At the September Board Meeting, the community was treated to an informative presentation on fire safety, followed by a discussion on the upcoming regular tree maintenance. This important routine tree trimming will begin in mid-October. This year, the work will include tree thinning (removals) and selective ground cover reduction in certain areas of the common area.

This work is being done to ensure that the HOA’s common area landscape complies with Fire Department Ordinance requirements, which call for a minimum of 10 feet of horizontal clearance from property lines and 6 feet of vertical clearance. These standards are essential for maintaining defensible space and helping keep our community safer in the event of a wildfire.

Looking ahead, the HOA Board plans to appoint a Fire Safety Committee at the November meeting. This committee will help monitor fire safety throughout the community, assist and advise the Board, and lead efforts to obtain Firewise USA® Recognition for our neighborhood.

Becoming a Firewise USA® recognized community provides several key benefits:

• Enhanced safety: Residents learn how to reduce wildfire risks around their homes and common areas.
• Community collaboration: Firewise fosters teamwork between residents, the HOA, and local fire authorities.
• Insurance savings: In California, state law requires insurance companies to provide discounts on premiums for homeowners who live in Firewise USA® recognized communities.
• Stronger community resilience: The recognition reflects a shared commitment to protecting lives, homes, and property.

We look forward to working together as a community to make our neighborhood safer, more informed, and well-prepared.