Focus L.A.’s Premier Source of Information for Community Associations November/December 2013 Holiday Safety Tips Holiday Jump-StartLightingYour Career Wrap-Up Issue
Chapter members generously brought non-perishable food to Casino Night to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Chapter members and friends delivered this food to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in downtown Los Angeles on November 16 and stayed to package food for holiday delivery to homebound senior citizens.
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Community Outreach Committee members who work diligently to make these events successful are: Committee Chair Meigan Everett (Gold Coast Property Pros), Jeanie LaCroix (BELFOR Property Restoration), Miranda Legaspi (Platinum Security), Janet Nelson (First Citizens Bank), Nathalie Ross (Adams Kessler PLC) and Ashley Garrison (ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance).
Toy and dollar donations were collected on November 20 and December 6 for the Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. This year’s goal is to help “Fill the KABC Bus.” Chapter elves will parade the toys personally to Garth Kemp at the Canoga Park Westfield Mall. Watch for us on TV during the early morning KABC newscast on December 13!
The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of CAI is committed to giving back to its communities within Los Angeles County. This holiday season the Chapter has been actively participating in three programs.
On October 20, Chapter members and friends turned out to the Annual 5K Hunger Walk in Santa Monica to benefit the Westside Food Bank. The Community Outreach Committee collected food stuffs at the September luncheon to deliver to Walk. The Westside Food Bank’s mission is to distribute as much food as possible to local agencies with food assistance programs and to reduce food waste on the Westside of Los Angeles County.
Los Ange L es Region AL Food B A nk
s pAR k oF Love Toy dR ive
Wes Tside Food B A nk
David C. Swedelson, e sq. Swedelson & Gottlieb, 310-207-2207
FINANCE Jolen Zeroski, C m CA®, Union Bank GOLF TOURNAMENT Teresa Agnew, Roseman & Associates, APC Daisy Vasquez, Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. LEGISLATIVE ACTION Lisa Tashjian, e sq., Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian MARKETPLACE Alan Denison, Stay Green Inc. MEMBERSHIP Larry Hooper, Popular Association Banking MEDIATION SERVICES m atthew Grode, e
Carol Brockhouse, A m S® Tokyo Villa HOA Tina Chu, e sq. Adams Kessler, PLC, 310-945-0280
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 1 NeWSWorTHY 4 Holiday Safety Tips 6 Holiday Lighting: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly 10 Jump-Start Your Career 12 Condo Hoarders: Hoa Horror Or None Of Your Business? 20 Residential Security: What Are the Options? 26 Ne WS F ROm S ACRA meNTO: CLAC Accomplishments 2013 28 Drafting a Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors CHapTer UpdaTe 2 Note From the editor’s Desk 3 President’s message NoTeWorTHY 3 e ssentials of Community Leadership Workshop 9 Brian D. moreno Admitted to College of Community Association Lawyers 16 evening with the Stars Casino Night Highlights 24 Homeowners Association marketplace Recap FYI 30 CAI-GLAC membership News 32 2013 Upcoming events 32 Advertisers Index 32 Advertising Information 2013 Board oF dIreCTorS Officers m att D. Ober, e sq., President Richardson Harman Ober, PC, 626-449-5577 Katy Krupp, Vice President Fenton, Grant, m ayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP, 949-435-3800 Joanne Pena, C m CA®, A m S®, PCA m ®, Secretary Horizon m anagement Company, 310-543-1995 Gregg Lotane, CCA m ®, PCA m ®, Treasurer The Wilshire Condominiums, 310-446-5333 D irec TO rs Jeffrey A. Beaumont, e sq. Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian, 818-884-9998
Action
This publication seeks to provide CAI-GLAC’s membership with information on community association issues. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all facts presented in articles. CAI-GLAC does not necessarily endorse or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. By submission of editorial content to CAI-GLAC, the author acknowledges and agrees to abide by the editorial and policy guidelines. Copyright © 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. CAI is a national, not-for-profit association created in 1973 to educate and represent America’s residential community association industry.
Pamella De Armas SAX Insurance Agency, 310-740-4274
National Office Address: 6402 Arlington Blvd. #500, Falls Church, VA 22042 Tel: 888/224-4321 • Web Site: http://www.caionline.org 130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203 Office: 818-500-8636 Fax: 818-500-8638 StAy CoNNeC teD: on the Cover Regatta mHomeownersSeasideAssociationarinadelRey
Gibbs, Giden, Locher, Turner & Senet, LLP PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS Linda Healey, PCA m ®, The Californian on Willshire PUBLIC RELATIONS Darin Sherlock, m arina Landscape PUBLICATIONS m atthew Gardner, e sq., Richardson Harman Ober PC FOCUS Magazine Sherry Branson, Kevin Davis Insurance Services Membership Directory Stephen S. Grane, Alante/ m CS Insurance Services Web Site Lynne Collmann, C m CA®, A m S®, Savoy Community Association SATELLITE PROGRAMS Gail Jones, CCA m®, CmCA®, A mS®, PCA m®, Valencia management Group Craig Phillips, CCA m ®, C m CA®,
Robert Ridley, e sq. Castlegate HOA, 213-626-0291 Lynn WarnerRugerClub Villas HOA, 818-703-7090
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
EDUCATION
m ichael Lewis, CCA m ®, C m CA®, A m S®, PCA m ® Concept Seven, LLC, 310-622-7012
2013
CHapTer eXeCUTIVe dIreCTor Joan Urbaniak, mBA, C m CA® CoMMITTee CHaIrS m eigan e verett, C m CA®, Gold Coast Property Pros Gerry Suenram, CCA m ®, PCA m ®, Property m anagement sq., A m S®, PCA m ®, International Tower Owners Assn. SOCIAL Donald Campbell, CCA m ®, C m CA®, A m S®, Torrance-Windemere HOA Angel Fuerte, FR e SHCO Painters WINE NIGHT Joanne Peña, C mCA®, A m S®, PCA m ®, Horizon management Company Jolen Zeroski, CmCA®, Union Bank Homeowners Association Services
THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! As we rush around to parties and events, we realize that the year is coming to a close. Soon it will be time to ring in the New Year already! Where did the year go?
2013 SuperCaI-GLaCSponsors PlaTinum A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800)-PAINTING Animal & Insect Pest management, Inc. Farmers Insurance Group—Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. General Pavement management, Inc. Pacific Western Bank Payne Pest management Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. Seacoast Commerce Bank Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP GO lD Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Behr Paint Corp/THe HOme De POT USA Best Alliance Foreclosure and Lien Services Fenceworks, Inc. Fenton, Grant, mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Ferris Painting, Inc. First Bank Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. Nautilus General Contractors, Inc. Popular Association Banking Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Select Painting Union Bank silver Adco Roofing, Inc. Association Reserves, Inc. Berg Insurance Agency, Inc. CommerceWest Bank milstein Adelman, LLP m utual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts OCBS, ReserveInc.Studies Incorporated S.B.S. Lien Services SAX Insurance Agency Servicem aster by e ddie South Shore Building Services, Inc. Stay Green TimothySwedelsonGottliebInc.ClineInsurance Agency, Inc. BrO nze Accurate Termite & Pest Control Bethco Builders Boyd & Associates Dm Construction Services Dunn- e dwards Paints Horizon m anagement Company mission Landscape Services Pacific Premier Bank PCW Contracting Services, Inc. Poindexter and Company,
— Sherry Branson, Editor
m anagement The
Serving one’s community as a director is not an easy task. It can be even more difficult for both the board and the manager if one director is hostile, disagreeable or a “loose cannon.”
We
Richardson
at
Matt Ober, Esq. discusses ways to address misconduct. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season and Happy New Year!
QwikResponse Restoration
Landscape
Many associations and homeowners spend countless hours putting up beautiful holiday decorations which have gorgeous lighting displays. We start out with an article on holiday light safety tips by Kimberly Weiss. It’s great to have a beautiful display; however, safety is something we should also keep in mind as we celebrate. Since people are very busy shopping and attending parties, we included an article on general holiday safety tips. Delano Fields provides us with a great article on shopping, driving, ATM withdrawals and children’s safety tips— reminding us to be conscious of all the decisions we make as we hurry to get everything done this time of year. With 2014 just around the corner and the promise of new opportunities, now is the time to think about jumpCPAs Construction, Inc. & Reconstruction e xperts, Inc. Harman Ober PC Silldorf & Levine, LLP Construction Termite Guy Three Phase e lectric U.S. ValleyCrestBank m aintenance thank our 2013 Chapter Office 818-500-8636
Construction
sponsors who have made a substantial contribution to ensure our continued success this year. Contact the
nOTe CAI-GLAC does not necessarily endorse
Professional Services
Stonemark
FROM THE EDITOR ’ S DESK or approve statements of fact or opinion made in these pages and assumes no responsibility for those statements. Authors are responsible for developing the logic of their expressed opinions and for the authenticity of all facts presented in articles. starting your career. Addressing community managers, Gerry Suenram, CCAM®, CMCA®, PCAM® writes about the importance of professional development and courses that CAI offers. I think we’ve all seen the show on television about hoarders. It’s a sad situation which affects relatives, friends and neighbors. How does an association handle this predicament if a hoarder lives in their community? David Swedelson, Esq. and Sandra Gottlieb, Esq. give some advice on what an association should do if presented with this problem.Residential security continues to be a top priority for homeowners and associations. Edward Newman talks about options available to both large communities and small ones with limited budgets. He also addresses how an association can use technology and limited manpower to its advantage.
2 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
to sponsor a program or an event.
Spreading the Best-Kept Secret a contact they should make so that they feel better after our conversation and can get past their initial feeling of hopelessness. I then take the opportunity to talk about CAI and what we do: provide resources and education to community associations and their managers. CAI is still the “best-kept secret.” It is a constant challenge for me to design ways to let more people know about our many services. I have decided that the most effective way is through you, our members. Some of you are already making connections for us. Others may not understand enough about all that we do to explain it to others.
To that end, we are going to make a concerted effort to give you more tools so you feel comfortable slipping CAI into your conversation when an opportunity presents itself—whether it’s during a manager visit, at a board meeting or even when talking with friends at a cocktail party or unrelated industry event. Watch for tools coming your way. They could be snippets of information or something as simple as our “Member of CAI” logo for you to display on your business card or Web site. Learning more about us and the depth of our organization will reinforce the great choice you made to join CAI. We appreciate and value your membership.Sincerely, Joan ExecutiveUrbaniakDiirector
$80/Member;Cost: $100/Non-member Next Saturday,Class:January 18, 2014 Approved by Department Real a proper use of association funds. Course includes course materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Workshops are held on Saturdays. Call the Chapter Office at 818.500.8636 for a Workshop schedule. The location varies — if you can guarantee 10 attendees, we’ll come to your association!
Homeowners and board members living under community association governance call me daily for help in dealing with situations in their associations. They have found CAI on the Internet or heard about us from a friend. They often just need someone to listen to their story. After hearing them out, I make a point of suggesting resources they can use or
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR news
$80/Member;Cost: $100/Non-member Next Class: April 14, 2012
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 3
GoTBDLocation:towww.cai-glac.org for more details and registration. RegattaLocation:Seaside HOA, Marina del Rey Go to www.cai-glac.org for more details and registration.
To learn more about CAl’s newest service and how mediation can benefit you, call the Chapter Office at 818-500-8636. Approved by the Department of Real Estate as a proper use of association funds. Course fee includes course materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Workshops are held on Saturdays. Call the Chapter Office at 323.254.9526 for a Workshop schedule. The location varies - if you can guarantee 10 attendees, we’ll come to your association! Have You Just Been Elected to Your Board... Or Are Contemplating Running for a Board Seat? CAI offers a one-day workshop that you won’t want to miss! It gives you the basics that you need to govern more effectively and efficiently. You’ll leave the workshop with new ideas, solutions to problems, handouts for future reference and the knowledge that there are more resources and people to help you with your leadership responsibilities. Course topics include: responsibilities, rule enforcement, maintenance, finance, reserves, insurance and board meetings.
❄ Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
❄ Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
❄ When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
❄ Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have a clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
❄ Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings c hi L dR en
❄ Always carry your driver’s license or identification card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
The following holiday tips have been compiled and will contribute to the safety of your community during the holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of the year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.
❄ If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
❄ Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location. s hopping
❄ Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
❄ Never drink and drive. Delano Fields is the Vice President of National Operations at Unified Protective Services, Inc. located in Hawthorne, California. He can be reached at DFields@unifiedsi.com.
Au Tom AT ed Te LL e R mAchine (AT m)
By Delano Fields
dR iving ❄ Avoid driving alone or at night.
❄ Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
❄ Avoid carrying a large amount of cash.
❄ If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
❄ Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
❄ Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
❄ Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
❄ Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
❄ Know your safe limit.
❄ Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
❄ If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
❄ Dress casually and comfortably. ❄ Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
❄ Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
❄ Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
Attending A pART y
❄ Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in your car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
❄ Keep cash in your front pocket.
SafetyHolidayTips
❄ Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
❄ Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
❄ Remember that only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
❄ Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
❄ Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
❄ Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
❄ Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
❄ Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
❄ Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
❄ Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
❄ Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night go with a friend or family member.
❄ Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 5 ©2013 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Union Bank® is proud to announce that we have acquired the Association Bank Services division of First Bank. Now our extensive industry expertise—backed by the high-quality products and dedication to customer service that have defined Union Bank for nearly 150 years—is even more widely HOAbankers.comavailableSmartstreet.com BROADENING INDUSTRYTOCOMMITMENTOURTHEHOA. Smartstreet is a registered mark of Union Bank, N.A.
3. k now the players—Who’s doing what? And when? Usually there is just the installer on small shows, but don’t forget the Committee, Landscaper, Electrician, your Therapist…
Keeping
Holiday Lighting:
4. Reputation is everything—If not you, somebody has had experience with your vendors. Pay attention at the water cooler and don’t hesitate to ask around.
5. cover your Ass-ets —The community’s equipment is at risk during the holiday lighting season. Damaged light fixtures can easily cost more than the entire Holiday Lighting show. Do not allow holiday lighting installers to tap existing light fixtures for power unless they are a trusted vendor. If you hire an unfamiliar company to install the holiday lighting show, have your regular contractor come out for a service call in January to verify that everything is put back together correctly.
2. holiday Lighting is an Art—Yet the guys throwing the lights in the trees are not always artists. The only way to know who cares enough to make it a great show is to know their work.
HE HOLIDAY SEASON is a time of love, peace, joy, laughter and cheer. People hold it close to their heart, and many boards of directors are happy to celebrate by spending thousands of community dollars for the installation of a beautiful holiday lighting display. And although expensive, it is a great idea. After all, community holiday lighting is a way to capitalize on the investment of living in a common interest development. Most condominium dwellers would not be allowed to run a string of lights along their section of roofline, but boards that sponsor community holiday lighting displays allow their residents the opportunity to share joy, festivity and delight. It creates a sense of community pride, neighborly camaraderie, local stature, and wholesome joy among many. In essence, holiday lighting can truly be an example of the finer side of homeowners association living. But wherever there is an opportunity for something truly good and special there is also risk—and holiday lighting is a prime example. With all of the good that the holidays bring, they also represent the pinnacle of stress for many people. The fact is that during the holidays, there are pressures everywhere—crowds, traffic, hustle and obligations—but the holiday lighting display is supposed to be a perfect illustration of the beauty and peace of the season. So when the lights are out or the garland falls, that individual who was already pushed to the threshold of insanity often seems to take the step over the edge. It is impossible to ensure that a show will be perfect throughout the season because there are factors that are outside of anyone’s control. For example, high winds or excessive rain can be the wild card that will inevitably cause damage. But most people understand weather concerns and are patient and understanding, so long as repairs are underway. Residents are typically not as understanding about problems that seem to be avoidable, and often feel it must be “someone’s fault.” To some degree, many problems can be avoided, but it is a subject to be taken seriously and requires vigilance and competence on the part of the community manager and the installer.
C ONTINUeD ON PAGe 8
1. Beware of The grinch—Christmas is often a very emotional time and the slightest imperfection can turn one of Santa’s Elves into a Grinch. Just be ready!
6 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
The 12 days of holiday Lighting dangers:
The Good, the Bad, the Ugly Your Holidays Merry and Bright! By Kimberly Weiss
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 7 REPRESENTING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS IN ALL AREAS OF REAL ESTATE LAW • Drafting and enforcement of Bylaws and CC&Rs • General litigation, including mediation and arbitration of disputes with owners • Construction defect litigation • Insurance bad faith litigation • Collection of delinquent assessments • Providing general business advice to homeowners associations. 11400 West Olympic Boulevard Ninth Floor • Los Angeles, CA 90064 (PH.) 310.478.4100 (FAX) www.wrslawyers.com310.478.6363
Irrigation z Circuit overload z Vandalism z Anxious homeowners z t
weather z Landscapers
imperfections—they
C ONTINUeD
stop z Ants
A beautiful and festive show is possible and feasible at most every community, as evidenced by the continued growth of the trend, even in a gloomy economy… so push up your sleeves, put on your elf cap and have a Happy Holiday season!
holiday
addressed
12.
9. Trim, Trim, Trim—Contrary to the notion that big trees get big lighting, a nicely trimmed tree will show off FDIC pacificwesternbank.com
Creative. Annette Abernethy Vice President | (310)
the beautiful trunk and branches—and the canopy. But make sure the trimming is complete before the lights are installed.
8 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
CashSolutionsManagement MultipleOptionsPaymentOnline Access and Research Innovative Lockbox Processing CapabilitiesAssociationHomeownerLoans Member
aabernethy@pacificwesternbank.com996-9105
7. The dreaded gFi—The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is the biggest enemy. It’s there to protect people, but will kill the joyous season. Bag ‘em, and tape all connections. This does not always prevent a ground fault so talk to your electrician about options.
8. L ed Light strings—These have come a long way since last year. They received a bad reputation at the onset, because they were “blue” but now warm white LED light strings, which look like traditional ones, are available. And the price has come down too. The energy savings can be up to 70%, but the labor and materials cost will be much higher– up to 200%. Still, they are worth consideration.
10. Lookin’ uptown, or Lookin’ Rundown?—It can look amazing at night, but have you looked closely during the day? Your homeowners do, everyday. Fast, messy lights hanging from the trees can look terrible during the day. See #2.
6. power, power, power—Besides money, this is the biggest limitation. A strand of lights uses about 40 Watts. One circuit can handle 1920 Watts max—someone competent should do the math. If there is a question, then LED holiday lights would be a good choice, as they use far less power. (See #8.)
is inherent
lighting provider 11.
etc.) z t
Kim Weiss is the co-founder and co-owner of Three Phase electric, a leading electrical and Lighting Services provider specializing in HOAs for almost 25 years. Kim can be reached at Kim@HOAlighting.com. FROm PAGe 8 Lighting: The good, the Bad, the ugly The Top 10 Enemies of Holiday Lighting: z t he dreaded GFI z he (we love ‘em but potential damage to mowing, he bus z unskilled holiday maintenance is crucial—Weather, irrigation, vandals, anxious homeowners, or just tiny all must be now… I mean, now!!! The eleventh hour—Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or just that special holiday party, your people must be there for you, or the twelfth hour may rhyme with “bell.”
HOA Banking Solutions Responsive. Experienced.
An
Tonya Guyot Assistant Vice President | (310) tguyot@pacificwesternbank.com996-9106
When you hire a CCAL attorney, you’ll know you’re being represented by one of the best community association lawyers in the country. CCAL members are leaders committed to creating and improving communities and the legal structures that define them. your community facing tough legal issues?
Brian earned his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Brian is an active member of the CAI in several Southern California chapters, including serving on the Programs and Golf Committees of this chapter.
Brian D. moreno admitted to college of community association lawyers Save yourself time, money and frustration by hiring an attorney who specializes in community association law. Discover members of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL).
You’ll be on top of all your legal needs!
Chapter CCAL Members: Jeffrey Beaumont, Esq. Sandra Gottlieb, Esq. Brian Moreno, Esq. Matt Ober, Esq. Kelly Richardson, Esq. Daniel Shapiro, Esq. Find a roster of CCAL members online www.caionline.org/ccalat or call CAI at (888) 221-4321 (M–F, 9–6:30 p.m. ET).
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 9
Is
CAI-GLAC I s pL e A sed to announce that Brian Moreno, Esq., a Senior Associate at Richardson Harman Ober PC in Pasadena, has been admitted to CAI’s prestigious College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). He is one of fewer than 150 attorneys nationwide to belong to this organization.
Established in 1993 by the Community Associations Institute, CCAL consists of attorney members who have distinguished themselves through contributions to the evolution or practice of community association law. Members are also recognized for committing themselves to high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
T HE NEW R EALITY
There was a time, ten years ago or so, when a bright person with good people skills could advance quickly in HOA management. The first decade of this century was filled with opportunity as development in Southern California boomed and the really good managers in our local chapter regularly traded up to the next position and watched their salaries rise year over year. When I left rental management and hired on at an HOA in 2001, I did not know about reserve funds. I had no idea there was a DavisStirling Act. I survived my first position in Beverly Hills because, as the seventh of nine children, I’d learned to parley with my crafty siblings every detail of whatever was being split nine ways! I did well in Beverly Hills (and loved it) and saw my salary more than double over the decade. Of course, my success, and ours, during this period was marked by the stress that comes from working in a growing profession not well understood, without clear expectations and clear boundaries of authority. For those of us who lived to tell the tales of these years (and we know many who did not), the occupation was often a quagmire of incoherent tasks that did not follow from what could reasonably be expected of us. And no clear path of career development lay before us that might bring us to a satisfying end.
S TARING UP AT T HE B AR
Gerry Suenram has managed community associations for 16 years. He joined Action Property management in 2008 and currently manages evo, a 316-unit luxury high-rise in downtown Los Angeles. Gerry serves as CAI-GLAC’s education Committee Chair and can be reached at actionlife.comgsuenram@ Gerry Suenram, CCAM®, CMCA®,
I was slow to realize that the world of HOA was transforming around me. Perhaps because I thought my smarts and sense of humor would carry the day, I didn’t realize how ill-prepared I was to manage the uber-complex and unwieldy thing that is a large community association. However, I took an HOA law course and CAI’s M-100—and thought I’d stop there! But gradually I realized that the bar had been raised. And I was standing under it. I then became a high-rise manager and immediately understood that my B.A. and M.F.A. were not going to help me pull through—that I urgently needed help learning how to manage the governance, facilities, finances, legal affairs, member services, staff, life-safety and risk control issues at a community of 600 persons. I’d managed my way through the occasional madman running unclothed through the garage, the nephew breeding rabbits on his auntie’s carpets…for months—even the paparazzi swirling about Britney S. as she slipped hairless through our hallways (you can’t make this stuff up). My siblings prepared me for these types of flare ups, but nothing prepared me to manage a homeowners association in a really expert way. ENTER CAI Finally, I wised up and completed all the coursework leading to the PCAM® and then earned the designation after taking the on-site case study. I can truly say that by completing the PMDP I’ve gained a strong grasp of all the tasks related to what we do. I now know how to manage the governance, facilities, finances, legal affairs, member services, staff, life-safety and risk control issues that surround me daily. I know what questions my board should want answered regarding a financial statement or proposal. I know what to recommend and have earned the respect of those I serve. And I can truthfully say that, because of this, the stress I experience in my work life is greatly reduced. I know I’ve been joined in this process of development by many of my peers who once did not, but now do, understand our profession in depth and manage at a high level. We understand that if we had not taken this course of action and educated ourselves, we’d still be staring up at the bar.
T HE WAY F ORWARD CAI has revised all the coursework related to its Professional Management Development Program. Some of the courses are available online and scholarships are available. Starting now, you can provide yourself the education you need and advance in your career with the clear vision of where it will take you. You can find enhanced enjoyment in your work life because you’ll be able to define for yourself and others what can reasonably be expected of you… and what measures success. I cannot imagine what, other than the unplanned execution of failure, could possibly keep you from taking this advantage.
›››By
PCAM®
10 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
JumP-StArtyourCAreer
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 11 Find out: z Where designations will take you z How to plan your education z Requirements and cost z Tips from credentialed managers Presenters: anda Bewhite, cmca®, ams® All West Management Gerry suenram, cmca®, Pcam® Action Property Management If you have credentials, you have credibility. More than just letters after your name, CAI credentials identify you as the right professional for the job. They give employers confidence that you have the knowledge, experience and integrity to provide the best possible service to their associations. got credentials? To learn how to earn CAI 10:30Januarycredentials10,2014a.m. Sign up at www.cai-glac.org for our PATH TO PCAM ® take that to the bank. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender mutualofomahabank.com Lisa Ann Rea VP/Regional Account Executive Toll805-907-8452Free866-800-4656, ext. lisa.rea@mutualofomahabank.com7500 pick the right tools for your next project. With community association lending expertise like ours, you’ll get the job done right. AFN46039_0913
Hoarding is different from collecting. Hoarders are typically indiscriminate and disorganized. They literally cannot discard items, even trash or items with no financial value. The collecting is what is important to hoarders, not what is collected. This is not your collection of glasses from romantic wine tastings, or funny frog figurines that your co-workers give you, or paperweights from your vacations. The Mayo Clinic defines hoarding as “the excessive collection of items, along with the inability to discard them.” Hoarding often creates such cramped living conditions that homes may be filled to capacity with hoarded stuff, with only narrow pathways winding through stacks of clutter. Hoarding is obviously a concern to those who live in condominiums or stock cooperatives, especially when they share a common wall or live in the same building with a hoarder. Often the hoarding becomes an issue when the resident’s hoarding cannot be contained within their unit and spills out onto patios, porches and front doors.
A S WE CONSIDER CURRENT TRENDS IN OUR INDUSTRY, HOARDING IS A SUB jECT THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED. AT OUR jANUARY EDUCATIONAL L UNCHEON, S ANDRA GOTTLIEB, E S q. WILL jOIN WITH L ISA TASH jIAN, E S q. TO UPDATE MEMBERS AND GUESTS ON TRENDS IN OUR INDUSTRY, INCLUDING HOARDING, BOARD MEMBER HOSTILITY AND TENANT CONTROL . T HE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS A PREVIEW OF ONE PORTION OF THIS IMPORTANT AND TIMELY PRESENTATION. More and more, we are being called upon by condominium and stock cooperative community associations to address issues relating to residents who are hoarding. Neighboring impacted owners and boards are increasingly concerned about hoarding, even if they are not seeing a direct impact on the association. We hear claims that the hoarding is creating a fire hazard (not typically considered a hazard by the fire department) or health hazard, even when there is no evidence that the hoarding is creating a safety or health issue. But this does not mean that hoarding can be ignored as it has and can lead to these types of issues, placing both persons and property at risk. And considering that the American Psychiatric Association this year officially recognized hoarding for the first time as its own separate disorder with an estimate that it affects two to five percent of the population, it is likely that your association has or will have a hoarder as a resident.
HoA
The first clue that you have a hoarder might be aesthetic. As long as the hoarder’s “stuff” is inside a unit, it may not be a problem for the HOA. However, when a hoarder’s “stuff” spills out where other residents can see it, then it becomes a problem for the association especially when the neighbors complain. Several years ago, an association requested that we get involved in a hoarding problem. Residents saw the hoarding owner and her husband getting into their van, which was always filled with stuff, and going out at night trolling for more stuff. Not a problem for the association. Other residents assumed that the couple’s garage was filled with stuff, but the door was always closed. Still not a problem for the association. But when neighbors in surrounding units looked down one day and saw the hoarder’s patio piled high with “stuff,” then it was a problem for the association. When the board approached her, this hoarder did not understand what the problem was. If you are a board member dealing with a hoarder, expect this. Experts say that most people who hoard don’t see it as a problem. This makes dealing with hoarders challenging. In that case, we had to file a lawsuit Horror or NoNe oF your BuSINeSS? By David Swedelson, Esq. and Sandra Gottlieb, Esq.
DO Y OU H AVE A HOARDER?
12 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
CONDO HOARDeRS:
W HAT I S HOARDING ?
When an association contacts us about a hoarder, the first thing we ask is, “How does the hoarding impact the association or other residents?” Often the response is vague: it might be a fire hazard, could be a safety issue, maybe a health problem. We tell the board what the fire department has told us: hoarding by itself is not a fire hazard. If there is a fire, the fire department might not enter a unit where property is stacked to the ceiling, but that does not make the hoarding by itself a fire hazard.
The point is that just because there is a hoarder does not necessarily mean that there is a health or safety problem.
Consider for example another association that asked us to address a problem hoarder. The elderly gentleman (and hoarding seems to be a bigger issue with seniors) had lived at the association for at least 20 years, and apparently had been hoarding all that time. When I looked at photographs taken through a window, I saw that this gentleman was not
C ONTINUeD ON PAGe 14
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 13 against the woman to convince her that she could not keep her “stuff” on her patio. We entered into a settlement and she cleaned up her patio. We were all pleased that this situation was over, and was fairly Fastbenign.forward six years. The same association recently contacted me. The hoarding homeowner is still hoarding. Not an esthetic issue this time. She generally keeps her patio in decent condition and removes her stuff when the association gives her notice that it needs to be removed. Then what? Rats from the hoarding woman’s unit gnawed and chewed through the adjoining wall into the neighbor’s garage. Obviously there is garbage in amongst the hoarder’s stuff and that creates a health and safety hazard, and the association must now take action. What action, you ask? The association will report this hoarding homeowner to the health department, and hope that they will take action. In addition, the board has instructed us to try to get the hoarder’s attention, again, and if that does not work, we may have no choice but to file a lawsuit seeking a court order requiring that she eliminate the nuisance.
Unless the hoarding constitutes a nuisance, a health or safety issue and/or has a direct impact on the neighboring residents, there is not much that the association can or should do.
Hoarding is not always confined to inanimate objects. Animal hoarding can be a problem, too. We were called in to help an association where a resident allowed dozens of feral cats to come onto her property at night to feed. She even went so far as to install bars over windows so that they could be left open for the cats to enter. We were eventually successful in getting the cat woman to stop inviting in and/or feeding the feral cats that can carry diseases etc.
HOW DOES THE HOARDING IMPACT THE ASSOCIATION?
of your Business?
There is only one California court decision that dealt indirectly with a hoarder. And it did not go well for the association. In the 1998 California Court of Appeal decision in the case of Fountain Valley Chateau Blanc HOA vs. Department of Veteran Affairs (Cunningham), the Court of Appeal essentially told the association that just because there is a hoarder who has lots of stuff in their unit, does not necessarily mean that there is a problem that requires the association to take action or that the association has the right to tell an owner what they can or cannot keep. The Court in that case opened its decision against the association with the following: hoa horror or none
W HAT HAVE THE COURTS SAID ABOUT HOARDING AT HOA S ?
C ONTINUeD FROm PAGe 13 condo hoarders:
14 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter allison disarro Vice President HOA Banking Division 619-988-6708 Mobile 858-312-7030 adisarro@sccombank.comFax PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & HOA BANKING Seacoast Commerce Bank provides our Property Management and Homeowner Association clients the ability to maximize their use of bank services. We understand the unique Banking needs of our Property Management and Association clients, providing industry specific products and customer service that you have grown to expect and deserve. ManageProPertyMent & Hoa Banking solutions • Depository Services • Cash Management • Remote Deposit Capture • Lockbox Services • ACH Origination • HOA Financing • Online Dues Program 11939 Rancho Bernardo Rd, Suite 200 San Diego CA www.sccombank.com92127 Seacoast Commerce Bank offers a full range of comprehensive banking and financial services for Homeowner Associations and property management companies. hoarding stuff that he got off the street; he was primarily hoarding stuff that he had purchased and never even opened. Boxes, packages, cartons, cases of art frames, small appliances, and all kinds of other property, all still in their original packaging, were everywhere. Then, of course, there were the usual newspapers, magazines, and other papers piled up to the ceiling. It got to the point that this man could no longer sleep in his bedroom, and we could see a sleeping bag on the floor in his Still,kitchen.thehoarding had not been a problem for anyone at the association. That all changed when neighbors started to complain about mice coming from his unit into theirs. The older gentleman had become ill and somewhat frail, was out of the unit for weeks at a time for medical treatment and had stopped taking out his garbage and cleaning the unit as he likely could not physically do this anymore. He also refused to provide access to his unit so that the association could help him to eliminate the problem. We contacted this gentleman. His response was to tell the onsite manager to come to the unit. When the manager arrived, the gentleman threw trash bags out of his kitchen window into the driveway. Again, his actions were representative of that hoarding mentality behavior. Unable to get this hoarder’s attention, we were compelled to sue this gentleman, and the court issued an order allowing the association access to the unit to address the mice infestation and health and safety problem. However, the board was reluctant to deal with the gentleman’s property, because there turned out to be some valuable items among the stacks of hoarded materials. The case sort of resolved itself. Shortly after we filed the lawsuit against the gentleman, regrettably, he died from cancer.
Fountain Valley Chateau Blanc HOA vs. Department of Veteran Affairs/Cunningham
The Court went on in its decision to state the following: If it is indeed true that homeowners associations can often function “as a second municipal government” (Chantiles v. Lake Forest II Master Homeowners Assn.), then we have a clear cut case of a “nanny state”— nanny in almost a literal sense — going too far. The association’s actions flew in the face of one of the most ancient precepts of American society and AngloAmerican legal culture. “A man’s house is his castle” was not penned by anonymous, but by the famous jurist Sir Edward Coke in 1628. So what does this Court’s decision mean to California community associations? There is no question that a community association should and perhaps must take legal action if a resident’s hoarding is creating a clear health or safety issue or problem for the other residents at the association. But hoarding by itself, absent a health or safety issue, is not a sufficient basis for the association taking any enforcement action.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 15
Like Shel Silverstein’s proverbial Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout, the petitioner in this case, Robert S. Cunningham, would not take the garbage out. So, reminiscent of Sarah’s daddy who, in the famous poem would scream and shout, Cunningham’s owners association did the modern equivalent. It instituted litigation. The association’s theory in essence was that Cunningham’s property constituted a fire hazard. Local fire authorities, however, determined that his property posed no fire hazard, either indoors or outdoors. Even so, the lawyers for the homeowners association wrote letters demanding that he clear his bed of all papers and books, discard “outdated” clothing, and remove the papers, cardboard boxes and books from the floor area around his bed and dresser. Books that were “considered standard reading material” could, however, remain in place.
The Court of Appeal made it very clear that it was not pleased with the association’s efforts to tell the homeowner what he could or could not keep in his unit especially when it had no real justification for doing so. As is clear from the Court’s opening paragraph, believing that a hoarder’s property constitutes a fire hazard when the fire department does not agree is not justification for a lawsuit.
David Swedelson and Sandra Gottlieb are the founding and senior partners at SwedelsonGottlieb, Community Association Attorneys. They represent hundreds of community associations all over California, They can be reached at dcs@sghoalaw.com and slg@sghoalaw.com, respectively.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
s
M ORE
Thanks to the Social Committee for putting on such a great event: Co-chairs Don Campbell (TorranceWindemere HOA) and Angel Fuerte FRESHCO Painters, Inc.), Josh Abramson (A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800)-PAINTING), Jennifer Brunston (Action Property Management), Leslee Jones (Alliance Environmental Group), Alison Kronebusch (Reconstruction Experts, Inc.), Kelley Lewis (South Shore Building Services, Inc.), Angelique Madrigal (Ross Morgan & Company, Inc.), Stephanie Sanders (Dunn-Edwards Paints), Tony Sayegh (Gothic Grounds Management) and Michelle Underwood (Plaza Towers HOA). ponsoR s
TA ke T Wo p ho To Boo T h Data Systems Services J Ack n ichoL son Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts “i WA n T cA ndy” sW ee T s hoppe The Termite Guy ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance THAN 180 CHAPTER MEMBERS AND FRIENDS attended Casino Night on November 2 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. After posing on the Red Carpet, many attendees had their pictures taken with Marilyn Monroe and Tom Cruise look-alikes—the likeness was amazing! Michael Lake (Rose Paving, Inc.) and Natalie Chavez won the Best Costume contest dressed as Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman . Other amazing costumes included Charlie Chaplin (Lorianne Hill, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc.), Sonny and Cher (Les and Bonnie Weinberg, Reserve Studies Inc.), Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (Pamella and Richard De Armas, SAX Insurance Agency, Inc.), Dumb and Dumber (Michael Gentzkow and Ryan Dudasik (EmpireWorks Reconstruction & Painting) and Minnie Mouse (Jennifer Cleveland , Gold Coast Property Pros).
16 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Ra R e c oR k Wine General Pavement Management, Inc. c en T e R pieces FRESHCO Painters, Inc. sT eve m cQueen Pacific Western Bank Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. pAR k m y cAR Hi-Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc.
Red cAR pe T A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800) - PAINTING pLA ying cAR ds Seacoast Commerce Bank h umph R ey Bog ART hA ppy hou R B AR Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. gA ming c hips G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 17 Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
18 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 19 Insects Bees, Wasps, Ants, Spiders Rodents Gophers, Mice, Rats, Ground Squirrels Trapping Raccoons, Coyotes, Skunks, Opossums Specialty Birds,Rabbits,Bats Call Today For a FREE Consultation 888 344 6567 Solve Your Damaging Pest Problems with Guaranteed Results. Animal & Insect Pest Management Inc., has a team of experts to help you manage all your pest problems large or small. All of our Urban Wildlife Professionals are State Certified Pesticide Applicators, extensively trained in pest identification, damage recognition, management methods and safety. In addition, our Biologist develops precision pest management programs that ensure the most humane, ecologically sound and legal methods are used to guarantee results Visit us online www.animalinsectpm.com Questions? info@animalinsectpm.com
20 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013
The answer is not to focus on cost alone. Does that sound a bit unusual? Maybe it does, but security is a service that needs to be measured beyond simple pricing plans. Whether it’s a
Where then should board members, security directors and managers look to increase quality in their security and safety programs? There are six key areas in every community: By Edward Newman
Chapter
TwO: TechnOlOGy Many times, communities have multi-faceted safety and security needs layered with many requirements and assets. One community may have 100+ common area doors, multiple swimming pools and a host of other areas that need to be secure after hours and again unlocked or checked in the morning. I recently went to a residential community and was told that they have more than 75 common area doors and that security checks them every night. I asked how the community manager knows that all checks are carried out. He said, “They tell me they did.” That simply isn’t good enough anymore.
Residential communities are facing a lot of pressure because the challenging economy is forcing board members and community managers to trim budgets wherever they can. Since it is often security services that are the focus when communities want to lower expenses, how can your board find the best residential security under these economic pressures?
Mobile technology is now available for security officers to scan and check doors, building maintenance and assets and then send that information electronically to a Web portal so that managers and security directors can know 24/7/365 if everything has been checked each day. A Web portal from your security partner can also provide communities with transparency about their daily, weekly and monthly activities. GPS Tracking, incident reporting, Patrol/Tour notifications should all be computerized for community managers to use to see exactly what the security officers are doing and when they are doing it. All incidents should be reported digitally, because the days of handwritten reports are over! Incidents should be reported instantly via email, with photos and supporting documents to community managers, maintenance managers or board members. Remember that a high-quality security program can help you measure the effectiveness of your security operations and keep you up-to-date on budgeting, invoicing, incident reporting, facility and safety inspections and staffing issues.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles
residential security: w hat are the Options? condominium complex or a sprawling residential community, you want to make sure your community is receiving the best quality and value for security services and not simply the lowest price. After all, a quality security program pays dividends in your efforts to create a safe and secure environment without being intrusive—allowing residents and their guests to enjoy a lifestyle without feeling overly guarded. It all means that we no longer want guards who simply stand at the front gate. Communities now demand highly trained security officers who perform concierge services such as town hall safety meetings, school crossing and bus patrol watch, emergency medical response, and marine units. All these services create a high value program for every dollar that is spent.
One: firsT imPressiOns Remember the old adage about first impressions? It stands true in your community too, because security officers set a standard for your community. Always. From the gate house or during patrols, security officers represent and reflect your community. So, do your officers stand and greet all arrivals with a firm “Good morning, welcome to Paradise Hills, how may I assist you?” It makes residents and guests feel special and it shows that they are receiving a high quality service from their management company and security partner. On the other hand, a lazy “Yeh?” from a sitting guard is impersonal and doesn’t set a good first impression for anyone. Remember, it doesn’t cost anything to implement this kind of quality interaction from the security personnel in your neighborhood.
Such services should include: z Offering Town Hall Meetings to outline security tips for homeowners z Automatic notification to homeowners if garage doors are left open z Preventing unauthorized solicitation material in mailboxes and front doors z Monitoring construction activity and enforcing rules regarding jobsite appearance and construction hours of operation z Monitoring school bus pickup and drop-off areas z Safeguarding community assets (i.e. clubhouse, recreation areas, etc.) z Providing redundant alarm response z Providing absentee homeowner checks when requested z Assisting in home or vehicle “lock outs” and car starts z Responding immediately to suspicious activities, noise and complaints z Responding to any resident’s security concerns z Assisting in finding lost children and pets z Providing parking and speed enforcement, traffic monitoring z Checking on elderly and infirmed as requested z Officers should get to know residents by last name for greeting C ONTINUeD ON PAGe 22
e D s ervices wiTh nO e x T
cOsTs These services
A high quality security program includes high quality security officers with training, backgrounds, qualifications and experience to make a difference. But often it is a struggle to get board members and managers to look beyond simple pricing. Three high-quality security officers using technology can actually be less expensive than five low-quality guards. It’s also important to remember that a high-quality and disciplined officer with a former military or law enforcement background can make good decisions in a pressurized situation.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 21
your
fO
of a true partnership between the
your
Three: well PaiD, well TraineD Officers
Yes, security officers’ salaries make up approximately 75% of the total cost of any security solution. This is why I strongly believe in the concept of having three highly-qualified and well-paid security officers over five ill-equipped and underpaid guards. In my experience, a low overall cost of your security program will mean a low-paid security officer and like everything else in this world: you get what you pay for. ur: aDD ra should available at no cost to community part security company and board.
be
and are a
22 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter Residential security: What Are the o ptions? five: service level aGreemenTs
service
www.associationbankers.comLHooper@bpop.com800-233-7164 Our DEDICATED experts understand the needs of community associations. We offer: • Financing for building repairs/improvement projects • Competitive fixed rates with terms up to 15 years • Excess FDIC insurance coverage limits Lockbox, cash management, and other depository services are also available. ©2013 Banco Popular North America. Member FDIC. C ONTINUeD FROm PAGe 21
following information: z Payroll Accuracy z Training Compliance z Correct Invoicing z Staff Turnover z Post Orders z Incidents & Post Compliance z Innovation & Efficiencies six:
o ption 1. Limited o fficers
o ption 2. patrol v isits
Not having the budget for 24/7 security that doesn’t mean that a community cannot have one officer patrolling eight hours each evening or for a few select evenings. This could provide security, but at a reduced cost to the traditional 24/7 model.
Some communities will opt for a patrol company to “swing by” and check on their properties. There are literally hundreds of patrol-only companies within California. Be careful with this option though because patrol-only companies like to visit as many properties as possible within a given time frame. If you choose to go with a patrol company, your first question should be to ask if they also patrol on foot once at the location. Ask them how long they will be staying on the property and where they will park their car while on foot. They should patrol some of your community on foot, meet with people who are walking, introduce themselves and ask them if they have seen anything suspicious. Security officers should park their car at the main entrance on the outside Hooper, Vice President (714) 864-5171 Free:
Toll
The factors above can be applied to any size and type of community. The level of security, however, is largely dependent on the security budget. Generally, smaller communities have smaller security budgets. The security program, therefore, needs to be focused on different options. Blending the options listed below could support a reduced budget but also provide some level of increased security for your community. Remember though, whenever you chose the cheapest provider, it is not always, if ever, the best value.
directors
an
Contact our Southern California Commercial Relationship Officer today! Larry
Your security company should offer you a way to monitor and keep track of the many parts of your services agreement. A dedicated Web portal where all important information and data can be found should be part of your security program. It will allow board members, community managers and security insight to levels, standards and contract believe communities should have access to the smaller cOmmuniTies D
compliance. I
PrOPerTies OPTiOns
Choose a security service that partners with your association, believes in the core values of your community and provides a multi-layered approach to security, combining quality officers, technology and innovation.
finally: whaT can The PrOPerTy manaGer anD BOarD memBers DO TO helP Themselves?
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 23 CBI – Collins Builders, Inc 18342 Gothard St. Huntington Beach, CA 92648 www.collinsbuilders.com ca license 525783 TOLL FREE 800•699•1644 TEL 714•842•9600 FAX 714•842•6911 EMAIL info@collinsbuilders.comWEBcollinsbuilders.com CONSTRUCTION SERVICES DESIGN BUILD EXPERTS DECK COATING & RECONSTRUCTIONWATERPROOFING&RENOVATIONSTRUCTURALREPAIRSOLUTIONS REMODELING SPECIALISTS HARDI SIDING RATED Quality Construction Since 1959 CMYCYMYCMYMCK CB Ad - 2-2013 AH.pdf 1 2/7/2013 8:29:00 AM of the gate if possible. Why? Because if you drive the car in and around no one on the outside will even know there was a security patrol there. Security is used as a deterrent, and visibility is one of the top ways to deter. If you have multiple properties, sharing patrols may be an ideal plan. Ask about a dedicated shared service plan for your communities, because you can keep costs low. o ption 3. cameras & Technology Cameras are an option to support both static and patrol security officers. To be effective, however, cameras need to be monitored by a state-of-the-art monitoring center that can remotely ask a person to leave the site, escort someone to their car via camera escort, patrol the property or use advanced analytics to detect weapons and thefts. As this is a highly specialized area of security, you should consult with a company that has been in business for several years and can provide cutting-edge technology. Access control technology should be utilized on all doors to limit access to unwanted individuals. But remember unless residents are aware and support best security practices, the problems can still continue. Residents and guests may continue to prop open doors or allow multiple people in without security access. The community Security Committee needs to define the security rules and enforce them.
I get asked this type of question all the time, and the first thing I say is that they need to be open when identifying and selecting the right security company for their community. There is a general fear that if the security company knows the community’s budget then the board might not get any bids below that figure. I suggest communities should look beyond that old-school approach. The more information you can provide to the security company, the better your solutions will be. If you value quality, work with the company to find the very best solution for your budget. Work with the security consultant using my list above to determine a holistic approach, blending officers and technology at no extra cost.
Make sure the security company has a reputation of service quality and has been in business for at least ten years with a proven track record of long-term community partnerships with a stable financial portfolio.
edward Newman is manager of Business Development in Southern California for G4S Secure Solutions (USA), Inc., an international full-service security company. He can be reached at edward.newman@usa.g4s.com.
24 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter Accurate Termite & Pest Control Action Duct Cleaning Adco Roofing, Inc. Allied Roofing & Waterproofing Systems, Inc. American Technologies, Inc. Animal & Insect Pest management Anthony elliot Insurance Agency, Inc. ASR BeaumontAssociationAssociationConstructionLienServicesReservesGitlinTashjian Biltwell Roofing Boyd & DebraCommerceWestCertaProCenturionCaliforniaAssociatesWatersGroupPaintersLtd.BankL.Sheppard&Associates APLC Design Build GeneralFirstFerrisFenceworks,AssociatesInc.Painting,Inc.BankPavementmanagement, Inc. Gothic Grounds management mission Landscape mister Parliamentarian mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts Payne Pest PerformancemanagementelevatorContractors, Inc. R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. Reserve Studies Inc. Richardson Harman Ober PC Roseman & Associates APC S.B.S. Lien Services Salsbury Industries Scott Litman Insurance Agency Select Painting State Restoration Stay Green Inc. Steven G Segal Insurance Agency Stonemark Construction management Swedelson & Gottlieb Timothy Cline Insurance Agency, Inc. U.S. UnionBankBank HOA Services Urban Tree ValleyCrestCareLandscape maintenance Vista Paint Corporation Witkin & Neal, Inc. Admission and Self Parking is complimentary for HOA Board Members and Managers Advance Registration enters you in the Special Prize Drawing awarded at the Dinner (Must be present to win) RESERVATIONS – HOA BOARD MEMBERS & MANAGERS: COMPLIMENTARY* *HOA Member Spouses/Guests will pay a discounted price of $30 pp for dinner Please RSVP before September 25 – Dinner Capacity Limited Phone: 818.500.8636 • Online: www.cai-glac.org • E-mail: joan@cai-glac.org • Fax: 818.500.8638 Association/ManagementName: Company: Phone:Address: E-mail: Law Offices of Laura J. Snoke RichardsonMattModeratorOber,Esq.HarmanOber PC CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter presents SCHEDULE5:30p.m. Meet & Greet with Exhibits 7:00 p.m. Dinner with PresentationEducational PRESENTATIONEDUCATIONAL Free Legal Advice with Davis-Stirling Act Highlights MattModeratorOber,Esq. Richardson Harman Ober PC Panelists Debra Sheppard, Esq. Debra L. Sheppard & Associates APLC Leonard Siegel, Esq. Kulik Gottesman & Siegel, LLP Laura Snoke, Esq. Law O ces of Laura J. Snoke Event Sponsors Service Providers are on hand to showcase their products and services and answer your questions. Event Sponsors A.ALLBRIGHTCommerceWest1-(800)-PAINTINGBankDavis-Stirling.comPacificPremierBank Parking Sponsor Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Grand Prize Sponsors American Heritage Landscape BELFOR Property restoration McDonnell Roofing Table Wine Sponsors Debra L. Sheppard & Associates APLC Kulik Gottesman & Siegel, LLP Law Offices of Laura J. Snoke Bag Sponsor American Heritage Landscape A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800)-PAINTING Parking Sponsor Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Grand Prize Sponsors American Heritage Landscape BELFOR Property restoration McDonnell Roofing Table Wine Sponsors Debra L. Sheppard & Associates APLC Kulik Gottesman & Siegel, LLP Law Offices of Laura J. Snoke Bag Sponsor American Heritage Landscape EXHIBITORS
was
October 2 HOA
managers and boards to first network with service providers in a new, relaxed Meet and Greet reception, and then attend
hosted dinner and presented(LawLLP)(KulikAPLC),L.Debrapresentation.educationalGuestSpeakersShepard,Esq.(DebraSheppard&AssociatesLeonardSiegel,EsqGottesman&Siegel,andLauraSnoke,Esq.OfficesofLauraJ.Snoke)newdevelopmentsin
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 25 San Fernando Valley Homeowners Association Marketplace Highlights
More than 100 HOA board members and managers attended our at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. This the second of three regional events local a the law and answered questions, with Matt Ober, Esq. as Wemoderator.sincerelyappreciate the hard work of our HOA Marketplace Committee members who planned this event: Committee Chair Alan Denison (Stay Green Inc.), Michael Huffman (Management Professionals, Inc. AAMC), Dori Kagan (Pacific Premier Bank), Sascha Macias (Seabreeze Management Company AAMC), Keila Miramontes (Premier Property Services), Mike Roberts (ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance) and Rickey Teems (Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.).
planned this year to provide an opportunity for
FROM SACRAMENTO news
AB 1360 (ToRR es) – e L ecTRonic voT ing
As Introduced: The bill creates a stand-alone set of statutes, the Commercial and Industrial Common Interest Development Act, applicable only to CIDs with no residential component.
posiT ion: Sponsor R esu LT: This bill became a “2 year” bill and will be taken up again in 2014, which is the second year of the current 2 year legislative session. i ndustry i mpact: CLAC sponsored this bill to streamline common interest development voting procedures and to assist associations in obtaining quorum for annual meetings and other votes. CLAC succeeded in bringing this association governance issue to the attention of the legislature and other interested groups and will continue to work for the bill’s passage in 2014.
sB 745 (committee on T RanspoRTAT ion A nd housing) – housing omni Bus Bi LL
s
posiT ion: Seek to amend. R esu LT: Bill passed and signed with CLAC’s amendments. i ndustry i mpact: As a result of CLAC’s efforts, the bill was amended to exclude charging stations installed on associations’ streets and common areas. As amended, the law is clear that associations may restrict the use of charging stations installed on association streets and common area to members.
As Introduced: This bill would allow community associations to conduct elections by electronic voting, at their option.
F i R e F ees
As required by law, the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection has adopted a $150 fee per habitable structure in designated rural areas, to fund fire prevention programs where the State is primarily responsible for firefighting. However, the Board has imposed the fee unfairly – a rental apartment building is assessed $150 per structure, while individual owners of condominium units are each assessed $150, even if the units are all in the same structure.
i ndustry i mpact: This clean-up bill will clarify ambiguities in the reorganized Davis-Stirling Act. Working with legislative staff and the staff of CLRC, CLAC offered substantial input from an industry standpoint.
B 822 (committee on Business, pRoF essions A nd economic deve L opmen T) As Amended: Clarifies that common interest development managers need not be licensed contractors.
i ndustry i mpact: If CLAC’s efforts are successful, condominium owners will not be discriminated against in the application of the fee. Currently, a taxpayer group has sued to challenge the fee, as applied to any structure. CLAC will monitor the suit’s progress.
i ndustry i mpact: CIDs with no residential component will now be controlled by a unified set of statutes beginning with Civil Code Section 6500. CLAC offered extensive input to the California Law Revision Commission (CLRC) and Legislative Staff regarding the details of the proposed statute and its effects. CLAC’s assistance will make the new law easier to implement and consistent with general industry practices.
posiT ion: Support final version R esu LT: Bill passed and signed by the Governor, with changes to go into effect 1-1-2014, at the same time as the reorganized Davis-Stirling Act takes effect.
As Introduced: This bill, the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act, would prohibit any requirement to join a club or association as a condition of using an electric vehicle charging station.
i ndustry i mpact: This bill makes several minor changes to the Business and Professions Code. CLAC obtained an amendment to eliminate an ambiguity in a 2012 law, making it clear that common interest development managers may continue to provide management services, including scheduling work by contractors, without obtaining a contractor’s license.
As Introduced: This bill made a number of small changes to the relocated and reorganized Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, to correct oversights in drafting the bill, and to include amendments which were added after the reorganized act was enacted, but before its effective date.
B 454 (coRBett) – e L ecTR ic vehic L e ch ARging sTAT ions
26 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
posiT ion: Support R esu LT: Bill passed and signed by the Governor, new law effective 1-1-2014.
posiT ion: CLAC brought this inequality to the attention of the regulatory agency.
posiT ion: Support final version R esu LT: Bill passed and signed by the Governor with amendment requested by CLAC.
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Lynne Collmann (Savoy Community Association), Lisa Tashjian, Esq. (Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian), Denise Bergmans (Condominium Administration Co.), Katy Krupp (Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP), Joanne Pena (Horizon Management Company), Craig Phillips (International Tower Owners Association), Matt Ober, Esq. (Richardson Harman Ober PC), Russell Hoffman (Valencia Management Group), Michael Bates (Allegra Professional Group, LLC), Pauline MacLean (American Technologies, Inc.) and Mitch Willet (S.B.S. Lien Services). not pictured: Concept Seven, LLC
c ontributor
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 27 101 Ocean Condominium HOA 1144 Seventeenth Street HOA 826 2nd Street HOA 2050 Artesia HOA 2641 4th Street HOA 11767 Sunset Blvd. Assn. Adams Kessler PLC ALI Condo OA Allegra Professional Group, LLC American Technologies, Inc. Bali BougainvilleaBodgerBeaumontmanagementGitlinTashjianParkCondoHOATownhomes HOA Budlong Villas HOA Inc. Cardiff Court O.A. Inc. Casa de Oro Condo HOA Casa De Valley View OA, Inc. Centinela Townhomes II HOA Century Woods Chalmers/WoosterCOAPlaza HOA Chateau Delgany e states COA, Inc. Chateau Goshen HOA Concept Seven LLC Condominium Administration Co., Inc. Culver Centrale HOA Del mar Terrace HOA Fenton Grant mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Galaxy HOA michael Gentzkow Gorham Park HOA Inc. Hayworth OA Hillcrest meadows OA Hillcrest Rolling Hills HOA Horizon management Company Idaho Villas HOA Gail KeltonJonesArms COA Virginia Kemp Las Casitas en Santa monica HOA, Inc. Lawford HOA evelyn Lifton, PCA m marine Village HOA mcDonnell Roofing, Inc. Oak Hill Condo HOA Oak Street HOA Ocean West COA Pacific Sands Inc. Park Crest HOA Parkview manor-Lockland Inc. Joanne Peña, PCA m Craig Phillips, PCA m Polynesian RichardsonRancho-GlenOAHOAHarman Ober PC Rodent Pest Technologies, Inc. Roseman & Associates APC Ross morgan & Company, Inc. Roxbury Park COA S.B.S. Lien Services Savoy Community Association Lillian SeascapeSchneider–Redondo HOA Inc. Silver Spur Court HOA Silverview Townhomes HOA Inc. SK management Company, LLC South Bay e states HOA South Hermosa Townhomes HOA Inc. South Shore mediterranean HOA Southern Oaks Society Diana Stiller, PCA Stratford-Comptonm Park Townhouses OA, Inc. Lisa Tashjian, e sq. Ten Five Sixty Wilshire Condo TextileAssociationBuilding OA The Brentwood at Kiowa HOA The Californian on Wilshire The Vista Pacifica HOA Valencia management Group V.I.P. Goshen Assn. Inc. Villa Pacifica T.C. HOA Villa Serena C.A. Inc. Westgate Townhomes COA Westside Townhomes HOA Wilshire Selby Towers east C.A. Inc. Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP Yukon I Townhomes COA Yukon II Townhomes COA GOal: $23,081100%of goal as of 11/20/13 Our ThanKs TO 2013 clac cOnTriBuTOrs January 1 – nOvem Ber 20, 2013 Top Row (Left to Right): Michael Gentzkow (EmpireWorks Reconstruction & Painting), Barbara Freeman (Condominium Administration Co.), Lauri Williams (McDonnell Roofing), Dan Shapiro (Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP), Skip Daum (California Legislative Action Committee), Gail Jones (Valencia Management Group), Matt Deenihan, Esq. (Adams Kessler PLC), Diane Hilliard (Ross Morgan & Company, Inc.), Teresa Agnew (Roseman & Associates APC), Cynthia Croy (SK Management, LLC), Cheryle Stites (Bali Management).
If the conduct committed is improper disclosure of confidential information, the best option is to exclude that board member from executive session meetings, or from receiving executive session material or both. Such an extraordinary precaution is justified by the board’s fiduciary obligation to protect the association. Providing confidential information to a director with knowledge that the director will share that information with a non-board member subjects the association to unreasonable risk. If the issue is severe enough, make sure the board consults with association legal counsel about the potential ramifications. If the issue relates to litigation the board can form a litigation committee and specifically exclude the offending board member from the committee. A director must refrain from misconduct and improper disclosure of confidential information. In addition, each director has an affirmative obligation to monitor the conduct of every other director to ensure that all directors act in furtherance of his or her fiduciary obligation to the association. A board that regulates itself will send a positive
Acommon frustration for managers and association boards of directors is dealing with issues that arise out of conflict with individual board members. At some point we have all heard of the board member who is hostile, disagreeable or the proverbial “loose cannon.” Other boards have struggled with how to rein in the director who consistently advances his or her own agenda without regard to the best interests of the association. Finally, there are directors elected, for whatever reason, who feel compelled to reveal confidential information about the association to third parties. Unfortunately, the Corporations Code does not yet contain a provision allowing the board to remove a director for behaving badly. The slap on the wrist that follows improper disclosure or misconduct does little to undo the damage already done.
There are, however, viable options available to managers and boards to address misconduct. In most cases, the most direct option to control improper behavior is censure. There is no more effective method of controlling improper behavior than by confrontation by one’s own peers. Like any disciplinary hearing, the director should be advised of the improper conduct committed and be provided with an opportunity to explain his or her actions. The director should also be cautioned that continued misconduct will result in further disciplinary action by the board to protect the association and could include obtaining a court order seeking to enjoin their conduct detrimental to the association.
28 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Drafting a Code of Conduct for the Board of Directors
Specializing in: Exterior Painting & Waterproofing of Condominium Complexes, Apartment Buildings, Office Buildings & Large Commercial Buildings Fax: 661-268-0900 By Matt D. Ober, Esq.
message to the community that its association is governed by those with a high regard for the best interests of the community. Understandably, a director may be uncomfortable with the task of disciplining a fellow director. Therefore, although the Corporations Code already establishes a bench mark for acceptable conduct by board members, your association should consider establishing a code of conduct which outlines the obligations of a director, and the consequences of failing to meet those obligations. If the board chooses to require a code of conduct it should be adopted and in place before an issue arises. That said, associations should not hesitate to implement one at the sign of a problem. If used, a code of conduct should include the following obligations:
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 29 Experience professional delinquentrecovery.assessment 888-845-8808 www.witkinandneal.com 1/28/13 5:04 PM Page 1
matt D. Ober, e sq. is a Senior Partner of Richardson Harman Ober PC, which specializes in community association law throughout Southern California with offices in Costa mesa, Pasadena, and Riverside. He can be reached at mober@rhopc.com.
■ To treat both fellow directors and homeowners with respect, and approach board decisions prepared and with an objective, open mind. Boards of directors are encouraged to adopt a code that meets the needs of their associations. The directors should evaluate those issues that have historically been problems and reach a consensus on what to include in the code of conduct. The more agreement there is among directors about what to include in the code, the more likely directors will comply. Once the code is completed, a resolution should be drafted by legal counsel detailing among other things, the reasons for the code, and the board should vote to adopt the code of conduct for the association. Until revised or removed, that code will govern the conduct of all current and future directors. Like all rules, the code of conduct must be enforced fairly, uniformly and Directorsconsistently.andhomeowners should be reminded of the code of conduct for board members on an annual basis, prior to director elections. Community association managers should be prepared to review the code of conduct with the new board following their election and ensure that each director signs a simple document prepared by legal counsel, indicating his or her agreement to its provisions and acknowledging the consequences of noncompliance. If, however, a board member refuses to sign a code of conduct, he or she cannot be forced to do so or resign, unless the association’s bylaws require same.
■ To maintain the confidentiality of executive session information; ■ To put personal interests aside and advance the best interests of the association; ■ To respect, abide by, and carry out the decisions of the majority of the board; and
30 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter NEW CAI- GLAC MEMBERS! welcOme AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2013 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS RECRUITER ABC Builds, Inc. CAI National All Valley Washer Service CAI National Allegra Professional Group, LLC CAI National A m S Construction Group, Inc. CAI National Arroyo Sash and Door Voelker Construction H.O.A. Specialist CAI National Insul-Pro Paints CAI National Law Offices of Richard mark Garber CAI National mcCormack Roofing, Construction & e nergy Solutions CAI National Oakmont Builders, Inc. CAI National Rose Paving Company, Inc. Russell Carpe Servpro of Santa monica & marina del Rey Diane Hilliard, CCA m ®, C mCA®, A m S®, PCA m ® Sure Path Solutions Amy Tinetti, e sq. The miller Law Firm CAI National MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Ford management Company CAI National Hacienda management Services CAI National Porter Ranch Community Association management CAI National Professional Calm Property management CAI National COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Cortada Villas HOA CAI National Hacienda De Rio Vista HOA Jeff Beaumont, e sq. La Pointe HOA CAI National COMMUNITY MANAGERS Yuriy Amiragov Judy Campion, CCA m ®, Campion and Company C mCA®, A m S®, PCA m ® Claire Carafello CAI National Rachel Lucas CAI National Pabst Kinney & Associates Stella Rothluebbers Joanne Pena, CCA m ®, C mCA®, Horizon management Company A m S®, PCA m ® Christina Temblador Linda Lorraine Ireland, Ironstone Property management A m S® Darlene Tolman CAI National COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Jeff Gausepohl CAI National Asa Shani CAI National 2013 recruiters of the month January April tronson Servpro of Burbank, Chatsworth, Van Nuys & Crescenta Valley fe Bruary Annette Abernethy Pacific Western Bank m arch Shanne Ho, CCA m ®, PCA m ® Seabreeze management Company aPril ray e chlin Behr Paint Corporation m ay michelle u rbina Dunn- edwards Corporation June Kelly G. r ichardson, e sq. Richardson Harman Ober PC July Brad Watson, C mCA®, A m S® Property Professionals,managementLLC auGusT Karen Kokowicz, CCA m ®, C mCA®, A m S®, PCA m ® Coro Community management & Consulting se PTem Ber r ussell Carpe Fenceworks, Inc. OcTOBer Diane Hilliard, CCA m ®, C mCA®, A m S®, PCA m ® Ross morgan & Company, Inc. nOvem Ber Jeffrey Beaumont, e sq. Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter November/December 2013 | www.cai-glac.org 31 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS A.ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING AC e Duraflo Pipe Restoration Allana Buick & Bers,I nc. Allied Waterproofing Systems, Inc. Birndorf Law Offices CID Insurance Programs, Inc. Fenton Grant mayfield Kaneda & Litt, G4SLLPSecure Solutions (USA), Inc. Gotham Playgrounds & Surfacing Har-Bro e mergency Service & LaBarre/OksneeHoffmanHeritageReconstructionConstructionBrownCompanyInsurance Agency, Inc. Loewenthal Hillshafer & Carter, LLP mcDonnell Roofing, Inc. minuteman Parking Company mister PerformancePariserParliamentarian&Pariser,LLPelevatorContractors, Inc. Pilot Painting & Construction, Inc. SAX Insurance Agency Seacoast Commerce Bank The Inspectors of e lection, LLC Universal Protection Service Voelker Construction and Painting WICR, Waterproofng & Decking Witkin & Neal, Inc. Wolf Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Beachwood Canyon e states CenturyCondominiumHillAssociation, Inc. Harbor Ridge Towne Homes HOA Heritage Townhomes OA Rancho Palos Verdes HOA San Simeon Condominium Assn. The Highland Terraces HOA Warner Club Villas HOA Warner Village III HOA West Ocean Association COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Condominium & Community Specialists, Inc. Crown management e GL Properties, Inc. Pabst, Kinney & Associates, Inc. Seabreeze management Company, Inc. COMMUNITY MANAGERS Robert Avila, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS® Bel Air Ridge HOA. j ohn Burton Le Parc HOA Kristan Evon Evans, CMCA® Sierra Property management Linda Franzese, CMCA® Pacific Coast management Michelle Gibson Lakeside Village HOA Diane Hilliard, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Ross morgan & Company, Inc. Uther Lai, AMS® Pro/Service Realty & management Linda Lang Concept Seven, LLC. Diane Lortie-Dudasik, CCAM® Harris Properties Georgia MacIntyre, CMCA®, AMS® Ross morgan & Company, Inc. Al Masters, CCAM® Rockpointe HOA Debra McClean Heather Village Association j ulie O’Dell, CMCA® Property Professionals,managementLLC Martha Olvera, CCAM® Horizon management Company Christopher Pettis Doheny West Towers HOA Kathy Roberts, CCAM® La Tour Wilshire Residential Community Tracy Robinson TOTAL SOLUTIONS management Diana Stiller, PCAM® 101 Ocean Condominium HOA Mervyn Ward Bunker Hill Tower Condo Assn. Tracy Wolin, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® The Diplomat Condominium Association COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS michael A. Barth Bill meDickShellyHarderHillPruessdieStovallarymargaret Totten TO RENEWING MEMBERS! Our ThanKs A S OF OCTOBER 31, 2013 SurveillanceTruancy/WhereaboutsInternal/ExternalDomestic/BackgroundsSpecialistsTheft FPK SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONSFPK SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS “Providing Cost Effective Services” PI 15635 Call Today for More Information PO Box 55597, Valencia, CA 91385 (800) 459 4068 Corporate (909) 628 2669 Inland Empire (800) 294 4074 Fax Site HomeownersSpecialPatrolSecuritySecurityEventsAssociation Freight Security Retail VacationProductionOutlets/MallsSecurityChecks PRIVATE SECURITY InsuranceSIUSubrosaAOE/COEInvestigations Pre-Employment/Background Checks Undercover Operations Internal Theft and Loss Prevention Audits PRIVATECORPORATEINVESTIGATIONSINVESTIGATIONS Established 199220OVERYEARSOFSERVICE CONFIDENTLY OFFERING OUR EXPERTISE IN THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
32 www.cai-glac.org | November/December 2013 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter aDverTisinG infOrmaTiOn Dimensions & Rates: Artwork must not exceed the exact dimensions of that size ad. For more information, call the Chapter office: 818-500-8636. Ad size Ad dimensions members non-members ⅛ page 3½" wide x 2" (Horizontal)high $200 $400 ¼ page 3½" wide x 4¾" high (Vertical) $300 $600 ½ page 7½" wide x 4¾" (Horizontal)high $425 $850 Full Page 7½" wide x 10" high (Vertical) $800 $1,400 Payment: Rates are subject to change without notice. By credit card, check or cash. Minimum three-insertion contract. Rates subject to change without notice. Advertising Sales: Please contact the Chapter office for advertising specifications and deadline information at: 818-500-8636. aDverTisers i n Dex 19 Animal & Insect Pest management, Inc. 9 Association Reserves, Inc. 9 Berg Insurance Agency 23 Collins Builders, Inc. 15 Farmers Insurance Group –Steven G. InsuranceSegalAgency, Inc. 29 Ferris Painting, Inc. 31 FPK Security & Investigations 30 Gayle G. Gould, CPA 11 milstein Adelman, LLP 11 mutual of Omaha Bank/ CondoCerts 8 Pacific Western Bank 32 Poindexter & Company, CPAs 22 Popular Association Banking 30 Preferred Commercial Painting 18 R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. 22 Reserve Studies Inc. 21 Sandra macdonald Insurance 14 Seacoast Commerce Bank 28 Select Painting 13 SwedelsonGottlieb 5 Union Bank 29 Witkin & Neal, Inc. 7 Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin LLP j ANUARY15Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and managers – 11:30 a.m. Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles 17 Chapter Board of Directors meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale 18 e ssentials of Community Leadership Workshop – 8:15 a.m. Regatta Seaside HOA, Marina del Rey 22-25 CAI National Law Seminar Las Vegas, NV FEBRUARY05 Tricks of the Trade for Business Partners – 9:00 a.m. Location TBD 11 Long Beach educational Program for HOA Boards – 6:00 p.m. Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach 14 Chapter Board of Directors meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale 19 Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and managers – 11:30 a.m. Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles M ARCH04PCA m Reception- 12:00 p.m. Location TBD 19 Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and managers – 11:30 a.m. Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles 21 Chapter Board of Directors meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale 26 Valencia educational Breakfast for HOA Boards and managers –8:30 a.m. Bridgeport HOA Clubhouse, Valencia 28 Common Interest Development 8-Hour Law Seminar – 8:00 a.m. Sherman Oaks 2014 UPCOMING E VENTS
The Build CAI-GLAC Recruiter Contest runs for 12 months and is designed so that current CAI members can earn valuable prizes for sharing the benefits of CAI membership with friends and colleagues.
All 2013 recruiters (except the Grand Prize winner) will go into a raffle drawing held in early January 2014 (when all the 2013 results are in) to win an Evening Out on the Town ($500 value). Help BUILD CAI-GLAC And Reward Yourself by Recruiting New Members in 2013
The member who has recruited the most new memberships in the previous month will be recognized at the next luncheon and awarded a FREE LUNCH. In the case of a tie, a random drawing will determine the winner.
All 2012 recruiters (except the Grand Prize winner) will go into a raffle drawing held in early January 2013 (when all the 2012 results are in) to win an Evening Out on the Town ($500 value) Help BUILD CAI-GLAC And Reward Yourself by Recruiting New Members in 2012 Grand Prize 3-day/2-night Weekend Getaway on the Central California Coast
SLIDING SCALE POINT SYSTEM CAN GIVE YOU AN EDGE.
• To receive credit, you must be listed as the CAI member responsible for recruitment on the printed application form submitted, or be identified through CAI National membership reports.
RECRUITER RAFFLE
The Build CAI-GLAC Recruiter Contest runs for 12 months and is designed so that current CAI members can earn valuable prizes for sharing the benefits of CAI membership with friends and colleagues.
GRAND PRIZE ($1,000 value) Member with the highest number of points as of December 31, 2013 wilI receive the Grand Prize. In cases where there are two or more members with equal points, those names will be put into a bowl and randomly drawn to determine the winner.
CURRENT S PONSORS: AMARR Studios, Inc. Grand Prize 3-day/2-night Weekend Getaway
The member who has recruited the most new memberships in the previous month will be recognized at the next luncheon and awarded a FREE LUNCH. In the case of a tie, a random drawing will determine the winner.
• Members in good standing can compete to recruit new members and earn points toward the Grand Prize.
The following rules apply to the campaign: Members in good standing can compete to recruit new members and earn points toward the Grand Prize. To receive credit, you must be listed as the CAI member responsible for recruitment on the printed application form submitted, or be identified through CAI National membership reports. All completed applications and membership dues for qualified applicants must be received at CAI between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. to be counted toward the Grand Prize.
Member with the highest number of points as of December 31, 2012 wilI receive the Grand Prize. In cases where there are two or more members with equal points, those names will be put into a bowl and randomly drawn to determine the winner. Points will accrue from January 1 through December 31, 2012 for the Grand Prize. Members earn points based on the membership category.
• All completed applications and membership dues for qualified applicants must be received at CAI between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 to be counted toward the Grand Prize.
THREE CONTESTS...THREE PRIZES
Points will accrue from January 1 through December 31, 2013 for the Grand Prize. Members earn points based on the membership category.
Concrete Hazard Solutions DM Construction Services Ronald S. Stone, CPA PhD City National Bank Professional Services Construction, Inc.Popular Association Banking Jenkins Properties Management Co., Inc. Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. Aberdeen Management Company, Inc. AAMC Mulholland Security Centers, Inc.
THREE CONTESTS … THREE PRIZES
Participating members will receive: One(1) point for each business partner member recruited in a category already existing in the 2012 Membership Directory, Two(2) points for a business partner in a sector of business not yet represented in the Chapter, Two(2) points for an individual HOA board member or community manager, and Three(3) points for recruiting a management company.
RECRUITER-OF-THE-MONTH
• SLIDING SCALE POINT SYSTEM CAN GIVE YOU AN EDGE.
★ One (1) point for each business partner member recruited in a category already existing in the 2013 Membership Directory, ★ Two (2) points for a business partner in a sector of business not yet represented in the Chapter, ★ Two (2) points for an individual HOA board member or community manager, and Three(3) points for recruiting a management company.
RECRUITER-OF-THE-MONTH
The following rules apply to the campaign:
Participating members will receive:
RECRUITER RAFFLE
GRAND PRIZE ($1,000 value)
RULES
Have you just been elected to your board of directors or are contemplating running for a board seat? You can now access our Community Leadership Series online by subject. Learn the basics that you need to govern your community association more effectively and efficiently — anywhere at your own pace and time. From the time you register online, you will have two weeks to view the class. If you are unable to finish it in one sitting, you can log back in anytime within the two-week period through your account in the Members Only area. Chapter Introduces Online Learning for Community Association Boards and Managers! Classes are available to CAI-GLAC members and non-members. $25 for chapter members • $35 for non-members Modules Online Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities Steven A. Roseman, Esq., Roseman & Associates, APC Rules and Regulations: Adoption & Enforcement Kelly G. Richardson, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober, PC Reserve Studies Les Weinberg, RS, MBA, Reserve Studies Inc. Insurance Issues for Common Interest Developments Kimberly Lilley, CMCA®, CIRMS®, Berg Insurance Agency, Inc CaI-GL aC 130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203 Change Service Requested PRSRt StD U.S. PoStage PAID San BeRnaRDino, Ca PeRmit #1 order your 2014 Condominium Bluebook today! Price: $26.00 per copy, tax and shipping included. order copies online at: www.cai-glac.org. Learn more and register now at www.cai-glac.org .
