News

Citrus RoundUp Recap

The Desert Gardeners Club hosted a Citrus RoundUp receiving excess citrus from residents of SCSH. 29 volunteers received, cleaned, sorted and bagged 330 bags of assorted citrus. These bags of fruit were donated to St. Margaret’s Neighbor4Neighbor food distribution program to families in need from the Coachella Valley. Thank you to residents and Desert Gardeners for helping us be good neighbors.

Podcast Episode 405: Festival of Local Creatives

In this episode, Bob Firring welcomes Carla McNamara, Merlina Tate, and Julie Davidson. They are here to talk about the 3rd Annual Festival of Local Creatives, which is taking place Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10 am – 3 pm in downtown Indio. Tune in to learn about the festival.

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Links:

📄 Transcription of Podcast Episode 405

Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? Contact Bob Firring at podcast@scshca.com.

This is an audio-only episode.

President’s Report – March 2024

As published in The View, March 2024:

Jerry Conrad
President

During the upcoming months, the Board will consider several critical actions. Each month, the Board receives requests from various committees, clubs, and vendors. As you know, my focus throughout my tenure on the Board has been “belt tightening” during economically challenging times. We were able to keep the dues increase to a minimum this year and keep the Capital Reserve Fund at a safe level.

Most of the monies for these requests, if approved, come from the Replacement Fund because these projects keep our facilities from falling into disrepair. Here’s a list of the requests the Board will consider over the next month.

  1. Montecito ballroom chairs were last recovered and painted 11 years ago. The carpet was replaced 10 years The ballroom is used every day by clubs, committees, events, and the Board. It is time to replace these well-used items.
  2. The Montecito A/V system is the original! It is way
  3. The exterior of knee walls throughout the community are peeling and looking The request proposes this project be completed and paid for by the HOA.
  4. Pickleball will receive several improvements, such as new lights, pavers in the sitting area, and the possible relocation of the basketball hoop.
  5. The Board approved a noise study for the Santa Rosa pickleball and tennis court area. After receipt of the results of the noise study, the Board will meet with the Tennis and Pickleball Clubs to discuss options for additional pickleball Thereafter, the Board shall make a decision.
    These expenses are not insignificant, which is why the Financial Advisory Committee will be involved in the decision-making process and oversee all expenditures over $5,000.
  6. The Board approved the replacement of the indoor pool dehumidifier, and it will be installed The older system was not working efficiently and, if left unchecked, would have caused harm to the interior walls.

Money for these projects will come from the Replacement Fund, and our dues fund this account. Therefore, the Board must ensure that items scheduled for replacement genuinely need replacing. The FAC and DRM’s facilities management team review and advise the board on this, and they do an excellent job.

This year, we managed to keep the dues increase to $9 per month. There are several upcoming projects that may lead to increased dues. With a set three-to-five- year plan, all associated costs should be transparent. We might be able to expand the facilities maintenance building area, build an RV parking lot, and expand and upgrade the Montecito Café. Therefore, it’s crucial for all residents to be part of the discussion before these decisions are made.

Remember, your opinion matters. Please take the time to vote early by mail or at the ballot drop boxes; or vote in person on the day of the Annual Meeting on April 2, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the Montecito ballroom.

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

Finance Advisory Committee – March 2024

By Robert Jester
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee

As published in The View, March 2024:

Question of the Month: Why do we have a Finance Advisory Committee?

The reality is that a five-person board cannot do everything that is necessary to carry on the day-to-day business of this Association. The board needs attorneys, management services from Desert Resort Management, auditors, reserve study experts, and advisory committees to assist it in doing what is necessary for this Association to function properly. One of those advisory committees is the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), and it has specific duties assigned under its charter by the Board. This article is to highlight those duties so you will better understand what the Finance Advisory Committee does for you, the resident.

The current FAC Charter was approved on September 27, 2021, and contains the following advisory committee obligations:

  1. Meet regularly to analyze and review ALL the Association’s financial statements.
  2. Review the monthly Bank Reconciliations and the investment accounts of all accounts held by the
  3. Review the annual financial forecasts prepared by the Comptroller.
  4. Prepare or review, if prepared by the Comptroller, the Management Discussion and Analysis of the monthly Forecast update.
  5. Advise the Board on Best Industry Practices for the accounting reporting systems and systems of needed internal financial controls.
  6. Advise the Board on the use of Best Industry Practices for the Association’s Annual Report.
  7. Review the Investment Performance on a regular basis and advise the Board.
  8. Assist the Board in the review of all major vendor and provider contracts.
  9. Monitor contract compliance and report discrepancies to the Board in writing.
  10. Assist the Board in the preparation, review, and evaluation of the Association’s Annual Operating Fund and Replacement Fund Budgets.
  11. Review the Association’s annual insurance needs and policies with the broker and suggest changes to coverages, limits, deductibles, and costs.
  12. Meet with the independent accounting firm in preparation for the annual audit and review the engagement letter of the auditor.
  13. Review the Management Letter issued by the independent auditor, which identifies their recommendations for strengthened internal controls and procedures.
  14. Review the Association’s draft tax returns, filings, and supporting schedules provided by the independent accounting firm.
  15. Review the engagement letter for the annual Reserve Study.
  16. Conduct special financial research or analyses at the request of the President or Treasurer for the purpose of improving aspects of the Association’s operations.
  17. Assist the Board in educating SCSH residents regarding the Association’s financial condition.
  18. The committee is to make written recommendations to the Board on the selection of professional service firms for the Association, i.e. accountants, auditors, attorneys, etc., including management companies for golf operations, F&B operations, and the Association’s management firm.
  19. The FAC has a Financial Advisory Sub-Committee that assists the FAC in the review and analysis of all monetary requests for purchases or projects that exceed $5,000, per the Association’s approved Procurement Policy.
    • All reviews and analyses of matters are reported to the Board as a recommendation by the FAC. The Board makes all final decisions.
    • The Board Liaison for the FAC is the Treasurer of the Association.
    • All direction by the committee to Association staff is required to be made through the Association General Manager.

I hope this provides you with a clear understanding of the duties of the FAC and why we are the “Financial Watchdog” for the residents of this Association.

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating

NPG Corporation will be performing seal coat work at Sun City Shadow Hills on the dates listed below. Please review the schedule below and mark these dates on your calendar.

Wednesday 2/28/2024
Camino Los Milagros (West of Calle Pueblo), Corte La Fonda,
Avenida Bienvenida, Calle Los Osos, Avenida Galeana

Thursday 2/29/2024
Camino Los Milagros (East of Calle Pueblo), Calle Guapo,
Avenida Del Toro, Camino Cantos, Corte Pelicano

Friday 3/1/2024
Camino Vallecita, Corte Esperanza, Corte Carranza, Avenida Las Ramblas,
Corte Refugio, Calle Celestino (East of Avenida Alcalde), Avenida Dulce

Wednesday 3/6/2024
Camino Zulema, Camino El Destino, Avenida Santiago,
Camino Montevideo (East of Camino Fuerte)

Thursday 3/7/2024
Avenida Alcalde, Avenida Bahia,
Camino Los Milagros (North of Avenida Bienvenida)

Friday 3/8/2024
Avenida Sombra (West of Camino El Triunfo), Camino El Triunfo,
Calle Descanso, Corte Nube, Camino Montevideo (West of Camino Fuerte),
Camino Fuerte

Wednesday 3/13/2024
Avenida Sombra (East of Camino El Triunfo)

Please Observe the Following Items
All Roadways and Parking Areas Must be Clear

  • All vehicles must be out of respective areas by 7:00 am and may return after 7:00 am the following morning OR WHEN BARRICADES HAVE BEEN REMOVED.
  • Please have irrigation sprinklers off from one day before and one day after each move in.
  • The cleaning process involves power blowers and sweepers that causes a nuisance dust. Please make sure all doors, windows and car windows are closed.
  • Do not walk or drive on wet seal coat.
  • Please be careful when turning vehicle wheels, as the seal coat will remain tender for approximately four (4) weeks. Avoid turning weeks while vehicle is sitting still
  • Please follow all detour signs and construction crew instructions
  • Please be aware that there will be some detouring, and crews working in the roadways
  • Please note the site map showing the areas and scheduled dates for the seal coating.

Overnight parking will be permitted on Streets and Sun City Blvd. for the duration of the project. Please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401 for questions regarding specific accommodation and assistance with gaining access to your home.

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.

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Notice

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Schedule

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Map

Candidate Forum #2 Video Now Available

Please note: meetings are now being recording using a higher-quality video camera, which results in larger video files that take a longer to upload/process. It may take a few hours after a meeting concludes for the video to become available on our website.

To see more videos, visit our Videos page by clicking here.

AED Locations in Our Community

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) victims, not heart attack victims. It’s important to understand the distinction between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest.

☞ Click Here to Learn About AEDs

We have several AEDs located throughout our community:

1) HOA Office – Front of the Office, Near Receptionist

2) Montecito Fitness Center – Adjacent to Front Desk

3) Montecito Clubhouse – Behind the Front Desk

4) Montecito Ballroom – Near Exit Doors on the Right Side of Stage

5) Montecito Tennis Courts – Near Ice Machine

6) Montecito Outdoor Pool – Near Restrooms

7) Santa Rosa Clubhouse – Adjacent to Front Desk Area

8) Santa Rosa Bistro – Near Bulletin Board

9) Santa Rosa Pickleball Courts – Near Bulletin Board

10) Santa Rosa Outdoor Pool – Near Shower

11) Maintenance Yard – Near Restroom

12) Shadows South Golf Shop – Behind Register

13) Shadows Restaurant – Near Bar

13 AED Machines in Total

Santa Rosa Pool & Spa Closure – February 20

The Santa Rosa pool and spa will be closed on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, to perform annual water feature sandblasting and maintenance.

The pool and spa are scheduled to reopen on the same day, Tuesday, February 20th. The pool is scheduled to open at 2:00pm. The spa will open at approximately 3:00pm, or as soon as the project is completed.

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.

Podcast Episode 404: Performing Arts Club

In this episode, Bob Firring welcomes Performing Arts Club members Bill Hardwick, Laurie De Gonzalez, and Judith Bennoch. They are here to talk about their upcoming production of The Odd Couple Female Version.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Links:

📄 Transcription of Podcast Episode 404

Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? Contact Bob Firring at podcast@scshca.com.

This is an audio-only episode.

Podcast Episode 403: Connie King

In this video episode, Bob welcomes our Lifestyle Director Connie King. Connie here is to talk about our 20th Anniversary t-shirts and buttons, as well as our outdoor concert on April 7.

Stop by the Lifestyle desk to pick up your free 20th anniversary button, courtesy of That's Entertainment Club. T-shirt preorders are $10 each, until February 29. March 1 and later, shirts will cost $12.

Links:

📄 Transcription of Podcast Episode 403

Do you have an idea for a podcast episode? Contact Bob Firring at podcast@scshca.com.

This is an video episode, however an audio version is also available.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Desert Living Tip of the Month: E-Reasons for Email Communication!

The time is now for SCSH homeowners to embrace the speed and convenience of technology instead of relying on snail mail to receive important notifications and forms. Check out the e-reasons below for the benefits of signing up for email communication.

  • Early arrival – instant delivery
  • Easy to read and store in a software folder
  • Environmentally friendly – no trees destroyed for paper or printing
  • Economical – no stamps or envelopes necessary
  • Efficient for snowbirds

We encourage all homeowners not yet registered to complete the email communication form so that the HOA can email correspondence and mailers. (Except for those forms the HOA is required to mail via U.S. postal mail.)

It’s easy to sign up today by accessing the link below:

☞ www.scshca.com/emailconsent

Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Monday morning e-blast for current SCSH news and safety, environmental, and desert living tips. Tell your neighbors and family members to enroll as well. Just click the link below to sign up for the weekly e-blasts:

☞ www.scshca.com/emailsignup

Recycling/Trash Tip: Drug Disposal

Drugs – So Many Drugs – Where to Get Rid of Them!

Your prescription changes – what do you do with the old pills? You have pills that you did not use, and they have expired.

No! You do not throw them in the garbage.

Many pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, etc.) might advertise that they have medical disposal boxes but, unfortunately, that isn’t always true. If you don’t have a drop-off place for medicines, here’s a tip for you!

The best way to dispose of most types of unused or expired medicines is to drop off the medicine at a drug take-back site, location, or program immediately. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collects and safely disposes of all medications dropped off at all drug take-back sites.

The DEA’s Diversion Control Division has a website where you can find Year-Round Drop Off locations for controlled substances. All you need is a zip code and it will show you locations as close as 5 miles away.

Here are the search results for our zip code – 92203:

Want to find locations for your house up north or for a family member or friend?

Here’s the web address for the locator:

https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1

Or you can call the DEA Diversion Control Division Registration Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 for more information about these collection sites.

And remember – before disposing of prescription medicines, be sure to remove all personal information on pill bottle labels and medicine packaging.

Wait! There’s more!

Apparently, for safety reasons, there are a few, select medicines (mainly opioids) with specific instructions to immediately flush down the toilet only if a drug take back option is not readily available. For more details, refer to the FDA’s flush list.

Remember, don’t flush your medicine unless it is on the flush list AND there is no nearby drop-off location.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-fdas-flush-list-certain-medicines#FlushList

Rod Stewart Tribute Concert Postponed

We regret to announce on such short notice that due to an unforeseen medical emergency with the entertainer, the Rod Stewart tribute concert has been rescheduled to next Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm.

If you purchased tickets for your guest, family, or friends, or if you have sold your tickets to someone else, please inform them of this change.

If you have questions, feel free to contact the Lifestyle desk at 760-345-4349 ext. 2120.