C26-Foothills San Marcos by MHBgroup

Foothills of San Marcos Newsletter

June 2025

COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT/TREASURER

Hello Friends & Neighbors,

It is encouraging that 3 of our homes that were on the market have sold. We also had one home rented. We have interviewed all the incoming new residents. They all seem like really nice people.

Our weather has finally turned warm and lots of plants and flowers are blooming. I hope everyone takes note of that and keeps things trimmed up so the Foothills can look even better.

Our financial situation could be better, but we continue to pay all our bills and do the necessary repairs here in the park. We just completed a rather expensive electrical repair due to a broken power line. The hard part was finding it and then accessing it. It was about 5 ft. underground.

Our “Operating Budget” remains strained, primarily due to the ever-expanding attorney fees brought on by one of our own. There are things we would really like to accomplish, but they all require the expenditure of park funds to accomplish. We will continue to do what we can, when we can.

I hope everyone enjoys the warmer weather after our rather long winter.

Ken Owen,

President/Treasurer

email: kenowen1@cox.net

Phone: 760-744-1771

© This newsletter is copyrighted by the Foothills of San Marcos Homeowners Association and the authors of each individual article. Any unauthorized reprintings or postings without permission is a violation of Title 17 US Copyright Code.

Flowers in bloom on our foothills

COMMENTS FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

Hello Everyone,

This message is my first as your Vice President of the Board of Directors. It’s an honor to have been selected by my fellow directors for this position and a privilege to serve our community. Truth be told, the role of vice president is really a title without a purpose other than standing in for the president if needed. However, it does give me an opportunity to address larger issues within the community outside my role as Director of Maintenance.

Each month I will pick an issue impacting our community. The topics will not be arbitrary on my part but in response to concerns voiced by you, the members. Hopefully, by looking into these issues through the lens of the law and our governing documents we can all better understand the reasons for or against various issues.

The Foothills is a small community and as such not much goes unnoticed; particularly, new faces and vehicles. There is an increasing concern over the number of rentals in the park, the tenants, and their vehicles. CA Civil Code 4741 allows unit rentals within the community up to 25% of the total units.

The potential tenants must go through an interview process like new members to ensure compliance with our age restrictions. Currently, the member/landlord must provide a copy of the rental agreement, a photo I.D. of the tenant and surrender their common area key/s. The key will be issued to the tenant upon receipt of a fifty ($50) refundable deposit.

Please refer to the Fourth Amended and Fully Restated Rules and Regulations, Section 21. Pages 19-20 for further clarification on unit rentals.

The greater issue of concern is the matter of room rentals. CA Civil Code 4739 states that room rentals are permissible in an HOA providing the owner occupies a portion of the unit. Rentals without the owner occupying a portion of the unit must be whole house rentals only. This increase in residents has also increased traffic and parking issues.

Tenant parking must be confined to the unit’s available carport, garage or offsite parking and not guest parking. Each of the tenants renting a room must be interviewed by the board and the owner/landlord must provide a copy of the rental agreement and a photo I.D. of their tenant(s).

Owner/landlords who rent rooms should be aware of their increased liability insurance requirements and their compliance with Housing and Community Development (HCD) for any interior structural changes.

Compliance with both unit and room rental requirements has been lax. However, I want you to know these issues are a priority of this Board and will be addressed.

George Cosh Vice President

COMMENTS FROM THE SECRETARIES

Hello Neighbors,

Cathy Montana and I have been working hard to get a handle on this split secretary thing. Good thing we’re both organized people!

If everything has gone according to plan, you should have received your new phone directory. If I have made an error on any of your information, I apologize. Please send me an email with the correction and I will publish the correction in the next newsletter. Also let me know if you would like a pdf of the inner pages of the directory and I will send you the file.

As Ken mentioned, we have had some new neighbors move in. They are:

Jim & Kay Bridges in 6

Kevin & Kimberlee Falahee in 8

Al & Yvette Clark in 49

Katie & Danny Newbanks in 52

Their phones and emails are in the new directory. Please make them feel welcome in our lovely little neighborhood!

A few weeks ago, when we had a bit of an earthquake, it got me to thinking about our emergency plans for the park. So many people have moved out and in and our records are woefully outdated. So, in the not-too-distant future, I will be sending out new information forms for all of you to fill out and send back to me, so we know who to rescue if the “big one” ever hits.

Until next month, in a world where you can be anything…be kind!

Andi Townsend Co-Secretary andi.fosm@gmail.com

COMMENTS FROM THE MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR:

Maintenance Department Report

1. Green Valley continues to exceed expectations. They have provided extra personnel when needed to weed. This is in addition to spraying the slopes for weed and grass control. Gopher trapping is ongoing as GLVM rotates through the park.

2. Electrical glitches have plagued us throughout the month. A bad circuit breaker which provided power for the irrigation controller at Vista View Park was replaced. In addition, a larger weatherproof junction box was installed to service the controllers.

3. Competitive Electric responded yet again to another electrical issue in less than a week. This issue resulted in three homes losing power for three days. Residents impacted were provided with limited power for their appliances and electronics until the issue was fixed. Three days of above and below ground investigations found the cause 4 feet below grade. Required repairs were made and upon completion, full power was restored to the homes affected.

4. RFP’s have gone out to several janitorial companies and two have made appointments to view the site.

5. Action Air serviced our five HVAC units, replacing filters and running diagnostics on each unit.

6. Jones Plumbing was out and replaced a corroded water service line on our side of the water meter. Water was shut down for homes #70-84 along the north side of Hill for approximately three hours. Once the work was completed water service was restored.

7. The water, gas and electric meter change out for 2025 has been delayed until we receive the four additional gas meters ordered since last meeting. They are now with the County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures being tested and certified. It is now anticipated that the 2025 change out will take place in late June or early July.

8. The maintenance department continues to work with other departments when requested.

George Cosh Director of Maintenance

COMMENTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPING,

& SECURITY

Hello Friends and Neighbors,

Recent sales have brought a new group of residents into our community. Like many of us, the haste to close escrow and move in has left some with a limited understanding of our governing documentsespecially the Rules and Regulations. As the Director with oversight for Architecture, Landscape, Safety, and Security I thought I might highlight some sections you should become familiar with.

Regarding Architecture and Landscape, the Rules and Regulations can be found in the Fourth Amended and Fully Restated Rules and Regulation dated February 2024, Pages 33-39, Appendix D. From paint to plants, this section requires your attention. Just remember, when in doubt, give me a shout.

As for Safety and Security, my primary role is to ensure compliance with the parking rules for members and their guests. In addition, I oversee the rules and regulations regarding pets and service animals. Currently, I am working with other community members in updating our Emergency Preparedness Manual in the red binder. Once completed, any updated pages will be distributed so you can pull out the old ones and insert the new ones.

Though we try to be a “live and let live” community there is a need to maintain a certain standard for the benefit of all.

Don’t have a nice day, have a day that matters, Scott James 760-580-0171 scott@sjamesphoto.com

COMMENTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RECREATION:

Hello Everyone,

As we head into June and summer, I am amazed at how time has flown by. We are almost half-way through 2025. May brought us spring blossoms, light rain and May/gray as we transition into warmer weather.

May also brought us some fun events, starting with our Cinco de Mayo party on the 3rd. We received many compliments on the food prepared and served by Manny’s Taco Truck Catering. Some neighbors chose to do take-out and others chose to dine inside the clubhouse, listen to music, and enjoy the company of their neighbors. The catered event included a full salsa bar in the clubhouse.

On May 10th, we celebrated Mother’s Day with a High Tea. We honored our mothers and grandmothers of the Foothills. The social gathering included tea, light refreshments, games, pretty decor, and a time to relax and chat with friends. We even donned our English Tea Hats.

The next event coming up will be the May/June Birthday Breakfast. The date is Sat. June 7th at 9:30 am. We are even adding waffles to our menu this month prepared by the Rec Committee. So come out and join us. A follow-up flyer will be sent out.

As Recreation Director, I would like to add one more thing. I would like to encourage all residents to utilize our incredible recreation facilities here at the park. We have a beautiful tennis court where even I plan to start playing pickleball as the weather warms, a lovely well-maintained pool to come for a swim, a gym to workout in, a billiard room, card room, craft and puzzle room, and even a ping pong table. With all recreation being part of my oversight, I again encourage all residents to get out and enjoy the facilities we offer here. Get some exercise, sunshine, and most of all stay healthy.

Looking forward to summer with you.

Cathy Montana Director of Recreation & Co-Secretary

Cinco de Mayo

They started lining up at the Taco truck!

Choosing the taco fillings, piling on the refried beans and rice and…

So was the BYOB bar!

Don’t forget to stop at the salsa bar The clubhouse was so festive…

Then it was time to EAT!!!

Spring Fling

FOOTHILLS OF SAN MARCOS OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEETING

April 23, 2025

A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Foothills of San Marcos Owners’ Association was held on the above date in the Clubhouse at 909 Richland Road, San Marcos, CA 92069. Directors present: George Cosh, Scott James, Cathy Montana, Ken Owen and Andi Townsend. Director absent: None. Also present: Mary Plemons representing PK Community Management Services, Inc., and seven Homeowners.

HOMEOWNER FORUM

Those present had nothing to present.

CALL TO ORDER

President Ken Owen called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m.

SECRETARY REPORT

The minutes of the March 20, 2025, Open Meeting, were approved on MOTION made by Andi Townsend and passed unanimously to accept the minutes as presented.

She explained that due to the volume of work required, she and Cathy Montana would be co-chairing this Secretary position.

FINANCIAL REPORT

The financial statement for month ending February 28, 2025, had been emailed to the Directors and were included in the meeting packet. All Directors verified that they had reviewed the reports independently in compliance with Civil Code. Ken Owen motioned they be accepted, the motion passed unanimously. They will be placed on file for review by a C.P.A. at the fiscal year end.

Ken Owen reported that budget wise we are doing just ok, not as well as he would like it to be due to the heavy expenses that were not expected.

Delinquencies – There were no decisions to make.

ARCHITECTURAL REPORT

Scott James reported None had been received.

MAINTENANCE REPORT

Was included in the meeting packet and will be placed in the minute book with these minutes. There were no decisions to make on the report.

Page 2, April 23, 2025

Janitorial Contract – George Cosh reported that the present janitorial service has been servicing Foothills for many years but there are many areas where it is believed that they are not doing a good job and this was also voiced by Cathy Montana. They will be preparing to solicit proposals.

RECREATION REPORT

Cathy Montana reported that her committee is working on the spring potluck, on May 10, 2025, there will be a ladies’ tea and she thanked Jan Baker for all her help.

PRESIDENT REPORT

Next scheduled meeting – Ken Owen announced that the next meeting will be held on May 20, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the clubhouse.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was none.

NEW BUSINESS

There was none.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted,

Mary Plemons, CCAM- Emeritus Recording Secretary

A reminder to all residents that the Constant Contact emails and the affiliated website are not endorsed as official communication of the Foothills of San Marcos (FOSM) board and management. Views expressed there are the authors’ independent opinions.

CLUBHOUSE WIFI PASSWORD:

Please note that the correct password for the Clubhouse Wifi is “FOSM200!”

OVER THE FENCE

This section of the newsletter is available for contributions from Foothills residents. If you have an opinion, an anecdote you would like to share, items for sale or giveaway, stories about where you want to go or have been on vacation, or any information that you think our fellow homeowners would be interested in, please e-mail it to Andi at: andi.fosm@gmail.com

Articles must be e-mailed, no drop-offs to my mailbox, please. The deadline to submit items is the 10th of each month for the following month’s newsletter. If you have any questions, please e-mail, text, or call me at 847-322-2282

FREE STUFF!

RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS

You all know we have a great library where members can borrow books, games, DVDs, puzzles. But did you know we have two other resources to borrow from?

The Home Health Equipment closet is in the fitness room. It contains a veritable cornucopia of items – walkers with seats and wheels, commodes, adult diapers, crutches, canes, etc. We all need a little help now and then. Just help yourself. You’re on the honor system.

The Tool Shed is located on Circle Drive, in the former laundromat building facing the parking spots. Wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, etc. are there to make your tasks easier. Again, the honor system applies.

None to report this month (Thank goodness)

Puzzles and Word Games you can

COMMON MEDS SMALL INCREASES

ADDERALL AMLODIPINE ATIVAN

BENZONATATE BIKTARVY CYMBALTA DUPIXENT

EMTESA FARXIGA GABAPENTIN

HUMIRA

KEYTRUDA

LEXPRO

LYRICA MELATONIN METFORMIN NALTREXONE NAPROXEN NARCAN OPDIVO

OZEMPIC PREDNISONE TRAMADOL

VIAGRA XANAX

Across 1.Carbonium, e.g.

4.Charm

9.“Gimme ___!” (start of an Iowa State cheer)

10.Trowel wielder

11.Flexible mineral

13.Believed

14.African conflict of 1899-1902

16.Not out

17.Big Apple attraction, with “the”

18.In attendance

20.Shiver from fear

22.Chill

24.Big time?

25.Wuss

27.Chemical ending

28.“The Republic” writer

29.Darling Down

1.Poets’ feet

2.Part of “the works”

3.“Good one!”

4.Morning, for short

5.Gandhi’s title

6.Conniver

7.Fa follower

8.Terminate

12.Chair part 15.___ bit 18.Companionless 19.C.I.A. director under Clinton and Bush 20.Charlie, for one 21.Page 22.Software program, briefly 23.“For Me and My ___”

26.Rocky’s greeting

The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.

Heliport Wordoku

How to solve wordoku puzzles

You only need logic and patience to solve a wordoku.

Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one letter from the word HELIPORT. Similarly, each letter can only appear once in a column or row