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20 | THE COLONY NEWS | AUGUST 2021 | COMMITTEE NEWS By Jane Payne Summer is here, and I hope everyone is enjoying the pool, activities in the Clubhouse, barbecues and summer evenings with neighbors. Below is an update on our three main landscaping projects. SLOPES We are continuing work on the slopes, going clockwise around The Colony. We have finished planting in the wild belts of 3, 5 and 6, which are behind Via Astuto, Corte Peralta and the western side of Corte Calanova. The next areas to be worked on are W-7, which is on the eastern side of Corte Calanova, W-8 behind Calle Artino and coming around to W-9 and 10 behind Via Oporta. AREA WALKS The Landscape Contractor, under the supervision of the Landscape Superintendent, maintains the common areas, which include the front yards, green belts and wild belts. A part of the LAC's responsibility is to ensure that the overall landscaping appearance meets the CC&Rs. Therefore, we have divided The Colony into areas and assigned a LAC member to each area. Wherever possible, the areas are assigned to a member who lives in that neighborhood. Once a year, we participate in an area walk with the LAC member, Landscape Superintendent and Landscape Contractor. During the walk, they evaluate the area for any needed changes to the landscape. This year, all but one area was walked in April and the proposals were approved at the May HOA Board meeting. In June, planting started in the first three areas which are on the eastern side of The Colony by Cal Oaks and the Clubhouse, and are moving west to Corte Calanova to Corte Peralta and the homes on the eastern side of Avenida Florita down to the main gate. After each area planting is completed, that LAC member will walk the area again and report any issues to the Landscape Superintendent. I am hopeful these follow-up walks will be completed in July and early August. In addition to the annual area walks, the LAC members walk their areas throughout the year and report any landscape issues. G53 CORNER OF AVENIDA FLORITA AND COLONY DRIVE You will see work beginning here with the removal of two diseased sycamore trees. EC will be ordering the plants and will begin the area landscaping. The Landscape Superintendent has processed the requisition for the furnishings, and when completed, we will get the order started. The furnishings will be installed prior to the pergola. Temporarily, we will add some shade umbrellas and a post over near the acacia to hold the solar panels needed to run the fountain. The Landscape Superintendent is getting additional quotes for the pergola to be made from Alumawood to withstand the elements and be maintenance free. The costs will most likely exceed the budget ($10,941 was approved at the February 2021 HOA Board meeting), and so the pergola bids will be resubmitted to the HOA Board at a future meeting. SUMMER HEAT All indications are that this will be a very hot summer. While working in the heat, the EC crews practice safety procedures. The EC Staff monitor temperatures and follow the Department of Labor and OSHA safety guidelines, using an app on their phones. These guidelines include cool down breaks, ample water supplies to remain hydrated, and communication between crew members and supervisors. You can learn more about the measures required to ensure the safety while working outside in the heat at https://www.osha.gov/heat. This year, the rainy season was the third driest on record. The U.S. Drought Monitor has a quarter of California categorized as having the highest drought level ("Exceptional Drought"), and water restrictions have started in Northern California. Bottom line, it is going to be a tough year on our water budget and landscape – and an "above-average fire season" is anticipated. FOR NEW RESIDENTS One of the best parts of the reopening of the Clubhouse is the ability to welcome new residents to The Colony. The LAC is looking forward to meeting our new residents at the upcoming New Homeowner Orientations in July, August and September. LANDSCAPE ADVISORY