Community Fence Repair – Phase I
Letters went out to all homeowners along Hidden Park Dr:

The Sonoma Ranch Board of Directors recently approved Phase I of the perimeter fence replacement project, which may include a portion of the wood fencing on your property. Phase I of the project affects properties along Hidden Park Drive between Wallisville Road and Dell Dale, and some properties on Bossingham Lane.

Rabalais Construction is the contractor that was awarded the job, and they have indicated the work will be started the week of May 20, weather permitting. It is anticipated that this job may take several weeks to complete.

Please make arrangements to secure your pets during the replacement process. Sonoma Ranch is not responsible for pets not properly secured or confined during this project.

Feel free to contact our North office at 713-981-9000 or via e-mail customercare@ciaservices.com, if you have any questions regarding this matter.

Help Wanted
Sonoma Ranch is looking for a high school student to perform daily trash pick up along Hidden Park Drive.  Two hours a day, 4 days a week, $8 per hour.  Contact C.I.A. Services at 281-852-1700 and provide your name, address and contact information if you are interested!

Sonoma Ranch Annual Meeting
During the developer control period, Sonoma Ranch typically scheduled an informational members meeting in January of each year.  Due to the fact that the developer turned over control of Sonoma Ranch to the Association in July 2012 and Board elections were held at that time, there will not be a January members meeting.  The annual members meeting will be held in July.  Notice will be sent to all homeowners no later than 10 days prior to the annual meeting date with more details regarding the date, time and place of the meeting and information will also be posted on the website.

Burglary Prevention
Let’s Work Together to Help Prevent Residential Burglaries

 If you are locked out of your home, can you still get in? Is there an unlocked window in the back or an extra key hidden under a flowerpot or ledge? If you can break in, so can a burglar. A small investment of time and money can make your home more secure and can reduce your chances of being a victim of burglary or assault.

 A great place to start is to get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors, who will look out for you as well as themselves, are a front line of defense against crime. If something is out of place or there are suspicious persons or vehicles in the neighborhood, take time to report this to law enforcement. It is a good idea to keep the Harris County Sheriffs Office non-emergency phone number close to your phone or programmed into your cell phone. For non-emergency incidents, call 713-221-6000.

 In almost half of all residential burglaries, thieves walk in through an unlocked door or crawl in through an unlocked window. The following tips can help make your home more secure.  

 Check the doors and windows.

• Make sure every external door has a deadbolt. Doors with glass within 40” should have a double-keyed deadbolt installed.
• Secure sliding doors with a secondary locking device, a commercial locking device or a broomstick or wooden dowel. Windows should also be secured with a secondary locking devise or wooden dowel, which can be purchased at the local hardware store.  

• All exterior doors should be solid wood or metal.
• Hinges for exterior doors should be on the inside.
• Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors, so that you can see who is outside before opening the door.
• Do not hide keys outside your home. Give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.

 Check the outside of your home.

• Prune back shrubbery that hides windows and doors. Cut back tree limbs that could allow a thief access to a window or the roof.  
• Keep ladders, tools, yard equipment inside your locked garage or storage shed.
• Clearly display your house numbers for police and other emergency vehicles.
• Garage doors should be closed and secured by a locking device whenever possible.

 Invest in Lighting

• Lighting is one of the most cost-effective deterrents to burglary

• Light porches, entrances, and yard – front and back. Consider timers or motion detectors for outside lighting. Place lighting so that bulbs cannot easily be removed.
• Aim motion detectors away from the house so that lights activate when someone approaches.
• Install landscape lighting.
• Put lights and a radio on a timer to create the illusion of some one being home when you are away.

 Vehicles should be locked and secured when not in use. Visible enticements should be eliminated.

• Park vehicles in a well lit area.
• If possible, never leave valuables in your vehicle. If valuables are left, keep them out of sight.
• Secure vehicle with an auto alarm if possible.
• Avoid leaving keys in a vehicle or leaving a vehicle running while unattended.

 It is also a good idea to keep a home inventory of items and serial numbers of your belongings. Take pictures or videos of valuable items and serial numbers. If you home is burglarized, this can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. If you have any questions concerning residential burglaries or would like to have a deputy come out and speak to your group, call the Harris County Sheriffs Office Community Services Division at 713-759-9454.

Pick Up After Your Pet
Why Scoop the Poop?

Besides being a nuisance, uncollected dog waste is a serious problem for our association. Next time you’re tempted to leave your dog’s droppings on the lawn, please remember these facts:

 1. The Environmental Protection Agency is becoming aggressive about enforcing the Clean Water Act. Our association could be fined if dog waste goes uncollected.

 2. Uncollected dog waste may lead to a special assessment. If fined by the EPA, the association could face a potential special assessment that would be levied against all members—not just dog owners.

 3. The appearance and quality of the common areas are known to affect home sales—not just whether and for how much they sell, but how quickly.

 4. The more residents complain about dog waste, the more time the manager must spend on enforcement rather than serving the association.

 5. Uncollected dog waste spreads disease and attracts rodents who feed on pet waste.