January 2011 Newsletter

ROOF LEAKS:
There have been a few leaks reported during these heavy rains.  Please report any water intrusion to Thompson Management as soon as possible to avoid mold issues. The repairs generally cannot be completed until the rain stops, but may be able to be covered. Please protect your personal property from water and be sure to inspect and clean your gutters if needed. While you are up there, it’s a good time to remove your holiday decorations too.

INSURANCE:
The DEC Sheet was included in the January newsletter mailing.  Please provide a copy to your mortgage company if they request it.

FICUS TREE REMOVAL:
The root system of a Ficus tree is very invasive and can cause damage to structures, sidewalks, driveways and plumbing. In the past the Association has asked homeowners to remove ficus trees from their property. Effective January 1, 2011, if these trees have not been removed, homeowners will be responsible for any damage that may occur.

GRG MANAGEMENT, OUR MASTER ASSOCIATION:
GRG takes care of the banks and trees on them, as well as the RV lot and tennis courts.  There have been some escrow issues lately because they have not been notified about our Master Association.  This can cause problems at closings.  If you are selling your home, please inform your escrow company about GRG. Their phone number is 760-720-0900
 

DOG REMINDER:
We are still getting lots of complaints about barking dogs. Please be a considerate neighbor and pet owner. Keep your pets from barking excessively, keep them on a leash and clean up after them when they are in the common areas.

NEW BLOG:
Comments and suggestions are welcome on this blog.  Please remember that everyone has access to this site so be considerate when posting your comments.  If you are a Realtor, handyman, contractor, housekeeper or other neighborhood-friendly business, this may be a good place to advertise your business. Feel free to post your contact information in the comment section.  The new blog can be found here:  http://tampointhoa.blogspot.com/

Seasonal Suggestions: How to Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Proper maintenance and cleaning of your home’s gutters and downspouts is about more than simply keeping the exterior of your home looking nice. It may prevent damage to your home’s interior due to flooding through the foundation and walls or leaks in the roof due to seepage of water.

If you don’t have the proper supplies and you are thinking about letting it go or simply rinsing the gutters with a hose, you might want to reconsider. Avoiding the task completely might result in unnecessary damage to your home. Using a garden hose in an attempt to rinse away the accumulated debris might lead to a bigger mess than you started with in the first place.

Cleaning the Gutters and Downspouts Step by Step
• Set the extension ladder on a level place. If you are using a bucket attached to the ladder with the s-hook for collecting the debris, attach it now. Otherwise, secure a plastic trash bag to collect the debris.

• Begin at the part of the gutter closest to the downspout. Use the garden trowel or hand spade to scoop out the debris. Place it into the bucket or trash bag. If any pieces resist being scooped up, remove them carefully by hand.

• Once you have removed all of the larger debris, get the garden hose. Rinse the gutter in the direction of the downspout using the spraying attachment on the hose. Spray the gutter until no signs of debris remain.

• If the downspout is clogged, you will need to clear it. Three options are available to you. Simply try each one until you find one that works. It’s probably easiest to begin by using the spray attachment on the hose to direct water into the downspout from the bottom end. This may force any clogs loose. Additionally, you can use the spray attachment on the hose to direct water into the downspout from the upper end. This may also knock the clog loose. If that does not work, then you need to work a plumber’s snake into the downspout to loosen the debris and draw the debris out. Follow this procedure for all of the gutters and downspouts on your home.

• Finally, inspect the gutters and downspouts now for any signs of damage. Look for holes, dents, or cracks. If you discover any signs of damage, repair them as soon as possible.  Dispose of the debris by placing it in your compost pile or in the trash.

THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085   •  (760) 295-3723

December 2010 Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who voted in the recent election of the HOA Board.

Board Members have accepted the
following positions:
Serene Edwards, President
Rob Nielson, Vice President
Patricia Wilkinson, Secretary
Wendy Woehl, Treasurer
Carl Bergman, Member-at-Large

FUTURE BOARD MEETING DATES:

The next 5 meetings will be held at Calavera Hills Community Center at 5:45PM. January 11. 2011  •  February 8, 2011  •  March 3, 2011  •  April 12, 2011  •  May 10, 2011.   Meetings after June will be held in the pool area. If you have any concerns or questions, please join in on the Board’s discussions. All residents and homeowners are welcome at the meetings.

DRIVEWAY - NEW YEARS RESOLUTION:

Take a look at your driveway. If it needs cleaning, why not make it a new years resolution to have it all cleaned up by the new year. It’s got to be easier than a post-holiday diet.

GAS LINE INSPECTIONS:

We are having the gas lines inspected in December. No one needs to be home we just wanted you to know there will be contractors in the area.

DOGS:

We are still getting lots of complaints about dogs. Please be a considerate neighbor and pet owner. Keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them when they are in the common areas.

CITY OF CARLSBAD COLLECTING TEDDY BEARS:

Stuffed animals for children at Children’s Hospital, Casa de Amparo, and the Women’s Resource Center are being collected as part of the 20th annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive. The teddy bears are used to provide comfort to children during the holidays and all throughout the year. Anyone interested in contributing to the drive can bring a new stuffed animal to the City of Carlsbad Public Safety and Service Center, 2560 Orion Way, during regular business hours.

Seasonal Suggestions:  How to clean your driveway.

No one likes to find an unsightly oil spot on their driveway, but drips and spills do happen. Having a big spot of oil on the driveway is frustrating and can certainly make a bad first impression. Even more important, they can be a health hazard to the family and pets. Oil spots can be removed with some simple cleaning supplies and good, old elbow grease.
Things You’ll Need:

• Kitty litter or fresh sawdust
• Broom
• Garden hose or power washer
• Large bucket of water
• 1 cup trisodium phosphate ($3.00 at Amazon.com)
• Stiff-bristled plastic scrub brush
• Household lubricating spray

1. Absorb as much of the fresh grease as possible. Sprinkle a thick coating of kitty litter or fresh sawdust on top of the grease stain. Allow it to sit on the grease for about 24 hours.

2. Sweep away the litter or sawdust with a broom. The littler of sawdust will have absorbed much of the grease.

3.  Rinse off the area with a garden hose set on a high pressure setting. If you have access to a power washer, use that to rinse off the driveway.

4. Fill a large bucket with 1 gallon hot water. Add 1 cup trisodium phosphate to the water.

5. Pour the bucket of trisodium phosphate and water directly onto the grease stain. Allow it to sit on the cement for about 20 minutes.

6. Scrub the grease-stained cement with a stiff scrub brush.

7. Dip your brush into the bucket of cleaning solution. Rinse the area with plain water from the garden hose or power washer.

8. Spray a household lubricating spray onto the stain if it persists. Saturate the grease stain thoroughly and allow the lubricating spray to sit on the stain for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the area with plain water.

THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085   •  (760) 295-3723