November 2015 Issue Page !1

A Word From the President

Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association Post Office Box 449 San Ramon, CA 94583

Bollinger Hills Neighborhood Newsletter

Volume 2015 ~ Issue 4 ~ November

By Victor Petersen BHHOA President

Attention All Homeowners:

We hope you are enjoying the convenience of reading the Newletter IN COLOR from you Computer, Laptop, Amart Phone, Tablet, iPhone or whatever ... ANYWHERE!

Don't forget - You can also check out all Newsletters (past & present) on the HOA Website

www.bollingerhills.org

Add our website to your Favorites List for quick access!

We'd like to give thanks to everyone who cooperated with this exciting change by providing their email addresses to the HOA. Please remember to contact us should you have a change in your e-mail address.

To receive future issues & special announcements, send your name & e-mail address to : info@bollingerhills.org

Greetings Everyone, The warm summer weather certainly lingered a bit longer than usual this year. As such, the pool remained open until the end of October. See the Pool report for more info. Around the Association, we continue to make repairs and improvements to keep Bollinger Hills a premium location. The fence across from the Bishop Ranch open space (on Morgan Dr.) has been replaced. This area is Bollinger Hills Open space, and we had the new fence match the existing fence across the street which is County controlled. Our maintenance man Patrick will be painting the fence to match. As I mentioned in the May 2015 newsletter, we have finally taken meaningful steps toward the possible upgrade of our association entry monuments. This “project” has been discussed for about 10 years, and mentioned in past newsletters

See PRESIDENT, Page 2 for more

November 18, 2015 7:30 PM

Bollinger Hills Cabana

Board Meetings are held at 7:30 PM on the 3rd Wed.

each month (check www.bollingerhills.org

for any date changes)

All Homeowners Welcome!

IF YOU NEEDTO:

• Look up HOA info. • Check out latest news.

GO TO:

www.bollingerhills.org

www.facebook.com/BHHOA

Stay connected with your neighborhood

Next Board Meeting

Bollinger Hills Annual Holiday Lights Contest

Judging: Friday, Dec. 18th 7:30pm Rain or Shine

Winners will be announced in a special Newsletter. Prizes will be awarded to the most impressive display.

IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Message …………… 1 & 2

It’s Your (dog’s) Poop ……….….. 2

Real Estate Corner

Spot Light Home ……………… 3

Preparing for an Emergency .. 4

Money Matters & Financials ……. 5

Landscape Corner ………………. 6

ARC Request ………….…………. 7 & 8

Pool News ………………………… 8

Help Wanted ……………………… 8

Neighborhood Beat ……………… 9

Neighborhood Bulletin Board …… 10

Contact Us …………………………11

November 2015 Issue Page !2

PRESIDENT continued from page 1

dating back to 2004. Where are we now? We have formed a monument update committee and have photographed many entry monuments throughout the San Ramon and Danville area. From the photographs, the Board selected a few that represented a look that would be appropriate for Bollinger Hills. We have commissioned our Landscape architect Susan Friedman to produce preliminary drawings for Board approval, and to enable us to obtain construction estimates.

Next steps? Once we have preliminary drawings that meet with Board approval, we will seek cost estimates, and hold a special Open House for residents to view the proposed monument update and provide comments. Is this a “done deal”? No. This is still preliminary. Depending on many factors – cost being one – the Board may decide to not proceed with the project. At this point we are moving forward to gather more information. We will keep all of you informed along the way – as the saying goes . . . “stay tuned”.

Look for a “newsletter lite” in November / December to detail the Holiday light judging.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and if you’d like to contact me, please send me an e-mail. victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net.

President Bollinger Hills HOA victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net

It’s your (dog’s) POOP

While many dog owners are respectful of Bollinger Hills rules, some occasionally need a reminder. Dogs are not permitted in the Cabana area, pool area, tennis courts, and the park. When our park was first built, the Board decided it was best not to allow dogs, and that has been the rule ever since. The rules are clearly posted at the entrance gates. Please help us keep Bollinger Hills Park in great shape. Also, please remember that our HOA trashcans are not for your dog poop! New signs have been posted on the trashcans. Would you put your dog poop in your kitchen trash? Our trashcans are emptied into our main curbside can inside our cabana. Please take it to your home – it’s your dog.

November 2015 Issue Page !3

Bollinger Hills Real Estate Corner

By Mike Continillo, BHHOA Director Neighborhood Watch & Crime Prevention Committee mike@myvillaproperties.net 925-519-0794

Bollinger Hills Spotlight Home

Recognizing homeowners who have done an exceptional job of maintaining and updating their homes.

What is a "Spotlight Home"? One home will be featured in our "Spotlight Home" Article in each Bollinger Hills Newsletter. It will include a photo of the home along with a brief description of the improvements and updates to the home. We will also discuss what inspired the homeowner, and what they really enjoy about their home. We want to recognize, and say Thank You! to the homeowners who help make Bollinger Hills one of the premier developments in the San Ramon Valley.

Who is eligible? Any home in Bollinger Hills is eligible. You can nominate a neighbor's home or your own.

What is the criteria? We want to recognize homes that stand out in a positive way as being well maintained, and/or nicely updated. This would also include improvements that make the home more energy efficient, or drought tolerant. It's that home that you notice and say to yourself. "That sure is a nice looking house."

What do they win? Homeowners who are recognized for the award will receive a $50 gift certificate to Home Depot.

We need your help... If you would like to nominate your home, or a neighbor's to be recognized as our next "Spotlight Home" please email me at mike@myvillaproperties.net. Please include the address of the property you are nominating, and a brief description about what you like about the home.

November 2015 Issue Page !4

Preparing for an Emergency

With the recent swarm of earthquakes here in San Ramon I am sure we have all taken a moment to assess if we are prepared for an emergency or natural disaster. I know I did, and to be honest I am probably not as prepared as I should be.

It is important that we not only have the proper safety equipment and supplies in our homes but we should also have an idea of what actions we should take to help our families and our neighbors.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is comprised of individuals and families like you and I, who agree to help out when a disaster or emergency happens. When disaster strikes, law enforcement officials and emergency response teams may be overwhelmed. This is where our additional help as community members is often needed. CERT takes a positive and realistic approach to emergency preparedness where citizens learn to take independent actions that will likely save lives. For more information please visit the CERT page on the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District's website: http://www.firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/overview.asp

If you would like to learn more about how to be better prepared, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is holding a Personal Emergency Preparedness class on November 12th. http://www.firedepartment.org/community_outreach/classes/personal_emergency_prep.asp

We live in earthquake country. There is nothing we can do to stop an earthquake - but we can get prepared! Join with fellow community members at this free class geared to help you and your family prepare before an earthquake, survive during the quake and recover quickly after the disaster. You will learn hazard mitigation, utility control, the duck-cover-hold technique, as well as tips for creating emergency kits. Pre-registration for PEP is required and class size is limited.

Are You Prepared?

November 2015 Issue Page !5

By Terry Cunningham BHHOA Treasurer

The above is a list of investments. Cash balances are invested in a money market account and CD’s at present. We can invest them in treasury bills and notes, money market funds and certificates of deposit as long as we do not incur capital risk. We maintain $350k in reserves for capital improvements and major repairs. We have another $138k in operating and planned spending funds. While there seems to be a large amount of funds in the treasury we have found this year that many of our assets like the sound walls and other structures have deteriorated over the years. These will certainly need to be repaired in some cases and replaced in others.

Dues are due on the first day of each January and July. They are delinquent on the 30th of each of those months as stated in the COLLECTION POLICY. It is important that each homeowner pay his/her dues promptly to enable our Association to continue providing service at low cost and to avoid being charged fees for untimely payments.

We have some repair and improvement projects planned for the next one to five years. If you would like to know about these or be involved, please notify us at info@bollingerhills.org.

Let’s Go Paperless We Can Do Better & I Hate Stuffing Envelopes!

Currently we have less than 40 homeowners who wish to go paperless and not receive a statement for each billing cycle. They received an email with a statement attached to let them know the dues and when they are due.

Just give us authorization in writing (an email) and we will no longer send statements. You only need to make sure you send us $240 each January 1 and July 1. Help us keep your dues low and be green at the same time.

You can send an email to BollingerTreasurer@bollingerhill.org or send us a note by US Mail. You can drop that note in my mailbox at 309 Mare Lane. Also, let us know what else we can do to make paying your dues easier.

November 2015 Issue Page !6

By Susan Friedman, BHHOA Landscape Chairman Owner of Susan Friedman Landscape Architecture susan@susanfriedmanlandscape.com

Bollinger Hills Landscape Corner

It’s important to see so many homeowners cleaning up their properties and preparing for what is supposed to be a “whopper” El Nino rain year. Preventative maintenance before the rains and winds sweep through our neighborhood include:

• Keeping roof gutters free of debris • Ensure downspouts flow unobstructed and router them if there is a blockage, • Clean up curb/gutter in front of your property by removing litter, twigs and leaf

buildup that can block storm drain inlets • Crown thin dead branches from trees that overhang your home and surrounding

structures • Clear large branches and fallen trees from properties that abut a creek

With any home improvement project, be sure to hire only licensed contractors. Even the smallest mishap can turn into a major problem if a contractor doesn’t carry the proper insurance.

And speaking of contractors – according to San Ramon Municipal code #B6-99. - Internal combustion engines: “It is unlawful for a person to operate or repair an internal combustion engine in the manner which causes excessive noise between the hours of eight p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the next day without a permit.” (Prior code § B7-186)

Local agencies have until December 1, 2015 to adopt the updated MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). MWELO updated water restrictions on residential landscape projects over 500 sq.ft. of planted area (lawn, plants, etc.) that need a permit:

• Landscape to contain no more than 25% high water use plants such as lawn and uncovered pools/ponds

• Landscape area of 75% or greater must be made up of low water use plants such as Mediterranean or California Natives

• Irrigation systems must now meet state’s higher water efficiency standards (no runoff or overspray and more efficient nozzles, etc.)

• Landscape areas less than 10’ wide must be irrigated with subsurface drip or other irrigation that produces no overspray or runoff.

• Encourages the use of onsite storm water catchment (rain gardens, dry stream beds), use of recycled and greywater in the garden (laundry, dishwasher), and rainwater catchment such as rain barrels.

For more details, go to www.water.ca.gov For water saving rebates go to: www.EBMUD.com and www.CCWater.com

Rain or Drought Prepare for Both

November 2015 Issue Page !7

The BHHOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) must approve any architectural or landscaping change that impacts the view of your property from the street.

The ARC is the review and approval point for modifications of structures and landscaping. The review process ensures that property values are maintained and the character of the neighborhood is preserved. At a time when many residents are upgrading their homes, it is especially important that architectural review controls be in place to preserve the high property values we all enjoy.

The best place to start is our website: www.bollingerhills.org/arc.htm Here you can find guidelines regarding selection of materials for your project. Selection of pre-approved materials and product types can substantially reduce the time needed for approval. You can also find the ARC Review Request form.

How to Obtain Architectural Approval:

To request architectural approval for your project, you will need to first complete the ARC Review Request form.

Include any plans, color schemes, roof types, and any other pertinent data. For simple requests, you can complete the form using your computer, save the file and then email it as an attachment.

If you use Outlook or another email program on your computer, you can take advantage of electronic submission. Complete the form and then click on the “Submit by E-mail” button embedded in the form. (This method will not work with web-based mail programs such as Yahoo or Gmail.)

Otherwise, Mail the form to: Bollinger Hills Homeowners Assoc., Attn: Architectural Committee, P.O. Box 449, San Ramon, CA 94583-0449 OR Fax the form and plans to: (925) 829-2110

The Architectural Committee will review your plans. You will be advised if the plans are approved or not within 30 days of receipt of your request. We typically respond within one week, usually by email. Continued on Page 8

By Marv Miller Architectural Committee

Need to replace your roof? Paint your house? Landscape your front yard?

November 2015 Issue Page !8

By Victor Petersen BHHOA President

This pool season is the first time that Bollinger Hills has not had lifeguard coverage during the pool season. If you are a regular pool user, please provide us your f e e d b a c k a n d c o m m e n t s . Yo u c a n r e s p o n d t o m e d i r e c t l y a t victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net or to info@bollingerhills.org

I have mentioned in previous newsletters our future plan is to upgrade our key system to an electronic key fob. This would have many benefits, including timed access for the gates, and elimination of the need to periodically perform a re-key with the associated key exchange. Stay tuned to see if we change over to such a system for the next pool season.

When You DON’T Need to Obtain Architectural Approval:

You don’t need to contact the ARC if you plan to remodel the interior of your home or if you are planning an exterior project that is not visible from the street. However, the city will sometimes require an approval document from the HOA for these types of projects. In that case, you will need to submit the ARC review request form and include an explanation. These types of requests will be expedited.

Installation of solar electric systems and solar heating systems do not require approval of the ARC. Installation of satellite dishes from Dish Network and DirecTV do not require approval.

Pool NewsBy Victor Petersen Pool Manager

Help Wanted

Committee Position Available ~ CC&R Chair Our current CC&R chairman Terry Cunningham will be stepping down from that position. This is a compensated position, and it is a very important position within the Bollinger Hills Association. The reason Bollinger Hills looks better than surrounding neighborhoods, and our homes are worth more is because we have standards, and we work hard to maintain standards.

This position requires good organization skills and basic computer skills. It also requires good people skills. If you would like to consider helping our fine, self-managed HOA, and become involved with the Bollinger Hills organization, please contact the President Victor Petersen for more information.

November 2015 Issue Page !9

Neighborhood Beat What’s Going on in Bollinger Hills?

Holiday Season Precautions: Keep your home & family safe this holiday season with these precautions:

Put indoor & outdoor lights on timers. Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves. Do not use Christmas lights that are frayed or damaged. Make sure your Christmas tree stand is always filled with water. Keep the tree away from a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you leave the house or go to bed. Don’t leave packages/gifts visible in your car or home. Do not have packages left on your porch. Have packages left behind your gate, at a neighbors, deliver to work or pick up at your local delivery depot. Have someone pick up your mail & newspaper if you’re gone for an extended time. Always lock your house and car doors. Do not hesitate to call SRPD (925) 973-2700, if you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood!! Especially be leery of anyone following delivery trucks!

Dates to Remember: November 11 ~ No school ~ Veterans Day November 18 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome November 23-27 ~ SRVUSD Thanksgiving Break December 16 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome December 18 ~ Holiday Lights Judging December 21 - January 1 ~ Winter Break January 18 ~ No school ~ Martin Luther King Holiday January 25 ~ No school ~ Staff Development Day January 20 ~ Board meeting, 7:30pm Morgan Dr. ~ Homeowners Welcome

Bollinger Hills Resident Amenities Hours: Pool is Closed: Pool will reopen in the spring. Tennis Courts: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). Accessible by Bollinger Hills resident key. Park & Playground: Open daily until dusk (30 minutes after sunset). No reservation required. Cabana: The cabana is open for the winter. Hours are variable, closes at 10:00 pm. Available daily by reservation only. For complete details, contact the Cabana Manager at 925-556-0747 or visit the HOA website at www.bollingerhills.org.

November 2015 Issue Page !10

Do you have a service or event that you would like to advertise? Place an advertisement in the Bollinger Hills Newsletter.

Newsletter: Website: Available Discounts: Ad size: Ad size: *Place an ad in both the Newsletter & on the BHHOA Business card $25 Half Banner (234x 60 pixel) $50 website & receive $10 off EACH ad. 1/4 page $35 Full Banner (468 x 60 pixel) $75 *Prepay Ad(s) for 1 year & receive 25% discount. 1/3 page $55 * Ads run FREE for Kid’s Businesses under age 18 1/2 page $70 (baby sitting, pet sitting, dog walking, tutoring, lawn mowing, etc.) Full page $110 Parental consent required. Minor’s personal cell phone number cannot be placed in the ad, must provide parent’s phone number.

(rates are price per quarter for one publication/color print)

For complete Details & Deadlines, visit our website at: www.bollingerhills.org To place an Ad, contact our Newsletter Editor, Christine Perezalonso at news.bollingerhills@gmail.com

NOTE: The content in these advertisements are for informational purposes and does not constitute any recommendation by the

Newsletter & Website Ad Rates

Neighborhood Bulletin Board

or Here

(See below for details.)

Your Ad Here (See below for details.)

November 2015 Issue Page !11

Bollinger Hills Homeowners Association P.O. Box 449 San Ramon, CA 94583

Contact Us:          Mailing Address: P.O. Box 449, San Ramon, CA 94583 Website Address: www.bollingerhills.org

President Treasurer Maintenance Victor Petersen Terry Cunningham Coordinator (925) 828-5664 (925) 355-1309 Patrick Teffs victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net (925) 785-5661

Vice President Recording Secretary Pool Committee John Youngblood Christine Perezalonso Victor Petersen (925) 830-1872 (408)807-9456 (925) 828-5664 aqcs@comcast.net victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net

Director CC&R’s Traffic Committee Janet Miller Terry Cunningham Victor Petersen (925) 829-3410 (925) 875-9046 (925) 828-5664 ccr@bollingerhills.org victorpetersen@sbcglobal.net

Director Architecture Landscaping Jeff Kehr Marv Miller Committee (925) 451-7829 (925) 415-0847 Susan Friedman

jwkehr@sbcglobal.net (925) 806-0643

Director Cabana Rental Pool/Park Keys Mike Continillo Mary Teffs Terry Cunningham (925) 519-0794 (925) 556-0747 (925)355-1309 mike@myvillaproperties.net www.bollingerhills.org info@bollingerhills.org Neighborhood Watch/ Newsletter Editor Crime Prevention Christine Perezalonso Committee (408) 807-9456 Mike Continillo news.bollingerhills@gmail.com (925) 519-0794 mike@myvillaproperties.net

If you have a neighborhood incident or news you’d like to report, please send an e-mail to our Newsletter Editor, Christine Perezalonso at: news.bollingerhills@gmail.com.