President’s Message - By Max Perry

Since this is my first president’s message, I want to begin by thanking my predecessor, Ben Sheffield, for his hard work and dedication. Ben will remain on the board and continue to be of immeasurable help to not only me but the entire Association.

Inside this month’s Periodico is much interesting and valuable information. I encourage every homeowner to read each issue thoroughly. We hear regularly from homeowners who say they didn’t know about a party or some other significant event when, in fact, the information has appeared in the Periodico several times.

Speaking of special events, please pay particular attention to the article on the upcoming home tour. Only 150 tickets will be sold on March 18th and 19th. Joan Moreaux and her committee have done a terrific job of organizing a special day which will be for Esperanza Estate homeowners and their guests only. Be sure to get your ticket at the presale so you won’t miss what promises to be a fun day.

Of particular note is the following message on a proposed resolution your board is considering. As pointed out, the resolution grew out of the advisory vote taken of the membership in December and reported at the annual meeting in January. It was discussed at length at the February board meeting and will likely be voted on in March. I want to invite all interested members to attend our March 21 meeting to make their feelings known. This is an important issue.

Finally, if you have any questions, concerns or comments about your Association please contact the appropriate committee chair or me at 331-2973 or by email at mbperry@cox.net.

Proposed Resolution - By the Board

The following Resolution was prepared in response to the 80 plus percentage of residents who voted at the Annual Meeting in favor of the Board adopting rules regulating problem trees and landscaping within Esperanza Estates. This will be considered for enactment at the Board meeting to be held on March 21. Any interested property owner may appear and comment at that time.

RESOLUTION

Whereas, pursuant to Article XII, Sections 12.2,12.3 & 12.6, and Article XIII, Section 13.3.1 of the Amended Restatement of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions of Green Valley Esperanza Estates dated April 26th, 2001 each owner of a property within the subdivision is obligated to maintain all trees, shrubs, and landscaping situated upon said property, and

Whereas, pursuant to the same Articles and Sections it is the duty of the Board of Directors to enforce said requirements, and

Whereas, said Board has authority pursuant to Article VII, Section 7.1.3 of the Amended & Restated Bylaws to promulgate rules and regulations relative to said enforcement, and

Whereas, at an advisory vote of the membership of the Association during the Annual Meeting held in January, 2005, over 80% of the members voted to request the Board to adopt such rules and regulations,

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED:

1. It shall be the duty of all owners of property within Esperanza Estates to maintain all trees, shrubs, and other landscaping, in such a manner and with such frequency as will keep each said owners lot in an attractive, well-kept, condition.

2. The foregoing shall apply to all such flora within each owners patio walls, and that area forming the front yard. The term “front yard” shall be that area between lines extended from the center of each boundary wall to the edge of the street adjoining the property to the front. This definition shall have no applicability to Quad yards.

3. All trees and other flora shall be maintained in such a manner they do not drop in excess of negligible amounts of leaves, needles, seeds, nuts, fruit, bark, berries, buds, petals, flowers, branches, sap, or other debris upon any adjoining property, including the roof of any adjoining property. The term “negligible amount” shall be defined as that amount of such debris that would be acceptable to a reasonable person.

4. No owner may maintain any tree or other flora with a root system which causes damage to a party wall or an adjoining patio. Any such damage that may be discovered shall be the responsibility of the owner of the property where the offending flora is growing, and the Board shall have the authority to order the removal of the same in the event the damage shall be continuing.

5. Nothing contained herein shall prevent two or more owners from entering into a private agreement respecting any tree or other flora, allowing any arrangement acceptable to the parties.

6. Owners are encouraged to attempt a resolution of any problem of a type herein enumerated directly with the alleged offending party. If not successful, a complaint alleging a violation of any provision herein contained shall be in writing and presented to the Board of Directors, and shall be signed. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the Board shall investigate and proceed with the procedures as provided in Article XIII, Section 13.4.1 et seq. of the CC&R’s as referenced above.

7. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and publication in one issue of the Periodico.

Common Areas Maintenance - By Tom Cooke, Chair

The downside of the several nice rains we have had are the weeds which are now appearing in our common areas. Spraying by AAA has begun, and will continue until the problem is under control. The blue-green areas you see around the subdivision is a dye used in the weed spray, to let the workers know which areas have been covered. It disappears within a few days, and is harmless. Owners are reminded that it is your responsibility to take care of weeds in your front yard and parking strip areas.

Over 80% of our residents have requested the Board promulgate and enforce more specific rules for dealing with “problem” trees and other flora growth causing difficulties. These will be as non-invasive as possible, and the minimum required to enable the Board to handle the problems that do come up from time to time. Before going into effect, these will be published in the Periodico.

We invite our residents to visit a newly reconstructed common area on lower Napa, between the homes at 146 and 122. This now attractive spot had been seriously in need of some TLC for some time now, and has just received it. Future plans also call for the placement of a bench in this area. The work was part of the Board’s long term program for refurbishment of areas which have not always received the care and attention they should have in the past. We have more, which will receive attention in the future as time and funds are available.

Another area in which some significant revamping has been done is the alleyway between Excelso and Circulo del Sur. We have done some realigning and have graveled this alley for several reasons. These include not only the enhancement of its appearance (it was without a doubt the worst looking common property in the entire subdivision) and the increase in its functionality, but also to minimize the problem of sand washing out of it onto the lower part of del Sur, which has happened on a yearly basis. This technique has been successful in other areas in preventing this same problem.

As a matter of interest, a recent review of the activities of our Esperanza Estates Volunteers reflects that over the past few years, $11,000 has been raised by them, and spent entirely on beautification and improvements for the subdivision. Not content with that, the Volunteers have many more plans for the future. All of us owe them a debt of gratitude and thanks for their efforts.

It has been observed, correctly, that Esperanza Estates is the best located, most unique subdivision in all of Green Valley. We think every dollar spent here to keep it attractive and upgraded, repays all of us, not only in enjoyment and the protection of our property values, but their increase as well. Five years ago, the sum of two hundred thousand dollars for a home in EE was an unheard of number. Within the past year and a half, four homes here have sold far in excess of that amount, and several more very close to it. The trend bodes well for our owners.

Our EE walking trail received a nice compliment from the GVCCC Multi-Use Lanes and Trails Committee, who singled it out among all the Green Valley subdivisions as “an excellent example of an HOAthat has made pedestrian trails and a nature park along its arroyos”. Our trail map was shown as part of a slide show to a large gathering of GV residents interested in the Master Plan now being put together by the GVCCC for future implementation.

Don’t forget that the new and improved facilities at the pool Ramada area are available for your use. This is a very nice area for a group gathering, a family picnic, or what have you. Water, electricity, umbrella tables and chairs, and bathroom facilities are all available in this pleasant spot, adjacent to Sunset Park, courtesy of the Association and the Volunteers. We want all of our residents to enjoy them. The only requirements are that you bring your own bar-b-que, and we ask that you clean up the area after use. And although conflicting desires to use of this area has never been a problem, to avoid one in the future a “clip board” system has been devised and will be posted in the Ramada for sign-up purposes.

It has been noted that many of the activities taking place at the EE Park are after dark, and that because of this, certain of the cacti there present a safety hazard. Accordingly, several of them will be transplanted to other common areas.

Also, parts of the Park are under plans for reconfiguration, to make the fire places more user- friendly.

The Association wishes to thank Bill Milne for his nice trim of the Bridge Park Wash palms. Bill does this job every year for us, and we want him to know we appreciate his efforts.

As always, if have or observe problems in the common areas, please call me at 399-0455, and we will tend to them as quickly as we can.

Notice regarding heating/air conditioning equipment— By the Board

All residents are reminded that roof heating and air conditioning equipment should be painted to match the color of the house, or the color white to match the roof. Please check and if yours is out of compliance, consider taking care of it as soon as possible.

Esperanza Estates Home Tour - By Joan Moreaux, Chair

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 3, from 1-4 PM for the Esperanza Estates Home Tour.

Eight homes will be on the tour. There are various models ranging from original design to modified structures and unique decorating ideas. This is a wonderful opportunity to see unique homes and meet your neighbors.

The tour is open to all Esperanza Estates’ residents and their guests. Tickets are $10.00. The tickets will be sold in the pool area on Friday, March 18, from 10 AM to noon and Saturday, March 19, from 2 to 4 PM. If you have a

group of friends who wish to tour together, tickets must be purchased at this time. Please purchase your tickets early, as they are limited to 150 and will go fast. We were sold out at the last tour.

There will be a wine and cheese party at the conclusion of the tour. Please contact Joan Moreaux, 648-7515, with any questions regarding the tour or tickets or to volunteer.

Neighborhood Watch - By Melodye Cooke, Chair

Upon receiving answers to my mailed-out requests, I have updated the information sheets for the Neighborhood Watch.

I will distribute these to each Neighborhood Watch captain by the end of February, 2005

Please look at the sheet and if you have any further information or changes, please call me at 399-0455

Annual Neighborhood Watch Meeting

This annual Neighborhood Watch meeting is presented and sponsored by the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers of Green Valley on Tuesday, March 1st 2005, at the Desert Hills Social Center at 2980 S. Camino Del Sol

9:OO am Coffee and Donuts

9:3O am Guest Speaker: Charles Shipman Retired Judge; resident of Esperanza Estates. All Block Captains, Co-Captains and Residents are encouraged to attend.

CHILI NIGHT

For those of you who requested the vegetarian chili recipe, I have included it as follows:

1 med. Onion (chopped]
2 Cans tomatoes (28 oz)
2 med. Zucchini (chopped)
1 can black beans (15 oz) rinsed/drained
1 can kidney beans (15 oz) rinsed/drained
1 cup mushrooms (sliced]
2 peppers (green and red)
4 celery stalks (diced)
Spices: chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper
Grillers (soy substitute] (frozen section; 12 oz pkg.)

Spray stock pot with "Pam"; cook onion and raw vegetables until tender; add canned vegetables and then the grillers and spices. Let simmer for about a half hour. ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL MELODYE COOKE-399-0455

In Memoriam

Harold Stone 782 Regalo
February 16, 2005

Virginia Hollister
734 Regalo

GVCCC Directory News – By Charl Petry

Delivery of the 2005 Directory is complete. No directories were delivered to residents absent during delivery time; so if you did not get a copy please give me a call. If you'd like an additional copy they are always available at the GVCCC office in GV Mall at no charge.

Check out your listing right away. If you'd like to make a change or correct your listing or if you are not listed and would like to be, give me a call at 648-2549.

Back issues of the Directory may be recycled at the Lion’s recycle center across from the Library parking lot.

GVCCC News – By Sheila Bennen, Board Representative

1) There are many new HOA bills in the legislature this year and GVCCC is following them closely and will keep us informed of their status.

2) A report was made on the Good Hands Guild which is composed of unlicensed workers who do jobs for under $750, if you need a reliable, trustworthy worker you can contact a member through the Chamber of Commerce.

3) The Governor has inaugurated The Red Badge Program which allows you to put all your personal medical information in your glove compartment so Paramedics can access it if you are in an accident. Everyone should go to the GVCCC office or any fire department to obtain a packet. Everyone should do this.

4) March 7-11 is Driver Safety Awareness week and there are many activities planned. There will be a fair at Long Realty on March 10th. Watch the Green Valley News for more announcements.

5) Fire Chief Wunder gave an update at the meeting. He asked us to inform all our homeowners to check their smoke detectors monthly and to change the batteries once a year. If you cannot get up on a ladder please call the fire department and a fireman will come and change the battery for you. It is one of their services. Please take advantage of it.

6) The new Green Valley Directories will be distributed on February 23rd. You should have yours by the time you read this, if you don't call Charl Petry 648-2541.

Esperanza Estates Directories

There are only 10 copies of the 2005 EE Directory left. The price is $3. If you want a copy call Sheila Bennen 399-0501 or Melodye Cooke 399-0455. We will not print anymore.

Neighborhood Relations – By Norma Stanley, Chair

Three letters were sent regarding parking of pickups and vans. It would seem that a few residents and renters are determined to park wherever they wish.  This is a topic that your board discussed at some length during the last meeting and it will continue to be a topic of discussion in meetings to come.  In the meantime, all homeowners are strongly encouraged to read and follow the CC&R's (Section 9.2)  parking guidelines.

Advertisements – By Sheila Bennen

We would encourage each of you to ask any "trade person" that you feel does an excellent job to place an ad in the Periodico. We would like our homeowners to have a list of reliable people to call. We would like a copy-ready ad. Please call Sheila Bennen at 399-0501 or Robert Frost at 399-9003 for more information.

The cost structure is as follows:

Full page 3 months $100

½ page 3 months $ 50

1/4 page 3 months $ 25

Check Out These Websites- By Rod Pearson

Here are three websites that may be of interest to you:

www.EsperanzaEstates.com

This is the “unofficial” website for Esperanza Estates. Here you can access:

• Current and past issues of the Periodico,
• Weather information,
• Local maps,
• Pictures and descriptions of our parks,
• Our Nature Trail (Take the tour!),
• The CC&R’s for Esperanza Estates,
• Items for sale,
• Things to See and Do,
• A forum where you can read or post messages, and Much, much more!

www.85614.com

This website is a work in progress (and a lot of work still needs to be done!), but it too has a forum which is much larger in scope than the forum on www.EsperanzaEstates.com. In addition, you will find information about a lot of things in Green Valley. An easy URL address to remember. It’s your Zip Code!

www.GreenValleyMoments.com

This is my latest website, and perhaps my favorite. It’s a blog, short for web log, or online journal. The content is about “Life in the Slow Lane” as I see it, and includes articles of interest for Green Valley residents, retirees, and links to websites of interest. I intend to “blog” regularly, meaning that you should be able to find new, fresh information each time you visit the website.

Volunteers of Esperanza by Tess Ewing Co-Chair

Our annual auction fundraiser was held on the 4th of February at the home of Ben and Mona Sheffield. It was a huge success! Newcomers to Esperanza were greeted, and we hope, made to feel welcome. Also included in the large group were residents who responded to our open invitation. It was a fun evening with wine and cheese and a silent auction followed by a live auction. Our, funny, witty auctioneer, Lillie Sheehan was her very best. The substantional funds raised will be used for the ongoing plan to improve and beautify our community.

The Ramada-Patio area is a great place to hold parties. It has tables and chairs to accommodate sixty people and a counter top which can be used as a buffet. Why not plan a party for your street — get all the neighbors together out meeting each other. The patio is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Hospitality Committee - By Phyllis Johnson-Frost, Chair

On February l3 at 4:00 pm, seventy-six warmly dressed neighbors gathered around the park set-up with bonfires for “Chili Nite” in the spirit of St. Valentine’s eve. Salsa and chips enhanced our “happy hour” beverages; and soon we were lining up for piping-hot regular and vegetarian chili, cornbread, hot coffee and tea, and cupcakesall lovingly prepared by our cook-out sub-committee.

The evening ended with a sing-along of fellowship favorites, the first “The more we get together, the happier we’ll be!”

The committee will be planning for future social events: Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. We welcome your input as we go along.