CONNECT 2011 Issue One

CAI-GRIE’s mission is: To make a positive contribution to the Common Interest Development Community through education and networking.

connect A Publication of the Greater Inland Empire Chapter of CAI

ISSUE one 2011

GOING GREEN

2 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

connect Table of Contents A Publication of the Greater Inland Empire Chapter of CAI

www.cai-grie.org

OFFICERS Ken Carteron............................................................................. President Pacific Western Bank Robert Riddick...................................................................President-Elect Sunnymead Ranch Planned Community Association Weldon L. Brown.............................................................. Vice-President Weldon L. Brown Company Lana Hamadej, PCAM. . ........................................................... Secretary Avalon Management Group Kimberly Lilley, CMCA, CIRMS ................................................ Treasurer Berg Insurance Agency, Inc. BOARD DIRECTORS Michelle Howard, CMCA, AMS, PCAM......................Voit Management Linda Krebs ..................................................... Flower Lighting & Electric Matt D. Ober, Esq., CCAL .............................Richardson & Harman, PC Shelly Risbrudt......................................................Bemus Landscape, Inc. Gina Roldan................................................Frazee Paint & Wallcoverings Kristie Rose, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CCAM

Features 4

Dark Sky, Bright Future

By Kimberly Weiss

10

Go Green: What We Can Do and Why We Should Do it

By Gail VanDyke, PCAM

14

Going Green Does Not Mean Your Neighborhood Must Turn Brown

By Jasmine Termain, Esq.

16

My First Legislative Day at the Capitol

By Michelle Howard, cmca, ams, pcam

Transpacific Management Service Robert Serdoz.............................................. Elite Pest Management, Inc. Alisa Toalson, CMCA, CCAM...........................................................PCM Gwen Wertz................................................................ Opportunity Bank Sherry Neal, CMCA, PCAM, CCAM ................................ Past-President Walters Management

Departments 2

Billiards Night

DJ Conlon, CMCA

6

President’s Message

Editor in Chief

By Ken Carteron

8

Editor’s Link

Chapter Executive Director

Kelly Richardson, Esq., CCAL..........................Richardson & Harman, PC Publications Committee Lana Hamadej, PCAM................................. Avalon Management Group Jan Hickenbottom, PCAM........................First Bank Association Services Michelle Howard, CMCA, AMS, PCAM......................Voit Management Kimberly Lilley, CMCA, CIRMS.....................Berg Insurance Agency, Inc.

19

By Kelly Richardson, Esq.

IE Indoor Olympic Games

Sherry Neal, CMCA, PCAM, CCAM.................... Walters Management Jude Pisanelli, CMCA............................................... Equity Management Nancy I. Sidoruk, Esq. . ...........................Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Jasmine Termaine, Esq...................................... Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Sheryl Whitaker, AMS.................................. Avalon Management Group DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kristine Gaitan..................Rey Advertising & Design/The Creative Dept.

All articles and paid advertising represent the opinions of authors and advertisers and not necessarily the opinion of either Connect or the Community Associations Institute–Greater Inland Empire Chapter.

Information contained within should not be construed as a recommendation for any course of action regarding financial, legal, accounting or other professional services and should not be relied upon without the consultation of your accountant or attorney.

Connect is an official quarterly publication of Greater Inland Empire Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI–GRIE). The CAI–GRIE Chapter encourages submission of news and articles subject to space limitation and editing. Signed letters to the editor are welcome. All articles submitted for publication become the property of the CAI–GRIE Chapter. Reproduction of articles or columns published permitted with the following acknowledgment: “Reprinted with permission from Connect Magazine, a publication of the Community Associations Institute of Greater Inland Empire Chapter.”

Copyright © 1998–2011 CAI-Greater Inland Empire Chapter.

Advertising, articles or correspondence should be sent to: CAI-GRIE Chapter 5029 La Mart, Suite A • Riverside, CA 92507-5978 (951) 784-8613 / fax (951) 848-9268

Write an article, get published and get noticed!

A published article is one of the most effective ways to promote your business. Connect magazine is always accepting articles for publication. It’s a great way to get connected to our membership and get your company’s name out there.

Contact the chapter office at info@cai-grie.org or 951.784.8613 for more information.

The Greater Inland Empire Chapter of CAI hosts educational, business and social events that provide the Chapter’s Business Partners various opportunities to promote their companies’ products and services to Community Association owners and managers serving the Community Association Industry.

It is expected that all participants in Chapter events — whether they be educational, business or social — will conduct themselves in a professional manner representative of their business or service organization so as not to detract from the experience of others seeking to benefit from their membership in the Chapter. connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 3

Dark Sky, Bright Future While well-lit streets and common areas provide comfort and peace-of-mind when the sun goes down, lighting can also disrupt our environment and our health.

4 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

by kimberly weiss

O

include regulation of blood pressure, the shorter blues do not. The various utdoor lighting can in fact growth hormones, body fat, and insulin chemical reactions in our body that create a reassuring, attractive use. In fact, the absence of darkness has stimulate a plethora of responses are atmosphere that draws people activated by light or the absence of light recently been shown to cause insulin out of their homes to recreate, allowing resistance, which can result in diabetes. the cares of the day to healthily dissolve. contacting the appropriate part of the One of the most crucial responses eye, where it is absorbed by chemicals But the excessive use of energyto Chromophores is the Circadian called Chromophores. Chromophores efficient bluish cool-white fluorescent Rhythm, also known as the biological activate neuropeptides, which are or other blue hued light sources for clock. The Circadian Rhythm molecules that tell the brain to conduct outdoor after-dark lighting are working controls the production of to reverse Mother Nature’s hormones, including Serotonin intentions, inadvertently (responsible for impulse control damaging our environment Easy Steps To Take Today and carbohydrate cravings), and making us sick.

Outdoor nighttime lighting should be balanced, and Dopamine (responsible Undirected light, exposed not excessive. Following are a few practical tips: for pleasure, alertness, lamps, glare, and excessive Whenever possible, shield and direct lights, so that and muscle coordination), light intensity all create light the light illuminates only its intended target.

Cortosol (responsible for stress pollution, which is slowly A light should never shine straight up into the sky. response), and Melatonin dimming constellations and Light should never intrude into windows. (equivalent to a natural blurring our once-crisp, If a once-lit tree falls or is removed, remove the light. sleeping pill). The appropriate twinkling stars to form a Use energy efficient light sources, but try to include level of each of these hormones contemporary murky haze. some warmer colored lights. is vital, and imbalances can In addition to the glowing Choose light fixtures that are “dark-sky friendly.” cause ill health. In fact, an night sky, light pollution imbalance in the Circadian has affected wildlife around When a resident complains that the common area lighting is shining into windows, take action.

Rhythm lowers disease the globe by changing the resistance. For example, our migration and breeding habits Remember that nighttime is supposed to be dimmer than daytime. immune system needs to be on of creatures great and small. sometimes and off other times.

But beyond the environmental If it is on all the time, we open affects, light trespass is a ourselves up to autoimmune diseases serious health risk that has been the a specific activity or function. like Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. topic of much recent research.

The morning’s natural blue light Melatonin is inhibited by light causes neuropeptides to activate natural and permitted by darkness. It builds instincts such as stress control, hunger, The Science up each evening as the natural light and reproduction. Therefore, it is very The sun provides light in all dims and our bodies prepare for sleep. important to experience some natural colors of the spectrum, with the shorter In the middle of the night, when light in the earlier morning when the ultraviolet and blue rays waking us in there is very little blue light naturally blue rays are the most abundant. the morning and the longer orange and present, we enter our deepest sleep, Similar to the morning routine, red toned rays of the sunset preparing called Delta Sleep. During this time, darkness causes neuropeptides to us for sleeping in relative darkness. activate other processes. Some light rays Melatonin levels peak, triggering cells The retina is a light sensitive that attack tumor cells. On the other pass through even closed eyelids, which membrane at the back of the eye that hand, a lack of Melatonin will thwart means that any light that is in your contains millions of tiny light receptors this natural process and cancer may bedroom at night is getting into your called rods and cones that convert eyes and stimulating (and/or preventing) develop. In addition to its crucial health light into signals that are then sent to functions, Melatonin provides powerful various responses in the brain via the the brain. The longer orange and red antioxidant processes, proving that optic nerve while you sleep. Some of wavelengths of light reach the retina all ‘beauty sleep’ is no fairy tale. Exposure the processes that require darkness the way at the back of the eye, while

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 5

Association Bank Services

Specialized Banking Services For Community Associations and Management Professionals Operating and Reserve Checking With No Monthly Service Charges Automated Lockbox Services, Online Payments, ACH Business Online Banking Remote Deposit CDARS* Placement Services Association Loans Simplified Association Signature Cards Experienced Association Bankers Jan Hickenbottom

PCAM, CCAM Vice President 4301 MacArthur Blvd.

Newport Beach, CA 92660 (800) 848-6771 Jan.Hickenbottom@fbol.com

www.FirstBankHOA.com

Member FDIC

*CDARS is a service mark of Promontory Interfinancial Network, LLC. FDIC Insured up to $50 million per Tax ID.

PRESIDENT’s

MESSAGE

The first quarter of the year has brought a continuation of last year’s vigor to the chapter and as I attend the committee meetings I have obtained a new appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes of our chapter. I am excited about this coming year! All of our committees are “anteing –up” to bring to you the most Ken Carteron informative programs possible and very Pacific Western Bank clever events.

I have attended just about every committee that has met thus far and I see a lot of the same faces. Committee meetings are scheduled just about every day it seems, and for those of you that serve on multiple committees I commend you. (I think I will suggest to the Awards Committee that we institute a new award for this chapter, and call it the “Iron Man” to show recognition for those of you that give so freely to the success of this chapter).

For those of you that have not yet picked committees to participate on there are several opportunities still available that would welcome the addition. I understand personal conflict and time availability but I do not know of any better way to help the success of our chapter than to participate on a committee.

Remember my theme as president this year is “we are all in where all members win” and joining a committee is a “Win-Win”.

to dim light in the evening can inhibit Melatonin production to some extent, but exposure to bright light at night can significantly reduce its production.

Therefore, it is imperative to not spend every evening in very bright light, and to sleep in the dark.

With this advice in mind, we cannot ignore security. Security lighting must include provisions for transitional lighting and spread beyond its intended target to some degree, or it can be dangerous.

For example, if you are lighting a path, you must also light the area surrounding the path or a thug can lie in wait in the shadows without being detected. There are ways to accomplish this while keeping with the advice above; thoughtful consideration is the key to success.

Provide a responsible lighting system for the residents of your community, and you just might make a life-changing difference….And that will help you to sleep well at night.

Kimberly Weiss is with Three Phase Electric, a Chapter Business Partner.

Welcome to 2011!

Ok, off the soap box…Let’s talk about some of the things that are planned for us this year.

Dr. Adibi spoke at our February lunch and Trade show what a great opportunity we were afforded! I hope you all were able to attend and enjoyed him as much as I have in the past. We honored our new PCAM members at a quaint social event in late February. The first of two Billiards events were enjoyed by many but if you missed that one we have another one scheduled for October. The 1st CAI Indoor Olympic Games held on April 1, 2011 were a smashing success and I think it’s definitely going to have to happen annually. Monte Carlo is adding the 1st Annual President’s Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. If you win you get to be president next year…just kidding. The CLAC Committee is busy planning the 2nd annual wine event and the managers committee is working out the fine details of the Managers retreat.

As I suggest, the chapter has many events and educational opportunities scheduled for this coming year. We have already experienced some of them and the balance of the year promises to be just as educational and enjoyable as what we have already experienced. We should all be proud of how we are working together so we all “win.” Please check the Chapter website for the specific dates and times or for information on these exciting events and educational opportunities.

Best Regards, Ken Carteron

6 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 7

Editor’s LINK

Kelly G. Richardson is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Richardson & Harman, PC. Mr. Richardson is also the Managing Editor of Connect magazine and Chair of the magazine committee.

Welcome to our first issue of 2011. I am very grateful to our 2011 Committee, who are already doing a wonderful job in developing themes, topics, authors and articles for Connect. We hope you enjoy the magazine this year, as we try to build on the great tradition established by past Editors, including Matt Ober and the 2010 Committee.

This is an amazing year for common interest developments in California. We have as we speak the entire Common Interest Development Act re-write working its way through the Legislature. There are bills on management charges for disclosures, landscaping water conservation, board meeting procedures, and of course assessment collection, to name just a few of the topics we all need to watch.

At the same time, CAI continues to grow, with over 30,000 members nationwide, and the addition of two Chapters outside the USA. California reflects that growth, as our eight Chapters continue to grow in numbers and importance to the common interest development homeowners of our state.

CAI is a unique organization, in that while we are dedicated to improving the governance of common interest communities, we have three distinct membership groups - homeowners, managers and business partners. We hope this year’s Connect will represent all three of our constituent groups in the Greater Inland Empire Chapter.

This issue emphasizes issues of resource conservation. At press time, crude oil is about $110 per barrel, and gasoline is well over $4 per gallon; Nuclear power is again proving to be a controversial source of energy; and solar energy source technology is still developing. We have to live within our means, and find ways to reduce our usage.

Have an idea for an article? Our editorial guidelines are available on the Chapter website, or I will be happy to e-mail them to you. If you are not an author, and wish somebody would write about a topic you believe is of interest to our membership, let me know. Just drop a note to me at Krichardson@RH4Law.com.

Kelly G. Richardson, Connect Editor

GENERAL CONTRACTING RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES • • • • • •

Dry-rot Replacement Structural Repairs Concrete ~ Asphalt Painting Fencing Wrought Iron

• • • • • •

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MOST TRUSTED CONSTRUCTION SERVICE PROVIDER Corporate Office 981 W. 18th Street Costa Mesa, California 92627 949.548.9969 - Fax: 949.548.9711 License #699611 customerservice@pcwservices.com www.pcwservices.com 8 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

Waterproofing Deck Coatings Roofing Stucco ~ Siding Pools & Spas Maintenance

We provide solutions... to complex Community Association legal issues.

If you are involved in the management of a community association, you know that the State and Federal laws that govern associations complicate decision-making and make the conduct of association business challenging.

We can help. At Epsten Grinnell & Howell, solving the complexities of community association law is our only business.

Our attorneys handle a continuing and varied stream of association legal matters.

We collaborate and share our ever-expanding knowledge with each other, and with our clients. This can be a real benefit to your association, as our attorneys are not likely to be starting from square one when faced with your difficult issue.

Call us today… We have a lot of common interests.

ÌÌ À iÞÃÊ-iÀÛ }Ê Õ ÌÞÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÃÃ V >Ì Ã

800.300.1704 l www.epsten.com San Diego 9980 Carroll Canyon Rd., Suite 200 San Diego, California 92131 858.527.0111 • fax 858.527.1531

Inland Empire 41870 Kalmia St., Suite 160 Murrieta, California 92562 951.461.1181 • fax 951.461.2916

Coachella Valley 44-875 Deep Canyon Rd., Suite 3 Palm Desert, California 92260 760.836.1036 • fax 760.836.1040 connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 9

GO GREEN If each of our associations encouraged their owners to take merely minor steps to conserve energy, the impact would be substantial.

10 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

I

What Can We Do and Why We Should Do It

t seems every time we turn on the TV or radio, or read a newspaper or magazine, we are continually urged to “go green.” Al Gore has warned us about global warming and most of us think we should do something. But we don’t know where to start. In 2007, there were almost 300,000 community associations in the United States, representing more than 20 million homes. If each of our associations encouraged their owners to take merely minor steps to conserve energy, the impact would be substantial.

If we start with the common areas of a community and initiate some of the suggestions below, think of the impact it would have. Not only would the community save energy by going green, it would save money.

Start with an energy evaluation performed by the energy provider. These are usually offered free of charge and the results can be amazing. Following are some ideas for savings at the clubhouse and around the common area.

Insulation and Weatherization An association can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 30% by investing a few hundred dollars in proper insulation and weatherization.

This is one of the easiest and most costefficient ways to reduce energy waste and maximize energy dollars. Insulation is measured in R-values. The higher the R- value, the better the walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat and cold.

Maximizing the R-value will save energy and therefore money.

Weatherization tips include the installation of rubber or foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates. If there is a fireplace, close the damper tightly when it is not in use. Caulk, seal and weather-strip all seams, cracks and openings to the outside. Reducing air leaks can save up to 10% of the electricity bill.

Heating and Cooling Invest in a programmable thermostat.

Don’t pay to heat or cool an empty clubhouse. The association can save 10% by turning the thermostat back by 10-15% for eight hours a day. Clean or replace furnace filters monthly or as needed. Turn off ventilation fans as soon as they have done the job. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air.

The Recognized Authority in Community Association Law

Lighting By replacing 25% of your incandescent bulbs with fluorescents, you can save about 50% of your lighting energy. Fluorescent lamps last 6 to 10 times longer and are much more efficient. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are more expensive but pay for themselves with energy savings. You can also save energy by installing photocells on outdoor lights. Exterior lighting is one of the best places to use CFLs because of their long life. In addition to the energy savings, you don’t have to pay to have bulbs replaced as frequently.

A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION A full service law firm solving the legal challenges of community associations for 35 years.

www.fiorelaw.com

Windows In colder climates, install windows Continued on page 12

FIORE RACOBS & POWERS

INLAND EMPIRE ORANGE COUNTY COACHELLA VALLEY 951-369-6300 949-727-3111 760-776-6511 connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 11

Imagine what would happen if each of our 20 million plus owners did nothing more than switch to CFL bulbs and saved 50 percent on their lighting energy bill. that are gas filled with low-emissivity (low e) coatings to reduce heat loss. In warmer climates, select windows with spectrally- selective coatings to reduce heat gain. In the Sun Belt, you can install new solar control spectrally-selective windows and cut the cooling load by more than half. If you decide not to install new windows, you can install storm windows and reduce heat loss by 25-50%.

Appliances Appliances account for about 20% of a household’s electrical consumption. An appliance has two price tags – purchase price and the operating cost. Look for the Energy Star® label. You can add to the savings by following a schedule of preventive maintenance, such as replacing gaskets on refrigerators.

951.698.8511

www.waltersmanagement.com Murrieta • San Diego • Chula Vista • Carlsbad

12 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

Landscaping Well-placed trees, shrubs or vines can provide shade and act as a windbreak.

Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep the clubhouse cool in the summer and allow the sun to shine in the windows in the winter.

Evergreen trees planted on the north and west sides of the clubhouse deflect winter winds. Vines growing on trellises can provide the shade for a window or the whole side of the clubhouse. Mulch stabilizes soil temperature, prevents weeds, feeds the soil for healthier plants and helps conserve water. And, it recycles itself. The use of organic or slow-release fertilizers for trees and shrubs produces plants with strong root systems and no excessive “top growth,” saving you time and money. They also reduce nutrient

run-off into ground and surface waters.

Select plants that are pest and diseaseresistant and low-water-use varieties. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation on beds to save up to 50% or more compared to sprinklers. Water in the morning to avoid evaporation and avoid evening watering as it can encourage the growth of mold or plant diseases. In dry periods, allow the turf to go dormant. Water once a month and it will bounce back in the fall.

Deep but infrequent watering of turf will encourage a stronger root system.

Now that we have toured the common areas, let’s think about informing our owners of these energy and dollar saving tips. Imagine what would happen if each of our 20 million plus owners did nothing more than switch to CFL bulbs and saved 50 percent on their lighting energy bill. These are small dollar changes that will provide savings for years to come.

Let’s jump on the “green” bandwagon and do our part. One small step for an association…one giant step for planet Earth.

Gail VanDyke, PCAM is with Mid-Atlantic Management in Plymouth Meeting, PA.

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 13

Going Green Does Not Mean Your Neighborhood Must Turn Brown

By Jasmine Termain, Esq.

A

ccording to the California Center for Sustainable Energy, the California Legislature in 2010 passed 30 bills relating to energy conservation on issues from green jobs to water efficiency. The clear local, state and national trend is towards adoption of laws promoting energy conservation, many of which impact common interest developments (CIDs). Therein lies the rub: in a tropical-themed neighborhood, when an owner wants to install a xeriscaped front yard, the board must ask, “Does going green mean the neighborhood must turn brown?”

Recent trends in energy conservation issues pertaining to CIDs include installation of artificial turf instead of natural grass, low water landscapes and protection of rights to use solar energy devices, to name a few. The following is a recent snapshot of legislation relating to these issues: Artificial Turf – Due to technological advances, today’s artificial turf does not mean the scraggly green carpeting from the 1970s. While many products have the same look of real grass

14 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

and promote water conservation, installation often draws sharp criticisms nonetheless. Last year, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 1793 by a 69-1 margin which would have voided CC&Rs that prohibit installation of artificial turf – but it was vetoed by the Governor.

Installation of Low Water Landscapes – Effective January 2010, Civil Code §1353.8 protects an owner’s right, regardless of anything in the CC&Rs to the contrary, to install low water-using plants. While §1353.8 permits boards to exercise aesthetic control and oversight, it precludes those controls from prohibiting low water-usage plants in landscapes.

Solar Issues – This broad topic includes solar rights (legally protected by the 1978 Solar Rights Act, Civil Code §714.1 to 714.5), installation of solar tubes, and association efforts to introduce energy conservation in maintaining common areas. Civil Code §714(a) voids CC&R provisions restricting an owner’s right to install a solar energy system. Boards may adopt “reasonable”

restrictions so long as the cost is not significantly increased and the efficiency of the system decreased. Public Resources Code §25982.1 provides certain protections to an owner against interferences to their system once installed.

While the above list represents a sampling of issues confronting CIDs related to owners’ requests, this is not the whole picture of this vast topic. Implementing energy conservation measures with respect to the maintenance of common areas can help lower association operating costs. For example, communities can save money by installing a solar energy system and locking in discounted electricity rates or by swapping outdated light-fixtures with energy efficient ones. Only with forward planning and budgeting can communities take advantage of energy conservation measures designed to help reduce costs.

The old adage, “knowing is half the battle,” is particularly true with respect to energy conservation and CIDs. The most important thing to keep in mind is that energy conservation does not necessarily have to conflict with a community’s current aesthetic qualities. Boards and managers should consider the following strategies to establish long-term community success with respect to energy conservation issues: Adopt Rules and Regulations – Because the Solar Rights Act permits “reasonable” procedures, boards are encouraged to adopt policies so their association is prepared upon receipt of a request. Boards should also work with a landscape expert to develop a list of approved low water-usage plants consistent with the community’s aesthetic. Forward planning will best ensure the

board is able to quickly and effectively review applications that contain requests for installation of energy efficient improvements.

Amend the CC&Rs – The wording of many existing CC&Rs arguably permit installations of energy efficient improvements that boards may wish to prohibit or restrict (e.g. installation of artificial turf). Amending CC&Rs to address such technological advances can assist boards in addressing these issues head-on.

Common Area Maintenance – Review the association’s landscape, electricity, water and utilities costs, meet with energy conservation consultants in order to determine what measures, if any, can be implemented. Unless the review is performed and discussion is had, communities will continue with business as usual when there are other – and cheaper – options available.

Through budgeting and adequate reserves, communities can take advantage of energy conversation as a means by which to reduce dues.

Given the growing legislative trends in support of energy conservation laws, those communities that start addressing – and implementing – policies now will be best poised to handle these issues in the future and ensure their community does not turn brown for the sake of going green. The strategies in this article will hopefully provide a place to start this important discussion, but judging by recent legislative history, it is by no means the end.

Jasmine Termain is an attorney with the law firm of Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian, and is a member of the Editorial Committee for Connect magazine.

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 15

My First CAI Legislative Day at the Capitol

By Michelle L. Howard, PCAM, AMS, CMCA

I

n January 2010, I began volunteering on the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) for the Greater Inland Empire Chapter.

After four months as a member of the CLAC Committee, I was on my way to Sacramento for my first CAI Legislative Day at the Capitol.

Saturday, I arrived at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, which is located across the street from the Capitol. That evening, I attended the Monte Carlo Night hosted by the CAI California North Chapter. The Monte Carlo Night was held at the Delta King, and there were many faces I recognized. The evening at the Delta King concluded, and

16 |

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

I was anticipating the education sessions that were scheduled the next morning.

Sunday morning at 11:00 the education sessions began. We were briefed about “hot bills” and participated in a discussion on the current proposed legislation and how it may affect the HOA industry. This session also allowed us to interact with CAI’s Advocate Skip Daum before the Delegate voting session took place in the afternoon.

Following the morning session, we had lunch, and then proceeded to the next session at 1:00 p.m. which involved a roundtable type discussion of the proposed amendments to the Common Interest Development (CID) sections of

the Civil Code for the California revision commission. The next session covered how to work with your legislators and make a difference in the law-making process. This session provided invaluable tools for networking and developing a dialogue with local senators and assembly members.

Our final session for the day took place at 3:00 p.m. and entailed strategies for implementing recently enacted laws in California. This session taught us to learn how our peers throughout the state are interpreting and executing recently enacted legislation, and a discussion on elections.

After a full day of education I attended the delegate dinner at the Cosmo Café. It was a great opportunity to network, and meet more people in our industry.

Monday morning approached, and it was time to attend the bill briefing from 8:00 am to noon. We then proceeded to lunch where we listened to keynote speakers Larry Stirling (as in co-author of the Davis-Stirling Act), and Andrew Fortin. Larry Stirling served four terms as an assemblyman for the 77th District, and then served as a judge.

Judge Stirling now serves as a mediator for dispute resolution in the CID industry. Andrew Fortin is the National Vice President of Government & Public Affairs for the Community Associations Institute.

Following lunch, it was finally time to visit the Capitol, and meet with our local senators and assembly members. Since our appointment was at 3:30 pm, we had time to tour the Capitol. This building

is referred to as the California State Capitol Museum, and has many areas to tour. There are exhibits & collections, architecture & history, legislation, and educational resources. I have to say that my favorite area of the Capitol was the rotunda.

I was assigned to meet with Assembly Member Kevin Jeffries (Republican, 66th District) with fellow managers Pamela Voit of Voit Management (member of CLAC’s Executive Committee), Lisa Locke of Equity Management, Jacqueline Bill of Equity Management, and Sunnymead Ranch PCA board member Robert Riddick (the current Chapter President-Elect). Prior to our appointment, the five of us decided who would cover each bill so we were organized, and had time to review the information before meeting with the assemblyman. We arrived at his office and gave our business cards to his staff.

Keep in mind that meeting staff is often just as good as meeting the boss – the legislator. The staff has the ability to get the legislative officials on board with the bill(s), and explain the arguments for or against it. Mr. Jeffries greeted us, and led us into his office. We all sat down, and started down the line about the hot bills and our position on each one of them. He was very receptive, asked questions, and welcomed our comments by email at any time.

Walking out of his office, I felt like I really did something by stating my position as a constituent. Sitting through the sessions, getting educated, and taking the time to sit down and talk to my elected officials really gave me a better understanding of the legislative process. I highly recommend that managers attend and promote CAI’s Legislative Day at the Capitol to their board members, property owners, and vendors they work with. It is the only way for our voice to be heard for the HOA industry.

Quality Products & Service Competitively Priced OUTDOOR LEISURE FURNITURE

Refinishing • New Furniture • Restrapping • Umbrellas • New Slings Serving California Since 1979

(800) 227-1847

1186 E. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, CA 92831

Michelle L. Howard, CMCA, AMS, PCAM is a manager with Voit Management and is a member of the Editorial Committee for Connect Magazine.

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 17

New, Renewed & Rejoined Members NEW MEMBERS Mr. John LoBue Advanced Reserve Solutions, Inc. Mr. Albert J. Portune, RS AlliedBarton Security Services, Inc. Ms. Debbie Lange Association Capital Bank, a Division of Texas Capital Bank Mr. William F. Hession, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Association Reserves- Orange County, LLC Mr. Michael Nash Barney and Barney, LLC Ms. Sara Hayes Buckles Restoration Mr. Steve Winter California Gate & Entry Systems Mr. Kevin Squire CertaPro Painters, Ltd. Mr. Dave Myers College Patio Homeowners Association Mrs. Judith Griesinger Mr. Bharat Kapadia Ms. Bj Khandwala Mrs. Eleanor McCartan Mr. Edgar Reece County of San Bernardino Mr. George W. Taylor Dutchman Mr. Sean Van Wyk Elite Community Management Ms. Deirdre Bitting, CMCA, AMS Empire Management Group, LLC Miss Kenise Bacon Equity Management Ms. Tamara Lynn Middlesworth Espinoza’s Clean Sweep, Inc. Mrs. Cindy Espinoza Fence It Up! Ms. Kimberly Eilar First Association Bank Ms. Cat Coltrell, CMCA, PCAM Flower Lighting & Electric Mrs. Linda Krebs GateKey, Inc Mrs. Liz A. Jones LifeTime Composites, LLC Mr. Robert Duran MeterNet Mr. Moquey K’Seal Marquross Mission Landscape Companies Ms. Ruthie Horner Morgan Hill Homeowners Association Mr. Fred Bartz Mrs. Terry Lindsley

18 |

Precise Management Ms. Nancy Martin

Community Archives, Inc. Ms. Sabine Liedel, CMCA

PrimeCo Painting and Construction Mr. Bill Butler

CDS and Management Ms. Leann Bobbitt, CMCA Mr. John Bobbitt, CMCA

Ranscapes, Inc. Mr. Ran Tomaino Sherwin-Williams Company Ms. Denise Matheny Transpacific Management Service Mr. Hallie Kirkingburg Tuscany Hills Landscape & Recreation Corporation Ms. Lesa Miller, CMCA ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance Mr. Nick Mokhlessin Walters Management Company Mrs. Jenny Bonnar Ms. Lisa Weber Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP Mr. Daniel C. Shapiro, Esq. www.PatioShoppers.com Mr. Todd Chism

Distinctive Landscape Mr. Michael Batista Draeger Construction, Roofing & Painting Mr. Bill Mann Elias Bros. Contractors, Inc. Mr. Jerry C. Elias Empire Management Group, LLC Ms. Darlene Medlin Ms. Vanessa Wuestewald, CMCA, AMS Encore Property Management Ms. Susan Beaver, CMCA First California Bank Ms. Sarah Johnson International Paving Services, Inc. Mr. Mitch Callaway

Creekside West Village M.A. Ms. Pamela Gray Ms. Valerie Marrs Empire Community Painting Mr. Aaron Bovberg Equity Management Ms. Liz Kemme, CMCA Ms. Leticia Kendrick, CMCA Ms. Deborah Simonetti, CMCA, AMS Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Ms. Katy Krupp First Associations Bank Ms. Cat Coltrell, CMCA, PCAM Guardian Preferred Properties Mr. Mackey Anderstrom Mr. Paul B. Anderstrom, CMCA Ms. Rhonda Marie Anderstrom, CMCA, AMS Hidden Meadows Comm. Assoc.

Mr. Robert Coleman Mr. Jeff Ortiz Ms. Tina Walker HOA Elections of California, Inc. Mrs. Danielle Hallman

RENEWED

La Costa Resort Villas HOA Mr. Rusty Bates Mr. Brian McGinnis Mr. Jim Waples

Advanced Painting Co., Inc. Mr. Allen Moser

Lincoln Harris CSG Ms. Dorothy Ann Kolisar, CMCA

Incline Consultants Ms. Elma St. John

Alliance Association Financial Services Ms. Beth Steven

Meadowview Comm. Assoc.

Ms. Barbara Brand Ms. Donna Christensen Mr. Dennis Cullen Ms. Cynthia Jackson Mr. Eric Kazakoff

Landscape Development, Inc. Ms. Aestocia Ramirez

Associations Insurance Agency, Inc. Ms. Terri Guest AWS Consultants, Inc. Mr. Paul Vanni

Merit Property Management Ms. Tracie Blankenship, CMCA, AMS

Howett Isaza Law Group, LLP Mr. Timothy Howett, Esq.

Lighthouse Property Management Mr. Kevin Lewis, AMS, PCAM MC Builders Corporation Mr. Stacy D. Morrison, Jr.

Bathish Insurance Agency Mr. Robert Bathish

National Paving Company, Inc.

Patio Guys Mr. Jan Vanderlinden

Beacon Property Management, Inc. Mr. James Notley

REJOINED MEMBERS

Patrol Masters, Inc. Ms. Kathy Miramontes

Bill's Sweeping Service Mr. Mark N. Carter

Action Painting Company AP Contracting, Inc. Ms. Laura Manhart

Brandywine Village HOA Ms. Sue Saurer

Alan Smith Pool Plastering, Inc. Mr. Kevin Kostka

Cal-Swim Aquatic Services, Inc. Mr. Dave Maynard

Alante/MCS Insurance Services Mr. Stephen Grane

Cannon Management Company Ms. Charlie Magnan, CMCA

Association Reserves- Inland Empire, LLC Mr. Michael Nash

CertaPro Painters of Corona and Temecula Valley Mr. Dave Myers

Bay Alarm Company Mr. Brandon Plott

CID Property Management, Inc Mr. David May, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

Ben’s Asphalt & Seal Coating Ms. Teri Braden

Clayton Ranch HOA Mr. Chris Bromley Ms. Sharron Lambeth Mr. Sinclain Langland Mr. John Roberts Ms. Kathy Szubota

Berg Insurance Agency Mr. Michael Berg, CMCA, CIRMS

CIC Management Ms. Maureen McCormick

ISSUE ONE 2011 • Connect with grie

Brooker Associates Ms. Emily Harlan Condominium Management Services Miss. Elizabeth L. Taylor, CMCA

Queen Anne Circle HOA Ms. Cyndi Jacob Ms. Debra Paynter Smiley Park Country Club HOA Mr. Bill Derrenbacher Ms. Marlene Kiemel Miss Nancy Schatz Mrs. Beverly Schauwecker Mrs. Kathy Stiles Suntrek Industries Mr. Dan Olney The Brickman Group Mr. Aaron Krakora The Termite Guy Ms. Jennifer Adkison Waddell Painting, Inc. Ms. Deborah Somers Weldon L. Brown Company Mr. Weldon L. Brown, II Mr. Weldon L. Brown

connect with grie • issue one 2011

| 19

5029 La Mart, Suite A Riverside, CA 92507-5978

The monte carlo committee Cordially invites you to join us for OUR ANNUAL MONTE CARLO NIGHT

Saturday Night Fever “A Night at the Disco” Saturday, June 11, 2011 • 6:00 pm - Midnight Riverside Convention Center 3443 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Dinner, Dancing, Gaming & Entertainment

Boogie Boutique S.B.S. Lien Services Glitter Bar Environmental-Concepts Landscape Management, Inc. Landscape Development, Inc. Nelson Paving/Goldstar Asphalt Jive Talkin’ Souvenir Photo Able Restoration Berg Insurance Agency Elite Pest Management, Inc. Garland Restoration, Inc. Out of Sight Hors d’Oeuvres Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. Service 1st Lighting The Termite Guy Walters Management

The Hustle Gaming Table Animal Pest Management Services, Inc. Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Can You Dig It? Dessert Fiore, Racobs & Powers Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts Stayin’ Alive Entertainment Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Elias Bros. Contractors, Inc. New Way Landscape & Tree Services, Inc. Disco Ball Centerpiece MC Painting & Construction Patrol Masters, Inc. Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Vista Paint Corporation