As published in The View, November 2023:
President
As some of you may know, I write my article one month before they are published in The View. This presents some issues when it comes to how detailed I can be about subjects. I apologize if my interpretation of the future is not always on target.
Summer is over, and we look forward to the arrival of our friends who call Sun City Shadow Hills their home away from home. Each year we welcome back the old friends and acquaintances who make our lives fuller and more interesting. For myself, I can’t wait to see all my buddies who make fun of my golf swing but also fill my pockets with winnings. I’m sure you have your own stories to tell and will create new ones to remember.
Our community suffered extensive damage because of Tropical Storm Hillary and the subsequent monsoon, the intense heat of July, and the winds that seemed to blow all summer. However, our golf courses are now in full bloom from overseeding, and the common areas have bounced back. We all should be grateful for the hard work Troon, Vintage Landscape, DRM, and Allied Security Services did to get things back in shape in record time.
We all remember how the golf course was flooded and that critical pumps went down. But we should also remember that the Troon team of Phil Vigil and Tom Johnson and their crew, managed to get the water issue solved within thirty days. A big shout-out to resident Gary Crocker for his significant part in this tale. With his connections, he was able to find us two very large portable pumps that increased the amount of water we were moving from holes three and four to the retention basins.
A very special thank you also goes to the Emergency Preparedness Committee who monitored the common areas closely and ensured everyone was connected and safe. Finally, a big thank you to the homeowners along Calle Pueblo who had to detour around the very large water drainage hoses to get to their homes. It seems appropriate that the term “it takes a village” was displayed during Hilary’s aftermath.
What Is New on the SCSH Horizon?
- A refresh of our website was previewed at the September Board meeting. It looks fantastic and will make navigation and finding information more user-friendly.
- A fundraiser for the Coachella Valley Foster Kids (CVFK) will be held November 14 at 10 am at the Montecito Clubhouse putting course. The cost is $25 for mini-golf and lunch. All donations will go directly to the CVFK organization, which currently helps over 2,500 kids in the Coachella Valley live more normal lives. Please contact Stacy Boeskin at boeskinstacy@yahoo.com for details!
- The Montecito Fitness Center has new flooring and looks great! The Santa Rosa Fitness Center either has or will have new flooring for their weight rooms, which will require a three-day shutdown to complete the installation.
- Our very own Connie King, Lifestyle Director, will be one of the featured speakers at the 2023 Lifestyle Directors Convention in Austin, TX. An honor and a privilege. Connie will highlight Sun City Shadow Hills, the 50+ Chartered Clubs and Resident Groups, and the over 50 events per calendar year at SCSH. Kudos to the one who makes our social lives fun!
- The resurfacing of the Montecito pool deck and underground drainage repairs are near completion. The area is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
- The tennis courts at the Montecito were resurfaced in mid-October, and may all your serves be aces!
Please remember that November 30 is the last day that candidates can register to run for the Board of Directors. Your nomination form must be submitted directly to HOA Elections of CA. For more information, please refer to the Call for Candidates Mailer, which was sent to each homeowner on October 13.
Finally, What Is My Philosophy of “Tightening the Belt?”
- Complete necessary improvements.
- Responsible budgetary planning.
- Carefully consider the Advisory Committees’ recommendations after an in-depth review by the Finance Advisory Committee.
- Maintain high standards and ensure the community remains aesthetically pleasing in all aspects, including common area buildings, roads, landscape, etc.
- Support year-round activities that provide the experiences you deserve.
Contact the author at jerry.conrad@scshca.com.