store bulk birdseed (and other pet
foods) in a metal container to eliminate rodent access. Rats can readily chew
through plastic style containers.
**************************************************************************************************
Knee High by 4th of July
This old Farmers Almanac saying was meant for corn, not weeds! How does
your house measure up? Here in Valencia Hills, we pride ourselves in the
"curb appeal" of our homes. Whether you are a D.I.Y., (do it yourself),
gardener or you hire help, the way your home looks says a lot about you. Is
your lawn all the same species of grass, green and free of weeds? Are the
flower beds planted and thriving (no, dandelions don't count) or are they
patchy and weed choked? How about the sidewalks? Even though there's
enough space, greenery should not be growing between the sidewalk and
curb.
Those of you with property that has a visible side yard - sometimes we tend to
ignore what we don't see on a daily basis. Ground cover doesn't always
cover or choke out weeds as well as we think it does.
Take pride in your home!! Trim the grass, and pull those weeds!! Your
neighbors, (and your volunteer Architectural Committee), will appreciate you
for it.
**************************************************************************************************
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.
**************************************************************************************************
SPEEDING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The roof rat is a major problem species of rodent. Roof rats are frequently
seen traveling through neighborhoods along fence tops in search of the
perfect food source. Rats may feed on many different types of food sources
commonly found in residential backyards; fruits, nuts, ivy, and dog food, just
to name a few. Over the years the County Vector District has found that rats
are also attracted to grain food sources, such as chicken and rabbit feeds,
grass seeds, stored rice, and pasta. Included in these grain sources is
birdseed.
Bird feeders are very popular in Los Angeles County and provide many hours
of enjoyment for people who love to watch birds. However, citizens who feed
birds need to expect increased rat numbers around their homes. This is
because birds, while feeding, spill birdseed out of feeders onto the ground,
and it is impossible to remove all of it. Rats will be attracted and return often
in search of birdseed.
This information is being provided as suggestions for residents who enjoy
feeding birds:
1. Bird feeder Placement: Place feeders out and away from any
branches, fences, or other objects that rats may use to gain access to
feeders.
Hang feeders over an open space that allows any seed spillage to be picked
up by ground feeding birds.
2. Loading Suggestions: Do not overfill the bird feeder with seed. Fill
it with the minimum amount of feed that the birds might completely consume.
Do not leave any birdseed in feeders overnight. That is when rats are most
active.
3. Storage of Birdseed: Always store bulk birdseed (and other pet
foods) in a metal container to eliminate rodent access. Rats can readily chew
through plastic style containers.
**************************************************************************************************
Knee High by 4th of July
This old Farmers Almanac saying was meant for corn, not weeds! How does
your house measure up? Here in Valencia Hills, we pride ourselves in the
"curb appeal" of our homes. Whether you are a D.I.Y., (do it yourself),
gardener or you hire help, the way your home looks says a lot about you. Is
your lawn all the same species of grass, green and free of weeds? Are the
flower beds planted and thriving (no, dandelions don't count) or are they
patchy and weed choked? How about the sidewalks? Even though there's
enough space, greenery should not be growing between the sidewalk and
curb.
Those of you with property that has a visible side yard - sometimes we tend to
ignore what we don't see on a daily basis. Ground cover doesn't always
cover or choke out weeds as well as we think it does.
Take pride in your home!! Trim the grass, and pull those weeds!! Your
neighbors, (and your volunteer Architectural Committee), will appreciate you
for it.
**************************************************************************************************
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.
**************************************************************************************************
SPEEDING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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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