Bollinger Hills. By Victor Petersen BHHOA President. of Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association President s Message 1 & 2! IF YOU NEED TO: GO TO:

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1 Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association Post Office Box 449 San Ramon, CA Bollinger Hills Neighborhood Newsletter Volume 2014 ~ Issue 3 ~ August 2014 By Victor Petersen BHHOA President A Word From the President In This Issue of Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association President s Message 1 & 2 Greetings The summer weather has been great, if not a little more humid than usual. Around the association things are going well. The big news is that the revised CC&Rs and Bylaws have finally been approved. As I had mentioned at the start of the process, if some folks didn t take the time to cast a vote, we d have to walk around. Finally, we did have to walk a little. I d like to offer a big THANK YOU to everyone that took the time to cast a vote. The CCRs and Bylaws are posted on line, and are the same as the one s mailed to each homeowner. You may have noticed some damage at the corner of our Cabana by the pool gate. It was a young person who played bumper cars coming down Morgan Dr. (3 cars hit) after a few too many. The Cabana was his last stop. I don t think there were any injuries (to the driver), but he was evidently outside his car when the police arrived, and not feeling well. The driver s auto insurance will cover the repairs. Never a dull moment. See PRESIDENT, Page 2 for more Opt Out of Paper Statements.. 1 & 2 Real Estate Corner 3 & 4 Money Matters & Financials. 5 Landscape Corner. 6 & 7 Pool Closing Neighborhood Beat 8 Neighborhood Bulletin Board 9 Contact Us 10 Attention All Homeowners: We hope you are enjoying the convenience of reading the Newletter IN COLOR from you Computer, Laptop, Amart Phone, Tablet, iphone or whatever... ANYWHERE Don't forget - You can also check out all Newsletters (past & present) on the HOA Website Add our website to your Favorites List for quick access We'd like to give thanks to everyone who cooperated with this exciting change by providing their addresses to the HOA. Please remember to contact us should you have a change in your address. To receive future issues & special announcements, send your name & address to : info@bollingerhills.org GO PAPERLESS Opt out of Paper statements Save Paper & Money See Page 2 for more details. August 2014 Issue IF YOU NEED TO: Look up HOA info. Check out latest news. GO TO: Stay connected with your neighborhood Page 1 Next Board Meeting August 20, :30 PM Bollinger Hills Cabana Board Meetings are held at 7:30 PM on the 3rd Wed. each month (check for any date changes) All Homeowners Welcome

2 PRESIDENT continued from page 1 The pool will be open through the end of September, but lifeguard coverage will end after the Labor Day weekend. We have also added some additional security lights to the park to discourage late night visits. If you have teenagers that might be tempted to use the park as a late night hang-out, please help us by letting them know that is a bad idea. I always welcome homeowner input and feed back is always the best way to reach me, or stop by and talk if you see me when you walk through the neighborhood. A final thought for this President s letter: Bollinger Hills remains a very desirable neighborhood Properties move very quickly. People know of our special neighborhood and specifically want to find a Bollinger Hills house. Let s all continue to maintain our reputation, and keep Bollinger Hills a premium address in San Ramon. Until next time... President Bollinger Hills HOA victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net GO PAPERLESS Help us eliminate the need to send statements in envelopes with postage. We can everyone who wants to join in or you can just schedule the $240 payment for January 1 and July 1. Even those who do not have a computer can join in. Just let us know that you will send a $240 check or schedule a payment every January 1 and July 1. The annual savings could be as much as $1,000 if everyone participates. It is very green". We will not change your payment system without an or a note in writing from you authorizing it. If you would like Ralph to continue delivering a statement to you, no problem. If you have any questions contact: Terry Cunningham bollingertreasurer@bollingerhills.org August 2014 Issue Page 2

3 Bollinger Hills Real Estate Corner By Mike Continillo, BHHOA Director Neighborhood Watch & Crime Prevention Committee Broker/Owner at Villa Properties Curb Appeal The term "Curb Appeal" which can be defined as "the general attractiveness of a house from the street or sidewalk", is a term that most people probably only consider when selling their home. While that's a very important time, it's good for us to remember that Curb Appeal is something we should pay attention to all the time. Proper maintenance and upkeep of our homes is an important factor that affects us all. Potential buyers visiting our neighborhood not only consider the curb appeal of the property for sale, but also the general condition of the other homes in the neighborhood. The condition of the neighborhood has a direct effect on the prices paid for homes in it. The main thing to remember is that you don't have to make expensive upgrades in order to have good curb appeal. Keeping the exterior in good condition, and proper maintenance of the current landscaping will go a long way. Three basic items that will make a big impact are: 1. Front Door. The front door is the focal point of your home. A good cleaning, a fresh coat of paint or updating with a new one will all have a positive improvement. 2. Maintain Landscaping. Prune growth, pull weeds, plant flowers, and renew ground cover. Reset any wood or stone borders in your yard that may have moved out of place. 3. Renew paint, siding and trim. Maintaining the exterior surface of your home by repairing defects and refreshing the paint will keep your home looking it's best. Bollinger hills is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in San Ramon because we care about our homes and we take the time to maintain them. Thank you for your efforts. August 2014 Issue Page 3

4 Bollinger Hills Spotlight Home Recognizing homeowners who have done an exceptional job of maintaining their homes, which helps make Bollinger Hills one of the premier developments in the San Ramon Valley.. Eric and Cindy Friederichs, at 2446 Wildhorse Dr. have done an amazing job of updating, and maintaining their home. They have lived in Bollinger Hills for 20 years, and during that time have made many improvements to their home. In 2007 the Friederichs began re-landscaping their backyard, which eventually led to them redoing the front as well. Cindy loves the beautiful Hydrangea growing on the front porch, and Eric's favorite are the redwoods that tower over their dry creek bed. The improvements also help conserve water. They created a level bed for the lawn which helps prevent water waste from runoff, and also installed the dry creek bed which is an attractive feature that requires no watering. With an updated roof, and new paint in the last five years Eric and Cindy have created a beautiful exterior, which they are very proud of. We appreciate their efforts and acknowledge them for doing a fantastic job. August 2014 Issue Page 4

5 By Terry Cunningham BHHOA Treasurer The above is a list of investments. Cash balances are invested in a money market accounts and CD s at present. We can invest them in treasury bills and notes, money market funds and certificates of deposit as long as we do not incur capital risk. We maintain $236k in reserves for capital improvements and major repairs. We have another $260k in operating and planned spending funds. Dues are due on the first day of each January and July. They are delinquent on the 30th of each of those months as stated in the COLLECTION POLICY. It is important that each homeowner pay his/her dues promptly to enable our Association to continue providing service at low cost and to avoid being charged fees for untimely payments. We have some repair and improvement projects planned for the next one to five years. If you would like to know about these or be involved, please notify us at info@bollingerhills.org. LET S GO PAPERLESS Just give us authorization in writing and we will no longer send statements. You only need to make sure you send us $240 each January 1 and July 1. Help us keep your dues low and be green at the same time. (See article on page 2 for more details.) August 2014 Issue Page 5

6 Bollinger Hills Landscape Corner By Susan Friedman, BHHOA Landscape Chairman Owner of Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture Landscaping with Drought Tip Sheet Plant Right Saving water doesn t have to involve the cost and inconvenience of tearing up your yard to install a new irrigation system. It s easy to save water and reduce your utility bills with simple changes to your landscaping and gardening routine. Landscape to suit your lot. Choose grass or plants that have low water requirements and will thrive in your local climate. Consider your lot s exact features, including sun and shade, dry and damp areas, plant size, and how you plan to use each section of your yard. Keep soil healthy. Aerating your lawn and around trees at least once a year helps improve water penetration. When planting, turn and cultivate the soil and add compost or fertilizer to improve moisture retention and grow healthier plants that need less water to stay strong. Mulch well around plants, bushes and trees. Using 2 to 4 inches of mulch reduces evaporation, moderates spikes and lows in soil temperatures, improves water penetration and helps control weeds that compete for water. Hydro-zone your yard. Grouping plants with similar moisture needs in the same area makes it easier to make sure they get the water they need without overwatering. Separate plants from grassy areas, which have different water requirements. Plant in spring or fall. Avoid summer, when hotter temperatures mean plants need more water to become established. Save grass for functional areas. Plant grass in play zones and other areas where it will be used and enjoyed. Instead of planting turf on sleep slopes or other hardto-water spaces, consider ground cover, perimeter plants or mulch. Plant shade trees. The shade they cast creates natural air-conditioning, lowering air and soil temperatures, and reducing soil moisture loss. Maintain your yard regularly. A well-maintained yard requires less water, so weed, prune and mow as needed. Water Wisely Today s irrigation systems include sophisticated controllers that allow you to easily adjust watering schedules to fit different needs. Get in the zone. Schedule each individual zone in your irrigation system to account for type of sprinkler, sun or shade exposure, and soil in that section. August 2014 Issue Page 6

7 Different zones will almost always need different watering schedules. Consider soil type. Type of soil determines how quickly water can be absorbed without runoff. Watering more than soil can absorb causes runoff and waste. Don t send water down the drain. Set sprinklers to water plants, not your driveway, sidewalk, patio or buildings. Water only when needed. Saturate root zones and let the soil dry. Watering too much and too frequently results in shallow roots, weed growth, disease and fungus. Water at the best time. Watering during the heat of the day may cause losses of up to 30 percent due to evaporation. Prevent water loss by watering when the sun is low or down, winds are calm and temperatures are cool typically between the evening and early morning. Water more often for shorter periods. For example, setting your system to run for three, 5-minute intervals lets soil absorb more water than watering for 15 minutes at one time, reducing runoff. Adapt watering to the season. Familiarize yourself with the settings on your irrigation controller and adjust the watering schedule regularly based on seasonal weather conditions. Or invest in a smart controller so your system can make these changes automatically. For more information contact : susan@susanfriedmanlandscape.com Pool News The Bollinger Hills Swimming Pool will remain open until Tuesday, September 30th The pool will stay open until September 30th, at which time it will officially close for the season and the pool heater will be turned off. There will be no lifeguards after Labor Day. Remember children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Please swim with extra precaution during this period. Residents are expected to abide by the POOL RULES at all times. To review the rules. please visit the Bollinger Hills website at click on Swimming Pool. No Lifeguards after Labor Day August 2014 Issue Page 7

8 Neighborhood Beat What s Going on in Bollinger Hills? SRVUSD Fall Registration: All parents must register their student ONLINE through Infinite Campus Portal. Access your Parent Portal Account to begin registration process. See your school s website for complete details. Local Area Schools for Bollinger Hills Residents: Bollinger Canyon Elementary School: On-sight Registration Day: August 20th 2:00-8:00 PM Iron Hore Middle School: On-sight Registration Day: Aug. 19 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM California High School: On-sight Registration Day: Aug. 18th and August 20th 1:00-7:00 PM Venture Independent Study School: Packets available for pick-up at the front desk starting June 11th. Dates to Remember: August 20 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome August 18 ~ First day of school for Venture School August 25 ~ First day of school for ~ San Ramon Valley School District Sept. 17 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome Sept. 30 ~ BHHOA Swimming Pool on Morgan Dr. closes for the season July 16 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome Bollinger Hills Resident Amenities Hours: Pool Hours: Open Daily 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Accessible by Bollinger Hills resident key. Tennis Courts: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). Accessible by Bollinger Hills resident key. Park & Playground: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). No reservation required. Cabana: Hours are variable, closes at 10:00 pm. Available daily by reservation only. For complete details, contact the Cabana Manager at or visit the HOA website at If you have a neighborhood incident or news you d like to report, please send an to our Newsletter Editor, Christine Perezalonso at: news.bollingerhills@gmail.com. August 2014 Issue Page 8

9 Neighborhood Bulletin Board Your Ad Here (See below for details.) Newsletter & Website Ad Rates Do you have a service or event that you would like to advertise? Place an advertisement in the Bollinger Hills Newsletter. Newsletter: Website: Available Discounts: Ad size: Ad size: *Place an ad in both the Newsletter & on the BHHOA Business card $25 Half Banner (234x 60 pixel) $50 website & receive $10 off EACH ad. 1/4 page $35 Full Banner (468 x 60 pixel) $75 *Prepay Ad(s) for 1 year & receive 25% discount. 1/3 page $55 * Ads run FREE for Kid s Businesses under age 18 1/2 page $70 (baby sitting, pet sitting, dog walking, tutoring, lawn mowing, etc.) Full page $110 Parental consent required. Minor s personal cell phone number cannot be placed in the ad, must provide parent s phone number. (rates are price per quarter for one publication/color print) For complete Details & Deadlines, visit our website at: To place an Ad, contact our Newsletter Editor, Christine Perezalonso at news.bollingerhills@gmail.com NOTE: The content in these advertisements are for informational purposes and does not constitute any recommendation by the HOA. Rates updated 09/2013 August 2014 Issue Page 9

10 Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association P.O. Box 449 San Ramon, CA Contact Us: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 449, San Ramon, CA Website Address: Director, Officers, Committee Chairpersons: President Treasurer Maintenance Victor Petersen Terry Cunningham Coordinator (925) (925) Patrick Teffs (925) Vice President Recording Secretary Pool Committee John Youngblood Christine Perezalonso Victor Petersen (925) (408) (925) Director CC&R s Traffic Committee Janet Miller Terry Cunningham Victor Petersen (925) (925) (925) ccr@bollingerhills.org victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net Director Architecture Landscaping Jeff Kehr Marv Miller Committee (925) (925) Susan Friedman (925) Director Cabana Rental Pool/Park Keys Mike Continillo Mary Teffs Terry Cunningham (925) (925) (925) mike@myvillaproperties.net info@bollingerhills.org Neighborhood Watch/ Newsletter Editor Crime Prevention Christine Perezalonso Committee (408) Mike Continillo news.bollingerhills@gmail.com (925) mike@myvillaproperties.net August 2014 Issue Page 10