The County has issued a new order regarding health and safety guidelines. I will give more details this afternoon in a Podcast, but effective immediately masks or face coverings are no longer required outdoors. You are required to always have one with you. Masks or face coverings are required everywhere indoors except in your own home or in your own car. Gatherings are still not allowed no matter the size or venue. So, no visitors to your property at all.
More details will be coming this afternoon in the Podcast.
The County has issued a new order regarding health and safety guidelines that may be implemented effective May 1, 2020. The Board is meeting this morning to discuss and evaluate the new order to determine what changes can take place and how it will affect our HOA. Once the Board reviews all the information we will get back to you this afternoon on how we will proceed.
The County is now allowing pools at HOA’s to operate provided extremely strict restrictions are put into place. The Board and staff are working on a plan to open the pools according to the restrictions listed below. I will get back to you within the next couple of days with more information, but if we open pools it will have to be according to the guidelines listed below. We must make the pools ready for use and have staffing available to ensure these guidelines are met. This will take a couple of days of planning in order to implement.
Here are the Restrictions for your review:
Can private pools, like those in a gated housing development or apartment building, remain open?
Yes, private pools, including those in an HOA, apartment complex, hotel, motel, and country club, are permitted to operate for single occupancy only (one swimmer at a time), regardless of size or volume of pool. No gatherings around the pool are permitted, though a parent or guardian should remain with a minor who is swimming at all times to ensure safety.
All outdoor furniture in pool areas must be removed or stacked/chained in such a manner that furniture is rendered unusable. Drinking fountains and showers must remain closed and roped off from use. High touch areas such as handrails, restroom surfaces, light switches, dispensers, faucets, and doorknobs must be sanitized frequently.
Pools shall continue to be maintained in accordance with all County laws and regulations to ensure proper chemicals and safety measures are present. More information on pool safety can be found online at: https://rivcoph.org/coronavirus
The County is now allowing pools at HOA’s to operate provided extremely strict restrictions are put into place. Here are the Restrictions for your review:
Can private pools, like those in a gated housing development or apartment building, remain open?
Yes, private pools, including those in an HOA, apartment complex, hotel, motel, and country club, are permitted to operate for single occupancy only (one swimmer at a time), regardless of size or volume of pool. No gatherings around the pool are permitted, though a parent or guardian should remain with a minor who is swimming at all times to ensure safety.
All outdoor furniture in pool areas must be removed or stacked/chained in such a manner that furniture is rendered unusable. Drinking fountains and showers must remain closed and roped off from use. High touch areas such as handrails, restroom surfaces, light switches, dispensers, faucets, and doorknobs must be sanitized frequently.
Pools shall continue to be maintained in accordance with all County laws and regulations to ensure proper chemicals and safety measures are present. More information on pool safety can be found online at: https://rivcoph.org/coronavirus
As you can see the restrictions limit the use of a pool to only one person at a time with no other people in the area including the deck area. The Board is meeting on Monday and will discuss the new guidelines so see if they can be implemented. If we cannot implement the guidelines, we will not be able to open the pools. I will let you know on Tuesday what, if anything, can be done. If anyone has ideas on how to implement the new guidelines, please let me know before Monday’s Board meeting.
I have been asked about the Frontier contract because news has stated Frontier has filed for bankruptcy. This was not unexpected. Frontier Communications filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but said its service to customers will not be affected by the financial restructuring.
We have met with the reps from Frontier and for them it is business as usual. We will be finishing our contract terms and if acceptable will sign the 5-year contract as presented to the residents.
The original install date was to begin 6/15 and would take about 3-4 months. Given the virus situation there could be delays, so at this point we are not sure when the install process will begin. As soon as I have more information, I will let you know.
I want to thank Bill Wethe, Chair of the Finance Advisory Committee, for following this process carefully and providing the links below so that residents may read all the information regarding the bankruptcy filing of Frontier.
To view communications from Frontier regarding services to customers, visit:
The County is now allowing certain activities to open for play provided certain restrictions are put into place. Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, and Bocce may open for play, but certain restrictions must be implemented. I have attached a list of guidelines that must be followed if you are going to play one of these activities. Some of the basics are:
There will be no water available so be sure to bring enough water
Masks are always required once you leave your vehicle until you return to your vehicle
There are no guests
There is to be no gathering before or after play
See attached guidelines for a complete list
I have attached a list of guidelines for every sport that will open. All these activities will open on Friday, and reservations can be made starting Thursday 4/23/20. For golf you must pay in advance for your green fee online. Cash will not be accepted at all. See the attached procedure. Walk in times for play will not be allowed. Reservations for all the activities must be done in advance in order to play. Please see attached guidelines for each activity.
Dog parks are not allowed to be opened given the County order. The County order is as follows, “Outdoor areas may be used for walking, jogging, hiking, biking, equestrian activities, and other non-contact outdoor sports such as golf, pickleball, and tennis.” Activities that create contact with individuals such as picnic tables and playgrounds, or other similar public or private events and gatherings are prohibited. Given that dog parks are not an outdoor sports activity for people, but they do allow for people to gather in one venue, they are not allowed.
Pools were not granted the exception at this time. The current document states “Both public and privately-owned shared pools must be closed, including apartment pools, hotel pools and neighborhood pools”. Until we get an order to allow pools to be opened this statement makes it clear pools may not open.
Please read all the restrictions for playing in the sports that are allowed. If we can adhere to the County guidelines, we can hopefully be safe as we participate in some of the outdoor activities that we all have missed. Hopefully soon other activities will slowly be available, so one step at a time. Priority is still the health and safety of each person, so be careful as you enjoy some of the outdoor activities once again.
Hello, residents! On April 7, 2020, the HOA elected a new Board, and Bob Israel stepped down. I think Bob’s own words capture quite nicely his service. I will say Bob is one of those people who 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 or 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 on which you are clearly experienced. Below 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, a Board member completing a two-year term of office and not seeking re-election would speak to the homeowners in attendance. Those not in attendance would view the meeting on video on the official website.
These are not normal times, however, 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. I believe that to be a useful exercise because we will get through this.
Many of you have asked me why I chose not to run for re-election. 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 State 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. It was not out of any particular personal desire or need, but out of concern for, and some dissatisfaction with, the way some things had been done, as well as 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 and large, my concerns are no longer manifest. I am convinced that our community is on a solid financial footing and well run, more transparent, and a kinder, gentle place which we 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 will continue to step forward for a few years of service, and bring their diverse views, experience, and talents to 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. It is also work that our governing documents require be done by unpaid volunteer homeowners, elected by you, who in turn select other unpaid volunteer homeowners who staff the many 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 your “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 out their terms, and two of whom have decided to run again, I commend them 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, listened fairly 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. 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 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. No matter how “off the wall” some homeowners’ views and 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. 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; and 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 are a far better and more productive investment of the precious resource of our time than are 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.
I need to clarify my remarks from the Podcast. I gave out information for the golf course that you may walk the course. This means only golfers, while playing golf, may walk the course. Many contacted me thinking this meant anyone could now walk the golf course.
My apologies for not being more clear. Only golfers, while playing golf, are allowed on the golf course at any time. This has not changed. We do not allow for walking, jogging, bicycles, dogs, etc. on the golf course at any time.
The walking I was referring to was for someone playing golf. Normally golfers are required to use an electric golf cart on the South Course when they are playing golf. We are currently allowing golfers, while they are playing golf, to walk on the golf course rather than taking an electric golf cart. This will mean they would either carry their own golf clubs or use a hand cart for their golf clubs.
Sorry for the misunderstanding but as far as residents using the golf course for walking nothing has changed. No one, except golfers playing golf, is allowed on the golf course at any time.
The Riverside County Health Dept. has updated their directive regarding what activities in what conditions will be allowed. I have attached the two new directives for your review. There are required restrictions on opening activities. The Board will be meeting later today, with staff, to review the county order and discuss if, when, how, and which activities will be opened. We are still required to comply with the county order, so we need to be sure that any activity that can be opened is done safely and according to the county restrictions.
Since the Board will be meeting late in the day, I will not have any more information today. I will get back to you tomorrow morning with information on how we will proceed given the new information from the County Health Officer.
We will work as quickly as possible, but we need a little time to make sure staff can implement the opening of facilities given the restrictions that have been put in place.
Many are writing to ask if the Golf Course will be open tomorrow because of an article written in the newspaper. The Golf Course will not be open until the Board can review the list of restrictions listed by the County and be sure they can be implemented safely. At this point the County has not given us any official directives on opening the golf course, so until that happens the golf course will remain closed.
We will notify you as soon as we have any information about any of the facilities opening for use.
There is a rumor floating around about a resident that pulled down his/her mask, was taking a drink of water, pulled the mask back up, and then security gave this person a ticket for pulling down his/her mask to take a drink of water. This rumor is False.
I have no report or complaint of any such ticket being issued. I have no report from security any such action occurred. If a person believes they have unjustly been cited for any violation, all that needs to be done is to contact me or the head of security and we will investigate and take whatever corrective action is necessary. There has been no such complaint of this incident occurring.
Please, before making assumptions and reaching false conclusions, all anyone needs to do is simply ask, we will answer your questions. To promote inaccurate and false information to try and find fault is simply irresponsible.
I want to thank those residents that decided it is better to find out the truth before making any judgments by asking me the question.
You are welcome to take a drink of water while on a walk. You may pull down a mask to take a drink of water, but please pull it up when you are done.
Quite different times we live in at the moment. Patience, it will be over soon. We all need to stay focused on the task at hand, it is the best way to protect all of us during this time. We all know it is inconvenient, but inconvenience is better than your neighbor being sick and possibly dying. It is amazing to watch what some have said is “the most remarkable act of Global Solidarity we may ever witness”. An entire world working to save the lives of each other. If it were not so inconvenient, it would be the most noteworthy event we have seen in our lifetime.
I have attached a graph showing the difference between using mitigating measures and not using such measures distributed by the Riverside County Public Health at rivcoph.org. As you see in this graph the number of cases drops dramatically if we stay at home and use masks to help prevent the spread of the virus. Let us all understand that the inconvenience of staying at home and wearing masks will save lives, it will be over soon but for now we must simply stay the course.
At this time, we do not know when the facilities will re-open. We do not have any new information from the county but as soon as we hear we will let you know. Until that time the stay at home, no gatherings, and the use of masks outside your home must stay enforced.
I have been asked about the Frontier contract because news has stated Frontier has filed for bankruptcy. This was not unexpected, Frontier Communications filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but said its service to customers will not be affected by the financial restructuring, so for the HOA this does not make any difference. We have met with the reps from Frontier and for them it is business as usual. We will be finishing our contract terms and if acceptable will sign the 5-year contract as presented to the residents. The original install date was to begin 6/15 and would take about 3-4 months. Given the virus situation there could be delays, so at this point we are not sure when the install process will begin. As soon as I have more information, I will let you know.
I want to thank everyone for supporting Shadows during this time. It is helping tremendously to reduce the negative impact of not being open for sit down dining and helps to keep the staff employed during this difficult time. Saturday is prime rib night, and it is excellent. I have had it twice so you might want to order a dinner tomorrow night. You need to call in your order by 4 pm, but they are open till 8pm for pick up. Delivery is available but only till 6pm and there is a $25 minimum charge.
A new addition to taking out food at Shadows is they can sell alcoholic drinks for pick up during this time. Normally this is not possible according to regulations. These rules have been relaxed because restaurants are only allowed to have take out and no sit down dining. However, for delivered meals, there are restrictions, such as only manufacturer sealed alcoholic drinks (Beer, Wine or Liquor) are the only items that can be delivered. You cannot have delivered a mixed drink or beer on tap for example. You may pick up such drinks, they just cannot be delivered. Please be aware that to order alcohol you must order food.
One resident has suggested, if we all buy one meal a week from Shadows take out, it will help during this time to increase the income level and help to keep the staff employed.
The sun rises, mountains are dusted white, and the sky is clear. It is a beautiful day to enjoy the gift of a young child who does not know just how much she can make people smile.
You just might enjoy this more than once. One moment a kid, and next moment an angel.
I have been asked this morning, is a mask required while driving in a golf cart? The answer is yes, masks are required for anyone in a golf cart. You are not required to wear a mask in your own home, your own backyard, or in your own car. A golf cart does not qualify as a car, so masks are required while driving around in a golf cart.
We have had over 1700 requests for masks. We are proud to provide these masks to you for your protection. The Needles & Pins Club and many of the volunteer sewers from our community have worked together to provide them to you.
It will take a little time to make enough masks for everyone. If you have put in a request, we will contact you as soon as we can have a mask ready for you to pick up. We also want to explain the care and use of the mask once you receive it. Remember to wash and sterilize the mask when you pick it up, and be sure to wash your hands immediately after picking up the mask and discard the bags the mask came in.
Below are some guidelines to assist you in the care and use of the mask:
Make sure you wash the masks in hot water before using them.
Put the mask on so the pleats are facing downward on the outside of the mask.
The mask may have a wire piece at the top to cover your nose. If so, pinch it to bring the cloth close for effective coverage. If it helps you to remember, mark the inside “top”.
Wash the mask each time you are out and exposed to other people.
Do not microwave the mask to sanitize if there is a metal wire in the nose covering.
Ironing the mask after washing is optional. Do not iron the elastic.
I have had many questions about the current rules around masks, gatherings, and guests. Let me try and answer the common questions that have come up recently.
What is the difference between the “stay at home order” and “social distancing”? “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. On April 4,2020 the County Health Officer went on to clarify that “All public or private "gatherings, within the County of Riverside are prohibited, regardless of venue or size”. This means there cannot be any gathering of people anywhere at any time. The only gathering of people allowed is for the occupants of the same house.
Can I sit with my neighbors on the driveway of my home if we are more than 6’ apart? No. This is a gathering and according to county order no gatherings no matter how small, no matter where they take place.
Can I sit with friends in my home? No.
Can I sit with friends in my backyard? No.
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. Please do not invite guests unless essential according to the county order.
Can home service workers continue to provide their services? Home service workers may provide services to residences if essential to health, safety, sanitation, or the necessary operation of the residence. Generally, this will mean that plumbing, maintenance (to, for example, fix an interior or exterior water leak), pest control, or similar services necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary household are permissible. Purely cosmetic and other non-essential home services should be deferred to minimize risk of transmission. We should all try to minimize any outside people if possible.
Are Masks required at all times? Yes, except for the occupants of a home while they are in their home, backyard or car. County Order states, “All persons, including Essential Workers shall wear face coverings, such as scarves (dense fabric, without holes), bandanas, neck gaiter, or other fabric face coverings.
When Service workers are at or in my home, do they need to wear a mask? Yes. All service workers are required to wear a mask anytime they are not in their own car. Housekeepers are always required to wear a mask in or around the house. Gardeners are always required to wear a mask outside of their own car. All service workers like plumbers, etc. are always required to wear a mask when not in their own car.
Are guests required to wear a mask in my own home? Yes. But only essential guests are allowed in your home at this time. Visiting guests are not allowed in your home.
When walking down the street are masks required? Yes. Masks are required everywhere except in you own home, car or backyard.
Are Masks required when doing yard work in my own front yard? Yes. Masks are required everywhere outdoors except in your car or backyard.
When bicycling, am I required to wear a mask? Yes. Masks are required for any activity outside except when in your own backyard.
When bicycling, am I required to stay 6’ apart? Yes. You must stay 6’ apart from other people except for another occupant of your own home.
Can I wear my mask below my chin around my neck? No.
The Board has unanimously decided that any violation of the County Order is subject to fines up to $200. We would prefer no one ever get a citation and fine, but implementation of all mitigating procedures is best for the safety and health of every resident here at Shadow Hills, and that priority must take precedence over personal preference.
Please understand these restrictions are for the safety of all of us. The longer we participate in these mitigating measures, the more likely residents will not get sick from Covid-19. We need to focus on the task at hand, to prevent anyone from getting sick from the Covid-19 virus which can cause death in our population group. We need to be diligent to help keep all our neighbors safe from harm.
Many have asked about the masks being made for our residents. I want to thank Cheryl Taylor and the Needles and Pins Club for stepping up to make masks for the residents. No question it was needed because we have had requests for 1700 masks. You can order a mask online (☞ click here) or call the Lifestyle desk at 760-345-4349, Ext. 2120. Given the number of masks needed, it will take us a little time to make all the masks. Please be patient, the people making masks are working as fast as possible, but 1700 masks does take a little time. We will get back to you, but we need to give the sewers a little time to make all the masks. If you have left a message it will be returned as soon as we have enough masks to distribute to you. This process will need to be done gradually over several days. As masks are made, we will call to have you pick them up. There are some people that have not picked up their mask at their appointed time, so please come by and pick it up as soon as possible. We need the space for more masks coming in for distribution.
Thank you for taking all precautions necessary to help everyone stay healthy and safe. Please let everyone know that masks are required just in case they did not get this message.
Let’s take a moment and be thankful we are here, a much better place to be than other parts of the world. We all need to focus and ‘Stay the Course’. It will prove to be our path to success. We are only part way through this process, so let’s work together to insure everyone stays healthy and safe, nothing else matters. As Riverside County Covid-19 cases continue to rise, if we stay diligent, perhaps this awful and ugly virus will pass us by, but we can’t stop fighting if we are going to be successful.
Thank you all for the kind words of support, everyone on the Board appreciates your help. If you have any questions, please let me know.
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.
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.
