News

President’s Report – May 2024

As published in The View, May 2024:

Scott Pessin
President

Hello, neighbors. Our 2024 Board of Directors has been decided. Congratulations to our newly elected members Larry Siegel and Linda Aasen, as well as Terry Coon and Barbara Prezlock, who will serve their second year.

Thank you to the community for participating in the election process. While it is not uncommon for board members to have different goals and objectives, I believe what we all share is the desire to serve the community to the best of our ability and to work together to protect our investment plus our lifestyle in this beautiful community.

I want to thank Jerry Conrad, the outgoing Board President, for his leadership these past two years. I say confidently that Jerry was always motivated by what he felt was in the best interest of the community. Thank you to Kathy Lindstrom for your shared dedication and service to Sun City Shadow Hills.

The new Board will have challenges going forward and will be making decisions that potentially impact us all. We are in the final steps of the lawsuit with CVWD and the North Channel Project. We have reached an agreement in principle and believe we have come to the best possible outcome considering the circumstances. We will be sharing as much as we can when everything is finalized. The good news is that there is no great cause for alarm concerning our Jefferson bridge. We will need to have plans and procedures in place going forward to handle any additional water passing through our community should we experience a heavy rain event.

We also have challenges to tackle dealing with inflation, wage increases, supply chain issues, and the cost of just about everything going up. We need to re-evaluate what is currently stated in line-item replacement costs in our reserve study. The good news is that we have a stellar Financial Advisory Committee and Facilities and Services Committee. In fact, we are in great shape with all our advisory committees. You need only to experience our committees in action to truly appreciate how fortunate we are to have these dedicated volunteers who so willingly give their time and expertise for the betterment of us all.

This community is in a pretty enviable financial position given the sheer size of the small city that is Sun City Shadow Hills. I have always believed that we are more akin to a city than we are to a for-profit business model, as others suggest. We have infrastructure that is costly to maintain. Our largest expense is ensuring our common areas are updated and attractive to homeowners and home buyers alike. We have a number of large renovation projects currently ongoing and upcoming.

Our roadways are our biggest ongoing expense. Switching both our consultants and contractors on the latest roadway project has yielded a much better result. I am sure you have also noticed the major landscaping projects going on throughout the community. It is starting to look better and fresher every day.

We have many wonderful amenities that I am sure played into your decision to purchase a home here. None of our amenities makes a profit by design. There is a balance between the amenities offered and their cost to our homeowners. Whether or not you participate in or take advantage of any of our offerings, I assure you that their existence and upkeep does have an impact on keeping our home values up. Again, it is a team effort to keep this small city running smoothly. Without dedicated volunteers as a large part of the mix, we simply would not be able to achieve this without substantially higher HOA monthly dues for us all.

Speaking of a team effort, we are extremely fortunate to have our partners in place for our general management plus golf and food and beverage operations, landscape, legal counsel, and security. Working with them all these past two years, I quickly realized how lucky we are to have them. Is everything perfect? No. We will continually work to improve operations in all areas, and to increase overall homeowner satisfaction.

As the Board accepts the challenges ahead, I hope that we will all work together, along with homeowner input, to make sure the community stays on the right track. We may not agree on everything, but I believe we all want what is best for the community and will ultimately work toward that goal.

Until next time, be well!

Contact the author at scott.pessin@scshca.com.

Finance Advisory Committee – May 2024

By Robert Jester
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee

As published in The View, May 2024:

Question of the Month: Is there an annual review of the financial records of this Association by an outside independent Certified Public Accounting firm?

The short answer to this question is YES. But why it is done and what is reviewed is far more enlightening for you, as a resident of Sun City Shadow Hills. The California Civil Code Section 5305 requires a review of the Association financials by a licensed accountant and further requires that the Association financial records must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). After the review, the audit report is to be distributed to residents within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year.

Sun City Shadow Hills contracts with an independent licensed certified public accounting firm annually for this review. The accounting professionals who conduct the review request the following as a part of the examination that culminates in the final audit report:

  • Cash and Investments – This includes the Bank reconciliations for all cash accounts with supporting bank statements. Plus, a schedule of all cash transfers between bank accounts for a period of five days before and after the year-end.
  • Accounts Receivable – This is a detail listing and/or ledgers of all accounts receivable, as well as, an analysis of all bad debts written off during the year.
  • Inventory – This is a listing of all inventory accounts with supporting count sheets from all departments, which must agree with the general ledger balances.
  • Prepaid Expenses – A schedule of all pre-paid expenses, which must agree with the general ledger. This includes all insurance premium billings which will be reviewed by the audit team.
  • Fixed Assets – This is a review of the details with reference to all fixed assets and the accumulated depreciation on December 31.
  • Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities – This includes a review of all accounts payable, accrued liabilities, sales tax returns, and the cash disbursements journal.
  • Payroll and Related Liabilities – The schedule of all accrued payroll and vacation.
  • Unearned Income/Deferred Revenue – This is the schedules and reconciliations of all unearned income including gift certificates.
  • Long-term Liabilities – Schedules of all long-term liabilities and capital lease obligations with statements reflecting current balances.
  • Income and Expenses – This request is for the gains and losses on all assets disposed of during the year and copies of all check registers.
  • Income Taxes – This includes fuel tax credits review and total tipped wages.

As you can easily see, this is an exhaustive list of financial records that are reviewed annually, as required by the Davis-Stirling Act. The goal of these audits is to assure residents that the Association is functioning accurately, openly, ethically, and honestly, and that the financial records are following GAAP. All of us should feel very secure in that the Association’s Financial records are under constant monthly review from the Finance Advisory Committee and the Board and an annual review by an outside independent licensed Certified Public Accounting Firm.

I am pleased to let our residents know that we have received the 2023 Audit and it has been approved by the FAC and accepted by the Board. Our Association received what is commonly referred to as a “clean” audit. We had some minor adjustments made by the auditor, but none of them impacted our Association’s financial health. We also had a renewed request that all Chartered Clubs in their quarterly reports submit the paid invoices that match up with the checks issued from the club accounts. The Lifestyle Department is to see that this is accomplished to the satisfaction of the Auditor in this fiscal year. The most important conclusion for this community is that this audit demonstrates that this Association is performing properly financially, and this is good news for each of us.

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

City of Indio Community Open House

Join us for an opportunity to share your feedback on  community needs in Indio!

Community Open House at Indio Senior Center
April 25, 6-8 p.m.
45700 Aladdin Street, Indio, CA 92201

The City of Indio is preparing its Consolidated Plan to identify community needs for housing, public facilities, public improvements, public services, and economic development and needs your help to prioritize federal grant funds. Your input is needed!

Learn more by visiting the Consolidated Plan Update website!

☞ More Information

Work Adjacent to Madison Street

You may have noticed work commencing today, adjacent to phase 3 off of Madison Street. The work is in fact being conducted by the Pulte Group, as the preliminary grading begins for their new Desert Retreat 55+ community.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Rattlesnakes

Encountering a rattlesnake can be a dangerous situation, but staying calm and following these guidelines can help keep you safe:

  1. Stay Calm: If you come across a rattlesnake, avoid sudden movements. Back away slowly and give the snake space to retreat.
  2. Do Not Approach: Do not try to handle, provoke, or get closer to the snake. Keep a safe distance between you and the snake.
  3. Identify Venomous Snakes: It’s crucial to know how to identify venomous snakes, especially in regions where they are common. Rattlesnakes have triangular-shaped heads, vertical pupils, and a distinctive rattling sound at the end of their tails.
  4. Seek Medical Help: If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Call emergency services or head to the nearest hospital. Do not attempt to treat the bite yourself.
  5. First Aid: While waiting for medical help, keep the affected limb immobilized and at heart level. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry near the bite as swelling may occur. Do not apply ice, apply a tourniquet, or attempt to suck out the venom.
  6. Do Not Panic: Remain as calm and still as possible to slow the spread of venom in your body. Panic can increase your heart rate and potentially spread the venom more rapidly.
  7. Note the Snake’s Appearance: If it’s safe to do so, try to remember the size, coloration, and other distinguishing features of the snake to help medical professionals determine the most appropriate treatment.

Prevention is key when dealing with rattlesnakes. Stay vigilant when hiking or working in areas where they may be present, wear appropriate protective clothing like sturdy boots, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Shadow Hills Golf Club Repair Update

The Shadow Hills Golf Club irrigation team will be repairing an irrigation main line break adjacent to the water retention area at Avenida Los Padres and Corte Jalisco.

We expect that this will be a 24 – 48 hour repair.

Phil Vigil, PGA
General Manager
pvigil@troon.com

Vendor Access Program

Are your service providers registered through the Vendor Program?

You may or may not be aware that service providers are limited to 5 entries to SCSH, per month, unless they register for the vendor program.

Registered service providers (including, but not limited to, gardening, handyman, housekeeping, caregiving services) are required to provide a valid Driver’s License, Registration and Insurance. In return and for a nominal fee of $20/quarter, the vendor is equipped with a transponder and it is affixed to their vehicle.

We truly hope to incentivize all vendors to register, as it provides convenient access through all 6 access gates (during vendor hours), which means your service provider will avoid any wait time at either main gate.

We ask for your cooperation, as a resident of SCSH, to encourage your service provider to register. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Edward Nunez at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401 or edward.nunez@associa.us.

For your review and reference, below is the application to register.

☞ Vendor Program Rules & Application

Together, we can make SCSH even greater!

Photos: Volunteer Reception 2024

Friday, April 12, 2024
Montecito Clubhouse Ballroom
Photos by Lifestyle Media Team

Coping With the Urban Coyote

We have received several reports of coyotes being observed on common area. Please review the attached for helpful tips to cope with the Urban Coyote.

Many people enjoy observing wildlife in its natural environment. However, coyotes have been seen in Sun City Shadow Hills on residential streets, common areas, and golf course fairways and greens. They "commute" into our community using the flood controls and drainage ditches throughout the area.

Residents should take precautions to avoid creating potential problems. Please see the attached document below, which was prepared by the Safety Advisory Committee.

☞ Attachment

Fire Ant Treatment in Common Areas and Dog Parks

Coachella Valley Vector Control will be on property to conduct the annual red imported fire ant treatment.

Treatment Dates and Locations:

  • Thursday, April 18, 2024 – Phase 1 Dog Park
  • Friday, April 19, 2024 – Phase 3 Dog Park
  • Monday April 22, 2024 – North Channel Area

Time: Technician should arrive between 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Product Information: Coachella Valley Vector Control has provided the following information regarding the treatment product: Control product are water soluble and will render ineffective when in contact with water. Control product are made at a very low dosage, enough to kill an ant and should not harm pets. If you have any pets, please keep them indoors while the technicians are on property for safety precaution.

If you have any questions, please contact the Association’s Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

Desert Living Tip of the Month: SCSH Canine Celebrities!

Attention all dog owners! The View will be featuring an article heralding dogs in the August magazine. We would like to include a few photos of SCSH residents and their dogs with the article . . . and possibly a cover shot! Please send a recent picture of yourself and your dog(s) to view@scshca.com by Friday, April 19, for consideration. If your photo is not chosen for the magazine, you can also send it to https://www.scshca.com/residentcorner/submissionform/ for posting on the resident pet owner page on the website.

Below are barking tips to keep your dog cool and safe in our hot summer desert heat!

  • Avoid exposing your dog to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn its paws for any prolonged period.
  • Walk them at cooler times, like early morning or evening.
  • Keep dogs hydrated with cool, fresh water.
  • Use cooling coats and collars.
  • Provide cooling mats and ice packs.
  • Find a shady spot to rest or keep them inside with air-conditioning. Doghouses are not good shelters in the summer because they can trap heat.
  • Use a paddling pool.
  • Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Brachycephalic dogs (have a short head and snout), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
  • Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • Keep your dog’s coat well-brushed, clean, and free of mats.
  • Ask your veterinarian which preventative medication against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes carrying heartworms will be best for your dog.
  • Keep dogs off lawns chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions) and away from toxic plants and flowers.
  • Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in just 20 minutes.
  • Keep your dog cool in the car by putting ice packs wrapped in a towel in their crate. Make sure the crate is well-ventilated.
  • Put a sunshade on your car windows.
  • Be alert to dehydration and heatstroke - If your dog is panting, has dry gums and nose, thick saliva, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of elasticity in the skin, they may be dehydrated.
  • While traveling, bring along fresh water, a bowl, and a tarp or tent to set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz your dog.

Nothing beats canine companionship at home or on vacations. As a responsible dog owner, you can ensure that your summer fun and vacation with your best friend will be enjoyable for both of you.

Beat the Heat 2024

Beat the Heat will run May 6 through June 1, and a celebration lunch will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024.

A variety of special fitness classes are available exclusively for Beat the Heat participants.

☞ Beat the Heat Schedule 2024

You will be able to submit your points online, or using a weekly points log available at both fitness centers.

☞ Online Point Submission

☞ Point System Details

Please click on the link below for the program guidelines:

☞ Program Guidelines 2024

Registration form:

☞ Registration Form 2024

For more information, please call the Montecito Fitness Center at (760) 345-4349 ext. 2111.

Please note: the ad in April's issue of The View incorrectly lists the entry fee as $30. The correct fee is $25.

Indio Music Festivals

The Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals are upon us. As a result, we will be experiencing traffic delays, gate congestion, additional guests on property, and louder than usual noise. Please be patient and allow for extra travel time.

Detailed traffic information is available in a recent press release by the City of Indio, click here.

Relaxed on-street parking and parking on Sun City Boulevard for shuttle pick up will be permitted during the following dates:

  • Friday, April 12, 2024 – Monday, April 15, 2024
  • Friday, April 19, 2024 – Monday, April 22, 2024
  • Friday, April 26, 2023 – Monday, April 29, 2024

The festival shuttles are not facilitated or arranged by SCSH. Festival shuttles will not pick-up or drop-off festival goers at SCSH. We understand pick-up, and drop-off is available at the Shadow Hills RV on Jefferson Street. For more information you may visit valleymusictravel.com.

Please ensure you do not park in prohibited areas or blocking a fire hydrant.

Please note, RVs are still required to obtain a parking pass at either manned gate (Jefferson Street or Avenue 40) and are subject to parking limits set forth below.

Rules & Regulations, Section 3.23 Short-Term Recreational Vehicle Parking:
Resident: Short-term personal recreational vehicle parking shall only be permitted for a cumulative period not to exceed 120 hours (5 days) in any calendar month or 48 hours in any single session for the purposes of cleaning, loading or unloading.
Guests of Residents: A guest’s short-term personal recreational vehicle shall only be permitted to park for 48 hours maximum, in a calendar month

Thank you.

Photos: The Creative Eye

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Montecito Clubhouse

On Saturday, March 9, 2024 the Camera Club hosted The Creative Eye, our annual Photo Exhibition and Sale.

Community Development Coordinating Committee Seeks Members

The SCSH Community Development Coordinating Committee (CDCC) is looking for applicants to apply for membership on the committee. CDCC is a Board committee tasked with keeping the Board and community informed about development that might impact SCSH, and at the direction of the Board, take steps to advocate on behalf of the community.

The committee is looking for applicants who preferably have a background or interest in construction and development, with development documents such as Environmental Impact Reports and Specific Plans, or legal or advocacy experience relating to community development projects.

All interested candidates are urged to apply by submitting an Advisory Committee Interest Form at the HOA office.

Annual Transition from Winter Ryegrass to Bermuda Grass

Now that the spring weather is settling in, the daily temperatures will be at a consistent 70 to 80 degrees. The warmer temperature will begin to trigger the annual turf transition from the ryegrass to the Bermuda grass as it is normal here in the Coachella Valley. This means that our winter rye grass will begin to expire to allow the summer Bermuda grass to resettle and come out of dormancy. During this transition process, you will begin to see “dry spots” where the ryegrass is diminishing on areas on the turf. As spring moves forward, we will increase irrigation watering to compensate for the higher temperatures and allow the Bermuda grass to reestablish. This will allow us to promptly fill in the dry spot with healthy Bermuda grass. Green-up and recovery of the Bermuda grass begins when night-time temperatures remain above 60 degrees for several days in the spring and soil temperatures reach 65 degrees at the four-inch depth.

We will continue to monitor this process to assure a smooth transition of the turf.


“Dry Spots” During Transition Period

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

City of Indio Announces Festival Season Traffic Plan and Street Closures

The City of Indio announces anticipated street impacts, transportation details, and alternative routes for the upcoming 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club on April 12, 13 and 14 and April 19, 20 and 21, and Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival will take place on April 26, 27 and 28.

Due to the events, Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue will be closed from Monday, March 25, to Monday, May 6. The closure is necessary to protect the safety of workers, residents and commuters. Alternate routes include Highway 111, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, Avenue 48 and Avenue 52.

The following streets will be primary access routes for the festivals on the following days: April 11-14; April 18-21; and April 25-28, but significant traffic is expected:

  • Jefferson Street, southbound, from Interstate 10 to Avenue 52
  • Washington Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
  • Monroe Street, southbound, from I-10 to Avenue 52
  • Avenue 48 between Jefferson and Jackson streets
  • Highway 111 at Jefferson Street
  • Highway 111 at Monroe Street
  • I-10 exit eastbound at Jefferson Street
  • I-10 exit eastbound at Monroe Street
  • I-10 exit eastbound at Washington Street

On each Friday of the festivals through each Monday, the following roads will be closed:

  • Avenue 49 between Hjorth Street and Monroe Street
  • Avenue 50 between Madison Street and Jackson Street
  • Hjorth Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 50
  • Madison Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52

Expect the following additional delays:

  • On each Monday following the festivals, streets surrounding the festival site and Interstate 10 will be busy with more than 40,000 campers leaving the area.
  • Consider the following alternate routes:
  • North and south travel, use Washington Street, Jackson Street, Calhoun Street and Golf Center Parkway
  • East and west travel, use Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard and Avenue 54

Uber Location:

  • Avenue 49 and Monroe Street on the southwest corner

Friends & Family/Taxi Drop Off & Pick Up:

  • Avenue 52 and Madison Street on the northeast corner

NO pedestrian or pedestrian festival access:

  • Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52
  • Madison Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52

Approved pedestrian access:

  • Corner of Avenue 49 and Monroe Street
  • Corner of Avenue 52 and Madison Street
  • Corner of Avenue 52 and Monroe Street
  • Corner of Avenue 50 and Madison Street

Additional notes:

Golf carts are not permitted on any of the above-listed streets.

Approximately 40,000 guests will be shuttled into and out of the concert venue from various locations throughout the Coachella Valley to help ease traffic conditions.

Noise from the festival site could begin on each Thursday prior to the festival dates, due to sound checks and on-site camping guests.

For concert logistics, questions, or issues, please call 760-391-4112 or email concertinfo@indio.org.

Source: https://gcvcc.org/city-of-indio-announces-festival-season-traffic-plan-and-street-closures/

How to Add the SCSH Website to Your Phone’s Home Screen

iOS

  1. Open the Safari web browser.

  1. Visit the Sun City Shadow Hills website by typing scshca.com in the address bar and pressing the go button.

  1. Once the website loads, press on the share button (square with arrow pointing up) at the bottom of the screen. From the options, select Add to Home Screen.

  

  1. You have the option of renaming the shortcut, or simply press Add at the top-right of the screen.

  1. A bookmark to the Sun City Shadow Hills website will be created on your home screen. You may now quickly visit our website using this bookmark.

Android

  1. Open the Google Chrome web browser.

  1. Visit the Sun City Shadow Hills website by typing scshca.com in the address bar and pressing the right-arrow button.

  1. Once the website loads, press on the menu button (three vertical dots) at the top-right of the screen. From the options, select Add to Home screen.

  

  1. You have the option of renaming the shortcut, or simply press Add. Then press Add to Home screen to finish.

  

  1. A bookmark to the Sun City Shadow Hills website will be created on your home screen. You may now quickly visit our website using this bookmark.