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16 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2025 | Personal safety and property protection are concerns of every resident of Sun Lakes. Securitas has concentrated on making improvements in resident safety awareness. Here are some areas of concern: 1. Unauthorized Vehicle Access. Securitas' cameras have identified an increase in vehicles attempting unauthorized access through community resident gates. These events tend to peak during late evening hours, 9 pm to 5 am. Drivers of vehicles attempt to closely follow residents through the gates. In response, Securitas closely monitors gate entry points through closed circuit TV at the gates, advising officers to remain watchful during shifts with higher vehicular traffic. Gate timers have been adjusted to make sure that gate arms come down immediately after a vehicle enters the gate. The goal, of course, is to reduce opportunities for "tailgaters" to gain entry. 2. Increased Nighttime Activity Around Common Areas. In the past month, there has been a significant rise in foot traffic around community common areas during late night hours, particularly on weekends near the fitness and main pool area. While these are primarily residents or guests of residents, Security is working to ensure proper after-hours access restrictions. Securitas has initiated more frequent patrols in these areas at night and is closely monitoring them to prevent unauthorized gatherings or disturbances that could be a problem. I know we've all heard this many times, but each and every one of us must be vigilant and aware of our surroundings. We can't take anything for granted anymore. Securitas is making resident awareness a priority with a huge focus on personal safety and property protection. This includes encouraging residents to close garage doors, lock up vehicles, lock your doors and windows when away from your home, and reporting any unattended belongings in common areas. If you see something, say something. If you suspect suspicious activity, first call Banning PD, then call community security. Stay Safe… Keep your dogs on leash. Close your garage doors. Lock up and leave a light on. Drive defensively and stop at stop signs! ~ Michael Volz, vmv1950@aol.com Safety Advisory The GAC would like to remind golfers that we are in the winter season of golf play at Sun Lakes. This comes with the familiar frost delays and speedy greens. Please be mindful of the importance of adhering to frost delays and avoiding serious damage to the turf especially on the greens. When heading to the course use the streets since frost in some areas is not always readily apparent. Using the fairway as a route of travel to the Pro Shop, driving range, or shotgun start is a rules violation. The increase in green speeds is caused by the slow vegetation growth. Any cutting of the greens is only done to remove dew and smooth out bumps on the turf surface. This time of year brings much needed rain to the region. With rain and wind also comes the increased safety risk of fallen trees. Often the courses will be closed, walking only, or cart path only depending on conditions. Its important to follow these restrictions since damage to soft turf takes significant time and expense to repair. Once the courses are reopened it is important to avoid f lagged areas and use gates that direct traffic away from areas that still may be soft. During heavy rains the irrigation system is used to lower the water level in the lakes to keep water from overf lowing and compromising the integrity of the liners. On behalf of all the golf clubs at Sun Lakes, the GAC reminds members to renew their club memberships for 2025. Renewal forms can be found in the Pro Shops or on the individual golf club websites. To be eligible for 2025 club sponsored play and tournaments you need to be a member in good standing. Many of our clubs start off the year with tournaments in January that you want to make sure you don't miss out on. If you are a new resident or a golfer who has put off joining, now is the time to join and get a full year of club benefits. Sun Lakes has golf clubs open to all residents for both the Championship and Executive Courses that appeal to a variety of interests. ~ Mike Callahan, callahm56@yahoo.com Golf Advisory

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