Are You Jealous of Capri by the Sea?

 PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER  June - 2022

Boardie heard some hot gossip about our most envied neighbor Capri by the Sea.

Here’s what I learned:

·      Capri is the exact same age as Pacific Tower but has 140 units. PT has 118.

·      One, two, and three bedrooms pay different monthly HOA dues.

·      Dues for two-bedroom units are $971.87 a month, PLUS they’re looking to charge a $pecial Assessment on top of that to finance loan for 8.5 million to completely replace their plumbing.

Why am I spreading this juicy gossip and telling you how cheap you have it by living here? Well, we’re also about to ask you to agree to a loan, but THERE WILL BE NO SPECIAL ASSESSMENT necessary thanks to our recent dues hike.

The simple explanation: We have money in the kitty but need more money in the kitty for the future. We are seeking one million dollars. (There are more details coming in a very boring ballot you’ll be receiving soon.) Why do we need so much money? Inflation. Repair costs are now sky-high, and our building isn’t getting any younger (the big 5-0). We recently completely rebuilt our pool and deck, our pool equipment room floor, and we’re on the cusp of our biggest expense of all: converting a 1973 roof into a 2022 roof with all the bells and whistles that are now required, which costs a fortune. Blame the pandemic for the escalating cost of supplies plus impossible supply chain issues that still linger. We need 60 YES votes to approve this loan. If not, the membership would then have to vote to approve a one-time special a$$essment. 

SO VOTE YES ON THE LOAN!.

With the new roof in sight, we can take on our next bunch of jobs: the lobby remodel, balcony repairs and on our dream list: finally painting the exterior. I don’t have to tell you the value of your unit has never been higher. But the older you get the more it costs to be functioning and beautiful.

Despite all that, we love our home. We are so lucky to live here.

                                                           ***
PAGE 2

Dear Boardie

Q. What does the Board do, exactly?

A. The board is actually the smallest form of government you can think of.

We are just seven elected representatives, and we vote on

A.   How the Budget is spent

B.   Approving Architectural renovations

C.   Evaluating Violation reports

D.   Supervising our staff

E.   Creating Committees of volunteers such as : Landscape 

F.    Hiring vendors after approving competing bids

Q. Is there any work involved?

A. Yes. Most of the work is reading emails or doing research on the Internet.

Q. Aren’t there monthly meetings?

A. Yes, but you can be on Zoom so you never leave the comforts of home or pajamas.

Q. What are the downsides?

A. Board gets blamed for pool repair delays, for instance, even though it’s not their fault.

Q. If I wanted to join the Board, what would I do?

A. Elections for Board of Directors are coming up. You will receive a notice any day where you can nominate yourself.

Q. Are there any specific requirements for Board Members?

A. You must be an owner and current on your dues. We also trust that each Board member be familiar with the CC&Rs and the Rules and Regulations and accepts the commitment of attending monthly meetings every month. Three absences and you are out.          

Q. Is there a lot of conflict and infighting?

A. We don’t agree on everything, but we all respect each other. Votes don’t have to be unanimous.

Q. How long does a person serve on the Board?

A. Two years.

Q. Why would anybody want to do this thankless job?

A. To help improve the building.

HOA MEETINGS

PT HOA meetings (for owners only) are on the 4^th Tuesday of each month on Zoom. Send your email address to KChavez@menas.com to get on the emailing list to get your Zoom invite. If you don’t have a computer, you can dial into the meeting using your phone. Meeting notice and Zoom phone number is always posted on the outer lobby four days before the meeting. Log on! At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person. Find out where your dues dough is going. We’d love to have you!

 

*BOARD OFFICERS

Acting President – Karyl Miller.  Acting Treasurer- George Kyrala.  Legal Committee - Troy Krich. Director - Jeffrey Isaacs. Director - Vaught Adamson.  Director - Robin Del Pape. 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Yuka Asada

 

May 2022 Newsletter

 

PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER –MAY 2022

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

         

 

If you are under age 4, have we got a pool for you (Thanks Joseph!)! Otherwise, you’re going to have to wait till June to dip your new Pandemic paunch in the grown-ups’ pool.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SWIMMING POOL?

 While the pool was empty for the deck refurbishing and waterproofing, a storm came along and tore the shell up. Piece by piece just curled up.

 To fix it, the debris was removed, and then the surface had to be jackhammered to prepare for new concrete. A hidden crack was discovered going all around the pool, plus rusty, flaky almost non-existent 50-year-old rebar.

A structural engineer was hired to evaluate the damage and strategize a plan of repair. New repair bids were submitted (and the costs skyrocketed, of course).

We are now on a path to begin the extensive repairs – more like building a brand-new pool. There will be more jackhammering and possibly more delays as certain waterproofing materials are back-ordered. Once everything’s completed, the cement still has to cure for 30 days before we can add water.  

 We are as frustrated as you are about all these delays and have spent many hours working with the tradesmen to get it right. We can’t wait for summer and our beautiful new pool.

To complete the picture we are going add refurbished table and chairs, new umbrellas and color-coordinated potted plants.  

HOA MEETINGS

PT HOA meetings (for owners only) are on the 4^th Tuesday of each month on Zoom. Send your email address to KChavez@menas.com to get on the emailing list to get your Zoom invite. If you don’t have a computer, you can dial into the meeting using your phone. Meeting notice and Zoom phone number is always posted on the outer lobby four days before the meeting. Log on! At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person. Find out where your dues dough is going. We’d love to have you!

 

If you get bored, you’re welcome to log off – no pressure. Since the pandemic, we’ve held our meetings on Zoom instead of gathering in- person in the Rec Room and many owners have taken advantage of participating virtually from the comfort of their units. Pajamas are acceptable (if not too sexy).

BOARD OFFICERS

President – Mark Cabaj, Vice President - Karyl Miller, Secretary – Julie Menas, Treasurer – Anthony Mariucci, Directors – Troy Krich, Robin Del Pape, and George Kyrala.

                                     A WHOLE NEW WORLD

By now you have all received your welcome package from our new Community Managers – Menas HOA . If the name sounds familiar, that’s because for years we were married to Menas and got divorced and now, two years later, we are back in bed, so to speak. The original company merged with much larger community management company and it now offers us many advantages we could not find elsewhere. One of the great things about the new Menas is their online portal AppFolio.  Once you sign up and learn how to use it – it will absolutely streamline everything! Sign up for automatic dues payment, download an architectural application, check the calendar for meeting dates or events or request maintenance, with more downloads being added. AppFolio will have many of the downloads that our Newsletter/Blog has but will be way more thorough and inclusive. Log on to Menas Property Management and create an account.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Yuka Asada

 

CONTACT INFO On-Site Maintenance Cell Phone (Joseph Arellano) 619.339.3490 – Call or Text On-Site Maintenance Office Land Line – 858.272.0860 Menas HOA Management – 858.602.3470 *NEW: After Hours Emergencies Call/Texting Service: 858-876-7870 *NEW: Menas Community Association Managers Katrina Chavez        858.602.3470 ext.315 email: kchavez@menas.com Amy Hawkins            858.602.3470 ext.339 email: ahawkins@menas.com               Accounts Receivable – Rachellina Elgin 858.602.3470 ext.118 email: relgin@menas.com

 

April 2022 Newsletter

 

PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2022

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

            

Dear Boardie,

 

Q. Where do I put my bike (s)?

 

A. Joseph Arellano, our Building Manager will find

you a spot in the bike rack in the lower garage.

 Q. It’s pretty crowded down there.

 A. If your parking space is in the lower garage near a wall, Joseph may be able to install a wall rack for your bike(s) on the wall in front of your car.

 Q. Do I need any special marking to ID my bike?

 A. Yes. Joseph will log your bike and issue you a special sticker for your bike.

 Q. Is there a deadline to get a bike ID from Joseph?

 A.  Good question! Yes! April 1 is the deadline to get your bike logged and ID-ed. After April 1 we will saw off your lock and donate your bike to charity.

 Q. Do I need to lock my bike in the lower garage?

 A. Yes! Even though we have a locked gate AND a Security Guard all night, we have had burglars.

 NEW MANAGEMENTAs of April 1, we will have a new management company: Menas HOA Management. Our new Managers (yes two!) are listed on the bottom of page 2. You should have received a Welcome Package already with the details.

 

HOA MEETINGS

 

Pacific Tower Homeowner’s Association has a monthly meeting, usually the third Tuesday of every month and if you’re an owner, you’re invited! Meet your Board members and neighbors. Find out where your $540 is going. We’d love to have you! If you get bored, you’re welcome to leave – no pressure.

 

Since the pandemic, we’ve held our meetings on Zoom instead of gathering in- person in the Rec Room and many owners have taken advantage of participating virtually from the comfort of their units. Pajamas are okay (if not too sexy).

 

At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person.

 

If you have a computer and would like to get a Zoom invitation for the next meeting, please email. If you don’t have a computer, you can still join the meeting by phone. The meeting announcement posted in the Lobby four days before the meeting will include the Zoom Meeting phone number so you can join by phone.

 

BOARD OFFICERS

President – Mark Cabaj, Vice President - Karyl Miller, Secretary – Julie Menas, Treasurer – Anthony Mariucci, Directors – Troy Krich, Robin Del Pape, and George Kyrala.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Yuka Asada

 

Covid Updates and Rules

While the California indoor mask mandate looks like it will expire this month, the COVID-19 rates remain high. To respect our neighbors – both vaccinated and not yet eligible – we ask that you still at least at least have a mask at-the-ready. And please don’t be offended if your neighbor prefers to ride the elevator alone. None of the children in the building are vaccinated (yet). Thank you for your consideration.

CONTACT INFO On-Site Maintenance Cell Phone (Joseph Arellano) 619.339.3490 – Call or Text On-Site Maintenance Office Land Line – 858.272.0860 Menas HOA Management – 858.602.3470 *NEW: After Hours Emergencies Call/Texting Service: 858-876-7870 *NEW: Menas Community Association Managers Katrina Chavez        858.602.3470 ext.315 email: kchavez@menas.com Amy Hawkins            858.602.3470 ext.339 email: ahawkins@menas.com               Accounts Receivable – Rachellina Elgin 858.602.3470 ext.118 email: relgin@menas.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 2022 Newsletter

 

              PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2022

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

            

Dear Boardie,

 

Q. How come you have so many Rules & Regs?

 

A. Every rule has a reason behind it.

 

Q. Prove it!

 

A. Ask me about a rule, any rule.

 

Q. Why can’t we move in or out or receive large deliveries on weekends and at night?

 

A. The lobby double doors must be opened and secured after the job and there’s no personnel to supervise that. Also, one of our passenger elevators must be transformed into a freight elevator with padding. Then it has to be set up for the doors to temporarily remain open while all the furniture is being loaded into it. If the moving men keep forcing the doors open, the elevator will eventually shut down. Then we will only have one working elevator till the repairman comes at weekend overtime rates of time and one half.

 

Q. During a pang of guilt about the environment, I sold my gas guzzling ’55 Caddy. Why can’t I sell my parking space?

 

A. Your parking space is deeded to you with your unit. You can’t sell your kitchen, can you? Same thing. However, you CAN temporarily rent or swap your space as long as your “tenant” can be driven. Boats or storage are not allowed.

 

Q. Seems like the building is crawling with repairmen lately. What’s up?

 

A. When you’re fifty like Pacific Tower, it’s often time to think about a face-lift. A nip here, a tuck there. Your Board has been taking action, tackling many repairs all around the building. We have just completed major repairs in the pool equipment room and the pool deck. Soon we will be replastering the pool itself. After that, we have various balcony repairs, then a new roof and finally a new lobby. Yay!    

                                                         ****                                

February Newsletter 2022

 

      PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2022

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

 

SMOKE ALARM Versus FIRE ALARM: WHAT’S THE DIFF?

 

NEWS FLASH: Your unit has two different alarms.

 ALARM NUMBER ONE: SMOKE ALARM

IN YOUR BEDROOM: That 5” white round plastic thing (probably over your bedroom door) is a smoke alarm. It’s not connected to the rest of the building. It’s yours. You can get one at Walmart for 18 smackeroos. You’re required by our CC&Rs to have at least one working smoke alarm (and reminded to swap out the batteries annually). 

IF IT IS CHIRPING: It’s trying to tell you – I need new batteries ASAP! 

WHAT TO DO IF IT GOES OFF:

DON’T: Leave the building. Don’t prop open your door and allow the smoke billow into the hall and elsewhere in the building- that could be deadly! Stay home, open your windows and have fun trying to rehab that Revere Ware you probably just destroyed on your stove. 

ALARM NUMBER TWO: FIRE ALARM

 

IN YOUR HALLWAY: There’s the 4”X3” rectangular fire alarm. It goes off if there’s a fire anywhere in the common areas of the building like the garage, dumpster room, laundry rooms, hallways, lobbies and storage rooms. It’s also connected our local Fire Station #21, and they are no doubt, on their way the second our alarm goes off.

 

DO I STAY OR DO I GO? It’s not a bad idea to leave the building. It COULD be a false alarm, but why chance it? Skip the elevator and take the stairs down - you could use the exercise. Consider it an opportunity to:

1.    Get away from the deafening alarm shrieking.

2.    Meet your neighbors.

3.    Show off your best Covid casual clothes

4.    See cute firemen.                        

 

 

HOA MEETINGS

Pacific Tower Homeowner’s Association has a monthly meeting, usually the third Tuesday of every month and if you’re an owner, you’re invited! Meet your Board members and neighbors. Find out where your $540 is going. We’d love to have you! If you get bored, you’re welcome to leave – no pressure.

 

Since the pandemic, we’ve held our meetings on Zoom instead of gathering in- person in the Rec Room and many owners have taken advantage of participating virtually from the comfort of their units. Pajamas are okay (if not too sexy).

 

At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person.

 

If you have a computer and would like to get a Zoom invitation for the next meeting, please email Keisha@phoac.com. If you don’t have a computer, you can still join the meeting by phone. The meeting announcement posted in the Lobby four days before the meeting will include the Zoom Meeting phone number so you can join by phone.

 

     BOARD OFFICERS

President – Mark Cabaj, Vice President - Karyl Miller, Secretary – Julie Menas, Treasurer – Anthony Mariucci, Directors – Troy Krich, Robin Del Pape, and George Kyrala.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Yuka Asada

 

Covid Updates and Rules

As of this writing several people in the building have gotten Covid. The Omicron variant is rampant in San Diego, so it is no surprise. Yes, we have vaccines, but some people cannot get the vax for various reasons. Please be careful. It ain’t over till it’s over. Social distance is still a good thing and N95 masks are highly, highly recommended. Please don’t be offended if your neighbor prefers to ride the elevator alone. None of the children in the building are vaccinated (yet). Thank you for your consideration.

 

 

 

CONTACT INFO

On-Site Maintenance Cell Phone (Joseph Arellano) 619.339.3490 – Call or Text

On-Site Maintenance Office Land Line - 858.272.0860

Professional HOA Consultants (PHOAC) - 619.229.0044

*NEW: After Hours Emergencies 800.395.6036

Community Association Manager – Keisha Kendall 619.229.0044 ext.16 email: keisha@phoac.com

PHOAC Accounts Receivable - payments@phoac.com

                                                                                           

January 2022 Newsletter

 

      PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2022

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

                       

         WANNA MAKE SOME NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

 

When you’re perfect, it’s hard to think up ways that you could improve yourself. So here is a little helpful guide to things you might not have thought of (involving Pacific Tower, of course).

 

BALCONY:

I resolve to make sure there are plastic saucers under all my plants (so that the constant wetness doesn’t wreck the concrete).

 

I resolve to not put a rug on my balcony floor because it can hold wetness and hide wetness and cracks.

 

I also promise to notify Joseph Arellano, our Building Manager, about any cracks, bubbles or holes on my balcony or the ceiling of my balcony.

 

I resolve not to hang my wetsuit, towels, or laundry on my balcony.

 

I will keep my surfboard close to my unit, so it doesn’t fall in the street.

 

LAUNDRY ROOM:

I promise not to toss cardboard boxes in the laundry room without first flattening them.

 

I will empty my boxes of packing peanuts, paper filler, and pierce the air pockets (Fun!).

 

                         And have a Very Happy New Year!  

 

  

HOA MEETINGS

Pacific Tower Homeowner’s Association has a monthly meeting, usually the third Tuesday of every month and if you’re an owner, you’re invited! Meet your Board members and neighbors. Find out where your $540 is going. We’d love to have you! If you get bored, you’re welcome to leave – no pressure.

 

Since the pandemic, we’ve held our meetings on Zoom instead of gathering in- person in the Rec Room and many owners have taken advantage of participating virtually from the comfort of their units. Pajamas are okay (if not too sexy).

 

At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person.

 

If you have a computer and would like to get a Zoom invitation for the next meeting, please email Keisha@phoac.com. If you don’t have a computer, you can still join the meeting by phone. The meeting announcement posted in the Lobby four days before the meeting will include the Zoom Meeting phone number so you can join by phone.

 

     BOARD OFFICERS

President – Mark Cabaj, Vice President - Karyl Miller, Secretary – Julie Menas, Treasurer – Anthony Mariucci, Directors – Troy Krich, Robin Del Pape, and George Kyrala.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Yuka Asada

 

Covid Updates and Rules

As of this writing no one in the building has Covid that we know of. Yay! But Delta and Omicron are here in California. Yes, we have vaccines, but some people cannot take the vax for various reasons. Please be careful. It ain’t over till it’s over. Social distance is still a good thing and masks are highly recommended. At least have a mask at-the-ready and don’t be offended if your neighbor prefers to ride the elevator alone. None of the children in the building are vaccinated (yet). Thank you.

 

 

 

CONTACT INFO

On-Site Maintenance Cell Phone (Joseph Arellano) 619.339.3490 – Call or Text

On-Site Maintenance Office Land Line - 858.272.0860

Professional HOA Consultants (PHOAC) - 619.229.0044

*NEW: After Hours Emergencies 800.395.6036

Community Association Manager – Keisha Kendall 619.229.0044 ext.16 email: keisha@phoac.com

PHOAC Accounts Receivable - payments@phoac.com

                                                                                           

December 2021 Newsletter

 

      PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2021

Check out our website/blog for downloading Rules & Regs, forms and fascinating building info http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

 

                                  

                                     

            THANKS SANTA!

 

Since there’s a delay between when this gets written and when it gets distributed, Happy post-Thanksgiving and/or pre–Merry Christmas.

 

This is an ideal time to thank those who deserve thanks for keeping this building going. First and foremost, we thank our dedicated Building Manager Joseph Arellano. He’s here every day all day and on call 24/7. Many a night he has raced over here for an emergency after most of us are snuggled in our beds. He’s a problem-solver and friend to all, including those with four legs. We also thank our industrious janitors: Victor Gonzales, and Maria and Francisco Cardenas.  

 

Lastly would it be too much to suggest you thank your Board, and in particular our president Mark Cabaj?  HOAs get such a bad rap -especially on the Internet. But the truth is these seven generous volunteers spend untold hours poring over repair contracts, educating themselves on the Internet and having meetings – all with the goal of making our building safe, clean and in good repair. We do our best.

 

 

                     HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Holiday decorations are permitted from Halloween season

through New Year’s Eve.  After that all decorations and string lights are not allowed on your balcony or your doors.  Please wrap your dead Christmas tree in a sheet so as not to fill the hallways and elevators with pine needles. Thank you.

 

HOA MEETINGS

Pacific Tower Homeowner’s Association has a monthly meeting, usually the third Tuesday of every month and if you’re an owner, you’re invited!  Meet your Board and neighbors. Find out where your $540 is going. We’d love to have you! If you get bored, you’re welcome to leave – no pressure.

 

Since the pandemic, we’ve held our meetings on Zoom instead of gathering in- person in the Rec Room and many owners have taken advantage of participating virtually from the comfort of their units. Pajamas are permitted (if not too sexy).

 

At the beginning of each meeting, homeowners are invited to ask questions of the Board, raise issues or lodge complaints for five minutes per person.

 

If you have a computer and would like to get a Zoom invitation for the next meeting, please email Keisha@phoac.com. If you don’t have a computer, you can still join the meeting by phone. Meeting announcement posted in the Lobby 4 days before the meeting gives the Zoom Meeting phone number so you can join by phone. 

           BOARD OFFICERS

President – Mark Cabaj, Vice President - Karyl Miller, Secretary – Julie Menas, Treasurer – Anthony Mariucci, Directors – Troy Krich, Robin Del Pape, and George Kyrala.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Trish Mylet

 

Covid Updates and Rules

As of this writing no one in the building has caught Covid that we know of. Yay! But Delta is still in the air. Yes, we have vaccines, but some people cannot take the vax for various reasons. Please be careful. It ain’t over till it’s over. Social distance is still a good thing and so are masks. At least have a mask at-the-ready. Thank you. 

 

 

 

CONTACT INFO

On-Site Maintenance Cell Phone (Joseph Arellano) 619.339.3490 – Call or Text

On-Site Maintenance Office Land Line - 858.272.0860

Professional HOA Consultants (PHOAC) - 619.229.0044

*NEW: After Hours Emergencies 800.395.6036

Community Association Manager – Keisha Kendall 619.229.0044 ext.16 email: keisha@phoac.com

PHOAC Accounts Receivable - payments@phoac.com