SCSH News

Phase 1 Dog Park Closure

The Phase 1 Dog Park will be closed from Wednesday, January 10, 2024, to Wednesday, January 24, 2024. The park will be undergoing turf restoration and resodding due to excess wear. Please visit the Phase 3 Dog Park or the North Channel Park during this time.

The Phase 1 Dog Park will reopen on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

Ballot Mailing Preference Form for 2024 HOA Election

We are preparing for the Annual 2024 HOA Election of Board of Directors in April. The 2024 ballots will be mailed to your Primary Mailing address, which you submitted to the HOA office.

If your Primary Mailing address is not the address where you wish to receive your ballot for the HOA election scheduled to take place on April 2, 2024, please complete the form linked below by February 1, 2024.

☞ 2024 Election Ballot Mailing Preference Form

Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating (DELAYED)

Due to the forecasted cold temperatures, NPG Asphalt will delay this month’s seal coating to late February and will run through early March.

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your cooperation.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

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

Wednesday 1/10/2024
Camino Los Milagros (West of Calle Pueblo), Corte La Fonda,
Avenida Bienvenida, Calle Los Osos, Avenida Galeana

Thursday 1/11/2024
Camino Los Milagros (East of Calle Pueblo), Calle Guapo,
Avenida Del Toro, Camino Cantos, Corte Pelicano

Friday 1/12/2024
Camino Vallecita, Corte Esperanza, Corte Carranza, Avenida Las Ramblas,
Corte Refugio, Calle Celestino (East of Avenida Alcalde), Avenida Dulce

Wednesday 1/17/2024
Camino Zulema, Camino El Destino, Avenida Santiago,
Camino Montevideo (East of Camino Fuerte)

Thursday 1/18/2024
Avenida Alcalde, Avenida Bahia,
Camino Los Milagros (North of Avenida Bienvenida)

Friday 1/19/2024
Avenida Sombra (West of Camino El Triunfo), Camino El Triunfo,
Calle Descanso, Corte Nube, Camino Montevideo (West of Camino Fuerte),
Camino Fuerte

Thursday 1/25/2024
Avenida Sombra (East of Camino El Triunfo)

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

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

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

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your cooperation.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Notice

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Schedule

☞ Phase 2 Asphalt Seal Coating Map

Reminder: HOA Assessment Increase

On October 30, 2023, the Board accepted the 2024 Budget. This reflects a monthly assessment of $346, beginning January 2024, which is a $9 per month increase. 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.

Tips on Proper Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Why Not Just Throw It Away?

Improper disposal of household hazardous wastes (pouring wastes down the drain, into toilets, on the ground, into storm drains, or putting them out with the trash) has the potential to cause physical injury to trash workers; contaminate groundwater; contaminate wastewater treatment systems; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.

How to Dispose of HHW Properly

HHW should be taken to a facility that can process it safely. There are two permanent HHW facilities in the desert, one in Palm Springs and another in Coachella. In addition, HHW Collection Events are held throughout the year in various desert cities, including Indio.

To find locations, dates and times for both permanent facilities and events, check out the City of Indio’s Household Hazardous Waste webpage at –

www.indio.org/departments/public-works-department

and then click on the link to “household hazardous waste disposal.”

HHW includes the examples pictured above plus many more caustic and/or poisonous items. For a list of HHW that must never be placed in any household trash or recycling bin, check out our Waste Recycling Guide on our Trash Collection page at https://www.scshca.com/trash/

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Stop the Bleed

A person can die from blood loss within five minutes. It's often the nearest bystander who has the best chance of saving that person's life. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign to train and equip bystanders to respond before professional help arrives.

Trauma surgeon Jay Doucet, MD, FACS, demonstrates how best to "stop the bleed" in three different scenarios: 1) when you have nothing, 2) when you have a Stop the Bleed kit or tourniquet, or 3) when you can’t put a tourniquet on the wound but you have gauze. Always remember to make sure you are safe and call 911 before helping someone else.

Recall Election Ballots

Please do not deliver ballots to the HOA Office.

There are two ballots boxes, located by the main entrance inside each clubhouse. Please deliver your sealed envelope to a ballot box at either clubhouse. Staff will not deliver your ballot to these ballot boxes.

Please remember to sign the secret envelope before placing it in the ballot box.

Announcement of 2024 Board Candidates

The Nominating Committee announced the 2024 Annual Meeting Candidates at December's Board Meeting:

Linda Aasen
Michael Becker
Kathy Lindstrom
Scott Pessin
Larry Siegel

☞ Click Here to Listen to the Candidate Podcasts

Save the Dates:

Candidate Forum #1
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • 2:00 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom
☞ Click Here to Watch Video Recording

Meet the Candidates #1
Friday, February 2, 2024 • 10:00 am
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom Back Half

Candidate Forum #2
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 • 5:30 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom

Meet the Candidates #2
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • 2:00 pm
Montecito Clubhouse • Capistrano Room

Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Montecito Clubhouse • Ballroom

☞ Notice Of Annual Meeting

North Channel Closure

The North Channel park in Phase 1 is temporary closed, until further notice, due to an overflow of excess rain water from the recent storm.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

President’s Report – January 2024

As published in The View, January 2024:

Jerry Conrad
President

Hello, neighbors, I hope your holidays were joyous. As we look forward to the New Year, I think it would serve us well to look back and thank those who made all our lives at SCSH a better place to live.

I want to thank my fellow Board members who put in countless hours of their time to deal with the various issues we faced in 2023. I also want to thank major vendors, DRM, Troon, Allied Security, and Vintage Landscape, for their dedication to keeping our community organized, safe, and beautiful.

I would like to acknowledge some individual contributions that made the work of the Board and the various committees more efficient and effective.

Cari Burleigh, our GM, has done a fine job of making sure the residents are treated with respect and their questions are answered. Having been here as an assistant GM several years ago, she fits in seamlessly. Her tireless energy is both welcome and needed.

Vanessa Ayon, our assistant GM, has been here for over 10 years and is a fixture in all our lives. Her incredible memory for details is a lifesaver for committee volunteers. I’m not sure how I could manage my position without her helping hand. We all owe her a debt of gratitude.

Rich Tinnley, our association attorney, has been extremely helpful in this difficult year. His insight and good advice have made decisions by the Board more consistent and allowed this Board to understand how to work together. I want to thank him for the advice he has given to all the Board members this past year.

Jesse Barragan, our Facilities Director, is another long-term SCSH teammate. He leads a terrific group of workers who do so much around the community that I don’t know where to begin. His knowledge of our facilities gives our committees and the Board invaluable insight into making better decisions.

Connie King, our Lifestyle Director, is a household name to anybody who attends an event in our community. Organized and willing to work hard, she brings boundless enthusiasm to her profession.

Gus Ramirez, our Communications Manager, is not someone you may have heard of, but believe me when I say he is a very important part of what makes our community work. He sets up all the podcasts, is a leader in putting The View together, is responsible for the website, sets up every e-blast, and keeps us all aware of what is happening around us. Every organization needs someone like Gus, and we are very lucky to have him as part of ours.

Phil Vigil, our Troon GM, has been here for a little over one year and has made several improvements to our golf courses. The courses are in great shape, and I am thankful for his hard work. Shadows, the Terrace Grill, and the Montecito Café are better than ever; and the two golf courses handle over 67,000 rounds of golf each year. Our golf superintendent, Tom Johnson, deserves a huge round of applause for how he managed the aftermath of Hurricane Hillary. And don’t forget Chef John and Manny for their continued improvement of Shadows.

Amber Galindo, our fitness director, makes sure all who want to stay in shape while having fun are given every opportunity to do so. And she always does this with a smile.

Scott Bewley, our security administrator, is new to the community but has shown that he can get the job done. As most of you know, SCSH has an enviable record of being one of the safest HOA communities in our valley; and I want to thank Scott for continuing that tradition.

Finally, thank you to all the volunteers who help support the various committees, clubs, and the SCSH Board of Directors. Our community is grateful to you for helping make SCSH a better, more active place to live. Without you, we would just be a bunch of homes with walls surrounding us.

May your New Year be the best ever!

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

Finance Advisory Committee – January 2024

By Robert O. Jester
Chair, Finance Advisory Committee

As published in The View, January 2024:

Question of the Month: Why do we have separate accounts holding Association funds, and are those accounts dedicated?

As we enter the Board election cycle again, we always hear from a “vocal minority,” whose allegations about the financial health of our Association many times are not true. I hope to give you some basis for testing these unsupported allegations during this election period.

The Association operates in compliance with the California Davis-Stirling Act that controls how an HOA is to handle its financial and governance affairs. As required, this Association, confirmed by its annual outside audit, has three distinct accounts to hold Association funds. They are the Operating Fund, the Major Repairs and Replacement Fund, and the North Channel Flood Control Project Capital Improvement Fund. Each fund is accounted for separately each month and reviewed for accuracy by the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC).

The first question that you might have is, “Why do we have three separate funds?” The answer is easy since each fund has a dedicated purpose. I will briefly examine each for you.

The Operating Fund: The audit defines this account as the fund to be used for general operations, the chartered clubs, and for property and equipment maintenance needs that are not a part of the Reserve Study. This fund is the primary focus of our yearly budget as each department determines its needs for the coming year. This fund also has an impact on our monthly assessments, so the FAC always carefully analyzes it.

The last two years have seen significant inflationary factors that must be carefully considered to ensure that we have sufficient “operating cash available.” In this valley, electric and gas rates have doubled in the last five years, our property insurance premiums have significantly increased, road resurfacing costs have skyrocketed, and average wages have increased 15% from 2022–2024. The local labor market remains extremely tight with new housing complexes like Disney Cotino being built.

We need always to have sound financial planning. Our “operating cash available” in this fund is always to be a minimum of 2 to 3 times our monthly average expenses. We find this minimum standard in the “Green Book” that provides HOA’s accounting guidance consistent with the Davis-Stirling Act. I mention this because this is that “excess cash” that we so often hear about from the “vocal minority.” Well, fellow residents, there is a sound, required, and necessary financial reason that the “operating cash available” exists, and it is not to be spent unless an operating expense necessity requires it.

Major Repairs and Replacements Fund: This is commonly known as our Reserve/Replacement funds that by law are reviewed every year by qualified experts to assure the Association that we are properly funding for the replacement of 834 components. We will probably never be 100% funded for these items that have a useful life of 30 years or less, but we try to maintain a “percent funded” of 70% going into the new budget year.

Our funding this year will not reach the goal of at or near 70% until year ten in the reserve study, and the FAC will be very watchful that this funding metric is monitored in the 2025 budget season. This has been another “vocal minority” subject, as it is suggested we are not constantly examining the 834 components to determine replacement cost and useful life. This is not correct. The Vice Chair of the FAC for the Replacement Fund works diligently with the Maintenance Department Director and the Troon General Manager to review and evaluate each of those 834 components, and they will continue this practice annually.

North Channel Flood Control Project Capital Improvement Fund: This is the dedicated fund to cover the construction of an access road to the flood channel in our Association, and to reinforce or rebuild the Jefferson Street Bridge into our Association. This fund was dedicated by a Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Motion to the Board on December 16, 2022, and reflects the hope that the funds preserved in this dedicated fund can cover the anticipated costs for all the areas that are the financial burden of this Association for this project. If it is not adequate, we run the real risk of a special assessment on all property owners.

The auditor designated this account in the 2022 audit as a specific separate fund, and the FAC will do everything possible to ensure it is maintained for its “dedicated” purpose. The FAC acknowledges that the Board has the ultimate control over Association funds, if those funds are not restricted by the Davis-Stirling Act, but a financially responsible Association Board will always try to honor dedicated funds unless there is some extreme and sudden need of the Association caused by disaster or other unexpected financial event. Conclusion: Remember that the FAC reports to the Board monthly in an open meeting where you may ask questions and test the statements of the “vocal minority.” In addition, you may submit questions through the Association website. The FAC is here to help keep you informed financially and to act as this Association’s financial “Watchdog.”

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

Tips for What Can Be Recycled & What Goes Into the Trash Bin

It’s 2023 – can’t we put everything in the recycling bin?? Unfortunately, no! Here are some tips on what goes in the recycling bin and what must still go in the trash bin to be dumped into a landfill.

Tips for What Can be Recycled & What goes into the Trash Bin

RECYCLABLES – Place in “Recyclables Only” or “Recycling Only” bin:

  • Clean paper & flattened cardboard
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Aluminum, steel, and tin cans
  • Plastic containers (Numbers 1 – 7 in the recycle symbol)
  • Aerosol cans (empty)
  • Foam packing blocks (such as the foam blocks that protect new televisions or computers)
  • NO PLASTIC BAGS
  • Only items free of food and liquid

TRASH – Place in “Trash Only” bin:

  • Plastic bags, food packaging, wrap, Styrofoam
  • Coated or plastic takeout containers
  • Plastic straws & plastic rings (cut into small pieces before disposing)
  • Foil, wire, or tape
  • Twist ties, rubber bands
  • Cooking grease, oil & other liquids

Note: Re-use these items as much as you can before placing them in the trash.

Why cut up straws and plastic rings? Why reduce use of straws and plastic rings?

They end up in our oceans where they can cause serious damage to ocean life. Many marine wildlife mistake plastic waste for prey and then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. (IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature) And this can happen:

For more tips on recycling, check out our Waste Recycling Guide on our Trash Collection page at https://www.scshca.com/trash/

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Beware of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large amounts. It is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-containing fuels, such as wood, gasoline, propane, natural gas, and heating oil. Here are some important precautions to take to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home:

  1. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Place CO detectors on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. Test the detectors regularly and replace the batteries at least twice a year.
  2. Proper Ventilation: Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and clothes dryers) are properly installed, vented, and maintained. Never use these appliances in enclosed spaces, especially without proper ventilation.
  3. Regular Maintenance: Have heating systems, chimneys, and flues inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. This includes cleaning and checking for blockages.
  4. Avoid Using Gasoline Engines Indoors: Do not run gasoline engines (such as cars or generators) in enclosed spaces, even if the garage door is open. The fumes can enter your home and cause CO poisoning.
  5. Barbecue Grills: Use charcoal and gas grills outdoors only. Using them indoors can lead to a buildup of CO.
  6. Space Heaters: If you use a fuel-burning space heater, make sure it is vented properly and placed in a well-ventilated area. Electric space heaters are a safer option, but still, ensure they are not blocking any vents and are placed in safe locations.
  7. Fireplaces: Make sure your fireplace flue is open when in use and have regular inspections to ensure there are no blockages.
  8. Car Exhaust: Never warm up your car in the garage, even if the garage door is open. Always move the car outside to let it warm up.
  9. Educate Family Members: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and knows the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
  10. Emergency Preparedness: Know the emergency procedures for your home, including where to go and who to contact if a CO detector goes off or if symptoms of CO poisoning are experienced.
  11. Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If you suspect CO poisoning or your CO detector goes off, leave your home immediately and seek medical attention. CO poisoning can be life-threatening, and prompt treatment is essential.

By taking these precautions and being vigilant about the potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning for you and your family.

Flag Notification

Fly the United States Flags at Half-Staff on
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A Proclamation on the Death of Sandra Day O’Connor

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our Nation’s highest court. She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.

As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment, 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 on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Phase 3 Dog Park Overseeding Update

The reopening of the Phase 3 Dog Park will be delayed to Monday, December 25. The additional days will permit for the roots of new winter rye-grass to fully developed allowing for complete turf coverage of the entire park. We thank you for your patience during the annual over-seeding process.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

Montecito Outdoor Pool Deck Replacement Project Update

The Montecito Outdoor Pool will reopen on Saturday, December 16.

We appreciate and thank you for your patience throughout this process.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Desert Living Tip of the Month: Be A Climate Hero – Not a Litter Zero!

As you stroll, jog, bicycle, or walk your dog around our community, please make sure to be respectful of your neighbors and refrain from littering. Remember that litter just doesn’t appear; it’s the result of careless attitudes and waste handling. Litter is unsightly and pollutes our environment, and about 80% of litter found in local waterways originates from land. Make every day Earth Day! Taking care of our environment and our community is a very important job we all can do.

You Can Make A Difference To Keep SCSH Clean!

  • Don’t litter. Make an extra effort to place your trash in a trash bin. Keep garbage and recycling cans tightly covered to prevent litter from being blown away or scattered by animals. Keep your yard clean and free of things that can blow into the street and become litter.
  • Bring Your Own (BYO…) – Reusable bags to the store, water bottles to the gym or the park, and beverage mugs to the coffee shop. The fewer single-use products you buy, the less trash you create.
  • Cover your load. Cover any items that could blow onto the road if you have a truck.
  • Pick it up. Show you care for your community and inspire others by picking up litter that isn’t yours.
  • Green your garden. Use non-toxic pest control methods, conserve water, and befriend native plants to keep your garden happy and healthy.
  • Support manufacturers who are eco-friendly. Encourage the use of green design and support manufacturers who take responsibility for their products at the end of their usefulness. Vote with your dollars!
  • Do not throw trash out of your window! Keep a litter bag in your car and dispose of your trash properly at your destination.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Dangers Using Electric Space Heaters at Home

Electric space heaters can be convenient for providing extra warmth in specific areas of your home, but they can also pose several dangers if not used properly. Here are some potential risks associated with electric space heaters:

  1. Fire Hazard: One of the most significant risks of electric space heaters is the potential for fires. If a heater is placed too close to flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, or furniture, it can ignite a fire.
  2. Overloading Circuits: Plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into the same circuit can overload the circuit, leading to electrical fires. Space heaters can draw a significant amount of power, so it’s important not to overload the circuit they are connected to.
  3. Faulty Wiring: Old or damaged space heaters might have faulty wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Regularly inspect your heater for any signs of wear and tear.
  4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: While electric space heaters themselves do not emit carbon monoxide, using fuel-burning space heaters indoors can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which is a silent and potentially deadly gas.
  5. Tip-Over Protection: Space heaters can pose a risk if they are easily tipped over, especially in homes with pets or small children. Some modern heaters come with a tip-over switch that turns off the heater if it’s knocked over, reducing the risk of a fire.
  6. Burns and Scalds: Space heaters can become extremely hot, leading to burns if touched. This risk is especially high with radiant or infrared heaters, which emit intense heat.
  7. Dry Air and Skin Irritation: Prolonged use of space heaters in enclosed spaces can dry out the air, potentially leading to skin irritation and respiratory issues, especially in people with allergies or asthma.

To use electric space heaters safely:

  • Keep Flammable Materials Away: Place the heater at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, bedding, and furniture.
  • Choose a Safe Location: Put the heater on a flat, stable surface where it’s less likely to tip over.
  • Avoid Overloading Circuits: Plug the heater directly into the wall socket and avoid using an extension cord. Do not overload the circuit with multiple high-wattage appliances.
  • Use Certified Heaters: Choose heaters certified by reputable organizations, which meet safety standards.
  • Supervise: Do not leave space heaters unattended. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Regular Maintenance: Inspect your heater regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any issues, replace or repair the heater promptly.

By following these safety guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with using electric space heaters in your home.