“La Palapa” Newsletter
Transcription
“La Palapa” Newsletter
“La Palapa” Newsletter 2nd Quarter, 2013 By Cliff Ulman Good news to all owners: The new pool complex is open for your enjoyment. It is a great investment. The facility is first class and we look forward to hearing from all of you about your first visit to the pools. The next quarter, I will be working very closely with my HOA Team to put into motion decisions which will achieve or provide a good push towards achieving many of our 2013 goals. Some of these include but are not limited to new HOA software, improving monthly financial reporting, creating a capital reserve analysis and improve our quality control programs and processes. As the weather begins to warm, many owners will be returning to their Summer homes. For many the Ranch has become their summer home and we look forward to servicing our expanded summer family. Expect us to use the summer months to schedule special projects to maintain our facilities to the highest standards. We know that the economy continues to be a concern. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our owners for paying their dues in a timely fashion. This has allowed us to provide our services without interruption. We continue to work hard at improving our receivables to keep your dues within reasonable standards. An ordinary meeting of the general assembly was held on April 20, 2013. Minutes from this meeting will be posted on the El Dorado Owners Section of the website. Wishing all a good 2013 Spring. Cliff Ulman, HOA General Administrator We are beginning to see an increase in travel to Mexico and to our town of San Felipe. The economy, though slow in coming back, is getting better. Our goal in 2013 is to complete the outstanding items at the Ranch: electrical infrastructure, condos and roads. We also will implement a new marketing program that will promote traveling and living in Mexico—specifically San Felipe and El Dorado Ranch. With all that is happening in the US, San Felipe is a great alternative for a retirement home. I was honored to be able to cut the ribbon on the new pool complex built by the HOA. It is a great, long awaited addition to El Dorado. This amenity will add to the value already offered at El Dorado Ranch. Doreen and I have committed the last 19 years to making El Dorado the best it can be. With only 20% of the total Ranch developed, we have a lot more work to do. We have had parties interested in building solar farms and assisted living facilities at the Ranch and we are actively pursuing these interests. We will continue our commitment to the Ranch for many years to come. Sincerely, DEVELOPER 2nd Quarter 2013 “La Palapa” Newsletter We have seen slight signs of improvement in our sales activity, over the last couple of years. In 2011 we sold 33 properties. In 2012 we sold 37 and so far this year we have sold 20. I expect it will slow down over the summer months, but so far this year, we are on track to sell more than were sold in 2012. In a down market, many of the consumers who have access to cash do look for resale properties. 64% of the properties that we have sold from 2011 to date have been resale properties. If any of you were considering obtaining a property adjacent to yours (for yourself, friend or family member) or getting a completed home that is ready to use… there are some fantastic deals. El Dorado Ranch has also lowered its prices to compensate for market conditions. As has always been said, a down market is the time to buy. We believe that the bottom of the market has been reached and is now on its way up. The Ranch continues to market our resort/golf community … encouraging new people to visit and become owners. However, it is still difficult. Very few people have access to cash to make expensive luxury purchases... and the US press has been bashing Mexico, to keep people from traveling and spending their money outside of the US. We expect that as US home values continue to rise and middle income consumers get equity in their homes again, they will be better able to consider purchasing vacation land or future retirement homes. El Dorado Ranch owners have always been a big part of bringing new people to The Ranch. Many of your guests have purchased their own properties. Please continue to share El Dorado Ranch It has been a rough 6-7 years for many people and businesses. El Dorado Ranch and its staff continue to do our best, to assist our owners and maintain the desirability of The Ranch. For any questions you may have or assistance that you may need, contact the sales department at 1(800) 404-2599 …choose option 2 at each prompting. In an effort to keep Ranch owners up to date on things that are going on at El Dorado, we are constantly updating the website with pertinent information. Please check out this website www.eldoradoranchhoa.com. Also, if you are using the owner section and you need to get something direct to the Developer, you may send an email with your suggestions/comments to [email protected]. These emails are normally answered within one business day. Now you can access your account and pay your maintenance dues on-line. Login at www.eldoradoranchhoa.com using your property number and last name and then go to “get my account information”. If you have any questions or comments send us a message to [email protected]. Page 2 of 6 2nd Quarter 2013 Dear El Dorado Ranch Residents & Friends, “La Palapa” Newsletter By Jorge Libreros Amazing to think we’re already in the second quarter of 2013, isn’t it? It’s been a great year so far for our Ranch activities. Hopefully you’ve had a chance to participate in your favorites – and maybe even try something new. We kicked off the year with a terrific New Year’s Eve celebration in The Pavilion. What a wonderful job our staff did of decorating and helping us welcome the new year in style. Before we knew it, the day we’d all been waiting for finally arrived: The Re-opening of Juanito’s Cantina! How great it was to see you all come out to participate in the celebration – we had a great crowd and we all had a lot of fun being back in one of our favorite El Dorado Ranch spots. Our Annual Spring Tennis Tournament was great, competitive fun. Congratulations to all participants and winners! Tennis continues to be a favorite activity here at The Ranch. Tennis lessons are available - maybe you can participate in an upcoming tournament! And if not tennis – how about Pickleball? We enjoyed that Annual Tournament on the 25th. What a treat it was to have the 7th Annual San Felipe Blues & Arts Festival here at El Dorado Ranch this year. The festivities brought a new experience to The Pavilion and our community. Other February activities included our Superbowl Party, Valentine’s Day Quad Tour, a Valentine’s Dinner at the beautifully decorated Juanito’s Cantina, a Valentine’s Day Water Volleyball Tournament, a delicious Dessert Contest, The Compass Draw Pickleball Tournament, and, of course – our Oscar’s Gala – we all got dressed up in our Baja formal wear, walked the red carpet and enjoyed the ceremonies together. Semana Santa, Easter Week is always full of excitement and this year was no different. Here at El Dorado Ranch, we had multiple activities and an Easter Egg Hunt for the younger kids, an Easter Volleyball Tournament for the bigger kids and an Easter Brunch on Sunday morning. Every month, we have a Horseshoe Tournament (come check it out, if you haven’t already – it’s hosted down at Juanito’s Cantina on the last Thursday of the month), and of course – our Full Moon Mixer. If you haven’t been to a Mixer, or if it’s been a while, come join us. The weather is so beautiful this time of year and it’s a really wonderful evening of activities: bocce ball, shared potluck, super-delicious free hot dogs and an opportunity to appreciate how lucky we are to watch that magnificent full moon rise over The Sea of Cortez. So come join us next time – bring a side-dish to share, your own plates and utensils, beverages and a comfy chair or blanket. April featured a beach party on the 4th, the Las Amigas Dinner on the 6th, Quad Tour through the desert on the 18th, The Clam Festival on the 20th, the Full Moon Mixer on the 25th, and a Pool Party on the 26th! Down in town, many of you and your fellow San Felipe neighbors participated in the heartfelt efforts of the Cancer Walk to help the local population fighting cancer feel hope and support. There was also the Paella Festival and Carnaval – so many great opportunities to gather with friends. In early March, we raised more than $800 at our annual Charity Casino Event to support our local Red Cross, who you all know perform tirelessly and compassionately for our community. That same weekend saw the Baja 250 Race bring lots of activity to our town and here to El Dorado Ranch – very exciting to have those impressive trucks rolling through our streets and it’s great to see local businesses thrive with the extra crowds. Not to be forgotten, we of course celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Baja-style with a water volleyball tournament by day and a green-themed party (including green beer!) at Juanito’s by night. Additionally, we have our on-going weekly activities that include: water aerobics, stretching, Zumba, yoga, bingo, Spanish lessons, Mexican Train dominoes, Thursday night Poker, Tuesday Movie Night, and dinner specials at Juanito’s. Come pick up a Schedule of Activities – available at The Palapa, The Golf Shop, Member Services and the Property Management Office and find something new to try. Please always feel welcome to contact Jorge Libreros, El Dorado Ranch Activities Director via email or phone: [email protected]; 011-52-686-577-0022. Feel free to share your thoughts with us. Together, we continue to make this an exceptional place to enjoy life by the sea. Page 3 of 6 2nd Quarter 2013 Tournaments “La Palapa” Newsletter By Denise Laven The tennis tournaments this year were a great success!!! We had a total of 7 tournaments. There were a variety of types of tournaments from Round Robin format to a professional style draw. Thank you to all those who participated this year and all of those people who volunteered their time to make tennis a big success! Plans are underway for more tournaments for next year. Watch the newsletter and the monthly activities calendar for information. Saturday Morning Tennis Round Robin Every Saturday morning there is a Round Robin—it is open to all players. Come out to the Cachanilla courts with your racquet on Saturday at 8 am. The balls are provided and all it costs is $.50 or 6 pesos. For information on the Round Robin, check with Activities Office or Denise Laven at [email protected]. Tennis Court Sign-Up As always, courts are available for sign up both at La Palapa Courts and at Cachanilla Courts. Sign-ups are allowed for up to 3 days in advance with a minimum of two players signed up. The La Palapa courts are reserved daily from 7:30-9:00 for work-in tennis. By Debbie Malloy The El Dorado pickleball community is saddened by the tragic deaths of two of its members during the Baja 250. Mark Hewitt and Andy Zucarello will be greatly missed. We held our last tournament of the season, a week-long event, the last week of March. As spring turns into summer we will see many of our pickleball community head for cooler climates. However, we hardy ones will remain here to play after sundown. If you are down here, come on down to the Cachanilla courts and say hello. We love to introduce new people to the sport. For more information, please e-mail [email protected] By Sam Grubb We do need volunteers to help us. We need people to work one day a week at the pro shop checking in golfers. The hours are 7AM to 9AM. In exchange you have your choice of a free round of golf, or a free dinner at Juanito’s or the Pavilion. Knowledge of golf is helpful, but not required. Contact Sam Grubb at 011-52-1-686-176-2468 if you are interested. For more details on the golf course operations you can log on to www.lascarasdemexico.com.mx or call: 686-576-0517 (from Mexico) 1-800-404-2599 ext. 4417 (from USA) Page 4 of 6 2nd Quarter 2013 “La Palapa” Newsletter By Ignacio Suarez Juanito’s Cantina THURSDAY 4:00 to 10:00 PM Steak & Chicken - Special of the Night Texas Hold’em FRIDAY 4:00 TO 10:00 PM Fish & Shrimp - Special of the Night SATURDAY 4:00 TO 10:00 PM Prime Rib Night – Special of the Night Karaoke La Palapa Restaurant Pavilion Restaurant Palapa will remain open 8 to 5 daily Phone number 011-52-686 200-4000 ext 4083 Monday 4 to 10pm (dollar night), Tuesday 8am to 10pm (Movie night), Wednesday 8am to 10pm (Open Menu), Thursday to Sunday 8am to 5pm (Sunday’s breakfast buffet 8am-12pm) Phone number 011-52-686 576 0519 & 011-52-686 200 4000 ext 4121 La Palapa & Pavilion restaurants provide complimentary Wi-Fi connection. Questions or suggestions [email protected], Property management is here to serve all owners. We are ready to provide maintenance or repair service you may need at your home. You do not need to be in our rental program to receive these services. We can help you with plumbing, electricity, painting and cleaning services: Cleaning services: Houses Standard Cleaning Carpets Windows starting at A/C Cleaning Service Cistern Cleaning starting at Clothes Drying per load $ 50.00 Dlls $ 80.00 Dlls $80.00 Dlls $85.00 Dlls $85.00 Dlls $5.00 Dlls Deep Cleaning $100.00 Dlls (repair/parts not included) (float change, repair, and painting is a separate) All of the above are starting prices and can vary depending on the size of the house, carpets, etc. Please call our courteous staff so we can give you an estimate of the work to be performed. If the service you require is not listed above, call us and we will assist in obtaining what you need. For those who participate in the rental program, we will begin sending the renewal contracts out. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marvin Dávila or Moises Cordero. Office 011-52 (686) 577 1683, Marvin cell phone 011-52-1 (686) 160 3842 or Moises’ cell phone, 011-52-1(686) 188 7223. Thank you. Your Property Management Team Page 5 of 6 2nd Quarter 2013 “La Palapa” Newsletter By Ricardo Montaño The El Dorado Ranch HOA is working towards having a Community Center which will be more than just the new pool. It should be a community Center with all the activities that our residents enjoy and need; a place of enjoyment, entertainment, exercise, recreation and business. The original plan called for an exercise gym, an arts and crafts building, a “grand” room for special events, meetings and reunions, a park with an exercise trail and equipment, a yoga center and a grand plaza which is the nucleus of all activities and an exterior template for shows, concerts or any activity that will need space where residents may bring their own chair or blankets to sit on the ground. The HOA is implementing a program of donations to use in the Community Center which consist of 3 different sponsorship levels: The following items will be purchased with your donations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Gold Sponsor: $250.00 dollars or more Silver Sponsor: $150.00-$249.99 Bronze Sponsor: $149.99 dollars Benches for plaza and park (attached design: $350.00) Trees (mesquite tree: $280.00 dollars plus a $150.00 a year “care fee” for a 3 year period) Exercise equipment (to be installed around park trail) (waiting for quote) Signs and park equipment such as trash cans (Waiting on quote) 6’x6’ sections of slab (plaza) ($230.00 per section) Light poles and fixtures (To match pool center: $475.00 inc. electric installation) Plants, rocks, Horse-shoe pits, shuffleboards and other items will be purchased or built with donations of lesser amounts. All donated items will include a plaque with the person’s name of the donator’s choice on the item purchased. Please consider a donation in your next year’s budget! The Home Owner’s Association El Dorado Ranch If you have any questions regarding the decision process of the TRC, specific violations or regulations, guidelines, conditions or any other theme regarding the documents or the Technical committee, please contact us at [email protected]. Name Position EMERGENCY - SECURITY NUMBER Number 011-52-(686) 576-0345 Extension Jesus Olmos Ivan Viniegra Rob Ashley Roberto Islas Ignacio Suarez Luis Leonardo Ricardo Gomez Antonio Manzanarez Jesus Velarde Ignacio Martinez Juan Carlos Lazcano Mario Serna General Director Financing Department Director Sales Manager Hotel Division Manager & Property Manager F&B Manager Langosta Roja Manager IT Manager Taxes Manager Infrastructure Manager Golf Course Maintenance Manager Golf Shop Human Resources Manager HOA MANAGEMENT HOA General Administrator HOA Administration Manager HOA Operations Manager HOA Accounting Manager HOA Technical Committee Manager 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 577-1683 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 577-0484 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 200-4000 011-52-(686) 577-0010 4001 4038 4061 4121 4037 4029 4127 4135 4424 4015 011-52-(686) 577-0010 011-52-(686) 577-0010 011-52-(686) 577-0010 011-52-(686) 577-0010 011-52-(686) 200-4000 4114 4002 4109 4130 4129 Cliff Ulman Eduardo Garcia Ricardo Perez Alejandro Pineda Ricardo Montaño Page 6 of 6