Desert Living Tip of the Month

Attention all dog owners! The View will be featuring an article heralding dogs in the August magazine. We would like to include a few photos of SCSH residents and their dogs with the article . . . and possibly a cover shot! Please send a recent picture of yourself and your dog(s) to view@scshca.com by Friday, April 19, for consideration. If your photo is not chosen for the magazine, you can also send it to https://www.scshca.com/residentcorner/submissionform/ for posting on the resident pet owner page on the website.

Below are barking tips to keep your dog cool and safe in our hot summer desert heat!

• Avoid exposing your dog to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn its paws for any prolonged period.
• Walk them at cooler times, like early morning or evening.
• Keep dogs hydrated with cool, fresh water.
• Use cooling coats and collars.
• Provide cooling mats and ice packs.
• Find a shady spot to rest or keep them inside with air-conditioning. Doghouses are not good shelters in the summer because they can trap heat.
• Use a paddling pool.
• Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Brachycephalic dogs (have a short head and snout), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Keep your dog’s coat well-brushed, clean, and free of mats.
• Ask your veterinarian which preventative medication against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes carrying heartworms will be best for your dog.
• Keep dogs off lawns chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions) and away from toxic plants and flowers.
• Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit in just 20 minutes.
• Keep your dog cool in the car by putting ice packs wrapped in a towel in their crate. Make sure the crate is well-ventilated.
• Put a sunshade on your car windows.
• Be alert to dehydration and heatstroke - If your dog is panting, has dry gums and nose, thick saliva, lethargy, sunken eyes, and loss of elasticity in the skin, they may be dehydrated.
• While traveling, bring along fresh water, a bowl, and a tarp or tent to set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz your dog.

Nothing beats canine companionship at home or on vacations. As a responsible dog owner, you can ensure that your summer fun and vacation with your best friend will be enjoyable for both of you.

Allergy season arrived early this year and will be worse than ever due to the dreaded Pollen Bombs! Pollen bombs occur when trees release millions of grains of pollen in a short time. Your eyes, nose, and throat are instantly irritated, producing seasonal allergies that make you miserable. Fun activities like walking through the neighborhood, playing tennis, golf, pickleball, or gardening with allergies can be a nightmare. Read below to determine whether you have allergies or a cold. We also have tips to help alleviate allergy symptoms outside and at home.

Is it Allergies or A Cold?

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system reacts to pollen, animal dander, or certain foods. Your body produces antibodies to fight allergies, and as your immune system reacts, it can cause inflammation of your sinuses, skin, airways, or digestive system.

For both allergies and colds, it’s common to have congestion, sneezing, a runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, or sinus pain. Following are several differences:

• Allergy symptoms occur as soon as you are exposed to an allergen.
• Colds usually come on slowly and worsen over a couple of days.
• Allergies cause itching in your eyes, nose, and throat.
• Colds rarely cause itching.
• Allergies do not cause body aches or a fever.
• Colds can bring on both a fever and body aches.
• Allergies can affect you for days, weeks, and possibly months.
• Colds usually clear up in a week or two.

Prepare a Plan to Treat Pollen Allergies:

• Check the weather and follow local pollen count reports.
• Don’t schedule outdoor activities before 10 a.m. when pollen levels are highest.
• Avoid areas with freshly cut grass.
• Wear a mask in outdoor areas with trees.
• Close windows and use air conditioning.
• Vacuum and dust regularly.
• Wash bedding weekly and use hypoallergenic sheets and towels.
• Take a shower before bed to wash away pollen.
• Try nasal irrigation.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Try over-the-counter allergy remedies.
• Use an air purifier.
• Replace filters regularly and use HEPA filters.
• Remember to see your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

The time is now for SCSH homeowners to embrace the speed and convenience of technology instead of relying on snail mail to receive important notifications and forms. Check out the e-reasons below for the benefits of signing up for email communication.

• Early arrival – instant delivery
• Easy to read and store in a software folder
• Environmentally friendly – no trees destroyed for paper or printing
• Economical – no stamps or envelopes necessary
• Efficient for snowbirds

We encourage all homeowners not yet registered to complete the email communication form so that the HOA can email correspondence and mailers. (Except for those forms the HOA is required to mail via U.S. postal mail.)

It’s easy to sign up today by accessing the link below:

☞ www.scshca.com/emailconsent

Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Monday morning e-blast for current SCSH news and safety, environmental, and desert living tips. Tell your neighbors and family members to enroll as well. Just click the link below to sign up for the weekly e-blasts:

☞ www.scshca.com/emailsignup

Recently, residents in Phase 3 and other SCSH areas have discovered termites in their homes. Termites live in colonies that can quickly multiply and grow into thousands. We recommend that residents check their homes regularly since a mature termite colony can cause structural damage long before you notice any signs of an infestation. Following are tips to determine if you have termites and how to proceed.

Termites:

• Swarming termites are light brown to black with straight antennae. They swarm in the spring or summer in search of a place to start a new colony.
• Drywood termites are a specific type found in California. They are more difficult to detect and may appear as multiple small colonies spread through your home. They feed on the cellulose found in wood, plants, cotton fibers, and paper products.
• Signs of termites include blistering wood flooring, droppings that look like sawdust, mud tubes, swarms, and discarded termite wings.
• Many factors can lead to termite infestation. Check for excessive moisture, cracks in and around the foundation, and wood or mulch in direct contact with your house.

Termite Treatments:

• Get your home inspected by a professional who will check for signs of termites and risk factors that could make your house vulnerable.
• Decide on the appropriate treatment with a professional termite service.
• Depending on the size of the infestation, the type of termites (subterranean, drywood, dampwood, etc.) in or around your home, and other factors, the best treatment will vary.
• Get regular termite inspections to protect your family, pets, and your home.

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.

Ho, ho, ho, forget the chimney. Your snail mail and holiday packages will be delivered to the SCSH community mailboxes. The post office maintains these mailboxes and parcel lockers, will conduct necessary repairs, and will provide new keys if lost. The La Quinta Post Office is responsible for the parcel boxes. Please read the information regarding mail delivery, packages, and parcel lockers.

Snail Mail and Package Community Mailboxes:

• The La Quinta Post Office is located at 79125 Corporate Center Drive, La Quinta, CA 92253; phone 760-771-2465; fax 760-771-2921.
• Community mailboxes offer the greatest amount of fuel savings and carbon emission reductions because carriers can deliver mail to multiple customers during a single stop with less truck idle time.
• SCSH maintains the mailbox stands and stucco columns.
• The homeowner, whose property coincides next to the mailbox pads, maintains the surrounding landscape.
• If you have difficulty with your mailbox key, SCSH will lubricate the keyholes as a courtesy.
• The Postal Service is responsible for providing every customer with three keys to their mailbox. No key deposits are required, and you may duplicate keys at your expense.
• The Postal Service keeps no duplicate keys; if you lose all the keys, the Postal Service will have to install a new lock and issue a new set of keys at your expense.
• SCSH community mailbox units also contain a slot for “Outgoing Mail.” Mail is collected from this slot by the carrier during regular mail delivery.
• Our community mail station has parcel lockers for items too large to fit in an individual mailbox.
• A key will be left in your mailbox to open the parcel locker. This key has a tag that indicates the parcel locker that contains the item.

SCSH is a community that is very pet-friendly. We encourage play time and dog walking and suggest you read the rules and regulations pertaining to pets (section 2.20) and check out the dog parks and walking areas in our Community & Telephone Directory. Dogs love to ride in golf carts because they are surrounded by fresh air and enticing sights and smells. However, we highly recommend following these dog and golf cart safety tips to ensure the well-being of residents, drivers, and dogs.

Dog and Golf Cart Safety Tips:

• Do not let your dog hop out of the vehicle with or without a leash.
• If the dog jumps out, or if you let the dog run on a leash next to a moving cart, the leash can get tangled around the wheel, causing injury to your dog.
• If your golf cart has seatbelts, find a harness that connects to the belt to keep your dog safely restrained.
• If your golf cart does not have seatbelts, consider using a harness with a short leash attached to the seat to keep your dog safe in the cart.
• You may want to upgrade the golf cart with one that has doors.

Even well-behaved dogs get excited while driving with you in a golf cart and may try to break free. So always be a thoughtful and caring pet owner and keep your furry friend and other residents safe by securing them in the cart. Remember that you are responsible for removing and properly disposing of your dog’s litter.

Good news! The Imperial Irrigation District Board (IID) met last week to discuss overhauling its billing system to make electric charges more predictable and affordable in response to concerns about fluctuating summer electric bills. In 2015, the current Energy Cost Adjustment factor (ECA) was adopted to reflect the variable energy costs, including fuel and power purchases. During the summer of 2023, unforeseen market volatility, record-breaking temperatures, unexpected unit outages, and transmission disruptions highlighted the limitations of the current ECA. These market fluctuations resulted in bills for some customers doubling from one month to the next.

Key Highlights of the IID Proposed Resolution to Improve Billing for Electricity:

• Outlines immediate steps to improve billing and stop spikes on monthly bills.
• Implements a Comprehensive Action Plan written by the IID General Manager to address concerns over the current ECA and present alternatives.
• Effects a strategy to protect customers from electric market volatility, ensuring affordable and consistent electric bills.

Following are Tips to Help Lower Electric Bills During Warm Weather:

• Avoid using the oven on hot days. Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave oven or grill outside.
• Make sure to clear any debris around the air conditioning unit.
• Keep AC thermostats set at 78 F degrees or higher. Every degree above 78 F represents an approximately 2% savings on cooling costs.
• Enjoy an afternoon at the pool, park, clubhouse, or local library.
• Wait until cooler times of the day to do tasks like laundry and cooking.
• Turn on the ceiling fan when using your air conditioner. You can raise the thermostat about four degrees to save on cooling costs without reducing comfort.
• Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t in use. Enjoy candlelit dinners or dimly lit game nights. During the day, rely on natural light alone.
• Open windows to let cooler air flow into your home in the morning and at night.
• Inspect your air conditioner to ensure the system is leak-free and operates efficiently.
• Check the filter on your air conditioning system, and clean or replace it if it’s dirty. A dirty filter slows airflow and causes the system to use more energy.
• Caulk gaps and cracks around doorframes and windows to prevent warm air from entering your home.
• Use a pool cover and replace pool pumps and motors with energy-efficient equipment. Shorten the operating time if your pool has a filter and automatic cleaning sweep.

Senior adults are more likely to incur injury and death from falls. Risk factors from aging, appliances, increased clutter and hoarding, and the use of medications increase the risk of a fall and the ability to react. If you or a household member falls and require assistance getting up to a mobile position, the best procedure is to call 911 and let them know you need a “lift assist.”

For people aged 65 and older, falls account for 17% of all 911 calls. And nearly 50% of lift-assist calls result in a second lift-assist call within two weeks. A lift assist call is an opportunity for assessment and intervention to prevent future injury, medical deterioration, and disability in older adults.

Using EMS services for fall-related calls has substantial financial consequences for communities and decreases the availability of EMS to respond to more urgent needs. So it is recommended that you follow the precautions below to reduce future falls.

Ways to Prevent Falls At Home:

• Install grab bars and tub chairs to make toileting and showering easier and safer.
• Tuck a cord for a lamp behind a piece of furniture.
• Turn on more lights as you move through the house.
• Check with your physician regarding prescription and over-the-counter medications to remedy medication conflicts that might affect your balance and mobility.
• Clear walkways, add grab bars and wear sturdy shoes or house slippers.
• Use non-slip rugs, and make sure your carpet does not have bulges.
• Call our local fire department to conduct smoke alarm installation, fire escape planning, and related home assessments to support fire and fall prevention.
• Review new mobility limitations and additional medications when you return from the hospital after treatment.
• Consider a medical alert system with a reputable company for a monthly charge. You can wear a 24/7 monitoring necklace for an emergency at home or outside.

Summer in the Coachella Valley is a glorious time to enjoy outdoor activities. However, SCSH residents should keep in mind that there is a public health advisory regarding day-biting mosquitos. The Coachella Valley has detected a mosquito species capable of transmitting viruses such as chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika. Currently, there are no reports of local mosquito transmission of these viruses, and the District is working proactively to reduce the risks to residents.

Day Biting Mosquitos:

• The invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti was first detected in the Coachella Valley in 2016.
• This black and white mosquito bites aggressively during the day and lives in urban areas.
• The mosquito can transmit serious viruses like dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika.
• Please report any suspected invasive mosquitoes to the District at (760) 342-8287 or online by submitting a Service Request.
• Some local mosquito species bite during the day; however, they may not be invasive. Report all daytime mosquito-biting activity so field staff can conduct inspections.
• The current risk to area residents is low due to the small numbers of both invasive Aedes detected in the Valley, and few reported human-related travel cases.

Be Proactive to Protect You and Your Home:

• Invasive Aedes mosquitos lay eggs in small containers just above the water line.
• Clean and scrub any containers that have held water, as eggs can survive for months while dry and hatch when water returns.
• Dump and drain standing water in all containers weekly, including outdoor plants and saucers, bird baths, and buckets, to ensure you don’t have mosquitoes developing in your yard.
• French drains or dry wells can build up debris and plant life, creating a hiding spot for mosquitos to lay eggs. They can also sink over time and hold the water they are supposed to drain away. If you can’t drain away from the water, drill holes in the drain or fill it in with sand/rock. Or use a mosquito dunk (available at hardware stores) to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Most mosquito-borne diseases include flu-like symptoms.
• If you experience any symptoms in the days or weeks following a mosquito bite, contact your primary physician.

Travelers Alert:

• Travelers returning from areas where these diseases are transmitted could infect a local mosquito.
• For protection, cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Always use as directed.
• Finding recommended repellent at your destination might be difficult, so pack enough to last the entire trip.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (boots, pants, socks, tents). You can buy pre-treated items or treat them yourself.
• Stay and sleep in screened-in and air-conditioned rooms whenever possible. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are unavailable or if sleeping outdoors.

For more information, contact the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District · 43420 Trader Place, Indio, CA 92201 · (760) 342-8287 • www.cvmosquito.org

The next time your light bulbs fade out, we have an easy solution for you! Rather than traveling to the market or ordering bulbs online, you can purchase certain light bulbs at the SCSH HOA office. Imagine the convenience of buying light bulbs at great prices inside our community. Listed below are the light bulbs available for purchase at the HOA office.

Easy Access - HOA Location and Hours:

• The HOA office is next to the Montecito Fitness Center
• Open Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Open the First Saturday of the Month: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Phone: 760-345-4349 Ext. 1

Easy Purchase and Great Prices:

• The Two Large Sized Light Bulbs: $8.00 Each
• Baby Bulbs: $1.00 Each
• Xelogen Baby Bulbs: $3.00 Each
• 4 Prong Spiral Bulbs: $8.00 Each
• 2 Prong Spiral & LED Light Bulbs: $8.00 Each

Easy Payment:

• Pay with a check or credit card
• You cannot return light bulbs, so check the bulb size before purchasing

We hope you take advantage of these convenient ways to purchase light bulbs within SCSH.

While driving through our vibrant community, we should strive to make sure we protect our neighbors from harm. Our desert lifestyle allows us to walk, jog, bicycle, and drive golf carts around SCSH throughout the year. As thoughtful and courteous drivers, you should slow down for golf cart paths that cross the road, then make a full stop at the Stop Sign that follows.

Golf Cart Basic Information:

• In CA, a golf cart is considered a motor vehicle designed to carry golf equipment, not more than two persons, including the driver, and constructed to operate at no more than 15 miles per hour.
• The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) considers golf carts exempt from registration. Golf carts don’t have to be registered, but they can be.
• While SCSHCA is a private subdivision, California vehicle laws apply to drivers while driving on the streets. Only a person having a valid vehicle operator’s license as defined by the California Vehicle Code shall operate motor vehicles, including golf carts.
• To operate a golf cart, you must use an appropriately sized vehicle and show no difficulty in safely reaching the controls and pedals.
• Unregistered golf carts must operate on golf courses or within one mile of golf courses, driving only on roads and paths with speed limits under 25 mph.

Golf Cart Crossings:

• SCSH has established golf cart crossings when golf carts must cross a street to get to the next hole.
• As per CA Vehicle Code 10.70. 030 - Right-of-way: The driver of any vehicle on the street with a marked golf cart crossing zone must yield the right-of-way to a golf cart.

Stop Signs Following Golf Cart Crossings:

• Many streets in SCSH have a Stop Sign several feet following a golf cart crossing.
• Drivers must make a full stop at the stop sign after passing the golf cart crossing.

Follow These Rules to be a Safe and Courteous Driver:

• Always allow a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
• Drive at a safe speed based on the speed limit, flow of traffic, and weather.
• The speed limits are 35 mph on SC Boulevard and 25 mph on all other streets.
• Signal in advance before turning or changing lanes.
• Make a complete stop at a stop sign, and never run a red light.
• Never tailgate or drive recklessly.
• Never succumb to road rage; be patient if you get cut off.
• Do not get distracted by phone calls, texts, the radio, or other passengers.
• Follow all these rules when driving a golf cart as well.
• Inform your guests and vendors that they must follow these rules, too.

Thanks for your cooperation and respect for your neighbors while driving inside and outside our community gates.

Some residents of SCSH received a notice from the Valley Sanitary District (VSD) regarding a proposed increase in sewer rates. It is important to get information about the rate increase by visiting the website or attending the public hearing on May 23, 2023. You can submit a written protest by mail or deliver it in person at or before the public hearing. If adopted, the new rates will be effective 07/01/23, and increases will be automatically applied each July 1 through 2027.

VSD’s Justification for a Rate Increase:

• Sewage service rates are reviewed at least once every five years.
• Costs include collecting, treating, reusing, and discharging wastewater.
• Consideration of future plans for improving infrastructure to meet regulatory and permit requirements.

Formula for Determining Rates:

• Wastewater rates include fixed and volumetric charges.
• Single-Family units are charged based on equivalent dwelling units.
• Volumetric charges are based on the average winter water consumption.
• That volume is multiplied by the volumetric rate for a single-family unit.

Proposed Annual Rates for Single-Family Residential Homes:

• 2023/24 - $591.82
• 2024/25 - $798.96
• 2025/26 - $1,078.60
• 2026/27 - $1,294.32
• 2027/28 - $1,488.47

How to Proceed:

• If you did not receive a mailer about the proposed rate increases, check your property tax bill to see if VSD is your provider.
• The property owner or tenant can submit a written protest on the proposed rate increases by regular mail or in person before or at the hearing.
• Protests must contain a description of the property (parcel #); state if you are the owner or renter; the property owner’s or renter’s signature is required.
• VSD must receive the written protest at or before the public hearing.
• The public hearing is on May 23, 2023, at 1:00 pm.
• The location for the hearing is the Valley Sanitary District office: 45-500 Van Buren Street, Indio, CA 92201.
• After the hearing, if the number of protests is a majority, VSD will NOT adopt proposed rate increases.

Since not all SCSH residents received a flyer from VSD regarding the proposed rate increases, not all phases may be included. Check the VSD website, www.valley-sanitary.org/about/pages/district-service-area, or call 760-238-5400 for further information. Remember that you have the power to file a protest regarding the proposed rate increases, so get involved and don’t waste money on wastewater!

📄 Frequently Asked Questions – Proposed Rates

Your SCSH home is your haven for enjoying life and outdoor entertaining. Our delightful desert climate allows us to spend most of the year outside strolling, playing sports, and gathering in our community clubhouses, facilities, golf courses, and backyards. As our homes age and endure desert heat, wind, sand, and occasional rain, it is prudent to refresh the exterior with a new coat of paint.

Fresh, colorful paint will enhance your property and the community. When you’re ready to paint the exterior of your house, the HOA and Design Review Committee rules are easy to follow.

Exterior Home Painting Requirements:

• You must choose exterior house paint colors according to specific color charts.
• The exterior color charts are located on the SCSH website in the Paint Color Schemes folder.
• The link for the color schemes is https://www.scshca.com/paint-color-schemes/
• The approved paint for exteriors is Dunn-Edwards Paints
• There are 18 approved choices for exterior paint color schemes.
• Each paint color scheme provides an example of the colors with numbers for where the paint should be applied:
  • #1 – Main Stucco
  • #2 – Accent Stucco Blocking
  • #3 - Decorative Clay Pipes
  • #4 – Front Door/Shutters
  • #5 – Garage Door
• No individual item, e.g., doors, trim, fascia, etc., may be painted differently from the approved color schemes. Exchanging colors between schemes is not permitted.
• The home’s main color, that of its stucco, cannot be the same as that of the dwelling units on either adjoining lot.
• Property walls visible from the street, common area, or neighboring properties must remain the same

Approval Before Exterior Painting:

• You must complete the Design Review Home Improvement Application (HIA) before painting your home’s exterior when you use a new color scheme.
• You can find the HIA form and directions on the SCSH website in the design review folder.
• You must obtain written approval from the DRC before commencing any repainting.
• To change the color of a dwelling unit, the owner must choose from one of the eighteen approved complete color schemes and submit an HIA to receive written approval by the DRC prior to work commencing.
• A photograph of the adjoining dwelling units must accompany the HIA.
• You must provide the approved Scheme Color number chosen, house model, and elevation.
• Owners repainting the dwelling with the existing color does NOT require an HIA; if you need to identify your color, the HOA office staff will assist you.

We recommend that you visit Dunn-Edwards to view the actual color samples since the samples at the HOA office and online are not exact replicas.

Once the DRC approves your exterior paint scheme and you have completed painting, it’s time to appreciate your desert masterpiece home while walking or driving around the community. Enjoy the wonderful four seasons in SCSH with a freshly painted house that residents and guests will admire.

Did you scream in horror when you received your gas bill last month? Most SCSH residents received a gas bill that was two or three times higher than average! SoCalGas responded to the outcry stating that this winter, bills are expected to be higher due to the increasing cost of natural gas combined with higher usage. The cost of natural gas has increased significantly nationwide, but SoCalGas can help us manage charges with their assistance programs, rebates, and energy-saving tips and tools. Below are ways to reduce home gas costs so you won’t gasp opening future bills.

SoCalGas Tools and Tips to Reduce Costs:

• Review your current and historical gas bills to help plan your usage.
• My Energy Dashboard: Find all your available energy efficiency resources in one place on your website account.
• Analyze Usage: View your natural gas usage by month, day, and hour.
• Compare your bill with previous months.
• My Savings Plan: View and manage all your energy tips, programs, and rebates to keep track of your energy efficiency and savings progress.
• Go to My Plan On Tips, Programs & Rebates: Browse the savings tips, programs, and rebates available to you.
• Answer a few questions on your website account to get personalized tips to help you be more energy-efficient and lower your natural gas bill.
• The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers a 20 percent discount to eligible customers for monthly gas bills.
• Utilize assistance programs such as Ways to Save tools and Level Pay Plan.
• For more information, go to: socalgas.com/ManageHigherBills

Personalized Savings Tips for Your Home:

• Install a programmable or smart thermostat and lower the heat settings.
• Save approximately 1%-2% for each 1° in lower temperature and about 5%-10% for 5° temperature reduction.
• Caulk and weatherize: You can reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 10-15% with caulking and weather-stripping.
• Inspect your home for gaps since drafts are a sign of significant air leakage that you can easily seal.
• Properly maintaining your heating system can lower energy costs and extend the equipment’s life. Depending upon your system’s current condition, you can cut your heating bills by approximately 5%-25%.
• A technician should clean and tune gas-fired heating systems annually before the heating season.
• Check the air filter every month and replace it when necessary.
• Keep air vents open, clean, and unobstructed (by furniture, carpet, drapes, etc.).
• Heat pumps pull heat out of the air to heat your home. Consider an upgrade if your heat pump is more than ten years old.
• Check gas-run appliances such as stoves and clothes dryers to ensure they use current energy-saving technology.

Great News!

The California Public Utilities Commission just issued a notice that this month your natural gas bill will include a credit of $50.77 identified as the “California Climate Credit.”

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program.

For more information about the Climate Credit, visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/climatecredit

Several residents informed us that Burrtec, our waste disposal service, overcharged them on their property tax bill. We recommend that everyone check the “FC Indio Solid Waste Chg” amount on their Property Tax Bill to ensure the appropriate billing amount. If you have regular curbside waste collection, your bill should be $250.44. However, many residents were charged double, $500.88.

How to Proceed if Your Charge is Incorrect:

• Check your tax bill, and if you were overcharged, call Burrtec ASAP.
• The number to call Burrtec, noted on your property tax bill, is 760-340-2113.
• Inform the Burrtec representative of the error and that your waste collection charge is doubled.
• Provide your home address and phone number.
• Make sure you pay the incorrect amount of $500.88 with your property taxes to avoid tax penalties.

Burrtec’s Procedure for Double Billing:

One of our residents who was double charged called Burrtec and received this information:

• Burrtec “accidentally” doubled the allowable charge for some residents.
• If you were overcharged, you should expect a refund. However, the representative did not give a date for the refund to be issued.

This overcharge is a great reminder to check your Property Tax Bill and other bills to ensure the amount of your charge is correct. As retirees, we deserve to spend our funds on items, sports, concerts, and adventures that make us happy and not waste precious dollars on overcharging mistakes.

One of the biggest challenges for families and caregivers responsible for someone with dementia is when the person wanders off. It is important to plan ahead, so you are prepared in an emergency. It is also good to know what to do if you encounter someone wandering in our community who does not respond to questions about themselves and appears to have dementia.

How to Handle an Encounter in SCSH:

• If you see a stranger wandering and looking lost, ask basic identity questions and be kind and reassuring to keep the person calm.
• Call Security and report the incident, then follow the instructions the security officer provides.
• It is best to remain with the person until Security arrives.
• If the person offers a driver's license or a card with family contact information, give those documents to Security.

Tips from the Alzheimer's Association to Be Prepared if Your Family Member Wanders:

• Enroll the person living with dementia in a wandering response service.
• Ask neighbors, friends, and family to call if they see the person wandering, lost, or dressed inappropriately.
• Keep a recent, close-up photo of the person to give to the police.
• Identify potentially dangerous areas near the home, such as bodies of water, open stairwells, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops, and roads with heavy traffic.
• Create a list of places the person might wander to, such as former homes, places of worship, or favorite restaurants.

Tips to Take Action When Someone with Dementia is Missing:

• Begin search efforts immediately and call family and friends for assistance.
• Search areas the person has wandered to in the past.
• Consider whether the individual is right or left-handed, as wandering patterns usually follow the direction of the dominant hand.
• Begin by looking in the surrounding vicinity since many wandering individuals are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared.
• Check local landscapes, such as ponds, tree lines, or fences, as many people are found within bushes or hidden behind trees or outdoor furniture.
• If you cannot find the person within 15 minutes, call 911 to file a missing person's report. Inform the authorities that the person has dementia.

Our community has many guests visiting during the holiday season, so remember to be kind and helpful if you encounter a stranger with dementia.

We live in a fabulous retirement community and should always strive to protect our neighbors from harm while driving. Our desert lifestyle allows us to walk, jog, bicycle, and drive golf carts around SCSH throughout the year. As thoughtful and courteous drivers, let’s ensure we follow the rules when stopping at 4-way stop intersections.

What is a 4-Way Stop Intersection:

• This is a crisscross intersection of two roadways with stop signs on each of the four corners.
• Drivers must slow down and be ready to make a full stop at intersections, then follow the right-of-way rules.

Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First?

• The person that reaches the intersection first has the “right of way.”
• After a full stop, this driver can go through the intersection first.
• Other vehicles must wait for the person who has the right of way to drive through the intersection.
• If a vehicle arrives at the intersection at the same time as you, give the right of way to the vehicle on your right.

Information and Penalties:

• Refer to the California DMV’s 2021 online Drivers Handbook regarding California Vehicle Code §22450 regarding Stop Signs.
• All residents, guests, and vendors must adhere to CA Civil Code 5850 (as adopted by the SCSH Board of Directors) and promptly pay fines for any violations.

Follow These Rules to be a Safe and Courteous Driver:

• Always allow a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Drive at a safe speed based on the speed limit, flow of traffic, and weather.
• The speed limits are 35 mph on SC Boulevard and 25 mph on all other streets.
• Signal in advance before turning or changing lanes.
• Make a complete stop at a stop sign, and never run a red light.
• Never tailgate or drive recklessly.
• Never succumb to road rage; be patient if you get cut off.
• Do not get distracted by phone calls, texts, the radio, or other passengers.
• Follow all these rules when driving a golf cart as well.
• Inform your guests and vendors that they must follow these rules, too.

Thanks for your cooperation and respect for your neighbors while driving inside and outside our community gates.

Our lives in SCSH are fun, active, rewarding, and sheltered. Smiles are contagious, so take time to smile and be courteous to the staff that does a terrific job keeping the community humming. We have busy lives, so the following are simple etiquette tips to ensure the staff feels appreciated daily.

Basic Etiquette Tips:

• Say “hello” and smile to brighten everyone’s day.
• Treat everybody with respect and dignity.
• Say “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” at every encounter.
• When a staff member goes above and beyond, give genuine compliments for their efforts.
• Wave to the security guards as you wait for the gates to open.
• Listen to others, don’t interrupt, and make eye contact.
• Avoid negativity and do not criticize or complain.
• Don’t embarrass others with rude jokes or gossip.
• Just be nice every day!

We are lucky to be protected by our vigilant security team, who stand guard at the two gatehouses and patrol the community. Remember to be courteous to the security officers and follow their instructions.

The Role of Security in SCSH:

• The security team at SCSH has multiple responsibilities and acts on behalf of our community’s owners.
• They provide guest and vendor access oversight at the gates.
• They respond to alarm activations.
• They enforce the HOA rules and regulations and CC&Rs, including traffic control.
• They respond to irrigation issues in residential and common areas.
• They are not police officers, so call 911 if you believe a dangerous situation requires the police or you have a medical emergency.

As you enjoy the wonderful amenities in SCSH, remember to show your appreciation with appropriate etiquette towards neighbors and the staff who make it easy to participate in sports and club activities. Enjoy all our community has to offer, and smile your gratitude forward every day!

Has your trash can ever disappeared on garbage collection day? No worries. It was not kidnapped and ransom is not required to replace it! We contacted Burrtec Customer Service and learned that occasionally as the trash container dumps its contents into the truck, it slips from the mechanical arm and slides into the vehicle. Drivers cannot retrieve the cans until they empty the trucks at the waste collection center. However, Burrtec will replace the trash can free of charge. Below is the least messy way to resolve this issue and information regarding trash collection in our community.

Trash Container Replacement:

• If it’s a windy day, check nearby streets to see if your trash can has rolled away.
• If you cannot locate the trash can, call Burrtec at 760-340-2113 and explain what happened.
• Burrtec will deliver a new trash or recycle container for free.

SCSH Trash Collection Information:

• All trash, recycling materials, and green waste must be kept in proper Burrtec containers.
• Burrtec is the company responsible for waste disposal and receives payment automatically through your property taxes.
• Residents must store all containers so they are not visible from the street, common areas, or golf courses and should be concealed behind a solid wall or in the garage except on scheduled trash pick-up days.
• All containers can be placed curbside no earlier than 4:00 pm the day before collection, and you should store them properly no later than 10:00 pm on pick-up days.

Trash Talk Extras.:

• Burrtec observes 6 Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
• When a holiday falls on or before our pick-up day, Tuesday, trash pick-up will occur on Wednesday.
• Burrtec provides a bulky item pick-up service. Call their office at least 48 hours prior to regular pick-up for this service.
• Vacation hold is unavailable to our community, and refunds are not available since residents pay Burrtec through property tax bills.
• Contact Burrtec with any questions at 760-340-2113 or email customerservice@burrtecdesert.com

Now that the “Case of the Missing Trash Can” is solved, we wish all SCSH residents a clean and healthy year.

Many residents take vacations across the nation or to foreign shores. Yet some prefer to stay home and enjoy a Desert Fun-Cation! Our temperatures rise during the summer, but you and your guests can still enjoy the amazing free activities available in our community. Following is a list of free indoor and outdoor activities and a reminder of HOA rules for guests.

Fabulous Free Outdoor SCSH Activities:

• Six Tennis Courts
• Six Pickleball Courts
• Seven Bocce Ball Courts
• Two Shuffleboard Courts
• Basketball Half-Court
• Two Golf Courses (Pay to Play Golf Fees extra)
  • Regulation Golf Course
  • Nationally Recognized Executive Golf Course
• Three Putting Greens
• Two Swimming Pools and Spas
• Two Dog Parks

Fun-Filled Indoor SCSH Clubhouse Activities:

• 2 Air-Conditioned Clubhouses
• 1 Indoor Pool & Spa
• 2 Fitness Centers
• 50+ Chartered Clubs (either minimal or no cost) offering games, crafts, and intellectual pursuits outlined in “The View” monthly magazine
• Library filled with current Fiction and Non-Fiction Books
• Six Billiard Tables
• Ping-pong Tables set up frequently
• Computers
• Weekly Movies and Scheduled Outdoor Concerts and Events

HOA Guest Regulations:

• Guests of any age may stay with SCSH residents for up to 60 days and nights in a calendar year.
• Host Resident is responsible for the behavior and actions of their Guests.
• Each home receives 1 Guest Pass at no charge.
• Guests 17 years of age and older must have a valid Guest Pass or be accompanied by the Host Resident while using Common Areas and Recreational Facilities.
• Follow age and use restrictions for Guests using Common Areas, Recreational Facilities, and equipment.
• The Host Resident or responsible adult guest with a valid Guest Pass must accompany guests sixteen years of age or younger.

We hope you and your guests enjoy a wonderful SCSH Desert Fun-Cation this summer and all year round. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and indulge in delicious meals at Shadows, our fabulous restaurant!

Our arid desert climate makes it difficult to grow verdant green lawns. Most of us plant cactus, palm trees, and various desert vegetation to beautify the exterior of our homes. In place of grass, we use desert-hued rock-ettes to cover the sand.

Strangely, those small pebbles mysteriously disappear, leaving patches of barren dirt and sand. Do you wonder what happens to the rock-ettes? Are they eaten by desert prowlers, absorbed into the ground like quicksand, or spirited away by aliens? We may never solve the mystery of the disappearing pebbles. Don’t fret; if you want to purchase new rock-ettes to refresh your landscaping, follow the HOA and DRC rules below.

Ground Surface Requirements:

• When refreshing your garden, homeowners must replenish with “like for like” materials unless a Home Improvement Application is submitted.
• You must cover all ground surfaces of all yards not covered with hardscape with inert or living materials.
• Inert materials must be a minimum size of 3/8” and a maximum of 7/8”.
• The color and material must be compatible with the material originally provided by the Developer.
• For this Rule, you cannot consider topsoil as inert material.
• You may not use artificially colored or painted rocks as ground cover.
• You may not use ground cover or rocks to spell out names, nicknames, athletic teams, slogans, or any other communication.

You are not required to purchase the ground cover material from a preferred list.
Rock-on SCSH residents and enjoy the low-maintenance landscaping that colorful pebbles provide.

With our extreme summer heat, we can still enjoy social gatherings in our backyards in the evening when the temperatures drop. String lighting is a great way to light up our desert sky for barbecues and night time swims. Many residents may be unaware of our community requirements for string lighting. Below are some tips to ensure your safety and string lighting enjoyment.

Approval Before Installation:

• String Lighting requires prior written approval from the Design Review Committee.
• String lighting on rear patios will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the DRC.

String Lighting Installation Requirements:

• You can hang String Lighting only on rear patios.
• You must install string lighting totally inside the structure’s covered patio.
• You must attach the lights on the inside of the patio cover’s structure, so bare bulbs are not visible from neighboring properties, the street, common areas, or the golf course.
• They must comply with 4.15.1 Exterior Lighting and may not exceed 450 Lumens total illumination for the entire backyard.
• Must be outdoor approved lights only.
• The only colors allowed are clear, white, or amber lights.
• A maximum of 40 Bulbs is permitted, subject to the restriction of total illumination.
• No lighting will be permitted, which causes glare to neighboring owners, neighborhoods, or any common area.

Once the DRC approves your string lighting and you have completed installation properly, it’s time to light up the desert sky and enjoy your evenings outside. Wishing everyone a starry, starry night!

With the Coachella Valley open again, our busy residents take more trips to the market, restaurants, hair salons, and entertainment venues. Sometimes we prefer not to drive our own car outside our community and call companies like Uber and Lyft to transport us to appointments. Below is the proper procedure to follow to expedite entry for your car service provider through our security gates and quickly to your door.

Ordering a Car Service Provider:

• During your call with the dispatcher, request that they send you:
  • Vehicle information, including car type, color, and license plate.
  • Driver name and photo or description.
  • Inform the dispatcher that security will question the driver at our community gate.

Informing Security at our Community Gate:

• Advise security to add this information to your guest list:
  • Date and time of car service arrival.
  • Company name of car service: Uber, Lyft, etc.
  • Vehicle information and license plate
  • Driver name and description

SCSH dwellingLIVE Guest Management System:

• dwellingLIVE is a guest management system for homeowners who are computer savvy to personally manage their guest and vendor lists, such as Uber and Lyft.
• You must be a resident registered with the dwellingLIVE program to access it and make updates.
• Obtain a one-time registration code from the HOA office or request it using an electronic form on our website.
• The request form is linked on the Front Gate Access page on our HOA website: www.scshca.com/frontgate.
• Click on the blue dwellingLIVE button and then click on “I have a one-time use Registration Code” to create an account. Once you are in, you can personally update your visitor access.
• You can watch the resident tutorial video for assistance: https://dwellingliveresidents.wordpress.com

Following are dwellingLIVE services you can use for Uber and Lyft:

• You can customize your guest lists and grant temporary or permanent access to people and vendors.
• You can note the driving directions from either of the two main gates that are printed on guest passes for guests and vendors.
• The My Account tab lets you set up email addresses and passwords and create a verbal confirmation code you provide to security when you call for authenticity.

Wishing our residents an enjoyable season, and here’s to a Quick Getaway with Uber or Lyft!

We adore our furry companions and take particular care to provide them with healthy foods, treats, and adorable toys. Most importantly, we strive to keep our Paw-tners safe in our homes, pet parks, and the community. Occasionally one of our cats or dogs go missing. Below is the proper procedure to follow if your beloved furry friend disappears.

Take Safety Precautions to Prevent or Aid in Pet Recovery:

• Use a collar with proper identification tags that include current contact information;
• Have your vet insert a microchip with an appropriate location range;
• Employ humane leashes when walking your pet in the community;
• Do not leave your pet unattended in communal areas, including pet parks;
• We recommend not leaving your pet alone in your backyard due to possible incidents with coyotes, hawks, and owls.

If You Have Lost a Dog or Cat in SCSH:

• Call both community gates. They have chip readers and will alert you if a resident brings your lost pet to the gate;
• If your pet does not have a chip, security may advise the SCSH Pet Club president and one of the club’s Safe Houses;
• The SCSH Pet Club maintains resident safe houses to provide temporary shelter for lost animals in our community for up to one week. Contact the President or VP of the Pet Club, contact info below, for a list of current safe houses;
• Post a flyer for your lost pet on the HOA bulletin board;
• Advise the HOA to post the flyer on the SCSH website under the “Classifieds” section;
• Post a photo of your lost pet with your contact information on NextDoor and SCSH’s Facebook page;
• Place flyers with the pet’s photo and your contact details at SCSH dog parks (it is not permissible to post these flyers at our community mailboxes).
• Email this information to members of the SCSH Pet Club:
  • 2022 President: Barbara Scharnhorst abscharnhorst@gmail.com
  • 2022 VP: Karen Roth mskroth@aol.com

If You Find A Dog or Cat in SCSH:

• If you see a loose dog in our community and it approaches you easily, you can attempt to take the dog to one of the gates. Security will check for a chip or ID tag and call the owner to reunite them;
• If the loose dog or cat in SCSH is not approachable, take a photo with your cell and send it to security and a Pet Club officer;
• The Pet Club will post the photo and information on NextDoor;
• If necessary, the dog or cat will be placed at a SCSH Safe House;
• If the Pet Club cannot find the owner, the dog or cat will be available for adoption by a resident or turned over to a reputable animal shelter;
• SCSH Pet Club website: suncityshadowhillspetclub.com.

Enjoy adorable photos of some of our community’s beloved furry friends on our website. We wish you a day filled with purrs, meows, joyful barks, and wagging tails!