Board Elections 2026

Highlights

An HOA Board of Directors runs best when qualified homeowners take the time to get involved. Some will attend meetings and keep track of issues, some will join Committees, and some will make the commitment to run and serve on the Board.

If you wish to Self-Nominate for the 2026 Board Elections, please complete the attached candidate statement form and follow the instructions of completing and returning the form to The Inspectors of Election.

  • Via Email: info@theinspectorsofelection.com (PREFERRED METHOD)
  • Via Mail: 2794 Loker Ave W, Suite 104, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Deadline: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Candidate Statement Form Here

The Candidates We Need

The ideal candidate would have professional and life experience that translates into the tasks of running an HOA. They will have a desire to apply that experience for the good of the Community.

Last year, the Editorial Board of Desert Breezes News supported two candidates that epitomize these qualities: Valerie Liautaud-Watkins, a professional in home construction and remodeling; and Janet McKnight, a retired Accountant with 30 years of professional experience, and 10 years experience as an HOA Treasurer.

Nominations For 2026

If you fit all the qualifications and expectations for serving, and you were considering running, you may have been surprised to be told that Nominations were closed with two names. It’s possible that you did not get a mailing or email notice when Nominations were opened.

Apparently, old mailing lists were used, email lists were not updated, and the Election Committee was not in place….but…a solution has been found.

Self Nominations are Now Open

Candidate Statement Form Here

The Board of Directors has decided to extend the nomination period for this year’s election to allow all eligible members the opportunity to run for a position on the Board. If you are interested in serving Desert Breezes Casas Homeowners Association and filling an open spot on the Board of Directors, please complete the attached candidate statement form and follow the instructions of completing and returning the form to The Inspectors of Election. If you would like an electronic version (Word or PDF) of the candidate form, please contact The Inspectors of Election at info@theinspectorsofelection.com.

  • Via Email: info@theinspectorsofelection.com (PREFERRED METHOD)
  • Via Mail: 2794 Loker Ave W, Suite 104, Carlsbad, CA 92010
  • Deadline: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Alternatively, you may submit a single-sided 8 ½” x 11” statement of your own. Please make sure to include your name on the statement and it must be signed and dated to be considered valid.

All Candidate Statements will be limited to a single-sided 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper for distribution to the membership and must be signed and dated.

Signed and dated candidate statements must be received by The Inspectors of Election by February 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM for your name to be placed on the ballot and your statement included in the Election of Directors mailing to the association membership. All members that intend to run for a position on the Board must complete this process by the deadline listed above including incumbent directors whose terms are expiring in this election. It is the responsibility of the candidate to confirm with The Inspectors of Election that their candidate statement has been received by the deadline. Members that have already submitted a candidate statement for the 2026 Election of Directors will not be required to do so again unless they would like to update their message to the membership.

Welcome Back – October 2025

The Summer has seemed too long and too hot! All of us full-timers have been waiting patiently for everyone to return, and now, finally, October!

With the coming of Fall, we will renew our Desert Breezes News emails. We all enjoyed the old newsletter, but it is no more. Hopefully we can continue to fill in with periodic emails to keep people up to date and involved.

Continue reading “Welcome Back – October 2025”

Daiso Comes to Coachella Valley

One of the many things things people miss when coming to Palm Desert from Los Angeles is the International diversity of shops, stores and restaurants. In my case, it was all things Japanese. We had ten different Ramen shops to choose from. We could choose Mitsuwa or Nijiya for groceries.

Continue reading “Daiso Comes to Coachella Valley”

Summer at The Living Desert

There aren’t a lot of activities over the Summer in the Coachella Valley, but for those who stay over, there are a few things that get even better.

The Living Desert, in Palm Desert, has always been the best bargain in the Valley for those that enjoy a morning hike in a desert landscape. Membership is fairly inexpensive starting at $119 per year for individuals and $289 per year for a family of four. That family price equals the amount you would pay for two visits.

Continue reading “Summer at The Living Desert”

Thanks and Congratulations!

Janet & Val are in!

The Editorial Board of Desert Breezes News would like to thank the homeowners who joined us in endorsing Janet McKnight and Valarie Liautaud-Watkins, two of the most highly qualified candidates to run for the Board in years. The results are in:

We want to congratulate Janet and Valerie for coming through with a positive campaign that focused on the need to build community and strengthen the HOA for the future.

Continue reading “Thanks and Congratulations!”

Happy Hour Monday at Pool 2!

Desert Breezes Animal Rescue

Sad tidings from Las Brisas North. A homeowner has been taking care of his wife who has rapidly progressing dementia.  Last Tuesday he fell and very seriously injured himself.  She also fell in the kitchen and was injured. She has been placed in dementia care, and he is in rehab and will likely be headed for a nursing home.

We are withholding names for privacy.

He had been caring for a French Bulldog who is four years old, and two cats who are five.

With family not in the area, Desert Breezes neighbors have rushed in help the animals. They are currently being cared for by Sherry & Michael Carnavale and Vie Giordono. Sherry, Michael and Vie are working to find homes for these lovely animals, and avoid turning them over to a shelter.

This big striped guy is Scotty.  He is five and is a sweetheart.  Rubs up against anyone who comes into the house.  He likes to go outside, but does not jump the wall.  Just walks around the pool.

The black one is being called Ebony, or Ebby, because no one knows her name. She is friendly, social, sweet.  They have been together for years but can be separated.  Scotty tends to bully Ebby a bit to get her food.

Murphy, the Frenchie has already garnered some interest in the community. He is a sweetheart.

If you are interested in adopting these lovely animals, please contact Sherry at sherrycarnevale@gmail.com.

Just Stay Active!

Keeping your brain in shape

There are three main routes to an agile mind:

  • mental stimulation
  • healthy diet
  • aerobic exercise

Many Desert Breezes residents are a testament to staying active, mentally and physically. They are out playing tennis, they are learning new things, they are taking classes in interesting subjects, and some like to get together and stay active together.

The Knitting Club

Knitters, crochet aficionados, crafters, etc.: the Knitting Group has taken some time off with no meetings planned for July, but we will be back August 2 and welcome all, from experienced to beginners. The Knitting Group meets every Wednesday at the clubhouse, 1:30-3:30 pm.

We always enjoy sharing our progress on projects and encourage you to come join us.
We look forward to seeing you August 2nd.

If you would like more information, contact Sheila Kerby, 323-893-5770.

The Desert Breezes Book Club

October, 2025

The Book Club took the summer off from meetings, but the members were busy reading, while traveling and while at home. Our first meeting after our break was on September 16 and included exchanging recommendations of books to read, including “The Atmosphere”“The River Is Waiting”, and “Lightning in a Mason Jar”. One book got a poor review, “The Emperor of Gladness”.

Linda Demetrick shared with us her review of “The Wilder Shore”, by Camille Peri. It is a biography of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife Fanny. The book is full of adventures and reflects their real life in which Fanny was the prey of another man, and so on. Lots of action and also a very thoughtful read.

Barbara Crawford reviewed “The Woman in the White Kimono”, by Ana Johns. The book is historical fiction featuring a woman torn between her culture and her heart; it takes place in Japan in 1957. It features a woman who is pledged to one man but she loves an American sailor and she then gets pregnant. The story is involved but quite interesting and well written.

Our next meeting of the Book Club is Wednesday, October 29 at 7 pm at the clubhouse. Over the weeks until then we will have read “Secret of Secrets”, the new novel by Dan Brown. For more information about the Book Club or to make arrangements to attend, contact sherrycarnevale@gmail.com.

D’ Coffee Bouteaque – Palm Desert

Ladies Lunch Group

The Ladies who Lunch dined at D’Coffee Bouteague, on Cook Street, in July.  A great time was enjoyed by the attendees who feasted on a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, omelettes, and a large assortment of tea and coffee beverages.  We enjoyed escaping the high heat of summer and caught up with each other..


In August, we plan on eating at Legends in Palm Desert.  Legends is an old school sports bar and diner that’s a favorite for many Desert Breezes residents.  The luncheon is scheduled for August 13 at noon.  For more information or to make a reservation, call or text Sheila Kerby at 323-893-6770

Tennis

There has been a consistent group of tennis enthusiasts at Desert Breezes for many years. They meet at Center Court and expand as needed. They have now expanded to four days a week:

  • Sunday Morning 7:30-9am
  • Tuesday Morning 7:30-9am
  • Thursday Morning 7:30-9am

Skill level is beginner to intermediate, and they are continually expanding their 0ver 80 group. Come on out!

Tai Chi at Sunrise

Tai Chi & Quigong

Tai Chi & Quigong instruction has been ongoing in Desert Breezes for four years now. There is no charge for Desert Breezes homeowners and guests.

  • Mondays, 8am – Beginners should start here: Eight Silk Brocade Qigong, Tai Chi Fan, Eight Immortal Flute
  • Wednesdays, 8am – Yang 108 form, National 24 Form

The group changes spaces and times now and again. Contact Liam at william@frogparade.com for more information.