12/18/19 10:52 AM

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

It is certainly a festive season here at Laguna de la Paz, made even more merry thanks to our many

“elves”. It does indeed take a village and we certainly have one here at LDLP.

Thanks go first to our decorators extraordinaire. Patty and Dave Nichols were able to integrate

some new decorations with our existing ones, creating dramatic displays at the waterfalls and

throughout the community! At the same time Terry Molitor and Paula Asbra assembled a great

team to truly transform the clubhouse, inside and out. Ed and Ann Olinek and other friends of

Betty Nowak’s took on decorating by the mountain this year in her honor. There were many other

helpers too and a “thank you” goes out to each and every one of you!

Speaking of “thank you”, wow what a great Christmas dinner. Catering was done by the Coachella

Valley Mission and as several attendees were heard to say they were truly “on it”. Food was good,

but the company was even better! Patty Nichols, Paula Asbra, Margie Horgan, and Suzanne Vleck

were leaders in creating a truly dynamic event. Again thanks also to all those who worked behind

the scenes. Kudos as well to our bartender Doug Nichols and to Nan Tomasko who organized

those raffle gifts.

As the end of the year (and decade!) fast approaches we want to also thank our management staff,

starting with Dean Wendland. He truly “held down the fort” during the summer months and has

been invaluable in easing the transition to a new community manager. Tiffany Wright has really

stepped into the role, juggling a large number of current and forthcoming projects and we

appreciate her dedication.

DECEMBER 2019 Newsletter

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At the same time LDLP simply would not function without Ralph and Blas, who know our

property better than anyone. We would also not function without Jessie who supports us all.

One more “thank you” must go to John Tribbett who headed up a project to upgrade the

guardhouse’s computer system and has worked tirelessly with the security team to get this new

system up and running.

We are truly blessed with residents who willingly use their skills and expertise to make our

community better. However, we need more. Each and every one of our committees is in need of

more members. Also please consider running for the HOA Board (the deadline for filing is this

Friday, Dec. 20th).

Mark your calendars now for the annual meeting, being held on Feb. 22nd Also early in the New

Year residents should be receiving some revisions to LDLP’s rules and regulations (thanks to

Larry Saward for pulling this all together) and there will be a 30-day comment period before these

go into effect.

To those residents leaving LDLP for the holidays, wishing you all safe travels. For those of us who

remain, the fun will continue!

Happy holidays and wishing everyone a great new year and new decade!

THE LDLP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING UPDATE

The Communications and Marketing Committee would like to welcome new member, Kathleen

Gilton (Vista Tierra). She and her husband, Terry, have been remodeling their winter retreat and

arrived for the season earlier this month. Kathleen is uniquely qualified to serve on this committee,

as she is the recently retired Director of Community Engagement at Riverstone International

School in Boise. She will now be editing the LDLP-LaQuinta.com website along with helping to

design a tri-fold information gatehouse handout extoling LDLP and all our wonderful amenities.

The committee itself has completed a draft of a communications style guide to be used throughout

the community and this has been submitted to the Board for review.

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LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE REPORT

The replacement of 230 plants as well as selective replacement of lantana in homeowners’ front

yards has been completed. The lantana is being placed further apart than in the

past with room to expand. Irrigators have followed the crews to ensure that there is irrigation for

both the new plants and the lantana. In the case of the lantana unused emitters are also being

capped.

The gardeners continue to work on removing the overspread of grass into beds and hardscape

areas. It may take several passes for it all to be removed but the situation has already improved

significantly. The gardeners have also worked several Saturdays to catch up after a few rainy days

and will continue to do this throughout the season as needed.

The tree trimmers are now on site. They trim different species of trees at different times to ensure

that all trees in need (and that are healthy enough to withstand the shock) will be trimmed. For

example fruit trees will be scheduled for later in the winter unless they need to be trimmed for

painting. It is also possible that some trees may need more than a single pruning. Sunshine will

provide LDLP with a schedule. As soon as the Landscape Committee receives this it will be

shared with the office for distribution to all homeowners.

Unfortunately a need for some re-grading within the property was identified and work is now

underway. This has resulted in damage to grassy areas but, as stated in an email sent out to all

homeowners, Sunshine will work to clean up these areas, and reseed and/or place sod as needed.

It is unfortunate that this problem was not discovered until after scalping and seeding but it will

prevent drainage problems from arising in the affected areas.

Throughout the complex all grassy areas have now received two fertilizer treatments. There were a

few small areas that still were struggling to seed or sprout, but these are being treated by Sunshine

via hand over-seeding and mulching.

The median areas on all streets are now about to be refreshed with DG and for homeowners the

board is about to approve an expansion of the DG color choices.

Going forward, requests related to yard art that contains plants or other living materials must go

through the Landscape Committee. Requests related to yard art on visible walls still must go

through the Architectural Review Committee.

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Further, at the request of the Board, members of the committee will be conducting visual

inspections, from outside the gates, of residents’ back yard areas. The goal is to ensure

homeowners maintain their yards, including tree trimming in proportion to their homes. If and

when problems are identified (recognizing that a number of residents may be seldom on property)

the office will be told and a request for work to be completed sent to the homeowner.

Finally the committee has begun work to update the pre-approved plant list. The focus is on

adding beautiful drought and heat-resistant plants and removing others that don’t fare well in this

climate. The recommendations will be submitted to the board for approval. Homeowners will also

have opportunities to review and comment on the recommendations.

SAFETY COMMITTEE

The Safety Committee is continuing to work hard on bringing the community’s earthquake

preparedness up to date. Thus far this has included having Mary Bryant and John Tribbett attend

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training. As a result of the knowledge they

gained they are revising some of their initial emergency plan. The board will review this early in

2020.

In addition, HOA funding has been used to update and upgrade necessary emergency supplies.

Residents should mark March 16, 2020 on the calendar for LDLP’s community wide emergency

drill. The community needs to practice so when it happens, we are ready.

Here is a reminder that it is up to each resident to get his/her own home in order. Secure large

items like dressers, bookshelves, and TVs to the wall. Assemble an emergency kit, a to-go-bag, and

car kit. Hold a home safety drill. Choose a way to escape and place for members of your

household to meet. The Safety Committee has information on all these action items and more.

FAB FRIDAY FUN CONTINUES

Once again “Art from the Heart”, featuring our wonderfully talented local artists, was a definite

hit. This was a unique opportunity to shop for gifts – whether for others or for ourselves. A huge

“thank you” goes to Nan Tomasko for all of her hard work in organizing a highly successful event.

Next up on the Fab Friday schedule is a present tag making class, starting at 11:30 a.m. in the

clubhouse on Dec. 20th. All attendees are invited to bring a bag lunch. Then on January 10th, from

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11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (attendees are again invited to bring a bag lunch) there will be an

introduction to Yoga with Lynn Von Tempsky, our resident yoga professional. (If there is enough

interest Lynn will teach on a regular schedule throughout the season.)

The second Fab Friday of the year will be a watercolor paint class held on Jan. 17th, from 11:30

a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Look for many more fab activities to be announced throughout the season, and thanks again to

Nan for keeping this activity going.

MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE

Members of this committee continue to step up to take on a variety of projects. Dave Nichols,

Dan Molitor and Fred LePenske have been focused on identifying needed concrete repairs

(sidewalks, driveways). Their efforts resulted in touring the property with three concrete repair

vendors who subsequently submitted proposals. A decision has been made on the vendor of

choice and the board will vote on this at its next meeting. Provided this is approved, work will

begin early in 2020.

Many members of the committee were also actively involved in finding a solution to a drainage

issue that emerged in the area between Vista Tierra and Paseo Tarazo. It was determined that one

of the causes was the fact certain drain boxes were very much in need of cleaning, a situation that’s

being immediately remedied working with vendor of choice Martin Sweeping. However, at the

same time it was determined that some remedial grading work was needed and this is now being

carried out. The committee and the board apologize for any inconvenience, but it was important

that this work be done before the heavier rain periods, which usually occur in January and

February.

The pools and spas are another area where there are many maintenance needs. To identify and

prioritize these Terri MacMillan is working closely with Kirk Ainsworth to first inspect all units

and then to determine a schedule for needed repairs. Speaking of pools, the repairs to Pool and

Spa 9 were held up by a variety of factors outside LDLP’s immediate control but these refurbished

facilities should be open before the end of the year.

Additional members of the committee are always welcome. Please contact the office if interested.

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RACQUET COMMITTEE UPDATE

The committee is in the midst of it’s busy season with the next tennis tournament scheduled for

Dec. 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If interested in participating in the tournament please

contact Murray Todd at oztennis@msn.com. The entry cost is $5.00 per player.

This will be closely followed by a pickleball celebration and demo scheduled for January 11th at

11:00 a.m. All residents are invited to attend.

For newbie tennis players or for those who would like to further hone their skills, tennis clinics are

available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. on Court One. The cost is $10 per

session.

THE SOCIAL SCENE

The social calendar here at LDLP continues to be full of fun events. Recently these included the

first annual Cookie Swap, and thanks to Susan Mayes Smith for introducing this fun activity to

LDLP. This was closely followed by the marque event of the year, the annual Christmas Dinner.

Mission Catering, a program of the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, catered the dinner. This

program is operated and directed by professional chefs with the catering staff comprised of clients

and graduates of CVRM. All proceeds go towards CVRM programs.

Patty Nichols, Terry Molitor, Paula Asbra and Suzanne Vleck were only a few of the MANY

helpers who made this a hugely successful event.

This will be followed not only by the monthly WineDown, but then the Open Mic New Year’s

Eve celebration presented by John and Billie Tribbett. This stars YOU, your comedy, your

anecdotes with Patricia West-Del Ruth the hostess for the evening. The Great Gatsby is the theme

for those wishing to adopt a related costume for the event (suggested, but not mandatory). Think

ladies in flapper dresses, guys wearing zoot suits, spats and perhaps a fedora! The doors open at

6:30 p.m. with Happy Hour. Soul of China is preparing several appetizers and of course there will

be an open bar. The New Year will be celebrated as attendees watch the New York City ball drop

at 9:00 p.m. on the large screen TV. Now residents don’t have to drive around the valley to find a

fun New Year’s Eve event! Tickets are $35 each and are available by contacting John Tribbett at

909-213-1063. Hurry, as there are only a total of 40 tickets available.

Also attention football fans! There will be a Rose Bowl party in the clubhouse on January 1st and a

Super Bowl party as well. Stand by for future details.

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Of course in the meantime there is a growing list of regularly scheduled activities too! These

include:

• CoffeePlus, weekly, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the clubhouse. Unlimited coffee is just $.50

for those with a Laguna de la Paz cup (available for purchase at $10) or otherwise $1.

There is always a “plus” snack as well. This event has continued throughout the summer

with a dedicated group of volunteers and remains a great place to get to know your

neighbors and have fun in the process. If interested in hosting please contact Judy Siegel

or Patty Nichols. Or come on by!

• WineDown Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., second Wednesday of each month in

the clubhouse. Don’t drink wine? No problem! Come to enjoy your favorite beverage,

bring a snack to share, and join in the fun! Name may include “wine”, but feel free to bring

any beverage you like!

• Book Club, 2:00 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of the month in the clubhouse. Are you a

reader? Enjoy sharing thoughts on books you have read? Then this is for you! Contact Rita

Joyce Lebrecque if interested and look for more information on the Message Boards (by

the mail boxes as well as by the clubhouse entry).

• Water Aerobics, 9:00 a.m., Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the main pool. All are

welcome!

• Extemporaneous Writing, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. first and third Tuesdays of the month in the

clubhouse. Dawn Billings leads the group and offers up a variety of writing prompts. This is for

writers or would-be writers who are just starting, stuck, lost or just wanting a warm-up exercise for

any writing projects. Questions? Contact Dawn at dawnbillings01@gmail.com.

• Speakers Forum, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., first Thursday of the month. Speakers from within

LDLP will be encouraged to lead the discussion, along with other guest speakers who may be

recruited. They will entertain, persuade or inform residents on topics of broad interest.

• Plein Air Painting, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., second Tuesday of the month. This is an opportunity

for artists to find inspiration in outdoor areas throughout LDLP. All mediums are welcome. Please

bring your own supplies. For more information please contact Judy Siegel at siegelja1@gmail.com.

• Billards, 6:30 p.m. to…, Thursday evenings. This is an informal group that meets to enjoy the

clubhouse’s pool table. Stop on by and enjoy a game or two.

Bible study will also resume early in the new year.

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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

The committee has been meeting regularly and will resume its regular schedule of meetings on the

2ndand 4th Wednesday of the month beginning in January.

This too is a committee that is seeking additional members. The committee’s major role is to

ensure that the community’s architectural standards are maintained. This often includes

responding to Architectural Requests related to desired changes in the exteriors of homes as well

as providing information and insights to homeowners. If interested in joining or if seeking

additional information please contact terrymolitor03@gmail.com.

This is also a reminder that before undertaking any changes to the exterior of homes or patio areas

a request should be made so approval from the committee can be received early in the process.

Copies of this form can be found in the Office as well as in the clubhouse.

BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 19th, 4:00 P.M.

Board of Directors

President: Greg Asbra

Vice President: Open

Treasurer: Jackie Kaufman

Secretary: Larry Saward

Director: Dena Priser

Committee Chairs

Architecture: Terry Molitor

Landscape: Dawn Billings

Maintenance: Murray Todd and Barry

Kaufman

Social: Patty Nichols

Strategic Planning: Margaret Sullivan

Racquet: Sal Cutrona

Marketing & Communications: Judy

Siegel

Safety: Mary Bryant