The First Neighborhood News is published by the First Neighborhood Property Owners Association 31830 Village Center Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361 (818) 889-0632

www.firstneighborhood.org

Vol. XLI No. 159 September 2020

Homeowners MeetingThe next scheduled meeting is Thursday, September 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the meeting will be held on zoom. If you have any questions or would like to attend via zoom please email showard@emmonsco.net prior to the meeting. All homeowners are invited to attend.

Greenbelt NewsEver notice what a beautiful place the Greenbelt is? Ever look up and see those magnificent sixty-year old Ash trees waving in the breeze and listen to the gentle rustle of their leaves? Or the beauty of our rose gardens with their majestic array of colors, oh there is nothing like a rose. Then we have the butterfly gardens where amidst the profusion of flowers you can sit quietly and watch the monarchs and the other butterflies, flit silently amidst the blooms. How lucky are we to live in neighborhood where land was set aside for trees to grow and flowers to flourish? Where people can safely walk their dogs, push babies in strollers, say hi to their friends, and send their kids and grandkids off on their bikes. The Greenbelt is truly the jewel of First Neighborhood. Its paths wind past our homes and form a concrete connection all the way from Guildhall Court to Kingspark Court and Belham to Shropshire. No matter where you live, the Greenbelt is close by. You can step out your door, walk a few steps, and there you are, walking on our Greenbelts. So, look up, look down, there is beauty all around you. See you on the Greenbelt.

Freedom Square Access GatePlease call the office to obtain the code for the gate at Freedom Square. You must be a First Neighborhood resident and will be asked to identify yourself.

Welcome NeighborsThese new residents have recently moved into our First Neighborhood and we welcome them. As new residents and members of the First Neighborhood Property Owners Association, you should call the Community Center office (818) 889-0632 if you have any questions regarding your new home or neighborhood.

Paul & Diane 31943 Watergate Court

Bridget 4412 Yorkfield Court

City Council MeetingsIf you are interested in attending City Council Meetings, they are scheduled the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall. An agenda is also available to you the Friday before each meeting, which you can pick up at the City Hall. Get involved!

Beautiful Home, 31920 Watergate Court

New Neighborhood Committees Need You!Your First Neighborhood POA Board is looking forward to bringing us more together as a community in a post-COVID 19 world. To prepare us for that time (which will hopefully be upon us soon), we want to establish a number of committees to be formed by our neigh-borhood residents. The goal of these committees will be to work to bring us all closer together by being welcoming, social and safe in the First Neighborhood. We are looking for neighborhood vol-unteers to join these committees. Each committee will have a Board member as sponsor and coach but will indepen-dently set goals and execute plans within their committee. The following are committees for which we are seeking your support at this time:

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The Sheriff’s Department Community TipsTAKE CRIME PREVENTION TO WORKWhen you go to work, don’t leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at home or in your neighborhood can happen in the workplace. But common-sense preven-tion skills can help make life “at work” safer for all.

HELP PREVENT OFFICE THEFT AND OTHER CRIMES• Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other

valuable items with you at all times or locked in a drawer or closet.

• Check the identity of any strangers who are in your office – ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person. If this makes you uncomfortable, inform security or management about your suspicions.

• Always let someone know where you’ll be – whether it’s coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room, going out to lunch or a meeting.

• If you bring personal items to work, such as a coffee pot, a radio, or a cal-culator, mark them with your name or initials and an identification number.

• Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don’t lock properly, or broken windows. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.

• Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your co-workers to people visiting or calling your place of work.

TAKE A LOOK AT COMMON TROUBLE SPOTS• Reception area – Is the reception-

ist equipped with a panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at another employees desk, and a lock on the front door that can be con-trolled?

• Stairwells and out-of-the-way cor-ridors – Don’t use stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stair-ways.

crimes. Despite media hype, the attacker usually isn’t a disgruntled co-worker. To assess a workplace’s vulnerability to violence, ask yourself these questions.• Is your office secure? Do you have

easy-to-use phone systems with emergency buttons, sign-in policies for visitors, panic buttons, safe rooms, security guards, office access controls, good lighting, and safety training?

• Does your employer take care in hiring and firing? Before hiring, are employment gaps, history, references, and criminal and educational records thoroughly examined? Are termina-tion procedure defined clearly with attention to advance notice, severance pay, and placement services?

• Could you recognize potentially violent employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence include: depression, frequent absences, talking in a louder-than-normal voice, being startled easily, increased irritability and impatience, and concentration and memory problems.

• Are you encouraged to report unusual or worrisome behavior? Is there a clear, written policy that spells out procedures in cases of violence and sanctions for violators? Make sure you know to whom you should report unusual behaviors.

• Do you work in a supportive, harmoni-ous environment? Is there a culture of mutual respect? Does your employer provide an employee assistance pro-gram (EAP)?

• Elevators – Don’t get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an el-evator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.

• Restrooms – Attackers can hide in stalls and corners. Make sure rest-rooms are locked and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted.

• After hours – Don’t work late alone. Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or public transportation or ask security to escort you.

• Parking lots or garages – Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach your car, have your keys ready. Check the floor and front and back seats before get-ting in. Lock your car as soon as you get in – before you buckle your seat belts.

WHAT ABOUT VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE?Violence in the workplace takes many forms, raised voices and profanity or sexual harassment to robbery or homi-cide. While homicide in the workplace is rising, 75 percent of work-related homi-cides are committed by unknown assail-ants while committing a robbery or other

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Westlake VillagePlaces of Worship

St. Jude’s Catholic Church ............. (818) 889-1279Fr. Jim Stehly32032 Lindero Canyon Rd. - Westlake Village, 91361

St. Paul Lutheran Church, MO Synod ...................................... (818) 889-1620Matthew Nolte, Pastor30600 Thousand Oaks Blvd. - Agoura, 91301

Temple Adat Elohim ........................ (805) 497-7101Rabbi Barry Diamond2420 E. Hillcrest Dr. - Thousand Oaks, 91362

The Church of the Epiphany ........... (818) 991-4797(Episcopal)Rev. Melissa McCarthy5450 Churchwood Dr. - Oak Park, 91377

The Calvary Community Church ..... (818) 991-8040Shawn Thornton, Pastor5495 Via Rocas - Westlake Village, 91362

Conejo Valley Congregational Church .................. (805) 381-0484Dave Clack, Pastor750 Erbes Road - Thousand Oaks, 91362

Westminster Presbyterian Church ... (818) 889-1491Rev. David Rohde, Pastor32111 Watergate Road - Westlake Village, 91361

United Methodist Churchof Westlake Village ........................... (805) 497-7884Rev. Walter Dilg, Pastor1049 Westlake Blvd. - Westlake Village, 91361

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints............................ (818) 991-2550La Venta at Watergate - Westlake Village, 91361

First Church of Christ, Scientist ...... (805) 495-3203305 Conejo School Road - Thousand Oaks, 91362

New Hope Lutheran Church ............ (818) 889-8700Craig Beeker, Pastor29295 Agoura Road - Agoura Hills, 91301

Temple Etz Chaim ........................... (805) 497-6891Rabbi Ari Averbach1080 Janss Road - Thousand Oaks, 91362

REFERENCE INFORMATION FOR HOMEOWNERSFirst Neighborhood Property Owners Association

Homeowners and Architectural Committee meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center. Your attendance is most welcome at all regular meetings. The Architectural Committee requests your applications for review and approval of all exterior modifications to your home or landscaping (reroofing, tree removal, etc.) Newsletter deadline is the 3rd Monday of each month. Please submit information in person, by phone or mail to the Community Center.

For Emergencies Or Problems:Police (Sheriff) 911 (Emergency) or 818-878-1808; 818-991-0522 (fax) Fire/paramedics 911 (Emergency) or 818-889-1122; 818-889-1626 (business)Animal Control 818-991-0071Gas Leaks 1-800-427-2200Electrical Power Loss 1-800-611-1911Broken Water Main 818-251-2100 (Las Virgenes Water Dist.)Telephone Repair 611Las Virgenes Water Dist. 818-251-2100Vector Control Rodents 626-430-5450Mosquitoes 310-915-7370

For General Information:Community Center Office 818-889-0632 (8:00 - 12:00 pm, Mon.-Fri.)Manager - The Emmons Company 805-413-1170 (8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Mon.-Fri.)City Hall 818-706-1613Health Dept. 818-880-3409LA County Health & Human Service Program 211

To Report Common Area Problems:Continuously Running Sprinklers:On City Property (Cul-de-Sacs, Medians, Park) 818-706-1613 (9 am - 5 pm, Mon.-Fri.)On First Neighborhood Property (Greenbelts Only) 818-889-0632 (8:00 am-12:00 pm, Mon.-Fri.)Lights Out On Greenbelt: Customer Service 1-800-655-4555Community Center Alarm: Aid Alert Security 818-991-6002

Board of Directors: Architectural Committee:Tony D’Amore – President Todd SpiegelRichard Shin – Vice President Jane HeitingKelly Ray - Treasurer Janie McKayCraig Heiting – Secretary Caroline Raser Tish Matthews – Member at Large Michael Harris Greenbelt Committee:Robin Hirsch, Chairman (818) 822-7091Bruce GruverAllisyn Cashdan

Notes

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Lot#0485 31703 Bainbrook Court FenceLot#0505 4206 Hartfield Court RoofLot#0520 4210 Abbington Court RoofLot#0549 4368 Deerpark Court WindowsLot#0584 4432 Yorkfield Court Landscape

Approval of MinutesMotion: A motion was made by Richard Shin to approve the May 27, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes. Motion was seconded by Mark LaFave and passed unanimously. Motion: A motion was made by Abby Fitch to approve the May 27, 2020 Executive Session Meeting Minutes for hearing/legal. Motion was seconded by Mark LaFave and passed unanimously. Motion: A motion was made by Tony D’Amore to approve the June 4, 2020 Executive Session Meeting Minutes for legal. Motion was seconded by Kelly Ray and passed unanimously.

ManagementPam Zegers reported she and Robin Hirsch are working with the contractor to remove and replace the greenbelt trash can located at Watergate Court.

Financial / Delinquency ReportPam Zegers presented the financial report. Ms. Zegers reported the total cash on hand as of May 31, 2020 was $856,532.05. Refunds continue to be processed for the community center rental cancelations. Ms. Zegers reported the warning letters regarding the delinquent accounts have been sent with a response date of July 1st, 2020. The Board discussed moving forward with legal action on Lot#0372. Motion – A motion was made by Tony D’Amore to move forward with legal action on Lot#0372. Motion was seconded Richard Shin and passed unanimously. Motion – A motion was made by Tony D’Amore to approve the May financials. Motion was seconded Kelly Ray and passed unanimously.

Old BusinessThe Board discussed the County Health Departments recent change allowing 50% of the pool user capacity. This would allow approximately 30 people to use the pool at one time. The Berniece Bennett Park restrooms remain closed at this time which causes an issue regarding the hand washing requirements. The Board discussed different options and asked management to contact the Associations Attorney regarding a legal waiver.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sharon Howard, Recording Secretary

The First Neighborhood Property Owners Association Board of Directors assembled and held its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 via zoom.

Call to OrderPresident Tony D’Amore called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

Members Present and Constituting A QuorumTony D’Amore, PresidentRichard Shin, Vice PresidentKelly Ray, TreasurerMark LaFave, SecretaryAbby Fitch, Member-at-Large

Others PresentPam Zegers, The Emmons CompanySharon Howard, The Emmons CompanyRobin Hirsch, Greenbelt CommitteeFive homeowners attended through zoom.

Homeowner CommentsA homeowner was present for the annual meeting to discuss the issue he is having with his neighbor. The neighbor seems to be smoking a substance in the backyard. The Board discussed the issue and asked management to reach out to the homeowner. Greenbelt ReportRobin Hirsch reported on the greenbelts. Mr. Hirsch reported several trees were added to the phase IV greenbelt tree trimming. Years ago the greenbelt was divided into 4 phases, each phase trimmed once a year. Unless it is a safety issue the Board agreed the resident can contact the Association’s arborist and have the tree trimming done sooner at their cost. The Board suggested an article be placed in the newsletter. Robin Hirsch also supplied the Board with two proposals from Tom Foster Construction in the amount of $400 and $900 to remove and replace 3 sections of greenbelt sidewalk that is a trip hazard. Motion: A motion was made by Tony D’Amore to approve the proposals from Tom Foster Construction to remove and replace 3 sections of the greenbelt sidewalk in the amounts of $400 and $900. Motion was seconded by Richard Shin and passed unanimously.

Architectural ReportThe following applications have been approved by the architectural committee.Lot#0031 4529 Henley Court Windows/Doors Landscape/Paint Pool/SpaLot#0140 32000 Watergate Court RemodelLot#0364 31901 Kingspark Court Flat RoofLot#0432 4410 Beaconsfield Court Tree Removal

Minutes of the First Neighborhood Property Owners AssociationBoard of Directors Meeting • June 24, 2020

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Save WaterAs days grow shorter and nights grow cooler, reduce your watering frequency, especially if you’re using an automatic watering system.

PlantPlant drought-resistant bulbs, including baboon flower (Bablana), chasmanthe (C. aethiopica), lxia, and spring star flower (Iphelon uniflorum). Also plant Tazetta hybrid narcissus, such as paper whites and yellow “Grand d’ Or”. Sow seeds and beets, carrots, fava beans, mesclun, mustard greens, radishes, spin-ach, sugar snap peas, and turnips. Plant seedlings of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, kale, and lettuce. Plant low-growing cool-season flowers, including dwarf snap dragons, nemesia, pansy, or primrose over bulbs. The bulbs will grow up through them, and the ground will be ornamental while you wait. Now through October, replace water-guzzling plants with drought-resistant alternatives, including Geraldton waxflower (Chamelaucium uncinatum), a pink or white flowered shrub; lions tail an orange flowered perennial; and climbers such as Hardenbergia “Happy Wanderer”. Wait until November to plant groundcover and natives. For armloads of blossoms by the holi-days, plant seeds of day length-neutral sweet peas, such as “Winter Elegance”,

Sunset MagazineSeptember Checklist

during the first two weeks of the month. Day length-neutral plants do not initiate flowering based on the length of day or night. Wait until March to plant English varieties of sweet peas. They’re more fragrant than winter varieties but won’t bloom until May.

HarvestIf you haven’t eaten all your “Valen-cia” oranges, you can continue picking them. They’ll turn green again in fall in a process called “re-greening,” but it won’t affect flavor or sweetness. Clip off and discard any old, corky fruit that may have hung on for a year or two.

ProtectTo prevent insect pests from overwin-tering in your garden, harvest summer vegetables and compost the remains before planting winter crops. Clean up debris, then till, amend, and irrigate the soil, letting it settle overnight. Plant the next day.

Lot#0116 32024 Allenby Court Tree RemovalLot#0158 32000 Kingspark Court Patio CoverLot#0221 31977 Doverwood Court RoofLot#0255 3906 Clearford Court SolarLot#0276 31700 Kentfield Court Remodel, WindowsLot#0294 31755 Bedfordhurst Court Tree RemovalLot#0341 31817 Langspur Court Pool/SpaLot#0356 31942 Kingspark Court Roof

New Homeowner Welcome Commit-tee – This committee will put together a Welcome Basket, to include information about areas businesses, parks, restaurants, churches, realtors, etc. It may also include items of food provided by local restau-rants, bakeries and grocery stores. The committee will seek out local business sponsors, who, in exchange for prominent display in the basket, will provide intro-ductory coupons for new homeowners. The committee will also work with the City to provide printed information about City services. Once COVID 19 is over or if this can be done safely, the commit-tee members, as assigned, will visit each new First Neighborhood homeowner and provide them with the basket and added information about our community. Events Committee – The establish-ment of an events committee will look into the creation of specific events designed to bring our community together. These events could include Spring or Fall family-oriented festivals, BINGO Nights, Teen Dances, Speakers Series, etc. The commit-tee will determine the events they would like to create, complete a thorough budget for each event and present each event to the Board for approval. The commit-tee, along with other volunteers, will be responsible for the arrangement, manage-ment, set-up, clean-up, and any other details as required by the POA for any and all such events. Neighborhood Safety Committee – The Safety Committee may include an alliance with the Neighborhood Watch program within the sheriff’s department or the City. Committee members will work closely with local law enforcement on procedures and policies of providing additional assistance in identifying and preventing crime within our community. The committee will set up and get Board approval for specific policies, procedures and outreach programs with the goals of improving community safety. The com-mittee will present a monthly report to the Board members and will also contrib-ute monthly reports/articles in the First Neighborhood POA newsletter. We hope you will volunteer to join one of these valuable neighborhood commit-tees. For more information or to let us know you would like to be part of this initiative, please contact Craig Heiting at heiting.craig@gmail.com.

Lot#0393 31900 Foxmoor Court Garage Door,WindowsLot#0431 4404 Beaconsfield Court Tree RemovalLot#0479 31724 Bainbrook Court FenceLot#0520 4210 Abbington Court RoofLot#0543 4334 Deerpark Court PaintLot#0597 4424 Sevenoaks Court WindowsLot#0664 4310 Beaucroft Court Paint, Roof

Approved Architectural Applications

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First Neighborhood ProPerty owNers AssociAtioN31830 Village Center RoadWestlake Village CA 91361www.firstneighborhood.org

DATED MATERIAL

What’s Inside . . . Homeowners Meeting Greenbelt News Freedom Square Access Gate Welcome Neighbors City Council Meetings New Neighborhood

Committees Need You! The Sheriff’s Department

Community Tips Places of Worship Minutes Sunset Magazine Approved Architectural

Applications City of Westlake Village

Update

We at the City of Westlake Village wanted to check in with you to see how you and your family and neighborhoods are doing during the pandemic, and also to share important information and resources with you. It is more important now than ever that we as a community pull together and help one another.

As a reference for your family and neighborhood, please share that the City has a regularly updated website dedicated to providing the latest information related to COVID-19 at www.ReadyWLV.org. The website contains the latest County Health Orders, local and regional resources for food, mental health services, virus testing, grants, and also a special section for business support.

We would also like to encourage you to please share the following information with your homeowners:

• City parks and trails, except for Westlake Village dog park and the skate park, are open for walking, jogging, running and biking with six-feet distancing requirements.

• Please be aware that playgrounds, park restrooms, picnic pavilions, drinking fountains, sports fields and basketball courts remain closed.

• Golf courses are open with specific guidelines (check WLV.org for guidelines)

• All essential City services, Sheriff and Fire departments, water district, utilities and trash services are continuing to operate with no change in service to Westlake Village residents.

• The Los Angeles County Sheriff is actively patrolling our community to keep all our residents and property safe and protected as always.

• City staff are working with the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and their staff to ensure Westlake Village’s unique needs are known and addressed.

We sincerely thank you for your continued support and for being such an integral part of our community. The people of Westlake Village have demonstrated a strong sense of community, civic responsibility, and belonging, which will continue to serve our City well during these uncertain and challenging times. We are here to help you and would be delighted to hear from you should you have any questions or need assistance. You may contact City Hall during regular business hours at 818-706-1613.

Sincerely,Rob

Rob de Geus City ManagerRob@wlv.org31200 Oak Crest Drive Westlake Village, CA 91361 tel: (818) 706-1613

City of Westlake Village Update