News

Are you aware of the Red Card/Green Card Program?

The Red Card/Green Card is a program developed by the Sun City Emergency Preparedness Sub-Committee to be used in the event of an extreme event, most likely a very large earthquake.

In October of 2017, a laminated 8-1/2 x 11” card was distributed to every household in SCSH. One side of the card is solid green and one side is solid red. Instructions are printed on each side.

Following an extreme emergency event you display the card in a front facing window. The Green Side means you and your residence are okay . The Red Side means you or your residence needs some type of help.

The color displayed in your window will be noted by the Emergency Preparedness Windshield Survey Team as they check the neighborhoods. If the Red Side is displayed they will contact you to determine what you need. They will then radio the Emergency Operations Center and the volunteers will do their best to get the most appropriate assistance to you.

The Red Card/Green Card Program is an important part of the SCSH Disaster Preparedness Plan. Be sure you keep your card in a place where it is readily available.

If your card has been misplaced or you do not have a Red Card/Green Card you can get one from the Lifestyle Desk in the Montecito Clubhouse.

Photos: Shadow Hills Classics

A group of 15 car enthusiasts from the SCSH Classic Car Club met at an empty parking lot at the corner of Jefferson and Fred Warring to display their fine rides.

John Ziegler (’57 Chev), Doug Fulton (’48 Pontiac), Jack Carter (’65 Mustang), Ken Van Devender (’55 Chev), Doug Hart (’59 T-Bird), Cary Washburn (’32 Ford), Dick Freiman (’66 Nova), Duane Rons (’15 Corvette), Irv Kushner (’55 Chev Nomad), Jerry Brown (’34 Ford), Joe Bourque (’30 Ford), Bud Finley (’34 Ford), George Coyle (’64 Chevelle), Mark Angeline (’51 Chev)

 

 

Like cars? Be sure to check out our 10th Annual Auto Show on March 23. Click here for details.

Fitness Instructor of the Month: Michelle Godfrey

Our community is fortunate to have 15 unique, talented, knowledgeable, and crafted instructors that share their passion with their class participants.

This month we acknowledge Michelle Godfrey, a dance queen! She teaches the super-early Zumba classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 AM. Read below to learn more about Michelle and put a face to her name...

Hello! My name is Michelle Godfrey. Eight years ago I walked into a dancing fitness class. I Knew from that moment on it was going to create a huge impact and blessing in my life. Dancing is something I am passionate about. I have been a Zumba Instructor since 2011.

“Zumba, me cambiaste la vida. Zumba, You change my life.” Happiness, fitness ,and health is what I promote! I teach with purpose! I dance with purpose and passion – an hour of fun, smiles, laughter, sweat, and joy. I love it!

Come join me every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 AM in the Montecito Fitness Center.

Weight Watchers

We are happy to announced SCSH residents have lost 435 pounds combined since October 2018. We are truly thrilled about this great news!

The opportunity to sign up for another 17-meeting series will take place on Friday, February 22 at 9:00 AM in the Capistrano Room at Montecito Clubhouse.

Flag Notification

The United State Flag should be at Half Staff Immediately Until Sunset on Saturday, February 9, 2019

Presidential Proclamation on  the Death of John David Dingell, Jr.

Issued on: February 8, 2019

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of former Representative John David Dingell, Jr., of Michigan - the longest-serving Member of Congress in our Nation's history - I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that 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, February 9, 2019.  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 eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Exciting News: Our Very Own Fitness Director, Valeria Batross, Has Been Nominated for the Desert Health Wellness Award

Valeria knew at an early age that health and wellness were her path to making a difference in the lives of others.

Valeria came to Palm Springs from Peru at 15 years old. The very next day a family friend took her to the gym. That was it. She knew immediately she had found her passion.

In the Fall of 2017 Valeria became our Fitness Director. She came here with a vision for our community. Her vision was, and still is, to make Sun City Shadow Hills the BEST Health and Wellness facility in the entire valley.

Valeria defines wellness as a balanced state of mind and body that begins with mindset. The backbone of her vision is to bring conscious awareness to residents seeking health and wellness. Her vision plays out in the life-enhancing practices, in addition to fitness classes, that she continues to bring to our community.

Rich Smetana, the General Manager of SCSH had this to say about her nomination:

"Valeria is a great asset to Sun City Shadow Hills. She has successfully increased our resident's awareness of the Health and Fitness programs we provide. We have received many compliments on her selection of fitness instructors and the addition of wellness programs and lectures. We wish her all the best in the Desert Health Wellness Awards."

Valeria is honored by this nomination and greatly appreciates the support of our community.

Winners will be selected by the Desert Health Executive Committee. Comments on the Desert Health website are welcomed. If you’d like to learn more about this award and make a comment, click here:

deserthealthnews.com/stories/2019-desert-health-wellness-awards-nominees

Submitted by Kris Downey
Member of the Information Advisory Committee

Podcast Episode 148: Bruce Latta, Indio Properties Update

This week Bob brings back Bruce Latta of Indio properties. Bruce updates us on what has been happening and gives some ideas about future developments.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

For continuously updated information, follow Bruce on Twitter: @IndioProperties

Bob Firring and Bruce Latta

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

President’s Message: Warm or Cooler Pool Water

Kim Fuller
President

Hello Residents-

It has been proposed by the Facilities Committee that the Board consider adding a device which would cool the pool water temperature during the hot summer months. This device would be able to reduce the pool temp from about 92-94 degrees down to 86-88 degrees. We need to know your thoughts on installing such a device. Some will want cooler water, and some will not. There is, as always, a cost to installing such a device. The cost is about $15,000, or a onetime installation cost of $4.36 per household. There would be a small utility cost increase to the budget for operating the device during the summer. The proposal is to only install the water cooling system at the Santa Rosa pool. This way, during the summer we can offer one pool with warm water and one with cooler water, to try and accommodate everyone.

We have attached a link to fill out a survey, we need to know how you feel about proceeding on such a request. The Board will be discussing this at the next Board meeting so your reply will help us determine how to proceed.

Link to the Survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V7B8VMP

If you have questions, please let me know.

Thank you,
Kim Fuller
President

Indio Hires New Director of Community Development

Kevin Snyder Brings 25 Years of Experience in Planning and Development

INDIO, CA (January 28, 2019) – The City of Indio announced the hiring of Kevin Snyder as its new Director of Community Development. Snyder will oversee planning, building and safety, and housing activities for the Coachella Valley’s largest and fastest growing city. Among the priorities for Snyder will be completing the General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan to guide Indio’s future growth and development. Snyder will also be improving the development review process through technological innovation and entitlement streamlining. Snyder’s official start date is February 19, 2019.

“I’m proud to join the City of Festivals and I plan to bring my passion and experience to help it become one of the most livable cities in the nation,” Snyder said. “I am attracted to Indio due to the opportunity to facilitate commercial, retail and quality of life development. I look forward to joining the Indio team.”

Snyder brings 25 years of experience in the urban planning field, in both the public and private sectors.  He previously served as Community Development Director for the cities of Fairfield; Auburn and Ridgefield, Washington; and Sedona, Arizona.

“Kevin brings an impressive track record of working in various capacities throughout California, Washington and Arizona,” City Manager Mark Scott said. “His experience and leadership will be valuable assets in achieving the long-term development goals set by the City Council.”

Snyder earned a master’s degree in urban & regional planning from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Linfield College in Oregon.

President’s Report – February 2019

Kim Fuller
President

Good morning, and welcome to another day with a beautiful sunrise in paradise. I stare at the mountain with snow and think how lucky I am that I am not up there, but down in the valley where I get to enjoy the view. I should explain that I write these articles and turn them in on the fifth of the month prior to printing, which is why some information might seem a little late in coming.

To be sure everyone is aware, the Ceasar Larrach embezzlement case was settled, and you can watch a video explaining how it was done and the terms of the settlement on our community website. We held town hall meetings explaining all the details on November 13, 2018. The short story is that the known fraud amount was about $123,062. Funds recovered from Ceasar Larrach in restitution were $125,000. Total known losses and expenses were $162,748. Total potential recoveries over a three-year period will be $290,000. Watch the video, which explains all points in detail.

We have a Board election coming up on April 9, 2019. This year will be a little different than years past because we only have two people running for the Board for two open seats. Some might ask, if there are only two people running for two open seats, why do we need to have an election? Why not just elect by affirmation at a meeting of residents? Unfortunately, our by-laws do not allow for that kind of process. We are required by California Code and our by-laws to hold the election even though it is uncontested.

This means you will receive ballots in March to vote and return for the annual meeting on April 9, 2019. We are required to have a quorum of 518 ballots, or homeowners, present to hold the election. If we are not able to get at least 518 ballots turned in, the election will be void; and we will have to do it again. The election costs about $10,000 to follow all procedures required by law. If the election were void, the existing Board would continue in place until we held another election at a cost of another $10,000. This is something we need to avoid.

The Board urges everyone to vote so we don’t spend more money for an additional election. When you receive your ballots, please fill them out and send them back so we can move on and finish the election process.

The two candidates running for the Board are Linda Aasen and myself, Kim Fuller. I want to thank Linda for spending her time to volunteer for the Board. Her time will be gratefully appreciated by us all.

I want to thank all of you for your support, consideration, and time in making such volunteer work a pleasant and rewarding experience. It has been a privilege to work with the other Board members, committee members, and staff to help make Shadow Hills such a great place to live. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

It makes me smile to gaze upon another sunset and to know, “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Have a great day!

Kim Fuller
President

Podcast Episode 146: Rick Halla, Health & Fitness Advisory Committee

This week Bob interviews Rick Halla, the chair of the new Health & Fitness Advisory Committee. The committee was formed to be Ambassadors for the many Fitness Activities and the Fitness Centers at Sun City Shadow Hills. Please share your thoughts with the committee and of course the staff.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Rick Halla and Bob Firring

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

Fitness Update – Week of January 21

Are You Grounded and Centered?

Studies show you can ground yourself and return to a sense of calm  with simple exercises, such as:

  1. Breathing exercises. Take a deep inhalation through your nose, hold your breath for the count of ten. Then exhale through your nose for the count of ten while relaxing your body from head to toes.
  2. Walking meditation. This exercise is about using walking as your focus. Try walking slowly, being mindful of each step you take, and feeling the ground beneath you.
  3. Play music. Play instrumental music and give it all your attention.
  4. Stop and listen carefully. If you are talking to others, listen to every word they are saying. Focus. Being fully present is the best gift you can give another person.

Highlight of the Week

Our Weight Watchers program participants that started the community series back in October have lost 337 lbs. combined! This is a huge accomplishment. There will be another series of meetings starting mid-February. The 17-meeting series is usually $187, but if you attend week #1 you will be eligible to receive the Journey Incentive and pay only $153 for the 17 weeks. Email coach Sue White for details at sue.a.white@weightwatchers.com.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

“Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing.” – Joanne Raptis

Remember to check scshca.com/fitness for any fitness class cancellations.

Committed to your well-being,
Valeria

President’s Message: CC&R Election Results

Kim Fuller
President

Hello Residents:

After my Message yesterday, I received several comments and questions from residents. So, I am sending this message to clarify my message sent on Monday.

First, I need to correct an error in my message. I stated that 1,761 votes were required to pass a change to the By-laws. The correct number is 1,760. This represents 51% of our 3,450 homes.

The main question that I received was, why doesn’t 50% +1 of the votes received constitute a win for the yes or no vote?

Hopefully this will clear up the confusion:

The current By-laws require 51% affirmative votes of all the homes in the HOA to change a By-law. We have 3,450 homes in the HOA. Therefore, 51% of 3450 homes means we need 1,760 votes in favor of a change no matter how many people vote. If only 1,759 people voted, the measure would be defeated no matter how many of these people voted to pass any By-law change. If 100% of all 1,759 had voted in favor it would still be defeated.

There were 2,123 ballots properly cast. In order to get 1,760 votes to be affirmative, it would mean 82.9% of the 2,123 ballots would have to have voted in favor of any of the four Measures presented. Thus, a large number of votes is required to pass a change in our Bylaws requiring substantial voter turnout. That is why the Board made great efforts to insure as large a turnout as possible. It is to our HOA’s great credit that we had a voter turnout of 61.5%, which statistically is a high voter turnout. National elections range from 40-60% voter turnout. We sent out three mailers and then called every person in the complex to ask them to vote if we had not received a ballot. HOA Elections records show the highest voter turnout in the last 3 years for our elections was 2156, or 62.5%.

That is why I am asking the Board to consider petitioning the Court to pass the measure. The California Corporations Code permits Court Action suspending the percentage of votes needed for approval imposed by Bylaws when it can be demonstrated that obtaining such consent is unduly difficult. The Board will vote at the next meeting to decide if we should petition the court to pass Measure 3, respecting the removal of cumulative voting.

Hopefully this explains the situation, if not let me know.

Thank you,
Kim Fuller
President

Indio to Begin Road Improvement Project on Jackson Street

Work To Take Place January 14-18, 2019

INDIO, CA (January 10, 2019) – The City of Indio will be laying new asphalt on Jackson Street between Avenue 44 and Civic Center Drive from Tuesday, January 15 to Wednesday, January 16, 2019; and the West Jewel neighborhood from Monday, January 14 to Friday, January 18, 2019.  During the project, traffic will be impacted on Jackson Street and surrounding neighborhoods between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 pm Residents and other motorists are urged to use alternate routes due to localized delays. Access for emergency vehicles will be unaffected.

The streets affected in the West Jewel neighborhood, which is located south of Avenue 44 and east of Jackson Street, include the following: Dillon Avenue, Ruby Avenue, Emerald Avenue, Tourmaline Avenue, Palo Verde Street, and Serrano Lane. Parking will be limited during the period of work. 

The road improvement work on Jackson Street and the West Jewel neighborhood involves grinding the top surface of the street and overlaying it with new asphalt. The project is funded by Measure X, which was a voter-approved 1% sales tax increase measure passed by Indio voters in 2016 for infrastructure improvements and public safety.

For further information, contact Kelly Koleszar of Matich Corporation at 909-228-1659 or City of Indio Street Maintenance at 760-625-1802.

Results of Special Election on CC&R’s and By-law Changes

Kim Fuller
President

Hello Residents,

The ballots for the CC&R and By-law changes were counted last Friday, 1/11/19. There was a total of 2123 ballots cast, out of 3450 homes. It takes 1761 votes to approve a change to the CC&R’s or By-laws. There were four measures on the ballot, and the results are:

Measure 1: To remove Pulte from the documents where possible and applicable, and all changes required because of new state laws. This measure passed with Yes votes totaling 1804, and No votes totaling 238.

Measure 2: To remove term limits on committee members. This measure did not pass with Yes votes totaling 987, and No votes totaling 1086.

Measure 3: To Prohibit Cumulative voting for Board member elections. This measure did not pass with Yes votes totaling 1498, and No votes totaling 554.

Measure 4: To Decrease the minimum rental term from 90 days to 45 days. This measure did not pass with Yes votes totaling 1196, and No votes totaling 872.

You will notice that none of the measures had total votes cast of 2123, and that is because people might not vote at all for one or more measures and there are some that only voted for quorum purposes but did not vote for any of the measures.

Given the results, the new CC&R’s and By-laws take effect immediately, so it will be much easier to know the current state code since our documents have been brought up to current state code requirements. We will make the changes to the website so you can download current documents.

The other 3 measures did not pass, so term limits for Committee members, cumulative voting in even years, and the minimum 90-day rental term were not changed.

As you can see, while Measure 3 did not pass, a large majority of Homeowners wanted to eliminate Cumulative Voting from future elections. This measure had 70.56% (71%) of homeowners that voted, approving the change to eliminate Cumulative Voting. I do believe 71% is a significant majority, but it took 82.9% (83%) of those voting to make the change happen.

Consequently, I have been reviewing the Civil Code to determine what can be done given these facts.

Civil Code Section 4275 allows for the HOA to Petition the Court to approve a change in the By-laws given certain facts. Clearly the Civil Code understands and has provided for a process to implement a change in the By-laws given that trying to pass such changes might be difficult for the HOA with the minimum vote requirements. If you Internet search on ‘Civil Code 4275’ you can read the section that describes this process.

I will be placing this item on the January Agenda for a Board vote to petition the court to eliminate Cumulative Voting given that 71% of the homeowners that voted wanted it to be eliminated. I do believe that 71% represents accurately the opinion of the entire HOA and requesting the court that Measure 3 pass will be in the best interest of the HOA and the significant majority of the homeowners. The Board will vote on this action at the January meeting.

If you have further questions, please let me know.

Thank you,
Kim Fuller

Official Results

📄 January 11 - Special Meeting (CC&R and Bylaws)

Video