Hello Suncrest, My name is Doris:
This is a column about us. You tell me about anything you want to know, and I tell you what old age wisdom can offer. You want to know what type of cherries should you bake in a pie or what is the movie "Ten Little Indians" all about or can I walk my dog, cat, or bunny in Suncrest? You want to tell me that your neighbor smokes to much or you like sitting on the patio at the clubhouse. I can agree with you or tell you that "you bit the hand that feeds you," or just to "Simmer down." I promise that I will use my measuring cup as much as the recipe requests as I never will use salty words and sugary answers in my advice. I will not include anyone's information, recalling what my grandmother said to me, "Child if they want you to know their name, they will tell you."
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March 28, 2023
Doris,
Hi, don’t know if you are a real resident of Suncrest but I’ll give you a try with my questions. I have been exploring the Coachella valley on line for years. My husband and I are now in our 70s and both want and need a different place to live out our “golden years”. I never wanted to retire in a place that could become unaffordable because we only lease the land and not own. I found your property again and would appreciate some feedback about the stability of living on lease land for those on very fixed income. How often do lease payments go up? Is the drought affecting water costs for residents? If we don’t golf, will we be isolated? Are current residents happy? Please give me your pros and cons for living there.
Thanks so much.
Merilee
Dear Merilee:
Honey, I can assure you I am an old timer resident of Suncrest Country Club. I answer questions for the boys for my column on our Resident website usually in between gardening and my daily talks with my dear friend Bernice. Although your questions are thoughtful it has become difficult to predict the future regarding lease payments. If I could do that and had put my mere savings into the company that made cell phones over 40 years ago I wouldn’t be writing this column. Our rent payments can increase each year authorized by the City of Palm Desert through their Rent Control Ordinance. But let me say this, my rent has only gone up twice and they were tad small increases. But now there is a new Sheriff in Suncrest, and he and his Deputies have asked for an increase and through my Crystal Ball he will get it and will ask for another, one year from now. Residents are asking the same questions as many of them are also on fixed incomes. My advice is to ask your realtor to get a confirmation letter from Suncrest telling you what your payments will be for the homes you are interested in. Most of us are happy living in our homes because frankly there are very few places like Suncrest. Regarding water, each space is individually billed by the Water company as my garden does not require much water, so my bill is very low. Lastly, there are many of us who have hung up our Clubs so do not worry about not golfing. Plus you will save money on all those lost golf balls and we can go to the Casino together and play BINGO!
And now you have “the rest of the story.”
Doris
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October 5, 2022
Tell Doris:
Hello Doris. I do not know who to turn to since mgmt. Does not return calls so I can ask the.. i am not yet Suncrest CC owner but have decided that's where i wish to relocate. In the past year I have had questions & the phone was always answered or a prompt reply to me was made. Getting a bit concerned about Suncrest CC. I will share my questions with you & homeowners since I believe someone will know the answers. When one leases a n d there are palm trees onn your lot--- who is responsible for trimming them? The other question is does would anyone recommend a contractor who remodels these homes ?
Thanks for letting this future resident ask questions !
Dottie
Dear Dottie:
We are glad to hear that you are contemplating a move into our community. Honey, Suncrest is changing everyday and will continue to change in the near future. We have a new Management Company (J and H Management) that is not always available for an immediate response. Office hours have changed and so have the personnel. Although you may in the past be able to speak to an employee of Suncrest, they no longer exist. However, you came to the right place as I have the answer to your question regarding trees. First, review the 2022 Mobilehome Residency Laws, for it provides all residents with their rights and responsibilities. When you sign your new Lease Agreement, you are to be provided with a Hard copy of the entire provisions of the MRL. This is mandatory as it is the Law. Second, Civil Code 798.37.5 Trees and Driveways states with respect to trees on rental spaces in a mobile home park, park management shall be solely responsible for the trimming, pruning, or removal of any tree, and the costs thereof, upon written notice by a homeowner or a determination by park management that the tree poses a specific hazard or health and safety violation. In the case of a dispute over that assertion, the park management or a homeowner may request an inspection by the Department of Housing and Community Development or a local agency responsible for the enforcement of the Mobilehome Parks Act (Part 2.1 (commencing with Section 18200) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code) in order to determine whether a violation of that act exists.
You do not have to hire Paul Bunyan but you better feed Babe as she can make a big mess. Girl this is the second time this month I am referencing Boo Boo. Regarding a contractor, have you looked at the selling prices of our homes? They range from $200,000 to $ 360,000 and many of them in this price range have been remodeled which means you may not have to hire a contractor. Cross that bridge when you find a home. Hope to have you over for Long Island Ice Teas someday.
And now you have “the rest of the story.”
Doris
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August 27, 2022
Dear Doris,
There is so much happening here in Suncrest with the new security system at the front gates; stickers for our cars; new signs; speed bumps; and Managers in the office who won’t answer our questions and I am tracking tar into my home from the streets being torn up. I am not upset by the changes but rather why are so many things a mess?
Maddy
Dear Maddy,
Miss Mona has the most beautiful roses that she enters into the Madison County fair. She always wins and it makes me upset because I create a royal shambles in my greenhouse trying to discover her secret. Maddy, life is messy especially when someone else causes the commotion. Would your sentiment feel different had you received a written comprehensive notice in advance of the changes? I suggest you and your Garden club address these issues by sending an email to Jennifer at suncrest@jandhmgt.com. But to your question, I visited my Pap at the Nursing Home looking for advice on how not to be bothered about what is happen here at home but also to see if he had an answer how to win the Blue Ribbon at the fair. He replied with a question. Did I know why roses have a distinctive scent? I did not know. He said because the best place to grow roses is next to the messy outhouse, because surrounded by boo, boo, the best things eventually happen.
Keep your boots on Girl!
And now you have “the rest of the story.”
Doris
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July 28, 2022
Hey, Doris
I've read on Nextdoor that there are "changes" coming to our community. Can you clue us in to what these changes may be? Or, maybe post them here on our website or address on one of the "mailers" we receive in our individual Suncrest box?
Thanks
Anne
Dear Anne,
The webmasters told me that you read the most recent email blast. Webmaster and Blast are words I had no idea what they meant. When I think of Web I think of Charlotte and Blast reminds me of wind blowing fiercely across the lake in the winter rising my skirt towards the heavens. Losing track there for a minute, the future for Suncrest was revealed in this and the last email Blast. When baking my Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, I need all the ingredients and if one is missing, I simply must wait. Similar sentiments from the Regents of Suncrest are echoed waiting patiently for delayed parts, contracts, and confirmations. Your comment of posting this information on the website is a splendid suggestion and a Resident Townhall in August would shed some light on future plans. In the meantime, review California Civil Code 798.87 and can I borrow a cup of Mayonnaise?
And now you have “the rest of the story.”
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July 28, 2022
Doris
Are there any 2022/2023 plans for rent increases? If so, please advise details.
Thank you.
Dear Donna,
I am not sure if you are asking Tell Doris or if you are asking J & H Management, the Resident Managers, or Suncrest Mobilehome Park LLC.? For more accurate information I sent this question over to “the boys” for their advice. Their response was a Resident Townhall meeting should happen so everyone can participate? My pinochle partner Bunny told me that most of us know truly little about our lease. She went on to say that in her experience when a new owner or management takes the helm it always cost money and she hopes that “the boys” can answer this as they are very informed about the California Mobilehome Residency Laws. If they confirm that this proposed engagement is set, could you bring the Cucumber sandwiches?
And now you have the “rest of the story.”
Doris
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June 17, 2022:
Doris, My wife and I are looking to rent a home in the Palm Desert area. We have been coming to Palm Desert for years, however, the home we have rented in the past has sold so we are looking for a home to rent. We have played golf at Suncrest many times and thought maybe we could rent a place there. Can you help us out. We would be renting for the months of February and March for the next five years.
Thank you for your help,
Terry
Dear Terry:
I have been to your neck of the woods, and I wear my woolen mittens, knitted Christmas gift scarfs and Raleigh salve on my chapped lips. Spending vacation and retirement time in the desert is understandable and like so many other fine folks it is becoming harder to locate affordable and available rentals. Suncrest Country Club is a unique community because it is privately owned, as each homeowner pays a space rent because this is not an HOA property. The Coachella Valley is rapidly changing from seasonal to permanent housing and for you and your wife, keep your slicker and galoshes on because no renting, sub-renting, or short-term rentals are permitted in Suncrest. I wish I could hand you a cup of tea and a biscuit to soothe your frustration as my advice is either buy an RV or home, because that is going to be the only way for you to be able to go swimming and not sledding in February and March.
And now you have “the rest of the story,”
Tell Doris
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June 9, 2022:
Doris, are we responsible for the cracks in our driveway?
The answer is simple. NO
My solicitor friend tells me that the Owner and Suncrest Country Club Management is responsible for the maintenance, repair, replacement, paving, sealing, and expenses related to maintaining all driveways installed by the Park including root damage, foundation, and removal.
If a Homeowner installed their own driveway, then they have to pick enough apples to pay for any damages, repair, or maintenance.
Our weather is on fire so please do not walk your furbaby on any pavement. When our Dog Park is approved look for "the rest of the story."
Tell Doris
