2024 HOA Living February

FEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

MAGA ZINE

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE | COACHELLA VALLEY CHAPTER

FEATURES 10

Indian Ridge HOA

26 CAI-CV Annual Awards Night – DISCO

CAI-CV 2024

MARKETING PLAN

13 Is Your HOA a Best Practice Community?

30 Can Local Cities and Homeowners Associations Work Together?

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

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CAI-CV.org

facebook.com/CAICV

@CAI-CV

3

NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS OCV INSURANCE SERVICES

Mr. Matthew Lawton, CIC, CIRMS (760) 770-5868 matt@ocvinsurance.com

PIPE RESTORATION SOLUTIONS INC. Ms. Mary Ann Moore (941) 685-9500 maryann@prspipe.com

SANCHEZ LANDSCAPING INC. Mr. Jeff V. Sanchez

(760) 272-7292 sanchezinc4@aol.com

LAW OFFICE OF KAREN J. SLOAT, APC

ALDERWOOD RESORT MANAGEMENT

(760) 779-1313 secretary@karensloatlaw.com

(909) 866-6531 (405) scrawford@lagonitalodge.com

Mrs. Karen J. Sloat

METERNET

ASSOCIA DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT

(800) 985-1179 sales@meternetusa.com

(951) 233-8288 bhapp@drminternet.com

Ms. Tanya Harvey

Ms. Roberta C. Happ, CMCA, AMS

PALM SPRINGS LEAK DETECTION

Mr. David Lawrence

(760) 408-4451 palmspringsleakdetectioninc@gmail.com

Ms. Ronnica Ann Marroquin

Mr. Pedro D. Tobar

(760) 346-1161 dlawrence@drminternet.com

PRIMECO

(760) 346-1161 rmarroquin@drminternet.com

(800) 881-8067 leah@primeco.com

(760) 346-1161 (144) jmogolis@drminternet.com

Ms. Leah Schulz

Ms. Julie Mogolis, CMCA, AMS

RENEWING BUSINESS PARTNERS

QUALITY STREET SERVICE

Mr. Bill Overton, PCAM

(800) 979-3372 smcelvy@qualitystreetservice.com

Ms. Steffenie Tollette

AQUAGUARD, LLC

TESERRA

(844) 438-9247 stevenf@wagsvalve.com

(760) 398-9222 jimh@teserraoutdoors.com

Mr. Steven Fielding

ASPHALT MD'S

Mr. Gary D. Butler

(760) 863-4500 gary@asphaltmds.com

CONSERVE LANDCARE Mrs. Fran Mullahy

(760) 343-1433 fmullahy@conservelandcare.com

FARLEY INTERLOCKING PAVERS Mrs. Christi Flannigan (760) 773-3960 christi@farleypavers.com

FIORE, RACOBS & POWERS, A PLC Ms. Julie R. Balbini, Esq. (760) 776-6513 jbalbini@fiorelaw.com

GOLDEN ALLIANCE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Mr. Brian Berce

(818) 584-8044 brian@goldenallianceinsurance.com

GOLDSTAR ASPHALT PRODUCTS Ms. Kortney Burke

(951) 345-5590 kburke@goldstarasphalt.com

GOTHIC LANDSCAPE

Ms. Deanna Console

(619) 830-7100 deanna.console@gothiclandscape.com

GURALNICK & GILLILAND, LLP Mrs. Melissa Platt

(760) 340-1515 (123) melissap@gghoalaw.com

Mr. Sean McElvy

Mr. James Harebottle

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

(858) 886-6655 billoverton908@gmail.com (760) 346-1161 stollette@drminternet.com

DESERT PRINCESS COUNTRY CLUB HOA Ms. Theresa Kellerhals, CMCA

WESTLAKE ROYAL ROOFING SOLUTIONS

(760) 322-1907 tkellerhals@desertprincesscc.com

(714) 412-6244 Jon.Wilson@westlake.com

PERSONALIZED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO.

Mr. Jon Wilson

WHITESTONE INDUSTRIES Mr. Carlos Corado

(888) 567-2234 ccorado@wsindustries.com

RENEWING MANAGEMENT COMPANY THE GAFFNEY GROUP INC.

Ms. Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS

Mr. John Jeffrey Schuknecht, CMCA, AMS (760) 989-1140 johns@hoa-insurance.com

PREMIER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT Ms. Alexus Rose Pavia (760 ) 345-2449 apavia@brcpcam.com

THE MANAGEMENT TRUST, DESERT REGION Ms. Nicki Mulvany

(760) 776-5100 (6303) nicki.mulvany@managementtrust.com

(760) 327-0301 meaghan@thegaffneygroup.net

WHITESTAR MANAGEMENT

NEW MANAGER MEMBERS

(760) 219-4672 Matt@WhiteStarMgmt.com

ASSOCIA DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT Mrs. Jodi Kay

(425) 452-7330 (410) jkay@drminternet.com

RENEWING MANAGER MEMBERS ALBERT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION Ms. Loreanna Lizbeth Hernandez (760) 609-9477 lori.flores@albertmgt.com

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Mr. James Scott Crawford

Mr. Matthew Adam Rittenhouse, CMCA, AMS

NEW HOMEOWNER LEADERS

Mr. Dennis J. Cearns

MIRAGE COVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Mr. Mike Klaus Mr. Peter Noris Mr. Stefano Tenorio Mr. Todd Kelly Mr. William Kinstle Mrs. Janet Shay

RENEWING HOMEOWNER LEADERS

Ms. Margaret Wangler, Esq.

CANYON SHORES CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION Ms. Sally Armitage Mr. Stacy Danfifer Mr. Dell Jones Mr. Andrew Mcleod Mrs. Caroline Rosenthal Mrs. Debra Sween

ESPLANADE

Mr. Aston Davis Mr. Michael Etheridge Mr. Richard Huettner Mr. Jack Keady Mr. Mark Prichard

GENERATIONS – INDIO Ms. Lisa Corton Mr. Michael Harlan

JESSE PANDO

Mr. Raymond Torres Mr. Scott Visyak

LA ROCCA CONDOMINIUM OWNERS ASSOCIATION Ms. Cimberly Castellon Mr. Kevin Corrigan Ms. Amy Eirew Mr. Steven Fain Ms. Mary Hafner Ms. Gail Halverson Ms. Renee Hillier Mr. Brian Jaffe Mr. David Slagle Ms. Marty Swiderski Mr. Michael Taber Ms. Patricia Werry Mr. Scott Werry

MONTAGE AT MISSION HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Mr. Norm Giere Mr. Thomas Harp Ms. Lesley Johnson Mr. Tony Michaelis Mr. Gary Roman

PALM DESERT GREENS HOA Ms. Louise Stettler

PARC LA QUINTA

Mr. Bruce G. Latta, CMCA

RANCH CLUB PALM ESTATES Mr. David L Scott

VINEYARDS COACHELLA OWNERS ASSOCIATION Mr. Keith Ranger Mr. John Schretlen

2024 HOA LIVING MAGAZINE COMMITTEE MEMBERS MEAGHAN GAFFNEY-HOWE, CMCA, AMS CHAIR The Gaffney Group, Inc.

ASHLEY LAYTON, PCAM, AMS, CMCA CO-CHAIR

Premier Community Association Management

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

JENNIFER JAMES, ESQ. CO-CHAIR HOA Legal Services

MIKE TRAIDMAN BOARD LIAISON

Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA

CHRISTOPHER BAIR

Securitas Security Services

FEATURES 10

Indian Ridge HOA

13

Is Your HOA a Best Practice Community?

34

Can Local Cities and Homeowners Associations Work Together

SIERRA CARR, CMCA, AMS, CCAM, PCAM

By CAI-CV Homeowner Leader Committee

By Bruce Latta, CMCA

Associa Desert Resort Management

GREG GRITTERS

By E.J. (Jay) Jarvis II

Vintage Landscape

UPCOMING EVENTS

GLENN A. MILLER, CGCS

22

Southwest Landscape & Maintenance, LLC

CAI-CV Educational BREAKFAST Program & Mini Trade Show

How to Utilize Your Financials, Budget & Reserve Study Friday, February 16, 2024, 8:00 AM

JAMIE PRICER

Coachella Valley Water District

JASON SAVLOV, ESQ.

PAST EVENT PHOTOS & SPONSORS

JOHN SCHUKNECHT

20

CAI-CV Educational Program & Mini Trade Show

26

CAI-CV Annual Awards Night – DISCO

Adams | Stirling, PLC LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance

STEVEN SHUEY, PCAM

Personalized Property Management (Ret.)

CHRIS SIGLER, B.S.C.E, CDT

C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc.

Combatting Apathy and Building Community Spirit in Your HOA Friday, January 19, 2024 Friday, January 26, 2024, Agua Caliente Casino & Spa

LORENA STERLING, CAFM

Community Association Financial Services

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER RODNEY BISSELL

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

Bissell Design Studios, Inc. rodney@bisselldesign.com (714) 293-3749

ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS OR ADVERTISING INFORMATION HOALiving@cai-cv.org SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

The Coachella Valley HOA Living Magazine is a publication expressly prepared for association leaders, managers and related business professionals of the Community Associations Institute. Members are encouraged to submit articles for publishing consideration. All articles accepted for publication in HOA Living are subject to editing and rewriting by the HOA Living Committee.

Congratulations to Mike Walker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, who is retiring after 32 years as general manager of PGA West! Congratulations also to Michael Hughes at Brown & Brown for earning his Certified Insurance and Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS) designation from CAI. And congratulations to Jeri Gail Wynn, who earned CAI’s Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA).

Let us know what you hear!

Email us what's new! Info@cai-cv.org CAI-CV.org

facebook.com/CAICV

@CAI-CV

5

E X P E R I E N C E • I N T E G R I T Y • V I S I O N

A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM IN THE FIELD OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LAW • Corporate Counsel • Assessment Collection & Recovery • Governing Document Interpretation & Enforcement • Document Restatement & Amendment • Civil Litigation • Architectural Compliance • Dispute Resolution • New Development Services • FHA Certification • Board Education

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CAI-CV CAI-CV

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EDUCATEDPARTNER BUSINESS PARTNER PARTNER

Choose Educated Business Partners

Julie R. Balbini, Esq., Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC Micha Ballesteros, Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Roxi K. Bardwell, Advanced Reserve Solutions, Inc. Rodney Bissell, Bissell Design Studios, Inc. Kimberly Burnett, DSI Security Services Gary Butler, Asphalt MD's Linda Cardoza, Alliance Association Bank Will Cartwright, Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Todd Chism, PatioShoppers Angel Christina, Delphi Law Group, LLP Lori Fahnestock, Powerful Pest Management Dea Franck, Esq., Epsten, APC Julie Frazier, Frazier Pest Control, Inc. Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC Michael Graves, SCT Reserve Consultants Amanda Gray, Harvest Landscape, Inc. Jennifer James, Esq., HOA Legal Services Erin Kelly, Pacific Western Bank Megan Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services Jared Knight, Vista Paint Corporation Katy Krupp, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Matt Lawton, CIC, CIRMS, Prendiville Insurance Agency Larry Layton, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services Alison LeBoeuf, Sherwin-Williams Mike Mastropietro, OCBS, Inc. Chris Meyer, Asphalt MD's Greg Morrow, Eagle Roofing Products Fran Mullahy, Conserve LandCare Bridget Nigh, BEHR Paints Matt Ober, Esq., Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP Chet Oshiro, EmpireWorks Mallory Paproth, SCT Reserve Consultants Elisa Perez, Esq., Epsten, APC Jay Powell, Ben's Asphalt Dana Pride, Automation Pride Mike Rey, Rey Insurance Services Kelly Richardson, Esq., Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP Brent Sherman, Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. Liz Williams, AMS Paving Taylor Winkle, Roof Asset Management Bevan Worsham, AMS Paving Jolen Zeroski, First Citizens Bank

Become an Educated Business Partner Call the CAI-CV office or go to www.cai-cv.org for more information.

6

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

2024 COACHELLA VALLEY CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT JULIE BALBINI, ESQ.

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

Managing Attorney, CV Office, Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC

PAST PRESIDENT CLINT ATHERTON, PCAM

DEPARTMENTS

CAI NATIONAL 9 A Place to Age (Order Now)

By Ellen Hirsch de Haan, Esq.

INSURANCE 15 Admitted vs. Non-admitted Carriers

By John Schuknecht, CMCA, AMS

General Manager, Sun City Palm Desert

PRESIDENT-ELECT ERIN KELLY

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

AVP, HOA Senior Manager Pacific Western Bank

SECRETARY BG (RET) GUIDO PORTANTE

Director, Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA

TREASURER JOLEN ZEROSKI, CMCA

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

VP, Regional Account Executive First Citizens Bank

DIRECTOR MARK DODGE, CMCA, AMS

Branch President & CEO Associa Desert Resort Management (DRM)

DIRECTOR BRUCE LATTA, CMCA

Manager, Indio Properties/President, Desert Cities HOA Council

DIRECTOR MICHELLE LOPEZ, CMCA, AMS

Director of Community Management, Powerstone Property Mgmt.

CAI-CV

EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER

DIRECTOR BRIDGET NIGH

Regional Account Manager, BEHR Paint Company

DIRECTOR LILY ORTEGA, CMCA

Office Manager, Pro Landscape

DIRECTOR MIKE TRAIDMAN

President, Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA Commissioner, CAMICB CONTACT US CAI Coachella Valley 49950 Jefferson Street, Suite 130-117 Indio, CA 92201 (760) 341-0559 | www.cai-cv.org

CAL LOCKETT

Executive Director clockett@cai-cv.org The materials contained in this publication are designed to provide our members with timely and authoritative information; however, the CAI Coachella Valley Chapter is not engaging in the rendering of legal, accounting or other professional types of services. The Coachella Valley Chapter has not verified and/or endorsed the contents of these articles or advertising.

Readers should not act on the information contained herein without seeking more specific professional advice from legal, accounting or other experts as required.

HOA LAW 16 Using Common Area Facilities for Private or Group Lessons

By Jacquelyn E. Quinn, Esq.

FINANCE 23 Understanding Your HOA’s Financial Statements

By Lorena Sterling, CAFM

MAINTENANCE 24 Regular Maintenance Checklists – Basic Items That Should Not Be Ignored!

By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., CDT

SECURITY 33 Valentine’s Day & Online Safety: Phishing Emails Are on the Rise

By Christopher Bair

WATER 37 Why You Should Go Native

By Coachella Valley Water District

CHAPTER NEWS

4 5 6 8 9 14 18

New & Renewing Members Have You Heard?

CAI-CV Educated Business Partners President’s Message Advertisers CAI-CV 2024 Calendar Meet the Board & Committee Chairs

19

Titanium Sponsor Spotlight

32 36

Get the CAI-CV APP Time Honored

38 38 40 40

Like & Follow Us On Facebook & Instagram Stop Bad Legislation Now with CLAC Buck-A-Door CAI-CV Upcoming Events CAI-CV Corporate Sponsors

CLAC LSC Chair, Leena Danpour, Esq.

By Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS C.L. Sigler & Associates

Laurie Poole, Esq., CCAL

By Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS

CAI-CV.org

facebook.com/CAICV

@CAI-CV

7

2024

President’s Message Julie Balbini, Esq. Managing Attorney, CV Office, Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC

Happy February! I hope that you will have time to enjoy our beautiful desert weather. For those of us who live here year-round, this time of year is our reward for putting up with the extra hot summers. February is also a great time to elevate your skills and brush up on best practices for the coming year. We have a plethora of exceptional programs scheduled that will help you do just that.

On Tuesday, February 6, HOA board members and community managers are invited to attend our HOA Board Workshop that will address board fiduciary duties with guest speakers, Kelly McGalliard, PCAM, from PGA West, and Mike Traidman, CAI-CV director, president of Desert Cities HOA Council, and CAMICB Commissioner. They will be talking about codes of conduct, dealing with disruptive residents, and the importance of boards acting as one voice for the community. This program will be held in person and via Zoom, and it is free. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and the program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. See the registration link on page 40.

CAI’s National Law Seminar will take place in Las Vegas from Wednesday, February 14 through Saturday, February 17. This annual program is designed primarily for attorneys and insurance practitioners to keep up to date on legislative, regulatory, and case law changes that impact the HOA industry. However, any CAI member may attend. There is a link to register for this event on page 40.

On Friday, February 16, CAI-CV will host the February Educational Breakfast Program and Mini Trade Show entitled “How to Maximize Your Financials, Budget, and Reserve Study.” The program will start with the trade show at 8:00 a.m. at Sun City Palm Desert, in their main ballroom. Our guest speakers are Steven Shuey, PCAM, recently retired from Personalized Property Management, and Mike Graves, RS, from SCT Reserve Consultants. The program will address financial reviews, reserve study analysis, and mastering and planning your budget. Please see more information on page 22 On Monday, February 26, we are hosting a series of programs for HOA managers and business partners. For managers, we are hosting CAI’s California Common Interest Development Law Course. This course satisfies the State requirements for legal education for managers. This all-day course will start at 8:00 a.m. and will be taught by Emily Long, Esq., from Epsten, APC. Then, at noon, we will host a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) test preparation class that will be taught by Steven Shuey, PCAM, for managers getting ready to take the CMCA exam. Also starting at noon will be CAI’s Educated Business Partner (EBP) Course where CAI-CV business members will earn their EBP distinction. EBPs are listed on the CAI national website and in CAI-CV’s magazine each month. All three meetings will take place at the RAP Foundation Conference Center in Palm Desert, and attendees are invited to share a networking lunch together, and following the education sessions, there will be a wine reception. See page 40 for more information.

On behalf of the CAI-CV Board of Directors, I want to thank the Awards Committee for an outstanding event on Friday, January 26, at Agua Caliente Resort & Casino in Rancho Mirage. The Committee, under the leadership of Chair Barbara Dugan (Premier Community Association Management), Kristin Berryhill-Hood (Associa Desert Resort Management), and Board Liaison Michelle Lopez (Powerstone Property Management) went above and beyond expectations to produce a perfect evening to thank and honor all the volunteers who make CAI-CV possible. Thank you to all our members who attended and to those who helped choose the awardees by participating in the nomination process and online voting. It was a fun Disco-themed party with dancing, great food, champagne, dozens of door prizes, silent auction, and two grand prizes. See photos and award winners on page 28.

Thank you to the Education Committee for an excellent lunch program called “Community Spirit & Homeowner Apathy” on Friday, January 19. Our guest speakers, Lori Albert, CAMEx, CCAM, CEO and President of Albert Management, and Clint Atherton, PCAM, LSM, General Manager of Sun City Palm Desert, did a fabulous job. Thank you both! See photos on page 20.

8

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Thank you also to the Homeowner Leaders Committee for a fantastic HOA Workshop with the City of Indian Wells on Saturday, January 20. It was an excellent program that included presentations from three of us from CAI-CV, and from the City of Indian Wells, the mayor, chief of police, and other department heads. Please see the article on page 34.

You can sign up for CAI-CV events and educational programs at: Community Calendar - CAICV. Also, you can use the links in the Monday Update (emailed to all members every Monday).

Please see page 40 for upcoming events and programs.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT 2............................ASSOCIA DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT

CONCRETE OVERLAY SYSTEMS 14...........................................................COOPER COATINGS INC.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 3............................................. C.L. SIGLER & ASSOCIATES INC.

LEGAL 6..........................................................DELPHI LAW GROUP, LLP 38........................................ FIORE RACOBS & POWERS, A PLC

PEST CONTROL 14........................................... POWERFUL PEST MANAGEMENT

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POOLS 39.................. GARDNER OUTDOOR AND POOL REMODELING

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9

Indian Ridge

By E.J. (Jay) Jarvis II

C

AI-CV has selected Palm Desert’s Indian Ridge Country Club as its seventh Medallion Community, joining Palm Valley, Sun City, Mira Vista at Mission Hills, Montage at Mission Hills, Victoria Falls, Desert Shores Resort, and Sunrise Country Club. Communities are selected based on their adherence to best practices for HOA communities as established by the Community Association Institute (CAI). Albert Management, through general manager Jeri L. Mupo, CMCA® AMS® PCAM®, manages the Indian Ridge community.

Originally developed in 1996, Indian Ridge is one of the Coachella Valley's premier gated country club communities, featuring 1,068 homes, 38 community pools, and a community dog park known as Rover's Ridge. Indian Ridge Country Club is also on site, featuring two Arnold Palmer signature golf courses, tennis facilities, pickleball

10

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

courts, a fitness center, a full-service day spa, its own pool complex, three restaurants, and a busy social calendar.

The club is unusual in that it is one of the few completely member-owned, member-operated country clubs in the Coachella Valley.

The community’s governance also has an unusual structure: It has two boards of directors that work together, each with different areas of responsibility, both assisted by Albert Management — the (HOA) association board which is

LEFT TO RIGHT Kirk Romero, Indian Ridge HOA Jim Loeb, Indian Ridge HOA Dan Newell, Indian Ridge HOA Sharon Severson, Indian Ridge HOA Steve Heiferman, Indian Ridge HOA Joel Mark, Indian Ridge HOA PRESIDENT Jeri Mupo, GM Doug Lindal, Indian Ridge PUD PRESIDENT Jan McDonald, Indian Ridge PUD Jim Stubbs, Indian Ridge PUD Michael Sacks, Indian Ridge PUD

more akin to a condominium’s board and one Planned Urban Development (PUD) which is more like a traditional homeowners’ association. The legalities are complex; “Fiddler on the Roof’s” Tevye would undoubtedly view the interlocking structures that apparently arose unintentionally at the community’s inception as one of those “problems that would cross a rabbi’s eyes.”

Yet, despite the nontraditional method of governance, the boards have succeeded in working together cooperatively to ensure that the community remains a highly desirable place to live.

The homes, landscaping, and common areas are all well-maintained, and the volunteer boards provide successful lines of communication in both directions with homeowners. Furthermore, according to a statement by PUD President Doug Lindal, “Our fiscal prudence continues to pay dividends as we stay well within our operations

“Thanks to the cooperation of the golf club, we hope to soon be able to irrigate the medians on Indian Ridge Drive with their non-potable water sources.”

CAI-CV.org

facebook.com/CAICV

@CAI-CV

11

budget and maintain reserves that have soared past the impressive 70% mark,” which is far above average for California homeowners’ associations.

The community is currently in the middle of an ambitious multi-year project to rejuvenate the common area landscaping. General Manager Jeri Mupo pointed out that the changes were nearing completion when the historic drought led to watering restrictions.

“Our focus has now shifted to replacing noncompliant grass where irrigation is prohibited,” she says. She adds, “Thanks to the cooperation of the golf club, we hope to soon be able to irrigate the medians on Indian Ridge Drive with their non-potable water sources.” Ms. Mupo expects the landscaping upgrades to be completed within the next two years.

12

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Simultaneously, the community is “working on re-plastering and repairing these community pool complexes as needed to ensure their longevity” and improving the security infrastructure.

Ms. Mupo says, “We have installed 35 new high-definition cameras at all three of our entry gates and added a second patrol car to monitor our neighborhood.”

CAI-CV will present the medallions to the PUD and HOA presidents at the February 16th CAI-CV Educational

Breakfast Program & Mini Trade Show.

Also, CAI-CV members may view a YOUTUBE video posted in 2016 that showcases Indian Ridge’s landscaping at https://w w w.youtube.com/ watch?v=o35l7W3Qtg0.

E.J. (Jay) Jarvis II is a retired community manager, Past President, Lafayette Village Homeowners Association, Past President and On-site manger Portola Palms Homeowners Association. His hobbies currently are flying, hiking and RVing. Jay can be reached at jayj92260@gmail.com.

CLICK OR SCAN HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROCHURE:

IS YOUR HOA A BEST PRACTICE COMMUNITY?

Do your HOA residents (and potential home buyers) recognize the value associated with living in your “best practice“ community?

CAI-CV’s Medallion Award Program provides an opportunity for CAI-CV member communities to be recognized for using CAI best practices.

BENEFITS TO YOUR HOA: • Helps to build positive community spirit.

• Helps preserve and enhance the highlevel character of your community.

JOIN THE RANKS OF COACHELLA VALLEY MEDALLION COMMUNITIES! • Desert Shores Resort, Indio • Indian Ridge, Palm Desert • Mira Vista at Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage • Montage at Mission Hills, Cathedral City • Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert • Sun City Palm Desert • Victoria Falls, Rancho Mirage

• Helps to protect and enhance property values in your community.

NEXT STEP:

• Helps the board and management exceed owners’ expectations.

Request an Application Click or Scan the QR Code

YOU WILL RECEIVE: • A professionally made outdoor Medallion Community logo sign that can be mounted to your gate or entrance.

• A professionally designed electronic logo that can be added to your website, business cards, and marketing materials.

• A cover-feature article in CAI-CV’s award-winning HOA Living Magazine

(Application includes a questionnaire designed to evaluate an HOA’s best practices in all operational areas. The application is reviewed by CAI-CV Homeowner Leaders who either award Medallion status or provide feedback on areas needing improvement. The first-time application fee for CAI-CV members is $300 with a 2-year renewal fee of $200. Contact CAI-CV (760) 341-0559 or email clockett@cai-cv.org for more information.)

CAI-CV.org

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@CAI-CV

13

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

CAI-CV 2024 CALENDAR JANUARY Monday 1 Friday 12 Monday 15 Friday 19 Saturday 20 Tuesday 23 Friday 26 FEBRUARY Tuesday 6 WE - SA 14-17 Friday 16 Monday 19 Tuesday 20 Monday 26 MARCH Tuesday 5 Saturday 9 Friday 15 Tuesday 19 Friday 22 APRIL Tu-Th 2-4 Tuesday 9 Friday 19 Tuesday 23 MAY Friday 3 WE - SA 8-11 Friday 17 Tuesday 21 Monday 27 JUNE Friday 7 Wednesday 19 Friday 21 Tuesday 25 JULY TH - FR 4-5 Friday 12 Tuesday 23 Friday 26 AUGUST Tuesday 20 Friday 23 SEPTEMBER Monday 2 Friday 20 Tuesday 24 OCTOBER Tuesday 8 Monday 14 Friday 18 Tuesday 22 Friday 25 NOVEMBER Friday 8 Friday 15 Tuesday 19 TH - FR 28-29 DECEMBER Friday 6 Friday 6 Tuesday 17 TU - WE 24-25 Tuesday 31 JANUARY 2025 Friday 31

New Year's Day Leadership Training, 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. MLK Day Lunch Program, 11:15 A.M. City of Indian Wells Board Workshop Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Annual Awards Event, 5:30 P.M.

Office Closed RAP Conference Center Office Closed Sun City Palm Desert Indian Wells VUE Grille Zoom Agua Caliente Casino & Spa

BMW, 8:30 A.M. CAI National Law Seminar Breakfast Program, 8:00 A.M. President's Day Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. CMCA Rev/CID Law/Ed BP, 9 A.M - 1 P.M.

Zoom Las Vegas Sun City Palm Desert Office Closed Zoom RAP Conference Center

Board Certificate Course, 9 A.M. - 4 P.M. City of Indio Board Workshop Lunch Program, 11:15 A.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Meet the Management Cos, 5:30 P.M.

Zoom or TBD Sun City Shadow Hills Clubhouse Sun City Palm Desert Zoom Classic Club

CLAC Legislative Days in Sacramento BMW, 8:30 A.M. Board Bootcamp Lunch Program, 11:15 A.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M.

Sacramento Zoom Sun City Palm Desert Zoom

Spring Golf Tournament, 7:30 A.M. CAI National Conference Lunch Program, 11:15 A.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Memorial Day

Sun City Palm Desert Las Vegas Sun City Palm Desert Zoom Office Closed

Annual Comedy Night, 5:30 P.M. Juneteenth Day Breakfast Program, TBD Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M.

Sun City Palm Desert Optional Holiday Sun City Palm Desert Zoom

Independence Day Annual Bowling Tournament, 5:30 P.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. CAMDAY, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Office Closed Palm Springs Lanes Zoom Sun City Palm Desert

Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Strategic Planning, 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Zoom (Optional) RAP Conference Center

Labor Day Lunch Program, 11:15 A.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M.

Office Closed Sun City Palm Desert Zoom

BMW, 8:30 A.M. Columbus Day Breakfast Program, TBD Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Oktoberfest

Zoom Office Closed Sun City Palm Desert Zoom Sunshine Landscape

Fall Golf Event, 1:30 P.M. Lunch Program - Leg. Update, 11:00 A.M. Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Thanksgiving

Shadow Mountain Golf Club Sun City Palm Desert Zoom Office Closed

Annual Wine & Spirit Tasting BMW/MOTR Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M. Christmas Holiday New Year's Eve

Shields Date Garden Shields Theater Zoom Office Closed Office Closed

Annual Awards Event, 5:30 P.M.

TBD

Admitted vs.

Non-admitted Carriers

By John Schuknecht, CMCA, AMS

A

question I get asked a lot as an insurance broker is, “What is the difference between an admitted carrier vs. a non-admitted carrier? What does it mean, and what are the differences?”

As the insurance industry continues to run course on the current rocky path, and our properties continue to age and more claims continue to be filed, many of our communities are starting to see the word/phrase “non-admitted” more often.

So, it is time to clarify…

ADMITTED: To summarize the best I can, admitted carriers are licensed by the state and are part of the California Insurance Guarantee Act. This act helps protect the insured. All admitted carriers pay into a pool. So, should a specific carrier go bankrupt and not have the ability to pay out on a claim, funds would still be available to assist the insured (up to $500,000).

The state oversees and has a hand in the operations of the admitted carriers, subjecting them to certain requirements, for example, including financial requirements, policy forms, and claims handling. The state also plays a part in rate approvals. All carriers must turn in their rates to the state asking for approval. This helps the state regulate insurance premiums and evens the playing field for the consumers/insureds. You may still see a significant difference in premium from one company to the next, but that is because the carrier requested those rates. In order to change their rates, they would need to submit a request to the state again. The purpose is so that the carrier applies their rates equally to all its customers. By doing so the carrier will be more or less in the same ballpark for all their customers.

NON-ADMITTED: Non-admitted carriers are not subject to the state requirements admitted carriers are (rate approvals) and do not participate in the Guarantee Act. The carriers still need to prove

their financial stability and have plenty of other requirements that need to be fulfilled but operating as a non-admitted carrier gives them a little more leeway with the premiums that they may charge. Non-admitted carriers are generally used for higher risk associations, a community with a lot of claims, or located in a brush zone (we see it a lot here locally with earthquake insurance). It is risky for the carrier to provide a certain amount of coverage for a rate that is locked in. They need flexibility in their premiums to offset increased risk and stay profitable.

DOES THIS MEAN ADMITTED CARRIERS ARE BETTER THAN NON-ADMITTED? No, not necessarily. Both admitted and non-admitted carriers are licensed to do business in the state. They just have different requirements that need to be met. If your association is with a non-admitted carrier or your agent/broker proposes coverage with a non-admitted carrier it is more important to focus on the financial strength and size of the insurance company. In fact, non-admitted carriers can be stronger financially than admitted carriers.

The moral of the story is this: Do not be afraid of the term “non-admitted.” Look at the financial strengths of the carrier rather than their status as admitted or non-admitted and if you are with a non-admitted carrier, it is important to understand why (claims, location, age, risk involved, etc.). There are several different rating companies used to evaluate insurance carriers. The most popular is A.M. Best. If you are curious about the financial strength of a company, ask your broker or agent or take a peek at A.M. Best’s website, web.ambest.com.

John Schuknecht CMCA, AMS is a former community manager who currently works as an Account Executive for LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance.

John can be reached at 657-207-4789 or JohnS@hoa-insurance.com

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Using Common Area Facilities for Private or Group Lessons

By Jacquelyn E. Quinn, Esq.

M

any associations have common area amenities and facilities available to their residents and their guests. Such amenities and facilities may include fitness centers, pools, tennis and other sport courts. From time to time, associations may receive a request from a resident to use a common area facility for private or group lessons with their personal instructors. While it might seem like a simple request and boards may be eager to allow such use of the common area facilities, associations should be aware of potential issues that can accompany such use. Whether a resident wishes to perfect their backstroke, backhand or back swat, below are a few issues to consider when deliberating on whether to allow a resident to use a common area facility for private lessons with a personal instructor:

1.

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Liability: Since the association typically operates, manages and controls the common area facilities, it is responsible for ensuring the facilities are properly maintained and safe for use. The association could be held liable for damage or injury to an instructor or participant during a private lesson caused by missed repairs or poor maintenance of the facilities. While similar concerns may arise when a resident chooses to use the common area facilities without an instructor, boards should consult their association’s legal counsel prior to allowing common area facilities to be used for private lessons.

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

"Consult with the association’s qualified insurance expert on the risks and insurance implications of allowing private instruction in common area facilities."

2.

Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): Generally, an association’s common areas are not subject to the ADA unless they are open to the general public. Allowing nonresidents to take group lessons at the association’s common area facilities may open the association to an argument that the facilities are “public accommodations” subject to the ADA. If the facilities are deemed to be subject to the ADA, an association could be required to make costly modifications to the facilities in order to comply with ADA requirements and an association could open itself to claims it violated the ADA.

3.

Insurance & Licensing: Consult with the association’s qualified insurance expert on the risks and insurance implications of allowing private instruction in common area facilities. Does the association have adequate coverage in the event of any incidents? Will permitting this type of use of the common area facilities be considered a commercial use and affect the association’s coverage? Also, consider requiring any instructor to provide proof of any necessary licensing or certification and adequate liability insurance coverage and requiring the association and management be named as an additional insured on the instructor’s policies.

4.

Waivers/Releases: Consider requiring instructors and participants to sign agreements releasing the association, its directors, officers, management, etc. from liability arising from any injury that may occur in a common area facility during private lessons. If minors are receiving the lessons, a special waiver signed by a parent or guardian may also be necessary. Associations might also consider requiring an instructor to indemnify the association and board against any claims or lawsuits filed against them resulting from use of the common area facilities. While these types of agreements may not provide complete protection for associations in all situations, they may be better than nothing if the association allows certain private lessons.

5.

Register/Rules: The right to use common area facilities is generally subject to reasonable rules and regulations adopted by the board.

Boards may consider adopting reasonable rules and regulations regarding private lessons at common area facilities. Such rules might include requiring the insurance coverage and waivers discussed above, prohibiting instructors from using association facilities without a resident sponsor, requiring all participants be residents of the community, requiring reservations, and clarifying that private lessons may not hinder other residents and their guests from using the facilities at any time. Adopting reasonable rules pertaining to the use of common area facilities for private lessons gives a board something to enforce in the event a resident or resident’s instructor fails to comply.

"Adopting reasonable rules pertaining to the use of common area facilities for private lessons gives a board something to enforce in the event a resident or resident’s instructor fails to comply."

In light of the potential for liability and other serious considerations discussed above, a board may find it prudent to simply prohibit owners from using the community’s common area facilities for certain private or group lessons.

However, the decision is ultimately up to the board. We advise you to reach out to legal counsel for assistance. For more information regarding this article, please contact the authoring attorney at jquinn@epsten.com.

ABOUT JACQUELYN E. QUINN, ESQ.

Jackie Quinn is a Senior Attorney at Epsten, APC’s transactional practice group. Her practice focuses on the representation of community associations and commercial CIDs including, contract drafting, dispute resolution, and drafting and amending governing documents. Prior to Epsten, Jackie’s practice focused on complex civil litigation with an emphasis in consumer protection and employment matters.

ABOUT EPSTEN, APC

Epsten, APC, and its attorneys are dedicated to the practice and study of laws and regulations related to California community associations and common interest developments. As a local Southern California law firm with offices in San Diego, Temecula, and Indian Wells, Epsten, APC is proud to be a recognized leader in community association law and construction law since 1986.

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17

MEE T THE BOARD AND COMMIT TEE CHAIRS CLAC LSC Chair Leena Danpour, Esq.

By Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS

T

his article is part of a series featuring CAI-CV Board members and committee chairs. This month, we are featuring Leena Danpour, who serves as Chair of the CLAC-LSC Committee (California Legislative Action Committee and Legislative Support Committee). An attorney with SwedelsonGottlieb, Leena represents and provides legal advice to HOAs throughout California. This includes corporate governance guidance to boards of directors who serve HOAs. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leena worked in her family’s commercial real estate business while growing up by assisting with the negotiation of commercial real estate transactions. She began practicing law immediately following her admission to the California Bar, in the field of civil litigation defense.

A 2020 Loyola Law School graduate with an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California, Leena worked as a clerk for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office during law school, where she would review and revise contracts with Los Angeles World Airports (LAX) and related contractors.

She also has experience working as a White House Intern in Washington, D.C., in the Office of Public Liaison. There, Leena coordinated and participated in events regarding economic strategy, taxes, and healthcare. To date, Leena considers entering her current practice area - representing homeowners associations and joining a preeminent law firm in this field - as her greatest professional

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

"TO DATE, LEENA CONSIDERS ENTERING INTO HER CURRENT PRACTICE AREA - REPRESENTING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS AND JOINING A PREEMINENT LAW FIRM IN THIS FIELD - AS HER GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT." achievement.

With a management style that “involves clear communication, strategic and collaborative thinking, and the ability to prioritize tasks,” Leena says that her greatest strength is her “ability to connect with clients, fully understand the client’s needs, and translate that into a legal contract, an association policy/rule, or other sound legal advice in a clear and concise manner.”

Passionate about professional growth, the satisfaction of helping clients, and the rewarding feeling once an issue has been successfully resolved, Leena is highly motivated to solve complex

legal issues, for example the effect of new California laws and their impact on community associations. Her background in public affairs was the driving force behind Leena’s becoming active on the Committee. “I wanted to utilize my skill to review bills and national initiatives that concern homeowner associations and fundraise for advocacy in Sacramento.”

Leena feels that the CAI-CV Chapter does well advocating legislation that will help common interest developments, and educating people of the legislation that may have a negative effect. She would like to see more recruitment and fundraising by the Chapter. Leena’s number one goal during her tenure on the Committee is to “reach our fundraising goal so the Chapter has the money to pay the professionals who have the experience to advocate for our association members and clients.”

A newlywed who married in July 2023 (congratulations!), Leena’s hobbies include tennis, backgammon, and swimming. She is passionate about chairing the CAI-CV LSC and looks forward to meeting other committee chairs and members who support our Chapter.

Leena, thank you for your service to CAI-CV and for your dedication to the CID industry!

Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS is a community manager and Vice President of The Gaffney Group, Inc. Meaghan can be reached at meaghan@thegaffneygroup.net.

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Our reputation for helping Professional Community Managers and HOA clients is unmatched in the SF Bay Area and we have become the “go-to” Construction Consultants in that market. We opened our Palm Desert office in late 2019 and now, in our fourth year, we have formed a network of business partnerships throughout the Valley. We do our level best to expose our clients to concepts such as “good, better, best” – where best practices are always our aim.

Chris is a Civil Engineer and has been writing articles for CAI-CV’s “HOA Living” Magazine over the past three years as the head of the Maintenance and Reconstruction department in the magazine. He is dedicated to educating our chapter members. The CL Sigler team was chosen to participate in the making of an educational mini documentary (5 minutes long) for “The Viewpoint Project” with Dennis Quaid, which will air both regionally here in the west, but also nationally on PBS. The piece is educational about Next-gen forensics and the use of Construction Consulting in Common Interest Developments. It addresses the challenges that our industry faces in keeping up the reserves to prepare for the inevitable – repairs and maintenance projects, using best practices with independent professional oversight.

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Thank you to C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc for their generous support of CAI-CV! CAI-CV.org

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CA I - CV E D U CATION A L PROG R A M & M IN I TR A DE S HOW FR IDAY, JA N UA RY 19, 20 24 S UN CI T Y PAL M DES ER T

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

CA I - CV E D U CATION A L PROG R A M & M IN I TR A DE S HOW FR IDAY, JA N UA RY 19, 2024 S UN CI T Y PAL M DES ER T

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Understanding Your HOA’s Financial Statements

By Lorena Sterling, CAFM (Part 1 of a 3-part series)

T

he HOA board has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of the association and the membership. On a monthly basis the board must review their association’s records. In the event the board does not meet monthly, a ratification may be made at the next board meeting approving the financial statements. Davis Sterling outlines the specific records to be reviewed monthly are: Reconciled operating and reserve accounts, bank statements, check registers, and income and expense statements that include both operating and reserve accounts revenues and expenses compared to the current year’s budget.

UNDERSTANDING THE BALANCE SHEET AND ITS TERMS Assets – The funds that are in bank accounts and investments. These consist of the operating and reserve accounts including any investments such as certificate of deposits, petty cash, Assessments Receivables (dues/assessments owed to the association), Fixed Assets (property owned by the association), and Prepaid Expenses (payments for future periods mostly insurance premiums).

Liabilities – The funds that the association owes.

Accounts payable (expenses that have yet to be paid), Prepaid

assessments (dues/assessments that have been paid in advance of its billing period), Income Tax payable, insurance claim payable, or security deposits.

Fund Balances – Equity and retained earnings is a concept that represents the monetary value of the association. This may be represented as retained earnings or current year income/loss.

Restricted/Replacement Funds – A breakdown of the associations reserve components, this value should match the reserve account balance.

Unrestricted/Operating Funds – An accumulation of earnings/losses from the current and prior years while the association has been in operation.

The balance sheet should be a guide to the financial statements to follow. Each statement thereafter should represent the figures within the balance sheet. If you have questions regarding the association's assets, liabilities, or equity, utilize the board meetings to address them and a revision may be requested at that time prior to their approval.

Lorena Sterling, CAFM is the Controller at Community Association Financial Services (CAFS). Lorena can be reached at lorena@cafshoa.com

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23

Regular Maintenance Checklists - Basic Items That Should Not Be Ignored!

Using Best Practices and Available Resources to Better Serve Our Associations

By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., CDT

M

aintenance is not an exciting topic, but it can save associations loads of money, and certainly a lot of time and aggravation. Every association has different needs, but all of them need to develop a “key components” list of items that should be tended to on a regular, semi-regular, or annual basis. By simply gaining a “rhythm” of certain maintenance tasks and sticking to it, a great deal of unexpected costs and frustration can be avoided. Trite as it may sound, a well-maintained and well-kept association is a good thing for residents, boards, community managers and enhances the community. It has a positive impact on property values.

When budgeting and working with your Reserve Analyst, keep in mind that setting aside money for key components will extend the useful life of many of your key components. The purpose of this article is to identify just a few of these types of items that are common to many of our associations, to “keep it simple.” By following a few of these simple concepts, you will do your

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

association a world of good.

Preventative maintenance is best; corrective maintenance is important and should also be attended to, in order of urgency and importance, with safety as the most important thing to keep in mind. Without doing these things, deferred maintenance will be necessary, which will usually be more costly to perform.

THE MOST COMMON COMPONENTS – REGULAR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE The following components exist at most, if not all, of our associations. Regular maintenance, at a minimum, can be defined as annual or semi-annual in frequency, and should be commonly addressed without fail.

Common Area Lighting: Inspect and make sure that lighting is operable, to keep residents and their visitors safe.

Roof Gutters: Have these inspected for debris and have them cleaned and cleared for proper water flow before every rainy season.

Roof Drains and/or Downspouts: Have these inspected also, to make sure that water drains properly and is directed to underground plumbing/pipes and away from the building foundations.

Roof Tiles or Shingles: Check for broken tiles or loose/missing shingles and replace/cover as needed.

Entry and Exit Gates: Lubricate gate and door hardware or any other moving parts to prevent wear and tear and ensure proper operation for safety.

Clubhouse: Since groups of residents and their visitors and families will be visiting and using these facilities, ensure that bathrooms, lighting, plumbing, doors and locking mechanisms and other common facilities are working and in good order, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Common Area Electrical: For all common-area electrical at pools, BBQ areas and other common areas, check groundfault circuit interrupter (GFCI) breakers or any other life-safety components for proper function.

"THE GOAL, OF COURSE, IS TO AVOID DEFERRED MAINTENANCE, WHICH CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE THE MORE DEFERRED THEY BECOME."

Community Grounds: Perform routine inspections for tripping hazards, debris, or unsafe trees or tree branches to keep pathways and roads clear of hazards, including areas of excessive ponding.

Tree trimming/palm tree maintenance should be dealt with as recommended by your landscape maintenance contractor and/or arborist.

Corrective maintenance, when needed, is important to identify and attend to in any association. Examples of areas where corrective maintenance would be important to tend to could be things such as these, which are commonly in need of correction: • Surging concrete and asphalt where trip hazards are observed • Leaks, where identified, reported or found at roofs or deck areas • Structural deficiencies such as foundation or building cracks or damages • Remediation of hazardous materials such as mold, asbestos and/or lead

download: Using the tools and professional consultants that are available to us makes us all better professionals who are better equipped to serve our associations.

• Termite or pest infestations • Heating and ventilation deficiencies • Elevator or boiler problems that are reported The goal, of course, is to avoid deferred maintenance, which can become expensive the more deferred they become. Your reserve report should draw your attention to areas where the end of the useful life of any component or system may be approaching. Do not avoid these events, as they will become more expensive to replace or repair with time.

Some of the material concepts of this article were provided by following the recommendations provided within CAI’s Foundation for Community Association Research’s publication entitled “Best Practices – Community Association Maintenance.” This publication was published in 2023 and is a valuable tool for guidance toward maintaining your associations, building maintenance programs, and provides various other valuable tools for your use. It can be found at the following link for a free

Chris Sigler is the President and Owner of C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc., a Construction Management and Consulting firm that has exclusively served the HOA industry for 22 years. He is a Civil Engineer by trade with more than 30 years of Engineering and Construction experience and is actively involved in SB326 inspections throughout the Coachella Valley. Chris is certified with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) as a Construction Documents Technologist. Located in Palm Desert, his firm serves the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, while serving the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California from their San Jose Corporate office.

Chris Sigler, C.L. Sigler & Associates Palm Desert Office: 760-469-3048 Cell 408-210-8003 chris@siglercm.com www.siglercm.com

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2023 ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS AWARDS COMMITTEE Sammy Ahmad, Patrol Masters BOWLING COMMITTEE Cassie Gertz, PCAM, The Management Trust BUSINESS PARTNER COMMITTEE (TIE) Jolen Zeroski, CMCA, CIT Bank Cami Stavski, Vantage Point Construction CLAC LSC COMMITTEE Leena Danpour, Esq., Swedelson Gottlieb EDUCATION COMMITTEE Mallory Paproth, SCT Reserve Consultants GOLF COMMITTEE (TIE) Rhonda Drews, PCAM, Premier Community Association Michael Marshal, PCAM, FirstService Residential Management HOA LIVING MAGAZINE COMMITTEE (TIE) Jason Savlov, Esq., Adams Stirling Christopher Bair, Securitas Security Service HOMEOWNER LEADER COMMITTEE Tony Michaelis, Montage at Mission Hills HOA OKTOBERFEST COMMITTEE Tera Willis, Vintage Group

Maria Angel, Diversified WaterScapes 2023 CAI-CV RISING STAR AWARD FOR MANAGER The nominees are: Amber Andaya Jenny Covert Barbara Dugan Meaghan Gaffney-Howe Ashley Herrera

THE WINNER FOR 2023 RISING STAR FOR MANAGER IS: Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS, from The Gaffney Group 2023 CAI-CV RISING STAR AWARD FOR HOMEOWNER LEADER The nominees are: Steven Friscia, Victoria Falls HOA Tony Michaelis, Montage at Mission Hills HOA

THE WINNER FOR 2023 RISING STAR FOR HOMEOWNER LEADER IS: Tony Michaelis, Montage at Mission Hills HOA 2023 CAI-CV RISING STAR AWARD FOR BUSINESS PARTNER

PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS COMMITTEE Steven Shuey, PCAM

The nominees are:

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE Sierra Carr, PCAM, Associa Desert Resort Management

Fran Mullahy, Conserve LandCare

PROGRAMS COMMITTEE Kelly McGalliard, PCAM, PGA West Residential Association

THE WINNER FOR 2023 RISING STAR FOR BUSINESS PARTNER IS:

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE (TIE) Jayme Fakehany, CMCA, AMS, Associa Desert Resort Management

2023 HUMANITARIAN AWARD The nominees are:

Cami Staviski, Vantage Point Construction WEB & TECH COMMITTEE Meranda Valencia, Associa Desert Resort Management

28

WINE TASTING COMMITTEE (TIE) Fran Mullahy, Conserve LandCare

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Roxanne Ramirez, Dunn Edwards

Ivan Castillo, Ivan's Painting

Ivan Castillo, Ivan’s Painting

Ashley Herrera, Powerstone Property Management Michelle Lopez, Powerstone Property Management Curtis Lopez-Galloway, Manhattan Pacific Management Santiago Servin, EmpireWorks

THE 2023 WINNER OF THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD IS:

THE 2023 HOA LIVING AUTHOR OF THE YEAR WINNER IS:

Michell Lopez, Powerstone Property Management

Ashley Layton, PCAM, Premier Community Association Management

2023 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OF THE YEAR AWARD The nominees are:

THE 2023 LEGACY AWARD The nominees are:

Earthquake & Disaster Preparedness for HOA’s Lunch Program – March 24, 2023

Rhonda Drews, Premier Community Association Management

HOA Rules & Regulations Board Member Workshop – May 2, 2023

Trish Forte, manager of Monterey Country Club – an Albert Management community.

HOA Association Governing Documents Manager on the Run Educational Program – May 25, 2023

Gloria Kirkwood, recently retired, after many years as the GM for Palm Valley HOA, working for Associa Desert Resort Management

Litigation Horror Stories Breakfast Program – June 16, 2023 HOA Maintenance – Developing & Utilizing Maintenance Programs Board Member Workshop – July 11, 2023 CAMDAY – Interactive Day of Learning Educational Program – July 28, 2023 HOA Insurance Best Practices Board Member Workshop – October 3, 2023 Legislative Update Lunch Program – November 10, 2023 Ask the Attorney – December 1, 2023

THE 2023 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OF THE YEAR WINNER IS: Legislative Update – Julie Balbini, Esquire, (Fiore Racobs & Powers) and Christina Baine DeJardin, Esquire, (Delphi Law Group) presenters.

2023 HOA LIVING MAGAZINE AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARD The nominees are: Meaghan Gaffney–Howe, CMCA, AMS from The Gaffney Group for various Welcome Aboard articles Ashley Layton, PCAM, Premier Community Association Management for various community Spotlight/Cover articles Brigadier General (Retired) Guido Portante from Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA for “Community Association Leadership - Parts I & II” Jason Savlov, Esquire from Adams Stirling, PLC for “What Associations Should Know Before Filing a Lawsuit”

Kelly McGalliard, manager of PGA West Steven Shuey, recently retired as a consultant for Personalized Property Management

THE 2023 LEGACY AWARD WINNER IS: Rhonda Drews, PCAM, Premier Community Association Management COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARD The nominees are: Ramon Estados HOA Sun City Palm Desert Victoria Falls HOA

THE WINNER FOR THE 2023 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR AWARD IS: Sun City Palm Desert – General Manager, Clint Atherton, PCAM, LSM 2023 VOLUNTEER MANGER OF THE YEAR AWARD The nominees are: Rhonda Drews, Premier Community Association Management Jayme Fakehany, Associa Desert Resort Management Ashley Layton, Premier Community Association Management Tera Willis, The Vintage Group

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THE WINNER FOR 2023 MANAGER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR IS: Jayme Fakehany, CMCA, AMS, Associa Desert Resort Management 2023 VOLUNTEER HOMEOWNER LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Maria Angel Sharron Badham, CCAM Briah Castillo Lori Fahnestock

The nominees are:

Jayme Fakehany, CMCA, AMS

Bruce Latta, Indio Properties and Parc La Quinta HOA

Mark Guithues, Esq.

Tony Michaelis, Montage at Mission Hills

Tatiana Jae

THE WINNER FOR 2023 HOMEOWNER LEADER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR IS:

Linda Johnson

Bruce Latta, CMCA, Indio Properties

Fran Mullahy

2023 VOLUNTEER BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mike Traidman

Blair Loubet

The nominees are:

AWARDS NIGHT – DISCO PARTY

Julie Balbini, Esq., Fiore Racobs and Powers

CONGRATULATIONS AWARDS COMMITTEE

Matt Lawton, CIC, CIRMS, OCV Insurance Services Emily Long, Esq., Epsten, APC Cami Staviski, Vantage Point Construction

THE WINNER FOR THE 2023 BUSINESS PARTNER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR IS: Julie Balbini, Esq., Fiore Racobs & Powers A PLC

2023 EDUCATIONAL EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD CAMDAY

Chair, Barbara Dugan, CMCA, AMS Co-Chair, Kristin Berryhill-Hood, CMCA Board Liaison, Michelle Lopez, CMCA, AMS Sammy Ahmad Ivan Castillo Johnny Contreras Pete Costello Rhonda Drews, PCAM Santiago Servin

Chair, Rhonda Drews, PCAM

2023 CAI-CV PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Alison LeBoeuf

CONGRATULATIONS SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE

Emily Long, Esq. Mallory Paproth

Chair, Jennifer James, Esquire, Jennifer James Law

Holly Smith, PCAM

Co-Chair, Sierra Carr, PCAM, Associa Desert Resort Management

2023 NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD (TIE)

Board Liaison, Julie Balbini, Esq., Fiore Racobs & Powers A PLC

Sips & Shots Wine and Tequila Tasting

Curtis Lopez-Galloway, Manhattan Pacific Management

CONGRATULATIONS WINE COMMITTEE Chair, Louise Stettler

Reema Hawarthe, RealManage

Co-Chair, Gloria Kirkwood, PCAM

30

Board Liaison, Jolen Zeroski, CMCA

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

RECRUITER OF THE YEAR AWARD Sam Rodriguez, PCAM, Associa Desert Resort Management

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EASY ACCESS TO EVENT PHOTOS AND SPONSORS

GET THE APP 32

Go to your smartphone app store an Download the CAI-CV app today!

IT’S FREE! CAI Coachella Valley.

Look for the Go to your app store type Questio in logo andsmartphone download theand app.

CAI Coachella Valley. Look for the CAI-CV Call thedownload CAI-CV office at (760) 341-0 logo and the app.

Questions?

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Call the CAI-CV office at (760) 341-0559.

Valentine’s Day & Online Safety: Phishing Emails are on the Rise

By Christopher Bair

V

alentine's Day, a season of love and romance, also marks a heightened risk of falling victim to cybercriminals employing well-planned phishing email and texting campaigns. With the approach of this romantic occasion, it becomes crucial to safeguard your credentials, identity, and money from malicious activities. Here are updated ways to protect yourself from these scams.

HERE ARE ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO PHISHING ATTACKS:

1.

Verify the Source: Always ensure you are ordering from an authentic online source. Refrain from clicking on promotional links in emails or texts; instead, search for the official company link through search engines.

2.

Using Unique and Strong Passwords: This cannot be stressed enough. Avoid the dangerous habit of reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Create unique and robust passwords for each account, incorporating a combination of upper/lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager/generator for enhanced security. It is also recommended that you change your passwords annually.

3.

Exercising Caution with 'Password Reset' Requests: If you receive an unsolicited 'password reset' email or text, refrain from clicking on embedded links. Instead, visit the official website directly, log in to your account, and change your password if necessary.

4.

Beware of Lookalike Domains: Exercise caution regarding lookalike website domains and spelling errors in texts and emails. Cybercriminals often employ these tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

PHISHING ATTACKS: In recent years, the lead-up to Valentine's Day witnesses a surge in malicious phishing email campaigns, with an alarming estimation of over 400 maliciously-themed phishing emails detected weekly.

Cybercriminals capitalize on people's inclination to purchase gifts online for their loved ones by tricking them with fake shopping websites, offering products at unrealistically reduced prices.

To avoid falling prey to such scams, it is advised to verify the legitimacy of offers received via email or text by checking the official company site. Hovering over hyperlinks in emails can reveal their destination, serving as a clear indicator of authenticity.

Phishing attacks, commonly executed through email, are now increasingly prevalent in text messages, posing risks of password and credential theft. These attacks can lead to severe consequences such as data loss, identity theft, and unauthorized money transfers.

Vigilance is essential to combat these texting scams. If you encounter a suspicious text, promptly report it as junk, delete it, and block the sender's number.

In the realm of online safety, awareness and vigilance remain paramount. As Valentine's Day approaches, stay proactive in protecting yourself from phishing attempts to ensure a secure and joyful celebration of love. Have a safe & happy Valentine’s Day! Christopher Bair is the Business Development Manager at Securitas Security Services in Palm Desert. He can be reached at: (760) 779-0728 or by email at Christopher.

Bair@Securitasinc.com.

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Can Local Cities and Homeowners Associations Work Together?

By Bruce Latta, CMCA

C

an local cities and homeowners associations work Management), and CAI-CV Executive Director, Cal Lockett. together? Fortunately, the answer is yes! Four years It was a great meeting, and the mayor has asked to repeat it ago, the city of Palm Desert came to Community again next year. A meeting with the city of Palm Desert is Association Institute- Coachella Valley Chapter (CAI-CV), being considered. seeking our help with responding to residents who live in HOAs, Teaming up with local municipalities makes sense for CAI. but don’t understand where the city’s and HOA’s jurisdictions Here are some reasons why these meetings are working. start and end. City officials were frustrated by the number of issues that were brought to them outside of their jurisdiction, CAI-CV INPUT and worried about the number of residents who were turned CAI-CV has the knowledge and expertise to help bridge away without answers. To help share the scope of the problem, the gap between city and HOA jurisdictions. Our resources Palm Desert estimated that 80 percent of their residents live include CAI best practices and input from HOA attorney in HOAs. CAI-CV agreed to help find a solution. An ad-hoc members, who provide clear reasoning to back up HOA best committee was formed to work within the Homeowner Leader practices. As city officials and residents learn more about Committee, where they spent weeks developing a beautiful why HOAs operate the way they do, conflicts and misunderbrochure, called HOA Living. CAI National got involved and standings disappear. gave their approval on the final brochure. Scan the QR code CAI-CV is the leading source of education, advocacy, and for a copy: professional credentialing for HOAs in the Coachella Valley.

The brochure was designed for the city and local CAI-CV is one of 64 CAI chapters in the U.S. realtors to use to help educate new HOA home buyers. and abroad with more than 50,000 The brochure is still available on the city’s website, members worldwide. and, of course, on the CAI-CV website. Soon after the HOAs brochure was launched, CAI-CV produced similar brochures for other cities and eventually produced a Coachella Valley-wide version.

Last year, the city of Indio requested similar help with their HOAs, and we responded with the brochure, and the idea of holding a combined meeting with CAI-CV experts, and city officials to help educate HOA residents. The meeting was held on a Saturday morning at Sun City Shadow Hills, and HOA residents, managers and board members were invited. It was a success! A second such meeting is planned LEAR HOM N MO for March of this year.

EOW RE A NERS B ASSO OUT LIVI A similar meeting took place on January COM NG I CIAT MON NA ION INTE 20th this year with the city of Indian Wells.

(HOA REST ) OR O DEVE The mayor, chief of police, city manager, THER LOPM W ha ENT t are m chief code enforcement officer, and other home y owne responsib r or r ilities officials presented, along with CAI-CV ente How as a r in a do I n HO g e t a co President, Julie Balbini, Esq. (Fiore A? py of the r Who ules?

Racobs & Powers, A PLC), Mark Dodge, gove rn s w Who hat? do I call w CMCA, AMS (Associa Desert Resort he

HOA

LIV

n I ne

34

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

ING

ed h elp?

LIVING IN

AN HOA OR

COMMON INTEREST DEVELOPM ENT

If you live in a homeow ners associat of housing ion (HOA), today. Mor you are in e tha n 70 mil number is good compan lion Americ expected to y. HOAs are ans reside continue to the fastest in over 344 grow expone Accord ing growing form ,500 homeow ntia lly. to Public Opi ners associat nion Strategi experience ions and tha es, more tha as positive t . n How 90 percent brochu re will ever, living of residents in an HOA provide you who requ with basic live in HOAs how the y fun ires a certain information rate thei r ove ction. On level of und abo the rall We have also ut HOA s, incl erstand ing back cover, by residen there is spa udi ng thei provided con ts. r ce pur Thi for you to fill tact number s pose, what s for key Coa they govern in you r com and chella Vall mu nity ’s imp ey serv ices orta nt con . tact s.

are the fastest growing form of housing in the world today. Through HOAs, homeowners can share common areas such as pools, roads, recreational facilities and other resources. CAI is a trusted resource because CAI members include homeowners, homeowner associations, HOA board members, community managers, community management companies, and business partners and experts who provide services to HOAs. The Coachella Valley chapter of CAI has more than 1,500 members and affiliates, representing hundreds of local communities. CAI welcomes members and potential members to browse our website, attend our educational events, and to contact CAI-CV at (760) 341-0559 when they need assistance. © Commun ity Associati All Rights ons Institute Reserved.

Content sour (CAI). ces listed

on the back

.

HOA INPUT Homeowners associations are normally independent nonprofit corporations governed by their own articles of incorporation, bylaws, covenants, and conditions (CC&R’s), and their own rules and regulations developed by the association and approved by the homeowners. Homeowners associations have the authority to conduct the day-to-day business of the association, which can cover items such as maintaining common areas, overseeing governing documents, and outlining roles and responsibilities. HOAs have a responsibility to make financial decisions, collect assessments, communicate regularly with residents, hold meetings, and manage community volunteerism. HOAs are responsible for maintaining the community in a way that preserves and enhances property values.

CITY GOVERNMENTS City governments typically do not get involved in the dayto-day business of a homeowners association, however, there are many local laws and regulations that impact HOAs. City governments generally provide zoning ordinances and landuse regulations that impact the development and operations of a homeowner association. After a community is built, local government has authority over code enforcement for building, landscaping, and other changes that homeowners or the association might undertake. HOA common areas and shared facilities within an HOA may be subject to city inspections and compliance with safety and building codes, and, of course, HOAs are still subject to property taxes levied by the city or county government.

HOA/CITY WORKSHOPS The workshops can be a valuable forum for fostering collaboration, addressing common concerns, and promoting

ABOUT CO

MMUNITY

ASSOCIAT In Cal ifor nia, IONS plan ned dev elopments, cooperativ es and oth condom iniu er plan ned m project s, com mon inte com mu niti rest develop es are all call ments or CID HOAs bec ed ause most s. You kno CID w them as s are ma nag associat ion.

CIDs are form ed by a hom eow ners ed any tim proper ty or e homeow ners assets in com sha mon cou rts, golf re real like roads, cou rses and pools, parks, cou ntry club of the U.S. tenn is populat ion s. Twentyfive percen already live is expecte t in CIDs and d to double that number in the nex there are cur t ten yea rs. rently 50,0 In Cal ifor 00 associat exceed ing nia, ions with pro $700 bill ion. per ty valu The percen idents who es t of Coache reside in a lla Valley resCID far exc Pal m Desert eeds the nat alone esti iona l average mates 80 per live in a CID . cent of the . ir residents

PRIMARY CIDs sha re

PURPOSE

OF CIDS

a few essentia l goa ls: • Preserv ing the nat ure and cha ract • Providi ng er of the com serv ices and mu nity amenities • Protect ing to residents proper ty valu es • Meeting the establis hed expecta tions of own There are man ers. y benefit s to of ameniti living in a es and serv CID. CIDs offer a ran ices to thei were once ge r residents. the exclusiv Some serv e province transfer or ices of loca l mun privatizatio icipalities. n of serv ices and many This has become mu nicipali com monplac ties now enc CIDs for this e ourage dev pur pose. Bui elopers to whi le the com lder form mu nity is bein s put the associat ion of constructio in place g bui lt. Dur n and sales, ing the earl bui lders man the CID, but y stages eventual ly age these serv the obligati ices and on falls to the There are homeow ners other benefit . s to com mu tha n providi nity associat ng serv ices ions other . CIDs also protect ion extend som aga inst neig e deg ree of hborhood ration— cars deg radatio on cinder n and dete blocks, dila that are not riopidated hom mai nta ined es or yard . This require com mun ity s standards s creating and enforcin reasonable rules. g equ itable and consiste nt

COMMON

2

3

CHARACTER

ISTICS

OF ASSOC Regard less IATIONS of the typ e of associat three cha ract ion you live eristics of in, there are all com mon interest dev • Homeow elopments: ners sha re ownersh ip and ameniti of com mon land es such as swi mm ing • Homeow pools. ners automat ical ly become com mu nity a member associat ion of a with all oth and, as suc er homeow h, must abid ners e by associat • Homeow ion rules. ners pay an assessment is used to mai (often mon nta in the com thly) that serv ices suc mon areas or pro h as profess vide iona l man agement.

All Rights

© Commun ity Asso Reserved.

Content sourciations Institute (CAI ). ces listed on the back .

effective communication. Topics or items of discussion in a workshop can vary depending on the specific needs and priorities of the community. Below are general areas that have come up in the two completed workshops.

• The workshops provide a forum for city officials to review and discuss compliance for local zoning ordinances, land-use regulations, and other relevant city policies that impact both the city and HOA’s.

• The workshops provide a sure way for effective firsthand communications between city officials, city council members, and HOA residents and board members.

• The workshops provide a forum for exploring opportunities for joint planning to enhance community development, infrastructure, public spaces, and long-term planning issues.

• The workshops help identify ways for cities and HOAs to develop coordinated emergency preparedness programs.

• The workshops provide a safe place to discuss dispute resolution techniques, and common threats such as onerous legislation.

• And, the workshops help build community.

If you are interested in helping the Homeowner Leader Committee plan these workshops, please contact the CAI-CV office at 760-341-0559.

Bruce Latta, CMCA, is the property manager for Indio Properties in Indio and a member of the board of directors of the Parc La Quinta Homeowners Association. He chairs the Homeowner Leader Committee. He can be reached at PLQHOABLatta@gmail or (760) 285-5617.

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TIME HONORED Time Honored - Laurie S. Poole, Esq., CCAL Submitted by Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS

Laurie Poole, Esq., CCAL

By Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS

L

aurie Poole, Esq., CCAL is the Co-Managing Partner of Adams Stirling PLC. A member of CAI since 1993. Laurie has been representing homeowners associations in the Coachella Valley for over 30 years.

Laurie attended college at the University of California, Santa Barbara for her undergraduate degree and University of San Diego School of Law for law school. Like many attorneys in this industry, Laurie did not attend law school to become an HOA attorney. After practicing her first two and a half years at a firm that had nothing to do with HOAs, she found herself looking for a new firm and interviewed with two HOA firms, accepting an offer from one. Of her journey in the HOA law industry, Laurie says, “When I started, I didn’t know what an HOA was. However, from day one, I have found that practicing in this industry suits me. I enjoy the diversity of issues we encounter, keeping up with the constant changes in law, and following current trends.”

Laurie credits her father, who passed away in September 2023, as being her greatest motivation and inspiration – her champion, her hero, and her strongest supporter. Among the many things that he taught Laurie by example was his ability to have a work-life balance. She recalls him always being there for her while she was growing up and beyond that time, despite his having a successful and busy career as a tile subcontractor.

“My dad never missed any of my high

36

HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

Now a self-proclaimed “proud community association law nerd,” she says, “what I treasure most about my career in this field are the relationships I have built with industry colleagues, community managers, and board members, many of whom I’m lucky to call my friends." school basketball games,” Laurie recalls, “regardless of the location. I’m lucky to have been his daughter and had him for as long as I did. I miss him dearly.”

Married to her wonderful husband, Bruce, for over 30 years, and mother to grown sons Andrew and Adam, Laurie’s favorite pastimes include cooking, reading, and watching a great movie or television series. She is currently reading “The Warmth of Other Suns”

by Isabel Wilkerson, and her music streaming apps are full of tunes from the 1980’s and 2010’s. Laurie’s favorite

saying is, “It will all work out the way it is supposed to.”

A 31-year member of CAI, Laurie originally joined because the law firm she worked for at the time was a member. Now a self-proclaimed “proud community association law nerd,” she says, “What I treasure most about my career in this field are the relationships I have built with industry colleagues, community managers, and board members, many of whom I’m lucky to call my friends. I am passionate about education and leadership, and CAI has allowed me to do both.” Laurie has given back to CAI in so many ways, serving on the CAI-CV Quorum Committee (five years); CAI-SD Magazine Committee (12 years), Education Services (10 years), and Board of Directors (seven years, including President in 2017); CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) Board of Governors (six years, including President in 2022), Membership Committee (five years), Amicus Review Committee (four years), and Governing Documents Task Force (two years).

Laurie, thank you for your membership in CAI-CV and for your dedication to the CID industry!

Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS is a community manager and Vice President of The Gaffney Group, Inc. Meaghan can be reached at meaghan@thegaffneygroup.net.

Why You Should Go Native

By Coachella Valley Water District

A

s New Year’s resolutions go, money, mental health and weight loss rank at the top --- basically ideas to improve your life and health.

In the desert, it’s also an opportune time to improve the health of your landscape.

THE KEY: GO NATIVE AND SAVE WATER. Redesign your water-heavy garden and lawn and install native plants. They have a very large impact on water usage when used in place of lawns and other high-water use plants and take less maintenance.

Native plants create a more natural looking garden and are more drought tolerant. They can support populations of pollinators and birds and build resilience to a changing desert climate.

SO, WHAT’S A NATIVE PLANT? A California native plant evolved in a California area before humans, or their animals, arrived.

In the desert, a native plant might classify as drought tolerant, meaning it can survive a few weeks to a month without water. Or it might classify as drought resistant and survive a few weeks to a month without water.

CAHUILLA INDIAN LORE IDENTIFIES THESE TOP TEN MOST COMMON COACHELLA VALLEY NATIVE PLANTS: • Blue palo verde • Brittlebush • California barrel cactus • California fan palm • Chuparosa • Creosote • Desert Willow • Jojoba • Ocotillo

YOU CAN FIND THEM AT THESE AREA NURSERIES THAT SPECIALIZE IN PLANTS NATIVE TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY: • Cactus Mart, Morongo Valley • GDNC Cactus & Desert Plant Nursery, Desert Hot Springs • Mariscal Cactus & Succulents, Desert Hot Springs • Mojave Desert Land Trust, Joshua Tree • Moller’s Garden Center, Palm Desert • Moon Valley Nurseries, Coachella • Randy G. Meyers & Nurseries, Desert Hot Springs By the way, February is an excellent month to plant native plants, although hold off until late spring or early summer to add palms to your landscape.

For more ideas: CVWD.org/Conservation

• Rush milkweed CAI-CV.org

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HOA Living | FEBRUARY, 2024

In high school, Mike was caught digging a pool behind the football field… by hand!

Today he remodels pools!

Was there ever any doubt?

Remodeling pools and Backyards since 1969 Quality work at a fair price

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CAI-CV’S CMCA REVIEW COURSE (For managers and assistant managers)

WHEN: Monday, February 26, 2024 WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

49950 Jefferson Street, Suite 130-117 Indio, CA 92201

CAI’S EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER COURSE (FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS)

CAI-CV UPCOMING EVENTS – SCAN QR OR CLICK TO SIGN UP

WHEN: Monday, February 26, 2024 WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

MARCH

FEBRUARY

CAI’S BOARD CERTIFICATE COURSE WHEN: Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM WHERE: Zoom

CAI-CV & DESERT CITIES HOA COUNCIL BOARD MEMBER WORKSHOP (For board members)

TOPIC: Disruptive Owners & Rogue Board Members WHEN: Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Via Zoom REGISTER: SPONSORSHIPS:

REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS: CAI-CV & CITY OF INDIO HOA WORKSHOP WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM WHERE: Sun City Shadow Hills

CAI’S NATIONAL LAW SEMINAR (For HOA attorneys)

WHEN: Wednesday-Saturday, February 14-17, 2024 WHERE: Las Vegas REGISTER:

REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

CAI-CV EDUCATIONAL BREAKFAST PROGRAM & MINI TRADE SHOW (for all members)

TOPIC: How to Utilize Your Financials, Budget, and Reserve Study WHEN: Friday, February 16, 2024, 8:00 a.m.

WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert

REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

CAI-CV EDUCATIONAL LUNCH PROGRAM & MINI TRADE SHOW TOPIC: Aging Infrastructure, Water Intrusion, and Insurance WHEN: Friday, March 15, 2024, 11:15 AM WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

CAI-CV’s CALIFORNIA CID LAW COURSE

CAI-CV MEET THE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES WHEN: Friday, March 22, 2024, 5:30 PM WHERE: Classic Club, Palm Desert

(For managers & all members)

WHEN: Monday, February 26, 2024 WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:

2024 Marketing Plan

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C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R S TITANIUM

AMS Paving, Inc. Asphalt MD’s Associa DRM C. L. Sigler & Associates Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling Signarama Sunshine Landscape Vantage Point Construction

PLATINUM

Prendiville Insurance Agency

GOLD

Delphi Law Group, LLP EmpireWorks Epsten, APC First Citizens Bank Flood Response Precision Painting & Reconstruction Western Pacific Roofing

SILVER

Accurate Termite & Pest Control Alan Smith Pools Behr Paint Company Cooper Coatings, Inc. Dunn-Edwards Corporation Ivan's Painting & Maintenance Nissho of California, Inc. SCT Reserve Consultants Tinnelly Law Group Vintage Landscape

BRONZE

Alliance Association Bank Brightview Landscape Services Broadband Agreements Community Legal Advisors First Service Residential LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance Agency PatioShoppers, Inc.

Popular Association Banking Premier Community Association Mgmt.

Securitas Security Services Sun King Electric Vista Paint