The SAMLARC Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on the evening of July 28, 2020. Due to recent declarations from the State of California and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the physical assembly of the Board of Directors meetings was not feasible to accomplish while maintaining proper social distancing measures. In order to protect public health while continuing to support SAMLARC operations, the Board of Directors held a virtual Open Session Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Please click the button below to read highlights of the Board Meeting.

The Lago Santa Margarita brings Members closer to nature by framing the picturesque Saddleback Mountains and incorporating organic elements into its design. In addition to its year-round beauty, the Lake also acts as a miniature ecosystem – drawing on the complex relationships between flora and fauna to maintain a well-balanced environment.

​

Please click the button below to learn more about the Lake and the July 24, 2020 fish stocking. 

As public health officials continue to navigate California’s response to COVID-19, SAMLARC is closely monitoring developments that impact the Association’s operations in the community. The SAMLARC Board Executive Committee Related to COVID-19 is chartered to guide SAMLARC’s activities throughout this time. The Committee meets frequently to discuss and enact changes to SAMLARC’s operations as governmental requirements develop. The following is a brief overview of SAMLARC community impacts as of July 9, 2020:

​

Facilities & Amenities:

• The Pools and Lagoon are open at reduced capacity. Lagoon hours are daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and Pool hours are listed below. Waders are closed to support social distancing.

  • Pool Lap Swim: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Additional lap swim hours at Monte Vista and Altisima Pools from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

  • Pool Recreational Swim: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Additional recreational swim hours at Solana and Arroyo Vista Pools from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Park playgrounds and fitness equipment remain closed per guidance from the California Department of Public Health. Grass areas are open, as well as ball fields and basketball courts; no group activity is permitted.

• Tennis & Pickleball Courts are open for use at Members’ own risk.

• Picnic shelters are closed; picnic shelter permits are not being issued at this time.

• Watercraft and surrey bike rentals are unavailable at this time.

Activities & Events:

The Board of Directors looks forward to hosting on-site events when State, County, and City orders permit. During this season, SAMLARC is offering a variety of virtual and socially-safe events for families to enjoy. These include:

• SAMLARC Summer Cookbook: Share your favorite summer recipes with your SAMLARC neighbors and friends! This community cookbook will be filled with ideas for a delicious summer.

• Daily Virtual Activities: Monday movie night suggestions, 2-Minute Tuesdays to thank members of the essential workforce, “What You Have Wednesdays” for creative culinary delights, “Thoughtful Thursdays” to promote phone/video calls with friends, “Feature Photo Fridays” to share your favorite community photos, Saturday scavenger hunts, and “Sunshine Sundays” to enjoy the great outdoors.

On-Site Programs & Classes:

Select on-site programs and classes will resume throughout the next several weeks. Each participating class instructor has submitted re-opening plans to SAMLARC that identify social distancing, sanitation, general wellness expectations, and reduced contact measures. StrollerStrides, a key program for many SAMLARC Members, will resume meetings and all sessions will be held at Central Park. Additional programs are anticipated to resume as plans are submitted.

Youth Sports

On July 8, 2020, the County announced that youth sports activities are suspended until further notice. This announcement supersedes the County’s previous approval of youth sports practices, and was prompted by the State’s recent clarification that youth sports are not included in the Day Camps or Fitness Facility reopening guidelines. SAMLARC is disappointed that its sports league partners must delay their activities, and is working closely with each league to ensure that practice can resume as soon as permitted.

​

Business & Beach Club Offices

Though the Business and Beach Club Offices’ services are currently limited by State requirements, SAMLARC staff is eager to assist Members remotely. The Beach Club Office is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. to assist Members with obtaining gate access cards and visiting the Lagoon (phone and walk-up service is available beginning 8:00 a.m.). The Business Office remains closed to the public until the State permits re-opening. Members may drop off payments for processing as well as architectural plans for review and approval. Members are encouraged to connect with SAMLARC staff via phone or email for assistance.

Homeowner Violations Processes

As a Homeowners Association, SAMLARC draws on its Policies & Guidelines, and Architectural Standards to create a cohesive community that attracts high property values. Effective August 1, 2020, the homeowner violations process will be in effect, including the issuance of new homeowner citations and the enforcement of violations incurred prior to March 13, 2020.

Though the impacts of COVID-19 have affected our community in unprecedented ways, the Board of Directors also recognizes this season as an opportunity to bring SAMLARC families closer together. The Board appreciates the flexibility and thoughtfulness of the Membership during this time. SAMLARC’s Coronavirus response measures have been successful thanks to the patience and community-mindedness of SAMLARC Members.

The SAMLARC Board of Directors is working alongside FirstService Residential to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on the community, while continuing to provide excellent services. For more information on SAMLARC’s response measures to COVID-19, please visit SAMLARC.org/coronavirus.