Safety Alerts

June 2024

Security around the complex looks to be secure. Unfortunately, thefts in the City of Sunnyvale are up. Residents are reminded to take some simple precautions such as closing your garage door and making sure your doors are locked. Additionally, if you see any strangers appearing to check out your neighbors, we suggest you call the police.


It is summer and our pool is an attractive addition to our complex. Sometimes, young people from the apartments behind our property will try to climb over the fence and swim in it. Do not approach these people directly. Instead, call the police as this is trespassing. Leave any confrontations up to the professionals trained to do so.

May 2024

Speeding – Once again we are having a problem with residents speeding through the complex. Unfortunately, in an effort to get people to drive more carefully, it was decided a system of official warnings and fines was needed. Those identified as driving too fast will receive a warning letter from Property Management. Fines may follow if the problem persists.

December 2023

SLOW DOWN. Tragedy only takes a second. A speeding car takes hundreds of feet to stop. If you hit someone while speeding there's a 90% chance you'll kill them! Let's stay safe!

November 2023

We hate to repeat ourselves, but people need to SLOW DOWN when they drive through our complex's streets. Most of you are, but we have noticed two cars who continue to scare us as they drive through. Please, lift your foot from the accelerator before you accidentally hit something or someone.

Safety Suggestions (September 2023)

While our complex is relatively stable security-wise, the surrounding area is still experiencing some issues such as porch pirates. We would like to offer these security tips: 

Safety Issues (June 2023)

Conditions and security are good in our complex, however, crime surrounding us is increasing. This is usually typical for summer months when young people have more free time on their hands. We want to remind our residents to stay vigilant about securing their garages and reporting any suspicious circumstances to Sunnyvale DPS. Please remember to always lock your doors.

Everyone Needs to SLOW DOWN (June 2023)

Last month we asked people to SLOW DOWN when driving through the complex. We originally stated that the speed limit through the complex was 25 mph. After checking with the City safety people, we have been informed that it should be 5 mph. So please don't speed through the complex. Keep it slow and keep everyone safe.

Please Slow Down (May 2023)

When driving your car through the complex, remember that these are public roads, and you need to follow all the rules and regulations that apply to them. This means maintaining a safe speed (same as when passing a school, 25 mph or less) and coming to a complete stop at all the stop signs. You are sharing the road with children playing and riding their bikes, and people walking for exercise and pushing strollers. Please be careful and keep everyone safe.

NO Parking in Fire Lanes (February 2023)

In the January newsletter the No Parking Fire Lane rule was explained, and residents were asked to not park in those designated red zones. During the February HOA meeting there were reports of residents continuing to park in the red zones. These zones are subject to immediate towing without any prior notice. Residents are hereby warned that vehicles parked in Fire Lanes will be immediately reported to our towing company: Rebello's Towing Services (408) 295-5121.

Parking in Fire Lanes (January 2023)

Residents of our community have reported vehicles illegally parked in fire lanes (along the red curbs) in and round our complex. Please note that according to California State Fire Code Section 503.3.2:

Violation of posted "FIRE LANES" as described in California Vehicle Code Section 22500.1 may be subject to immediate removal as set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 22651 for any vehicle parked or left standing in an area identified as a fire lane.

Violators of the Fire Code are hereby warned that any unoccupied vehicle parked in a Fire Lane can be immediately towed without a warning notice. This applies to any violation within the Cherrywood HOA property as well as the fire lane on Garland Avenue next to the gate.

Emergency vehicles must be able to access our community 24/7. No one wants a life lost or a home damaged by fire because emergency vehicles couldn't get through.

Tree Hazards

When walking outside the complex, be aware that trees along the medical clinic next door are overgrown and beginning to lean towards the street. Residents along Garland Avenue have reported hearing them making cracking noises. This may mean they could drop branches on the sidewalk without any warning.

Reporting Traffic Hazards

Our Parking Committee has recommended calling the Sunnyvale DPS non-emergency number (408-730-7180) whenever there are hazardous traffic conditions on Garland Avenue. For example, a vehicle parked in the red zone either near our gate or across the street next to the Clinic can make it difficult to drive out the West Garland Terrace exit onto Garland Avenue. But don't use 911 for this or you will need to make a second call to the non-emergency number.

January 2022

Unfortunately, once again we have had uninvited guests (a man and a woman) drive onto the property, park and proceed to walok the grounds (Friday, January 7 @ 1:14pm) stealing packages from our residents. Please try to bring in all mail and packages as soon as it's delivered. For safety reasons, we ask that you DO NOT confront porch pirates yourself. Call the police as soon as possible.

The porch pirates seem to be getting bolder. We suggest that if you have an Amazon package coming (and won't be home to take it in right away) that you use an Amazon locker. There are several locker facilities located nearby: inside Safeway, inside Ross Dress for Less, and inside DD's Discounts.

December 2021

Unfortunately, we have had uninvited guests on the property the early morning hours. They are looking to steal packages and mail left out on front porch areas. They can be seen on multiple cameras walking the property, checking it out. So, this is just a friendly reminder. Please bring in all your packages and deliveries as soon as possible. And to give prowlers fewer places to hide, we encourage you to leave your porch and stairway lights on after dark.

Homeowners may install security camera doorbells. You must first submit an architectural application, but the Board is automatically approving these right now. If you are thinking of installing an alarm, please remember to register the alarm with the Sunnyvale Police for a small annual fee.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep all doors locked and the exterior stairwell lights on. You can add a lock to your garage door so people cannot open it from the outside (even if they have the opener).

If your unit has the "original" sliding glass door, which slides on the outside, it can simply be lifted off to gain entry. Consider installing an inexpensive patio door lock available at Lowe's and Home Depot or have a locksmith install a patio door lock.

The Board is still trying to see about setting up a virtual meeting with Sunnyvale DPS to get us enrolled in the Neighborhood Watch program.