Read the Latest Edition of Rancho Life

​The Winter 2020 edition of Rancho Life magazine is live! This edition features great information on life in the SAMLARC community, including:

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• Message from the Board

• Board of Directors vision for 2020

• 2020 Annual Meeting Information

• Keeping the Community Beautiful

• SAMLARC Life mobile lifestyle app

• Events & Programs

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Click the button below to read Rancho Life Winter 2020!

Keeping Packages Safe this Holiday Season

As online shopping transforms the way we view gift-giving, more people are choosing to have packages delivered directly to their homes. However, the recent rise in package thefts causes additional concern around the holiday season. The Community Associations Institute offers four simple tips to help keep packages safe:

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1. Schedule deliveries for times when you will be home - particularly when purchasing expensive items.

2. Notify a relative or neighbor when you are expecting a package. 

3. Install doorbell cameras or other security systems that may be able to provide evidence of package theft. Be sure to check your association's rules and regulations before installing.

4. Opt for package pick-up from a secure locker or pickup location owned by the delivery company.

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Thanks to the Community Associations Institute (CAI) for sharing these tips. More information may be found through the link below.

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights: November 19, 2019

The SAMLARC Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on the evening of November 19, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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The Board of Directors took action on the following items during the November 19, 2019 Open Session Meeting:

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• Approved the SAMLARC Tree and Bench Dedication Program, which provides SAMLARC Members with the opportunity to recognize a loved one, organizations, and accomplishments.

• Approved a contract with BrightView Landscape Services and Sunset Landscape Maintenance, Inc. for landscape services to accommodate the previous vendor’s early departure. BrightView and Sunset will begin services in late November 2019.

• Approved a contract for architectural design services to propose open-concept designs for a future Altisima Office renovation.

• Approved all consent calendar items, including:

  • Renewal of membership with the RSM Chamber of Commerce to further its partnerships in the community.

  • Installation of protective crowd barriers at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting to increase event safety.

  • Renewal of contracts with key professional service providers, including security, janitorial, Lagoon, and lifeguard services.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click HERE.

SAMLARC Welcomes New Landscape Partners

The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the beauty of the Association’s landscape. From parks and fields to streetscapes and medians, SAMLARC’s landscape spans more than three hundred (300) acres.

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Professional landscape service providers are critical to maintaining the appearance and health of SAMLARC’s landscape. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, managing the landscape was a full-time job for a crew of fifty-one (51) landscapers. Over time, the crew was cut back to reduce financial burden, resulting in deteriorating health as the landscape aged. The conditions were exacerbated by the recent drought and water restrictions. However, as approved in the 2020 SAMLARC Budget, the Board of Directors has moved to increase funding for and the level of SAMLARC’s landscape service. The Board of Directors looks forward to collaborating with landscape professionals, BrightView Landscape Services and Sunset Landscape Maintenance, Inc., in revitalizing the health and beauty of SAMLARC’s top asset; its landscape. Both service providers offer specialized services that will help amend the current state of the landscape and, over time, improve its natural beauty.

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BrightView Landscape Services’ industry knowledge has been fine-tuned over one hundred forty (140) years of company development and reformation. The organization takes pride in delivering consistently excellent results for their clients throughout the lifecycles of their landscapes. BrightView’s portfolio includes resorts, museums, theme parks, and a wide variety of Homeowners Associations throughout the United States. Their team of experts specializes in water management, tree care, turf maintenance, mulch and soil production, and high-end landscape care. Working specifically with SAMLARC Management, strategic members of the BrightView team will maintain SAMLARC’s parks and sports fields in 2020.

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Sunset Landscape Maintenance, Inc. was established in 1976. From the start, Sunset’s objective has been to provide quality landscape maintenance to Homeowners Associations throughout Orange County. Their commitment to high-quality service is balanced by sensitivity to Association’s budgets. The company has been engaged by SAMLARC in previous years to provide landscape services to the Melinda Heights area. Sunset’s performance and dedication in this area has proven the company to be a valuable partner in maintaining SAMLARC’s landscape assets. With expertise in aboriculture, irrigation control, backflow repair and seasonal plantings, Sunset has created a detailed service plan for maintaining SAMLARC’s streets and medians in 2020.

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Over the course of 2020, SAMLARC Members will observe improvements to the community landscape, beginning with foundational restorative work in Quarter 1 of 2020. Throughout the year, information regarding large-scale landscape projects will be provided HERE. The Board of Directors is confident that BrightView’s and Sunset’s expansive knowledge will help create healthy, peaceful, and beautiful spaces for SAMLARC families to enjoy.

Red Flag Warning

The National Weather Service has initiated a Red Flag Warning for some portions of Orange County that are in effect through Thursday, October 31st at 6:00 p.m. With strong winds, low relative humidity and critically dry fuel, there is a large fire potential. Please visit weather.gov to follow any changes in the weather and to receive updates.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either present or will shortly occur. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution with potential fire ignition sources.

The Orange County Fire Authority and CAL Fire offer educational resources to help homeowners maintain their home in Red Flag conditions, including helpful tips for mowing, equipment use, and more. Please click HERE to learn more about the CAL Fire One Less Spark program.

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights: October 22, 2019

The SAMLARC Board of Directors held their regular monthly meeting on the evening of October 22, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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The Board of Directors took action on the following items during the October 22, 2019 Open Session Meeting:

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• Approved the conversion of the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee to a standing SAMLARC Committee. The standing Committee is comprised of Chair Charles Villafana, Chief Financial Officer Robert Louvar, and Director Paul Persiani.

• Approved the 2020 Architectural Standards and Policies & Guidelines. These documents are now available for Member review at SAMLARC.org/annual-docs. Formal notification of these documents will be sent to SAMLARC homeowners in November for Member review and comment. The Architectural Standards and Policies & Guidelines will be presented to the Board again in January 2020 to consider Member comments before adoption at the January 28, 2020 Board of Directors Meeting.

• Approved a contract with 1st Choice Pool & Spa Solutions to provide pool maintenance services. The company will begin operating at the SAMLARC pools on January 1, 2020. The Board looks forward to improving the quality of pool services to meet Member expectations.

• Approved landscape maintenance contracts with professional landscape service providers Sunset Landscape Maintenance, Inc. and BrightView Landscape Services. The companies will onboard from October through December 2019 and officially begin operations on January 1, 2020. In partnering with these vendors, the Board anticipates that the Membership will be see significant improvements in the quality of landscape services over the course of 2020.

• Approved all consent calendar items.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click the button below.

2020 SAMLARC Budget Workshop

The Board of Directors met on October 8, 2019 to conduct the annual Budget Workshop. The purpose of the Annual Fiscal Year Budget Workshop is to approve each year’s budget in light of both static and variable sources of expense and revenue. Budget preparation begins in May each year, and is developed under the careful review of the Budget and Cash Flow Committee (BCFC). The Budget includes considerations of current, historical, and anticipated data to ensure that the Association operates efficiently and effectively.

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The Board reviewed the Budget through the lens of the Guiding Principles Related to the Budget, which affirm SAMLARC’s purpose in providing community services and facilities for the benefit and welfare of the Members, and the management and maintenance of SAMLARC’s property, value, desirability, and attractiveness. The Board approved the 2020 Reserve Study as part of SAMLARC’s continued investment in protecting and enhancing the Association’s assets. The Board then reviewed and discussed the 2020 Fiscal Year Operating Budget, prepared in partnership between Management and the Budget and Cash Flow Committee (BCFC). After careful consideration of necessary adjustments, the Board unanimously approved the 2020 Fiscal Year Operating Budget.

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As approved by the Board of Directors after meticulous consideration, the 2020 Budget earmarks funding for standard Association operations. Additionally, the 2020 Budget allocates necessary funding for several unavoidable regulatory and industry changes which significantly impact the Association. Key drivers of these impacts include:

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• Extensive landscape modification mandated by the Orange County Fire Authority and its Defensible Space guidelines.

• The rise in California minimum wage and associated wage compression in labor-intensive industries.

• Increased vendor contract rates as industries struggle to combat minimum wage increases, wage compression, and the rising costs of business.

• Increased water rates proposed by Santa Margarita Water District as the District faces heightened purchase and import costs.

• The deteriorating health of the community landscape as it ages, requiring critical re-investment to restore the landscape’s health.

The cumulative effects of these impacts, when balanced against SAMLARC’s ability to absorb, defer, or defray these costs, has ultimately necessitated an assessment increase. Beginning in January 2020, monthly homeowner assessments will increase by $11.04, from $55.20 to $66.24. This marks the first assessment increase since 2009, and is required to enable SAMLARC to address these impacts in a manner that protects and enhances the community.

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The Board of Directors is committed to prudently managing SAMLARC’s assets in a manner that supports property values and community living – now and for the future. This article is the first in a series on homeowner assessments and the Board of Directors’ stewardship of the Association, including conscientiously balancing the Association’s needs and offering the highest levels of service while maintaining a fair homeowner assessment rate. More information about the fiscal impacts of OCFA, SMWD, minimum wage, and vendor contract rates is available HERE. For further information, please contact Candice Fullenkamp, Community Executive Officer, at 949-709-0015 or candice.fullenkamp@fsresidential.com.

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Annual Budget Development Process

In accordance with the Governing Documents, the specific and primary purpose of SAMLARC is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit and welfare of the Members, and the management and maintenance of SAMLARC assets and amenities to preserve community property values, desirability and attractiveness.

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With this purpose in mind, SAMLARC’s annual budget design begins in late May each year. The budget development process spans several months. Projections of revenue and expense figures from the current year, as well as historical and known future data, are considered to ensure that all necessary factors are included. Reasonable assumptions are made and justified where needed. Additionally, each SAMLARC Committee has the opportunity to provide input on the Budget.

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The SAMLARC Board of Directors and Management work together to identify future fiscal impacts outside of SAMLARC’s control such as regulatory mandates (rise of minimum wage, stringent Orange County Fire Authority defensible space guidelines, and Santa Margarita Water District rate increases) as well as critical landscape restoration. The SAMLARC Budget development process incorporates these unavoidable impacts so that the Board of Directors may prudently address their effects on the Budget. For more information on the impacts above, please click HERE.

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All of the above efforts and Management’s professional insight work to protect property values and enhance the lifestyle and sense of community for which SAMLARC is known. Year-end projections for the 2019 Budget, the first draft of the 2020 Proposed budget, and the 2020 Reserve Study were presented to the Budget and Cash Flow Committee (BCFC) at the August 21, 2019 Committee Meeting. The BCFC is comprised of Chief Financial Officer Robert Louvar, Board Vice President Marty Groh, and Director Jeff Halbreich. The Committee considered budget variables and the Budget Workshop Agenda at their meeting held September 18, 2019. The Board of Directors will consider the Draft 2020 Fiscal Year Operating Budget at the 2020 Budget Workshop, scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on October 8, 2019 at the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club. The Budget Workshop is an Open Session Meeting for all SAMLARC Members. For more information, please contact Candice Fullenkamp, Community Executive Officer, at 949-709-0015 or candice.fullenkamp@fsresidential.com.

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Contract Increases

The SAMLARC community includes thirteen (13) parks, four (4) Junior Olympic sized pools, the 31 million gallon Lago Santa Margarita, and the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club. Additionally, SAMLARC owns and maintains more than three hundred sixteen (316) acres of community landscaping, which includes medians, parkways, greenbelts, and parks. The parks have features such as picnic shelters, restrooms, barbecues, athletic courts, and sports fields. SAMLARC was designed with community relationships in mind, and these important spaces offer families and friends the opportunity to gather together.

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To ensure that SAMLARC’s amenities and landscape meets community standards and expectations, SAMLARC contracts with professional service providers. These vendors perform services year-round, such as janitorial and security services, as well as landscape, sports field, and pool maintenance. However, minimum wage increases and rising costs of business have impacted these providers’ ability to operate at current contract rates.

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Many professional service providers employ a labor force of hourly, minimum wage workers. In 2016, the state of California implemented a law to raise minimum wage. Historically, wages have risen from 1% to 3% annually. However, the recent wage increase schedule will create a 50% increase over the span of six years – an unprecedented increase. The Wage Schedule will bring wages up from $10 per hour in 2016 to $15 per hour in 2022. Roughly one-third of California employees are compensated at minimum wage, and the increases are affecting all industries, from retail to food service to homeowners associations.

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Minimum wage increases directly affect businesses’ ability to retain and fairly compensate a consistent pool of workers. First, as national unemployment rates decline, fewer individuals elect to fill minimum-wage jobs in labor-intensive fields. Companies are then forced to compete for a diminishing pool of workers, offering higher rates of pay than mandated by the state. That tension contributes to wage compression, caused when employees are compensated at different rates due to external forces, regardless of skill or tenure. Not only is the employer required to increase their minimum wage workers’ pay, but the compensation of tenured employees may also need to be readjusted to create a more equitable pay scale. Readjusting the pay scale affects the company’s operating budget, which in turn necessitates an increase in contract pricing. Those increased costs are then passed on to clients such as SAMLARC.

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Though SAMLARC’s professional service providers strive to perform efficiently, they are not able to sustain expected service levels when factoring in the impacts of minimum wage, rise in business costs, and existing budget constraints. As long as possible, vendors endeavor to forestall the impact of wage/industry costs on their relationships with clients. However, after weathering three out of the six consecutive years of wage increases, contract increases have become unavoidable for most of these companies.

As part of SAMLARC’s annual budgeting process, the Board of Directors prepares for potential contract increases wherever possible. Exclusive of landscape services, the Board anticipates that in 2020, the anticipated total contract increases to be $144,406. This amount is not only necessary to sustain essential services, but to realign service levels with the expectations of the Board and SAMLARC community. By maintaining successful relationships with professional service providers, the Board seeks to uphold SAMLARC’s commitment to providing Members with a safe and beautiful community.

SAMLARC’s specific and primary purpose is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserve the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. The Board of Directors is committed to upholding this purpose and appropriately balancing the Association’s needs and resources. This article is part of a series on anticipated external impacts that will affect SAMLARC in 2019 and beyond. Additional information and updates on these impacts is available at SAMLARC.org/impacts

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights: September 24, 2019

The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of September 24, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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The Board of Directors accomplished the following items during the September 24, 2019 Open Session Meeting:

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• Welcomed new Board Director Judy Vasquez to the SAMLARC Board of Directors. Director Vasquez was appointed by the Board following the departure of former Director Dennis Reid.

• Reviewed Board Director Committee assignments, as authorized by President Robert Dickson following the appointment of Director Vasquez. Director Vasquez will serve on the Landscape and Facilities Enhancement and Community Lifestyle Committees, and Director Paul Persiani will serve on the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee.

• Reviewed the SAMLARC Architectural Standards and Policies & Guidelines for implementation in 2020. The Directors and Membership will have the opportunity to review the proposed Architectural Standards and Policies & Guidelines prior to formal adoption in January 2020.

• Approved work authorizations with professional service providers throughout the community to:

  • Replace and repair chain link fencing at Central and Vista Verde Parks

  • Replace and refurbish basketball backboards and rims at Altisima Park

  • Mitigate and address pest control throughout the community

• Approved participation in the educational California Lake Management Society Conference to continue improve the care and operations of the Lago Santa Margarita.

• Approved contracts related to the 2019 Holiday Season at SAMLARC, including holiday banner displays and Tree Lighting event logistics and performances.

• Renewed contracts with SAMLARC programs instructors to provide unique programs throughout the year such as Playtime Adventure (youth soccer) and StrollerStrides (fitness program).

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click HERE.

Defensible Space Work: Blufftop Trail

As mandated by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), SAMLARC will be conducting clearing and replanting work along the Blufftop Trail. This work is required by OCFA in order to align SAMLARC’s landscaping with OCFA’s Defensible Space guidelines. According to the Fire Authority, the guidelines will reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading throughout a community. The guidelines include requirements for creating defensible space within one hundred (100) feet of a structure, such as:

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• Removal of Removal of dead and dying plant material, including dry leaves, twigs, and pine needles.

• Removal of vegetation found on the OCFA Undesirable Plant List, and replanting using drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants.

• Trimming or removal of plants to create the recommended spacing between plants.

Defensible Space modification on the Blufftop Trail will be implemented in the areas owned and maintained by SAMLARC. Work will begin on Monday, September 31, 2019 and is anticipated to conclude by December 14, 2019, pending weather and/or unforeseen project delays. The regularly-scheduled work hours will take place Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Whenever possible, work will not be executed on weekends or holidays.

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As professional landscape service providers work in this area, homeowners can expect the following:

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• Prior to commencing work, the area will be inspected for wildlife impacts and nests.

• A crew will work on the East and West sides of the Blufftop Trail using motorized equipment to trim and remove plant material.

• Groundcover exceeding 24” in height will be trimmed or removed per the OCFA Defensible Space guidelines.

• Trees that exceed the spacing outlined in the OCFA Defensible Space guidelines will be pruned and/or removed under the supervision of an arborist.

• Planting will be scheduled immediately following removal.

The mandated work requires the use of heavy machinery that will create substantial amounts of dust and noise. Additionally, the OCFA guidelines require significant modification and/or removal of trees, shrubs, and groundcover in the area, which may impact residences bordering the work area.

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Updates on the project and associated closures will be made available at SAMLARC.org/projects as they develop. For questions or additional information regarding the Blufftop Trail work, please contact George Blair, Assistant General Manager, at 949-709-0014 or george.blair@fsresidential.com.

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Landscape Services

When drafting his plans for the Rancho Santa Margarita area in the early 1980s, Master Planner Richard Reese envisioned a community that would showcase both Mediterranean design and natural beauty. The Association’s parks, greenbelts, medians, and parkways span more than three hundred sixteen (316) acres; much of which is original plant material. With plants ranging from dainty carpet roses to stately sycamore trees, SAMLARC’s plant palette is designed to create a sense of timelessness. 

Professional landscape service providers are critical to maintaining the appearance and health of SAMLARC’s landscape. However, recent industry strains have disrupted the efficiency and quality of landscape services. Labor shortages, as well as wage increase and compaction, have impacted the quality of service provided to SAMLARC’s landscape needs. 

In 2000, SAMLARC’s landscape service providers retained a crew of fifty-one (51) employees. This crew performed softscape services, irrigation repairs, tree trimming, and other crucial landscaping tasks – maintaining standards of excellence throughout SAMLARC’s landscape. Over the next ten years, the crew was cut back to reduce financial burden and, today, is staffed at thirty (30) crew members. As the landscape continues to age and exceed its verdant life, it will require more intensive maintenance to meet SAMLARC’s expected landscaping standards. However, the reduced number of workers has directly impacted the vendors’ ability to uphold SAMLARC’s standards of landscaping, from routine pruning to full tree removal.

Within the landscape industry itself, labor and wage fluctuations changes are directly impacting service providers. As unemployment rates have declined and minimum wage has increased fewer individuals have chosen work in the landscape industry, leading to a labor shortage. The fundamental shortage in workers then creates a hyper-competitive market for employers. In order to attract and retain a consistent pool of workers, a company must offer better wages and incentives than their competitors (simultaneously raising wages for existing employees to maintain morale). The increased costs associated with this industry tension are then passed on to the company’s clients, such as SAMLARC.

Over time, the cumulative effects of the labor shortage, industry tension, and the age of the landscape itself has created an environment that will require substantial effort to re-align the landscape with the standards. At this time, the landscape does not meet standards of health and appearance. As the first step in restoring the community’s landscape, the Board of Directors moved to re-evaluate the methods of contracting and executing landscape services, creating a Landscape Contract Ad Hoc Committee in May of 2019. The Ad Hoc Committee worked closely with SAMLARC’s landscape consultant firm to revise the landscape service specifications. Rather than dividing the Association’s property by region, the new system divides the property into service areas (such as parks, streetscapes, irrigation, and trees). The revision allows the Association to partner with service providers who specialize in these areas. The Committee then contacted eighteen (18) landscape service providers specializing in large homeowners associations in order to understand the levels of labor and funding that would be required to restore the landscape. The proposals confirmed the Committee’s understanding that proper stewardship of the Association’s landscape assets requires a larger landscape services budget.

In 2020, the Board of Directors anticipates that landscape service will increase by $887,285. This amount is necessary to restore the landscape’s alignment with and maintain the expected standards, as well as investing in the ongoing health of the landscape. This amount also enables SAMLARC’s landscapers to conduct proactive landscape services including tree trimming and preventative maintenance on irrigation systems, which will reduce costs over time. Overall, the expanded allowance for landscaping reflects the Board’s belief that actively investing in the aesthetics of the community also protects and enhances SAMLARC’s property values.

SAMLARC and service providers will begin planning the 2020 landscape service plan in fall of this year, with milestones to be achieved in each quarter. The Board of Directors looks forward to renewing the health of the SAMLARC’s landscape, preserving the beauty of this unique community.

SAMLARC’s specific and primary purpose is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserve the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. The Board of Directors is committed to upholding this purpose and appropriately balancing the Association’s needs and resources. This article is part of a series on anticipated external impacts that will affect SAMLARC in 2019 and beyond. Additional information and updates on these impacts is available at SAMLARC.org/impacts

SAMLARC Board Welcomes Director Judy Vasquez

​The SAMLARC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of SAMLARC Member Judy Vasquez to the SAMLARC Board of Directors. Director Vasquez was appointed at the September 5, 2019 Meeting of the Board, and the Board looks forward to her partnership in enhancing the SAMLARC community. 

Following the departure of Director Dennis Reid at the conclusion of the August 27, 2019 Board Meeting, the Board moved to appoint a Director for the remainder of the position term. The Board conducted a closed recruitment, accepting applications from current SAMLARC Committee Members. These volunteers have a proven record of service to the SAMLARC community, providing insight and feedback through the Community Lifestyle, Communications, Architectural Review, and Covenant Committees. After reviewing applications and interviewing applicants, the SAMLARC Board of Directors selected and appointed SAMLARC Member Judy Vasquez as a new Director of the Board.

As a SAMLARC Member and Member of the Community Lifestyle Committee, Director Vasquez is very active in the SAMLARC community. Her passion for community-building is reflected in her service to the community: she is often seen volunteering at SAMLARC events and previously served as Treasurer of her local Parent Teacher Association. As the Community Manager of a multi-family housing community, Director Vasquez’s professional experience also aligns with SAMLARC’s commitment to prudently manage and invest in the Association’s assets. The combination of her personal and professional insight has been invaluable to the Community Lifestyle Committee, and will enrich her role as a Director. The Board looks forward to introducing Director Vasquez at the September 24, 2019 Board Meeting.

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Orange County Fire Authority and Defensible Space

California’s climate includes dry, windy, and hot weather conditions that can exacerbate wildfires. As wildfires become more frequent in California, local and state fire protection agencies are reexamining their fire prevention codes in an effort to prevent the spread of wildfires throughout communities.

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In 2018, the Orange County Fire Authority began enforcing more stringent Defensible Space guidelines in communities adjacent to wildland areas. These guidelines were adapted from residential and forest fire prevention guidelines, and include a combination of vegetation management and fuel modification requirements. Compliance with the guidelines is not optional; an Association’s failure to bring property into alignment with the standards will be fined and could be required to appear before the District Attorney. However, many master-planned communities have struggled to implement the ambiguous guidelines within their Associations’ approved budgets and OCFA’s mandated deadlines.

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In late 2018, OCFA notified SAMLARC of seven (7) zones required to comply with Defensible Space guidelines. Over the course of 2019, SAMLARC has worked to align these zones with the guidelines by removing, rehabilitating, and pruning the landscape. While SAMLARC is on schedule to complete clearing work in these zones by the end of 2019, the unanticipated cost of the work is estimated at $659,000. This amount was able to be absorbed into the 2019 Budget. However, it is anticipated that OCFA will continue to expand its inspection efforts in 2020 and future years, issuing additional compliance mandates with short timelines and unknown costs.

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The Community Associations of Rancho (CAR) is working alongside OCFA to establish a comprehensive program that addresses the impacts of Defensible Space compliance on Homeowners Associations. CAR is an advisory group comprised of representatives from the seven master-planned communities in Rancho Santa Margarita, including SAMLARC, Dove Canyon, Trabuco Highlands, Rancho Cielo, Walden, and SAMCORP. As a member of CAR, SAMLARC is leading several working groups for this program. SAMLARC Management and Mosaic Landscape Consulting are reviewing the guidelines with OCFA to establish clear and consistent criteria for HOA compliance. SAMLARC Management and FirstService Residential are working with insurance professionals to prevent or respond to the potential of a non-renewal. Additionally, SAMLARC Vice President Marty Groh is working with CAR’s legal counsel, Dan Nordberg, to establish a non-profit, 501(c)(3) Fire Safe Council to create opportunities for grant funding. The success of these initiatives will help SAMLARC to protect the Association’s assets.

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Though OCFA has been receptive to CAR’s efforts, SAMLARC is preparing for additional Defensible Space inspections. SAMLARC has developed a Perimeter Defensible Space Master Plan to proactively address zones within SAMLARC’s borders that may require compliance with the guidelines. Implementation of the Plan is estimated to cost approximately $565,000 over the course of two (2) years, with $282,500 to be earmarked in the 2020 Budget. The SAMLARC Board of Directors approved the Plan at the August 27, 2019 Board Meeting.

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As a Master Homeowners Association, protecting SAMLARC’s community and physical assets is at the core of SAMLARC’s purpose. Though wildfires have become a regular feature of California’s climate, the Board of Directors is committed to proactively aligning SAMLARC’s property with Defensible Space guidelines, helping to keep SAMLARC’s community safe.

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SAMLARC’s specific and primary purpose is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserve the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. The Board of Directors is committed to upholding this purpose and appropriately balancing the Association’s needs and resources. This article is part of a series on anticipated external impacts that will affect SAMLARC in 2019 and beyond. Additional information and updates on these impacts is available at SAMLARC.org/impacts

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights: August 27, 2019

The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of August 27, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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The Board of Directors was pleased to accomplish the following items during the August 27, 2019 Open Session Meeting:

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• Honored the Rancho Trabuco Girls Softball Association 10U Gold All Stars team for their victories in the All-Stars season. The 10U team took third place in the USA Softball Western National Tournament in Moorpark, California.

• Honored departing Director Dennis Reid for his service to the SAMLARC Board of Directors. Director Reid’s insight was invaluable to SAMLARC Committees such as the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee, Community Lifestyle Committee, and Landscape & Facilities Enhancement Committee.

• Approved the Perimeter Common Area Risk Reduction Fire Prevention Plan, which is designed to proactively address areas of SAMLARC property that may require compliance with Orange County Fire Authority Defensible Space guidelines.

• Following the Board’s determination at the July Board Meeting to fill the vacant Board position with applicants from current SAMLARC Committee Members, the Board moved to accept the five (5) applications received.

• Approved a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors to interview Board applicants and appoint a new Director. The Special Meeting will be held on September 5, 2019.

• Approved the construction of a Little Library by Girl Scout Troop 2898, to be installed at the Lakeshore Amphitheater. The Troop will construct the Little Library in order to earn their Girl Scouts Bronze Award.

• Approved the 2020 Annual Meeting date, to be held Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.

• Approved a recommendation to seek alternative pool maintenance providers for SAMLARC pools, with service beginning January 2020.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click HERE.

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Santa Margarita Water District Rates

As part of SAMLARC’s commitment to maintaining a safe and attractive community, SAMLARC budgets water usage for its both landscaping and amenities. Each year’s budget is projected using historical data and anticipated impacts wherever possible to ensure that irrigation and domestic water is available year-round. SAMLARC is dependent on the services of Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) to provide water for the property and works closely with SMWD to identify opportunities for cost savings and potential fiscal impacts.

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SMWD is the second largest water retail agency in Orange County, serving approximately 165,000 residents. SMWD faces unique challenges in providing water to its constituents – in particular the lack of a local water supply. Unlike north and central Orange County, south Orange County does not have access to local underground water. SMWD must therefore purchase and import water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. SMWD is in the process of developing sources of local water, such as the Trampas Canyon Reservoir Project, that will reduce dependence on imported water. SMWD is also financing its $90 million, 5-Year Capital improvement Plan to maintain, repair, and replace the District’s infrastructure; ensuring that services can be provided efficiently and consistently. Furthermore, inflation and increased energy costs have impacted SMWD’s operating budget. In consideration of all of these factors, SMWD has proposed a rate increase for implementation in 2020 which will substantially impact SAMLARC’s water usage budget.

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SAMLARC endeavors to use its water wisely and accurately project the next year’s usage. The 2020 usage projections were developed based on the 2018 usage pattern, as 2017 was considered a drought year and 2019 experienced extensive rainfall. SMWD’s Board of Directors will formally consider the proposed rate increase in late 2019. Based on projected water usage figures and SMWD’s increased rates, SAMLARC’s water costs are projected to increase by $656,342 in 2020. Currently, there is no recycled water in SAMLARC, so SAMLARC is forced to use potable water which is more expensive and may not be sustainable with the next drought. The SAMLARC Board of Directors and management team will continue to work with SMWD in exploring potential recycled water initiatives and associated grants and programs to assist in offsetting costs in the coming years.

SAMLARC’s specific and primary purpose is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserve the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. The Board of Directors is committed to upholding this purpose and appropriately balancing the Association’s needs and resources. This article is part of a series on anticipated external impacts that will affect SAMLARC in 2019 and beyond. Additional information and updates on these impacts is available at SAMLARC.org/impacts

Fiscal Impacts to SAMLARC: Overview

SAMLARC’s specific and primary purpose is to provide community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserve the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. Over the course of 2018 and 2019, several regulatory and industry changes impacted Homeowners Associations throughout the state. These impacts include California minimum wage increases, Defensible Space standards enforced by the Orange County Fire Authority, water rate increases from Santa Margarita Water District, and landscape industry strain. The Board of Directors is committed to preserving SAMLARC’s quality of life, safety, and values; however, these challenges impacted SAMLARC’s 2019 Budget and will continue to impact the SAMLARC Budget in the coming years. This article the first in a series exploring the effects of these impacts on the Association.

Minimum Wage

California’s minimum wage schedule was enacted in 2016 and will carry through 2022. By that time, the minimum wage will be $15 per hour – a full 50% increase from the starting wage of $10.50. This impacts not only minimum wage workers in retail and manual labor forces, but also the vendors with whom Homeowners Associations contract. These professional service providers are forced to increase their contract rates to counter the effects of minimum wage and associated wage compression in order to comply with expected service levels, and the costs are passed on to clients such as SAMLARC.

Defensible Space Standards

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is enforcing more stringent Defensible Space guidelines in Associations adjacent to wilderness areas. In late 2018, OCFA notified SAMLARC of seven (7) zones required to comply with these requirements. SAMLARC is on schedule to complete work in all of the zones by late 2019. While the unanticipated cost of the work was able to be absorbed in the 2019 Budget, it is anticipated that OCFA will continue its inspection efforts in 2020 and beyond, at considerable cost. SAMLARC has developed a Perimeter Defensible Space Master Plan to proactively address perimeter areas that may be required to comply with the standards, and working with representatives from master-planned communities to clarify and formalize the standards and approval processes.

SMWD

Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) anticipates that a rate increase will be implemented in January 2020. The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including higher water costs from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, investment in developing local supply, SMWD Capital Projects, and general inflation. In spring of 2019, SMWD approved the implementation of previously-authorized, wholesale water pass-through and power surcharges. The SMWD Board of Directors will formally consider the water rate increase in late 2019; however, SAMLARC is preparing to accommodate the proposed increase in the 2020 Budget.

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Landscape Industry

SAMLARC’s property includes more than one hundred (100) acres of parks, trails, medians, and greenbelts. SAMLARC partners with professional landscape service providers to maintain the landscape. However, the combination of the community’s age and industry labor shortages have interrupted the efficiency and quality of landscape services. Many of the plants throughout SAMLARC were planted over thirty (30) years ago and require supplementary care, yet tensions in the landscape industry (created by minimum wage and wage compression) have led to a shortage of workers willing to perform the labor. As a result, the costs of landscape service providers and plant material replacement have substantially increased. A 15 Year Landscape Revitalization Plan is in development, with implementation deferred to a future year.

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Looking Forward

The combination of these external impacts are outside of SAMLARC’s control, and will continue to affect the Association in 2020 and beyond. The Board of Directors is committed to fulfilling SAMLARC’s purpose without compromising the quality of services that Members expect. This article is part of a series on anticipated external impacts and associated cost increases that will affect SAMLARC in 2019, 2020, and beyond. Additional information and updates on these impacts will be made available at SAMLARC.org/impacts as they develop.

SAMLARC Board Bids Farewell to Director Dennis Reid

​When Director Dennis Reid moved to Rancho Santa Margarita in October 2013, he made it a personal goal to become involved in the community, which he now considers his “second family.” He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in 2018, serving the SAMLARC community with a passion for community-building and professional insight.

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Director Reid’s service on the Board of Directors has enriched the SAMLARC community in a variety of ways. He served as the Community Lifestyle Committee Chair, where he helped to broaden SAMLARC’s social scene – particularly in the development of SAMLARC’s Carols ‘Round the Lake event and the SAMLARC Clubs program. Director Reid also served as the Chair of the Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee. Additionally, as the Chair of the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee, Director Reid drew on his forty-four years of public works management and water quality management to guide the Committee in restoring the Lake’s ecosystem. His positivity and vision has enhanced SAMLARC Members’ ability to make new connections and enjoy our beautiful community.

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At the July 23, 2019 Board of Directors Meeting, the Board accepted Director Reid’s resignation, to become effective at the conclusion of the August 27, 2019 Board Meeting. The Board wishes Director Reid well as he begins a new journey in Northern California, shaping and enhancing his new community.

The Toll Roads Rolls Out Sticker Transponder

Beginning in June 2019, The Toll Roads of Orange County mailed new sticker transponders to more than 700,000 account holders. These transparent, bandage-sized transponders adhere to the inside of a windshield and replace the old, hard-case transponders. The stickers were mailed to existing FasTrak account holders.

The sticker transponder works on all California toll bridges, lanes, and roads - and may eventually be used nationwide. Orange County makes up the largest network of toll roads in California, with more than 51 miles of Toll Roads.

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Please click HERE to view The Toll Roads Sticker FactSheet. For additional information about the new sticker transponder, please click the button below.

City Update: Street Sweeping on Arroyo Vista and Las Mesitas

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita has altered its street sweeping schedule on Arroyo Vista and Las Mesitas to accommodate the school day schedule. The new schedule creates a block of time in which parents can safely pick their children up after the school day while maintaining a consistent street sweeping routine.

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The new street sweeping schedule on the streets of Arroyo Vista and Las Mesitas is as follows:

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. every Thursday.

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Please refrain from parking on Arroyo Vista or Las Mesitas from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Thursday. The City, which maintains all public streets and parking enforcement, appreciates your cooperation and understanding.

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The city-wide street sweeping map, parking restrictions, and calendars can be viewed below.

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights - July 23, 2019

​The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of July 23, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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Below are the highlights from the July 23, 2019 Open Session Board of Directors Meeting. The Board of Directors:

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• Honored the Voice of SAMLARC vocalists for their performances and The Bridge Church for providing entertainment at the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular event.

• Honored Cary Haine, departing SAMLARC Construction Project Manager, for his ten years of service to SAMLARC.

• Accepted the resignation of Director Dennis Reid. Director Reid has served on the SAMLARC Board of Directors since 2016. During that time, Director Reid has chaired several SAMLARC committees, including the Community Lifestyle Committee, Lake Ad Hoc Committee, and Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee. Director Reid will formally depart the Board in August 2019.

• Following Director Reid’s resignation, the Board of Directors took action to fill the vacant position through recruitment of current SAMLARC Committee Members and recommendation by individual Board members.      

• Approved the installation of LED lighting at the Cañada Vita Park Batting Cages. The project will be completed with funds donated by Santa Margarita Little League. The project is anticipated to take place in August 2019.

• Approved a contract renewal with Lake Management, Inc. for maintenance of the Lago Santa Margarita, based on its excellent performance in maintaining the Lake’s health.

• Approved the replacement of sixteen (16) barbecue grills at the SAMLARC Parks. SAMLARC annually reviews the longevity of its amenities and equipment to ensure that Members enjoy safe facilities throughout the year. The barbecues will be installed in August 2019.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click the button below.

Lago Santa Margarita on ABC7 Eyewitness News

​The Lago Santa Margarita, made a special appearance on the evening news on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. ABC7 Eyewitness News showcased the Lake with valuable information on its restoration to a healthy ecosystem. Director Charles Villafana, SAMLARC Board Secretary and Member of the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee, spoke on behalf of the Lake’s progress, and its latest delivery of 1,000 bluegill and smaller fish into the Lake. “Hopefully by late fall,” Director Villafana said, “we should have more catchable-sized fish, and hopefully by next year, have a thriving fishery again.” Over the course of 2019, more than 8,000 small fish have been successfully introduced to the Lake and are enjoying their new home. The return of fisher birds, reduced insect activity, and improved water quality are signs that the Lake’s ecosystem is re-balancing. The Board of Directors looks forward to the return of recreational fishing in fall of this year.

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To learn more about the process of restoring the Lake’s status as a thriving fishery, we invite you to visit the Lake Updates page by clicking HERE.

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SAMLARC is grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Lake as a valuable community amenity. Click HERE to view the ABC7 segment, which aired on July 25, 2019.

Director Ted Robertson Resigns from SAMLARC Board

​On June 3, 2019, Director Ted Robertson submitted his resignation from his position on the SAMLARC Board of Directors. Mr. Robertson was elected to the Board in February 2019. As outlined in the SAMLARC By-Laws (Article IV, Section 4.02), SAMLARC Board Directors serve two-year terms of office. Mr. Robertson voluntarily stepped down following three months in office. The SAMLARC Board of Directors accepted Mr. Robertson's resignation at the June 25, 2019 Board Meeting, and appointed Mr. Paul Persiani to fill the vacant position. ​

SAMLARC Board Welcomes Director Paul Persiani

​The SAMLARC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Paul Persiani as a Director of the SAMLARC Board. Director Paul Persiani was appointed at the June 25, 2019 Board of Directors meeting, filling the vacancy following Director Ted Robertson’s resignation. Director Persiani previously served on the Board from February 2017-2019, and looks forward to serving the SAMLARC community for the next two years.

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Director Persiani and his wife Stephanie made Rancho Santa Margarita their home in 2004, and have found that Rancho Santa Margarita offers the perfect environment in which to raise their four children. Director Persiani has more than twenty-five years of experience in manufacturing, primarily as a Design and Process Engineer. He is also an avid youth sports fan, serving as a coach and Board Member of Santa Margarita Little League, and previously as President of SMLL.

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During his first term on the SAMLARC Board of Directors, Director Persiani served as the Board Vice President, as well as a member of the Budget and Cash Flow, Communications, and Election Committees. As a returning Board Member, Director Persiani will be able to draw on these experiences in cultivating a thriving community. Director Persiani’s goal as a Board Director is to nurture the relationships between SAMLARC’s Board, Membership, and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. In addition, Director Persiani hopes to partner with local sports organizations to provide well-maintained athletic facilities for athletes of all ages. Director Persiani looks forward to connecting with SAMLARC Members at events, meetings, and Lakeside strolls over the next two years.

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Learn more about Director Persiani and the full SAMLARC Board by clicking the button below.

Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Highlights

The Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee was formed in 2017 to provide input and recommendations related to the treatment and management of golden algae, with the primary goal of providing and aquatic environment where fish could thrive and fishing be restored.

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The Committee met on June 19, 2019 to discuss the Lake Ecosystem Repair Project and its effects on the Lake’s water chemistry. The Committee is comprised of three Board Directors: Dennis Reid (SAMLARC Director and Committee Chair), Robert Louvar (SAMLARC CFO), and Charles Villafana (SAMLARC Secretary) whose professional insights are invaluable to restoring the Lake’s health and beauty. The Committee’s discussion included:

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• Updates on the Lake’s monthly water quality level test results. According to May 2019 test readings, the Lake’s water chemistry is slowly rebalancing. The concentration of total dissolved solids (nutrients and salinity in the water column) has lowered, and water clarity is considered fair to good for an urban reservoir. While the presence of golden algae was still detected, the quantity of algae has reduced since the April 2019 test readings, and the overall algal community is considered stable.
   

• The purchase of additional fish for the Lake. Based on the positive 2019 water quality test readings, the Committee approved the purchase of additional fish, including bluegill, small bass, and fathead minnows. These fish are not meant to be caught in recreational fishing; rather, they will help re-establish a baseline for a thriving aquatic ecosystem. These fish will also serve as a food source for larger fish, anticipated to be added this fall as water quality levels continue to equalize. 
   

• Review of SAMLARC’s Active Lake Management Plan, a detailed maintenance regimen that addresses the health, cleanliness, and operational efficiency of the Lake, Lakeshore Park, and Beach Club Harbor. The Plan is executed by members of the SAMLARC team and professional service providers, including three lake service technicians and one custodial maintenance technician, who each perform water quality control measures. These efforts help to protect the Lake’s place as a valuable amenity of the SAMLARC community.
   

• Updates on the Lake Water Exchange Project and the installation of a second pump. The installation of a secondary pump at the Lake has accelerated the Project’s completion date. The Project is now anticipated to be completed by late July 2019, rather than its original September 2019 conclusion date.         
   

• A recommendation to the Board of Directors that the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee be established as a standing SAMLARC Committee. Pending approval by the Board, the Committee will regularly meet to review the Lake’s maintenance procedures, water quality levels and impacts, and appropriate action plans. The Board will consider the recommendation at the July 23, 2019 Board Meeting.

More information on the Lago Santa Margarita's restoration can be found by clicking the button below. For questions regarding the Lago Santa Margarita Ad Hoc Committee, please contact Assistant General Manager George Blair at 949-709-0014 or george.blair@fsresidential.com.

June 25, 2019 Board Meeting Highlights

The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of June 25, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

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Below are the highlights from the June 25, 2019 Open Session Board of Directors Meeting:

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• Assistant General Manager George Blair presented an overview of the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular event logistics and preparations measures. The presentation included irrigation control, maintenance service providers, and first responder protocols. The event is anticipated to draw more than ten thousand (10,000) attendees and is a beloved community celebration.

• As part of annual review of the Board of Directors 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, the Board provided input regarding current and future initiatives.

• Following a recommendation from the Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee, the Board approved a “Plant a Tree” and Park Bench Dedication Program.

• The Board accepted the resignation of Director Ted Robertson and appointed former Director Paul Persiani to fill the vacant position.

• The Board approved the appointment of Penelope Atkinson to serve as an Alternate Member of the Community Lifestyle Committee. Ms. Atkinson is a long-time SAMLARC Member and is excited to offer her passion for community connection to the Community Lifestyle Committee.

• The Board approved sports field maintenance measures to maintain the safety and aesthetics of SAMLARC’s field amenities. These measures include: refurbishment and replacement of backstop boards, “drill and fill” procedures to promote healthy turf grass, infield refurbishment at Altisima, Arroyo Vista, and Vista Verde fields, and installation of infield mix in the Central Park bocce ball court.

• The Board approved renewed common area maintenance service contracts to ensure that SAMLARC parking lots, bus stops, and bus shelters retain structural integrity and high-quality aesthetics.

• The Board approved the development of a World Tea Tasting with Mindfulness program at the Beach Club. This program explores the health benefits and history of tea consumption in conjunction with mindfulness techniques, increasing awareness of the complexities of various teas.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click HERE.

SAMLARC Prepares for July 4th Festivities

SAMLARC’s July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular is a beloved community event. For decades, Members and their guests have enjoyed picnicking along the Lakeshore, celebrating Independence Day, and marveling at the stunning fireworks show. With more than 10,000 people in attendance every year, this event requires meticulous planning and execution to ensure that the community enjoys a safe and fun holiday.

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After months of careful preparation, the SAMLARC Star Spangled Spectacular planning team met with local community safety partners on June 5th to review the event timeline, logistics, and safety measures. These partners are critical to the success of the Star Spangled Spectacular, and include:

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• Orange County Fire Authority

• Orange County Sheriff’s Department

• Professional pyrotechnics provider

• Audio service producer

• Lifeguard services

• Emergency medical response teams

• Facility and custodial maintenance teams

• Landscape and irrigation control teams

• Lake and Lagoon management teams

• Security service teams

As part of their partnership with SAMLARC, each of these organizations serve vital roles before, during, and after the event. OCFA representatives work closely with the pyrotechnics provider to ensure that the fireworks show runs smoothly and safely. OCSD is crucial to traffic management and community safety in the morning and evening. SAMLARC security service providers patrol the property throughout the day to encourage a family-friendly event, and medical response teams are on standby in case of emergency. Lifeguards are strategically positioned at the Lagoon to watch the water and encourage water safety.  Lifeguards are also stationed at the SAMLARC boat dock to ensure water craft are used properly and monitor the Lakeshore. In the background, facility/custodial, landscape/irrigation, and Lake/Lagoon service providers continuously service the property so that Members enjoy clean facilities. Finally, the pyrotechnics and audio producers partner with SAMLARC to present a wonderful fireworks display!

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The next crucial step in planning the Star Spangled Spectacular is the Emergency Action Plan Meeting, to be held in mid-June. This meeting is solely dedicated to reviewing established protocols and practices should an emergency arise. Though SAMLARC anticipates a smooth and safe event, this annual meeting includes detailed review of the event timeline and map, establishment of a “found child” station, exit assignments, emergency communication liaisons, guest relations, and weather-related emergencies, among other key safety practices. The entirety of SAMLARC’s staff, as well as key service providers, first-responders, and safety organizations will be in attendance so that all event staff and service providers are equipped to help Members enjoy a fun, safe, and fantastic 4th of July.

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We look forward to celebrating with you! For questions regarding the Star Spangled Spectacular, please contact George Blair at 949-709-0014 or george.blair@fsresidential.com

Blooms, Beauty, and Bugs: Managing Insects at the Lake

Thanks to a rainy winter and spring, California has been officially declared free of drought – and nature has celebrated with wildflower super blooms and kaleidoscopes of monarch butterflies. However, the wet weather has also created ideal conditions for the insect population. Though insect activity can be bothersome to Lake visitors, it is important to remember that insects act as food for birds and fish. SAMLARC is mindful of Members’ enjoyment of the Lake, and is proactively working to reduce the impact of insects around the Lake.

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SAMLARC began aquatic midge fly control measures two months ahead of the traditional midge fly season. More than eight thousand (8,000) minnows and mosquitofish have been released into the Lake to reduce the activity of aquatic midge fly larvae, and two treatments which inhibit the maturation of aquatic midge fly larvae have been applied. Around the Lakeshore, SAMLARC is working closely with pest control service providers to reduce the fungus gnat population, which thrives in moist soil. The treatment plan includes limiting irrigation to dry out the moist soil and disrupt the breeding environment, and application of a non-chemical compound to arrest the maturation of eggs and larvae. Neither aquatic midge flies or fungus gnats pose a threat to Lake visitors: they do not bite or carry diseases. Each treatment takes time to become fully effective and is targeted at reducing future waves of the insects. While complete eradication is impossible, SAMLARC monitors their activity daily to determine additional treatments. This proactiveness has resulted in a significant reduction in the insect population, particularly when compared to last year’s population.

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Members who frequent the Lake and Lakeshore may find it helpful to avoid visiting during peak times of insect activity: the early morning and mid to late evening. During these times, the insects tend to congregate near the Mercado del Lago, the Lisa Frost Memorial, and along the Lakeshore lawn. Additionally, homeowners along the perimeter of the Lake are encouraged to inspect their property for standing water or poorly-drained soil. These zones are breeding grounds for insects; improper maintenance could result in a new wave of unwanted insect activity around the Lake.

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As Members begin enjoy the warm weather, SAMLARC endeavors to provide pleasant experiences at all SAMLARC amenities. We thank you for your patience as we strive to maintain a balanced ecosystem that serves the needs of all creatures great and small.

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For questions regarding insect activity at the Lake, please contact Jerry Corpuz, Facilities, Operations & Landscape Manager, at 949-709-4009 or jerry.corpuz@fsresidential.com.

OCFA Defensible Space Project Update

In the face of California’s recent wildfire season, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is enforcing more stringent Defensible Space requirements in SAMLARC property adjacent to wilderness areas. According to OCFA, these requirements help to protect the community in the event of a wildfire. SAMLARC has developed a Defensible Space Work Plan to address the OCFA requirements in those designated areas.

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Beginning June 17, 2019, SAMLARC’s professional landscape service providers will be working on the SAMLARC-owned landscaping slopes along Coto de Caza Drive at Santa Rosa. The landscape crews will be removing plant material from these slopes per OCFA guidelines.

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The clearing work is anticipated to take approximately six weeks to complete. During this time, homeowners can expect the following activity:

• SAMLARC owned and maintained landscaping will be modified within 100 feet of the property line

• The area will be inspected for nests prior to work commencement

• Landscaping crews will use motorized equipment to trim and remove plant material

• Groundcover that exceeds 24” in height will be removed or trimmed per OCFA Defensible Space specifications

• Trees will be pruned and/or removed under the supervision of an arborist to maintain sufficient distance between trees

The landscape modification will focus on the Acacia plants on the east and west sides of Coto de Caza Drive. The area will be inspected for nests and protected areas before clearing work begins. Following completion of the clearing work (approximately six weeks), the area will be added to a replanting schedule (anticipated to conclude within two weeks).  The entirety of the Coto de Caza Drive project is anticipated to be completed within 6-8 weeks.

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For questions regarding the Coto de Caza Drive clearing work, please visit SAMLARC.org/projects for updates. You may also contact George Blair, Assistant General Manager, at 949-709-0014 or george.blair@fsresidential.com.

Helpful Homeowner Wanted for Architectural Review Committee

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is seeking a passionate and committed volunteer to help make a positive difference in the SAMLARC community! The Architectural Review Committee nurtures a harmonious community design by evaluating home improvement applications for cohesion with SAMLARC’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture and landscape. The ARC actively works to maintain residential property values by protecting SAMLARC’s distinctive community design.

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The ARC meets twice per month to review home improvement applications. The Committee is comprised of five Members, with a liaison from the SAMLARC Board of Directors. Committee Members objectively evaluate applications according to the SAMLARC Architectural Standards and SAMLARC Policies & Guidelines. ARC Members draw on their professional experience, community insight, and unbiased opinion to accept an application or request resubmission.

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All SAMLARC Members are invited to apply for the ARC. Members with professional experience in real estate markets or architectural/landscape design may find their insight particularly helpful. ARC Members serve two-year terms.

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To apply for the volunteer position of Architectural Review Committee Member, please click below.

Botanical Islands in the Lago Santa Margarita

When SAMLARC was designed in the 1980s, master planner Richard Reese envisioned a community that blended nature and urban living. Over the years, the viewscape of the Lago Santa Margarita has changed: the young trees have developed beautiful canopies, birds have built nests around the Lake, and SAMLARC members loop around the Lake in growing numbers – always framed by the serene waters and the majestic mountains. Now, the Lake is undergoing another change; this one for both its health and beauty.

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As you walk around the Lago Santa Margarita, you will notice new additions to the Lake – twenty-two floating botanical islands. Part of the Lake Ecosystem Repair Project, these islands serve important role in restoring the Lake’s health and beauty: their underwater root systems help to keep golden algae at bay.

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The islands’ plants were carefully selected for both beauty and effectiveness. The foliage of plants such as canna lilies, waterhyssop, and papyrus complement the movement of the Lake, while their underwater roots create shelters for fish and turtles – and, most importantly, quickly absorb nutrients within the water. The plants consume the same nutrients as golden algae, but they do so more rapidly than golden algae, limiting the amount of available nutrients within the water. This reduces the golden algae’s ability to reproduce (known as a bloom). As golden algae blooms are toxic to fish, it is important to nurture the islands’ root systems so that fish can be reintroduced to the Lake.

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The islands were planted and “incubated” in the Beach Club harbor over the winter months so that they could adjust to their aquatic home and develop hardy root systems. They were towed to their permanent locations during the week of May 6, 2019, and are anticipated to showcase beautiful foliage throughout the summer. The islands are an important part of the Lake Ecosystem Repair Project, which aims to revitalize the Lake’s ecosystem so that fish, fowl, and fauna work in harmony.

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Over the past few months, a few batches of small “feeder fish” have been introduced to the Lake. These fish (mosquitofish, fathead minnows, and rosy red minnows) are known for their hardiness and insectivorous diets, which reduce aquatic insect activity. Additionally, 1,000 bluegill were released into the Lake in May, and continue to thrive. Once water quality levels indicate that the Lake is viable for aquatic life, larger “game fish” will be reintroduced to the Lake.

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Updates on the Lake’s ecosystem, islands, and aquatic life will be provided at SAMLARC.org as they develop. For questions regarding the botanical islands, please contact George Blair, Assistant General Manager, at 949-709-0014 or george.blair@fsresidential.com.

May 29, 2019 Board Meeting Highlights

The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of May 28, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

Below are the highlights from the May 28, 2019 Open Session Board of Directors Meeting:

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• Members of the Lion’s Heart and Trabuco Hills High School Honors Society were honored for their volunteer efforts at SAMLARC community lifestyle events. Lion’s Heart is a teen organization that works with local non-profits to offer student-friendly volunteer opportunities. Trabuco Hills High School Honors Society is part of a statewide academic honors organization that recognizes students for scholarship and community service. These students drive SAMLARC’s unique sense of community spirit.

• The Board approved SAMLARC’s participation in the 2020 CAI Large Scale Management Workshop. CAI (Community Association Institute) is a national professional organization that supports Homeowner Associations. The 2020 Workshop will showcase SAMLARC’s unique history and development. Representatives from SAMLARC, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and Lake Mission Viejo will be key participants in the conference’s larger topic of community legacies and their relationship to land development.

• The Board approved the formation of a Landscape Contract Ad Hoc Committee. This Ad Hoc Committee will evaluate SAMLARC’s maintenance needs and related costs, as well as the most efficient method of achieving landscape standards and expectations. The Ad Hoc Committee will be comprised of President Robert Dickson, CFO Robert Louvar, and Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee Chair Dennis Reid.

• The Board re-authorized the Orange County Sheriff to provide law enforcement services on SAMLARC property through a trespass order. This authorization is renewed annually.

• The Board approved the school-year usage of Arroyo Vista Park and Tijeras Creek Park by Arroyo Vista and Tijeras Creek Schools, respectively.

• The Board approved a contract with A-Rising Builders for removal and replacement of the wood trellis beams at Monte Vista Pool and Tijeras Creek Park. Replacement of the beams will ensure enduring structural stability, as well as maintaining SAMLARC’s standard of excellence in its facilities. The project is anticipated to take place during the week of June 10, 2019.

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The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click HERE.

Star Spangled Spectacular Ticket Distribution - Saturday June 1

Join us at the Beach Club for a traditional 4th of July celebration with swimming, family games and a spectacular fireworks show.

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Free tickets to the Star Spangled Spectacular will be distributed beginning Saturday, June 1 from the Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club. Ticket distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m. (or until tickets run out). Only 1,100 tickets will be available for SAMLARC residents and their guests. Tickets must be picked up in person and are limited to a maximum of eight (8) tickets per household for residents and their guests. Be sure to safeguard your tickets—lost tickets will not be replaced. SAMLARC ID cards will be required at the time tickets are distributed and at registration.

Admittance into the Beach Club on Thursday, July 4th, will be by ticket only to receive access wristbands. At 3:00 p.m., if wristbands have not been redeemed, open spots will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

May LFEC Highlights

The Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee (LFEC) is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of the landscape and facilities throughout the SAMLARC community. The LFEC met on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 and discussed a variety of projects and proposals to enhance Members’ experiences throughout the SAMLARC community. The Committee’s discussion included:

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• Updates on the SAMLARC Defensible Space Work Plan, which addresses the more stringent Orange County Fire Authority’s Defensible Space requirements in SAMLARC property adjacent to wilderness zones. Clearing work at Rose Canyon and in Los Portillos is finished and clearing work along Coto De Caza Drive will begin shortly. More information on the OCFA requirements may be found HERE (Impacts page).

• Monthly review of the SAMLARC landscape evaluations. SAMLARC’s property is comprised of four distinct regions, each with particular landscaping needs. The monthly landscape scoring system weighs these needs against landscape service providers’ performance in each region. The 100-point scorecards include facets such as the health of turf, ornamental plants, and trees, as well as hardscape and irrigation maintenance, and more. If a region’s score falls below 80, an action plan is created to address the low-scoring facets and return the landscape to health and beauty. In Quarter 2 of 2019, the average score of all examined areas was 94.3 out of the possible 100 points.

• Review of current landscaping maintenance processes, and proposed refinement of the processes through potential redistribution of staffing in highly-visible zones. Refinement of the maintenance process would more efficiently protect the beauty and health of SAMLARC’s landscape.

• Recommendation to the Board of Directors to approve a Plant a Tree dedication program recognizing SAMLARC Members throughout the community. Should the Board approve the program, a limited number of Members will be able to dedicate a new tree for planting within the SAMLARC Community. The Board will consider the recommendation at the May 28, 2019 Board Meeting.

• Updates on the 2019 Capital & Reserve Project Schedule, which outlines maintenance, refurbishment, and enhancement projects throughout the year.

The LFEC is vital to fulfilling SAMLARC’s primary purpose: providing community services and facilities for the benefit of homeowners within the community and preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For more information regarding the Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee, please contact George Blair, Assistant General Manager, at 949-709-0014.

SAMLARC Be Safe in the Water Initiative

SAMLARC recognizes the importance of empowering Members to be confident in any body of water, be it at a resort, ocean, river, lake, or SAMLARC pool. This confidence begins by equipping Members with practical education. This summer, SAMLARC is launching a Be Safe in the Water initiative. This initiative includes free Family Water Awareness classes, free First Aid and CPR training, AED training, and group swim lessons. SAMLARC encourages Members to utilize these resources so that you and your loved ones feel confident in any body of water. We encourage you to enjoy the summer swim season with safety in mind.

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Family Water Awareness Workshop

Learn tools for watching the water and your child in the water. This workshop offers family water awareness tips, the importance of swim lessons, signs of young swimmers' stress, and safe swimming equipment. This workshop is designed to provide practical advice in safeguarding your children while they are in the water. The 30-minute workshop will take place shortly before each First Aid, CPR & AED Education class.

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First Aid, CPR & AED Education

Learn first aid skills, proper CPR techniques, and how to correctly use an automated external defibrillator (AED). These skills are valuable not only when around a body of water, but in the event of any incident. Free to SAMLARC Members. Participants interested in obtaining official CPR certification must complete an online pre-requisite for a small fee.

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Group Swim Lessons

Ensure that your child can swim safely at any stage! Group swim lessons at all levels will be offered in 2-week sessions.

Level 1: Brand new to swimming and needs to learn to glide and float.

Level 2: Can glide roughly 5ft and float on their back. Needs to learn to kick and side breathe.

Level 3: Students will learn how to swim freestyle and backstroke.

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All classes will be facilitated by certified aquatic staff from Premier Aquatic Service, LLC. To register for these valuable classes, please visit SAMLARC.org/water-safety. We look forward to a summer full of swim days and fun memories!

Message from the Board: Lifeguard Services

SAMLARC is pleased to offer and maintain a wide variety of amenities for its Members to utilize year-round. From the picturesque vantage point of Altisima Park to the peaceful walking trail adjoining Monte Vista Park, Members enjoy creating new memories in our unique community. Like the parks, SAMLARC pools are open to its Members throughout the year and are a pleasant setting for exercise, recreation, and enjoyment.

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Although pools are open throughout the year for aquatic activities, they are only staffed with lifeguard services on a limited basis during the summer months. At the Budget Workshop held on October 9, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a modified lifeguard service contract that encompasses the following schedule:

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Pools (Altisima, Solana, Arroyo Vista and Monte Vista) – Weekends only from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, beginning May 25, 2019 and concluding Labor Day. Lifeguard services will also be provided on July 4th.

Lagoon – Weekends only for the month of May, and seven days per week from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, beginning June 1, 2019 and concluding Labor Day.

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The decision to modify the lifeguard service schedule was made after careful consideration of several factors, including: industry standards, an increased contract rate due to minimum wage impacts; attendance; potential risk exposure; and hours of operation.

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Cost – Minimum Wage and Contract Increases

One of the major issues affecting SAMLARC and the majority of Homeowners Associations, as well as businesses, is related to the impact of state-mandated minimum wage increases and resulting wage compaction. As minimum wage increases, service providers are forced to adjust their compensation scale, resulting in higher contract rates for customers such as SAMLARC. When minimum wage increases, the total sum billed to customers also increases. The lifeguard service rates reflected below are not wages alone. The rates also include administrative, insurance, training, and other overhead costs.

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SAMLARC’s contracted rate with its lifeguard service provider reflects the sum of both wages and overhead costs. From 2017-2018, and proposed in 2019, the positions’ hourly cost to SAMLARC (including the provider’s overhead, wages, and minimum wage increase) are as follows:

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    2017             2018             2019

Lifeguard       $18.00          $19.50          $22.00

Supervisor     $20.00          $21.00          $24.00

Gate Monitor  $16.00          $19.00          $22.00

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The positions’ hourly cost increase from 2017 to 2019 is $4.00 per hour for lifeguards and supervisors, and $6.00 per hour for gate monitors. This increase reflects not only the state-mandated wage increase, but increased costs of the provider’s business and other inflationary factors.

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In 2018, the actual amount spent on lifeguard services at the pools and Lagoon was $213,787.  The 2019 Budget includes $161,142 for lifeguard services at the Lagoon and pools. This amount allocates funding for seven-day lifeguard services at the Lagoon during the summer months and weekend lifeguard services at the pools during the summer months.

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In the absence of lifeguard services at the pools during the summer months, a rover will be visiting the pools throughout the day to check appropriate pool use, water chemistry, cleanliness and overall condition of the facility. Four AEDs (automated external defibrillators) have been purchased for placement at the SAMLARC Pools. Additionally, water safety and CPR classes will empower and educate Members so they can enjoy aquatic facilities everywhere.

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Attendance and Hours of Operation

The modified pool lifeguard schedule was created with pool traffic in mind. During the months of June, July and August in 2018, the average hourly attendance at the pools from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM ranged from 5 bathers to 13 bathers per hour, with two lifeguards on duty. For the same time period on weekends at the pools, attendance ranged from 6 to 23 bathers per hour. It is anticipated that the pools will receive similar usage rates this year.

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It is important to note that the pools are open year-round from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Lifeguard services are not provided year-round, nor are they provided for the entirety of the pool swimming hours. SAMLARC encourages Members to practice water safety, and to take advantage of local water safety resources so that Members feel comfortable in any body of water.

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Risk Exposure and Industry Standards

The current industry standard for many homeowner associations is to not provide lifeguard services. As long as a pool is properly noticed with signage and has the proper equipment in accordance with state mandates, the pool complies with state requirements and the risk exposure to a lawsuit is minimized. Offering lifeguard services can carry additional risk if the lifeguard company providing the service is found to be negligent in its services.

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The Board of Directors feels that lifeguard services are an important asset when the pools and Lagoon experience high volumes of traffic. The modified lifeguard schedule was specifically designed to provide services during these periods over the summer swim season: seven days per week at the Lagoon, and on weekends at the pools. The modified service schedule will be evaluated throughout the Summer 2019 swim season to measure its effectiveness, and will be reassessed by the Board during development of the 2020 Budget.

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Be Safe in the Water Initiative

SAMLARC recognizes the importance of empowering Members to be confident in any body of water, be it at a resort, ocean, river, lake, or SAMLARC pool. This confidence begins by equipping Members with practical education. This summer, SAMLARC is launching a Be Safe in the Water initiative. This program includes free Family Water Safety classes, free First Aid and CPR training, AED training, and group swim lessons. SAMLARC encourages Members to utilize these resources so that you and your loved ones feel confident in any body of water. We encourage you to enjoy the summer swim season with safety in mind.

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For further information regarding the Beach Club Lagoon and pools, contact Beach Club and Aquatic Facilities Manager Jerry Corpuz at (949) 709-4009.

OCFA Discusses Defensible Space Requirements

Californians enjoy beautiful weather nearly year-round, and Rancho Santa Margarita is no exception. However, California’s climate and landscape also provide extensive fuel for wildfires. SAMLARC is committed to the safety of its Members and their property. As part of that commitment, SAMLARC is working with the Orange County Fire Authority to ensure its property abutting wilderness areas adheres to OCFA’s Defensible Space requirements.

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Like many master-planned communities, SAMLARC and its professional landscape service providers maintain community landscaping according to Fuel Modification Standards. However, in light of the 2017 and 2018 California wildfires, OCFA has also elected to enforce more stringent Defensible Space Standards. These Standards are targeted at communities adjacent to wildland and are designed to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout the community.

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On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, SAMLARC and other master-planned community representatives met with the Orange County Fire Authority to discuss the Defensible Space Standards. The meeting was facilitated by the Community Associations of Rancho (CAR) in order to discuss clarification of the requirements, enforcement, and compliance processes. As SAMLARC and surrounding communities have embarked on bringing landscaping into compliance with Defensible Space requirements, certain challenges have been identified, including: out-of-budget expenses, unrealistic compliance deadlines, legal ramifications, and certification of compliance.

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Representatives from SAMLARC, Trabuco Highlands, Dove Canyon, Robinson Ranch, Laguna Niguel Summit, and Rancho Cielo, and Walden attended the meeting. Fire Marshal and Assistant Fire Chief Lori Smith, as well as Assistant Fire Marshal Nick Pivaroff and Deputy Fire Marshal Jennifer Bower attended on behalf of OCFA. Additionally, Senior Policy Advisor Sara May represented Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office, and CAR’s legal counsel Dan Nordberg of Nordberg/De Nichilo, LLP were in attendance.

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CAR Chair Derek McGregor and Fire Marshal Smith led discussion of the intention and context of Defensible Space requirements, as well as possible avenues of better partnership between OCFA and master-planned communities. OCFA is open to the concept of forming a stakeholder review committee, which would provide insight to OCFA as additional Defensible Space requirements develop. Additionally, OCFA suggested that CAR consider forming a local Fire Safe Council, which could offer grant funding and resources for homeowner education, and community wildfire protection plans.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors have identified wildfire safety as a key priority for the SAMLARC community. SAMALRC looks forward to participating in the development of the stakeholder review committee and the Fire Safe Council. Updates will be provided to the Membership at SAMLARC.org as they become available.

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The CAR meeting was held in the Trabuco Canyon Water District Board Room, with refreshments provided by FirstService Residential.

Board of Directors Meeting Highlights - April 23, 2019

The SAMLARC Board of Directors met on the evening of April 23, 2019. The Open Session Agenda for the meeting and corresponding Open Session Board Agenda Reports can be found HERE.

Below are the highlights from the April 23, 2019 Open Session Board of Directors Meeting:

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• The Board approved the provision of support for the RSM Chamber’s Rancho Family Fest event.

• At the recommendation by the Budget and Cash Flow Committee (BCFC), the Board approved the purchase of one single bench surrey bike for use during the Beach Club summer season.

• At the recommendation of the Landscape and Facilities Enhancement Committee (LFEC) and the BCFC, the Board approved the refurbishment of all SAMLARC Community Pool chaise lounges and deck chairs, to be completed by May 31, 2019.

• At the recommendation of the LFEC, the Board approved the purchase of four AEDs for installation at the SAMLARC Community Pools. The AEDs will be installed by May 1, 2019 at each of the pools, and will be located adjacent to the emergency call boxes at each pool.

• At the recommendation of the LFEC, the Board approved the purchase of five “Away with Geese” units to reduce geese activity at the Lagoon and Lake harbor. This tool uses intermittent light to disrupt the sleep patterns of geese, who will come to recognize the light as a deterrent and withdraw from the area.

• The Board appointed Director Robert Louvar and SAMLARC Members William Cather and Greg Wieckert to serve on the 2019-2020 Election Committee.

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The SAMLARC Board of Directors is committed to preserving the value, desirability, and attractiveness of all properties within SAMLARC. For the full Open Session Board of Directors Meeting Agenda, as well as the Board Agenda Reports, please click the button below.