UPDATE: Montecito Tennis Courts Closure

RESCHEDULED

All tennis courts at Montecito Clubhouse will be closed Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24. We will be replacing all the broken concrete at the seating/gathering area by the courts.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Fire Ant Treatment in Common Areas

Coachella Valley Vector Control will be on property to treat for red imported fire ants.

Treatment Service Locations: Landscape Common Areas, Phase 1 & 3 Dog Parks.

  • Phase 1 Dog Park will be closed on Thursday, June 16, 2022
  • Phase 3 Dog Park will be closed on Friday, June 17, 2022

Time: Technician should arrive between 6:30 am – 4:00 pm

If you have any pets (animals) please keep them indoors or in a secure enclosed area outdoors while the technicians are on property for safety precautions.

Product Information: Coachella Valley Vector Control has provided the following information regarding the treatment product: Control product are water soluble and will render ineffective when in contact with water. Control product are made at a very low dosage, enough to kill an ant and should not harm pets. If you have any pets, please keep them indoors while the technicians are on property for safety precaution.

If you have any questions, please contact the Association’s Facilities Maintenance Department, at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Block Wall Painting Project (Phase 1)

On Monday, May 16, block wall painting will begin on Sun City Blvd in Phase 1, beginning with the main entrance at the Jefferson Gate.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Montecito Clubhouse & Fitness Center Entrance Restoration Project Update

The contractor has completed the pavers installation for the Montecito Clocktower entrance. The entrance walkway is now open for residents and guests. The third and final phase of the project is scheduled to commence on May 11 and is expected to be completed by May 27. The third phase consists of the Fitness Center front walkway entrance, from the parking lot to the main entry doors. Please use the Fitness Center breezeway entrance or the pool entrance to gain access to Fitness Center during the construction period.

Photos Taken May 10, 2022

Common Area Summer Flowers Color Change

Preparation for the Common Areas summer flowers color change is scheduled to begin April 26. Vintage Landscape will be removing the winter flowers and preparing the soil for the summer flowers. The process consists of turning over the soul for aerification and adding fertilization to prepare the soil for the new flowers. The new seasonal flowers are scheduled to be installed from May 16 through May 20.

Summer Color Choices

For questions regarding the annual seasonal flower color change, please contact the Facilities Department at 760-345-4349 Ext. 2406.

Montecito Clubhouse & Fitness Center Entrance Restoration Project

The contractor has completed the pavers installation for the Montecito Clubhouse main entrance. The entrance walkway is now open for residents and guests. The second phase of the project is scheduled to commence on April 25 and is expected to be completed by May 6. The second phase consist of the clock tower walkway entrance from the parking lot to the breezeway. During construction of the clock tower walkway, please use the Montecito main entrance or the Fitness Center entrance.

Photos taken April 22, 2022


Montecito Clubhouse & Fitness Center Entrance Restoration Project

In February, 2022, the Board approved the replacement of the failed concrete entryways for the Montecito & Fitness Center with commercial interlocking pavers. The entire project is scheduled to be completed in three phases. The first phase of the project began on April 11 and is scheduled to be completed by April 22. All three phases of the project are scheduled to be completed within six weeks.

Photo taken April 12, 2022
Photo taken April 15, 2022

March Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans

Sun City Shadow Hills
March Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans
April 6, 2022

March was a busy month for landscape refurbishment activities at the Santa Rosa pool and parking lot, and the removal of overgrown citrus trees at the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center. Planning for future refurbishment of landscaping at the Jefferson Street entrance is progressing, as well as installation of the new flagpole recently approved by the HOA Board.

Activities in the Santa Rosa Clubhouse parking lot, included the removal of trees that were interfering with the light poles and planting of the areas where overgrown Rosemary had been removed. Also, new Rosewood (Dalbergia Sissoo) were planted in the parking lot to match the other trees in the parking lot islands.

Santa Rosa Parking Lot – Rosewood Trees

At the Santa Rosa pool new landscaping has been installed including Mediterranean Fan Palms, Yellow Bells, Agave, Bird of Paradise and annual color flowers in the pots. Groundcover rock has been refreshed in the planter beds. The planter between the Cart Barn and the west pool fence will be re-landscaped using shrubs, Calliandra espaliered on the wall of the Cart Barn, boulders and groundcover rock.

Santa Rosa Pool – Landscape Refurbish
Santa Rosa Pool – Landscape Refurbish – Installation of Bird of Paradise Plants
Santa Rosa Pool – Landscape Refurbish – Addition of Annual Flowers for Pots

At the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center, removal of aging citrus trees that were encroaching on Palms adjacent to the buildings has been completed. Groundcover rock refreshment is proceeding at both the Montecito and Santa Rosa areas.

In the North Channel, pond 2 was removed and backfilled. The area has been graded and sod has been installed. Five trees will be planted on the perimeter of the new sodded area. Three 36” box Acacia salicina and two Dalbergia Sissoo will be planted on the west and east respectively.

North Channel Pond 2 Removal – Turf Park Conversion

The landscape area for the Shadow’s Golf Starter area was renovated with new desert-scape plants and groundcover. A combination of Agaves, Golden Barrel Cactus and Russelias (Firecracker Plants) were planted throughout the landscape beds.

Shadow’s Golf Club – Starter Area
Shadow’s Golf Club – Snack Bar Area
Shadow’s Golf Club – Driving Range Area

Christopher Stevens
Chair, Landscape Advisory Committee

Montecito Clubhouse Entrance Closure

Starting Monday, April 11, the main entrance to the Montecito Clubhouse will be closed for two weeks due to construction. Please access the clubhouse by using the west-side entrance under the clock tower, or the east-side entrance near the tennis courts.

Additionally, handicap parking will be moved five spaces to the left.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

February Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans

Sun City Shadow Hills
February Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans
February 21, 2022

With the return of warming weather, the landscaping activities are focused on plant and tree replacements identified over the December-January period. Activities in the Santa Rosa Clubhouse parking lot, include the removal of two large Mesquite trees that are interfering with the light poles, planting of the areas where overgrown Rosemary has been removed and removal of two Palo Verde trees in the parking lot islands and replacement with Rosewood trees to match the other trees in the parking lot islands.

At the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center, removal of aging citrus trees that are encroaching on Palms adjacent to the buildings is underway. Groundcover rock refreshment is proceeding at both the Montecito and Santa Rosa areas.

At the Santa Rosa pool, the Desert Willows will be removed and replaced with Tacoma Stans (Yellow Bells) and groundcover rock. Between the Cart Barn and the west pool fence, the aging Sweet Acacia trees have been removed and the planter area will be re-landscaped using shrubs, boulders and groundcover rock.

For summer color planting, the order has been placed for a combination of Rudbekia Indian Summer (Gloriosa Daisy), Vinca Punch, Vinca White, Vinca Cranberry, Salvia Victoria Blue, Zinnia Orange and Zinnia Yellow.

In the North Channel, construction activities have begun with the installation of the construction area perimeter fence and removal of concrete, benches, trees, shrubs and grasses. Pond 1 will be drained to dry out the area before starting the excavation for the new pond and the associated overflow protection walls. CVWD has engaged the assistance of their Biologist for advice on trapping the fish and turtles in the pond. The fish and turtles will be relocated to Pond 3.

Christopher Stevens, Chair
Landscape Advisory Committee

Santa Rosa Pool Closure (Feb 28 – Mar 3)

The Santa Rosa Pool and Spa will close for scheduled maintenance on Monday, February 28, at 10:00 pm

It will reopen on Thursday, March 3, at 12:00 pm

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

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2402.

Crack Sealing Project Update (Revised)

Due to this morning's rain, we were unable to finish the crack sealing on certain streets in Phase 2 that were scheduled for today (2/23).

Sealing on the following streets has been rescheduled to Monday (2/28):

  • Avenida Castelar
  • Avenida Lorena
  • Avenida Los Circos
  • Avenida Pamplona
  • Avenida Sombra (West of Sun City Blvd.)
  • Avenida Viento
  • Calle Balderas
  • Calle Cerezo
  • Calle Claro
  • Calle Desierto
  • Calle Galisteo
  • Calle Leonora

Additionally, sealing on Sun City Blvd in Phase 3 has been rescheduled to Tuesday (3/1).

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

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2405.

Phase II & III Asphalt Crack Sealing Project

Phase II & III
Asphalt Crack Sealing Project

The Phase II & III Asphalt Street Crack Sealing Project is scheduled to be performed from February 14 through February 23, 2022.

Please see schedule below which lists the project date for each street.
No on-street parking from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

📄 Date & Street Names

📄 Phase 2 Schedule Map

📄 Phase 3 Schedule Map

  • Streets will remain open to thru traffic.
  • Parking will be allowed after street is completed and contractor & staff inspects final crack seal.
  • Please be aware that there will be some detouring and crews working in the roadways.
  • Please note the site map showing the roads affected.

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

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2405.

December Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans

Sun City Shadow Hills
December Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans
December 21, 2021

The major landscaping refurbishment planned for the fall season has been completed. Projects included cleanup and re-landscaping the planter beds at the Montecito swimming pool, removal of trees at the Montecito Clubhouse that had grown too large, planting of Golden Barrels, Artichoke Agaves, Russelia equisetiformis (Firecracker Plant or Coral Fountain), and Bougainvillea, as well as targeted removal of shrubs that had grown too large for their planting space, or become “woody” due to age. In particular, Desert Spoons and patches of Rosemary in the planters at the Santa Rosa Clubhouse were recently removed. Another project that was completed was the cleanup of the irrigation washout on Sun City Blvd at the Jefferson Street entrance. This work included compacting to stabilize the soil on the south slope and replacement of the groundcover rock. One of the two Washingtonia filifera (California Fan Palm) on the slope that were undermined by the washout was preserved by the soil backfilling and stabilization, as were to two fence pillars that were also undermined.

On-going maintenance activities include: debris and trash removal on Sun City Blvd from the recent “wind events;” light pruning of shrubs as needed; removal of dead shrubs; groundcover rock raking and refreshment; and capping of drippers not serving plants. As always, any pruning done during the cold months will be tempered by monitoring the air temperature so as not to increase the suitability of evergreens to frost damage.

Looking forward to spring planting, activities will include: plans for refurbishing the Jefferson gate and Sun City Blvd. median to the guardhouse; redesign of the north Avenue 40 gate fountain area; and completion of the plant replacement on the cart path between the HOA office and the Montecito Fitness Center.

As of December, the LAC is up to full strength with the addition of Phil Young as a new member.

Christopher Stevens, Chair
Landscape Advisory Committee

November Update on Common Area Landscaping Status and Plans

November has been a very busy month for landscaping activities. Planned activities for the month included, fall color planting with the addition of new planter beds at the Phase 3 Avenue 40 entrance and expansion of planter beds at the other entrance gates. Fall tree trimming was completed and the replacement of trees has been completed for trees lost over the Summer due to high wind episodes, dead trees from heat-stress and disease. An example of one of our continuing problem trees is the African Sumac. We have many of these species in our community that were planted by the developer. However, the Sumac has been shown to be not suited for the prolonged extreme heat episodes. Another completed activity has been replacement of shrubs in Phase 1, 2 and 3, that died over the summer. Finally, trees that were planted too close to the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center were identified for removal. The trees that are being removed are encroaching on the walls and roofs of buildings or are planted too close to the buildings or creating root-caused damage to the sidewalks and underground utilities.

The re-landscaping of the north side of Sun City Blvd in front of the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center is nearing completion as well. Plants that have grown too large for the planter beds in the median at the Sun City Blvd entrance and the guard house have been removed. New landscaping for these areas is planned for early next year. Other plans for next year are a consultation with Hermann design group for design concepts to improve the look of the Jefferson Entrance.

The actions to reach a solution to mitigate the impacts of the chlorinated fountain water on the adjacent flowers and shrubs is ongoing. The flow rate in the fountains has been reduced to lessen the amount of water that can be blown on the plants during wind events. Early assessment of this approach has shown that this approach may be successful.

With completion of the planned projects, the focus of the Vintage Landscape team will be on maintaining the landscaping to keep all areas presentable. We look forward to the opening of all common areas for walking. The unfortunate irrigation water line rupture and washout of the berm on the south side of Sun City Blvd. has delayed the opening of the North Channel. The Vintage team is working diligently to repair the damage. Many thanks to Vintage and the DRM Facilities Maintenance team for their efforts on the repair and cleanup. Execution of future planed planting projects will wait until the spring, after the likely occurrences of frost events has passed.

Christopher Stevens, Chair
Landscape Advisory Committee

Montecito Outdoor Pool Closure (October 26-28)

The Montecito Outdoor Pool will be closed on Tuesday, October 26; Wednesday, October 27; and Thursday, October 28 for a leak repair that is underneath the pool deck.

The pool will re-open on Friday, October 29.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2405.

Update: Montecito Indoor Pool Maintenance

Update: The contractor has repaired the leaks for the Indoor Pool. The Indoor Pool will reopen Tuesday, October 19, at 10:00 am

Thank you and we appreciate your patience during the closure of the Indoor Pool.

Common Area Overseeding Updates

The reopening of the Phase I Dog Park will be delayed from Monday, October 18 to Friday, October 22. The additional days will allow for better growth of the fall overseeded rye grass.

During this time, the North Channel Park will remain open to Friday, October 22.

Click Here To See the Full Overseeding Schedule

For questions, please contact the Facilities Department, at 760-345-4349 Ext. 2406.

Thank you.

Update on Landscape Activities for the Fall Season

SCSH Landscape Advisory Committee (LAC)
Update on Landscape Activities for the Fall Season

As many of you have noticed, there are ongoing changes to our Common Area landscaping. The objectives are to evolve the landscape theme to address the need to refurbish the landscaping that consists of shrubs and trees that were planted starting in 2003 in Phase 1 and completed in Phase 3 in 2016.

What we face: In order to make the community landscaping look well-established, the developer significantly over-planted each Phase. Shrubs were planted too close together to allow them to grow to their normal size, thereby necessitating frequent pruning to keep them from encroaching on walkways, streets, and buildings. The frequent pruning stresses the plants and results in woody stems and reduced foliage.

Trees were planted that were not appropriate for the limited space where they were planted (e.g. next to buildings and walls, in roadway medians, between curbs and sidewalks, and too close together). Consequently, the trees that encroach on the roadways, walkways and buildings have had to be severely and frequently pruned which stresses the trees and makes them susceptible to attacks by wood boring beetles and diseases. Further, our experience has shown that certain species that were planted do not tolerate the prolonged high temperatures we experience each summer.

Maintenance of the landscaping in the last five years has included significant efforts in removing shrubs to reduce planting density and introducing alternative species which are better suited to the desert environment.

As a guide to making decisions on replacement plant and tree species, the LAC has focused on three objectives:

  1. Enhance the appearance of our common area landscaping.
  2. Reduce maintenance costs.
  3. Conserve the use of water, particularly in the areas irrigated with domestic water supply.

To help guide the evolution of our landscape design, the Board of Directors approved the addition of a Landscape Coordinator (Ruben Servin) to the DRM Facilities Maintenance Staff and a Landscape Architect as a Consultant (Chris Hermann, Hermann Design Group, Inc.), who are experienced in dealing with the landscape challenges of the Coachella Valley climate. This team, along with our very experienced and knowledgeable landscape maintenance contractor, Vintage Landscape are working to achieve our objectives.

After discussions with Chris Hermann about the state of our landscaping, the challenges, and the desire to evolve to a more maintainable and suitable landscape for our location, he provided a design concept which is focused on integration of annual flowers, colorful flowering shrubs and drought tolerant species of trees, with desert plants and hardscape. Vintage Landscape also worked with the LAC to define a Plant Palette for our community which is based on species which are adapted to the climate. The photos below show the theme as designed by Hermann Design Group.

Demonstration planting on the north side of the Montecito Clubhouse.

Before Landscape Renovation
After Landscape Renovation

Applied landscape theme to Montecito Tennis Courts Entrance

Landscape activities this summer have included changes to the Phase 3 Main Gate the Jefferson Street Gate and landscaping on the north side of Sun City Blvd. in front of the Montecito Clubhouse and Fitness Center, the Montecito Clubhouse swimming pool and preparation for planting the fall color flowers.

The changes to the landscaping at the Phase 3 Main Gate were: (1) remove the plants and palms that had grown too large for the area; (2) lower the chlorine concentration in the water in the fountain so that over-spray of the plants did not kill them due to higher levels of chlorine; (3) add flowering shrubs (Xoria, Bougainvillea and Russelia) and decorative groundcover rock to the area around the fountain; (4) plant fall color flowers in the pots on the fountain; and (5) expand the color planting areas in front of the monument sign and along each side of North Sun City Boulevard at the entrance. The flowers are scheduled to be planted on October 18.

The changes to the Jefferson Street Gate include: (1) remove of the hedge blocking the view of the fountain; (2) prepare the planter in front of the fountain for fall color flowers; (3) add flowering shrubs (Xoria, Bougainvillea and Russelia) and add decorative groundcover rock; and (4) expand the planter bed in front of the monument sign and plant fall color flowers.

The changes on Sun City Blvd. in front of the Montecito area include: (1) remove dying Sumac trees and over-grown shrubs, (2) plant Golden Barrels, Bougainvillea and Russelia; and (3) add groundcover rock accents and species of trees yet to be selected.

The photos below are examples of the areas to receive flowering shrubs.

 

Note: All of these projects are in process and will be completed by early November. The hot summer months are not suitable for planting new plants and flowers, consequently we are waiting for the cooler weather to plant the plants and finish these projects. Planting of the flowers includes removal of the spring flowers that died in the summer heat, aerating the soil and adding fertilizer prior to planting. These are the flowers that the committee selected that will appear in the pots in front of the Montecito Clubhouse, the Montecito Fitness Center, the HOA office, and the SCSH entrance gates beginning October 18.

  1. Planter areas - Geraniums – a combination mixture of orange, hot pink, and violet

   

  1. Pots – Petunias - Shockwave Rose, Denim, and Violet

   

Enjoy the fall season!

Update: Street Striping – Avenida Sombra

Project Update: Due to recent rainfall, the project was postponed to Wednesday, October 6.

Project: Street Striping
Location: Phase 2, Sun City Blvd. & Avenida Sombra Intersection
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 6, from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm

On Wednesday, October 6, the contractor will be re-striping the street lines and legends at the intersection of Sun City Blvd. and Avenida Sombra.

  • Please follow all detour signs and maintenance crew instructions.
  • Please be aware that there will be some detouring and crews working in the roadways.

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

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

Santa Rosa Sports Courts Resurfacing Project

The Santa Rosa Sports Courts resurfacing project is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 11 and will be completed by Saturday, October 16.

Sports Courts Closures

  • Pickleball Ball Courts 7 thru 10
  • Basketball Half-Court

During this period, the courts will remain close for the resurfacing project. The closure will ensure the courts resurfacing project can be completed as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

Any updates to this timeline will be provided via on-site notices and notifications on the community website.

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

Common Area Seasonal Flowers Color Change

     

Preparation for the common area's seasonal flowers color change is scheduled to begin September 20. Vintage Landscape will remove the summer flowers and prepare the soil for fall flowers. The process consists of turning over the soil for aerification and adding fertilization to prepare the soil for the new flowers. The new seasonal flowers are scheduled to be installed October 18 – October 22.

For questions regarding the annual seasonal flower color change, please contact the Facilities Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2406.

Jefferson Street Gate Closure

The Jefferson Street entrance and exit gates will be partially closed on Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16, from 2:00 am to 10:00 am for the repainting of the wrought iron fence and gates. During this time, only one gate for the entrance and exit will be available.

For more information, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349, ext. 2405.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please note: security staff will be present at the guard house as usual during these partial lane closures. They will continue to provide assistance via telephone and to all entry.

Montecito Outdoor Pool Reopening & Pool Party

The Montecito Outdoor Pool will reopen on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Please note the pool party scheduled 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm that day has reached capacity and reservations are no longer being taken.

We appreciate and thank you for your patience throughout the duration of the Outdoor Pool Resurface Project. For any questions or concerns regarding the project, please contact the Facilities Maintenance Department at 760-345-4349 ext. 2401.

Montecito Outdoor Pool Resurfacing Project Update

After further inspection by SCSH personnel, including the Board President, General Manager, Director of Facilities, and Project Coordinator along with the Contractor, it was determined that additional work is required to complete the Montecito Outdoor Pool project. The expected opening date has been revised to Friday, June 25.

Thank you for your patience.