She had previously served as chairwoman of the landscaping committee.
Then vice president.
Then president.
Within six months of taking office, she had increased fines, introduced new architectural review procedures, and begun sending formal notices concerning everything from outdoor furniture to holiday decorations.
Some residents supported her.
They liked the immaculate lawns and strict appearance standards.
Others feared her.
One elderly couple received repeated notices because their grandson parked an older pickup in the driveway while helping repair their roof.
A family with three children was fined for leaving bicycles on the porch.
Another resident was threatened with legal action after planting vegetables in a side yard.
The HOA president called these measures community preservation.
Her critics called them harassment.
I didn't care much either way.
Their subdivision had its own rules.
My property was separate.
Or so I thought.
The first letter arrived in March.
It was printed on expensive stationery bearing the HOA's green-and-gold logo.
The heading read:
NOTICE OF LANDSCAPE NONCOMPLIANCE.
I almost threw it away.
Then I saw my address.
The notice claimed several peach branches extended beyond an approved community landscape corridor.
It demanded that I trim the tree within fourteen days.
Failure to comply, it warned, could result in a daily penalty of one hundred dollars.
I read the letter twice.
Then checked the sender.
Willow Creek Estates Homeowners Association.
I laughed.
My property wasn't part of Willow Creek.
The HOA had no contractual authority over me.
I called the office.
A polite administrative assistant answered.
I explained the situation.
She sounded confused.
"Sir, are you certain your property isn't included?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Could you provide your parcel number?"
I did.
She typed.
Then paused.
"That's strange."
"What is?"
"Our system lists your property as an adjoining agricultural parcel."
"Correct."
"But the notice was issued under community landscaping enforcement."
"Which doesn't apply to me."
Another pause.
"I'll have the president review it."