transcript
4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite 230 Danville, California
94506
(925) 736-6440; fax (925) 736-0428 email:
blackhawk@blackhawk-hoa.com
www.blackhawk-hoa.com
http://facebook.com/BlackhawkHomeownersAssociation
Ron Banducci
Vincent Burgos Treasurer
Review Committee Alternate Member
Holiday Decorating Awards 2016 —
2016 was a very difficult year to judge holiday decorating in our
com- munity. The judges tell us that while there were less homes
decorated in 2016 than we have seen in years, many were so
elaborate, that judging them was a daunting task even for judges as
experienced as ours!
Every year, Blackhawk residents go the extra mile decorating their
homes in the holiday spirit. And in 2016, our community has graced
us once again with beautiful decorations. So if you didn’t make the
judges’ list this year, please don’t be discouraged. The
competition in 2016 was the most elaborate that Blackhawk has seen
in years.
Continuing with our tradition, we awarded various homes for their
out- standing decorations. The winners are recognized every year,
in our January newsletter.
Awards given in the following cate- gories this year are: 1st, 2nd
and 3rd Place - For homes in the Country Club neighborhoods with
the best overall decorations, bal- ance between lights and figures,
uni- formity in design and overall holiday spirit. President’s
Awards - As the name infers, these homes are selected by the
President of the Board. Children’s Awards - For homes that
emphasize the holiday season for chil- dren and bring out the child
in us. Fantasia Awards - These awards are presented to the homes
for best ex- pressing the fantasy of the holiday season. Ambassador
Awards - These special awards go to the homes with the most fully
developed theme.
Winter Wonderland Awards - For the homes using the best
illumination to make you think of the snowy holiday season. Best
Overall - For the home with the most outstanding decorations in the
entire Blackhawk HOA Community. Enchanted Christmas Awards - Best
use of decorations reminding us of a child’s enchantment during the
holiday season. Elegant Christmas Awards - Homes with the most
sophisticated elegance in their holiday decorating theme. Festival
of Lights Awards - Homes with the most creative use of exterior
lighting. Best Block Award - This award is given for the block with
the most out- standing decorations. Light Extravaganza Awards- For
the most elaborate use of lights. Best Animated Awards - For the
most decorations and lighting giving life to the holiday spirit.
Magic of Christmas Awards - For the best use of decorations and
lights to remind us of the magic of this season. Most Spectacular
Award – For the home utilizing all of the holiday themes. Old
Fashioned Christmas Awards– For the best use of lights and decora-
tions reminding us of Christmas past. Spirit of Christmas Awards –
For the best expression of the spirit of the sea- son. Splendor of
Christmas Awards – For the most creative use of decora- tions
expressing the splendor of the season. Tropical Paradise Awards –
For the best use of decorations that express an enchanting tropical
paradise.
See the full-color centerfold for photo- graphs of some of the
homes given these awards. Unfortunately, with lim- ited space, not
all homes can be fea- tured in this insert or in the
listings.
2
O Oakridge Area 132 Oakridge Drive 1st Place 11 Oakridge Lane
Children's Award #1 85 Oakridge Court Festival of Lights #1 86
Oakridge Court Old Fashion Christmas #1 60 Oakridge Court Spirit of
Christmas #1 125 Oakridge Drive Winter Wonderland #1
Silver Maple Area 3474 Silver Maple Drive 1st Place 4042 Sugar
Maple Drive Ambassador Award # 1 4085 Sugar Maple Drive Best
Animated #1 4013 Sugar Maple Drive Best Overall 4111 Sugar Maple
Drive Children's Award # 1 421 Full Moon Way Elegant Award #1 4064
Sugar Maple Drive Enchanted Christmas #1 4005 Sugar Maple Drive
Fantasia Award #1 412 Full Moon Way Light Extravaganza #1 416 Full
Moon Way Old Fashion Christmas #1 4126 Sugar Maple Drive Presidents
Award #1 324 Red Maple Drive Spirit of Christmas #1
Country Club Area Cottonwood Drive Best Street - 1st Place from
Cottonwood Lane Blackhawk Club Court Best Street - 2nd Place Silver
Pine Lane Best Cul-de-Sac 512 Blackhawk Club Drive 1st Place 110
Pepperwood Court 2nd Place 551 Blackhawk Club Drive 3rd Place 3260
Blackhawk Meadow Dr Ambassador Award #1 3304 Blackhawk Meadow Dr
Ambassador Award #2 311 Pheasant Run Drive Ambassador Award #3 2751
Deer Meadow Drive Ambassador Award #4 4645 Kingswood Drive
Children's Award #1 3816 Cottonwood Drive Children's Award #2 3412
Deer Ridge Drive Children's Award #3 4412 Deer Ridge Road Elegant
Award #1 3308 Deer Hollow Drive Elegant Award #2 3368 Deer Hollow
Drive Elegant Award #3 2769 Deer Meadow Drive Elegant Award #4 45
Red Alder Court Enchanted Christmas #1 3511 Country Club Place
Enchanted Christmas #2 5400 Blackhawk Drive Enchanted Christmas #3
3641 Country Club Terrace Fantasia Award #1 3851 Cottonwood Drive
Fantasia Award #2 3357 Deer Hollow Drive Fantasia Award #3 100
Pepperwood Court Fantasia Award #4 4004 Eagle Nest Lane Festival of
Lights #1 122 Kingswood Circle Festival of Lights #2 5490 Blackhawk
Drive Festival of Lights #3 3157 Fox Creek Drive Festival of Lights
#4 3004 Deer Meadow Drive Light Extravaganza #1 15 East Ridge Court
Light Extravaganza #2 3840 Cottonwood Drive Light Extravaganza #3
3441 Deer Ridge Drive Magic of Christmas #1 3520 Country Club Place
Magic of Christmas #2 3341 Blackhawk Meadow Dr Magic of Christmas
#3 700 Blue Spruce Drive Magic of Christmas #4 4635 Kingswood Drive
Most Spectacular Award utilizing all holiday themes 3437 Deer Ridge
Drive Most Spectacular Award utilizing all holiday themes
5205 Blackhawk Drive Old Fashion Christmas #1 5275 Blackhawk Drive
Old Fashion Christmas #2 5106 Blackhawk Drive Old Fashion Christmas
#3 61 Wild Oak Place Presidents Award #1 5466 Blackhawk Drive
President's Award #2 4205 Quail Run Drive Presidents Award #3 863
Redwood Drive Santa's Helper Award 3655 Deer Trail Drive Spirit of
Christmas #1 4211 Blackhawk Meadow Ct Spirit of Christmas #2 4271
Silver Meadow Court Spirit of Christmas #3 4126 Quail Run Drive
Spirit of Christmas #4 736 Blue Spruce Drive Splendor of Christmas
#1 4418 Deer Ridge Road Splendor of Christmas #2 4221 Blackhawk
Meadow Ct Splendor of Christmas #3 5204 Blackhawk Drive Splendor of
Christmas #4 3300 Deer Hollow Drive Tropical Paradise #1 352
Pheasant Run Drive Tropical Paradise #2 38 Pheasant Run Place
Tropical Paradise #3 3219 Blackhawk Meadow Dr Winter Wonderland #1
4270 Silver Meadow Court Winter Wonderland #2 4251 Quail Run Way
Winter Wonderland #3 2962 Deer Meadow Drive Winter Wonderland
#4
Honorable Mentions: 113 Oakridge Dr 144 Oakridge Dr 168 Oakridge Dr
91 Oakridge Court 3463 Silver Maple Dr 4028 Sugar Maple Dr 4029
Sugar Maple Dr 4097 Sugar Maple Dr 4114 Sugar Maple Dr 101
Kingswood Cir 117 Kingswood Cir 140 Kingswood Cir 142 Kingswood Cir
331 Kingswood Lane 5483 Blackhawk Dr 3716 Deer Trail Court 3683
Deer Trail Dr 3642 Deer Trail Dr 3629 Country Club Terrace 3710
Deer Trail Dr 3855 Cottonwood Dr 4420 Deer Ridge Rd 4460 Deer Ridge
Rd 3411 Deer Ridge Dr 3334 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3362 Blackhawk
Meadow Dr 3370 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3283 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3280
Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3263 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 4220 Blackhawk Meadow
Ct 4230 Blackhawk Meadow Ct 4210 Blackhawk Meadow Ct 3227 Blackhawk
Meadow Dr 4199 Quail Run Dr 3235 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 5251 Blackhawk
Dr 4003 Eagle Nest Lane
4016 Eagle Nest Lane 4044 Eagle Nest Lane 937 Redwood Dr 148
Birchbark Pl 645 Blue Spruce Dr 5066 Blackhawk Dr 5077 Blackhawk Dr
5098 Blackhawk Dr 5130 Blackhawk Dr 5134 Blackhawk Dr 20 Silver Fir
Lane 8 Red Cedar Ct 91 Red Cypress Ct 571 Blackhawk Club Dr 579
Blackhawk Club Dr 583 Blackhawk Club Dr 17 Red Pine Ct 3049 Deer
Meadow Dr 3089 Deer Meadow Dr 3105 Deer Meadow Dr 541 Buttonwood Dr
10 Birchwood Pl 18 Birchwood Pl 30 Rosewood Ct 2707 Deer Meadow Dr
2715 Deer Meadow Dr 2730 Deer Meadow Dr 2965 Deer Meadow Dr 2987
Deer Meadow Dr 905 Pepperwood Dr 220 Live Oak Dr 294 Live Oak Dr
360 Live Oak Dr 3057 Live Oak Ct
3
Honorable Mentions: 113 Oakridge Dr 144 Oakridge Dr 168 Oakridge Dr
91 Oakridge Court 3463 Silver Maple Dr 4028 Sugar Maple Dr 4029
Sugar Maple Dr 4097 Sugar Maple Dr 4114 Sugar Maple Dr 101
Kingswood Cir 117 Kingswood Cir 140 Kingswood Cir 142 Kingswood Cir
331 Kingswood Lane 5483 Blackhawk Dr 3716 Deer Trail Court 3683
Deer Trail Dr 3642 Deer Trail Dr 3629 Country Club Terrace 3710
Deer Trail Dr 3855 Cottonwood Dr 4420 Deer Ridge Rd 4460 Deer Ridge
Rd 3411 Deer Ridge Dr 3334 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3362 Blackhawk
Meadow Dr 3370 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3283 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3280
Blackhawk Meadow Dr 3263 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 4220 Blackhawk Meadow
Ct 4230 Blackhawk Meadow Ct 4210 Blackhawk Meadow Ct 3227 Blackhawk
Meadow Dr 4199 Quail Run Dr 3235 Blackhawk Meadow Dr 5251 Blackhawk
Dr 4003 Eagle Nest Lane
4016 Eagle Nest Lane 4044 Eagle Nest Lane 937 Redwood Dr 148
Birchbark Pl 645 Blue Spruce Dr 5066 Blackhawk Dr 5077 Blackhawk Dr
5098 Blackhawk Dr 5130 Blackhawk Dr 5134 Blackhawk Dr 20 Silver Fir
Lane 8 Red Cedar Ct 91 Red Cypress Ct 571 Blackhawk Club Dr 579
Blackhawk Club Dr 583 Blackhawk Club Dr 17 Red Pine Ct 3049 Deer
Meadow Dr 3089 Deer Meadow Dr 3105 Deer Meadow Dr 541 Buttonwood Dr
10 Birchwood Pl 18 Birchwood Pl 30 Rosewood Ct 2707 Deer Meadow Dr
2715 Deer Meadow Dr 2730 Deer Meadow Dr 2965 Deer Meadow Dr 2987
Deer Meadow Dr 905 Pepperwood Dr 220 Live Oak Dr 294 Live Oak Dr
360 Live Oak Dr 3057 Live Oak Ct
Blackhawk’s 15th Annual Hospice Tree Lighting Ceremony —
Thanks to all the participants who made this year’s Blackhawk
Hospice Tree Ceremony such a success! We had over 250 people -- the
larg- est number yet.
The Committee was chaired this year as it has for many years, by
our Community Manager, Mark Goldberg. This year’s success was again
due to the combined efforts of our homeowners, the dedicated
Hospice Tree Committee, Black- hawk Homeowners Association,
Blackhawk Country Club, the vendors who serve our com- munity, the
Diablo Vista School Choir and the National Charity League. Once
again, our spon- sors came through and all expenses for the tree
have been paid from sponsorship funding rather than donations. All
donations plus the excess sponsorship money goes directly to the
Hospice of the East Bay.
The other Hospice Committee members pre- sent were homeowners Linda
Maddalon, Connie Wolfson and Karen Bryden. Country Club staffer
Thomas Dempster was part of our team again this year as was Joe
Loescher from Cagwin and Dorward who provided well-needed support.
As- sistant Community Manager Melissa Manzo rounded out the group
and made the event a
great success.
We raised $9,000+ for Hospice of the East Bay this year from
Sponsors alone and more
money is still coming in.
Mark Goldberg, emceed this year and our 2016 Tree was dedicated to
longtime resident Ted Santon.
Susan Levitt from Hospice and Debbie Masiel gave heartfelt talks
about working with hospice as an employee and as an individual
(respectively), who availed themselves of hos- pice services. Ms.
Masiel’s recount of her Fa- ther’s and Mother’s experience with
Hospice was nothing short of awe inspiring.
We don’t want to forget the National Charity League who in
mother-daughter teams assisted us with all of our needs during the
tree lighting ceremony and they have done so for the last 14
years.
For 14 of the last 15 years, we have been treated to the beautiful
voices of the Diablo Val- ley Middle School Chorus, led by Chorus
Direc- tor, Carolyn Williams. Words can’t express our gratitude to
Carolyn and her students who brought their beautiful music to our
event.
Our lovely and majestic Hospice Tree
4
Ambrose, Samantha Anderson, Chloe Athani, Sohini Bodner, Jack
Brodehl, Ethan Bukta, Kaitlyn Calvert, Macie Camacho, Sofia
Capovilla, Amanda Cole, Alexa Corcoran, Jack Crandall, Autumn
Eastwood, Devyn Endries, Jack Erickson, McCall Ezeir, Maddy
Gallagher, Drew Gill, Mariah Girdner, Alex Gratteau, Will Guijo,
Adeline Hadsell, Christianna Hartman, Zach Hayward, Julia Herley,
Brennen Hungerford, Logan Kabbarah, Aya
Law, Jackson Leiter, Viv Lim, Alexis Lo Porto, Jordyn Macdonald,
Paige Maciel,Lizzie Martinez, Kaitlin McPherson, Carly Millard,
Riley Nishihira, Jackson Obregon, Maddie Paulose, Joshua Polo,
Jaclyn Potestio, Alyssa Psefteas, Peter Quinto, Justin Reese,
Brooke Robison,Joe Sheppard, Judah Silva, Alex Smith, Rachel
Smolgovsky, Julia Spanier, Mason Thornton, Sophia Trainer Addy
Tucker, Sammie Wade, Jackson
2016 Student Choral Singers
The Diablo Vista School choir and chorus director Carolyn Williams
(lower right-hand corner)
5
Landscaping Awards This is in recognition of outstanding effort to
enhance your property and our community through beautiful
landscaping, with special attention to planting beds of exceptional
design and color harmony. Overall cohesiveness is also very im-
portant.
Photos where taken by Dave Rendon, a gifted photographer. Dave
tells us that he really enjoys the gardens as he photographs them
and the images certainly reflect that. Thanks, Dave.
Dawn and Thomas Schaeffer 3012 Deer Meadow Drive A classic, formal
style garden, immaculately maintained over many years. If you get a
chance, visit this garden during various holidays for knock-out,
seasonal decorations.
Deborah and Samuel Killips 113 Pepperwood Court This is a
newly-redesigned garden, keeping mature, classical ele- ments and
replacing some areas of water-thirsty turf with drip irri- gation,
a few boulders and water-wise plants. Nicely maintained.
6
MANAGER’S CORNER Happy New Year One and All! --
As this New Year begins, we wish you all a healthy and happy new
year. 2016 was a great year for the community. As the econ- omy
improved, we saw many long-awaited and needed improvements to so
many homes and the HOA continued to replant common areas with low
water use, climate appropriate plants. Blackhawk is once again
basking in the beauty of its homes and com- mon areas.
We still had our challenges and despite them, your Board of
Directors, staff and I worked harder than ever not to raise the
dues for the last three years. 2017 brings the first (and small)
increase in 3 years by raising the dues by $2 per month from $187
to $189 monthly ($567 Quarterly).
We are pleased to report that homes con- tinue to sell at a fast
pace, delinquencies continue to decline and the financial outlook
for the HOA is the healthiest it has ever been.
The 2016 holiday season was in many ways no different from the past
years. Black- hawk did what it always does and that was to show
great support for all the holiday events. And we should all feel
proud of the contribu- tions made this year to the Association’s
Food Drive, Clothing Drive and Hospice Tree Lighting. We should
also be proud of all of those who outdid themselves in decorating
their homes again this year.
The 2016 Food Drive elves worked hard all day and into the evening
at all Blackhawk gates to make the event possible.
Record numbers turned out for the Hospice Tree lighting on December
2
nd . This was
our 15 th year working with Blackhawk
Country Club, the National Charity League and the Diablo Vista
Middle School Chorus.
Many homes throughout the community decorated this year for the
holidays and the decorations were even more elaborate than ever,
making it harder for the awards com- mittee to select this year’s
winners. Award placards were placed in front of the homes of this
year’s winners with outstanding holi- day decorations. We hope you
had time to pick up the list of the award winning homes and view
the beautiful spectacle of Black- hawk in December. If not, check
out our website and we will post as many pictures as we can in the
Resource Center.
The Association Board and Staff continue to look for new ways to
improve services to resi- dents. If you have any ideas, please
e-mail us at blackhawk@blackhawk-hoa.com
Please accept my best wishes for a healthy, prosperous and happy
New Year for you and your families. The Blackhawk Chorus Celebrates
25 years of Song and Beautiful Music --
The Blackhawk Chorus’s holiday program was everything you expect
from the Chorus. The music selections were wonderful, the voices
were 140 strong and the program put everyone in the holiday spirit.
This year’s pro- gram was titled “The Shining Night” and fea- tured
highlighted holiday songs they have sung in the last 25
years.
The Blackhawk Chorus, based in Danville, performs great choral
music in the Bay Area and around the world. With nearly 140 mem-
bers, the chorus continues to grow in both quality and artistry
with every new season under the direction of Diane Gilfether.
Congratulations to all members of the Blackhawk Chorus and thank
you for bringing us all so much holiday joy over the years. Please
Turn on your Pillar Light Fixtures -- If you have a light fixture
on top of your mail- box pillar, please turn it on after dark. We
have a lot more people walking the streets after dark, so keeping
your outdoor lights on will keep our streets safer. Please pick up
after your pooches – The reason is self-evident. And thank you all
who are doing it. Farewell to Georgia Lambert at around-
danville@yahoo.com of the San Ramon Valley Times – Georgia is a
long time Coun- try Club Member and author of the monthly column
“Around Danville”. For the last 24 years, Georgia has been writing
about all the positive things that have been going on in the Valley
and she has written so many columns that included Blackhawk HOA and
Club events, too many to count.
Georgia has sold her home and is moving out of the area and has
written her last col- umn. We will miss you and all the light you
have shone on the valley for the last 24 years.
Georgia, Blackhawk is so grateful to you for always placing us in
the proper light and for showing our neighbors that Blackhawk HOA
is a beautiful place to live, to raise your chil- dren, to retire
and to find many wonderful friends and activities. We owe you a
debt of gratitude and wish you well in the future.
Board Meeting Highlights October 4, 2016
Police Services Report - Chief Van Hook pre- sented the Blackhawk
Police Summary Report for the month of August, 2016.
Minutes - The Minutes of the September 6, 2016 meeting were
approved.
Financial Report - The Community Manager presented the financial
report for the month of August, 2016.
Blackhawk Water Savings Highlighted in Community Managers
International News- letter – The Community Manager was asked to
write an article for the Community Managers International
newsletter, show-casing our water saving efforts over the years.
This article will also appear in the October issue of the Black-
hawk Bulletin.
Rules – Once the Board has finalized the ham radio antenna and car
cover policies, these two new rules will be mailed to all Blackhawk
resi- dents, along with the revised enforcement pol- icy, giving a
minimum 30-day notice for com- ments, as required by law.
West Gate Entry Update – A new speed bump was installed in the main
gate visitor lane to align with the residents’ lane. The same had
already been installed at the East gate at some time in the past.
White lane dividers are being installed down the line between the
two entry lanes at both the East and West Gates to keep cars in
either lane from crossing over to the other.
Delinquencies - The Board re-affirmed Presi- dent Banducci’s
approval on September 9, 2016 to turn over six accounts for
collection.
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meeting Minutes - The Board
received the September 7, 2016 meeting minutes.
Emergency Information Center (EIC) Update – The Community Manager
provided a pro- gress report for the EIC. A second communi- cations
exercise is scheduled for October as well as a planning session for
a third Exercise covering wildfires to be held at the County EOC
November 8
th .
Ham Radio Antenna and Car Cover Policy – The Board Directed staff
to fine-tune the drafts of both the Ham Radio Antenna and Car Cover
policies for the next Board meeting.
Tree of Heaven – A third application of a dif- ferent chemical
(glyphosate) was administered along the creek and the residents’
fence line to avoid damage to any landscaping. The last application
will be in October to treat any re- maining sprouts before the
dormant season. This project will begin again in March/April of
2017 with the same cycles, under the supervi- sion of the HOA
consultant. We may have to extend the project out more than 3 years
in
order to have complete eradication.
Combined November/December, 2016 Board Meeting – The Board decided
to sched- ule this year’s combined November/December meeting for
November 1, 2016.
2017 Budget Approval – The Community Manager presented and the
Board approved the revised 2017 budget with a $2.00 per month
increase (1%). The 2017 assessment will be $189 per month ($567 per
quarter). 2017 Expenses are estimated at $4,740,479 including the
reserve contribution. The ap- proved budget will be sent to every
owner by mid-November, 2016.
S. Eagle Nest Red Curbs – “No Parking” signs will be installed
along part of the curb on the downhill-side towards the turn-around
and the curb will be painted red. A letter will be sent to all
owners whose property backs up to the affected area of the
street.
Process Server Process – Our attorney veri- fied the existing
Process Server Policy for en- try at our gates: The process server
must iden- tify him/herself with a driver’s license (or other
identification), and with one of the following – a badge as a
representative of the County Sher- iff or Marshall, evidence of
current registration as a process server, or a private investigator
license.
Close Account – The Board approved the closure of an operating
money market account at Alliance bank and the transfer of these
funds to the operating account at Heritage Bank. Ex- cess operating
funds are automatically trans- ferred into short term CDs.
Lake De-siltation - Should the Club not be able to obtain a
reasonable 3
rd bid for the lake
de-siltation at the waterfall, the HOA Board reluctantly recommends
that the club approve the bid they have, not to exceed $35,000,
with the understanding that the cost will be divided equally by the
Club, GHAD and HOA and that the contract is with the Club and that
the con- tractor will add Blackhawk HOA as additional insured on
their policy.
Full Focus Software – Staff has had its first training in this new
software, which will help enormously in the management of our
commu- nity. Its various aspects include architectural violation
letters and logs, listing of assets, call logs, communication logs,
vendor lists, mem- ber violations and work orders.
PG&E Helicopter - PG&E will be raising the height of one of
the high wire towers near the baseball field, but not on HOA
property. They have requested that we allow them a staging and a
helicopter landing area, to which we agreed with a “Temporary
Construction Ease- ment/Landing Agreement” and a $4,000 fee.
(Continued on page 8)
1. Adjournment from Executive Session.
2. Re-convene from Executive Session: Chair to make a short report
on the general nature of the business discussed in the Executive
Session; i.e., legal, contracts or personnel matters.
3. a. Meeting Input Protocol b. Blackhawk Police Services Report c.
Manager Report d. Blackhawk GHAD Report (if any)
4. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of the last Board
meeting
5. Review of the latest Financial Reports
6. President's Report
7. a. Consent Calendar b. Delinquent Accounts Report
8. Committee Reports a. Architectural Review b. Emergency Planning
(if any)
9. Old Business
10. New Business
Adjournment
An Important Note about Publishing a Regular Board Meeting Agenda
in our News- letter — A final and more detailed agenda can be
obtained at the gate guard houses four days prior to the meeting.
It is also available on our website sev- eral days before the
meeting. Since the newsletter is published quarterly and Board
meetings are monthly, it is impossible to coordinate the two events
so that a more detailed agenda can be included in the newsletter.
Generally, Board meetings are held every first Tuesday of the
month, with the exception of Au- gust and December. August is the
month of the annual membership meeting and there is a com- bined
November/December meeting held in No- vember on a date set by the
Board.
Staff will advise our residents of the forthcom- ing project
scheduled for October 31 through November 9, 2016. (Note PG&E
was not able to complete the work as scheduled and will be back for
one or two days in the near future.)
November 1, 2016
Police Services Report - Chief Van Hook presented the Blackhawk
Police Summary Report for the month of September, 2016.
Minutes - The Minutes of the October 4, 2016 regular meeting were
approved.
Financial Report - The Community Manager presented the financial
reports for the month of September along with the quarterly vari-
ance report.
“Full Focus” Update – The Assistant Com- munity Manager has been
working in this new software daily, sending out letters of
violation and work orders. This software is proving to be a very
good tool to keep track of violations, as well as providing reports
on them. Owners who have received the letters have been re-
sponding accordingly.
Lake De-siltation – Due to the recent rains, both the Club and GHAD
have decided to postpone the work until spring 2017. The topic will
be discussed again by the BHHOA, the Club and GHAD after the 2017
spring rains.
PG&E Negotiations – The Community Man- ager was able to
negotiate an additional $3,000 with PG&E for their use of the
base- ball field as a staging area for the helicopters and
materials from October 31 through No- vember 9, 2016.
New Landscape Water Law – SB 814 was signed into law on August 29,
2016, allowing retail water suppliers to implement a tiered rate
structure and fines for residential custom- ers using water in
excess during prescribed periods. EBMUD now appears to have the
authority to go back to the tiered rate struc- ture similar to the
one during the drought. The association is encouraging owners who
have allowed their landscaping to die, to bring it back to
life.
Identity Theft Program – BHHOA has ap- proached Chief Van Hook
about planning a program for our homeowners with an expert speaker
about identity theft and/or crime pre- vention. Chief Van Hook
suggested that this be scheduled after January 1, 2017, at which
time staff will work with her to secure a date and space with the
Club.
Delinquencies – There were no accounts to be turned over for
collection this month.
(Board Meeting Highlights—Continued from page 7)
(Continued on page 9)
4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite 230 Danville, California
94526
(925) 736-6440; fax (925) 736-0428 email:
blackhawk@blackhawk-hoa.com
www.blackhawk-hoa.com
2016 Holiday Decoration Award Winners
1st Place—Silver Maple 3474 Silver Maple Drive
(below)
1st Place—Country Club 512 Blackhawk Club Drive
(below)
(right)
For a description of these awards and how these homes were chosen,
please see cover page story.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t take all of the pictures we wanted to
because some homes had their lights out.
i2
Spirit of Christmas— Country Club 3655 Deer Trail Drive
(left)
Children’s Award—Oakridge 11 Oakridge Lane (left)
Children’s Award—Country Club 4645 Kingswood Drive (left)
Best Animated 1st Place—Silver Maple 4085 Sugar Maple Drive
(above)
Splendor of Christmas—Country Club 736 Blue Spruce Drive
(right)
i3
2016 Holiday Photo
Elegant Award—Country Club 4412 Deer Ridge Road (above) Old Fashion
Christmas—Oakridge
86 Oakridge Court (above)
Santa’s Helper Award—Country Club 863 Redwood Drive (above)
i4
Festival of Lights—Country Club 4004 Eagle Nest Lane (right)
Light Extravaganza—Country Club 3004 Deer Meadow Drive
(above)
A special thanks to David Rendon who took the photographs of our
holi- day decorations award winners. Taking these photographs after
dark, with sometimes strong winds, was quite a challenge for Dave —
Good job!
Fantasia Award—Country Club 3641 Country Club Terrace (above)
2016 Holiday Photo Gallery
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meeting Minutes - The Board
received the October 3, 2016 meeting minutes.
Emergency Information Center Update - The next tabletop exercise
will be a wild fire drill which is scheduled for November 8, 2016
at the Contra Costa County Office of Emergency Services in
Martinez. The focus will be on emergency responder coordination,
public in- formation, specifically alerts and notifications to the
public, evacuation plans and community preparedness. The exercise
will emphasize the roles of the San Ramon Valley Fire Depart- ment,
Blackhawk Police Department, Office of the Emergency Services and
the Community Warning System.
Tree of Heaven Update – While most of the sprouts treated in July,
August and September have died back, some show little evidence of
damage and new sprouts are emerging. The next treatment will be in
the spring of 2017 with Imazapyr. Garlon will not be used if
tempera- ture following treatment would exceed 80 de- grees due to
previous damage to rose bushes. One owner chose to pull out the
sprouts manu- ally; also an acceptable way to control sprouts. This
eradication process has been extended by at least one additional
year.
Ham Radio Tower Rule – The revised Ham Radio Tower Rule was
approved, to be mailed to all owners with the car cover rule and
new enforcement policy, per civil code § 4045.
Car Cover Rule – The revised Car Cover Rule was approved. Existing
car covers will not be grandfathered.
Violation Enforcement for Staff – The staff violation enforcement
schedule was approved.
2 nd
Annual Blackhawk Clothing Drive
On November 15th, we collected approximately 80 bags of men’s,
women’s and kid’s clothing in addition to toys and books. We
donated to 4 homeless shelters in Contra Costa County. One
individual in Richmond was surprised I had driven all the way from
Blackhawk to donate out there. I told him it was the residents in
Blackhawk that had donated everything not me; I just col- lected it
all and brought it to the shelters. He told me I had a good soul.
That meant a lot to me and I wanted to share it with all of you.
You are the ones that have the good souls. I saw several residents
turn around and drive home to get clothing to donate after
forgetting the clothing drive was taking place that day. I hope
they weren’t late to work.
As always, the residents in Blackhawk help those in need. The
generosity of this community continues to amaze me and I’m so glad
I get to work here every day. Please join me at the next Coffee
with the Chief which is on the third Tues- days of the month at
Blackhawk Drive and Black- hawk Meadow Drive. The HOA sends out a
re- minder or an update if it’s not being held that month. There is
coffee and donuts and a chance for us to meet for the first time or
catch up if we haven’t seen each other in a while. I welcome your
input and ideas on how to better serve you. Your Police Chief,
Tiffany Van Hook
(Continued from page 8)
Right: Police Chief Tiffany Van Hook and Board President Ron
Banducci lend a helping hand during the clothing drive.
10
2016 Blackhawk Holiday Food Drive
The Blackhawk Elves took their 6:00 a.m. posts at the gates of
Blackhawk communities for the 29th Annual Blackhawk Food Drive on
Tues- day, December 6. Nearly 75 volunteers staffed the food drive
sleighs throughout the day as generous donations continued to pour
in, total- ing $19,416 and 7,589 pounds of food for the Food Bank
of Contra Costa and Solano. The week before, another 57 community
volunteers distributed the 2,600 grocery bags to every door- step
in each Blackhawk community. These bags were once again donated by
Draeger’s Market. This was the grocer’s ninth year supporting the
Blackhawk Food Drive. Resident Les Kranhold and his Hospitality
Team made rounds for the twelve hour event delivering hot cider,
tea, cof- fee and fresh cookies to the volunteers at the Main,
East, Silver Maple and Hidden Oaks gates. We thank the Blackhawk
Country Club for the generous donation of the goodies.
Thank you to the residents of all Blackhawk communities, the
Homeowners Associa- tions, Blackhawk Police Services, Blackhawk
Country Club -- all who offered their time and effort to ensure
another successful food drive. The 2016 Food Drive received
overwhelming response from the entire, generous Blackhawk
community!
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano feeds 180,000 people
monthly, so your contribu- tions are greatly needed and deeply
appreci- ated. Please visit www.foodbankccs.org to learn about
their services and the people they help each month. Happy Holidays
and THANK YOU Blackhawk! Jayne Tizzano Blackhawk Food Drive
Chairwoman
2016 Blackhawk Food Drive Volunteers
Neighborhood Bag Delivery Coordinators: Sharon & Lee Jones
Jeanie & Don Egan Tara Beane Amanda Kuiper Gate Staffing
Coordinators: Pam Mullen Debbie Cavin Bev Shumate Donna Coit Dennis
& Edna Paiva Jayne Tizzano
Hospitality: Les Kranhold Tom Lavacca Howard Willet Scott Sweet
Gate Volunteers East Gate: Doral Allen Margaret Pallack Candy Clark
Pamela Mullen Lisa Cone Terry Mullen Kim Davis Ann Smilanich Kathy
Fox Angie Smith Sue Fosburgh Austin Smith Kathy Giroux Connor Smith
Gina Hanna Denise Stephens Therese deHaan Barbara Willett Mary Pat
McKenna Gate Volunteers Silver Maple: Joann Moisan Jane Tapper Pam
Halby Diane Arobio Don Finstrom Debbie Finstrom Gayle Turpin MaryJo
Rajala Nalini Frush Linda Rasmussen Bev Shumate Paul Rasmussen Gate
Volunteers Oakridge: Edna Paiva Dennis Paiva Gate Volunteers Hidden
Oaks: Mary Aspland Mary Lemon Paul Kuelz Elaine Davis Yvonne
Colchico Sharon Trifeletti Anita Soule Mr. Soule Anne Kuelz Laurie
Schaumberger Joene Gottlieb Sheila Nelson Ruth Swedlow Kevin
Olmsted Jeannie Songey Joanie Boyd Margaret Redemer Jennifer
Shurman Gate Volunteers Saddleback: Andy Jaros Kevin Jaros Weldon
Theobald Joane Theobald Linda King Donna Coit Joan Ruskin Gate
Volunteers Main Gate: John Robinson Judy Robinson Amanda Sinclair
Ann Wiedenmann John Cavin Debbie Cavin Chris Lipsin Dawn Schaeffer
Barbara Wilson Rich Wilson Sheri Sokoloff Mary Jane Novak Kristen
Henry Nan Renzi Nancy Johnson The Bielke Family Pat Burgess Ken
Hyatt Chris Hyatt
(Continued on page 11)
All neighborhood bag deliveries to doorstep: Patti Hughes Barbara
Evans Helen Tarantino Janet Smith Lillian Berkowitz Jan Nanneman
Wendy Nicholas Kelly Hall Sandy Davis Mary Porteous Diana Egkan
Miram Delay-Friant Terri Waterman Kathy Fox Barbara Carlson Tracey
Lauer Eve Attic Linda Korbit Bea Sturmer Deborah Wong Toni
Weinstein Jayne Hegenbart Liz Barker Sue MacGuidwin Tara Beane
Tinsley Beane Kristi Brown Ella Brown Olivia Brown Christopher
Brown Parker Beilke AnneMarie Carpenter Chloe Beilke Alida
Carpenter Libby Carpenter Jack Juiper Annie Kuiper Glen Kuiper
Amanda Kuiper Barbara Myles Sara Gregory Lora Rein Judy Baker
Phyllis Falkenstein Sue Wells Christa Thompson Mary Quinn Bronzie
Dabney Donna Wamsley Eric Wamsley Lisa Cook Marian Zalowski Judy
Friedman Lee Jones Patti Spillner Patti Martens Sue Frankel Ann
Miskovetz Linda Jaskolski Dan Jaskolski Dorothy Kranhold Charlie
Myles Dennis Paiva Edna Paiva
(Continued from page 10)
Dog Park First Anniversary Party —
On October 13th, 2016, we had our first an- nual Dog Park
Anniversary Party which was attended by about 50 homeowners and
their beloved, four-legged family members. We had presentations by
the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, the Contra Costa County Vector Control
on co- existing with indigenous critters and lessons on a new type
of leash by the “Leash Lady”. Re- freshments were provided. The HOA
raffled off leashes for some lucky, adorable pooches.
It was great fun for all -- We hope you enjoy the photographs and
join us next year!
Blackhawk Bloomers Honor our Community with Another Planting of
Daffodils at the Turn-Around — As promised, this enthusiastic group
has again graced us with a gift of spring color by planting over
900 daffodil bulbs in our turn-around area. This year, nine
Blackhawk Bloomers and a crew of four from Cagwin Dorward performed
this rewarding task. The daffodils will “naturalize” and multiply
over the years, rewarding us with a splash of color every spring.
Each year, they just out do themselves (The Blackhawk Bloomers and
the daffodils). Thank you Blackhawk Bloomers and Cagwin and Dorward
for your help in bringing a little bit of the glorious spring to
Blackhawk!
Below: Blackhawk Bloomers and Cagwin and Dorward volunteers.
13
Cagwin & Dorward and Blackhawk HOA have a long history of
working together to reduce wa- ter use. Through irrigation system
upgrades, turf removal, and efficient irrigation management,
Blackhawk has reduced landscape water use by 61%, saving 40 million
gallons annually since 2005, which in today’s dollars has saved the
HOA approximately $107,136 each of the last 10 years.
Blackhawk HOA, Cagwin & Dorward and GroGuru are now partnering
to save water and further reduce landscape water costs for the HOA!
Cagwin & Dorward is monitoring the soil moisture on the
baseball fields using Groguru’s state of the art technology. This
soil moisture monitoring technology allows Cagwin & Dor- ward
to water and fertilize based on exactly what the soil needs,
keeping the landscape healthy and beautiful using the fewest
possible resources. Soil Moisture Technology Overview:
Soil moisture technology has made great strides in the last few
decades moving from ex- pensive and difficult to use, to a
relatively inex- pensive, simple, and reliable means of monitor-
ing soil moisture. Groguru uses “capacitive sen- sors” that measure
how much moisture is in the soil using an electric charge. The
sensors eas- ily installed and set up to transmit moisture data to
the “cloud”. They are completely underground with no impact on
activities such as sports or mowing. In addition, many sensors can
meas- ure soil salinity, temperature and can provide complete
monitoring of the plant/turf health. Cagwin & Dorward &
GroGuru Solution for Blackhawk HOA:
The system has been installed on a trial basis with sensors located
at three sites. GroGuru’s solution is a rugged soil moisture sensor
with a battery powered unit to collect soil moisture, temperature,
and salinity data. The data is ag-
gregated in the “cloud” and provided to Cagwin & Dorward via
smartphone apps or computer log-in. This allows Cagwin &
Dorward to easily monitor, in real time, the state of their
landscape and measure impact of irrigation, mowing and
fertilization. In addition, the past history of the site is
available to help intelligently guide land- scape management.
By actually measuring local site conditions, the irrigation can be
managed to help further reduce water use and save money. Avoiding
under/ over watering also avoids flushing fertilizer into the
groundwater aquafers or into streams with negative impact on the
environment. In addi- tion, proper watering reduces or eliminates
many plant disease and pest issues reducing the need for chemicals.
All of this leads to a reduction of costs, better landscaping, and
envi- ronmental stewardship – a big step forward. Cagwin &
Dorward and GroGuru are excited to be working with Blackhawk to
implement this vision.
Blame it on the Lawnmower —
Did you know that manicured lawns are a rela- tively new
phenomenon? Before irrigation tech- nology and lawnmowers, lawns
were not a fea- ture in early gardens. In the 14th century, the
word “launde” meant “untilled land” or “wasteland”. And in the
early days of English lawn cultivation, homes were surrounded by
grasses clipped by grazing livestock. The first lawnmower was
patented in the United States in 1868. By the end of World War II,
with the use of approximately 140,000 engine-driven mow- ers, the
lawn movement gained momentum. By the 1970s, millions of power
mowers were in use and lawns became a national preoccupa-
tion.
Natasha Feigenson
Homeowners Association
© 2017 4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle,
Suite 230 Danville, California 94506
(925) 736-6440 Office Hours
BLACKHAWK POLICE
4125 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite 230
Danville, California 94506
Identity Theft Seminar – February 1, 2017 at
6:00p.m.
The Blackhawk Police Department, Blackhawk HOA and Blackhawk
Country Club will be hosting a seminar on Identity Theft and
Internet
Crime on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to
8:00
p.m. at the Lakeside Country Club. The Blackhawk Police
Depart-
ment, Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit and a Deputy
District
Attorney will be there to provide information on the common
pitfalls
and how not to be a victim.