Focus Magazine - January/February 2015

Focus

January/February 2015

L.A.’s Premier Source of Information for Community Associations

Plan for the Future Obamacare 2015 Planning For Your Professional Future The Simple Solution SAVE THE DATE:

Ponies, Prizes, & Play Santa Anita Park March 21

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Katy Krupp, President Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP, 949-435-3800 Lisa Tashjian, Esq., President Elect Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian, 866-788-9998 Michael Lewis, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Vice President Concept Seven, LLC, 310-622-7012 Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Secretary Horizon Management Company, 310-543-1995 Meigan Everett, PCAM®, Treasurer Gold Coast Property Pros, 424-238-2333 Matt D. Ober, Esq., Past President Richardson Harman Ober, PC, 626-449-5577 DIRECTORS Greg Borzilleri PCW Contracting Services, 949-285-7802 Carol Brockhouse, 818-336-2892 Donald Campbell, CCAM®,CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Wilshire Regent HOA, 310-474-5563 Pamella De Armas SAX Insurance Agency, 310-740-4274 Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® The Californian on Wilshire, 310-234-5905 Dick Pruess Castlegate HOA, 626-584-0000 Lynn Ruger Warner Club Villas HOA, 818-703-7090

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joan Urbaniak, MBA, CMCA®

2015 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Awards Katy Krupp, Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP COMMUNITY OUTREACH Meigan Everett, CMCA®, PCAM®, Gold Coast Property Pros EDUCATION Anda Bewhite, MBA, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, All West Management FINANCE Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services GOLF TOURNAMENT Teresa Agnew, Roseman & Associates, APC Ryan Dudasik, EmpireWorks Reconstruction & Painting LEGISLATIVE ACTION Lisa Tashjian, Esq., Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian MARKETPLACE Alan Denison, Stay Green Inc. MEDIATION SERVICES Matthew Grode, Esq., Gibbs, Giden, Locher, Turner, Senet & Wittbrodt, LLP PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM®, The Californian on Willshire Brian Moreno, Esq., SwedelsonGottlieb PUBLICATIONS Matthew Gardner, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC FOCUS Magazine Matthew Gardner, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC Jacklyn Wolf, Stonemark Construction Management Membership Directory Stephen S. Grane, Alante/MCS Insurance Services Web Site Lynne Collmann, CMCA®, AMS®, Savoy Community Association SATELLITE PROGRAMS Ruth Moffitt, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Valencia Management Group AAMC® Craig Phillips, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, International Tower Owners Assn.

SOCIAL Donald Campbell, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Wilshire Regent HOA Angel Fuerte, FRESHCO Painters Inc. WINE NIGHT Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Horizon Management Company Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Newsworthy 6 Get Involved... Join a Chapter Committee 10 The Simple Solution 12 Retirement – Funding For The Future 14 Obamacare 2015 — A Health Insurance Overview 18 Planning for your Professional Future: Closing the Educational Gap 22 News From Sacramento 24 Stuff-a-Bus 25 Making the Holidays Happier 26 Lessons From the January 17, 1994 Northridge Earthquake 28 What is the Forecast for Residential Real Estate?

Chapter update 2 Note from the Editor’s Desk 3 Message from the President 4 2015 Board of Directors

NOTEWORTHY 16 Casino NIght Highlights 20 Holiday Happy Hour 23 Congratulations to Adam Collins!

FYI 31 32 32 32

CAI-GLAC Membership News 2015 Upcoming Events Advertisers Index Advertising Information

On the Cover

Primera Terra HOA, Playa Vista Photo courtesy of Property Management Professionals, LLC, AAMC®

Save the Date: Ponies, Prizes, & Play Santa Anita Park March 21

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 © 2015.

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.

National Office Address: 6402 Arlington Blvd. #500, Falls Church, VA 22042 Tel: 888/224-4321 • Web Site: http://www.caionline.org

Stay Connected:

130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203 Office: 818-500-8636 Fax: 818-500-8638

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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2015 CAI-GLAC Super Sponsors PLATINUM

W

E START OFF THE NEW YEAR with a new President, a new Board, and a mix of new and familiar faces on our committees. Please take a few minutes to look over the introductions and see the work that these individuals are doing. Th is Chapter thrives on the

NOTE

Anthony Elliot Insurance Agency, Inc., gives us the latest on the Affordable Care Act. He looks at what changes we can expect to see for 2015, and those changes we need to plan for in 2016.

Mike Lewis, from Concept Seven, LLC, weighs in on preparation with his thoughts on “Planning for Your Professional Future.” As the leader of his company, Mike understands the importance of having informed managers, and offers some tips on how to achieve those goals.

Donalea Bauer, from Lordon Management, reminds us that successful planning results from applying lessons learned. Her experience from the 1994 Northridge earthquake reminds us why we need to be proactive and engaged.

Avoiding those traps can lead us to better serve our communities.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

participation of its members, so feel free to reach out and offer your services.

We welcome your participation.

Starting the new year off on the right foot requires some basic fi nancial planning for everybody. Lynne Collmann, of the Savoy Community Association, offers some insight on how individuals can take that fi rst step toward fi nancial planning. She provides a summary about how an IRA created a “Simple Solution” for individuals in her community.

David E. Lazarus, C.P.A., looks at some of the other questions you might come across when looking deeper into the retirement issue. David covers some of the basics on what kinds of plans to look for, and how much to contribute.

Th is issue also provides an outlook on the housing market trends over the past year and what to expect moving forward. The forecast points to some bright notes, but shows how these developments will continue to affect our communities.

Having the right information leads to better plans. Remember that the members of this Chapter are here to help you get the information you need to succeed. Working together we can make it another great year for this Chapter.

Healthcare has become an increasingly important fi nancial consideration for everyone. Anthony Elliot, of the

— Matthew Gardner, Esq. Editor

CAI-GLAC does not necessarily endorse 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.

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A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800) PAINTING Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc. Behr Paint/THE HOME DEPOT USA Benjamin Moore & Co. Best Alliance Foreclosure & Lien Services Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Ferris Painting, Inc. Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. NPG—Nelson Paving Pacific Western Bank Payne Pest Management Popular Association Banking Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Union Bank HOA Services GOLD Accurate Termite & Pest Control Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Critter Busters, Inc. General Pavement Management, Inc. Law Offices of Michael A. Hearn Miller Law Firm S.B.S. Lien Services Select Painting Stay Green Inc. ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance SILVER American Technologies, Inc. Association Reserves, Inc. California Waters Mission Landscape Services Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts PCW Contracting Services Professional Services Construction, Inc. Reserve Studies Incorporated SAX Insurance Agency Sherwin-Williams Paint SwedelsonGottlieb Tinnelly Law Group Universal Protection Service Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP

BRONZE ASR Construction CBI-Collins Builders, Inc. FRESHCO Painters, Inc. Poindexter and Company, CPAs Seacoast Commerce Bank Silldorf & Levine, LLP Stonemark Construction Management Vista Paint Corporation We thank our 2015 sponsors who have made a substantial contribution to ensure our continued success this year.

Contact the Chapter Office at 818-500-8636 to sponsor a program or an event.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT

WE, THE PEOPLE

I

AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN ELECTED to serve as your 2015 President of the CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter and look forward to the success that We, the People, shall accomplish this year. I would like to give a special thank you Matt Ober, Esq., our immediate past President who has guided our chapter for the past sixteen months. He has given of himself tirelessly and way beyond what was expected from his Presidency. Matt will be remembered for spearheading our Chapter relocation, regionalizing our Marketplaces, and inspiring our members to become engaged!

I would also like to thank Gregg Lotane of The Wilshire, Tina Chu, Esq. of Adams Kessler PLC and Robert Ridley of Castlegate HOA, who have completed their terms as members of our Board of Directors. Each one of them has brought a unique perspective to the Board. Their participation and service will be missed.

WE, THE PEOPLE...

Before we can move forward we need to take a look back to understand who we are, what we do and why we do it.

As the framers of the United States Constitution strived to design an easy preamble to set up the fundamental laws of the land, our mission statement provides insight into what our Chapter (CAI-GLAC) holds most dear. When selecting my platform for the year, I realized how similar the two were.

If the framers of the Constitution were concerned with creating a “more perfect union” someone

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

needed to create a support system for governing the overwhelming number of homeowners associations being developed. Enter, CAI! As I read through the preamble, “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity…” I realized those buzz words were the very essence our CAI-GLAC Chapter used to reflect our mission statement. Over the next year through my President’s Messages we will explore how those powerful words relate back to the preamble; “to provide educational resources… opportunities for all members… quality of life within community associations…professionalism… advocacy of legislation which will benefit community associations”.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Our chapter has some great social and educational events coming up the fi rst quarter of the year. January 14th was our fi rst educational luncheon at the Double Tree Hotel in Culver City. We are holding our luncheons at three regional locations this year and encourage you to join us.

encouraged to join us for a luncheon in their honor. Finishing out the month, we have a Westside evening program and a San Fernando Valley luncheon on the 24th and 25th, respectively.

March brings some fun! On the 18th our fi rst luncheon at the Double Tree Hotel in Torrance will take place. The South Bay location should be easy to access from most beach cities. On the 21st we will meet for a Day at the Races. Come and have lunch, bet on the ponies and have your caricature drawn by a former Disneyland artist. Be sure to register early, this event sold out last year.

CAI-GLAC has scheduled numerous social and educational opportunities for your benefit throughout the year. Please take advantage of all we have to offer you.

Our Board of Directors is committed to listening to you. The more you participate, the more you will benefit from your membership. Whether you are a business partner, HOA manager, community association volunteer leader or someone seeking experienced professionals in the HOA industry, we are here to assist you and welcome the opportunity to gain insight into what we can do better. Please feel free to contact me directly at kkrupp@ fentongrant.com.

Together, We the People, can accomplish anything. Welcome to 2015!

— Katy Krupp 2015 Chapter President

February is a very busy month. On February 4th, we will provide Tricks of the Trade. Th is light-hearted program is a useful tool for all new business partner members as well as a great refresher course for our seasoned professionals. February 10th is our fi rst evening program in Long Beach, and on the 13th, all managers holding the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) designation are

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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PRESIDENT KATY KRUPP FENTON GRANT MAYFIELD KANEDA & LITT LLP Katy Krupp is the Director of Business Development /Paralegal at Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt LLP. She is a member of several CAI chapters and has been active is this chapter for 11 years. Katy is serving the third year of her second three-term on the CAI-GLAC Chapter Board of Directors. On the Executive Committee since 2012 as Treasurer, as Vice President and last year as President Elect. In attendance at most CAIGLAC events, Katy is also active on the Wine Night Committee and as an Ambassador at Chapter luncheons.

Her goals are to make CAI-GLAC the strongest and most cohesive chapter in California—focusing on increasing membership through diversity, pursuing our on-line educational opportunities and strengthening our business partner/community management relationships. Th is will center on seeking the most up-to-date HOA education possible for community managers, business partners and chapter volunteers. She believes an informed chapter will increase the level of professionalism and assuredly, participation.

PRESIDENT ELECT LISA TASHJIAN, ESQ. BEAUMONT GITLIN TASHJIAN A partner with Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian, Lisa has devoted her career to representing community associations, focusing on litigation including dispute resolution, arbitration and trial work. She also supervises the fi rm’s attorney-managed assessment collections department.

Lisa is currently serving her fi fth year as Legislative Support Committee Chair, as well as being a frequent facilitator of the Essentials of Community Leadership Workshops. She is a Past President of the CAI-Channel Islands Chapter.

Lisa is dedicated to helping the Chapter reach its goals and to provide all members with great educational, marketing and networking opportunities.

Very involved as the Chapter’s Legislative Support Committee Chair and serving as liaison to the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC), as a CAI-GLAC board member, Lisa will continue to dedicate herself to promoting CLAC and educating members regarding the importance of having a voice in Sacramento. It is her goal to “make the Greater Los Angeles Chapter SHINE!”

VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL LEWIS, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® — CONCEPT SEVEN, LLC Michael Lewis has been active in the property management industry for more than 10 years and specializes in community associations. He is the CEO of Concept Seven, LLC, in Torrance. Mike is serving a second three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors.

He is an active member and supporter of this chapter, previously serving as Chair of the Chapter’s South Bay Satellite educational programs.

Mike plans to continue working on the goals and aspirations that the Board has implemented over the last few years. The Chapter is seeing record income, growth and member retention as compared to the prior decade, and he is committed to helping to continue these trends while developing more efficient and innovative ways of serving the membership. With the Business Partner category being the largest contingent of members, Mike strongly believes that focusing on their overall satisfaction will lead to continued success and growth for the membership as a whole.

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2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECRETARY JOANNE PEÑA, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

HORIZON MANAGEMENT COMPANY Joanne Peña has been a portfolio manager with Horizon Management Company since June 1995.

Prior to joining Horizon Management Company, she served on the SummerWind Condominium Association Board of Directors and was Board President for two years.

Joanne previously served on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors (2002-2008) and was Chapter President in 2005. For the past two years, Joanne has served on the Executive Committee as Chapter Secretary. She has recently been re-elected for a second term and continues to serve as Secretary. In addition Joanne has volunteered on the Publications, Wine Night, Membership and Community Outreach Committees.

Joanne actively supports the Chapter’s efforts to promote professionalism within the industry, provide educational opportunities for managers and community volunteers, and offer valuable networking opportunities for our business partner members.

TREASURER MEIGAN EVERETT, PCAM® GOLD COAST PROPERTY PROS Meigan Everett has been an active member of this chapter since 2007 and is currently serving as Community Outreach Committee Chair. She is a real estate broker, philanthropist and owner of Gold Coast Property Pros in Marina del Rey. Meigan was recently elected to the Board for a three-year term. Dedicated to her profession for more than 15 years, Meigan believes that CAI and its network of business partners are key to professional, knowledgeable management. She wants to ensure that managers, HOA board members and business partners learn the value of membership in CAI and benefit from its resources.

PAST PRESIDENT MATT OBER, ESQ. RICHARDSON HARMAN OBER PC Matt Ober is a senior partner of Richardson Harman Ober PC, where his practice is dedicated to the exclusive representation of community associations throughout Southern California. Matt is a member of CAI’s National Faculty, a Fellow of CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) and on the CCAL , a Delegate to CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) and a co-author of CAI’s California Law Course for Community Association Managers and CAI’s Board Education Course. Matt also serves as a Member of the CCAL Board of Governors, the CLAC Executive Commitee Secretary, and CAI National’s Government and Public Affairs Committee.

Matt has served the Chapter in many capacities, most recently as Chapter President from May 2013 through December 2014. He believes that the Chapter has a responsibility to engage all of its members at the highest level—to establish a meaningful connection, whether it be through events, education or online services. Matt is committed to strengthening chapter communication through social media and e-newsletter communication to enhance CAI-GLAC’s reputation as a leading source of community association support and education.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

CAROL BROCKHOUSE COMMUNITY MANAGER Carol Brockhouse has been managing common interest developments for 30 years, principally as an on-site manager in Ventura, Los Angeles and San Diego Counties.

Carol is serving the third year of her three-year term on the Board. She was previously Membership Committee Chair and is currently active on the HOA Marketplace Committee. Carol is a regular attendee at Chapter events and an Ambassador at Chapter luncheons.

Carol is committed to ensuring that the Chapter meets the needs of managers, business partners and homeowners alike and that members receive value from their investment of both time and money in CAI.

DONALD CAMPBELL, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®— WILSHIRE REGENT HOA Don Campbell was appointed to the Board in early 2014 and is serving a third year as Social Committee Co-chair. He is the General Manager of Wilshire Regent HOA. He is currently working on his Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) designation.

Don would like to help grow the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and potentially bring in some fresh ideas. He wants to give back some of his time to an industry that has been good to him and one that he happens to love. He would like to do this in the company of like-minded individuals who feel the same way. Don looks forward to helping expand the member base and bringing more recognition to our industry.

PAMELLA DE ARMAS SAX INSURANCE AGENCY As a licensed insurance agent with SAX Insurance Agency, Pamella De Armas has been serving our industry and CAI-GLAC for six years. She is serving the third year of her second three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors. Pamella has been an active chapter member, attending the majority of Chapter events, serving on the Ambassadors and Wine Night committees, facilitating Essentials of Community Leadership Workshops as well as chairing the Social Committee for two years.

She looks forward to continuing to expand both networking and educational opportunities for our members and believes that respect, trust and integrity are the keys to success in performing activities and events and in everyday professionalism.

LYNN RUGER WARNER CLUB VILLAS HOA Lynn Ruger is on the board of directors of Warner Club Villas HOA in Woodland Hills. A CAI member since 2009, Lynn has enjoyed many of CAI’s activities, including Valencia Breakfasts, Essentials Workshops, HOA Marketplaces and other activities.

LINDA HEALEY, CCAM®, PCAM® THE CALIFORNIAN ON WILSHIRE HOA Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM®, is the General Manager at The Californian on Wilshire HOA, a high-end high-rise on the Wilshire Corridor. Newly elected to the board, she has been a member of the chapter for 22 years and served on our board and on the Social Committee a few years ago.

In her fourth year as Programs Chair, Linda is very committed to delineating timely, useful topics presented with strong, entertaining speakers. As a longtime manager (20+ years)she feels it is important that the Chapter stays on top of State laws, new vendors and developing services that keep our community associations current on changing trends in community life. During her term, Linda plans to continue organizing challenging, interesting and timely luncheon programs and helping the Education Committee fi nd new ways to reach long-time as well as new managers.

GREG BORZILLERI PCW CONTRACTING SERVICES Greg Borzilleri is the Director of Marketing at PCW Contracting Services, Inc. Newly elected to the board, he has been in our industry for 14 years, a member of this chapter for six years and is currently serving as an Ambassador and as chair of the Business Partners Committee.

Greg’s main goal while on the board is to help expand education for chapter members because he believes that education is key in promoting the industry to all Volunteer Community Association Leaders, Management Professionals and Business Partners alike. “The more we can educate everyone—the better it is for everyone.”

DICK PRUESS CASTLEGATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Dick Pruess is the past president of Castlegate Homeowners Association in Pasadena and still very active in his association, serving on many committees over the past fi fteen years. He served as 2003 CAI-GLAC Chapter President, received the CAI Award of Excellence in Chapter Leadership for 2003-2004, the GLAC President’s Award in 2004 and the 2012 CAI National Award of Excellence in Government and Public Affairs at the 2013 CAI Annual Conference in San Diego.

He also served on the Executive Committee of the California Legislative Action Committee for seven years, and is the immediate Past Chair. In 2009, Mr. Pruess received the Volunteer of the Year Award from CLAC for his commitment and participation in helping re-write the Davis-Stirling Act. Having been very active in HOA legislative matters, Dick would like to increase our members’ awareness of legislation affecting HOAs and the importance of carrying our voice to Sacramento

Lynn is serving her third year of a three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors. She is dedicated to continuing to develop HOA education and works to spread the word about CAI and its benefits to HOAs.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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GET INVOLVED… JOIN A CHAPTER COMMITTEE

Did you know that more than 100 of our chapter members actively participate on a volunteer committee? It is an excellent way to network and promote yourself within the community association industry and CAI. It offers opportunities to meet new people, help run an all-volunteer organization and receive a great degree of appreciation and self-gratitude. Choose to help produce a special event or join one of our other committees that are significantly important to the continued growth, well-being and mission of CAI.

BUSINESS PARTNERS Th is new committee is active in ensuring that an appropriate array of sponsorship opportunities are available to showcase Business Partners’ companies, products and service to the membership. The Committee will also periodically evaluate the sponsorship experiences in order to give feedback to the committees and to the board. The Committee will hold two Tricks of the Trade Orientation Workshops for new Business Partner members to give them tips on strategies and etiquette to use when marketing to managers and HOA boards. The Committee will also work in conjunction with the Social Committee to hold some Happy Hour informal social gatherings that allow both managers and business partners to get to know each other better—with familiarity comes trust.

The Committee will also interface with the Membership Committee to ensure that new Business Partner members enjoy a positive experience and see the benefit of continued involvement. Time commitment: Monthly meetings.

Committee Chair: Greg Borzilleri, PCW Contracting Services 949-548-9969 • gregborz@pcwservices.com

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Dedicated to our chapter’s belief that we should give back to our communities, this committee will continue to organize at least one outreach project per quarter in Los Angeles County.

2015 projects include: Well Suited for the Job Clothing Drive (February and March), Heal the Bay Beach Cleanup (April), Operation School Bell school supply drive (June and July), Cause for Celebration (for children) (September and October), L.A. Food Bank Food Drive and Day of food packing for holiday deliveries (November) and the Spark of Love Toy Drive with a live interview on ABC7-TV (December). Time commitment: Monthly meetings and event attendance.

Committee Chair: Meigan Everett, PCAM®, Gold Coast Property Pros 424-238-2333 • meverett@gcppros.com

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EDUCATION The Education Committee will increase its marketing efforts to promote the Community Leadership Series online. It will also stage CAI National educational offerings such as the Essentials of Community Leadership Training Workshops and PMDP Classes scheduled for Los Angeles County during the year. Hand-in-hand with the Programs Committee, this group will work to meet managers’ educational needs and strengthen the importance of receiving CAI certifications and designations. The Chapter will offer the CID Law Course in March. Four Manager Breakfast Workshops will be produced in 2015: “Email Consent Protocol,” “Steps for a Rightful Termination,” “Reading Blueprints” and “Managing Complex Priorities.” Time commitment: Monthly meetings.

Committee Chair: Anda Bewhite, MBA, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® All West Management 213-741-2700 • anda@allwestmgmt.com

FINANCE Th is committee monitors the Chapter’s fi nancial status and periodically reports the fi nancial health to the board of directors. Members also explore ways to improve the Chapter’s fundraising results. Time commitment: As necessary.

Committee Chair: Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services 800-669-8659, Option 4 jolen.zeroski@unionbank.com

GOLF (MAY 18) The 2015 Golf Tournament Committee includes new involvement opportunities for members, including active participation and sponsorship. The Committee will be working diligently to organize a May event that is fun, provides good networking potential and is increasingly profitable for the Chapter. The tournament will be held at the Tournament Players Club Valencia. The theme will be “The Ultimate Tailgate Party.” Time commitment: Monthly meetings and attendance at Tournament. Do you like to play golf?

Committee Co-chairs: Teresa Agnew, Roseman & Associates APC 818-380-6700 • agnew@raattorneys.com Ryan Dudasik, EmpireWorks Construction & Painting 818-516-2186 • rdudasik@empireworks.com

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

HOA MARKETPLACE

MEDIATION SERVICES

The HOA Marketplace Committee will again concentrate on att racting a higher number of attendees by organizing three shows: Westside/South Bay, San Fernando Valley and San Gabriel Valley. Booths will showcase services in the common interest development industry that can help association board members and managers protect their investment and increase present and future quality of life in their neighborhoods. Time commitment: Monthly meetings and attendance when exhibiting.

The committee is responsible for monitoring and expanding the Mediation Services program offering low-cost mediation to both members and non-members who wish to mediate CID matters. Time commitment: Meetings as needed.

Committee Chair: Alan Denison, Stay Green Inc. 800-858-5508 • adenison@staygreen.com

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT The Legislative Support Committee supports CAI’s lobbying efforts in Sacramento at the local level by disseminating information to members, fund-raising and generally increasing awareness about current legislative issues among members. Attendance at CLAC’s annual “CA Day in the Capitol” is encouraged. One goal is to form closer working relationships with our local legislators. Time commitment: As necessary to meet lobbying demands at local level.

Committee Chair: Lisa Tashjian, Esq., Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian 818-884-9998 • ltashjian@bgtlawyers.com

Committee Chair: Matt hew Grode, Esq. Gibbs, Giden, Locher, Turner, Senet & Wittbrodt LLP 310-552-3400 • mgrode@gibbsgiden.com

MEMBERSHIP The Membership Committee is responsible for membership development, including recruiting new members and retaining current members. Committee members are also ambassadors who staff the CAI table, welcome new members and host potential members at Chapter functions. Committee members also serve as mentors, ensuring that members are informed, involved and that the Chapter is meeting their needs and providing worthwhile benefits. Time commitment: One meeting per month, plus attendance at events.

Committee Chair: Stephanie Sanders, Dunn-Edwards Paints 800-537-4098 x7564 stephanie.sanders@dunnedwards.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

STEVEN G. SEGAL INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Over 37 years of experience specializing in: Condominium Associations • Planned Unit Developments • Hard to Place Associations Earthquake Coverage • High Rise Condominiums • Workers Compensation

Toll Free: 800-345-8866 • Toll Free Fax: 800-262-0973 Email: steve@segalins.com • www.farmersagent.com/ssegal

License No. 0E24660

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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Get Involved… Join a Chapter Committee

SATELLITE PROGRAMS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

The committee plans and stages regional breakfasts and evening educational seminars in order to reach association board members and managers who may not be able to attend the Skirball luncheons. The committee is responsible for setting up the program and speakers. Time commitment: As necessary.

PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS The Programs Committee will meet the challenge of producing great educational programs at three regional locations. Topics include: What’s Trending in 2015, The Art of Getting Things Done, Technology Update, What’s New with FHA Approval, Mock Mediation II, What’s Cool in the Pool… and What’s Not, Whose Fault Is It, Are You Crossing the Line (Workplace Scenarios), and Annual Legislative Update. Time commitment: Monthly meetings.

Committee Chair: Westside Luncheons: Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® The Californian on Wilshire 310-234-5905 • lhealey@californianhoa.com Regional Luncheons: Brian Moreno, Esq., CCAL SwedelsonGott lieb 310-207-2207 • bdm@sghoalaw.com

PUBLICATIONS The Publications Committee oversees the FOCUS Magazine, the Website and the annual Membership Directory. Committee members work on themes and content for six magazines printed each year, and add new features to the ever-growing Website and Membership Directory. One key objective will be to establish and follow strict deadlines for all publications. Time commitment: As necessary.

Committee Co-chairs: Ruth Moffitt, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Valencia Management Group 661-295-9474 • rmoffitt@valenciamgmt.com Craig Phillips, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® International Towers Owners Assn.

562-436-9066 • genmgr@itoalb.org

SOCIAL The committee is responsible for putt ing on Ponies, Prizes & Play (March), Casino Night (November) and the Holiday Happy Hour (December). Casino Night is the second largest fund-raiser for the Chapter. The group puts together a budget, decides the location and the sponsorship package necessary to att ract additional participation by Chapter members, and stages the event. Time commitment: Monthly meetings throughout the year and weekly meetings in the month prior to each major event.

Committee Chair: Matthew Gardner, Esq. Richardson Harman Ober PC 626-449-5577 • mgardner@rhopc.com FOCUS: Matthew Gardner Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC 626-449-5577 • mgardner@rhopc.com Jacklyn Wolf Stonemark Construction Management 800-844-9240 • jacklyn@stonemarkcm.com Website: Lynne Collmann, CMCA®, AMS® Savoy Community Association 213-617-9300 • lcollmann@savoyhoa.com Membership Directory: Stephen S. Grane Alante Insurance Programs 949-679-7131 • steveg@mcsins.com

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

WINE NIGHT

Committee Co-chairs: Angel Fuerte FRESHCO Painters, Inc. 626-482-2698 • angel@freshcopainters.com Donald Campbell, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Wilshire Regent HOA 310-474-5563 • doncampbell.wilshireregent@verizon.net

SOCIAL MEDIA This committee has been re-energized with a new chair and new members who have a passion and the savvy for social media.

This expertise will help bring our chapter to the next level of social connection in order to more effectively raise both member and community awareness of CAI and its benefits, 2) promote chapter events in order to maximize manager and association membership and participation, 3) conduct opinion and statistical surveys, and 4) solicit ideas for future Chapter offerings and 5) integrate more new tools into promotional efforts. A Social Media Policy was recently put in place as the first step in forming a solid working framework and code of conduct. Time commitment: As necessary to successfully promote the organization.

Th is committee designs, plans and produces the annual Wine Night event. Th is event is an important Chapter fund-raiser that benefits the California Legislative Action Committee.

Time commitment: Meetings as necessary and attendance at the August event.

Committee Co-chairs: Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Horizon Management Company 310-543-1995 • joanne@horizonmgmt.com Jolen Zeroski, CMCA® Union Bank HOA Services 800-669-8659, Option 4 • jolen.zeroski@unionbank.

Committee Chair: Lindsay Biren ASR Construction 805-874-2771 • lbiren@asr-construction.com

WE REPRESENT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

Since 1987 we have limited our practice to providing a full range of legal services for • Condominiums • Planned Developments • Cooperatives • Homeowner Associations There is no substitute for experience!

Ventura County 805.650.7899

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Orange County 949.476.3789

Los Angeles 310.207.2207 California 800.372.2207

San Francisco 415.762.1889 January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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MANY TIMES MANAGERS ARE SO BUSY HANDLING THE NON-STOP DEMANDS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES THAT THEY OFTEN OVERLOOK THEMSELVES. AS WE MARCH ALONG THROUGH OUR 20’S AND 30’S, RETIREMENT IS THE LAST THING WE THINK ABOUT. SOMETIME IN OUR 40’S WE MAY LOOK AHEAD AND REALIZE

The Simple Solution

By Lynne Collmann, CMCA, AMS

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THAT WE SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. IF OUR EMPLOYER HAS A PLAN, WE ARE COVERED. SOME OF US MAY HAVE OUR OWN 401K, BUT DON’T MAKE THE VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION WE PLANNED BECAUSE SOMETHING ALWAYS SEEMS TO COME UP — JET SKIS, VACATION, KIDS TUITION, ETC.

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

What if there was another choice… painless and easy for us and our employers… with benefits for all? The good news is that there is one and it’s called the Simple IRA .

A Simple IRA , or “Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees,” is a type of traditional IRA for small businesses like ours. Our contributions are tax deductible and convenient to make through payroll deductions. Our investments grow tax-deferred until we are ready to make withdrawals when we retire. For the employer, this plan offers great advantages… lower start-up and annual costs, contributions that are deductible as business costs, and possible tax credits of $500 per year for the fi rst three years.

Simple IRA s have higher contribution limits than traditional and Roth IRA s.

As an employee, you can contribute a percentage of your compensation up to a limit of $12,000 for 2014. If you’re 50 or older, you can make an additional

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

$2,500 “catch up” contribution for 2014 and this will increase to $3,000 for 2015. Contributions are immediately 100% vested and there is future flexibility if you change employment.

The plan can be rolled over from one Simple IRA to another or to another employer’s qualified plan after two year’s participation in the original plan.

What makes a Simple IRA unique is that the employer is required to make a contribution on the employee’s behalf —either a dollar-for-dollar match of up to 3% of salary or a flat 2% of pay— regardless of whether the employee contributes to the account. In the competitive market of att racting and keeping good employees, this can add some substance to an employer’s benefit package and help att ract and retain good employees.

If you are a small business owner or self-managed association and you haven’t set up any other type of workrelated retirement plan, consider the

Simple IRA . Unlike profit-sharing or 401(k) plans, Simple IRA s are easy to set up, easy to administer and low-cost.

Setup typically requires no more than a phone call to a fi nancial institution to get things rolling. There are generally no fi ling requirements with the IRS, as the fi nancial institution does most of the work here as well. To set up a Simple IRA , an employer must have 100 or fewer employees, offer no other retirement plan and complete just one or two forms.

Th is was perfect for our self-managed association. We checked out a number of the offerings from the big brokers and selected Charles Schwab who has met our needs nicely. (Th is is an unpaid endorsement). An Internet search will quickly put you in touch with all of the players in this market. Depending on the investment fi rm, there is a wide range of investment options including mutual funds, stocks, bonds, Exchange Traded Funds and FDIC-insured CDs

to choose from. All employees have their contribution deducted from each payroll and the amount is transferred to our Schwab account every month. At the end of every year, the association employer makes its annual contribution directly into the account. Th roughout the year, each employee receives their own monthly account statements and can make investment decisions at any time.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to set some personal goals for the future. If you’re not planning today for your retirement tomorrow, now is a good time to take some simple steps to start building your retirement nest egg.

Lynne Collmann CMCA®, AMS®, is general manager of the Savoy Community Association in downtown Los Angeles.

She can be reached at lcollmann@savoyhoa.com.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

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January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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FUNDING FOR THE FUTURE ÈÈÈ By David E. Lazarus C.P.A. MOST EMPLOYEES OF HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATIONS OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES ARE NOT COVERED BY AN EMPLOYERPROVIDED RETIREMENT PLAN. LIKE MOST EMPLOYERS, THESE BUSINESSES CHOOSE NOT TO PROVIDE THESE BENEFITS FOR NUMEROUS REASONS. THESE REASONS INCLUDE THE COST OF ESTABLISHING A PLAN, THE COST OF MAINTAINING THE PLAN, THE COST OF COMPLIANCE, THE FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR INVESTMENTS MADE BY THE PLAN, AND VARIOUS BUDGETARY ISSUES. GIVEN THESE ISSUES, WHAT CAN AN EMPLOYEE DO TO REDUCE THEIR EXPOSURE TO AN UNCERTAIN RETIREMENT? INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS: IRA ithout the involvement of the employer, an employee can undertake to establish their own retirement arrangement. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is probably the easiest of all retirement plans to set up and administer. An IRA can be set up with any fi nancial institution, including a bank, stock brokerage or insurance company. The fi nancial institution setup costs of this type of arrangement are minimal and they handle all compliance and reporting functions.

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An employee that establishes an IRA can contribute up to $5,500 into this arrangement per year. Once the employee is 50 years of age or older, they can contribute an additional $1,000 per year into the IRA . Furthermore, there is the ability to make similar contributions to a spousal IRA on behalf of a non-working spouse.

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www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

It is important to note that if an employee selects a traditional type IRA , the contributions made to this arrangement could create a tax deduction. Any accumulated earnings and contributions to a traditional IRA would be taxable as income when they are withdrawn at retirement. An alternative to the traditional IRA is a Roth IRA . The basic rules as to the contribution limits are the same; however, there is no tax deduction for the contribution to the Roth IRA , and when withdrawn at retirement, the contributions and the accumulated earnings are tax free.

SIMPLE INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT his type of retirement arrangement, also known as a Simple IRA , requires some cooperation from the employer.

There are basically three forms that the employer completes to establish this type of plan. Two establish the plan and the rules for participation. The third is fi lled out by the employee that wishes to participate in the plan and establishes the amount they want to contribute for the year.

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The employer then sets up individual retirement accounts for each participating employee with a fi nancial institution. The fi nancial institution’s setup costs are minimal and they manage all compliance and reporting functions. Furthermore, it is the employee that directs the investments, thus the employer has no exposure to an employee’s poor investment choices.

As far as contributions, employees that elect to participate in this type of arrangement can contribute pre-tax wages to the plan up to $12,000. Once the employee is 50 years of age or older, they can contribute an additional $2,500 of pre-tax wages per year.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

DEDICATED

The employer will have a contribution requirement to this type of plan, but can limit its contribution to 3% of the total wages of participating employees. If an employer generally provides raises or bonuses of 3%, they can make the employer contribution for the participating employee in lieu of providing a raise or bonus. It is important to note that if only one employee participates, the 3% of total wages only applies to that employee. No other contributions are required. As with a traditional IRA , tax consequences on retirement should be considered with this type of plan, as accumulated earnings and contributions would be taxable as income when they are withdrawn at retirement.

Either of the above retirement arrangement can provide additional resources for retirement. The choice of which arrangement to adopt is dependent on what the employer is willing to do and the retirement goals of the individual.

A member of this chapter since 2009, David E. Lazarus is a Certified Public Accountant in Los Angeles, offering a full range of financial services to HOAs, from basic tax management and accounting services to compilations, reviews of financial statements, audits and financial planning. He can be reached at delacpa@prodigy.net.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Our L_WLY[Z \UKLYZ[HUK [OL ULLKZ VM JVTT\UP[` HZZVJPH[PVUZ We offer: -PUHUJPUN MVY I\PSKPUN YLWHPYZ PTWYV]LTLU[ WYVQLJ[Z *VTWL[P[P]L Ä _LK YH[LZ ^P[O [LYTZ \W [V `LHYZ ,_JLZZ -+0* PUZ\YHUJL JV]LYHNL SPTP[Z 3VJRIV_ JHZO THUHNLTLU[ HUK V[OLY KLWVZP[VY` ZLY]PJLZ HYL HSZV H]HPSHISL Contact our Southern California *VTTLYJPHS 9LSH[PVUZOPW 6MÄ JLY [VKH` Larry Hooper, Vice President (714) 864-5171 Toll Free: 800-233-7164 LHooper@bpop.com www.associationbankers.com

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January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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AS AN INSURANCE BROKER WITH ONE FOOT IN THE HOA WORLD AND THE OTHER IN THAT OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, I’D LIKE TO SHARE SOME HEALTH INSURANCE FACTS AND TIPS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO MY CAI FRIENDS. For Businesses and Associations with Employees The EmployerShared Responsibility, also known as “The Employer Mandate” is now in effect for those businesses exceeding 100 fulltime and full-timeequivalent employees.

Come 2016, that number will drop to 50.

Qualifying businesses offering no health coverage

will face substantial penalties. If your company is approaching 50, you may be able to delay for another year the day when you must offer coverage, but you should speak to a qualified insurance broker or employment lawyer to start planning.

For CAI’s many management companies, vendors, and HOAs with fewer than 50 full-time and full-time-equivalent employees, there is no mandate to offer coverage, but it may benefit your organization tremendously in terms of employee retention and morale to offer a group plan. Group plans have the most robust provider networks and the best tax benefits for both employer and employee. It is easier than ever to establish a group, as requirements have been relaxed. Some things to know about Small Group health coverage: Employer contributions can be as low as $80 or $100 a month, depending on the insurance carrier you choose. These contributions are a deductible business expense. Employee contributions for their share of premiums may be made with pretax dollars through a Section 125 Premium Only Plan (it’s easy!).

The Participation Requirement for group coverage, which once required that 70% to 75% of eligible employees enroll in the group plan, has been relaxed by some insurers. Health Net requires only 50% if you enroll 5 people. Blue Shield requires only 65%.

Low-earning employees on Medi-Cal may stay on MediCal, and most will want to stay since out-of-pocket costs are so low. Medi-Cal enrollees won’t count against your group participation requirement.

Employees with other group coverage (through a spouse, for example) may opt out without being counted as eligible, so they won’t hurt your participation requirement.

Save money by not buying what you don’t need. I like establishing small group plans that have choices for the various types of employees. For example, I include an inexpensive HMO with a narrow network (one that lacks “Cadillac” medical centers like Cedars Sinai and UCLA), so that workers who are young and healthy have access to a basic plan. I use broadnetwork PPO’s, for key employees or anyone else who demands the best. I even add Kaiser to the mix if employees ask for it.

2015

A Health Insurance Overview ● ● ● By Anthony Elliot

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www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

Even if you already have a group plan, and have held it for years, it’s important to comparison- shop at this time. The ACA has disrupted the insurance market, and you may fi nd another carrier offering a far better price that what you’re paying now for similar benefits.

Insurance for Individuals and Families For those of you who purchase health insurance for yourself or your family, you probably know we are now in the 2015 Open Enrollment period, which ends February 15th. Th is is

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

the time when you may make changes to your insurance, or purchase a new plan. Those at moderate to lower income levels may qualify for Medi-Cal coverage or for government money (subsidies) to buy a commercial plan through California’s health benefit exchange, called Covered California. Once the Open Enrollment period ends, individual insurance will be off-sale, except to those with special circumstances, like losing group insurance coverage, or losing one’s job.

Individual insurance is now Guaranteed Issue, which means no one can be declined because of pre-existing medical conditions. But there is also an individual mandate that penalizes individuals who go without coverage. The penalty is the greater of $300 or 2% of gross income for 2015. There isn’t much time left to buy a plan, or to make changes to the one you have, so if you’ve yet to do your annual review, get to it!

It’s important to understand that the provider networks have been abridged—check before buying to make sure your preferred hospitals and doctors are available. Assurant and Anthem currently offer the best PPO and EPO networks (respectively) on the individual market. If Cedars Sinai and UCLA are important to you, those companies should be your fi rst stop.

Anthony Elliot is the President of The Anthony Elliot Insurance Agency, Inc. For more information, please contact him at aelliot@elliotinsurance.com.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

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January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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record 220 chapter members and friends attended the Casino Night & Awards Gala on November 14 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Many attendees carried out the “Roaring ‘20s/Great Gatsby” theme with beaded gowns and fancy tuxedos and the ambiance was perfect with the hotel’s historic 1920’s décor. The highlight of the evening’s festivities was an awards presentation in the true Hollywood fashion, when chapter members were recognized for their “industry excellence.”

Thanks to the Social Committee for putting on such an awesome event: Co-chairs Don Campbell (Wilshire Regent 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.), Angelique Madrigal (Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC), Edward Newman (G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc.), Stephanie Sanders (Dunn-Edwards Corporation) and Tony Sayegh (Gothic Grounds Management).

2014 Industry Excellence Award Recipients Excellence in Education Alan Crandall, Mutual of Omaha Bank

Rookie Manager of the Year Robert Bellucci, Seabreeze Management Company AAMC

Editor’s Award Ron Stone, Ronald S. Stone, Ph.D., CPA

Portfolio Manager of the Year Wendy Heffernan, CMCA®, AMS®, Property Management Professionals, LLC®, AAMC®

Company Spotlight The Toro Company Outstanding Service Meigan Everett, PCAM®, Gold Coast Property Pros Innovative Management Concept Seven, LLC Chapter Appreciation Alan Denison, Stay Green Inc. Kimberly Lilley, CIRMS®, CMCA®, Berg Insurance Agency, Inc. Rising Star Gerry Suenram, PCAM® Action Property Management Committee of the Year Community Outreach Committee

President’s Award Katy Krupp, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP On Site Manager of the Year Christine Alfieri, Action Property Management Keystone Award Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM®, The Californian on Wilshire Michael Huffman, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Management Company Professionals, AAMC® Karen Kokowicz, CCAM®, CMCA®, PCAM®, Coro Community Management & Consulting Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Horizon Management Company

PLANNING FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL FUTURE: CLOSING THE EDUCATIONAL GAP

By Mike Lewis, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

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s a management company executive, I am often approached by people currently working outside of our industry who are looking for a change of pace. One of the fi rst questions they ask is “How do I become a manager?” Clearly, they haven’t looked into CAI at this point, so I send them the link to the Website, point them in Joan’s direction, and wish them luck. Sure, it may seem easy for those of us who have been around three, five or even ten years, but am I really helping them, or just giving them false hope?

The real question is whether, even if they follow through on my direction and get the information they need, will it be put to good use? Becoming properly educated is not as simple as signing up for a class and hoping for the best; it takes a lot more to be successful in this industry. Here are some ideas on how to close the gap between wanting to be an educated manager and actually becoming one.

If you are running solo, you are not on your own. CAI offers a scholarship program and an ambassador program to help you get in the door.

Not everyone has the ability or experience needed to pay out-of-pocket and start attending courses prior to landing a position. Sometimes it is

18

better to take a couple of months to attend a few events, get to know some of our great members and fi nd people who were in a similar situation, but have already “been there, done that.” You can learn a lot in a short amount of time and with a small amount invested before you take the plunge, perhaps in the wrong direction.

You have been around a while, and it still feels like day one. You have three years of experience, but not a single class under your belt. It’s never too late to start. In fact, the experience you have gained already in your short career will likely make your educational path much easier. You will probably be familiar with most of the items taught at the 100 and 200 level classes, so it’s just a matter of time and money.

In many cases, and with a little luck in the schedule, you might be able to get four classes completed in less than a year, accelerating yourself from an undervalued desk jockey to a highly-educated and experienced management professional.

You pay your bills, but there is nothing left. Probably the single most reason managers continue on a stagnant path to education is simply a lack of available funds. How do you expect to pay for classes when you don’t have the education to earn a salary that will reward you with excess income? Th is is often called a “Catch-22.” Take a look

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

back at when you were hired. Did your boss promise any educational assistance along the way? Have you asked for assistance over the last few years?

Maybe you just took the job because, after all, it was a job. It is not too late to fi x these issues. Speak with your fellow managers at other companies; see if they have a structured plan for educating their managers, and maybe even a loan program or all-out fi nancial assistance along the way. Before taking any drastic steps, put your notes together, schedule a sit-down with your supervisor, and offer a plan to them to assist you in becoming educated.

Be sure to base this plan on the facts provided by other managers, and not just hope.

The worst they can do is say no, and perhaps the best thing you can do is start searching for something better.

Bottom line: if your company isn’t willing to invest time and money in you, then how do they expect to have a mutually beneficial relationship for years to come?

You love your on-site job, but your bosses are volunteers. It may be true that the least willing group of people to spend time and money on your education are the same people who volunteer to protect their homes and fi nancial assets. If you simply approach CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

them with a $3,000 per year budget number for education, it is likely to become whitt led down to $500, or even nothing.

Some board members have a pre-conceived notion that their primary job is to save money, which means that you aren’t entitled to any of it. Furthermore, they probably think that once they educate you, your career will magically takeoff, and you will be gone in no time. Th is can be easily solved by approaching your board with a detailed plan. That plan should include a structured budget, a bullet-point list of the major topics you will learn, and an explanation as to how your education will help them create efficiency throughout their community while limiting liability. After all, an educated manager is less likely to make an uninformed mistake. Th is could save them thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, if that mistake were simply avoided in the fi rst place. Lastly, offer to revise your contract with them.

Add a clause that allows them to pay for your education, but in the event you resign within one year, you will reimburse them for 100% of the costs of the education, and if within two years, 50%. Anything over ywo years is considered fully vested, and believe me, they got their money’s worth by having an educated professional manage their association.

Mike Lewis, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, is the CEO and owner of Concept Seven, LLC, a full-management company in Torrance. He is also vice President of this chapter. Mike can be reached at mike@c7properties.com.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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Chapter members and guest attended the Holiday Happy Hour in December at Bel Air Crest Master Association. This event continues to be a great way to see current industry friends and make new connections in a casual cocktail party atmosphere. The group also used this occasion to collect toys to donate to the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Our thanks to the Social Committee for putting on such a fun evening: Committee Co-chairs Don Campbell (Wilshire Regent HOA) and Angel Fuerte (FRESHCO Painters, Inc.), Josh Abramson (A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800)-PAINTING), Jennifer Brunston (Action Property Management), Leslee Jones (Alliance Environment Group), Alison Kronebusch (Reconstruction Experts, Inc.), Angelique Madrigal (Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC), Edward Newman (G4S Secure Solutions USA, Inc.), Stephanie Sanders (Dunn-Edwards Paints) and Tony Sayegh (Gothic Grounds Management).

Thank You Sponsors VALET PARKING

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Aeroscopic Environmental, Inc. General Pavement Management, Inc. Popular Association Banking Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

NEWS

FROM SACRAMENTO

By Skip Daum

Here’s the latest from Sacramento:

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ULLY ONE QUARTER OF THE LEGISLATURE is composed of brand new elected officials in the Senate and Assembly.

Assigning them to dozens of policy committees is a process that will hopefully be complete by mid-January.

Th is is important because the bills that affect associations may go to several different committees in both houses. They usually go through the housing and judiciary committees, but may also be reviewed by the energy, local government, environmental, and appropriations committees. We need to know which legislators are on these committees in order to effectively lobby.

As of December 29, 2014, we are aware of just two bills that effect HOAs. Senate Bill 3 would increase the minimum wage to $11 per hour after January 1, 2016, and to $13 per hour the following year. Further, it would prohibit the Industrial Welfare Commission from lowering the wage, and would also

What is CLAC? THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE (CLAC) IS A VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE (CAI) CONSISTING OF HOMEOWNERS AND PROFESSIONALS SERVING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS. CAI IS THE LARGEST ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION IN AMERICAN

Senate Bill 47 would require the State to study artificial turf for potential adverse health effects. Specifically, the bill requires a hazard analysis of “individual, synergistic, and cumulative exposures to the chemicals that may be found in synthetic turf.” You may not think this affects HOAs, but it does when associations, or their members, are considering installing this turf in lieu of real grass. We succeeded in killing two prior bills that forced associations to allow this landscaping substitution.

Scientific studies then, and a lawsuit by the CA Attorney General’s office, also played a part in the halting of those bills.

But, with the drought, there is a drumbeat of interest in this matter. Accordingly, this bill may be used to stop another bill that requires HOAs to allow synthetic turf. There may also be a bill that allows such turf in backyards. We’ll keep you informed about this issue and these bills.

Please sign up for our “CLAC-TRAC” email alerts so that you can easily “click and send” your comments about bills to your own legislators. Just go to our Website www.caiclac.com to sign up… it’s free, and we keep your email address strictly confidential.

SAVE THE DATE for CLAC’s 22nd Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol! Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 12th and Monday, April 13th in Sacramento. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available on CLAC’s Website under the Events Tab. Skip Daum is our veteran Legislative Advocate for CAI's California Legislative Action Committee and may be reached at caiclac@aol.com.

Represents over nine million homeowners and property owners in more than 45,000 associations throughout California.

Comprises association homeowners, board members and the professional business partners that service them.

Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no fi nancial campaign contributions.

STATE LAWMAKERS, AND PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF

Depends solely on the donations of the community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve HOA members.

THOSE LIVING IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS IN CALIFORNIA.

CLAC’S MISSION

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.

DEDICATED TO MONITORING LEGISLATION, EDUCATION ELECTED

Is a non-profit, non-partisan committee composed of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.

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apply increases using the Consumer Price Index. Th is bill will affect all HOA employees and probably service contract fees.

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

A community association insurance and risk management professional’s duties include: ■ Working with associations to ensure that they have thought through their exposures to risk.

■ Recommending insurance products and steps to reduce the risk itself or to transfer it to another party and presenting cost-benefit analyses on various options.

■ Educating board members to raise their level of understanding, so they can in turn educate their residents on how to avoid their own losses.

A graduate of California State University-Los Angeles, Adam has more than 17 years of experience in the insurance industry and has his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. He managed the IHG underwriting unit prior to moving to his current position of new business development through agent and broker relationships. Mr. Collins enjoys golfing and spending time at the river with his family. You can contact Adam at adam.collins@ianhgrahaminc.com.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

INLAND EMPIRE KERN COUNTY CENTRAL COAST

To be eligible for the designation, professionals must have at least five years of experience in the community association field, have been responsible for 25 association insurance programs in the past three years, and maintain a legal and ethical standing in the insurance industry.

ORANGE COUNTY

Adam Collins, CIC®, CIRMS®, Assistant Vice President of Ian H. Graham Insurance (IHG), recently joined a select group of community association insurance and risk management professionals who have earned the Community Insurance and Risk Management Specialist (CIRMS) designation from CAI.

LOS ANGELES

Congratulations to Adam Collins!

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Turning Common Interests Into Common Ground 866.788.9998 www.bgtlawyers.com

Jeffrey A. Beaumont, Esq.

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

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Stuff-a-Bus CAI-GLAC members rose early on December 12 for the second year to gather at Starbucks in Canoga Park at 5:30 a.m. Dressed up as Christmas elves, we decorated our cars and trucks and loaded them up with toys donated by our members in order to parade to the Spark of Love Toy Drive donation location at the Topanga Westfield Mall in Canoga Park. We were greeted and thanked

by Garth Kemp of KA BC 7, his crew and a whole company of Los Angeles County fi refighters.

The whole group appeared on TV during Garth’s weather report and throughout the morning replays. They fi lled a record number of busses with toys that day, and our donation made quite an impact!

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www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Our Thanks to the Community Outreach Committee for Organizing Both December Events.

Making the Holidays Happier More than 20 CAI-GLAC members and friends devoted a few Saturday morning hours on December 13 at the L.A. Regional Food Bank sorting food to be packed into healthy, wellbalanced care packages for delivery to seniors and needy families in time for the holidays.

Community Outreach Committee Members: Committee Chair Meigan Everett (Gold Coast Property Pros), Isaac Camacho (Accurate Termite & Pest Control), Miranda Legaspi (Platinum Security), Jeanie LaCroix (BELFOR Property Restoration), Lisa Lopez (Dunn-Edwards Paints), Kathy Lung (Dunn-Edwards Paints), Angelique Madrigal (Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC) and Ashley Swartzlander (ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance).

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

25

LESSONS FROM THE JANUARY 17,

By Donalea Bauer, CCAM, CMCA DATE: January 17, 1994 (a Monday) TIME: 4:31 AM MAGNITUDE: 6.7 To say that the Northridge earthquake was an enlightening experience is an understatement. Even for California natives — those with previous or even lifelong experience with earthquakes — the magnitude 6.7 quake was sobering. Being a property manager involved with communities which suffered catastrophic damage in this earthquake was an interesting learning experience. Interfacing with insurance adjustors, SBA, FEMA, Red Cross and city officials provided a crash course in crisis management and restoration.

1994 NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE The contractor was paid off after a negotiated sett lement, and the board felt that the remainder of the special assessment should be stopped. Debate over this ensued as did questions about who should get the refunds (buyer or seller) on the homes that had changed title during the two-year process. But, wait… there’s more.

The BOD had heard from another association that it was possible to request for the earthquake insurance claim to be re-opened so they could ask for more money. Since the work they felt still needed to be done was as a result of the earthquake, they went ahead with the request. BIG Insurance Company obliged and re-opened the claim and sent out an investigator. This investigation did indeed lead to a very large discrepancy being discovered — but not exactly what the Board had in mind. After the investigation was complete, the Board was notified that not only were they not getting Unfortunately, after any catastrophe, there are those that will additional money but almost all of the money initially given seek to profit from the tragedy and suffering of others. In the to them was to be returned. The investigation performed aftermath of Northridge many property managers received an by the BIG Insurance Company representative found that education in some of these seedier sides of the CID industry. In some of the paid claims had been made improperly. They particular, I got an education from a very shady private adjustor. It’s found evidence of false reports of earthquake damage possible that there were some private adjusters that helped their clients which were instead the result of neglected/deferred after the earthquake, but I know from experience that there were maintenance. They found grossly-inflated bids, falselymany who only had their own best interests in mind. I’m speaking submitted claims, and possible impropriety by the of those folks, better known by many as “ambulance chasers” — private adjustor. BIG demanded to be reimbursed. who cleverly endear themselves to the vulnerable with promises to The Association was taken to court and a judgment was protect their interests and get even more money from the carriers at received by BIG Insurance Company. Of course the a percentage premium for their work.

Board felt that they didn’t need to pay and decided they would, like many people who can’t pay their bills, simply Here is my story… fi le bankruptcy. Not so easy for an association with a huge Approximately two years after the Northridge earthquake, our judgment against them. firm was approached by a small community of about 30 units that needed the help of a seasoned property manager. Following the When BIG caught wind of this, they successfully executed quake, they had received funds from “BIG” Insurance Company a judgment which gave a written demand to the HOA due to the “help” of a private adjustor and contractor. The Board stating they had to pay up or a “host of horrible things had used the funds for repairs which appeared to have been would happen to the members and the association.” overpriced. Furthermore, they had depleted their reserves during The Association, without consulting us, took it upon this process and still felt more work was necessary. Adding to this, itself to hire an attorney. They were already accustomed the Association had a high level of delinquencies — owners who had to going out and doing things without the guidance of stopped paying dues or abandoned their homes after the earthquake. management, so why start now, right? They were advised In an effort to pay off the contractor, who was threatening to litigate by counsel, that filing for bankruptcy was not an option. against the Association, the board levied a small special assessment.

The retainer fee for the attorney you ask? $20,000.

Some owners were paying the assessment, others were foreclosed The owners were assessed by the board to pay on, some owners sold and paid off the assessment. It was only after all the down payment for the legal fees and a legal of this had occurred that they decided to hire our firm. battle ensued. Of course, at this point owners So what does a hard working management firm do? It digs in and starts were angry and board meetings were challenging trying to rebuild the association financially. As we did this, stories (to say the least!) as everyone needed to blame of the private adjustor and what had transpired kept resurfacing but somebody for the situation they found themselves in. there were no documents for us to review. Prior management and On an amusing side note: The BOD, and owners alike the board had no paper trail. had the utmost confidence that they were going to The insurance fi les were empty. The claim fi le was empty. win the litigation as the insurance company was simply And the paid bill fi les were incomplete. being “greedy.”

26

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

During the year-long litigation process many ownership changes had taken place. Eventually, the Association found that they absolutely had to pay off the judgment to BIG Insurance Company, including the interest that had accrued PLUS legal fees, and could not fi le bankruptcy per legal counsel.

Homeowners were enraged — they had spent all of their Association funds on the HOA attorney and had no way to pay BIG Insurance Company back. Eventually the court ordered the Association to pay the judgment and threatened them with other action for non-compliance. It was at this point that the owners started the wood pile to commence burning people at the stake. We brought in another attorney who was able to negotiate with the insurance company to eliminate the interest and lower the legal fees in order to bring down the total amount owed. A payment plan was established and of course a new special assessment of nearly $30,000 per owner was levied to pay off the judgment. You can imagine the outrage of all of the new owners who felt it was unfair that they should have to pay for the mistakes of the prior owners.

Many lessons were learned by everyone involved. But a lesson is only valuable if it leads to smarter action the next time. My personal advice to Managers, BODs and unit owners after a catastrophe is this: ■ Ensure that even in a time of crisis due diligence is performed as to the damage that was done. Take your time, and maintain order amidst the chaotic cries for action.

■ Obtain multiple estimates of the damage. Don’t take the lowest bid. Don’t take the highest. The most honest bids should be close in pricing.

■ Document the fi ndings — this means EVERYTYHING. Take photographs of the damage before it is repaired. Take photographs of the property to have on fi le before the damage even occurs! Just keep them on fi le.

■ And most important, be very cautious of ambulance chasers.

That’s not to say all private adjustors fit that term. It could be attorneys, contractors, or anyone that benefits financially from your tragedy and has only their best interests in mind.

It is important to be very wary of anyone who tries to convince a BOD that their deferred maintenance can be classified and covered as earthquake damage. If there’s one thing property managers know, it’s that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. There is no such thing as free money. Northridge was an enlightening experience for us all. Circumstances and experiences born from the Northridge quake have made me a supremely enlightened manager. And I hope these words will help you keep your communities from making the same mistakes.

Donalea Bauer, Vice President of Lordon Management, has been actively involved in the community management industry for almost 40 years. Lordon provides professional management services to more than 200 community associations throughout southern California. She holds certifications through CACM and CAI and also has her real estate license. Donalea can be reached at donalea@lordonmanagement.com.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Commercial Exterior

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ES FR TI E M E AT E

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January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

27

What is the Forecast for Residential Real Estate?

Excerpts from the 2015 Economic Forecast and Industry Outlook published by The Kyser Center for Economic Research for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation.

Southern California’s housing market is continuing to chip away at the many challenges hanging over the industry.

Housing market indicators that are showing improvement include: ■ Stronger job growth has increased the number of potential qualified buyers ■ Inventories are gradually improving ■ The foreclosure resale rate is currently the lowest since 2007 ■ Mortgage interest rates are near historic lows ■ Mortgage lending standards are starting to ease What factors are slowing the recovery? Southern California home sales in August declined by 18.5% compared with the same period last year. As of August, sales throughout the six-county region had fallen on a year-over-year basis for 11 consecutive months. As of early September, mortgage applications, a leading indicator of future home sales, were at their lowest level in 14 years. While mortgage lending standards have eased, only a relatively small group of potential buyers with strong credit scores and big down payments are able to get fi nancing.

The rebound in prices has outpaced improvements in the labor market, particularly wage growth. Affordability is still good compared with historic norms, but many potential buyers have already been priced out of the market. New and young households cannot afford to buy or qualify for a mortgage even with today’s exceptionally low rates.

At the same time, rents are soaring even faster than home prices in many parts of the country. In the Los Angeles Metro area, the share of income needed to afford a median priced home was 42.6% (in July 2014), while the share of income needed to afford median rent was 47.9%, the highest of any large metro area in the country.1 With more household income needed for rent, many households cannot save for a down payment on a home. Additionally, since households spend the largest share of their average annual expenditures on housing, increases in housing expenditures can have a detrimental effect on other types of consumer spending like clothing, entertainment or food.

1

Zillow Inc., Press Release (August 21, 2014): Only a Dozen Large Metro Housing Markets Feature Both Affordable For-Sale Housing and Affordable Rental Housing

28

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

A sustained housing market recovery also requires rising rates of household formation and homeownership. In the United States, homeownership peaked at 69% in 2004 and has been declining ever since — falling to 64.9% during the fi rst half of 2014. In California, homeownership peaked later, in 2006 at 60.2% and has also been on a trend decline. In 2013, the homeownership rate in California dropped to 53.3%, the lowest rate since 1987. One reason for the decline is the slow pace of wage and salary growth since the end of the recession — homeownership tends to rise with income.

Homeownership Rates are Declining in the U.S. and California California

United States

70% 68% 66% 64% 62% 60% 58% 56% 54% 52% 50%

1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014

YTD

Source: US Census Bureau

Att itudes towards home ownership are plainly less favorable than they have been in the past, especially among younger households. On the other hand, the perception that there has been a permanent shift in preference to rent versus owning a home is probably premature. Because of the challenging job market and high levels of student debt, many young families are likely to remain renters for longer than in the past, but a number of surveys have shown most young families still aspire to own a home.

■ ■ ■ UNSOLD INVENTORIES OF HOMES: Inventories of homes for sale have improved but remain extremely tight. According to the California Association of Realtors, the unsold inventory of existing single-family homes in California represented a four-month supply in August. Th is was up from a 3.6-month supply in August 2013. In a balanced market, a seven-month supply is the norm for California.

Locally, inventories ranged from a low of four months in Los Angeles and Orange counties to a high of 4.9 months in San Bernardino County.

■ ■ ■ NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION New home construction is improving, but the pace has been disappointing. Part of the problem has been a lack of construction and development lending. The lending environment is improving, but the time it takes to develop new residential land is lengthy and the supply of available land is limited throughout much of Southern California.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

■ ■ ■ CONCLUSION Southern California’s housing market is on the mend.

Although the pace so far has been too slow to provide much of a boost to sales or new home construction, conditions will gradually improve over the remainder of this year and show more pronounced gains in 2015.

Increases in median home prices are moderating — a sign that the housing market is normalizing. While support for existing homes sales and new home construction has shifted away from investor purchases and back to traditional buyers, stronger job and wage growth is needed to support housing demand and prices. Most of the affordable housing stock was bought up by investors and new homes priced for first-time buyers are not being built. The decline in sales over the course of the last 12 months may be a reflection of the market adjusting to this shift.

Further improvement this year and next will depend in large part on progress in the rest of the economy, including a better functioning housing credit market. As prices continue to moderate, Southern California’s housing market will rely more on job and income growth to support housing demand and prices.

The complete 2015 Economic Forecast & Industry Outlook for Los Angeles County can be read and downloaded at www.laedc.org.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Tonya Guyot Vice Vice President | (310) 996-9106 Assistant President | (310) 996-9106 tguyot@pacificwesternbank.com tguyot@pacificwesternbank.com

pacificwesternbank.com

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

29

WELCOME

NEW CAI-GLAC MEMBERS! AS OF JANUARY 15, 2015

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Bank of Santa Clarita Brian Berce Insurance Agency, Inc. Condo Approval Processing Company of America Environmental Testing Associates Fit One Fitness Four Seasons Landscaping Hinricher Douglas & Porter, LLP SJ Consulting Western Rooter & Plumbing

RECRUITER Russell Hoffman CAI National CAI National Pauline MacLean Russell Hoffman Omar Bayter CAI National Timothy Howett Alana Ellis

MANAGEMENT COMPANIES RealManage

CAI National

COMMUNITY MANAGERS Detreyus Betts Blair House HOA

Jim Boutross

Sandra Bevardos Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC®

Diane Hilliard CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

James Boutross Blair House

CAI National

Adriana Cortes Tina Nakamura Property Management Professionals, LLC, AAMC® CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Thomas Kim

CAI National

Catriona McCarthy Seabreeze Management Company, Inc.

Alexandria Pollock CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

Derek Rudd

CAI National

Dawn Suskin, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC®

Sascha Macias CMCA®, AMS®

Christine Taylor HOA Organizers, Inc.

Neda Nehouray CMCA®, AMS®

Pamela Vine Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC®

Diane Hilliard CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Philma Evans

CAI National

Experience professional delinquent assessment recovery.

888-845-8808 www.witkinandneal.com 30

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

OUR THANKS

TO RENEWING MEMBERS! AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS 5Star Elevator Service A.ALLBRIGHT 1(800) PAINTING ACE Duraflo Pipe Restoration ADCO Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. Advanced Painting Contractors Co., Inc. Alante/MCS Insurance Services American Technologies, Inc. Anthony Elliot Insurance Agency, Inc. Association Capital Bank Berg Insurance Agency, Inc. Critter Busters, Inc. Eric Little Insurance Agency Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Gayle G. Gould, CPA General Pavement Management, Inc. GetDocsNow.com Heritage Construction Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. Ian H. Graham Insurance Law Offices of Daniel B. Spitzer Law Offices of Richard Mark Garber Marina Landscape, Inc. McDonnell Roofing, Inc. Miller Law Firm, The Oasis Pool Service P.W. Stephens Environmental, Inc. Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services, Inc. Performance Elevator Contractors, Inc. Pierre Landscape, Inc. Popular Association Banking Rick’s Rain Gutters Ronald S. Stone, Ph.D., CPA, CFE Rose Paving Company Roy Palacios Insurance Agency, Inc. SAX Insurance Agency Seacoast Commerce Bank Sherwin-Williams Paint Steve Reich Insurance Agency Super Painting Co. The Inspectors of Election, LLC Three Phase Electric Union Bank HOA Services Universal Protection Service Urban Tree Care Valley Alarm VanDerPol & Company Verizon Enhanced Communities Witkin & Neal, Inc. Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Beachwood Canyon HOA Bordeaux HOA Briarwood Community Center Croydon Park HOA Encino Oaks HOA Marina City Club COA North Hollywood Terrace Owners Assn.

Playa Pacific HOA Villa Vallarta HOA Village Palos Verdes HOA West Ocean Association COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Baldwin Real Estate Management Blackstone Management, LLC Common Interest Services, Inc. Crown Management Fidelity Management Services, Inc. Miller & Desatnik Management Co. Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. Villefort & Associates Wall Street Realty – Property Management COMMUNITY MANAGERS Valerie Atkins Briarwood Community Center Carol Collins, CCAM® Seabreeze Management Company Lynne Collmann, CMCA®, AMS® Savoy HOA Warren Davidoff Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Manny Diaz, CMCA®, AMS® Ten Five Sixty Wilshire Blvd. HOA Linda Franzese, CMCA® Pacific Coast Management Maria Gomez Cabrini Villas HOA Brandon Grosh, CMCA®, AMS® Property Management Professionals, LLC, AAMC Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® The Californian on Wilshire HOA Ariel Hess, CMCA®, AMS® Scott Management Marilyn Howald, CMCA® Beven & Brock Eduardo James Galaxy HOA Candi Kocher Four Seasons HOA

Evelyn Lifton, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® The Brentwood at Kiowa HOA Georgia MacIntyre, CMCA®, AMS® Ross Morgan & Company Inc., AAMC Ted Manzano Erik Mendez, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Beven & Brock Juan Pablo Molina W Hollywood Residences Francesca Prillwitz Horn Plaza HOA. William Reimbold, CMCA®, AMS® SF Valley Management Michelle Rodrigues, CCAM® Seabreeze Management Company Barabra Schwartz, CCAM® Glen Towers HOA Alexandria Spargo, CCAM® Management Professionals, Inc., AAMC

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Derek Allen Alan Balch Bonnie Hartounian Tom Hiatt Shelly Hill Daniel Stubbs Queene Taylor

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Building Quality

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Laurel Sylvanus Ontrack Asset Management Maria Tiscareno Franklin Towers HOA Cookie Valente, CMCA®, AMS® Manhattan Management Corp.

Joy Wei, CCAM® Seabreeze Management Company John Wilder Property Management Professionals, LLC, AAMC

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Building Relationships

Building Confidence

January/February 2015 | www.cai-glac.org

31

2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 14

Westside Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m.

23

23 Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian

Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

10 Crank Brothers Roofing Company, Inc.

Essentials of Community Leadership Workshop – 8:15 a.m.

Summerwind HOA, 2800 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA 90503

28-31 CAI National Law Seminar San Francisco, CA

FEBRUARY 04

Tricks of the Trade for Business Partners – 9:30 a.m.

Blair House, 10490 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024

10

Long Beach Educational Program for HOA Boards – 6:00 p.m.

Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, 111 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802

13

8 Association Reserves, Inc.

DoubleTree by Hilton Westside, 6161 W. Centinela Blvd., Culver City Chapter Office, Glendale

24

ADVERTISERS INDEX 25 A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800)-PAINTING 32 Poindexter & Company, CPAs

PCAM Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.

7 Farmers Insurance Group – Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. 19 Ferris Painting, Inc. 27 Hi-Tech Painting and Water Proofing 15 Mutual of Omaha Bank/ CondoCerts 15 NPG Asphalt 29 Pacific Western Bank

29 Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. 23 R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. 30 Reserve Studies Inc. 11 Sandra Macdonald Insurance 13 Select Painting 31 Stonemark Construction Management 9 SwedelsonGottlieb 24 Timothy Cline Insurance Agency, Inc. 19 Union Bank 30 Witkin & Neal, Inc.

City Club LA, 555 S. Flower St, 51st Floor, Los Angeles 90071

20

13 Popular Association Banking

Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

Chapter Office, Glendale

24

Westside Evening Educational Program – 7:00 p.m.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Dimensions & Rates:

DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

25

SF Valley Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m.

Warner Center Marriott, 21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Ad Size

Ad Dimensions

Members

Non-Members

South Bay Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m.

⅛ page

3½" wide x 2" high (Horizontal)

$200

$400

DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

¼ page

3½" wide x 4¾" high (Vertical)

$300

$600

½ page

7½" wide x 4¾" high (Horizontal)

$425

$850

Full Page

7½" wide x 9.75" high (Vertical)

$800

$1,400

MARCH 18

20

Artwork must not exceed the exact dimensions of that size ad.

For more information, call the Chapter office: 818-500-8636.

Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

Chapter Office, Glendale

21

Ponies, Prizes & Play – 11:30 a.m.

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA

25

Valencia Educational Breakfast for HOA Boards and Managers – 8:30 a.m.

Bridgeport HOA Clubhouse, Valencia

27

Common Interest Development 8-Hour Law Seminar – 8:00 a.m.

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.

The Wilshire, 10580 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024

APRIL 02

Westside Homeowners Association Marketplace – 5:30 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

09

San Gabriel Valley Educational Program for HOA Boards – 6:00 p.m.

Location TBD

11

Essentials of Community Leadership Workshop – 8:15 a.m.

Bunker Hill Tower Condo Owners Assn., 800 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

12-13

Legislative Day at the Capitol Hyatt Regency, Sacramento

17

Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.

Chapter Office, Glendale

21

Westside Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Westside, 6161 W. Centinela Blvd., Culver City

29-1

CAI National Conference Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, NV

32

www.cai-glac.org | January/February 2015

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

SCHEDULE Registration & Putting Contest Shotgun Start 19th Hole Dinner, Raffle, Awards

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

2:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

ENTRY FEES $200 per player —18 holes Includes green fees, cart, schwag bag, box lunch, dinner and awards/prize drawings. $55 Dinner & Social Only Includes dinner and awards/prize drawings.

TITLE

NPG-Nelson Paving SOUVENIR PHOTOS

Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. CHAMPIONSHIP

Pacific Western Bank Preferred Commercial Painting Universal Protection Service BEVERAGE CARTS

Behr Paint/THE HOME DEPOT USA Benjamin Moore & Co. BLOODY MARYS

Servpro of Burbank, Chatsworth, Van Nuys & Crescenta Valley

TAILGATE CONTEST HOLES

A.ALLBRIGHT 1-(800) PAINTING Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating Mission Landscape NPG-Nelson Paving Silldorf-Levine, LLP TAILGATE HOLES

American Heritage Landscape American Technologies, Inc. Dunn-Edwards Paints Har-Bro Emergency Service & Restoration Reconstruction Experts, Inc. Tinnelly Law Group Union Bank HOA Services Vista Paint Corporation SCHWAG BAGS

Universal Protection Service CLUB PRO

Preferred Commercial Painting

Register online at www.cai-glac.org OR Mail check to CAI, 130 N. Brand Blvd. #305 Glendale, CA 91203 Prize for the best Tailgate Partydecorated tee!

CAI-GLAC

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203

PAID SAN BERNARDINO, CA PERMIT #1

Change Service Requested

Order Your 2015 Condominium Bluebook Today!

O Price: $26.00 per copy, tax and shipping included.

Order copies online at: www.cai-glac.org.

Chapter Introduces Online Learning for Community Association Boards and Managers!

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.

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

Learn more and register now at www.cai-glac.org.