Archive for the Clubs & SIGs Category
HOA Advocate Gazette Features SCA Stories
March 28, 2011 by admin.
Diane Gerber’s “HOA Advocate Gazette” has picked up on and featured the Henderson “false arrest” story about Tim Stebbins and Bob Frank.
It also highlights Johnathan Freiderick’s report on the “3 amigas”
Kay Dwyer, Celeste Bove and Roz Berman Testifying–photo by D. A. Berman
who showed up to reveal to the Senate Judiciary Committee and to the thousands watching via Internet streaming media as the hateful and self-centered people they are.
Their shockingly anti-homeowner and incompassionate attitudes were exposed in this highly public environment and has been recorded via the Internet. Such egotistic behavior is usually reserved for the home crowd attending board meetings, and when socializing among the community members who enjoy kowtowing to them.
Web Version: http://www.universitycresthoa.com/HOAadvocateGazette/Issue4.html
PDF File Version of the Gazette: HOA Advocate Gazette Volume 1, Issue 4
Posted in 2011 Campaign, Bob Frank-2011, Ann_Small, SCA Board, Special Events, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs | Print | No Comments »
Attorney General to Prosecute SCA Boards on April 26, 2011
March 27, 2011 by bobfrank.
On March 24, 2011 the Nevada Real Estate Division notified the Sun City Anthem Community Association that the Attorney General would serve as the Prosecuting Attorney at a hearing of the Nevada Commission for Common Interest Communities and Condominiums on April 26, 2011.
The alleged violation by the two boards in 2008 was to twice vote to illegally modify the SCA CC&Rs. Board President was Roz Berman, and the basic work accused of violating statutes was performed by association attorney John Leach.
This is a historic event as this will be the first of close to 100 alleged SCA Board statute violations brought to trial/hearing before the CIC Commission. It has taken about 3 years to reach this point.
For members who are interested, I served on that board and vigorously objected to what I believed to be highly improper (if not illegal) changes to the CC&Rs being promoted by attorney Leach. I was the only director voting NO on both board votes. However, I had nothing to do with the filing of the case leading to this prosecution.
Since I will have to explain to the Commission my objections and NO vote against the board majority votes to approve the alleged violations, I must save those explanations until after the hearing.
Meanwhile, the hearing before the CIC Commission should be a very interesting situation. At least 4 of the Commissioners have potentially serious conflicts of interests with the other directors, and are likely to have to recuse themselves on this case.
At this time, only the basic affidavits have been scanned in and attached to this posting. The exhibits will be added as time permits.
Download: Attorney General Charges
Posted in Truth Squad, Ann_Small, 2011 Campaign, Bob Frank-2011, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Operations, Clubs & SIGs, Laws & Rules, News! | Print | No Comments »
3rd Monday Morning (Free) Candidates Forum in AVR
March 14, 2011 by admin.
Reminder:
The 3rd Monday Morning Forum will be held this Monday morning at 8:30. Come early if you want your question to be asked early.
“Coffee or Breakfast with the Board Candidates–Monday March 7th and Following ondays” ome one, come all. Meet six of the SCA Board Candidates and ask them your ard questions. Q & A will begin at 8:30am at Anthem iew Restaurant. Breakfast will be available from 7:45 am. We will provide a sign up sheet for questioners starting at 8am — Questions will be taken in order of signup. Guidelines for the discussion will be read at 8:25am. We are going to rotate the questions to each candidate to balance the opportunities.Each candidate will have two minutes when it is their turn to reply first. Other candidates will have 30 seconds to comment–if they wish. We did this last week and it worked well for both residents and candidates. Please think of questions that any candidate may answer–not just a specific one for one or two candidates.Rich Hogan of Anthem View has said he will provide a breakfast buffet for $7 including meal, resident discount and tax. The buffet will include your coffee. Tip will be extra and optional. Or, residents may order off the menu and lighter fare will be available. While we are encouraging you to have breakfast, Rich says “it is not a requirement.” (The buffet will also be vailable to customers not attending the meeting.) We have a diverse group of candidates so this will give you a chance to get to know them and find out what they think on issues important to you. We all hope to see you there. Please, please call 260-1135 and make your reservation if you intend to place an order. Reservations are needed to assure space,food and staff to make this a great event. “
Posted in 2011 Campaign, Ann_Small, SCA Board, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | No Comments »
What? You Must Pay RMI $622 to Sell Your SCA Home!
March 4, 2011 by bobfrank.
(Updated) We are not joking! According to Realty Executive Agent Laura Harbison in early March mail, the Law
now requires a seller to obtain and pay for the HOA Resale document package that includes CC&Rs, Bylaws, Rules &
Regulations, statement of monthly assessments for common expenses and unpaid assessments, the current
Operating Budget, the current association financial statement, a statement showing any unsatisfied judgments or
lawsuits against the association or relating to the common interest community.
In addition, the law does not allow a seller to provide the buyer with the seller’s personal copies. The law now
requires the seller to obtain and pay for the package of copies from the HOA management company. The HOA
management company can not bill the expense to escrow. The seller is required to pay for it when it is ordered.
“The current cost of this package in Sun City Anthem is $527!” There is also a $95 “Demand Fee” that must
be paid to RMI–for a total of $622! Not joking folks–according to Ms. Harbison.
This is bloody OUTRAGEOUS! And, some members may still be wondering why some of us “malcontents” are so
adamant that something has to be done to replace our association attorney, management company and board?
The actual cost of routinely producing a CD containing all of the latest versions of those documents could not
exceed $5. So, why would the SCA Board ever agree to allow RMI to receive windfall profits of at least $522 for
every home hold in SCA? Can you agree that is a classic rip-off?
Do you suppose any SCA director will have the guts to defend such an outrage? Is this not more slam-dunk
evidence that all of those XXXXXX directors must be fired/removed and replaced by truly ethical SCA members?
Posted in Truth Squad, Ann_Small, 2011 Campaign, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Operations, Clubs & SIGs, News! | Print | No Comments »
News! Bob Frank Has Entered SCA Board Campaign
February 18, 2011 by admin.
Former SCA Director Bob Frank has entered the 2011 Board Campaign.
His campaign platform and positions will be posted under his name when released.
Posted in 2011 Campaign, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, News! | Print | No Comments »
Taking Community Goverance For Granted?
February 12, 2011 by admin.
The following is quoted from the “NV Clean Up The Vote” site.
“The one thing that Americans have that they completely take for granted is their right to vote. Ask anyone who has immigrated legally to this country, our voting process is what distinguishes us from the countries run by dictators. It allows us to sleep at night because we believe that with each vote that we make, we retain control of our lives from corrupt politicians.
In order to protect that privilege, each one of us has a duty to ensure that the integrity of the process is maintained. Without that integrity, our country is no longer distinguishable from other countries with corrupt elections. We MUST rise above the fray.”
As a resident of a homeowner association in Nevada, you signed a contract and agreed to live in a corporate dictatorship. Sure, we elect our directors every year; but, as seen in other world dictatorships that “elect” their leaders, the governing people pretend to be “resident-friendly” during the election, but reverse themselves after they have the power they seek.
But, we do not have to put up with dictatorial boards. All we have to do is educate our residents on what is really going on with the so-called “unity” or “harmony” or whatever bogus party name they pick this year. Tell them how their annual dues will be going up by hundreds of dollars the near future to pay for the boards income tax gross negligence or possible fraud. Tell them about the board’s failures to collect the millions owed by the developer that we have to make up for. Add to those major issues the growing impacts on inflation in food, transportation and other living expenses. And, suddenly we re talking about REAL money losses to every member in Sun City Anthem!
Will that wake up the electorate this year? Only if the members know the truth about what is going on. Only if dozens of concerned members turn out and knock on EVERY SCA door and ask for votes for proven trustworthy candidates. Some will also be asking for the unit owners to sign recall petitions for the leftover directors from 2010. We need to clean house to minimize the chances of turncoats getting elected and once again ruining our abilities to implement smart and compassionate management policies.
Will you volunteer to help? Teams are already being formed to work in every SCA village. Voting starts in early April. There is no time to lose. Contact us by email (anthemvoice@cox.net) and we will put you in touch with someone in your vilage area who will work with you on your schedule.
Posted in Truth Squad, 2011 Campaign, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | No Comments »
Catering, NOT Gaming, Is the Path to Profits!
November 29, 2010 by bobfrank.
The true path to financial success in the SCA restaurant lease is the catering kitchen–which (the board has been told) is equal to many of the major kitchens of the major casinos where they serve many thousands with their buffets.
There are over 100,000 people living in ABOUT 35,000 upscale homes in the greater Anthem community area who are likely to respond to unequaled, quality food and service–when and where they want it.
* Catering to SCA clubs and SIGs and neighborhood groups.
* Catering to SCA and other Anthem-area special entertainment events.
* Catering to Anthem via meals-on-wheels to seniors and families with 2 or more working adults who can not, or prefer not to cook for themselves.
* Catering to other Anthem communities who do not have a restaurant or prefer an alternative.
The previous Trumpets lessee proved there were millions in the catering business and we were only half built-out and occupied at that time. Boulevard Cafe owners said they were mostly interested in the SCA catering kitchen to augment their area restaurants that could not handle their catering volume.
The bottom line business opportunity in this venue is for CATERING — NOT GAMING!
And, we are seeing proof that AVR lacks food service experience. AVR truly does not seek to develop the FOOD SERVICE business, or gaming would not be the key interest.
Posted in Community Affairs, SCA Board, Clubs & SIGs, Operations, Lifestyle, News! | Print | No Comments »
Some Facts About Veterans, Retired Military and Retired Reservists
October 14, 2010 by bobfrank.
In the past and recently, certain individuals on other blogs have been exchanging personal attacks and publishing disinformation concerning military and reserve service and mentioning by name some of the SCA individuals in those articles. So, in an effort to keep the facts straight, the following is provided.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I would like to ask that the following facts not be ignored by SCA bloggers when commenting about military retiree working conditions, expertise, and “benefits”. A few details are provided here, and elsewhere, as even some “veterans” have shown they are misinformed about some of the basic facts.
1. The vast majority of the 25,000,000+ US Veterans have only served a few years in uniform. The majority of their lives have been in the private sector. Only those who are service-disabled or have earned retirement receive long-term, government payments. The Veterans Administration is allowed to provide limited services to veterans who have suffered serious, combat-related health disabilities, and to certain homeless/destitute veterans.
2. Most retired military reservists serve a few years on active duty, and accumulate a few years credit for week-end military duty spread over a period of a few decades. While there used to be some easy week-end duty for some reservists prior to the 1970’s, not much of that exists any more.
Reservists are considered “working in private sector careers” during their average 70+ years of life. Their jobs are supposedly saved for them if called to active duty, they are not forced to move their families every few years (as active duty members are), the health and financial career risks for reservists and their families are normally much lower than those of the active duty. Accordingly, reservists only receive limited military benefits while serving in uniform and after retiring.
3. Military members are often forced to leave active duty service against their desires based on a very complex set of public law and military rules based on (a) the “needs of the service”, (b) high work performance criteria, (c) high physical health standards, and (d) exceptionally high morals criteria.
Officers and enlisted members are managed under vastly different federal rules, and the various military services also have very different rules by rank and career fields. Individuals who survive such exceptionally high criteria, and are allowed to “retire”, are typically between the ages of 38 and 42 when they enter the private sector. A retiring military member after 20 years service receives about half of his/her basic pay received at time of separation.
Basic pay is about half of the military-computed “salary value” and someone retiring after only 20 years receives about half of that basic pay, and the take home value/pre-tax value is about a quarter of what was valued at time of separation. So, unless they are service-disabled or independently wealthy, such individuals must immediately establish a second career in the private sector.
4. Military retirees typically work for businesses for more than 30 years. Even the so-called “military lifers” (who earn the opportunity to stay for up to 30 years before retiring) are typically between the ages of 48 and 51 and normally required to work for 10 to 20 years in the private sector in order to maintain their previously modest lifestyles as senior enlisted, or senior officers.
5. In other words, the vast majority of retired military members serve many more years in the private sector than the military, and they must be considered “qualified” to have earned valid business experiences, and to have earned valid opinions about “business“.
None of the above suggests that retired military or reservists are any smarter or superior in any way to those who did not serve or did not stay to retirement. But, it does suggest that such members of our community have earned the right to be treated with the same respect as any other member.
Military and reservist retirees should never be generically degraded by anyone.
Posted in Truth Squad, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | 1 Comment »
Security Patrol Name Killed by Board
August 13, 2010 by bobfrank.
(Revised) All the posturing is over, and those of us (estimated to be over 400 members) who attended last night’s 4+ hour board meeting found our worst fears realized. This appeared to have been the largest-attended and longest board meeting of all time. Clearly, a very high number of SCA members care a great deal about their Security Patrol.
A number of SCA members spoke who were career professionals from the insurance underwriting and security services professions. They provided very compelling arguments that changing the name would not avoid any litigation risks or reduce our insurance rates. But, their excellent expertise was summarily dismissed and disregarded in the final vote. The board was not listening.
After over 4 hours of discussion, at least 98% found NO compelling evidence provided by the board, attorney or insurance broker to justify forcing a name change at this time. It was alleged that there might be one or two cases at the national level that might have some relevance to the issue, but none in Nevada. Not mentioned was that there are tens of thousands of HOAs in the USA, and many, if not most, include some kind of security services.
Not provided was any really relevant data on the alleged risks for SCA. For example, it might be possible that there could be over 10,000 HOAs in the US using the term security in their names or service descriptions–without having any problems. There are over 3,000 HOAs in Nevada and none of them has ever had a law suit filed (or lost) over the word “security“.
So, exactly why was the SCA Board demanding the change–now? They claimed they were forced to act because of their “fiduciary duty” to avoid the possible risks–however exceedingly remote they might be. But, the directors did not mention their “business judgment” responsibility to avoid making bad business decisions. They are required by statute to balance these responsibilities, but failed to do so. At the end, the board proceeded to vote 5 in favor and 0 against (with 2 undecided/abstaining) to remove ’security’ from the Patrol’s name.
The long-term cost risks of implementing this decision appeared to be much higher than the extremely remote risks of SCA losing a law suit due to a misunderstanding over the intent of the Security Patrol name in our mostly open/non-gated neighborhoods.
Note that the Board has never done anything to educate all of the members about the limited purposes of the Security Patrol. The logos on the patrol cars and uniforms do not make the mission clear. And, there have been no requirements for members to sign disclaimers acknowledging their understanding of the limited “observe and report” mission. Such a disclaimer could easily be included to be signed at near zero cost along with the periodic certification of age-restricted residents. Many members demanded to know why not initiate those kinds of practical actions instead of arbitrarily changing the name and risk destroying most of the morale within the volunteer SP force?
Sadly, all the members got was insulting lip service about how such actions “might” help, but how they could not “prevent” a law suit. Really. As if we, not the board, were senile. In general, the members were treated like ignorant children–instead of the accomplished, retired professionals that they proved to be. And, the directors behaved like they were being bullied into making a very bad business decision by the association attorneys.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening was when Director/Attorney Ann Small went ballistic and threaten to resign from the board if the security patrol name was not removed. She also claimed to be considering filing criminal charges against the past and current Security Patrol leadership for using some unregistered software on the SP computers. Most of the audience never understood why Ann Small was so outraged about PC software in use by the SP when the issue for the evening was risk assessment over the name “Security Patrol”.
At a couple of points, some directors even accused the SP leadership of lying about not knowing there were major PC software registration problems. Imagine that kind of disrespectful attack against the SP leadership in an open board meeting!
Since RMI is required to provide oversight to the groups receiving SCA funding, the members had to wonder why the directors were openly yelling at the SP–instead of RMI? If there had been some kind of PC software problem, RMI would have been required under its contract to have resolved it. RMI’s failure was no cause to insult the SP volunteers.
It made us wonder if this whole mess was just some kind of hidden board retaliation against some SP leaders? Many of them are retired law enforcement officers who are naturally intolerant of incompetent leadership. Some members now believe that the board is acting like it wants to eventually implement a high-cost contracted patrol that never questions anything they are told. Early estimates are that such a contracted patrol might cause assessments to increase between $150 to $300 per resident per year.
So, at the end of 4+ hours, it was seen that the issue about changing the Security Patrol name had been decided months before the meeting. It seemed clear the issue had been precipitated by a few prior and current directors, the association attorney, and the “CAI”. The insurance broker and underwriter were not pressing for any changes or asking for more money. It was all the board’s doing.
It was a very sad night. Even the so-called “unity party” people were heard complaining that the whole affair was handled (by their party member directors) about as poorly as it could have been….
PS: Those who remembered that the association law firm was just incorporated in 2007 (and that SCA was one the first clients) were stunned to hear Attorney Ed Song say that they now have over 700 HOA clients! Wow! One to seven hundred in just 3 years! One has to wonder how they are able to fairly balance their time and travel among those 700 associations? And, which developers, HOA management companies, security companies, and other members of CAI were instrumental in helping the law firm expand so quickly? And, what level of “quality” products do you suppose SCA is receiving from a firm with so many conflicts of interest? After last night’s fiasco, it would not surprise many to discover that recruiting security companies is an important CAI sales objective for the future.
See this link for more info on the CAI:
http://www.cai-nevada.org/sub_category_list.asp?category=49&title=2010+Chapter+Sponsors
Posted in Truth Squad, Ann_Small, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Laws & Rules, Operations | Print | 1 Comment »
What Comes After Tirzo’s?
April 9, 2010 by bobfrank.
Now that Tiro’s Bistro appears to be on the way out of SCA’s restaurant space, what is next?
I have been challenged to outline how I would approach the task of filling the restaurant space. The following is what I have previously reported on other blogs, and it is posted here for AV blog readers.
Suggested SCA Restaurant Strategy Approach for 2010-2011:
1. Catering services to be offered in all SCA Centers to support SCA club events, board-sponsored special entertainment functions, and member-hosted private occasions like weddings, memorial services, etc. Non-member/public-sponsored services would not be allowed.
Catered events would be on a planned, reservation basis with menus set for the occasion by the sponsor. Catering would be allowed anywhere on or in SCA premises–including all three SCA Centers, outside pool and lawn areas, and in the SCA village areas (for block parties, etc). An approved list of catering vendors would be provided by SCA.
2. Full bar in Trumpets with coffee and tea services and bar-style food items (nachos, packaged snacks, desserts, etc.) available from about 10 AM to evening closing time. Additional beverage and snack services via mobile carts could be considered for Independence and Liberty Centers. SCA would obtain the beverage/alcohol license for serving members and their guests only, and contract for a bar service provider. Revenue from beverage sales could be used to offset overall facility operating costs. Gaming would not be installed in Anthem Center unless approved by the majority of SCA’s membership.
3. Buffets or table service could be offered to all members using a rotation of catering companies on Friday evenings, week-ends, holidays and/or special events. Profit/loss risks would be the responsibility of the catering companies, but SCA Spirit advertising for scheduled events open to all members could prove cost-effective for SCA. Caterers would pay fees for use of SCA property used in all 3 Centers.
4. Meals-on-wheels for home delivery and/or resident party catering by one or two vendors could be offered in the entire SCA area during announced days and hours. Revenue-sharing or sliding fees would help cover the costs of shared utilities and kitchen facilities. SCA would be indemnified from all risks offered by these mobile services.
5. Breakfast and lunch services would only be offered via the catering services.
6. As part of a member lifestyle program to encourage use of SCA food services and stimulate broader socialization among our thousands of homeowners, the Board could sponsor quarterly ‘member appreciation nights’ in the Centers (in conjunction with Town Hall meetings) where bar services and catered buffets would offer low-cost food and beverages. Beverages and food would be allowed to be served and consumed throughout the participating SCA facilities. Musical entertainment could be provided in Anthem Center and the sound piped into all participating facility areas.
After this sort of approach was tried for up to a year or so, one or more regular lease operators might become interested in offering regular restaurant table services in Trumpets, and they might possibly be interested in operating a sports bar arrangement in one or more of the multi-purpose rooms in Liberty Center. If approved by the members, a small, Liberty Center sports bar and gaming service might be installed/sub-contracted so that one or more of the multi-purpose rooms could be used for special events and parties. The outside entrances in that area of the Liberty Center could allow such an offering with extended hours.
The above flexible approach should be possible on a break-even basis, and it could give multiple vendors the chance to try out their services while building SCA customer loyalty. Once SCA members learn they can expect certain kinds of quality food and services from participating companies, members may develop eating habits that lay the foundation for longer-term/expanded food services. Or, it might turn out that the above approach is best for SCA for the long-run.
Meanwhile, our history has shown it would probably be a mistake to try and locate yet another regular restaurant lessee without finding out what SCA residents will actually patronize in our facilities.
Posted in 2010 Campaign, SCA Board, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | No Comments »
New Author on Anthem VOICE Blog
January 23, 2010 by admin.
Sun City Anthem homeowner Marty Winger has asked to post personal opinions under an area called “Winging It” under our IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) Category.
Visitors to this blog are invited to read and (after opening up a user account with your real name) to comment on his articles.
Good luck Marty!
AV Administration
Posted in 2010 Campaign, IMHO -- "Winging It", Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations, Lifestyle | Print | No Comments »
Ready For The RMI Contract Workshop?
December 4, 2009 by bobfrank.
All members should have received a special mailing announcing the most important board workshop scheduled for 9 AM, Tuesday, December 8, Anthem Center.
Since the community management contract is one of our largest expense items, most members should be very interested in the outcome of the workshop. The board had said it will not compete the contract, so if you have any interest in the matter, you should at least show up and listen to the proceedings.
Accordingly, some information is provided for consideration in preparing to attend the workshop. Here are some links, quotes and facts about RMI that members may find useful in examining whether that company is fit to continue to serve as SCA’s community manager without winning a competitive award.
1. The RMI Website http://www.rmillc.com/company.htm states:
“RMI is a growth focused company…” “There are many things that distinguish RMI from other management companies, but most important is our commitment to ethics and values. Every member of RMI, from the executive levels to frontline employees, is infused with the same core principles of integrity and ethical standards.” “…we are all members of a unified team serving our clients with the highest standards of quality and professionalism.“
Members who believe those statements do not represent the average RMI performance, ethics and values demonstrated at SCA since 2006 might want to post and be prepared to show examples of their positions at the workshop. While there are many cases that come to mind where those marketing claims were untrue at SCA, specific examples should be distributed before the workshop to have any impact on the future.
Of course, if the board summarily dismisses all of the facts presented that demonstrate a sole-source contract approach is not justified for RMI, the directors might be held accountable with failing their fiduciary duties to the membership.
2. “RMI Management, LLC is a subsidiary of FirstService Residential Management. FirstService Residential Management, through its partner companies, manages over 1,000,000 units in 3,700 residential communities nationwide.” “FirstService Residential Management is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV, TSX: FSV)”
Members could post and be prepared to comment at the workshop that such huge, global companies (RMI’s FirstService Hqs. is in Canada) are a poor choice for SCA. Contrary to the pronouncements of such as Jack Silas, David Berman, and Rich Pendelton (who have serious conflicts of interest since they were directly involved with justifying the selection of RMI in 2005-2006) such large corporations usually fail to demonstrate they actually deliver the faster, better and more cost-effective services claimed in their puffed-up sales materials.
Most experienced managers know that our retirement community could be best served by one or more smaller Southern Nevada companies without the many layers of interstate/higher headquarters demanding their cuts in the profits.
For example, significant savings to SCA may be possible by splitting the big CAM contract into two smaller agreements with a property management company for “site operations” of the community facilities. And, a NV company specializing in accounting and financial management could focus on delivering financial and membership functions.
Those two contracts would make it possible to hire two executive managers through personal services agreements to provide daily supervision of all SCA sub-contracts. Many over-55 executives living in the Anthem area could be exceptionally well-suited for such positions. The smaller, functionally-focused local companies would be employing service-oriented, community-focused supervisors and employees who concentrate on the needs of our members and not on the profit demands by conglomerates like RMI’s owners.
The net result would provide a flexible management plan that avoids a great deal of overhead expenses while allowing the community to avoid being hostage to any one individual or one company.
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations, News! | Print | No Comments »
Democrats SIG Violates Its Charter
November 17, 2009 by bobfrank.
During the past few years the policies concerning Special Interest Groups and Chartered Clubs have been debated. A key point has been universal access by SIGS and Clubs to free use of SCA community property (i.e., meeting rooms, sports amenities, etc.).
As a previous board member, while participating in the policy decisions during that period I recall that since all members share in the ownership and maintenance of community properties, no SCA organization can prohibit any member from participating and belonging to any chartered club, SIG or other group that uses SCA community property at no charge.
Our SCA SIG Guidelines confirm this by stating:
“3. Special Interest Groups may be limited to special interests of some residents of
the community, but membership and participation shall not be denied to any
resident of the community.”
“4. Special Interest Groups shall not deny equal access to any activity based on
religious, ethnic, and/or racial characteristics.”
But, the SCA Democrats SIG is trying to illegally reject SIG membership of SCA homeowners if the member does not register as a local member of the Democratic Party. For example, the Democrats SIG recently violated its SIG charter and SCA CC&Rs when it notified a new member:
“Unfortunately, after reviewing our By Laws at the Executive Board
Meeting, we have realized that you may not be eligible to join the Sun City Anthem Special
Interest Group. Our By Laws and Charter with the Clark County Democratic Central
Committee requires that our members be registered as Democrats.”
Would you agree that the Democrats SIG has violated its charter?
Has anyone else found a club or SIG violating this basic community right to all unit owners to belong to any and all community sponsored clubs and SIGs?
What kind of sanction should a SIG receive for such a flagrant violation?
Posted in Truth Squad, Ann_Small, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Operations, Clubs & SIGs, News! | Print | No Comments »
Time For SCA Tea Parties?
October 29, 2009 by bobfrank.
As a result of our postings and personal conversations, we get feedback from many, many residents who hate what the “old guard” has done to this community. In particular, many Asian residents have been talking about how they were deceived in the last board election. But, they are usually afraid to speak up because they have seen how vicious and hateful the so-called unity party people are when anyone dares to disagree with them.
It reminds us that the “fundamental revolution” that is now changing America at the national level has already taken over at Sun City Anthem. We already have a Marxist style of board government in Sun City Anthem, and it will not get better until we throw them out and stop tolerating the people who pander to the directors for their corrupt behavior.
Among our biggest problems in Sun City Anthem (and in most other homeowner associations) are the board’s power to block free communications with all members, and the dictatorial denial of fundamental American rights to some members. As Thomas Jefferson said in 1823:
“The only security of all is in a free press. The force of
public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be
expressed. …the agitation it produces must be submitted to.
It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.”
As long as the community allows the unethical Bermans and their cabal to totally control official communications and pump out their propaganda that serves their self-interests, we will experience constantly expanding levels of dissent and anger. This backlash will be forced to increasingly expose our problems and appeal for justice through the public media and law enforcement channels.
It will be increasingly impossible to keep a lid on the board corruption. This situation is a growing sore that started with Favil West’s misconduct. It can only be healed through much more community awareness of the truth, and by subsequent rejection of board members by the members. That process will significantly improve our relative property values as prospective buyers can have high confidence in our board ethics and financial management.
In addition, the rapidly changing national mood and expanding awareness of corruption by “politicians” at all levels could be the undoing of the so-called unity party this year.
Some people are beginning to say it is time for “SCA Tea Parties” to deal with our own problems.
Posted in Truth Squad, SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | No Comments »
Eunice Bohannon Has Moved
September 11, 2009 by Norman McCullough.
Recently, our SCA neighbor, Eunice Bohannon, had some blood pressure stability difficulties, and some inoperable cataract problems that made it difficult to see, so she was no longer able to live alone.
Eunice’s children live in CA and MO and wanted her to join one of them, but she loves Nevada, and she wanted to stay near her friends here in SCA. So, this is to advise that Eunice recently moved from Sun City Anthem to a new, and very conveniently located, assisted living home:
The Palms At Siena,
2910 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Room No. 123
Henderson, NV 89052
This is located just a few blocks West of Eastern on Horizon Ridge.
Eunice is alert, in good spirits, and hoping that more of her SCA friends can learn where she is now living and will be able to visit and/or write to her.
In 1998, Eunice and her husband were SCA Pioneers. They were one of the first couples to purchase and live full time in a Villa home. Unfortunately, Eunice’s husband passed away shortly after they arrived, but she decided to stay and build her retirement life in SCA during the past decade.
Over the years, Eunice has been particularly helpful in supporting our SCA Villa neighbors. She volunteered hundreds of hours to serve as co-treasurer for handling the mailing costs of the Villa Duplex Doings newsletter.
God bless you Eunice! We are so proud to be counted among your many friends.
Mary & Norman McCullough
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | No Comments »
Charitable Collections Must Be Board Approved
August 26, 2009 by bobfrank.
NOTICE: David Berman has posted a blog announcement claiming the board has approved cash collections for the Zu Chi Foundation to help provide relief to Taiwan victims of the recent storm. He also mistakenly claimed that all such donations to Zu Chi would be tax deductible.
However, no board agenda items, deliberations or announcements concerning approval of such fund-raising have been made. Unless there was yet another secret board meeting, David Berman is wrong.
In addition, David Bernstein (retired attorney living in SCA) researched the tax aspects and posted on the Berman blog as follows: VERBATIM from section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code: “A contribution or gift by a corporation to a trust, chest, fund, or foundation shall be deductible by reason of this paragraph only if it is to be used within the United States or any of its possessions exclusively for purposes specified in subparagraph (B).”
David Bernstein also stated: “As a 501 (c) corporation, it may have income that is non-taxable. But that does not automatically make any contributions to that corporation deductible if the funds so donated are to be used in Taiwan…”
I have sent an e-form asking the SCA Directors to immediately correct the record to avoid inconveniences to members when they discover no board authorization has been issued to allow such funds collections on community property.
While SCA members are involved in many good fund-raising causes every year, the association policy in the past has been that SCA community property can not be used for collections for outside organizations–except for the Minuteman Foundation. Many previous charitable requests have been denied. If the policy is to be revised in the future, it will take some careful work on the revised policies by the Lifestyle Committee and the Board.
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | 1 Comment »
A Refreshing Demonstration of Courage
March 4, 2009 by tim_stebbins.
At the regular monthly meeting of the Government Affairs Advisory Committee on March 4, 2009, five of the six members resigned to protest the unacceptable behavior of some current and former members of the SCA board of directors.
Included in this action were Committee Chairperson Ms. Joan Patrick and Committee Vice Chairperson Ms. Rana Goodman. Each committee member professionally presented their disappointment and frustration as they read their personal letter of resignation.
It is indeed refreshing to see people of conviction stand up for their principals. All are people of immense character with enormous talent and experience. It seems some or all of these individuals feel they can and will better serve the interests of the SCA community homeowners as a citizens group independent from the board. They each deserve our support and cooperation as they move forward.
Posted in Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations, News!, Other | Print | 3 Comments »
Women’s Club Updates Its Concern Over Trumpets Lease
January 1, 2009 by admin.
The follow letter was sent from the Women’s Club President to the SCA Board Today. It updates and restates the club’s deep and continuing concerns over the outcome of the Trumpets Lease decision.
To The Board of Directors:
A Happy and Prosperous New Year to each of you.
As President of the Sun City Anthem Women’s Club, I am writing to you with a request that you include some matters of importance to our Club in your negotiations with the applicants you are interviewing for the management of Trumpets.
At the end of 2008 we had over 630 members. A review of the number of meals served at our 10 monthly luncheons indicates that there were over 2,600 meals purchased last year at our monthly luncheons. This reason alone gives us significant interest in the operation of Trumpets. We are the largest group in our community (and outside of our community as well) that uses this restaurant on a regular basis.
Another reason we have a strong interest in the next caterer is because of our fee structure. This year we had to raise the cost of our monthly luncheon from $20 to $25 to cover the additional costs incurred by using an outside caterer. This increase continues to be a matter of concern for our members. These additional charges came about because everything had to be brought in for us; table cloths, napkins, china, etc. My goal as President is to return to the $ 20 cost for a plated luncheon. Our members have become accustomed to a salad, entre, dessert and beverages. We want a caterer that can deliver approximately 2,600 meals a year at a cost that will allow us to charge a $20 fee, or less, for the meal.
In addition, we need a caterer that can accommodate special meal requests not only for Holidays but most important, for dietary purposes. We also need a caterer willing to develop for us a list of creative menu options. It is not an easy task to please 300 women all at the same time…
I am not asking for a role in the negotiations for our Club but only that you all will include these issues in your discussions with the applicants. I hope that how the applicants address the issues that affect the Women’s Club luncheons will be important to you in your considerations in selecting the next caterer for Trumpets.
If I can provide any further information or be of further assistance, I am always available.
On behalf of the Women’s Club, thank you for your consideration,
Bella Meese, President
Sun City Anthem Women’s Club
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | 1 Comment »
Unanswered Questions On SCA Reserves
December 31, 2008 by bobfrank.
D. Berman is skilled at trying to change the subject to other unrelated matters to try to avoid having to answer hard questions and accept personal responsibility for his own misconduct. But, the facts remain that he, and his spouse Roz, were key players among those directly involved in the 2005 Reserve Study disaster, and they have steadfastly refused to answer such questions as:
1. Why did it take half a year to reject something so obviously flawed as the 2005 reserve study by Association Reserves, Inc., and why did it take another whole year to get a replacement (that was additionally flawed from being calculated using the wrong as-of date)?
2. Why was the 2005 Reserves Study not simply revised with better data instead of totally rejecting it half a year later?
3. How many millions (plus interest) has DW/Pulte saved since May 2005 because the SCA Boards and (Del Webb and RMI) CAMs have failed to have an accurate and independent reserve study produced that can be used for negotiating a settlement of the developer’s shortages?
4. Since some members of the Board, the CAM, and some standing committee members had to submit data and otherwise participate in the formulation of the initial 2005 reserve study, why was the exceptionally poor quality of the 2005 reserves study product claimed to be such a BIG surprise?
5. What happened during those 6 months of delays–except that Del Webb was relieved of having to pay millions more into the SCA reserve fund
6. Since the CAM was required by law and by SCA contract to verify/ensure the accuracy and integrity of the reserves study (even if individuals like Terry DaSilva and Windy Linow were employed by Del Webb and had obvious conflicts of interests) why did the Board fail to require the CAM to immediately get a fully acceptable reserve study submitted–as required by law? Was the CAM unable to do its job, or was there some other more basic reason?
7. Why did the CAM (as authorized by the Board) not call the reserves study contractor in within days of receipt of the bogus study and demand replacement with a quality product or recommend immediate rejection? What have the Del Webb CAM and the RMI CAM done to protect SCA’s interests in this whole sordid affair?
8. Why did it take until November 2006 to replace the fake reserves study with yet another reserve study by another company that was also fatally flawed because it was calculated using the wrong date?
9. Who (by name) signed the direction on the replacement reserve study requiring the calculation use the wrong date?
10. Why have the 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 SCA Board majorities seemingly conspired to allow Del Webb/Pulte to get away with seriously underfunding millions of dollars for our SCA reserve accounts for the past few years?
11. Why have large SURPLUS homeowner dues been knowingly used since 2006 to fund the developer shortages in our reserve accounts INSTEAD of requiring the developer to fully pay its legal obligations into the association reserves? Does that not seriously jeopardize the community’s chances of collecting what the developer owes for the reserves?
12. And, of course, why has it been so hard to get answers to the above questions? All of the answers should be above board and a matter of record? Why the cover ups? Who (besides the developer’s companies and employees) have benefited from the gross mismanagement of SCA reserves?
Bob Frank
SCA Director
Posted in 2009 Campaign, SCA Board, Clubs & SIGs, News! | Print | 5 Comments »
Don’t Miss Vital Aug 28 Board Mtg!
August 27, 2008 by admin.
In case you have not noticed, the August 28 Board Meeting in Freedom Hall will become a MAJOR turning point in the history of Sun City Anthem! While most people are traveling or hunkered down to avoid the heat, the board is pushing through a very aggressive set of agenda items. Here is the final agenda: 08-_agenda_-_august_28__2008_draft.pdf
On the surface, this agenda might seem somewhat uneventful, but it actually involves the following:
- Major changes in political sign display policies. (Previous AV Posting on this topic.)
- Major changes to the Board of Directors Election Policies.
- Major expenditures for more facilities improvements recommended by Finance Committee.
- Major policies to be set on the Trumpets Restaurant project–see Director Frank’s slides opposing public access to Trumpets in the future: no_public_access.pdf
- Cleo project report (including a response to complaints about sofa recovering problems)
- Report on CC&R Workgroup concerning public outreach efforts.
- Report on Board-sponsored Educational Seminars on Construction Defects on Sept 24/Oct 22.
- Report on potential income tax difficulties from accumulating $3.7 million in surplus funds in addition to the annual assessments of over $7 million in the past 4 years, and voting on how much will be refunded or credited to member accounts this year. These $3.7 million surplus/operating funds are what are left over after all normal bills have been paid, after the reserves accounts have been funded to over 90%, and are surplus to what is needed for authorized, but uncompleted projects. (Previous AV posting on this tax topic.)
- Action to continue with the Reserve Study project–in spite of serious questions about the legality of using Diversified Facility Services since it has not been licensed to practice in NV in the past 8 years. (Previous AV Posting on this topic.)
- Action to pay the $28,782.20 legal defense bill incurred by Director Frank because of unsubstantiated and unproven legal complaints through the State of Nevada by former board president Mike Dixon. The board has the duty to do the honorable thing and immediately pay this bill–as required by law. NRS116_31036_3.pdf Failure to act promptly on this matter could put at risk payments of their own legal defense expenses–in the future.
- Board-initiated action to terminate the SCA Code of Conduct Procedures–apparently because too many residents have been filing code of conduct charges against board members, and that is considered annoying and inconvenient for board members, as well as an inefficient use of the Community Manager’s time.
- Action to fund a Veterans Service Plaque to remember the names of deceased SCA veterans–sponsored by the SCA Veterans Special Interest Group.
- Changes to Swimming Pool and Spa rules and regulations to deal with such things as children ages and health and safety problems. Discussions are not planned to include current worries by many members over the health and safety problems associated with the common disease called “crypto” that comes from fecal matter discovered in SCA pools and spas. (Previous AV Posting)
So, if you miss this SCA milestone meeting, you will be missing out on a GREAT DEAL of information that could affect your lifestyle in the future!
See you there!
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Laws & Rules, Clubs & SIGs | Print | No Comments »
Carl’s Trumpets Options?
August 19, 2008 by admin.
Carl mentioned at the recent workshop that he had two or three companies highly interested in the Trumpets contract or lease. He previously said that the Omelet House was one of them, but declined to say the name of the others.
We believe that Chef Neal’s “Normandie French Bistro” is another, but he declined to name the third option. Since there is no reason to keep the names of interested applicants secret, we have to believe he will be releasing it soon.
In the meantime, here is the web site for the Omelet House chain for Las Vegas. And, here is a sample menu (breakfast and lunch only) from the Charleston location. cl-8542_omletweb.pdf
Update on August 26: Here is a proposed (unofficial) dinner menu drafted by the Omelet House and presented to Carl Weinstein. He has asked AV to post it for general information purposes.
omlet-house_proposed-dinner-menu.pdf
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs | Print | No Comments »
Trumpets Workshop Presentations
August 12, 2008 by bobfrank.
As announced, there will be important Trumpets Workshops held at 2 PM and 7 PM in Hanneman Hall on Wednesday, August 13. Including in this posting are the presentations from myself and Carl Weinstein. Other Directors are also expected to submit items.
My presentation follows:
PROPOSED SCA TRUMPETS RESTAURANT SERVICE CONTRACT TERMS & CONDITIONS (INITIAL DRAFT)
Contract: Service agreement to operate the “Sun City Anthem Community Association “Trumpets Restaurant and Bar” and to use the associated kitchen facilities and equipment to create highly popular food services for SCA members and their guests, and to produce a reasonable net profit to contractor.
Objective: SCA CAI’s annual business objective is to break even when access to its premises is limited to members and guests. The costs to association members to reserve the repair and replacement of furnishings and equipment will not be part of a break-even analysis. This objective may be revised if the service contract is converted into a long-term lease with public access.
Provided Premises, Furnishings & Equipment: SCA CAI will provide and maintain the basic restaurant premises, furnishings, and kitchen equipment. Contractor will replace and/or repair any unusual damages to SCA furnishings and equipment. Contractor will provide any additional furnishings and equipment required to provide its desired services.
Menus, Beverages, Services and Operating Hours: In recognition of the world-wide diversity of SCA members, the contractor will establish Trumpets food, beverage and other service offerings centered on a continental cuisine style while also being able to frequently offer a wide variety of other food types and styles for the restaurant and catering services during special events. Contractor will set operating hours, locations, and service offerings based on SCA CAI facilities schedules and customer preferences. Home delivery of meals and take-out menu services will be offered.
Prices: Contractor will consult with SCA CAI when establishing food, bar and service prices to serve SCA’s 55+ community. Margins for restaurant table services will be set lower to stimulate member patronage, and catering pricing will be set higher to compensate.
Profits or Losses: Contractor will receive the profits and/or suffer the losses from its product and service decisions. SCA CAI will help the contractor achieve success by sponsoring a broad set of dining and catering events with minimum guarantees. These events will be a combination of SCA CAI and club/SIG sponsored activities. The contractor will be required to aggressively market its services to SCA clubs, SIGs and SCA neighborhoods without SCA CAI guarantees.
Business Equipment/Services: Contractor will provide all of the business and special food preparation equipment required to offer its Trumpets food and catering services.
On-premises Catering: On-premises catered events will be limited to SCACAI activities, Clubs, Special Interest Groups, and SCA members and guests.
Off-premises: Catering delivered off-premises to non-residents will be encouraged. Margins on off-premises catering to non-members will be set higher to subsidize low prices for members.
Public Catering: No public catering events will be delivered on SCA premises because such public accesses (1) seriously degrades member access to and full enjoyment of our recreation centers, (2) greatly increases assessments to compensate for increased maintenance and security system costs, (3) may reduce contractor motivations to fully satisfy SCA CAI and member requirements. In the unlikely event of a future SCA CAI decision to allow public access to the restaurant and/or catered events, gross revenue sharing may be implemented to help offset SCA CAI’s increased operating costs and income tax liabilities.
Contract Period: Nine (9) months with 3 options to renew, or to allow conversion into a five-year lease with options.
Rent & Deposit: Initially set at a below-market rate of $2,000/month payable on the 1st day of the month for the first 9 months. After completion of the first contract period, rent will be increased up to the market rates for a comparable (fully furnished) restaurant and kitchen facilities.
Cash Deposit: A reasonable cash deposit will be required to initiate the contract. The initial deposit amount will be negotiated. It will be significantly increased as part of future extensions or conversion.
Revenue Sharing: Contractor will not share its catering or restaurant revenues with SCA CAI unless it is mutually decided to allow public access to the premises. In that event, many new terms and conditions are likely to be negotiated.
Utilities: Contractor will pay all utilities expenses for the restaurant and kitchen areas and it will provide all required licenses to operate the required food and bar services.
Marketing & Promotion Expenses: SCA CAI will provide marketing and promotional services at no cost to the contractor through its communications capabilities with its 10,000+ residents. Since SCA CAI is obligated to assist the contractor become profitable, the Directors will ensure that a robust budget for promoting and advertising all Trumpets events is provided.
Steering Committee: SCA CAI will provide a Trumpets Steering Committee composed of volunteer community leaders from the clubs, SIGs and SCA neighborhood groups to assist SCA CAI and the contractor with stimulating patronage, evaluating contractor performance, achieving broad member satisfaction, and generating sustained support of the Trumpets food and bar services.
Event Guarantees: SCA CAI will guarantee a minimum of two major catered events each month with over 100 participants paying a minimum of $25 per seat. SCA CAI will schedule and promote special events every month for such things as Sunday Brunches and monthly theme nights to complement holidays, celebrations, sports events, and entertainment performances.
Clubs/SIGs Support: Chartered Clubs and Special Interest Groups will be encouraged to sponsor a minimum of two annual events through Trumpets. Clubs, SIGs and neighborhoods will be encouraged to promote the use of Trumpets for lunch and dinner before or after their monthly meetings or neighborhood parties.
Pot Lucks: Clubs and SIGs will be allowed unlimited food events in designated SCA meeting facilities at approved times, but no contractors will be allowed on premises during “pot luck” parties.
Priority Access to Facilities: Contractor will have exclusive control of the restaurant, bar, kitchen and other food service facilities. Contractor will have the first right of refusal to offer any and all types of food and beverage services in all SCA facilities. However, if the contractor is unable to provide a food service requested by a club, SIG, member, or the SCA CAI on any requested date or time, it will release the event space for the sponsor to consider having another contractor service the event. But, the outside contractor will not be permitted to use the restaurant and kitchen areas. The exception will not preclude the contractor from being considered the SCA preferred provider of food and beverage services for all such future events.
Prepared by SCA CAI Director Bob Frank, August 12, 2008
Carl Weinstein’s presentation follows: http://blog.anthemvoice.org/__oneclick_uploads/2008/08/weinstein_proposed_trumpets_terms.pdf” title=”weinstein_proposed_trumpets_terms.pdf”>weinstein_proposed_trumpets_terms.pdf
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs | Print | No Comments »
Trumpets Workshop Wed, Aug 13 @ 2 PM & 7 PM
August 11, 2008 by bobfrank.
DON’T MISS THE TRUMPETS BOARD WORKSHOPS ON WEDNESDAY, AUG 13 @ 2 & 7 PM!
Although not widely promoted, the Trumpets Board Workshops to be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 2 PM and 7 PM in Hanneman Hall will likely be a turning point in the checkered history of this SCA restaurant facility.
Carl Weinstein, Shirley Cheri and I will be leading three different discussions to gather more member feedback, and to develop some recommendations for consideration at the September board meeting.
Shirley Cheri has declared she will lead discussions about the “minimalist” option where I understand she will propose that SCA should only ask RMI to contract for (1) a full-service Bar for members only with all types of beverages and pre-packaged snacks, (2) offer full service catering by multiple companies in support of clubs and activities department events, and (3) offer no scheduled table services in the restaurant area.
Carl has said he will lead the discussions about a long-term lease using a broker. However, he and Roz Berman have been sending mixed signals since they announced they have been holding private discussions with an owner of one of the Omelet House chains in North Las Vegas. I will be interested in hearing from Roz and Carl about how an Omelet House chain owner/operator could have gained the range and depth of expertise to handle the Trumpets operations at SCA.
For the third approach, I will lead discussions on what I believe will be the “best choice” option using a “two-step approach” to take advantage of the lessons learned by the previous Trumpets Working Group and with S&D Cafe. With assistance from some SCA members, I will discuss how it could be possible to quickly contract for 6 to 12 months with a SCA-proven catering vendor that already operates a highly successful LV restaurant. At least one leading restaurant company is ready to propose to the Board some very favorable Terms & Conditions in support of this two-step approach.
The proposed goal will be to “test the feasibility” of members-only restaurant, bar and catering services contract. At the end of the service contract period, SCA would consider such options as (1) continue the contract with updated terms and conditions, (2) convert the contract to a multi-year lease, (3) convert the contract to a public access lease where SCA has options for revenue sharing on the public catering business, or (4) transition to a “minimalist approach”.
It is currently envisioned that such a two-step service agreement could include most of the key terms and conditions (T&Cs) proposed by the previous working group so that, if both parties wish to do so, a transition to a multi-year lease (at some time in the future) could be quick and transparent to our members. Also, if either party wished to end the contract early, it would be easy to do so.
As envisioned, this two-step contracting/lease strategy would allow SCA to avoid significant business risks and operating losses. It would also give our 10,000 members the chance to demonstrate if they have sufficient interest in enjoying private food services or if there really is no choice but to allow public access.
Details on how this could become possible will be included in the presentations and discussions. So, if you share in the passion to do something smart with the Trumpets space, DO NOT MISS THIS WORKSHOP!!
Bob Frank, SCA Director
Posted in SCA Board, Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, Operations | Print | 1 Comment »
What Are Others Saying About SCA?
July 13, 2008 by admin.
One of many web sites/blogs that provides information about US cities of interest to real estate professionals as well as buyers and sellers is City-Data.com. The mission statement is at this link:
While some of the City-Data.com data about Henerson, NV is dated, there are some interesting comments about Sun City Anthem posted online. You might find them interesting. Check out the Las Vegas city-data blog at this link:
Be sure to scroll down through all of the pages to get to the SCA stuff. Here are some examples of SCA-favorable postings on this national web site. It would be good for the community if more residents were to participate in such blogs and help promote the unique lifestyles we enjoy in SCA.
“More about Sun City Anthem
I live in Sun City Anthem in Henderson and the previous negative comments are dead wrong. The previous statements are probably from individuals with real estate conflicts of interest. Over 10,000 seniors live here, and so what if a few complain about a few things-a few complainers live where ever you are. We just ignore the handful of complaining people and enjoy the company of the thousands of others.The vast majority of residents in Sun City Anthem come from all over the world to retire here, and they truly enjoy the unique amenities we have up on the side of Black Mountain–2 thousand feet above the LV tourist din and only 20 minutes south of the LV airport. Link to the web site:
Sun City Anthem - Home Page
The social life and living conditions in Sun City Anthem are truly special. We have over 45 special interest clubs with a fully equipped fitness center and resort-style spa. It is only 8 years old and operates much like a first class cruise ship on land. It does not matter whether you love your next door neighbors or not. There are hundreds of other great people between 55 and 85 within 5 minutes (walking or driving) who you can meet and enjoy time with–every day of the week.
Sun City Anthem in Henderson is nothing like the typical country club environment. You can ignore everything, or get involved. There is no pressure, and there are no significant extra costs to be active in dozens of events and programs. Operations of the amenities are included in our dues. Because of the large size and good planning of this crown jewel of the Del Webb system, dues are below average for LV, and the community is financially sound. If you golf, we have special access to two internal golf courses owned/operated by Troon, so we do not have the typical exposure to those maintenance costs. Residents often golf-cart or walk from their homes to the courses, or to the two major recreation centers (a 3rd is under construction.)
And, in case you are wondering, I am not an investor, not in real estate, and not benefiting in any way from the housing markets. I am a retired military person who has lived all over the world. I could chose to live anywhere and I am offended when seeing negative/unsubstantiated crap being said about this wonderful community where I have elected to live out my life.”————————-
“To all,
Sun City Anthem surrounds two Troon Golf operated courses. We enjoy substantial discounts for play and can reserve tee-times. Las Vegas Golf Courses - Revere at Anthem - Las Vegas, Henderson Nevada Golf Course Club
There is one “village” within Sun City Anthem that is gated and is called the Pinnacles. The other 23 villages are not gated:
Arroyo Vista 275 Big Sky 386 Black Mountain 1172 Canyon Crest 544 Clubhouse 65 Desert Sky 130 Desert Valley 446 Fairway 19 Foothills 75 Golf Mesa 391 High Mesa 265 Highland 148 Hillside 26 Meadow Vista 93 Model 95 Mountain View 556 Overlook 172 Pinnacle 227 Ridgecrest 447 Shadow Canyon 510 Southridge 88 Tall Mesa 673 Valley View 102 Westridge 228
The homeowners association web site is http://www.sca-hoa.org The site offers a glimpse of all amenities available. A third recreation center has been granted a building permit and construction will begin shortly.
Foreclosures are a problem in the villages that were under construction when the buying hysteria was in full swing three years ago, with most foreclosures resulting from “investor’s” properties not capable of being ‘flipped’ as they have envisioned.”
————————
“…I can not comment about what it is like to “live” in the other senior communities–I can only comment about what one learns from visiting the other areas and from talking to those who have relocated. We should encourage residents of those other communities to comment on what they like, and if they had it do again, where would they go? Sun City Anthem has hundreds of residents–homeowners and renters–who have moved from the other Las Vegas senior communities, and that speaks volumes to me. Finally, it makes a big difference to non-golfers if the community does NOT own the golf course. The long-term costs and potential liabilities of maintaining golf courses in the Las Vegas area are significant drains on dues. If one is a golfer, and not wealthy, the least long-term costs of golfing seems to be to live where the courses are not owned, but one can easily drive to the best value courses available. For us military retirees, we can always play at Nellis AFB [about 50 minutes away, door-to-door] which most people believe will never be closed, and always be maintained at a high quality.)
My observation is that some of the other comments may have been written by real estate people or investors–not individuals who know from first hand about the differences in lifestyle and pleasures of living in the various senior communities. That is ok, but feedback from residents is also important.
IMHO, Sun City Anthem is the true crown jewel of the Del Webb senior community developments. It is only 9 years old with 7,000 homes and the last new homes are being built this year. We have an average age of 61, and our residents are truly “active”–many are not yet fully retired. This is the perfect “boomer” retirement community. We have the best balance of amenities of any place I have ever seen–it is like a cruise ship on land with 3 major recreation centers (last one being built this year).
The dues are below average for this area, and I expect them to stay low since we do not own and operate our ajacent golf courses. Some prices have decreased because of the normal market situation and due to some heavy speculative investors in the 2004-2005 period. Pulte got really greedy and allowed some individuals to buy blocks of up to a dozen homes at a time. That caused some unrealistic short-term price increases that are now being corrected. I know of no “real seniors” who are being foreclosed on. Only the speculators/property flippers are paying the piper.
However, those investor losses are providing some really good, short-term buys for REAL retirees. Many of the properties are still new–not previously occupied. Next year at this time those bargains will probably be gone. I have been here a few years, and I recently helped a fellow veteran join me and hundreds of other veterans in Sun City Anthem. They moved from Albuquerque and they are extremely happy with the value of their home and our unique community environment.
Sun City Anthem is not like other LV retirement communities. We are way up over two thousand feet on the North side of Black Mountain–way above the din of the Las Vegas tourist traffic and only 20 minutes South of the airport. Even those who do not have a private view of the entire Las Vegas Valley need only to walk a short way to have a wonderful (day and night) view of the Strip and the surrounding mountains. The air quality is truly wonderful, the noise level is near zero (particularly after 8 PM each evening), and the community/home designs allows almost every home to have great privacy.
If one likes the dry desert air, being next to the new city of Henderson, NV (now the second largest city in NV with no depressed areas) and only a few minutes from the vast entertainment options of all of Las Vegas, I believe there is no better place to retire than Sun City Anthem.
So, my message is focus on the value of the lifestyle and environment. Many retirees can live in many places, and they can buy a good home, but spending perhaps a few dollars more for Sun City Anthem, Henderson, NV will pay back many times over with the quality of life, the quality of location, and the quality of the people in the community. And for the record, I am NOT in any way associated with real estate or development or benefit in any way from my comments. I just happen to love living in this wonderful place, and I like inviting other good people to share the joy. ”
————————
“Wow! Those last two posts have me, if already not, sold on Sun City Anthem. It’s wonderful to hear from actual word of mouth how much someone totally enjoys their life and lifestyle there. I’m certain I would too. In fact, I have already chosen, from the many models offered, three floorplans I would really like. I or we, don’t know which it will be yet, will be arriving next weekend to thoroughly learn the area. If either one of you can direct message me, you could really be helpful with a few more questions I have. I, of course have no way of contacting you and I would leave my email address here for you but I do not think that is allowed on this city forum. I have also been wondering if there is some way I can leave a notice to current SCA residents letting them know I am a perspective buyer?
Judy”
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“Pinnacle Village is just gated, no guard. I live in SCA also. and LOVE IT TOO. Judy, if you want to post a message to any SCA resident go to www.anthemtoday.com it is another forum designed for anthem residents and you can post there once you register. I hope it is allowed for me to post that link here.
I am in total agreement with everything Serviceman has said other than no trashed areas of Henderson. Sorry, I have lived in this valley most of my life and I guess he has not come down of of our beautiful SCA hill enough and drifted in the “wrong” direction. but that’s O.K. Up here on our Sun City hill top, Henderson IS the most wonderul place to live. Judy Jamison922, come on down 
LOL”
—————————-
“Quote:
Originally Posted by lvkewlkid 
sca-serviceman, are you sure there are no depressed areas of Henderson? Apparently you haven’t left Sun City Anthem… |
Right–I am probably guilty as charged. I think I have been over most of Henderson, and have not seen any areas that I would consider truly “depressed” but I can not claim to have been everywhere.
I am so happy with living in Sun City Anthem that I probably see most things through rose-colored glasses. Whatever the case, any problem areas in Henderson are probably so contained that perhaps the topic is not worth a lot of debate? “
——————-
“Quote:
| Originally Posted by sca-serviceman
Right–I am probably guilty as charged. I think I have been over most of Henderson, and have not seen any areas that I would consider truly “depressed” but I can not claim to have been everywhere. I am so happy with living in Sun City Anthem that I probably see most things through rose-colored glasses. Whatever the case, any problem areas in Henderson are probably so contained that perhaps the topic is not worth a lot of debate? |
I’m with you Sca……I have been all over Hooterville and with the exception of SOME of the mobile home parks/trailer camps….even the OLD areas of Henderson I would not consider depressed….houses are old….most people have lived there for just over 1 million years….some are rented out cause they “moved on up” but there’s not an area of Henderson [unless the houses were on wheels or the ground sprayed with agent orange] that I would be afraid to live in.” —————————–
Posted in Community Affairs, Clubs & SIGs, News! | Print | No Comments »
Answers To Hospice Fund-Raiser Proposal
June 17, 2008 by admin.
Kathy Matson and her ad hoc committee doing the planning for a Fall SCA fund-raiser for the Henderson Hospice Project has submitted responses to questions prior to the vote at the June Board Meeting.
Hospice Project Questions & Answers
Posted in SCA Board, Clubs & SIGs, Other | Print | 6 Comments »