Disputes should be settled by HOAs as a last resort

Regarding Southern California homeowners associations, a development's "two dog maximum" should be advertised on the realtor's lawn sign and printed in bold under house listings. While "55 and up" community advertisements are clear about the age requirement, perhaps HOA's could go one step further and screen prospective homeowners for animal affinity. If buyers have ever humanely disposed of vermin, they're ineligible.

How about creating "two child only" communities? Working women only need apply. They must have a boy and a girl and any "bun in the oven" must be identified prior to moving day.

"Earth Mothers," with three plus kids, can have their little community next to a supermarket and receive a free coffee mug that says "Moms rule that car pool" when they purchase their home with their first husband.

Why stop there?

Lure football fans to designated areas with cable TV discounts (satellite dishes not allowed, they're ugly). Eagle fans over here, Raider people over there and delegate Giant fans the houses on busy streets. If you're a baseball fan, you'll just have to integrate with golf fanatics and make the best of it.

HOAs serve a useful purpose maintaining common areas, but what about the friendliness factor? An HOA's secondary goal should be the promotion of community spirit and cohesiveness, organizing neighborhood block parties, welcoming newcomers, distributing meals to the sick or to people mourning the loss of a loved one (which includes those of the animal species).

HOA pet limits dictate how homeowners should structure their families. Such a rule goes too far, but if it's required, then a responsible HOA enforces its restrictions in a friendly and compassionate manner.

America is the "land of the free and home of the brave."

So, the next time your neighbor's dog barks or leaves a lawn ornament, consider doing one of two things. Preserve neighborhood cohesiveness and ignore it, because you may need to be ignored for something someday. Or decide to be friendly and turn off your TV and bravely knock on your neighbor's door and, with a smile, ask them, "Is there some way I can help you?" Teresa Speranza Vargas Thousand Oaks