Focus Magazine - Jan/Feb/Mar 2017

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January/February/March 2017

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

Reinforcing Our Structures L.A. Earthquake Retrofitting Ordinance L.A. Soft Story Ordinance Implications One Structural Problem with Two Projects to Manage Save the Date:

South Bay HOA Marketplace April 6


Community Associations Institute Greater Los Angeles Chapter Presents

INTERNATIONAL

THURSDAY APRIL 6 SCHEDULE ★ 5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet Industry Service Providers

te on Ho l t l i H ay Dou eTree by outh B bl -S e c n Torra 21333 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503

★ 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Complimentary Dinner with Educational Presentation

RESERVATIONS:

FEATURING ★ More than 45 HOA Industry Experts ★ Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres

★ Opportunity to Win $100 Cash during Meet & Greet ★ Raffle Prizes

HOA Board Members & Managers: Complimentary* *HOA Member Guests will pay a discounted price of $20 per person for dinner

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EVENT SPONSOR

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Online: Phone:

www.cai-glac.org 818-500-8636


2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, President Horizon Management Company, 310-543-1995 Greg Borzilleri, President Elect PCW Contracting Services, 949-285-7802 Donald Campbell, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Vice President Cabrini Villas HOA, 818-504-9600 Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Secretary FirstService Residential, 310-574-7426 Meigan Everett, PCAM®, Treasurer Gold Coast Property Pros, 424-238-2333 DIRECTORS Teresa Agnew Roseman & Associates APC, 818-380-6700 Angel Fuerte FRESHCO Painters, Inc., 626-482-2698 Jose H. Glez, CIRMS™ Cline Agency Insurance Brokers, 800-966-9566 Diane Hilliard, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC, 818-907-6622 Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS® HOA Organizers, Inc., 818-778-3331 Dick Pruess Castlegate HOA, 626-584-0000 Lynn Ruger Warner Club Villas HOA, 818-703-7090 Lisa Tashjian, Esq. Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian, 866-788-9998

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joan Urbaniak, MBA, CMCA®

2017 COMMITTEE CHAIRS COMMUNITY OUTREACH Miranda Legaspi, Platinum Security, Inc. Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC EDUCATION Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM®, The Californian on Wilshire Gregg Lotane, CCAM-HR®, PCAM®, The Wilshire FINANCE Michael Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Concept Seven, LLC GOLF TOURNAMENT Ryan Dudasik, Whitestone Painters Katie Mokhlessin, BrightView Landscape Services HOA MARKETPLACE Alan Denison, Elements Landscape Management LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT Matthew Plaxton, Esq., Tinnelly Law Group MEDIATION SERVICES Matthew Grode, Esq., Gibbs, Giden, Locher, Turner, Senet & Wittbrodt, LLP PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS Brian Moreno, Esq., CCAL, SwedelsonGottlieb Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS®, HOA Organizers, Inc. PUBLICATIONS Matthew Gardner, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC FOCUS Magazine Matthew Gardner, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC 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 Leslee Jones, Alliance Environmental Group Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC SOCIAL MEDIA Teresa Agnew, Roseman & Associates APC Lindsay Morstad, ASR Restoration & Construction WINE NIGHT Katy Krupp, Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

Newsworthy 4 2017 Board of Directors 6 Get Involved... Join A Chapter Committee 10 L.A. Earthquake Retrofitting Ordinance: Now That It Is the Law, What Are We Supposed To Do? 18 L.A. Soft Story Ordinance Implications For Condominium Owners 20 One Structural Problem with Two Projects to Manage: The Political Project & the Construction Project 22 News From Sacramento 23 SB 2 Building Homes & Jobs Act 24 HOAs in the Digital Age: Assessing and Addressing Issues with Social Media and Internet Presence

Chapter update 2 Note from the Editor’s Desk 3 Message from the President

NOTEWORTHY 16 Highlights from Holiday Happy Hour 28 Celebrating the PCAM® Designation 32 Congratulations to the 2016 Membership Recruiter Contest Winners

FYI 31 32 32 32

CAI-GLAC Membership News 2017 Upcoming Events Advertisers Index Advertising Information On the Cover

Bela Sera Homeowners Association Studio City Photo Courtesy of Ferris Painting, Inc.

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 © 2017. 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

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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2017 CAI-GLAC Super Sponsors Platinum

L

ife comes at you fast. We are already into 2017, but there is still so much to report. Joanne Peña begins her banner year and brings a renewed purpose to her leadership of our Chapter. We have all of the bios and information for our new Board, and intentions for 2017.

Note

from the Editor’s Desk

FOCUS will continue to provide articles that track our educational programs and luncheons, so that those of us who miss one don’t miss the valuable information our members expect from our Chapter. We have covered disaster preparedness and earthquakes many times over the last few years. Despite that, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to provide updates when we believe they are important. This issue provides some of the latest in retrofitting requirements, as well as related construction considerations. David Loewenthal led a luncheon on requirements for the Los Angeles City Seismic Retrofit Ordinance. His presentation went into detail about what communities in the City should expect to see and the general timelines in play. Although his feedback was spurred by the L.A. City Ordinance, surrounding cities are already looking at similar programs. It won’t be long until you receive something similar, so take this opportunity to be prepared.

Dilip Khatri, our other Seismic speaker, goes into greater detail about which buildings receive these demands. He also gently wades in with some of the language board members and managers can expect to see coming back as solutions and recommendations on these projects. Rounding out our distinguished panel of retrofit speakers is Dennis Brooks. Dennis talks about the administrative and communication tasks that boards and managers should expect to tackle while reviewing these types of projects. From the meetings with vendors, to the budgeting and financial projections needed, to the election to approve special assessments, the article is a reminder that sometimes the physical work is the easiest part of the battle. Working with the theme of communication, Sandra Gottlieb and Farrah Esquer step in to discuss how to use current tools to your advantage. Sandra and Farrah give both the legal and practical concerns when communicating on behalf of the Association. Their tips are great for instances when boards are looking into elections and important community updates. Finally, take a moment to review all of our new board members. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them with your ideas and offer your skills. Let them know that you appreciate them as much as they appreciate you.

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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Warm regards, — Matthew Gardner, Esq. Editor

Accurate Termite & Pest Control ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING Alliance Association Bank Critter Busters, Inc. Ferris Painting, Inc. Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. Kasdan Lippsmith Weber Turner LLP Pacific Western Bank Payne Pest Management Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. ProTec Building Services Select Painting & Construction, Inc. Sherwin-Williams Paint Silicon Beach Insurance Services Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Union Bank HOA Services Whitestone Painters Gold Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Behr Paint Corporation Best Alliance Foreclosure & Lien Services Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP McKenzie Rhody, LLP MeterNet Sub-metering & Billing Solutions Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts SKY Painting Steve Little Insurance Agency SwedelsonGottlieb Tinnelly Law Group Vista Paint Corporation Silver

American Heritage Landscape Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc. ASR Restoration & Construction Association Reserves, Inc. Benjamin Moore & Co. BrightView Landscape Services CertaPro Painters of Pasadena CertaPro Painters of Sherman Oaks Cline Agency Insurance Brokers Fenceworks, Inc. FRESHCO Painters, Inc. General Pavement Management, Inc. Miller Law Firm NuAir Services, Inc. Park West Landscape Management Rose Paving, Inc. Reserve Studies Incorporated SAX Insurance Agency Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. WICR Inc. Decking & Waterproofing Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP

Bronze

Association Lien Services Bentley Community Management, Inc. Berding & Weil, LLP Design Build Associates Master Property Improvement Co., Inc. Oakridge Landscape Poindexter and Company, CPAs R.E.A. Advisors, Inc. We thank our 2017 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

Happy New Year!

I

am truly honored to serve as President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter this year. Community Associations Institute has been a reliable source of education and motivation throughout my career in the common interest community. And, I am grateful for the business partnerships and friendships I have developed as a result of my involvement in this organization. Whether you are a new member or a seasoned veteran, I strongly encourage you to take full advantage of the membership benefits available to you. Here are just a few: ■■ The Greater Los Angeles Chapter’s FOCUS Magazine and CAI National’s Common Ground Magazine, are both terrific resources, with educational articles and other important information intended to benefit all of our members. ■■ Our Membership Directory provides our manager and community association volunteer leaders with an extensive list of service providers dedicated to servicing the needs to community associations. ■■ Our Programs Committee has been hard at work to bring you impactful educational luncheon programs. These programs are held regionally to ensure that all of our members have an opportunity to attend at least two programs each year without having to travel too far or take too much time out of the office. ■■ Our Golf Committee always plans and executes a fabulous golf tournament, and this year’s event will be held again at TPC Valencia on May 15. Whether you are an experienced golfer or not, our golf tournament is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy some beautiful scenery while networking with industry friends. ■■ Our Social Committee is busy planning three great social events; our second annual Bowling Tournament on July 28, our ever-popular Casino Night on November 11 and our Holiday Happy Hour on December 1. All three events offer our members terrific networking opportunities in a relaxed social setting. Mark your calendars now so that you can be sure to attend these terrific events.

■■ If you are a wine enthusiast, be sure to attend our Wine Night on August 12; location to be determined. Attendees really enjoyed the last two Wine Night events at the Long Beach Aquarium, but the Wine Night Committee is in the process of scoping out some new event venues. In this issue of FOCUS, please get to know our 2017 Board of Directors. These board members are volunteers from all three of our membership categories: business partners, managers and community association volunteer leaders. As board members, we share one primary goal: to ensure that you receive value from your membership in our chapter. We encourage you to let us know what we are doing well and/or what we could be doing better to provide you with a positive membership experience. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous year! — Joanne Peña 2017 Chapter President

To learn more about CAl’s newest service and how mediation can benefit you, call the Chapter Office at 818-500-8636.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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PRESIDENT 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. She also served on the Executive Committee as Chapter Secretary for three years, and in 2016 as President Elect. In addition, Joanne has cochaired the Wine Night Committee and is the Board Liaison to the Membership and Wine Night 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. Her goals as President include increasing Chapter membership and providing more committee involvement opportunities to members.

PRESIDENT ELECT GREG BORZILLERI

PCW CONTRACTING SERVICES

Greg Borzilleri is Vice President of Sales at PCW Contracting Services. Serving his third year on the Board, Greg has been in our industry more than 15 years, a member of this chapter for eight years and a past board member of the Greater Inland Empire Chapter. He is currently serving as Board Liaison to the CAIGLAC 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 community association volunteer leaders, management professionals and business partners alike. “The more we can educate everyone, the better the experience for all.”

VICE PRESIDENT DONALD CAMPBELL , CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Cabrini Villas HOA

Don Campbell is the general manager at Cabrini Villas Homeowners Association in Burbank, a community of 863 homes covering 77 acres. He was appointed to the CAI-GLAC Board in early 2014 and is in the second year of an elected three-year term. Don served three years as Social Committee Co-chair and continues to volunteer as a Social Committee member and as Board Liaison to the Satellite Programs Committee. Don is devoted to helping the Greater Los Angeles Chapter continue to thrive. He wants to give back some of this time to an industry that has been a personal source of inspiration to him and one that he happens to love. Don enjoys being in the company of like-minded individuals who feel the same way.

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2017

Board of Directors SECRETARY SASCHA MACIAS, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®

FIRSTSERVICE RESIDENTIAL

Sascha Macias is currently the Regional Director for FirstService Residential. A member of this chapter since 2012, she was appointed to the CAI-GLAC Board in 2016 and presently serves on the HOA Marketplace and Publications Committees. She is also the Board Liaison to the Social Committee. She plans to work to increase CAI membership and industry event attendance. Sascha also aims to participate in promoting community management as a viable career choice for young adults entering the workforce, or those looking for a new career path.

TREASURER MEIGAN EVERETT, PCAM®

Gold Coast Property Pros

Meigan Everett has been an active member of this chapter and one of its greatest ambassadors since 2007. She is a real estate broker, philanthropist and owner of Gold Coast Property Pros in Marina del Rey. Meigan is serving a second term on the Board and a third year as Chapter Treasurer. She served as Chair of the Community Outreach Committee for more than seven years and is still active on that committee. Meigan is also the Board Liaison to the Finance Committee. Dedicated to her profession for more than 17 years, Meigan believes that CAI and its network of business partners are key to professional, knowledgeable community management. She wants to continue to ensure that managers, HOA board members and business partners learn the value of membership in CAI and benefit from its resources.

TERESA AGNEW

Roseman & Associates APC

Teresa Agnew is Vice President of Business Development at Roseman & Associates APC and has been a member of this chapter for the past eleven years. She is actively involved as Co-chair of the Social Media Committee and Board Liaison to Golf and Publications Committees. Teresa is also a Past President of the CAI-Channel Islands Chapter. Teresa believes in the advocacy and mission of CAI and is dedicated to ensuring that the Chapter continues to bring quality education and resources to its members. She looks forward to bringing in some fresh ideas and implementing the Chapter’s 2017 goals. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


ANGEL FUERTE

FRESHCO Painters, Inc.

Angel Fuerte is President of FRESHCO Painters, Inc. with headquarters in the San Gabriel Valley. A CAI member for several years, Angel has served most recently as Cochair of the Social Committee and is currently a member of the CAI-GLAC Community Outreach Committee. He is also a member of the Greater Inland Empire and Orange County Regional Chapters. Appointed to the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors in 2016, Angel actively contributes ideas and support in the areas of community outreach, community association education and vendor/manager relationships.

JOSE H. GLEZ, CIRMS™ Cline Agency Insurance Brokers Jose H. Glez is Vice President at the Cline Agency. He's been in the CID Industry for 17 years and was only the 43rd person in the country to earn the prestigious CIRMS designation. Jose is the Board Liaison to the HOA Marketplace Committee. As a board member for his own condominium association and as a service provider in the CID industry, he is dedicated to sharing his experience and knowledge to help better serve our chapter. Jose would like to see our chapter try more creative and fun programs and events that will educate, entertain and build awareness and respect for all of us in this industry.

DIANE HILLIARD, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® ROSS MORGAN & COMPANY, INC. AAMC Diane Hilliard is in her fourteenth year as Director of Property Management at Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC in Sherman Oaks. She has been managing communities for more than 20 years. A member of CAI since 2006 and in her second year of a three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors, Diane serves on the Mediation Services Committee and is the Board Liaison to the Education Committee. Diane actively gives her time and offers her experience and talents as needed to promote our industry. Her focus is on manager and HOA board member education and developing further respect for those who work in community association management.

LYNN RUGER

WARNER CLUB VILLAS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Lynn Ruger is on the Warner Club Villas HOA Board of Directors 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. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

She is in the second year of her second three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors. Lynn is dedicated to spreading the word about CAI and its benefits to HOAs and to continuing to help in developing HOA education and resources.

NEDA NEHOURAY, CMCA®, AMS®, HOA ORGANIZERS, INC. Neda Nehouray has been a community association manager for sixteen years and is the Founder and President of HOA Organizers for the past nine years. Over the past five years, she has become more involved with CAI, authoring numerous articles for Focus, serving on the HOA Marketplace Committee, and co-chairing the Programs Committee. Neda is committed to developing innovative and relevant topics to our luncheon programs. Having past experience as a portfolio manager, as an on-site manager of large-scale communities, and now as a company CEO of a 20-employee management company, Neda looks forward to bringing a fresh perspective to our chapter while offering a global view to discussions, recommendations and decision making. She is serving as liaison to the Social Media Committee.

DICK PRUESS

CASTLEGATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

Dick Pruess is president of Castlegate HOA in Pasadena. 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. In his third year of a three-year term on the CAI-GLAC Board, Dick serves as liaison to the Programs Committee. Dick also served on the Executive Committee of the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) for seven years, and is a Past Chair.

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 firm’s attorney-managed assessment collections department. Lisa is currently serving the first year of her second three-year board term, as well as being a frequent facilitator of the Essentials of Community Leadership Workshops. She served as our Legislative Support Committee Chair for five years, is currently the it's Board Liaison, and is also a Past President of the CAIGLAC and CAI-Channel Islands Chapters. Lisa is dedicated to helping the Chapter reach its goals and to providing all members with great educational, marketing and networking opportunities. January/February/March 2017 | 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 This committee is active in ensuring that an appropriate array of sponsorship opportunities is available to showcase Business Partners’ companies, products and services 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 organize two Ask An Expert Evening Programs and 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: Gina Roldan, ProTec Building Services 800-557-2217 • groldan@GoProtec.com

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

EDUCATION The Education Committee updates and maintains materials for the Essentials of Community Association Leadership Workshops, CID Law Course and advanced manager workshops. Committee members also train and organize the facilitators. The Committee also promotes the Coaching to Credentials manager mentor program and finds new ways to bring education to HOA board and manager members. Hand-in-hand with the Programs Committee, this group works to meet managers’ educational needs and strengthen the importance of receiving CAI certifications and designations. Committee members comprise HOA volunteer leaders and managers. Time commitment: Monthly meetings. Committee Co-chairs: Linda P. Healey, CCAM®, PCAM®, The Californian on Wilshire • 310-234-5905 • lhealey@californianhoa.com Gregg Lotane, CCAM-HR®, PCAM®, The Wilshire 310-446-5333 • glotane@thewilshire.net

FINANCE This committee monitors the Chapter’s financial status and periodically reports the financial health to the board of directors. Members also explore ways to improve the Chapter’s fundraising results. Time commitment: As necessary. Committee Chair: Michael Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Concept Seven, LLC, AAMC® • 310-622-7012 mike@c7properties.com

GOLF (MAY 15)

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. 2017 projects include: Well Suited for the Job Clothing Drive (January, February and March), Heal the Bay Beach Cleanup (April), Food Drive and Day of Food Packing (June), and Spark of Love Toy Drive (December). Time commitment: Monthly meetings and event attendance.

The Golf Committee plans and stages the annual Golf Tournament in May. This event is the Chapter’s largest fundraiser. The Committee will be working diligently to organize a tournament that is fun, provides good networking potential and is increasingly profitable for the Chapter. The tournament will be held at the Tournament Players Club in Valencia. The theme is “Space Wars: Galaxy of Golf.” Time commitment: Monthly meetings and attendance at tournament.

Committee Co-chairs: Miranda Legaspi, MBA, Platinum Security, Inc. 800-777-6205 • mlegaspi@platinumsecurity.com

Committee Co-chairs: Ryan Dudasik, Whitestone Painters 310-703-6493 • rdudasik@whitestonepainters.com

Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC® • 818-907-6622 angelique@rossmorganco.com

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Katie Mokhlessin BrightView Landscape Services 310-431-7104 • katie.mokhlessin@brightview.com

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


HOA MARKETPLACE

PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS

The HOA Marketplace Committee will again concentrate on attracting 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 Programs Committee will meet the challenge of producing 10 great educational luncheon programs at four regional locations. Topics include: Dealing with Toxic People, Earthquake Retrofitting, The Price is Right-HOA Edition (creative educational Q&A), Airbnb, Fair Housing, The HOA Show-L.A. Edition (current trends/topics), Legislative Update, and more. Time commitment: Monthly meeting.

Committee Chair: Alan Denison, Elements Landscape Management 661-993-9148 • alan@elementslm.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: Matthew Plaxton Esq., Tinnelly Law Group 949-588-0866 • matt@tinnellylaw.com

MEDIATION SERVICES 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: Matthew 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 its needs and providing worthwhile benefits. Time commitment: One meeting per month, plus attendance at events. Committee Chair: Mahendra “Sammy” Sami, Union Bank HOA Services 213-236-5029 • Mahendra.sami@unionbank.com

Committee Co-chairs: Brian Moreno, Esq., CCAL, SwedelsonGottlieb 310-207-2207 • bdm@sghoalaw.com Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, HOA Organizers, Inc. 818-778-3331 • info@hoaorganizers.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 Chair and Focus Magazine Editor: Matthew Gardner, Esq., Richardson Harman Ober PC 626-449-5577 • mgardner@rhopc.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

SATELLITE PROGRAMS 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 CAI luncheons. The committee is responsible for setting up the program and speakers. 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 Continued on page 8

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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Get Involved… Join a Chapter Committee Continued from page 7

SOCIAL The committee is responsible for putting on the Bowling Tournament (July), Casino Night (November) and Holiday Happy Hour (December). Casino Night is the second largest fundraiser for the Chapter. The group puts together a budget, selects the location and the sponsorship package necessary to attract additional participation by the 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 Co-chairs: Leslee Jones, Alliance Environmental Group, Inc. 805-603-0315 • lesleejones@alliance-enviro.com Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC • 818-907-6622 Angelique@rossmorganco.com

SOCIAL MEDIA This committee comprises members who have a passion and the savvy for social media. This committee works to bring our chapter to the next level of social connection in order to: 1) 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, 4) solicit ideas for future Chapter offerings, and 5) integrate more new tools into promotional efforts. Time commitment: As necessary to successfully promote the organization. Committee Co-chairs: Lindsay Morstad, ASR Construction 805-874-2771 • lindsay@asr-construction.com Teresa Agnew, Roseman & Associates APC 818-380-6700 • agnew@raattorneys.com

WINE NIGHT This committee designs, plans and produces the annual Wine Night event. This 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: Katy Krupp, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP 949-435-3800 • kkrupp@fentongrant.com Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services 800-669-8659, Option 4 Jolen.zeroski@unionbank.com

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Congratulations to Pamella De Armas! Pamella De Armas, CIRMS™, Founder of Silicon Beach Insurance Services, 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. 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. A community association insurance and risk management professional’s duties include: zz Working with associations to ensure that they have thought through their exposures to risk. zz 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. zz 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 professional with more than 25 successful years of experience as a senior executive in business, Pamella has been an independent licensed Insurance Agent and Top Producer for the past ten years. She is also a past member of the CAI-GLAC Board of Directors and past Social Committee Chair.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


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January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

9


L.A. Earthquake Retrofitting Ordinance: Now That It Is the Law, What Are We Supposed To Do?  By David A. Loewenthal, Esq. You’ve heard the rumblings. You’ve heard the discussions and debates. You weren’t sure if what you heard was true. Now you know. Thousands of buildings within the City of Los Angeles are under a mandatory structural retrofit program in an attempt to diminish the risk of damage or injury to persons or property as a result of an earthquake. The program is known as The Los Angeles Soft Story Retrofit Program and was codified in October 2015 as the Seismic Retrofit Ordinance No. 183893 (Mandatory Earthquake Hazard Reduction in existing wood-frame buildings with soft, weak or open front walls). What this means and how it may impact condominium projects and apartment buildings is subject to great debate. However, the stated purpose of the program is to reduce the risk of injury to persons or property that may arise from an earthquake on wood-frame soft story buildings. The ordinance directly arises out of the January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake wherein 57 people lost their lives and there was over $20 billion in damages. Specifically, the ordinance applies to existing buildings which meet all of the following criteria: 1. Building must be of wood-frame construction with two (2) or more stories; 2. The building must have been built under the building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978; and 3. The building must have ground floor parking or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak or open wall lines. Again, in order for the ordinance to be applicable to your building, all three (3) criteria referenced above must apply. In addition, the program does not apply to residential buildings with three (3) or less units. Subsequent to the enactment of the ordinance, the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety began to

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issue notification letters to apartment building owners and condominium projects that met the criteria. It is estimated that this ordinance will affect in excess of 15,000 buildings in the City of Los Angeles; however, the County of Los Angeles is comprised of 88 individual cities, many of whom have or are in the process of also adopting the same or a similar type of ordinance. Thus the number of impacted buildings will increase. Receipt of the notification triggers a seven (7) year timeline in which the condominium project or apartment building owner will need to take action. Specifically, the timeline is as follows: zz Within two (2) years from the date of the order, the owner must submit proof of a previous retrofit or plans to perform the retrofit or plan to demolish the building. zz Within three and a half (3½) years from the date of the order, the owner must obtain a permit to retrofit or demolish the building. zz Finally, within seven (7) years from the date of the order, the owner must complete construction and obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. For those condominium projects and apartment buildings that fall within the ordinance, there are several steps that will need to be taken in order to be in compliance within the above referenced timelines. At the outset, the apartment or condominium will need to hire an engineer or architect licensed in the State of California to evaluate the building. The evaluation includes developing building plans to seismically strengthen the building in conformity with the ordinance. Upon completion of the plans and specifications, those documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety for plan check, review and either approval or returned for corrections and modifications. Once approved, the building will be provided a retrofit permit. Once the retrofit permit has been provided, the Association needs to commence the process of having the plans and specifications bid by one (1) or more contractors and then have the work performed. Since this work would be costly and highly disruptive to the members and tenants, the process must be carefully thought out, planned for and implemented. Associations may wish to retain the services of an independent construction manager to act as their agent in helping to pre-qualify bidders for the construction, participate in the contract negotiation and, once the construction commences, perform site observation and job administration on behalf of the Association. As is true with any large construction project, there are costs associated with having a construction manager, since it adds another layer of third party involvement on the job; however, due to the complexity of these jobs and the costs associated therein, such expense may be warranted. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


As was true after the Northridge earthquake, given the sheer number of buildings that are subject to the retrofit ordinance versus the number of engineers and contractors in Southern California who are qualified to perform this type of work, there is a likelihood that the costs and expenses associated with this work will be significant. This is likely to be a greater factor as the seven (7) year time-frame in which to complete the work narrows and there is a rush of building owners attempting to meet the statutory compliance deadline. Though there are likely a number of different ways to comply with the ordinance, depending upon the size of the building, access, parking, cost considerations, etc., the following type of retrofits may be applicable and appropriate for a building: sheer walls, steel columns, moment frames, attempting to strengthen existing framing, or strengthening existing columns. Again, many factors will impact the type of retrofit that may be appropriate for your specific building. Repair options should be seriously discussed with the project engineer since that plan will become the subject of the permitting process and ultimate construction. As an example, but without limitation, if parking is limited in a building, the use of sheer walls may be problematic since it will likely reduce the number of available parking spaces. In addition to the obligations to comply with the City ordinance, Associations have an affirmative duty to notify their owners and tenants to the fact that the building is subject to the retrofit ordinance.

Specifically, the ordinance applies to existing buildings which meet all of the following criteria: 1. Building must be of wood-frame construction with two (2) or more stories; 2. The building must have been built under the building code standards enacted before January 1, 1978; and 3. The building must have ground floor parking or other similar open floor space that causes soft, weak or open wall lines. Again, in order for the ordinance to be applicable to your building, all three (3) criteria referenced above must apply. In addition, the program does not apply to residential buildings with three (3) or less units. Beyond the inconvenience that such construction will cause occupants of the buildings, there is a real issue as to costs and how to fund the retrofit projects. With respect to condominium projects, the issue of paying for this costly project will be a difficult. Boards of directors will likely face Continued on page 12

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11


Los Angeles Earthquake Retrofitting Ordinance: Now That It Is the Law, What Are We Supposed To Do? Continued from page 11

One option is for the Association to obtain a bank loan backed by a membership approved special assessment to fund that loan. tremendous resistance from their membership as a result of costs and inconvenience. Since this is a new ordinance and one which has not been historically accounted for as either an operating cost or possible reserve component, it is unlikely that the Association is simply sitting on a treasure trove of money that is not already allocated for repairs to identified common area component parts. This is especially true since the ordinance applies to buildings constructed under building codes enacted before January 1, 1978, therefore, the buildings are older and are likely already in need of repair and replacement to common area component parts such as roofs, decks, painting, plumbing systems, mechanical systems, etc. As such, what should a board of directors do? At the outset, the board of directors should consult with their attorneys, property management companies, and reserve study professionals for guidance on how to approach this issue. The following are possible, though not necessarily all, of the funding options: One option is for the Association to obtain a bank loan backed by a membership approved special assessment to fund that loan. The benefit is that the funds are available immediately and depending on the terms of the loan, may be payable from seven (7) to fifteen (15) years with interest rates still at historic lows. This may be a prudent way in which to have the work performed while stretching the assessments payments out over an extended period of time as opposed to a substantial upfront lump sum payment by the owners. Each Association should review its governing documents carefully to confirm that the Association may take out a bank loan, which generally requires the Association to pledge its assets, including regular and special assessments. Civil Code Section 5605 entitled “Assessment Approval Requirements” states under subsection (b) “Notwithstanding more restrictive limitations placed on the Board by the governing documents, a Board may not impose a regular assessment that is more than 20% greater than the regular assessment for the Association’s preceding fiscal year or impose special assessments which in the aggregate exceed 5% of the budgeted gross expenses of the Association for that fiscal year without the approval of a majority of a quorum of members, pursuant to section 4070, at a member meeting or election. For purposes of this section “quorum” means more than 50% of the members.” A second option is simply attempting to raise regular assessments 20% per year as allowed by Civil Code Section 5605 with the

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hopes that during the seven (7) year compliance window that the Association has raised sufficient funds through the annual increase to pay the costs of the retrofit. This would require annual board action. Based upon the significant cost of the retrofit, it is unlikely that the Association will be able to raise all necessary funds through this process. A third option is whether the ordinance triggers the right of the board of directors to vote upon and approve an emergency assessment. Specifically, Civil Code Section 5610 entitled “Emergency Assessment Requirements” allows a board of directors, under limited circumstances, to unilaterally invoke an emergency assessment. Specifically, the provision provides as follows: “Section 5605 does not limit assessment increases necessary for emergency situations. For purposes of this section, an emergency situation is any one of the following: (a) An extraordinary expense required by an order of a Court. (b) A n extraordinary expense necessary to repair or maintain the common interest development or any part of it for which the Association is responsible where a threat to personal safety on the property is discovered. (c) A n extraordinary expense necessary to repair or maintain the common interest development or any part of it for which the Association is responsible that could not have been reasonably foreseen by the Board in preparing and distributing the annual budget report under Section 5300. However, prior to the imposition or collection of an assessment under this subdivision, the Board shall pass a resolution containing written findings as to the necessity of the extraordinary expense involved and why the expense was not or could not have been reasonably foreseen in the budgeting process, and the resolution shall be distributed to the members with a Notice of Assessment.” Since the City retrofit ordinance directly arises from the Northridge earthquake and its stated purpose is to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life that may result from the effects of earthquakes on wood-framed soft story buildings, it appears that subsection (b) may be applicable, i.e. an extraordinary expense necessary to repair or maintain the common interest development or any part of it for which the Association is responsible where a threat to personal safety at the property is discovered. If the emergency assessment provision applies, a board of directors can unilaterally vote on and approve the assessment, as well as determining the timing of the payment of the emergency assessment. The emergency assessment can also be used to back a bank loan. Again, this is a mandated City ordinance with a specified completion time frame and specifically involves a life safety issue. As such, it is questionable as to whether the funding of the repair should be subject to a membership vote which, ostensibly, could fail. This tends to lead to the conclusion that an emergency special assessment may in fact be appropriate. Boards of directors should consult with their counsel as to the legalities of various funding options. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


A second option is simply attempting to raise regular assessments 20% per year as allowed by Civil Code Section 5605 with the hopes that during the seven (7) year compliance window that the Association has raised sufficient funds through the annual increase to pay the costs of the retrofit.

A further issue is whether or not the Association should be including the structural retrofit requirement and the costs of the retrofit into the reserve study as a specified reserve line item. Specifically, Civil Code Section 5550 entitled “Reserve Study Requirements” states as follows: “(a) At least once every three years, the Board shall cause to be conducted a reasonable, competent, and diligent visual inspection of the accessible areas of the major components that the Association is obligated to repair, replace, restore, or maintain as part of the study of the reserve account requirements of the common interest development, …

(b) The study required by this section shall, at a minimum, include: (i) Identification of the major components of the Association that it is obligated to repair, replace, restore, or maintain that, as of the date of the study, have a remaining useful life of less than thirty years; (ii) Identification of the probable remaining useful life of the components identified in paragraph (i) as of the date of the study; (iii) A n estimate of cost to repair, replacement, restoration, or maintenance of the components identified in paragraph (i); (iv) A n estimate of the total annual contribution necessary to defray the cost to repair, replace, restore, or maintain the components identified in paragraph (i) during and at the end of the useful life, after subtracting total reserve funds as of the date of the study; (v) A reserve funding plan that indicates how the Association plans to fund the contribution identified in paragraph (iv) to meet the Association’s obligations for the repair and replacement of all major components with an expected remaining life of thirty years or less, not including those components that the Board has determined will not be replaced or repaired.” Continued on page 14

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

13


Los Angeles Earthquake Retrofitting Ordinance: Now That It Is the Law, What Are We Supposed To Do? Continued from page 13

Since the seismic retrofit is a mandatory, nondiscretionary, safetyrelated repair that must be performed within seven (7) years of notification and involves the common area which the Association is responsible for, an issue exists as to whether it is reasonable and appropriate to include the retrofit as a reserve item. Preliminarily, until an Association has an actual third party estimate or cost of repair, the Association may wish to consider adding to the reserve study a note indicating that the property is subject to the Retrofit Ordinance. Ostensibly, once the Association has a repair estimate, the Board should discuss with its reserve professional if the cost should be added as a one-time reserve item into the reserve study. By adding it to a reserve study early on, it may improve the ability of the Association to fund the repairs through increased assessments. Again, the Board should discuss the issue with their reserve study professional. A final issue to be considered is the ramifications for not completing the structural retrofit within the seven (7) year time-frame? Failure to timely complete could lead to citations from the Department of Building and Safety, possible fines, ostensibly having the building red tagged, possible criminal prosecution.

In addition to actions that the City could take against an Association, the failure of the Board to timely complete the renovation could also lead to claims of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty since the Board would have failed to comply with the mandatory City ordinance that specially pertains to seismic safety of the building. This could directly impact the value of the units, creating a diminution in value, which could be actionable by one or more of the members. It further creates significant disclosure issues as to a building that has not been timely retrofitted. A board of directors could also potentially be held liable in a lawsuit in the event that the building is not structurally retrofitted after having been provided notice and an earthquake occurs that caused injury to persons or property. In such an event, an issue will arise as to whether or not the Association insurance will defend and/or indemnify the Board and/or Association for the claims. Specifically, Director and Officers policies of insurance exclude property damage. Thus, a claim brought under the Directors and Officers policy arising out of or relating to a property damage loss would likely be excluded. As to an Association’s General Liability policy the issue would likely be whether or not the earthquake and the resultant damages occurred during the seven (7) year period in which the Association is to comply with the ordinance or

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


A third option is whether the ordinance triggers the right of the board of directors to vote upon and approve an emergency assessment. Specifically, Civil Code Section 5610 entitled “Emergency Assessment Requirements” allows a board of directors, under limited circumstances, to unilaterally invoke an emergency assessment. if it occurred after the expiration of seven (7) years. If the earthquake occurred during the seven (7) year compliance period, but the Association had yet complied with the ordinance, the general liability carrier would still likely defend the Association and possibly indemnify unless other facts or issues exist. A trier of fact could still decide against a Board for their failure to comply with the ordinance, even if it is still within the seven (7) year period. There may be other insurance policy issues such as soil movement exclusions that could impact coverage. Again, this is an issue that the Board needs to discuss with their insurance agent.

If, however, the earthquake occurred after the seven (7) year timeframe to complete the construction and the renovation has not yet been performed, insurance coverage may be dramatically different. Failure to perform the retrofit could be deemed to be an intentional act and no longer simply negligence. It could also be considered a criminal act as far as the City is concerned for intentionally failing to comply with the City Ordinance. This could also lead to a coverage analysis of an Expected or Intended Event that may also lead to a coverage denial. Clearly the ordinance is a significant issue for those apartment and condominium projects that are subject to it. However, this is not an optional compliance issue. There are stated compliance timeframes, disclosure issues and funding options. When your Association receives a notice, it is important to start dealing with it in a timely manner so as to maximize the Association’s options. The Board should immediately consult its professionals for guidance including the Association’s attorney, community association manager, reserve study analyst and insurance agent. It is never too early to start this process. David A. Loewenthal, Esq. is one of the founding partners of Loewenthal, Hillshafer & Carter, LLP, a firm which specializes in representing community associations in Southern California. He can be reached at daloewenthal@ lhclawyers.net.

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15


Holiday


Eighty chapter members and guests 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 members who helped make the party so successful.

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L.A. Soft Story Ordinance

Implications For Condominium Owners  By Dilip Khatri, PhD, SE

L

os Angeles is on the “Ring of Fire.” The Ring of Fire that circles the perimeter of the Pacific Ocean refers to areas of the high seismic activity because of multiple tectonic plates that have been moving/grinding against each other for millions of years. It’s no surprise that we are in the center of seismic activity with total unpredictability. The earthquake risk element affects every aspect of life in Southern California, most notably our buildings where we live, work, and entertain, because it poses a threat to our very existence. The Soft Story Ordinance, passed by the City of Los Angeles in 2016, encompasses residential and commercial buildings (four or more units) that have a weak story line which leads to potential catastrophic circumstances: The entire upper level may collapse on the weak first story. In order to minimize this structural calamity, the Soft Story Ordinance requires building owners to upgrade/fix/enhance their buildings to reduce this risk.

County are decidedly passing similar ordinances. There are several engineering options available to resolve this dangerous condition. At least five repair options are to be considered: 1. New Steel Moment Frames 2. Strengthening existing Steel Moment Frames 3. Strengthening existing Wood Shear Walls 4. New Wood Shear Walls 5. New Steel Flagpole Columns Figures 2 and 3 show a few schematics of a Steel Moment Frame and Wood Shear Wall. Elements of a Steel Moment Frame Moment Connection

10'-Wide garage wall

Ix Continuous ?? plate bolted to steel beam steelbeam

Wide garage door opening 18'0''

Stiffen or plates (as required?

Structural steel moment frame

Garage slab

Footing designed by engineer

Moment frame steel-beam or rectangular tube Flanges beveled with full penetration ?? welds to beam penetration to beam

Front Wall Section

Base Detail Steel column welded to baseplate

Front studwell with structural sheathing Subfloor Garage slab

?? of subfloor Meeting of subfloor to plate designed by engineer

Continous toe plate bolted to steel beam

Nonshrink ?? grout leveling bevelingbed grout bed

Rebar per engineer

Anchor bolts cast into footing

Figure 2: Steel Moment Frame Diagrams

Figure 1 demonstrates this principle and shows the collapse mechanism. It’s no different from having a heavy object on “stilts.” A lateral force applied to the upper floors will cause the structure to tip over. The objective of the Ordinance is not to save the building/property. Rather, the prime and single goal is to save the people inside the building. Many property owners don’t realize this objective, and it is important to be clear that the Ordinance is not trying to save property values, it’s main object is Life Safety.

Figure 1: CIty of LA Slide on Soft Story Failure and Collapse Mechanism

The L.A. Ordinance officially affects approximately 14,000 buildings, but that number is changing because new buildings are being added to the list, and other cities in Los Angeles

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17315 Studebaker Rd., Suite 213 Cerritos, California 90703 800.485.8056Fax 800.485.8057 www.ReserveStudiesInc.com

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


Sheathing nailed to wood frame

H

Hold-down devices V H V

Foundation

Anchor bolts from foundation

Figure 3: Wood Shear Wall Principle

My advice to owners is to look at each of these options and evaluate the “best choice” from an economic feasibility standpoint. Each property is unique and requires personal attention of a structural engineer and contractor. It’s definitely not a “one size fits all” scenario. Look around, shop around, and do some diligence before you commit to a specific solution/vendor approach. The time lines for compliance are seven (7) years from the date of notice, two (2) years for plans and permits. If you are interested to learn more about the Soft Story Ordinance, this author has produced an online video for your reference: https://vimeo.com/194302379. Dilip Khatri is the principal of Khatri International Structural Engineers, headquartered in Pasadena. His firm is currently working with several HOAs in the Los Angeles area on earthquake retrofitting projects. Dilip can be reached at dkhatri@aol.com.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

19


O

n almost every HOA reconstruction project we encounter the same types of challenges to one degree or another, and these challenges would be no different for a seismic upgrade project. First is the “political” aspect of a project, which entails explaining to the homeowners the necessity for the project in such a way that they will understand and approve. Under the best of circumstances, if not managed effectively and efficiently, a project can quickly “go south,” making the task of the Board obtaining approval of the membership that much more

One Structural Problem with Two Projects to Manage: The Political Project & the Construction Project

The second aspect of a project — the actual construction — although no less important is in some ways easier for the Board than the first since it is less emotional. This task is also made easier if the Board has utilized qualified third-party expertise in facilitating homeowners’ understanding of the project as outlined above. A well-qualified construction manager will assist the Board with all phases of the construction process, from initially defining the scope of the work, to obtaining bids from pre-qualified contractors and preparing contracts, to overseeing the construction and the invoicing process, through project close out. Because of the potential liability of a structural retrofit project HOA Boards would be well advised to rely on the expertise of an experienced and qualified construction manager. The Board can then have peace of mind knowing that they have a knowledgeable advocate on their side for all construction related issues and experienced management to assure them that the work is being completed properly. Earthquake retrofitting projects are no different than other reconstruction projects in that they need strong, knowledgeable and experienced leadership from a construction manager to see them through to successful completion. Dennis Brooks is the president and founder of Design Build Associates, Inc. a professional construction consulting and construction management firm. He can be reached at DennisBrooks@dBuild.com.

 By Dennis Brooks

difficult. Even a small number of disgruntled or dissenting homeowners voicing opposition to a proposed project can sometimes begin to turn public opinion. Whether this opposition is due to these folks not wanting to spend the money or not seeing the value or necessity of a project, or if they’re simply contrarians, their concerns need to be addressed in a timely manner before a majority of the membership is unduly influenced. That’s where strong project management and leadership become critical to the ultimate success of a project. A competent construction manager would implement a system for educating homeowners by holding town hall meetings, sending newsletters and emails and through updates on an accessible website to bring the membership “on board” with the project. Helping the Board explain the project in such a way, so as to allay any misgivings members may have, will aid in obtaining the consent and approval of the members.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


CAI Golf Tournament MondAy, MAy 15, 2017

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Register: • Online at www.cai-glac.org OR • Mail check to: CAI-GLAC, 130 N. Brand Blvd. #305, Glendale, CA 91203

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news

from sacramento

Here’s the latest from Sacramento The deadline for bill introductions was February 17. Nearly 2,400 bills were introduced this session, with more than 1,200 introduced in the last week before the deadline. Your CLAC Legislative Team is pouring over the bills to determine if there are any of concern to you and your interests. CLAC has three sponsored bills: AB 731 by Assembly Member Philip Chen (R- Brea) will provide a tax deduction for homeowner association dues up to $5,000. AB 1412 by Assembly Member Steven Choi (R-Tustin) will provide qualified immunity for board members in multi-purpose buildings. AB 1426 by Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) is a reintroduction of AB 1799 from last session and addresses the issue of uncontested board elections.

In the next 30 days, each bill will be referred to a committee and a date will be set for a hearing. Letters of support are needed and contact with your local representative is encouraged. The CAI-CLAC Legislative Day will be here in no time at all. With three sponsored bills, we need a strong showing in Sacramento to relay to legislators the importance of our agenda for 2017. Please plan to be in Sacramento on April 23 and 24. Sponsorship opportunities and attendee registration information can be found at www.caiclac.com. Louie Brown is our Legislative Advocate for CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee and may be reached at lbrown@kscsacramento.com.

OUR THANKS TO 2017 CAI-CLAC CONTRIBUTORS January 1 – February 28

Goal: $24,543

36%

of goal as of 02/28/17 $8,690

22

100 Marina Shores HOA 101 Ocean Condominium HOA 446 San Vicente HOA 515 San Vicente HOA 909 El Centro, Inc. 914 Lincoln Blvd. HOA 948 20th Street HOA 1030 3rd Street, Inc. 1242 Berkeley Street HOA 1715 California Ave HOA 1835 7th Street HOA 2050 Artesia HOA 2641 4th Street HOA 4424 Whitsett Avenue HOA 4820 Bellflower HOA 11767 Sunset Blvd. Association 15206 Burbank Blvd. HOA Armour Lane Condominium Avis HOA Avocado Glen HOA Bodger Park Condominiums HOA Budlong Villas HOA, Inc. Cardiff Court HOA, Inc. Casa de Suenos CA Casa De Valley View OA, Inc.

www.cai-glac.org | January/February/March 2017

Cedar Glen HOA Culver Centrale HOA Culver City Gardens (Lincoln Archways) Design Villas HOA Eight on Twenty HOA Florwood Estates HOA Gorham Park HOA Hermosa surf Condos, Inc. Hillcrest Meadows HOA, Inc. Hillcrest Rolling Hills HOA, Inc. Hopi HOA Idaho Villas HOA Irena Vista OA Kelton Arms COA Kester Villas HOA Lawford HOA (Hayvenhurst CA) Longfellow Village OA Marina Village HOA Monterey Pines HOA Oak Hill Condominium HOA Ocean West HOA Pacific Colony HOA Pacific View Condominiums HOA Park Crest HOA Polynesian OA

Rancho Glen HOA S. Manhattan Place HOA Seascape-Redondo HOA, Inc. Silver Spur Court HOA South Bay Estates HOA South Hermosa Townhomes HOA Spencer Estates HOA Textile Building OA The 555 Evergreen Street HOA The 3219 Colorado Assoc. The Angels Landing Group 7 Fountains The Vista Pacifica HOA Villa Cordoba HOA VIP Goshen Association Virgil Courts HOA Vogue Condominium Association West Wind Townhomes HOA Westside Townhouses HOA Wilshire Selby Towers East CA, Inc. Windsor Estates COA Woodbury Maintenance Corp. Yale St. HOA

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


SB 2 Building Homes & Jobs Act ❱❱❱ By Maureen Davidson Introduced by Senator Toni Atkins, Senate Bill No. 2 Building Homes and Jobs Act was created to establish a permanent funding source for affordable housing and homeownership opportunities through a small fee on real estate transaction documents. California has a housing affordability crisis. According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), as of February 2015, roughly 36 percent of homeowners with mortgages and approximately 48 percent of all renters are spending more than one-third of their household incomes on housing. California continues to have the second lowest homeownership rate in the nation, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area is now a majority renter region. In fact, five of the eight lowest homeownership rates in the nation are in California metropolitan areas. If approved, commencing January 1, 2018, a $75 fee shall be paid at the time of real estate-recorded transactions. (Recorded documents can mean a document relating to real property, including the following: deed, grant deed, trustee’s deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, quit claim deed, fictitious deed of trust, assignment of deed of trust, request for notice of default, abstract of judgment, subordination agreement, declaration of homestead, abandonment of homestead, notice of default, release or discharge, easement, notice of trustee sale, notice of completion, UCC financing statement, mechanic’s lien, maps, and covenants, conditions, and restrictions.) The fee is capped at $225 per parcel, per transaction. The $75 fee will not be imposed in connection with a transfer subject to the imposition of a documentary transfer tax as defined in Section 11911 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. In order to promote housing and homeownership opportunities, the recording fee will not be applied to any recording made in connection with a sale of real property. The bill would require that revenues from this fee, after deduction of any actual and necessary administrative costs incurred by the county recorder, be sent quarterly to the Department of Housing and Community Development for deposit in the Building Homes and Jobs Fund. The bill would require that 20% of the moneys in the fund be expended for affordable owner-occupied workforce housing and 10% of the moneys for housing purposes related to agricultural workers and their families, and would authorize the remainder of the moneys in the fund to be expended to support affordable housing. The bill would impose certain auditing and reporting requirements and would establish the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund Governing Board that would review and approve recommendations made by the Department of Housing and Community Development for the distribution of moneys.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

CAI-CLAC Position: Opposed unless amended. Status: Heard by the Committee on Transportation and Housing on February 28; some amendments were made. Re-referred to Committee on Transportation and Housing. Maureen Davidson is the Business Development Administrator at Adams Stirling PLC and a member of the CAI-GLAC Legislative Support Committee. She can be reached at maureen@adamsstirling.com.

What is CLAC? The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (C AI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in American dedicated to monitoring legislation, education elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.

About the Organization zz Is a non-profit, non-partisan committee composed of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters. zz Represents over nine million homeowners and property owners in more than 45,000 associations throughout California. zz Comprises association homeowners, board members and the professional business partners that service them. zz Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions. zz Depends solely on the donations of the community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve HOA members.

CLAC’s Mission 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.

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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HOAs in the Digital Age:

Assessing and Addressing Issues with Social Media and Internet Presence  By Farrah Esquer, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® and Sandra L. Gottlieb, Esq., CCAL

sure that the manager or company is comfortable maintaining these sites. The Board may also consider a board member or other community volunteer, or even a third-party provider to create, update and maintain the various sites. There will likely be a charge to maintain the sites whether the work is performed by a third-party vendor or by the Association’s managing agent. A fee for these services is warranted and can be budgeted, considering the brand of the corporation. Websites can be a beneficial tool to provide communication and resources to the membership, if used properly. The association may choose to include online assessment payment options on the Website, as well as the association governing documents, non-compliance reports, and a mechanism for maintenance request submittals. The Website can also be

If you are like most people, you use the Internet or social media in your daily life on a regular basis, either personally or for business. From paying bills online to keeping up-to-date with world and entertainment news via numerous social media outlets, many of us would be lost if we were to lose the holy grail of our Internet connection. If the average person uses the Internet so regularly, should your community be using these online options as well? A definite MAYBE! With technology and social media changing so rapidly, it is often difficult for a community association to keep pace with the newest and most hip forms of communication. While many communities may already be using Websites and social media, there are still pitfalls and legal concerns that should be addressed, proactively, to protect the entity and its board of directors. This article explores both the benefits and challenges of an association’s Internet presence and the planning and decisions that should occur before plunging into the ever-changing digital world. Before making a decision as to whether the Association should have a Website and/or social media presence, first consider the demographics of the community and the message or image that will be conveyed. The decision to have an online presence can be different for each community. Are the community members asking for more online options? Does the Association have extensive recreational facilities or other amenities unique to your community? Remember, the Association is a corporation and as such, the board of directors should consider the image or “brand” as well. Second, also consider who will be maintaining the Website and/or social media sites. If the Board intends for the management company to maintain the sites, be sure to address this obligation in the management contract, including association protections for the ownership of the sites, and be

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used to provide updates to the membership on upcoming or ongoing projects and schedules, including maintenance or construction work, and to notify residents of other community events, such as annual meetings, community garage sales, etc. Documents can include meeting agendas, community newsletters, rules and regulations, meeting minutes (general session and committee minutes, as applicable), CC&Rs, Articles of Incorporation, and ByLaws. We strongly recommend that documents such as minutes, CC&Rs, Article of Incorporation, and By-Laws be watermarked with either “Draft” or “Not for Escrow Use.” The purpose of this watermark is to ensure that official documents are requested through the normal escrow process and to ensure that the documents presented in escrow are complete. Websites should not be used in place of current delivery methods that are required by the Davis-Stirling Act. For example, Civil Code Section 4045 provides that certain documents can be sent by “general notice” or “general delivery.” This code provision includes that the association can post “…the printed document in a prominent location that is accessible to all members…” The question becomes: does posting a notice to the Website constitute proper notice under this section? No, it does not at this time because the code specifies that the notice must be a “printed document” and that it must be placed in a “prominent location.” However, CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


posting the notice to the Website, in addition to posting the printed document on-site complies with the Civil Code and provides ease of access to those who wish to view the document electronically on the association’s Website. An association Website can also be used to reflect a positiveimage of the community and to show off the brand attributed to the community along with favorable aspects of the community, such as the common area facilities—pool, spa, clubhouse, or other amenities that make the community unique and desirable. In this way, a well-maintained and planned Website can potentially increase property values. With the benefits of Websites, also come potential challenges and legal pitfalls. If the Website is used for online payments, even if through a third-party provider, it is important to ensure the site is secure, to the extent possible, to prevent identity theft. Additionally, board members should be cautious when opening up a message board or other posting board on the association’s site. Message boards can quickly become a place for posting of disparaging comments, which could potentially place the association in the midst of a lawsuit for defamation if it does not act quickly to demand the removal of the offending comments. There have been a number of cases in California in recent years that have shown that, even if the association is successful in a lawsuit with an owner regarding defamation, infliction of emotional distress, or other claim related to the use or misuse of association

Internet resources, the benefits of these platforms may be far outweighed by the potential costs to an association if they are misused. For this reason, it is highly suggested that message boards or other similar posting boards not be available on a community Website. Another potential pitfall can occur where, through use of a Website or social media account, the association unintentionally burdens itself with the requirements of ADA compliance by inviting the public to the community. How can this happen? Does your community use the clubhouse as a polling place for the community and surrounding areas? And do you use the association Website to announce the polling place to the community? If so, this could potentially require the Association to comply with ADA regulations since the public is invited into the community. As a note — “public” as used here does not mean personal guests, family or invitees of owners. For these reasons, the association should consult with the association’s legal counsel to address any potential legal pitfalls associated with the community Website, both before it is launched and when there is a stated claim against the association. After the Board has evaluated the issues referenced above, the Board will need to identify who will be responsible for maintaining the site. The next step is to decide in advance what Continued on page 26

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January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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HOAs in the Digital Age: Assessing and Addressing Issues with Social Media and Internet Presence Continued from page 25

will be posted to the Website and who has the authority to post to the Website. Sample recurring items that should be updated on the Website would be meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and newsletters. These documents should be updated regularly, in addition to the association’s documents such as rules and regulations, architectural applications, etc. The Board should also consider having a standing policy posted to the Website that any notice that is sent by “general delivery” or “general notice” to the community, in addition to announcement on upcoming projects and events should be added to the Website. This may seem like a fairly simple task; however, what happens when a disgruntled committee or board member demands that their statement be posted to the Website? Setting the standard postings in advance with a requirement that all other items require board approval at a noticed board meeting can help avoid placing the Website administrator in a difficult situation trying to balance requests from owners with competing interests and avoid airing the association’s dirty laundry to the community. Remember, online postings should be positive and used as a tool to communicate information to owners and provide resources to the community. Last, the association needs to ensure that the Website is kept up-to-date and timely. There is nothing worse than a Website

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that has documents from two years ago. Association members will quickly become disinterested in a site that provides no value, which makes it difficult to re-gain interest. Once the site is launched, be sure to regularly communicate the presence of the site to members so that it becomes the “go-to” location for up-to-date community resources. While generally, Websites are the most common form of online presence for communities, other social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have also become options for increased communication to owners. If you use these social media sites in your personal life, you are probably familiar with the negative postings and rants that sometimes overwhelm social media. The same cautions and pre-determined posting rules for Websites apply to social media sites as well. However, social media moves much more quickly than a Website page. The postings that can be made by others to, for instance, a Facebook page must be addressed quickly by the association if they are negative in nature. Whomever is authorized by the Board to maintain and monitor the site, should have appropriate notifications in place so that postings can be monitored and addressed promptly. Additionally, if the Board will be posting photographs from a community event, a disclaimer should be included with the event invitation notifying the residents that an association photographer will be taking pictures of the event and posting to the association’s Website. This will allows guests the opportunity to notify the photographer if they do not want their pictures posted.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to launch and maintain an association Website or social media sites including the association’s brand or image, maintenance responsibilities, security issues, and potential legal pitfalls like defamation and harassment claims. Even if the association does not intend to open a Website or social media sites, the Board should consider claiming the association’s name for Websites and social media accounts to prevent other parties from opening sites potentially leading to their posing as official association communications. In any event, boards should consider securing their association name in the name of the association in case a future board decides to pick up where the current board leaves off. Always consult with legal counsel before making the leap into the digital world because once association content is on the Internet, it may be there forever. Farrah Esquer is the president of Cardinal Property Management AAMC, a full-service management company serving communities through Southern California. She can be reached at fesquer@cardinal-online.com.

Sandra Gottlieb, Esq.,CCAL, is a founding partner of SwedelsonGottlieb, a firm dedicated to the representation of community associations throughout California. She can be reached at slg@sghoalaw.com.

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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

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January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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27


Celebrating the PCAM® Designation

F

orty Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) designees, Chapter Board of Directors members, friends and event sponsors gathered at The City Club LA in downtown Los Angeles on February 10 to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the achievement of eight new designees. The PCAM® designation is the pinnacle of professional achievement for managers with advanced skills and experience. A PCAM® candidate must 1) pass the CMCA® examination; 2) pass all six 200-level courses; 3) have five years or more of direct community manager experience; 4) successfully complete a challenging case study analysis of a community association; 5) comply with the CAI Professional Manager Code of Ethics; and 6) participate in a minimum level of chapter service activities.

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www.cai-glac.org | January/February/March 2017

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


PCAM® Designees

Congratulations to PCAM Designees left to right: Lynelle Glysson, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Empire West HOA), Dawn Suskin, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Playa Vista Parks & Landscape Corporation), Michael Sukey, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (The Promenade Owners Association), Peggy O’Donoghue, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Valencia Management Group) and James Beard, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Valencia Management Group). Not pictured (inset in photo above): Kelly Bunnell, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Bentley Community Management), Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (FirstService Residential) and Melissa Rothe (The Residences at W Hollywood).

Managers Holding the PCAM® Designation 2017 Ramona Acosta Adrian Adams Chris Albrecht Margaret Allen James Beard Anda Bewhite Dave Brock Wendy Bucknum Kelly Bunnell Donald Campbell Judy Campion Tami Chavin Lisa Dale Richard Egan Farrah Esquer Meigan Everett John Felder Lynelle Glysson George Gral Laurie Gral Sharon Hanson

Linda Healey Isaiah Henry Elvin Hidalgo Diane Hilliard Shanne Ho Russell Hoffman Michael Huffman Cyndi Koester Karen Kokowicz Donyelle La-Key Susan Larson Sandra Levinson Lorna Leviste Michael Lewis Evelyn Lifton Gregg Lotane Ted Loveder Sascha Macias Laurie Mark Erik Mendez Ruth Moffitt

Brian Murphy Julius Nagy Tina Nakamura Dan Nakari Nancy O’Donnell Peggy O’Donoghue Pete Ong, Jr. Joanne Peña Craig Phillips Alexandria Pollock Melissa Rothe Jon Sabo Robert Sides Marianne Simek Diana Stiller Michael Sukey Dawn Suskin Michelle Underwood Jill Van Zeebroeck Connie Vohden Lori Ziegler

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January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

29


welcome

New CAI-glac Members! as of February 28, 2017 LOS ANGELES COUNTY

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS RECRUITER American Protection Group Cai National AquaPoolCo Pure Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Black Tie Window Cleaning, Inc. CAI National CDL Insurance Services, LLC Mahendra Sami Cornerstone Managing Partners CAI National GNG Vinyl Fencing Inc. CAI National Janpoint Robert Bellucci, CMCA® Kings III Communications CAI National Landcare CAI National Levin Law Group CAI National ServiceMaster Recovery Management Scott Litman Spectrum Facility Maintenance CAI National Westcoast Elevator Pads CAI National COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES HOA Management of Santa Clarita ProActive Professional Management

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COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Manhattan Pointe HOA CAI National Queensland Manor South Cooperative, Inc. Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS® COMMUNITY MANAGERS Sarah Atha, CMCA®, AMS® Manhattan Village COA Russell Benjamin Coro Community Management & Consulting Heather Eisfelder Scott Management Company David Fader Community Association Specialists, Inc. Gwendolyn Montgomery Gold Coast Property Pros Heather Nutt Jenkins Properties Management Company, Inc. Kadee Pardo Valencia Management Company, Inc. AAMC Christina Peterson HOA Organizers, Inc. Julie Rippeto Gold Coast Property Pros Christopher Rainey Infinity Property Services Sara Temblador Anchor Management Services, Inc. Janet Ulrich HOA Organizers, Inc. Greg Welch Jenkins Properties Management Company, Inc. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Faramarz Elghanayan Sun Mee Kim Diane Schoolsky

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Michael Lewis, CMCA® AMS®, PCAM® Karen Kokowicz, CCAM® CMCA®, PCAM® Ariel Hess, CMCA®, AMS®

Our Thanks to Renewing Members! As of February 28, 2017

Connie Vohden, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Meigan Everett, PCAM® Maureen Davidson Russell Hoffman, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS® Meigan Everett, PCAM® William Yarian, CCAM® Christina Vigil Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS® John Kelly

CAI National CAI National Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS®

www.cai-glac.org | January/February/March 2017

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Action Duct Cleaning Company ADCO Roofing, Inc. Alliance Association Bank Allied Universal Alma Gardening Co. Archon Protection, Inc. BELFOR Property Restoration Benjamin Moore & Co. Berg Insurance Agency Brian Berce Insurance Agency, Inc. CASE Forensics CBI-Collins Builders, Inc. Centurion Group City National Bank Condo Approval Pressing Company of America Critter Busters, Inc. Debra L. Sheppard & Associates, APLC Design Build Associates Environmental Testing Associates

Finley’s Tree and Landcare, Inc. Fiore Racobs & Powers A PLC Hinricher Douglas & Porter, LLP HomeStreet Bank Iger Wankel Bonkowski, LLP Inspectors of Election, LLC Kasdan Lippsmith Weber Turner, LLP Levitt Group Architects Loewenthal Hillshafer & Carter, LLP McGuire Woods, LLP MeterNet Metering & Billing Solutions Mink Condominium Management & Consulting Mission Paving & Sealing, Inc. Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts Nautilus General Contractors, Inc. NPG Asphalt OCBS, Inc. Out-Fit P.W. Stephens Environmental, Inc. PCW Contracting Services

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


Pacific Utility Audit, Inc. Pacific Vista Landscape Services, Inc. Park West Landscape Management Personal Touch Cleaning & Maintenance, Inc. Platinum Security, Inc. Popular Association Banking PPG Architectural Coatings Precision Painting R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. Revo Payments Rodent Pest Technologies Roseman & Associates APC Roy Palacios Insurance Agency, Inc. SAX Insurance Agency Slade Industrial Landscape, Inc. Sperlonga Data & Analytics Steve D. Reich Insurance Agency Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. SwedelsonGottlieb The Judge Law Firm Tri-Tech Restoration & Construction Company, Inc. Valley Alarm Western Router & Plumbing Witkin & Neal, Inc. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Azzurra HOA Bordeaux HOA Briarwood Community Center Castlegate HOA Chapman Manor HOA Croydon Park HOA International Tower Owners Association Manhattan Pointe HOA Mariners Park Village HOA Montecito Homes HOA New Horizons-South Bay Association Pacific Pines Torrance Maint. Association Playa Pacific HOA Raintree Condominium Association Rancho Glenbrook HOA Solera at Kern Canyon HOA Tarzana Woods HOA Torrance-Windemere HOA Villa Vallarta HOA Village Palos Verdes HOA Westmont North HOA #3 COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Anchor Management Services, Inc. Baldwin Real Estate Management Bali Management Group, Inc. Bella Vista Property Management, Inc. Bentley Community Management, Inc. Common Interest Services, Inc. Horizon Management Company Infinity Property Services Manhattan Management Corporation Miller & Desatnik Management Co. National Property Management Group, Inc.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter

ONIT Property Management, Inc. Pacific Real Estate & Management, Inc. Partners Community Management, Inc. PMP Management AAMC Prellis Property Management Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Safeguard Equities, Inc. COMMUNITY MANAGERS Laura Aguilar, CMCA®, AMS® Beven & Brock Sarah Atha, CMCA®, AMS® Manhattan Village HOA Valerie Atkins Briarwood Community Center James Beard, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Valencia Management Group AAMC Sandra Bevardos, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Beth Bottaro, CMCA® Valencia Management Group AAMC Mary Carpenter Wellington OA Gary Choppe HOA Management of Santa Clarita Lynne Collmann, CMCA®, AMS® Savoy HOA Marcia Coppola, CMCA® HOA Organizers, Inc. Brenda Coracero UNYGLOBE Management Warren Davidoff, CMCA®, AMS® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Matt Davidson, CCAM® Action Property Management Manuel Diaz, CMCA®, AMS® Ten Five Sixty Wilshire Condo Assn. Helen Essayan-Cook HOA Organizers, Inc. Sherri Giles Village Green Homeowners Assoc. Brandon Grosh, CMCA®, AMS® PMP Management AAMC Carmen Harper SK Management Company, LLC Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® The Californian on Wilshire Elvin Hidalgo, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Century Park Place Condo Assn. Marilyn Howald, CMCA® Beven & Brock Gene Jackson The Courtyards of West Hollywood Eduardo James Galaxy HOA Curtis Kalleward Cove Community Association Jessica Kelsey, CMCA® Valencia Management Group AAMC Thomas Kim, CMCA® Apple Tree Management Robert Kilian, CCAM® Cardinal Management Group

Candi Kocher, CMCA® Four Seasons HOA Jessica Koval Jacklyn Lehrbass, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Sandra Levinson, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® The Colony at Westwood HOA Evelyn Lifton, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® The Brentwood at Kiowa HOA Diane Lortie-Dudasik, CCAM-HR® Metropolitan Property Services, LLC Gregg Lotane, CCAM®, PCAM® The Wilshire Angel Maldonado Mura Community Association Karen Manahan, CMCA® Valencia Management Group AAMC Victor Mariscal The Californian on Wilshire Al Masters, CCAM® Condominium & Community Specialists, Inc. Vivian Meyers, MBA, CMCA® Ervin Mezey, CMCA® Ron Modaraei, CMCA® PMP Management AAMC Ruth Moffitt, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Valencia Management Group AAMC Scott Moore, CMCA®, AMS® Valencia Management Group AAMC Fernando Morales, CMCA®, AMS® Sea Colony HOA II Robert Morando The Californian on Wilshire Jesse Moreno, CMCA®, AMS® Marina Pacifica HOA Shedrick Nance, CMCA® Angela Nazari, CMCA® Beven & Brock Peggy O’Donoghue, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Valencia Management Group AAMC Bruce Osterman, CMCA® Studio Village HOA Roberta Plach, CMCA® Valencia Management Group AAMC Francesca Prillwitz Horn Plaza HOA Patricia Ramirez Mariners Park Village HOA

Kelly Reinoso Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Jose Rivas Hollywood Versailles Tower Assn. Kimberly Robinson Palos Verdes Homes Association Vickie Sellman, AMS® Sky Community Association Erik Strom Management Emporium Inc. Dawn Suskin, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Playa Vista Parks & Landscape Corporation Christine Taylor, CMCA® HOA Organizers, Inc. Laura Tencati, CMCA®, AMS® FirstService Residential AAMC Eric Teves, CCAM® The Remington Stephanie Tomerlin Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Pam Vine, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Joy Wei Seabreeze Management, Inc. AAMC Miguel Zamora, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Derek Allen Jan Bartholomew Vesta Budhu Joseph Fabricatore Shelly Hill Lawrence Kraines Helene O’Cain Howard Pancirer Candy Peak Ross Daniel Stubbs Eleanor Yavarone Lelah Yue

January/February/March 2017 | www.cai-glac.org

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2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 04 San Gabriel Valley Educational Program for HOA Boards – 6:00 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

06 South Bay HOA Marketplace – 5:30 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

08 Essentials of Community Leadership Workshop – 8:15 a.m. Regatta Seaside HOA, 13600 Marina Pointe Drive, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

19 Skirball Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90049

21 Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale

23-24 Legislative Day at the Capitol Hyatt Regency, Sacramento

May 3-5 CAI National Conference Caesar’s Palace Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

09 South Bay Ask an Expert Evening Program – 7:00 p.m.

Advertisers Index 34 Animal & Insect Pest Management Inc. 30 Association Reserves, Inc. 13 Bentley Community Management 27 Beaumont Gitlin Tashjan 28 Cline Agency Insurance Brokers 20 Ferris Painting, Inc 19 Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper 15 Hi-Tech Painting and Water Proofing 27 Mutual of Omaha Bank/ CondoCerts

31 Poindexter & Company, CPAs 29 Pacific Utility Audit 29 Preferred Commercial Painting, Inc. 19 R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. 18 Reserve Studies Inc. 25 Sandra Macdonald Insurance 26 Select Painting & Construction 11 Steven G. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. 14 Union Bank HOA Services 27 Witkin & Neal, Inc. 9 Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin LLP

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

11 San Gabriel Valley Educational Program for HOA Boards – 6:00 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103

12 CMCA Review – 8:30 a.m. Rockpointe HOA, 22350 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, CA 91311

Advertising Information Dimensions & Rates:

15 Annual Golf Tournament – 8:30 a.m. TPC Valencia, 26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia, CA 91381

24 Downtown Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers & Annual Meeting – 11:30 a.m. City Club, 555 S. Flower, 51st Floor, Los Angeles, 90071

26 Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale

June 01 San Fernando Valley Homeowners Association Marketplace – 5:30 p.m. Woodland Hills Hilton

07 Managers Only Breakfast Workshop – 9:00 a.m. Location TBD

21 South Bay Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

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

Artwork must not exceed the exact dimensions of that size ad. For more information, call the Chapter office: 818-500-8636. Ad Size

Ad Dimensions

Members

Non-Members

⅛ page

3½" wide x 2" high (Horizontal)

$200

$400

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

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.

Chapter Office, Glendale

Congratulations to the 2016 Membership Recruiter Contest Winners GRAND PRIZE Since Joanne Peña (pictured left), CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (Horizon Management Company) and Tina Nakamura (pictured right), CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (PMP Management AAMC®) accrued the same high number of recruitment points, they were both declared Grand Prize Winners of 3-Day, 2-Night Getaway Packages.

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www.cai-glac.org | January/February/March 2017

RECRUITER RAFFLE We congratulate Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® (FirstService Residential)— winner of the Recruiter Raffle. She has received an Evening Out on the Town ($500 value).

Many thanks to the 2016 Recruiter Contest Sponsors: American Technologies, Inc., Horizon Management Company, Infinity Property Services, MG Skinner & Associates, Naumann Law Firm PC, SAX Insurance Agency, Valley Association Management and Witkin & Neal, Inc.

CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter


THE GREAT ESCAPE Three Contests… Three Prizes

CAI-GLAC’s 2017 Membership Recruiter Contests Share the benefits of CAI membership with colleagues and friends during 2017 and win! GRAND PRIZE 3-Day, 2-Night Vacation Package ($1,000 Value) Member with the highest number of points as of December 31, 2017 will be awarded the Grand Prize. (Minimum 20 pts. needed to qualify.)

Los Angeles Events

RECRUITER RAFFLE Evening Out On The Town ($500 Value) All 2017 recruiters (except the Grand Prize winner) who have achieved a minimum of 10 points will go into a raffle drawing held in January 2018 (when all the 2017 results are in).

RECRUITER-OF-THE-MONTH $50 Gift Certificate The member who has recruited the most new memberships in the previous month will be recognized at the next luncheon and awarded a $50 gift certificate.

Point System Business Partner = 1 point (in a category already existing)

Business Partner = 2 points (in a new category)

Manager or Board Member = 2 points Management Company = 3 points

Sponsor Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Rules: • Each time you recruit a new member, you receive points toward your membership recruitment total. Points will accrue from January 1 through December 31, 2017. The more members you recruit, the more you'll increase eligibility for the Grand Prize. • To receive recruiter credit, you must alert the local CAI Chapter Office and CAI National on the printed application form submitted, or be identified through CAI National membership reports.

• Completed applications and membership dues for qualified applicants must be received at CAI between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017 to be counted toward the Grand Prize. • In the case of a tie, a random drawing will determine the Grand Prize winner.


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