There is an email scam going around using my name. You can tell the message is not from me in two different ways:
The email address for me is not mine.
I put my phone number under my name and the scam emails have no phone number under my name.
If you get one of these messages without my phone number under my name just delete it. They are trying to get money or gift cards out of you. I don’t ask for money or gift cards.
I am only asking for everyone’s help to stay at home, wear masks outside, don’t have any gatherings of any size, and be safe.
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.
Oklahoma!, by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Presented by the Sun City Shadow Hills Performing Arts Club & Community Singers
Performed and recorded March 26, 2015
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Governor’s order states that “Under the “stay at home” Executive Order you cannot host or attend any gatherings”.
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.
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 8.6Prohibition 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.
Regular Jose Cuervo mix with a shot or 2 of Grand Marnier and of course Cuervo tequila over ice or crushed iced with or without salt on the rim.
6 oz. Frozen Limeade Concentrate
