have not complied with the given timeframe to Firewise standards.
External Affairs Committee
New Board member Steve Specker is leading the External Affairs Committee this year. This committee attempts to leverage the Desert Mountain Community to improve services. For example, the Desert Mountain area represents approximately 7.5% of the City of Scottsdale. We have real estate valued at approximately $3 billion. We have almost 2100 homes and approximately 6000 residents. Our members pay millions of dollars in property taxes annually as well as millions of dollars in sales taxes for all the commerce we generate in Scottsdale and throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. We believe that these facts are not well known to elected and appointed local and state government officials nor to prominent businesses such as telecommunications providers and other vendors who serve our community on a regular basis.
Therefore, this committee is being established to attempt to rectify this situation and assert the size and scope of the community as described further below. For the past two years, the committee hosted a forum in November focusing on city government, water, and energy. The group plans to host another forum in 2025. Keep an eye out for future announcements and make plans to join us.
Investment Committee
Kevin Hooke leads the Investment Committee. This group monitors the markets and makes appropriate recommendations to the Board regarding the community’s investments. Over the past couple of years, returns of investments increased from 0.001% to over 5% from this group’s efforts.
Landscape and Roadway Committees
We anticipate a lot of activity from these committees during the next year. Kim Hochshuler has taken over as chair of these committees and will play an integral role in making recommendations to the Board as we begin
working on pavement and landscape improvement projects in the community. For more information on these projects, be sure to read the Operations Update included in this magazine.
Outdoor Recreation Committee
The Outdoor Recreation Committee, led by Steve Specker, is unique because it is the only committee that consists of members of the HOA, the Club, and the Desperados. Outdoor amenities continue to rank among one of the most important considerations for prospective buyers and existing residents. This group will be looking into the potential addition of bike paths within the community and potential improvements that could be made at the Ranch and Trails. The HOA, the Club and the Desperados are all stakeholders, which is why it’s important to have the collaboration of all. We look forward to the exciting things to come from this group.
Safety and Security Committee
The Safety and Security Committee is co-chaired by Jim Duffey and Jim Andrews. This committee stays abreast of all security matters from gate entry, medical response, fire safety (Firewise), and potential criminal activity. Last year, the Board approved the implementation of the PPP (Proactive Protection Program), which would arm 51% of our security staff. After learning of growing opposition to this decision, it was unanimously decided by the Board to bring this to a community vote, which will take place between May 5, 2025 and May 30, 2025.
These committees are essential to the community’s overall success, and I thank each volunteer for their work. I look forward to what’s coming in 2025 and beyond. If you have any questions, please contact our team members with CCMC at the HOA office.
Sincerely,
Ron Helm, President Desert Mountain HOA
Two Organizations, One Community
What are the differences between the HOA and the Desert Mountain Club? The Desert Mountain HOA and the Desert Mountain Club are two separate organizations working together to provide the best experience for both Desert Mountain homeowners and club members. Not all club members are homeowners and not all homeowners are club members. However, a majority of homeowners are also club members. Leadership of the HOA and Club meet on a regular basis, and through a strong partnership and commitment to excellence, they work together to make sure Desert Mountain remains one of the best private communities in the United States.
The HOA is responsible for: 24/7 On-site Security/Gate Access
Maintenance of common areas including trails, non-club culverts and washes
68 miles of roadway, gates, entrance monuments, and mailboxes
Enforcement of the CC&R's Architectural Review for new construction and exterior remodeling projects
Bi-annual assessments
Day-to-day administration
The Club is responsible for:
Six Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses
Seven unique clubhouses
Ten restaurants and grills
The Sonoran Fitness Center, featuring, personal trainers, nine tennis courts with three surfaces, pickleball courts, bocce ball courts, croquet court, lap and resort-style pools, a spa and youth center.
Lifestyle programming
SAFETY & SECURITY COMMITTEE UPDATE
Jim Andrews, Board Member and Safety & Security Committee Co-Chair Desert Mountain HOA
As a new member of the Board and Co-Chair of the Safety & Security Committee, I look forward to our upcoming initiatives and working collaboratively with other committees on improvements for our community.
Improving our security along the perimeter of our community is one of the initiatives the Safety & Security Committee is beginning to research. We currently have fencing along most of our perimeter, which was put in place to identify the community’s boundaries.
New technologies may be available to further fortify the community without putting up a wall. We have meetings scheduled with experts in this area to provide recommendations. We’ll consider these options and, if we feel they’ll be feasible for Desert Mountain, make plans to present them to the Master Board.
Potential improvements are also being considered for the Desert Hills gate, including the possible addition of a third entrance lane to relieve morning backups on Cave Creek Road. We’re also considering improvements to the guard shack, including adding a secure bicycle and pedestrian entrance that will give us a better handle on the non-vehicle traffic that is entering the community.
We’re also working on enhancing our communication efforts. This year, we plan to introduce a semi-annual security report that we’ll make available in the community newsletter and on the HOA website.
The goal of this document is to give residents a better understanding of what security manages and the volume of things it manages. Due to the preservation of privacy
for homeowners, it will not include details on particular incidents but will provide the nature of some of the incidents on the property as well as other security data and tips. We look forward to introducing this and think you’ll find it very informative.
Firewise
You cannot help but see what happened in California recently with wildfires and wonder, “What can I do to help mitigate the risk of wildfire?” One thing you have control over is making sure your home is compliant with Firewise by creating a defensible space around your home.
For those unfamiliar with Firewise, it’s a commonsense program that helps homeowners learn how to best address wildfire risks to their property. While wildfires will continue to occur, many communities, including Desert Mountain, have taken action to mitigate the risks of wildfires and increase the safety of their families and homes.
Measures include trimming trees up and away from your home, roof, and eves; providing a 5-foot space around your home, allowing firefighters to do their job; raising canopies on trees so fires can burn underneath them; spacing out shrubs; and removing mistletoe and invasive species.
If you own a lot, you simply need to remove the invasive species and mistletoe. If you don’t know what invasive species are, a landscape professional should be able to
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SAFETY & SECURITY UPDATE CONT’D
assist you. We also have educational materials available on the HOA website at www.desertmthoa.com.
In 2022, we embarked on a mission to become a Firewise-certified community. In 2023, the Board made compliance mandatory, requiring that all property owners participate and submit a form to the HOA annually to notify that the property is within compliance.
We worked for two years asking residents to get their property compliant and turn in their forms to achieve our initial certification.
We eventually reached a level of compliance to turn in our request for certification. Our application is still with the state authorities who award such certifications. In the meantime, we are working toward our 2025-2026 certification.
We ask that you maintain the work that has been done to keep your property compliant and remember to submit your abatement form each year. Please pay attention to
emails that come out, which will notify you when you need to submit your form.
If your property is still compliant, just resubmit your form for the 2025-2026 certification, maintain your property, and be ready December 1, 2025, to submit your form for our 2026-2027 certification.
This is something homeowners will need to do annually moving forward. The timeframe each year to turn in forms is between December 1 and April 30.
For any properties for which the HOA does not receive a form, the HOA will issue an initial warning at the beginning of June, followed by violation notices at the beginning of July, per the Board-approved Firewise Uniform Safety Rule.
I’d like to thank everyone for their participation in the program. It’s up to each and every property owner to do their part so that we can protect our entire community from the risk of wildfire.
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMMITTEE UPDATE
Steve Specker, Board Member and Outdoor Recreation Committee Chair Desert Mountain HOA
My name is Steve Specker. My wife and I have resided in Desert Mountain for 20 years. I am a new board member of the Desert Mountain HOA and chair of the Outdoor Recreation Committee.
The purpose of the committee is to evaluate existing and potential new amenities that enhance the active outdoor lifestyle of Desert Mountain residents and, based on these evaluations, make recommendations to the board of the HOA. The committee’s makeup includes representatives from the HOA, the Club Board, and the Desperados. In 2025, we are focused on enhancing access to and the safety of hiking/biking activities in the community.
Hiking opportunities in and around Desert Mountain are truly amazing. Our private wilderness trail system, which is owned and maintained by the HOA, consists of 12 stacked loop trails totaling approximately 25 miles.
It is unsurpassed by any other private community in the United States. The trail network is now complete. Kudos and a big thank you to the Desperados for their leadership in making this happen. Going forward, the HOA’s focus will be on the maintenance of the trails.
To this end, the board recently approved a contract with Flagline Trails LLC to provide maintenance services for the trails.
Bicycling is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the United States, and Desert Mountain is no exception. More and more residents are out on their bikes and e-bikes enjoying the beauty of our community. We encourage and promote safe cycling and driving in our community. Over the past several years we have added new signage to the Parkway and Desert Hills Dr. and have conducted several bike safety seminars for the Desert Mountain community.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION UPDATE CONT’D
We have also worked with a bicycle safety expert to produce three excellent safety videos that are specifically tailored to biking in Desert Mountain. I urge everyone, cyclists and motorists, to view the videos, which are available through the Safety and Security page on the HOA website.
As an avid cyclist who has pedaled the Desert Mountain Parkway and Desert Hills Dr many hundreds of times, I would like to emphasize several points from these videos. For cyclists - BE VISIBLE! Wear bright clothing and have at least one red rear taillight (preferably blinking) on your bike. Come to a stop at all stop signs. Be especially cautious at the intersection of the Parkway and Desert Hills Dr. Make sure approaching vehicles come to a complete stop before entering the intersection on your bike.
Existing signage clearly indicates that cyclists may take the full right lane of the Parkway; and the full “direction of travel lane” on Desert Hills Dr. As demonstrated in the videos, cyclists should position themselves toward the center of the lane. If you ride next to the shoulder, you
are more difficult to see and may encourage a motorist to try to “squeeze” by you in the same lane thereby creating a potentially unsafe situation. When approaching a bicycle in the right lane of the Parkway, motorists should move completely into the left lane as soon as it is safe to do so. On Desert Hills Dr, motorists should only pass a bicycle if they have a clear line of sight for any approaching vehicles and can allow at least 3 feet of clearance (it’s the law) from the bicycle.
While the above safety practices are followed by most cyclists and motorists, there are still too many who are either unaware of or simply choose to disregard them. To help improve this situation, the HOA board has requested CCMC to obtain proposals for implementing shared lane markings (sharrows) on the right lanes of the Parkway and both lanes of Desert Hills Dr. These markings will serve as a reminder to motorists to the potential presence of bicyclists in these lanes and encourage cyclists to position themselves safely in the lanes. If approved by the board, this “sharrows project” will be done in coordination with the sealing of these roadways and is targeted for completion by this fall.
The Outdoor Recreation Committee is working to improve safety for cyclists and motorists on Desert Mountain roadways
•Cut / Fill revised to 50% / 50% (volume calculation only).
a.Calculations required to be presented in a letter stamped and verified by a civil engineer.
b.3D volume calculation reviewed at Prelim by the ARC.
c.2D drawing will be reviewed at Concept by the ARC.
d.Calculation to exclude any volume generated by a basement or subsurface level.
The biggest trend that needed to be addressed was that Desert Mountain has evolved. The original guidelines were mainly formatted to help new owners execute their dream home on a large lot, with not much around. We now are at a point where almost every house to be built will be adjacent to existing homes and in neighborhoods that have developed a style and character.
The other big turning point was, going forward, Desert Mountain will have remodels and additions to existing homes that the guidelines didn’t really address. And lastly, the last few years have seen a large percentage of non-owner spec built homes. These type of homes have
a slightly different agenda than a “one of a kind” ownerbuilt residence. The guidelines needed to address these new trends and desires.
The ARC has interacted consistently during our bi-weekly meetings, where architects and builder teams have a chance to present and discuss their plans and ideas. That definitely helped in the development of these revisions. In addition, in March, we held our first ARC Forum where over 40 designers and builders attended and had an opportunity to interact and were made aware of what was coming.
Their response was positive but, let me be clear, the ARC does not work for or represent outside consultants. We are here for new and present residents and our job is to maintain the beauty and quality of Desert Mountain. Our intent at the ARC was simple. Desert Mountain is a “ONE OF A KIND” place, formed by the great combination of existing environment to the creation of built structure. Our goal was and is to do our best to maintain and improve on that special condition as best we can.
Pictured is a compliant technique for 50% cut/ 50% fill (includes new 6’ wall requirement).
OPERATIONS UPDATE
Josh Drews, Director of Operations Desert Mountain HOA
We are gearing up for a very busy remaining three quarters of 2025, particularly this summer. The year will include scheduled parkway maintenance, several village painting and stucco projects, street sign replacements, and continuing mailbox upgrades.
Last year the association partnered with Frank Civil Consulting to evaluate all of the roads within Desert Mountain and provided a 10-year maintenance plan for each village. Some roads are still in good shape and will be receiving maintenance in the coming years, while others will need to be fully reconstructed based on their condition.
Parkway Maintenance
This summer, the parkway will be intermittently closed to complete crack sealing work. We anticipate minor traffic disruptions while this work takes place.
We will have a period of time when entire sections of the parkway will need to be closed for seal coat application. During these closures, one side of the parkway will be converted to two-way traffic.
Crack fill projects are routinely performed on the roadways throughout the community in order to prevent water and debris from entering cracks in the pavement, which can lead to further deterioration and damage. Communication will be provided via email prior to the start of these projects.
These projects will not begin until scheduled village roadway work is completed, so we will not damage the newly sealed portions of the parkway.
Village Road Maintenance
The same type of repair work is needed in several villages. In 2025, the following villages are scheduled for pavement maintenance consisting of crack fill, seal coat and asphalt repairs:
•Painted Sky
•Apache Cottages I & II
•Seven Arrows
•Cochise-Geronimo
•Saguaro Forest
•Gambel Quail
Village Road Re-Construction
Some village roads need to be completely reconstructed due to the signs and symptoms of asphalt fatigue. The following villages are scheduled for reconstruction in 2025:
•Lookout Ridge
•Lost Star
•Saguaro Forest – 97th Street
•Saguaro Forest – Chiricahua Pass up to Cintarosa
All work is anticipated to take place in the summer of 2025 to minimize inconvenience to homeowners. Communication will be provided via email to these villages prior to the start of these projects.
Desert Hills Drive
The roadway between the Parkway and Cave Creek Road is also scheduled for reconstruction in 2025. However, this project may be postponed as the Board researches the potential of adding a third lane and remodeling the guardhouse.
Paint, Stain & Stucco Project
There are several painting projects in line for summer 2025. The following villages will be painted:
•Lookout Ridge
•Sonoran Ridge
•Sonoran Cottages
Depending on the village CC&Rs, some villages will receive an application of paint to the stucco, others will receive stain/sealer applied to their wood surfaces. We will communicate with the villages prior to the start of these projects.
Village Signs
We are also in the process of replacing all the community’s street signs. It has been 14 years since they were last replaced, and many show significant signs of sun damage. The new signs will look better and be easier to read.
Mailbox Update
Progress continues on the renovation of mailbox structures throughout the community. The work is being completed to get mailboxes in line with current United States Postal Service code, which includes larger mailboxes and parcel boxes. The new structure also includes a digital bulletin board to replace the previous cork board.
To date, the following villages have been completed:
•Renegade Trail
•Mountain Skyline
•Desert Fairways/Greens/Horizons
•Desert Hills
•Lookout Ridge
•Apache Cottages I & II
•Gambel Quail
•Sonoran Cottages and Enclave
•Sunrise
•Eagle Feather
•Arrowhead
•Grey Fox
•Turquoise Ridge
•Cochise-Geronimo
•Apache Peak
•Rose Quartz
Villages scheduled for completion include:
•Painted Sky
•Seven Arrows
•Sonoran Ridge
•Deer Run
•Lone Mountain I & II
•Lost Star
•Cochise Ridge
•Sunset Canyon
New mailboxes recently installed in the Village of Sunrise.
2025 Brush & Bulk Removal Schedule Legend
Area 1
North city limits to Deer Valley Rd.
Area 2
Deer Valley Rd. to Cactus Rd./ Via Linda (See inset map)
Area 3
Cactus Rd./Via Linda to Indian Bend Rd.
Area 4
Indian Bend Rd. to South city limits
A Better Way for Brush & Bulk
Place your brush and bulk piles out no later than 5 a.m. on Monday of your collection week. Material may not be placed for collection any earlier than three (3) days prior to Monday of the week the area is scheduled for collection. Please separate your brush and bulk pick up into two piles: one for green waste and one for everything else. The piles should not exceed 10-feet long by 6-feet wide by 4-feet tall. Please place green waste and bulk waste piles at least 3-feet apart from each other and away from any objects obstructing pick up.
Residential Holiday Collection & Special Event Schedules
Holiday Collection Schedule
On your scheduled day of collection, please place your containers out by 5 a.m., our crews may come through earlier than normal.
Collection service is NOT AFFECTED on the following holidays
Martin Luther King Day- Monday, January 20
President’s Day- Monday, February 17
Memorial Day- Monday, May 26
Juneteenth- Thursday, June 19
Independence Day- Friday, July 4
Labor Day- Monday, September 1
Veteran’s Day- Tuesday, November 11
Collection service VARIES for the following holidays
New Year’s Day- Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Collection day shifts to next service day
Thanksgiving- Thursday, November 27, 2025
Collection day shifts to next service day
Christmas Day- Thursday, December 25, 2025
Collection day shifts to next service day
Residential Container Repairs
Requests for container repairs should be submitted when an existing container requires maintenance, such as missing lids, missing wheels, or cracks. Please note that container cleaning services are not offered.
To purchase a new container, account holders can call 480-312-5600. All purchases must be authorized by the account holder.
To submit a request, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov/EZ and select “Residential Container Repair” or call 480-312-5600.
*Please note that the timing of container repairs and deliveries may vary depending on the volume of requests.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Scheduled Home Collections for 2025: By appointment only January-November with no collection in June & December.
Register first day of the month starting at 8 a.m. For more information or to schedule a pick-up, go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “hazardous waste.”
ITEMS ACCEPTED ITE MS NOT ACCEPTED
Paint/Varnishes/ S tains/Thinners
Household Cleaners
Pool Acids and Chlorine
Household and Car Batteries
All Lightbulbs Tires Appliances
Landscape Waste
Explosive Material (Including Ammunition & Fireworks)
Please keep all hazardous waste items out of your bins, they can cause truck fires.
Electronics Recycling Events
Scheduled Collection Days for 2025
Saturday, February 1
Saturday, April 5
When: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, October 4
Saturday, December 6
Where: 9191 E. San Salvador Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
ITEMS ACCEPTED IT EMS NOT ACCEPTED
Computers/Peripherals
Printers, Scanners, Keyboards
Flat Screen TVs/ Audio Equipment
Tube Televisions
Small and Large Appliances Batteries
For more information, go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “electronic recycling”
No commercial materials will be accepted. Collection events are only for Scottsdale residential utility customers. Please be prepared to show proof of residency in the form of a picture ID and, either a city utility bill or a rent receipt.
Landfill Program
Through the city’s contract with the Salt River Landfill, residential solid waste customers may haul up to 2,000 pounds of trash, brush or bulk items to the landfill once per calendar week (Monday through Saturday). If you exceed one landfill use per calendar week, the charges will be reflected on your next utility bill.
Salt River Landfill 4660 N. Beeline Highway, Scottsdale, Arizona 85256
The city has introduced violations and fees to ensure collection services remain efficient, safe and equitable for everyone in our community. The goal is to keep your collection services running smoothly. When collection guidelines are not followed, it can delay service, increase costs and create safety risks for both residents and collection staff. To avoid violations and potential fees, please make sure you are following collection guidelines by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “solid waste”. If a violation occurs, we will provide specific details and guidance to quickly resolve the issue and get you back on track.
For additional information about residential services, go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “solid waste”.
It’s also a reminder of how fortunate we are to live and work in a place that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
At Desert Mountain, we’re not just selling homes—we’re helping people discover their sanctuary. Whether you’re already part of our vibrant community or just starting your journey here, the magic of the Mountain continues to inspire.
About the Author
David Friedman has been with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty since 2004 and has served as Managing Broker for the past 12 years. A former banking executive from Southern California, David moved to Arizona in 1999 and now calls North Scottsdale home, where he lives with his wife Jamie and their greyhounds. A true advocate for the desert lifestyle, David brings experience, insight, and a passion for helping others find their place in the sun.
If you’re searching for a professional team for home management and maintenance services, our team of construction professionals leaves nothing to chance. Whether you’re in town or away, our Touchpoint Home Services program provides thorough property inspections, scheduling and meeting trades for repairs and annual maintenance, and emergency 24/7 sta coverage for your peace of mind.
With over 38 years of experience in luxury home design/build, Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes ensures every detail of your home is handled with care and precision and our team is dedicated to preserving your investment.
If you’re considering a renovation project to upgrade your home interior or exterior, or maybe adding more space for everyday living, Calvis Wyant has been renovating homes in luxury communities for decades and sometimes building multiple homes for families as they grow or downsize.
Witches Broom
Often found in Palo Verde trees, Witches Broom grows from a mite infestation and causes structural deformities. A Witches Broom plant looks like a dense mass of shoots growing from a single point, and it can resemble a broom or a bird’s nest. Witches Broom itself is not parasitic; it will use its own photosynthesis process to absorb nutrients, but because of the effects on the tree, it still requires removal. As with Mistletoe, it’s best to prune the infected branch below the attachment point. Because insects cause this disease, you may need further treatment. A licensed pest control operator can apply a systemic insecticide.
Saltcedar (Tamarisk)
Originally introduced in the United States as an ornamental shrub, Saltcedar is an extremely aggressive and invasive deciduous tree with small, scale-like leaves
A Witches Broom infestation in a Palo Verde tree; since the disease will essentially mutate the tree, it will look like the branches but extend from one point in a dense cluster
and tiny pink flowers. Saltcedar reproduces quickly and grows rapidly, capable of reaching up to 26 feet in height!
Its fast-growing roots spread widely, usually causing damage to nearby sidewalks or streets. It also consumes tons of water — up to 200 gallons per day — and deposits salt in the ground, limiting other plant life from growing in its vicinity.
Removing Saltcedar is no easy feat as it is resistant to most weed control methods. However, a licensed Pest Management (OPM) landscaper will cut it to the ground and apply an herbicide to the stump.
A Saltcedar plant
HOMEOWNER SUBMITTED PHOTOS
We have a number of talented photographers in Desert Mountain matched with numerous opportunites to capture the beautiful landscape and wildlife that also call Desert Mountain home. The following are images submitted by Desert Mountain homeowners. To see all the photos submitted, go to the Desert Mountain HOA website at www. desertmthoa.com, and look under the “Homeowners Resources” tab.
Backyard Sunset by Connie Allen Saguaro Forest
Chiricahua by David Wright Sunset Canyon
Bobcats by Ginna Short Mountain Skyline
Javelina Mom and Baby by Don Powell
Saguaro Forest
Owl Neighbor by Chris Moase Eagle Feather
Coyote on Cochise by Connie Allen Saguaro Forest
SEE IF YOU CAN FIND THE DIFFERENCES
IN THESE TWO PICTURES
Katherine Helm
See if you can find the eight differences. The answers are at the bottom of the next image.
1. Tall cactus was removed on the right side. 2.Missing one sandtrap 3. Moved stone stairs to the left 4. The plant on the right foreground is missing 5. One of the green umbrellas is missing 6. The middle part of the clubhouse is missing 7.More grass on hillright side 8. Rock wall on right side of clubhouse is missing
