We all want to feel safe. We live in a beautiful, gated community with regular patrols.

So, what’s the problem?

Recently our beautiful gated community has experienced a rash of incidents including trespassing, malicious mischief, thefts from unlocked vehicles, one incident of assault with a BB gun, and three incidents of animal cruelty.

What can we do, as residents, to help prevent these types of incidents and to feel safe in our community?

Clearly, we cannot prevent ALL incidents, but fortunately, there is a lot we can do. Prevention and safety start with awareness. Awareness of your surroundings, awareness of your personal habits and awareness of your options.

Here are some simple things where awareness will help:

• Get to know your immediate neighbors and watch out for each other.
• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Keep your garage door closed at all times.
• Lock your vehicles.
• Never leave anything in plain sight in your vehicle.
• Secure your garage door opener - don’t leave opener in plain view.
• Never approach someone that appears suspicious.
• Abide by the 9PM ROUTINE

If you see someone or something that seems out of place - say something.

Contact the Indio Police Department immediately, then call the G4S patrol at the Front Gate. Remember, the G4S patrol is unarmed and cannot make an arrest. They are not the police.

Here are two important numbers to immediately put into your phone:

Indio Police Dept: 760-391-4057

G4S Patrol at the Front Gates: 760-345-4458

Increasing awareness of your surroundings, your personal habits and your options will go a long way in making Sun City Shadow Hills an “undesirable” community for would be thieves.

Scheduling Information for Golf Course: Sun City Shadow Hills - South Golf Course

Treatment Date: 7/23/2018

Technician(s) should arrive between: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Scheduling Information for Golf Course: Sun City Shadow Hills - North Golf Course

Treatment Date: 7/23/2018

Technician(s) should arrive between: 6:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Golf Course Instructions:

• Shut off all irrigation no later than 9 PM the evening before treatment and keep off until 9 PM the day of treatment.
• NO landscaping projects and/or mowing to be done on the day of treatment.
• If applicable, inform your residents that we will be on property (date/time above) and if they have any pets (animals) to keep indoors or in a secure enclosed area outdoors while our technicians are on property for safety precautions.

Please note a treatment may/will be cancelled by our Field Supervisor/Technician due to weather or if irrigation/mowing instructions are not being followed at time of arrival.

Product Information:

• Control products are water soluble and will render ineffective when in contact with water.
• Control Products are made at a very low dosage, enough to kill an ant and will not harm pets.

If you have any questions/concerns please feel free to contact our office at 760-200-3375 ext. 2301.

Thank You.

The Board of Directors would like to inform residents of a new list of vendors who have registered and paid for their vendor transponders.  Once registered they will be listed as a Transponder-Equipped Vendor. This list can be found on the "Residents Only" page, directly above the "Documents" section.

Homeowner’s are reminded to check the vendor list to make sure their vendors are listed on the Vendor Access Program. If not, residents will be responsible for any violation their vendor makes.

Are you interested in a spinning class? Let us know!

Click Here to Take the Survey

There are 3 possible ways for a vendor to gain access onto Sun City Shadow Hills property, for the purpose of providing services to residents.

PROGRAM 1:

• Vendors are allowed 5 Vendor SERVICE PASSES per month.
  • This type of access is used for vendors who are coming onto the property occasionally for 1 day.
  • The homeowner MUST call one of the gates and place the vendor on their guest list by Company Name.
  • The homeowner MUST call the gate every time vendor access is needed for work on the property.
  • The homeowner is NOT responsible for the vendor while on Sun City Shadow Hills property.

PROGRAM 2:

• The NON-Transponder Program allows the vendor to gain access to the property by using the 5 SERVICE PASSES per month, without the homeowner calling the gate.
  • Vendors are required to complete the non-program form providing and maintaining current registration, current insurance and a valid driver’s license.
  • Vendors in this program are placed on the resident’s Permanent guest list. The homeowner does not need to call the gate, nor is the homeowner responsible for the vendor while on SCSH property.

PROGRAM 3:

• The Transponder Program allows vendors unlimited access privileges through all 6 gates in Sun City Shadow Hills ONLY during vendor hours.
  • Vendors are required to complete the Transponder Program Form, providing and maintaining current registration, current insurance and a valid driver’s license.
  • Vendors in this program are placed on the Permanent Vendor List.
  • When the vehicle with the transponder is unavailable, the vendor must use the guest lane and acquire one of the 5 SERVICE PASSES still available to a vendor in this program. The homeowner is NOT responsible for the vendor while on SCSH property.

Vendors must contact Randy Kardos, Safety, Phase 3 Front-gate, to secure Vendor Access Program forms, (760) 342-4725, ext. 2053.

As with any program, special circumstances will, from time to time, present themselves. Please call Mark Galvin, Community Safety Director, (760) 342-2850, ext. 2202, who will work toward an equitable resolution in the best interest of our residents.

Your water-pressure relief valve (PRV) is the most important piece of safety equipment in your home. There’s no margin for error.

In residential properties, the pressure regulator is likely a “direct-acting” PRV. Direct-acting PRVs automatically reduce the incoming water pressure from the municipal supply or water main to a level that is less likely to cause operating or safety problems in the home. Water entering the PRV from municipal mains is constricted within the valve body and directed through the inner chamber controlled by an adjustable spring-loaded diaphragm and disc. Even if the supply water pressure fluctuates, the PRV ensures a constant flow of water at a functional pressure, as long as the supply pressure does not drop below the PRV’s preset pressure.

Generally accepted plumbing practices recommend testing the PRV every 12 months and replacing it every three to five years. That’s much less expensive than replacing home appliances, which can be damaged from improper water pressure. Water pressure variances put stress on dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances and can lead to more frequent appliance repairs or permanent damage.

Reducing high water pressure should extend the life of your appliances and fixtures. However, nobody wants to shower under a barely trickling shower-head. The trick is to find the right balance, so that you don’t suffer through a shower that feels like it’s being poured out of a garden watering can.

How do you know if it’s time for a replacement?

Age matters because the unit has springs inside, and the springs can lose tension over time. In addition, the desert environment can be hard on the seals. Usage matters as well. If you are a full-time resident, your usage will be higher.

Is it more cost-effective to repair or replace?

Most often PRV replacement is simply more cost-effective than repair (about $250). The PRVs on our homes are considered small, so replacement usually costs less than preventive maintenance and repair. It will certainly cost less to replace the valve than to pay for any damage you might incur from keeping it in service past its prime!

As always, use a licensed plumber when contracting this work.

Resources:

• Angie’s List experts
• Allied Valve Inc.

Pools are a great way to beat the heat! However, summer weather can do a number on your pool; haboobs deposit dirt, blustery winds deliver flowers and leaves, strange bugs from the Salton Sea move in, and rain washes yard debris right into your pool.

Just like cleaning up after the big July 4th party, your pool needs regular maintenance to keep the water crystal clear. Besides regular chemicals and filter cleaning, your pool’s filter may need an occasional flush, called backwashing. Whether you are doing the cleaning or you have a weekly pool service, it is important to remember only rain goes down the storm drain.

In Sun City Shadow Hills it is a code violation to discharge pool filter (rinse or backwash) water from your property into storm drains per section 7.5 and 7.6 of the Design Rules. The water likely contains chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water conditioners, stabilizers, and other chemicals that can persist in the environment for a long time. These materials and other pollutants accumulate over time and cause environmental damage. Additionally, SCSH captures this water for use on the golf course.

Do your part to protect the environment and avoid getting a violation notice by disposing of pool or spa filter rinse water into the soil in your yard. Be sure to kindly remind your pool service of this rule as you are responsible for their actions.

If you have opted to maintain your own pool, here is a great online article on How to clean your filters: http://all-about-water-filters.com/how-to-clean-your-pool-filter-ultimate-guide/

We thank all homeowners for your cooperation in keeping our environment clear of contaminants.

Power Point Presentation - Click here

Previous Board Meeting videos are available on the Residents Only page.

Clean up after yourself. Always bring a towel with you and wipe the machines and stretch table down when you are finished. We also provide disinfectant wipes for your use.

30-Minute rule. During busy times and when others are waiting, please limit your cardio to 30 minutes.

Leave no trace. Put your weights and other equipment (bands, mats, form rollers, etc.) Away when you’re finished.

Share. Most of the time when you are working out you will be in- between sets, this is the perfect time for someone else to use the equipment. Let people work in (take turns) with you.

Keep it down. Please refrain from using your cell phone, unless it’s an emergency.

Manner’s please. Don’t swear or talk too loudly.

Prevent. Help us to prevent unnecessary damage to the equipment by not allowing the weight plates slamming together or dropping the weights.

The Canasta Club will be on hiatus starting July 1. It will reconvene October 1.

For more information about the Canasta Club, please contact Beverly Mirsky at 760-984-0284 or beverkymirsky@yahoo.com.

Have a great summer!

We are looking to start our community Weight Watchers meetings mid-September/early-October. We need brand new members to sign up in order to be able to host the meetings on-site.

For more information, contact our Fitness Director Valeria Batross at valeria.batross@associa.us or (760) 345-4349 ext. 2112.

The Benefits of Working on a Reformer

The reformer offers all the famous benefits of Pilates including overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. These things, in turn, lead to daily life improvements like better posture, graceful, efficient movement, and for many, relief from pain associated with physical imbalances such as back pain.

The resistance of the pulley and spring system offers more resistance than what you get with just your body weight on a mat. You'll achieve better posture and coordination while getting stronger.

Class Schedule (Subject to Change)

• Monday through Thursday at 11:00 AM

In addition to the class schedule we now offer semi-private classes to students that would like to expand their regimen, this will take place Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Please check the Montecito Front desk for prices and availability.

Packages Price for 10 classes is $120.00 available for purchase at Montecito Fitness Center, Credit card or checks payable to SCSHCA accepted only.

• Prior to operating any of the treadmills clip on the red emergency stop clip on your garment.
• Touch the screen and give it a moment to show up, all screens for new equipment are computers therefore it will take time to act and operate to the demand and setting.
• Press start, the machine will slowly start to move
• Start to increase your speed on touch at a time. Until desire speed is reached.
• Upon conclusion of the cardio session, slowly press the button to slow all the way down, then press stop once, then once ogoin to reset the machine.

Caution Do Not Leave Your Finger Pressed Nonstop as the Machine Will Start to Speed up and May Result in Injury

Our community is very pet friendly. While dog walking is encouraged at the dog parks located in Phase 1, Division 7, and Phase 3, Division 16, as well as the common area surrounding the Jefferson Front Gate (Phase 1). Residents are also allowed to walk their dog(s) along (up to) 9 feet of the grassy area where parts of the golf course touch pavement and cross the street. One exception is where Avenida Sombra intersects with Sun City Boulevard on the north side of Avenida Sombra. The curb there is painted red to signify no parking or dog walking, as this area has been determined to be a safety risk.

Many residents have thought that the grassy areas touching the street were not part of the golf course but when Sun City Shadow Hills was developed, any portion of the property that was designated golf course by Del Webb/Pulte, was in fact, legally deeded as golf course.

Current HOA regulations read:

2.20.4 of Rules & Regulations

“Pets are not permitted on the golf course at any time. Exception: Other than no dog walking at Avenida Sombra where Avenida Sombra meets Sun City Blvd. behind hole number 7, all other areas where the golf course crosses a street, you may walk your dog along the edge of the Golf Course as long as you and your dog do not walk beyond nine feet (9’) from the edge of the street or sidewalk.”

Accepted by the Board 1-29-18

The HOA strongly encourages pet owners to read those rules and regulations pertaining to pets within our community. The rules can be found in the Sun City Shadow Hills Community & Telephone Directory 2017/2018 on page 29.

Pet owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of their pet’s litter from the common areas as well as the pet parks. Failure to comply with the pet rules are a violation of the Rules and may result in a fine.

Registration Begins: Monday June 4 to June 15

Our "Beat the Heat" program starts on Monday July 2 and ends July 25 concluding with a reception at the ballroom on July 27 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. At the reception, the grand winner will be announced, prizes will be raffled away, and any participant who earns more than 40 points will get entry into the grand prize drawing where we will give away two Group Exercise Annual Passes for 2019 (worth $200 each). The cost of the program is $20 paid with cash, check, or credit card. This program will consist of a variety of special fitness classes, and events designed specifically for "Beat the Heat" participants. The goal is to encourage participants to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the hot summer as well as after the program is over. This goes beyond a few weeks of extra movement, it is adopting a healthier lifestyle and healthier eating habits.

Fill out a Registration Form & Sign up at Either Montecito or Santa Rosa Fitness Center

The Certificate of Congressional Recognition shown below was presented to our Veterans Club from Congressman Raul Ruiz for the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted this past Monday.

Congressman Ruiz was not able to attend ceremony, but the certificate was presented by his representative, Peter Carlstrom .

Click on the Certificate to Enlarge

By George Stephens, IAC Member

In our small city we call Shadow Hills we have 6000 souls, or thereabouts. All are interesting in their own way. Many of our neighbors have had successful careers and are now retired. They selected Shadow Hills over thousands of other communities. One of these souls is my friend Marty Martin. Here’s his abbreviated story:

We’ve all heard that you should warm up adequately before doing any exercise. But there are some of us in Shadow Hills who don’t subscribe to this theory. One person who does not is 80-year-old Navy Veteran, Marty Martin. Most club members arrive at the golf course 30 to 60 minutes early to hit golf balls to warm up. Marty doesn’t do this. From his perch above the driving range near the pro shop snack bar he looks out over the guys lined up 25 abreast and chuckles to himself, “I’m not going out there and using up any extra energy.”

Marty is a member of the Men’s Golf Club and his idea of warming up to play golf is to consume two cups of hot coffee before he goes to the first tee to hit his first golf ball.

Marty carries an 18 handicap and has braces on both knees restricting his ability to move. To describe his swing would not be a challenge since there’s not much to it. Just bring the club back about waist high and give it all you’ve got! Marty isn’t very far off the tee, but he is straight every time. While some members are hitting their balls left and right, and in some cases hitting them over 250 yards, Marty consistently goes straight down the middle of the fairway 140 to 150 yards! When you get to the green, Marty is there waiting for you!

Of course, playing with Marty can be very irritating because he’s on the green putting for a par or bogey and you’re hoping to get a double bogey! Proving the old adage: Drive for show, putt for dough!

Marty and his wife Jan of 59 years, love it here at Sun City Shadow Hills. They came here from Arrowhead Country Club across the mountains from San Bernardino. Marty was in the construction business during his career and built school district buildings around San Bernardino.

Marty is one of approximately 400 veterans that live in Shadow Hills. His Navy career consisted of aviation support. He met his wife Jan in Hawaii at a party celebrating it’s statehood on August 21, 1959. I wish I had such an easy way to remember our anniversary.

Marty is a fervent supporter of all that is Shadow Hills. An HOA Board candidate mentioned that Marty was behind every door that was opened during the campaign, including all the HOA Board meetings, the Veterans Club meeting, and the Political Action Committees, (including the Design Advisory Committee, Golf Advisory Committee, and the Finance Advisory Committee). He has also been the Men’s Golf President, Bridge Club President (Life Master) and he has been active in the RV Club. Marty and Jan are prime examples of the quality of people that we have living in Shadow Hills, who make living here so enjoyable.

We are not a great community because of who we are or what we have done. We are great because of the unselfishness of our neighbors who serve to make Shadow Hills better. Marty falls in this category.

If you are enjoying a cup of coffee with Marty remember this: he may be warming up to play golf!

1. The Montecito Clubhouse Fitness equipment has been replaced and the Fitness Center is now open for business. Stop by the fitness desk to sign-up for an orientation to learn how the new equipment works.
2. There is an open Board meeting this Thursday, 5/31/18 at 9:00 AM, in the Front half of Ballroom, to discuss:
   1. Rule changes for Covenants Committee.
   2. Rule changes for FAC committee regarding number of members of the committee.
   3. Covenants Committee Charter approval.
   4. Presentation of the new website.
3. Ceasar Larrach update: Larrach was ordered to pay restitution of $125,000 to our HOA by June 7.  Click on "Residents Only" above for more information.
4. The Tennis Courts at the Montecito Clubhouses have completed repainting of all poles and fences and the installation of new windscreens.
5. The Santa Rosa Fitness Center new carpet replacement bids going to Board next month for approval.

by Amy Tomlinson, SCSH Desert Gardeners Club President

The SCSH Desert Gardeners Club is all about having fun while learning to be better desert gardeners. We bring in speakers, tour nurseries, sponsor an annual Garden tour here in Shadow Hills and go on field trips. Our most recent field trip was to the public gardens at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage. Sunnylands is the private estate once owned by Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The Annenbergs were extraordinary philanthropists, designating more than $3 billion in grants and gifts to major research universities, hospitals, medical centers, cultural and civic organizations. The estate is now managed by the Annenberg Foundation Trust. Although its main function is to host retreats for leaders and experts from around the globe, it has also developed a beautiful public facility that can be visited by one and all. While the Sunnylands Historic Estate can only be visited by acquiring a much-coveted ticket, a visit to the Sunnylands Center and Garden is free.

Every Thursday at 11:00 AM (November-April), a Sunnylands guide takes anyone who shows up on a one-hour tour of the garden, designed by James Burnett. The garden is nine acres in total, with over 70 species of plants from North and South America. The Desert Gardeners Club has done this tour twice this year, and each time we learned something a little bit different. For instance, did you know that the only food that Monarch butterfly larvae can eat is milkweed? And did you know that Sunnylands has the largest number of milkweed plants in our area?

The garden features many varieties of cactus and trees, has a beautiful water feature, walking paths and a great lawn. The Visitors Center usually has an art or antiquities exhibit, and visitors can also watch a short film about the history of the estate, the Annenbergs and the many famous visitors they hosted over the years. There is also a gift shop and café with outdoor seating. For complete details on the estate, tours, tickets and events, go to www.sunnylands.org.

A visit to Sunnylands is just one of the many educational and entertaining activities sponsored by the Desert Gardeners Club. For the most up-to-date info on our schedule, go to www.scshdesertgardeners.com. We meet from November to April. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email scshdesertgardeners@gmail.com. Come grow with us!

The Montecito Fitness Center will reopen Friday, May 25 with normal hours.

Here's a sneak peak at the new Technogym equipment:

Previous Board Meeting videos are available on the Residents Only page.

Unfortunately, the Lifestyle Department has witnessed a decline in attendance at our Movie Night on Fridays. As a result, we are considering changing the schedule from every Friday to the last Friday of the month.

Do you have ideas for improving Movie Night? We would like to hear from you!

An email was sent yesterday to some residents appearing to be from Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association asking for donations for a fundraiser campaign. This was an email scam using a spoofed email address.

We’d like to remind you to be cautious when opening unsolicited emails. If you are unsure if a message came from Sun City Shadow Hills, please contact techsupport@scshca.com.

Previous Board Meeting videos are available on the Residents Only page.

In late 2017, a 25-sq. ft. section of the epoxy coating near the spa was exhibiting numerous changes in color, texture, blistering and delaminating from the primary concrete decking. A temporary repair around the spa decking was made while SCSH did an investigation for a long term solution. A professional flooring consultant, R. Godfrey Consulting, was hired to inspect the condition to determine how the problematic conditions can be remedied. This is same consultant SCSH hired to oversee the Santa Rosa Pool and Spa deck remediation project. In March, 2018, R. Godfrey Consultant performed a site evaluation for the Montecito Pool/Spa deck and has provided the scope of work and recommendations regarding the methods required for the remediation of the epoxy decking. SCSH Staff and the Facilities and Services Advisory Committee have reviewed the consultant’s report and are currently obtaining proposals for the restoration of the entire pool and spa epoxy coating decking. This project is scheduled for Fall of 2018. If necessary, additional temporary repairs will be completed while proposals are reviewed and a contractor is selected to complete the restoration project.

By Bill Wethe
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)

 2018 Insurance Renewal

On April 10, 2018 the Board approved the insurance renewal proposals submitted by Prendiville Insurance Agency with an effective date of April 22, 2018.

Introduction to Prendiville Insurance Agency

On January 3, 2018 the Board approved the FAC recommendation to change the insurance broker of record to Prendiville Insurance Agency. This article will introduce the new insurance broker and some of its team members that are servicing the account of the Association.

Patrick Prendiville started Prendiville Insurance Agency in 1988 after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prendiville Insurance Agency is a seven-time member of the prestigious Farmers Insurance President’s Council. In 2016, Prendiville Insurance Agency was nationally recognized as the Farmers Insurance Commercial Agency of the year. With offices in Dana Point, Rancho Mirage, and San Diego, Prendiville Insurance Agency services over 500 associations throughout Southern California.

Mr. Prendiville has earned the “Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS)” designation from Community Associations Institute (CAI). Over the years, Patrick has been actively involved in multiple chapters of CAI. Highlights of Mr. Prendiville’s involvement with Community Association Institute’s local Chapters Include:

• Awarded “Outstanding Service Award” in 2013 and “Committee Member of the Year” in 2016 (Orange County)
• Chapter President in 2012 (Orange County)
• Board Member of the chapter for six years (Orange County)
• Chapter President in 2018 (San Diego)
• Committee Chair of the “Legislative Support Committee” 2009-2010 (Orange County)
• Committee Chair of the “Education Committee” 2013-2014 (Orange County)
• Awarded “Speaker of The Year” in 2011(Orange County)
• Nominated for Educator of the Year 2017 (San Diego)

Matthew Lawton has been working in the insurance industry for over 10 years and specializes in HOA Insurance. Not only has Matthew earned the “Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist” designation from CAI, but he has also attained the “Certified Insurance Counselor” designation from the National Alliance. Matthew is the only insurance agent in California to have earned both in-depth insurance designations!

When Matthew isn’t speaking to Board Members about insurance issues, he can be found sitting with the Board Members at his own resident’s association. Matthew is a Board Member of Palm Court HOA in Rancho Mirage where they focus on doing what’s right for the community and its membership.

When Matthew isn’t busy dealing with his own community, he can be found helping with local city events and projects. As a current Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, as well as a previous Commissioner on the Rancho Mirage Emergency Preparedness Committee, Matthew tries to educate himself and others in disaster preparedness.

Over the years Matthew has written numerous articles for HOA-related publications and has won many awards including Business Partner of The Year, Committee Chair of The Year, Member of The Year and Author of The Year.

Marissa Taff has been a licensed agent for 5 years. Marissa manages roughly $3 million of our book of business. As an account manager of 5 years, she works closely with insureds covering all their insurance needs, including coverage, billing, claims, and service issues.