Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1542241
Happy New Year, 2026. As we welcome the beginning of a fresh and promising year, we extend our heartfelt wishes to each of you. May this new chapter bring you health, happiness, and moments of peace and joy. Thank you for being a cherished part of our community, and may the year ahead be filled with new opportunities, renewed optimism, and meaningful connections. As we welcome a fresh new year, the Board of Directors wishes each of you health, comfort, and continued joy in our wonderful community. We know that changes — especially those involving finances — can create worry, and we want you to feel assured that every decision we make is guided by care for our residents and the long-term well-being of our neighborhood. Your presence, kindness, and involvement are what truly make this community feel like home, and we are deeply grateful for each of you. Beginning next month, HOA dues will increase by $30 per month. You may be asking why, after nearly 20 years of steady dues, the Board of Directors has approved two increases in the last three years. As our community ages, we must address the natural wear and tear on our infrastructure. This includes maintaining landscaping, repairing roads, caring for the pool and hot tub, and ensuring our facilities — such as The Lodge and Bistro — remain clean, safe, and inviting for all residents. At the same time, the cost of labor, materials, and contracted services continues to rise each year. These rising expenses directly affect our agreements with landscaping providers, pool maintenance services, and the cleaning staff who care for our shared spaces. Another major factor is the increased cost of utilities. For example, natural gas prices have risen from 28 cents per therm in November, 2019, to 48 cents per therm in November 2025 —an increase of roughly 71 percent. Our community relies heavily on natural gas to heat The Lodge, provide hot water for the Bistro, and maintain the pool's hot tub at a comfortable temperature. Your Board of Directors remains committed to keeping our community beautiful, well-maintained, and enjoyable for active seniors. We take our responsibility for managing our budget seriously and ensure that every dollar is spent wisely. This dues increase is necessary to preserve the quality of life and amenities that make our community such a wonderful place to live. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JANUARY 2026 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Rick Adkins, Paul Barr, Fred Kydd, Cliff Post, Mary Reyna, and Dan Ramos, Barbra Balser, President