Monday, December 31, 2007

Seven Ghosts A-Dancing

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On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
Seven ghosts a-dancin'
Six bears a-boatin'
Five points of light
Four lighted trees,
Three crazy creatures,
Two cool dogs
And a rainbow over Seabridge.

Happy New Year!.

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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Six Bears A-Boating


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On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
Six bears a-boatin'
Five points of light
Four lighted trees,
Three crazy creatures,
Two cool dogs
And a rainbow over Seabridge.

Happy New Year!.

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Saturday, December 29, 2007

New Year, New Laws

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It's an invisible occurrence, but may be one of the most important ones affecting us in the coming year at Seabridge and elsewhere. When the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve, not only will the party horns be tooting, but a set of new laws will take effect in California.

Of these, the one I believe will be most obvious and important to us Seabridge homeowners is the change to the law resulting from the passage of Senate Bill 528. With a few exceptions, this law requires that the board post meeting agendas in advance and keep decisions limited to the topics on the agenda. If you don't like decisions that have been made in the past, there is virtually no reason left for you to be surprised by a board decision you don't like. So keep an eye out for agendas and make sure you keep informed on the issues affecting our community. And share your views with the board.

If you're curious about the other laws lurking just around the bend, the San Jose Mercury Tribune does a decent job at listing some of them. Of the ones they mention, I was happy to read about the changes to acceptance of gift certificates. California has always been good about looking out for the consumer in the area of gift cards and certificates - including our state's unique law about not allowing cards bought in the state to expire. Also, I see that the hands-free-cellphone-use-while-driving doesn't take effect until July. Still, I believe it's good practice now.

Community Association Law isn't the most fascinating topic, but it has a big impact on how our association runs and how our money is spent. If you're in doubt, consider the numerous organizations - including realtors, management companies, homeowners and contractors - taking positions on all sides of pending legislation, and the lobbyists they send to Sacramento to look out for the millions of dollars they have at stake. I think it's worth an hour or two to understand the basics of the Davis-Stirling Act that guides much of the association's operation. Also, the shiny new 2008 California Condo Bluebook is always an excellent guide. If you are curious about other legislation being considered, there is a good summary of what came up in 2007 here and especially here. Of the information, I was intrigued by the legislation our own Senator, Tom Harman has proposed. It would require mandatory education for board members. I can see the arguments that this is an intrusion into the affairs of the association, but I also understand the intent of making sure people running and HOA understand the basic concepts. Ideally all board members would get this education voluntarily as a part of making sure they understand how to best live up to their fiduciary duty.

"Enjoy"!

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Five Points of Light

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Can you tell that the holidays have found me with extra time on my hands? ;-)

On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
Five points of light
Four lighted trees
Three crazy creatures
Two cool dogs
And a rainbow over Seabridge.

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Friday, December 28, 2007

Seabridge Wakes Up

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Even more than yesterday's elapsed-time video, this one from this morning is subtle. Still, as I watch it, I think it's pretty representative of morning in our community - quiet and peaceful, with the occasional glimpses of residents beginning their day. I like how the color in the sky deepens as the sun rises, and the way the reflections off the windows play off the houses across the street. That's something I'd never paid attention to before.

I'm realizing that this place isn't Times Square, so I'm probably not going to capture much more activity than this. Not such a bad thing, really. Still, if you have ideas for other places to try this out, let me know!

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New Feature - Labels

In its 6 months of existence, this blog has collected almost 90 posts. So to make it a bit easier to find older features, I've added labels to each article. You can now look on the right-hand side of each page for a list of posts, organized by category. This post, for example, falls under "Announcements".

Four Lighted Trees

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On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
Four lighted trees,
Three crazy creatures,
Two cool dogs
And a rainbow over Seabridge.

Ho ho ho.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007

On A Thursday Afternoon.

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Photography has always interested me, though I haven't always had much time to devote to it. Nowadays, digital cameras and photo editing software have made easy the things that used to take hours in the lab.

Since I'm usually working during the day, I thought I'd take advantage of time off to try out some fun features on my camera and also see what I've been missing. Turns out - not much, especially on a holiday week! Still, this video made from time-lapse photos of Tempe Drive has its charm. For one, it's kind of cool to see the shadows move and lengthen as the day draws to a close. Close observers will even see the Christmas lights turn on and neighbors going about their business.


This 33-second video covered a period of 3 hours and 20 minutes. Perhaps I'll try again tomorrow with a different vantage point.

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Twelve Days of Seabridge

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(With apologies to Andy Schmidt...)

If you haven't yet checked out the Greetings From Huntington Beach blog, you might like to do so. I find it to be an interesting source of news and opinion about what's going on in our city overall.

I noticed they are running a feature based on the "Twelve Days of Christmas". I liked the concept so much, I thought I might try it here. OK, I'm three days late, but I've already caught up today. Furthermore, I haven't worked out all the "gifts" yet, so I welcome your ideas for the days remaining. Enjoy!

On the third day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Three crazy creatures
Two cool dogs
And a rainbow over Seabridge.

Happy Holidays!

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Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The 'Bridge


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Today marks a transition point as the Seabridge Journal becomes The Bridge. I used this title on a project I recently worked on, and it struck me as a great metaphor for what I'm trying to do with this blog. Hopefully this website is one of several bridges to connect neighbors, improve communication and foster a sense of community at Seabridge. I also like the word play involved as it gives our community a casual nickname that reflects the relaxed feel of the place.

In keeping with that spirit of building bridges, I'd like to ask again that if you enjoy what you read here, please make sure that your neighbors know about The Bridge and that they sign up on the right for e-mail notification of new posts. I also welcome your feedback on anything in the comments section as it lets me know what people find interesting and helpful.

Nothing else is different - you'll still be able to read whatever random thoughts I have that might be even tangentially related to this place. The URL will remain the same, in case you've bookmarked or linked to anything here.

Enjoy, and happy holidays!

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Tuesday, December 18, 2007

News from the December 18th Board Meeting

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Do you know the status of the gated entry system upgrade project?

Do you know what's happening with respect to revising our CC&Rs?

Registered homeowners may click here to get answers to these and other exciting questions addressed in tonight's board meeting.

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Friday, December 14, 2007

Fabulous Flashback Friday Continues...

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Ah, 1979... who can forget My Sharona, I Will Survive and Escape (The Pina Colada Song)? On the tube, we were still watching The Love Boat, Mork & Mindy and Happy Days. The cell phone had yet to hit the US, but we were introduced to the Sony Walkman. And as we bid goodbye to the 70s, we were saying hello to Trivial Pursuit.

Gas averaged 86 cents/gallon; Three Mile Island captured our attention with a fire in a nuclear reactor; a little-known fellow called Saddam Hussein became president of Iraq, and the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was introduced.

1979 was also a big year for Seabridge, when many of our units were up for sale. Click the photos below to check out these fabulous model homes - who wouldn't want to snatch these up?!

Well, there must be some appeal to this place, as several of the original buyers are still here. Feel free to share your memories of Seabridge's early days in comments below!



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Flashback

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One of our neighbors located this picture a while back, and I realized it might be interesting to share. It's a promo from the early 80s for the HBPD's "new" helicopter, but in the background you get a great view of our community and its surroundings. (Click on the picture for a larger view.)

What differences do you see? I find it interesting to see the original landscaping on Tempe - and how little there was next to Mother's Beach. I don't find the original paint color so horrible, though I like our current version a lot better.

I actually think the most interesting change occurred not at Seabridge, but at neighboring Sea Gate. I had no idea the buildings were originally a different color! I think the current blue/yellow is more timeless than the brown earth tones of the late 70s.

It's also strange for me to think that I was just entering high school around the time this was taken...

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Monday, December 10, 2007

About the Gate


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Sorry I didn't think to post something on this sooner, but I just was reminded of it. Maybe it will still be helpful to some of you.

First, a caveat that these are just my own observations, so I do not know the official progress on the entry gate project or formal instructions on how to let guests in. There used to be a printed sign on the telephone keypad out front, but someone told me it's no longer there. No wonder people are scratching their heads on what to do!

If you are trying to use the entry code (published in previous newsletters), you no longer precede it with "#". Instead, there is a little picture of a key. You press the key that has that picture 2 times, then enter the 4-digit entry code. An enthusiastic voice will shout "Access granted!" and you'll be on your way into Seabridge.

For those of you who used to use a certain man's first name, that no longer works, and it's my understanding that once the system is fully implemented, everyone will have their own entry code that they can share with their vendors and guests.

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Some Thoughts on Sharing Your Two Cents


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Many of us have opinions on decisions being made by the board on behalf of our community. I'd venture to say many of us have far more than two cents worth (or as the British originally said, a tuppence worth). So, here are my two cents on what you might do with yours.

First, put your thoughts or concerns in writing. Give it a day or two, read it again, and see if you still feel the same way. Consider running it by someone else for additional ideas and grammar review. Then, send it to the board AND property manager and ask them to consider your points and respond. A well-written and considered letter or e-mail is often appreciated by the board members.

Your convictions are further underscored when you then attend the next board meeting to follow-up in person. Each board meeting has an open homeowner forum at the beginning. Your points can be made way more effectively when you've already given the board a chance to think about them. In addition, you have a public session in which other homeowners can hear your position on issues. Advance communication may even prompt the board to put your issue on the agenda.

So, if there's something you your mind, you have an excellent opportunity in that the next board meeting is Tuesday, December 18th at 7PM in the clubhouse.

One last thought - different board members have different approaches to receiving homeowner input, but when I was on the board, I never much cared for hearing concerns that were brought to my attention in person outside a meeting. Certainly, stopping a board member is a lot easier than contacting the management company, but remember too that these are our neighbors with private lives to lead. At a minimum, consider contacting them first to see if they are willing to talk to you outside a board meeting and consider making an appointment. But do continue to share your two cents, as you are probably voicing what a lot of other people are thinking.

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White Christmas?


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I was out walking around Trinidad Island this morning and noted how nice the snow continued to look in the mountains, and how calm the water was. So I couldn't pass up the opportunity to head once again to my secret photo vantage point (end of Grimaud Lane) and capture another view of Seabridge and the snow. This time, it's cool to compare the cloudless sky and more pronounced reflection with the remnants of the storm present in yesterday's picture. I think both are neat in their own way. I also have to add that the "new" exterior paint color scheme sure looks sharp at all times of the year, but especially in these shots.

Brrr! Just looking at it makes me feel colder. You can view the updated set of weekend photos here.

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Sunday, December 9, 2007

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!


E-mail readers, click on "Let It Snow" title above for picture and full story.

Who says we don't get snow in Southern California? We just don't need to dig out from it and drive in it! Feel free to send this link to all your friends and family back East ;-)

If you're looking for the white stuff a little closer to home, it "snows" daily at Bella Terra.

And for some pictures from the boat parade - and a rare rainbow sighting at Seabridge, click here.

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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Giant Toilet Falls Off Truck

E-mail readers, click "Giant Toilet" link above for full story.

OK, I admit it - one of my guilty pleasures is reading the Register from time to time to check out the Police Blotter. I don't do it very often, but when I am able, I get quite an insight into daily life in our city. Giant Toilet Falls Off Truck, Nude Woman, Group Perform "Ritual", Car Washer Workers Crash Customer's Car - you couldn't make these up if you tried. What's your favorite? I kind of like 'Angel' smashes pumpkins and Police called on rude lemonade sellers.

We're fortunate to very seldom read about our own community in there (though the lemonade incident was dangerously close). So you can imagine my surprise to learn that I missed one a few weeks back:

Woman's $588,000 Check Turns Out To Be Counterfeit

If anyone gets a real check for $588,000, call me...

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Sunday, December 2, 2007

Happy Holidays!

December is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of year at Seabridge. Where and when else can you have views like this at your doorstep?

Just one more week until the boat parade! Best wishes for happy holidays to all!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Lights Out

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So, does anyone else feel like you're living an episode of the 1900 House? At least it's nice to learn I'm not alone in being out of power.

What a jolting reminder, though, of how dependent we are on electricity here. The first few minutes were fine, but as we go longer without it I realize I can't open the refrigerator for fear of its getting warm. No oatmeal for me this morning, since neither the stove nor microwave are operable. The laundry came to a grinding halt. And I'm glad I didn't have plans to go anywhere fast, because now I have to remember where the key to the electric garage door release is!

Most embarassingly, I've realized how much I use the internet (in case it wasn't obvious!) Fortunately, laptop battery and cell phone modem have come to the rescue! (sheesh...)

Here's hoping we're back on line soon.

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Communication - A Two-Way Street

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I've had several conversations with people lately regarding changes to our gated entry system and proposed revisions to the CC&Rs. The upshot of all of those conversations is that there is a lot of confusion. So I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts regarding communication. I'd be interested in what you all think.

Of all the things we do as an association, communication is one of the most critical. Proper communication can make a difficult task easier - just as lack of communication can torpedo a project, possibly for the wrong reasons.

As I said in the title, communication is a two-way street. In the one direction, we have the board of directions/association management. There may sometimes be a temptation to limit communication there, for the more people know, the more varied opinions get expressed. Homeowners who show up once for the "issue of the day" have no idea about the background of the matter, and that takes a lot of the board's time away from other pressing matters.

But sooner or later, the homeowners will speak up, so I believe it's important to communicate to them up front and often. It's a lot easier to defend an action when you can cite a trail of communication. Most homeowners still have little understanding of the entry gate system replacement, including the justification for doing so, the current status of the project, and how residents can grant access to guests. The board may feel that it has communicated this adequately, but that perception is not shared equally. It's time for an update.

I have witnessed a conscious effort from the board to inform homeowners. I received a flyer via US mail regarding the special meeting of the board to discuss proposed CC&R changes. I also was informed via e-mail when the date of the regular November meeting of the board needed to be changed. These are very positive actions, and we can only benefit further through more of them - a beefed-up e-mail notification list, regularly updated website, revived newsletter, and additional mailings would all help in this regard. Homeowners shouldn't be able to cite lack of notification as an excuse.

And on that note, the other direction of our two-way street involves the duties of the homeowners. We homeowners have a responsibility to remain aware - and to attend meetings if we are not getting communication in other ways. The board should provide multiple opportunities for participation on major issues, but should not have to accommodate the homeowner who waits until the 11th hour to object. If you have feedback, make sure the board knows it. A brief but well-written letter or e-mail to the board and management can go a long way. Many times, the input is very much appreciated by the board, who are volunteers and have busy lives like the rest of us. The more information they have available to them in a timely manner, the better decisions they can make on behalf of us all.

What do you think we can all do to improve communication here? Seabridge Journal is intended to be a piece of the solution, but it cannot stand alone. We also benefit from proactive, repeated communication from the board, and from consistent homeowner participation. I'm looking forward to your ideas in comments below.

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A Dry Subject for a Wet Day

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I have some extra time on my hands so I'm trying to catch up on things around the house. One thing I've been noticing is how much longer it's taking me to dry clothes lately - a sure sign that the lint has been building up in my dryer vents. And the design of some of our units leads to long vents with several turns along the way. Such a design can contribute to faster lint build-up.

So yesterday, I called out a company to get those cleaned out. It's not the cheapest thing in the world, but the costs of not doing so are something to consider. Did you know that dryer fires have surpassed chimney fires in terms of number of incidents in the US? They are also the cause of several high-profile events right here in Orange County. Click here for all you ever wanted to know about the anatomy of a dryer vent fire. And don't ever leave the dryer on while you're away.

Furthermore, getting those vents cleaned out is a great way to save on your gas and electric bill. My clothes drying time just got cut in half.

This is not an endorsement of any company, but if you've been meaning to get those vents cleaned and just needed a push, here are some local companies that do so:

Oliver Twist Chimney Sweep - 714.843.9944

Nuflo Dryer Vent Cleaning - 714.231.4326

Or in easy cases, you might be able to do an adequate job yourself. With the holidays coming up, let's all keep an eye on potential dangers and keep them safe for us all!