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Post by Mail on Jul 25, 2004 16:51:20 GMT -8
If you need to put flyers in our mailboxes, they should ONLY be placed on the outside like inbetween the red arm post. It is UNLAWFUL to open another resident's mailbox if you are NOT a US Postal Employee.
If CC& R's are so important...and following rules & laws, I hope the EDITOR of this website and others take heed to this. I would appreciate not having my mailbox opened by those who are NOT postal carriers.
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Post by resident on Jul 29, 2004 8:59:59 GMT -8
Can you tell us your address so the people that are responsible for your route won't deliver the news letter to you or any other info. Thanks!
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Post by Postal Emplo on Jul 29, 2004 20:25:56 GMT -8
"Resident" sounds rather hostel. No need to be a schmuck!
People still want the newletter/info letters...but placing them legally is NOT asking too much. I think putting them on the outside of the box sounds fine!
It's funny how when something is good for "you", the legal ramifications don't matter. But when it's something annoying "you", then legal ramifications matter.
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Post by Researcher on Jul 29, 2004 20:57:12 GMT -8
Per the USPS website frequently asked questions:
Can a flyer/envelope be put it in someone else's mailbox without being mailed? What if a stamp was placed on it?
Postage must go through the Postal Service™ and be delivered for it to be valid postage and therefore acceptable in the mail receptacle. A flyer cannot be placed in a mailbox after putting a stamp on it unless the item was actually mailed.
"No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle. Any mailable matter not bearing postage and found as described above is subject to the same postage as would be paid if it were carried by mail."
The key to this statement is in the term "postage" which is defined as: payment for a delivery service that is affixed or imprinted to a mailpiece, usually in the form of a postage stamp, permit imprint, or meter impression.
According to that finding....it is not legal to place unstamped parcels in mailboxes & TEXTwithout going through the USPS.
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Post by Researcher on Jul 29, 2004 20:59:16 GMT -8
Typo...
According to that finding....it is not legal to place unstamped parcels in mailboxes & without going through the USPS.
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Post by resident on Jul 30, 2004 8:18:22 GMT -8
Not trying to be hostal here. I am just suggesting a solution since he/she does not want people opening their mail box. Go tell the editor of this board where he lives and they will make a formal request to the people who deliver these newsletter on their volunteer time. I am just trying to be helpful since people seem to complain about anything and everything these days.
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Post by river on Jul 30, 2004 20:57:06 GMT -8
This is a real shame. I would hate to see the newsletter disapear. I understand that there has been a recent problem with identity theft. And one neighbor has actually seen the people involved in this....a green Acura Integra with two people in it. There has to be a way for us to protect our mail and still allow the newsletter to be delivered. Has anyone considered having the mail boxes changed to locked boxes. Maybe we can buy them wholesale. One good example of this can be found at: www.thesolargroup.com/securitypm.htmlI don't want to live in fear. There has to be some kind of reasonable balance. |
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Post by sagewood on Jul 30, 2004 23:18:58 GMT -8
It looks like to me that "guest" has found a way to stop the newsletter from continuing. Thanks "guest"....I really enjoyed the newsletter. How are we supposed to find out about community events now?
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Post by Editor on Jul 31, 2004 10:02:08 GMT -8
Hello Mtn. Cove Residents,
I'm very sorry to say that we will not be able to send you newsletters anymore because of the issues that "guest" has described above. We have several kind and dedicated volunteers distributing the newsletter and it would not be right to ask them to do anything that could be considered illegal. Labeling all of the newsletters and adding postage to them would be cost prohibitive and time consuming. We originally put them in the mail boxes because it seemed like the best option, being that it protected them from the wind and rain. We do not want to see newsletters blown all over the Cove or the forest.
So for now, it looks like the paper form of the newsletter has been canceled. The web site will continue and we will try to keep residents informed of important events in this manner.
As for the community events, that has not been discussed yet as to what can be done to keep people informed.
If anyone would like to write an article, please email it to editor@mtntimes.com and we will have it published on the web site.
Sincerely,
Mark M.
Editor of the Mountain Times
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Post by MC Observer on Jul 31, 2004 10:19:38 GMT -8
If the newsletter won't come to the residents, then let the residents come to the newsletter. Perhaps we can mount a dispenser at the Lodge where residents can stop in and pick up the newsletter on their way home. Hello Mtn. Cove Residents, I'm very sorry to say that we will not be able to send you newsletters anymore because of the issues that "guest" has described above. We have several kind and dedicated volunteers distributing the newsletter and it would not be right to ask them to do anything that could be considered illegal. Labeling all of the newsletters and adding postage to them would be cost prohibitive and time consuming. We originally put them in the mail boxes because it seemed like the best option, being that it protected them from the wind and rain. We do not want to see newsletters blown all over the Cove or the forest. So for now, it looks like the paper form of the newsletter has been canceled. The web site will continue and we will try to keep residents informed of important events in this manner. As for the community events, that has not been discussed yet as to what can be done to keep people informed. If anyone would like to write an article, please email it to editor@mtntimes.com and we will have it published on the web site. Sincerely, Mark M. Editor of the Mountain Times |
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Post by newsleter fan on Aug 1, 2004 23:43:32 GMT -8
leave it to ONE person to ruin it for everyone.
pls dont cancel the newsletter!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by hobo on Aug 2, 2004 14:10:04 GMT -8
Our MC Newsletter is voluntary done for the benefit of all the homeowners. It is wonderful enough to live in a place where people like the editor and associates, doing such a great job in informing everyone in the upcoming events, meetings, environment and current events in the community. THANK YOU Mr. Martin and associates for doing such thing for FREE since the birth of our community. It's sad to see the end of circulation of our newsletter which is done voluntarily by people who cares. Why can't "GUEST" volunteer in supplying stamps so we abide by the law and still be happy in getting our newsletter? Just a thought!
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Post by WWCGirl on Aug 2, 2004 14:12:01 GMT -8
I know for a fact that an overwhelming majority of homeowners enjoy and look forward to receiving the latest edition of the Mountain Cove Times and that this same majority implicitly trusts the responsible volunteers that faithfully deliver it to our mailboxes. The solution can be as complicated or as simple as one might imagine. . . Here's my sugested solution-- Residents that do not want "unstamped" mail delivered to their boxes should register their name and address with the editor. Moreover, if they do not want to have flyers delivered announcing Mountain Cove Social events, they should notify the social committee of the same. Why should everyone else in the community have to suffer due to a small minority? I think that we should in fact all respect each other and our differences of opinion but by the same token, I think it is outrageously unreasonable to imposition those that are DONATING their time, resources and energy to make this community a better and more informed place to live. ** Note to whomever wrote the message that created this prosepective problem-- What is your underlying issue(s)?? Do you not trust your neighbors to put community info in your mailbox or is it a "values" issue where you feel that the US Postal Service is somehow being cheated out of postage?? It would really help enlighten us to learn what your motive is for shutting down the newsletter.....
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Post by mail on Aug 2, 2004 14:31:10 GMT -8
Mark...I want to say thank you for updating the website and newsletter. ..and those that have faithfully distributed the newsletter. It is a lot of work. I have worked with website management and newsletters too. It's a lot of work. Thank you. At no point did I mean for the newsletter to end.
As River has mentioned about identity theft, I have experienced mail fraud and identity theft in the past. It is a valid concern for me.
MC Observer has a good idea. I would like it if there was a dispenser...like one of those for selling homes that have the flyers that realtors use. That would make it accessible for those who do want the newsletter... and those who volunteered to distribute wouldn't have to do it anymore. If it runs out of copies then people can let you know. You could let us know via the website that the newsletter is available at the dispenser, etc.
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Post by Neel on Aug 2, 2004 21:45:59 GMT -8
Geez....I'm really sorry to see that we won't get a newsletter cuz of some uptight guy.
Suggestion: send out a newsletter (placed on the outside of the mailbox, of course OR on people's doorstep) with a consent form. Or just deliver the newsletter on people's front door.
There has to be a solution........I don't think we should completely stop the newsletter...
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Post by sm on Aug 3, 2004 8:02:14 GMT -8
 I ususally write my name to everything, but we apparently live with a very low esteemed person, with not much character; I wonder if he-she knows that their thoughts and actions affect other people. I am so sorry for all of us. We all lose out because of this bottom dweller in our community. I am a deliverer of that GREAT NEWS LETTER and I will miss all the IMPORTANT information it gives US as a community. A community, we are a community and if it only took one bad sole to ruin it for all, we better keep are eyes WIDE OPEN. As far as putting anything 'ON' the mail boxes, Many, many times I delivered, it was raining. or VERY windy, so think of that. We will over come this to.  But for now, he has made us all aware that there is these kinds of JERKS that live with us. So thankyou for enlightening us, may you burn in H***. sm
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Post by Ediquette on Aug 3, 2004 10:22:37 GMT -8
Weren't we to keep comments from being hurtful... (ie telling someone to go to H*** and "Jerks")  ?? According to guidelines on this site... please people....You say that person was insensitive... But as I read all these posts... gosh....take a look in the mirror. Can we try to maintain some kinder etiquette? We all have feelings. |
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Post by MC Observer on Aug 3, 2004 14:45:46 GMT -8
Finally a post with some sense. "Etiquette" is right. I don’t like the idea of not getting the newsletter delivered anymore than anyone else. But “Mail” has a right to request that postal regulations be observed, particularly when at least one other neighbor has experienced I.D. theft. At times it may seem convenient (perhaps logical) to choose to obey some regulations while ignoring others. But let’s not resort to personal attacks just because someone is in disagreement and asserts their right to enforce compliance. Folks, let’s be creative. Not delivering the newsletter to the mailbox is just that: no newsletter in the mailbox. We can find other ways. This doesn’t mean the end of the newsletter. If we choose to end the newsletter, this is a choice not material to the need to comply with postal regulations. So let’s work together on this.
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Post by IslandGirl on Aug 3, 2004 20:42:07 GMT -8
Not having our newsletter will not keep his precious mail from being stolen!!! Are you trying to say that the people delvering the publication would steal your mail? If you are so concerned get a p. o. box and pick up your mail at the post office.....Us not getting our newsletter does not make your mail safer in any way shape or form..For the people delivering, if windy or raining wait a day or two...the weather will pass...Or the real estate flyer holder would work....Any other ideas?. |
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Post by Ediquette on Aug 3, 2004 22:43:53 GMT -8
As the previous posts said... this whole thing was not because he/she did not want the newsletter. It was the manner of delivery.
I like the realtor flyer holder idea much!
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Post by MC Observer on Aug 4, 2004 9:40:13 GMT -8
Response to "Islandgirl."
My posting weighs in on two points. One: To refrain from personally attacking folks who have unpopular views. Two: just because the newsletter can’t be deposited into mail receptacles it doesn’t follow that it needs to stop being printed.
For the record, I am not suggesting that the good folks who deliver the flyers are thieves. If anything, I am personally thankful for their diligence. As to mail security, the reason for refraining from using the mailboxes to deposit the flyers is because it is allegedly against postal regulations. The question is, what kind of folks are we? Does the rule of convenience supersede the rule of law? How you answer that largely defines the person you are and no amount of argument will change that.
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Post by ISMELLARAT on Aug 6, 2004 18:26:03 GMT -8
Am I the only one skeptical enough to think that the EDITOR may have posted this message himself to get out of continuing the newsletter??? Is it my imagination or were the newsletters starting to come later and later each month and then this thread appears. Thanks EDITOR for the past newsletters, but if you don't want to do it anymore, just say so. Otherwise, like another individual has suggested, there would be nothing wrong with dropping them on the doorstep. Personally, I don't know if I could tolerate another restaurant review on the fine dining of Azusa such as Nana's Ice Creamery and some of the other culinary delights that have appeared! 
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Newsletter Supporter
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Post by Newsletter Supporter on Aug 6, 2004 23:40:44 GMT -8
ok, really now, a conspiracy theory? c'mon, are you just trying to get folks mad by saying something ludicrous like that? sounds like it. so your newsletter was a little late....i think you're not considering the fact that the editor has to work solely on this project to come up with articles and news without having to resort to recycling stories, etc. That is NOT the least bit easy as far as i'm concerned. also, the delivery is done by VOLUNTEERS. let's not start pointing fingers again, i would like to think that I live with neighbors who are above this and are MUCH smarter. Am I the only one skeptical enough to think that the EDITOR may have posted this message himself to get out of continuing the newsletter??? Is it my imagination or were the newsletters starting to come later and later each month and then this thread appears. Thanks EDITOR for the past newsletters, but if you don't want to do it anymore, just say so. Otherwise, like another individual has suggested, there would be nothing wrong with dropping them on the doorstep. Personally, I don't know if I could tolerate another restaurant review on the fine dining of Azusa such as Nana's Ice Creamery and some of the other culinary delights that have appeared! |
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Post by McLite on Aug 7, 2004 8:35:26 GMT -8
Am I the only one skeptical enough to think that the EDITOR may have posted this message himself to get out of continuing the newsletter??? ..... Personally, I don't know if I could tolerate another restaurant review on the fine dining of Azusa such as Nana's Ice Creamery and some of the other culinary delights that have appeared! Oh, wow.... that accusation? That's just a plain stupid thing to say. The only thing I ''smell'' is the you-know-what you were trying to start with that offensive suggestion. But I'll give one thing up to you: Azusa doesn't have as much to offer when it comes to local color.... For example, we've tried Nana's Ice Creamery because the city and local rags like councilman Stanford's paper would rave about it endlessly. Sorry to say, while the people there are VERY nice, their ice cream was downright awful. It must have a captive clientele, because otherwise I don't know how it stays in business. Nana needs to stick to baking cookies... and Azusa City Hall needs to work (MUCH) harder at attracting higher-market businesses, such as - in the case of ice cream - ColdStone Creamery. Of course, attracting new, better businesses goes back to the issue of City Hall requiring Azusa to have nicer residential areas. (another department there.... and one that, as oft mentioned on this board, does a HORRIBLE, downright negligent job). When Azusa improves, there will be more great things to talk about. I appreciate the volunteer effort of the newsletter. However, as it stands right now, I don't know how long I'd be inspired to keep writing about Azusa's cityscape in a positive light. Perhaps we and other community members could ''encourage'' our civic leaders to get on the ball? |
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Post by MW Martin on Aug 9, 2004 14:54:47 GMT -8
Hello, I think it's time I stepped in an let everyone know what's going on. First of all, the newsletter might NOT be comming to an end. Yes, there was no issue in July because I was simply too busy with other things, and it was a difficult month. The original message of this post has resulted in the delay of the August newsletter as well. I would prefer that the newsletter go out at the beginning of each month, and on time, but as this is a voluntary endevour and I am a VERY busy person, that is not always going to be the case. It is somthing I no longer stress about, which is good for my health =) I can see a great deal of support from some of the responses above, and that is very heartening to me. It is one of the reasons I haven't thrown up my arms and given up, because people still care about their community and appreciate what we are trying to do here. I will not allow the complaints of one person stop the newsletter, but as a citizen I must abide by the laws just like everyone else. It is a shame, because the great convenience of receiving a newsletter in the mailbox was somthing that I think most Mountain Covers appreciated and enjoyed. That being said, the August 2004 issue is available for downloading and printing at www.mtncove.com. I hope you will all consider printing a few copies and sharing them with your neightbors. In the meantime, I am looking into alternative methods of delivery. The most convenient for you, yet least convenient for the wonderful delivery volunteers, is to have the newsletter left on the front porch, perhaps inserted into the doorframe where it will stay put. Although the newsmagazine distributor sounds like a good idea, I don't think it is the best. There is nothing to stop petty vandals from destroying it or taking all the newsletters and throwing them in the trash, or worse, all over Mountain Cove. Following the above cited laws, we cannot stash the newsletter on the red flag of the box because that is also illegal, and wind and rain would become serious concerns as well. The newsletter should be a community effort, and the best thing that can be done to keep it going is to contribute stories, articles, restaraunt reviews (they DON'T have to be in Azusa, just local) and other interesting bits of information. This is YOUR newsletter, so please consider contibuting. As for the initial person(s) who made the complaint, they have a right to express their point of view, even if it is driven by an irrational fear. However, I do feel that they have, because of unfortunate events regarding personal identity theft, become a bit overzealous in their concerns for their privacy, and have made things significantly less convenient for the rest of us. The newsletter is distributed by the same wonderful neighbors every month. And they all own homes that are worth over $600k. For the time being, we are asking our delivery people if they would be interested in delivering to the door, taking a smaller route. This is a lot more labor intensive than it sounds and would require the need for more than twice as many delivery people. So if you are interested in helping to deliver the newsletters, please let us know. Thank you. If we end up with areas without a delivery person, I'm sorry to say that we will not be able to deliver newsletters to your section of the cove. Best Regards, M.W. Martin Editor, The Mountain Times P.S.: On a side note, have you tried Rancho Las Magueyes' homemade flan....it is the best flan that I have ever had. |
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Post by IslandGirl on Aug 9, 2004 15:30:24 GMT -8
Since we have over $200,000 in the bank for Mountain Cove can't the board approve postage and say do the newsletter every other month?
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The Fiscal Conservative
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Post by The Fiscal Conservative on Aug 12, 2004 7:25:59 GMT -8
The instant an HOA member points to the cash reserves, all members have reason to be concerned. Cash reserves serve multiple purposes: emergency funds, project funds and perhaps notifying memebers of the possiblilty of inflated dues. To point to the reserves and find ways to spend it is irresponsible.
Although I enjoyed reading the newsletters monthly, I do not understand why members cannot access them through this website. It seems that the effort of printing, folding, delivering (postage and volunteers)...is wasteful given this mode (the web) of communication.
Please accept my plea to encourage fiscal responsiblilty.
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Post by MBA on Aug 12, 2004 9:55:06 GMT -8
I thank you for all you did for us, and i hope that that person does burn in HELL.
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Post by 29Mossdale on Aug 16, 2004 15:10:27 GMT -8
I want to thank everyone who contributed to the distribution of the Mountain Times for August. It's great to see the continuation of the newsletter's delivery. Although, available from the Internet, it's still nice to receive a hardcopy, especially when my kids bring it from our mailbox, and we start reading the newsletter together.
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Post by newsletter supporter on Aug 17, 2004 0:46:21 GMT -8
actually, you should have received a hard copy already for August....the newsletter is being delivered to your front door instead of your mailbox. ;D I want to thank everyone who contributed to the distribution of the Mountain Times for August. It's great to see the continuation of the newsletter's delivery. Although, available from the Internet, it's still nice to receive a hardcopy, especially when my kids bring it from our mailbox, and we start reading the newsletter together. |
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I ususally write my name to everything, but we apparently live with a very low esteemed person, with not much character; I wonder if he-she knows that their thoughts and actions affect other people. I am so sorry for all of us. We all lose out because of this bottom dweller in our community. I am a deliverer of that GREAT NEWS LETTER and I will miss all the IMPORTANT information it gives US as a community. A community, we are a community and if it only took one bad sole to ruin it for all, we better keep are eyes WIDE OPEN. As far as putting anything 'ON' the mail boxes, Many, many times I delivered, it was raining. or VERY windy, so think of that. 
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