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8 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | APRIL 2018 By Berkie Harris, Resident Jill came to work for us a year ago as our Code Compliance Officer. This is a necessary but sometimes thankless job. In reality, however, she is our best friend because she ensures compliance with the guidelines that maintain the beauty of our community and our property values. Jill was born in one of my favorite places, Vancouver, Canada. At the age of three she came with her family to Orange County and was raised there. She attained US citizenship in 1976. Many of her relatives still live in Vancouver, however, so she gets back on a regular basis. A few years ago a family member was married at the elegant Empress Hotel in Victoria. This was an occasion she just couldn't miss. Jill's American family consists of her husband and three adult children. A Maltese mix shelter dog named "Jack" completes the circle. "Jack and Jill" – get it! Jill decided to get into code compliance several years ago when she and her husband bought a house in Lake Elsinore. She decided to take classes in code enforcement rather than continue to commute back to her administrative job in Orange County. She loved the work but a stint working for the city of Wildomar taught her that public code enforcement can be unpredictable and dangerous. She had to wear a bullet proof vest and often encountered unfriendly homeowners with vicious dogs. It gave her the experience she needed, however, to join a property management company and work within the confines of an HOA controlled community where the residents are much more respectful of the laws and a whole lot nicer. Jill looks at her job not from the standpoint of "enforcing the rules" but from the position of helping homeowners to understand the guidelines and comply with them. She is certified by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers and in her spare time takes advantage of ASSOCIA's on line education program to complete courses to further her career in community management. As far as hobbies, Jill is a Harley rider and often takes road trips with her spouse. At home she calls upon her Scotch-Canadian heritage to make delectable dishes like shepherd's pie, sausage rolls and shortbread. No haggis, however. You will not find that in her kitchen. Jill also gardens and participates in a Facebook group called Lake Elsinore Rox. She and her daughter paint small rocks with colorful, positive messages and leave them around the city for others to find and share on social media. After chatting with Jill I definitely felt I had made a new best friend. But if you'll excuse me now, I've got some weeds to pull. Catching up with Jill Weston