Traffic and Safety Committee: Traffic

High Traffic Volume—As of press time mid-December, the number of guests entering our community for the holidays had not yet been tabulated. However, if Thanksgiving is any indicator, our security personnel were very busy. On that day alone over 600 guest drivers entered through the Mariner gate.
Fortunately, most of us had updated our guest lists or submitted a party list to the office and traffic flowed smoothly. Sadly, in a few cases, prospective guests were omitted from some lists and, when the gate attendant attempted to contact the hosts, it turned out that their phone numbers had changed and not been updated with our staff. As a result, some disappointed people had to be turned away.
Overall, we have done a great job with guest and party lists, so delays at the gate have been minimized. Now, to ensure that we can be contacted in the case of an emergency or in a developing matter of importance, we need to have any new phone numbers listed with the office.
Warn Service People—The Cabrillo and Selva entrances are clearly posted with signs saying that they are for residents only, and they direct visitors to the Mariner gate. At these two gates, signs are also posted cautioning folks not to tailgate through. Yet, several times a week someone’s car falls victim to the spikes that pop up to protect our community from trespassers.
Video recordings reflect that 100% of these cars were damaged as the result of the driver’s tailgating. Most of us are aware that GPS often directs folks to these two locations.
Apparently, many unaware service people become flustered, don’t read the signs, and try to enter by following somebody going in. Often, two tires are ruined, costing the worker several day’s pay to replace.
Our suggestion is that when ordering a service provider or worker into our community, caution them to use the appropriate gate—the Mariner gate. Believe me, they will appreciate it.
Coyote Alert—A couple of large coyotes have been seen prowling the neighborhood. Too often, when hungry, they prey on cats and small dogs. When really desperate, they have even been known to go after small children. We can best discourage their presence here by being as inhospitable as possible.
That means not leaving pet food outside and accompanying pets outside to do their “business” in the morning and evening. If approached by a coyote, yell, shout, and throw rocks to scare it away. Always pick up pet waste as dog feces attracts coyotes.
Leash Law—All dogs that are out in our common areas are required to be tethered on a leash no longer than six feet long. Recently, we have received complaints about dogs running loose on some of the green belts, park areas and at the bluff. This is not only an annoyance for some people, but also poses a danger to other dogs, people and traffic. Animal Control is presently watching for violators.
—God Bless… and have a Happy New Year! Tim Murphy