10/20/26 Board Brief
WELCOME, OCTOBER!
October is here, bringing cooler evenings, festive fall activities, and the excitement of Halloween! We encourage everyone to enjoy the decorations, celebrations, and traditions that make this time of year so special.
A Friendly Reminder: Please remove Halloween decorations promptly after the holiday. Decorations placed in common areas or landscaping can obstruct our landscape team’s access to shrubs and brush, making routine maintenance more difficult. Thank you for helping keep Laurel & Magnolia looking its best!
Wishing all our Laurel & Magnolia families a safe, fun, and spooktacular Halloween!
OCTOBER BOARD MEETING — IMPORTANT HIGHLIGHTS
2027 Budget Approved
This year, you will not receive the usual 100+ page annual mailing in your mailbox. Instead, you will receive a letter containing a QR code that directs you to the Ciranet homeowner portal. Simply scan the code and log in using your existing credentials to review the approved budget and other annual mailing documents.
This change will save our community thousands of dollars in printing and copying costs while still meeting applicable mailing requirements.
Additional Approvals
· 2027 Reserve Study: Approved
· Three Year Tree Trimming Plan: Approved
2027 Monthly Dues
Beginning January 2027, monthly assessments will increase to $455 for both Laurel and Magnolia, representing an approximate 5.5% increase for Magnolia and 10.5% for Laurel. This adjustment will help offset rising vendor costs and align assessments across both communities.
2027 Insurance Assessment
The proposed insurance assessment for 2027 is $1,250. Although insurance costs have moderated somewhat, premiums in California remain significantly higher than they were a few years ago and our operating budget still cannot cover the full cost of the community’s insurance policy.
It is also important to understand that our community will continue to be classified as being within a designated fire risk area. This is a factor that will continue to impact our insurance availability and premiums, even as overall rates improve.
Please stay tuned for additional information regarding next year’s insurance assessment payment process. A ballot and community vote will be required before this can be finalized.
2027 RESIDENT PARKING PERMITS
Residents should have received an email regarding the 2027 out-of-garage parking permit application process. Applications are now being accepted at LandMparking@gmail.com.
Required Documentation
· Completed parking permit application
· Copy of the driver’s license
· Current vehicle registration
· Current proof of vehicle insurance
· Copy of the lease, if applicable
Most residents requesting an out-of-garage permit will also be contacted to schedule a garage inspection.
Please review the current parking rules, eligibility criteria, and application requirements on the community website by selecting the Parking tab.
2027 Permit Fee: $240
Once a permit is approved, the $240 fee will be charged directly to the homeowner’s account in January 2027.
Please remember that parking permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval; all requests remain subject to the community’s parking rules and eligibility requirements.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING UPGRADE
The community wide outdoor lighting upgrade is awaiting the remaining light fixtures, expected to arrive by Thanksgiving. Assembly and installation is anticipated to be completed during the first two weeks of December.
Laurel Homes — Important Reminder
Unlike Magnolia, Laurel buildings do not have photocell sensors. The new Laurel fixtures will use energy-efficient dusk-to-dawn LED bulbs instead.
Please remember:
· Keep your exterior light switch in the ON position at all times. The bulbs will turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn. They will only function as intended if the switch remains on.
· The new LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient and should have little to no noticeable impact on your electricity usage.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work toward completing this community improvement.
COMMUNITY FIRE PIT
Please enjoy the community fire pit responsibly and review the usage instructions posted at the fire pit.
Access Code: 0583*
Fire Pit Usage Guidelines
· An adult age 18 or older must be present at all times while the fire pit is in use.
· The fire pit operates on a 30-minute timer and will automatically shut off.
· Never leave the fire pit unattended while it is operating.
· Re-enter the access code to activate additional usage time.
· The protective mesh dome becomes extremely hot during operation. Use caution and keep children at a safe distance.
Important: Emergency Shut-Off and Reset Instructions
The emergency shut-off button can be used to extinguish the flame before the 30-minute timer expires, if necessary. Once activated, the fire pit must be reset before the next user can ignite the flame.
To reset the fire pit: Push the emergency shut-off button and turn it 90 degrees to the right.
Video instructions are available on the landing page of www.LaurelMagnoliaHOA.com.
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
RealManage — Laurel & Magnolia
· Community Manager: Reina White
· Assistant Property Manager: Christine Pappis
· Email: LaurelMa@ciramail.com
· Phone: 866-473-2573
Please direct community, property, parking, and maintenance questions to property management for proper follow-up.
City of San Marcos — Non-Emergency
For noise complaints, safety concerns, or suspicious activity, call 760-510-5200.
For emergencies, call 911.
COMMUNITY REMINDERS
Thank you for helping us keep Laurel & Magnolia safe, clean, and well maintained. Please review these important community guidelines to help avoid violations and potential fines.
Pets
Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and pet waste must be picked up immediately.
Garage Doors
Keep garage doors closed whenever they are not actively in use. This helps maintain community safety, security, and appearance.
Temporary Signage
Signs for lost pets, yard sales, or other temporary purposes must be removed promptly once they have served their purpose.
Common Areas
Common areas may not be used for personal storage or the disposal of unwanted items.
Parking
Fire lanes, driveways, and garage aprons must remain clear at all times, except during active loading or unloading.
Car Washing
Washing vehicles within the community is prohibited due to water conservation requirements and applicable stormwater regulations, including San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 14.15, Section 14.15.050 — Reduction of Pollutants in Storm Water.
THANK YOU, LAUREL & MAGNOLIA!
With sincere appreciation for your continued care, cooperation, and commitment to our shared community.
Laurel & Magnolia Board of Directors
RealManage
