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Stonegate Villas owners say new rules unneighborly
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Joseph A. Garcia / Star staff Kalie Harper, 11, sketches a hopscotch board in Stonegate Villas. Parent Nancy Hesky said she always washes the sidewalk.
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More from Local NewsNo bikes. No playing on the grass or sidewalks. In fact, no outside recreation of any kind.
And if you complain too much, you could be fined $50.
That's what the residents of Stonegate Villas in Simi Valley are facing if their homeowners' association passes a new set of restrictive rules on July 24.
While the proposed rules don't specifically mention children, parents who live in the 79-unit condominium complex say they are being unfairly targeted.
"Where else are they supposed to go?" asked Janet Fountaine, who has four children living at home.
Near the pool, there used to be a sandbox with a small playground, but that was taken out. On architectural plans for the complex, the area is called "Kiddie Yard." It is now gated and filled in with grass.
Association board members did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Each homeowner pays monthly association fees of $280, raising about $22,000 a month that goes toward maintenance of the common areas — the driveways, sidewalks and a swath of grassy land where the children now play.
Restrictions spelled out
But if the proposed rules go into effect this month, they will include these new restrictions:
n No recreational activity allowed in common areas.
n No bike riding allowed anywhere in the complex, including, but not limited to, walkways and grass areas.
n No water games or horseplay in the pool area.
n Only water noodles allowed in the pool area — no rafts, boogie boards, Frisbees, skates or other toys.
n Harassing a board member is an automatic fine of $50.
It is unclear what sparked the proposed rules, or if there were complaints about recreation in the common areas. The association cites "liability, property damage and personal injury" as reasons for banning recreational activity.
The complex is at Stow Street and Los Angeles Avenue, a busy corridor through the city, and the nearest park is about a mile away.
A spokeswoman for the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing said the proposed rules are not illegal because they don't single out children or a particular group, but they seem unusually restrictive.
"Common sense says when there are children in a community, you have to have someplace for them to play," said Betty Gwiazdon, the director of programming for the state agency.
Barry A. Ross, an Orange County-based lawyer who specializes in real estate law and homeowners' rights, agreed the rules are legal because they don't specifically mention children. A 1982 California Supreme Court ruling prohibits the banning of children from the common areas of residential housing complexes.
"Sounds like they're trying to cleverly get around the rule by saying it's not just children, but also adults," Ross said.
But Ross said the rules would adversely affect children. An argument could be made that they would prevent children from recreational activity and would not hold up in court, he said.
Board, attorney won't talk
Multiple calls to association board members Kim Irvin and President Richard Pagliarli were not returned. Member Tammy Collier was reached by phone but hung up when asked about the new rules.
Calls to the association's attorney, Jeffrey A. Beaumont of Rapkin Gitlin & Beaumont, which has offices in Woodland Hills and other cities in California, were not returned. The property management company, Westcom Property Services Inc., also did not return calls.
Robert Espinoza has lived at Stonegate for 15 years and was told his sons could not ride bikes or skateboard in the complex. He was also told to keep his garage door closed and walk his motorcycle to the edge of the complex before starting it.
"Sometimes it feels like jail here," Espinoza said.
He said he's thought about moving because of all the restrictions, but the current housing market prevents him from doing so.
The proposed rules were sent to homeowners by the five-member association board in a letter dated June 21. It read that homeowners could "send a letter in writing to the board with any comments or concerns before July 24."
One week later, resident Niko Evrard sent a letter to the board and all homeowners in the complex, detailing at least five aspects of the new rules with which she takes issue, including pets not being allowed to be walked in the common area and children not being allowed to play in common areas.
The following week, Evrard received a letter from attorney Beaumont ordering her to "cease and desist and to comply."
It further reads, "We have been advised that you have engaged in a long-term campaign of harassment against particular members of the association's Board of Directors."
Evrard said she has not spoken to any of the board members, that her communication has been limited to letters.
"I feel like I'm a prisoner in my own home," said Evrard, who lives in a condo with her husband and 9-year-old son.
Residents say the property management company for the complex has changed four times in the past five years. Before Westcom Property Services, GM Management Inc. worked with residents for two years. The company's last day was June 30. Before leaving, it sent a letter to all the homeowners saying the board was mismanaging association funds.
Questionable actions cited
The letter, signed by Greg Moses, president of GM Management, said that in 2006, one board member directed him "to charge $5,700 to one of the homeowners for interior repair for which the association was not responsible but improperly paid."
Later, Moses said, the board spent $6,215 to repair another unit for damage that was not the association's responsibility.
Moses said GM Management had advised the board that spending money in this way violated the California Civil Code, but that counsel was ignored.
In response to the GM letter, Beaumont sent a letter Monday to Stonegate Villas homeowners saying, "Information contained in the letter from GM contains grossly inaccurate, misleading and reckless statements."
Evrard, who once worked in property management, has started a petition to recall the board members. So far, she has about 25 signatures and will present the petition at the July 24 meeting.
Some people don't come forward because of fear of retribution, she said, and the monthly board meetings are sparsely attended. "We can't live in fear like this," Evrard said.
Posted by toy.runner on July 12, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the residents need to collectively and fully take their authority back and start all over with the board of Mis Directors!
They sound like a bunch of whiny b*t$%s
Posted by hemlock1262 on July 12, 2008 at 4:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Property Nazis. Property Nazis. Property Nazis. Property Nazis. Property Nazis. Property Nazis. Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!
But I'm sure this fine board, these good Americans, these True Simi Valley promoters of Wholesome Traditional American Family Values, will also ban cars with dents, diesel pickup trucks, Monster Trucks, anything with a "W04" sticker, and all other unsightly icky things.
Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!
Simi Valley. American values. Property Nazis! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!
Posted by parent on July 12, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, the HOA is charged with the responsibility of protecting, preserving and enhancing the association for the owners, and to provide a pleasant living environment for the residents.
I live in an association where adults take over the pool area with their pool toys. This is not a child issue, but a common courtesy issue and a safety issue. We also spend plenty of money in repairing landscaping due to heavy traffic and such in the common areas. While children can't be discriminated against, it's not by chance that the majority of the problems are caused by unsupervised children. Residents have to deal with 4 and 5 year olds in the driveways on their bicycles, but no one is allowed to say "No Bikes in the Driveways" without being called a Nazi.
Leaving garage doors open means you are an easy mark and invites thieves to the neighborhood. And as an example, the fellow behind us has no respect for his neighbors and wakes them up every morning running his motorcycle through the complex. He SHOULD walk his bike to the entrance. Why do 40 other residents have to be awakened every morning because he chooses to drive a loud vehicle (motorcycle or otherwise)?
Rules generally don't get written unless people's rights to the quiet enjoyment of their home are trampled on by those that feel entitled to run rip-shod over everyone else. Generally speaking, many CC&R's allow for an owner's right to the "quiet enjoyment" of their home.
Many areas, such as Sun City West in Arizona, do not even allow cars to be parked on the streets. All cars are required to be kept in the garage or in the driveway. With the downturn in home sales, I would imagine that property values are higher where things are kept neat and maintained, and not looking like the local junk yard. Homeowners associations are not playgrounds, and just because people have kids doesn't mean it's everyone else's job to provide play areas.
That's not to say that rules don't need to be reasonable. But there are 2 sides to every story.
Board members are usually elected yearly. What does anyone really gain by recalling the board? Do they have anyone to replace them? Why didn't they run for election in the first place? Why don't they campaign and run for the next term? I'll lay you odds, when push comes to shove … the complainers are not willing to serve on the board … but they are very quick to criticize someone else's decisions.
Posted by laura_54321 on July 12, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When we bought, we avoided anything in an HOA area. This means we have to deal with neighbors directly if we're unhappy, and even bring in the city if things are too disruptive.
But the kids ride their bikes, the neighborhood is what we make it, and we like it just fine, even with the annoyances.
HOAs are allowed far too much power legally. I'll take my neighbors any day.
Posted by toy.runner on July 12, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RWHITE and parent,
So you overlooked the allegation of the HOA misappropriating HOA funds.
Is that in the best interest of the home owners? These rules have descended from a "few", not the majority and it appears from the article that these "few" are mandating this under duress by the way the attorney sends "vicious" letters to the homeowners that do reply.
I hope the "Board" gets a good audit and then a fitting punishment for any wrongdoings.
Posted by ironwoman on July 12, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like this complex should be for singles or married with no children only. I remember living in a condo and my next door neighbor's kids would yell, scream, throw balls against the wall etc...I reported it to the HOA and we had a meeting. One member supported me because he felt the same way. Of course we were outnumbered by Mothers and Fathers who allow their kids to run wild and disregard neighbors.
So now, I am married and I have a 4 year-old. We own a home with a large yard and it doesn't matter. But I feel for those who don't and just want peace and quiet.
The bottom line is respecting your neighbors.
Posted by TarrazAngelz on July 12, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stonegate Villas is a family community. If you don't like children playing,if you wish to call children names and keep them inside, clearly you donot respect life or health and YOU SHOULD MOVE.
Two of our board members are grossly overweight and unemployed with no sense of what is HEALTHY and too much time on their hands to do nothing else besides power trip, nit pick, and harrass. As for the pool, ironic that rubber toys are not allowed, but SMOKING is. As for people with common sense ready to fill spaces on the board,
yes we have! Many of us with children work full time jobs totaling 60 to 70 hours a week and then we need to spend time with our families. Too bad we have to fight for basic rights like breathing fresh air and a place for children to play. As for the grass, no one is trampling the grass. Our grass looks fine. It's the dry dead bare spots where HOA murdered twenty trees two years ago that are unsightly. If anyone plants little flowers to fill in dead spots, those are removed also. Any tiny expression of joy is squashed. What's to be oulawed next? Laughing?
Posted by jjp009 on July 12, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in a HOA run condo community, and I have had an ongoing problem with a drunken loser of a neighbor who just sits on his patio from morning to night drinking his Miller Low Life beer and smoking cigarettes one after the other. Not only do I have to listen to his can tops popping open every five minutes all day and the subsequent crushing of said cans, but his constant belching and coughing is extremely embarrassing when I have friends over. But the real problem is his second-hand smoke drifting into my open windows all day. After repeated failures in reaching a compromise with him (and his subsequent name calling and swearing at me), I finally used the Condo By-Laws to determine that he was violating Rule 6, which states that his noxious, toxic, harmful, and poisonous fumes (cig smoke) were ruining my peace and enjoyment of my own property and they made him cease and desist his behavior on the patios. If it were not for the condo rules and the Board members, I would be living in absolute misery. These rules are there for ALL of us, and I am happy to comply with them as long as everyone else does. Why should this loser have it better than me?
Posted by TarrazAngelz on July 12, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey RWhite You can MOVE! To an old folks community!
No running! No laughing! No children! Who can you pick on then? Grandmas in wheel chairs?
Posted by ssakoian on July 12, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Personally, this is why I have never lived or owned a condo. Rules and rule makers, and too many neighbors. HOAs can have some advantages, but sometimes they are stupid - such as, everyone must have white lined curtains. You cannot park on the street. You cannot barbecue. Your children cannot play. Prohibition of planting flowers. No towels on your prohibited clothesline.
Of course, cheap and shoddy workmanship is often found on the interiors of condos. Thin walls without sound-proofing; the same for floors. Mixed ventilation systems, so your fried onions are smelled and enjoyed by all.
Not for me, thanks. I'd rather live in a trailer park.
Posted by retired_chief on July 12, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Parent-If that's the board's reasoning why are they so reluctant to talk?
Posted by mikeb6804 on July 12, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I lived (emphasize the word "lived") in a townhouse/HOA development in Oxnard for ten years. There is nothing worse than a Board of Directors who overstep their authority and are incompetent to boot. But they can be recalled or voted out in the next election --- if you can get residents interested.
Posted by live_for_purpose on July 12, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
$280 a month for a lot of grief! It sounds a little heavy handed to me, but there may have been some abuses on the other side, too. Kids do need to play, otherwise they do not turn out to be healthy people.
It sounds like the older people should move to a 55+ HOA, such as Leisure Village in Camarillo. They strictly enforce their 10 mph speed limit and it is gate-guarded. Many of the HOA areas in Arizona are for folks 55+--you have to remember that, parent.
I am mid-40s with two small children, so I will have teenagers when I am 55+, so I think I can see it from both points of view.
This is why elections matter--vote, attend board meetings, let your voice be heard. Individuals are important--exercise your point of view and VOTE!
Posted by jeff93024 on July 12, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So, people move into these walled-off prisons and then act surprised when they run up against a middle-class version of prison wardens, prison guards, trustees, informants, and prison rules?
I'd rather live in a free-standing 18' trailer in the middle of 5 acres of undeveloped land than in the nicest condo ever built.
Posted by CAOnG on July 12, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What shoddy and lazy reporting. The in-depth reporting ends because the reporter can't get a return call from any board members or their representatives regarding the drastic rule changes? How about basic information on the Board Members? Pictures? Ages? Maybe even a google background search? Interviews with people who know the board members? People like this usually are the same annoying nags all the way back from kindergarten and it might provide insight and be interesting to hear the havoc they have inflicted on others over the years. Stories like this are frustrating but must be even more frustrating to the people enduring the attack on their lives especially when reporters can't seem to even fullfill the basics of their job.
Posted by mandynathan on July 12, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's hard enough for families to find a decent place to live at a somewhat affordable rate. They are forced to live in condos, since that is all they can afford. Then they have to deal with a bunch of overbearing, bored, intrusive retirees with nothing better to do than complain and make ridiculous rules to shove down their throats. People have to live - that includes children. My brother lived in a condo next door to a psychotic weirdo who stole women's underwear, shot off fireworks in the middle of the night, and showed up in my brother's garage out of nowhere. You know what the homeowner's association did? They told the neighbor to stop, but he didn't. And that's it. They were afraid of being sued by the creep, I guess. My brother ended up moving. HOA Boards should do what their actual function is, which is to make sure that the dues are spent on maintaining common areas. Period. And let normal people live their lives. I think it's ridiculous that children are not allowed to play outside at their own home. Maybe they should make one whole condo neighborhood for fat, unemployed smokers. Oh, but then who would they have to blame for their misery?
Posted by me2 on July 12, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Stonegate villas are getting ripped off with their homeowners association fees. I live in a $900,000 home in moorpark. Our neighborhood front landscapes consist of green lawns, large trees, and beautiful flowers. We also have a community pool with cabana that the HOA fees take care of. Fees are only $142/month. We also get a memo of how funds are allocated. Does stonegate villas know where there money is going to?
Posted by THX1138 on July 12, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There's probably a lot more to this story...
I'd bet the Attorney for the HOA instructed the board member not to discuss anything with the media. However there's no reason why the board members have to be rude.
Noisy kids and vandalism are a common issues with this type of housing. And, if the HOA is not able to identify who the troublemaker is, everyone suffers with tighter restrictions.
If there's evidence that one or more of the board member is corrupting the HOA then action needs to be taken. The homeowners should compile the evidence and contact the the state HOA board. This agency is in place to protect homeowners and set guidelines for the board members [HOA].
Every year the HOA should provide a financial report to homeowners that is audited by an independent auditor.
Posted by stikkelman on July 12, 2008 at 10:16 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by abbyjacks on July 12, 2008 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It sounds like you have more freedom through renting then homeownership in this park. Everyone whats some order. But this sounds a bit extreme.
Posted by keepin_it_real on July 12, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is all so hillarious !!!! These HOA's, or what I like to call CCA's "Communist Community Associations" are a bunch of idiots with nothing better to do but take your money and make up a bunch of stupid rules that make no sence.
Then there are those who don't. I have a friend who lives in a HOA in Simi (don't remember the name of it), and they are miserable because the people next door (renters) they repair motorcycles in their garage as a side business, reving them up all day and all night, making all kinds of racket. And the people in back of them have dogs that bark all night long. Their HOA does nothing about it !!! As as matter of fact, they were made to believe they were the problem because they complained. The HOA also has a policy that says no business can be conducted, yet again they do nothing. All it has done is cause hostility between neighbors, because the called them all in for a meeting to see if things can be worked out. Now the neighbors are mad at my friend and her husband and made the situation worse. This is so lame.
Posted by zany on July 12, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually I think RWHITE is one of the board members, whatcha think?
Posted by Cat on July 12, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OMFG! These HOA's are ridiculous! If the old, cranky people don't like noise, don't like hearing people have fun, don't like hearing LIFE going on around them, MOVE to a friggin' retirement community and shut your blinds and windows to the world. I'd NEVER, EVER , NEVER live anywhere with an HOA. Based on recent articles, many of them seem like ignorant dictatorships who don't know what commonsense is.......
Posted by vcsexplorer11 on July 12, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a idea. Set HOA communities with lifestyle choices such as, no family quiet community (such as seizure village), family community with designated noise areas, family areas with no restrictions on noise but property restrictions(paint, look of community) for example.
The bad thing is that the HOA's have manuals that are to big to read. They should, by law, have outlines of the restrictions before people buy and regret it. Less issues and court battles.
Posted by molly960001 on July 12, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish our association was that strict. I have a neighbor from hell and can't get the association to do much about it. Noise pollution is a huge problem these days and I wish more would be done about it.
Good for them on cracking down on noise. Can I live there?
Posted by AskingQuestions on July 12, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
As I said in a post on another similar story (about the pick-up), when I was a homeowner I never considered anyplace with an HOA. We live an over-regulated society as it is and as a homeowner having a community assn tell me what I can and cannot do in my home/neighborhood aside of course from following the law)is not something I would tolerate. I have returned to being a renter (no I didn't lose my home due to foreclosure -- it was a divorce) so I am bound by the lease requirements, which are just as bad as an HOA. Unfortunately I have no other choice. But when I am able to buy a home again, it will NOT be in a community with an HOA.
Posted by keepin_it_real on July 12, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Zany--I think you might just be right on the money.
Why anyone would want to live in any place that tells you what you can and can not do, how you can or can not keep your yards, where your kids can and can not play, where you can and can not park your car, and what kind of car you can or can not have is beyond me.
Next thing you know, they will be telling you what you can wear and can not wear, what shoes you can wear and can not wear. What time you can come and go from your own home, and you may be fined for just saying Good Morning to someone.
I will never live in any HOA. They are run by a bunch of idiots who have no life. I agree, if they don't like it move to a retirement community or Liesure Village. Get a Life people!!!
Posted by Camman on July 12, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How nice and anti-septic. Those that don't like the kids playing on the common grounds and riding bikes probably are long overdue on a move into Seizure Village...
Posted by Tom_Johnston on July 12, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Luckily I don't live in a community with
I think putting a fine on dissent goes WAY over the top. My guess is enough bad publicity and distressed home sales (who'd want to move in there besides RWHITE? hehe, reason enough to avoid the place!) and this nonsense will stop.
a HOA. I realize that they can be positive forces to deal with individuals whose activities either disturb others or detract from the neighborhood.
Sounds like these are new rules, not the ones in place when people moved in. Shouldn't there be community consensus for things like this?
An old co-worker of mine, a 30 year US Navy vet thought he could live with his HOA, but wound up calling his neighborhood "Stalag 17"
There is a difference between dealing with problems and becoming the problem.
Posted by rg on July 12, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I live in a neighborhood without an HOA. For years my next door neighbor had no front lawn, just dirt. The kids down the street race loud remote control cars up and down the street or play drums in their garage.
Big deal. I finally convinced my neighbor to plant a lawn and I just put up with the kids. Having a boring, ultra-quiet neighborhood sounds downright depressing. If it gets too bad I have no problem just talking to them.
If you must live in an area with an HOA the only thing they should have control over are the common areas. Unfortunately, I have never seen an HOA that limits itself to just that.
And RWHITE, most of the people here are right. You sound like a miserable person who needs to move to a retirement community where they have planned activities so you can get a life.
Posted by Comments on July 12, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is wrong with people and how could any reasonable person think that these new proposed rules are ok?:
"No bikes. No playing on the grass or sidewalks. In fact, no outside recreation of any kind. And if you complain too much, you could be fined $50."
Fined for lodging a complaint? Really? Holy crap, that's just beyond out of this world. This board needs to be tossed and quickly.
I really dislike HOAs. I live in one in Simi and while there may be some upside, it's mostly just a huge PITA. When we bought there really were no options of buying a home (at least not a home that wasn't a major fixer upper) that wasn't part of an HOA. We're the original owners of our home and we've been here 8 yrs. In the 8 yrs our board has been shaken up more times than I care to count. We've also had people accuse board members of inappropriate behavior. We've had board members sue, or threaten to sue one another as well as homeowners. All over the most trivial things. I've seen really nice people completely lose their senses once they become involved in the board. It's just ridiculous. The egos that come into play are just pathetic. We pay an exorbitant HOA fee (though less than these poor folks at this condo complex) for basically nothing. We've had the board arbitrarily tell one neighbor they couldn't put a swing set in their own freaking yard, while they approved it for others in the past. There's a lot of favoritism that goes on. And, there's an extraordinary amount of mismanagement that goes on - most of it innocent and just done because the people don't know what the heck they're doing.
I wasn't surprised to see Greg Moses' name here or William Dunlevy in the other article on HOAs today. GM Management, which Greg Moses runs was our mgmt company up until a year ago when we thankfully and wisely didn't renew our contract. Ugh what trouble happened under their "management." And, Dunlevy has represented our association as well. There is just such a huge amount of money involved in people managing assns and representing them legally that I don't think there's any benefit for the attorneys to resolve things quickly and easily. In the end the attorneys make out and the associations wind up with huge bills and even higher HOA fees. It's vicious.
This current board should be told they're way out of line. I agree that compromise needs to happen and perhaps a curfew on certain recreational activities would be more appropriate then stating there can be no play. Saying there can be NO play is utter nonsense. How about ending at sunset?
And, charging someone a fine for lodging a complaint with the board? This can't be serious. After all where would one go to express a concern? Isn't that a board member's role? And if not, then the homeowners should be able to go directly to the mgmt company for resolution. Though having worked with GM in the past it's my opinion that nothing much would be resolved there either.
Posted by theholymartyrofgravity on July 12, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow...This is so telling. If I was paying ANY EXTRA amount of money to live ANYWHERE, I WILL allways have a say! People stop being so busy or apathetic...this is your life and your home! Why should the Old, Lazy and workman's comp babys rule your life? Lets call a spade a spade here... THEY are the ones that have the time and "power" (because you let them,with YOUR lack of "time".)Dont we euthanize dogs or cats for niping or biting our children? Whats the difference? Just some old tired dogs nipping at our kids! I think there is a sign at the gate of Leisure Village in camarillo, it says..."Give me your old,tired,weak,poor...well...not the poor so much,and all the other crabby,child hating,self obsessed,"I've got SO MUCH time on my hands that I am just looking for something to complain about..." Old folks we have more time than REAL value! I dunno when an old dog SNAPS at my kid...I do somthing about it!
Posted by pfg93003 on July 12, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would never buy anything with an HOA. It is nothing but trouble for everyone.
Posted by freethought on July 12, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Another pathetic and biased reporting job by the VC Star. The condo complex was obviously not built with kids in mind based on the pictures the Star provided. There's barely enough room to move one vehicle down those streets. With all the bikes and ridable cars strewn all over the place, I can see why the rules were enacted. And the so-called "complain, and you'll get fined" rule is not at all what the Star is making it out to be. The actual rule says that a resident can be fined $50 if he or she harrasses a board member. That is a far cry from complaining at a board meeting about certain rules. Being a former board member, I am kicking myslef for not coming up with that one myself. We board members had several complaints and threats of violence and property destruction made against us.
This article stinks of one-sidedness. I really wonder how hard the reporter actually tried to get in touch with any of the standing board members. Maybe we might have discovered a little more about Ms. Evrad's personality. As it stands, we only have her side. I am not saying that any of the complaints outlined are not warranted, but we will never know based on the reporting (or lack thereof).
If the residents sound off in concert, this matter can be rectified. The residents simply need to stand together if they believe the current board to be unfair. A petition is all it takes to get started. Board members can be removed if the majority wish it so. In other words, if nothing is done, we can only deduce that either the majority of the residents are fine with the standing board or they just don't care enough to make a change.
Posted by math_spirit on July 12, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't Stonegate Villas the complex with the barbed wire barriers facing in to keep residents at bay --Not facing out to discourage undesirables to stay away
Posted by hemlock1262 on July 12, 2008 at 6:07 p.m.
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Posted by keepin_it_real on July 12, 2008 at 6:46 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by lrgvanman on July 12, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sardine Commie Village sounds like a fine place to move to when I die.
Posted by Tom_Johnston on July 12, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oucho! Some major hostility from RWHITE...so what's new 'eh Doc? Really diminishes the effect when you go so nutty-nuclear and start calling everyone names all the time.
Posted by pthstreb on July 12, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RWHITE- your completely inappropriate responses to other peoples' opinions show that you are the most classless person to post here. You haven't provided one valid counter-point to back your position, instead choosing to launch personal attacks at any who disagree with your position. With your post, you've repeatedly shown a lack of maturity, objectivity, and class- where do you get off passing judgement on anyone? If you don't have anything constructive to add from here on, please refrain from posting- if you continue to make defamatory comments, I will suggest all of your posts be removed and you be banned.
As for the issue, the founding father's have to be turning over in their graves. People not only giving their freedoms away, but paying $ for it as well! Ridiculous.
Posted by Tom_Johnston on July 12, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A problem with it? No. Internet boards have had "flamers" for a long long time. You are nothing new, nothing special. Your type comes with the territory.
You're throwing mud? No...more like a monkey in a tree flinging poop because that is all he has at hand or knows to do.
You contributions to discussion are, well, both scatotogical and pointless. The bottom line is you contribute little of value to a discussion, you are marginal in the debate because of your rude and crude demeanor.
I don't have a problem, but I think that you do.
Posted by litt on July 12, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was upset when I read about these new, strict "unfriendly to kids" rules and then I carefully looked at the picture with the article. Why is the child in the photograph drawing a hopscotch board in the driveway of the complex? That is not a sidewalk,,that is a commonly used BUSY driveway (see the dozen or so garage doors on both sides?).
Please be open minded..that picture speaks volumes about why some strict rules need to be enforced..Whether you live in a house or a condo, children do not play in the streets or in driveways..speeding vehicles, vehicles backing out of driveways..that is ridiculous and that picture does not help the cause of the HOA members fighting the new rules..I have to ask myself, if that is what is taking place in the driveway, what is happening by the pool? Courtesy my friends..that picture shows a "lack of"...A lack of courtesy and a lack of proper parenting...
To the reporter: There is a beautiful park, ArroyoStow Park on the same block south of Los Angeles. The park has a playground, a water fountain,trees and a huge grassy area. I live around the corner and I have walked this route hundreds of times...It is less then a three minute walk or bike ride from the condo complex..That section of Stow Street is quiet and the children do not even need to cross it...COME ON....
Posted by TarrazAngelz on July 12, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you pthstreb and all others. I have been trying to deal with this nightmare of living here.
What's more beautiful than trees, fresh air, children playing, the music of the birds. It's our constitutional right, the pursuit of happiness, joy, a sense of community, not fear. I hope all others in our family park write letters & go to this meeting July 24 and vote these people OUT! Looks like we have alot of the community behind us! Rwhite might be a board member? Certainly he is of the same mentality... Ridiculous.
I am grateful to see compassion, understanding, experiences and insights. $175 for HOA fees? Wow!
This place is a real ripeoff at $285 and something needs to be done. Fight for your freedom, Stonegate Villas. Get rid of the Rwhite conciousness!
Let the Kids Play til sundown. Its their divine and constituional right.
Posted by keepin_it_real on July 12, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RWHITE=You pay for peace and quiet and you think people should keep their noisy and bratty kids indoors, yet you just stated you have a Harley? Do you think others may have a problem with that? I know first hand how noisy Harley's can be. I can't stand it when they come racing up my street, reving up their bikes and making all that noise either. So how does that feel? And very seldom do they stop at the stop sign on the corner of my home. I can't even hear my own TV when they go by. One of these days someone will slam in to them then where will they be? I have friends who live next door to people who have Harleys and all they do is work on them all day and night, starting them up, reving them up, turning them off and back on again. Their HOA won't do anything about that. And you want to pick on little kids? Frankly, I would much rather have a nice family with children as a neighbor than you.
If you live in a family community you should expect kids to make noise. That is what kids do. As far as the trash, that is a problem that needs to be discussed, but for heavens, don't take away their right to play. There needs to be some kind of compromise. Not rules so strict these kids can't do anything at all. That is wrong.
As for as mud slinging, you started it when you said noisy bratty kids and to keep them inside. You insulted every parent on this site. So what do you expect? And those parents pay just as much as you do to live there as well. So chill out...
Posted by Tom_Johnston on July 12, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll never push the ignore button for you RW...where some might say it "Takes a Village", you remind us that sometimes it takes a "Village Idiot" to show us what is what here.
Your right to post here is certain though borderline with TOS, my point is that the value of your commentary is marginal, other than amusement of a sad sort.
Take your initial comment...your first so let's be clear, no one had thrown "mud" at you yet:
"Keep all the bratty noisy kids indoors. I get sick and tired of all the yelling and leaving their trash all over the place.I pay for peace and quiet."
Now really RW...you are really proud of that remark? Are we to believe that you are actually surprised that such a contentious remark gets responses? No, you provoked, you know you did,and you got a reaction like you expected, which for you, validates.
Don't whine about getting the responses you get, that's just not dignified. It's what you wanted in the first place isn't it?
Instead...Stand up for your opinions, support your point of view intelligently, we can take it.
Being anti-social is a valid lifestyle, just not a good one.
Posted by parent on July 12, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my, there are a lot of comments that are worthy of a response, but just too many. Starting with one of the first regarding my initial post ... mismanagement of funds ... of course, there is no excuse for mismanagement or misuse of funds. But ... based on my own experiences with HOAs (I work with 4 of them), and based on information garnered in the newspaper ... I highly doubt that people are getting all the information. Typically, the residents that are the most vocal and most inflammatory in their accusations don't share with the population what their role is that has caused the disagreement. I know that this is a very general statement, so I know there are always exceptions ... don't be so quick to hang the board members. Most do not have delusions of grandeur, but have either volunteered to help because no one else would or they have an active interest in protecting their community.
It's very easy to say you're being ripped off with HOA fees of $285 when others are paying half that amount. You really ought to look at the budgets. Some associations are condominiums, some are planned unit developments (PUDs). Some are paying utilities, liability insurance, earthquake insurance as well as funding for capital improvements. In a PUD, those items are handled by the homeowner. Some associations are paying to have the lawns watered and mowed and not much more. Some associations are a lot larger than others and the costs are distributed to a larger pool of owners, where in a 44 unit complex … the costs are higher proportionately.
Living in a homeowners association is certainly not for everyone. There are many people that just don't like to be accountable to anyone else. But, there are also others that want someone else to handle the daily stuff. There is give and take in either situation. If you are happy with no community oversight and want to be responsible for everything yourself, by all means … live in a single family home. But if you like the sense of community, you like having someone else deal with the pool, landscaping, insurance, roofs, etc. - then look at an HOA. But don't move into an HOA wanting no part of the rules, but all of the amenities. It doesn't work.
TarrazAngelz, I'm not a member of your community. I've lived in HOAs for the last 26 years and raised 2 children in ours. I love my kids and my grandchildren, and wanted safe and healthy places for them to grow up. However, not everyone wanted to raise my kids. I took responsibility for my family and made sure that they were respectful of our neighbors and the community. And, because some people have children, and they think that because there is grass, trees and a driveway that it's the association's job to let them take over … those are the people that do not belong in an HOA.
All I'm saying is that there are 2 sides to every story and you haven't heard it all.
Posted by BeaHappi on July 12, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow...the only conclusion that I've come to out of all of these comments is that I'd never want to live in a neighborhood where RWHITE lives.
Doesn't seem like a very nice guy...too bad; the world could use more nice people.
Posted by harlan on July 12, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HOA's and this blog have a lot in common. They're both full of people who have nothing better to do with their time than attack other people.
Posted by kwdphoto on July 12, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
: : : FOR SALE : : :
Beautiful Condo
2 bd 2 bath
office
living room
kitchen
2 car garage
balcony
new hardwood floors
fireplace in living room and master bedroom
just moved in a month ago... must sell fast
Best for people who dont have kids, or hate kids... old people
Full disclosure...
no playing in pool
no playing in your "yard"
no starting your car on any pavement in the complex
no bicycle riding on any pavement in the complex
no flowers allowed... anywhere... including your bathroom
must wear cropped pants between 9am and 3pm should you be outside
no singing
cant go outside your home during daylight hours
the color of ambulance and fire trucks are tacky so should you need either you must wait for them on the sidewalk outside the complex and tell them they cant come in.
Should you call the police for any reason we will have you arrested AND fined $250 just for stupidity.
if your single with no kids, a self loather, tv lover, with no life and no sense of self and 300lbs overweight then this place is for you! Get it fast at this price it will go fast!
all for the low price of $500,000 -- trust me you wont regret it!
--------
in all seriousness.. I dont know anything about HOA's.. can they kick you out of your own home should you not follow their rules?
Posted by parkingguru on July 12, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Get me an address and I can have some harleys come visit. Just remember we are not part of the association and if it has public streets we can legally access them for OUR enjoyment. Address anyone?
Posted by keepin_it_real on July 12, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RWHITE--You stated you ride your Harley, I never said that it was YOU that races up and down my street. To me, that noise is more irritating than kids making noise. That is my opinion, and you have yours. The point I was making was you are complaining about kids making all that noise and you are paying for peace and quiet, yet you stated "I ride my Harley" which is creates much more noise that kids do. That is all.
I am done with this. Good night everyone.
PEACE TO ALL !!!!!
Posted by CASandnSun01 on July 12, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aren't kids inactive enough?? Why imprison them? So there can be a higher rate of heart disease & childhood obseity? As far as trash, it's the parents responsibility to teach their children respect. Communication helps. If you see who's littering talk to the parents. To anyone that doesn't like "bratty noisy kids" there's a couple of options. 1. Move to an adult community 2. Move to a cave. ;) No one's making you stay.
Posted by NavalAviator on July 12, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is the outcome of California outlawing true adult only complexes. Many oldsters do not want to bs of other peoples' kids.
Posted by luvsDC on July 12, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love kids....fried!
Posted by sid700 on July 13, 2008 at 12:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HOA's are evil.
Housing Developers tauts them as good for the neighborhood and it keeps up proper values. Not true. There are plenty of non-HOA multi-family housing in urban areas where housing continues to be in demand. Look at urban areas where there are good school systems, low crime, near jobs, and you'll find housing in demand regardless whether there is an HOA or not.
Developers use the HOA as a selling tool and the people buy into it. The truth is, developers can only get permits to build if the county/city is relieved of responsibility of maintaining the roads, responding to neighbor complaints and other typical city services. Think about it - the city/county gets to have new property tax payers without using local resources.
Before HOAs, people talked with their neighbors. If things got out of hand, we looked to our local government to resolve our neighborly problems. HOAs has discouraged if not eliminated these practices.
Furthermore, a whole new industry has risen from HOAs. HOA managers, lawyers, CCA writers and publishers.
Get rid of HOAs. This way, people will have no choice but to talk with their neighbors and get involved in their communities.
Posted by lmcventura on July 13, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ah, this brings memories of our 6 year stay at a certain complex on telephone and ramelli in ventura '74-'80. That board too decided to start levying fines on parents whose children rode their bikes in the complex. A few months later our son crashed his bike against the telephone pole on the corner....broke his jaws and lost four of his front teeth. A number of us owners tried unsucessfully to unseat the whole board, but couldn't because of a lack of a majority of owner votes! (renters couldn't vote). Their meetings were a joke, all the board members were childless, seniors, and selfish....one particular member actually said "if we didn't like the rules we could always move somewhere else"....This guy had lived there Two Years....but it didn't matter, The Board Had Decided. As soon as we were able to, we got the hell out and bought a real house, and never again considered condo owning. When we left cali, we also made sure that our present house was not part of a neighborhood HOA in any way!!...
The point is this. You make payments (barely sometimes) you pay taxes on your property, and you pay those exorbitant HOA fees, and NOBODY should be able to put rules on you that benefit only a very select few (board members and their cronies)and inconveniences the majory.
Unless a place is designated as an Adults Only complex, children and their parents should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor= Home-Ownership, without the oversight of some over the top rule enforcer!.....
From the beautiful city of Vancouver, WA!!!
P.S. I too ride a Harley and nobody complains when I fire that baby up!!
Posted by dancingdolphin49 on July 13, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have lived in stonegate Villas since they were open. What is not stated is the the bike riding rule has been in effect since we opened. It is necessary, these are streets not playgrounds. I hope the drive way rules get approved since it is not safe to let people out there. My garage door has been dented and window has been broken by neighbors throwing a ball . Then they ran away and I had to fix it myself. These people complaining block of the alley making it impossible to get down there. In other parts of the complex they are all over the place without any supervision. As for Tara Angel you are exectly why an Hoa is needed. I supect you are the one who comes to the meeting yelling at the board and crying because you are fined for parking in the alley overnight. Just look at your property it is a mess . How dare you talk about people like that. Have you looked in the mirror. You and others like you cause property values to fall. Everyone is given the rules before they buy, if you don't like it then don't buy. The rest of us like the fact we can do something about unsightly property and people who cause trouble. As you can see board members are the most hated people for enforcing the rules and loved when you need them yourself. I have personally seen board members attacked by homeowners. As for the people in the article 3 of them are not even homeowners - so move! and the 4 is a past president that not only enforced the rules but is the one who voted in the very pool rules that were quoted. As for the money this has been discussed in every meeting so if you came you would see what is going on. As for the other just ask your neighbors who owes it.
Posted by rg on July 13, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dancingdolphin - I wish you could see me now. I am so moved that I am playing my tiny violin for you.
Forgive me, but kids riding bikes in the same streets as cars has been going on since before you and I were born. Kids playing baseball and occasionally breaking a window is nothing out of the ordinary. As for the rules, it is hard to understand how buyers could have read the rules before buying if you are just changing them now. I seriously doubt that renters are made aware of the rules by their landlords.
Granted, hopscotch in the middle of the street is a little bit of a problem, but if anyone is driving down that "street" fast enough for it to be a real problem then they should be arrested for driving to fast.
Dancing, one could just as easily say to you "if you don't like what is going on why don't you just move". Giving people that as their option is just a lame cop out.
The real problem here is that the HOA doesn't seem to realize that kids live in this community and hasn't provided any place for them to do what kids do. In fact, it seems they are going out of their way to do just the opposite. Since this isn't an adults only community that seems dangerous and ripe for a lawsuit, since it is grossly apparent that the intention is to drive families with kids out.
Posted by fontaneous on July 13, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by fontaneous on July 13, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I also wanted to add the fact that our street is a cul-de-sac. The open end is set up with a large yellow construction sign to indicate children at play. Also, the kids are not allowed to pass the first speed bump. So, what may appear to look like the middle of the street is actually the end of the cul-de-sac with very little traffic. If a car does come around the corner the toys and kids are quick at moving everything and stay out of the way until all is clear. Please try and understand that childern need outside play and exercise. My children are not ones to play video games and computer surf. I make sure they get outside everyday. It is beautiful to see our children be children.
Also Dancing Dolphin has not lived here since we opened. Try 1996 and the complex was built in 1979.
As for our Harley lovers...the complex is between Yosimite and Stow on L.A. Ave.
Posted by surfwidow on July 14, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its an age old problem.
Neighbors are like dead fish, after a couple of days, they start to stink.
Posted by lunachick4life on July 14, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess by removing the sandbox the HOA was targeting cats and not children.
Posted by SimiProud on July 14, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You can start by filing a complaint against Jeffrey A. Beaumont AND Rapkin Gitlin & Beaumont with the State Bar association and the LA Bar Association.
File a civil suit against the law firm for misuse of authority as an officer of the court.
That should keep them busy for a while.
I've got your number Jeffy boy. I've dealt with sleezballs like you before and they've been disbared. If these people really, and I mean really come after you, you are going to have to find another profession.
NEXT: File a complaint with the CA Department of Real Estate and request a full audit of the association.
If there is retribution, file a restraining order against the board from further action until it can all be sorted out.
And guess what? NEVER BUY INTO A HOA COMMUNITY!
Posted by if_only on July 14, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Not all of the board members are for the new rules. That is why they will be voting on them, but when you have a “click” that sticks together on the board, for example three against two, then there are problems. It takes a majority vote to change the rules. And don’t forget the HOA voted these people in. Did you really know who you were voting for?
I feel sorry for the HOA (home owners and tenants) to have to put up with such people (board members) who are on a power trip. But on the other hand why have they put up with it? They too have a voice; they can go to meetings, run for the board “GET INVOLVED”. You don’t’ have to be a board member to help out! Many times too often people do not get involved because of work, family etc. but when something effects them then they rise up and say “hey” but by this time it may be too late. Get involved. Go to a meeting see and hear what is going on. You might learn something other than what is written in the newspaper….the truth maybe?
I feel sorry for the board members too. They have to put up with people like the ones who contacted the paper, post blogs etc. instead of asking for a meeting with the board, or just try to talk things out with the individuals. These homeowners just hung out their “dirty laundry” for all to read about. Shame on them for not being neighborly or acting adult like.
Letting kids play in the parking lot, you may as well let them play on LA Ave. If you think that because you have a sign up saying “kids at play” and you are sitting in the garage watching them that they are safe. You may want to think again. You may want to do some research on how many children get run over by vehicles in their own driveways. Are the neighbors always going to remember to look behind their vehicle before they pull out of their garages? I do not think so. Take them to the park instead, until something can be done about where the kids can play.
Bottom line is everyone needs rules to protect us from whatever. The way I see it, these rules are protecting the HOA from a potential law suit if they do not have for example a rule stating “no recreational activity in the common areas” this way the HOA would not be named in the suit when a child does get hit by that vehicle.
But to have these rules crammed down the throats of these people is just not right. Why can’t they all just get along and just be neighborly?
Instead of removing the entire board, just ask the few to step down during this big meeting that is coming up By the time you submit your removal letter, goes through the proper channels, it will be election time anyway. Just ask them to step down, they will be humiliated (best payback) but be prepared to become a board member, or at least have the replacements ready.
As for the mis handled money, was it this board or a prior board that did this? I bet the people who received the HOA funds to pay for their “fixes” were or still are board members
Posted by marketrealist on July 14, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This place does not allow bike riding? That is just plain wierd. Bike riding is environmentally sound, keeps us fit, and does reduces congestion on the roads. Communities should be putting restrictions on cars not bicycles!
Posted by mamaof2 on July 14, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
omg some of the complaints people have are hilarious! popping of cans! i understand the cig smoke but popping of cans? now that is going over board. im glad i do not live in a community like this. there are plenty of children that play in my carport and ride there bikes around where i live and i have no complaints, there children, id rather have them playing around our neighborhood then getting bored and breaking into some ones house because they have nothing else to do!
Posted by jmsgen on July 14, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HOA's are tools. Tools of the owners of the communities. If something is not right or needs to change then the HOA has the chance to change these items. Management companies are also tools. They work for the owners, not the other way around. Everyone knows what the issues and conditions are up front when they choose to move in to a neighborhood. If you want to make a change, get involved.
Posted by vannaplanna on July 14, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Share the Road!!
These streets are narrow they are desiged for slow speeds. Unless this is a retirement community, the children should be allowed to ride bikes and play here. They should learn to watch for cars too, but the drivers should drive slow and share the road for those 2-3 times a day they might need to pull out of their garages.
Due to the populatiry of bikes in the 1880's the bike lobby fought hard to get the US to pave roads. But history was forgotten when the car came along and took over.
If these kids cant play outside, they are going to sit in side and watch TV...or they'll be out far from home where their parents cant watch them playing on biking on even more dangerous streets.
What kind of message is that sending?
These small and narrow streets are exactly the types of streets where children should be allowed to play since speeds are already slow.
Try some "share the road" signs and reduce the speed limit to 15mph.
Posted by LivinInPoorMansPV on July 14, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Uh these are very standard rules for all residential complex's. Sounds like the residents at this place have been abusing there freedoms.
Posted by Daisy on July 14, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope everyone can calm down, take a breath and realize this is getting out of control. Otherwise really nice people are acting cruel.
This does not need to become personal. Personal lives, or lifestyles do not need to come into play in this disagreement. Its really unnecessary, and its not what this is about.
Please everybody if we could just keep this about what it really concerns and be adults about this I'm sure everyone could come to a middle ground. But, it will take everyone being respectful to eachother. It doesnt need to be like this, it really doesn't.
Posted by mal1910 on July 15, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just find it funny that you hear society complain about children playing too much video games and being on myspace all the time, but then you set rules that restrict them from playing outside. hmph
I agree that some kids need to be disciplined, and I also agree that some tenants just LOVE to complain about anything and everything. I work for a state agency where I listen to people complain ALL DAY.
Some people like hearing the sound of their own voice, and some people don't like to take responsibility for their own actions.
Posted by JumpinJack on July 15, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The proposed rules are illegal.
The homeowners association members will be personally liable for passing rules that drive other people's property levels down.
Most HOAs work perfectly well and this group of idiots is about to get their heads handed to them.
Posted by 805grl on July 15, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wow, sad -poor families!! I would fight back!
Posted by iproducer4u on July 15, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Power to the Stonegate Villa`s tenants, dont give up, get your signatures on the petition, and demand what you pay for!! I know sometimes people cant afford a home outside of a HOA tract, but in the long run, your paying for someone to dictate how you live, and that I can never let happen! Put the board members on blast, put their pictures up all over the place, give them to the media! The board members will regret this one day when they`re in town and everyone mocks them for being so ignorant and selfish!! And as for the audit, file with the state to request that, I bet they will find some mishandlings of funds aswell!!
Posted by guesswho on July 16, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We have been posting this newpaper up on the community board and we have a board memeber that keeps riping it off the board. I find it upsetting that some of the homeowners say we should move however, people need to understand that these homes are great for young families and first time buyers. We all just want to live and enjoy the community however the few make it a problem standing up is the only thing left. We just want to have a happy community and be friendly and allow our children to do what kids do best and that is play and enjoy there childhood they only have one and the already grow up to fast. Just because some baord members kids are grown and they feel that children should not play, they need to remember this that one day they will have grandchildren that want to do the same thing our kids are doing now. and what will happen then the board would let there children play and nothing will happen to them because they are on the baord. I have talked to several people in our community who are seniors and all I hear is how they love hearing the children play and how joyful it is. Just remember that these children will someday be running this world and we all want them to be is health and happy.
Posted by HaveOpinionToo on July 16, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is the motivation of the complaints and complainers in this story? It seems as if the residents are relying on false and misleading information sent to them by their previous management company in a letter.
This SMALL company is desperate to maintain the Stonegate account. Unfortunately, while "working" for Stonegate residents, they did not balance bank statements to their books,did not supply annual audited reports, did not obtain liability insurance information from vendors that they contracted to do work for the complex, posted credits to residents accounts without any proof of payment, failed to bill some residents for community room usage, & when the same residents paid anyway, neither the charge or the payments were posted in their books, they certified residents for board member candidates when they were behind in their HOA payments, and they were not responsive to residents complaints when they needed a quick response. The current board deserves a pat on the back for getting on a better management company to serve the residents.
Playing and bike riding in the alleys and driveways? Common sense dictates that it is not safe to play in these areas. Would you let your children play in the middle of any other street?
The pool... Most HOAs have voted toys out.. and noodles in...to prevent serious injuries while playing in the pool. Noodles are $2.00 each at Walmart - and are cheaper than other toys you may consider bringing to the pool.
Guess what? all expenses paid out by the management company were approved by the board. The previous board requested that the management company obtain a vendor to install new rain gutters in the complex. The gutters were installed and the contractor was paid for the work. The gutters were never inspected to ensure they were up to code. One gutter ended abtuptly at a resident's window, instead of being completed to drain to the ground. Rain water from the gutter invaded the wall of two adjoining units. As there was proof that mold and mildew was already present in the wall and carpet, the emergency work was approved. The new board is attempting to locate the vendor to obtain their liability insurance information so that the expense can be repaid.
There are many residents that have personal "beefs" with other neighbors - as there is in any neighborhood. These disagreements have absolutely nothing to do with the work that the current board is doing. Residents, ask yourself who is the loudest resident complaining and if they are perhaps using the management company's letter as an excuse to attack the board. Finally, board members, please look at your rules, see if they are reasonable or necessary. If not, please encourage the homeowners to present alternatives and vote vote in the revised rules.
Posted by HaveOpinionToo on July 17, 2008 at 12:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What is the motivation of the complaints and complainers in this story? It seems as if the residents are relying on false and misleading information sent to them by their previous management company in a letter.
This SMALL company is desperate to maintain the Stonegate account. Unfortunately, while "working" for Stonegate residents, they did not balance bank statements to their books,did not supply annual audited reports, did not obtain liability insurance information from vendors that they contracted to do work for the complex, posted credits to residents accounts without any proof of payment, failed to bill some residents for community room usage, & when the same residents paid anyway, neither the charge or the payments were posted in their books, they certified residents for board member candidates when they were behind in their HOA payments, and they were not responsive to residents complaints when they needed a quick response. The current board deserves a pat on the back for getting on a better management company to serve the residents.
Playing and bike riding in the alleys and driveways? Common sense dictates that it is not safe to play in these areas. Would you let your children play in the middle of any other street?
The pool... Most HOAs have voted toys out.. and noodles in...to prevent serious injuries while playing in the pool. Noodles are $2.00 each at Walmart - and are cheaper than other toys you may consider bringing to the pool.
Guess what? all expenses paid out by the management company were approved by the board. The previous board requested that the management company obtain a vendor to install new rain gutters in the complex. The gutters were installed and the contractor was paid for the work. The gutters were never inspected to ensure they were up to code. One gutter ended abtuptly at a resident's window, instead of being completed to drain to the ground. Rain water from the gutter invaded the wall of two adjoining units. As there was proof that mold and mildew was already present in the wall and carpet, the emergency work was approved. The new board is attempting to locate the vendor to obtain their liability insurance information so that the expense can be repaid.
There are many residents that have personal "beefs" with other neighbors - as there is in any neighborhood. These disagreements have absolutely nothing to do with the work that the current board is doing. Residents, ask yourself who is the loudest resident complaining and if they are perhaps using the management company's letter as an excuse to attack the board. Finally, board members, please look at your rules, see if they are reasonable or necessary. If not, please encourage the homeowners to present alternatives and vote vote in the revised rules.
Posted by guesswho on July 17, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This goes to I haveopiniontoo The problem with the old management company is different from what the homeowners want. That problem will be something that the current board has to deal with when the state of California do there aduit of the books. If the management company was not doing there job that is on the board that is part of what the board should be doing is making sure that the management company is doing there job. If these things were no happening well look at the board. That is because they allowed it. See there are members on the board that personally attacked homeowners (And there are many people being attacked by the same two people) and use the fact that they are on the board to get even with them. See I have never had problems with any of the board members until a few months ago and now I feel as if everything that I do is being watched and written down for future use. The item about children riding there bikes, well here is a fact board memebers kids and grandchildren have used bikes in the side alleys for years and now because there kids are grown there should be no kids doing it now. That is not right and unfair. No one is saying the kids should have all the rights to the alleys however parents need to teach there kids if you are riding a bike to make sure if you see a car move if the child does not move and get out of the way of the car talk to the parent. The children playing in common areas well the parents need to know that if something happens when there children are playing you as a parent will need to fix that item. See the problem here is that some members on the board are so unhappy with there lives that they have to do the same to everyone else and these mebemers that want to pass these rules want to make everyone unhappy. So the bottom line is there are a few people in the Stonegate Villas that have caused this problem and now they are trying everything to blame others for there actions. All the homeowners want is a happy community where everyone can live in peace. However until the board is change that will not happen.
Posted by HaveOpinionToo on July 17, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guess Who...
Being part of the board for any HOA is a thankless job at best. If your neighbors and board members have unhappy lives - be your brother's keeper. To have peace, you must first make peace. Perhaps the board's best efforts at improving your complex is not good enough.Stop attacking the board, step in calmly and take your part in fixing the problems at hand.
You have such a diverse population at Stonegate, from infants to 90+ year-olds, from families living on assistance to high incomes. It is very hard to set or enforce rules without upsetting at least one resident. As far as the bicycles go, reconsider your point of view. My son was actually riding his bicycle to class when a car driving 10 mph hit him from behind. He went through the car windshield. When the driver put on the brakes - it threw my son back out of the same windshield and threw him down the street to skid 20 feet. His body was shredded, he is left handed - and almost lost his left arm. He was lucky, there was a teaching hospital on the college campus and his arm, and life were saved. 20 years later he still bears these scars. I pray that none of the children in the Stonegate complex are accidently harmed by any of their neighbors driving in the complex.
HOA fees are now out of hand everywhere. The fewer units you have in the complex, the more you will have to pay to take care of basics. At the Trilogy complex on the coast, the fee is $500.00 per unit. This covers ONLY front yard landscape maintenance, clubhouse/pool maintenance and roaming night security patrol. You have no control over how your front yard is landscaped. At Del Webb in Palm Desert there are 9,000 units and they still pay $150.00 per month - which includes TV cable and no landscape maintenance and no insurance. Rules at Del Webb include no street parking overnight, all car windows in your driveway have to be up and cars have to be locked, or security will contact you 24 hours a day. Front courtyards planting are controlled and approved by district landscape committees. Landscape rules include a rule that requires at least 8 palm family plants must be planted in every front yard/courtyard.There are monthly landscape inspections. There are stop signs at every corner, and golf carts have the right-of-way, not cars. Car drivers that exceed the 10 mph speed limit are fined $90.00 per violation.ONLY NOODLES are allowed in any of the 5 pools in the complex. Children are only allowed in 2 of these pools. Visitors, including elderly family members that need care, are limited to a 90 day stay in any given year. Consider yourself lucky.
Relax, take a breath, this is not brain surgery or an actual bicycle accident. Encourage all of your neighbors to stop signing petitions, and start working together with the board to resolve all of the problems that you have in common.
Posted by guesswho on July 18, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To haveopiniontoo the sad thing we have tryed that and many of the board to not want to talk about it is there way or no way. I know being on the board is a thankless job however many of the things the board has done in the past has been good however, over the years many bad choices have been made and the way some of the board members have acted make it hard for homeowners to trust anything that is being said or done. We as homeowners have been told that they will build a playground for the kids and when asked about it we are told that was never said. All I want is to live in peace and enjoy life however, it is to the point that most of the board does not want to talk they only want to rule and until we have board memebers that want to hear from everyone and not just the ones that agree with them nothing will change. The monthly fees is not so much the problem as that i feel the money is not being used to take care of the community of Stonegate Villa as a person would see walking around seeing many brown spots and places where the plants have been removed and nothing put in there place. All I want is things to be done the way they should be and live in a place that a person can hear children playing and laughing.
Posted by LovingSimi on July 19, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is wrong with you people? I think the article in the paper was spearheaded by tenants. After some checking of records at the County Recorder's Office I saw no record of ownership by Evrard, Hesky or Harper. HOA board’s members are volunteers elected by owners, not tenants. I am an owner and I have no problem with the proposed new rules. I was disappointed with the article in the paper. In light of the economy and current real estate prices, I believe that my property value has decreased because of the article. I wonder if the money owed to the HOA is owed by a person who objects to the proposed rule changes. Maybe the rules have been broken for a long time. To recall the board will take approx. 45 signatures from "owners", not tenants. Each unit gets 1 vote. A tenants vote does not count nor does their signature on a recall ballot. A recall will cost the HOA money. If a new board is not seated, the State will come in and take over and I would hate to see that bill which the HOA will have to pay. If a tenant does not like a proposed rule change/addition they should contact their owner. How many of you (owners or tenants) take time to go to the board meetings and hear what is going on at your HOA? How many of you are involved and volunteer your time? There are 5 members on the board and only 2 women are being targeted by you. Whether they work or not is not relevant to the issues at hand. They are giving their time for your HOA (for free). What are you doing for your HOA except causing trouble? It will take more than 2 votes to pass the proposed new rules, majority rules! Where do the other 3 board members stand? Why are you all so upset all of a sudden? Is it because the rules have been broken for years? I think that the board members should be thanked for giving of their time and not blasted, picked on and disparaged the way the newspaper article did and certain readers have done in their articles. I believe GM Management sent the letter to owners out of spite and revenge because his contract was not renewed. If he was aware of any wrong doings by the board, especially “mismanagement of funds”, he had a fiduciary duty to inform the owners immediately. If you bother to get your facts straight you would know that the “mismanagement of funds” has nothing to do with the current board but the board from 2 years ago. The many jobs of the HOA include protecting the owners and the HOA from lawsuits, maintain the complex and assure everyone's safety. As for an accounting of expenses, each owner is provided with a yearly accounting. Fontaneous among other things you wrote that you live on a “cul de sac” what is the name of your “cul de sac”. If it does not have a name or appear on a map it is merely an alley in your complex. As for the “large yellow construction sign to indicate children at play” I wonder if it is powerful enough to stop a car?
Posted by LovingSimi on July 19, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ran out of room but I have more to say. Fontaneous, you also wrote “the kids are not allowed to pass the first speed bump and then you went on to write what may appear to look like the middle of the my mind. I would be scared that my child might get hit by a car or someone backing out of their garage, etc. If a child is hit or run over by a car it can lead to serious physical injury or death. Maybe you should do some research on how many kids are killed each year by cars including those that happen by family members in a child’s own driveway. The Park referenced in the article is less than 1/4 mile up the street not a mile as the article stated. Take your kids to the park or the pool, but wait, that would require your supervision. It was not hard to figure out whom you are and that it was your husband who was the past board member. Why didn't he stay on the board if he was doing such a good job as you stated. Maybe it's because he could not make waves as a board member. Maybe he did not get enough votes. Maybe your behind in your dues, maybe you owed the HOA money or maybe there is another reason. However, you should be careful about statements you make about board members: i.e. that a board member has grown kids who have "criminal records". It was not hard to deduce from your article whom you were referring to. I think that you should consult an attorney because my advice to that board member and her “grown children” is to sue you and the HOA for libel and slander because your statements have been spoken and written. I know her and her children and your statements are false. Regarding SimiProud I hope that you do not follow his advice because filing a lawsuit as he suggests will cost money to hire an attorney, you will be suing the owners of Stonegate Villas and if you win each unit will be assessed to cover the costs, attorney fees and your winnings. If you are a tenant your owner will probably pass some, if not all of this expense down to you with a rent increase as will I to my tenant. Remember there is no law in Ventura County regarding rental increases. street is actually the end of the cul-de-sac with very little traffic”. I can’t help but wonder why there is a speed bump was put on your “cul de sac” in the first place. Safety is the first thing that comes into my mind.
Posted by LovingSimi on July 19, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And finally, as for you guesswho, we know who you are, you are not an owner. All you do is break the rules. Your son runs all around the complex, unsupervised, possibly causing damage to common areas as well as private property. You drink beer at the pool, you park illegally in the complex and you spread lies and now you have put it in print. You wrote “we have a board member that keeps riping it off the board.” Oh and by the way you might want to quit videotaping from your car that you are parking near the mailboxes as this is against the law. I will sue you personally if my rights are violated and my picture appears anywhere without my authorization. So I suggest that you or your husband get a job so that you will be able to pay the judgment so that you will be able to pay the judgment that I will obtain against you. And maybe you should learn to spell. Don’t you all think that enough is enough. Hasn’t enough hurtful things been said and done? It’s time to grow up and act like the adults that you are suppose to be. If I was on the board I would vote for the proposed new rules because each of you in the article made it personal and have taken out personal attacks on board members that were uncalled for. You blew it yourselves. Maybe you should have discussed it with the board instead of calling the newspaper!
Posted by mutinyhockey on July 20, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"We can't live in fear like this," Evrard said.
BREAKING NEWS!
This HOA will now have to employ a security force to protect its tenants from the HOA, the boogeyman, and the monster under the bed!
Dues will now have to rise up to gas level prices, meaning you can ride your bike to work (since you can't at the complex.) Furthermore, since the litter, er sandbox was removed, you can ride the bike to the beach! Now, at the beach, remember to bring your surfboards since you can't surf the bodacious waves of the common pool!
HOA! Lookin out for the people!
Posted by LovingSimi on July 21, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, Evrard dont you think that you should give up? Do you relly feel that you need protection from the HOA? I'm sure that your mother-in-law won't be happy when her dues get raised because of having to hire a security guard and someone to keep the peace in the pool area. Again, I plan to pass any increase in expenses on to my tenant. Enough is enough. Personal attacks have been made, people have been hurt, property values have decreased and now yu want protection from the HOA. Grow up. My realtor won't even show property for sale in Stonegate Villas since the newspaper article. What now?
Posted by mutinyhockey on July 21, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, shoot!
I thought I had the security parameters pegged! I didn't know we would have to protect the pool. I guess the HOA can hire David Hasselhoff in case someone is drowning in the shallow end, and a cardboard cutout of Steve Irwin to gather the pool stingrays towards him. Heh, it is cheaper than having SWAT patroling the mean streets of Stonegate Villas.
Posted by guesswho on July 22, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To LovingSimi, as for checking records on our home it is no secret that my mother-in-law owns the house we live in however, we have legal proxy owner’s rights. You need to get your facts straight there. We do not owe any money to the HOA I pay our fees on time and if we ever had a fine I would have paid that. By the way it takes 40 votes to recall the board and all 26 people that signed the recall are homeowners. So there are your facts that you had wrong. So here are some facts the you need to get straight before voicing the opinion you did about my family. First we are proxy homeowners by law.Since we have a legal proxy that states we are acting homeowners we have the same rights as every other homeowner. Second we do not park illegally in the complex. We have two cars which one is in the garage and the other parks in the complex if there is room. I drive that car that parks in the complex almost everyday to "WORK". As for video taping that is well within our right to do in a public place as long as the tapes will not be sold and since the purpose of the video tape was trying to find the person who was violating my civil rights by removing something that I had but up on the community board it was well within my right. As for my son being unsupervised and causing possible damage that is untrue first my son has been gone for well over 3 weeks and if he is breaking anything or causing damage as a parent I would have to pay to have it repaired or fixed. See I talked about homeowners being personally attached by board members will that is true also I have all the e-mails at home proving that. And if you ever want to read them come on by. See a board member has stated to family that they saw by husband beating our son and also that they watched our son one night and when he came downstairs she was checking his body and found marks all over him. Well first this person has not watched our son in over two years and second what were they doing looking at my son's body. Second if they feared that our son was being beat as they stated why tell my family and not call the police. My guess is that because they know it is all untrue. I want to know what lies we are spreading because everything that we have stated I have the proof at home. And it is something that I would show anyone if they asked. We are always not breaking rules. And since you say we are please tell me which ones. I do think enough is enough, however something needs to be done because everyone is getting hurt here. As for the property values I do not think this article in the newspaper hurt anything since the home next to me is up for sale and I see people looking at it all the time and another home a few doors down just sold for what they are asking for it. So I do not think this has anything to do with property values dropping I think it is just the time we are in.
Posted by guesswho on July 22, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Still more to LovingSimi - Also as for my husband drinking beer at the pool I am not saying that he has not done it however, it is not something that is done everyday. There are many people in the complex that has had beer or other alcohol beverages at the pool. I know this because I was with them when these beverages were taken to the pool and they are board members. You see I have stated that I feel the board has done many things that are good for the complex however; they are over stepping with the new rules. As for suing the complex I would not do that I am not a person. So please get your facts straight before you start talking about things that you are unsure of and being told second hand.
Posted by fontaneous on July 22, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To "LovingSimi",
Last I read and heard on the news property values dropped about 2 years ago. Maybe better education would help you figure that out. Certainly not this article. You were quick to see how much I was trying to hide my idenity. Thanks for the great laugh. My husband was on the board for 4 of the 5 years we have lived here. He has done his time and is asked to please run again almost daily as the new board is scary with their work tactics. I also did research prior to any statements and would not put myself out there without doing so. Please understand the article did exactly what we were hoping for. Make everyone aware of what is really going on. Because we are a honest family that is respected in the community the statements you make give others great laughs too. Maybe you should try living here (oh right YOU MOVED)to see what is really going on as the lies fed your way are not very accurate.
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