Photos: Annual Golf Walk 2022

Friday, November 4, 2022
Shadow Hills Golf Club South Course

2023 Budget and HOA Assessment

On October 31, 2022, the Board accepted the 2023 Budget as presented. This reflects a monthly assessment of $337, beginning January 2023. If you are not registered for automatic withdrawal through DRM, but are registered through your personal bank, please note, you will need to update the amount to be withdrawn with your bank. If you are registered via DRM, no changes will be necessary.

In addition, the 2023 Budget Mailer will be mailed to you on November 17, 2022. We encourage you to register for Email Consent. This procedure will allow the HOA staff to email you written correspondence expediting the communication process. The email consent form applies to SCSH mailers, i.e., the Budget mailer, Audit mailer, Courtesy Notices, Notice of Citations, etc. However, it will not apply to the Call for Candidates mailer, which is required to be sent via US postal mail. Signing up for Email Consent is beneficial for many reasons, including immediate receipt of HOA communications and cost savings for the Association, as each mailer costs approximately $16,000.00. Please sign up online at www.scshca.com/forms or at the Association Office.

If you have any questions, please contact the HOA Office at 760-345-4349.

Property Tax Bill

We have received some feedback from homeowners who noticed an increase on their property tax bill. Please note, that the Association staff cannot assist with answering questions, or processing a refund for your property tax bill. If you noticed an increase on your property tax bill, specifically for Burrtec Waste Management, you may reach Burrtec Waste Management at 760-340-2113 to discuss the details. Please note that there might be a long wait time in order to reach a Burrtec representative.

2023 Concert Series on Sale November 1

Tickets for our 2023 concerts will go on sale
on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 8:00 am.

To purchase tickets, visit the tickets page on our website:

☞ www.scshca.com/tickets

☞ Click Here to Watch Our Demo Video on How to Purchase Tickets

Concerts in the Montecito Ballroom
(On Sale November 1)
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 7:00 pm • Marvin Gaye Tribute • SOLD OUT
**NEW** Saturday, February 4, 2023, 4:00 pm • Fleetwood Mac Tribute • $30
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 7:00 pm • Fleetwood Mac Tribute • SOLD OUT
Friday, March 3, 2023, 7:00 pm • Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga Tribute • SOLD OUT

Free Outdoor Concerts
(No Ticket Required)
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 7:00 pm • Carlos Santana Tribute • Free
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 7:00 pm • Earth, Wind, and Fire Tribute • Free

Update from the SCSH Board

The Board has retained Legal Counsel specializing in ABC Law to help sort out various questions and concerns related to the ABC Licenses that Sun City Shadow Hills holds and to make sure the Association and members can take full advantage of their licenses by understanding the various privileges and requirements associated with these licenses.

Legal Counsel will be working with the local ABC Department and officials in Sacramento to make sure we get a clear understanding of what is allowed and what may need some adjustments. We hope to receive a written response by November 10, 2022.

We understand that some of you are doing your own research and that is great. The Board is also doing their due diligence and are awaiting the legal opinion which will be shared with the community. If you have additional questions or concerns you may send those to Vanessa Ayon, Assistant General Manager at vanessa.ayon@associa.us.

We all look forward to getting these concerns addressed as soon as possible, especially with the holiday season fast approaching. The Board and Management cannot thank you enough for your patience during this time.

CVWD Early Work Start Time Notice (October 31)

Coachella Valley Water District Storm Channel Project
6:00 am Early Work Start Time Notice

What: Sukut Construction will be pouring concrete at the North Channel at 7:00am. The crew will be onsite between 6:00am – 6:30am.

When: Monday, October 31, 2022, 6:00 am

Construction Zone: The channel near the Southeast corner of 40th Avenue and Jefferson Street. Near the old pond area in Sun City Shadow Hills.

What to expect: Moderate noise emitted from machinery. Sukut Construction will implement all necessary actions to control dust and any associated air pollution within the project footprint by following applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the governmental entities having jurisdiction (City, State, etc.) as outlined in the contract documents.

We thank you for your continued patience during this project. For more information, please contact the SCSH Facilities Department at 760-345-4349 Ext. 2401.

CVWD Early Work Start Time Notice (October 26)

Coachella Valley Water District Storm Channel Project
3:00 am Early Work Start Time Notice

What: Sukut Construction will be operating heavy equipment at the North Channel Construction Zone.

When: Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 3:00 am – 2:30 pm

Construction Zone: The channel near the Southeast corner of 40th Avenue and Jefferson Street. Near the old pond area in Sun City Shadow Hills.

What to expect: Some noise as the equipment moves around the area. Sukut Construction will be implementing all necessary actions to control dust and any associated air pollution within the project footprint by following applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the governmental entities having jurisdiction (City, State, etc.) as outlined in the contract documents.

We thank you for your continued patience during this project. For more information, please contact the SCSH Facilities Department at 760-345-4349 Ext. 2401.

President’s Report – November 2022

As published in The View, November 2022:

John MacDonnell
President

The Budget and 2023 Assessment

At this time of the year, a successful budget is on everyone’s mind. We have had two successful budget meetings attended by many homeowners who participated in the process with the Board, HOA management, and the Finance Advisory Committee. In this challenging economic time, we made a major effort to keep any necessary increase as low as possible and as manageable as possible consistent with preserving the assets and lifestyle that this community enjoys.

At the time of writing this article, the last budget meeting and final vote by the Board have not yet taken place. But the probable increase necessary will be in the neighborhood of $20 per month per homeowner, accounting for the increases in costs set out below. Unfortunately, your Board has little to no control over these increases and worked very hard to keep them as low as possible.

  • Insurance: $10.00
  • Security: $3.50
  • Landscaping: $3.00
  • Utilities: $3.50
  • Total: $20.00

The Townhall

Our recent Townhall was so well attended that we practically ran out of chairs, and it was great to have so much community representation. Your Board always wants to hear from you. Many had responded to the survey sent out before the Townhall, and many chose to speak at the event. Please continue to stay involved and speak out. This is your community, so please use your voice. We are listening. You will soon receive follow-up surveys regarding the categories set out below. Be sure to let your Board know your thoughts to assist with future decision making.

  • Five-acre lot development
  • Montecito Café renovation
  • Pickleball courts
  • Don’t spend money on non-budgeted improvements

Looking Back at 2022 Accomplishments

As we approach year-end, I would like to recap and highlight some of the many changes, upgrades, and improvements that have been made in our community this year, in no particular order:

  • Pond #1: Drained, cleaned, and removed all the reeds and vegetation that had overgrown the pond and installed a beautiful fountain that is lit up at night.
  • Pond #2: Was drained and filled with free dirt, compacted, and is now covered with beautiful grass. This project was necessary to save having to make a very large investment to rebuild the pond.
  • Landscaping: In our common areas, we are moving towards drought-resistant, desertscape landscaping with water conservation in mind. You can already see an example of this near the Montecito clocktower.
  • Pavers: Replaced large areas of concrete walkways around the Montecito Clubhouse, the clocktower, and the fitness center. The pavers allow our maintenance department to repair only the areas that show wear or damage, allowing future savings.
  • Montecito Pool Restoration: The pool was replastered and retiled, and pool furniture is being upgraded now.
  • Santa Rosa Fitness Center: The walking track has been resurfaced.
  • Gate: Jefferson gate cameras were updated. The much-awaited handheld tablets and printers have arrived. They are used to speed up guest/vendor entry and reports have been very positive.
  • Indoor Pool: Humidity at the indoor pool is controlled by a custom dehumidifier. We have commissioned construction of a new one which is in progress but takes many months. This is a reserve expense for which we have saved over many years.
  • Golf: Troon has hired a new General Manager and we welcome Phil Vigil. He has been in the Coachella Valley for 35 years. Stop and introduce yourself to Phil soon.
  • Golf: Troon continues to work within our budget to improve our courses and the value of golf amenities to the community.
  • Shadows and Other Food Services: Troon continues to work closely with your Board to keep the budget subsidy for these services as low as possible and to improve the quality of our food offerings and service. In your Board’s opinion, we are making substantial progress that we expect will continue.
  • Shadows: Join us in welcoming our new chef, John Dutra. He has introduced a new menu. We hope you will visit Shadows to try one of the new well-received dishes and enjoy a specialty night.
  • Santa Rosa Bistro: Has reopened with a new menu, be sure to stop in and enjoy the new offerings.

Contact the author at john.macdonnell@scshca.com.

Finance Advisory Committee – November 2022

By Zerryl Becker
Finance Advisory Committee Vice-Chair

As published in The View, November 2022:

Question of the month: What is the Finance Advisory Committee Subcommittee, and who are the members?

Each proposed HOA expenditure over $5,000 is reviewed by the Subcommittee, which sends its recommendation and comments to the Finance Advisory Committee.

The Subcommittee works to preserve our community by ensuring a due diligence structured and detailed proposal evaluation and contract negotiation process for contractor bid evaluations and selections and by keeping our reserves at a reasonable level. Members review each request and visit the site of the proposed expenditure to review the need for replacement or repair.

There are three members of the Finance Committee on the Subcommittee and five additional HOA volunteers experienced in construction, engineering, equipment, and procurement.

Members of the Subcommittee include:

  • Zerryl Becker, Vice Chair and member of FAC, is a former Dean of Applied Science and Business at College of the Desert, responsible for programs including culinary, golf, turfgrass, air conditioning, construction management, and accounting.
  • Mike Whelan, FAC Vice Chair for Replacement Fund investments and the financial liaison from FAC to the Subcommittee, has 40+ years of experience in financial service, primarily sales, trust banking, and asset management.
  • Bob Jester, FAC Chair, was a practicing attorney for 44 years. His practice included construction surety bond work for numerous large projects where the contractor had defaulted, including the selection of new contractors for the completion of the project and supervision of the project completion, and extensive experience in drafting contracts, overseeing compliance, and litigating contract issues.
  • Chris Stevens has 40 years of experience working for the Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory in space flight technology development and line, project and program management for NASA earth science, astrophysics, solar physics, and planetary missions. Chris brings experience in technical risk management and cost estimation to the Subcommittee.
  • Rick Ambrose retired after 35 years running a multi-staff civil/structural engineering firm that focused primarily on structural design involving military projects and public works facilities like bridges, box culverts, and pumping stations. In addition to design responsibilities, Rick was responsible for overseeing the contracts for and construction of these facilities. He is currently a member of these Advisory Committees: Emergency Preparedness, CVWD North Channel, Facilities and Services, and Five-Acre Parcel.
  • Jim Bullock brings 34 years experience working for golf course maintenance equipment distributors in the fields of information systems, accounting, budgeting and forecasting, equipment leasing contracts, inventory management, vendor relations, new and used equipment sales, lease residuals, and trade-in equipment assessment.
  • Ted Shettler has an MBA and is the former Public Works Director for San Marino, CA. Working in consulting, he designed a number of stormwater projects around LA County, including project management and environmental issues.
  • Don Salvatore spent over 50 years in the construction industry specializing in commercial renovation projects, including Anaheim Stadium and Disneyland California Adventures. As the owner of his own company, Don negotiated many contracts between labor and management. He has been a member of the Subcommittee since 2013.

The committee is searching for one additional member with experience in construction, engineering, or procurement. It is a very rewarding way to learn more about your HOA and contribute to the community. Applications are available on the SCSHCA website at www.scshca.com/committeeinterest.

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

Budget Session #3 Video Now Available

Fall Tree Trimming Schedule

Monday, October 31, 2022

  • Jefferson Entrance
  • Sun City Blvd in Phase 1

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

  • Sun City Blvd in Phase 2
  • Calle Los Osos
  • Calle Pueblo
  • Calle Celestino

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

  • Sun City Blvd in Phase 3

Thursday, November 3, 2022

  • Monroe Street
  • 40th Ave

Friday, November 4, 2022

  • Madison Street

Monday, November 7, 2022

  • Los Padres Basin
  • North Channel

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

  • Santa Rosa Clubhouse

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

  • Montecito Clubhouse
  • Shadows Restaurant

If you have any questions, please contact the Association’s Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Photos: Paint El Paseo Pink

Saturday, October 8, 2020
Palm Desert CA