RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - When the Rancho Murieta Association Board met on Aug. 19, the agenda appeared routine. The only notable discussion concerned a proposed rule governing the use of e-bikes.

The real action, however, came during public comments. There, a months-long rift between former Director Danny Carrillo and current board members resurfaced after Carrillo addressed the board. (See "Carrillo-Board Rift Resurfaces at Rancho Murieta Association Meeting")

The meeting also took an unexpected turn when a resident submitted a petition urging the Rancho Murieta Association to act against a non-resident dog walker she accused of repeatedly violating community rules and creating “an atmosphere of fear and discomfort.”

Three other residents spoke during public comments. Resident Tom Shewchuk, who had been working with a group of members to purchase the Rancho Murieta Country Club, announced that the deal is no longer being pursued.

Resident Brian Rosebrock also spoke about the rule prohibiting motorcycles on the North.

A Veterans of Foreign Wars Rancho Murieta Post member inquired about placing a memorial bench on Rancho Murieta Association property.

Non-Resident Dog Walker

Speaking during public comments, resident Setareh Benasso expressed concerns about safety in the community and the lack of enforcement of community rules allegedly related to a non-resident dog walker.

Benasso charged that Allison Cox was repeatedly breaking the rules by speeding in the community, walking multiple dogs without a resident present, and continuing to frequent areas from which she had reportedly been banned, such as the dog parks and around the back lakes.

“She’s driving 60 miles an hour,” Benasso said. “She is verbally attacking older people in the dog park and her dogs are attacking other dogs.”

Benasso told the board that she has repeatedly taken her complaints to General Manager Rod Hart and the compliance staff without receiving any results. Benasso added that the board did not respond to an email she sent on Aug. 7.

At the close of her emotional remarks, Benasso submitted a letter signed by 20 residents urging the board to resolve the issue.

“For many years, we have dealt with the presence and behavior of a non-resident dog walker who continues to violate community rules and creates an atmosphere of fear and discomfort,” the letter states. “We respectfully ask the Board to take urgent and decisive action.

“Specifically, we request a thorough investigation, strict enforcement of guest access, and clear communication to residents regarding how these types of violations will be addressed moving forward,” the letter states.

The River Valley Times reached out to Cox for comment. Cox said she lives in the community and noted that her car is equipped with a tracker, which she has shown to the Rancho Murieta Association, to dispute allegations of speeding.

“This is pure harassment,” Cox said. “She has zero evidence to support any of her accusations.”

When The River Valley Times asked General Manager Rod Hart if the Rancho Murieta Association had banned Cox from common areas and dog parks, he replied “Yes and no.”

Hart said the restrictions depend on whether Cox is listed as a guest or as a registered resident. The Rancho Murieta Association has taken action when she was present as a guest without an escort, Hart said, but not when records show she is a resident, which is currently the case.

“We always check,” Hart said.

Hart also said that five residents have contacted him and the compliance staff to support Cox, saying they believe Cox is being harassed.

E-Bike Rule

During the committee reports, Director Scott Adams outlined the complexities of creating and enforcing rules for e-bikes within the community. While some residents want e-bikes banned, Adams said, he does not support making e-bikes illegal because many people use them responsibly. Adams highlighted the challenges in enforcement, such as the variety of e-bike types and the difficulty in identifying riders and their speeds.

Adams proposed sending a letter to residents outlining the issues and seeking feedback before drafting any rules.

“Then I go back to the governing documents and talk to them about what we hear and then come to the board with a rule,” Adams said.

The other board members voiced support for Adams’ approach.

Motorcycle Rule

Resident Rosebrock, who has long opposed the rule banning motorcycles on the North, told the board that he was ending his fight.

“I want to observe a moment of silence for the motorcycle rule,” Rosebrock said. “I’m going to let it go.”

Now working across the highway, Rosebrock has access to a garage where he can store his motorcycle and can “run it any time I want.”

Rosebrock said he was encouraged earlier in the summer by a new resident who also rides motorcycles and “got a little bit fired up” to push again for a rule change. Since then, Rosebrock has concluded that “it would be a waste of time and resources” for the board and the community to pursue it.

“We have bigger fish to fry,” Rosebrock said.

VFW Request

Veterans of Foreign Wars Rancho Murieta Post member Dave Walters previously attended a board meeting to report that his group will place several memorial benches and tables throughout the community, mostly on property owned by the Rancho Murieta Association.

At the August meeting, Walters asked about placing a memorial table on Rancho Murieta Association property overlooking Lake Chesbro, noting that the Veterans of Foreign Wars group would cover the costs. General Manager Hart said he reviewed the request with Architectural Manager Mark Parsons and found no concerns.

“You can go ahead and place the table there,” Hart told Walters.

Other Business

The board approved a bid for workers’ compensation insurance and contracts to replace the Stonehouse restroom roof and 135 community street signs.

Committee chairs also reported on recent activities, including ideas to enhance next year’s July 4 celebration and a possible bus trip to Apple Hill.