PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2021

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

     

       CRIMES AGAINST BALCONIES

            Did you know your balcony isn’t exactly yours? Your balcony is considered Common Area - for exclusive use. That means your balcony is sort of leant to you, and there are 16 rules about what you cannot do to it. Here are some of the key rules: 

Your balcony “cannot be redecorated, renovated or remodeled.”

Tiling your balcony or painting it an alternative color or swapping out the sconce light is a no-no. Having a rug that could be damp and could hide a hole or crack in the concrete is not permitted. Drilling holes for hanging plants falls under this category because your balcony is vulnerable to water intrusion. If water gets in through even a tiny hole and makes its way to the rebar, it will rust that rebar. Rusted rebar will compromise and crack the concrete and possibly weaken the balcony. This is why we also ask you to please, please have plastic saucers under every plant (available at Green Gardens right next door). Your HOA has spent and continues to spend big bucks to keep your concrete balcony in tip top, safe condition. We need your cooperation.

No signs, banners or flags can be affixed to your balcony.

Patio furniture only is permitted.

No storage is allowed.

No clotheslines or drying of laundry.

No BBQ or cooking.

Railing: Nothing may be attached except a windbreak of clear 1/8” plexiglass (no higher than the railing) or chain-link fencing that is the same as the chain link on the cat-walk. All other barriers such as chicken wire are not permitted.

Smoking: not permitted.

 

Want to see ALL the rules? For a digital copy of the Rules and Regulations, please visit our website http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

 

 

 

     PACIFIC TOWER NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2021 page 2

 

HOA MEETINGS

Pacific Tower Homeowner’s Association has a monthly meeting, usually the third Tuesday of every month and if you are 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. 

                                          DON’T BE A DOORMAT

With apologies to Bed, Bath and Beyond, but please don’t have a doormat in front of your door. Maintenance needs to either mop or vacuum there and your doormat and/or your shoes are in the way. Please have nothing in front of your door. Thank you.

 

BOARD OFFICERS

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

 

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. Yay! But Delta is in the air. Everyone is asked to 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

                                                                                           

December 2020 Newsletter

 

                                                 

The Board wishes everyone in the building a very happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. We thank our dedicated Building Manager Joseph Arellano and our janitorial staff: Victor Gonzalas and Francisco and Maria Cardenas. We also salute our longtime janitor Marvin Mendez who left due to the pandemic. It takes a village to keep up this vertical village of 118 units. The Board appreciates the cooperation you have given us by wearing your masks and with all the new and changing pandemic restrictions. It hasn’t been easy. We also thank our pandemic Buddy System – which is still in place in case someone is sequestered and needs help. Hopefully the pandemic will end in the near future. In the meantime we really are in this together. Happy Holidays.

 

Dear Boardie,

Q. My neighbor is chain smoking on his balcony. My wife and I are miserable! It’s not fair that we have to keep our sliding glass door closed on a beautiful San Diego day, just to avoid choking to death! What should I do?

Q.  Have you thought of gently mentioning it to the neighbor? You could simply ask them to smoke inside and remind them that we’re not allowed to smoke on our balconies (or the catwalk, hallways, lobbies or any of the common areas).

A. We tried something like that.

Q. By “something” what you mean…?

A. Every time he lit up we blasted Heavy Metal music just to show them how it felt.

Q. And they didn’t take the hint?

A. Nope. Still smoking like a chimney.

Q. So you’ve given up?

A. Nope. Then we trashed them on Twitter and NextDoor.com.

Q. And that didn‘t nip the problem in the bud?

A. Nope. Nada. Goose eggs.

Q. Your HOA has excellent ways of dealing with the problem. Have you considered filing a Violation Report against that neighbor? That report would go to the Board. After a warning letter is issued, if the smoker is still smokin’, they would be called before the Board and possibly issued a $250 fine.

Q. We don’t know exactly which neighbor it is.     

A. That happens all the time. Once the smoke starts, quickly go outside and look up at your balcony. Use binoculars if necessary. Once you ID the culprit, you can fill out a Violation Report. Remember: People tend to be cooperative. Sometimes they just don’t know the rules.   

     

Boardie recently received a telepathic message from the trash chute:

 

Dear Kind Sir,

With all due respect, permit me to school you in the fine art of garbage elimination.

First of all, don’t ask why trash chutes is not spelled trash shoots. Everyone asks and no one knows. Fun fact: Trash Chutes come in sizes. I’m an Extra Small which means I’m only 24 by 18 inches wide. I have a very strict diet due to my petite size. For instance, I’m smaller than a pizza box. Most pizza boxes will choke me. One open pizza box will cause a blockage. Then everyone throws their garbage on top of that, but they don’t know it’s not getting to the dumpster. Soon I’m clogged all the way up to 12. Will it be easy to unclog me? No it will not! It’s a dirty messy job. Another thing that kills me? Stretchable Force Flex Glad bags. Why? Because I’m not stretchable! I’m considered skinny by my peers. Sure those bags start innocently enough, flat enough, but one big party and miracle of miracles you could throw in the kitchen sink and still have room. Once your garbage collection resembles Santa’s Bag, I guarantee it will choke me. I am not glad over those Glad Bags. ‘Nuff said.  

                                                      

Covid Updates

As of this writing, no one in the building has caught Covid. Yay!

Everyone must wear a mask in the common areas - elevators and stairwells of the building.

Wash your hands upon entering your unit.

Practice Social Distancing.

Only 10 people allowed in the pool area at a time and NO GUESTS allowed.

Only 2 people allowed in the gym at a time and they must wear masks.

 

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller and Edited by Trish Mylet

Pacific Tower Blog http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

Pacific Tower FAQs 

 Dear Boardie, I forgot – what does FAQs mean?

A. Frequently Asked Questions. It’s impossible to know everything about the building, so here’s a handy updated list with new phone numbers and websites. Rules listed aren’t the ONLY rules, but these are the most often broken. Vendors and tradesmen listed are some we use but you are always free to choose your own.

Please visit our blog http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org for lots of helpful articles and downloads, including our Rules and Regulations and other forms. Please see, call or text on-site Building Manager Joseph Arellano, with any and all questions, no matter how trivial at 619.339.3490.

AFTER-HOURS BUILDING EMERGENCIES: Professional HOA Consultants - 619.430.0695

BALCONIES: No plants without plastic plates underneath them. No smoking, rugs, laundry/wetsuits, towels, storage, BBQs, decorative string lights.

CATWALK: No smoking, party-ing, loud yakking, running, noise, music, wet towels or doormats.

CONSTRUCTION: 8 AM to 5 PM Monday – Friday. Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM.

ELEVATOR RESERVATION FORM: Required for use of the elevator for delivery of furniture or removal of  remodeling debris etc. $50 per day.  Available on our blog, website or in the Lobby Office.

GARBAGE DISPOSALS: No Drano, Liquid Plumber, celery, artichokes, etc. Please use your common  sense or check the internet. And don’t forget to run lots of cold water while grinding.

HANDYMAN: West Coast Repairs (Doug Peters) 619.760.7975

KEYS: Your large square key opens the Front Lobby doors, Dumpster Room, Exterior stairway doors, Lower Garage Lobby Doors, Pool and Rec Room. You can get a second key for a deposit of $75. 

LOWER GARAGE GATE REMOTES are $35, available in the Lobby Office by check or money order.

LAUNDRY: You can use the machines on any floor.  Leave washer door open after using to prevent mold. Empty lint filter after using dryer. Do NOT prop open Laundry Room Doors by order of the Fire  Department.

LOBBY OFFICE HOURS: 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays. Call or text 619.339.3490.

LOCKSMITHS: IF the Lobby Office does NOT have your spare key you will need to call a locksmith. Never leave your spare key in your laundry room locker as they are easily broken into.

              Dup-a-Key 858.750.2224 (local in PB), Mike Grizzly Keys 858.444.0437.

MAID/CLEANING SERVICES: Please tell maids and cleaners not to throw boxes down the trash chute because boxes clog the chute.)

              Spanish: Por favor no tire cajas o bolletas por el ventedero dobasura.

              French: Ne pas jeter de boîtes dans la goulotte.

              *Please don’t shake mops or beat rugs on the catwalk or balconies.

              Spanish: No sacuda los trapeadores ni golpee las alfombras en la pasarela or balcones.

              French: Veuillez ne pas secouer les vadrouilles ni battre les tapis sur les podiums ou les balcons

              *Don’t dump water on or over the balcony.

              Spanish: No tirar el agua en el balcon.

              French: Ne jetez pas d’eau sur le balcon.

MOVING IN, OUT OR LARGE DELIVERIES: Absolutely forbidden on weekends and evenings.  The reason is because there is no staff here to unlock the lobby double doors or to lock down and pad the elevator. Violators may be fined $250, so please take a weekday off work for this purpose and always fill out an elevator reservation form.  For last-minute deliveries, text the office at 619.339.3490.

PARKING: You can rent out or swap your parking place only temporarily.  It is deeded to your unit.

PEST CONTROL: Dewey Pest 858.272.3611.

PETS: Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Anyone can download Pet Rules from               http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org

PLUMBERS: Report any plumbing question (sink, toilet or water where it shouldn’t be or even the  sound of dripping) to the Building Manger so he can see the problem before it gets worse.

JC Plumbing 619.477.5001, Emory 858.483.6880,  Ramona Pacific 619.439.1830

POOL: Hours 8 AM to 10 PM.  Don’t dive, smoke, shout, play loud music or have glass bottles or food.

RECYCLING BINS: For paper, plastic and washed and dried cans. No garbage or containers with food particles on them or smelly cat food cans. Flatten all cardboard boxes. Really large boxes should       be flattened and left in the upper garage next to the Dumpster Room doors.

REMODELING: Architectural Rules and forms are available in the Lobby Office and for download at http://www.PacificTowerHOA.org. Know the limits and get written permission from the              Board before making any revisions to your unit.

STREET PARKING: No parking 1^St Wednesday of the month, Wilbur St. (North side) 10 AM to 2 PM and Cass Street (West side) 7 AM to 10 AM. No Parking, 1^St Thursday of the month, Wilbur St, (South side) 10 AM to 2 PM Cass St. (East side) 7 AM to 10 AM.

TRASH CHUTE: No cardboard boxes of any kind, EVER!  No glass. Put garbage in a sealed plastic bag.

TV/CABLE: Free basic cable plus SHOWTIME and INTERNET from Spectrum comes with your unit.  If  you want AT&T, premium channels or hi-speed, you will have to contact them and pay for it.

WIFI: In the gym/RecRoom. 

CONTACT INFO: On-Site Maintenance Office, Joseph Arellano Cell 619.339.3490.  Land.  858.272.0860   Joseph.PTCA@gmail.com

Professional HOA Consultants (PHOAC) After- Hours 619.430.0695.

              PHOAC Daytime Non-emergency 619.229.0044

Community Association Manager (at PHOAC) Ryan Anaya 619.229.0044 Extension 20. Or Email ryan@phoac.com

Newsletter Written by Karyl Miller, Edited by Trish Mylet

                                                                       

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

PHOAC Emergency After- Hours - 619.430.0695

Community Association Manager – Ryan Anaya 619.229.0044  ext. 20 Ryan@phoac.com

PHOAC Accounts Receivable - payments@phoac.com

BALCONY BEAUTIFICATION

Dear Boardie,

Q. Why does the catwalk railing look shiny and new while mine looks dull and old?

SIMPLE ANSWER: Our cleaning staff cleans and shines the railing weekly whereas you rarely or possibly never have cleaned yours.

Q. Okay I admit it. It’s been years. Is there any hope for my balcony railing?

A. Yes!

LONG ANSWER:  All you have to do is A) clean your railing with soap and water. B) Rub lightly with soft steel wool. C) Shine with a soft cloth saturated with ZEP or WEIMAN Stainless Steel Polish. Yes, it smells uggy like WD40, but that smell will dissipate.

Q. What if I hate the smell of Eau de WD40?

A. Wear rubber gloves, a clothes pin on your nose and direct the spray into your soft cloth.

Q. What if I don’t have time to go to the hardware store to buy this?

Q. Why spend money if I only need a few spritzes?

A. Building Manager Joseph will lend you a can for ONE DAY or less.

Dear Boardie,

Once my railing is clean, my balcony floor will look dirtier than ever!

Q. What’s the easiest way to clean my #$^&*# textured balcony floor?

A. Wait for a rainstorm and while every balcony is wet, sweep with a stiff broom.

Q. What about when it’s dry?

LONG ANSWER: It’s important NOT to drip down on your neighbor, so do NOT throw a bucket of soapy water across your balcony (no matter how tempting). You’ve got to clean just like Cinderella: Get a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. Get down on your hands and knees and scrub a few feet at a time. (Wear headphones playing Lizzo if that makes you happy.) Sop up the water using the entire Society section of the San Diego Union Tribune. Then scrub a few feet more. Sop up the water using the entire Sports section. Repeat. Building Manager Joseph will lend you kneepads for one day if you ask him nicely.

Dear Boardie,

Q. Why are plants prohibited on balconies?

A. Plants are permitted AS LONG AS they have a plastic, non-porous

plate underneath.

Q. Why?

A. Despite the protective coating painted on top of your balcony, the concrete is porous. If water gets into the concrete – either from a plant, a wet rug or from a hole where the fencing meets the concrete, it can travel down to the rebar that holds up the structure. Once the rebar gets rusty, it eats the surrounding concrete, compromising the strength of your balcony. We want your balcony protected. If you spot a possible water intrusion, notify Joseph immediately.

                                         ***

                                                                November  21,  2019

GOOD NEWS:

Between now and January 5 you may put holiday decorations

including lights on your balcony.

After that date, decorations and lights are NOT allowed.

BAD NEWS:

Amazon and other packages have recently been stolen from several unit doors. To ensure you get your packages, either require a signature or have them sent to a local Amazon or UPS pick-up location. If you get an email that your package has been delivered and it’s not at your front door, check the lobby. Seasonal delivery people have been known to dump and run.

MORE BAD NEWS:

An unlocked car was recently burglarized in our upper garage. Always lock your car and never have anything valuable showing on the seats.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS:

Don’t you love watching hundreds of Santas running past our building? The famous Santa 5K and One Mile Run will be racing past us Saturday, December 14 around 9:15 AM.

Need more Christmas? The PB Holiday Parade begins at 1 PM starting on Haines and going west down Garnet, also December 14.