At the HOA meeting, September 17, we had a presentation by the Placer County Sheriff’s Department on neighborhood safety.  Valuable information was provided.  Also Lorenzo Harris, HOA Safety Committee head, provided information on their thinking with respect to speed bumps, installation of speed cameras and running stop signs.  Highlights  follow:

Sheriff’s Presentation.

A handout of Neighborhood Watch Basics was provided.  Here is a link to the handout.  We encourage you all to review it.

Neighborhood Watch Basics

The following are some highlights from the talk.

• We live in a relatively safe community.  There were only two burglaries reported in the last year.  We were encouraged to report any crimes or suspicious activities to the Sheriffs office.  They will respond.  The more incidents reported, the more staffing will be devoted to policing the neighborhood.  To report non-emergency incidents or obtain dispatch call 530-886-5375.
• Setting up a private chat app for neighborhood watch was encouraged in order to share  suspicious activity or coordinate with neighbors on such things as vacations or mutual video camera coverage.  He suggested an app called Groupme.  Whatsapp could also be used.  Local areas could have their own groups.  Perhaps the board or a volunteer could facilitate this.  Interested?
• Installing hi-res video cameras and ring cams was strongly encouraged.  The Department does welcome and use homeowner footage when incidents are reported. Signs which announce presence of these is also a deterrent.
• Lock your electrical utility cabinet.  Also consider locking back yard access gates to make access more difficult.
• To the extent practical use yard lighting at night to discourage prowlers.
• The Sheriff will perform vacation checks on residences if asked to do so.  Call the number above to arrange this.
• Register your surveillance cameras with the Department so that if an incident occurs at a neighbors, the Sheriff will know to check your video for possible evidence.
• Door to door solicitors are prohibited without a permit.  You can report them to the Department who will take action.
• Citizens arrests are discouraged but the Department can’t stop you.  Be aware of potential liability.

Safety Advisory Committee.

The newly formed committee held its first meeting Monday night.  The principal topics presented as a result of that meeting were:

• Speed bumps for the Pinehurst side were revisited.  Pros and cons were discussed.  One commenter thought we need fire department permission.  Another said no.  This is a controversial topic needing more input.
• The suggestion was raised about installing portable speed cameras to record cars, drivers and plates.  It was pointed out that speed limits are imposed by the HOA which has the authority to levy fines for resident violators and warn outsiders or vendors of violations.  Cost is nominal at about $6,000 for each side plus whatever administrative costs would be required.  Comments welcome.
• Running stop signs was again raised as an issue.  Lorenzo commented that the speed cams probably couldn’t help with this.  This issue will be dealt with as well.

As always, COMMENTS WELCOME.