president’s message · you are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week...

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OWNER’S JOURNAL 2020, Issue 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Hello Desert Breezes Owners, It has been a long spring and summer with COVID-19, and I know if you are like me, you are ready to get out and have some fun. The good news is we opened for business as of June 19th. The staff has taken all the required precautions as mandated by the State and County to make your stay at Desert Breezes a safe and happy one. People have been taking advantage of our opening and are having a good time. We hope you have made your reservations, so you don’t miss out on your vacation in the desert. I know I have. Things might appear a little different when you visit than other times, but that is everywhere. You will still have the golf courses, restaurants, hiking, etc. There are still lots of things to do in the desert. The pools are open as well and being cleaned and sanitized per State requirements. The main thing is everyone is ready for a vacation which we can tell by how many people came to the resort in 120-degree weather. Our Owners Annual Meeting will be November 7, 2020. Due to the current situation, our meeting will be held virtually. Instructions on how to join the meeting will be sent via email and also posted on the website. You can also call the resort for instructions once they are available. The board met on August 4, 2020 and as part of our meeting we discussed the owner bonus weeks program. The board decided that effective immediately owners may only book two concurrent Breezes Time reservations. This will give equal opportunity for all our owners who may wish to bring friends and family to the desert. The board and I are excited about the re-opening of the resort and look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces. Stay safe, be happy, and look forward to your vacation at Desert Breezes. Dottie Fazio, President ASSOCIATION OWNED WEEKS AVAILABLE! Imagine the scenario! You enjoy a week with your family at the desert’s best kept secret, Desert Breezes. An event comes along later in the year that you want to attend, maybe you need an additional unit for a family reunion, or maybe you just want to enjoy our chilled pool in the hot summer months. You don’t want to pay for a hotel so what do you do? Association owned inventory is being made available to Desert Breezes owners, their families and their friends! For no cost, other than the price of the annual maintenance fee and transfer fee you may acquire another week in any size unit, based upon availability. You now have the option to extend your vacation time or bring your friends and family to the Ideal Desert Getaway! If interested, please visit: www.desertbreezesresort.com/sale “A Resort of International Distinction”

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Page 1: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEHello Desert Breezes Owners,

It has been a long spring and summer with COVID-19, and I know if you are like me, you are ready to get out and have some fun. The good news is we opened for business as of June 19th. The staff has taken all the required precautions as mandated by the State and County to make your stay at Desert Breezes a safe and happy one. People have been taking advantage of our opening and are having a good time. We hope you have made your reservations, so you don’t miss out on your vacation in the desert. I know I have.

Things might appear a little different when you visit than other times, but that is everywhere. You will still have the golf courses, restaurants, hiking, etc. There are still lots of things to do in the desert. The pools are open as well and being cleaned and sanitized per State requirements. The main thing is everyone is ready for a vacation which we can tell by how many people came to the resort in 120-degree weather.

Our Owners Annual Meeting will be November 7, 2020. Due to the current situation, our meeting will

be held virtually. Instructions on how to join the meeting will be sent via email and also posted on the website. You can also call the resort for instructions once they are available.

The board met on August 4, 2020 and as part of our meeting we discussed the owner bonus weeks program. The board decided that effective immediately owners may only book two concurrent Breezes Time reservations. This will give equal opportunity for all our owners who may wish to bring friends and family to the desert.

The board and I are excited about the re-opening of the resort and look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces. Stay safe, be happy, and look forward to your vacation at Desert Breezes.

Dottie Fazio, President

ASSOCIATION OWNED WEEKS AVAILABLE!Imagine the scenario! You enjoy a week with your family at the desert’s best kept secret, Desert Breezes. An event comes along later in the year that you want to attend, maybe you need an additional unit for a family reunion, or maybe you just want to enjoy our chilled pool in the hot summer months. You don’t want to pay for a hotel so what do you do?

Association owned inventory is being made available to Desert Breezes owners, their families and their friends! For no cost, other than the price of the annual maintenance fee and transfer fee you may acquire another week in any size unit, based upon availability. You now have the option to extend your vacation time or bring your friends and family to the Ideal Desert Getaway!

If interested, please visit: www.desertbreezesresort.com/sale

“A Resort of International Distinction”

Page 2: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGEI hope everyone is safe and sound during these difficult times. I’m happy to report that we are open and ready for your return. We opened on June 19th after being closed since March 30th. Let me update you on new

procedures and protocols at the resort.

• The use of a face mask is mandatory (current state and county guidelines require masks).

• Social distance: Please space yourself at least 6 feet from the other persons.

• Hand sanitizing stations will be in the lobby and around the resort for your use. Please wash your hands frequently.

• All activities have been eliminated during this time period.

• Office and lobby will be used strictly for checking-in and out of the resort. All other lobby use has been eliminated and there is no access to the owners’ computer or lobby coffee.

• Requested items will be delivered to your unit with touchless delivery.

• Touchless check-in for owners. As owners you will not be required to leave a $300 security deposit for your use week. As an owner if your address is current you can just sign the registration card and gather your key. You would not have to use the credit card keypad during your check-in process.

• Mid-cleaning has also been eliminated during the crisis. If you require a mid-cleaning, you will be charged for this service. If you require additional items or an exchange of linens and towels, we can have them delivered to you using social distancing at no charge.

• All the rooms will be cleaned and sanitized per the guidelines put out by state and local agencies. These new cleaning procedures are taking much longer to accomplish and for that reason, early check-in will be difficult as we need all the time allowed to clean and sanitize your room.

• Late check-outs will not be permitted, and any late check-out will be subject to late checkout fees.

• All spas are closed until further notice.

• Pools are open and at 50% capacity. The main pool capacity is 30 people and the adult pool is 10 people. Pools will be monitored to ensure compliance on occupancy limits.

• Pools will be cleaned and sanitized in the morning, again from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. These times may change depending on pool usage.

• As demand on the pool increases, we have used a reservations system for pool swim times. If this is in effect, please sign up the day before. We have three swim times: morning from 7 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., afternoon from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and evenings from 5:00 p.m. to close depending on weekends and weekdays. These times may change with or without notice.

Our resort staff really miss our owners and guests during this crisis, and we are eager to serve you again. Let me list the items we accomplished this year and other items still in the planning stages.

• This year we painted both of the pool decks, matching the original color.

• We replaced the large commercial ice maker located by the lobby.

• We replaced the mattresses in building 3.

• We are looking forward to starting and completing an ADA room this year.

• We were supposed to have our final phase of new sofas and chairs delivered in April. Delivery will be rescheduled for a later date.

We are committed to improving and maintaining our beautiful resort. Please remember we are just a phone call away if you need assistance regarding your reservations.

Al Hippe, General Manager

Page 3: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to

USE TIME RESERVATION POLICYLead Time 13 months to the day or less. High Season owners may book weeks 28-36 and Prime Seasons owners may book weeks 1-27 and 37-52. You may upgrade or downgrade your season 6 months in advance to the day or less. Upgrades are subject to a $30 per night fee.

Owners may book a maximum of two concurrent reservations per call. Concurrent reservations for use by owners/co-owner or immediate family of owner/co-owner only (Board 1/30/11). Meaning two reservations for the same week.

No limitation on consecutive reservations as long as the first reservation is within the booking window. (Board 1/30/2018) consecutive reservation may not overlap. Meaning, if you own say 4 weeks you can book all four weeks 13 months out from the start of the 1st week.

President: Dottie FazioVice President: Clarke SchlabachTreasurer: John MiddletonSecretary: Ron YockeyDirector: Brian Bowcock

YOUR DESERT BREEZESTIMESHARE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ACTIVITIES INFORMATION ON THE AREA, HAPPENINGS AND UPCOMING EVENTSThere is so much to do and see in Palm Desert the best way we can cover all activities is for us to provide local websites.

City of Palm Desert www.cityofpalmdesert.org

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

BNP Paribas Open (Tennis): March 10 – 20, 2021 Indian Wells, CA

Coachella Music Festival: April 9 – 11 and 16 – 18, 2021 Empire Polo Field, Indio, CA

StageCoach: April 23 – 25, 2021 Empire Polo Field, Indio CA

If you can’t find the activity you are looking for we will be happy to help you search by calling and speaking with one of our associates at the resort at 760-345-2637.

BOOKING ONLINE RESERVATIONSWe want all owners to know that you can book your use week reservations online. Trading Places International has allowed owners to book your week online for some time now. No more waiting on hold and using multiple phones to dial in. You can simply go online and book your week by still using the reservation policy of making reservations 13 months out from the start of your time. Visit: www.desertbreezesresort.com/owners and click on the Reservations tab.

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HAPPY GUEST & OWNER COMMENTS

It was nice quiet location. The hot tub was very nice and pool area. A nice plus was the available washer and dryer. Easy to get to and close to the activities we enjoyed. Nice to have the fruit trees too.”

Greg is a great addition to the staff. He is very professional and attentive to all our needs and requests.”

Desert Breezes is a fantastic resort and we always enjoy our stay.”

Loved Desert Breezes. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained. The swimming pool was enjoyable and comfortable. The resort was conveniently located to all the places we like to enjoy.”

Grounds and pools were very well kept up.”

A great location in the desert.”

Everyone we met were very courteous, polite and helpful.”

It is peaceful beautiful quiet and located to shopping restaurants tourist attractions. Great view of mountains. Gorgeous landscaping. Fruit trees everywhere. Plenty of close hot tubs! On top of things. I received a package and they called immediately.”

MALLARD DUCKSThis spring we welcomed new arrivals to the resort when the mallard ducks had baby chicks. The pond is looking great with lily pads blooming and both koi and turtles are healthy. We have a full range of wildlife around the pond. If you would like to feed the wildlife, please call the front desk and a staff member can deliver food to your unit. It is a relaxing time to toss food in the pond and have koi, turtles and other wildlife come right up to you. I am happy to report for the first time, three baby mallard ducks survived to maturity.

Page 5: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to

NEW EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTMeet Greg Pannoni our new Guest Services ManagerGreg Pannoni joined Desert Breezes Resort in January 2020 as the Guest Services Manager, bringing 12+ years of hospitality experience. Greg started his career in 2007 at the Hyatt Indian Wells working in the Front Office, Guest Services, Recreation and Security. Greg has been the Guest Services Manager at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach, CA, Front Office Manager at the Hyatt Palm Springs, Assistant General Manager at Motel 6, and a Guest Services Manager for vacation rentals with McLean Company. Greg is excited to be joining the team at Desert Breezes and looks forward to bringing his customer service expertise to delight owners and guests of the resort. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his son Luke, whom was born in May. Please welcome Greg to the resort as you check-in throughout the year. I am sure you will find him pleasant, professional and just what the resort needed in a new Guest Services Manager.

Meet Tommy Towns our new Maintenance ManagerTommy also joined the Desert Breezes Management team in January of this year. Tommy brings a long history of being a chief engineer/electrician. He served in the U.S. Navy on several ships and did a tour on a submarine as their shipboard electrician and electronics technician. We thank him for his service to this country. He worked at U.S. Mint before starting his own successful plumbing, heating and HVAC business in Colorado. Before moving to California, he gave his business to his son when Tommy’s wife was given a great opportunity to work for Augustine Casino. Tommy worked as the Maintenance Director for Mission Hills Assisted Living until it was sold in 2019. Tommy brings a vast knowledge to the maintenance crew and in a short time has built a strong team around him. He loves working here at Desert Breezes and can’t wait to see you as you visit the resort.

Page 6: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE · You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to

BONUS TIMEWhat is “Bonus Time”? Bonus Time is additional resort time, subject to availability, which you can use to enjoy even more days at Desert Breezes!Here is a summary of how it works:• Requests for Bonus Time must be received no more than 60 days in advance of your desired

arrival date• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis• The cost for the unit is $70 (mini), $85 (1 bedroom), or $100 (2 bedroom) per night plus tax

(prices are subject to change at any time)• You must be current on your maintenance fees• Subject to availability of space• Stay must be a minimum of 2 nights—but there is no maximum stay

BREEZES TIMEWhat is “Breezes Time”? Just like Bonus Time, Breezes Time allows you to stay longer at the resort – but for an additional 7 nights instead of just a night or two. Here is a summary of how it works:• Request for Breezes Time must be received no more than six months in advance of your

desired arrival date• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis• The cost for the unit is its maintenance fee, plus $10 nonrefundable reservation fee• You must be current on your maintenance fees• Subject to availability of space• Stay must be for 7 consecutive nights • Limit two per week for any given owner All revenues generated from Bonus Time and Breezes Time go directly to your association, so this is a great way to support your resort. For more information, please contact the Trading Places Owner Services Department at 800-817-4653 extension 1.

SPLIT WEEKSDid you know that you can split your week? You are welcome to split your seven days into a weekend stay and mid-week stay. There is a $35.00 fee to split your week, but you then have the option to stay with us twice. Please call the Owners Service Department if you are interested.

UPGRADE YOUR UNIT UPON ARRIVALYou can request an upgrade from a mini to a one-bedroom or from a one bedroom to a two-bedroom unit. Here is a summary of how it works: • The request is taken upon arrival of your week.• It is subject to availability of space.• The cost is $35 per night, per upgrade.

a. A mini would be $35.00 per night to upgrade to a one-bedroomb. A one-bedroom would be $35.00 per night to upgrade to a two-bedroom.c. A mini would be $70 per night to upgrade to a two-bedroom.

• Normally there is a much better chance of upgrading to a larger unit from April to October.

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Front Desk: 760-345-2637Resort Fax: 760-345-9718E-mail: [email protected]: www.desertbreezesresort.com

OWNER SERVICES800-817-4653 ext. [email protected]

• Book use time • Bank your week (TPI, RCI, II)• Book bonus time • Inquire about your contract• Learn booking rules • Pay maintenance fees

Important Maintenance Fee InformationRegular association dues are billed annually and are due/payable per your ABC policy on November 1st. A statement is mailed to you as a courtesy; non-receipt of a statement does not relieve you of your financial obligation.Pay Online at www.desertbreezesresort.com/pay

Questions about your Maintenance Fees or Assessment Billings? Call the Accounting Department at 800-817-4653 ext. 7 or e-mail [email protected]

EXCHANGE800-817-4653 ext. [email protected]

• Low exchange fees & great destinations• ONLINE exchange option 24/7www.tradingplaces.com/EXCHANGE

TRAVEL & CRUISE800-817-4653 ext. [email protected]

• Air, car, hotel, cruise, and vacation packageswww.tradingplaces.com/TRAVELCST # 1008862-10

RENTAL800-817-4653 ext. [email protected]

• List your DBR unit for rent• Up to 70% off last-minute vacation rentalswww.tradingplaces.com/HOTDEALS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENTAs your management company, Trading Places is dedicated to making your property the best it can be. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

PET POLICYNo animals or pets of any kind are allowed in any unit or upon any portion of the Desert Breezes Resort Timeshare property.

The Desert Breezes Resort disclaims any responsibility for claims made or the performance of goods and services advertised in this newsletter.

Write to board members c/o TPI at the above address.

25510 Commercentre Drive, Suite 100Lake Forest, CA 92630

PRSRT FIRSTUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 58

HYANNIS, MA

FROM THE OWNER SERVICES DEPARTMENTUse time reservations may be requested by calling the Owner Services Department at 800-817-4653, ext 1, emailing [email protected] or by confirming online at www.desertbreezesresort.com/reservations. Reservation requests are processed based on availability on a first come first served basis. An acknowledgement email will be sent to you confirming that TPI received your reservation request. In the event you do not receive this confirmation, please call TPI, as your request may not have been received. 800-817-4653, ext. 1.

UPCOMING 2020 BOARD MEETINGSFriday, November 6, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m. HOA meeting

These dates are subject to change and meetings will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.