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| THE COLONY NEWS | APRIL 2023 | 17 I am writing this only a few days after the huge rainstorm of Feb. 25. If you saw a fool in a melon-colored rain jacket, taking pictures of our swales during this storm, that was me. I wanted to see if the swales we included as part of the greenbelt turf renovation rebate requirements were working as intended. And they are. Someone asked me what were swales, again? And why do we have them? Good questions! 1. What are swales? These are basically dips in the ground to collect rainwater. They can be large, long, deep, or rather shallow and short. 2. Why do we have them? These dips are designed to capture rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground, rather than go into the storm drains and out of the area. This idea of using swales may be new to some residents, but they have been used in other areas (and countries) for many years. There are several different types of swales, and in the interest of brevity and clarity, I won't describe them all. Mainly, the type we use would be considered "drainage" swales. They are wider than they are deep and have a berm on the downhill side. This encourages the water to slow down and sink into the soil, thereby staying on the property for future benefit. Here, the water districts have only recently made them a requisite to qualify for turf renovation rebates. When we began turf renovation in Rancho California Water District in 2015, swales weren't required. By the time we got to Elsinore Water District area of The Colony (2020), they were. You can recognize these by their bushy, green "eyebrows" (carex plants), running along the top of the swales in G12, 23, 24 and 25 along Colony Drive. So, as we re-enter the Rancho California Water District area for more turf renovation, we will be adding swales. Hopefully, by doing this, along with continuing to use drought-tolerant plantings and wood mulch, we will reduce the need for irrigation in these areas. HOW TO REQUEST LANDSCAPE SERVICES: Due to the many newcomers here, I am repeating the best way to request Landscape Service (i.e., a plant is dead, shrubs need trimming, a palm frond is hanging, etc.). I must stress that all requests for any type of service or change, MUST BE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE REQUESTOR. We have a smooth-working system for getting work tracked and done on your property, and this method reduces dependence on memory or deciphering any phoned-in messages. Please go to the Clubhouse reception area and fill out a Landscape Service Request. Then turn it in to the receptionist or to the Landscape Department (by the Fitness Center in the Clubhouse). For Landscape Changes (i.e., redo the front yard, remove healthy plants/trees, etc.), email Anthony Reynoso, our Landscape Superintendent at Anthony.reynoso@associa.us or his assistant, Avel Walker, Avel.walker@associa.us and request a form. They will email the form or have it delivered to you. Another option is to fill out this request online at www. thecolonyatcaloakshoa.com. Go to "virtual resources," "forms and documents," "landscape service requests." If, perchance, I receive a call about a landscape issue, the first thing I ask is "Did you fill out a form?" The second is "Have you spoken with our Landscape Superintendent (Anthony Reynoso)?" So, to shorten this whole process, just go to the office and fill out a form. Of course, if it is an emergency (water is shooting up into the air in a front yard or greenbelt), the procedure is to call the HOA to report it during office hours (951-677-4341), or to Gate Attendant and Community Patrol Services after hours and weekends (951-677-0238). LANDSCAPE ADVISORY By Jan Foster, 951-698-0170

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