Our grass is being heavily damaged by cottontails and, in some spots, gophers. The board is aware of the problem and is researching potential solutions. There is no easy fix.
Grass replacement
Replacing the damaged grass is impractical without getting rid of the cottontails first - cottontails are territorial and keep coming back to the same spot. Since there is no legal/practical way of getting rid of the rabbits (short of breeding coyotes), continual grass replacement will simply bankrupt the HOA.
Rabbit scram and coyote urine
These might deter cottontails but need to be re-applied constantly as they get diluted by watering. Some homeowners, especially the ones with children or pets, might object to the presence of these substances throughout the community.
Increased watering
Watering dilutes cottontail urine. Unfortunately, the way our irrigation system is set up, we can only increase watering to the entire project, and not just the required areas, potentially over-watering and damaging the drought-resistant plants many homeowners have installed in their front yards. Besides, water is an expensive resource.
Letting the grass grow taller
Cottontails are less likely to damage the roots if the grass is taller. The drawback is that Mendocino will lose its manicured lawn look.
Replacing the damaged grass with less cottontail-friendly plants
We are investigating state rebates that might be available for turf replacement and new sprinkler heads.
At the last meeting, the board tasked the Landscape Committee with researching potential solutions and presenting its recommendations at the next board meeting.
If you have any suggestions or would like to help on the Landscape Committee, please contact MMS.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Board Meeting Location
The next board meeting will be held at the MMS office in San Marcos.
Yes, it's much less convenient but unfortunately the never-ending string of problems with the free room at SDCCU made us finally abandon this venue. Last time we couldn't even get into the building and had to go to the MMS office, losing almost an hour of meeting time.
We will continue to look for a free meeting place nearby. If you have an idea - please let us know.
Yes, it's much less convenient but unfortunately the never-ending string of problems with the free room at SDCCU made us finally abandon this venue. Last time we couldn't even get into the building and had to go to the MMS office, losing almost an hour of meeting time.
We will continue to look for a free meeting place nearby. If you have an idea - please let us know.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Message from the President: Home Maintenance Ratings
Fellow homeowners:
By now you should have received the ratings methodology and your home maintenance report card.
The Architectural Committee has done a fantastic job evaluating each home's appearance and pointing out areas that need attention.
If your home is mostly 1s and 2s - you are in great shape! Congratulations and thank you for helping to keep Mendocino beautiful.
If you have an occasional 3 or 4, please pay attention: these areas are cause for concern and should be monitored closely for possible repairs.
But if you've got any 5s - well, these areas need fixing. Not only do they negatively impact your and your neighbors' home values - they could be signs of severe damage that will only get worse.
The Architectural Committee has set very reasonable deadlines for addressing the worst damage rated 5. But if you do not pay attention, your 3 or 4 will eventually become 5, triggering a call to action.
Fortunately, Mendocino has a relatively low percentage of rentals. Unfortunately, rentals have received a disproportionately high number of 5s. It's unfair that many absentee owners are benefiting from our efforts to keep Mendocino beautiful but not contributing enough.
This comprehensive evaluation was done to reverse the deterioration caused by aging and is for everyone's benefit to enhance our property values and keep Mendocino what it truly is: the best kept secret in Encinitas.
Slav
By now you should have received the ratings methodology and your home maintenance report card.
The Architectural Committee has done a fantastic job evaluating each home's appearance and pointing out areas that need attention.
If your home is mostly 1s and 2s - you are in great shape! Congratulations and thank you for helping to keep Mendocino beautiful.
If you have an occasional 3 or 4, please pay attention: these areas are cause for concern and should be monitored closely for possible repairs.
But if you've got any 5s - well, these areas need fixing. Not only do they negatively impact your and your neighbors' home values - they could be signs of severe damage that will only get worse.
The Architectural Committee has set very reasonable deadlines for addressing the worst damage rated 5. But if you do not pay attention, your 3 or 4 will eventually become 5, triggering a call to action.
Fortunately, Mendocino has a relatively low percentage of rentals. Unfortunately, rentals have received a disproportionately high number of 5s. It's unfair that many absentee owners are benefiting from our efforts to keep Mendocino beautiful but not contributing enough.
This comprehensive evaluation was done to reverse the deterioration caused by aging and is for everyone's benefit to enhance our property values and keep Mendocino what it truly is: the best kept secret in Encinitas.
Slav
Sunday, June 10, 2018
How I Weed-Proofed My Driveway - One Man's Experience:
I used a quality, 30-year-guarantee weed barrier (Sta-Green Ultimate Weed Barrier) that I bought at Lowes.
Two things about the barrier:
- I used a layer of DG (decomposed granite) over the weed barrier.
- Rather than cut to size, I did a lot of folding (which was easier), so it's doubled in some areas -- along edges.
- Rather than cut to size, I did a lot of folding (which was easier), so it's doubled in some areas -- along edges.
I do see an occasional weed, but weeds are pretty much under control for me.
Jon Jacobs
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Weeds in Driveways
If you have converted your driveway to a hardscape please remember that weeds are your responsibility.
Driveways are homeowner property (part of the residential unit). The HOA has an easement and an obligation to maintain the grass in the driveway strips. Once a driveway is converted to a hardscape, an HOA landscaper legally cannot touch it.
- Make sure the hardscape is installed properly (a layer of DG (decomposed granite) on top of a weed barrier underneath the decorative top.
- Periodically remove accumulating organic debris from between the rocks. Decomposing leaves are excellent organic matter for weeds to grow in.
- Pull the weeds manually (great weekend workout!) or apply a weed killer.
- Have your private backyard landscaper remove the weeds.
Thank you for helping to keep Mendocino beautiful!
Driveways are homeowner property (part of the residential unit). The HOA has an easement and an obligation to maintain the grass in the driveway strips. Once a driveway is converted to a hardscape, an HOA landscaper legally cannot touch it.
- Make sure the hardscape is installed properly (a layer of DG (decomposed granite) on top of a weed barrier underneath the decorative top.
- Periodically remove accumulating organic debris from between the rocks. Decomposing leaves are excellent organic matter for weeds to grow in.
- Pull the weeds manually (great weekend workout!) or apply a weed killer.
- Have your private backyard landscaper remove the weeds.
Thank you for helping to keep Mendocino beautiful!
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Dog Urine Spots
Our grass looks great but multiple dog urine spots spoil the party.
We have limited control over the issue as some of the spots are from visiting dogs from Cambria and elsewhere but if it's your pet - please do not damage your / your neighbors' grass.
We have limited control over the issue as some of the spots are from visiting dogs from Cambria and elsewhere but if it's your pet - please do not damage your / your neighbors' grass.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
A Painter's Perspective: The Importance of Protecting Your Home (and Your Health) with Paint
Rain, wind and UV rays weather down your house by causing peeling and flaking paint and cracks in the wood.
Wood damage
Cracks in the wood are hard to fill, and you'll never have the same structural Integrity and aesthetic image as intended; and heavily damaged wood is costly to replace.
Stucco damage
When stucco is left unprotected, water damage is common, which could cause mold and fungus. If you see patches of black specks that look like dirt, it could be mold, fungus or algae. It's important to remove what you can with a pressure washer and treat the spot with a paint that has mold killing additives.
Repairing stucco that has water damage could be costly. Water can even waste away the underlying concrete by making it like chalk and break away.
Painting your home today can prevent MAJOR repairs later and protect your health from mold and fungus spores and loose paint chips.
Daniel Burke
Burke Painting
Wood damage
Cracks in the wood are hard to fill, and you'll never have the same structural Integrity and aesthetic image as intended; and heavily damaged wood is costly to replace.
Stucco damage
When stucco is left unprotected, water damage is common, which could cause mold and fungus. If you see patches of black specks that look like dirt, it could be mold, fungus or algae. It's important to remove what you can with a pressure washer and treat the spot with a paint that has mold killing additives.
Repairing stucco that has water damage could be costly. Water can even waste away the underlying concrete by making it like chalk and break away.
Painting your home today can prevent MAJOR repairs later and protect your health from mold and fungus spores and loose paint chips.
Daniel Burke
Burke Painting
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Mendocino at Encinitas
Ranch HOA
Agenda & Meeting Notice May 29, 6:00 PM San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N El Camino Real |
Call to Order 6:30 PM / Open Forum
6:00 - 6:30 PM
|
Approve Minutes/Financials
|
Management Report / Project Status
Update
|
- small claims court (Chris);
landscape update (Slav); parking enforcement (Samer); "wet"
driveway strips (Anita, Samer)
|
Treasurer's Report (Anita)
|
- delinquency status (Chris,
Anita)
|
- collection policy (Anita)
|
- CD laddering (Anita)
|
Architectural Committee (Jon)
|
Landscape Committee Report
|
- state of irrigation / sprinkler
repair (Slav)
|
Regular Business to be Conducted
|
- owl house pilot (Kay)
|
- blog traffic
|
Executive Matters (closed to
membership) 7:30 PM
|
- homeowner hearings
|
Next Board Meeting
|
Adjournment
|
Owners are welcome and encouraged to attend
|
The meeting is closed to the membership
|
Questions? Please contact Mills Property Management at:
760.978.9609
|
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Grass damaged by cottontails:
If you see irregularly shaped dry/yellow grass spots by your home, chances are it's not a lack of water or a disease but cottontails. Cottontails are territorial - once they get to like a spot they keep coming back to it.
Inspect the dry patch: if you see small round black droppings, especially when the soil underneath is wet, it's a sure sign the damage is caused by cottontails.
There is no known solution to the problem (other than breeding coyotes 😉), and if you replace the dry grass patch there is no guarantee that the cottontails won't come back to the same spot.
Inspect the dry patch: if you see small round black droppings, especially when the soil underneath is wet, it's a sure sign the damage is caused by cottontails.
There is no known solution to the problem (other than breeding coyotes 😉), and if you replace the dry grass patch there is no guarantee that the cottontails won't come back to the same spot.
Please report irrigation water leaks to MMS ASAP:
- water runoff from a broken/stuck sprinkler
- unusually wet spots
- standing/ponding water
If water leaks go unreported, in addition to wasting water, the HOA loses a lot of money on sky-high water bills.
Our irrigation system is 20 years old and parts of it are beginning to fail: stuck valves, cracked pipes, broken sprinklers. Failure rate increases in the summer months as more frequent watering puts additional pressure on the irrigation infrastructure.
HELP CONSERVE WATER AND REDUCE HOA BUDGET WASTE!
- unusually wet spots
- standing/ponding water
If water leaks go unreported, in addition to wasting water, the HOA loses a lot of money on sky-high water bills.
Our irrigation system is 20 years old and parts of it are beginning to fail: stuck valves, cracked pipes, broken sprinklers. Failure rate increases in the summer months as more frequent watering puts additional pressure on the irrigation infrastructure.
HELP CONSERVE WATER AND REDUCE HOA BUDGET WASTE!
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Message from the President: Arch Review
Fellow homeowners,
The newly appointed Architectural Committee (AC) has been hard at work - and it's about time!
Mendocino is not getting any younger, and the signs of aging are everywhere - fading paint, rusting metal, termite-damaged wood. It's easy to overlook these when real estate prices are at record highs and homes in Mendocino are selling for over $800,000 and are hard to come by. But if we don't "keep up appearances," signs of aging and deferred maintenance will only get worse, impacting property values.
The AC recently undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the Mendocino homes. Each home's exterior was rated in 12 different categories - from stucco to garage doors to driveways - and scored 1 through 5, with 1 being the best and 5 - the worst score; so 12 was the best combined score a house could get.
The AC will share its detailed findings and recommendations with the board on May 29 - that's one meeting you don't want to miss.
If you look at the glass as half-full:
Out of the 71 homes, 27 (38%) got the a combined score of 12 - as good as it gets! 8 homes (11%) scored 13 due to a minor blemish here and there that might require attention in the future. 14 and 15 - another 8 homes (11%) - had 1 or 2 issues that are cause for concern, but still nothing major.
However, things went downhill from there. 16 through 30 (the remaining 28 homes, or a whopping 40%) require some serious TLC.
Our CC&Rs (8.1) require and empower the Board to ensure that homeowners keep their homes up to a certain standard. After all, it's only fair: we should all contribute equally to the attractiveness of Mendocino that we all equally benefit from.
Slav
The newly appointed Architectural Committee (AC) has been hard at work - and it's about time!
Mendocino is not getting any younger, and the signs of aging are everywhere - fading paint, rusting metal, termite-damaged wood. It's easy to overlook these when real estate prices are at record highs and homes in Mendocino are selling for over $800,000 and are hard to come by. But if we don't "keep up appearances," signs of aging and deferred maintenance will only get worse, impacting property values.
The AC recently undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the Mendocino homes. Each home's exterior was rated in 12 different categories - from stucco to garage doors to driveways - and scored 1 through 5, with 1 being the best and 5 - the worst score; so 12 was the best combined score a house could get.
The AC will share its detailed findings and recommendations with the board on May 29 - that's one meeting you don't want to miss.
If you look at the glass as half-full:
Out of the 71 homes, 27 (38%) got the a combined score of 12 - as good as it gets! 8 homes (11%) scored 13 due to a minor blemish here and there that might require attention in the future. 14 and 15 - another 8 homes (11%) - had 1 or 2 issues that are cause for concern, but still nothing major.
However, things went downhill from there. 16 through 30 (the remaining 28 homes, or a whopping 40%) require some serious TLC.
Our CC&Rs (8.1) require and empower the Board to ensure that homeowners keep their homes up to a certain standard. After all, it's only fair: we should all contribute equally to the attractiveness of Mendocino that we all equally benefit from.
Slav
Fresh Mulch Around New Plants
SML will be spreading mulch around the new plants in the coming weeks. The mulch is very fresh and nutritious (for your plants 😎) but if you prefer a different look feel free to add a top layer of your choice.
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Architectural Review: Notable Findings
With our homes approaching (and in some
cases surpassing) the legal age for alcohol consumption, the AC noted a
number of instances of unsightly stucco mold and faded paint (mainly on wooden
elements). To be sure, there were other conditions requiring repair, but these
two stand out as a bit more common. The good news is that in no case did the AC see conditions
requiring demolition of the structure! (Whew.
:-) )
Also on the plus side: over the past 12 months, we've seen a record number of homeowners pick up the gauntlet of home maintenance by repainting their homes.
WE also noted that a full repaint is not always the only solution. Some cheaper options:
- Power wash. Oftentimes, those black stucco spots are not mold but mineral deposits -- dirt that has splashed off the roof in a rain. One of our neighbors had their house power-washed, put in a vinyl fence and had nice plants planted upfront - the house looks like new!
- Partial/select repaint. Just taking care of a rusted railing or south-facing front door and shutters particularly vulnerable to the effects of UV (paint fading/flaking) will dramatically improve the overall look.
-Your Architectural Committee
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