Manager’s Messages

Whether you own or rent your home, insurance is essential to protect your property and household goods. Comparison shopping for the best rates will certainly save you some money, but you also can save by following these tips:

• Choose a higher deductible—increasing your deductible by just a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your insurance premium.
• Ask your insurance agent about discounts. Dead bolts, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems, are just some of the home safety features that can often lower your rate.
• You also may be able to get a lower premium if you are a long-term customer or if you bundle other coverage, such as auto insurance, with your provider. Some companies also offer senior discounts for customers who are older than 55 years.
• If you’re a renter, don’t assume your landlord carries insurance on your personal belongings. She or he likely doesn’t. Purchase a separate renters’ policy to be sure your property—like furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal items—is covered.
• Don’t wait until you have a loss to find out whether you have the right type and amount of insurance. For example, many policies require you to pay extra for coverage for high-ticket items like computers, cameras, jewelry, art, antiques, musical instruments, and stamp and coin collections.
• Furthermore, not all coverage will replace fully what is insured. An “actual-cash-value” policy will save you money on premiums, but it only pays what your property is worth at the time of loss (your cost minus depreciation for age and wear). “Replacement” coverage gives you the money to rebuild your home and replace its contents.
• Finally, a standard homeowners’ policy does not cover earthquake damage. The cost of a separate earthquake policy depends on the likelihood of earthquakes in your area.

The new MUNI T-Line/Central Subway is officially open 7 days a week. With the nearest T-Line stop just one block away on 4th Street & King, Arterra residents are now just 3 stops away from Downtown, and have direct service to Chinatown. Check out the SFMTA Central Subway page for details https://www.sfmta.com/projects/central-subway-project

For those residents opting to enjoy holiday décor in their home this season, be sure to take note of the following “good neighbor” and safety tips below!

Good Neighbor Holiday Décor Tips:

• When carrying a Christmas tree into or out of the building, use a tree bag or tarp to prevent pine needles from dropping to the floors.  Ask a staff member if you need to borrow a tarp.  Promptly clean up any needles that might accidentally fall onto common area floors.
• Do display holiday decorations from inside your unit or on your exclusive use patio, but never in the common areas. 
• Don’t hang lights or decorations from balcony railings or the exterior walls of the building. 
• Wreaths may be hung from the outside of your unit door with an over-the-door hanger.
• Do remove all holiday décor visible from outside of your unit by January10th.  

Safety tips for a happy and safe holiday season:

• Use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved lights and cords.
• Use only approved outdoor lights for outdoor use and make sure they are weatherproof.
• Lights should be thoroughly inspected prior to installation.
• Miniature or indoor lights generate less heat and will not dry out the tree as much as larger lights.
• Always unplug all lights and blow out all candles before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Never use candles near trees or windows.
• If you choose to use a natural, cut Christmas tree, select only the freshest.  Needles should bend, not break, when folded.
• Keep the stand full of water and check it daily.
• Keep the tree away from heat sources and heater vents.
• Remove the tree promptly after the holidays or once the needles begin to fall.

Did you know that the Mission Bay Citizens Advisory Committee typically meets once a month to discuss Mission Bay development and other neighborhood matters?  Attending these meetings is a great way to stay up to date on important topics in your neighborhood.

For more information, visit the SF Office of Community Investment & Infrastructure Mission Bay page @ https://sfocii.org/mission-bay To get on their mailing list and receive notice of scheduled meetings, email Marc Slutzkin at marc.slutzkin@sfgov.org.