Bulk Cable Contract Updates

Good morning residents:

Frontier: We sent a message that all residents could call for appointments to install the Frontier internet, including the 205 homes that were never installed with the Fiber optic cable. As many residents found out when they called Frontier was not ready and they were turned down for appointments. Frontier announced they resolved that problem so all residents may now call. Let us know right away if this is not the case.

Annual Meeting: The Annual Meeting for the election of two open seats on the Board will be held on April 6, 2021. Ballots will be mailed on about February 12 to all homeowners. If you decide to mail in your ballot it is due by April 5 at noon. There will be a ballot box in each Clubhouse so you can drop off your ballot if you so desire.

On the day of the election April 6, 2021 the polls will open at 9 am in the Montecito Clubhouse. You may drop off your ballot at that time if you have not already mailed or dropped it off. Polls will close at 10 am and no more ballots will be accepted.

Spectators will not be allowed because of the COVID restrictions, so the meeting will be done virtually. At about 10 am we will recess the meeting while the Election company counts the ballots, and we estimate to reconvene the meeting at 2pm to announce the winners of the Board election and the outcome of the ballot measures.

The Campaign rules for Candidates and their representatives are as follows:

1. Signs may be placed in front of homes beginning March 7,2021. Signs may not be placed in the backyard of a home. I sign per candidate. Candidates have a choice of placing signs on Sun City Blvd or in front of homes, but they may not do both.
2. There is no campaigning on Common Property without HOA permission. This means candidates may not walk up to people on the street, playing Tennis, Pickleball, Bocce, Golf, etc. to campaign and/or to hand out flyers.
3. Candidates may hold meetings on Common Property with prior approval of the HOA.
4. Candidates may go door to door between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm provided masks are worn at all times. Social distancing is required. Candidates may not leave information unless the homeowner agrees. Candidates may not leave information when a resident is not home. Candidates are able to go door to door now. This began on January 26. If a resident places a ‘No Solicitation’ sign in the front yard Candidates are not allowed to go to the door of that house.
5. Candidates may not use the Mail tubes. These are for HOA use only.
6. Candidates may mail letters to residents and the HOA is required by State Law to give candidates an address mail list of all residents unless a resident opted out of such a list.
7. Candidates can email residents and the HOA is required by State Law to give Candidates an email list of all residents unless a resident opted out of such a list. If you don’t want to receive such messages you may request the Candidate to stop sending messages.

COVID Update: With the return to the Purple Tier in COVID guidelines, 3 households may meet together outdoors with restrictions. Masks are required if you cannot maintain 6’ social distancing. This can mean more than 6 people; the issue is households. If one household has one person, another household has three people, and the last household has four people living in the home, the gathering of eight people is allowed. No gatherings of any size or allowed indoors at any time. The 10 pm to 5 am curfew has been lifted.

As the vaccine is slowly distributed, please be careful and exercise caution, we still don’t want anyone sick if possible.

Have a great day and stay safe.

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

 

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast260

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Good morning residents,

Here is a synopsis of yesterday’s podcast.

Outdoor Library Book Exchange: Some residents have asked about the outdoor library book exchange that a resident put in their front yard. The HOA contacted the resident to explain that this had to be removed because our current governing documents do not allow for such actions. A posting on Next Door felt this action should continue and requested residents write to the Board in support of the book exchange remaining in the front yard, so we have had many requests to leave the book exchange over the last few days.

Many times, our decisions are not based on what we like, but what is required by law. Our governing documents do not allow for such activity in front yards by residents. The Board is required by law to follow the governing documents. I understand some people do not like certain rules, but just because we have a COVID pandemic does not mean we can set aside those rules in our governing documents.

HOA must follow the current governing documents:

The second paragraph of Section 8.5 of the CC&Rs states that "except as provided for herein, no furniture, fixtures, appliances, or other goods and chattels not actively in use shall be stored in any building or open area or on any Lot in such a manner that such material is Visible from Neighboring Property . . . " See also Section 2.17 of the Rules which states in pertinent part: "All storage of items not in active use . . . are to be located in rear or side yards behind a solid wall and shall not be visible from any street, common area, golf course and/or neighboring properties."

There are some people that might not want to look at the display, nor have other displays as a result. The rules of our governing documents must prevail until such rules are changed.

We might not like certain rules, but unless they are changed, we are required to implement them according to the governing documents.

The outdoor library book exchange in question also violates the State and County Orders for cleaning protocols which might lead to the transmission of the virus.

We have also had some residents contact us that they don't like the library display and if that is acceptable what about other displays like furniture, clothes, or ongoing garage sales. So, one exception can lead to many problems, that is why we must follow our existing rules.

Frontier: Frontier has been installing the internet at homes except for 205 homes because they needed to connect the fiber optic cable. We will hopefully have the information next week as to when those 205 homes may make appointments for the install.

Wireless vs. cable connected computers. Many have asked about the speed of the internet because they are not getting 500/500 speed. The speed of Frontier internet of 500/500 is only available if your computer is connected to the router by a cable. Wireless speeds are not guaranteed because of so many variables. Even Cable connected computers might not get 500/500 if components in the computer will not go that fast. Frontier’s obligation is to make sure the 500/500 speed is at the router; it is the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure all equipment and cables are working correctly to insure the best speed possible. If you’re wireless device is doing 150 to 300 it is probably working correctly at the best speed possible for that device. But my old iPad doesn’t go faster than 30-40, it is just too old, but my computer is doing 500/500.

Montecito Paring Lot: This is a planned and scheduled repair and replacement project because of old asphalt and pavers. Some of the areas have become a safety issue. It is always a point of discussion to repair or replace items. It was decided that too many areas were going to need increased repairs in the future and since we have already saved enough money in the reserves to replace everything Board decided on replacement rather than a repair would be more cost effective long term. We have already had one trip and fall, and we don’t want more. This work is not coming from the operations budget, so it is not impacting the ongoing operations budget. Keep in mind we have an operations budget for the day to day operations and we have a separate replacement fund to save and pay for all these projects over time. This work is being paid for from that replacement fund and has already saved the cost for 100% payment.

Crack Repair: Crack repair work is going on in phase 1 and 2. Residents have asked why they can still see the crack repair when it is done. These repairs will be visible when done unless we repaint the entire street and that is not being done at this time. Painting of the street, called seal coating is not scheduled for another 1-2 years. We still want to do crack repairs now to protect the existing asphalt from premature failure as a result from water and/or blow sand. Asphalt is the most expensive item in the entire complex, so the more we do to protect it from premature failure the less future costs we will have to pay. Just like your home, if you repair a wall, after the repair you need to repaint the wall otherwise you will see the crack repair. We do have our hired inspector that will review all the work, and anything not completed correctly will be corrected. So, if you think a repair is not done right in front of your home let us know and it will be checked out before final payment.

COVID Information: I have attached some information about the County vaccine appointment plans. This information will be attached and on the website.

There has been issues with making an appointment. As a result, many residents have asked the Board to reconsider being a vaccine distribution site. At this time, we are not allowed to be a distribution site be we are investigating further. Given the problems with the existing sites it makes sense why they would not want to increase the sites at this time, but we will continue to monitor the situation. The Board will be meeting on Monday and will again discuss the possibility, if allowed, of being a distribution site. We will be talking with the insurance brokers at that time to realistically determine the legal exposure of any claim along with the benefit of waivers. Naturally if the County does not allow for us being a site these discussions become irrelevant; we will see. The Board is being careful trying not to put the HOA in a financially liable position because without insurance any claim would have to be paid for by residents.

It appears from the information it will take another 3-6 months for the vaccine to be distributed, but people 65 and over are able to make appointments now, once the system is working and space is available. During this time, please use caution, more and more cases are coming up every day. If you are high risk, please consider not participating in any events for the next few months or until you get the vaccine. If you play in the different sports you might even consider wearing a mask at all times, even while you are participating in the activity. State rules don’t require a mask as long as you are 6’ apart at all times. Gatherings of any kind are still not allowed on Common Property or in your homes. So please don’t gather before you play and leave immediately when you are done. Don’t gather to talk or eat after you play. Please leave the area for everyone’s protection.

The Board gets many requests on how to proceed and they seem to fall into one of three groups:

1. Residents that always want masks even outdoors and everything closed down for now.
2. Residents that want everything opened because Government should not do this, and the science doesn’t justify the closing of activities.
3. Residents in between.

No decision is going to make everyone happy, so the Board has decided not to evaluate the right or wrong of the policy, but to implement what is allowed by law. We are required to follow the law.

Example, if most cases of COVID are coming from the family and friends’ gatherings over the holidays, there is no reason to close Shadows for use. There is merit in every opinion on how and when to do what. The Board’s position is we need to follow the law and the State and County Orders. That is our place, not to decide if the policy is good or bad. We have focused on what is allowed by the State Orders and allowing those activities to open per State and County instruction. It does not mean all instructions are consistent with another activity, some instructions conflict between one activity and another, so we do the best we can.

As a result, each resident needs to be responsible for their own safety. If you are high risk, you need to self-quarantine. Perhaps wear a mask at all time outdoors even if people are not around. The HOA will not be looking for violations on private property, but we will investigate any complaint. Guests are still not allowed for any activity, except golf, and according to the State Order guests are not allowed in your home. Given the increase number of cases and how fast it is spreading please be careful, extremely careful. We are in the last few months of this pandemic once everyone can be vaccinated. We all would hate to see anyone become sick and die when we are so close to the end.

I wish you all a safe and healthy weekend and I will be back next week as soon as we have more information. I think there could be much happening quickly in the next few weeks so we will keep you update as fast as possible. If you have any questions, please let us know and we will get you the answers you need.

Take care and thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

 

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast258

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Good Morning Residents.

Here is a synopsis of yesterday’s Podcast.

Tyler Ingle will be the new GM. Richard Smetana passed away a few weeks ago and Tyler has now been named the new GM. We will be looking for a person to replace Tyler as Controller.

I need to correct an error in my Podcast from last week. I was describing the reasons for allowing Golf to have outside players or guests and miscalculated the guest fee revenue. It is not $1.5 million but about $400,000 in revenue. My error for adding and subtracting different columns incorrectly. Thank you to Jurgen Gross who contacted me right away about the error.

The annual meeting for the HOA will be on April 6, 2021. The Board election, along with two CC&R changes will be on the ballot, so all ballots must be in before that date. Please fill out and send in your ballot right away-it should arrive at your home in late February.

There are four people running for the Board this April. Kim Fuller and Linda Aasen are running for re-election, while two new people are also running for the Board, John Macdonnell and Moira MacLeod-Foster. The current January edition of the View magazine will have statements from all the candidates. The Board election, along with the CC&R and By-law changes, will be on the ballot for the April annual meeting, so be sure to get your ballot’s in as soon as possible.

One of the CC&R changes that will be on the ballot is for a new State law, California AB3182, that went into effect on January 1, 2021. The CC&R Section that needs to be amended is 2.6.2. I describe this new law in the current View magazine, which changes the minimum rental period to 31 days, from 90 days as stated in our CC&R’s. The HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less. Our HOA is required to follow the new State law even though the CC&R’s state something different. So, effective January 1, 2021 our HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less.

We also have a provision in the CC&R’s most residents do not realize. If you hire a management company, you may rent your home for any amount of time, so as little as one night. The proposed change to the CC&R’s limiting rentals to 31 days will also eliminate this exception.

The new law requires us to change our CC&R’s to conform to the new State Law. We will present to the residents a CC&R change to conform to the new State Law. Hopefully, we can get enough ballots in favor of the change, but even if we do not get enough ballots to change our CC&R’s we will be required by law to enforce the new law no matter what our CC&R’s state. Unfortunately, we are not allowed to simply change the wording in our CC&R’s, we are required to have residents vote for the change in order to change our CC&R document.

A change to the CC&R’s happens by a ballot vote to all residents. To change a CC&R we need 51% of all homes to vote in favor of the change. This means we will need 1760 homes to vote in favor of the change to make it happen. If we do not get 1760 votes in the affirmative, we will have to leave the language in our CC&R’s the same even though it will not apply and it will be different from the new State law. When the ballot comes out be sure to vote for this provision so we can hopefully align our CC&R’s with the State law we are required to follow. If we don’t pass this in April with 1760 affirmative votes, we will have to hold a special election at a cost of $10,000 in the fall to try again to change the CC&R Section 2.6.2 to match the State Law.

The other provision the Board will present for a change is By-law Section 4.6.4, Balloting Time Requirements. This provision limits the time we can request ballots to 90 days. The proposed change is to remove the 90 day limit so the HOA can still request ballots from those that have not voted after 90 days to get more participation in the election. We are currently limited to the 90 day rule which affects the number of ballots that are turned in. The goal of this change is to have more residents vote by giving the HOA more time to collect ballots. This change does not affect how many affirmative votes it takes to change the CC&R ‘s or By-laws. It will still take 51% of all residents to make any change, this just allows more time to collect more ballots, so more residents participate and vote.

Some have asked if it is possible to have the COVID vaccine done onsite. The Board has discussed this possibility and decided against the idea because we have no insurance for any claim related to a virus. Virus claims are excluded from insurance policies.

Beginning on Thursday, January 7 residents in phase 1 will be able to call and make appointments for the Frontier internet plan installation. The Exception is residents not yet hooked up to Frontier will not be able to call in for about two weeks. The list of the 205 homes is on website. Frontier has not completed the work so another two weeks is needed before these 205 homes can call to make an appointment. If you call, they will say you can’t install yet because you won’t be on their list to install.

When we do hear of more COVID Cases we do try to contact anyone that might have had contact with that person in the last two weeks. Given the current reservation system we can track all the people that have participated in an activity and then send them notices of possible exposure if a resident participated in that activity. Please let us know if you are taken sick or test positive for the virus, we can help in the contacting of other residents to try and limit the exposure to other people. Given how fast cases are now climbing in areas around us, please use extreme caution. If you are high risk stay home, if you participate in activities, we suggest you always wear a mask, but the State only requires a mask when you are not able to keep social distancing.

Please be careful, wear a mask, keep social distancing, and no gatherings, this will all help to keep you healthy and safe.

Kim Fuller
President

 

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast256

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Good morning residents,

Pools: We were required by State and County Order to close the Indoor pool. The Board met on Monday with staff on how to implement the outdoor pool schedules given the increased demand with different types of swimming. Some people want to walk, some want to lap swim, some want float around, etc.

Beginning January 4:

The Montecito pool will start with a 45 minute time slot for 8 people, then a 15 minute break, then a 30 minute time slot for lap swimming only for 3 people, then a 15 minute break, and then it will repeat.

Santa Rosa Pool will start with a 30 minute time slot for one person in the area, then a 15 minute break, then a 30 minute time slot for 2 people in the Pool and 1 person in the spa.

We will keep the same hours to start and see if the reservation system becomes full, in which case we will then decide on extending hours beyond 6 pm.

Let us know how it goes during this time so if we need to make adjustments it can be done.

The spas are open at both pools but only for one person at a time or for members of the same household.

Email from Marie Devito: Sometimes the Board and I receive messages which attack our character and question our integrity. I don’t see any value in responding to such messages, but I want to share one such message in the hope we agree such messages serve no useful purpose. We want residents to volunteer, to help, and such messages as this do nothing to help promote that outcome. It is one thing to ask the Board why they reach a decision, or to offer information to help reach a decision, but it is quite another thing to attack the character of the Board or its members because you disagree with a decision. That serves no useful purpose. The following message was sent to Kim Fuller on 12/19/20:

Mr. Fuller-

It is amazing to me that you feel it perfectly okay to compare SCSH to SCPD when it comes to the Covid -19 Virus.

Why is it that you were not willing to compare SCSH to SCPD when they negotiated a deal with Spectrum for $43 per month for internet, cable and telephone; even though a majority of the residents in a survey wanted Spectrum. Why have you not compared SCSH to SCPD when they negotiated Dewey Pest Control for $12. per month. We do not.

SCPD self manages and therefore make decisions on what the majority of the residents want. Not SCSH – You make decisions and I quote your rude answer to me at an open meeting “Because I can.” I have been told by another resident that when she said she didn’t understand something your answer was “You don’t have to understand.”

Your name here has become “Fuehrer Fuller” and it is rightfully deserved.

I shall respond to the different points one at a time.

We compare information from SCPD with ourselves all the time to compare best business practices. That does not mean that SCSH will follow the policies of SCPD, they are a separate business, and each will do things the way they think best.

We did compare SCPD’s Spectrum plan with all proposals given to us by all companies. This information was discussed at the Town Hall meetings. This is responsible planning and makes the final decision on how to proceed more informed. If you all recall it was Spectrum that stopped all negotiations for months while we waited to get a new proposal from them. There is nothing we can to about that process, it was out of our hands. Spectrum then changed the proposal to one with reduced services and an increased price. Originally Spectrum plan was favored by a great majority of residents, but after the Spectrum plan changed, the number of residents in support declined. The Board’s unanimous decision was to try and not impact in a negative way so many residents. 40% of the residents polled did not want the Spectrum plan for a variety of reasons. It is true 60% of the residents still wanted Spectrum, but the increased cost to the other 40% was just too high. Some people use Dish, some streaming, some have no TV at all, and a $50+ per month increase in the HOA dues seemed unreasonable. 97% of the residents have internet, so an internet only plan would benefit 97% of the residents with a negative impact to only 3%. The Board’s role is to evaluate the positive and negative of any decision on how it affects everyone. The Frontier internet-only plan would benefit 97% of the resident while only impacting in a negative way 3%. The Spectrum plan would benefit 60% of the residents, but the negative impact to 40% of the residents was too high. The Frontier plan benefits more people with less impact to a few, so the Board’s unanimous decision was Frontier.

The residents then had the ability to vote by ballot if they wanted to go forward with Frontier and that vote passed by 71% approval. The Board understands there will not be universal agreement on any decision, and hopefully residents understand and respect that just because the Board did not vote your way does not mean they deserve an attack on their character.

I cannot comment on the Dewey Pest Control contract but if you make a request, I am sure the appropriate committee will begin an investigation as to the merit of such a request. The Board has no information, nor has the Board investigated such a proposal at this time. Once again, I don’t think because the Board has not acted upon a request never received, that it deserves an attack on their character.

SCPD is self-managed while SCSH has currently decided on hiring a management company to supply staff. Marie’s inaccurate assumption is that self-management means they make decisions for the majority of the residents. This concept is just simply false. Both management structures have their good points and bad points, but both structures have a Board and it’s the Board that makes the decisions. Self-management is irrelevant to this process.

When SCSH had a case of staff embezzlement, the HOA was fully reimbursed plus additional money for the damages by the management company. We were not only made whole but got additional funds for the inconvenience, etc. In the case of the embezzlement of SCPD, the entire cost was born by the HOA.

Marie further describes Board decisions as my decisions, and this again is simply false. The President does not make decisions, the Board does, the President is just the person to carry out the decisions. To blame the President for any decision means you don’t understand the governing process, which is the Board makes decisions and the President is to implement them. When the President makes an operational decision, which can be done according to the governing documents, the Board may override that decision at any time. So Marie, the decisions are not mine, but belong to the Board.

Marie states I have been rude in my answer to some question she posed in an open meeting. Extremely hard to respond since I don’t know the meeting, the question, the context, or circumstances. Once again it is possible for people to make up what they want to attack the character of people when you don’t like the outcome of a decision. But since Open meetings are all recorded, why don’t we just look it up. Marie, give me the meeting you describe, and the question you asked, and we can look up what happened. You are not the first person to make accusations with no supporting facts. Just like you quote a friend with no supporting facts so how is one to respond to such accusations which I have shown in the past can be totally false.

No matter what the outcome of these accusations are, which currently have no facts to support the claim, it is no reason to state the President or any Board member is the same as a person or group that is responsible for the murder of over 6 million people. The Board members are volunteers, just trying to help, residents just like everyone, and just because you don’t get your way on a decision does not mean it is appropriate to attack the character of people and equate the members of the Board or myself as a murderer. To claim we are Nazi’s is just unacceptable.

We want residents to volunteer and help. No need to wonder why so many decline when residents like Marie Devito make such comments just because she does not get her way on a particular decision. I hope and have faith the majority of residents will agree with the Board that Marie’s comments are out of line and should never be tolerated.

Frontier Update: Over 1100 installs have taken place so far. I will hopefully have information soon about when phase 1 will open for installations. Again, if you are having any difficulty let us know and we will put in you touch with the onsite supervisor.

So far, my information is 90% of bills are saving $40 and up. I have seen a few bills at a savings of only a few dollars or breakeven, but they do get the increased speed for the same cost. I have not had documented yet a bill that was going to cost the resident more money once the promotional price was gone. Please check to be sure you use your promotional pricing up before you make the conversion. You can install anytime so do that is best for you.

COVID Rules: I want to further explain about the implementation of the State Order on Common areas such as streets. The current State Order does not allow for any gatherings at all, indoor or outdoor, nor in any venue, even on private property. There are still questions about why can’t guests walk on the streets so let’s talk about that one.

If there are not supposed to be any guests or gatherings at all, how there can be a guest on the streets, they are not supposed to be here according to State Order. The Board is trying to follow the State and County Order for your own safety as well as the safety of all residents.

The additional problem I have tried to explain is one of the legal liability. We always have an issue to be sure we are not placing the HOA in a possible legal claim for not following the law. In the case of COVID requirements there is no insurance available for a COVID claim, insurance policies exclude all claims for virus. The Board is and needs to be keenly aware of this issue.

Let’s give an example: If the Board allowed residents to walk with guests on the streets, which are common property controlled and supervised by the HOA, and if that resident were to become sick and die from COVID, the family could make the claim it was the HOA’s fault for the sickness and death of the person because the HOA did not follow the law. This becomes one of the biggest and most dangerous parts of implementing the restrictions. In this case the family files a claim against the HOA and since we don’t have insurance, we would have to pay for all defense costs and then any awarded damages. All these costs would come from the HOA and if no insurance depending on the amount of the claim, we would have to ask each resident to pay a portion. Now imagine given the virus is growing exponentially at this time, there were multiple claims from residents because the HOA did not follow the State Order. It is possible damages could amount to millions of dollars given many people are now dying from this virus. Our only defense is that we implemented the Order correctly and followed the law. Given this issue, there is no room for the Board to allow for exceptions, we must follow the law if we are going to protect the financial health of each resident. So, there is not only the health and safety issue we must discuss, but there are legal and financial impacts which must be considered to keep everyone out of harm’s way.

Cases are growing extremely fast. We have more reports of COVID within the community. Last few are from gatherings. We will never know the accurate number because many do not want to report that they contracted the virus, but we do hear from neighbors, but we can’t verify that information. I do believe by watching SCPD we are probably going up by the same percentage given similar demographics. SCPD went up by 12 cases yesterday compared to Friday. All anyone wants is for everyone to be safe, and gatherings are the biggest problem with over 70% of the spread coming from such gatherings. The HOA is not looking for violations of the State Order on private property, but we hope you will carefully consider any gathering during this time. The HOA will investigate any complaint and will enforce the State Order on Common Property.

I had one person say the virus was all a hoax, I kid you not. I said we did walk on the moon and Elvis is dead. I could not think of any other response. Everyone, it is real and very deadly at this time, please be careful.

I, the Board, and all the staff want to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and want everyone to be safe and healthy as we approach 2021.

Take care and please be safe.

Kim Fuller
President

 

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast255

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Good morning residents,

Here are the highlights of yesterday’s podcast regarding Streaming, Frontier, Scams, and updates on the COVID crises.

Scammers: We have gotten reports of different scams that constantly take place in an effort to take advantage of people to steal their money. Scammers will use my name to ask for help, so just delete any such request. You can tell its phony by the email addresses; they are not mine. You can also send me a message directly and ask about any request for help. Any other emails that request money or information, don’t give out any information without verifying the authenticity of the request, even if it means calling the police.

There are also the people that will call you and claim you have bought something, or you need to renew something, or they need to update information. Don’t act on anything without verification. Do not give them any personal information without verification. The IRS, Social Security, etc. don’t call you directly so disregard all these requests for information.

Streaming: We all got a refreshing break from Kim’s Radio show to listen to Suzy Kerekes about streaming. She was terrific, so maybe we get her back to answer questions. A big thank you to Suzy and all the people that helped to put the streaming video together so we can all learn how it is done. Great video to start learning about streaming, I enjoyed it very much, most informative. If you have additional questions send them to us and we can put together a list of FAQs to post on the website. One of the big reasons the Board went with an internet-only plan was because of the fast-changing world of TV and by having an internet-only plan we all get more choices.

Frontier: Is still moving along with the installations. If you have any problems after the install call the HOA office and we can give you the contact information for the onsite supervisor, who is here 6 days a week. Couple of questions to answer.

1. The speed of 500/500 is only guaranteed if you have a direct cable connected computer. The Speed will vary with a wireless device because of many variables, so wireless speeds are not guaranteed. Variables can include such things as placement of the router-is it in a wall or plain view, what type of wireless computer, laptop, or phone device, how old a device, can the device read the newer faster signals or will it only recognize the older wireless signals, etc. Some devices might have speeds of 100/100 and that could be normal for that particulate device. Be sure to ask Frontier during the install if the router is older than 5 years to replace it.
2. Your Wireless router will have a username and password so that your devices can connect to it and will not let other unauthorized people connect to your router. This helps to keep your information secure. When Frontier installs the new router ask them to program the new router with your old existing username and password. If you do this, you will not have to reprogram every device. If the new router is programmed with your existing information all your devices will automatically connect to the new router without you having to reprogram them. It will mean you need to know your existing username and password so be sure to look that up and have it ready for the technician when they arrive to install.
3. If you get an installation charge on your first bill of $85 call Frontier and they will reverse the fee. There is no charge for the first install appointment but sometimes processing will bill the service call fee by mistake.

COVID: We were informed of two more cases of residents at SCSH that contracted the COVID virus. This brings our total number of cases reported to at least 9 cases and 1 death from the COVID virus. As I stated before one other person died months ago and although that person had the virus that person was being treated for a terminal illness for more than a year.

As of yesterday, Sun City Palm Desert (SCPD) now has had 112 cases and 7 deaths. SCPD has been increasing in cases by 5 to 7 per day. It begs the question if we are getting accurate reports of COVID from the residents here at SCSH. It is true we can’t report that which we don’t know. We encourage anyone that has tested positive for the virus to let us know. The HOA can help with tracing your contacts for the past two weeks. We can help with sending out a notice to people that might have been in contact with you in the past two weeks.

We have heard from one resident that there are 5 more cases of COVID, but the people will not report it to the HOA. The HOA keeps all the information confidential and is only using the information to contact other residents and to report of cases in our community. We don’t even list if the people with COVID are Male or Female. Our goal is simply to try and help keep the community safe, not to report publicly who has COVID. It also helps residents to have the truth about the number of cases because some might be acting on false assumptions that all is perfectly safe when it might not be.

Currently there are over 3,000 people dying from the COVID virus every day in the US. According to government stats over 70% of the cases are from the gatherings of family and friends during the holiday season. The State has now removed any type of gatherings so that no gatherings of any size are allowed except for people living in the same household. The previous gathering Order which allowed for 3 households to meet outdoors is no longer in effect. No gatherings of any kind indoors or outdoors are allowed except for people that live in the same household.

It is clear the cases are now growing extremely fast and we hope all residents will carefully consider any type of gathering which can endanger your lives. Gatherings are the super spreader of the virus at the moment, and until the vaccine is available for all residents, it is a most dangerous time to meet with anyone. For your own health and safety and for the safety of the people you care about, do the right thing, cancel any gatherings as the State has mandated. The holiday season can wait for another day, we don’t want this holiday season to be your last.

If you attend a gathering it is recommended you isolate for 3-5 days and then get a COVID test to be sure you are clear before having contact with any other people.

When 70% of all cases come from family and friends gathering, the right thing to do is cancel all gatherings until we are done with this crisis. It will be over soon, but we have a few months to go. Please stay the course. It is true we are going to have a difficult 6-8 weeks ahead. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel, and it is getting brighter every day. The vaccine is on the way.

The Board thanks every one of you for your current efforts and hopes everyone will stay healthy.

Take care and be safe.

Kim Fuller
President

 

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast250

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Podcast #250 – 12/4/2020

Frontier Internet

If you are having performance issues after your install, please contact the HOA office. There is an onsite supervisor here 6 days a week to help with such problems. I have heard nothing but good things about this man. I wish all installs and construction would go smoothly but it just does not happen that way. There will be issues so hopefully this person can help to resolve the problems right away.

We still do not know when Phase 1 will open for installation, but we expect not until January sometime.

North Channel Lakes: The first lake is located at the corner of Jefferson and 40^th. All the Lakes in question are on the South Golf Course and not the North Golf Course even though we call them the North Channel Lakes. The Water Company is estimated to start construction on rebuilding the first North Channel Lake next June. The first lake will be demolished, and a new lake built to accommodate the drainage plans for increased water flow.

The HOA has funds saved for the removal of sediment and reeds from all the Lakes on the back nine. We don’t want to start any work until after the Water Company completes their work to the first lake because water travels from the first lake to the second lake and so forth through the golf course. If we remove sediment and reeds from other lakes without removing the sediment and reeds from the first lake, the reeds will simply travel back into the other lakes and we would have to do the work all over again. For this reason, we do not want to spend thousands of dollars now, removing sediment and reeds from the lakes, and then we would have to do it again after the first lake is rebuilt. We also don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds from the first lake when the Water company will be doing that work in about 6-7 months anyway. The estimated cost of removing reeds and sediment from the first lake alone is about $75,000, so we don’t want to spend that money when the lake is going to be removed in six months by the water company.

Trash Pickup: Many residents in phase 3 have experienced late trash pickup on Tuesdays. If your trash pickup has not occurred by 7 pm, you may leave your containers out all night and put them away the next morning. Containers need to be put away by 9 am on Wednesday. If the trash has not been picked up by 9 am on Wednesday, you may leave your containers out on Wednesday until the trash is finally picked up.

Coronavirus Update: Some residents are thinking we are supposed to follow the CDC recommendations, and this is not correct. We are required to follow the State and County Orders, the CDC guidelines are only recommendations and have no jurisdiction or authority over what we are required to implement.

Currently you may have 3 households visit outdoors in your backyard. All guests are supposed to leave by 10 pm according to the latest State and County Orders. There are to be no gatherings indoors and no guests in your home overnight according to the State Order. The HOA is not allowing for guests on Common Property except for golf. Small gatherings indoors have been shown to be super spreaders of the virus. In more than 50% of cases, the virus is being spread by people showing no symptoms at all.  If you attended a gathering indoors over Thanksgiving, it is recommended you self-quarantine and get a COVID test in 3-5 days after the gathering to be sure you are COVID free.

Please follow all safety guidelines: Must carry a mask at all times, wear masks outdoors if you can’t maintain 6’ social distancing, wear masks at all times indoors except for members of the same household, this does not mean the same family, but people that live in the same house. People from the same family that do not live in the same house may not gather indoors together at all. People from the same family that do not live in the same house may not stay overnight in another family members home.Currently the State is recommending stopping all travel for the holidays. Cases and deaths are at their highest level. Currently a person is dying from this virus every 30 seconds. This is as real as it gets. 50% of all infections are caused by asymptomatic people-people spreading the virus showing no signs of illness at all. It is very possible the restrictions might be increased very soon, so be prepared for such restrictions.

COVID State and County Law

The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforcing no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.

The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.

The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property.

The HOA has relaxed the on-street parking rules during the holidays in the past. That will not happen this year. The State Order is for no non-essential guests to gather in a home at all, so it does not seem responsible that we issue permits for a guest to stay over night when they are not supposed to be here. Currently you may have 3 households meet in a backyard, but all guests are supposed to leave by 10 pm.

Although the vaccine is coming, we still must be as vigilant as possible because we still have a few months to go. This is not the time to be relaxed and let down your guard, this is the time to be very cautions, very responsible, very aware and do everything possible to keep this virus from infecting our families and friends. Holidays can wait until another time, death is permanent, and given current statistics let’s not fool ourselves, we are in a most dangerous time. To hold a gathering at this time you must ask yourself, if your family member or friend dies, was it worth it. I think not. It is recommended if you have plans cancel them, stay home, and keep you family and friends as safe as possible.

In case you are wondering, this HOA President does not make recommendations without following the guidelines, I leave those irresponsible actions to the politicians.

Please: Be diligent and responsible and know there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Let’s get there with as many as possible healthy and alive.

Please take care and be safe.

Kim Fuller
President

Audios may be found at:
www.scshca.com/podcast248
www.scshca.com/podcast249

Below are a synopsis of these episodes.

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Podcast #248 – 11/23/2020

Frontier Internet

Be sure to check your existing pricing on TV content before you convert to the HOA Frontier plan. Some of you will have special promotional combined pricing on your Internet, TV, and phone service which could mean your overall price is less than converting to Frontier at this time. Be sure to compare all these prices before making a decision. It could be you are better off waiting until the promotional pricing is over and then make the conversion to the HOA plan. There will be no install charge for your first install appointment even if it is years later. If you can negotiate a better price on your own for services be sure to evaluate that before converting to the HOA plan. If you install Frontier internet now and install Frontier TV later, there will be an installation charge of $85.00, so consider that before making your final decision on when and what to have installed.

Coronavirus

We have been receiving complaints of people gathering before and after golf, tennis, and pickleball. Please remember there are to be no gatherings before or after play. Once you are done playing please leave the area to help protect everyone.

Please follow all safety guidelines: Must carry a mask at all times, wear masks outdoors if you can’t maintain 6’ social distancing, wear masks at all times indoors except for members of the same household.

COVID Statistics: As of Friday, 11/20/20, in the US, there have been over 250,000 Deaths and 195,000 new cases, 83,000 hospitalized, 16,000 in ICU nationwide, 5,000 on ventilators nationwide. 50% of all infections are caused by asymptomatic people-people spreading the virus showing no signs of illness at all.

COVID State and County Law

The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforcing no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.

The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.

The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property. Please: Be diligent and responsible, with everyone’s cooperation it will help our community to remain safe.

Podcast #249 – 11/25/2020

North Channel Lake: The Water Company is estimated to start construction on rebuilding the North Channel next June. The first lake will be demolished, and a new lake built to accommodate the drainage plans for increased water flow. This had been in the plans since the beginning of the development. The part on the HOA property will take estimated about 6-9 months to complete. Although the work on the HOA property will be done within one year of the start of construction the entire new drainage system will not be complete for about 4-5 years because of all the other work that needs to be done on other properties.

The HOA has funds saved for the removal of sediment and reeds from the Lakes. We don’t want to start any work until after the Water Company completes their work to the first lake because water travels from the first lake to the second lake and so forth through the golf course. If we remove sediment and reeds from other lakes without removing the sediment and reeds from the first lake, the reeds will simply travel back into the other lakes and we would have to do the work all over again. For this reason, we don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds at this time knowing we would have to do it again after the first lake was rebuilt. We also don’t want to spend thousands of dollars removing sediment and reeds from the first lake when it is likely the Water company will be doing that work in about 6-7 months anyway.

Trash Pickup: Many residents in phase 3 have experienced late trash pickup on Tuesdays. If your trash pickup has not occurred by 7 pm, you may leave your containers out all night and put them away the next morning. Containers need to be put away by 9 am on Wednesday. If the trash has not been picked up by 9 am on Wednesday, you may leave your containers out on Wednesday until the trash is finally picked up.

Frontier: Be sure to check your first bill from Frontier to be sure that there is not a service call fee of $85. A couple of residents have said this fee was on their bill by mistake. If you have this fee on your bill call Frontier and it will be removed.

Coronavirus Update: Some residents are thinking we are supposed to follow the CDC recommendations, and this is not correct. We are required to follow the State and County Orders, the CDC guidelines are only recommendations and have no jurisdiction or authority over what we are required to implement.

Currently you may have 3 households visit outdoors in your backyard. There are to be no gatherings indoors and no guests in your home overnight according to the State Order. The HOA is not allowing for guests on Common Property except for golf. Small gatherings indoors have been shown to be super spreaders of the virus. In more than 50% of cases, the virus is being spread by people showing no symptoms at all. If you happen to attend a gathering indoors, it is recommended you self-quarantine and get a COVID test in 3-5 days to be sure you are COVID free.

Incident on 11^th Tee Box of South Golf Course: I explained in the last podcast about an incident that occurred on the 11^th tee box of the South Course. I explained it was reported there were 12 people on the golf course, all without masks, all within 6’ of each other, and then all proceeded into a home together. The Resident will receive multiple citations given multiple violations have occurred.

On Tuesday, 11/24 at 4 pm, Tammy Pena posted a message on Next Door which I stated was made up, fabricated, and a lie. The posted message stated the following:

Tammy Pena • Tuesday, November 24 * 4 pm
PODCAST Episode 248. This message is a comment in regard to the residents mentioned in this podcast (12 visitors on 11th tee box). ALL of them were from ONE family. They were there for their annual holiday photo shoot, therefore the reason they did not have a mask on.

Most of the 12 have already had Covid-19 many months ago and have fully recovered including the parents of the 2 young grandkids (the grandkids never got Covid-19 even though their parents did). They did violate the common ground rule, however, I feel that President Fuller was very degrading, belligerent, condescending and disrespectful in his treatment of these people as he YELLED at them out-of-control to disburse immediately!

And requested security to go “INSIDE” the home and take a head count; WOW, REALLY!!!!!

I feel that a person in his position should be able to diffuse a situation with control and respect of all persons. Moving forward, if President Fuller cannot act in a respectful manner, maybe he should voluntarily step out of this position, since it’s obvious from his behavior, that the pressure of this position may be beyond his scope of tolerance at this time.

Even with fear and anger, a person in a high position and authority should be able to treat people with respect regardless. Because of this encounter, these residents are MOVING out of this community and their “by word of mouth” will NOT be good about SCSH... very sad.

And as a result, I know at least one other family that will leave. Maybe that’s what President Fullers intentions are. I certainly hope they are not. However, he’s gaining quite a reputation within this community, and is considered a tyrant and laughing-stock by our sister community off Washington Street.

As I explained in the Podcast, I was never on the golf course, I did not make any comments to the people on the golf course and the photographic evidence shows that I was never on the golf course at any time, so it wasn’t possible that I yelled at anyone, nor did I act in an inappropriate way. As to other comments, body cams on the security staff will show that no one was asked to enter the home and make a count of the people. Fortunately, pictures and video show that Tammy Pena’s story is totally fabricated.

I understand people will disagree with the current State Order, and I also understand that people will disagree with Board decisions, that is expected. What I think is inappropriate, disrespectful, unproductive, and politically self-serving is to attack people’s character because you disagree. The Board is made up of residents just trying to help, volunteers doing the best they can, and if some residents are going to attack the character of Board members because they are not getting their own way, why would anyone want to step forward to volunteer and help? In this case it was fortunate pictures and video shows the truth.

In the future my suggestion is if a person has acted inappropriately you file a formal complaint, and it will be investigated. But such public character attacks are not helpful and only create unfounded divisiveness, something the HOA does not need at any time.

Please take care and be safe. If you have any questions let me know.

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast247

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Frontier:

1. Phase 2 was released last Friday to call in for appointments. This was done early because not enough people were calling in for whatever reason from Phase 3. Some of the street names were left off the list today for Phase 2, so when people called in they were turned down. That problem has been fixed so Phase 2 residents may call in tomorrow.
2. Phase 3 can still call in whenever they want. Once you are scheduled you may call any time after that time to make an appointment.
3. If you have the internet installed, and then decide later to have TV installed there will be a charge to have TV installed at a later date, so please keep that in mind. I am told the charge to come back at a later date to add TV services will be $85. Prices are not guaranteed.
4. The local package for about $25 per month is available. I heard a couple of residents were told it was not available from the Fronter call center. Have them check because it is available.
5. When you have the internet installed, if you want to keep your same wireless password tell the technician to program in your old username and password. That way you will not have to re-configure your wireless devices. You will need your wireless name and password to make this happen.
6. So far most people have told me they are saving between $40-$60 per month for the same services. I have had two people tell me they were not saving money, so I asked for the two billings to check if something was wrong. One person sent me the two bills and it was true his new price was $30 higher than his old price for the same services with Frontier. I went through the bill and it turns out he was getting a special promotional price of $80 less which is going to end in March. This means his bill was going to go up on March 1 by $80 per month. Once this increase takes place this person will be saving $50 per month.
7. This brings up another point, if you are currently getting a special price on services from any company, you need to check pricing and compare. If a different plan is better stay with it. The HOA has made clear you do not have to install the Frontier plan at this time. If you are getting a special price, like this resident for $80 less, then don’t install the HOA internet. You will still be saving $68 per month and then when the special pricing ends you can install the HOA internet and get the best of both worlds.
8. You do not have to sign up for the internet now. You can sign up anytime in the future and there is still no charge for the first install appointment, even if done years later. There is only a charge if you call back after the initial install to request additional services.
9. Phase 2 was released early because not as many people are calling in for appointments as projected, so Frontier needs more people calling for appointments, so the installers are kept busy the entire time. Hopefully wait time will not be too long. Could be with less people here because of the virus there are less people able to call in at the moment.
10. Frontier has full time workers and supervision on site 6 days a week. If your installation has a problem after the technician leaves your home, call the HOA office and we will give you the phone number of the on site manager to contact you.

Shadows: Special Thanksgiving Day Dinner for takeout. Need to order by Saturday 11/21 at 5 pm.

Putting Course: Planned to open on 12/1. We will have the guidelines out to you by next week. Clubs will not be able to have events because of gathering issues. It will be open for individual play only using the guidelines of masks and social distancing.

The State Order is still in effect about ‘Stay at Home’ and ‘no gatherings’. This State Order has been in effect since last March. Residents are responsible to follow the State Order. The HOA will be looking for and enforce no visitors and no gatherings on Common Property, such as streets, parking lots, Tennis courts, Pickleball courts, etc.

If a resident is walking with a guest, they can be cited for violating State Order because a guest is not supposed to be on common property. If walking, biking, etc. on Common property including streets, the people will be cited.

The HOA will not be looking for violations of the State Order on private property. We will investigate any complaints of noise or conduct on private property. We are not looking for such violations on private property, for example in your home or in your backyard. But if there is a complaint we will investigate.

Exception: The State Order allows for only 3 households to gather and it must be outside. No gatherings inside a home at any time. But there are still no guests allowed on Common property.

COVID-19 Cases are climbing everywhere in the country. Please be careful. Guidelines seem to say wear masks, stay away from each other, no gatherings. Suggestion is to postpone thanksgiving and holiday celebrations until next year. I know everyone wants to have their family over for thanksgiving, but if something goes wrong and your family member dies, is it worth it. Please ask yourself that question. If you are going to have a gathering limit it to the State Order of only 3 households and only outdoors.

Toys for Tots Program: The Veterans Club has been supporting the Marines "Toys for Tots" program for over 13 years. Sun City Shadow Hills and Shadow Hills HS been partners in this. The ROTC Cadets from the HS are very active with this. The Cadets cannot be as active this year because of the virus. The program is over December 4th. Please bring an unwrapped toy to any Clubhouse and drop it in one of the boxes for the program.

Thank you and take care.

Kim Fuller
President

Audio may be found at: www.scshca.com/podcast246

Below is a synopsis of this episode.

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Why not reduce dues by $12 per month instead of a onetime credit of $144?

It is correct we could reduce dues by $12 per month and we did consider this alternative. We decided not to proceed that way because of the issues involved this last year when we reduced the dues by $8 per month. If we reduce the dues by $12 per month too many residents do not understand the real dues rate would be $12 higher. We spent a lot of time explaining to people all year long that the dues this year was $281, not $273. As a result, people thought the dues increase was 8% when it is actually 4.6%. Given the onetime credit of $144, the actual dues increase for next year is only $1 per month based on a balanced budget comparing this year to next year. To avoid this same confusion next year, we decided the better approach is a onetime credit so that everyone will know for certain the dues are $306 per month. This will save us time in trying to explain next year the actual dues increase and it will remove the criticism from people that believe we are increasing dues a higher percentage than the actual real increase. Next year everyone will know the dues are $306 per month and everyone will calculate the new dues rate based on $306. Just easier to explain. We don’t count Frontier in the calculation because Frontier was not part of the operations budget for this year and residents voluntarily voted to increase the dues by $12 per month in order to save money each month. Our estimate is over 70% of residents will save more than $12 per month making their net cost per month go down.

How will the billing work for January and February?

The bill for the January monthly dues will be $162 and the following 11 months will be $306. For those of you that have direct withdrawal with DRM, they will withdraw the correct amount each month, so you don’t have to worry about the change from January to February. Each person may verify that this will happen automatically by calling the HOA office. People on auto pay through a bank will have to make the change for January and then make a change again in February for the rest of the year.

Frontier Installation

Frontier install is proceeding. If you call on a Monday morning that is the busiest time for calls so you will probably be put on hold. Tuesday through Friday I have been told is going efficiently with little or not wait time on hold to make your appointment.

Most installs have been going well I have been told. There are some issues as there are with any new installation. One resident had the entire system go down an hour after the installation. The resident then tried to call to have it repaired and the service rep said they could not send out a tech unless the resident paid a fee. Now that clearly didn’t sound right. Turned out the resident got routed to a retail division and once cleared up the tech came out that night and made all the repairs. Resident says he is saving about $80 per month.

So far, I have only heard from two people that they are not saving any money. We have asked for a copy of their last two bills to see if something is in error. We are waiting for the bills so at the moment we don’t know for sure if there is a savings or not. We will see. Most people have said they are saving between $40 and $80 per month.

Golfer with COVID

I need a follow up on the announcement I made about a golfer testing positive for COVID. I made this announcement a few weeks ago.

Only the one golfer tested positive and had a very mild case. Those who were near this person and those who saw this person in the days following have all tested NEGATIVE. I want you all to know that all the others who had limited contact with the golfer tested negative. Even the spouse tested negative. Hopefully, this will reduce the curiosity and anxiety about what happened to this person. Everyone appears safe and sound.

State Order is still in Effect

Please be aware there are still no gatherings and no guests according to State Orders. Only exception is 3 households may meet outside only, not indoors. The HOA is not allowing guests on common property including streets.

We are all trying to navigate this situation the best we can so people may participate in certain activities while still being as safe as possible. The HOA is not looking for a violation of the State Order on private property but will investigate any complaint or anything obvious.

Suggestion is to leave thanksgiving and holidays to next year and keep everyone safe. Please be careful.

Thank you and take care.

Kim Fuller
President