RANCHO SANTA FE — “The Association is always looking to purchase more open space,” said Tim Moore, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, during an update to the Association board at the meeting July 17.

The committee’s goal is to protect and maintain the common areas owned by the Covenant. There are currently 56 properties owned by the Association, which include the Arroyo property, Richardson Park Picnic Area and other park and recreational sites around the Covenant. The acquisition of more open space was confirmed by Association Manager Pete Smith. “We’re always trying to seek out new opportunities,” Smith said.

The Parks and Recreation Committee is an outgrowth of the Open Space Committee, which was formed by the Association board in 1985. The idea was to acquire as much green around the Covenant as possible to create an insular effect for the community. With development deals in place and parcels of land difficult to acquire, there is only so much the Association can purchase. But new properties are always being sought, particularly since the debt on the Osuna Adobe property is expected to be retired within the next three years, and will therefore allow more funds to be available to the Open Space Committee.

Moore reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee is also taking a hard look at the damage done by the recent Witch Creek Fire, monitoring the rejuvenation process.

In other Association news, Smith reported an update on the red gum lerp psyllid infestation currently affecting the local eucalyptus trees. Entomology expert David Shaw returned to the Ranch and conducted tests to see if wasps were boring through cones made by the parasite, thereby destroying the parasites. “It’s very encouraging,” Smith said. “According to Shaw’s investigation, there appears to be a good concentration of wasps in the area and there is no reason to panic. The trees are starting to regrow. We should let nature run its due course.”

Covenant Administrator Ivan Holler reported that the streetscaping project currently under way in the village is on schedule and nearing completion. The trees are in and landscaping is nearly completed. Holler reported that a Use Permit was obtained for the Osuna Adobe property and work is in motion. He said repairs need to be made to the stucco exterior of the Osuna due to water damage.

Lisa Bartlett, a member of the community for the past 40 years, voiced a complaint about rules and regulations at the Players Clubhouse that she felt were “reprehensible, horrible and illegal.” Lois Jones, speaking on behalf of the board, said the board had “no comment” as it needed a chance to investigate the matter before responding. Bartlett is going to put her complaint in writing and submit it to the board for careful consideration.