President’s Message: A Little Slice of Heaven

Kim Fuller
President

Good Morning Residents on this Good Friday:

The Board wants to thank each and every one of you for your kind, supportive, and helpful comments during this most difficult time.

The time will come when we can once again have family and friends over to enjoy their company and express how important it is to have such gatherings. But that time is not today. We all know our task, so all we need to do is “Stay the Course” and it will all work out.

This will be an unusual Easter Sunday without family and friends, but feel comfort in knowing you are helping to keep the people you care about safe. That thought alone will keep you smiling.

Enjoy this Little Slice of Heaven on this Good Friday.

I wish you all a safe and healthy weekend.

Take care.

Kim Fuller
President

SCSH Performing Arts Club & Community Singers: Oklahoma!


Oklahoma!, by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Presented by the Sun City Shadow Hills Performing Arts Club & Community Singers
Performed and recorded March 26, 2015

The Mystery of Resilience

By Gina Star Pollack

The author at a Halloween party last year.

Sometimes I’m afraid of the dark. I wake at 2:15 am and hear creaks in the floorboards and whispers in the air, and I see looming shadows on the wall. But, when I turn on the bedside lamp and rub my eyes, everything looks fine. There is no scary monster in the room nor masked intruder trying to climb through the window.

Now, everything is upside down. It’s the bright light of day that frightens me. Being close to people is scary, even my beloved family and friends. Those who used to comfort me in times of stress could infect me with a deadly virus, sending me to the hospital. I shrink from their once-soothing embrace, frightened that germs could crawl up my nose or get sucked into my throat, infecting me with the coronavirus; and I might die.

Our new reality is covered in gloves and masks, measured by distance and tiny droplets. At times I try to deny the severity of the constant warnings by physicians and politicians who claim that self-isolation is the key to safety. But I cannot deny the fact that I’m 65 years old and part of the group at the highest risk for infection. So I obey the shelter-in-place edict and suffer alone.

"Path to the Lake," photo by David Blumenthal

After the first week, I ventured outside to go to the market. I cautiously opened the garage door, breathed in the fresh air, and drove through our community gate into a changing world. When I waved to a neighbor jogging, I finally allowed myself to cry. Hot, wet, messy tears. I cried for myself, for those who are ill and for those who have died from the virus. I mourned for humanity. This deadly infection has stripped more from us than our friends, family, jobs, and entertainment. It has robbed us of our false sense of superiority, thinking that we have control over our lives. Sadly we’re learning that no one is immune.

Most of us here are baby boomers who have led the country through brilliant decades. We’ve forged careers advancing science, technology, entertainment, fashion, music, and space exploration. From Woodstock and bell bottoms to smartphones and hi-def, we’re the generation who championed education and the physical and emotional freedoms to inspire the generations that will follow.

We proudly pursued jobs as teachers, lawyers, physicians, politicians, and entertainers, putting off retirement. We championed rights for the oppressed, held concerts to raise funds after world-wide disasters, broke the glass ceiling, and passed legislation to improve our government. And we saved money in our 401ks and IRAs for our retirement years. We moved to SCSH in hopes of spending our golden years pursuing the sports and hobbies we put on the back burner while raising families and climbing the corporate ladder.

Ironically, we are the age group most at risk during this pandemic. COVID-19 is a swirling black cloud raining down on our retirement dreams. It is a biological volcano that forces distance between neighbors, rather than the usual camaraderie.

"North Golf Course Fountain," photo by Glenn Jones

I’m saddened when I pass the vacant emerald golf courses and the fountains spraying tears instead of liquid diamonds. I’m forlorn when I see the empty tennis and pickleball courts where boisterous players competed. The Montecito and Santa Rosa Clubhouses have empty tables and hollow hallways, no longer filled with laughter and the click of Mah Jong tiles or canasta cards. And no one is complaining about the TVs not working in the gyms, or the broken machines. There are only silence and dust bunnies.

But I’m an optimist and seek the silver lining, which will undoubtedly emerge when this pandemic is under control. We will learn to respect each other’s choices. Be more compassionate and philanthropic, and remember the lessons of practicing good hygiene. Yet we are only human and have selective memory. History has shown that, when we feel safe again, most people will resume their former habits and joke about the terrible days of forced isolation during the siege.

But I will keep these horrific memories close in my consciousness to remind me to live joyfully, to hug and kiss my loved ones every chance I get, and to laugh at silly jokes, savor every bite of food, and stroke my cat whenever she curls around my legs. I will never forget this pandemic. I vow to make it the beginning of a better me.

"Montecito Clubhouse at Night," photo by Anna Kelly

Please don’t lose faith, my friends, for we are resilient. The doctors and scientists will work tirelessly to find a cure. Sometime in the next few months, we will be able to join hands with family and friends and move to a new period of hope and caring. Then I will cry tears of joy as I stroll through our community. I’ll wave to the golfers, and I’ll smile and cheer the pickleballers racing around the court. I’ll greet sweaty neighbors exercising in the gym and never complain about the TVs. I’ll attend my cherished book and writers clubs, eager to share views and experiences. And I’ll sit in my backyard soaking up the bright sunlight while watching the rabbits and roadrunners cavort with abandon.

Throughout this ordeal, I remain grateful for my blessings of family, friends, pets, and our scenic desert oasis. Stay safe and hopeful because this tribulation shall end and make us more resilient for the next challenge.

Sending you all a virtual hug and wishes for a delightful future filled with health, joy, and toilet tissue.

Contact the author at g-star15@sbcglobal.net.

 

President’s Message: Masks are Required Outside

Kim Fuller
President

Good Evening Residents:

As stated by the Health officer for Riverside County: All persons, including Essential Workers shall wear face coverings, such as scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings.

This is always required when outside. You don’t have to wear a mask in your home, car, or backyard.

Since this can jeopardize the health and safety of all residents, I have instructed security staff to issue tickets to anyone without a mask beginning 4/9/20.

There are many ways to cover your face, so please utilize any one of these many ways to protect your fellow residents.

Thank you for taking all precautions necessary to help everyone stay healthy and safe.

Let’s take a moment and be thankful we are here, in such a beautiful place, knowing we will persevere with everyone’s help.

Stay safe and healthy, I will be back to you soon.

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

President’s Message: Bob Israel Farewell

Kim Fuller
President

Yesterday on April 7, 2020 the HOA elected a new Board, and Bob Israel stepped down. I think his own words capture quite nicely his service. I will say Bob is one of those people that clearly was motivated by the best interest of the HOA, and although on many occasions we have gone head to head with our own opinions, Bob never acted in a political self-serving way, something that deserves everyone’s respect. Thank you, Bob, but we will still need and use your advice as we finish a few very important issues for which you are clearly experienced. Here is Bob’s message to a very grateful HOA:

 

Farewell, But Not Goodbye

In normal times, in what now seems like a galaxy long, long, ago, and far, far,

away, when a Board Member completed a two year term of office and was not

seeking re-election, at the last Open Board Meeting the retiring member would be given a few minutes to say a few words to the homeowners in attendance and those who would view the meeting on video on the official website.

 However, these are not normal times and the March Open Meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19. I have therefore asked that my intended remarks on completion of my two year term as a Director be posted on the official site for all, who may have an interest, to read.

So, for a few minutes, let’s pretend that these are again normal times and I believe that to be a useful exercise as we will, get through this.

Many of you have asked me why I chose not to run for re-election as a Board Member of Sun City Shadow Hills. The answer is simple: on April 7 of this year I will have completed a little in excess of 22 years and 4 months of continuous HOA Board service in one capacity or another between my HOA in Washington and here in California.  And though, in my still youthful 75th year for another two months, I need, and feel, I deserve a break.

 When, as a Snowbird I decided to run, or more properly, when I was encouraged by many homeowners to run and serve, I did so not out of any particular personal desire or need but out of a concern about and some dissatisfaction with the way some things had been done and out of a concern for my investment.  I knew then, and I confirm now, that it is always easier to criticize from the outside, and the view from the inside, is always clearer, not easier, but clearer and harder. So I ran with the thought that my background and experience might be of some assistance.

I am happy to report that, by in large, my concerns are no longer manifest and I am convinced that our Community is on a solid financial footing and well run, more transparent, and a kinder more gentle place which us seniors deserve and are most certainly entitled to. The state of our Community is strong. All is not perfect, but nothing ever is. To the extent my efforts have contributed to where we are today, I honestly take some satisfaction. I am also convinced that our Community is blessed with many outstanding, capable and experienced homeowners, who have and I hope, will continue to step forward for a couple or a few years of service and bring to bear their diverse views, experience, and talents which should benefit us all.

Regarding Board Service, most people would expect me to say that it has been a pleasure serving you, but honestly, I must say that despite there being some pleasure, mostly it has been Work….but it has been work worth doing and work which must be done to allow our community to function. And it is work that pursuant to our governing documents must be done by unpaid Volunteer homeowners, elected by you, who in turn, select other unpaid Volunteer homeowners who staff the many, but necessary,…No, not just necessary, but essential Advisory Committees. Without the efforts of your elected Board Members and the efforts of the many Advisory Committee Members, successfully running this city would be a far more expensive proposition than it is and our HOA monthly assessment would be much, much higher.

To my fellow Board Members, who have additional time to serve on their terms and two of which have decided to run again, and they are to be commended for this, I will just say it has been a trip, and a working pleasure….Most of the time. We have disagreed from time to time, but most often fairly listened to each other in coming to necessary decisions. I leave you with the following thoughts which guided me and to which I know you subscribe:  In your continuing time of community service, continue to listen not only to each other, but strive to remember that each homeowner pays the same HOA assessment and has a similar though not precisely equal investment in this community and is entitled to be listened to as well and respected even though their views and ideas may be different. And, perhaps most important, try to never lose sight of the fact that being a Board Member is not so much about Power as it is about Service and that no matter how “off the wall” some homeowners’ views an opinions might first appear, they might very well turn out to be right. So, keep up the good work OR…..I just might be back!  Seriously, though, I must say that all members of the Board I have been privileged to work with have been extremely hardworking, and dedicated to the HOA, and I have no doubt that will continue.

To Mr. Johnny Goodrum, I commend you for stepping forward to serve and wish you well. You certainly are arriving during interesting times.

To the rest of my fellow homeowners, in this exceptional community, I will leave you with this thought:  Life is a “limited time offer”. With that in mind, be kind to yourselves, be close to your loved ones, be fair, decent and hospitable to your neighbors and fellow homeowners including those who devote their time and energies in service to this community. Striving for understanding and willingness to compromise is a far better and more productive investment of the precious resource of our time, than criticism and rancor. As we, each of us, expend that resource it is not my original idea, but nevertheless a good one….” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

With those comments, which I thank you for taking the time to read and consider, I end by saying that I am leaving the Board but not the community and in the words of the old Science Fiction TV show: “I now return you to your regular programming.”

Of course, right now, nothing is regular, and it seems we are indeed living an episode of “The Outer Limits”.

Be safe and stay well.

Bob Israel
Retiring Director
April 7, 2020

 

Thank you all and see you soon.

Kim Fuller
President

Photos: A Happening

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Photos by Jerry Solomon

Singing in the rain . . . washing away the confounded pollen . . . hooray for Indio!

Shadows Restaurant Update

We are adjusting the hours and menu for Shadows Restaurant effective 10:00 am on Thursday, April 9.

New Hours Starting Thursday, April 9:

  • Monday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Limited Breakfast Menu Available “All Day” (10:00 am – 8:00 pm)
  • Lunch & All day Menu starts at 10:00 am (as opposed to 11:00 am)

New Menu Starting Thursday, April 9:

President’s Message: Annual Meeting Results

Kim Fuller
President

Good Afternoon Residents:

We have just finished tabulating the results for the Annual Meeting election of the Board and results for the other three measures.

Board members elected for a two year term are:

1. Johnny Goodrum 1490
2. Bruce Marley 1874
3. Fera Mostow 1793

Congratulations to all three and everyone in the HOA thanks you for your willingness to volunteer on the Board for two years.

The other three measures and their results are:

1. Last year’s minutes passed: 1699 Yes 51 No
2. IRS Measure passed: 1609 Yes 108 No
3. Frontier Measure passed: 1301 Yes 527 No

The Board has approval to negotiate a 5 year bulk internet only contract with Frontier.

Here is the video of the meeting:

Thank you all and see you soon.

Kim Fuller
President

President’s Message: Never Forget, there is Beauty in the World

Kim Fuller
President

Good Morning Residents:

Sometimes it is easy to get caught in what is and forget about all that there is if we just let it happen. Each day we have the ability and choice to let the beauty of the world into our lives, we just have to get out of our own way and let it happen.

I am so proud to see so many with masks, so many willing to do whatever it takes to keep our neighbors safe from harm. There is no better task, than that of people coming together in a common goal to save people’s lives. It is truly an honor.

We have beautiful things and people all around us, and perhaps in these times let’s take a brief moment, where time can stand still, and we simply appreciate some of that beauty. Take a moment and remember all that is wonderful in this world.

Click here to view a short video that made me smile:

Have a great day and we will talk tomorrow. I thank you all for all your support and help.

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

President’s Message: Masks, Gatherings, and the County Order 4/4/20

Kim Fuller
President

Good Afternoon Residents:

I need to let everyone know about the latest county order regarding the Covid-19 crisis. Effective immediately all public or private "gatherings,” within the jurisdiction of the Public Health Officer of the County of Riverside are prohibited, regardless of venue or size.

The county has further stated all persons, including Essential Workers shall wear face coverings, such as scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings.

Violations of this order is subject to a $1,000 fine per day.

This makes clear there can be no meetings, for whatever reason, at any home. In order to stop the spread of this virus, we are required to stay at home in isolation to prevent further spreading of the virus.

Now that everyone outside must wear masks, the Needles and Pins Club has volunteered to start making masks for the residents of SCSH. These masks will be for residents only, and not for family or friends. There will be no charge for these masks because the Board has agreed to pay for all costs. I first want to thank the Needles and Pins Club for coming forward with such a great plan to help all of us through this time.

We are hopeful to start handing out masks on Thursday of this week. You will need to call the Lifestyle desk at 760-345-4349, Ext. 2120 to make an appointment to pick up a mask. We will start making appointments by phone on Wednesday.

You will need to be wearing some kind of mask when you come to the Clubhouse or else you will not be permitted into the building. Masks will be available by appointment only at the Montecito clubhouse after you call in for the appointment. Residents picking up masks are requested to wear some type of protective gloves to minimize the transfer or receipt of contaminants.

After picking up your mask you will need to wash the mask, so it is sterilized. Do not use the mask before you wash it. Wash your hands after returning home.

Needles and Pins is also looking for more volunteers to help make the masks. They have the material and patterns to make the masks. Residents who would like to help create the masks are urged to contact Needles & Pins Vice-President, Cheryl Taylor, the Project Coordinator, to see how you can help. She can be reached at eirikannie@gmail.com or text her at 410-507-5591. No phone calls please.

We all need to help stop this virus, so masks will now be required everywhere in the complex when you are outside walking, jogging, bicycling, dog walking, etc. Masks are not required to be worn in your own home. But you are no longer allowed to have any guests unless by exception according to the county order. A medical caregiver is an exception to the county order.

I have attached a copy of the county order.

I will be giving a Podcast at 3pm and will send that out soon after to helpfully explain in more detail how we are proceeding.

Have a great day.

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

Photos: With Eyes & Lens Open

Monday, April 6, 2020
Photos by Jerry Solomon

Walking before the rain (?) thos AM . . . hope these are of interest.

Margarita Recipe

6 oz. Frozen Limeade Concentrate
6 oz. Beer
6 oz. Tequila

Combine with approximately 20 ice cubes and blend on high setting until ice is crushed. Enjoy the BEST Margaritas ever!

Submitted by Ken & Wendy Sims

Let’s Clean House Week 2

Day 6 – Clean and polish backsplash, cupboard exteriors, pantry door, counter tops and appliance exteriors, wash area rugs, clean and polish sinks.

 

Day 7 – Clean tile and grout or wood & base board

  • Then get take-out dinner from Shadows so you don’t mess up your clean kitchen

 

Day 8 - Clean your Bedroom

  • Start with the closet
  • Remove items, dust the shelves
  • Sort clothes into piles of keep, donate or throw

 

Day 9 – Clean & organize dresser, chest & night-stand drawers

  • Sort clothes into piles of keep, donate or throw

 

Day 10 – Wash windows, clean window treatments, dust lamps, TV, light fixtures, artwork, photos.

  • Polish mirrors and dust doors and moldings

President’s Message: HOA Authority to Implement Stay at Home Order

Kim Fuller
President

Good evening residents:

I have been getting questions about what authority the HOA has to enforce the Governor’s order about Stay at Home, and by what authority the HOA can require residents not to have visitors/gatherings/parties of any size on their private property.

I might first ask why would anyone think a party or gathering on your property is more important than a person’s life? I will answer the questions, but it seems to me some people are not asking the right question or at least have their priorities a little mixed up. If a gathering/party puts neighbors at risk, possibly leading to death, why would anyone want to participate in causing that outcome. There is a reason the Governor placed the stay at home order into effect.

So, let’s go through the Governor’s order first to answer these questions.

  1. On March 19, the Governor of California issued Executive Order N-33-20, ordering all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence.
  2. The Governor’s order states that “Under the “stay at home” Executive Order you cannot host or attend any gatherings”.
  3. The Governor’s order answers this question: Can I leave home to visit friends or family members if there is no urgent need or I am not performing an essential activity? No. For your safety as well as their safety, we need to help each other fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home.
  4. The Governor’s order answers this question: What happens if I don’t comply with the Executive Order or the Orders of the Health Officer? These Orders are legally enforceable under California law. It is a crime to violate the Orders, and you may be punished by a fine or imprisonment for doing so.

Given these facts we now look at our own Governing Documents, the CC&R’s:

Section 8.6 Prohibition of Noxious Activities. No illegal, noxious, or offensive activities shall be carried out or conducted upon any Lot or Common Area, nor shall anything be done within the Development that is or could become an unreasonable annoyance or nuisance to neighboring property Owners. Without limiting the foregoing, this includes:

Since our CC&R’s don’t allow for any resident to participate in illegal activities, even on private property, and since violating the Governor’s order would be a crime, the HOA has jurisdiction to enforce the Governor’s order by citing and fining any resident for violating the Governor’s order even on private property.

I hope this answers the question of the HOA authority for citing gatherings/parties on private property.

I think now we should turn to the real question, “isn’t saving people’s lives more important than any gathering in any location?” When people’s lives are at stake, any person to think your personal privilege should override the safety of all residents needs to reexamine their morality for our fellow human beings.

Let’s take a moment and be thankful we are here, in such a beautiful place, knowing we will persevere.

Stay safe and I will be back to you soon

Thank you.

Kim Fuller
President

Photos: Social Distancing

Friday, April 3, 2020
Photos by Jerry Solomon

Wonder where this idea emanated . . . keep a safe distance???

SCSH Community Singers: “Sing”


"Sing"
Concert by the Sun City Shadow Hills Community Singers
Performed and recorded March 25, 2018

President’s Message: A Message from Your Treasurer

Kim Fuller
President

Good afternoon residents:

I am sending you information about our finances from our Treasurer Bruce Marley:

 

Greetings fellow neighbors of Sun City Shadow Hills Community Association (SCSHCA). The intent of this communication is to describe where your HOA is financially, and to highlight the measures being taken by our Management Company, Desert Resource Management (DRM), and our on-sight manager Troon (for Golf and Food/Beverage operation) in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  In both cases, DRM and Troon, each has already taken significant measures to reduce costs, while at the same time ensuring that our community is well maintained, and ready for when this pandemic comes to an end.  Please note that we continue to ensure resident safety by maintaining our security at full strength, and to preserving the quality and ambience of our common areas, both deemed essential by the Board.

Entering this unprecedented challenge, our Community’s financial resources were among the strongest in the valley!  As of December 31st, 2019, our financials show SCSHCA as having $2,158,205 of working capital on hand, equal to 2.80 months of Operating Fund monthly assessments.  This is a good thing.  Industry measures suggest from 1 to 3 months should be on hand.  The 2.80 compares to 1.20 in on 12/31/17, and 2.05 on 12/31/18.  As you can see, the Board has worked to increase this key measure, and while no one could have anticipated Covid-19, we find SCSHCA in a good position to get through this challenge.  The 2020 budget preliminarily forecast year end 12/31/2020 working capital of $1,827,005, equal to 2.34 months, the decline due to the Board’s decision to reduce your 2020 dues to the current $273/month, from the balanced budget of $281.  This decision was made because we had the ability to do so, and it was decided to keep dues reasonable, while retaining our solid working capital position. This working capital will be used to offset increased expenses so monthly dues are not expected to be increased in 2020 as a result of the Pandemic.

Adding to the ongoing financial strength of SCSHCA are two significant aspects of our structure. One, we continue to collect monthly dues of $273 from our 3,450 homeowners which totals $941,850 per month. Two, we have over $13,000,000 of funds in our Reserves/Replacement Fund.  While the monthly dues may vary slightly if some homeowners are unable to make their payment, our current delinquency rate is less than 1%.  As for the Reserves, while these funds are set aside for specific Common Area replacement needs for many years to come, it is reassuring to know we have “money in the bank”.

So, with that in mind, here is what we are doing right now to account for the significant anticipated shortfalls for Golf and Food/Beverage (Troon), and to control costs in general (DRM):

Troon:

At this very early point in time, Troon is forecasting combined losses directly attributable to the Pandemic, to add over $300,000 to budgeted 2020 losses associated with these two budget components.  If you might recall, the monthly budgeted subsidy for golf and food and beverage was approximately $40/month per residence.  This $300,000 equates to $7.25/month per residence, which will be paid for out of working capital as previously mentioned.

DRM:

Our management company immediately made cuts to some maintenance areas, and housekeeping, especially the club houses which are both shut down, along with other areas that will not require ongoing attention and maintenance.  Additionally, there were cuts in the AV (audio visual) area, along with cuts in the Fitness department.

Summary:

I hope you have found this useful.  Please remember three things:

    1. All figures used in this article are subject to further review and audit. I intend to provide updates on an ongoing basis as we learn more.
    2. These decisions by Troon and DRM have impacted over 50 employees spread between those two companies. We are all in this together, and I ask that you think about all the employees of Troon and DRM who are struggling with the decisions that were made and consider supporting the local food banks and other such services.
    3. Chances are we will be dealing with Covid-19 through May, given current “government” words and actions. We will be looking closely at all areas of expense as needed, while at the same time working to preserve and protect the quality of our amenities.

Please feel free to reach out to me or other Board members with your thoughts and comments.

Regards,
Bruce Marley, Treasurer, SCSHCA

 

Thank you and see you all soon.

Kim Fuller
President

President’s Message: Stay at Home Directive

Kim Fuller
President

Good afternoon residents:

In yesterday’s Podcast I described the meaning of the ‘Stay at Home’ directive as defined by the state. “Stay at home” is a more rigorous form of social distancing. It involves staying in your home unless you need to leave for “essential activities” or to work for an “essential business,” or for “essential travel”. Under the “stay at home” Executive Order you cannot host or attend any gatherings. For Stay at Home we may not host or attend any gatherings unless they are considered essential. During this time, we are trying to maintain distances, maintain isolation, so that we minimize the spread of the virus which will help to keep our residents safe and healthy. Any activity involving people being together will jeopardize the health and safety of residents.

I was recently notified of a resident that built a small Pickleball court in his garage and the was inviting people over to play. This is an example of exactly what the state order does not want to have happen. Although a creative way to play Pickleball, it puts the community at risk when people gather together for any reason. Even though this activity is on private property, it cannot take place as a result of the state order, so the HOA may cite and fine anyone involved in the activity. We don’t want to cite people, but in the interest of public safety, anyone participating in such activities will be cited and the possible fine is $200 per person.

I want to apologize for an error in implementation that occurred recently. We did not make clear to security and staff that the walking paths around the Santa Rosa Clubhouse, tennis courts, and Pickleball courts are not part of the golf course. Some of you were warned that you could not walk on these paths because it was the golf course. This was done in error and has been corrected. You may walk on the paths around the Santa Rosa Clubhouse, you just can’t leave those paths to walk on the golf course paths.

Again, let’s do as requested by the directive and stay at home, which will help keep everyone safe.

I wish you all a safe and healthy day. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you and see you all soon.

Kim Fuller
President

HOA Board Message: Attention Homeowners Regarding Vendor Access

Good morning residents:

Sun City Shadow Hills has Rules & Regulations for Contractors and Vendors respecting their responsibility while entering and working within our community. All Contractors and Vendors are extended permission to enter the community through the staffed gates at Jefferson and 40th Avenue to render their services to homeowners up to five times per month. If their business requires entry over 5 times per month, or for convenience, they desire entry at gates other than the staffed gates they may apply and pay reasonable fees for a Contractor/Vendor entry permit with an associated commercial use transponder.

One Contractor, Intercity Plumbing has refused to comply with our Contractor Vendor Rules and Regulations and refused to apply and pay for a Contractor/Vendor entry permit.  As a result, and unfortunately, on several occasions, Security has denied entry to our community to this contractor. Further there have been documented instances where the contractor or its employees after being denied entry have disputed the denial of entry with Security Staff and later been observed and filmed either entering or attempting to enter our community by tailgating other vehicles entering our community at unmanned gates causing damage to HOA property. As with any other non-permitted vehicle on our property, if observed by Security within the community this contractor is being requested to leave and if necessary Indio Police will be contacted to insure compliance.

Your HOA is alerting you to this situation primarily for two reasons: First, if you choose to utilize this contractor, your service may be delayed or not happen because regular entry is being denied, and secondly to remind you if you choose to list this contractor as a guest, pursuant to the Association’s Rules and Regulations you will be responsible for any citations and fines issued to or damage caused by this contractor to Association property. If you have a homeowner warranty insurance policy covering certain appliances and facilities in your residence and you call your provider, they often designate a repair person and may not be aware if any particular contractor is being denied regular entry to our HOA.  Should your insurer designate Intercity Plumbing, you have the right under most such policies to request your insurer to designate another contractor should you wish to avoid any potential delay or interruption in obtaining necessary repairs or responsibility for any rules violations by the contractor.

This letter is not commenting on the quality of service provided by Intercity Plumbing. However, the Association is merely trying to enforce the rules on a uniform basis.

Thank you,
SCSH HOA Board of Directors

President’s Message: Annual Meeting Date Correction

Kim Fuller
President

Good morning residents:

In yesterday’s Podcast I told you that the Annual Meeting will be held next Monday, April 6, 2020. I made a mistake about the date of the meeting. It will be held on Tuesday, April 7,2020. The meeting will still be closed to spectators and will only be opened for residents to drop off ballots between 9am and 10am. The only business being conducted will be for election purposes.

At 10am we will begin counting the ballots and will announce the outcome at 2pm. Spectators will not be allowed in the meeting at all during the day. We will video the meeting so that you will be able to see the results on video once posted after the meeting. We will send out an e-blast message after the meeting to announce the results of the Board election and to announce the outcome of the Frontier measure for a 5-year internet only contract.

The Ballot box is available in the Montecito Clubhouse, so please drop off your ballot this week so you don’t have to come to the meeting on April 7.

Sorry for my error in announcing the Annual Meeting for next Monday, it is not on Monday but on Tuesday, April 7.

Thank you and see you all soon.

Thank you,
Kim Fuller
President

Finance Advisory Committee – April 2020

By Bill Wethe
Finance Advisory Committee Chair

2019 audit and tax returns

The audit of the Association’s financial statements is complete! The Board approved the draft report on February 24, 2020; and the final report with an unqualified opinion was issued by the auditor on February 27, 2020. Thank you to all team members responsible for this accomplishment.

FAC completed its review of the tax returns to be filed by the auditor.

FAC has a need for more members

As you may have already read or heard, FAC has three openings on the Committee. We would love to hear from you if you have an interest in serving on the FAC or on the FAC Subcommittee for major repairs and replacements and the annual reserve study. The estimated time commitment for serving on FAC is 15 hours per month.

Work completed

During the month of March, the FAC continued its work with the Board as well as with DRM and Troon management including:

  • Review and recommend Board approval of the unaudited February 2020 Association financial statements including the:
    • financial statements prepared by DRM/Associa, Troon, and the Controller.
    • combining and combined financial statements included in the Treasurer’s report prepared by the Controller.
    • summary financial information on financial position and results of operations included in the Controller’s report to the Board.
    • condensed financial information to be published in The View magazine.
  • Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared by the Controller on the 2020 Operating Fund revenues and expenses.
  • Review of the year-to-date variance analysis prepared by the Controller on the 2020 Replacement Fund expenses and inter-fund transfers to the Operating Fund.
  • Review of the 2020 Forecast (2+10) of the Operating Fund and Replacement Fund as compared to the 2020 Budget prepared by the Controller.
  • Review and recommend Board approval of the February 2020 bank statements, bank reconciliations, and Replacement Fund investment account statements.
  • Regular meeting of FAC held on March 25, 2020.
  • Preparation of the FAC monthly written report to the Board for its meeting on March 30, 2020.
  • Review of the Controller monthly written report to the Board for its meeting on March 30, 2020.

Work in process and upcoming work

FAC has several items we are working on including:

  • Insurance renewal effective April 22, 2020. FAC had a conference call with the Association’s insurance broker during our regular meeting on March 25, 2020, to review the current quotations including for coverage, limits, deductibles, and pricing.
  • Contract renewals for landscape maintenance of the common areas and property protection.

Further information

If you have any questions, please contact the author.

Additional FAC Members: Larry Anderson, Steve Proia, Carey Thompson, Bob Giovannettone, and Bob Jester. FAC Subcommittee Members on the Replacement Fund and Reserve Study: Chris Stevens, Don Salvatore, Steve Proia, Carey Thompson, and Bill Wethe, Chair.

Contact the author at finance@scshca.com.

 

President’s Report – April 2020

Kim Fuller
President

Board Election and Frontier Vote

Finally, great weather is returning and, with it, those wonderful sunrises we all cherish. No doubt about it, welcome to another day in paradise.

It is again time for our Annual Meeting and Board election. Ballots have been delivered to your home, so be sure to return yours by April 7, 2020. If you mail it in, you need to do so before April 4, 2020, to be sure it arrives on time. There are ballot boxes in both clubhouses, so you can drop off the ballot at either clubhouse.

If you decide to bring your ballot to the meeting on April 7, be aware the polls close at 10 am. The meeting will open at 9 am, so you can bring in your ballot between 9 - 10 am. At 10 am the polls will close, and counting will begin.

The ballot includes the vote for three Board members. Bruce Marley and Fera Mostow have graciously decided to run for another term. Thanks to both for their time and commitment. The third candidate on the ballot is newcomer Johnny Goodrum. We all look forward to his help and appreciate his taking the time to volunteer as a Board member.

This will mean the retirement of Bob Israel, who served on the Board the last two years. Please thank Bob for all his time and energy. He worked hard, and his contributions helped in more ways than you can imagine. People that care about the community, that bring ideas and experience, make the outcome positive and beneficial for all of us living here at SCSH. Bob truly spent time for no other reason but to benefit the community. Thank you, Bob, and as so many have said, we wish you were still on the Board and your presence will be missed. You won’t have to spend as much time at meetings, but we might still need your advice, so don’t think you can hide, I am sure we will be calling.

The Frontier internet measure is also on the ballot. This is your time to decide if SCSH will have a five-year bulk internet contract with Frontier Communications for $12 per month. This plan is for internet service only, so you will be able to pick any TV service you like from any provider. The majority of those voting will decide the outcome. If the majority votes in favor, the Board will continue to work on finalizing contract terms to sign a five-year contract with Frontier. As we have explained, the Board felt the Spectrum plan was not in the best interest of the community and will not be offered as an option.

Once you have turned in your ballot, do as I do and sit and enjoy the sunset and once again realize, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Thank you,
Kim Fuller