The Gull's Call - Apr/May/Jun 2025

AssociationNews

something needing attention sooner, please let me know. And, if you need login access to “Members Only”, contact the office to place your request. Curb Strips: Terra continues to improve Columbia’s curb strips with hard pruning, weeding and plant replacement in certain areas. Try to avoid stepping in areas where new plants are getting established. Lagoon Properties: Homeowners along the lagoon edge pathway, essentially have an additional front yard due to open/exposed backyards at the retaining wall/fence. Trim ming plants away from the wooden fence rails will extend the life of the fence and comply with CC&R’s and Architec tural Standards. Porta-Potties: Hiring a contractor for interior/exterior work? If they will be installing a porta potty, ensure it is placed in the driveway (not the curb strip). If it must be placed in the street, it will require a permit from the city. GENERAL HOA UPDATES For up-to-date info on Board meetings, see the meeting minutes posted to Columbia’s “Members Only” section. Costa Brava by Becky Cusack T HANK YOU TO ALL HOMEOWNERS FOR YOUR patience while the sewer lateral project was completed in 2024. Many feel the process was smoother and cleaner than anticipated, and for that, we are grateful. The last of our 202 sewer laterals, along with the mains and manhole covers, successfully passed field construction testing last month. We are now awaiting the EBMUD Costa Brava-wide 20-year PSL certification. The final invoice to our contractor remains on hold until certification is received and all remaining “hardscape” adjustments—such as concrete repairs—are addressed. Meanwhile, our Landscape Committee is working diligently to replace and restore plants that were removed or impacted by the PSL work. As we celebrate this milestone, we also pause to honor and acknowledge the contributions of William "Bill" Dwyer, who served as our Treasurer from June 2, 2020, to September 30, 2021. Bill’s confident leadership and un wavering "Can Do" spirit were invaluable to our commu nity. His dedication and service left a lasting impact, and

we are proud to announce that a plaque will be installed to commemorate his contributions. With the PSL project now complete, the Board is turn ing its focus toward a financial review to assess potential reductions in monthly dues, with an adjustment being considered for July 2025. Our HOA remains in a strong financial position and is projected to have $1.2 million in reserves at the end of the current fiscal year. Additionally, the Safety Committee has been tasked with developing a fire-hardening plan aimed at enhancing the protec tion of our community while working toward recognized fire-hardening certifications. These efforts may help with homeowner insurance retention and ensure a safer living environment for all. We are also preparing for upcoming changes due to Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572), signed into law on October 13, 2023. This legislation prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf in HOA common areas by January 1, 2029. Nonfunctional turf is defined as mowed grass that is purely decorative and not used for recreation or community activities. This does not apply to residential lawns, parks, or areas designated for active use, and potable water may still be used to sustain trees and other essential non-turf plantings. Given that Costa Brava has approximately 70,000 square feet of irrigated common area, compliance with AB 1572 will require thoughtful planning. We must self-certify compliance with the State Water Resources Control Board beginning in 2030, and every three years thereafter. To prepare, we are actively researching options, includ ing replacing nonfunctional turf with drought-resistant landscaping or converting irrigation systems to reclaimed water. We have already begun early planning efforts and are consulting with water management professionals and landscape designers. Updates will be provided as plans progress. On a brighter note, we are excited that our beautiful pool is expected to open around Memorial Day—just in time to enjoy some fun in the sun! As always, we appreciate the commitment and involvement of our residents in making Costa Brava a wonderful place to live.

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The Gull’s Call