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26 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2023 Finance Committee The 2023 Budget and dues increase has been our focus for the last few months. Here are the pieces that make up the $26 monthly increase. First is $6 for the reserve fund. It is important to keep the reserve fund at a proper level to meet the future needs of Four Seasons. The level of the reserve fund can also affect the ability of buyers to get mortgages. Second is $6.25 increase for the staffing of our three buildings and the efficient operation of Four Seasons. We all know businesses are having trouble getting and keeping good employees and we are fortunate to have great people. Next is $5.39 for the trees. Four Seasons has more than 4,000 trees that need to be trimmed and some need to be removed because they are diseased or causing damage. Fourth is an increase of $2.40 per month to maintain our beautiful landscaping. Fifth, utilities are up $1.70. We all have seen the increase in our electric, gas, and water bills. Finally, a $4.26 per month increase to cover many costs that include social activities, janitorial, general maintenance, gate security, swimming pools, and other administrative expenses. The Finance Committee did not meet in December, but each member received the November financial statement to review. Highlights of the November financial statements are: Total Cash is $11,487,992 including operating cash of $1,977,877 (checking and CDs) and reserve assets of $9,510,115. Year-to-date our expenses have exceeded the revenue by $26,874. Homeowners are welcome to join us at the Finance Committee's regularly scheduled monthly meetings held on the last Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 1 pm. Please check your Daily Report for the meeting location. Join us; we welcome homeowner input. ~ Boyd Barlett blbarlett@gmail.com Landscape Committee As I write this article, last summer's drought seems like a mystical thing that never happened and something we don't need to acknowledge or plan for. In reality, we are in a prolonged period of historic drought and it is wise to plan accordingly. I'm reminded of Voltaire's statement, "We must cultivate our own garden." One of the best ways to utilize our abundant natural California plant life is by planting California natives. How lucky we are to live in a state that is home to one-quarter of all the plants that are native to North America, north of Mexico. California has about 6,000 species, subspecies, and varieties of native plants. California native plants use, on average, one-seventh of the water of most non-natives, which contributes to the health of our river systems and aquifers. Once established, many California natives need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall. Saving water conserves a vital, limited resource and saves money, too! Look how beautiful a native garden can be! A second advantage to California Natives is that research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants. I'm sure you've read about the monarch which requires the California Aescelpia (milkweed) to survive. I planted several of these plants two years ago and we had many monarchs this past summer in our garden; it was delightful to sit at my desk and watch the monarchs fly between the plants outside the window. The hummingbirds and bees also indulged in the native plants in my garden. California's wealth of insect pollinators can improve fruit set in your garden, while a variety of native insects and birds will help keep your landscape free of mosquitoes and plant-eating bugs. At right is a photo I took this past summer of a monarch enjoying the plants in my garden. A third advantage is lower maintenance. While no landscape is maintenance free, California native plants require significantly less time and resources than common non-native garden plants. California native plants do best with some attention and care in a garden setting, but you can look forward to using less water, little to no fertilizer, little to no pesticides, less pruning, and less of your time. If you're interested in more facts about California Native plants, check out www.cnps.org. For a more in-depth study of what California natives will thrive here, check out https://calscape.org. You can put in your zip code and lists of photos of plants specific to our area will come up on your screen. This spring and summer, check out the Theodore Payne Foundation gardens or, for now, visit their website www.theodorepayne.org. "Come, butterfly It's late - We've miles to go together." ~ Matsuo Basho ~ Patti Pitts, pattijpitts@gmail.com

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