Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Stop the Bleed

A person can die from blood loss within five minutes. It's often the nearest bystander who has the best chance of saving that person's life. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign to train and equip bystanders to respond before professional help arrives.

Trauma surgeon Jay Doucet, MD, FACS, demonstrates how best to "stop the bleed" in three different scenarios: 1) when you have nothing, 2) when you have a Stop the Bleed kit or tourniquet, or 3) when you can’t put a tourniquet on the wound but you have gauze. Always remember to make sure you are safe and call 911 before helping someone else.

Recall Election Ballots

Please do not deliver ballots to the HOA Office.

There are two ballots boxes, located by the main entrance inside each clubhouse. Please deliver your sealed envelope to a ballot box at either clubhouse. Staff will not deliver your ballot to these ballot boxes.

Please remember to sign the secret envelope before placing it in the ballot box.

Announcement of 2024 Board Candidates

The Nominating Committee announced the 2024 Annual Meeting Candidates at December's Board Meeting:

Linda Aasen
Michael Becker
Kathy Lindstrom
Scott Pessin
Larry Siegel

Click Here to Listen to the Candidate Podcasts

Save the Dates:

Candidate Forum #1
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • 2:00 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom
Click Here to Watch Video Recording

Meet the Candidates #1
Friday, February 2, 2024 • 10:00 am
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom Back Half

Candidate Forum #2
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 • 5:30 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom

Meet the Candidates #2
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • 2:00 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Capistrano Room

Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom

Notice Of Annual Meeting

North Channel Closure

The North Channel park in Phase 1 is temporary closed, until further notice, due to an overflow of excess rain water from the recent storm.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

President’s Report – January 2024

As published in The View, January 2024:

Jerry Conrad
President

Hello, neighbors, I hope your holidays were joyous. As we look forward to the New Year, I think it would serve us well to look back and thank those who made all our lives at SCSH a better place to live.

I want to thank my fellow Board members who put in countless hours of their time to deal with the various issues we faced in 2023. I also want to thank major vendors, DRM, Troon, Allied Security, and Vintage Landscape, for their dedication to keeping our community organized, safe, and beautiful.

I would like to acknowledge some individual contributions that made the work of the Board and the various committees more efficient and effective.

Cari Burleigh, our GM, has done a fine job of making sure the residents are treated with respect and their questions are answered. Having been here as an assistant GM several years ago, she fits in seamlessly. Her tireless energy is both welcome and needed.

Vanessa Ayon, our assistant GM, has been here for over 10 years and is a fixture in all our lives. Her incredible memory for details is a lifesaver for committee volunteers. I’m not sure how I could manage my position without her helping hand. We all owe her a debt of gratitude.

Rich Tinnley, our association attorney, has been extremely helpful in this difficult year. His insight and good advice have made decisions by the Board more consistent and allowed this Board to understand how to work together. I want to thank him for the advice he has given to all the Board members this past year.

Jesse Barragan, our Facilities Director, is another long-term SCSH teammate. He leads a terrific group of workers who do so much around the community that I don’t know where to begin. His knowledge of our facilities gives our committees and the Board invaluable insight into making better decisions.

Connie King, our Lifestyle Director, is a household name to anybody who attends an event in our community. Organized and willing to work hard, she brings boundless enthusiasm to her profession.

Gus Ramirez, our Communications Manager, is not someone you may have heard of, but believe me when I say he is a very important part of what makes our community work. He sets up all the podcasts, is a leader in putting The View together, is responsible for the website, sets up every e-blast, and keeps us all aware of what is happening around us. Every organization needs someone like Gus, and we are very lucky to have him as part of ours.

Phil Vigil, our Troon GM, has been here for a little over one year and has made several improvements to our golf courses. The courses are in great shape, and I am thankful for his hard work. Shadows, the Terrace Grill, and the Montecito Café are better than ever; and the two golf courses handle over 67,000 rounds of golf each year. Our golf superintendent, Tom Johnson, deserves a huge round of applause for how he managed the aftermath of Hurricane Hillary. And don’t forget Chef John and Manny for their continued improvement of Shadows.

Amber Galindo, our fitness director, makes sure all who want to stay in shape while having fun are given every opportunity to do so. And she always does this with a smile.

Scott Bewley, our security administrator, is new to the community but has shown that he can get the job done. As most of you know, SCSH has an enviable record of being one of the safest HOA communities in our valley; and I want to thank Scott for continuing that tradition.

Finally, thank you to all the volunteers who help support the various committees, clubs, and the SCSH Board of Directors. Our community is grateful to you for helping make SCSH a better, more active place to live. Without you, we would just be a bunch of homes with walls surrounding us.

May your New Year be the best ever!

Contact the author at jerry.conrad@scshca.com.

Finance Advisory Committee – January 2024

By Robert O. Jester
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee

As published in The View, January 2024:

Question of the Month: Why do we have separate accounts holding Association funds, and are those accounts dedicated?

As we enter the Board election cycle again, we always hear from a “vocal minority,” whose allegations about the financial health of our Association many times are not true. I hope to give you some basis for testing these unsupported allegations during this election period.

The Association operates in compliance with the California Davis-Stirling Act that controls how an HOA is to handle its financial and governance affairs. As required, this Association, confirmed by its annual outside audit, has three distinct accounts to hold Association funds. They are the Operating Fund, the Major Repairs and Replacement Fund, and the North Channel Flood Control Project Capital Improvement Fund. Each fund is accounted for separately each month and reviewed for accuracy by the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC).

The first question that you might have is, “Why do we have three separate funds?” The answer is easy since each fund has a dedicated purpose. I will briefly examine each for you.

The Operating Fund: The audit defines this account as the fund to be used for general operations, the chartered clubs, and for property and equipment maintenance needs that are not a part of the Reserve Study. This fund is the primary focus of our yearly budget as each department determines its needs for the coming year. This fund also has an impact on our monthly assessments, so the FAC always carefully analyzes it.

The last two years have seen significant inflationary factors that must be carefully considered to ensure that we have sufficient “operating cash available.” In this valley, electric and gas rates have doubled in the last five years, our property insurance premiums have significantly increased, road resurfacing costs have skyrocketed, and average wages have increased 15% from 2022–2024. The local labor market remains extremely tight with new housing complexes like Disney Cotino being built.

We need always to have sound financial planning. Our “operating cash available” in this fund is always to be a minimum of 2 to 3 times our monthly average expenses. We find this minimum standard in the “Green Book” that provides HOA’s accounting guidance consistent with the Davis-Stirling Act. I mention this because this is that “excess cash” that we so often hear about from the “vocal minority.” Well, fellow residents, there is a sound, required, and necessary financial reason that the “operating cash available” exists, and it is not to be spent unless an operating expense necessity requires it.

Major Repairs and Replacements Fund: This is commonly known as our Reserve/Replacement funds that by law are reviewed every year by qualified experts to assure the Association that we are properly funding for the replacement of 834 components. We will probably never be 100% funded for these items that have a useful life of 30 years or less, but we try to maintain a “percent funded” of 70% going into the new budget year.

Our funding this year will not reach the goal of at or near 70% until year ten in the reserve study, and the FAC will be very watchful that this funding metric is monitored in the 2025 budget season. This has been another “vocal minority” subject, as it is suggested we are not constantly examining the 834 components to determine replacement cost and useful life. This is not correct. The Vice Chair of the FAC for the Replacement Fund works diligently with the Maintenance Department Director and the Troon General Manager to review and evaluate each of those 834 components, and they will continue this practice annually.

North Channel Flood Control Project Capital Improvement Fund: This is the dedicated fund to cover the construction of an access road to the flood channel in our Association, and to reinforce or rebuild the Jefferson Street Bridge into our Association. This fund was dedicated by a Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Motion to the Board on December 16, 2022, and reflects the hope that the funds preserved in this dedicated fund can cover the anticipated costs for all the areas that are the financial burden of this Association for this project. If it is not adequate, we run the real risk of a special assessment on all property owners.

The auditor designated this account in the 2022 audit as a specific separate fund, and the FAC will do everything possible to ensure it is maintained for its “dedicated” purpose. The FAC acknowledges that the Board has the ultimate control over Association funds, if those funds are not restricted by the Davis-Stirling Act, but a financially responsible Association Board will always try to honor dedicated funds unless there is some extreme and sudden need of the Association caused by disaster or other unexpected financial event. Conclusion: Remember that the FAC reports to the Board monthly in an open meeting where you may ask questions and test the statements of the “vocal minority.” In addition, you may submit questions through the Association website. The FAC is here to help keep you informed financially and to act as this Association’s financial “Watchdog.”

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

Tips for What Can Be Recycled & What Goes Into the Trash Bin

It’s 2023 – can’t we put everything in the recycling bin?? Unfortunately, no! Here are some tips on what goes in the recycling bin and what must still go in the trash bin to be dumped into a landfill.

Tips for What Can be Recycled & What goes into the Trash Bin

RECYCLABLES – Place in “Recyclables Only” or “Recycling Only” bin:

  • Clean paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
  • Plastic containers (Numbers 1 – 7 in the recycle symbol)
  • Aerosol cans (empty)
  • Foam packing blocks (such as the foam blocks that protect new televisions or computers)
  • NO PLASTIC BAGS
  • Only items free of food and liquid

TRASH – Place in “Trash Only” bin:

  • Plastic bags, food packaging, wrap, Styrofoam
  • Coated or plastic takeout containers
  • Plastic straws & plastic rings (cut into small pieces before disposing)
  • Foil, wire, or tape
  • Twist ties, rubber bands
  • Cooking grease, oil & other liquids

Note: Re-use these items as much as you can before placing them in the trash.

Why cut up straws and plastic rings? Why reduce use of straws and plastic rings?

They end up in our oceans where they can cause serious damage to ocean life. Many marine wildlife mistake plastic waste for prey and then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. (IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature) And this can happen:

For more tips on recycling, check out our Waste Recycling Guide on our Trash Collection page at https://www.scshca.com/trash/

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Beware of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. It is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels, such as wood, gasoline, propane, natural gas, and heating oil. Here are some important precautions to take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

  1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place CO detectors on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test the detectors regularly and replace the batteries at least twice a year.
  2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and clothes dryers) are properly installed, vented, and maintained. Never use these appliances in enclosed spaces, especially without proper ventilation.
  3. Regular Maintenance: Have heating systems, chimneys, and flues inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. This includes cleaning and checking for blockages.
  4. Avoid Using Gasoline Engines Indoors: Do not run gasoline engines (such as cars or generators) in enclosed spaces, even if the garage door is open. The fumes can enter your home and cause CO poisoning.
  5. Barbecue Grills: Use charcoal and gas grills outdoors only. Using them indoors can lead to a buildup of CO.
  6. Space Heaters: If you use a fuel-burning space heater, make sure it is vented properly and placed in a well-ventilated area. Electric space heaters are a safer option, but still, ensure they are not blocking any vents and are placed in safe locations.
  7. Fireplaces: Make sure your fireplace flue is open when in use and have regular inspections to ensure there are no blockages.
  8. Car Exhaust: Never warm up your car in the garage, even if the garage door is open. Always move the car outside to let it warm up.
  9. Educate Family Members: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and knows the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
  10. Emergency Preparedness: Know the emergency procedures for your home, including where to go and who to contact if a CO detector goes off or if symptoms of CO poisoning are experienced.
  11. Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If you suspect CO poisoning or your CO detector goes off, leave your home immediately and seek medical attention. CO poisoning can be life-threatening, and prompt treatment is essential.

By taking these precautions and being vigilant about the potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning for you and your family.

Flag Notification

Fly the United States Flags at Half-Staff on
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A Proclamation on the Death of Sandra Day O’Connor

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our Nation’s highest court. She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Phase 3 Dog Park Overseeding Update

The reopening of the Phase 3 Dog Park will be delayed to Monday, December 25. The additional days will permit for the roots of new winter rye-grass to fully developed allowing for complete turf coverage of the entire park. We thank you for your patience during the annual over-seeding process.

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

Montecito Outdoor Pool Deck Replacement Project Update

The Montecito Outdoor Pool will reopen on Saturday, December 16.

We appreciate and thank you for your patience throughout this process.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Desert Living Tip of the Month: Be A Climate Hero – Not a Litter Zero!

As you stroll, jog, bicycle, or walk your dog around our community, please make sure to be respectful of your neighbors and refrain from littering. Remember that litter just doesn’t appear; it’s the result of careless attitudes and waste handling. Litter is unsightly and pollutes our environment, and about 80% of litter found in local waterways originates from land. Make every day Earth Day! Taking care of our environment and our community is a very important job we all can do.

You Can Make A Difference To Keep SCSH Clean!

  • Don’t litter. Make an extra effort to place your trash in a trash bin. Keep garbage and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away or scattered by animals. Keep your yard clean and free of things that can blow into the street and become litter.
  • Bring Your Own (BYO…) – Reusable bags to the store, water bottles to the gym or the park, and beverage mugs to the coffee shop. The fewer single-use products you buy, the less trash you create.
  • Cover your load. Cover any items that could blow onto the road if you have a truck.
  • Pick it up. Show you care for your community and inspire others by picking up litter that isn’t yours.
  • Green your garden. Use non-toxic pest control methods, conserve water, and befriend native plants to keep your garden happy and healthy.
  • Support manufacturers who are eco-friendly. Encourage the use of green design and support manufacturers who take responsibility for their products at the end of their usefulness. Vote with your dollars!
  • Do not throw trash out of your window! Keep a litter bag in your car and dispose of your trash properly at your destination.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Dangers Using Electric Space Heaters at Home

Electric space heaters can be convenient for providing extra warmth in specific areas of your home, but they can also pose several dangers if not used properly. Here are some potential risks associated with electric space heaters:

  1. Fire Hazard: One of the most significant risks of electric space heaters is the potential for fires. If a heater is placed too close to flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, or furniture, it can ignite a fire.
  2. Overloading Circuits: Plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into the same circuit can overload the circuit, leading to electrical fires. Space heaters can draw a significant amount of power, so it’s important not to overload the circuit they are connected to.
  3. Faulty Wiring: Old or damaged space heaters might have faulty wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Regularly inspect your heater for any signs of wear and tear.
  4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: While electric space heaters themselves do not emit carbon monoxide, using fuel-burning space heaters indoors can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which is a silent and potentially deadly gas.
  5. Tip-Over Protection: Space heaters can pose a risk if they are easily tipped over, especially in homes with pets or small children. Some modern heaters come with a tip-over switch that turns off the heater if it’s knocked over, reducing the risk of a fire.
  6. Burns and Scalds: Space heaters can become extremely hot, leading to burns if touched. This risk is especially high with radiant or infrared heaters, which emit intense heat.
  7. Dry Air and Skin Irritation: Prolonged use of space heaters in enclosed spaces can dry out the air, potentially leading to skin irritation and respiratory issues, especially in people with allergies or asthma.

To use electric space heaters safely:

  • Keep Flammable Materials Away: Place the heater at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, bedding, and furniture.
  • Choose a Safe Location: Put the heater on a flat, stable surface where it’s less likely to tip over.
  • Avoid Overloading Circuits: Plug the heater directly into the wall socket and avoid using an extension cord. Do not overload the circuit with multiple high-wattage appliances.
  • Use Certified Heaters: Choose heaters certified by reputable organizations, which meet safety standards.
  • Supervise: Do not leave space heaters unattended. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Regular Maintenance: Inspect your heater regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any issues, replace or repair the heater promptly.

By following these safety guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with using electric space heaters in your home.

Montecito Outdoor Pool Deck Replacement Project Update

The Montecito Outdoor Pool is now projected to reopen on Friday, December 15. Any updates to this timeline will be provided via on-site notices and notifications on the SCSH website.

We appreciate and thank you for your patience throughout this process.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Flag Notification

Fly the United States Flag at Half-Staff on
Thursday, December 7, 2023
in Honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2023

On this day 82 years ago, 2,403 service members and civilians were killed in a painful and unprovoked attack on our Armed Forces. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember these women and men, who gave their last full measure of devotion to our Nation. We honor the brave service members who — with the horrors of Pearl Harbor weighing on their hearts and the hopes of humanity resting on their shoulders — answered the call to defend freedom against the forces of fascism during World War II.

The stories of the Greatest Generation’s ultimate courage and commitment continue to inspire an enduring sense of unity and purpose throughout our Nation. They remind us that, in the darkest of moments, we have the power to bend the arc of history toward a freer and more just future. They remind us that, from death, destruction, and division, we can build a better world — one grounded in peace and security. They remind us that the forces of tyranny and terrorism are no match for the flame of liberty that burns in the hearts of free people everywhere. Above all, they remind us that every generation can — and must — defeat democracy’s mortal foes.

Together, we must continue to answer that call. We must continue to honor our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors — including our World War II veterans, who dared all and risked all for our country. With bipartisan support in the Congress, my Administration is meeting that obligation — including now welcoming all World War II veterans to enroll in Veterans Affairs health care services, regardless of length of service or financial status.

As we honor the patriots who perished on this tragic day 82 years ago and the service members who defended democracy in the days and years that followed, let us carry forward their mission of forging a better future for humankind, one of greater dignity, opportunity, and security for all. Let us remember that we are the United States of America — and there is nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.” Today, let us commemorate the patriots who were wounded and who perished on December 7, 1941, and continue to fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our service members; veterans; and their families, caregivers, and survivors.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2023, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage shown by our brave service members that day and remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2023, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Asphalt Crack Sealing Project in Phase 2


(Click for Larger Map)

Monday – 12/04/2023 – Blue Section
Tuesday – 12/05/2023 – Yellow Section
Wednesday – 12/06/2023 – Red Section
Thursday – 12/07/2023 – Violet Section


No Parking on Streets on Crack Seal Schedule Dates
from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

NPG Crack Sealing Notice

  • Streets will remain open to thru traffic and trash pickup.
  • Parking will be allowed after the street is completed and the contractor and inspector examines the final crack seal.
  • Please be aware that there will be some detouring and crews working on the roadways.
  • Please note the site map showing the roads affected.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your cooperation.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Senior Buddy Systems

Senior buddy systems, also known as senior companion programs or elderly buddy systems, are initiatives designed to provide companionship and support to older adults. These programs pair seniors with volunteers or other seniors to help reduce social isolation, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life. Here are some key aspects of senior buddy systems:

  1. Companionship:
    • Regular Visits: Volunteers or senior buddies visit seniors on a regular basis, providing social interaction and conversation.
    • Activities: Engaging in activities together, such as playing games, going for walks, or simply sharing a meal, can provide companionship and create meaningful connections.
  1. Emotional Support:
    • Active Listening: Senior buddies lend a listening ear, allowing seniors to express their feelings and thoughts.
    • Sharing Experiences: Seniors often appreciate sharing their life experiences, and having someone who is genuinely interested can be therapeutic.
  1. Practical Assistance:
    • Running Errands: Buddies can help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or other errands that might be challenging for seniors.
    • Transportation: Providing transportation to medical appointments or social outings can significantly enhance a senior’s independence.
  1. Health and Safety:
    • Medication Reminders: Buddies can help seniors remember to take their medications as prescribed.
    • Home Safety: They can assist in ensuring the home environment is safe, identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
  1. Technology Assistance:
    • Digital Literacy: Teaching seniors to use smartphones or computers can help them stay connected with family and friends, reducing social isolation.
  1. Advocacy:
    • Accompanying to Appointments: Buddies can accompany seniors to doctor’s appointments, ensuring that medical concerns are communicated effectively.
    • Empowerment: Encouraging seniors to voice their needs and preferences, advocating on their behalf when necessary.
  1. Community Engagement:
    • Group Activities: Organizing group activities and outings for seniors and their buddies, fostering a sense of community.
    • Volunteering: In some cases, senior buddies might engage in volunteering together, contributing to the community.
  1. Regular Check-ins:
    • Phone Calls: Regular phone calls between visits can help seniors feel connected and cared for, especially if in-person visits aren’t frequent.
  1. Training and Support:
    • Training for Volunteers: Volunteers might receive training in active listening, understanding common senior issues, and dealing with emergencies.
    • Support Groups: Regular meetings or support groups for both seniors and volunteers can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
  1. Respect for Individuality:
    • Tailored Approach: Recognizing that each senior is unique, the support provided should be tailored to their preferences and needs.

Senior buddy systems contribute significantly to the overall well-being of older adults by providing them with companionship, support, and a sense of belonging within the community. These programs also offer volunteers a fulfilling way to give back to their community while forming meaningful connections with seniors.

Tips for Recycling Food Scraps

We already let you know that Indio residents must now put food scraps in a Green Waste or Organics Only bin and NOT the “Trash Only” bin. You need one of these bins to get the job done!

Here are more tips on how to get those food scraps from your kitchen to the right bin!

Tips for Recycling Food Scraps

What to Recycle

  • Any food items that you used to put in the trash (corn cobs, bones, banana peels, etc.) must now go in your “Green Waste” or “Organics Only” bin.
  • Items that you normally throw into your garbage disposal can still go there! (or they can be recycled)

How to Recycle

  • Put your scraps in any kind of bag – paper or plastic. It does not need to be biodegradable.
  • NOTE: EMPTY PLASTIC BAGS are not allowed in any bin but many grocery bags can be returned to the store. Look for a recycling bin at your grocery store today!
  • Compostable bags are sold in local stores and online (Google: compostable food waste bags).
  • How often you take the scraps out to the bin is up to you.
  • The Green Waste or Organics Only bin is collected on the same day as your trash and recycling.
  • In our desert heat, here’s a tip that may sound strange but really works - put your bags of scraps in the freezer until it’s time to take them outside and place in the bin.

Compostable Bag of Scraps Kept in Freezer until It’s Time to Place in the Bin

 

Don’t have a green waste bin yet? To find out how to get one, and for more tips on recycling, check out the Waste Recycling Guide on our Trash Collection page at https://www.scshca.com/trash/

Phase 3 Perimeter Berm

The Board and our staff are aware of heightened activity along the berm located on the north side of SCSH. This included a variety of motorized vehicles not only driving along the top of the berm but also up and down the sides of the berm. This occurs at a variety of times of the day and night.

As you know, this land is not owned by the Association but we have been in contact with the Indio Police Department, and they have expressed that they have limited resources to deal with the problem. However, you can help make this a priority by reporting behavior that is dangerous or disruptive on the berm itself or on the south side of the berm adjacent to the community, to Indio Police Department NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER: (760) 391-4051

SCSH will continue to monitor the activity and report back to you as more information becomes available. We appreciate your assistance with this matter.