8/1/26 Board Brief
August 2026
As we welcome August, we hope everyone is enjoying the final weeks of summer and taking advantage of the warm weather and our community amenities. Whether you're squeezing in one last vacation, preparing the kids for the new school year, or simply relaxing at home, we wish you a safe and enjoyable month.
Thank you to all of our homeowners and residents for helping keep Laurel & Magnolia a clean, safe, and neighborly community.
Here's to a wonderful August!
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August Board Meeting & Possible CC&R Ballot Count
Tentative CC&R Ballot Update
The Inspectors of Election may open and tabulate the ballots submitted for the proposed CC&R amendment during the August Board Meeting.
As a reminder, the Board issued a ballot seeking approval to reduce the homeowner approval threshold required to amend our governing documents. Under the current CC&Rs, amendments require an exceptionally high level of member participation and approval, making it extremely difficult to adopt anything new even when there is broad community support.
Depending on the outcome of the vote, the Board may need to revisit the proposal and issue a new ballot later this year or next year. Unfortunately, repeating the election process results in additional costs to the Association for duplicate mailings, election administration and inspector services.
If you have not yet voted, there is still time. Ballots may be hand-delivered directly to the Inspectors of Election at their Carlsbad office – 2794 Loker Ave W, Suite 104 Carlsbad. For questions regarding your ballot, please contact the Inspectors of Election directly at (858) 329-0009.
Joining our virtual Board Meeting is a great way to stay informed about current projects, upcoming priorities, and important community updates. Homeowners are welcome to ask questions during the open forum portion of the meeting.
Meeting Details
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Zoom Link:https://waltersmanagement.zoom.us/j/5132799688?pwd=KOjqX38RngNm5LYrpj9kUg0ZZgbee6.1
Meeting ID: 513 279 9688
Passcode: 152707
Dial-In: 669-444-9171
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Great News: We Are FHA Certified!
We are pleased to announce that Laurel & Magnolia is now FHA Certified.
This certification may make it easier for eligible buyers to obtain FHA financing, expanding the pool of qualified purchasers and helping support long term property values within our community.
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Outdoor Lighting Upgrade
We are pleased to announce that Phase 1 of our community's outdoor lighting upgrade project is complete. New fixtures have been installed outside the front doors and garages of all Laurel homes. Paint touch up is wrapping up.
Phase 2: Once the remaining fixtures arrive in the coming months, crews will return to complete the remaining Magnolia homes.
Important Information About Your New Lights
Magnolia Homes
· Outdoor light fixtures are connected to photocell sensors and will continue to turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn.
Laurel Homes
· Laurel buildings do not have photocell sensors. Instead, new dusk-to-dawn LED bulbs have been installed.
· Please leave your exterior light switch in the ON position at all times. The new bulbs are designed to turn themselves on at dusk and off at dawn, but they will only function properly if the switch remains on.
· These 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 complete this community improvement project. These upgraded fixtures will improve safety, visibility and the overall appearance of our neighborhood.
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Monthly Homeowner Care Spotlight: Pest Control
As temperatures rise, so does pest activity throughout our community. While the Association partners with Fenn Pest Control to maintain the common areas including: perimeter bait stations, routine treatments, and rotating service throughout the community, preventing pests is a shared responsibility.
Simple steps such as keeping trash lids securely closed, eliminating standing water, sealing gaps around doors and windows, and storing food in airtight containers can go a long way toward keeping unwanted pests away.
Rodents, ants, spiders, and mosquitoes are attracted to food, water, and shelter. Regularly cleaning garages and patios, promptly picking up pet waste and keeping your garage door closed can significantly reduce pest activity.
If you notice a bee or wasp nest please report them to management promptly so they can be addressed before they become larger issues.
For added protection, many homeowners choose to apply a residential perimeter pest treatment (available at most home improvement stores) around the exterior foundation of their home, entryways, and garage perimeter. Always follow the manufacturer's directions and use products safely.
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Maintain Your Air Conditioner and A/C Drain Line
With air conditioners running more frequently during the summer months, now is an excellent time to check your A/C condensate drain line.
If you notice water dripping from your secondary drain line, (typically located next to your hose bib in Laurel or above your garage in Magnolia) - it is a warning sign that your primary drain line may be clogged or your system requires maintenance. The secondary drain is designed to alert homeowners before water damage occurs.
Air conditioning units and condensate drain lines are the homeowner's responsibility to maintain. Ignoring water from the secondary drain can lead to interior water damage, flooding, and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
If you observe water coming from the secondary drain line, we encourage you to contact a licensed HVAC contractor as soon as possible to inspect and service your system.
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Community Fire Pit
Please enjoy responsibly! Review the usage instructions below, which are also posted at the fire pit.
Access Code:0583
Usage Guidelines
An adult (18 years or older) must be present at all times while the fire pit is in use.
The system operates on a 30-minute timer and will automatically shut off.
Never leave the fire pit unattended while in operation.
Re-enter the access code for additional use.
The protective mesh dome becomes extremely hot during operation. Please use caution.
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Important Pool Safety Reminders
Please help keep our pool area safe and enjoyable for everyone by observing the following rules:
Pool Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Residents and guests must exit the pool area by 10:00 PM in accordance with community and City quiet hours.
Please be respectful of your neighbors by keeping noise, music, and gatherings at reasonable levels.
Food and beverages should be enjoyed responsibly.
Dispose of all trash properly before leaving.
Fob or mobile app access is required at all times.
Enforcement Reminders
Climbing, jumping, or scaling the pool fence is strictly prohibited and will result in enforcement action, with fines beginning at $500.
Pets are not permitted inside the pool enclosure at any time. Health and safety violations involving pets in the pool area are subject to fines beginning at $250.
Thank you for helping keep our pool area safe, clean, and enjoyable for all residents and guests.
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Sidewalk Chalk Art
We love seeing the creativity and joy that washable sidewalk chalk brings to our neighborhood! Chalk art is a fun activity for children and families and is encouraged on sidewalks and alley areas immediately adjacent to your home.
To help keep our community looking its best, please do not use chalk in common areas, including the tot lot, pool areas, landscaping, walls, or any surfaces other than the sidewalks near your residence.
Whenever possible, please wash away chalk drawings after enjoying them as colored chalk can sometimes stain after extended periods of time. Thank you!
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Important Contacts
RealManage — Laurel & Magnolia
Community Manager: Reina White
Assistant Property Manager: Christine Pappis
Email: LaurelMa@ciramail.com
Phone: 866-473-2573
City of San Marcos (Non-Emergency)
For noise complaints, safety concerns, or suspicious activity:
760-510-5200
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Community Reminders
Help us keep Laurel & Magnolia safe, clean, and well-maintained by observing the following community guidelines:
Pets: Dogs must remain leashed at all times, and pet waste must be cleaned up immediately. Violations may result in enforcement action.
Garage Doors: Please keep garage doors closed whenever they are not actively in use to improve safety, security, and community appearance.
Temporary Signage: Signs for lost pets, yard sales, or other temporary purposes should be removed promptly after 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 stormwater regulations in accordance with San Marcos Municipal Code Chapter 14.15, Section 14.15.050 (Reduction of Pollutants in Storm Water).
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With sincere appreciation for your continued care, cooperation, and commitment to our shared community,
Laurel & Magnolia Board of Directors
