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EL DORADO GAZETTE

THIS & THAT

March 2009 that is when it all began. Seventeen years and 196 issues later it is finally time to bring The Gazette to a close. It began as The Gazette and transitioned to The Scuttlebutt thanks to Millie Monroe who won the Naming Contest. But I think my favorite unofficial name for our little newsletter was coined by Michael Troughton who has referred to it as The Gazzettlebutt. Thank you, Michael. But I did not do this alone, contributions were made by too many people to name; those who submitted columns as well as those who were willing to brave the elements to deliver the newsletter each month.

The last several months of hit-and-miss deliveries by our publisher along with diminishing energy and enthusiasm on my part has finally led to this major decision. Most likely you will still see me taking photos at some of our events, and those photos will now appear on TownSq as well as the El Dorado Palms Estates Homeowner’s FB page. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to sign up for both. Finally, Bob Hope said it best, “Thanks for the memories.” �

The Recreation Committee has been on fire of late, and now adding to the social-event possibilities is the formation of the new Social Committee. Take a look at the Calendar of Events on Page 14…so many options. Keep in mind that all events are subject to change…sometimes with little advance notification so be sure to check TownSq for updates.

The Cinco celebration was a big hit with many in attendance. Food was delicious and plentiful..thanks go out to Victor at El Portal, who also generously donated a couple of gift cards for the raffle. Also Rose Marie Worshaw once again contributed one of her delicious cakes (I admit to sneaking a piece home to have with my coffee the next morning). And of course, thanks to all the volunteers who planned, shopped, decorated, served and cleaned up afterwards. Photos can be found on pages 11-14. Check out the Recreation Committee report as well as the new Social Committee reports on page 4. Lots of good info and a chance to circle your calendars. A photo from a recent Social Committee gathering appears on page 4.

Sadly, we lost two of our long-time residents, Shelly Seltzer and Gwen Bearman. Tributes appear on pages 8 and 9. A couple of other long-timers have taken up residence at convalescent hospitals in the area: Juanita First is at Rancho Mirage Rehab and Jauren Miller is at Bayshire Skilled Nursing also in Rancho Mirage.

Michael Troughton offers some tips on staying cool during the hot summer days ahead. I’m already doing the nap thing as well as avoiding the news…or at least trying to avoid the news. Not that easy, only so many repeat episodes of Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon I can handle.

Gene Brake, in his Architectural Committee report on page 3, offers some tips on helping to keep your home a bit cooler by installing shades. I know I just lowered mine and it does make a difference. But if you decide you’d prefer to get out of Dodge to escape the heat, there’s always Day Passes to the Tram. They should be on sale now. Other suggestions might be a trip up to Idyllwild. The Dead in the Palms Festival occurs on June 20th, and the Idyllwild Experimental Music Festival takes place on June 27th. On the 4th of July they’re holding a Blues Festival. Meanwhile back home, don’t forget Restaurant Week runs from May 29th-June 7th.

Finally, as The Gazette rides off into the sunset, I wish you all a happy and cool (we can wish) summer and I’ll see you around.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

ARCHITECTURAL REPORT, by Gene Brake

Hello, Neighbors: With the early spring heat many are thinking about how to keep cooler before the real baking begins. Shade always helps.

Fixed carport or patio shades are the most requested types of shades. Some options include aluminum louvers that are mounted to the support posts of your carport/patio cover, which blocks the sun and allows airflow. The aluminum louver option is long lasting and quite durable, though not a bargain option 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/patio cover 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 posts 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 exterior 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.

As Vivian from Pretty Woman said, “Stay cool.” As always, if you have any questions please reach out via email at genebrake01@gmail.com

FINANCE COMMITTEE, by Ron Meddock

With temps reaching 100º I guess that counts as spring for El Dorado! If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to contact your favorite HVAC company and get your seasonal service completed before it gets any hotter and being without your AC becomes much more serious. Just like all of our facilities, it’s best to keep everything in good working order rather than waiting for a major, and much more costly repair! Make sure you are keeping your AC unit clear of debris allowing it to “breathe” and work at its best…and most budget conscious.

Your Finance Committee meets regularly every month to review financials and make recommendations to the board regarding all financial matters. Committee members are Michael Stemmeler, Harry Tripp, Jim Joseph, and Dean Allen. As Treasurer, I serve as Chair for the committee. Members of the El Dorado Palms Estates community are always welcome to our monthly meetings which will continue through the summer. In an effort to allow for a consistent and regular meeting time related to when we receive the financials from Accounting, we will likely shift our meetings to a time close to the end of each month. All meeting times will be posted on TownSq as usual.

Currently we are in line with our 2026 Budget with no concerns moving forward. We will likely begin planning for our 2027 Budget year beginning in July after we have the first six months of financial reports for the current year.

We look forward to your participation in our meetings.

COMMITTEE REPORTS, Cont’d.

RECREATION COMMITTEE, by Johnny Butare

Hello El Dorado Family: I’m Johnny, your new Recreation Committee Chair. I have only been here since August of 2025, but I have grown to love this community and the importance of what the Recreation Committee brings to all of us. I hope that I can fill the shoes of all my fabulous predecessors who held this position before me.

On May 23rd we celebrated our Memorial Day event. Since this article is being written prior to the event I assume it was another big hit, as was the Cinco party back on May 2nd. In June we have our gathering at One-Eleven, who has graciously agreed, again, to open an hour early for us to celebrate the beginning of Pride. For the July 4th holiday, we are discussing a home-style BBQ. Then the planning continues for our ticketed events, Friendsgiving and our Holiday Celebration. I, along with Debbie, David, Peter, Troy, Clarence, Philip, and Vince, look forward to welcoming you to join us for so many fun and exciting events ahead.

REMINDER: Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings held the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 9 a.m.

SOCIAL COMMITTEE, by Dave Nyberg

Social Committee, what is it and how is it different from the Recreation Committee and why do we need both? One of the main differences is the new Social Committee holds events that continually reoccur within each month. Some of the events reoccur weekly, some bi-weekly and some reoccur just once a month, whereas the Recreation Committee holds events that for the most part happen once a year. Some of the same great people that volunteer and work with Recreation also volunteer and work with the new Social group.

So, if both committees use the same people, why do we need two separate committees? The bottom line is there is a lot of work that has to take place in the background to bring these events to you which keeps both committees very busy. By having the committees separate it helps to keep the confusion and chaos to a minimum. We will still work together for the community if the event at hand warrants it.

The bottom line is both committees have wonderful residents that have volunteered their time and skills to bring different events and activities for you to enjoy. Please join us for one or all of the events these two groups bring to you and if you want to join us, there is always room for an extra chair at both tables.

Look for our flyers on your mail clips, in the front office lobby, on TownSq, or on either of the El Dorado Palms Facebook groups: The Eldorado Palms Estates Home Owners or El Dorado Palms Events page.

Your new Social Committee Team: David Nyberg (Chair), David Perkins, Johnny Butare, Matt Devlin and Jonathan Goldman.

ONE-PS, by

Cathy Liss

Happy Summer, El Dorado Neighbors! More heat; less traffic.

Our public meetings continue each month except August, on the second Tuesday at the Police Training Center, 200 S. Civic Dr., promptly from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All Palm Springs residents are invited. Lots going on!

Check out XOXO Palm Springs—citywide Arts and Culture Celebration, June 11th-22nd. Go to XOXO Palm Springs or visitpalmsprings.com for details

Plans are underway for major construction and renovation of the Convention Center and its “District.” Walkable, shaded sidewalks; shops, convenient street parking and a major tourist-friendly atmosphere are coming.

College of the Desert construction will continue throughout the summer, beginning early mornings; campus is on track to open fall 2027.

Palm Springs Fire Department has hired three new firefighters, including our first female firefighter, a new Battalion Chief, AND has promoted to engineer status six (6) current firefighters who completed rigorous exams and qualifications. Engineers drive the trucks! THANK YOU PSFD! A permanent locations for the new state-of-the-art Fire Station #1 on Indian Avenue is still in process. Our current building is over 70 years old.

Palm Springs International Airport soon will have a new escalator and a re-vamped baggage claim area.

PS Public Library is on track to open in fall of 2027. Perhaps our Von’s Rimrock location will continue as a satellite branch?

I’m excited to report that the Historic Plaza Theater will begin scheduling guided tours. Check the website for dates and availability.

Please join us at the citywide One-PS meetings. They’re tightly run and the Aspen Mills cookies are almost as good as our Clarence’s! And, please remember this month to purchase an item or two for your personal emergency “go-bag” and your earthquake supplies home-preparedness kit. We’ll share more about these at our EDP meetings.

HEALTH

FITN

ESS, by Clarence Franks-Albert

Back to Your Posture

From the stem of your neck to the base of your back, think straight by stretching your body every day. You don’t have to overdo it, just do it every day. Begin the day with a morning routine of stretching. Start with making your bed, picking out your clothes for the day, carefully selecting outﬁts from your closet. Moving with motions that don’t put stress on your body. Incorporate breathing, short walks and don’t forget to hydrate. If you sit a lot, sit less. And when you’re sitting remember to move your feet and legs. Motion helps the blood ﬂow and that helps the heart.

We neglect our posture for what we think is comfortable. It’s just laziness. The lumbar area of the back needs focus. That’s the lower part of your back. The upper part of the back is the spine. Know your body parts and how they work and how they are connected. Make a star stretch from head to toe and reach out from the tips of ﬁngers. And don’t underestimate the importance of thinking positive.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Gail Siegel 6/14

Tony Hill 6/16

Brian Paczesniak 6/16

Jose Goria 6/16

Diane Maggio 6/27

POETRY/PROSE

MAY SUMMER HAVE MERCY ON OUR SOLES— Or, HOW TO FAST TRACK TO FALL

By Michael Troughton

Plan at least an hour a day for online shopping

Then step outside to feel the gentle rays of sunshine softly warming the desert air

Cruise the local grocery store online to shop for home delivery

But spend time outdoors to soak up the clear blue skies highlighting summer’s enticing glow

Pick out some favorite YouTube videos to watch each day

And savor some special moments of outdoor breaks to drink in summer’s refreshing embrace

Do something different for lunch like a chocolate chip ice cream bar

While planning a sunny afternoon Parkside picnic and hot dogs on a sizzling grill

Trim down your spending because the A/C bills can be scary

Or forget the A/C and spend the day sunning poolside

Always set aside time for an afternoon nap

That means dusting off that patio lounge chair and warming up for a cozy snooze

Invite a friend over to play a board game, especially one you’re good at winning

Consider a friendly ‘best of five’ patio game of bean-bag- toss under a shaded awning

Be sure to avoid watching any political news. Focus on YouTube music videos instead

So you can practice your dance routines on your patio and impress your neighbors

Catch up on emails and delete all the trash and spam messages

As you walk away all your stress with a stroll through the empty streets of El Dorado

Most important of all go to bed late and sleep in

Before you know it summer’s worst heat will be bearable enough to venture outside—maybe

IN MEMORIAM

Shelly Seltzer

I recently learned of the passing of Shelly Seltzer who was well known to many of the long-timers here in El Dorado. She was almost always front and center at all our community events and even contributed tasty treats from time to time. She loved to cook. From what I understand she also loved to play the card game Pan and joined many of her neighbors for a weekly game up in the clubhouse. She also served as President of the local chapter of Hadassah for about 20 years.

Shelly was born 97 years ago on the 4th of July. Her father emigrated from Poland to New York where he had a glass business. Later they moved to Chicago where she was born. From there they moved to California where her father continued in the glass business. It was her parents who first moved to El Dorado in the 1970’s, Shelly and her second husband moved here sometime thereafter. Residing with her daughter Judy Baird and her little dog Rusty, she remained a resident of our community up until a couple of years ago Shelly had three daughters and two sons: Adrian, Judy, Susan, Jeffrey, and Michael who predeceased her.

Shelly was definitely a positive force and will be missed by her many friends and relatives.

IN MEMORIAM

Gwen Bearman

We lost Gwen on the first of May, she had turned 90 in January. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but spent much of her adult life in Portland, Oregon where she was a banker who dealt in refinancing for people who had less than stellar credit ratings.

She and Roger have lived in El Dorado for 25 years. Gwen visited a friend here and fell in love with the place and immediately made an offer on a home. And, as they say, the rest is history. Gwen loved living in the desert and loved her pugs, of which they had several over the years. Unfortunately the last of the pugs died earlier this year and they opted to adopt a ShiTzu this time naming him Buddy. Apparently it was love at first sight for all involved.

Gwen is survived by her husband, Roger, as well as three daughters and a son: Deborah, Linda, Laurie, and Scott. Scott and his wife moved to California recently to be near her.

Gwen and Roger had many friends here in the park and they attended most of the community events as the following photos prove. Condolences go out to her many friends and family…she was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JUNE

Monday, June 1st 8 a.m. Coffee Talk

Wednesday, June 3rd 9 a.m. Recreation Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 3rd 6-8 p.m. Game Night

Thursday, June 4th 10 a.m. Architectural Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 4th 4-6 p.m. Afternoon Social

Saturday, June 6th 10 a.m. BINGO

Wednesday, June 10th 6-8 p.m. Game Night

Thursday, June 11th 4-6 p.m. Afternoon Social

Friday, June 12th 1 p.m. Maintenance Committee Meeting

Monday, June 15th 8 a.m. Coffee Talk

Tuesday, June 16th 10 a.m. HOA Meeting

Wednesday, June 17th 9 a.m. Recreation Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 17th 6-8 p.m. Game Night

Thursday, June 18th 4-6 p.m. Afternoon Social

Thursday, June 18th 5 p.m. BINGO

Wednesday, June 24th 6-8 p.m. Game Night

Thursday, June 25th 4-6 p.m. Afternoon Social

Thursday, June 25th 6:30 p.m. Movie Night

Sunday, June 28th 1 p.m. Karaoke

WHAT’S SO FUNNY

There has been a definite lack of ‘funnies’ crossing my desk of late, so I went back into the archives…15 years back, to be exact. I suspect most of you won’t remember it so here goes.

PARAPROSDOKIANS

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation, i.e. “Where there’s a will, I want to be in it” is a paraprosdokian. Okay, so now enjoy these.

• Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

• The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it’s still on my list.

• Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

• If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

• We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

• War does not determine who is right—-only who is left.

• Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

• Evening news is where they begin with “Good Evening,” and then proceed to tell you why it isn’t.

• To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

• You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

• Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

• There’s a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so that they can’t get away.

• I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.

• Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

• Going to church doesn’tt make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

• A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.

• Hospitality is making your guests feel at home even when you wish they were.

• I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila.

• When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

• The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

• Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, “In case of emergency, notify,” I put “Doctor.”

• Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.

• A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

• I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

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)

Ron Meddock-Treasurer

Dean Allen-Secretary

Michael Albert-Director (sfmichael@att.net)

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

Home Repairs

BATH BEAM BRUSH BUILDING CARPET CONTRACTOR COOLING DESIGN

ELECTRICIAN FAUCETS FLOORING HAMMER HARDWARE HEATING KITCHEN KNIFE

LEVEL MOLDING NAILS PAINTER PANELING PLIERS PLUMBER SANDER SAW SINKS STAIN TACK TILES TOOLBOX VANITY WRENCH

Across 1.“Welcome” site

4.___ Today

7.“___ la la!”

8.Heirloom location

10.Bruin legend

Bobby

11.Bridget Fonda, to Jane

12.Colossus

14.Highest points

17.Livestock pen in southern Africa

18.Norse goddess of love

21.Kind of feeling

23.Billiards bounce

24.“Fantasy Island” prop

25.Tax expert for short

26.Feminine suffix

Down 1.Jersey call

2.Blood carrier

3.Thunderflies

4.Colorado Indian

5.As written

Home

Buying Key

6.Trick taker, often

8.Type of word play

9.Skin problem

13.___ Rose

15.American symbol

16.Veers

18.TV monitor?

19.Bad-mouth

20.Baseball stat

22.“___ the season ...”

How to solve sudoku puzzles

The headline is a clue to the answer in the diagonal.

June Sudoku

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

Movies Rated "G"

1. What was the name of the girl group led by Rizzo in the musical Grease? aGolden Girls, b-Thunder Chicks, c-Pink Ladies, d-Zip-Gun Angels.

2. Who played scientist Niko Tatopoulos in the 1998 American remake of Godzilla? a-Matthew Broderick, b-Ben Kingsley, c-George Clooney, d-John Cusick.

3.Which actor suffered a fatal heart attack during the filming of Gladiator? a-Oliver Reed, b-William Frawley, c-Tom Baker, d-Redd Foxx.

4.Which actor made his film debut opposite Barbara Stanwyick in the movie Golden Boy? a-Burt Lancaster, b-William Holden, c-Kirk Douglas, d-Victor Mature.

5. What is the longest film to win a Best Picture Oscar? a-Gandhi, b-Giant, c-Gone With the Wind, d-The Greatest Show on Earth.

6.In the movies Gidget, Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and Gidget Goes To Rome, three different actresses played the title character. What actor remained true to each, playing Moondoggie? a-Bobby Darin, b-Bobby Sherman, c-Frankie Avalon, d-James Darren.

7.What was the name of the Korean assassin who used his bowler hat as a weapon in the James Bond movie Goldfinger? a-Jaws, b-Short Round, c-Lone Wolf, d-Odd Job.

8.Who played an unhinged mobster named Tommy DeVito in the movie GoodFellas? a-Joe Pesci, b-Ray Liotta, c-Joe Piscopo, d-Anthony Perkins.

9. In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray keeps reliving the same day over and over. What song plays every morning on his radio-alarm clock? a-Little Town Flirt, b-Rock Around the Clock, c-Last Train to Clarksville, d-I Got You, Babe.

10.Who played the husky-voiced best friend of Thora Birch in Ghost World? a-Annette Bening, b-Scarlett Johansson, c-Melanie Griffith, d-Mena Suvari.

QUOTES

I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.

Elon Musk

We won the moon race; now it's time for us to live and work on Mars.

Buzz Aldrin

Space is for everybody. It's not just for a few people in science or math. That's our new frontier out there, and it's everybody's business to know about space.

Christa McAuliffe

There's something magical about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge. That's something that is almost part of being human.

Sally Ride

It doesn't matter which side of the fence you get off on sometimes. What matters most is getting off. You cannot make progress without making decisions.

Jim Rohn

Determination gives you the resolve to keep going in spite of the roadblocks that lay before you.

Denis Waitley

If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think of something appropriate and do it.

Edgar Watson Howe

Many of our fears are paper-thin and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.

Brendan Francis

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light shining somewhere nearby.

Ruth E. Renkel

Joy is what happens when we realize how good things really are.

Marianne Williamson

Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me?"