|
Hello Homeowners,
I am the Assistant General Manager for SDCEA, and I have the pleasure of writing the update article this week while Carl is on vacation.
Ever wonder how your SDCEA Board prepares for its meetings and makes informed decisions? One important tool behind the scenes is the Board Brief, a structured summary prepared by the General Manager with input from department managers and external professionals.
The Board Brief provides directors with critical background information, status updates, data, and expert insights related to agenda items. This helps board members arrive at meetings well-prepared and equipped to make sound decisions on behalf of the community.
Department managers play a central role in this process. Each contributes their specialized knowledge and research to the brief, which may include operational data, cost analyses, and even expert opinions. This collaborative, well-informed approach ensures that every issue brought before the Board is considered carefully, with the best interests of the community in mind.
Here is a recap of two key items that were discussed at this month’s meeting:
-
Health Insurance Renewal Package – With the guidance of Maureen Brown, Director of Finance, and Don Kerl, Director of HR and Strategic Initiatives, and in consultation with our insurance broker, Marsh McLellan, the Board selected a new employee health benefits package. Through negotiations and strategic comparison shopping, we were able to secure a more favorable renewal rate from Sharp, reducing the premium increase from 6.9% to 4.0%. Sharp continues to offer the most accessible local healthcare options for our employees. For comparison, other large-scale HOA/direct employers are experiencing renewal increases between 5.5% to 7.0%.
-
Appointment of IDR Representative – The Board also appointed a director to serve as the representative for Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR), ensuring timely response from the association in conflict resolution with homeowners.
Welcome to the Team
We’re excited to welcome Chuck Kast as our new Food and Beverage Front-of-House Manager. Chuck joins us with a passion for hospitality and a commitment to member service.
At the same time, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Colleen Doulgeropoulos, who is retiring at the end of this month after 25 years of dedicated service to SDCEA. Colleen has been a warm and familiar presence to so many of us. Be sure to stop by and order a drink from Colleen before her last day. Let’s send her off with the appreciation she deserves.
Congratulations are also in order for Jessica Nelson, who has been promoted to Sous Chef of Banquets. Jessica has worked hard as a line cook, and we’re thrilled to see her grow in her role with the Association.
Project Progress Highlights
Several facility and infrastructure projects are making excellent headway:
- Equestrian
-
Barn C: Vendor production has begun (6 to 8-week timeline). Site prep will begin as completion nears.
-
Dressage Courts & Arena 8: Construction completed. Grooming refinement is in progress.
-
Arena 2 (Casey Tibbs): Maintenance scheduled for this Friday—new sand and leveling of footing.
-
Clubhouse Roof Project: Currently in early planning stages.
-
ADA Lift: Fully operational; inspection date pending with the County.
-
Clubhouse Men’s Restroom: Wall to be closed up Thursday; tile installation pending vendor’s search for a match.
-
Administration Office Venting Issue: Odor traced to a ceiling section—problematic piping replaced. No further odor detected; monitoring continues.
-
Pickleball Courts: Vendor engaged for divot repair on Court 4-E. We’re also exploring full releveling.
Celebrate with Us – 4th of July Festivities
Don’t miss our annual 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4 at 10 am which starts on Pappas and marches past the front of Ramona Oaks Park! Want to join the parade? Contact Amy Holsapple at amy.holsapple@sdcea.net or by calling 760-789-4146 to sign up.
Stay after for family fun in the park: Carnival Booths, Bounce House, and Water Activities await.
Concerts in the Park continue on July 4 and July 19—bring a chair and enjoy the music under the summer sky!
Thank you for doing your part in making SDCEA the best it can be.
Thank you, Joshua Jones, AGM
| 
