10/13/19 10:06 AM

LETTER FROM THE BOARD

It is hard to believe that the last part of the summer flew by and the same is true of October!

Happily the unusually cool weather for this time of year means a number of our “snowbirds” have

already ventured back to the desert, and with many others about to make the trek. Favorite

restaurants are open, there are numerous choices for where to go for an evening of music and fun

and there is definitely a sense of renewed energy!

Although a notice was already sent out to the community, the Board wants to formally thank John

Tribbett for stepping up this spring and summer to fill an empty board spot. As a former board

president John was able to quickly take on a number of responsibilities. While sad to accept his

resignation we join with our residents in wishing him all the best and of course he and Billie

remain active members of our community!

The Board is still determining whether or not someone should be appointed to this position,

which is an incumbent one (up for election in February). However, if someone is interested in self-

nomination to take this on for at least the next few months please let the office know. The Board

will be taking this under further consideration at the Oct. 24th board meeting.

It should also be noted that during the September board meeting the 2020 budget was approved

and calls for the HOA fee to remain at $500 per month.

Meanwhile work here continues with landscapers being especially busy. A project to improve

irrigation begins Oct. 14th, dead plants (considerably fewer in number than in previous years) are

about to be replaced now that cooler temps are arriving and scalping began Oct. 11th to end no

later than Oct. 30th. A mixture of rye and bermuda seed is being planted with fertilization

OCTOBER 2019 Newsletter

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scheduled for November and December. Planting of fall flowers begins Nov. 1st and tree trimming

will soon be scheduled.

Plans are also already in place for Phase 2 of the paint project. Irrigation changes have been made

and stucco repairs are being carried out. Many more details about this project will be discussed at a

Town Hall scheduled for Nov. 16th with a starting time of 10:00 a.m. (this is part of our Celebrate

Laguna day, see more details later in this newsletter). The office also has a list of where the

different color schemes can be seen on homes to make selection a bit easier.

Thanks needs to go to Judy Siegel and the rest of the CoffeePlus team who kept this and other

social events going throughout the summer. There is an ever-growing cadre of full time residents

and the efforts of all those who added to the camaraderie over the summer months are much

appreciated. This includes the July 4th BBQ hosted by Dawn Billings and Judy Siegel as well as a

really fun, well-attended wine tasting event hosted by Gary and Margie Morlock. Thanks to the

two of them for organizing this and also for the tasty treats they prepared to further the wine

tasting experience.

Safe travels to all those still making their way back here and hope to see you all soon! Don’t forget

that our next board meeting is scheduled for Oct. 24th, Open Session at 4:00 p.m., and all board

members will be on premises!

THE LDLP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CELEBRATE LAGUNA

This year there is so much fun, friendship, information and more to share that the annual

Celebrate Laguna event is expanding to an entire day. It begins with a breakfast hosted by the

Safety Committee (see information that follows) from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This will be

immediately followed by a Town Hall for residents who are part of Phase 2 of the home painting

project. Vista Paint and MC Painting will be on hand to answer questions and address concerns.

All day there will be dioramas, information sheets, committee overviews, information on

upcoming activities and volunteer signup sheets available. Plus committee members will be on

hand immediately following the Town Hall (at approximately 11:00 a.m.) to answer questions and

encourage participation.

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Next up will be a New Owner Meet and Greet at 2:00 p.m. in the clubhouse. There are a large

number of new neighbors and residents can’t wait to meet them! Special invites will be sent out

and appetizers and soft drinks will be served.

Then at 3:00 p.m. it’s true Celebrate Laguna time! This is a potluck “happy hour” with the social

committee supplying water, soda, lemonade, beer and wine. However also please feel free to bring

your beverage of choice. The real purpose is to meet new friends as well as reconnect with one

another in a casual, fun atmosphere

SAFETY COMMITTEE NEWS

The LDLP Safety Committee has been meeting throughout the summer break. Members, led by

chair Mary Bryant, have been working on a committee charter, list of supplies, budget and many

other “bits and pieces” that need their attention. The committee’s charter and budget has been

approved by the Board so now the committee is narrowing its focus to the safety concerns of the

community and to purchasing supplies that will help residents in a community wide emergency.

To start ‘the season” off the committee is an active participant in the Celebrate Laguna Festivities

taking place on Nov. 16th. The day starts with a $7.00 “Shake, Scramble, and Roll” breakfast

fundraiser for a new generator. SHAKES, SCRAMBLED eggs, pastry ROLLs, coffee, and more

will be served. A raffle will also be held with the prize being a complete emergency kit from Ace

Hardware and the LDLP Safety Committee. Raffle ticket prices will be one for $1.00, five for

$3.00 and 10 for $5.00. The raffle winner will be announced at the Celebrate Laguna potluck

starting at 3:00 p.m. There will also be a display with information of how to prepare for an

earthquake or other disaster. Come to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and learn about

what you can do now to survive the real “Shake, Rattle, and Roll”.

Other events on the Safety Committee calendar include CERT (Community Emergency Response

Team) training in October, an Emergency Community Kit building workshop, and a Basic First

Aid class for residents. Recruiting of Street Leaders and Command Center Volunteers also

continues.

Currently, street leaders are still needed for Seranas, Hermosa, Cielo, Tierra, and Esperanza. If

interested or want more information please contact John Hamill at jph173anb@gmail.com. Please

contact Mary Bryant at marybryant2323@gmail.com if interested in becoming command center

volunteers, and/or have medical or security backgrounds.

A community-wide emergency drill will take place on March 16, 2020.

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READY FOR A HOWLIN’ GOOD TIME ON HALLOWEEN

Yes, it’s back. LDLP’s very special Doggie Howl-O-Weenie spectacular takes place Oct. 31st,

beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the clubhouse courtyard (the clubhouse can also be used but no dogs

allowed). All are invited to attend, with or without a furry friend. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. with

the doggie costume contest, awards to be given for originality and cuteness. Next come appetizers

(for the doggie’s human friends!) followed by salads and main courses, topping off with dessert.

What’s the menu? That’s up to attendees as this is a potluck. Please R.S.V.P. and sign up to bring

an appetizer, salad, main course or desert by contacting Carolyn Todd at 760-771-1263. (Note:

Costumes for adults are optional!) Please feel free to bring your beverage of choice.

LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Members of the landscape committee deserve major kudos as they have continued to work

together throughout the summer months, with many members calling in from wherever they are

located. They have dealt with issues such as the nutgrass epidemic, insects attacking some of our

trees and plants, the discovery that previous landscapers did not plant adequate bermuda seed to

get us through the summer and so much more.

The current focus is on replacing dead plants now that the weather is cooling. While the number

was less than previous years, residents have been very patient in waiting until new plants can be

safely planted. Going forward the emphasis on increasing texture and color, as well as continuing

to evaluate those plants that fare the best in this tough desert environment.

Scalping of the lawns began Oct. 11th and will end on Oct. 30th (or earlier). This will be followed

by fertilizer applications in both November and December. Further, fall plants, full of color, will

begin to be planted by Nov. 1st. Too, a number of measures are being taken to combat the aging

irrigation system and make needed improvements.

Moving forward the committee is working diligently on a refreshed palette of plants and, longer

term, considering other changes to maintain the community’s beautiful appearance.

If there are questions or concerns about landscaping please pass these on to Dean Wendland in

the office, or email him at dean.wendland@albertmgt.com!

MAINTENANCE ON TRACK

Members of the maintenance committee have continued to handle requests throughout the

summer months but they are now getting on track for a very busy season. The next meeting will

be held Oct. 23rd at 8:00 a.m. in the clubhouse. Those interested in joining this key committee are

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invited to email Barry Kaufman at kaufmab@hotmail.com. The committee oversees “routine”

maintenance tasks, and this year will also be helping further to define immediate and longer-range

concrete repair issues.

LDLP’S ROSTER OF ONGOING ACTIVITIES CONTINUES TO GROW

Can you believe it is almost time for the first Fab Friday of the fall? This takes place October 18th

at 11:30 a.m. in the clubhouse. One of Nan Tomasko’s many talented friends will be showing

attendees how to make cute fabric wallets. It’s a perfect for those teens wanting money or gift

cards in lieu of holiday presents. Next up will be a Spades party on November 1st, to be hosted by

Nan and Dave Tomasko. The spades party will be limited to 24 in attendance so please contact

Nan at MissNan1@aol.com if interested. Food and beverages will be supplied. Moving further

ahead, on Nov. 15th Jan Boydstu, owner of Kitchen Kitchen, returns with demonstrations and

more “must have” kitchen gadgets. Also Kitchen Kitchen is inviting the surrounding area to join

in its 40th Anniversary on Nov. 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a variety of special events

occurring throughout the day.

There are also three new events (at least!) on tap for residents to enjoy. First, calling all writers! An

Extemporaneous Writing Group is being formed and will meet the first and third Tuesday of each

month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. starting Oct. 15th. Dawn Billings will lead the group and offer

up a writing prompt. 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.

The second of these is a Speaker’s Forum scheduled for the first Thursday of each month from

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the clubhouse. 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. The forums begin Nov. 7th.

Third is a Plein Air Art experience where artists can find inspiration outside within LDLP. The

first session took place Oct. 10th and going forward this will be held on the second Thursday of

each month from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All mediums are welcome and please bring your own

supplies. The location of the November session will be announced shortly so please check the

signs by the mailboxes and/or the clubhouse entrance.

These new opportunities join such established events as the following:

• 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.

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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!

• GameDay, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. in the clubhouse. Like to play games? All

are welcome to join in. However, please contact Jeane Stewart prior to 10:00 a.m. to make

sure game day is a “go”.

• Book Club, 3:30 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) for more information. The next meeting

is on Oct. 16th and the book is Small Good Things by Jodi Picoult.

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

welcome!

Again look for information on the Message Boards or on NextDoor.com!

STRATEGIC PLANNING CONTINUES

The Strategic Planning Committee continued to meet throughout the summer and is now looking

forward to seeing how the various committees will be helping turn this plan into action. Members

will also be helping the other committees and the board to make suggestions for changes needed

to LDLPs Rules & Regulations.

An area of particular interest is also how to create a “talent bank”, leveraging the skills and

experiences of our community members for a variety of purposes.

This committee is actively seeking additional members so please contact Dawn Billings at

dawnbillings01@gmail.com or the office if interested.

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RACQUET COMMITTEE BACK IN ACTION

As the days cool down the LDLP Racquet Committee is heating up, having recently held its first

meeting of the season.

First it was determined that the overall winners for the 2018-19 season are Chuck Hoffman for the

men and Maggie Collins for the women. Congratulations to both of them.

The first tennis tournament of the season is tentatively for Saturday, November 16th from 12:00

noon to 2 p.m. Please sign up with Murray Todd at oztennis@msn.com. The fee is $5 for round-

robin play.

A pickle ball celebration, including live instructors, is scheduled for January 11th at 11:00 a.m.

However the pickle ball courts are already starting to get plenty of play. Regular pickle ball clinics

are held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays with players needing to bring paddles and quiet Onix Plus

balls.

Tennis clinics are regularly held on Court 1 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.,

with a $10 fee. See Murray Todd for details.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

This committee continues to work on a comprehensive Welcome Packet to be provided to all new

residents. Going forward, all new residents will be contacted by a member of this committee. They

will also be helping to host the New Member Meet and Greet at 2:00 p.m. on Celebrate Laguna

Day. If you have a new neighbor please encourage them to come and get acquainted. This

committee is also now handling meeting and event announcements so if you have a question or

suggestion let them know!

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Members of the Architectural Review Committee will soon be back hard at work as they return to

the desert. In the meantime, though, any major changes to the outside appearance of homes need

to be approved by the committee. Forms to make an Architectural Review request can be found in

the office and are also now available in the clubhouse (by the entrance closest to the tennis courts).

BE COURTEOUS, FOLLOW THE RULES

Here is a reminder that ALL dogs must be on leashes when on LDLP property. This is not just an

LDLP rule but also a La Quinta law. Also please clean up after your pet, and remind visitors

and/or renters as well! Doggie stations are located throughout the property so there’s no excuse!!

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Please remember that resident’s cars are not to be on the streets without permits. Also a number

of garage doors have been open all day. While opening these slightly during the heat is

recommended, these are not supposed to be completely open for multiple hours. Residents on site

might want to remind newer residents of this rule.

BOARD MEETING

OCTOBER 24th, 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 (interim)

Maintenance: Murray Todd and Barry

Kaufman

Social: Patty Nichols

Strategic Planning: Dawn Billings

Racquet: Sal Cutrona

Marketing & Communications: Judy

Siegel

Safety: Mary Bryant