the news and views of the coto de caza community

COTO VOICE
THE NEWS
AND
VIEWS
CZ MASTER ASSOCIATION
•
OF THE
COTO
THE VILLAGE
CIRCULATION 5,000
The 28th Annual Coto de Caza 4th of July
Parade and Country Fair is set for Saturday, July
4th at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “A Salute to
Our Children”.
It is with great pleasure that the Coto
Community Activities Network (Coto C.A.N.) is
pleased to announce that this year’s grand marshal for the Annual 4th of July Parade down
Coto Drive is none other than Terry Corwin.
Coto C.A.N. recognizes Terry for her countless
hours in helping not only the community of
Coto, but the people of Coto. She and her husband Clay have been instrumental in developing
many programs, but two that stand out in our
hearts are the formation of Education for the
Children (EFC) a foundation that assists our
local public schools (www.educationforthechil22431 Antonio Pkwy., Suite B160-217
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
•
DE
CAZA COMMUNITY
LOS RANCHOS ESTATES
JUNE 2009
dren.org), as well as Lion’s Heart, a teen youth
service organization (www.lionsheartservice.org).
For the past 27 years the parade and fair have
grown into a great event with attendance reaching 5,000. This year promises to be even bigger
and better. We’re planning to have more fun, food
and games for everyone. Join us as we transform
the basketball courts into a carnival of fun!
This year we’ll have special treats and selections
of food and drink for parents and kids. You
won’t want to miss out on the beer garden and
other adult beverages, or the famous watermelon
eating contest and sack races, obstacle courses,
dunk tank, fitness twister, bean bag toss, popcorn, cotton candy, sno cones, face painters,
clowns among other games and prizes that are
fun for the entire family.
PRESORT STD.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RSM, CA
PERMIT #275
As in year’s past, the parade will begin near the
Antonio gate at Plano Trabuco and proceed
down Coto de Caza Drive to Vista del Verde,
where it will turn into the Sports Park for the
start of the good ‘ol time Country Fair.
For additional safety during the parade, Coto
de Caza Drive will be closed to thru traffic in
both the north and southbound lanes from 9
a.m. until 12 noon from the Antonio Gate to
Vista del Verde.
The parade and fair admission is free. Fair
games, food and refreshments will require special tickets that will be sold for $2 each at the
entrance to the fair grounds.
Be sure to turn your parade entry form in before
July 3rd to be considered for judging. Entry
forms can be picked up at the General Store,
CVCC, Golf Club, Community Service Center
or by logging on to www.cotolifestyle.com.
This and many other events are hosted by Coto
C.A.N. a non-profit community service organization. Your continued support enable Coto
C.A.N. to continue to put on events like 4th of
July.
For more information, call 949.459.0619 or visit
www.cotolifestyle.com.
Page 2 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
PUBLIC SAFETY
Chief’s
Corner
BY LT. BILL GRIFFIN - OCSD
Welcome. With Memorial Day having just
passed, and the Fourth of July approaching, I
would like to take this opportunity to recognize Veterans from the Sheriff's Department
who serve Coto de Caza every day. The following Sergeants and Deputies assigned to
South Patrol either served in the United
States Armed Forces or are currently serving:
Sergeant Chris Denison: Chris served as a
Captain with the United States Air Force. He
was an Instructor Radar Navigator/
Bombardier on the B-52 Bomber. He was a
recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal
for work on war plans.
Deputy Jerry Chavez: Jerry currently serves
as a Military Police Officer (Headquarter
Staff) with MCAS Miramar, United States
Marine Corps. Jerry is a 19 year veteran with
the Marine Corps and participated in the
Somalia landing to retrieve the downed Black
Hawk helicopter.
Deputy Mike Duda: Mike served as a
Sergeant First Class (E-7) with the United
States Army. Mike earned a Silver Star for
conspicuous gallantry in combat operations
during Operation Desert Storm.
Deputy Mark Kelley: Mark served as a
Security Policeman with the United States Air
Force. Mark was assigned to a competition
team known as Peacekeeper Challenge. His
team competed against Military Police teams
from all branches of the US Military as well
as units from other countries.
Deputy Scott Montoya: Scott served as a
Sergeant with the United States Marine
Corps. While serving as sniper, Scott was
awarded the Navy Cross during service in
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Please take a moment to thank the Veterans
you come in contact with for their valuable
service.
I can be reached at the Aliso Viejo Station at
949 425-1819. My mailing address is 11
Journey, Aliso Viejo. My e-mail address is
[email protected]. To learn more about the
Sheriff's Department, please visit our website
at ocsd.org. You can also access the Sheriff's
Blotter from this site which includes Sheriff's
calls in Coto. Please note that not all calls
are listed due to confidentiality restrictions. I
hope to hear from you soon and address some
of your questions next month.
To learn more about the Sheriff's Department,
please visit our website at ocsd.org. You can
also access the Sheriff's Blotter from this site
which includes Sheriff's calls in Coto. Please
note that not all calls are listed due to confidentiality restrictions.
CHP REPORT
FOR MONTH OF
APRIL 2009
The charts to the below represent enforcement
activity by the California Highway Patrol in
the Coto de Caza community from
April 1 through April 30, 2009.
We will continue to keep the residents
informed on the CHP’s reporting of activity as
outlined in the charts below. If you have any
questions about this report, please contact the
California Highway Patrol at 949.487.4000.
ENFORCEMENT
Total number of hours:
Total number of citations:
Total number of warnings:
Total number of arrests:
COUNTS
Seat Belt:
Stop Sign:
Speed:
Registration:
License Plates:
Mechanical Violations:
Other:
99
103
22
1
CITATIONS WARNINGS
9
2
6
7
65
6
4
0
2
0
6
2
11
5
AGE BREAKDOWN
CITATIONS WARNINGS
17 years old and under:
12
1
18 - 20 years old:
12
2
21 - 24 years old:
8
1
25 - 29 years old:
4
2
30 - 34 years old:
6
3
35 - 39 years old:
9
0
40 - 44 years old:
17
5
45 - 49 years old:
10
2
50 years old and older:
25
6
TRAFFIC COLLISION DATA
NONE
Page 3 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
FOR OUR YOUTH
COTO STUDENT, JAKE ORSINI, RETURNS FROM
INSPIRING TRIP TO OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
Jake Orsini, a 6th grader at Serra Catholic
School, recently returned from a trip to
Washington D.C., where he attended a People
to People World Leadership Forum.
Orsini, along with fellow delegates from
around the world, participated in the program.
Orsini learned about leadership and how great
leaders throughout history have handled
world events.
Various “hands-on” activities, professional
speakers, workshops, and visits to significant
memorials, museums and monuments gave
Orsini a new perspective on the importance
and essential need for informed, passionate
world leaders. Most of all, “it taught me so
much more about the history of our country
and how our government works,” said Orsini.
The People to People World Leadership
Forum offers students a unique blend of specialized educational, leadership and cultural
exposure through a variety of programs, as
well as an itinerary filled with the highlights
of the hosting community.
While in Washington, D.C., Orsini formed
many lasting friendships with other Student
Leaders from around the world. Participants
in these programs often experience lifechanging shifts in their attitudes toward individual and shared responsibilities, global
leadership and appreciation of cultural diversity.
They also return home with enhanced skills
of self-confidence.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM
LAS FLORES MIDDLE SCHOOL
Las Flores Middle School has launched a new
website:
www.lfms.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com
mation as well as grades. If you have any
questions, you may contact one of our
Academic Advisors.
As the school year begins to come to an end,
there are a few important items:
Advanced Classes for students entering 9th
grade
Summer School Information
Advanced students who wish to register for
Heath, or other advanced classes must stop
by to see a LFMS Academic Advisor and
pick up the appropriate forms. These classes
are either held at Saddleback College or are
completed on-line. Student is responsible for
completing all paperwork and following correct procedures.
Middle School - students entering grades 6,
7 and 8
The 2008 Capistrano Unified School
District's remedial Summer School program
for middle school students provides an opportunity for at-risk students to improve basic
skills in preparation for passing the High
School Exit Exam.
Parents of students entering 6th, 7th and 8th
grade that qualify for this program will soon
be receiving an application in the mail.
Classes begin on June 22nd and end July
23rd and will be held at Marco Forster
Middle School in San Juan Capistrano.
Parents are responsible for providing transportation.
Important School Packet Pick-Up
Dates
August 25, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. for students with last names A - L
August 26, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. for students with last names M - Z
8th Grade Dance Information
High School - students entering grade 9
Freshman Focus is the only on-campus
course available to students entering high
school. This is a remedial program that provides an opportunity for at-risk students to
improve basic skills in preparation for passing the High School Exit Exam. Students
should sign up for Literacy #3402 and Math
#3412. Classes will be held at Dana Hills
High School in Dana Point and parents are
responsible for providing transportation.
On Friday evening, June 12th, 2009, Las
Flores Middle School will hold the traditional
8th Grade Dance. The dance will be held in
the school's multi-purpose room, and its
hours are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The 8th
grade Dance does have an admission cost of
$10. Tickets may be obtained during lunch
near the Covered Court area on Friday, June
5th through Thursday, June 11, 2009.
Students for both programs were selected
with strict criteria based upon CST test infor-
Students wishing to obtain a dance ticket
must return the bottom portion of this letter
signed by a parent or guardian by Thursday,
June 11th. Tickets will only be issued at
Page 4 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
lunch time during the dates listed above.
Only signed permission slips will be accepted. Students must be in attendance at school,
all day, on June 12, 2009 to attend. Students
must present their ticket in order to gain
entrance. LFMS school staff members and
parents will be in attendance acting as chaperones. Refreshments will be provided.
Any student having ten or more demerits will
not be permitted to attend the dance. The
Assistant Principals have notified those students of their status. We anticipate students to
model appropriate behavior while attending
the dance. "Freak dancing" is not allowed.
Students involved in dancing inappropriately
will be sent home.
Appropriate attire for this dance is dress-up.
Formal attire IS NOT acceptable at the dance.
This includes elaborate fabric such as
sequins, taffeta, chiffon, and netting for girls;
tuxedos for boys.
Dress-up Attire for Girls: Dress-up attire for
the 8th grade dance would be a party dress
different from everyday school clothes.
Strapless dresses are not acceptable. Dresses
should not be too short or too revealing.
Dress-up Attire for Boys: Dress-up attire is
a sweater, vest, collared shirt, a tie (optional),
or sport coat. Levi's or shorts are not considered suitable for the event.
Please be at school by 9:30 p.m. to pick up
your child (children not picked up by 9:30
p.m. may lose their privilege of going to the
8th grade picnic at Wild Rivers on Thursday,
June 18, 2009).
CZ MASTER ASSOCIATION NEWS
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
JUNE 2009
The transition to dwellinglive from
Gateworks for guest management
went relatively seamless on May 1st.
We received very positive feedback
from the community regarding the
integrated website/guest registration
program we are happy to say. It happened none too soon as we face one of the busiest
times of the year in our community with graduation
and summer vacation right around the corner. If you
have not registered for guest management on
www.czmster.org, please take the time to do so and
take a look at the new features the new website has
to offer.
Over the next couple of months we will be tweaking
and fine tuning the site so we can further meet the
needs of the community. Take the time to set up your
profile to meet your particular desires such as receiving e-mail alerts when guests, children, or service
providers enter the gates, receive e-mail announcements on coming events in the community, view the
photo gallery on past events, posting neighborhood
information on the bulletin board and posting your
contact information in the address book to connect
with your fellow neighbors.
We have received inquiries regarding what types of
messages can be posted on the community bulletin
board. The following types of item can be posted on
the web-site:
• Sale of a household item(s) (No commercial/retail
products)
• Babysitting, pet sitting, by non-commercial
providers
• Solicitation for membership or posting of events for
organizations within the community (book clubs,
kid clubs, bridge club, etc.)
• Community alerts such as lost and found, looking
for a tennis, running, or biking partner
Bulletin board messages are reviewed for appropriateness and compliance with the guidelines for web
site posting by our General Manager. For those of
you who have a commercial business that you would
like to advertise to the community, please contact
dwellinglive at 800-975-6881 or at
[email protected] to discuss placing an
ad on the commercial directory. Realtors who would
like to place an ad on the realtor page, may call the
above 800# or may contact
www.dwellinglive.com/real estate.
As I mentioned above, we are entering a very busy
time of the year for celebrations and get-together's
with friends and loved ones. With the additional traffic (auto, foot, and bike) within the community from
college students returning home for the summer and
the younger adolescent crowd out on summer break,
I would like to remind everyone to drive slowly and
watch for pedestrians. If you are hosting an event at
your home, please review the community rules and
regulations regarding parking and speed limits with
your guests. Ultimately you the homeowner are
responsible for any violation of our rules by your
guests. Please be courteous to your neighbors by
keeping any noise and auto traffic on the neighborhood streets to a minimum.
In closing, I would like to mention that we will be
wrapping up our community surveys for the year.
Survey results are posted on our web-site. We will be
utilizing these surveys to see where we can improve
services or community amenities as well as formulating the 2010 budget. The Safety/Gate Access Survey
will be out sometime in June. Watch for it and please
be sure to participate. We have around 1,600 e-mail
addresses out of the 3,474 households in CZM. On
average 500 homeowners are responding to the surveys. I would really love to have the participation of
all 3,474 homes in our CZ Master community. If you
have not provided your email address to receive the
surveys and would like to do so, please go to
www.czmaster.org, go to Forms, and forward the
Survey e-mail form to Keystone Pacific to be added
to the list.
Best wishes for a safe and cool summer.
Xochitl Yocham, Board President
CZ Master Association - [email protected]
From the
Community
Manager...
2009 STREET PROJECT
Street repairs will start Wednesday, May 27th. The
schedule provided by the contractor, All Cities
Paving, is Canyon Estates, Chantemar, The Classics,
Fairway Estates that week, Los Verdes and Pinnacles
the week of June 1st, and The Woods the week of
June 8th. Residents in these communities should
watch for a future slurry seal notice to be mailed to
your homes.
BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Please remember that the Coto Golf & Racquet Club
golf course is private property. If you chose to walk
your dog on the golf course you are considered a
trespasser. The Club has the right as a private property owner to contact the Sheriff’s department to report
trespassers and they have done so in the past to protect their property. Please be a good neighbor and do
not use the golf course as a dog park or walking trail
for yourself or your pet.
LANDSCAPE UPDATES
The irrigation project continues on Coto de Caza
Drive. Irrigation lines and new sprinkler heads are
being moved about 18” from the curb to prevent
water overspray onto the street’s asphalt surface.
Water damages the asphalt surface prematurely.
Planting of new plants on the slopes adjacent to the
Wood community started mid-May. Old plant material that had reached the end of it’s useful life was
removed earlier and a general slope clean up conducted. The landscape committee selected drought
tolerant plants to fill in the areas that were left bare
by the removals and clean up.
ENFORCEMENT - IT’S PART OF THE
JOB
The Keystone Pacific staff for CZ Master has an
Enforcement Coordinator position tasked with conducting property reviews twice each week to ensure
compliance with the CC&R’s, rules & regulations,
and architectural standards. As this is a large community to cover, each area is reviewed typically twice
each month. Many times residents receive notices or
reminders regarding maintenance issues or architectural violations that are generated from these property
reviews.
In addition, located on the www.czmaster.org web
site there is a Rules & Violations Report form that
may be submitted by residents to the Enforcement
Coordinator to bring attention to an issue of concern
for verification if necessary. Such matters as excessive dog barking or late night noise disturbances are
examples of issues that may also be reported on the
form and these are issues that staff cannot necessarily
verify for accuracy. It is important to supply as much
detailed information regarding an unverifiable violation as possible so the undesirable action or issue is
clear to the offender.
MAY 7, 2009 CANDIDATES NIGHT
MEETING
Candidates Night was held on Thursday, May 7th at
the Coto Golf & Racquet Club to provide interested
homeowners with a forum to ask the five Board candidates questions. Approximately thirteen homeowners attended for a brief question and answer dialogue.
The Annual meeting is May 28th.
The next general session meeting is June 11, 2009.
The meeting agenda will be posted at the Coto
Community Service Center, 26800 Coto de Caza
Drive and the Keystone Pacific office, 29883 Santa
Margarita Parkway, Suite 600, and is available on the
Association’s website 4 days in advance of the meeting. You may also obtain a copy of the agenda by
contacting management at 949-838-3295.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Keystone Pacific Property Management Office is
open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5 pm and
is located at 29883 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite
600, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Phone: 949-777-1161
Fax: 949-858-0205
For an after hour emergency please call 949-8332600 for service line; Call 9-1-1 for life threatening
emergencies.
General Manager: Vincentia Davis
949-838-3205
E-mail: [email protected]
COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE:
Property Manager: Rebecca Gomez
949-838-3285
E-mail: [email protected]
LANDSCAPE ISSUES:
Landscape Assistant: Tracy Williams
949-838-3297
E-mail: [email protected]
ARCHITECTURAL ISSUES:
Architectural Coordinator: Tonja Gray
949-838-3287
E-mail:[email protected]
ENFORCEMENT ISSUES:
Enforcement: Christine Clancy
949-838-3294
E-mail: [email protected]
SPORTS PARK RESERVATIONS:
Associate: Carla Taylor
949-838-3295
E-mail: [email protected]
INSURANCE BROKER:
United Agencies 626-535-8300
CALL CENTER: 888-3800
SECURITY OFFICE: 888-3800
TRANSPONDER OFFICE: 858-2290
NEXT OPEN SESSION
BOARD MEETING
JUNE 11TH
at 6 P.M.
COTO GOLF CLUB
Board meetings are open to all CZ Master
Association property owners.
Page 5 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
Delegates’ Corner
The District Delegates’ Corner is a monthly article written by the
Delegates to share their thoughts and outlook on Coto de Caza
My name is Bob Alberts and I'm the District
Delegate for District 7, East Hill - East Point. As
usual, the opinions, statements and conclusions in
my versions of the Delegates' Corner are mine
alone and, unless otherwise indicated, are not
made on behalf of anyone else.
Formation Commission (LAFCO) thinks Coto
belongs in Rancho Santa Margarita's sphere of
influence ("a precursor to annexation" according
to a recent news story in the O.C. Register on
May 14th and May 19th) doesn't mean Rancho
Santa Margarita wants to annex us.
This month's column is intended to be neither
informative nor serious. (It seems when my
objective is the former, the column is too long,
and when it's the latter, well…it's really too long.)
In fact, this month's column should fit right in
with a change that seems to be occurring in the
"mainstream media" -- "good news-spin" is
replacing "bad news-spin." As these words are
being written, recent
reports about things such
as the economy, the wars,
increasing sun spot activity and the apparent inability of our elected officials
to balance our Federal or
State budgets during our
lifetime all seem to be presented in ways designed to
assure us that the proverbial "light at the end of the
tunnel" isn't the train coming. A few days ago the
media actually reported, as
good news, that there has
been a decrease in the rate
of increase in unemployment. Another example:
reports that the number of
people who can now
afford to buy residential
re-sales is increasing,
although the number of
homeowners who can
afford to sell their homes
is decreasing.
Only three CZ Districts (21; 28 and 43; there is
still no District 18) failed to elect delegates this
year. And maybe the fact that I've now lived in
Coto long enough to know better than to stop
traffic to let baby rabbits safely cross the street is
resulting in fewer "rear-enders" along Vista del
Verde Drive. So who needs good news-spin; life
really is good here in Coto!
Here's how a good newsspin approach might apply
in Coto: So far this spring
there have been no reports
of a return of mountain
lions to our parks and
open space, so maybe we
won't have a renewed
debate about whether the
inhabitants of Coto who
were here first get first
dibs on our habitat. It
looks as if we won't have
to worry about flooding or
mudslides for another few
months. More dog-walkers seem to be picking up
after their pets on our
sidewalks and trails.
More dog-walkers seem
to have their pets on
leashes in our open space
areas. Maybe more dogwalkers than not will use
a "doggie park" if, as indicated at a recent CZ
Board meeting, one is to
be built in Coto.
Just because the Orange
County Local Agency
Page 6 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
UPCOMING
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
Sponsored by Coto Community
Activities Network
(Coto C.A.N.)
MOVIES IN THE PARK
(3rd Friday of ea mo. 7p.m.)
Friday, June 19th - TRANSFORMERS
Friday, July 17th TBD
Location: Sports Park
4TH OF JULY PARADE &
COUNTRY FAIR
Saturday, July 4th (10a Parade)
Location: CDC Dr. & Sports Park
TASTE OF COTO & CONCERT IN
THE PARK
Saturday, August 22nd (3-10p)
Food/Catering/Beverage vendors
Rock Concert (bands TBD)
Location: Sports Park-lower fields
HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE
Fri., Oct. 23rd & Sat. Oct. 24th
6:30-9p
Location: Coto Valley Club
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
November 1 through 23rd
Location: Coto Valley Club &
Community Service Center
ANGEL TREE GIFT GIVING
December 1st through 21st
Coto Valley Club & Community
Service Center
Coto C.A.N. is a volunteer organization
that is looking for new members. No
dues required, just your passion to help
make Coto a fun and more exciting
place to live.
Coto C.A.N. meets the 2nd Tuesday
of each month at 7 p.m. June 9th
meeting will be held at Rose Cantina.
For information on these and other
events contact 459.0619.
REGISTER ON-LINE FOR
THE 28TH ANNUAL
COTO 4TH OF JULY
PARADE & FAIR
www.CotoLifestyle.com
COTOLIFESTYLE.COM OFFERS
COTO RESIDENTS DISCOUNT
COUPONS TO AREA RESTAURANTS
Log on to www.CotoLifestyle.com
click on RESTAURANT GUIDE and
then click on the right tab “EAT DRINK
SAVE MONEY” and then follow the
prompts to print out your savings
certificates. It’s that easy!
COTOLIFESTYLE.COM, is a recently
REGIS
developed on-line web site that offers
TER A
COTO
T
residents and business owners
L
IFEST
and ge
t a com
YLE.C
up-to-the-minute happenings on
of four plimentary p
OM
from C
ool pas
o
s
t
o Valley
fo
“everything that IS Coto”...receive email
Sports r a family
Club
notification of upcoming events, check
local movie and restaurant guide for
(Offer v
alid thr
u June
special discounts, sell your unwanted
30, 200
9)
items FREE on Coto Trader, and much more!
15% Off All
Non-prescription Sunglasses
With this coupon, in stock only. Offer exp. 6-30-09
Page 7 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
WHY BE STUCK AT HOME CLEANING?
LET DEDICATED CLEANERS TAKE CARE OF YOU
Dedicated Cleaners has
been cleaning homes in
our area for almost 15
years. They are a local
house-cleaning service
owned and meticulously operated by area resident Myrna DiVerde.
She and her team of
cleaners are committed
to providing quality
cleaning services at
affordable rates so that
you have more time to
do what you really need to do.
Basic services include dusting and polishing
furniture, cleaning bathrooms and kitchen
(countertops, sink, stove top, outside appliances, microwave, refrigerator top, sink window); baseboards, windowsills, light fixtures,
cobwebs, vacuuming, bed making and linen
changing (if requested); trash removal, floor
cleaning; dusting picture frames, blinds, shutters, and ceiling fans.
For an extra fee Dedicated Cleaners will also
clean windows, sliding glass doors, French
doors, and wall-size mirrors. They can also
accommodate cleaning back yards, patios,
garages, front entrances, balconies, and fireplaces. Interior refrigerator and oven cleaning
are also offered along with laundry service
(wash, dry and fold).
Service options include weekly, bi-monthly,
monthly, same-day cleaning, custom-scheduling upon request, and customized-cleaning
services upon request. Dedicated Cleaners
serves Coto de Caza and all of Orange County,
Monday through Saturday (and Sundays are
available for one-time special circumstances).
Dedicated Cleaners has extensive experience
with homes, apartments, condos, offices,
vacant locations, one-time cleaning, regular
maintenance or move-in/move-out situations.
For a free estimate or to learn more about
Dedicated Cleaners, please contact Myrna
DiVerde at 949-459-6911 or www.dedicatedcleaners.com.
FIRE SEASON IS UPON US (IS IT EVER NOT?)
Submitted by the CZ Master Landscape Committee
The May Santa Barbara, or Jesusita, fire is
the most recent reminder to Coto residents
that we must be vigilant in our fire preparedness. Ironically, according to the San
Francisco Chronicle, investigators say the
fire was caused by a spark off of a power
tool being used to clear vegetation during
fuel modification (fuel mod) activities.
While this was certainly a very unfortunate
consequence, fuel mod is still one of the
most important things we can do to reduce
the likelihood of wildfire ignition and/or to
lessen potential damage in a wildfire situation.
be cleared of all undesirable plant species,
irrigated, and planted with species from the
approved OCFA list.
Zones C & D, or Thinning, Non-Irrigated
Zones, are each 50 feet in width and require
horizontal and vertical spacing of plant
groups, and removal of all dead and dying
vegetation and undesirable species.
Minimum thinning percentage of plant
removal for Zone C is 50%. Minimum
thinning percentage of plant removal for
Zone D is 30%.
The CZ Master Association, working
through the Landscape Committee, our
Landscape Consultants, and Coto vendors
(Wendt and Boulder Works) manages and
maintains about 90 acres of fuel mod
throughout the community. A total of six
men are dedicated year-round to fuel mod.
Another 50-60 acres are maintained by private owners who are responsible to maintain their property to the fire defense standard of the OCFA. A few years ago, OCFA
Battalion Chief, Scott Brown, personally
praised Coto de Caza for having one of the
best maintained fuel-mod programs in the
county.
Fuel mod is defined by zones, or strips of
land, where combustible vegetation has
been removed and/or modified and partially
or totally replaced with more adequately
spaced, drought-tolerant, fire-resistant
plants so that a reasonable level of protection to structures from wild fires exists.
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
has developed detailed guidelines for fuel
mod, which identify four zones, A-D, that
are designed, installed, and maintained to
meet safety requirements.
Zone A, or Irrigated Structure Setback
Zone, is a setback zone whose purpose is to
provide defensible space for the fire department and to protect structures from radiant and
convective heat. Zone A has to be at least 20
feet wide, irrigated, and located on a level,
graded area at the top or base of a slope.
Maintenance responsibility of Zone A may
vary. If Zone A is located on private property,
Page 8 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
the resident is required to maintain it.
Otherwise, the HOA is responsible for upkeep.
Zone B, or Irrigated Zone, consists of irrigated
landscaping. This irrigated zone must be a
minimum of 50 feet in width and may be
increased as conditions warrant. Zone B must
For more details on fuel mod specifications,
please go to:
www.ocfa.org/_uploads/pdf/guidec05.pdf'. Or,
if you have specific questions about fuel mod
or landscaping in your area, please contact
Tracy Williams at [email protected].
COTO C.A.N. IN CONJUNCTION WITH COTO GOLF & RACQUET CLUB PRESENTS
FREE MOVIE NIGHT
FEATURING THE BOX OFFICE HIT - TRANSFORMERS
FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH AT 7:00 P.M.
Activities Network (Coto C.A.N.).
The Coto Community Activities
Network (Coto C.A.N.) with the support of The Coto de Caza Golf &
Racquet Club presents "Movies in the
Park", a FREE summer movie series
for all Coto residents.
For more information please contact
Coto C.A.N. at 459.0619 or
[email protected].
A special thank you to our partner,
The Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet
Club, in this seasons movies series:
This FREE screening of the box
office hit TRANSFORMERS is on
Friday, June 19th. Please note that
Transformers has a rating of PG-13.
The Golf & Racquet Club has some
great programs for old and young a
like. Don t miss out on great opportunities for kids...$5 Junior Tennis
and Golf Clinics, Cooking Classes,
Summer Swim Programs, and more!
All movies will be shown at the
Sports Park on a giant screen.
Seating begins at 7:00 p.m. with the
movie to follow at sundown. No
reservations are required, but arrive
early to get a good seat and enjoy a
little dinner before the feature.
Plus, for adults...The Spa, Group
Golf and Tennis Clinics, Cooking
Classes, Wine Club, Fitness and oh,
the Spa!
Prior to and during the movie, we
will offer pizza slices, popcorn, soda,
water and candy each for $2. In
addition, a pre-movie trivia contest,
with a chance to win gift certificates
to local establishments, prizes and
much more, so arrive early!
SUMMER CONCERT AT
THE GOLF CLUB:
HUEY LEWIS &
THE NEWS
The Sports Park is located just off
Coto de Caza Drive between Vista
del Verde and Alta Vista. Be sure to
come early to get a great spot. Bring
your beach chairs, family and friends
for a FREE summer night of fun!
All proceeds from the sale of refreshments, popcorn and candy will benefit Coto C.A.N. in support of other great events for the Coto de Caza
community.
AUGUST 1ST
Tickets go on Sale June 4
at 5:30 p.m.
Mark your calendar for the next summer movie:
JULY 17TH - TBD (rated G or PG)
This and many other events in the community
are brought to you by the Coto Community
For information on becoming a
Member to come be a part of this
and all the many fine events at the Coto de
Caza Golf & racquet Club, call Alice Kapitan
in the Membership Office at 949.858.4100 X
208.
Page 9 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
LOCAL SUMMER TUTORING
PROGRAM TO BOOST WRITING,
EDITING, AND MATH SKILLS
Clarity Learning is taking a
unique approach to summer tutoring by tapping into kids' desire to
play computer games. This summer, one of Clarity's programs
will include weekly online World
of Warcraft™ (WoW) quests for a
group of characters comprised of
Clarity Learning students.
and then watch them apply those
skills the next school year."
Clarity Learning also offers basic
tutoring services that are convenient
(in your home) and affordable. Plus
there is no extra charge for a second
student (same session, same project).
That's as low as $22.50 per child for
an hour of tutoring!
In the week after each journey,
students will write about their
quests and create and solve math
word problems related to the
quest's events. Tutors will customize writing and math projects
according to grade level. This
interactive tutoring is a great way
to help your kids learn additional skills during the summer while they actually have fun!
According to Clarity owner, Michelle Deets,
"As I tutor each school year, I see students
Clarity Learning is dedicated to bridging the educational gap between parents, children, and schools in order to
relieve parent stress, encourage children, and remove some pressure from
the teacher.
receive low grades, re-do assignments, or
spend extra time due to errors that could have
been fixed during the summer. Happily, I also
get to help summer students with basic skills
BIRTH
ANNOUNCEMENT
CONGRATS
TO THE
SAID FAMILY
Melissa and Jason Said would
like to announce the birth of their
daughter Keira Marie Said.
Born May 21,2009 at 4:11 am
weighing 8 pounds and 19 1/2
inches long.
Granddaughter to Mike & Linda
Ameel of Coto de Caza and Sally
Weber of Bend, Oregon.
Page 10 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
For more information on tutoring this summer (or right now) contact Michelle Deets at
949-350-5335 or at
[email protected], or visit
www.claritylearning.net.
J aine’s
C orner
by Janie O’Reilly
COTO CHARITY
I'VE NEVER
BEEN SO BUSY
IN MY LIFE
There are good people everywhere but it seems that
here in Coto de Caza, goodness abounds. Where
could you find such kindness and generosity? The
desire to help others seems to be contagious and
there is no need to take a flu shot to stop the flow of
love. Let me give you an example of what I am
referring to.
Our dear Patrick went to shine his Irish Eyes in
Heaven nearly two months ago and since then, I
have been the recipient of this enormous outpouring
of Coto love and care.
It began immediately after the 13th of April when
Hortencia and Gilbert came over to our house with
half of Costco. They brought in armloads of groceries, cases of bottled water, cakes, goodies, necessities and wine. Then Susie and Joe Marino asked to
help and brought two hundred and fifty bottles of
water to San Francisco Solano Church to give to the
parched participants at the Celebrations of Eternal
Life. After which Susie brought Italian dinners to the
house, enough to feed at least fifty people. Marlene
and Frank Kalupski kept me company while Frank
fixed all of our electronics and Marlene came to stay
with me night after night until I was tired enough to
go to sleep...then and only then did she venture forth
and go to her home. Jackie Nowlin, whom we call
affectionately Mother Theresa of Coto, pledged so
much support that I am in awe. Her family has
made a commitment to bring out the garbage bins
each and every week and to take them back in
behind our gates. She offers me dinner so many
many times while Eric
Nowlin is consistently
asking if there is anything
else they might do. Their
children, well trained for
service to others, are
always there to help with
anything required.
I have gone out to dinner
with so many people...it is
beyond my imagination.
Last Saturday night, Tina
and Phil Lofty brought
me to a Persian
Restaurant, Caspian, and
we had great food plus
belly dancers to
boot....what a hoot. I've
gone to Mass at Holy
Trinity with the Tursios Family...Zavior, Ann,
Roberto and Sandra plus their Mother Mercedes and
their children...we went to Ricardo's in San Juan
Capistrano. There was a lovely harpist on a Sunday
afternoon that made anything you ate taste like heaven. Alex Bavly went to the Mission San Luis Rey
with me to chose the headstone for Paddy and on the
way back she treated me to a great lunch at El
Modine del Oro in San Juan Capistrano...another
wow of a place with a bakery that you could die for.
I have dined with Dana and Eric Newmarket at
Manga Pasta and discovered the best alfredo sauce
imaginable. Then on to Tutto Fresco with the
MacVicors for the best Italian food in Southern
California...bar none with the exception of that alfredo afore mentioned. Linda England graciously hosted a lunch at Hanna's with great conversation and I
found out that she is going to chair the Coto
Philharmonic...what a great leader she will be. The
following week Marigold Baker and I spent hours at
Hanna's. I loved learning many wonderful ideas
from Marigold...she is a ray of sunlight and a gentle
reminder of God's Greatness. Ardee, the smashing
redhead from the Coto Phil, bought our book club's
selection for the month of April for me and then we
went to breakfast at Cinnamon Productions with
Catalina Quintero. And there are more amazing acts
of love and kindness. Jan and Siri, our neighbors, are
both chiropractors and take turns helping my body to
cope and to loosen up those areas which have really
tightened due to stress. They are such great healers.
t b
EEN
by Gabriella Hoffman
After four years of anticipation, hard work
and patience, my classmates and I can finally
say that we are graduates. To be bestowed
with such a title is quite honorary and distinguished. It signifies four years of accomplishments, four years of determination, and four
years of maturation. Through this, high
school has enabled us to grow and reflect on
our actions, efforts, and numerous achievements.
The Class of 2009 has been raved as Tesoro's,
if not our generation's, finest class. My classmates are some of the brightest and most
accomplished people I have met in such a setting. Many of my classmates are heading to
Brown University, Harvard,
Dartmouth, Cornell, UCLA,
UC Berkeley, UCSD, Boston
University, University of
Michigan, Cal Poly SLO, and
other notable schools. To
know that students can
accomplish such a feat like
getting into any of these
credible schools is laudable
and noteworthy to mention. I am proud to be
part of and one of such accomplished students in the Class of 2009.
EAT
With the onset of these last couple of days,
there will be a lot to reflect about these past
four years. The friends I made, the teachers I
have come to admire, the continual support
that I received, and the many people that I
have served will always cross my mind.
When one is occupied for so long, it is hard
to notice how fast time flies. There were so
many things learned, so many things discovered, and so many things to be remembered.
Once summer comes, it will all just be but a
memory. It is a sad feeling to leave every-
Kathy Poulas, who lives a street or two above me,
left a little package on the front patio and when I
opened it up, it was a beautiful water color of
Mission San Lius Rey which she picked up in La
Jolla. Peter and Tracy Drivas have asked me to
dine with them at their lovely home while they fill
up my freezer with Haegan Das Ice Cream and
Drum Sticks...bring on the chocolate. One day I
found a tower of treats at our front door. It was
filled with fruit...the best fruit I have ever eaten.
That gift was left by Deleen and Jim Hoff.
How can I ever give back? I ask myself this question daily.
And this hasn't stopped. I am thinking that the
world needs to know about these lovely people...it
would dispel the darkness, the light of the Light
would shine for all to see, the world would be a gentler, kinder place. There is so much love to give and
receiving this love is amazingly humbling and so so
enriching. I ask the Lord to allow me to give the
rest of my life in service for others, just as I have
received so much...to allow me to give even more.
Every Wednesday evening we have prayer at our
home. So many more people are coming here to
pray. What a gift from God this is....If you would
like to join us...please call our home which is named
Cenacle House at 949-888-1140 for directions and
starting time. We'd love to pray with you that this
wonderful charity will continue to abound for all of
us.
thing that is familiar to one, and start entirely
new. Yet, I could not be more excited to
embark on this new journey through my college years.
Although graduation is an end to one's high
school career, it is the commencement of a
brand -new chapter to one's book of life. In
the fall, I will continue my studies at the
University of California, San Diego, and will
continue to write as The Coto Voice's "Teen
Beat" columnist. As I traverse into Political
Science and the wonderful opportunities that
will be granted to me down in La Jolla, I will
always look back to my high school years as
a reminder of the good that is to come with
future endeavors.
Contact me at [email protected] if
you wish to write to comment or give suggestions. If you wish to write about your college
experience or what you've desired to reflect
on these past four years, please don't hesitate
to opine and contact me.
Page 11 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
COTO CLUB SCENE
of the 1965
movie set.
The half
hour tram
tour was
especially
well done.
The Riders express their warmest condolences
to the family of KELLY REITER who lost her
life on Ortega Highway on May 17. A service
was held on May 30 and her family asked that
donations be forwarded to Orangewood
Children's Home
in Mission Viejo.
We had a wonderful deviation for
our monthly
meeting. It was a
dinner gathering
at Rose Canyon
Cantina & Grill and to no one's surprise a lot
of travel chatter. I launched an attempt to
send-by-email a summary of the meeting.
The visit to the March AFB was capped by
George Thagard and Bill Barnett taking over
the "Strategic Air Command" B-47 flight crew
Several riders, also American veterans, attended a tribute to Veterans of all wars at the
Arcadia County Park. It was a well presented
tribute to our vets and servicemen currently on
active duty. Bands, rifle drill teams, historical
military displays, and individual booths honoring the services dotted the park for the event.
Sharon Hirsh graciously opened her lovely
home for the May meeting of the Coto
Committee of the Philharmonic Society of
Orange County.
After an enjoyable social hour, members were
treated to a delicious Greek dinner catered by
Daphne's Greek Café.
During a very brief business meeting Linda
England, incoming Chairman, presented Alice
Dailey, outgoing Chairman, with a lovely
musical charm which the Board wanted her to
have in appreciation of a job very well done.
Coto Rancho Rotary is a service club with members from diverse business, cultural, and ethnic
backgrounds. Members are business professionals
and philanthropists who live and/or work in Coto
De Caza, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Ladera
Ranch. The Club meets weekly for dinner and
drinks to share fellowship and to plan the many
community, international, and vocational service
projects.
Page 12 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
We have identified a
second ride to Laughlin,
NV. as a three-dayer Jun 20 -22 (Sat-Mon).
Riders will be staying at the Aquarius Casino.
Check the web page for details. We are also
looking at a two day ride to Solvang in
September.
The American Society Of Military History
Museum (Goggle it) featured hands-on dis-
Rilla Griffin, Public Relations Chairman, was
given the privilege of installing the new
Executive Board of Directors for 2009-2010.
They are as follows: Linda England,
Chairman; Wendy Peterson, Vice Chairman;
Jacque Douglas, Vice
Chairman
Membership; Marion
Russo, Vice Chairman
Youth Programs; Janet
Russell, Treasurer;
Catalina Quintero and
Bunny Poolos, CoCorresponding
Secretaries and Alice
Dailey,
Parliamentarian.
The Coto de Caza
Committee of the
ROTARY CLUB CDC/RSM
to Award Two $1,000
Scholarships to Tesoro High
School Students
The Rotary Club CDC/RSM is working with
Tesoro High School Advisors to award two $1,000
scholarships to deserving senior students. The
award ceremony will take place at a Rotary meeting
in late June and the winners will be publish in the
July issue of the Coto Voice.
Like every Memorial Day for the past 7 years,
the Riders supported
the Saddleback 1/2
Marathon and 5 K race.
The Bakers were especially prepared.
Please consider riding in the Coto 4th of July
parade. It's a short, but fulfilling ride as we
lead the parade displaying the military standards and the US colors on the motorcycles.
Look to the web at www.cotoriders.com for
details.
COTO PHILHARMONIC NOTES
Coto de Caza
Committee Installs
New Board
plays of weapons, vehicles, uniforms and more
and was a highlight at the event. These are the
folks that participate in military reenactments
of WWII on the Lane Victory (www.lanevictory.org) and at various air shows.
If this sounds like you,
look here for information on membership.
Rotary meets Thursday
nights at Coto de Caza
Golf & Racquet Club
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. For more information, please contact Ken
Upton at 949.253.5892
or [email protected].
Philharmonic Society of Orange County meets
on the third Tuesday of every month and welcomes new members who are interested in
supporting free music education programs for
our county's children. For information, please
call the PSOC office at: 949- 553-2422 or
through our e-mail [email protected].
THE VILLAGE ASSOCIATION NEWS
CITYHOOD?
A committee of three Coto HOA presidents and
active members of the community serve on the
Cityhood Committee. The committee is investigating
the benefits of forming a government entity to see if
it would provide better policing and other services.
The options are: (SCA) Community Service Area,
(CSD) Community Service District, Annexation to
Rancho Santa Margarita, or do nothing and remain
just as we are.
There is pressure from LAFCO , a government
entity and the County of Orange to put Coto into a
city, so the County does not have to pay for services.
Please be advised our Board has made absolutely no
recommendations. We are just there to participate in
discussions, observe and report to The Village homeowners.
TREE TRIM-UP TIME
Every Spring, when the leaves come out, those
branches that were bare start to droop. If you have a
tree on your property that hangs over the street and
does not give a 15 ft. clearance, so high profile vehicles can pass under, you will be requested to cut it
back to provide clearance. That includes any bushes
that may go past your street boundary line.
BUHO HOLE
For those of you that are not familiar with the Buho
Hole, at the top of Buho Street on a heavily used
trail, water erosion has created a deep crevice starting
to cut into the trail. Very dangerous to horse riders,
children and hikers. If allowed to continue to erode, it
would cut the trail off.
We received a bid to contain the erosion of approximately $44,000.00 Yikes! Bob Atkins, ex-board
member, donates so much of his time to helping The
Village Board, came up with a very creative alternative, which will cost about $8,000.00, saving your
HOA about $36,000.00. When you see Bob, give
him a big thank you!
SPRING CLEAN-UP
The Village is a lot lighter. Over 5 large commercial
dumpsters were filled up and now many homeowners can walk through their garage. We plan on doing
it again next year. Yipee!
GREEN BELT TREES
As we have said previously, some of our green belt
trees are failing. Many are over 30 years old, especially the Aleppo Pines, which seem to be failing rapidly. We will need to budget for replacement trees to
keep our Village beautiful. Should you see dead or
sick trees in the greenbelt, please notify Bree Douglas
at Merit so we can see what action is necessary.
DO NOT cut down or trim trees in the green belt.
You would be responsible for a replacement tree.
RESERVE FUND
When Progressive Property Management turned
over the books to Merit about three years ago, they
did not have current records of architectural deposits.
Some $26,000 of this money was unclaimed for various reasons, deposits were made, jobs not completed, etc., etc. Deposits are forfeited after application
has been made and not completed after 20years. We
will be transferring this $26,000 into our general
fund. If anyone can prove that they are entitled to
their deposit, we will handle it from our general fund.
SPRINKLER CONTROL
Your water bill will be going up significantly according to the Santa Margarita Water District. We have
homeowners running streams down the streets. This
has an adverse affect on our asphalt streets and your
water bill. Our resident landscape expert says when
you send water down the street, it s because your soil
can t use any more, and you are wasting your money
and precious water in our drought years.
There is a good chance we may expect water
rationing in the near term. Watering your yard 5 to
10 minutes 3-4 times a week should be ample.
Please be a good neighbor and conserve.
WILDFIRE SEASON
Wellit s here and will last pretty much the rest of the
year. We will be doing our annual discing in the
greenbelt area. be sure to trim your trees at least 6 to
8 feet back from your home. There is a fire blocking
gel you can purchase to protect your home and it s
been proven to be quite effective. There is a local
company in RSM there number is 949.709.8808. this
is not an endorsement, but you may want to check it
out.
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
The following free volunteers give their time and
expertise at least once a month to walk The Village
and review our landscape needs:
Bob Atkins - very knowledgeable of Village issues
Doug McCormick - always there to help you
Bill Arman - landscape expert/tree specialist
Take time to thank these Villagers. This is what being
a good neighbor is all about.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE
Laurie Roy - architect
Tamara Nazarian - volunteer
COTO VOICE
QUESTIONS?
ADVERTISING
INQUIRIES:
Andrea Owen
949.525.5674
ARTICLE
SUBMISSIONS:
Deanna Vochelli
[email protected]
EVENTS:
Vochelli &
Associates
949.459.0619
These volunteers serve as needed, review and give
input into architectural planning.
GRATEFUL TO ANOTHER
VOLUNTEER
Tom Patton, longtime resident of The Village, is
building a unique resting bench by the monument at
the top of Venado. Built from wagon wheels and
wine barrel staves, it fits right in with the rustic
Village look. When you see Tom, give him a big
Thank You!
NO OVERNIGHT PARKING ON
STREETS OR GREENBELTS
Please use overflow parking lot on Via Ortega.
MEETING DATE CHANGE
To accommodate two board members that are
Coto/RSM Rotarians, the board meeting will be held
on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday,
June 10th with homeowner open forum.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
Community Manager - Bree Douglas
949.448.6020 fax 949.448.6541
[email protected]
Architectural/Compliance or Common Area Melissa Badamain
949.448.6113 fax 949.448.6545
[email protected]
Board Members
Ken Upton - President
Greg Perez - Vice President
Mike Walker - Secretary
Jim Stivers - Treasurer
Les Krieger - Member at Large
www.cotodecazathevillage.org
CHP (traffic & parking)
949.559.7888
SHERIFF (noise & vandalism)
949.770.6011
NEXT HOA MTG.
7:00 p.m.
June 10TH
Coto Valley Club
23331 Via Venado, Coto de Caza.
COTO VOICE
The News and Views of the
Coto de Caza Community
CZ Master Association • The Village • The Estates
COTO C.A.N.
Executive Publisher / Managing Editor
Publisher:
Coto Community Activities Network
Editorial Staff:
Deanna Vochelli & Kim Melsheimer
Advertising Sales: Andrea Owen
Columnist:
Janie O’Reilly - Janie’s Corner
Mike Ameel - From the Trenches
Syd Riccio - Financial Advisor
Coto Voice is a publication produced and published on behalf of the non-profit
Coto Community Activities Network (Coto C.A.N.) All advertising proceeds are
used to further the development of community activities in Coto de Caza.
COTO VOICE - 22431 Antonio Parkway, Suite B160-217
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.459.0619 • fax 949.459.0625
Page 13 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
COTO CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
FOR SALE
-COTO HOMES-
UNMATCHED LOS RANCHOS
ESTATE - 7 acre lot 6 bd/6 bath,
approx. 9,000 sq. ft. w/10 car
garage. $11,900,000. Call Mike
Ameel
Team 949.233.2686.
____________________________
OAK KNOLL ESTATE REDUCED!
5 BDRMS/5.5 BTH w/media room,
pool, spa, outdoor kitchen w/TV
$1,849,000. Call Mike Ameel Team
949.233.2686.
____________________________
VIEW PROPERTY - 4 BD/3 BTH,
3300 sq. ft. on golf course.
$999,999. Call Bobbi Mezger
589.0706.
FAIRWAY OAKS - INVESTORS
DREAM - 2 bd/2 bth, panoramic
views of golf course. $469,000 view
on
mycoto.com.
____________________________
CONTRACTOR
HILLSBORO SHORT SALE
4 BD/3.5 BTH large pool size lot.
Needs
TLC, great buy. $755,000
____________________________
REMODELING? Call a homeowner
advocate,
Chris 949.713.1854.
____________________________
NEED A LOAN? CALL TURTLE
BAY FINANCE...949.412.4154
ELECTRICIAN. Lighting, ceiling
fans, spa hook ups and more. Call
949.291.5630.
IN-HOME
SERVICES
HOME TUTORING. All Subjects.
949-350-5335.
ClarityLearning.net.
____________________________
IN-HOME PIANO INSTRUCTION
15-years exp. Call Marsha
949.559.7105
____________________________
HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE
Coto referrals available. See our ad
pg.
8. Call 949.459.6911
____________________________
PERSONAL ASSISTANT &
CONCIERGE SERVICE At Your
Service 4 Seniors provide caring
safe assistance for a variety of
needs 949-230-5720 or
[email protected]
WANT TO RUN A CLASSIFIED
AD? HERE’S HOW...
Classified advertising rates are based
on a per line basis. Rates are $5 per
line, a minimum of (3) three lines per
ad. Text can be emailed to [email protected] and is due by the 20th of
the month, prior to publication.
Advertising categories: Items for Sale,
Services for Hire (minimum 3-mo.
commitment), Want Ads, Real Estate
for Sale, Lease and Rent, Daycare,
Employment, Want Ads,
Miscellaneous, Pet Services, etc.
For more information, please contact
Andrea Owen at 949.525.5674 or via
email: [email protected].
MANAGING YOUR INCOME DURING
RETIREMENT
By Sydney Riccio, Financial Advisor
Planning early to
develop an income
strategy during retirement could help you
achieve a stress-free
retirement.
Social Security
Since 1935, social
security was conceived to alleviate poverty among the elderly.
In 1935 the average mortality rate was 61.
Social security benefits started at 65. With
mortality rates today ranging from 83 - 87,
everyone counts on their social security benefits. Many future retirees know very little
about optimizing their social security benefits. When is the best time to start taking
benefits? What about my spouse? Finding
about social security now can help you plan
for an optimum retirement.
ANNUITIES
Annuities are a common source of income
during retirement. Employers may offer a
retirement benefit in the form of an annuity,
giving you a monthly benefit or allowing you
to take a lump sum. Understanding the best
strategy for you may require the advice of a
financial professional.
Individuals can also purchase an annuity
insurance contract. Annuities have their
advocates and critics. They can be a great
resource in retirement if well understood and
used appropriately. In the last nine months,
annuity sales have reached all-time highs.
Annuity products are too diverse to do them
justice in this article. As in most insurance
products, what you are buying is risk protection. Annuities provide risk protection for
your investment. Ask yourself, "Should I
Page 14 • COTO VOICE • JUNE 2009
have an annuity?"
TIME-SEGMENTED DISTRIBUTION
Having a dependable income stream you control is very important in retirement. With
social security, there is a cost of living feature
to help offset the effects of inflation, but the
government has control over your benefit.
With annuities, you can determine through
your contract how you want to receive your
money. When distributions begin, they are
usually fixed and may lose purchasing power
over time due to inflation. So how do you
protect against inflation and still have access
and control over your resources? A time-segmented distribution strategy can be an important component in creating an income stream
during retirement. Simply put, this strategy
organizes your investments into time categories with varying risk exposure based on
when they will be used. Resources to be
used within the first 10 years are low risk to
protect your assets and provide dependable
income. Resources to be used later are invested in higher performing investments to protect your purchasing power over time.
WHAT WILL
YOUR STRATEGY
BE?
Strategies for accumulating money for
retirement, are very
different than strategies for distributing
money during retirement. In retirement
we want dependable
income, flexibility,
protection against
inflation, ability to
react to changing cir-
cumstances, tax management, and we want
our money to last as long as we do. We may
even consider a post retirement occupation to
supplement our money and our sanity.
We help our clients create customized retirement strategies. Using our Reliability of
Income tool, we can help tailor a unique solution that meets your needs. Call to set up a
complimentary meeting to discuss your
options.
Annuities are a long term investment designed for retirement purposes. Distributions are subject to income tax
and, if take prior to age 591/2, a penalty may apply. The
annuity may be subject to lengthy surrender periods and
early withdrawals subject to surrender charges.
Guarantees are backed by the claims paying ability for the
issuing company. Sydney is a Coto resident, a life agent, a
financial advisor, and a certified college planning specialist. Representatives of Securities America do not offer tax
advice. This article was written by Sydney Riccio. Sydney
Riccio is a Registered Representative, and offers securities
through Securities America, Inc. a Registered
Broker/Dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services
offered through Cooper McManus. Securities America
and Cooper McManus are unaffiliated. Sydney holds CA
Insurance License 0E01624. Sydney can be reached at
800 516-5333x121. You can visit her website at www.sydneyriccio.com.
FROM THE TRENCHES
by Mike Ameel - Top Selling Real Estate Broker
ACCORDION
MARKETS!
How do you explain
the impacts to competitive products that
occur due to the
fluctuation and or
changes in
values/pricing within a given
market...Accordion
Markets!! That's it!
My simple way of
expressing how a sale within your tract can affect
your home and the sales within your tract can affect
other tracts etc., etc. You've seen the movies with
the guy playing the accordion and having a jolly old
time doing it. As he plays his instrument the pressure that he exerts, external pressure i.e. the government or the Fed etc., causes changes within the
instrument. The pressures within the instrument, i.e.
the price of products such as your home rise and
fall. As these prices change they exert pressure on
other homes, tracts etc. by their expansion and contraction. In real estate he certainly would be playing a very s l o w number...but nevertheless it is a
way of demonstrating how a reduction of home
prices in one area can create a vacuum and cause
higher priced homes to fall as a result to fill the
void, only to be pushed back up at a later time.
Our markets have been experiencing a phase of
contraction with higher priced properties falling and
pushing lower priced homes down as a
result....Why would you buy a home of lesser quality if one with greater quality and amenities could be
bought for a similar price?
This also brings to mind the issue of premiums and
the role they play in the markets. At this moment
premiums for locations, amenities, views and etc.
are being bought at huge discounts from their boom
phase. As an example a view premium for some
homes may have been as much as $250,000 or
more at one time and are going for probably half of
that at this time. Its easy to see why the best properties, i.e. the homes with these premiums sell first in
a market such as we are experiencing as they are
attractive for these discounted premiums among
other things.
The market has improved somewhat as the lower
end home sales have enabled some homeowners to
move up in the market. We still have a long way to
go before we can say a recovery is underway however. As I said in last months article the move up
buyers are still limited in equity, i.e. the need for
25% down for median purchases in Coto de Caza
and also qualification purposes. Financing is the
number one problem at this time along with the
new tightened appraisal legislation. No longer can
your mortgage broker hire his buddy who is an
appraiser, take him out to dinner and get your
appraisal to come in on the money! The funding
bank will be ordering the appraisal, probably someone from out of the area and not at all familiar with
your home or area to do your appraisal. Don't
expect any sympathy, as it will become extremely
difficult to get appraisers to acknowledge higher
prices any time soon!
I'd like to welcome my new Granddaughter born on
our 32nd anniversary last week
Keira Maria Said, 7lbs, 15oz, beautiful perfect baby
girl! Until next month...
Mike Ameel is a top selling real estate broker
specializing in Coto de Caza and the surrounding communities. You can reach Mike
at 949-233-2686 or via e-mail at:
[email protected], or visit mycoto.com.
BIZZ
BUZZ
COTO RESIDENTS ON THE MOVE
unique pieces
at below
retail pricing.
Welcome to Olivia’s Closet Boutique, featuring trendy, hip and everything fashionable in
women’s clothing --the latest denim fashions
by designers such as; MissMe, Hudsons,
Plastic. and more, plus designer tops, dresses
and accessories at affordable prices.
Established in 2006, Olivia’s Closet Boutique
has been recognized as one of the finest
designer boutiques in Southern California.
Now ladies of all ages can take advantage of
Founder,
Doni Orsini’s
passion for
shopping
became a
quest to help
her friends
find great
styles at a
great value.
This led her
to take her
passion a
step further
by opening a
boutique to
help women
of all ages.
Olivia's Closet Boutique offers two great
ways to shop...by appointment or private
showings at parties. So call us today to book
your in-home party or event or schedule a
time to enjoy a private appointment in our
showroom.
At Olivia’s Closet Boutique, elegance and
style can be affordable.
Olivia's Closet
Boutique serves the
"fashionforward"...Southern
California-style. Our
hip and trendy clothing
and accessories are
offered at below retail
pricing.
Give us a call or send
us an email as we
invite you to one of the
most unique shopping
experiences.
Remember, we offer private shopping by
appointment, as well as intimate showings at
private parties and fundraising events. Check
our web site for new arrivals.
For more information, email Doni Orsini at
[email protected] or via phone
at 949.677.3046.
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