As you may have heard the State has lifted the Regional Stay at Home Orders from 12/3/2020. The prior Stay at Home Orders are still in effect including the Stay at Home Order from 3/19/2020.
The Board will be meeting tomorrow at 4:00 pm to go over the new guidelines from the State and County, but it appears we will be back to the guidelines from last November where three households could meet outdoors, and outdoor dining will be allowed. In also states no indoor gatherings are allowed, the same as before.
We will also be discussing the opening of Shadows outdoors to see when it is possible that staff will be ready to take such action.
We will get back to you Thursday morning with the new guidelines.
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:
Residents that always want masks even outdoors and everything closed down for now.
Residents that want everything opened because Government should not do this, and the science doesn’t justify the closing of activities.
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.
Fly the United States Flag at Half-Staff Immediately Through Sunset on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Honoring the United States Capitol Police Officers
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2021
HONORING UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order 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, January 13, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time 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 tenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
Open your web browser, visit scshca.com, and click on Login at the top-right corner of the page.
Enter your username (email address) and current password to log in.
After logging in, click on “Profile” at the top right corner of the page.
Scroll down to where it says “Account Management” and click on the “Set New Password” button.
Delete the randomly generated text and type in your own password. Note: if the system rates your password as "very weak" or "weak" you will need to click on the "Confirm use of weak password" checkbox.
Finally, click on the “Update Profile” button at the very bottom to save the change.
You will use your new password the next time you log into our website. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
Note: changing your SCSH website password does not affect your passwords for dwellingLIVE, Mindbody, or the Shadow Hills Golf Club website.
The Residents in Phase 1 may begin calling for installation appointments of the Frontier internet beginning tomorrow January 7. This means all residents from all 3 phases of the community may now call in for appointments. The Exception are residents not yet hooked up to Frontier in Phase 1, they 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.
Attached are the instructions on who and how to call.
To recap the basic provisions of the Frontier plan:
It is a 5-year internet-only plan.
It is $12 per month (with a 5% increase per year). This will be included in your HOA monthly dues amount beginning January 1, 2021.
All residents will have to participate and pay the $12 per month. There are no opt-out provisions for any resident even if they do not use the Frontier internet service.
The internet speed is 500 upload and 500 download.
Contract includes a wireless router/modem and there is no install fee to the resident.
You may install at a later date at no charge.
TV plans are available if residents want to purchase TV plans directly from Frontier.
Phone line is available and is purchased directly from Frontier.
Resident may purchase any TV plan from any provider. It is not required to purchase TV plans from Frontier.
I would like to answer the most frequently asked questions:
When can I install the Frontier service? Everyone may call for appointments in all 3 phases beginning tomorrow January 7. The Exception are 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.
If I already have Frontier service will I need to have an installation appointment? Yes. Most homes do not have the equipment to handle the faster speed of 500/500. It is estimated that 90% of Frontier customers will need new equipment installed.
When will the $12 per month fee go into effect? The monthly increase will begin on January 1, 2021 and is part of your HOA monthly dues.
If I am not installed by January 1, why are my dues being increased on January 1,2021? Assuming Frontier completes the install by March 1, here is the calculation for monthly dues to cover your monthly Frontier internet service. You will notice that you are not paying any more money than if we started billing on March 1:
If we start billing on March 1, that will mean $12 per month for 10 months, March through December. That totals $120 for the year.
If we start billing in January at a rate of $10 per month that equals $10 x 12 which equals $120 for the year. Notice that this is exactly the same amount of money.
We also need to add in installation charges and notification charges which total about $1.13 per home per month.
Since we don’t know for sure when Frontier will finish the install, if Frontier finishes installation early, by February 1 instead of February 28, there will be an additional increase per month of $1 per month per home.
Total of all combined costs is between $11.13 per month to $12.13 per month.
Given these costs it is anticipated increasing HOA dues starting January 1 by $12 per month to cover all costs and possibilities.
It will mean some homes will be installed before the dues increase begins and some homes will be installed after the dues increase on January 1, 2021. This was the only way to finalize the terms of the contract given the limitations of our governing documents in not charging different prices to different homes. So, to have a smooth transition all year no matter what happens, starting the dues increase in January is exactly the same cost no matter when a person is installed.
Can I keep my existing TV service if I want? Yes. The HOA Frontier contract is for internet service only. Each resident will decide on their own what TV service they would like, and you may purchase TV service from any company you wish. You are not required to buy TV service from Frontier. So, you could have Frontier internet service and Spectrum TV service as an example.
Am I required to install the Frontier internet service? No.
If I do not install the Frontier internet service do I still have to pay the monthly fee of $12? Yes. All residents will pay the monthly fee of $12 per month which will be part of your HOA monthly dues even if you don’t install the service.
If I order TV service from Frontier, will I pay the HOA for the TV service? No. Any extra services for TV or phone will be billed to you directly by the company. The HOA monthly dues amount will only include the $12 for internet service.
If I am unavailable for an appointment at this time what happens? You may call any time in the future to make an appointment for installation. There is no charge to install the Frontier internet no matter when it is installed.
I am in Canada and might not be able to be in the area for one year. What happens? The same answer as #9, you may call any time. This could be done one, two, three years later and there would still be no charge to install the Frontier internet when you want.
I have heard the Frontier TV plans have gone up in price, is this correct? Yes. As we stated in the Town Hall meetings, pricing on TV packages was not guaranteed. Some of the packages currently don’t exist and some of the packages have doubled in price. We suggest you investigate all companies and their TV service before making a decision on which TV package and service to purchase.
Am I required to purchase a TV plan from Frontier? No. You may buy TV service from any company you want, or you may choose not to buy TV service at all.
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.
A vehicle was involved in a single car accident on the east end of Avenue 40 and Monroe intersection. No Sun City Shadow Hills residents were involved. The street closure is due to the reconstruction of the traffic collision for the police department’s investigation. In the meantime, traffic is being diverted. Please avoid this route.
It has been verified that residents are now sick with the COVID virus from almost all activities. We have confirmed cases for golf, tennis, and pickleball. The Board is asking for everyone’s help to minimize the spread of this virus which is now growing at an alarming rate in the Southern California area. We have also been told of another death which was caused by the virus. If you don’t feel well, please stay home and follow all recommendations for isolation and testing before returning to participate in any activity.
Please, no gatherings of any kind because more than 70% of the spread of the virus is from such gatherings. If you have attended a gathering please isolate for 3-5 days and then have a COVID test before participating in any activity.
The virus can easily be transferred to other people when participating in other activities. If you are going to participate in other activities please follow all the State, County, and CDC guidelines. If you can’t maintain social distancing at all times be sure to wear a mask. Now, more than ever, caution and best practices are needed for the health and safety of everyone.
Once again, the HOA is not looking for violations of the State Order on private property but will investigate any complaint. The HOA will enforce the State Order on common property including streets, courts, dog parks, etc. Guests are only allowed for golf at this time. According to the State Order there are not supposed to be any guests in any home at any time. Please, for your own health, and for the health and safety of all that live here at SCSH, cancel all gatherings, and follow all the guidelines when participating in any activity.
We have a couple of difficult months but given the rapid growth of the virus at this time we hope everyone will take extra precautions to help ensure the health and safety of everyone.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart, that we report that Richard Smetana, the General Manager of SCSH, passed away on Saturday, December 26. As some of you may know, Rich was battling lung cancer and was on medical leave since August 2020. Unfortunately, Rich experienced additional complications. We extend our condolences to his wife, Cida, and we pray that God provides her with strength and courage during this very difficult time.
In your prayers, please take a moment to ask God to look out for our friend and his family.
Happy New Year to everyone during this most unusual time. We all hope this pandemic will end soon, but for now we must remain focused and stay the course. Although a 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 our guard; this is the time to be very cautious, very responsible, and very aware plus do everything possible to keep this virus from infecting our families and friends.
Your 2021 total monthly assessment per homeowner unit is $306. This amount includes the $12 for your Frontier internet. However, the Board voted to issue each homeowner unit a one-time credit of $144. So, your January 2021 assessment will be reduced by $144, making the total amount due for January $162. The amount due for February through December 2021 will be $306 per month. Please make a note that for January your monthly assessment is $162 and not $306.
A new State law, California AB3182, has gone into effect on January 1, 2021. This new law requires that the minimum rental time for all HOAs cannot be greater than 31 days. Our CC&Rs currently require the minimum rental time to be 90 days. This means the HOA can prohibit rentals of 30 days or less but cannot deny a rental time of 31 days or more. Our HOA is required to follow the new State law even though our CC&Rs state something different. So, effective January 1, 2021, our HOA will not allow rentals for 30 days or less, but it does mean owners may rent their homes for 31 days as the minimum rather than the previous 90 day minimum.
The new law also requires us to change our CC&Rs to conform to the new State law, which we will be presenting to the residents. Hopefully, we can get enough ballots in favor of the change but, even if we do not, we will be required by law to enforce the new law no matter what our CC&Rs state. Unfortunately, we are not allowed simply to change the wording in our CC&Rs; we are required to have our residents vote in the change even though we must follow the new law.
A change to the CC&Rs happens by a ballot vote to all residents and requires 51% of all homes to vote in favor of the change. This will mean we will need 1760 affirmative homes to make it happen. If we do not get the 1760 votes, we will have to leave the language in our CC&Rs 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&Rs with the State law we are required to follow.
It is a most unusual time, but there is a light at the end of this tunnel. It is getting brighter by the day, but for now we must all work hard to ensure the health and safety of all residents. I look forward to seeing card players in every room again. I look forward to seeing the billiards room full once again. I look forward to seeing crafts being made and photos on the wall again. I look forward to seeing the Lady Putters and Tuesday Night Putters once again. I look forward to the concerts along with gatherings like Meet and Eat, Comedy Night, Tutta Bella, and dinner with friends again.
The days ahead will be better. They are coming. I look forward to those special days again knowing “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
During the month of December 2020, the FAC and FAC Subcommittee continued its work with the Board as well as with DRM and Troon management on behalf of the Association including:
Review and recommend Board approval of the unaudited November 2020 financial statements of the Association including the:
financial statements and supplementary schedules prepared by DRM/Associa, Troon, and the Controller.
combining and combined financial statements included in the Treasurer’s report for the Association prepared by the Controller.
summary financial information on financial position and results of operations included in the Controller’s report to the Board.
condensed Association financial information to be published in The View.
Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared by the Controller on the:
2020 Operating Fund revenues and expenses.
2020 Replacement Fund expenses for the purchase and replacement of common area real property components and inter-fund transfers to the Operating Fund for the purchase and replacement of common area personal property and equipment components.
Review and written recommendations on the 2020 Forecast (11+1) of the Operating Fund and Replacement Fund as compared to the 2020 Budget and the 2020 Forecast (10+2) Forecast prepared by the Controller.
Preparation of the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the 2020 Forecast (11+1) with comparison to the prior forecast and the 2020 Budget provided to the Board.
Review and written recommendations on proposed BAFs for the expenditure of funds from the Replacement Fund for the replacement or major repair of real and personal property common area components identified in the Reserve Study.
Review and recommend Board approval of the November 2020 bank statements, bank reconciliations, and investment account statements.
Regular meeting of FAC held on December 18, 2020, using an audio and video conference call.
For the Board meeting on December 21, 2020:
Preparation of the FAC monthly written report to the Board.
Review of the Controller’s monthly written report to the Board.
Work in Process
Review of firms providing non-judicial foreclosure services, preparation of Request for Proposal (RFP), review of responses to RFP, evaluation of service firms, and written recommendation to the Board.
Potential revisions to Replacement Fund Investment Policy and written recommendation to the Board.
Upcoming Work
Annual review and potential revisions to the:
FAC Charter and Mission.
FAC Subcommittee Charter and Mission.
Association Procurement Policy.
2020 Audit
FAC Members
FAC now has two openings on the Committee. We would love to hear from you if you have a background including accounting and financial reporting along with an interest in serving on the FAC or on the FAC Subcommittee. Please contact the author if you would like to discuss completing an Advisory Committee Interest Form.
Further Information
Additional FAC Members: Larry Anderson, Bob Giovannettone, Bob Jester, Jerry Cavoretto, Mike Whelan, and Bruce Marley. FAC Subcommittee Members on the Replacement Fund and Reserve Study: Chris Stevens, Don Salvatore, Bruce Marley, and Bill Wethe, Chair.
It seems so long, sometimes it is hard to remember what normal used to be. As we come into this holiday season, it is clear we still have some difficult days ahead. But we need to stay focused, we need to care for each other, and we need to know it will end, for that I am sure.
There is hope, and with hope comes help, and with help comes the bright light of the future. The Board wants to wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday, knowing a moment of magic is coming, when once again we will be thankful to be together.
Those are the days to look forward to, those are the days that are coming, and those are the days worth waiting for. There is no task so great that we cannot overcome. Take a moment and know those days are coming, when once again we can hold hands. The sun will be rising on those days soon, so look to the sky, and BELIEVE.
I wish you well this holiday season. Take care and be safe.
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.
Barbara Thomas The Thomas’s Love to Share their Christmas Spirit ❤️🎄🎅🏻
Camille & Eric Brownson Our vintage Christmas collection from around the world.
Cookie Lynch A few corners of our home!
Donald McLean McLean house on 39625 Corte Chimborazo.
Donna & Richard Baird Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Bairds!
Emilie Jester Holiday décor at our home combines Mexico and Sweden in decorations. Christmas Eve's celebration begins with Swedish Ljorum (herring caviar) on toasts with sour cream and onions then follows with traditional Swedish menu of a variety of pickled herrings, gravid Lax, boiled potatoes, stuffed eggs, cucumber salad, Jansson's Temptation, ham, red cabbage, meatballs, Limpa bread with cheeses...along with important the aquavit shots and singing traditional songs before we open presents.
Harvey & Kathi Hopkins
Maria Giovannettone Did not put my Christmas tree up, but I still wanted the feeling of Christmas, so I decorated a little.
MaryLou Phillips
Pam Castro-Lee
Patti & John Petersen Merry Christmas!
Rosalyn MacDonald COVID may keep the visitors away but we are still enjoying the Christmas Season in Sun City Shadow Hills!
Sally & Eduardo Polk-Garcia Here's hoping MANY people have sent in photos of their beautiful decorations!
Sending our best to you and the entire staff – stay well!
Salvie McFarlane A very limited Christmas this year.
Susie Talbot Xmas in the living room with our Santa collection and nutcrackers collection
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are the highlights from Podcasts on Tuesday regarding the Indoor pool closure given the legal requirements from the State and County.
The Indoor Pool had to close on Wednesday, December 16, because of new State and County Orders. New Guidelines were issued on December 3 regarding indoor pools. The Board missed implementing the new guidelines on December 3 because we were focused on the new outdoor dining rules and the new gathering rules. Once a resident pointed out the new rules, we had no choice but to close the Indoor Pool on 12/16.
We were informed of another resident of SCSH that contracted the COVID virus and that person has died. This brings our total number of cases reported to us at 7 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) has had 105 cases and 7 deaths.
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.
Residents are required to follow the State and County Orders. The next 6 weeks will be very difficult, but we must be diligent in trying to prevent the spread of this virus until the vaccine is available and that is not expected for our age group until March. Please be most careful during this time, the Board’s primary concern is your health and safety. The holiday season can wait, it is worth waiting in order to keep you healthy and alive. 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.
There is no perfect answer on how to proceed, but the Board is trying to find that path that is safe while allowing for certain activities to proceed. Some residents will want more restrictions, while some prefer no restrictions at all. The Board understands these different opinions and hopes all residents will respect the decisions going forward given it is not possible to make everyone happy through this crisis.
The Board wants to explain the concerns of how we reach a decision given the State and County Orders. We believe it is not our place to determine the implementation of policy based on medical information and data. We are not medical experts, so it is not our place or role to evaluate the State and County orders as right or wrong, that is for medical experts and government officials.
When 70% of all cases come from family and friends gathering, I too wonder why the need to close certain activities when there is so little evidence of the virus spreading in those activities, but like I said, that is not our role. The Board must follow the law, and that is a major reason for reaching our decision. This protects the HOA from legal claims. We must be careful not to violate the law because our governing documents require we follow the law.
The problem is there is no insurance against any claim regarding the COVID virus. Virus claims are specifically excluded in insurance policies. So, any claim for damages will not be paid for by the insurance company. This means if there was a claim for damages the HOA would have to pay for such a claim from our own funds. That could lead to special assessments depending on the amount of such claims. Our only defense against such claims is that we followed the law. Hopefully, this helps to explain why we must be careful about how we operate so that we don’t violate any State or Count regulations during this time.
The new order from the State became quite clear, Indoor pools must close, no exceptions. So, we had no choice but to close the Indoor pool. We will be discussing on Monday how to implement new procedures to try and accommodate more swimmers in the remaining two outdoor pools. Hopefully, next week we will have some answers, but if you have suggestions please let us know.
As a person who has operated and built commercial pools for 35 years and knowing there is no evidence of the virus spreading in a chlorinated pool, I too believe some of the restrictions lack logic and common sense. The problem for the Board is defending ourselves and protecting all the residents of the HOA from any claim, real or made-up.
The Board has been deciding on the side of safety and health and given the stats of SCPD all the residents here should be commended for their efforts. Given our current information SCPD has nine times more cases on a per capita basis. A tribute to all the residents here for their efforts to keep SCSH as safe as possible. No one wants to lose their family or friends, and to that end it does take effort.
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 and people over 65 years old are projected to be getting the vaccine by next March. Hopefully by summer this will all be behind us; it is those days to look forward to and those days are coming.
Please stay the course, do not let up now, we have all come too far to let down now. We are all in the last few miles of a marathon, but it does mean we need to finish this race, and we need to finish it with everyone safe and healthy. Please be careful over the holidays and protect yourselves, your family, and all your friends.
The Board thanks every one of you for your past efforts and for your future diligence.
The Board met on Monday to discuss the new County and State Orders regarding masks and gatherings. The Board determined there was too much conflicting information about the use of masks, so the Board decided not to make any changes to the use of masks at this time. If you can maintain 6’ social distancing from other people you are not required to wear a mask outdoors. I have attached the State Order for mask guidelines.
Gatherings have changed in that 3 households may no longer meet even outdoors. The new State Order for gatherings is: “All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited…”. I have attached the State Order dated 12/3/20. This is a change from before when we could meet with 3 households outdoors, that is no longer possible. The State Order is now no guests or visitors at any time indoors or outdoors. There are exceptions by the State and one exception is golf, we may have outside people play golf. So, visitors or guests may play golf, but no one may gather before or after golf, indoors or outdoors. This is the only HOA exception for guests, otherwise guests are not allowed on Common Property or Private Property.
If you have questions, please let me know. The next 3-4 weeks will be difficult, but a vaccine is on the way. The light will be getting brighter each day.
Stay safe and healthy, I will be back to you soon.
