WALDEN WOODS OF GRANITE BAY
July 2001 Email News Update
News on the Email News
First, I'm sending this newsletter in html format which I think can be read by most email programs. I you have a problem reading this News Update or with the formatting, please let me know.
Second, the Walden Woods Board decided recently that this unofficial newsletter is soooo valuable it should be made available to all homeowners. However, the costs and effort to paper mail the monthly newsletter to the entire association is just prohibitive. So, for the next few months we will print up a limited number of paper copies and put them by each entrance. If you get the email news update, please don't take a paper one as well.
Thanks to Chris McAfee, the newsletter is also being posted at the Walden Woods web site.
Both the paper copy and the web version will be somewhat censored. For example, these two versions will not have the updates to the name and address books.
For those homes that are email enabled, the advantages of the email version over web and paper versions are:
Lastly, all required communication to the Homeowners will still be mailed by good old US Post. The newsletter does not replace any formal required communication to the Homeowners. It just adds interesting news.
Board Vacancies
We will have some vacancies on the board coming up this Fall. If you want to volunteer for the nominating committee, contact Denese Holden at 652-0856. The nominating committee talks with neighbors and solicits volunteers to run for the Homeowners Board. Volunteering for the Board is a great way to meet people, help the community and make a positive difference.
Dogs on the loose
Loose and roaming dogs are growing concern to numerous families in Walden Woods. Many Homeowners are reporting being threatened by loose dogs in the neighborhood as they are walking our streets or riding bikes. Remember that the Placer County lease laws require the dog to be under your control when your dog is off your property. The animal may remain unleashed if it stays on your property (to the edge of the street.) Loose and roaming dogs are subject to pickup by the Placer County Animal control.
The Walden Woods Board is asking your help in controlling dogs in the neighborhood. If an animal is found to be immediately threatening, please call an Animal Control Officer (530-889-7315) to pick up the animal.
If your dog is picked up, it goes to the Placer County Doggy Jail. The fees to retrieve a dog from Doggy are: 1st confinement - $34, 2nd time is $70, 3rd time $101. After the third time the dog is placed for adoption and in some cases may be destroyed. You can call the same number (530-889-7315) to check if your dog has been picked up.
On a personal note, the consequences for loosing control of your dog can be far worse than the fine. See my note under the section of neighborhood speeding.
Annual Meeting:
The Board has set the meeting date for the next homeowner's annual meeting. It will be held Sunday, Sept 23rd, at Mimus Lane. The time has been tentatively set for 1PM.
Bring your own chair. Refreshments will be provided.
We are looking for a speaker on the care and maintenance of oak trees. If you have any specialties in this area, or if you know someone would does and would be willing to talk to the homeowners, please contact Denese Holden at 652-0856.
Common Area Work:
Improvements:
Come pitch in a hand - the next Common Area Improvement Volunteer days are June 30th, July 14th, and July 28th. Show up at Bill Furnas' house (8345 Walden Woods Way) at 9AM.
Poison oak:
You have noticed that we have been aggressively attacking the poison oak in the common area. Phase I's focused along the pathways to make it safe to walk and enjoy the common area. Keep in mind that pet's don't stay on the path and will bring the poison oak to you.
We are now in Phase II which is to eradicate poison oak from various sections. Initial target areas are: Picnic bench area, sections along the pathway from Bill Furnas' house to the bridge, sections between the pathways and homes, and sections along the planned pathway to the Walden Woods Way easement.
Firewood from the fire-prevention brush clearing is still available. Please contact the common area chairman, Bill Furnas if you wish to obtain some of the firewood.
Walden Woods Naturalist
With regard to our Common Area, Marion Faustman has agreed to be our Walden Woods Naturalist. She, Chris McAfee and I are starting a project to take pictures of the varied fauna in the common area, put them up on the web with names and descriptions. If you'd like to help this endeavor, please let me know.
July 4th Alert
The Fourth is always a great family day with get-togethers, barbeques, pools and fun! However, it is also a day of concern in Walden Woods with respect to fire danger. Fireworks are illegal in Placer County and especially dangerous here. We've had at least 3 fires in the common area some which required borate bombers and helicopters. On two occasions the CDF fire trucks and crews in my driveway getting back to the common area.
During and round the 4th talk to your kids about the extreme fire risk in the common area. What appears to be a private area to experiment with fireworks can be disastrous. Also, control any left over fireworks to avoid temptation by kids.
Be safe and enjoy a fireworks shows in the area - see entertainment below.
Please
keep to 20 MPH or below
Save the neighborhood kids and pets:
The school's let out for the summer. Our kids are out in the neighborhood and these roads are windy and narrow. We have a whole new crop of novice bike rides, cats on a stroll, dogs that might have a temporary escape out the door and kids playing tag. My 2 year old son's dog got away from us and was killed in front of our house by a car. Can you imagine the feelings of the driver, my son, my wife and I about this tragedy. The driver knew he had been going too fast. My son's best friend was killed. Our feeling of guilt. It was all very horrible.
Please drive expecting the unexpected, slow down to 20 mph or below and encourage others to do so as well.
Local Events (Music and otherwise) :
Lighted Boat Parade on July 3rd (9 to 10 pm) at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Call (916) 558-3912 for info.
For the 4th of July,
The Rangers, a country western group, will be featured in Royer Park's "Music in the Park" free concert series on July 15th. Music starts at 6 p.m. Arrive early and enjoy a picnic in park.
On a similar vein, Little Charley and the Night Cats, sing the Blues, on Sunday, Aug. 19 in the park.
Wine News - a personal note from Guy
For those that like wine, look for the California Zinfandel from DeLoach. 60% of the grapes used to make that wine came from our vineyard! You can generally buy it at Raleys. Beverages & more is advertising it at $9 per bottle.
Directory Updates :
If you didn't get a 2001 Walden Woods Phone Directory, contact Denese Holden at 652-0856.
Corrections or additions can be sent in via email for the next printing (probably annual) and distributed to the neighborhood via the Walden Woods email distribution list on a monthly basis.
Phone and email updates are not included in the web posted or printed versions. To get updates to the directory, sign up for the Walden Woods email version of this newsletter or ask Denese Holden (652-0856) for a specific piece of information.
News Updates:
If you have something you would like to include in the WW News Update, drop me a note.
Do you know ...
Urushiol oil is potent oil in the sticky sap of the leaves and branches of the Poison Oak plant that causes a rash on more than 50% of the population. How many of these questions can you answer correctly?
Web sites with more information on this nasty plant:
This distribution is going out to people on the Walden Woods email information update list. If you would like to be dropped from this list, reply back indicating so and Guy Hall will personally remove your name from this list. If you know someone who would like to add their name to this distribution list, forward this message to them and have send their information to directory@waldenwoods.org.