Riding the Winds of Change
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July/August 2020
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2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NEWSWORTHY
OFFICERS Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, President FirstService Residential, AAMC®, 310-574-7426 Teresa Agnew, President Elect Roseman Law, APC, 818-380-6700 Isaac Camacho, Vice President Accurate Termite & Pest Control, 310-837-6483 Matt Davidson, CCAM-HR®, CMCA®, Secretary Action Property Management, 800-400-2284 Brian Fleming, CMCA®, AMS®, Treasurer Wilshire Regent Association, Inc., 310-474-5563
6 The New Normal or What Have We Learned and How Will We Apply It to the Future 10 Engaging Our Children During the Pandemic 12 Summertime & the Fun is Easy 14 Summer Is Here: Is Your HOA Community Prepared? 16 Use This Time Wisely to Further Your Career 17 It’s Quiz Time! 18 Tiny Beetles Threaten Our Local Trees: Is Your Community Ready? 20 Budgeting for “The New Normal” 22 Summer Is Just Around The Corner. Are You Ready?
DIRECTORS Adrian Adams, Esq., ADAMS|STIRLING PLC, 310-945-0280 Gary Burns, Mulholland Heights HOA, 818-326-2000 Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC®, 818-907-6622 Alexandria Pollock, CCAM-HR®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, BuildingLink.com, LLC, 310-925-9001 Kim Province, Advanced Election Services, 714-783-8646 Diane Schoolsky, Lingate HOA, 323-640-1277
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joan Urbaniak, MBA, CMCA®
2020 COMMITTEE CHAIRS BUSINESS PARTNER Gina Roldan, ProTec Building Services Ray Moody, VP, City National Bank COMMUNITY EXPO Karen Kokowicz, CCAM®, CMCA®, PCAM®, Coro Community Management & Consulting Michael Valenzuela, Vista Paint Corporation COMMUNITY OUTREACH Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC® Patti Specht, ServiceMaster Recovery by C2C Restoration
CHAPTER UPDATE 2 Note from the Editor’s Desk 3 Message from the President
NOTEWORTHY 24 News From Sacramento
FYI
4 26 28 28
2020 Upcoming Events Membership News Advertisers Index Advertising Information
EDUCATION Teressa Whitsitt, CMCA®, AMS®, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc., AAMC® EXECUTIVE RETREAT Alexandria Pollock, CCAM-HR®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, BuildingLink.com, LLC FINANCE Michael Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, C7 Properties, LLC,, AAMC® GOLF TOURNAMENT Julia Gomes, Accurate Termite & Pest Control Jeff Koscher, HARBRO, Inc. LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT Erik Rivera, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Trilliant Property Management MEDIATION SERVICES Steven A, Roseman, Esq., Roseman Law, APC
Our thanks to the Focus Magazine Committee: Co-chairs: J amilla Davis, Dunn-Edwards Paints Jennifer Schuster, Valley Alarm Patricia Brum, Esq., Snell & Wilmer LLP Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC Joshua Grass, Fenn Termite & Pest Control Michael Huffman, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Management Professionals, Inc. Miranda Legaspi, Platinum Security Jocelle Maliwanag, American Heritage Landscape Lesley Millender-Irwin, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Excelsior at the Americana at Brand HOA Diane Rossiter, CMCA®, AMS®, Bell Canyon Association Dawn Suskin, CCAM-LS.CI®, PCAM®, FirstService Residential, AAMC®
MEMBERSHIP Mimi Cortes, SAX Insurance Agency Tracy Robinson, CCAM®, PMP Management, AAMC PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS®, HOA Organizers, Inc. Erik Rivera, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Trilliant Property Management PUBLICATIONS Jamilla Davis, Dunn-Edwards Paints Jennifer Schuster, Valley Alarm SATELLITE PROGRAMS Craig Phillips, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, International Tower Condo Association James Beard, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Valencia Management Group, AAMC® SOCIAL Ashley Hibler, McKenzie Rhody, LLP Michael Valenzuela, Vista Paint Corporation
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 STAY CONNECTED: 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 © 2020.
SOCIAL MEDIA Teresa Agnew, Roseman Law, APC Meigan Everett, PCAM®, SwedelsonGottlieb
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.
WINE NIGHT Pamella De Armas, Silicon Beach Insurance Services Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC
National Office Address: 6402 Arlington Blvd. #500, Falls Church, VA 22042 Tel: 888/224-4321 • Web Site: http://www.caionline.org
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203 Office: 818-500-8636
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 1
NOTE
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
CHANGING TIMES THOUGH THE PANDEMIC FEELS LIKE IT HAS SLOWED THE WORLD DOWN, IN OUR INDUSTRY THINGS ARE STILL MOVING FORWARD. NOT ONLY ARE WE DEALING WITH THE NOW, BUT WE ARE ALSO PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE. IN THIS ISSUE OF FOCUS, WE DISCUSS HOW COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED US AND HOW WE CAN USE THIS SITUATION TO PLAN FOR FUTURE PANDEMICS OR DISASTERS. WITH BUDGET SEASON NEARING, MANY OF US WONDER WHAT NEW ITEMS NEED TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR DUE TO COVID-19? HAVE YOU STARTED PLANNING FOR UPCOMING INSPECTIONS? AND DO YOU HAVE A SUMMER MAINTENANCE PLAN? SO MANY QUESTIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES LEAVE US SPINNING. We are also focusing on how we can enjoy summer activities, while practicing social distancing. We discuss questions raised about how the pandemic has affected children and give ideas of ways to keep them engaged. We provide activities that will help rejuvenate you and help you also enjoy your welldeserved summer. And if you are a homebody (like me,) look for ways to spruce up your outdoor space and/or common areas…a place to enjoy a drink and an appetizer (or two) while you relax and reflect on your day.
Lastly, I would like to take a moment to address current events erupting after the death of George Floyd and so many other Black and African Americans. I like to think of CAI as an organization that is open to everyone’s ideals, backgrounds, opinions and experiences. A community within a larger societal community. Not one person has a true solution for all the problems of our nation. But I have hope. I hope for change and the equal treatment of all American citizens. I hope people will let go of their hate and learn that we are all of the same being. I truly hope that we are all willing to learn, listen, and educate ourselves to the plight of anyone who is suffering among us. Take a moment to look deep within ourselves— look past our prejudices, the stereotypes that have skewed our views of each other. As Lin-Manuel Miranda said in his Tony Award acceptance speech: We live through times when hate and fear seemed stronger. We rise and fall and light from dying embers. Remembrances that hope and love last longer. And love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside. Co-editor Jamilla Davis Dunn-Edwards Paints
In an effort to keep our minds sharp, we discuss continuing your education and obtaining higher designations—along with providing riddles and brain teasers to help keep our minds active!
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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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT
RESPONSIVE TO CHANGE “IT IS NOT THE STRONGEST OF THE SPECIES THAT SURVIVE, NOT THE MOST INTELLIGENT, BUT THE ONE MOST RESPONSIVE TO CHANGE,” CHARLES DARWIN. The first half of 2020 has not been anything that any one of us expected. If you looked back at your New Year’s Resolutions, your journals, your goal boards, even your annual review with your employer, you would likely see goals that, while they still matter, have fallen to the back of the list. Our business goals may have changed from expecting a certain percentage of client base or financial growth, to just being able to maintain business and keep our loyal employees employed. Our personal goals may have shifted from getting in shape, being more mindful and being more present… to just surviving and staying sane. Our Association goals may have changed from renovating deferred maintenance projects to keeping our residents healthy, safe and our budgets intact amongst lost dues. But, while our goals may have shifted, I still see so many of you out there, persevering during these times. That is why the title of this issue, “Riding the Winds of Change,” is appropriate because maybe this year hasn’t been what we expected it to be—but the leaders in this industry and in this organization are riding the change and coming out the other side stronger. We continue to see innovation, new ideas, and new ways of collaborating from our members. It is important that we all continue to focus on how we can move forward and how we can continue to be better. In this issue you will read about our “new normal.” What has changed over the last few months—from Zoom meetings to collection policies. You will read about keeping our youth engaged, as well as activities that you can enjoy and engage in as we enter a summer still filled with unknowns and restrictions. We will take a look at some budget considerations you may want to consider as our budget season comes up, and what we need to consider as we continue to embrace for the impact of COVID-19. And, of course, we will look at summer maintenance items to keep our properties moving forward, rather than frozen in time. I would also like to take a moment to recognize the tremendous amount of work our Executive Director has done this year, keeping our chapter at the forefront of innovation. With Joan’s dedication, we continue to be financially stable, despite the loss CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
of revenue COVID-19 has placed upon us. We were the first chapter to successfully pivot to educational webinars (rather than luncheons), and the Board is able to make informed decisions regarding the future of our chapter and our events because Joan has provided us with the details to do so. If you get a chance, please take the time out to thank Joan and Andrea in the office, for all they do to allow us to continue providing value to our members. We are truly lucky to have them on our team, especially during these trying times. I couldn’t be prouder of our membership, and the innovation, inclusivity, and teamwork that we exhibit. I hope that you and yours are healthy, happy and staying sane. We can’t wait to see you and be together once again. Best, 2020 Chapter President Sascha Macias CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® FirstService Residential, AAMC
Coaching to Credentials
Manager Mentor Program Would you like to be able to talk to another manager about their educational path and experience—get their advice about next steps? CAI-GLAC is proud to offer the Coaching to Credentials Manager Mentor Program as a resource to our community manager members. Our goal is to encourage you to achieve CAI designations—ultimately the PCAM® designation. Through the program, an experienced professional manager is paired with a manager newer to the industry or one looking simply for guidance. The scope and duration of the mentoring relationship is determined between the mentor and the protégé. A Mentor can: l Help to identify your specific goals. l Provide career guidance. l Provide vision and insight. l Offer support and advice about CAI courses. l Explain the value of credentials. l Motivate you to progress to the next level of professionalism. For additional information about the CAI-GLAC Manager Mentor Program, please contact the Chapter Office at 818-500-8636.
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 3
2020 CAI-GLAC Super Sponsors
2020 UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS
■ PLATINUM
Events subject to change, see website for possible updates.
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
15
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR – 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
24
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.
Via ZOOM
29
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR – 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
07
CMCA Review – 8:30 a.m.
Via ZOOM
12
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR - 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
21
Chapter Board of Directors Retreat
Location TBD
26
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR – 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
9
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR- 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
14
Annual Golf Tournament – 8:00 a.m. WITH PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Porter Valley Country Club 19216 Singing Hills Dr. Northridge, CA 91326
16-18 CAI State Legal Forum
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Board Meeting – 8:30 a.m.
23
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR - 11:00 a.m.
24
COMMUNITY EXPO MOVED TO OCTOBER 22-23 AS VIRTUAL EVENT
■ GOLD
Accurate Termite & Pest Control ADAMS|STIRLING PLC ADCO Roofing & Waterproofing Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc. THE BEHR PAINT COMPANY Diversified Asphalt Products Dunn-Edwards Paints Ferris Painting, Inc. The Miller Law Firm The Naumann Law Firm, PC Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Vista Paint Corporation
VIRTUAL FORMAT— INSTEAD OF OCTOBER DATE
22-23 COMMUNITY EXPO – VIRTUAL FORMAT – Time TBD
■ SILVER
30
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.
Via ZOOM
04
EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR – 11:00 a.m.
Via ZOOM
18
PHYSICAL DISTANCING & LIVE STREAMING (Tentative) Skirball Cultural Center Skirball Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles 90049 Managers – 11:30 a.m.
20
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.
Via ZOOM
02
TBD - PHYSICAL DISTANCING San Gabriel Valley Jingle & Mingle Mini Trade Show – 5:30 p.m.
Pasadena Hilton 168 S. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
04
TBD - PHYSICAL DISTANCING Holiday Happy Hour – 4:00 p.m.
Location TBD
15
Award Nomi ominee Luncheon – 11:30 a.m.
Location TBD
18
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.
Chapter Office, Glendale
Alliance Association Bank American Heritage Landscape Association Lien Services CertaPro Painters of Pasadena Enhanced Landscape Management Fenceworks, Inc. Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper General Pavement Management, Inc. GNG Vinyl Fencing, Inc. Kasdan LippSmith Weber Turner LLP Life Specialty Coatings McKenzie Rhody, LLP Nu Air Services, Inc. Oakridge Landscape Popular Association Banking Professional Services Construction, Inc Riley Pasek Canty, LLP SAX Insurance Agency Select Painting & Construction, Inc. SwedelsonGottlieb The Sherwin-Williams Company
■ BRONZE PHOTO BY JAKOB OWENS ON UNSPLASH
DECEMBER
18
ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING Association Reserves – CA/Los Angeles Berding & Weil, LLP BrightView Landscape Services Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. Interstate Restoration, LLC Pacific Western Bank Payne Pest Management PRECISION PAINTING Pro AM Construction ProTec Building Services Tinnelly Law Group Trifecta Painting & Construction Valley Alarm Whitestone Industries
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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
Allied Trustee Services Fiore, Racobs & Powers APLC Macdonald Insurance Agency MeterNet Sub-Metering & Billing Solutions Mission Landscape Owens, Moskowitz and Associates, Inc. Poindexter and Company, CPAs Reserve Studies Incorporated Union Bank HOA Services Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP We thank our 2020 sponsors who have made a substantial contribution to ensure our continued success this year.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Go
lf in
g 'R o u n
r l d o W e h t d Sponsors CORPORATE
Diversified Asphalt Products Whitestone Industries CHAMPIONSHIP
Monday, September 14, 2020 Porter Valley Country Club
PUTTING CONTEST
McKenzie Rhody LLP
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
Entry Fee /Registration Includes green fees, cart, swag bag,lunch, dinner & awards/prize drawings.
Register: www.cai-glac.org
Servpro of Burbank Roseman Law APC The Sherwin-Williams Paint Company
Tournament Schedule
$225 per player—18 holes
BLOODY MARYS
BEVERAGE CARTS
19216 Singing Hills Dr. • Northridge, CA 91326 Registration & Breakfast Putting Contest Shotgun Start Lunch International Bar Raffle, Awards
Association Reserves Pacific Western Bank
BREAKFAST
ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING LUNCH
ProTec Building Services ServiceMaster by C2C Restoration CONTEST HOLES
Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. KONE, Inc. Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Valley Alarm MEET & GREET ON HOLE
American Heritage Landscape Association Reserves CertaPro Painters of Pasadena LandCare Life Specialty Coatings Naumann Law Firm, PC Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Pacific Premier HOA & Property Banking ProAM Construction Vista Paint Corporation CLUB PRO
Payne Pest Management Valencia Management Group AAMC CENTERPIECES
Interstate Restoration, LLC
Prize for the best theme-decorated tee! CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 5
#cai-glac
The New Normal or What Have We Learned and How Will We Apply It to the Future
N
ow that the history lesson is over it becomes clear that influenza has been with us for many years in its many forms. The question is: How well are you, your community, your staff prepared to deal with a health crisis? So what have we learned from the current health crisis: ● Wash your hands like you were told to do in
kindergarten. ● Wear a mask in public—a sign of caring for others. ● Learn how to estimate six feet and use it to maintain distance where possible. ● Stay home if feeling sick. For management companies and associations with on-site staff : ● Ensure that your sick leave policies are flexible and
By Michael Huffman, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO, I AUTHORED AN ARTICLE ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DURING THE HEALTH CRISIS, BUT EVENTS OVERTOOK ITS IMPACT BEFORE IT WAS PUBLISHED. I TOUCHED ON THE HISTORY OF THE PANDEMICS IN AN EFFORT TO EXPLAIN THAT COVID-19 WAS NOT THE FIRST ONE, JUST OUR FIRST ONE THAT HIT HOME. YEAR
EVENT
INFECTED
US DEATHS (Estimated)
1918
Influenza
500 million
675,000
1957 1968 2003 2009
H2N2 H3N2 SARS H1N1pdm09
116,000 100,000 774 12,469
2012
MERS
2019/20
Covid-19
1.1 million 1.0 million 8,098 60.8 million Limited to Arabian Peninsula 2.5 Million
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0 131,000
consistent with public health guidance. ● Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick with acute respiratory illness to validate their illness or to return to work. ● Employers should maintain flexible policies that allow employees to stay home to care for a sick family member. ● Instruct employees to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. ● Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs. ● Provide disposable wipes so that commonly-used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. ● If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Associations should use teleconferencing and video conferencing to hold meetings. Zoom and others like it are being used successfully by many communities. Set up a conference call process and distribute the information to all owners so that the Board can conduct meetings that still allow owners to take part in Open Forum. In many situations, the management company can set up and host the meetings. Associations should consider the possible lack of services, such as landscaping and pool service, as that service commonly can suffer by having its employees out for a period of time. While you can let the grass grow, does anyone on site have the knowledge and supplies to keep a pool from turning green with algae? What other critical association services should be considered that cannot be ignored for too long?
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
I asked several other managers for their view on what we have learned for the future. Karen Kokowicz, CEO, CCAM®, CMCA®, PCAM® Coro Community Management and Consulting in Sherman Oaks My hope is that we have learned how to slow down and apply the work/life balance needed to stay positive and optimistic when dealing with our clients. I am also hopeful that virtual meetings will become the “new” normal for a manager’s attendance at board meetings. We have found virtual board meetings to be more productive, save time, and possible to hold during the day! Goodbye night meetings. Dave Brock, PCAM® Beven & Brock in Pasadena The world as we know it has been placed on a “ forced shut-down,” or for many of us and our communities, it has become a “ forced slow down.” The process of making decisions has become more complicated and lengthier. Conducting meetings by teleconference can be more complicated, while it has seemed to cause less meetings and shorter meetings. As owners have had to focus on addressing family and other personal issues, the
business of running the HOA for many has taken a back seat. The process of getting bids for work is taking longer, as contractors are focusing on their approved work, and being slowed down by “safedistancing” practices. Collections cannot move forward during this time, which may cause associations to be more understanding and flexible in collecting unpaid assessments. The act of figuring out how to “slow-down” and operate during this time has been challenging for many of us who are usually driven to accomplish more in less time. So, the questions for all of us are: How are you doing? Did the world fall apart? Did the necessary and “essential” issues progress? Hopefully, the world is still spinning, albeit slower. The great news for us, is that there is nothing in the Davis-Stirling Act that requires quick progress on anything. The process of how things operate is far more important than speed. I would hope that “new normal” would put issues back in perspective, compared to the pace we move in life, and in our association business. Take a deep breath, and address only those “essential” (i.e. emergency issues) quickly as common sense dictates.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
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July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 7
The New Normal or What Have We Learned and How Will We Apply It to the Future CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
John Kelly, Executive Manager , CMCA® Jenkins Properties Management Company, Inc. in Montrose
Steven Cammarata, CEO, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS® Cammarata Management, Inc., in Lomita I can say that we started posturing our company to deal with COVID-19 in the first week of March (about a week after the first death was reported in Seattle).
With the threat of COVID-19, the entire industry changed overnight. The key to our success has been flexibility and fluidity. The ability to adapt in this environment is crucial.
The week after, as you know, many of us were set to attend the CACM Conference that was canceled upon our arrival at the Disney Hotel and. as of that day, we found out about the possible Stay-at-Home Order.
Our team is our family, and their health and safety is our primary concern. Early implementation of social distancing was critical for us. Even before the pandemic was declared, we instructed our managers to work from home and to only come to the office to pick up paperwork and reports. Our accounting department and support staff now work in staggered shifts, some relocating to vacant offices to work from a safe distance.
On Friday, March 13, I had my second staff meeting regarding the implementation of safety protocols even before the first L.A. County Health Department’s official Stay-at-Home Order was issued on March 16.
We knew it would work, but we did not realize how effective it would be. Through this “new normal” our company has grown and evolved. The way we conduct business may make some permanent changes. Our staff is working in a paperless environment and has been handling their portfolios beautifully. We are able to supply a new level of service to our clients. Throughout this, the level of human kindness shown by our HOAs has been inspiring. Neighbors are helping neighbors in the true spirit of community. We are seeing owners engaging with one another like never before—offering food, help with learning how to use technology, and general wishes for the health and safety of one another. It is a sense of unity that will help carry these communities through this crisis and beyond. With a newfound understanding of each other, they can work together beyond this crisis to the benefit of their buildings. Roy Nelson, CEO, AMS® Horizon Management Company in Torrance At the beginning of this year, everyone in this industry in California was concerned about complying with new HOA election law changes. Now that seems insignificant compared to the changes that the COVID-19 epidemic has wrought. You have to be nimble in this new environment as things change on a daily basis. What was allowed or not allowed yesterday may change today or tomorrow. We have also found that we can adapt to the constant changes and technology is allowing a lot of us to work effectively from home.
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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
Ever since then, we have implemented very strict safety protocols for the office staff, as well as our clients (office lockdown with prearranged access). We also sent a detailed letter to all of our owners and posted the same on our website. Moving forward, quite a few meetings were canceled. For those associations that did need to meet, their board meetings were held via teleconference. We were conducting business as best as possible without skipping a beat because we are an “essential” business. And, as if we didn’t already have enough to deal with, we also were smack dab in the middle of dealing with the new election rules. It is unfortunate that the Governor did not recognize this and sign an executive order to postpone the new SB323 rules until January 2021. Lastly, we already recognized the importance of watching the aged trial balance (delinquency) report even more closely than usual because so many people were suddenly out of work. So far so good… not too many delinquencies. It has been a delicate balancing act if I may say so, and I give many thanks and virtual hugs to my staff for showing up every day since the silent killer arrived on American soil. We are all soldiers on the front line, but have not received any recognition… IN CLOSING, I believe that we will have more staff working remotely either full time or on a staggered in-office shared-desk basis. There will provide a better work/life balance for staff by allowing them to work from home. The focus will be on results, not on hours worked.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
We will be offering discounted rates for virtual meetings to allow managers to stay in the office instead of in the car driving to a meeting. Perhaps board members will move to daytime meetings if they can simply attend while at their offices. We will continue to show our clients that faster responses are not necessarily the best. We have seen a reduction in the amount of bid requests just to “see what it might cost.” Taking the time to get things right, to develop board-approved specifications works out better for all of us. We will probably offer owners and vendors the option of a virtual conference when they ask to speak with their manager. This will save both them and us time and travel. Personally, I will continue to work remotely at least 50% of the week so I can spend more time playing with my grandchildren. ichael Huffman, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, is the CEO of Management M Professionals, Inc., a full-service management company in Torrance and a past president of our chapter. An active support of the California Legislative Action Committee(CLAC), Michael was honored as CLAC 2016 Volunteer of the Year for his service. He can be reached at michael@mpimail.net. Authors Note: This article was written on May 29, 2020 based on information from many sources, for which I am thankful.
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ENGAGING OUR
CHILDREN DURING THE PANDEMIC
By Michelle Caldwell
IT IS NORMAL FOR CHILDREN TO FEEL ANXIOUS
ABOUT CHANGE AND THE UNKNOWN. SO, TO HELP OUR “LITTLES” AND NOT SO “LITTLES” (TEENS), WE NEED TO CONSIDER HOW THIS NEW WORLD LOOKS TO THEM AND HELP THEM THROUGH WHAT COULD BE MONTHS OF ISOLATION AND POTENTIAL LOCKDOWN. BEING TAKEN AWAY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS REAL FOR ALL OF US, BUT HOW DO WE MAKE THE SITUATION BETTER FOR THEM? The following information is from several articles I read through, googling the care and protection of our children during these uncertain times. I hope it is useful for you, your grandchildren, and the children you may come across in your neighborhood and stores. It is important to remember what our children are going through during this time when we all need some extra Grace, especially when you are young and may be acting out because of the unknown. One way to help is Touch. Touch calms the heart rate and allows children to feel secure. They can tend to be clingier and in need of affection at such an unsettling time. Even our teenagers need our extra attention and care now.
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Another way to help them is Communication. Take the time to ask them how you can help them feel better. My granddaughter is unique and resourceful, as all children are, and she has no problem sharing what might help her feel better. Even if there is no easy answer, they will hear that you have noticed them during this crisis, and this will help them feel more secure. Be aware that children and young people will be hearing news broadcasts and adult conversations. They know when we are worried, and they will be hearing stories of death every day, which is deeply unsettling. If they have direct questions about the pandemic, it is best to answer honestly, but also positively. Keep a routine and implement structure as best you can. Be understanding to yourself and your children and give yourselves time to adjust. If your schedule does not go as planned, that is okay. Try again tomorrow. Children and teen’s lives are usually on a schedule. School times, physical activity, healthy eating habits, home time, mealtimes, and sleep schedule are particularly important. Keep a schedule of daily activities, including reading and math sessions, and learn from those who have been doing this already as part of the homeschooling community. You can contact your local school to find out the names of homeschool moms who do this type of teaching regularly to see if they have time for some free advice. Even writing out the hours on the calendar and filling them up with details builds security. A few ideas for your calendar are: ● YouTube story time. I looked up Little Red Hen and found a video where they read the story to you and highlight each word. (I sure wish I had this when I was young!) ● Cooking activities and games ● Creating a chalk path to follow for yourself and others in the neighborhood is fun. ● Going for walks every day is especially important because you get to explore, talk and bond. ● Bike rides. ● Painting pots for flower planting in the future. ● Mod podging from kid magazines gluing magnets on the back for refrigerator décor. ● My granddaughter and I did Hydro-Painting with a pair of cheap white tennis shoes! She liked picking out her colors and creating. We had a blast! And she wears her new creation with pride! ● Mailing a letter or card to family is thoughtful and getting one back is fun! Teenagers/young adults—can we feel for them, or what? Face it—we remember when socializing with friends was more important than oxygen. So, take a deep breath and let us dive into some creative ideas along with the earlier ideas. Teenagers live in a world where school and exams are valued very highly. The decision to cancel A-level and GCSE exams may, therefore, create a lot of anxiety. Make sure you talk to CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
them about it and encourage them to continue learning. If your school has created online materials, make use of them. Ask for help. The answer is always “no” unless we ask. It is best to talk with teenagers as the near adults they are, emphasizing the positives that the experts are looking for answers. Encourage FaceTime and Group chats, and maybe the “house party” app with friends so that they can process what is happening around them. Also, a good time to give a quick conversation of protection about strangers, making sure they share their feelings with people who love them, not just anyone. Be aware of the horror stories circulating on social media and try to diffuse these as best you can because they are not helping anyone’s mental health. Let us assure them that this time in history will pass. Giving them some helpful facts about the diseases before COVID-19 that have come and gone, and most of us are still here, happily living our lives and enjoying the world we live in. Minimize TV. Here is a quick visual reminder to keep close-at-hand as an overview when around children.
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Water electric sewer trash telephone gas Get more tips and resources at childrens.com/covid19 Image courtesy of Children’s Health
Above all, remember that simply loving your children, caring for them, lifting them up with positive encouragement and being in the same room is enough. You are enough for them and for each other. Sharing gratitude for each other and with each other is a fun and meaningful exercise to have with our children. Talk about how thankful you are for them. Thankful for their love, their hugs, their eyes, their nose, their ears, their hearts. If they have a cell phone, send them sweet memes, jokes and virtual hugs. They may roll their eyes (depending their age), but we know deep down inside, it feels good to them. Heck, it feels good to my mom and she is 77 years old. We are touched by each other’s feelings, so make sure to share them and make each other smile today. Make each other’s hearts smile. Michelle Caldwell is a Sales Associate at Professional Services Construction, Inc., a full-service construction company based in Santa Margarita, serving clients throughout California. She can be reached at michelle@prosvcs.net.
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UTILITY AUDIT EXPERTS
$2,000,000.00 LADWP REFUNDS A utility audit can also reduce your annual utility budget by approximately 20% and it costs nothing upfront.
PacificUtilityAudit.com 800-576-1010 July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 11
Summertime & ( With a few COVID-19 restrictions) By Diane Rossiter, MBA, CMCA®, AMS®
S
ummer and Southern California are normally, synonymous. Things have changed, but we still have so many opportunities this summer for fun, education, recreation, fitness, and yes, social interactions. Focusing on our fortunate environment and health officials’ advice about the benefits of being outside rather than in enclosed spaces, here is just a tiny sample of SoCal summer activities. Before we start, in case you have not seen it posted, broadcast, or shared before, all the locations and activities listed require face masks, social distancing, hand cleaning (thank you business partners for all the free mini-hand sanitizers), and staying home if you do not feel well. Also, some locations are open, but their bathrooms are not, and parking may be reduced. Keep those minor caveats in mind and check ahead, to keep your adventures trouble-free. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Beaches, mountains, lakes, gardens, orchards, parks, forests, rivers, animal preserves, and even islands. We have it all, and besides enjoying the views, clean, healthy air, and precious time in nature, there is so much to do. Hiking You cannot improve on the classics, and almost all local trails are open. There are tracks for everyone, every age, and every fitness level. Did you know you can see actual Coastal Redwoods without going to Northern California? Try the 2.5-mile hike through the Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Grove, in Brea. The entire Orange County park is open, including restrooms and parking lots, but not amenities like playgrounds. A little closer is the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach, an animal and plant sanctuary with two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved trail around two lakes, a stream, and mini-forests. There is a $5.00-7.00 cash vehicle entry fee, depending on day, closed July 4.
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There are actually hundreds of hiking trails, from a half-mile to 700 miles long, in SoCal. And, there is no law about having to hike. You can walk, or stroll, or meander, or run. It is up to you. To tread among the flowers, Descanso Gardens, in La Cañada Flintridge, is open (with membership or timed entry) and at press, The Huntington, in Pasadena, is planning their re-opening of most of the gardens, excluding the library and art galleries. For something on a smaller scale, the UCLA Botanical Garden is open and free to the public. Biking So Cal has continued to improve its network of paved bike paths and lanes, and more trails are being opened to mountain biking. Most people know the bicycle path along the beach from Pacific Palisades to Torrance (officially, The Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail), with 22 miles of ocean breezes and no hills. For a completely different vibe, try the Pacific Electric Trail, over 18 miles long from the cool college town of Claremont all the way through Fontana, created from the old Red Line track. Two long sections of the Los Angeles River bicycle path have been completed, the 7.4-mile Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, paralleling Griffith Park, and the Los Angeles River Bikeway, between Vernon and Long Beach—29 miles, ending at the water. The Ballona Creek Path starts in Culver City, at National Boulevard and 7 miles later connects to the beach path in Playa del Rey. There are several other long, paved bike paths along river channels and many shorter trips, like the Whittier Greenway Trail (five miles with native landscaping and wind vane sculptures). Mountain biking is allowed on many, but not all Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountain trails. Look online before heading out, and you can also find steepness and difficulty levels for most of them.
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the Fun is Easy Too hot? Adore hiking through trees and orchards, picking your own fruit and making your own cider? Oak Glen is a small, antique community high in the western foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, about seven miles off the I-10. It is a scenic trip that includes Oak Glen Preserve, a nearly thousand-acre preserve with trails for all capabilities, a lake, and Los Rios Rancho, an historic apple ranch. The small town is filled with fruit farms, interesting shops, bakeries (apple or berry pie?), wineries, cideries, and history. It is a cool respite from late-summer heat waves.
RESOURCES: https://www.oakglen.net/ https:// w ww.hikespeak.com/trails/carbon-canyonredwood-grove/ http:// w ww.longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/ parks-centers-pier/el-dorado-nature-center/ https://www.descansogardens.org/ https://www.huntington.org/ CINC-Pub-quarter.pdf 1 4/29/20 1:17 PM https://www.botgard.ucla.edu/
There are several u-pick berry and apple farms in Oak Glen, including Los Rios Rancho, Riley’s Farm, and Snowline Orchard, and they all plan to be open on weekends and some weekdays. Los Rios’ berry season runs June 20-October, F-Sa. Apple season is September 5-November. They also have Movies on the Green Saturday evenings in July and August. The games and classic old movies are free, with the BBQ and bakery open for those who want to buy a meal or snack. Riley’s Farm also has berry picking from June-August and apples beginning in late-August. This Independence Day weekend, the Farm presents their annual Colonial Faire. It is interactive, educational, and totally fun when an 18th century New England village comes to life, and a mock Revolutionary War battle is just one exciting part of it. Book ahead—it is a requirement. Snow Line Orchard is open Thursdays-Sundays, 10-4, and like most orchards in Oak Glen, grows a number of berries, heirloom apples, and other fruit not available at typical grocery stores. If picking isn’t your thing, all have shops offering everything fruit-related you can think of and a variety of fun activities and events planned.
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Now that we have you thinking, what are you doing this summer?
Robin L. Storey
Diane Rossiter, MBA, CMCA®, AMS®, is the General Manager of Bell Canyon Association. She can be reached at gm@bellcanyon.com.
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Managing Director
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July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 13
SUMMER IS HERE: Is Your HOA Community Prepared? ❱❱❱ By Jocelle Maliwanag
A
s the weather shifts, so does the need for home maintenance. For homeowners association communities, the weather transition will need appropriate preparations. There are certain responsibilities your HOA community must make to be sure that homeowners are summer-ready. It is important to review your governing documents to determine the specific responsibilities, which can include proper maintenance of your HVAC system, pool, as well as examining windows and doors for cracks and making sure all your sprinklers and irrigation systems are working in order to maintain the landscape during extremely hot days. In addition, there is additional maintenance that isn’t so obvious. We have gathered three vendors who are willing to share their summer maintenance programs. Julia Gomes with Accurate Termite and Pest Control, Ian Spiszman, President of Aeroscopic Environmental, Inc. and Allison Lewis with Pilot Painting & Construction, Inc. have provided their summer maintenance preparation tips in order to make sure your HOA community is ready for summer.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE FOR PEST CONTROL Julia Gomes, Regional Sales and Marketing Representative Accurate Termite and Pest Control julia@accuratetermitecontrol.com Typically, during summer months with higher temperatures, most communities will see higher Ant and American Roach (more commonly known as “water bugs”) activity. If your HOA is currently on monthly service with a vendor, we would suggest increasing that service to twice per month for the HOT July, August, and September months. If your HOA is not currently on monthly service, this would be a great time to look at pricing, at least for the 3-month summer period.
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You will want to beware of companies that are marketing and/ or selling green or natural products. These companies are making the mistake of marketing these products because they are derived from plants, whereas they are actually synthesized into pesticides. Ideally, ask for the product labels to learn the real chemical composition and any potential risk!
SUMMER MAINTENANCE FOR TERMITE CONTROL The end of summer is Drywood Termite swarming season. These are the termites that you see flying around, sometimes even inside your unit (eeek!!). This may be a great indication that the termite infestation in this area is high. Summer is a prime time to start negotiating your annual termite policies (which cover inspections AND local treatment) with your HOA termite vendors, and locking in pricing before you enter their busy season. Subterranean termite swarming season is at the end of winter/ early Spring. Most HOA contracts will include both Drywood and Subterranean termite inspection and treatment! This is a great way to show apples-to-apples comparisons. Termite control should be on an annual basis so that when residents are reporting infestation, you are handling it under contract warranty, rather than on an “as needed” basis. It is estimated that reactive termite treatments are up to 80% more than proactive. Please remember, Pest Control (ants, spiders, roaches, bees, etc.) and Termite Control are handled separately, as they require two different licenses from the State of CA, different products, different treatment methods, and in most cases, different technicians.
SUMMER MAINTENANCE ADDRESSING WATER INTRUSION ISSUES Ian Spiszman, President, CIEC, CEC, CAC, ASCS, CLR, CBCP Aeroscopic Environmental, Inc. ian@aeroscopic.com Water damage can happen any time of year. Besides the leaky water heater, broken pipe and the like, summertime itself poses some unique issues. The most common, sometimes hidden issue is the leak caused by a fouled A/C condensate drain pan or its plugged drain line. These leaks can cause mold growth in the worst possible place, right in the middle of the A/C unit or in its air return plenum. It is worth getting these checked as well as changingCAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
out those airflow-choking dirty air filters. When those hot humid days of summer hit you will appreciate being proactive. Another summertime issue is water intrusion and moisture migration caused by irrigation systems. Broken and misaligned sprinklers hitting exterior surfaces and windows can cause indoor damage and mold growth. Sprinklers should be checked, repaired, and adjusted before the hot weather arrives and watering days are added and times extended. Selecting a good water damage restoration contractor is only a challenge when you do it out of necessity. It is always best to research qualified vendors before the need arises. Check their contractor’s license* and look-up their Yelp reviews. CAI is always a good referral source for restoration contractors as well. Be prepared and avoid the potential for an unreputable firm taking advantage of you in your time of need. *https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/ checklicense.aspx
SUMMER MAINTENANCE SHOULD INCLUDE A PROPERTY INSPECTION Allison Lewis, Director of Marketing Pilot Painting & Construction, Inc. allison@pilotpainting.com
and to schedule any necessary maintenance. A few areas to review during an annual property walk would include the cleanliness of the buildings, roofs, gutters, walkways and windows. Much like washing a vehicle, scheduling pressure washing is a low-cost way to clean and even extend the life of a paint job in between paint cycles. Visually inspect all wood, including decks, for signs of dry rot, water intrusion and other damage. By proactively addressing wood repairs during an annual maintenance schedule, you can drastically reduce wood replacement costs over the long run. Take a look at all the metal for signs of rust corrosion and damage to determine the best course of action. It might be time to add a coat of protective primer and paint, or to schedule some welding repairs to replace sections of damaged metal. This is also a great time to inspect sprinklers to ensure water is not prematurely destroying metal, wood, or even masonry surfaces. By incorporating an annual inspection to identify and schedule yearly maintenance, you will maintain aesthetics, safety and keep all substrates protected while extending longevity. Interviews were organized by Jocelle Maliwanag of American Heritage Landscape who is a member of the Focus Magazine Committee. She can be reached at jmaliwanag@americanheritagelandscape.com.
As the weather heats up, it is a great time of year to conduct an annual property inspection
WALNUT CREEK COSTA MESA SANDIEGO 714.429.0600 WWW.BERDINGWEIL .COM
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July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 15
Use This Time Wisely to Further Your Career By Joan Urbaniak, Chapter Executive Director, MBA, CMCA® CAI National has made a major pivot this year due to the COVID-19 pandemics by offering all national Professional Manager Development courses, except the case study, online for the first time. We in the local chapters have been waiting for years for this progressive move because now our managers have the flexibility to take these courses anywhere, anytime and at their own pace. Training community managers is barely keeping pace with the rate of building new common interest developments and the retirement of our seasoned managers. And our HOA boards are becoming more sophisticated and more demanding. They are increasingly made up of younger working directors who do not have the time or will to selfmanage; they expect to get what they pay for—excellent customer service, reliable advice, competency and leadership. CAI-GLAC has established a very good track record of encouraging our manager members to get their CMCA® certification and then progress up the ladder to the pinnacle designation: Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®). We are proud to have the most PCAMs of any chapter in California. Boards and management company bosses are recognizing the positive results that a good industry education brings to their clients and also to a company’s work environment. Although our managers seeking the CMCA® certification have suffered a slight setback in the last four months due to test center closures, the good news is that test centers are open again to allow you to sit for the CMCA® exam. Due to physical distancing requirements, it may take longer to make an appointment at one of the three centers in Los Angeles County because of the limited capacity and competition with other industries testing at the same locations. CAI-GLAC will offer a CMCA® Review Session on Friday, August 7, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. You must be a CAI member, have an application approved and a test center appointment scheduled to attend this FREE session. Here are the steps you can take between now and then to be prepared. You have a one-year window to take the exam after submitting the application. 1. Take the M-100 online course ASAP and pass this prerequisite in order to be eligible to sit for the CMCA® exam. If you have at least 5 years of community manager
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(not assistant manager) experience or the CCAM® designation, the M-100 is waived. Proceed to Step #2. 2. Go to www.camicb.org and complete the CMCA® application by July 15. 3. Receive approval from CAMICB and a list of test centers. 4. Contact a test center and schedule your appointment as soon after August 7 as possible so test-taking tips and the review information will still be fresh in your mind. 5. Sign up for our ZOOM virtual CMCA® Review at www.cai-glac.org. Make sure you arrange to be in front of a desktop or laptop with a strong Internet signal. NEXT STEP Become an Association Management Specialist (AMS®) Requirements: ● Pass the CMCA® exam. ● Complete two years of verified experience in financial, administrative and facilities management of at least one association. ● Successfully pass two 200-level courses in CAI’s Professional Management Development Program. ● Comply with the CAI Professional Manager Code of Ethics. REACH FOR THE STARS: ATTAIN THE PCAM® DESIGNATION CAI is holding a PCAM® Case Study in Palm Springs on December 3-4. Get ready now! Submit your application by July 31. Start filling it out now to ensure you have time to meet the requirements. This application needs to be approved before CAI will allow you to take the Case Study. The Case Study will sell out early due to limited space. Requirements: ● Pass the CMCA® exam. ● Pass all six 200-level courses. ● Have 5 years or more of direct community management experience. ● Successfully complete a challenging case study analysis of a community association. Please go to www.caionlne.org to register for 200-level courses today. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Riddles
1. THE BOOK - A woman walked up to a man behind a counter and handed him a book. He looked at it and said, “That will be four dollars.” She paid the man and then walked out without the book. He saw her leave without it but did not call her back. How come?
6. MENTAL ROTATION COGNITIVE SKILLS: For each number in the matrix below, decide whether it is a normal or reversed number, as in this example:
Answer: She was returning an overdue library book
Answers:
2. NO WEST – Let us agree that at the North Pole, it is impossible to look north. And at the South Pole, it is impossible to look south. Then, where in the world would you be if you could look north and south, but could not look east or west?
Row 1: normal, reversed, reversed Row 2: normal, normal, reversed Row 3: normal, reversed, reversed
Answer: At the exact center of the earth is it impossible to look east or west. But, you are able to look north and south.
Brain Exercises
1. Say the months of the year in alphabetical order. Easy? Well, why don’t you try doing so backwards, in reverse alphabetical order. 2. Name two objects for every letter in your first name. Work up to five objects, trying to use different items each time. 3. Look around you, wherever you are, and, within two minutes, try to find 5 red things that will fit in your pockets, and 5 blue objects that are too big to fit. 4. T HE BEZOLD EFFECT: Are the squares inside the blue and yellow squares all the same color? Answer: The smaller squares inside the blue and yellow squares are all the same color. They seem different (magenta and orange) because a color is perceived differently depending on its relation to adjacent colors (here blue or yellow depending on the outer square). 5. THE EBBINGHAUS ILLUSION: Are the two orange circles of the same size? Answer: The two orange circles are the same size, even though the one on the left seems smaller. This size distortion may be caused by the size of the surrounding circles or by their distance to the center circle. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
The Business Partner Essentials is an online course designed to help CAI-member product and service providers better understand CAI, community associations and the industry at large. Individuals who pass the course and maintain CAI membership earn the CAI Educated Business Partner member distinction. By taking this course, you will distinguish yourself as an Educated Business Partner and can share your accomplishment with your current and potential clients and demonstrate insight regarding community association living while working with boards and managers. COURSE MATERIALS Online course with exam. Printable materials and completion certificate. COURSE LENGTH Approximately three hours, with additional reading materials available. TUITION CAI Business Partner members: $99 | Nonmembers: $199 REGISTER To learn more visit: https://www.caionline.org/LearningCenter/ Education-for-Business-Partners/Pages/default.aspx
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 17
Tiny Beetles Threaten Our Local Trees:
Is Your Community Ready? ▶▶▶By Randall Oliver, Guest Author
E
VEN AS THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES strives to expand its urban forest, a tiny beetle threatens as many as one-third of existing urban trees, not just in the city but throughout the county and beyond. That includes many of the trees that line the streets and slopes in many HOA communities. Native to Southeast Asia, invasive shot hole borers first appeared in California in 2003 at Whittier Narrows. At the time, it was thought to be a more benign beetle that it resembles, so reaction was muted. Seven years later, invasive shot hole borers were thought to be responsible for wiping out an entire street of box elders in Long Beach and not long after, the pest was found attacking a backyard avocado tree in South Gate. When fallen wood was moved to various sites after a huge windstorm in December 2011, it is believed the pest spread along with the wood, eventually infesting trees at the Rose Bowl, the Huntington Botanical Gardens and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. It is now considered to be well established in Los Angeles and adjacent counties. Unlike many insect pests, these beetles do not just attack one type of tree or plant. Invasive shot hole borers affect a wide variety of tree species, including many common ornamentals, avocados and California natives. They are equally happy to attack trees in urban and suburban neighborhoods
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Photo by G. Arakelian
as well as parks and wildlands. Some of the most preferred and affected tree species include box elder, sycamores, cottonwoods, willows and valley oak. (You can find the complete list of host species at www.ishb.org.) Although no bigger than a sesame seed, invasive shot hole borers pose a huge risk to the trees in our communities. They tunnel into trees, creating galleries where they introduce and “farm” a fungus to feed their larva. Over time, as the fungus spreads within the tree’s inner layers, it disrupts movement of water in the tree. Deprived of water and nutrients, the tree suffers from branch dieback and breakage. When many of these trees eventually die, they are not only unsightly, but also pose a safety risk for residents and their homes due to falling limbs and potential fuel loading for fires. Since most homeowners and associations are not aware of the problem, beetle infestations can cause extensive damage before they are identified. The beetles’ small size and cryptic lifestyle make them hard to spot and harder to control. Invasive shot hole borers spend most of their lives inside their galleries, which makes it difficult to kill them with pesticide sprays. And when female beetles do emerge to find new host trees, they aren’t attracted by pheromones, so the trap and kill technique isn’t an effective control method. The best way to battle these bugs is to stop them before they spread to new
trees. That requires awareness both of the pest and symptoms of infestation, as well as a willingness by associations and their residents to inspect and monitor their trees regularly. While it is unlikely to find a beetle on a tree’s bark, there are a number of signs and symptoms to confirm their presence. Shot hole borers leave small, round entry-holes— about the size of the tip of a medium ball-point pen. In addition, trees under attack can exhibit a variety of other signs of infestation that are explained and pictured at www.ishb.org. While just a few years ago there were no effective treatments for invasive shot hole borers, the science surrounding these pests and understanding of best management practices is advancing rapidly. Heavily- infested trees may not be able to be saved and should be removed on a timely basis. For low to moderately-infested trees, removal of actively-infested branches and treatments with a combination of insecticide and fungicide have proven effective control measures (hence the importance of pinpointing infestations as early as possible). Treatment options include systemic pesticides that can be applied as a tree injection or as a soil drench and pesticide bark sprays (ideally timed in early spring and fall, when adult beetles are emerging). These beetles can survive in down wood for up to several months, so movement of green waste and firewood can spread these dangerous pests
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to other locations. Hence, correct disposal of infested plant material is of vital importance. Ideally, infested branches and wood from removed trees should be chipped and composted or solarized to ensure the beetles within them are killed.
California Edison and L.A. County Parks & Recreation. He also notes that HOAs could self-report suspected trees to his office, and that the office has both an entomologist and plant pathologist on board to answer homeowner questions.
A certified arborist should be familiar with best practices with respect to both maintaining trees and disposing of infested wood and green waste. HOA managers should consult with their contracted landscapers/gardeners to ensure that they understand and follow such practices.
HOAs and their managers can help further by using their existing homeowner communications to educate their residents about the threat posed by invasive shot hole borers and the fungus they carry. With coordinated action now, our communities can save their trees and avoid significant costs in the future.
The Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner’s office recently received funding for both trapping the pest and tree removal but cannot address this issue on its own. Deputy Director Max Regis says its trapping will be focused in the northern part of the county, and its tree removal efforts will be managed in partnership with Caltrans, Southern
Randall Oliver is the ISHB Communications Coordinator for University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Statewide Integrated Pest Management. He can be reached at rdoliver@ ucdavis.edu.
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HOA • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
wwwwww.. pprreecciisio s i o nnppaaiin n tt iin n gg . c o m m
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 19
Budgeting for “The New Normal”
By Sue DeLucia, CFO, AMS®
W
hat a year it has been, and now to top it off, we are approaching budget season! And we thought SB323 would be the big problem to play out for 2020. This year has seen a lot of changes and also some new budgeting trends:
● Many HOAs with second or third quarter fiscal year-ends
have decided to limit or forego assessment increases this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties about whether or not homeowners could pay their current HOA fees, much less pay increased HOA fees. If the HOAs have budgeted prudently over the years, they may have enough of an operating fund cushion to cover not increasing HOA fees in the new year. However, unless the overall operating expenses of the association have actually decreased, the board needs to be made aware that this undercharge will reduce the operating fund over the course of the year. The cash reduction may need to be made up, and the future increase(s) may need to be significantly greater due to a pull-back this year. This means that if, for instance, the HOA fees should have increased $15 in Year 1 and they were not, then in Year 2 they may need to make up that $15 for Year 1 plus add another $15 for the Year 2 baseline plus whatever is now needed for Year 2 increases. This can come as most unwelcome sticker shock. Usually it is better to go with the hard decision for this year instead of an even harder decision the next year. ● Interest rates on money markets and new CDs have decreased significantly as of March 2020. This could affect reserve fund growth. ● On the positive side, state and federal taxes could also decrease due to the decrease in interest income. ● If your HOA has a loan, you may want to contact the lender to see if it can be re-negotiated at a lower interest rate but with the same or a lesser term.
20 www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
● Many earthquake insurance premiums for the second half of
the year are increasing dramatically. The board may want to consider adjusting the policy deductible and/or limits. ● With COVID-19 health requirements, many HOAs have experienced additional legal, personnel, supply, cleaning, and other unbudgeted expenses. ● Elections can be significantly more costly under the SB323 requirements. HOAs have needed to draft revised election rules, and many HOAs that used to rely on their management companies to provide the Inspectors of Election are now using outside services that may prove to be more costly. ● Closely monitor delinquency trends. For some HOAs, delinquencies will not be an issue and for others it will be significant. If significant, budget for bad debt plus increased collection costs (for instance, if owners file bankruptcy). ● The SB326 mandated balcony, raised exterior walkway and stair inspections are looming on the horizon. Talk with your reserve provider to see if it will be equipped to handle the inspections and ask them to start reserve planning now for a contingency for anticipated inspection and reconstruction costs. ● If your association falls under a city earthquake soft story retrofit ordinance and it has not yet addressed the issue, the clock is ticking and this could be a major expense. Check with your attorney and your city’s Department of Building and Safety. ● If your association received an SBA PPP loan, closely monitor expenses with your C.P.A. and payroll company to comply with the ever-changing loan forgiveness requirements. If the earthquake insurance, COVID-19-related costs, election costs and delinquencies have been significant and caused budget overruns in 2020, you may need to pass a mid-year special assessment this year to pay for them—or add a line in the next year’s budget to recoup costs on top of adjustments for the anticipated 2021 costs. It is always better to get the special assessment approved in the current year so that, if necessary, you still have the ability to also special assess next year. Many HOAs, in particular older high rises and condo conversions, have kept their HOA fees unrealistically low at the expense of prudent reserve planning and properly maintaining the property. Deferred maintenance and lack of reserves always come back to bite the HOA sooner or later. At some point, there will most likely need to be large HOA fee increases and/or special assessments to make up for the past low HOA fees. The problem with keeping the HOA fees and reserve funding artificially low is that in fairness, the current and past owners should pay for the operating costs and the amount of depreciation of the common areas while they own. By keeping the HOA fees unrealistically low, this added burden is unfairly placed on future owners while the current and prior owners received a discount on what they should have paid. I have always been an advocate of basing HOA fees upon realistically budgeting for anticipated operating expenses plus the reserve transfer recommendation plus anticipated bad debt (plus increasing the operating fund if needed). After more years than I would like to admit CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
to in this industry, I have modified that slightly. In my opinion, if the reserves are under 65% or so funded, my new recommendation is that the budget also include a supplemental reserve transfer line to bump up reserve funding. I have seen too many HOAs where, after many years and due to evolving needs, the reserve balance is still low despite following reserve study recommendations. Also, if the operating fund balance is less than one month’s HOA fees (see “operating fund balance” on the balance sheet portion of last year’s annual audit or review) or if your HOA has missed some reserve transfers due to cash flow issues, you need a budget line item to increase your operating fund, maybe over a two or three year period if necessary. Cash flow issues usually happen because the HOA fees have not been high enough in the past to support both the actual operating costs and the recommended reserve transfers. Lesson learned: one of our HOAs consistently resisted our advice and only had minimal or no HOA fee increases over a fifteen-year span. For the last two years, they have required 20% increases and 5% special assessments and will probably need to do that again next year and maybe the year after just to get and stay above water. But, had they increased their HOA fees 2-3% every year during that fifteen-year time frame, come rain or shine, they would now have no cash flow issues and be essentially 100% funded in reserves.
or any fat to cut. In most cases, the HOA fees should go up every year. Most reserve studies allocate increased funding every year in order to keep up with anticipated future costs and to make up for prior underfunding. On the operating side, some years insurance goes up, some years utilities go up, every year the building components get older. Maintenance and repair costs often increase, tree trimming may increase due to larger trees, and yes, staff and vendors who serve the community are entitled to at least a cost of living increase. Unfortunately, associations are not running a charity and the board has a fiduciary duty to pass a viable budget that accurately addresses the needs of the association to the best of its ability. In my opinion, to tell a manager to keep the HOA fees at $x amount and “make the budget fit” does not rise to that fiduciary duty to the HOA. Usually, it leads to budget over-runs and resulting reductions in operating cash as the budget was inherently flawed. It is a tough decision, especially this year, but it is much easier on the homeowners to raise the fees a little each year than to raise them a large amount in the future—just like retirement funding. It is the responsible way to budget.
I often hear boards comment that they do not want to increase the HOA fees for a variety (Dimensions 7.5wof xreasons: 4.75h)owners are on fixed incomes, owners lost their jobs, it is political suicide. Generally, the costs to run associations are pretty bare-bones and there is not much
AIPM
Sue DeLucia, AMS®, is Chief Financial Officer and co-founder of Horizon Management Company AAMC. Horizon Management Company has specialized in the full-service and fiscal management of HOAs since 1982. Sue is actively involved in the drafting of budgets for Horizon’s clients and can be reached at sue@horizonmgmt.com.
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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
3/10/20 4:07 PM
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 21
summer is just around the corner. Are you ready? By Elaine Gower
T
hese are trying times for us all with the current COVID-19 pandemic, and with many of us self-isolating, working from home, and taking care of family, feeling safe and comfortable in our house matters now more than ever. So, as summer approaches and the days get longer, we spend more time outdoors. Now is the time to get your patio and backyard ready for the summer. Not only do you want to make sure that everything on the patio and in the backyard is taken care of, you also will want some ideas for great refreshing drinks and simple appetizers. But, before we get to the food and drinks, let’s start with sprucing up your patio and backyard for the summer season with these easy and fast fixes.
● Give your BBQ a deep clean ● Turn your ceiling fan counterclockwise ● Wash patio windows ● Wipe down lights ● Clean off patio furniture Now that the above is done and out of the way, let’s get back to the drink and food pairing. My go-to drink for a hot summer evening is the “Southside”. It is made from Empress 1908 Gin. It is microdistilled in small batch copper-pot stills, Empress 1908 is handcrafted using eight carefully selected botanicals and a gorgeous color, giving the drink not only a refreshing taste but also a very pretty appealing look. This drink can also be made as a mocktail which can be done in a few different ways I will list next.
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Southside ~ Gin Cocktail Recipes ~ Empress 1908 Gin SOUTHSIDE | 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin, 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz Simple syrup, Mint leaves METHOD: Muddle, shake on ice, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a mint leaf and a premium cherry. Southside Mocktail Recipe SOUTHSIDE | 2 oz of Grape Juice, Gatorade or any purple soft drink you like, 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz Simple syrup, Mint leaves METHOD: Muddle, shake on ice, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a mint leaf and a premium cherry. Now to pair some refreshing appetizers with the Southside. There are many varieties of meats and cheeses along with fruits you can add to a board to make it look great. Below are two easyto-make and COVID19 ingredientfriendly appetizers. Cheese and charcutier board. This board looks impressive but is actually very easy to assemble once you let your creativity run free. It is so pretty that you will get “oohs and aahs,” yet boards are “self-serve” so you can enjoy and keep your social distancing at the same time. Any of the ingredients maybe substituted with what is readily available. ● Your choice of 2 to 3 types of cheese. (Pick your favorites, but at least one hard, one soft. Sliced cheeses add a nice look, too. Plan to have 1 to 1-1/2 ounces per person.)
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
● An assortment of meats, such as thinly-sliced salami and prosciutto or ham. (Plan to have 1 to 1-1/2 ounces per person.) Lay each meat out in a different manner by folding or rolling it. ● A variety of crackers in various shapes and sizes. You can add flatbread and breadsticks—again what you have at home is fine. ● Add vegetables and fruits, such as radishes, grapes and cherry tomatoes, for a dash of color. ● Include a few small, pretty bowls on the platter. (One can be filled with assorted nuts and another with olives.) ● Assorted dried fruits to add here and there. ● Herbs or arugula to fill the spaces and to add a garden-fresh look. Watermelon + feta is a favorite combination of all time — especially during summer time. Skewer them with some crunchy cucumber and
drizzle balsamic glaze on top— and you’ve got an easy, impressive appetizer everyone will love. 1 medium watermelon, cut into 1” cubes 1 bunch basil leaves 1/2 medium red onion, diced large 12 oz. block of feta, cut into 1” cubes 1 hothouse cucumber, cut into half moons Balsamic glaze, for drizzling Directions: ● Assemble skewers by layering watermelon, basil, red onion, feta, and cucumber. Place skewers onto a serving platter. ● Drizzle all over with balsamic glaze. There are many other tasty bites you can pair with the Southside, like meatballs, hummus, seafood cocktails, veggie trays and lots more, so close your eyes and let your imagination run wild. Enjoy the summer with friends and family stress free.
Elaine Gower is the Director of Business Development and Client Relations at The Naumann Law Firm, PC, a law firm that concentrates its efforts on construction defect litigation throughout Southern California. Elaine is a CAI Educated Business Partner and can be reached at elaine@naumannlegal.com.
smacdonald@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/smacdonald License #:0573169
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 23
NEWS
FROM SACRAMENTO
State Government During COVID-19 The Legislature has been working hard to catch up from its extended Spring Recess. June was focused on the budget and a new House of Origin deadline. The budget is much different than what the Governor released in January. At that point, the State had record low unemployment and a surplus of nearly $7 billion. The Governor’s May Revise released May 14 projects an unemployment rate to exceed 20 percent and a deficit of more than $50 billion over the next few years. As expected, dealing with this COVID-19 recession is now a top priority of the Legislature and Governor. The Constitutional deadline for the Legislature to pass a budget was June 15. Legislation also continued to move during the month of June. AB 3182 (Ting) is a top priority for CAI-CLAC. This bill would prohibit any restrictions on rentals included in the governing documents of a homeowners association. The
CAI-CLAC Housing Task Force has worked extremely hard to find amendments that will make this bill workable for our members, including language to provide clear authority on the prohibition of short-term rental where desired. While the bill passed the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee on a party line vote, it only did so after the author agreed to address the issues we brought before the committee. While business in the Capitol is up and running, it’s nowhere near normal. The Capitol building is mostly closed to public. Testifying in hearings is mostly done via telephone, and meetings with legislators are mostly done via Zoom or some other online meeting technology. While this creates new hurdles for lobbyists accustomed to walking the halls, it creates new opportunities for constituents to meet with their elected officials. Louie Brown is our Legislative Advocate for CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee and may be reached at lbrown@kscsacramento.com.
What is CLAC? THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE (CLAC) IS A VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS INSTITUTE (CAI) CONSISTING OF HOMEOWNERS AND PROFESSIONALS SERVING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS. CAI IS THE LARGEST ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA DEDICATED TO MONITORING LEGISLATION, EDUCATING ELECTED STATE LAWMAKERS, AND PROTECTING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE LIVING IN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS IN CALIFORNIA.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Is a non-profit, non-partisan committee composed of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters. R epresents over 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 52,000 associations throughout California. Comprises association homeowners, board members and the professional business partners that service them. Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions. Depends solely on the donations of the community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve HOA members.
RELY ON THE EXPERTS TO BUDGET RESPONSIBLY WITH A RESERVE STUDY Avoid Surprise Expenses, Make Informed Decisions, Save Money, Protect Property Values
For more information, samples or a free bid contact us at: www.reservestudy.com cserrano@reservestudy.com (818) 222-0248
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.
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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
OUR THANKS TO CAI-CLAC 2020 CONTRIBUTORS January 1 – May 31 100 Marina Shores HOA 101 S. Manhattan Place HOA 11767 Sunset Boulevard Association 118 Wadsworth Ave HOA 1242 Berkeley Street HOA 15206 Burbank Blvd. HOA 1835 7th Street HOA 2050 Artesia HOA 2138 Stewart Street HOA 253370-72-1/2 Malibu Road HOA 3049-Design Villas HOA 446 San Vicente HOA 4820 Bellflower HOA 720 Shoreham Drive HOA 909 El Centro, Inc. Aliso Village HOA Armour Lane Condominium Avis HOA Avocado Glen HOA Berkeley Townhouse HOA, Inc. Beverly-Westwood Condominiums, Inc. Border and Lincoln Villas HOA Bougainvillea Townhomes Cabrillo Landing HOA California Ave HOA Casa de Suenos CA Casa Loma Association, Inc. Casita De La HOA
GOAL: $25,248
58% of goal as of 05/31/20 $14,539
Catalina Plaza HOA Channel View Terraces HOA Common Interest Services Culver Centrale HOA Culver City Gardens HOA El Segundo Peppertree HOA Gorham Park HOA Harbor Ridge HOA Hermosa Surf Condos, Inc. Hermosa Townhomes HOA Hilllcrest Meadows HOA, Inc. Irena Vista OA Kelton Arms COA Kester Villas HOA Lake at Walnut C.A. La Palma Estates HOA Lawford HOA Longfellow Village OA Los Cerros HOA Mimi Cortes Oak Hill Condominium HOA Oak Street HOA Ocean West COA Pacific Bougainvillea, Inc. Pacific Colony HOA Pacific Garden Terrace HOA Pacific View Condominiums HOA Park Crest HOA
Polynesian OA Primera Terra HOA Roxbury Place COA SAX Insurance Agency Seascape-Redondo HOA, Inc. Seasons West HOA Silver Spur Court HOA SiSi Villas HOA South Bay Estates HOA Textile Building OA The Granvillas HOA Inc. The Vista Pacifica HOA Villa Capri Townhomes HOA Villa Cordoba HOA Villa Del Sol Villas HOA Villa Fountaine Bleu HOA Villa Medici HOA Villa Redano HOA Villa Serena HOA Village Green Owners Association Virgil Courts HOA Vista Catalina HOA Vita Bella HOA Vogue Condominium Association, Inc. Westside Townhouses HOA Wilshire Regent Association, Inc. Wilshire Selby Towers East CA
§\nee 1957
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�(t ���� itQd General
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Painting and General Contractor Since 1957
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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 25
WELCOME
NEW CAI-GLAC MEMBERS! AS OF JUNE 20, 2020
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Axis Construction Consulting
RECRUITER CAI National
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Acacia Gardens HOA CAI National Villages at Heritage Springs HOA Patricia Rocia COMMUNITY MANAGERS Anthony Corcoran Katy Howe, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® The Ocean Terrace HOA Anna Harris Howard Harris Property Management Inc. – Antelope Valley Freda Leung Pete Ong, CMCA, AMS®, PCAM® Partners Community Management, Inc. Amanda Mintz CAI National Charity Okonkwo Matt Davidson, CCAM-HR®, CMCA® Action Property Management Carrie Ann Rettberg Joanne Peña, CMCA, AMS®, PCAM® Horizon Management Company AAMC Fabian Robles Jocelyn James, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Angie Rodriguez CAI National
17315 Studebaker Rd., Suite 213 Cerritos, California 90703 800.485.8056 n Fax 800.485.8057 www.ReserveStudiesInc.com
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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
Rafaela Serna Jim Zimmerman
Andrew Marble, CMCA®, AMS® National Property Management Group, Inc. Katy Howe, CMCA, AMS®, PCAM® Associa-PCM AAMC
COMMUNITY MANAGERS Nancy Braden-Parker James Crayton Jacqueline Higgins
CAI National Diane Lortie-Dudasik, CCAM-PM® Diane Lortie-Dudasik, CCAM-PM®
Lic. #872494 8138 Foothill Blvd., Suite 100 Sunland, CA 91040 www.FerrisPainting.com
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
OUR THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBERS! AS OF MAY 31, 2020
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Antis Roofing & Waterproofing AssociationStudies.com Beaumont Tashjian BRS Roofing, Inc. CINC Systems Cline Agency Insurance Brokers CM Squared Inc., Architectural Design & Project Diversified Asphalt Products, Inc. Edison Fire Protection Co. Fenceworks, Inc. Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper Green Valley Tree Care HARBRO, Inc. Insurance Services of the West Interstate Restoration, LLC Kevin Davis Insurance Services, Inc. Khatri International Inc. Law Offices of Jeanne McDonald McCaffery Reserve Consulting McKowski’s Maintenance Systems, Inc. Newman CPAs Nu Air Services, Inc. Oakridge Landscape, Inc. Owens, Moskowitz and Associates, Inc. Pacific Western Bank Patio Guys Poindexter and Company, CPAs Porter & Lasiewicz, CPAs PRECISION PAINTING Reserve Studies Inc. Servpro of Santa Clarita Valley SKY Painting Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Sun Country Playgrounds, Inc. The Judge Law Firm Tri-Tech Restoration & Construction Company, Inc. COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Bedford Parc HOA Bordeaux HOA Cabrillo Villas Owners Assn. Fusion at South Bay COA Lyn Oaks HOA Mira Verde HOA New Horizons South Bay Association Sherwood Townhomes Association, Inc. Solera at Kern Canyon Trade Winds 53433 HOA Villa Vallarta HOA Village Court Del Amo HOA Village Palos Verdes HOA COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Action Property Management Bartlein & Company, Inc. Bayview Property Management Beven & Brock CT Prop Management, Inc.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
FirstService Residential AAMC HOA Made Easy Management Co. HOA Management of Santa Clarita Lordon Management Management Professionals, Inc. AAMC Optimum Professional Property Management, Inc. Pacific Real Estate & Management, Inc. Westcom Property Services, Inc. COMMUNITY MANAGERS Larry Andrick HOA Organizers, Inc. Brian Barr, CMCA® Action Property Management Shawn Bieber, CMCA® The Broadway Hollywood Michael Black, CMCA® Mary Carpenter Park Wellington OA Barbara Carter, CCAM® Sierra Towers HOA Ashley Coleman Associa-PM AAMC Marcia Coppola, CMCA®, AMS® HOA Organizers, Inc. Brenda Coracero, CMCA® Gilda Curry, CMCA® Scott Management Company Richard Egan, AMS®, PCAM® Heather Eisfelder, CMCA® Scott Management Company Kelle Ellerbroek, CMCA® Roman Esparza, CMCA® Beven & Brock Marla Fernandez Vero COA Antoinette Ferraro Beverlywood HOA Jennifer Flores PMP Management AAMC Curtis Galloway, CMCA® Trilliant Inc. Janet Garcia Palos Verdes Bay Club Jon Greenberg ONIT Property Management, Inc. Greysen Guercio PMP Management AAMC Elvin Hidalgo, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Century Park Place Condominium Assn. Jocelyn James, RPA, FMA, CMCA® The Diplomat Condo Association Bill Johnson Trade Winds 53433 HOA Erin Jones, CCAM® Empire West HOA Josef Kanapi, CMCA® Trilliant Property Management, Inc.
Gregg Landis Bel Air Glen HOA Francis Langlois LUMA HOA Marnie Levy, CMCA® Horizon Management Company AAMC Mike Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Concept Seven Erica Llanos, CMCA® Portuguese Bend Club Julie Nicholson Rockpointe HOA Pete Ong, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Partners Community Management, Inc. Christopher Pettis, CCAM-HR® Wilshire House Shawn Pinkney Two Eleven Spalding Condominium Association Alyson Pourat HOA Organizers, Inc. Cristian Radu FirstService Residential AAMC Christina Ravelo HarborPlace Tower HOA Kelly Reinoso, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Donna Rickman, CMCA® FirstService Residential AAMC Jose Rivas, CCAM® Hollywod Versailles Tower HOA Alex Roman, AMS® Roman & Associates Robert Sides, CCAM®, PCAM® Regatta Seaside HOA Cheryle Stites Bali Management Group Lori Tamboline Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Sherwin Watson, CMCA® Carlton Square HOA Nate Wright, CMCA® Horizon Management Company AAMC Jill Van Zeebroeck, PCAM® Malibu Management Services, LLC Richard Vickers Connie Vohden, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Community Association Specialists, Inc. Krystal Yager, CCAM®, CMCA® Baldwin Real Estate Management Reina Zuckerman, CMCA®, AMS® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Lisa Alexander Marilyn Balduff John Debord Phyllis Kramer Cheryl Perkins
July/August 2020 | www.cai-glac.org 27
ADVERTISERS INDEX 7 Action Property Management IFC ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Dimensions & Rates:
Artwork must not exceed the exact dimensions of that size ad. For more information, call the Chapter office: 818-500-8636.
21 Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc.
Ad Size
Ad Dimensions
Members
Non-Members
24 Association Reserves–CA/Los Angeles
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
15 Berding & Weil, LLP 9 CIT–Community Association Banking Division 13 CINC Capital, LLC 26 Ferris Painting, Inc. 28 GNG Vinyl Fencing, Inc. 23 11
Payment: Rates are subject to change without notice. By credit card, check or cash. Minimum three-insertion contract. Rates subject to change without notice. Macdonald Insurance Agency witkinad new size_Layout 1 1/28/13 5:04 PMAdvertising Page 1 Sales: Please contact the Chapter office for advertising specifications and deadline information at: 818-500-8636. Pacific Utility Audit
28 Poindexter & Company 11 Popular Association Banking 19 PRECISION PAINTING 25 R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. 26 Reserve Studies Inc. 9 Select Painting & Construction, Inc. 28 Witkin & Neal, Inc.
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Certified Public Accountant A Professional who understands Community Associations Member of CAI, American Institute of CPA's and California Society of CPA's Post Office Box 4488 Ventura, California 93007 Phone: 805 659-3600 Fax: 805 659-1136 Email: mark@poindexterandco.com Web: www.poindexterandco.com
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www.cai-glac.org | July/August 2020
888-845-8808 www.witkinandneal.com CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Help us con�nue to grow the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and fund great contest prizes to reward new members and their recruiters.
Diamond Sponsor Level $650 This top sponsorship shows your
support of chapter growth and development. Sponsoring all three membership opportuni�es includes shoutout recogni�on with logo on Membership slide of rolling PowerPoint during luncheon announcements. Also includes company name on Focus Magazine promo, and photo op with contest winners at prize presenta�on; photo appears in Focus Magazine.
CAI 200‐Member Recruiter Contest $200
Includes company name on website home page, on Focus Magazine promo, and photo op with contest winners at prize presenta�on; photo appears in Focus Magazine. Sponsors: Beaumont Tashjian Fenton Grant Mayeld Kaneda & LiƩ, LLP Miller Law Firm MSE Landscape Professionals, Inc.
Pete Fowler ConstrucƟon Services, Inc. SAX Insurance Agency Tinnelly Law Group Union Bank HOA Services
One‐Year Manager Membership Sponsor $150
Sponsor a luncheon membership raffle to award a one-year CAI membership to a manager. Includes company name on event yer, website and recogni�on at event. Company representa�ve draws the winning �cket and presents applica�on and company business card to winner. Winner to complete and submit applica�on at event. Available at all luncheons. Sponsors: Berding & Weil LLP McKenzie Rhody, LLP ONIT Property Management ProTec Building Services SAX Insurance Agency
One‐Year HOA BOARD Membership Sponsor $300
Sponsor a luncheon membership raffle to award a one-year CAI membership to a community associa�on board of directors. Includes company name on event yer, website and recogni�on at event. Company representa�ve draws the winning �cket and presents applica�on and company business card to winner. Winner to complete
Company______________________Contact ___________________________ Phone_________________________E-mail ___________________________ Contest________________________
CAI-GLAC 130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203
Change Service Requested
Order Your 2020 Condominium Bluebook Today! Price: $26.00 per copy, tax and shipping included. Order copies online at: www.cai-glac.org.
Have you just been elected to your board of directors or are contemplating running for a board seat? You can now access our Community Leadership Series online by subject. Learn the basics that you need to govern your community association more effectively and efficiently — anywhere at your own pace and time. From the time you register online, you will have two weeks to view the class. If you are unable to finish it in one sitting, you can log back in anytime within the two-week period through your account in the Members Only area. Classes are available to CAI-GLAC members and non-members. $25 for chapter members • $35 for non-members
Modules Online Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities Steven A. Roseman, Esq., Roseman Law, APC Rules and Regulations: Adoption & Enforcement Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL, Richardson|Ober PC Reserve Studies Les Weinberg, RS, MBA, Reserve Studies Inc. Insurance Issues for Common Interest Developments Kimberly Lilley, CMCA®, CIRMS™ , Berg Insurance Agency
Learn more and register now at www.cai-glac.org.