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 [email protected]. Please
contact Mary Bryant at [email protected] 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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 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
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
[email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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
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