28,000+ CIRCULATION
OCTOBER 2026
FEATURING 9 Annual Board Elections | 12 Insurance | 13 Horror Stories from Jay | 14 Coachella Valley Water District 16 Security | 22 Law | 25 Maintenance | 28 Pools | 32 Lake Assessments | 36 Social Media 37 Emergency Assesments | 20 Star Fleet Showdown Game Show
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HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Leave the hard work to us, so you can focus on what matters. Shelly Bricker 760-610-7775 sbricker@drminternet.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS Insurance............................................12
1.855.500.1BRS
WWW.BRSROOFING.COM
Horror Stories from Jay......................13 Coachella Valley Water District.........14 Security................................................16 Law.......................................................22 Maintenance.......................................25
MARSHALL F. COOPER
79-952 Memorial Place La Quinta, CA 92253 CA Lic. #721489
Bus: 760-422-4366 Cell: 760-250-3034 marshall@coopercoatings.com
COOPER COATINGS INC. Concrete Overlay Systems
HOA Services-Commercial-Residential-Interior-Exterior Water Proofing-Staining-Epoxy-Kool Deck Repair-Grinding
www.coopercoatings.com
Pools....................................................28 Lake Management..............................32 Social Media........................................36 Emergency Assesments......................37
EVENTS Annual Board Elections......................... 9 Oktoberfest........................................... 18 Star Fleet Showdown Game Show...... 20 Upcoming Events................................23 CAI-CV Annual Symposium & Expo... 39
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CHAPTER NEWS About CAI-CV .......................................4 CAI-CV Board of Directors...................4 About HOA Living Magazine................5 Magazine Committee...........................5 Educated Business Partners................5 President's Message..............................6 Executive Director Message.................7
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New and Renewing Members............... 8 Board Nominees.................................10 Welcome Aboard................................24 2026 Corporate Sponsors...................40
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CAI-CV.org
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3
About CAI-CV The Community Associations Institute – Coachella Valley Chapter (CAI-CV), established in 1983, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the educational, business, and networking needs of community association professionals and homeowner leaders throughout the Coachella Valley. As part of an international organization, CAI-CV provides vital resources, training, and legislative advocacy to help homeowners associations (HOAs) operate effectively and responsibly.
2026 COACHELLA VALLEY CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT
BRUCE LATTA, CMCA, CFE Manager, Indio Properties Term 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2028
PAST PRESIDENT
MARK DODGE, CMCA, AMS
Branch President & CEO Associa – Desert Resort Management Term 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026
Our mission is to build better communities by equipping board members, community managers, and business partners with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead with confidence, make informed decisions, and foster thriving, well-managed neighborhoods.
TREASURER
STEVEN SHUEY, PCAM
Retired Community Manager Term 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2027
Membership is open to all who serve HOAs. Board members can enroll up to 15 members of their community, including the Board of Directors, committee chairs, and committee members, with one low fee. This offer also extends to cities or other governing agencies that would like to connect with CAI.
VP, Regional Account Executive First Citizens Bank
If you are a manager or business partner, CAI offers many opportunities for education and credentialing, including the Educated Business Partner distinction, multiple designations, and specialty credentials for community managers.
Term 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2028
To inquire about membership, visit www.cai-cv.org/join, call (760) 341-0559, or email admin@cai-cv.org.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
JOLEN ZEROSKI, CMCA
Term 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2027
SECRETARY
DAN GOODRICH CCAM-LS, AR, AMS PCAM, LSM Sierra Dawn Estates
DIRECTOR
JULIE BALBINI, ESQ.
CAI-CV
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
Term 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026
DIRECTOR
MEMBER RESOURCES
WILLIAM BRADY
Fision Fiber Optics by Hotwire
Members have access to our online directory, which contains contact information for all members within our chapter across all membership categories. Advertising opportunities are also available—please contact our office for details.
ABOUT HOA LIVING MAGAZINE HOA Living is CAI-CV’s monthly magazine and the official publication of the chapter. Circulation is approximately 28,000 and growing. A digital copy is distributed free to all members, and a printed version is available with a paid subscription by signing up at cai-cv.org/HOA_Living_Magazine. If you are interested in submitting an article or advertising, contact us at admin@cai-cv.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Term 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2028
DIRECTOR
MICHAEL MARSHALL, CMCA, PCAM
Vice President, FirstService Residential Term 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2028
DIRECTOR
LILY ORTEGA, CMCA
CAI-CV
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
Office Manager, Pro Landscape Term 1/1/2025 - 12/31/2027
DIRECTOR
DAVID SCOTT
Ranch Club Palm Estates Term 1/1/2026 – 12/31/2028
DIRECTOR
MIKE TRAIDMAN
Treasurer, Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA Commissioner, CAMICB Term 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2026
GENERAL INQUIRIES
MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES AND UPDATES
NATIONAL CONTACTS
Email: admin@cai-cv.org
Membership status/renewals cai-info@caionline.org
National Corporate Member updates addresschanges@caionline.org
Address or information changes addresschanges@caionline.org
National Professional Directory Laura Mason, lmason@caionline.org
Recruiter credit addresschanges@caionline.org
Dues or multi-chapter additions cashprocessors@caionline.org
Phone: (760) 341-0559 Mail: CAI-CV, 49950 Jefferson, Suite 130-117 Indio, CA 92201
4
Managing Attorney, CV Office, Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
2026 HOA LIVING MAGAZINE COMMITTEE MEMBERS CAI-CV
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
JENNIFER JAMES, ESQ. CHAIR
BRITAIN ROME
Allied Universal
Partner & Managing Attorney of the Coachella Valley, Roseman Law, APC CAI-CV
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
JASON SAVLOV, ESQ.
Adams | Stirling, PLC
RODNEY BISSELL CO-CHAIR
JOHN SCHUKNECHT, CMCA, AMS
Bissell Design Studios Inc.
LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance
SEAN ANDERSEN
STEVEN SHUEY, PCAM
Association Reserves
Retired Community Manager
FELICIA BUSTOS
CHRIS SIGLER, B.S.C.E, CDT
WICR Inc. Waterproofing & Construction
C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc.
SIERRA CARR, CMCA, AMS, CCAM, PCAM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Personalized Property Management
JOHNNY CONTRERAS
Southwest Landscape & Maintenance
Bissell Design Studios, Inc. rodney@bisselldesign.com (714) 293-3749
ROBERTO ANTONIO FLORES
PHOTOGRAPHY
MIRANDA LEGASPI, EBP, MBA
MATTHEW LAWTON, CIC, CIRMS, EBP
Hidroklear LLC
Platinum Security
JESSICA MCCONNELL HOA Invest
CAI-CV
RODNEY BISSELL
CAI-CV
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
LILY ORTEGA
OCV Insurance Services matt@ocvinsurance.com 760-774-2099
HOLLY SMITH, PCAM Executive Director
Pro Landscaping Inc.
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER The opinions and views expressed in editorial material are those of the individual authors or interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of CAI–CV, Community Associations Institute, its Board of Directors, members, or advertisers. Unless expressly stated, CAI–CV does not endorse any individual, organization, product, service, political candidate, or opinion. Information contained in this publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, accounting, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek the advice of qualified professionals before acting on any information contained herein. HOA Living reserves the right to edit or reject submissions and advertising that do not meet its standards. Print colors may vary slightly due to the printing process.
CAI-CV CAI-CV
CAI-CV BUSINESS EDUCATED BUSINESS EDUCATED
EDUCATEDPARTNER BUSINESS PARTNER PARTNER
CHOOSE EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNERS
BECOME AN EDUCATED BUSINESS PARTNER
Call the CAI-CV office or go to www.caionline. org/education-for-partners/ for more information. Business Partner Essentials is an online course that empowers CAI-member business partners to better serve community associations. Participants who complete the course earn the CAI Educated Business Partner distinction, highlighting their knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Britain L. Rome, Allied Universal® 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. Gary Butler, Asphalt MD's Will Cartwright, Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Christopher Cellini, Flood Response Todd Chism, PatioShoppers Thomas Edelson, BPR Inc. Trip Hazard Repair DJ Conlon, Poppin Promotional Products Julie Frazier, Frazier Pest Control, Inc. Victoria Germyn, Teserra Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC Michael Graves, SCT Reserve Consultants Amanda Gray, Harvest Landscape, Inc. Jennifer James, Esq., Roseman Law, APC Megan Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services Katy Krupp, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Matt Lawton, CIC, CIRMS, OCV Insurance Services Larry Layton, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services Mike Mastropietro, OCBS, Inc. Chris Meyer, Asphalt MD's Greg Morrow, Eagle Roofing Products Bridget Nigh, BEHR Paints Matt Ober, Esq., Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP Lily Ortega, Pro Landscape Chet Oshiro, EmpireWorks Mallory Paproth, SCT Reserve Consultants Dana Pride, Automation Pride Mike Rey, LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance Agency 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
CAI-CV.org
facebook.com/CAICV
@CAI-CV
5
Bruce Latta, CMCA, CFE Manager, Indio Properties President, of CAI-CV
O
ctober has arrived bringing cooler days, fuller calendars, and the renewed energy of our seasonal community in the Coachella Valley. For many, this is the time of year when neighbors return, boards become more active, and our industry comes together to address the opportunities and challenges ahead. On behalf of the CAI-Coachella Valley Board of Directors, I hope you had a safe and enjoyable summer. We are excited about the months ahead and grateful to our community board members, community managers, business partners, committee volunteers, and Chapter staff for their dedication, which makes CAI-CV such a dynamic and valuable organization. At its core, CAI-CV exists to provide services that strengthen communities. Whether you serve on a board, manage a community, provide professional services, or simply want to become a more informed homeowner, CAI-CV offers opportunities to learn, build relationships, and apply practical knowledge to the communities you serve. Education, information, and networking are among the greatest benefits of CAI membership. I encourage everyone to take advantage of our programs and stay current on evolving laws, governance best practices, maintenance responsibilities, financial planning, elections, insurance, and risk management. This knowledge helps boards make informed decisions and better serve their communities. We have a full October ahead. Our Educational Luncheon and Mini Trade Show is Thursday, October 15, at Palm Valley Country Club. The program, Managing Communities Without Losing Yourself, will address an important issue facing those who serve and work in community associations. Our last luncheon mini trade show featured a new setup, with business partners in the main room with everyone else, and it was a hit. We will continue to use that setup. On Friday, October 23, join us for our popular Oktoberfest, themed Galactic Bites & Brews, featuring a Cornhole Tournament and a Chili Cook-Off. The event will be held at our longtime supporter, Pro Landscape, in
Thousand Palms. These events remind us that CAI-CV is more than an educational resource—it is a professional community. Invite a colleague, fellow board member, manager, business partner, or friend to join you and experience CAI-CV. Our Annual Membership Meeting and Election of Directors will be held on Tuesday, October 27, at 3:00 PM. It will be held both on Zoom and in person at the Sun City Palm Desert Mountain View Clubhouse. Please remember to vote. Ballots and online voting instructions have been sent to all members. Voting closes Monday, October 26, at 5:00 PM. On Wednesday, October 28, join us at the Classic Club for the Board Member Workshop on Community Emergency Preparedness. It will be followed by a social reception. Looking ahead to November, please mark your calendars for the Annual Legal Symposium & Expo on Thursday, November 12, beginning at 9:00 AM at the DoubleTree Cathedral City. Fall Golf is planned for Friday, November 20. Details to be announced. I sincerely appreciate our volunteers, sponsors, committee members, and Educated Business Partners, whose time, expertise, enthusiasm, and support make our Chapter’s programs possible. CAI-CV is strongest when members contribute and participate, not just merely attend. Finally, stay engaged. Read our award-winning magazine, visit the CAI-CV calendar, attend a program, serve on a committee, submit an article or idea to HOA Living magazine, complete post-event evaluations, encourage your community to apply for the Medallion Award, welcome first-time guests, and take time to introduce yourself to others at our events. Every connection strengthens our Chapter and the communities we serve. I look forward to seeing you this October and throughout another outstanding CAI-CV season. Warm regards,
Bruce Latta President, CAI-CV
6
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Join our Community
Holly Smith, PCAM Executive Director
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? In early September, I attended the annual retreat for CAI Chapter Executive Directors in Falls Church, Virginia. Led by Kelly Schild, the Chapter Development and Operations staff, and CAI CEO Dawn Bauman, the retreat gave executive directors from across the country an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn, and connect. During one session, we were asked a simple but powerful question: “What is your why?” What keeps us showing up day after day? What makes us want to remain part of this industry? I have shared my “why” in different ways throughout the year but let me say it plainly: My why is the people. Even before becoming our chapter’s executive director, when I worked as a portfolio manager and director of community management, it was always the people who motivated me. From community managers and business partners to board members and homeowners, I wanted to make their lives and jobs a little easier. I wanted to help them understand, solve problems, and recognize the difference they make. Now, I ask you: What is your why? What inspires you to do this work, volunteer for our chapter, attend events, or share your knowledge with others? I see the frustrations people in our industry express, particularly on social media. The challenges are real, and it can be tempting to walk away. But every profession has challenges. What we have here is an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Our work directly affects the communities people call home. We help protect what is often their largest financial investment and most valuable asset. More importantly, we help care for the places where people raise families, celebrate milestones, make memories, and feel safe. That is important, meaningful, and noble work. Through CAI, we can make that work even better. We educate homeowners and volunteer leaders, support community managers and business partners, encourage professionalism, and help build thriving communities. Our chapter is especially fortunate to have relationships that allow us to learn together and support one another—even when the work is difficult. We cannot allow negativity to overshadow the good being done every day. Instead, we must address challenges constructively, avoid taking every difficult interaction personally, and remember the larger purpose behind our work. Your “why” may be different from mine. Perhaps it is solving problems, mentoring others, helping volunteer leaders succeed, creating a sense of belonging, or keeping communities strong. Whatever it is, I encourage you to name it—and return to it when difficult days come. My why is the people: those working in our industry, those volunteering in our communities, and those whose homes and lives are affected by what we do. What is yours?
CAI-CV.org
CAI-CV is one of 64 CAI chapters worldwide, representing a network of more than 50,000 professionals dedicated to strengthening community associations. Stay connected with local leaders, industry resources, and chapter news by following CAI-CV on social media and visiting us online. Build relationships, share knowledge, and grow your professional network within our community.
facebook.com/CAICV
@CAI-CV
7
NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS NEW BUSINESS PARTNERS PLATINUM SECURITY, INC. Mr. Gerald Hutchins
(909) 893-6083 ghutchins@platinumsecurity.com
SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA, INC. Mr. Adrian Lemus
(714) 935-5900 adrian.lemus@securitasinc.com
RENEWING MANAGEMENT COMPANIES SEABREEZE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC. Ms. Alisa Toalson
Mrs. Sonia Millan
(760) 346-1161 smillan@drminternet.com
Ms. Jodi Kay
(760) 346-1161 jkay@drminternet.com
Ms. Meranda Valencia
(760) 346-1161 mvalencia@drminternet.com
SUN CITY PALM DESERT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Mr. Daniel Randles, CMCA, AMS (951) 492-8227 dan.randles@scpdca.com
THE GAFFNEY GROUP INC. Miss Jharline Gonzalez Alvarez (760) 327-0301 jay@thegaffneygroup.net
THE GAFFNEY GROUP INC.
(562) 631-3130 alisa.toalson@seabreezemgmt.com
Mrs. Jacquelyn Smith
NEW MANAGERS
THE MADISON CLUB OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Mr. Jacob Hernandez
(760) 391-4564 berenice.ceja@fsresidential.com
(760) 327-0301 jackie@thegaffneygroup.net
SUN CITY PALM DESERT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Ms. Berenice Ceja (760) 200-2214 jacob.hernandez@scpdca.com
THE RESERVE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
SUN CITY PALM DESERT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Mrs. Julie Reese, CMCA, AMS Mrs. Rebecca Parker
(760) 674-2242 jreese@thereserveca.com
SUN CITY PALM DESERT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
NEW HOMEOWNER LEADERS
(760) 200-2213 rebecca.parker@scpdca.com
Mr. Eric Perez
(760) 200-2244 eric.perez@scpdca.com
K. HOVNANIAN’S FOUR SEASONS AT TERRA LAGO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
RENEWING MANAGERS ASSOCIA DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT
Ms. Daphne Cortese Mr. Ken Hansely Ms. Cindy Otis Mr. Mike Scoggins
Ms. Maricela Barriga
PGA WEST II RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION
JACK IVEY RANCH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Ms. Ana Karen Duran Pacheco Mr. George Falk Ms. Kelly Maheu Ms. Catherine Onishi
LAGUNA DE LA PAZ HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Mr. John Guerrini Mr. Stacey Woelfel
MIRALON COMMUNITY CORPORATION Mr. Aaron Corn Mr. Brad Shuckhart Mr. Mike Walline
PALM DESERT COUNTRY CLUB HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Ms. Heather Andrews Mr. Ron Crisp Ms. Maria Demme Ms. Patricia McCabe Ms. Cheryl Mena Ms. Jeilyn Planos Mr. Raymond Rieger Ms. Tina Lee
PALM REGENCY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Ms. Judith Helder Mr. Alec Hughes Ms. Robyn Pierce Ms. Lorene Reist
PGA WEST II RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION
Ms. Nuvia Cervantes
Mr. Michael Feeney Mr. Dave Hurt Ms. Sherri Lusk Mr. Alex Martinez Ms. Renee McCallion Mr. Stan Neves
Mr. Derek Fricke
Ms. Juliane Douglas
(760) 346-1161 mbarriga@drminternet.com (760) 346-1161 ncervantes@drminternet.com (760) 346-1161 dfricke@drminternet.com
8
RENEWING HOMEOWNER LEADERS
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Mr. James Young
CAI-CV.org
facebook.com/CAICV
@CAI-CV
9
2027 Board Nominees
A
s we welcome the new year and prepare to induct three new members to the CAI-CV Board of Directors, we also recognize the dedicated leaders whose terms are ending. Mark Dodge, AMS, Mike Traidman, and Julie Balbini, Esq., will step down on December 31, 2026, after years of valued service to the chapter. Each has served as board president, generously contributing time, expertise, and leadership to strengthen our association and support its continued success. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the lasting impact of their service. Below are the candidates for the 2027 Board of Directors. Ballots will be emailed soon, so please check your inbox, other folders, and junk folder for a message from caicoachellavalley@tievote.com. Voting for your directors is an important benefit and responsibility of membership.
Candidate Name: Clint Atherton Company/Association: Sun City Palm Desert Membership Category: Community Manager
CANDIDATE STATEMENT: As a longtime member of CAI, in Orange County and the Coachella Valley, I'm passionate about continuing education for managers, perspective managers, as well as developing relationships with our community members and business partners. As a member of our local legislative support committee, as well as the statewide California Legislative Action Committee and as a member of the National Committee for Government and Public Affairs for CAI, we are continuing to see how legislation at the local, state and national level impacts our industry. I believe we have a duty to educate our managers, business partners, and homeowners at the local level of how the impact of that legislation and legislative trends shape our communities. In addition, as a member of our Professional Managers Committee, we are looking for ways to bring new people into the industry as career professional managers and educate them accordingly. I would welcome the opportunity to continue to work with our chapter to improve our relationships with our legislators, as well as our business partners.
Candidate Name: Mandie Chlarson Company/Association: NLB Consulting & Elections Membership Category: Business Partner
CANDIDATE STATEMENT: My work with NLB Consulting has allowed me to build strong relationships with HOA boards, community leaders, and industry professionals throughout the Coachella Valley. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that the best solutions come from collaboration, open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another. I've also seen the important role CAI-CV plays in connecting people, sharing expertise, and elevating our industry. If elected to the CAI-CV Board of Directors, my focus will be on listening to members, encouraging greater engagement, and helping ensure the chapter continues to offer programs, resources, and connections that provide real value. I would be honored to serve and give back to an organization that has done so much for our industry, while bringing enthusiasm, integrity, and a member-focused approach to the board.
10
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Candidate Name: Jayme Fakehany Company/Association: Desert Resort Management Association Membership Category: Community Manager
I have been involved in CAI since 2013 starting out as a scholarship recipient interested in learning how to better lead the communities I managed. Over 10 years later I continue to empower managers to serve our clients paying close attention to ever changing legislature that affects our communities. I would like to continue working with CAI to help build a stronger foundation for continued education, shared experience through connection and to work with others to heighten our passion while helping our clients and business partners thrive.
Candidate Name: Matthew Lawton
Candidate Name: Rosie Galla
Company/Association: OCV Insurance Services
Company/Association:
Membership Category: Business Partner
Membership Category: Community Manager
CANDIDATE STATEMENT:
CANDIDATE STATEMENT:
I have been involved with CAI-CV since 2007 and previously had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for seven years, including serving as Chapter President in 2021. During that time, I was proud to be part of the launch of the chapter’s Medallion Community recognition program. I would welcome the opportunity to return to the Board and continue contributing to an organization that has been important to me both personally and professionally. I have lived full time in the Coachella Valley for 15 years and bring the perspective of both a homeowner and an HOA insurance professional. I currently serve as Board President of the HOA where I live in Rancho Mirage, giving me firsthand experience with the issues and responsibilities facing volunteer board members. Professionally, I specialize exclusively in community association insurance in Coachella Valley. I hold the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS), and Educated Business Partner (EBP) designations, and I am the only local insurance agent with all three designations. What I value most about CAI-CV is that it brings every part of the community association world together. Homeowners, board members, community managers, and business partners can learn from one another, develop professionally, and build lasting friendships and business relationships. I appreciate all aspects of CAI-CV’s membership and would work to make the chapter stronger and more valuable for everyone involved.
With more than 20 years of experience in the community association industry, I have dedicated my career to serving communities and promoting excellence in community management. I have been an active member of CAI since 2014 and currently serve as Executive Director of Community Management with Desert Resort Management. As a past Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, I focused on strengthening member engagement and highlighting the value CAI brings to our industry. CAI is an outstanding organization that works tirelessly to support its members, improve communities, and elevate the standards of community association management. Throughout my career, I have gained broad and diverse experience in community management and developed a strong passion for educating both managers and community members about the important role our industry plays in building and sustaining successful communities. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award this past year was a meaningful honor that reinforced my commitment to continued service, leadership, and professional growth. Serving on the Board of Directors would be a privilege and an opportunity to contribute my experience, perspective, and dedication to advancing CAI's mission. I am committed to supporting the organization's continued success, strengthening member engagement, and helping ensure that CAI remains a leading resource for community association professionals and the communities they serve. CAI-CV.org
facebook.com/CAICV
@CAI-CV
11
A Horrible Halloween A Lesson in What Should Have Been This is Based on a True Story, Association and Contractors Names have been changed
By John Schuknecht, CMCA, AMS
I
t was a non-eventful morning when New Roofs-R-Us arrived at Desert Springs Homeowners Association. Board members and management met with the contractor representative and went through the scope of work one final time before getting started. Five buildings are to receive new roofs, and the job will progress one building at a time. All parties shook hands and the contractor was off and running. The first few days of the job required the removal of roof tiles, underlayment, and sheathing. The roof of the first building was gone, exposing rafters and attic space for three residential units. It’s Friday, and step one is done. The contractor set to return the following Monday to install the new roof. On Saturday, it rained. A heavy downpour slowly made its way through the region. Storm drains on major thoroughfares we clogged with debris, and the news reported water flowing over sidewalks and entering adjacent business. It was a Noahesc event rarely seen. And there was no tarp on the exposed attic of Building 1 at Desert Springs Homeowners Association. Owners had relocated (thankfully) but returned to find their two-story townhome style units damaged by rainwater from top to bottom. Fast-forward through remediation and dry out. Insurance adjusters for all three-unit owners, as well as the HOA insurance carrier, inspected the damage and performed their customary estimates. Do you know how to scare somebody? It’s not by jumping out from around a corner (though that does work). I mean, really scare the holy moly out of them. After they file an insurance claim, tell them, “Not covered.” You see, this isn’t a property claim. The roof of Building 1 wasn’t damaged in the rainstorm. The roof was removed to perform necessary replacement. So, shouldn’t someone be held
responsible for not protecting the unit interiors until the new roof could be installed? That’s a liability matter, and there are two entities involved: Desert Springs HOA and New Roofs-R-Us. Desert Springs HOA The board of directors believed the contractor should have covered the open roof. Unless the contractor can be proven negligent in the work and therefore liable for the damage incurred, the HOA insurance carrier cannot recover expenses through subrogation (called the “Volunteer Rule”). The HOA carrier does not step forward to assist in the remediation and repair costs. New Roofs-R-Us The contractor would be expected to protect the building if that cost was included in the score of work. It wasn’t. Because heavy rainstorms rarely occurred at this time of year, nobody thought to include tarping the roof in the project cost. The contractor’s insurance carrier will not step forward because their client was not negligent. They just didn’t do something outside of what they were contracted to do. Covering a total expense of more than $500,000 is now in limbo, as fingers are pointed in both directions. Legal fees add another $250,000 to that total. Ultimately, the membership ends up covering the expense, with each owner paying a share via a loss assessment. And, if you want to scare the un-involved unit owners, tell them, “Not Covered.” The owners HO-6 (Condominium Unit Owners) policies do not cover this type of assessment. It was not related to a covered property or liability claim to the HOA carrier. The lesson: review any contract thoroughly. Consult legal counsel and other experts. Ask the question, “Is there anything we haven’t thought of that we want to include?” And you can avoid this terrible result. 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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HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Horror Stories for Both Homeowner and HOAs By E.J. (Jay) Jarvis II
W
hen a homeowner is having financial trouble, or disagrees with how the HOA is spending community funds, and decides not to pay the HOA dues, what is the result? If an owner doesn't have the money, or simply doesn't want to pay, it is not up to all the other homeowners in the HOA to pay for them. The HOA still must pay the community's bills. All homeowners agreed to a contract with the association called the Declaration, or CC&Rs. In that contract, they agree to pay assessments. Period. There are no “unless” clauses in the Declaration that say, “I agree to pay assessments unless I don't have the money,” or “unless I don't agree with how the HOA is spending it.” Talk about a horror story. If an HOA doesn't have enough money to pay its bills, the consequences can eventually affect everyone in the community. Utilities, maintenance, landscaping, insurance, or other necessary services still must be paid. When homeowners don't pay their assessments, the HOA may not have the money it needs to meet those obligations. But there is another side to the “horror story.” Consider a homeowner in Mesa, Arizona, who lost his job and had no income. His live-in girlfriend continued making the monthly mortgage payments on the home, but no one was paying the HOA assessments. After a year of unpaid HOA dues, the Superstition Springs Community Master Association initiated foreclosure proceedings in court. At that point, the owner offered to pay through a paralegal. However, the association obtained a default judgment for foreclosure and was also awarded attorney fees and accrued interest. Now that's the other side of an HOA horror story. The situation could have been avoided if the HOA dues had been paid. The monthly HOA assessment was considerably less than the mortgage payment
being made on the house. This is just one example. As a manager of a community some years ago, I dealt with another homeowner who rented out his property and simply would not pay his HOA assessments. The HOA's attorneys followed the required legal notification process. Interest and late charges continued to accumulate. Then, as soon as the HOA filed foreclosure proceedings, the homeowner paid all of the back assessments, interest, and legal fees. Again, it would have been much less trouble—and much less expensive—for everyone if he had simply paid the HOA dues on time. That's the point. Homeowners have an obligation to pay their assessments, just as the HOA has an obligation to use those assessments to operate and maintain the community. When homeowners don't pay, the HOA still has bills to pay. And when an HOA has to pursue unpaid assessments through legal action, the homeowner can end up facing additional costs and serious consequences. Neither situation needs to become a “Horror Story.” Paying the HOA dues on time helps protect the homeowner, the HOA, and everyone else who lives in the community. E.J. (Jay) Jarvis II, is a retired community manager, Past President, Lafayette Village Homeowners Association, Past President and On-site manager Portola Palms Homeowners Association. Jay can be reached at jayj92260@gmail.com
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Convert Turf and Conserve Water through the Non-Domestic Turf Conversion Rebate By Coachella Vally Water District
CVWD’s Non-Domestic Turf Conversion Rebate Program offers eligible well, recycled water, and canal customers a rebate of $2 per square foot for converting turf to desert-friendly landscaping.
PROJECT AREAS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA TO BE ELIGIBLE: • All projects must be pre-approved before work begins. • Customers must receive written pre-approval from CVWD before starting a project. Retroactive rebates will not be approved. • A green or golden-brown lawn with full thatch attached is required. • Projects must be a minimum of 500 square feet and up to a maximum of 100,000 square feet per project. Multiple projects may be submitted. • Applicants must commit to providing an equal match of $2 per square foot, guaranteeing that the total project cost will be at least $4 per square foot.
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HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Approved projects are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. The District’s Non-Domestic Turf Conversion Rebate is made possible by a $1.5 million grant awarded to CVWD by the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant Program, as part of a broader regional award totaling $5 million. To maximize valley-wide benefits and the impact of the funding, CVWD partnered with the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group to submit a joint grant application combining projects from several local water agencies. This collaborative approach demonstrates a shared commitment to water conservation, efficient water management, and enhancements to long-term water supply resilience for the Coachella Valley. Visit cvwd.org/rebates for program details or to download an application. For more information, contact the Water Management division at (760) 398-2651 or email WaterConservation@cvwd.org. To stay current with CVWD news, visit cvwd.org.
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Who is Watching Your HOA Gate?
By Britain L. Rome
When the Gate Becomes the Problem: How Professional Security Protects HOA Communities It was 2:00 a.m. when a vehicle slowly approached the entrance of a gated HOA community. The driver told the security officer he was visiting a resident. When asked for the resident's name, he gave an answer that did not match the community's records. The officer politely explained that he could not allow entry without proper authorization. "Just open the gate," the driver demanded. "They're expecting me." The driver became angry, exited his vehicle, and approached the gatehouse. The officer remained calm, maintained a safe position, and followed established procedures. He contacted his supervisor and the appropriate authorities. The driver eventually left. The next morning, residents reported attempted burglaries in the surrounding area. Was the individual at the gate connected to those incidents? No one could say for certain. But one thing was clear: the security officer did not take a chance. That is the value of professional manned security.
A GATE ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH A gated community may provide a physical barrier, but the gate is only as effective as the people managing it. 16
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
Visitors without authorization, unauthorized vehicles, aggressive guests, unapproved contractors, tailgating, and suspicious activity can quickly turn a routine entrance into a security concern. A trained security officer provides the human judgment needed to recognize these situations and respond appropriately.
THE BENEFITS OF MANNED SECURITY A professional security officer at the entrance provides: • Deterrence: A visible security presence discourages unauthorized activity. • Access control: Visitors, contractors, vendors, and guests can be properly verified before entering.
• Professional response: Officers are trained to remain calm and professional during difficult encounters. • Resident assistance: Residents have someone they can turn to when they observe suspicious activity or have a security concern. • Incident reporting: Important events can be documented and communicated to HOA management. • Emergency support: Officers can assist emergency responders and help maintain order during an incident. • Community awareness: Officers become familiar with normal activity and can recognize when something does not look right.
SECURITY IS ABOUT PREVENTION The best security incident is often the one that never happens. A person attempting to enter without authorization may think twice when they see a professional security officer at the gate. A suspicious visitor can be stopped before reaching the neighborhood. A resident who notices something unusual has someone immediately available to respond. Manned security provides more than a uniform at the entrance. It provides presence, accountability, observation, and human judgment.
PROFESSIONALISM MATTERS Security officers will occasionally deal with frustrated residents, angry visitors, contractors who were not properly scheduled, or individuals who refuse to follow community procedures. The answer should never be unnecessary confrontation. A professional officer remains calm, follows the HOA's established procedures, communicates respectfully, and knows when to involve management or law enforcement. The goal is simple: protect the community while treating people professionally.
community, but security is most effective when everyone plays a part. Homeowners and residents are an important part of the community's overall security. Simple actions, such as following gate procedures, properly registering guests, not allowing unauthorized vehicles to enter behind them, reporting suspicious activity, and communicating concerns to security or management—can make a meaningful difference. Residents should also understand that security procedures are designed to protect everyone. When an officer asks for identification, verifies a guest, or follows an established access-control procedure, it is not meant to inconvenience residents. These steps help ensure that the same standards are applied consistently throughout the community. A cooperative relationship between homeowners, HOA management, and
Security is not the responsibility of one person or one department. It is a shared community effort, and when homeowners and professional security work together respectfully, everyone benefits.
SECURITY IS ABOUT PEOPLE PROTECTING PEOPLE For HOA boards and community managers, the question should not simply be, "Do we have a gate?" The better question is: "Who is watching the gate when something goes wrong?" A professional security officer provides the presence and judgment needed to stop problems before they become incidents. Because when the gate becomes the problem, having a trained professional on the other side of it can make all the difference.
PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY BEYOND THE GATE Manned security can also extend beyond the entrance. Mobile patrols can provide a visible presence throughout the community, including streets, parking areas, clubhouses, pools, parks, and other communal areas. Officers can identify suspicious activity, respond to resident concerns, conduct scheduled patrols, and report conditions that may require management attention.
WHEN RESIDENTS ARE PART OF THE SECURITY TEAM Professional security officers play an important role in protecting the HOA
security personnel creates a stronger security environment. Security officers provide professional observation, access control, patrols, and response, while residents provide something equally valuable: awareness of their own community and a willingness to speak up when something does not seem right.
Britain Rome is the Manager of Business Development at Allied Universal Security Services for the Coachella Valley. Britain can be reached at 714.453.7450 or Britain.rome@aus.com 77-725 Enfield Lane | Suite #150 | Palm Desert, CA 92211
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Our September Educational Lunch Program transformed HOA education into a lively gameshow experience with the Star Fleet Showdown. Held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Sun City Palm Desert, the interactive program tested attendees’ industry knowledge through friendly competition while creating plenty of opportunities for laughter, connection, and teamwork. Featured speakers Dirk Petchul, Esq., and Nicole Kardos-Claypool, CMCA, AMS, guided participants through important community association topics in an entertaining and engaging format. Attendees put their knowledge to the test, learned from one another, and gained practical information they could take back to their communities. The high-energy competition proved that professional education can be both valuable and fun, making this a memorable program for everyone involved.
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CAI- CV EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM & MINI TRADE SHOW THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | SUN CIT Y PALM DESERTMIRAGE
THANK YOU! Guest Speakers Dirk Petchul, Esq. Whitney | Petchul Community Association Attorneys
Nicole Kardos-Claypool, CMCA, AMS
Optimum Professional Property Management, VP of Community Management.
Lunch Name Badge and Lanyard Sponsor Southwest Landscape & Maintenance Trade Show Booth Exhibitors Accurate Termite AMS Paving Balcony 1 Behr Paint BRS Roofing Cooper Coatings Delphi Law First Citizens Bank Garadner Pool Hotwire Khatii International, Inc. NPG Asphalt Pipe Restoration Solutions Precision Construction SBS Trust Line Services Signarama Southwest Landscape Southwest Security Western Aliance Bank CLAC Sponsor Cooper Coatings Notepad Sponsor Flood Response CAI-CV.org
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What Can an Association do to Make Litigation Less Frightening? By: Jason A. Savlov, Esq.
H
ere are some tips for making litigation less frightening when Associations are served with a lawsuit.
CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION’S INSURANCE BROKER: Forward a copy of the lawsuit to the Association’s insurance broker. Have a conversation with the Association’s insurance broker regarding the lawsuit and ask whether the Association’s current policies cover the issues raised in the lawsuit. If the lawsuit is potentially covered, there are several issues to discuss with the broker to make an informed business decision regarding whether to make a formal claim with the carrier. Discuss the Association’s claims history, and have the insurance broker provide his/her opinion about whether a claim will increase the insurance premiums and by approximately how much. Also, confirm what the deductible will be if the Association makes a claim, and if there is any retention amount (an amount of money the Association will have to pay out of pocket) that needs to be exceeded before insurance pays insurance counsel to defend the claim. Even if the Association decides not to tender a formal claim to the insurance 22
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
carrier, it is good practice to provide notice to the insurance carrier, as that may leave the possibility of converting the notice to a formal claim if facts and/ or theories of liability in the litigation turn out to be different from those initially received in the lawsuit. The reason to provide notice to applicable carriers at the outset is that notifying the "ASSOCIATION LEGAL COUNSEL MAY, IF APPLICABLE, PROVIDE AN INITIAL EVALUATION OF THE LAWSUIT, WHICH INCLUDES AN OPINION REGARDING WHAT THE ASSOCIATION DID RIGHT AND WHAT THE ASSOCIATION MAY HAVE DONE WRONG."
carrier will avoid denial of coverage for the Association’s failure to timely notify the insurance carrier.
TALK TO THE ASSOCIATION’S LEGAL COUNSEL: Forward a copy of the lawsuit to the Association’s legal counsel. The Association’s legal counsel is the first line of defense for the Association.
Association counsel needs to know when and how the lawsuit was served on the Association to evaluate whether it was properly served. Association counsel will also track when a response is due while the Association is working with insurance to obtain coverage and a defense. Association counsel can reach out to opposing counsel if more time is needed to obtain coverage and defense review from the applicable insurance carriers. Association legal counsel may, if applicable, provide an initial evaluation of the lawsuit, which includes an opinion regarding what the Association did right and what the Association may have done wrong. This evaluation will allow Association counsel to discuss counsel’s findings with insurance-appointed counsel. If there are roadblocks in obtaining insurance coverage, the Association can work with its counsel to see if it is advisable to refer the matter to insurance coverage counsel for a review and opinion to determine whether coverage counsel can assist with obtaining insurance coverage from the Association’s carrier and require the Association’s insurance carrier to accept the Association’s claim. If the lawsuit involves community
association law, the Association may prefer for Association counsel to ask to be retained by the insurance carrier to handle the litigation, instead of insurance panel counsel, or have Association counsel work with appointed insurance counsel to assist regarding issues of community association law.
FORM AN EXECUTIVE LEGAL COMMITTEE AND APPOINT A REPRESENTATIVE TO COMMUNICATE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL: Some litigation can be handled in regular executive session board meetings. There are times when the litigation is complex enough or there is a conflict with a director, that a separate litigation legal committee should be created, which may need to meet at times other than regularly scheduled executive sessions. Associations can work with their legal counsel to determine if a separate legal committee is needed. The legal committee should "THE LEGAL COMMITTEE SHOULD BE
CAI-CV 2026 CALENDAR OCTOBER WED-FRI 14-16 CAI CEO-MC RETREAT TBD SAN ANTONIO, TX THURSDAY 15 EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON & TRADE SHOW 11:00 AM PALM VALLEY FRIDAY 23 OKTOBERFEST 5:30 PM PRO LANDSCAPE TUESDAY 27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 3:00 SUN CITY PALM DESERT TUESDAY 27 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 3:00 SUN CITY PALM DESERT WEDNESDAY 28 BMW AND HOMEOWNER LEADER RECEPTION 3:00 PM CLASSIC CLUB NOVEMBER THURSDAY 12 LEGAL SYMPOSIUM AND EXPO 9:00 AM DOUBLE TREE, CATHEDRAL CITY FRIDAY 20 FALL GOLF TOURNAMENT 1:00 PM TBD TUESDAY 24 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 3:00 PM SUN CITY PALM DESERT THURSDAY 26 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY 26TH & 27TH CLOSED DECEMBER FRIDAY 4 SIPS AND SHOTS 5:30 PM TBD FRIDAY 4 BMW 8:30 AM ZOOM THURSDAY 17 EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON & TRADE SHOW 11:00 AM PALM VALLEY TUESDAY 22 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 3:00 PM SUN CITY PALM DESERT TUESDAY 25 CHRISTMAS OBSERVED ALL DAY OFFICE CLOSED
COMPOSED ONLY OF ACTIVE DIRECTORS TO MAINTAIN THE ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE ON ALL COMMUNICATIONS WITH ASSOCIATION COUNSEL."
be composed only of active directors to maintain the attorney-client privilege on all communications with Association counsel. Only current board members can be legal committee members. Also, to streamline communication, the Association’s Board of Directors should appoint a director as a point of contact to communicate with legal counsel. This reduces potential for conflicting communication from more than one director, as well as prevents communication with the entire board, which could be in violation of the Open Meeting Act requirement for boards to conduct business during t a noticed meeting. Navigating litigation is manageable when directors work with their professionals early in the litigation to develop a plan outlining the best course of action regarding insurance, liability exposure, and defense. Jason A. Savlov, Esq. is an attorney and serves as Litigation Chair for Adams|Stirling PLC, representing residential and commercial associations. You can reach Jason at jsavlov@adamsstirling.com or (760) 620-0747.
SEPTEMBER Educational Program and Mini Tradeshow WHEN: September 17, 2026 11:00 AM WHERE: Sun City Palm Desert REGISTRATION TODAY
OCTOBER Galactic Bites & Brews WHEN: October 23, 2026 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM WHERE: Pro Landscape Nursery REGISTRATION TODAY
NOVEMBER Legal Symposium and Expo WHEN: November 12, 2026 WHERE: Double Tree Cathedral City REGISTRATION TODAY
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Many Hats, One Community: Meet Louis Sapienza By Felicia Bustos
S
ome of you may know Lou, and ome of you may know Lou, and some of you may not, but one thing you’ll quickly discover is that Lou is truly a jack of all trades. His story is not simply about titles, certifications, or one particular career. It is about a lifetime of experiences, relationships, adventures, and a genuine connection to the people and places that have shaped him. Lou’s professional journey has taken him through some pretty interesting chapters. From spending 12 years with AT&T to working in entertainment, including a jazz record label, a major movie studio, and a national news network, Lou has always followed opportunities that allowed him to learn something new. Along the way, he developed a wide range of skills and met people who became an important part of his life, including his partner, Jerry. This October, they will celebrate 31 years together. When Lou eventually made his way to the Coachella Valley, another chapter began. He worked in escrow, became a Notary and Certified Loan Signing Agent, explored real estate administration, and even spent six years at a unique desert wellness retreat, where he led orientation classes and healing circles. Perhaps that collection of experiences explains why Lou has such a natural understanding of the desert and the communities that call it home. Today, Lou is a Portfolio Manager with Desert Management in Rancho Mirage, a premier management company serving the Coachella Valley. While community management is where Lou has found his professional home, his diverse background brings a unique perspective to the role. Lou’s experience reaches far beyond managing properties. Growing up around his father’s plumbing contracting business gave him an early understanding of contractors, vendors, and the importance of getting the job done right. His years
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in escrow strengthened his organizational and problem-solving skills, while his time in the entertainment and creative industries gave him an appreciation for people, presentation, communication, and storytelling. His years living and working in the desert have also given him a deep appreciation for the Coachella Valley's history, character, and individuality. That connection is especially meaningful because Lou’s communities are part of the landscape and history that make the desert so special. A few of the communities he manages participate in Modernism Week, while others are recognized for their historic significance. Lou understands that preserving the character of these places isn't simply about maintaining buildings—it is about understanding what makes these desert communities unique and helping ensure their stories continue. Lou and Jerry call Palm Springs home, along with their white Boxer, Yuki. Lou also enjoys volunteering and is looking forward to helping with this year’s Oktoberfest. So, as we welcome Lou to our CAI chapter, we’re not just welcoming a Community Manager. We’re welcoming a volunteer, animal lover, desert enthusiast, history appreciator, and, most importantly, someone who brings a lifetime of experiences to everything he does. Welcome to the chapter, Lou. We’re glad you’re here! Felicia Bustos is the Business Development Representative at WICR Inc. Waterproofing & Construction. She is passionate about building relationships and helping communities find reliable waterproofing, deck coating, and reconstruction solutions. If you ever need support or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out she would love to chat! Contact Felicia at marketing@wicr.net or 760-835-5674.
When Homeownership Comes with a Horrific Surprise The potential for By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., CDT
F
or most people, buying a condominium in a homeowners association should provide a sense of security—but that security can disappear when deferred maintenance goes unaddressed. Monthly dues reinforce that expectation. You pay your monthly dues. The landscaping is maintained. The pool is cleaned. The buildings are painted. The association carries insurance and maintains the common areas. In that way, homeowners trust that someone is paying attention to the community's long-term health. Then one day, a letter arrives: Emergency Special Assessment. There may not have been a dramatic fire, earthquake, or natural disaster. Instead, the emergency may have been quietly developing for years—behind walls, beneath roofs, inside electrical systems, along aging balconies and/or walkways, or within infrastructure that residents assumed was being properly maintained. For one Homeowners Association (we’ll call it “The Alameda HOA”), this is precisely what occurred. Their 60-year-old condominium buildings had aged, deferred maintenance had been put on the back burner for years, and residents' safety was at stake. As a result, the bill came due, and the homeowners were left with no choice.
hidden emotional and financial toll of deferred maintenance in an HOA community
WHAT HAPPENED? WHEN SAFETY CHANGES THE CONVERSATION When this Association performed its state-mandated SB326 Inspections, the stucco-clad walkways and columns were hiding a tremendous amount of decayed structural components, rendering the walkways unsafe, as determined by a licensed engineering professional. Because of that finding, something had to happen quickly to keep the community’s members safe. The situation becomes particularly difficult when safety is involved. Once engineers, inspectors, and other professionals identified conditions that required urgent correction, the HOA board had little choice but to act. They moved to correct the aged cladding and waterproofing systems that caused the unsafe conditions. Work began with temporary supports installed at the engineer’s direction. Designs and repair bids followed quickly.
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FROM DREAM HOME TO FINANCIAL CRISIS An emergency assessment isn't simply another household expense. It stops being merely a financial story and becomes a human one. For a retired couple living on Social Security and savings, it can represent a significant portion of their retirement nest egg. For a younger homeowner with a mortgage, children, and everyday expenses, it may mean taking on substantial new debt. Homeowners may understandably ask why these problems were not addressed earlier. Board members may respond that previous boards inherited aging infrastructure, that earlier reserve studies underestimated costs, or that construction prices have increased dramatically. Still, blame is unproductive and rarely limited to any one specific person or Board. All of those things can be true at the same time, and in the case of the Alameda HOA, that is precisely what occurred. The current Board members may be doing exactly what responsible leadership requires, while homeowners pay the price for decisions—or indecision—made years earlier.
THE COST OF DEFERRED MAINTENANCE Large emergency assessments rarely materialize overnight. Buildings age gradually, which is why HOA management requires long-term planning and adequate reserves. But maintaining reserves can be politically difficult within a community. The Alameda HOA had a good reserve study, yet the damage that led to this predicament was hidden behind stucco cladding. Nobody likes higher monthly dues, because Boards may face pressure from homeowners to keep assessments low. Necessary projects can be postponed because they are expensive or disruptive. Then next year becomes five years, then ten. Eventually, optional maintenance becomes urgent. That is why, despite Alameda's solid reserve study, state-mandated inspections of Elevated Elements (balconies, stairs, walkways) uncovered hidden safety concerns. The community then confronted the cruel message of deferred maintenance: postponing an expense did not eliminate it. Instead, it made the eventual expense much larger.
"The community then confronted the cruel message of deferred maintenance: postponing an expense did not eliminate it. Instead, it made the eventual expense much larger." 26
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THE EMOTIONAL TOLL NOBODY BUDGETS FOR – COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY HOA reserve studies contain numbers. They do not contain fear. No spreadsheet category covers the anxiety of a 75-yearold homeowner wondering whether retirement savings will last after paying a massive assessment. The psychological effect can spread throughout a community, and it is important to remember that HOA board members are volunteers; they are homeowners themselves, and they need to pay the Assessment too. In the case of the Alameda HOA, the volunteer Board immediately conducted informational meetings with the Engineers and Consultants to help communicate the “how did we get here” message to the homeowners. The City was contacted to inform them of the need to repair the walkways, and cooperation was surprisingly good considering the magnitude, horror, and surprise of the unsafe conditions found. Once repair designs were developed, the City held additional meetings and shared information with members of the Alameda Association. Because the damages were visible to homeowners due to stucco removed during investigations, they were reminded of the need for safety repairs, and cooperation remained high throughout. Informational meetings were very well attended, homeowners were well informed, and the project is currently in process.
THE LESSONS FOR EVERY HOA COMMUNITY This story of an emergency assessment should matter even to homeowners living in associations that currently appear financially healthy, because almost every established community contains aging infrastructure. The real question is whether homeowners pay for those costs gradually or suddenly. A community that collects realistic reserve contributions may charge owners more each month. Those higher dues are rarely popular. A few hundred additional dollars in monthly assessments can feel expensive, but they are usually the fiscally responsible choice. The lesson is clear: watch reserves and bolster them if deferred maintenance exists. Do the fiscally responsible, yet unpopular, thing by raising monthly assessments if the property is aging and prior Boards deferred maintenance. And, very importantly, engage your community by communicating the physical and financial condition of your association, so the horror of a surprise Emergency Assessment doesn't happen as it did in this true-to-life story. Chris Sigler is the President and Owner of C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc., a Cons truction Management and Consulting firm that has exclusively served the HOA industry for 23 years. He is a Civil Engineer by trade with more than 35 years of Engineering and Construction experience, and is actively involved in projects 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, and the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California from its San Jose Corporate office. CAI-CV.org
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How to Justify the Pool Line Item in the 2026-27 Budget By Roberto Antonio Flores WHAT BOARDS SHOULD KNOW WHEN HOMEOWNERS QUESTION POOL EXPENSES Every budget cycle, the pool is often one of the first expenses homeowners question. It is visible, it can be expensive, and it may be difficult for homeowners to know whether a proposed expense is necessary or simply higher than expected. The best way for a board to answer those questions is to come prepared with current information: an updated reserve study, actual maintenance costs, and a clear comparison between preventive and reactive maintenance.
START WITH THE RESERVE STUDY A pool reserve study should be more than a compliance document. Before approving the budget, boards should be able to answer three basic questions about the pool and its major components: • Remaining useful life of each major component: How much useful life remains? This includes the pump, filter, heater, chemical dosing system, plaster or pebble finish, and decking. Estimated replacement dates help explain why money needs to be set aside. • What will replacement cost today? Older reserve studies may rely on pricing from three to five years ago. Current pricing can reveal a reserve shortfall before it becomes a financial problem. • When should a component be repaired or replaced? Establishing an intervention threshold can help the board avoid repeatedly paying for repairs when replacement may ultimately be more cost-effective. If the current reserve study does not provide this information, an update may be worth considering before approving the budget rather than after an unexpected expense occurs.
"ONE OF THE MOST COMMON HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS IS SIMPLE: 'WHY ARE WE PAYING FOR MONTHLY MAINTENANCE IF THE POOL LOOKS FINE?'" 28
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PREVENTIVE VS. REACTIVE MAINTENANCE One of the most common homeowner questions is simple: “Why are we paying for monthly maintenance if the pool looks fine?” The answer is that preventive maintenance is designed to address problems before they become expensive failures. Preventive Maintenance
Reactive Maintenance
Monthly/annual cost
Fixed, predictable
Variable, with spikes
Equipment lifespan
Meets or exceeds expectation
Shortened 30-40% on average
Risk of closure (RWI, chlorine, pH violations)
Low
High — closure means lost amenity + potential liability
Cost of major failure (e.g. pump, heater)
Scheduled replacement within reserve
Emergency replacement, no competitive bids, often 20-30% more expensive
Impact on assessments
Absorbed into regular budget
Special assessment risk
Reactive maintenance is not necessarily less expensive. Instead, it can shift an expense from a predictable budget item to an unexpected one. For example, a board might budget $15,000 annually for preventive care. A pump failure during peak season could instead result in a $22,000 expense in a single quarter, particularly if the equipment must be replaced quickly without time to compare vendors.
WHEN THE LOWEST BID ISN'T THE LOWEST COST The monthly service contract is another important part of the equation. Boards understandably want to control expenses, and a low bid can be attractive. But comparing only the monthly price may leave out important differences in service. A lower-cost contract may provide fewer visits, less testing or documentation, or a narrower equipment-inspection schedule. Those differences may not be noticeable when everything is working properly, but they can contribute to problems later. Potential concerns include: • Water quality and safety: Inadequate chemical monitoring or testing can increase the risk of out-of-range chlorine or pH levels, along with potential liability if a health incident is later connected to inadequate service documentation. • Equipment life: Improper chemical balance, particularly pH and alkalinity fluctuations, can contribute to heater corrosion, pump-seal damage, and deterioration of plaster or pebble finishes. • Missed maintenance: Tasks such as backwashing, equipment-log documentation and filter-media replacement may be reduced or omitted under an under-scoped contract. • Deferred costs: A lower monthly price may simply move costs into the future, where they can become larger and less predictable.
For this reason, an RFP should compare more than price. Boards can consider service scope, testing frequency, technician certification, documentation and equipment-inspection procedures when evaluating bids. A contract that is $200 less per month may not represent a savings if important services have been removed from the scope.
HOW TO EXPLAIN THE POOL BUDGET TO HOMEOWNERS A board does not need to present the entire reserve study at a homeowner meeting. A concise summary can make the discussion much easier. Consider providing: • A one-page summary of the pool's major components, useful life and replacement needs. • The actual cost of a recent community pool repair or equipment failure, if available. • Before-and-after information if the community has changed pool-service providers. • A comparison of the proposed maintenance contract with competing bids. • An explanation of how preventive maintenance fits into the community's overall reserve planning. It can also help to explain that the pool is part of the community's overall property and amenity package. Maintaining it is not simply about keeping the pool open for those who use it; it can also help avoid deterioration and unexpected costs that affect the community as a whole.
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Reactive Maintenance — Low-Bid or Under-Scoped Contract
COACHELLA VALLEY POOL MAINTENANCE: REALISTIC COST RANGES Figures reflect typical HOA community pool service in the desert region (Coachella Valley/Riverside County) based on 2025–26 market rates. Boards should adjust for pool size, number of amenities and available bid data. These are reference ranges, not quotes. Information provided by Jose Vargas of JJB Pools — https:// www.jjbpools.com/ — 760-422-5926, josev@jjbpools.com. Preventive Maintenance — Qualified, Full-Scope Contract Item
Typical Range
Notes
Monthly service (single community pool, standard size)
$500 – $975/mo
Includes chemical balancing, testing log, equipment check, brushing/vacuuming, filter backwash per schedule
Annual filter media replacement
$600 – $1,200
DE or sand media, per filter
Heater service/tuneup (pre-season)
$450 – $650.00
Annual, ahead of cooler months
Pump/motor replacement (scheduled, within reserve)
$2,000 – $2,500 + $450.00 labor
Competitive bid, no rush premium
Plaster/pebble resurfacing (extended lifespan via proper chemical balance)
$16,000 – $25,000
Every 12–15 years with preventive care vs. 7–10 years reactive
$8,000 – $14,000
Service + scheduled component replacement reserve contribution
Estimated annual budget (mid-size community pool)
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Item
Typical Range
Notes
Monthly service (low-bid)
$250 – $400/mo
Reduced visit frequency, minimal testing/ documentation
Emergency pump replacement (failure, no lead time)
$2,200 – $4,000
Rush labor, no competitive bid, possible after-hours call
Emergency heater replacement
$3,500 – $7,000
Corrosion from unmonitored pH/alkalinity swings
Plaster resurfacing (premature, chemical damage)
$12,000 – $25,000
Every 5–7 years instead of 12–15
RWI closure event (health dept. mandated)
$1,500 – $5,000+
Remediation, re-testing, lost amenity days, potential legal exposure
Estimated annual cost when a major failure hits
$18,000 – $30,000+
Base low-bid contract + one emergency event, which desert heat cycles make close to inevitable within 3–5 years
LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENCE The estimated annual ranges—$8,000–$14,000 for preventive maintenance versus $18,000–$30,000+ when a major reactive expense occurs—illustrate why the monthly contract price does not tell the entire story. Boards can use these figures as a starting point when reviewing RFP bids, while adjusting them for the community's actual pool, equipment, service requirements and local bids.
SIDEBAR: RFP SCORING CRITERIA FOR POOL SERVICE CONTRACTS A simple framework boards can provide to an RFP committee before soliciting bids. Suggested 100-Point Scoring Model Category
Weight
What to look for
30 pts
Number of visits/week, tasks included per visit (testing, brushing, vacuuming, backwash schedule), whether filter/ equipment inspection is included or billed separately
Documentation & compliance
20 pts
Digital testing logs (chlorine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid), MAHC/VGB compliance certification, incident reporting protocol
Technician certification
15 pts
CPO (Certified Pool Operator) or equivalent, years of experience, technician turnover/consistency on the account
Equipment care protocol
15 pts
Proactive inspection of pump/ heater/filter, corrosion monitoring, documented preventive replacement recommendations
Emergency response
10 pts
Response time guarantee, after-hours availability, whether emergency visits are included or billed at premium
Price
10 pts
Monthly rate — intentionally weighted last, not first
Service scope & frequency
RED FLAGS IN A LOW BID • No stated testing frequency or documentation method
The Medallion program
recognizes HOAs in the Coachella Valley that best follow best practices, creating an attractive and financially sound community. CAI-CV holds numerous seminars on “best practices.” CAI-CV recognizes HOAs that meet these characteristics under its criteria. As a Medallion Community, the association will receive the Medallion Community logo to add to marketing materials, an outdoor sign to place by the community’s entrance, a certificate for framing, and recognition in CAI-CV publications sent to realtors, other HOAs, community association managers, and businesses that support HOAs.
JOIN THE RANKS OF COACHELLA VALLEY MEDALLION COMMUNITIES!
• Price significantly below competing bids without an explanation
• Casa Dorado
• No certification requirement for assigned technicians
• Indian Ridge, Palm Desert
• Vague or missing equipment-inspection schedule • No defined emergency-response terms
ONE QUESTION TO ASK EVERY BIDDER “Walk us through what happens if the pump fails on a Friday afternoon in August.” The answer can reveal a great deal about a contractor's emergency process, response time and potential rush charges. A clear, documented response gives the board something it can evaluate before an emergency happens—rather than figuring it out after the pool is already closed. Roberto Antonio Flores is President of Hidroklear LLC, a company dedicated to advancing sustainable, safe, and high-performance aquatic operations throughout the Americas. Roberto can be reached at (602) 617-4893 or sales@hidroklear.com
• Desert Shores Resort, Indio • Mira Vista at Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage • Montage at Mission Hills, Cathedral City • Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert • Santa Rosa Cove, La Quinta • Sierra Dawn Estates • Sun City Palm Desert • Sun City Shadow Hills • The Springs Community Association, Rancho Mirage • Victoria Falls, Rancho Mirage
Request an application Email admin@cai-cv.org or Scan the QR Code
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Biologicals: Your Lake’s Invisible Cleanup Crew By Patrick Simmsgeiger
A
lake may look quiet from the shoreline, but beneath the surface, billions of tiny workers are constantly on the job. They do not wear uniforms. They do not drive trucks. Most are so small that they can only be seen through a microscope. Yet without them, a lake or pond can quickly become overwhelmed by muck, odors, excessive nutrients, algae and decaying plants. These workers are bacteria—and they are essential to a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
EVERY LAKE HAS A CLEANUP CREW Think of a lake as a small city. Fish, birds, plants, insects and people all contribute something to the environment. Leaves fall into the water. Aquatic plants die back. Fish produce waste. Grass clippings, fertilizer and soil can wash into the lake after irrigation or rain. All of this material eventually begins sinking toward the bottom. If nothing broke it down, layer after layer would continue accumulating. Water depth would gradually decrease, unpleasant odors could develop and the lake would hold more of the nutrients that feed algae and nuisance plant 32
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
growth. Fortunately, nature provides its own cleanup crew. Bacteria consume and decompose much of this organic material. Large bacterial populations live throughout the water, but many are concentrated in the bottom sediment, also known as the benthic zone. This is where much of the lake’s cleanup work takes place.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CLEANUP CREW FALLS BEHIND? Even a strong cleanup crew can become overwhelmed. Imagine asking five people to clean an entire stadium after a major event. They may work hard, but if trash is arriving faster than they can remove it, the mess will continue growing. The same thing can happen in a lake. Large amounts of leaves, dead algae, plant material, fertilizer and fish waste can create more organic matter than the lake’s natural bacterial population can efficiently process. Low dissolved oxygen, poor circulation, extreme temperatures and certain contaminants can make the problem worse.
THE RESULTS MAY INCLUDE: • Increasing layers of soft muck • Unpleasant or “rotten egg” odors • Reduced water depth • Cloudy or discolored water • Excessive algae and aquatic plant growth • Clogged pumps, filters and irrigation equipment • A stressed and unstable ecosystem Once these problems become visible, the lake may already have been struggling below the surface for months or even years. That is where supplemental biological products may help.
BACTERIA: MORE WORKERS FOR THE CLEANUP CREW Professional lake managers may apply specially selected bacteria to support the microorganisms already living in the water. Many of these products contain aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to survive and perform effectively. When water conditions are suitable, these bacteria help consume organic material and process excess nutrients.
In simple terms, adding beneficial bacteria is like sending more workers to a cleanup job. They do not make leaves, dead plants or fish waste magically disappear overnight. Instead, they support the lake’s natural decomposition process. When used consistently as part of a larger management program, bacteria may help slow muck accumulation, reduce odors and make nutrients less available to nuisance algae and plants. However, bacteria are not a cure-all. They cannot overcome every problem caused by severe oxygen depletion, excessive nutrient loading, poor circulation or years of accumulated sediment. If a lake receives a constant flow of fertilizer, grass clippings or other organic material, bacteria alone will not eliminate the source of the problem. Successful lake management begins by identifying what is entering the water and why.
ENZYMES: TOOLS THAT HELP THE WORKERS If bacteria are the cleanup crew, enzymes are some of the tools they use. An enzyme is a protein that helps a natural chemical reaction happen more
efficiently. In a lake or pond, enzymes can help break large pieces of organic material into smaller pieces that bacteria can consume more easily. Picture a crew trying to remove a fallen tree. The workers might eventually move it without equipment, but the job becomes much easier once they have saws and woodchippers. The tree is broken into smaller, manageable pieces. Enzymes work in a similar way. They do not replace bacteria and are not living organisms. They help prepare organic material so naturally occurring and supplemental bacteria can process it more efficiently. Some lake programs use bacteria and enzymes together. Others may use enzymes to support the bacterial populations already present in the water. The correct approach depends upon the lake, its water chemistry, oxygen levels, temperature, circulation and the type of organic material being treated.
CAN BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS REPLACE ALGAECIDES? No—and they should not be sold that way. Algaecides are designed to control an existing algae problem. Biological products are generally used to support the lake’s underlying ecology and reduce the conditions that allow problems to become worse. One is often corrective. The other is largely preventive. If a lake is covered with algae today, adding bacteria will not necessarily produce the immediate visible result that a properly selected algaecide can provide. However, repeatedly treating visible algae without addressing nutrients, muck, circulation and oxygen may create an endless cycle: 1 Algae grows. 2 The algae is treated. 3 Dead algae sinks. 4 The dead material decomposes. 5 Nutrients become available again.
CAN YOU FIND IT? Our little SATURN ICON is somewhere in the magazine. It could be big… or really, really small. It might be hiding in plain sight, tucked into an article, or sitting somewhere you’d never think to look. Think you found it? Keep it to yourself for now! There’s no prize this year — just the glory of saying “I found it!” Keep looking in every issue. The icon will be hiding somewhere new each time… and next year, finding it might just be worth something.
HAPPY HUNTING!
6 New algae grows.
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Biological products can become valuable when they are used to help interrupt this cycle.
• Pump and filter cleaning
testing and professional observation.
• Mechanical sediment removal
ARE BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS WORTH THE COST?
GIVE NATURE THE HELP IT NEEDS
• Odor complaints
That depends on how the lake is managed and what the owner expects the products to accomplish. Consider someone building a new pond. After spending money on excavation, plants, fish and equipment, the owner purchases the least expensive filtration pump available. At first, it appears that money was saved. Several months later, the pump begins struggling. The owner spends time cleaning it, replacing parts and dealing with poor water quality. Eventually, the inexpensive pump must be replaced with the better pump that should have been purchased originally. The cheapest decision became the most expensive decision. Biological treatments should be viewed in much the same way. They are not simply another container being added to the lake. They are an investment in the lake’s ability to process waste and withstand environmental pressure. The cost must also be compared with the potential expense of: • Repeated emergency algae treatments
• Declining appearance and property value
HOA Living | OCTOBER, 2026
• Dredging • Fish stress or loss
A biological program will not eliminate every future expense. It can, however, help reduce the conditions that create larger and more expensive problems.
MORE IS NOT AUTOMATICALLY BETTER Biological products generally have a wider margin of safety than many conventional aquatic treatments, but that does not mean they should be applied carelessly. Every product should be selected and applied according to its label, recommended dosage and the actual conditions of the water. A lake manager should consider dissolved oxygen, temperature, water volume, circulation, nutrient levels and the amount of organic material present. Pouring in more product without understanding the lake is not a management plan. The strongest programs combine biological products with good aeration, proper circulation, responsible fertilizer practices, debris removal, routine water
A healthy lake is not necessarily a lake with no algae, no plants and crystal-clear water every day. Natural water changes with the seasons. The goal is balance. When a lake’s natural cleanup system can keep pace with the material entering it, the water is more resilient. When that system becomes overwhelmed, small issues can grow into expensive problems. Bacteria and enzymes will not fix every aquatic problem. They will not replace good maintenance, proper diagnosis or responsible chemical treatment. But when used correctly, they can strengthen the biological foundation upon which a healthier lake depends. The most important work in your lake may be performed by organisms you will never see. Take care of the invisible cleanup crew, and it can help take care of your water. Maria Angel is DWI's Certified Lake Manager (CLM) a Aquatic Treatment & Lake Management Services. She can be reached at (760) 837-3700 or by email to m6a2@dwiwater.com.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SPECIALIZING IN HOAs SINCE 2001 COACHELLA VALLEY’S LOCAL CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT & PROJECT MANAGER
Visit www.Siglercm.com to see our project gallery and watch our informational video:
Click here for our Informational regarding Construction Consulting in Common Interest Developments that was broadcast on Dennis Quaid’s “Viewpoint Project”:
COACHELLA VALLEY: (760) 469-3048 SF BAY AREA: (408) 922-0262 EMAIL US: inquiry@siglercm.com
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Trending on Social Media: HOA Management Is Tough— But You’re Not Alone By Holly Smith
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crolling through Facebook, you will find several groups dedicated to HOA professionals and the community association industry. If you belong to any of them, you know that conversations can quickly turn into complaint forums. It is difficult to blame anyone. This industry is not easy. I recently came across a post from a manager who felt that her time in HOA management was coming to an end. She described feeling emotionally drained, and the comments reflected similar experiences. Responses ranged from “I put in my notice today” to “The level of rudeness is changing who I am as a person” and, finally, “It’s a thankless job.” Do any of these thoughts or feelings resonate with you? If they do, take a deep breath and step back for a moment. Burnout is real, and no one should dismiss the emotional toll that a demanding profession can take. At the same time, it can help to remember that difficult interactions are not unique to community association management. Attorneys regularly encounter people during stressful disputes. Medical professionals care for patients facing pain, fear, and life-changing decisions. Hospitality employees address complaints even when guests are supposed to be enjoying themselves. Any profession centered on serving people
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"RESPONSES RANGED FROM 'I PUT IN MY NOTICE TODAY' TO 'THE LEVEL OF RUDENESS IS CHANGING WHO I AM AS A PERSON' AND, FINALLY, 'IT’S A THANKLESS JOB.'” will occasionally involve frustration, conflict, and difficult behavior. People do not change simply because we change professions. Just as every profession has challenges, each also offers opportunities to make a meaningful difference. Attorneys help people resolve disputes and protect their rights. Medical professionals help people recover and live healthier lives. Hospitality professionals create memorable experiences. Community association managers
help people protect their homes, their neighborhoods, and, in many cases, their largest financial investments. Managers guide volunteer leaders through complicated decisions, help communities navigate change, and bring stability to the places where people live their daily lives. That work matters. Community association management also serves a continuing need. Economic conditions may change, but HOA communities do not disappear
when the economy slows. These communities still need budgets, maintenance, governance, communication, and professional guidance. During difficult economic periods, managers may become even more important as boards navigate financial pressures and changing community needs. None of these means managers should simply accept burnout, disrespect, or unreasonable treatment. Employers, boards, and industry leaders must support healthy boundaries, reasonable workloads, professional development, and respectful working relationships. Managers should also feel empowered to seek help when the demands of the job begin affecting their health or well-being. Many of the conflicts managers encounter begin with misunderstandings. People may not understand the manager’s role, the board’s authority, the association’s governing documents, or the practical limitations involved in community operations. Education will not eliminate every disagreement, but it can change the tone of the conversation. Greater understanding will lead to more realistic expectations, better decisions, more productive communication, and less conflict. Managers should not have to carry the entire burden of educating every board member and homeowner on their own. By directing community leaders and residents to CAI-CV, managers give them access to another credible source of information and take an important step toward creating more informed communities. CAI-CV is here to support managers, educate boards, and help homeowners understand their role in creating successful communities. When everyone has access to reliable information, managers are better supported, volunteer leaders are better prepared, and homeowners are better equipped to participate constructively. HOA management may be tough—but you do not have to do it alone.
The $26,000 Roof Surprise: When Deferred Maintenance Comes Due Imagine opening a notice from your homeowners association and discovering you owe more than $26,000 for a roofing project. That is the situation facing owners in a 198-unit San Clemente condominium community after the association approved more than $5 million in emergency assessments.
Residents are questioning whether the project qualifies as an emergency, whether competitive bids should have been sought, and what options exist for owners who cannot afford the unexpected expense. The dispute is a striking reminder of why reserve planning, transparent communication, and proactive maintenance matter. Could this happen in your community? Read the full story on Yahoo News.
Holly Smith has been in the property management industry for over 20 years throughout Southern California. Holly is currently Executive Director of Comunity Associations Institute of Coachella Valley. Holly can be reached by calling (760) 341-0559 or email holly.smith@cai-cv.org. CAI-CV.org
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