Seasonal Coyote Alert—It is springtime and group of coyotes have, once again, settled into our community. This year they appear to be healthier than normal, and as of press time, they have avoided conflict with pets and humans. Hopefully, by carefully monitoring our pets, their food, and picking up their waste we will make our community less attractive to this “protected” species of predator.
Skunks, Too!—Another incentive to monitor our pets and their food that may on occasion be left outside, is the fam- ily of skunks that have moved into our community. Skunks eat a varied diet and certainly enjoy cat and dog food when they gain access to it in our yards. So far, we have reported skunk sightings on Windlass, Capstan and on the two walking paths behind Windward and Halyard.
A word to the wise, while walking your dogs, keep them tethered on a short leash as both the coyotes and skunks are known to shelter in bushes near walkways. Just the other day while walking our dogs, who were on a five-foot leash, they “alerted” to a bush that they had sniffed dozens of times before. The two dogs suddenly became agitated and lurched toward the bush. As they were on a short leash they were easily controlled and stopped just as a loud hissing and snarling noise started coming from below the bush. I shined my flashlight on the area and saw a large skunk and several small kits. Fortunately, because of the extra control the short leash afforded us, we were able to immediately retreat before the dogs came within six feet of the skunk family. I don’t know why we were not sprayed, but do know that the extra controllability of the shorter leash allowed us to evade a smelly mess.
If in Doubt, Call for Deputy Sheriffs—The Securitas personnel that staff and control access at the front gate and provide patrol services in the community are limited in the scope of the duties they are allowed to perform. They are specifically responsible for controlling gate access, parking enforcement and enforcement of administrative rules pertaining to common areas. Beyond that, they lack any authority other than that of an ordinary citizen. They are further restricted from entering private property. Lacking “Police Powers” they cannot even stop people engaged in highly suspicious activity without seeing that they committed a crime.
If you wish to report criminal activity, including “Disturbing the Peace,” you should call for our deputy sheriffs. The number for non-emergencies related to Dana Point incidents, non-injury traffic collisions, and patrol dispatch is (949) 770-6011. The ability of our Securitas personnel to take any sort of police action is limited by California Codes and by contract with Securitas and our Association.
Should you suspect that you are a victim of criminal activity or are witnessing any sort of criminal activity, please call our Sheriff’s office first. If you phone the gate or our patrol personnel, they will only relay the second-hand information to the appropriate law enforcement agency or instruct you to do so. This may well delay a quick response for your emergency.
Be safe and God Bless.
—Tim Murphy
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