Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1444377
16 | THE COLONY NEWS | FEBRUARY 2022 | COMMITTEE NEWS This year is expected to be a La Niña winter (which means drier and warmer), according to the US National Weather Service. In mid-December, about 80% of California was in extreme or exceptional drought conditions. By the end of the month, only about a third were experiencing those conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Although the rainy December brought us some hope, State climatologist Michael Anderson said forecasts show January, February and March could be drier than average. Shown below is the current drought condition compared to prior years. Since we can't forecast the weather, all we can do is be as prepared as possible for the summer heat (our high-water consumption period). Last month I explained that during the first six months (May-October) of The Colony fiscal year, we have been slightly below budget in our water costs, and we have been 16% below our historical 2012-2021 average usage. I also reported that The Colony has increased the number of trees by 194 since March 2017, bringing our total to 5,618, which, among other benefits, provides shade and helps lower temperatures. The Irrigation Subcommittee of the LAC is working with our Landscape department and contractor on ways to continue to reduce water. Our goal is to have some viable options ready for later in the year. 2022 will be an uncertain year due to the pending golf course litigation and the direction The Colony takes. I definitely cannot predict what will happen. However, I know that we will finish G53, which is the corner of Avenida Florita where it ends at Colony Drive. Everything has been approved by the Board and nothing is holding us back except the outside contractors. We don't have an estimated completion date yet, and are at the mercy of these vendors. We will also finish a year-long process of renovating the slopes, which should be completed in the first quarter of this year. We are also evaluating other landscape projects we would like to do, but these are pending the golf course decision. The LAC is excited to welcome Toni Shaw to the committee. She brings with her 32 years of gardening in Murrieta and knowledge of The Colony history. She also has a very good understanding of our local climate and soil and their challenges, and she will be a valuable addition as we address the drought issues. I am sad to report that Nancy Randall has resigned. Although she was on the committee less than a year, she brought a lot of new ideas and suggestions. Being a newer resident gave her a fresh perspective on old issues. She will be missed by the committee, and I will especially miss her "can do" attitude. The Landscape Advisory Committee still has an opening for a volunteer. We would love to have new homeowners as well as longer-term homeowners join us. This committee is a great way to meet people, learn about the different areas within The Colony and give back to your community. If you are interested or have questions, please contact our Vice Chair, Karl Gerlach at kgerlach29@yahoo.com. We hope to hear from you! LANDSCAPE ADVISORY By Jane Payne, 909-455-2253