Sunrise Oasis 

Quorum Article - July 2004

Sunrise Oasis is a condominium community in central Palm Springs bordered by Sunrise Way, Tamarisk Road, El Alameda, and Cerritos Way. Only one and one half miles from the airport, it is close to casino, hospital, restaurants, library, senior center, supermarkets, and the attractions of Palm Canyon Drive.

It is situated on eleven acres of fee land and was built out during the period 1972 to 1974. Richard K. Erhlich was the developer. While marketing thirty years ago was directed entirely at second home buyers, nowadays full time residents account for approximately 35% of the ownership. Former owners include actor John Candy, writer Harold Robbins and golf pro Bob Harmon.

Sunrise Oasis comprises ninety-six units in twenty-six stucco buildings. Construction is single level and features cathedral ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Many of the units enjoy mountain views. There are fifty-two three bedroom and forty-four two bedroom units, featuring private patio courtyards and single car garages. All units have an additional parking pad. Current prices range from $200,000 to $250,000. Units are rarely for sale and sell quickly.

With no more than four units per building and the structures themselves separated by generous greenbelt, homeowners enjoy both privacy and a feeling of spaciousness.  Facilities include two tennis courts, three swimming pools, and three spas. Although Sunrise Oasis is not a gated community, it benefits from the security of having all of its common areas fenced off from the street.

Sunrise Oasis is a mature community in two senses. While its buildings are more than 25 years old, 25 or more of the homeowners are over 80 years old! For the Association maturity brings challenges in the form of the high cost of insurance for its buildings and the maintenance of nearly 400 trees.

Long term maintenance projects under way include the resurfacing of the pool decks and painting all the trim on the buildings. The Desert Water Agency has included Sunrise Oasis in their Landscape Improvement Program, which will help in converting their irrigation system to a water efficient program. In an effort to control energy costs, the number of lights in the common area has been reduced in number and the remainder have been converted to use 7-watt fluorescent bulbs.

Sunrise Oasis homeowners are encouraged to attend Board meetings and enjoy several potluck get-togethers during the season. One of the homeowners publishes a much-anticipated newsletter several times a year, entirely at her own expense. Committee volunteers are very active.

A five-member Board of Directors governs the Association. Dues are $380 per month and include trash pickup, cable TV, and water. Vendors for Sunrise Oasis include Pacific Turf Landscapers, Valley Pools, Western Exterminators, Joanne Allen & Associates, and Reliable Tree Service.

Association manager is Donna Larson of Maryellen Hill & Associates. Says Donna, “Sunrise Oasis has a lovely park-like common area with abundant green belt. It enjoys an active hands-on Board and homeowners who try to cultivate a sense of community with potluck gatherings and a “newsy” newsletter.