lake forest shores

Getting Back to Normal-ish

June 13, 2020

It's been 3 months since the mandatory self-isolation order that was impossed by the government. Now it looks like businesses are opening, traffic is getting heavier and our clubhouse, Beach & Tennis Club, is going to be fully operational. Of course, there will be rules implemented for safety measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19. The 1st phase in reopening allowed members to access the tennis and pickleball courts; no guests and by reservation only at least 24 hours in advance.

Of course, this couldn't of happened without creating a set of emergency rules for reopening of various recreation facilities. In addition, all members have to wear a mask when interacting with staff and other members, plus a mandatory liability waiver that needs to be executed and returned to the front desk upon your first day back to using the facilities. The documents are available for download, so simply click the underlined links or I'm sure copies will be available at the clubhouse.


As for the gym, pools and basketball court, they opened on Friday, June 12, 2020. These are only open to members, so no guests and you do need to make reservations 24-hours in advance; including the gym, pools and basketball courts by advanced reservation. The LFCA Emergency Operating Rules are available to download using the above link, but the reservation link and password have been deleted for confidential reasons; therefore, please contact the Beach & Tennis Club or check your emails. By the way, you will need to contact the clubhouse to sign-up for receiving emails.

It is good to know we're moving in the right direction, but it wasn't without some controversy. Like many others, I was thinking about the HOA fees and why we were still being charged. Let's face it, there was practically 3 months where the Beach & Tennis Clubhouse was nonoperational. This must have lead to some homeowners to express their concerns. In response, the president of the Board of Directors wrote a letter addressing homeowner concerns during closure.

I'm not sure if the tone of the letter diffuses the situation, but one thing to remember is that we all bear the burden of the association fees; meaning the cost is spread amongst us. And unfortunately, as much sense as it makes to suspend HOA fees during the pandemic due to the loss of amenities, it will not happen. Even if it does, you are temporarily postponing payment and will most likely pay it back in a form of increases at a later time.

Currently, it is unclear as to whether the Beach & Tennis Club is reducing their expenditure during the closure. My guess is "yes" due to a reduction in electricity, maintenance, employee costs, etc. On the other hand, allocation of spending might be going towards cleaning, sanitizing and making accommodations for reopening the facilities. If the former is true, I would think there wouldn't be any increase in HOA fees anytime soon.

On to other news, our HOA board is almost completely filled. There is room for one more if you're interested. To be a part of the Board of Directors, please submit your request to Rebeccah Jimenez (rebeccah@ch-pm.com). Anyways, I big "Thank you!" to those who decided to donate their time in making our community a better place. It is truly appreciated!

From the start, the board has been busy. There are a couple scheduled projects coming up shortly. Starting with Earthco performing tree trimming throughout the community on June 16-17, 2020.

Notwithstanding, a termite inspection is scheduled for July 10-11, 2020, but it will require active participation by the homeowners. Due to that the inspection is required inside / outside of your home, access will be needed; therefore, an adult (18+) will be required to be present to allow an inspection of the indoor premises. More information is available on the terminte inspection notice.

Lastly, Lake Forest Shores has its own adopted emergency rules for minimizing the chances of spreading COVID-19 within our community. Please take the time to read it when you have a moment.

Until next time...