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- Heating, A/C & Swamp Coolers
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EL DORADO GAZETTE
Here it is August, probably one of my least favorite months. Usually very hot with a lot of humidity thrown into the mix. But it’s when I first begin to see that faint light at the end of the tunnel. The days are finally noticeably shorter, something that always seems to take forever once we pass the summer solstice.
El Dorado has definitely adopted a slower pace but there are still plenty of things to do to keep occupied. It might be too hot for tennis and/or Pickle Ball but the swimming pools are inviting, especially early in the morning and later in the evening. And thanks to Dave Nyberg you can enjoy Bingo twice a month: the third Thursday of the month at 5 p.m., and the first Saturday at 10 a.m. and Karaoke takes place on the last Sunday of the month starting at 1 p.m. Sometimes Dave even throws in a FREE movie night. So be sure to check his FB page El Dorado Palms Recreation, as well as the other FB page Eldorado Palms Estates Home Owners. And, of course TownSq.
The 4th of July event was a big success with many of our residents attending. We usually figure about 60 attending in July, but were gratified to have over 100 reservations this time. The food was delicious and plentiful and we have lots of people to thank: In particular, Clarence Franks who was pretty much in charge of handling the serving of the food with help from Michael Vaticano. A great big thanks goes to Vince Scalise who, in spite of being in the hospital, still took reservations. Now, that’s what I call going above and beyond. But, of course, many other of our Recreation Committee members helped with the decorating, shopping serving, clean up, etc., Lots of hands were involved. I’d also like to send a shout out to Rose Marie Warshaw who contributed that delicious sheet cake. I believe this is the third time she’s brought a scrumptious dessert to one of our events, for which we are most grateful.
And speaking of The Recreation Committee, I’m very sad to announce that Michael Vaticano has decided to step away from the committee in order to devote more time to rescuing dogs and cats in need. I’m sure most of you have heard how desperate the shelters are for people to adopt, foster, and volunteer. As much as we appreciate his talents, he is needed elsewhere. Thank you, Michael for all you’ve done, and are doing, for our little community as well as for the community at large. You have a big heart. So with that said, we are working on alternate plans for a September event. Stay tuned.
We haven’t decided on an event for October yet, and we are definitely open to suggestions. The Recreation Committee will be meeting in the next few days to try to come up with suggestions for September and October. We would welcome suggestions. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Friendsgiving on November 15th is firm as is the Holiday Extravaganza scheduled for December 12th. Circle those dates on your calendar and get your reservations in as soon as possible once the announcements are published. The ticket price for Friendsgiving is projected to be $10 for residents/$20 for non-residents. The December event, which is always our most expensive event will be $10 for residents/$40 for non-residents.
As mentioned earlier in this column, Vince Scalise had a major health set back and was in the hospitals, Desert Regional and Loma Linda, for about ten days. As of the writing of this column, he seems to be improving with each passing day, with help from visiting nurses and his room mate Eric. And, of course, his many, many friends. He’s using his recuperative time to plan all sorts of fun things for El Dorado. Can’t keep the man down. We all wish Vince a speedy and complete recovery.
Try to stay cool. This too shall pass.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ARCHITECTURAL REPORT, by Gene Brake
Hello neighbors. I know most outdoor projects have come to a halt due to the heat, but staying inside in the AC is a great time to plan for the fall. An icy Margarita is optional. :)
In the last issue we talked about shade and it prompted some additional discussion on carport shading, which is one of the most requested types of shade. Some options include aluminum louvers that are mounted to the support posts of your carport, which blocks the sun and allows airflow. The aluminum louver option is long lasting and quite durable, though not a bargain for sure. If you are handy you can purchase the parts from Atlas Awning in Palm Springs and install it yourself on your existing carport posts to save some costs.
One of the most popular shades is woven shade cloth that is mounted to the same carport posts. They can be installed fairly easily and they allow good airflow and sun protection. One drawback is the fabric must be replaced every few years as it weakens in the sun over time. These should be secured to the post via screws or lacing. Elastic cords should not be used as they are not sturdy enough for the wind and degrade quickly in the sun and heat.
Once you have decided on which type you want to use, then you must pick a color. Because this sunshade acts as a partial wall on the carport and takes up a lot of visual space the color selected should follow the same rule for wall color, “it should be light in tone from white to midpoint on the color spectrum.” It should also coordinate with your home’s color palette. Last step as always, submit an architectural application to seek approval.
One other cooling project we get often is evaporative coolers or “swamp coolers.” They are allowed if they are mounted through the wall; window mounted coolers or air conditioners are not permitted. One big thing to think about is allowing for a drain for overflow. The drain must not leave your lot and for safety shouldn’t drip onto the sidewalk or drain under your home,
As always if you have any questions, please reach out via email at genebrake01@gmail.com. See you around the neighborhood.
FINANCE COMMITTEE, by
DeWayne Musick
Happy summer to all of our full time residents!
The temps are high and the power meters are spinning trying to keep our homes cool. I want to pass on some possible helpful information that could help accomplish doing just that. I have recently had new foam roofs applied as other residents have, and we’ve all seen a substantial reduction in SCE costs. It provides both insulation and reflects some heat off of the rooftops. Also, don’t forget to have your A/C units serviced and be sure to replace those air filters. You also can simply turn the unit off and take a hose sprayer and rinse out the unit on the outside. They fill with dirt which obstructs the compressor from working properly and efficiently.
(Cont’d next page.)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE COMMITTE (cont’d)
The Finance Committee met on July 2, 2025 in the clubhouse multi-purpose room with three members present along with several residents, our park manger, and fellow Board members. I invite you all to attend and welcome your comments, ideas and participation.
We unanimously accepted the previous month’s meeting minutes.
Discussion was open after reviewing the May financials provided by our management company. I’m happy to report that through May 31, 2025 we remain financially positive and are on budget with no surprises to date. We are experiencing a huge increase in water usage and costs. Sam will be reaching out to Desert Water Agency to see if we can pinpoint where the uptick in costs are originating. The park has a very complex water supply and meter system and we have asked the Maintenance Committee to look into possible ways to identify problems and waste.
Our Reserve Fund and investments remain strong despite the turmoil in the financial world, thanks to our advisors at Keystone Financial. As I have mentioned before, I am committed to continue building our Reserve Fund and saving for future needs.
In conclusion, the May financials were unanimously approved subject to final financial audit by our CPA/ auditors.
Our next financial meeting date and time will be posted on TownSq as soon as June financials have arrived from Associa Accounting.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Treasurer.
MAINTENANCE REPORT, by Diane Graham
The Maintenance Committee includes Craig Harris, Rey Bermudez, Pete Carroll, Joseph Ratliff, and Diane Graham. Sam Rodriguez provides us with important updates and information to help us make decisions. We meet on the first Friday of each month at 1 p.m. in the multi-purpose room and online. Please join us! We welcome your advice and suggestions.
The HOA Board will be reviewing the Reserve Study and preparing to create the Annual Budget in October. this summer the Maintenance Committee will submit our prioritized list of projects we think are crucial for the safety and well being of our residents and to maintain our building and amenities.
Here are some projects we are considering:
1. ADA compliance for areas that we all share, mostly around the Clubhouse. The committee is seeking professional advice from a California Certified Access Specialist to guide us in what we need to do and where. This is information only at this time. It will be up to the Board to create a phase-in plan for the future.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (cont’d)
MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE (cont’d)
2. We finally got the permit for the Laundry Building upgrade! As you may now know the Laundry Building was closed on July 9, with interior demolition to begin shortly thereafter. Thanks for your patience during this process. We look forward to a fun Grand Opening Celebration in the fall. More details to follow.
3.Other projects: water usage and locating leaks; installation of new rear-pool filter; re-painting of spa deck; speed bumps (do YOU think we need more?); landscaping; replacing/recovering the clubhouse chairs. The list goes on. Your Maintenance Committee is working to address each of these in a timely and budget-friendly manner,
RECREATION COMMITTEE,
by Michael Albert
Our Fourth of July celebration was attended by over 100. We enjoyed fried chicken, potato salad, mac n cheese, black beans, and rolls. Dessert was holiday-themed Krispy Kreme donuts, and a delicious sheet cake provided by Rose Marie Warshaw. Thanks go out to the volunteers who decorated, shopped, prepped, served and cleaned up afterwards.
We are planning our upcoming events…as we get closer to the events, look for flyers for more details. Nothing planned for August but we are in the beginning stages of planning something for September so watch for announcements. On November 15th we will be holding our annual Friendsgiving celebration. We will be serving a Thanksgiving meal while celebrating our friendships. Live performances will entertain us while we dine. This event will feature a food drive to benefit FIND Food Bank. Our last event of the year will be our annual Holiday Celebration on December 12th. This event will be catered. We will be served a holiday salad, carving-station beef, chicken breasts, Chef’s sides and warm apple/peach crisp for dessert. (Same caterer as last year.) There will also be live performances. This event will feature both a toy drive and a food drive to benefit FIND Food Bank.
You might have noticed there was nothing planned for October…yet. What would you like to see happen that month? We welcome input.
ONE-PS,
by Maggie Shelton
Summer in the desert is in full swing! We hope all of you are staying hydrated and as cool as possible.
News from the City can be found on engagepalmsprings.com. Some things that may be of particular interest there are:
• A cooling center is now open in Palm Springs at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Center, 480 W. Tramview Road, Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (760) 323-8271.
• The Library will be closing after July 19, 2025 for renovations and will move into a temporary location in the Rimrock Plaza. The anticipated date of the temporary location opening is mid-August 2025. It will have the same hours of operation in the temporary location.
• The Caltrans Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project continues with the expectation of being complete soon. Be sure to check engagepalmsprings.com for current information.
The Navigation Center in North Palm Springs is now about 85% full in the temporary house. The overnight facility is usually full. This is becoming a helpful alternative to our population who are unhoused.
Many of our friends and neighbors are vulnerable to raids by ICE and other entities. Mayor Ron de Harte, and Police Chief Andy Mills have advised that any of us who may be stopped by people who don’t show badges should call 911 and ask the police for help. This website has immigration resources in Riverside County: Rico.org/Immigration-Resources#numberone.
A Wind Wall is being built along Gene Autry Trail. Hooray! The work started in June and is expected to continue through December. Watch for information on lane closures related to the work.
Have you tried out the CV Link yet? What an excellent resource. Visit coachellavalleylink.com to get more information, including an interactive map to find open routes and updates.
For more information on what is going on in the city of Palm Springs, and what ONE-PS is doing, we always encourage you to attend the ONE-PS meetings at the Police Training Center, 200 S. Civic Drive at 4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.
POETRY AND PROSE
A SUMMER LULLABY
By Michael Troughton
It’s summer now around Palm Springs where pleasant days unfold
But truth be told it’s scorching hot and the temps alarming to behold
Oh how I love the cooling feel as I strip down to my shorts
Although I know relief is brief and my mood is out of sorts
Honestly when summer bakes I never sit and grouse ‘Cause I’m no fool as dry heat spikes, I rarely leave the house
Yes the summer here’s delightful and despite the crazy heat I’d never leave because you see my shoes have melted to the street
This summer is no different, step out you’ll start to sweat That’s why I’ll have supplies delivered no matter cost or debt
I’ll rest inside so calm and cool with my frosty new A/C
After all, as wise folks know, outside’s no place to be
Now I long for winter days of wind and rain and cold
That being said, despite the heat, if I may be so bold
When you ask, I’ll say to you about most any day Palm Springs is my forever home and here is where I’ll stay.
DESERT HIKE
By Jauren
A knob of rock moves when I get close — a fringe-toed lizard.
Sagebrush greets me wild as a brother I haven’t seen in years.
Boulders, unafraid of sun, teach me things get done moving or not
Tended by wind, succulent gardens don’t need rain or man to survive.
At the end of the trail, a wild flower the size of a teardrop lifts me up
“Desert Hike” is a poem from Jauren’s Second published book “Urban Desert” Available on Amazon.com.
SNAPSHOTS
WHAT’S SO FUNNY?
PONDERABLES
Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety-one?
Why do croutons come in air-tight packages? Aren’t they just stale bread to begin with?
If people from Poland are called Poles, then why aren’t people from Holland called Holes?
If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?
If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, then doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed? I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks, so I wondered if Chinese mothers use toothpicks.
Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them?
Why don’t they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
Randy Davis 8/1
Lee Alvarez 8/3
Charles Pittinger 8/4
Tim Bruner 8/9
Margaret Irish 8/27
Lou Riediger 8/28
Michael Vaticano 8/31
INFORMATION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF EL DORADO PALMS ESTATES
CLUBHOUSE OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed one hour for lunch)
CLOSED SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS
TELEPHONE 1-760-328-2815
Sam Rodriguez, Community Association Manager Alejandra Romo, Assistant Community Association Manager management@eldoradopalmshoa.com
HOA BOARD MEMBERS:
Randy Brown-President (randybrown.eldorado@gmail.com)
Joseph Ratliff-Vice President (josephratliff.realtor@gmail.com)
DeWayne Musick- Treasurer (dmnotes@gmail.com)
Pete Carroll-Secretary (petecarroll@icloud.com)
Ron Meddock-Director
UTILITY EMERGENCIES
Southern California Edison www.sce.com OR call 1-800-655-4555
Gas 1-877-238-0092 AND call the HOA office 1-760-328-2815
Water emergencies call the HOA office 1-760-328-2815
SECURITY
PALM SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT:1- 760-327-1441 or 1-760-323-8116
OR call 911 if extreme emergency
FIRE DEPARTMENT: 1-760-323-8181
Or call 911 if extreme emergency
ANIMAL CONTROL
In-Progress or Emergency: 1-760-327-1441 or 911 Routine Service or questions: 1-760-323-8151
After-Hours Common Area Maintenance Emergencies 1-760-346-1161
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO 911
French Sites
BASTILLE CATACOMBS
CHAMBORD
CASTLE
DDAY BEACHES
EIFFEL TOWER
LASCAUX CAVES
LES INVALIDS
LOUVRE
NIMES ARENA
NOTRE DAME
OMAHA BEACH
PONT DU GARD
SACRE COEUR
SAINT MALO
SAINTE CHAPELLE
VERSAILLES
Across
1.“What ___ is new?”
5.Any doctrine
Expecting an answer
8. Greek earth goddess: Var.
9.On the ocean
10.Jobs
11.Responded in court
12.Con man
14.Souvenir
20.Wise one
21.Eagle’s nest
23.Early video game
24.Flower holder
25.“A Chorus Line” number
26.Greek god of love
Down
1.Breakfast fare
2.Secular
3.Sound of relief
4.Facilitate
5.Part of an archipelago
6.Soothsayer
7.“Spy vs. Spy” magazine
9.Likely
13.“___ we there yet?”
14.Atomic particle
15.Sea eagle
16.Coffee holder
17.Church section
18.Eye drop
19.About
20. U.S. document publisher
22.“I agree”
The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.
August Sudoku
How to solve sudoku puzzles
No math is required to solve a sudoku. You only need logic and patience.
Simply make sure that each 3x3 square region has only one instance of the numbers 1-9. Similarly, each number can only
appear once in a column or row in the larger grid. The difficulty on this puzzle is easy.
TRIVIA
TEASER
Sunny Side Up
1. Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs were cops on what TV series? a-Miami Vice, b-Hill Street Blues, c-NYPD Blue, d-The Streets of San Francisco.
2.Who defeated Sonny Liston in 1964 to become the world heavyweight boxing champion? a-George Foreman, b-Muhammad Ali, c-Ingemar Johanssen, d-Rocky Graziano.
3. What TV show's theme song includes the lyrics "Sunny day, chasing the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet?" a-The Jeffersons, b-Good Times, c-Sesame Street, d-The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
4.Singer Sonny Bono served as the mayor of what California city? a-Oakland, b-Beverly Hills, c-Palm Springs, d-Pasadena.
5.Sonny Jurgensen played most of his NFL career as a quarterback for what team? a-Dallas Cowboys, b-San Francisco 49ers, c-St. Louis Cardinals, d-Washington Redskins.
6.In TV commercials, Sonny the bird is "cuckoo" about what breakfast cereal? a-Cocoa Puffs, b-Froot Loops, c-Corn Flakes, d-Honeycomb.
7.What mystery writer's creations included a fashion-conscious private eye named Sunny Randall? a-John D. MacDonald, b-Janet Evanovich, c-Robert B.Parker, d-Martin Cruz Smith.
8.What singer won a 1997 Grammy for Record of the Year for "Sunny Came Home"? a-Alison Krauss, b-Alanis Morissette, c-Shawn Colvin, d-Paula Cole.
9.What TV series was set in fictional Sunnydale, California? a-Gilmore Girls, b-Buffy the Vampire Slayer, c-One Tree Hill, d-Gossip Girl.
10. Which songwriter earned a total of 37 cents in royalties from his first published effort, "Marie From Sunny Italy"? a-Cole Porter, b-Irving Berlin, c-Woody Guthrie, d-Pete Seeger.
QUOTES
A salary is the drug they give you to forget your dreams.
Kevin O'Leary
I would visualize things coming to me. It would just make me feel better. Visualization works if you work hard. That's the thing. You can't just visualize and go eat a sandwich."
Jim Carrey
When we forget to use visualization and imagination, it is like not using our minds.
Jose Silva
You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
Mahatma Gandhi
The start is what stops most people. Don Shula
I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn't give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.
Harrison Ford
Want of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong, these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history.
Winston Churchill
The difference between try and triumph is a little "umph."
Author Unknown
The pessimist worries about the wind; the optimist thinks it will change; the realist adjusts the sails.
William Arthur Ward
Progress equals happiness.
Tony Robbins
The Lighter Side
Careful
A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter!
Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter.
Oh my gosh! They're going to STICK! Careful. I said CAREFUL!
You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt!"
The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"
The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving!"
GI Insurance
Airman Jones was assigned to the induction center to sell recruits GI insurance benefits.
Captain Smith noticed that Jones had a 100% record for insurance sales. It had never happened before.
The Captain then sat in the room and listened to Jones's sales pitch. Jones explained the basics of the insurance.
"If you have GI Insurance and get killed in battle, the government has to pay $200,000 to your beneficiaries. If you don't have GI insurance, and get killed in battle, the government only has to pay $6,000. Now, who do you think they send into battle first?"
Answers to 'Sunny Side Up'
1-a, Miami Vice
2-b, Muhammad Ali
3-c, Sesame Street
4-c, Palm Springs
5-d, Washington Redskins
6-a, Cocoa Puffs
7-c, Robert B. Parker
8-c, Shawn Colvin
9-b, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
10-b, Irving Berlin
