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

AssociationNews

Harbor Pointe by James Allison J UST A QUICK REMINDER THAT IT'S A GOOD PRACTICE to collect your mail each delivery day if possible. Our mailboxes are relatively small and can fill pretty quickly, particularly if you're old school and still receive catalogs. A full mailbox makes it harder for our U.S. Postal Service delivery professionals to complete their mission and presents a soft target for would-be thieves. Patch.com recently reported a fraudulent credit card case in early January led Alameda Police Department officers to uncover hundreds of pieces of stolen mail, including personal checks, ID cards, and tax documents belonging to Alameda residents. Headlands by Marla Lee I T MIGHT SEEM THE CROWS HOLD THE ADVANTAGE in our neighborhood, but along the lagoon, a tiny House Finch melodically defends its perch. While I curse the persistent runners of the decorative purple-leaf plum trees (Prunus cerasifera Atropurpurea), the earliest bloomers, they nourish a monarch just emerging from its winter pause. Ceanothus blues and Aloe oranges offer the first shrub blooms, beckoning the native yellow-faced bumblebees common to our area. I’m especially thankful for the secret gardener who blessed us with the vibrant spring parade of daffodils and hyacinths along the lagoon trail. In the spirit of yin and yang, spring’s yang energy emerges after winter’s yin dormancy. Had I not walked this morning, the transition would have passed without my notice or appreciation.

For The Headlands, curb strip renovations are steadily progressing around the loop, with new plantings and Kurapia car step-outs. Please help keep our landscapes and homes well-maintained in accordance with HOA guidelines. As an incentive for those who ignore ongoing notices, the Board has proposed increased fines for unad dressed violations. Details will be mailed for Headlands homeowners to provide input this spring. For additional questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact HDL@harborbay.org. Meanwhile, take time to pause, get outside, and appreciate the natural beauty our commu nity has to offer. Time marches on. Seastrand by Rick Harkins, Board President S PRINGTIME IS AN AWESOME REMINDER OF HOW fortunate we are to live in the Seastrand community with such beauty and fine people. This year will mark 50(ish) years since the founding of the Community of Harbor Bay Isle. The 50ish Anniversary Celebration will be held on August 2nd at Community Center Parking Lot and Leydecker Park. More details will be forthcoming soon. The Harbor Bay Community Parking Lot Sale and Salvation Army Donation Drive will be August 9th, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Reservation for stalls will be taken beginning July 1, 2025.

The City of Alameda has revised its General Urban Forest Plan (tinyurl.com/2s4h78mm). However, that plan will not apply to CHBIOA, due to our unique needs on Harbor Bay. The CHBIOA Landscaping Department is currently working with the City to draft a plan specific to our community.

Bulbs at the Lagoon; Ceanothus thrysiflorus and bumble bee

34 April | May | June 2025

The Gull’s Cal