President's Note

Special Assessment Ballot Process

PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING AN UPCOMING ELECTION:

As discussed in board meetings, newsletters, and other communications over the past several months, the board will be holding an election for members to vote on a special assessment to pay for improvements to the KWPOA-owned lot at the bottom of Woodland Road. Per the California Civil Code and our governing documents, the election will be held using a double-envelope secret ballot system via US Postal Service.

We have engaged Pro Elections, an independent third party, to manage the election and act as the Inspector of Election per Civil Code requirements. They will be sending out notices and ballots prior to the election, then counting the ballots and   certifying the results at a board meeting on August 26, 2024 at 6:00pm.

WATCH YOUR MAILBOX for your Ballot Package! This package will include a ballot, instructions, return envelopes, and detailed information about the special assessment and proposed entrance improvements. Pro Elections will mail out this package via USPS first class mail on July 25, 2024. Completed ballots must be received by Pro Elections no later than noon on August 26, 2024.

Pro Elections has also set up an election website at pro-ei.com/hoa/kent/ where you can see an election timeline, the KWPOA Voting Policy, and other election information.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Operations Manager Jeanne Williams at jwilliams@kwpoa.com or 415-721-7429.

We hope every member will exercise their right to vote on this project!

Tips for Creating Your Emergency Plan

An emergency plan is more than having a backpack and supplies. Your plan should include the following:

• If local communication systems are down, who is your out-of-state contact? Have you let family and friends know to contact this person?
• What if you aren't home when a disaster strikes? Is someone identified to help with pets or kids?
• What if you need to leave your house quickly? Do you have a DON'T FORGET list? This list should include special, irreplaceable items. Where do you keep your last minute list?

Have a conversation today about your emergency plan!

Is there a subject you would like to see covered in next month's helpful hints? I’m also booking appointments and I’m available to provide advice before your county inspection. 

I want to thank everyone that has been working on their property to make it as defendable as possible in the event of a wildfire. The KWPOA has noticed and we’re greatly appreciative of your proactive actions. 

— Heather Hill, Hazard Mitigation Specialist 

Homeowner's Insurance

Follow up to the recent Woodland Sponsors program “Securing Home Insurance in Fire-Prone California” :

Nima Rad, State Farm Agent, told us the good news that “State Farm policyholders in Kent Woodlands are generally receiving premium rate adjustments [increases] in the 12% - 18% range, which is less than the average increase.” He added that “Fire mitigation efforts implemented by the Kent Woodlands community in general may be an influencing factor behind the lesser rate increase. It’s important to point out that Kent Woodlands is surrounded by greater fire risk in general, so it’s that much more impressive to see the percentage of policy renewals with lesser rate than anticipated.”

You can find a recording of this program HERE.

Dear KWPOA Community,

I wanted to share with you all a journey I've embarked on recently that has not only transformed my approach to yard care but has also aligned with my commitment to sustainability and CNKW objectives. I made the switch from gas-powered to electric yard equipment, and it has been a game-changer in more ways than I anticipated.

Why I Finally Made the Change

The decision to transition from gas to electric equipment stemmed from a desire to reduce my environmental impact. Gas-powered tools contribute significantly to air pollution & carbon emissions. Traditional gas mowers alone can emit as much pollution in one hour as driving a car hundreds of miles. Yikes! In contrast, electric equipment produces zero emissions at the point of use, creating a healthier environment for my family and neighbors, and reducing our carbon footprint.

The Benefits I've Experienced

1. NOISE REDUCTION. One of the immediate benefits was the reduction in noise; my electric equipment operates much quieter than its gas counterparts.

2. EASE OF USE: Electric tools are lighter and easier to maneuver, which has made yard maintenance less physically demanding and more enjoyable.

3. COST EFFICIENCY: While the initial investment was a consideration, electric equipment has lower operating costs over time since I no longer need to purchase gas or perform regular maintenance.

My Advice for Those Considering the Switch

If you're contemplating making the switch, my advice would be to start with the equipment that makes the most sense for your needs. For me, switching to an electric mower was the first step, followed by a trimmer and blower. Each purchase reinforced my commitment to sustainability and provided immediate benefits in terms of noise reduction and ease of use.

Conclusion

Converting from gas to electric lawn and yard equipment has been a rewarding experience, both personally and environmentally. It's a small change that contributes to a larger goal of reducing our carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future. I encourage everyone in our community and our landscape professionals to explore eco-friendly alternatives for their home and yard care needs—it's a decision that benefits us all.

Ask Pete!

If anyone has questions about my experience or wants advice on making the switch, please feel free to contact me on our new "Ask Pete” Section on the CNKW website at www.carbonneutralkw.com/blog-2-1. Together, we can make a positive impact right here in our neighborhood.

Warmly,



Pete Johnson, CNKW



Please direct any Architectural Committee inquiries to the Kristin Tiernan at AC@kwpoa.com.