March/April 2019
L.A.’s Premier Source of Information for Community Associations
Building Botox® Facelifting Your Community SAVE THE DATE:
Cinco Da Ball Golf Tournament May 6, 2019
Turning Back the Clock Curb Appeal Do's & Don'ts of a Perfect Lobby Remodel
Community Associations Institute Presents
Spring
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION MARKETPLACE
INTO
AC TION Thursday, April 4, 2019
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance – South Bay
21333 Hawthorne Blvd. • Torrance, CA 90503 FEATURING
• Meet & Greet HOA Industry Experts on Hand • Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres • Raffle Prizes Again This Year!
Complimentary Dinner, with Education Presentation following Meet & Greet for HOA Boards & Managers. (Must arrive by 6:15 p.m. to avoid dinner reservation cancellation.)
SCHEDULE
5:30 p.m. Meet & Greet Industry Service Providers 7:00 p.m. Dinner with Educational Presentation Speakers: • Sandra L. Gottlieb, Esq. CCAL, SwedelsonGottlieb • Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Horizon Management Company, AAMC
Admission and Self Parking is complimentary for HOA Board Members and Managers. Arrive by 6:00 p.m. for a chance to win $100 cash. Reservations – HOA Board Members & Managers: Complimentary* *HOA Member Guests will pay a discounted price of $20 per person for dinner. Please RSVP before March 29 — Dinner Capacity Limited • Online: www.cai-glac.org • E-mail: joan@cai-glac.org • Phone: 818-500-8636
Event Sponsor
Show Bags
2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS®, President HOA Organizers, Inc., 818-778-3331 Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, President Elect FirstService Residential, 310-574-7426 Teresa Agnew, Vice President Roseman Law, APC, 818-380-6700 Isaac Camacho, Secretary Accurate Termite & Pest Control, 310-837-6483 Brian Fleming, Treasurer Wilshire Regent HOA 310-474-5563 DIRECTORS Adrian Adams, Esq., ADAMS|STIRLING PLC, 310-945-0280 Greg Borzilleri, PCW Contracting Services, 949-285-7802 Gary Burns, Mulholland Heights HOA, 818-326-2000 Peggy Daughtry, Hermosa Surf Condominium, Inc., 310-798-9848 Matt Davidson, CCAM®, Action Property Management, 800-400-2284 Lisa Tashjian, Esq., CCAL, Beaumont Tashjian, 866-788-9998
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joan Urbaniak, MBA, CMCA®
NEWSWORTHY 6 Turning Back the Clock: A Guide To Helping Your Property Look Years Younger 8 Do’s and Don’ts of a Successful Lobby Remodel 10 Curb Appeal–Responsibility and Liability for Failure to Maintain and Inspect the Common Area 14 Getting Your Board On Board 16 The Grass is Always Greener with an HOA 21 Rules & Regulations: The Gospel of Good Curbside Ethics 22 Is a Loan the Answer? 26 Diving Into Color 28 Tips on Creating a Personal Brand For Your Community 30 News From Sacramento
2019 COMMITTEE CHAIRS
CHAPTER UPDATE
BUSINESS PARTNER Gina Roldan, ProTec Building Services Ray Moody, City National Bank
2 Note from the Editor’s Desk 3 Message from the President
CEO SUMMIT Shanne Ho, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, ProActive Professional Management Alexandria Pollock, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, BuildingLink.com, LLC COMMUNITY OUTREACH Miranda Legaspi, MBA, Platinum Security, Inc. Angelique Madrigal, Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC EDUCATION Martha Perkins, CMCA®, Action Property Management Teressa Whitsitt, CMCA®, Ross Morgan & Company AAMC FINANCE Michael Lewis, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Concept Seven, LLC AAMC GOLF TOURNAMENT Ryan Dudasik, Whitestone Painters Julia Gomes, Accurate Termite & Pest Control HOA MARKETPLACE David San Filippo, Critter Busters, Inc. Michael Valenzuela, Vista Paint Corporation LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT Matthew Plaxton, Esq., Tinnelly Law Group MARKETING & DESIGN Isaac Camacho, Accurate Termite & Pest Control Angel Fuerte, FRESHCO Painters, Inc. MEDIATION SERVICES Steven A. Roseman, Esq., Roseman Law, APC MEMBERSHIP Kim Province, The Miller Law Firm PROGRAMS/LUNCHEONS Keila Miramontez, CMCA®, AMS®, PMP Management AAMC Mike Perlof, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP PUBLICATIONS Focus Magazine Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, FirstService Residential AAMC Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Horizon Management Company AAMC Membership Directory Stephen S. Grane, Alante Insurance Programs SATELLITE PROGRAMS Ann Borowski-Bitter, CMCA®, Common Interest Services, Inc. James Beard, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Valencia Management Group AAMC® SOCIAL Donald Campbell, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Briarcliffe Towne Homes Assn., Inc. Michael Valenzuela, Vista Paint Corporation SOCIAL MEDIA Teresa Agnew, Roseman Law, APC Mike Perlof, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP WINE NIGHT Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC Jolen Zeroski, CMCA®, Union Bank HOA Services
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
NOTEWORTHY 18 Roll Out The Red Carpet Awards of Excellence Luncheon 24 PCAM® Luncheon Highlights 32 Committee Corner: Membership Committee
FYI
34 4 36 36
Membership News 2019 Upcoming Events Advertisers Index Advertising Information
Our thanks to the Focus Magazine Committee: Co-chairs: S ascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, FirstService Residential, AAMC Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Horizon Management Company AAMC Ramona Acosta, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Tinnelly Law Group Patricia Brum, Esq., Snell & Wilmer LLP Jamilla Davis, Dunn-Edwards Paints Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC Karen Kokowicz, CCAM®, CMCA®, PCAM®, Coro Community Management & Consulting Lesley Millender-Irwin, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, Excelsior at the Americana at Brand HOA Gina Roldan, ProTec Building Services Jennifer Schuster, Servpro of Burbank, Chatsworth/Stevenson Ranch, Crescenta Valley/East Glendale 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 © 2019. 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
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 1
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
IN NEED OF A FACELIFT? I AM PLEASED TO BE CO-CHAIRING THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE THIS YEAR WITH SASCHA MACIAS, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO BRING YOU SIX ISSUES OF FOCUS MAGAZINE, FILLED WITH EDUCATIONAL ARTICLES, INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS AND PHOTOS OF OUR MEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN PAST PROGRAMS AND EVENTS. The Articles of Incorporation for common interest developments state the legal name of the association and the purpose for which the association was established. The purpose is typically to manage, maintain, preserve and provide architectural control for the real property within the community, all for the purpose of maintaining property values for the members. The articles in this issue FOCUS on the importance of maintaining the real property and protecting property values, approaching that subject from just about every angle. How do we turn back the clock and make our communities look young again when our buildings and landscaping are not only aging but looking old and tired? How do we give our communities a facelift when Mother Nature has been unkind or maintenance has been deferred? And, how do we finance that facelift if reserve funds are inadequate? If a facelift is out of the question financially, or unnecessary because the buildings have been well-maintained over the years, a community can often look young again with a fresh coat of
paint using contemporary color schemes. Even in younger communities, maintaining curb appeal can be a challenge if the board of directors does not enforce architectural standards. Boards frequently struggle with the issue of strict enforcement versus allowing residents some freedom to personalize their patios and entryways, especially when everyone has a different idea as to how to do so. And, then there is the fact that residents often dispose of unwanted furniture and appliances by simply kicking them to the curb just as a neighbor is listing their unit for sale! Nothing detracts from curb appeal quite like a discarded refrigerator at the entrance to the community. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter members really enjoy getting together at our regional educational luncheons and marketplaces, promoting our industry through outreach programs, socializing at various events, and celebrating our accomplishments. In this issue, we are celebrating the recipients of our 2018 Industry Awards of Excellence, and we are looking forward to our upcoming Golf Tournament on May 6th. If you are interested in joining the Publications Committee or want to submit an article for an upcoming issue of Focus Magazine, please do not hesitate to contact me and/or Sascha Macias. We would both welcome your feedback and/ or suggestions. Sincerely, Joanne Peña, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Horizon Management Company AAMC
MATT D. OBER, ESQ. INDUCTED AS NATIONAL CCAL PRESIDENT
Matt Ober with Julie Howard, 2018 CCAL President
The College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL) is proud to announce Matt D. Ober, Esq., as president of the 2019 CCAL Board of Governors. Ober, a principal of Richardson|Ober PC, brings nearly 35 years of experience in the areas of common interest development, residential real estate and contracts law, litigation, and defect claims recovery. Ober presides over the firm’s highly-regarded
community association law practice, providing full-service representation to common-interest developments throughout California. Mr. Ober is a recognized leader, noted author, featured speaker and faculty member on all aspects of the community association industry. He has earned the MartindaleHubbell “AV” peer review rating signifying the highest level of skill, integrity, and ethics.
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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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
CURB APPEAL ALL AROUND US, WE SEEM TO NOT ESCAPE HEARING ABOUT RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS, GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION AND BIPARTISAN DIVISION, SAFETY AND WELL-BEING CONCERNS, INEQUALITY, AND SO MUCH MORE ABOUT SEPARATION AND DISCORD. WITH ALL OF THESE ISSUES SURROUNDING US IN TODAY’S WORLD, IT HAS BEEN INVALUABLE TO HAVE CAI-GLAC BECOME AN OUTLET AND MAJOR SOURCE OF EMPOWERMENT, KNOWLEDGE, INCLUSIVITY, HARMONY, GROWTH AND OF DEEP BONDS. THIS CHAPTER, AND OUR INDUSTRY, IS NOT ONLY A PLACE FOR SUPPORT FOR US AS INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO FOR THE SUPPORT THAT WE EXTEND EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY WORKDAY TO THE CLIENTS WE TOUCH. Curb appeal references the first outward impression of a community that one experiences. Despite all of the good that we do, we continue to combat the negative perceptions surrounding our industry. This year, more than ever, we are setting out to increase our chapter AND our industry curb appeal. As a chapter, we remain committed to our members in ALL ways, but we are also dedicated to our profession. This continues to be a space where our member engagements are valued and needed, and where we advocate for our members day-in and day-out, both directly and indirectly.
Established in 1993 by CAI, CCAL provides a forum for lawyers specializing in the area of community association law to exchange information. Its goals include promoting high standards of professional and ethical responsibility, improving and advancing community association law and practice, and facilitating the development of educational materials and programming pertaining to legal issues.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
We are proud to have so many of our members engaged and excited about our chapter’s movement to change the narrative, starting with our 365 Community Connections Campaign. If you have not yet encountered this campaign, please do take a look at any of our social media platforms to find one story after another, recounting positive experiences people have had with this industry. Please share your own story with us as well! As technology use is on the rise and in demand, our chapter is days away from launching the Chapter’s mobile App. This will undoubtedly make it easier for our members to receive the most current information and engage with us in the most convenient way. As we continue to think about how to become a household name while elevating our events, we are in the middle of producing our first-ever food festival, our Town Grubdown. This event will bridge gaps between city officials, the general population, AND our members, bringing all of us together in unison to have some good old fun while learning from each other in the process. And as I mentioned the struggles we watch in the world today, our chapter continues to give back to our local communities through our award-winning Community Outreach Committee. It’s amazing to see how many of our members have incredibly big hearts and engage with the fundraising and volunteer efforts. We are so proud to have such great talent, ideas, but also genuinely GOOD people comprise our membership. It is with these ingredients that we can set goals at new heights and actually achieve them. We are on the path of building exciting enhancements and developing new methods for our chapter and industry, truly boosting our curb appeal to be the most magnificent “house” in the neighborhood. We welcome you in to our home, now and always. With a heart filled with gratitude and determination, Your 2019 CAI-GLAC President, Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS®
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 3
2019 CAI-GLAC Super Sponsors
UPCOMING EVENTS
■ PLATINUM
Events subject to change, see website for possible updates.
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Accurate Termite & Pest Control ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING American Heritage Landscape Berding & Weil, LLP CertaPro Painters of Pasadena Critter Busters, Inc. Fenton, Grant, Mayfield, Kaneda & Litt, LLP Ferris Painting, Inc. GNG Vinyl Fencing, Inc. Guard-Systems, Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating, Inc. Pacific Western Bank Payne Pest Management PRECISION PAINTING ProTec Building Services Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Select Painting & Construction, Inc. SKY Painting Whitestone Painters
M-380 PMDP Course — Litigation Training for Managers Sheraton Gateway, Los Angeles
• 2 0 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
• 2 2
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale
• 2 7
Valencia Educational Breakfast for HOA Boards and Managers – 8:30 a.m. Hyatt Regency Valencia, Valencia
• 2 9
California Common Interest Development 8-Hour Law Course – 8:00 a.m. Location TBD
APRIL
• 0 2
San Gabriel Valley Educational Program for HOA Boards – 5:30 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
• 0 4 South Bay HOA Marketplace – 5:30 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
• 0 9
CA Day at the Capitol – 8:30 a.m. Hyatt Regency, Sacramento
• 1 2
CMCA Review – 8:30 a.m. Rockpointe HOA, 22350 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, CA 91311
• 1 3
Essentials of Community Leadership Workshop – 8:15 a.m. Sky Community Association, 801 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017
• 1 8
Skirball Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90049
• 1 9
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale
• 2 5
CEO Summit – 8:00 a.m. Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes
MAY
• 0 6
Annual Golf Tournament – 8:00 a.m. Porter Valley CC, 19216 Singing Hills Dr., Northridge, CA 91326
• 1 5-17 CAI National Conference Orlando, FL
• 2 2
Downtown Luncheon Program for HOA Boards and Managers – 11:30 a.m. Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90071
• 2 4
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale
JUNE
• 0 4
San Gabriel Valley Educational Program for HOA Boards – 5:30 p.m. Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
• 0 6
San Fernando Valley Homeowners Association Marketplace – 5:30 p.m. Woodland Hills Hilton, 6360 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
• 1 1
Managers Only Breakfast Workshop – 8:00 a.m. Blair House, 10490 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
• 2 1
M-203 PMDP Course – Community Leadership Sheraton Gateway, Los Angeles
• 2 6 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
• 2 8
Chapter Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m. Chapter Office, Glendale
www.cai-glac.org | March/April 2019
■ GOLD Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc. Association Reserves Beaumont Tashjian BEHR PAINT COMPANY Diversified Asphalt Products Dunn-Edwards Paints Kasdan LippSmith Weber Turner LLP McKenzie Rhody, LLP Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts The Naumann Law Firm, PC The Sherwin-Williams Paint Company Tinnelly Law Group Vista Paint Corporation ■ SILVER
ADAMS|STIRLING PLC ADCO Roofing & Waterproofing Alliance Association Bank Allstate Landscape Services, Inc. DBA Southwest Greens EmpireWorks Reconstruction & Painting Enhanced Landscape Management Fenceworks, Inc. Flock Safety General Pavement Management Kings III Emergency Communications LandCare Miller Law Firm, The Nu Air Services, Inc. Oakridge Landscape Professional Services Construction, Inc. Riley Pasek Canty, LLC S.B.S. Lien Services SAX Insurance Agency Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Silicon Beach Insurance Services Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Union Bank HOA Services
■ BRONZE
PHOTO BY FRANCISCO GONZALEZ ON UNSPLASH
MARCH • 7 -8
Archon Protection, Inc. ASR Property Restoration Fiore, Racobs & Powers APLC Fireplace Solutions The Chimney Sweeper FRESHCO Painters, Inc. iMail Tracking, LLC Macdonald Insurance Agency Mariposa Landscapes Inc. Poindexter and Company, CPAs Reserve Studies Incorporated Three Phase Electric Valley Alarm W.C. Service Company, Inc. WICR, Inc. Waterproofing & Decking Wolf, Rifkin, Shapiro, Schulman & Rabkin, LLP We thank our 2019 sponsors who have made a substantial contribution to ensure our continued success this year.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
REPRESENTING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS IN
ALL AREAS OF REAL ESTATE LAW
• Drafting and enforcement of Bylaws and CC&Rs • General litigation, including mediation and arbitration of disputes with owners • Construction defect litigation • Insurance bad faith litigation • Collection of delinquent assessments • Providing general business advice to homeowners associations.
11400 West Olympic Boulevard Ninth Floor • Los Angeles, CA 90064 (PH.) 310.478.4100 • (FAX) 310.478.6363 www.wrslawyers.com
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 5
about how our buildings and grounds look before our property values start to decline.” The next question frequently is, “What can the association do to enhance and update our appearance without breaking the bank?” We all look a little worse for the wear than we did 15 or 20 years ago. So, what will it be—a little “building Botox®”—or an entire facelift? The decisions are not always easy when they are our homes and our wallets, but the following suggestions may help. Some may seem overly simple, but they should not be discounted just because they are simple. Other suggestions will seem obvious to some, but they may be difficult politically to accomplish.
TURNING BACK THE CLOCK: A GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR PROPERTY LOOK YEARS YOUNGER lll By Dennis Brooks Is it time for a little Botox® or would it be better to have a facelift? The answer to that question depends on whose face, and whose wallet you’re talking about. If it is someone else’s face and your wallet, Botox® will be just fine. But what if it’s your face and your wallet? Now the decision gets harder! (It is also where this analogy ends, as my face is what it is and no amount of Botox® or a facelift is going to help). The discussion around the table at the HOA board meeting probably goes something like this: “Fifteen or twenty years ago, our HOA was the pride of the neighborhood. We were a fairly new association, our buildings were up-to-date, the landscaping looked great, but now look at us! This place is not looking so good anymore! The paint is faded and chipping, and the colors are dated. The landscaping is overgrown, and some of the bushes are dying. Our association really needs to do something
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Work to make sure that the reserve funds are sufficient and are being properly funded to cover the cost of exterior maintenance so it can be completed when it should be. If the board needs to pass an assessment and/ or get a loan when it comes time to do regular exterior maintenance work like painting, deck coating, roofing etc., then there could be a tendency to push the project off and delay it for another year or another board to deal with. Deferred maintenance always costs more in the long run. If the reserves are there, the board can fund the needed maintenance and repairs and the work will be accomplished on time. Make sure maintenance items, such as repainting the buildings, trim or wrought iron and recoating the decks, are performed in accordance with the regular maintenance schedule. The cost to repaint buildings that have been properly painted and maintained in accordance with a maintenance schedule will be much less expensive. There will be less damage to the underlying surfaces, and it will, therefore, be easier to repaint than buildings where the surfaces are badly worn and may need a great deal of repair or even replacement before they can be painted. Adhering to required manufacturers’ maintenance schedules will also protect warranties for certain products, such as the deck coating.
Don’t ignore serious issues and think that a good coat of paint will solve all problems. When it is time to paint, if the above suggestions have been followed, there should not be many serious issues. However, if the buildings have been neglected and not painted on a regular schedule, there may be other more serious issues that will need to be addressed prior to painting. These issues may include water intrusion, dry rot and/ or termite-damaged materials. A coat of paint won’t repair dry rot and, contrary to popular belief, caulking will not solve all water intrusion issues. Caulking may resolve a condition temporarily but is seldom the correct solution for a permanent fix. Should other building and grounds elements or upgrades be considered as part of the maintenance/repair project? If the goal is to enhance the appearance of the property and maintain it in good condition, maybe it is time to take a serious look at all exterior conditions that impact the property's appearance. Prior to painting or re-landscaping would be a good time to consider the following renovations: ●● LANDSCAPING: Landscaping may need to be trimmed back off the buildings so that the painters can access the building to complete the painting process. This may be a good time to consider replacing some plantings that have aged out, look woody or sparse and are no longer attractive. It is also a time to change sprinkler heads from spray heads to drip heads so that the new paint won’t have irrigation overspray and will last longer. ●● GARAGE DOORS: Are they the old, heavy wood tilt-up doors that consume an inordinate amount of time and money to maintain and are also a safety risk to the owners? If they are going to be replaced in the near future with sectional doors, maybe that should be coordinated prior to repainting the complex so that door colors, new door jambs and trim can be considered. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
●● LIGHT FIXTURES: New LED fixtures can enhance the beauty of the complex and lower the monthly electrical bill. Changing out fixtures can easily be done in conjunction with a painting project. ●● ASPHALT: When was the last time the asphalt had any maintenance? As with paint on the buildings, a good slurry coat on the asphalt will not only enhance the look of the property but also prolong the life of the existing asphalt, saving the association funds in the long run. ●● WINDOWS/DOORS: Depending on the age and architecture of the property, it might be a good time to replace doors and/or windows. If the existing windows are singlepane, new dual-pane windows will not only be more attractive but will be much more energy efficient. Depending on the HOA’s CC&Rs, this item may take some political effort to accomplish if the windows are considered the individual
homeowners’ responsibility. However, having a uniform look to all windows at the property can make a big difference in the value of the homes. ●● ROOFING: If the building architecture includes sloped roofs, what is the condition of the roofing? Many times where wood replacement and painting is the original scope of work, damaged fascia board at the roofline means that there may be other roofing problems that needed to be addressed. Replacing wood fascia can also damage the existing roof and/or void warranties or cause roof leaks, so proper care and coordination of these interfacing elements is very important. If the roof has outlived its useful life, then certainly it is time to consider replacing it. There are many attractive roofing options today that will enhance the look of a building.
Time takes its toll on everything. Most of us look a little different than we did 15 or 20 years ago; however, if we maintain our bodies with regular checkups, proper diet and exercise, we may be able to avoid major health issues down the road. Our buildings are quite similar in that with routine and proper maintenance they will last longer and serve us well. There will come a time when they need a little “building Botox®” or a major facelift; however, with proper planning and good decision-making, coupled with quality workmanship, the “new look” will result in something that all homeowners can be proud of, and property values will be enhanced. Dennis Brooks is a founder and President of Design Build Associates, a construction management firm serving the HOA industry with offices in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He can be reached at dennisbrooks@dbuild.com.
HOA - Commercial - Residential
precisionpainting.com CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
805.551.3799
Fully Insured & Liscensed | Lic. #927428
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 7
Do’s and Don’ts of a Successful Lobby Remodel ■■■By Lauren Donovan, CMCA®, AMS
L
OBBY REMODELS are important to a community for a multitude of reasons. The lobby is the focal point or “city center” of most communities. The majority of member and business activity of a community occurs in the lobby. When prospective owners tour the community, the lobby creates that important first impression and announces who and what the community is all about. The appearance of the lobby also suggests indirectly how well (or not) the community is maintained. Simply put, the appearance of the lobby determines how the community is perceived.
As a community ages, the demographic mix of owners changes, as well as the needs of the community. A lobby remodel is a project that the board of directors can consider to ensure that the community’s identity and appearance is in step with surrounding communities. Two important attributes of a successful lobby remodel are “critical path planning” and “intentionality.”
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CRITICAL PATH PLANNING is the process to schedule and sequence tasks that must be done to complete a project in a specific time frame. Critical path planning when performing a lobby remodel ensures that each step in the remodel process is defined and the time to complete specific tasks is correctly estimated and allotted. Moreover, critical path planning can help you identify early on if there are missed task areas in the lobby remodel project. INTENTIONALITY, or being aware of the true purpose and intent of your lobby remodel project, is also important to the success of your project. Meeting with your board of directors or Design Committee and discussing with them what they really want to accomplish with the lobby remodel project (i.e., upgrade the space, increase the use of the lobby by owners, just generally freshening up the area) will help you as a manager plan effectively for project success. As a general manager who has successfully completed a lobby remodel, I can personally attest that managers and boards need to take specific steps: ■ CREATION OF A DESIGN AD-HOC COMMITTEE: My board of directors formed a Design Ad-Hoc Committee for achieving the singular goal of remodeling the lobby. A charter, drafted by the board, was created for the Design Ad-Hoc Committee. It provided direction and tasks they needed to accomplish to move the
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
project forward successfully. The Design Ad-Hoc Committee was responsible for hiring an interior designer and obtaining a minimum of three possible design renderings for board review and approval. ■ TOWN HALL MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS: Communicating with and gaining the support of the community is a step that cannot be underrated or skipped—in my opinion! We held three Town Hall meetings at my community, to discuss the lobby remodel, share several versions of the proposed design plans and to also receive feedback from the membership. The members were able to meet the interior designer, who discussed all aspects of the lobby remodel with them in detail. Members were also given the opportunity to submit written comments regarding the lobby remodel at the meetings. The board’s and Design Ad-Hoc Committee’s
review of the comment cards found that one of the interior designer’s proposed plans was universally disliked by the members. Armed with this information, the Design Ad-Hoc Committee and designer eliminated the design and combined the other two designs to come up with the design plan eventually approved by the board. ■ USING A PROJECT MANAGER: Retaining a project manager for our project ensured that the scope of work would be adhered to by the multiple construction trades working on our project. With the project manager on board, I was able to focus on assisting the Design Ad-Hoc Committee in accomplishing their goals. ■ SCOPE OF WORK REVIEW MEETINGS: Weekly meetings with all business partners involved in the remodel throughout the duration of the project
was critically important. Since there were several different business partners involved in our project, it was very valuable for me to meet with them on a regular basis to discuss the scope of work and ensure that it was being followed as approved. Even though the lobby remodel project at my community was successful, there were pitfalls and challenges along the way. Unplanned and unexpected change orders had the effect of adding to our budget. Delays caused by contractors working on other projects which competed with our project were challenging. And of course, managing “scope creep” caused by additions to the scope of work by well-meaning members of the Design Ad-Hoc Committee was necessary. I am proud to say that I survived and recovered from all the above-mentioned project pitfalls! How? I stayed in constant communication with my board of directors, who were vested from the start in the lobby remodel being successful. Constant review of the approved scope of work and a high level of organization and budget management helped me keep focused, no matter how stressful and impossible the project seemed at times. At the end of the project, these pitfalls and my management of them resulted in a very beautiful lobby remodel that is the pride of the Membership! If you are considering remodeling your community’s lobby, please know that it will impact the community for many years to come. Utilizing critical path planning, understanding the true purpose of your remodel project, partnering with your board and involving your members at the start will ensure success! Lauren Donovan, AMS®, CMCA®, is an onsite general manager with Seabreeze Management Company, Inc. in Orange County. She can be reached at lauren.donovan@ seabreezemgmt.com.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
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Curb Appeal Responsibility and Liability for Failure to Maintain and Inspect the Common Area >>> Ritchie Lipson, Esq.
What is Curb Appeal? Wikipedia defines Curb Appeal as the attractiveness of the exterior of a residential or commercial property, as viewed from the street. The term was extensively used during the housing boom in the United States and continues to be used as an indicator of the initial appeal of a property to prospective buyers. It is remarkably different what one tends to notice in a big city residential skyscraper vs. a suburban townhome. In addition, the internet “drive by” is also a type of “curb appeal,” as more buyers use on-line residential services to form opinions about properties. Since one of the most important roles of the board of directors in a homeowners association is to enhance the value of the community, paying attention to curb appeal is an extension of the recurring maintenance duties of the board. Curb appeal not only speaks to the pride an association takes in its property, but to how the property is maintained (or not).
What Role does Deferred Maintenance Play? One of the biggest negative impacts to curb appeal is deferred maintenance. Deferred maintenance is the natural consequence of the board’s and owners’ failure to accept and budget for the expense of proper and on-going regular maintenance. The typical argument in favor of deferred maintenance is the desire to keep assessments artificially low, and the justification is that, after paying for all the recurring basics, there are simply not enough monthly funds remaining to sufficiently reserve and budget for future maintenance— and an increase of assessments would be a burden on the owners. When the signs of deferred maintenance appear, the board defends its actions, or lack thereof, by pointing to the indisputable fact that there is not enough money to pay for needed repairs, and the cycle continues.
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There can be significant risks in taking the deferred maintenance path. Just look at the life-safety issues surrounding the balcony collapse in Berkeley that prompted the introduction of SB721, the balcony inspection bill. Although the law in its final form does not apply to common interest developments, what will happen when the next balcony collapses and causes injury at an HOA? How will the board defend not having addressed the lack of maintenance or regular thorough inspection of the common element causing damage? It is not a matter of if major components need to be repaired or replaced over time, but rather when. There are only three truths that all HOAs must accept regarding required maintenance. First, the project will not go away. Second, the longer the HOA waits to undertake the project, the more expensive it will be to complete. Third, the needed funds will have to come from the owners, unless of course, construction defects are causing the issues. The funds should then come from the responsible parties.
What are the Responsibilities and Potential Liabilities for Failure to Maintain and Inspect the Common Area? The responsibility of the board in making (or not making) decisions related to maintenance, repair and inspection of association common areas is set forth in the association’s governing documents such as the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs), Bylaws, etc. Responsibility is also mandated by the Davis-Stirling Act, and even the California Corporations Code. California courts have applied and interpreted these responsibilities in various ways, with significant impact on a board member’s role under current California law. Historically, courts, through application of the Business Judgment Rule, have provided a layer of protection and deference to the decisions of boards. (See Frances T. v Village CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Green Owners Assn. (1986) 42 Cal.3d 490 and Lamden v. La Jolla Shores Clubdominium Homeowners Assn. (1999) 21 Cal.4th 249.) It should be noted, however, last year, the Court of Appeals ruled that a board member’s discretion is not absolute. In Palm Springs Villas II Homeowners Assn. v. Parth (2016) 248 Cal.App.4th 268, a vendor, the board, and the board president all sued each other over the board president’s actions. ●● The HOA Bylaws stated that any loan secured by association assets or property could only be undertaken by a majority vote of the members. The CC&Rs stated that such an encumbrance had to be approved by a 2/3 vote of the membership. Additionally, the Bylaws stated that no contract could be entered into by the association for a vendor to furnish goods or services for a term longer than one year without a majority vote of the membership. ●● The board hired a roofing consultant to vet bids for roofing repairs, and the board submitted a vote for a special assessment to pay the costs, which was voted down. The board president then hired a roofer on her own, but did nothing to ensure that the roofer was properly licensed for the work. She never met with the rest of the board or submitted a bid before the work started. The roofing contractor submitted invoices, which were found to be more than double the reasonable cost of the work, and the work was found to be defective.
●● The board also hired a contractor to repair walkways at the project. The membership did approve a special assessment for this work. However, the board president signed promissory notes, borrowing funds for the cost of the work, before the money was raised via special assessment. There was no notice to the membership, nor any vote on these loans. ●● Finally, in executive session attended by the board president and two other board members, a five-year contract with a landscaper was approved and signed. The association’s manager recommended that vendor contracts be reviewed when the entire Board learned of the problem, as well as the other issues caused by the board president’s actions. ●● The board president testified in deposition that she was not aware of the voting requirements for either the loans secured by association property, or for the five-year landscaper’s contract. She testified that she acted to get the repair projects started earlier, and she believed that she was getting the best deals possible for the association. ●● At the trial court, the board president was able to get herself dismissed from the litigation, based on the Business Judgment Rule and a provision in the CC&Rs that stated that no board member could be personally liable for acting upon information possessed by them, so long as they acted in good faith and without intentional misconduct. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Curb Appeal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
●● The Court of Appeals reversed that ruling and found that the board president was not protected, as she had not adequately fulfilled her responsibilities, even if she did so in good faith. Her decision must be not only in good faith, but well-informed. In short, the Court of Appeals ruled that the Business Judgment Rule does not protect uninformed decisions. Rather it only protects a board member who exercises “judgment” which the board member believes to be correct at the time, but which with the benefit of hindsight, viewed in retrospect, appears to be a bad decision. The Business Judgment Rule is intended to prevent the second-guessing of such decisions later. However, the board member cannot be said to have exercised judgment where the board member failed to consider relevant information which was available to them at the time of the decision (i.e. ignorance of the voting requirements in the governing documents). The facts of the Palm Springs Villas II case are unusual, but this ruling should be in the mind of every board member and community manager, especially regarding maintenance obligations. The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, specifically California Civil Code Section 5550, requires a
❝ The facts of the Palm Springs
Villas II case are unusual, but this ruling should be in the mind of every board member and community manager, especially regarding maintenance obligations. ❞
“reasonably competent” inspection of the components that the association is obligated to maintain or repair every three years as part of the reserve study process. This inspection “at a minimum” must include the major components that have a useful life of less than 30 years, the remaining useful life of those components, the cost to repair any of such components, and a plan to fund such repairs.
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Many associations have their reserve study specialist perform these inspections, if inspections are performed at all. However, several of the elements of California Civil Code Section 5550 can only be performed by an experienced repair contractor. Indeed, most reserve study specialists will readily admit that they are not competent to assess building component performance, nor estimate what it would cost a contractor to repair them. Only the repair contractors themselves can do that adequately. Liability under the Palm Springs Villas ruling could very easily arise where recurrent and proper inspections have not been completed of roofs, decks, balconies, framing etc., and years down the road, the association is faced with a large repair bill, where that scope (and cost) of repair would have been much lower had problems been discovered earlier. Worse, if such problems could have been discovered in the first 10 years after original construction of the HOA but were not, the option to force the builder to perform or fund repairs under SB800 was lost. The best practice is to not defer required inspections and repairs. Ritchie Lipson, Esq. is Senior Counsel at Kasdan LippSmith Weber Turner, LLP, a firm specializing in construction defect litigation. He can be reached at rlipson@ kasdancdlaw.com.
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March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 13
Getting Your Board On Board By Sabrina French, CMCA®, AMS® THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR IS THE TIME I LIKE TO GET PROJECTS, CALENDARS AND TO-DO LISTS FOR MY ACCOUNTS COMPLETED. IT ALSO TENDS TO BE THE TIME TO HELP BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS REALIGN THEIR EXPECTATIONS AND PLAN PROJECTS FOR THE YEAR. WHILE NEW YEAR, NEW PLAN, NEW START IS A WELL-KNOWN MOTTO, I CONTINUOUSLY TEND TO ASK MYSELF YEARLY, HOW DO WE STRATEGICALLY PLAN FOR OUR UPCOMING PROJECTS, AND BETTER YET, HOW DO WE GET THE BOARDS ON BOARD?
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n the past 10+ years that I have been in the industry, I have worked with many different types of boards: those that didn’t have the funds to complete projects; those that wanted to save every penny, resulting in negotiations that just kept delaying projects; and boards that planned and executed. I have five tips to help you get your boards on board to getting things done, or at least to set you and your boards on the right path to succeed: 1. PREPARE: A well-prepared manager will equal a wellprepared board. This means that you as a manager should understand what needs to be done within the next year to get things completed on time. Once budgets are done for the December year-ends, I like to take that time to
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review my communities and projects that need to be completed. I prepare myself to understand what takes precedence, depending on the actual health or function of the component. I keep in mind that many homes will go on the market in late spring/early summer. You will want to take this into consideration for any beautification projects. What can you get done ahead of time that might really pop, or make a visual impact to the community? 2. PRIORITIZE: I start by placing the next year’s reserve items on the agenda in November/December. I then ask my boards to prioritize, based on their needs/wants to complete (at this time, I have already completed my list, but I want to see where they are on theirs). This would also be the time to make sure the board knows when tree trimming will or should be occurring, when to change the flowers and when to sand those tables in the common area. All these items are projects, and they all need to be done—but what needs to be done first? Once the board has provided me with their list of items, I review with them which month they would like to review the proposals. This will help you with the next step: The Plan. 3. PLAN: Now that you have your list and, hopefully, the months when the board indicated they would like these projects on the agenda, you will want to look at a few key points, such as funding, if you need to cash out a CD, and the length of time to complete the projects. This information is important when going to the vendors and requesting proposals. Many managers tend to forget to ask what timeframe vendors have within their schedule to complete projects. You never want to present to your board a proposal or contract from a vendor who is booked out six months and can’t fit you in. (I have been there, and it is not fun.) CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
4. REQUEST PROPOSALS: Do this ahead of time, and give yourself time to evaluate and review the proposals. Most of the time, they will need to be revised in some capacity. Once you have your three proposals/contracts ready for review, I like to break it down one step further. This is your time to shine as a manager and provide the board with a spreadsheet of what each contract is providing. I know this may add an additional step to the list of many things on your plate, and some might feel it isn’t necessary, but I have found putting a spreadsheet together and getting it ready to present to the boards helps making the decision that much easier. In turn, this should make the approval process of the project run smoothly. Additionally, here are a few items to look at before you present to your boards: (1) Warranty information included on the proposal, (2) Payment timeframe, and (3) W hether you need the attorney to review the contract (always be sure to recommend the association’s legal counsel review the contracts, prior to being signed). 5. PRESENT: This is your time to shine as a manager, and really knock it out of the park. Every board is different, but you know your board and probably know what they are going to ask—so be prepared to answer the questions and present the heck out of those proposed projects.
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While these tips work for me and the managers in my office, they can be slightly different for you. However, by preparing yourself and researching what needs to be done, you will find that getting your boards on board will be easier than you anticipated. By getting the projects in your reserve study checked off and the maintenance items completed, your homeowners, neighboring communities and board of directors will see a difference in the curb appeal. Sabrina French, CMCA®, AMS®, is a regional community asset manager at PMP Management AAMC® in their Thousand Oaks office. She can be reached at sfrench@ pmpmanage.com.
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 15
■■■ By Westley Silvestri Quite often when homebuyers see that there is an HOA attached to potential purchase property, they tend to be skeptical about what this entails. Some of the most common questions I get as a realtor is what does the HOA cover? Or why do the assessments fluctuate widely from one community to another? A homeowners association (HOA) is a community-based organization that sets the “rules and regulations” for the homes in the community. They collect assessments to cover all the amenities and services that are paid jointly from the HOA account. The assessments are based on the number of amenities included, and they do tend to rise over time with the age of the homes because higher maintenance is anticipated or needed. A smaller community, for instance, with few amenities, such as grounds maintenance and perhaps one community pool, will usually have a lower HOA assessment than one that is a gated community with an actual guard 24/7, 2-3 community pools, a gym and a large clubhouse. However, expenses such as new roofs or fences can drive the assessments up for any HOA. The first thing that always comes to mind when considering what an HOA does, is the curb appeal that the community upholds. We have always been taught to not judge a book by its cover. However, when it comes to the HOA and their
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involvement, the first thing that demonstrates how well an HOA functions is the unity and overall appearance of a neighborhood upon driving through, all the way up to the front doors. From a realtor’s standpoint, curb appeal can largely affect the real estate market, the value of the home and the price it will command. If a property does not have great curb appeal, the listing can have a tendency to go stale, affecting the number of days on market, which can then lead the seller to reduce their price in order to sell. Because we now live in a technology-based society, the first image of a home that the buyer often sees is online. If the first image shows things such as dead grass, failing windows or roof, or visibly-chipped paint, the potential buyer will tend to look past this property without hesitation before they even look inside because they will think that there is too much work to do. The buyer’s interest is also often directed towards properties that are “turn key.” A community covered under an HOA is more likely to have a property fitting this mold, as the HOA is able to help provide and maintain this curb appeal. In addition, HOA communities commonly provide certain services not limited to gardening, grounds maintenance, pool upkeep or other amenities, but will sometimes even cover portions of homeowners’ monthly shared utilities such as trash collection and/or water. Because HOAs usually require that
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
homeowners keep their homes up-to-date, this means that the HOA will take some amount of responsibility and action when households require obvious maintenance or repair. HOAs provide other behind-the-scenes services throughout each community that are often overlooked by city or county governments. During the building process of HOA communities, the sidewalks, gated areas, parks and green belts are typically built and maintained under the direction of the HOA rather than the city or county. This helps to keep the community clean, uniform, manicured, and safe for families. This maintenance is another way an HOA helps to stabilize property values.When a property is supervised by an HOA, the community management team helps to eliminate most negative aspects and, therefore, actually helps improve the sale of the home. Although there is a monthly or yearly fee, it is important to consider the purpose of community management, as they are helping the community stay consistent. In my opinion, homeowners associations and the CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter strive to make your community better and help drive up the property values— keeping California real estate in high regards. Westley Silvestri is a guest author and realtor with HomeSmart Evergreen Realty in Valencia. He can be reached at westleybsylvestri@gmail.com.
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17315 Studebaker Rd., Suite 213 Cerritos, California 90703 800.485.8056 n Fax 800.485.8057 www.ReserveStudiesInc.com
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R e c o gn i z i ng 2 018 I n dus t r y E
Walking the Red Carpet IBy
Teresa Agnew
What a great event! A record 215 CAI-GLAC members and friends attended the Awards Gala Luncheon on January 16 to honor leaders from all membership categories who made a significant contribution to our industry or chapter in 2018. The event began with complimentary champagne, followed by Guest Speaker Adam Markel’s remarks on Leadership. 2018 President Greg Borzilleri then presented more than 14 Industry Excellence Awards, assisted by 2019 President Neda Nehouray, CMCA®, AMS. A total of 67 members, the highest number ever, had been nominated by fellow Chapter members for these 14 awards.
Roll Out T he Wednesday
January 16, 2019 Skirball Cultur al Center
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2019 Board of Directors
Dick Pruess Keystone Award Michael Lewis, CCAM®, CMCA®®, AMS®, PCAM®
Onsite Manager of the Year Jennifer Knauff, CCAM®, CMCA®
Chapter Appreciation Isaac Camacho
Portfolio Manager of the Year Jessica Oakes, CMCA®
Excellence in Community Leadership Briarcliffe Towne Homes Assn.
Innovative Management Nelly Penalonzo
Excellence in Education, CNN Community News Now Ryan Gesell, CIRMS®, CMCA®, Sandra Gottlieb, Esq. CCAL®, Matt Ober, Esq. CCAL®, Janet Powers, Esq. CCAL®, Lisa Tashjian, Esq., CCAL®
President’s Awards President Greg Borzilleri with Greg Beebout and Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
xcellence Awa r ds R ecipien ts
e Red Carpet
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Outstanding Service Teresa Agnew
Rookie Manager of the Year Alex Avery
Company Spotlight Award Beven & Brock
Rising Star Matt Meadors, CMCA®
Committee of the Year Community Outreach
Membership Recruiter of the Year Sascha Macias, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
Stephanie Sanders Award Angelique Madrigal
A-Rising Builders Accurate Termite & Post Control ADCO Roofing & Waterproofing ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING American Heritage Landscape BEHR PAINT COMPANY Berding & Weil LLP Dunn-Edwards Paints ePipe Restoration Fiore Racobs & Powers APLC First Foundation Bank Flock Safety GNG Vinyl Fencing, Inc. Guard-Systems Inc. Hi Tech Painting & Decorating Kasdan LippSmith Weber Turner LLP Kings III Emergency Communications Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. Payne Pest Management PCW Contracting Services PRECISION PAINTING Professional Services Construction, Inc. ProTec Building Services Reconstruction Experts, Inc. Riley Pasek Canty LLP S.B.S. Lien Services Steve Little Insurance Agency, Inc. Tinnelly Law Group Valley Alarm Vet-Sec Protection Agency Whitestone Painters
Committee of the Year Publications/Focus
Editor’s Award Sticks and Stones Authors: Kumar Raja, Esq. Sascha Macias CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® (not pictured) Outgoing Board Member Don Campbell, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®
Outgoing Board Member Angel Fuerte
R eco gnizi ng 2 018 I ndust r y E xcel l ence Awa r ds R ecipien ts
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RULES & REGULATIONS: THE GOSPEL OF GOOD CURBSIDE ETHICS
A
lll By Gary Choppé s shepherds of our communities we often live and die by the gospel of our Rules and Regulations, and I, as a good faith practitioner, strive to live by the written word as put forth by each of our community’s board of directors day-in and day-out. But we know that not all HOAs are created equal and not all homeowners and their renters abide by what they sign up for upon moving into the neighborhood. Part of our job as managers is to be the enforcers. This can be a challenge if you have upset homeowners to whom a small fine isn’t enough of a deterrence. You know who I am talking about, right? You visit one of your favorite associations and walk around checking the property only to find couches, bed frames and a toilet sitting out by the fence, and the community trash bin is overflowing with bags of food and a leftover Christmas tree…was that a rat that just took a dumpster dive? Yes, beautiful curbside appearance is an issue, and the neighbors blow up your phone at all hours of the day and night looking for your support to take care of the problem—expecting that you’re going to ride in and lasso those unruly varmints and put them in HOA Jail! So, this is how it goes: “Mr. Community Manager, Mrs. Jones just threw all her junk out on the curb and what are you going to do about it right now because I am selling my house and the community looks like…” I think that part of the problem is communication and then entitlement. We have two types of species that live in our communities… homeowners and renters. Both rarely (if ever) have read the Rules and Regulations and both feel that you, Mr. Community Manager, should take care of their every need or problem, including keeping the community looking like a four-star hotel! From my vantage point, we are not concierges set out to hand-hold our “guests” living at Beautiful Valley HOA. CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
If we want to keep our properties looking good, it needs to be a team effort, with our managers, landscapers, maintenance personnel and our boards taking the lead and creating a good communication plan to spread the word. This includes keeping our Rules and Regulations current, communicating the key problem issues out on a regular basis with eblasts and newsletters and, of course, enforcing violations that occur. You must keep in mind that we do get new residents on a regular basis and that homeowners rarely understand what “common area” is or read the Governing Documents and Rules. Furthermore, the chances of renters even thinking about them is even less. As community managers we should strive to keep the rules transparent, easy to obey and efficient in order to accomplish our goals. Creating a good process for enforcement is key. A personal phone call or courtesy visit is a good start because it keeps good relations. If that does not work, a letter detailing the specific violations, and then a hearing with the board of directors as the final solution. It is always a good idea to keep the board apprised of issues, as they may run across residents who might ask questions regarding their wrongdoing. Of course, this all looks good on paper, but in real life practice, keeping your community beautiful is a never-ending job that can tear you apart and make you keep an endless supply of Rolaids in the desk. Just when you had that old dishwasher dragged away, another refrigerator mysteriously pops up in an alley behind a house—and now they are getting smart by putting it at the end in a common area twilight zone! If we could only do away with those pesky HOA problems, we managers would be living the good life—but then where would our job security be? Gary Choppé is a community manager at HOA Management of Santa Clarita. He can be reached at HOAManagementSC@yahoo.com.
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 21
IS A LOAN THE ANSWER?
To Borrower or Not to Borrow? That is the Question! ■■■ By Larry Hooper CONDOMINIUM AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION PROPERTIES ARE AGING. EVEN THE BEST-MAINTAINED PROPERTY CANNOT AVOID THIS PROCESS. PROFESSIONAL MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS WITH FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES FACE AN ERA OF SERIOUS DECISION-MAKING TO MAINTAIN PROPERTY VALUES. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL TOOLS AVAILABLE TO FACILITATE PROPERTY REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS. RESERVES: Many community associations have and continue to formulate reserve schedules based on accurate replacement costs. Those associations will be able to utilize reserve funds for their major repair and replacement projects. In some cases, reserve funds are accumulating based on outdated cost estimates. When the project is at hand, there will be insufficient funds available to complete it. A partial special assessment will be needed to supplement available funds.
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UP-FRONT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: “Special Assessments” are two words that create controversy for community association directors and professional managers. The membership has always voted down reserves. The 10-year roofs are now 15 years old. It’s time to pay the piper. Remember those monthly board meetings with five attendees? Post that special assessment meeting notice and suddenly you now need a football stadium for your meeting. THE LOAN: A loan is another option. The borrowing option is still an excellent alternative for consideration. When borrowing funds for repairs or replacement projects, the association avoids the unpleasant specter of assessing unit owners up front. These up-front assessments can come with high price tags and become financial burdens for unit owners. By borrowing the funds and extending repayment over the loan term, unit owners can budget the monthly allocated payback without seeking their own equity monthly loans or tapping into savings accounts. The association can either pass a long-term special assessment or include the payback as part of its annual budget preparation for each year the loan continues to have an outstanding balance. Some associations can utilize a portion of their reserve accounts and/or their operating accounts as compensating balances with the lending institution to reduce the interest rate and fees for the loans.
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What Type of Loan? A line of credit allows an association to borrow funds by utilizing a credit account, similar to a credit card. If a repair or replacement project takes a period of time and the contract requires progress payments, a line of credit may be beneficial. The association will only pay interest monthly on those funds drawn. Normally these credit lines have a specific term and are automatically converted to a term loan. A term loan is the credit facility that retires the amount borrowed over a specific time period. The term loan allows an association to make repairs and pay the money back over time. This solution helps eliminate the strain on the unit owners from a costly upfront special assessment, as the payments are spread over a multi-year period. THE BASIC APPLICATION PROCESS: Managers and directors should have a basic understanding of those procedures they will encounter when a lending transaction is contemplated. The directors and professional staff will have determined that the association has the authority to enter into the borrowing arrangement. INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATION ANALYZED: The financial institution will ask for pertinent financial records to underwrite the loan. Maintenance payment delinquency trends will be of great importance. Upon approval by the bank, the association will receive a commitment letter, outlining the terms and conditions of the loan. This document should be reviewed
with the association counsel. Upon acceptance of the commitment, a closing will occur, normally within two weeks, and project funding can begin. Associations should allow one full quarter for the entire process from planning and due diligence until closing. By borrowing, an association can maintain and enhance the community without completely draining liquid reserves. The board will then have access to reserves for other repairs. A loan may also provide contracting advantages. By completing the whole job at once, discounts may be obtained for time and materials. Associations should expect efficient service from their banks of choice. Select a bank that is familiar with condominium and homeowners associations. Your banker should be able to attend your board meetings to answer unit owner questions, thereby easing the strain on managers and directors. Remember, if you have ample allocated reserves, use them as needed. If not, borrowing may be the answer. Larry Hooper is a vice president of Popular Association Banking, a division of Popular Bank. He can be reached at lhooper@popular.com.
Reprinted with permission of CondoManagement Magazine.
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March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 23
lll By Ramona Acosta, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® he Chapter recently held its annual Luncheon for PCAMs at the beautiful City Club Los Angeles. The luncheon, hosted by CAI-GLAC Board of Directors, is an opportunity for the elite group of managers that hold the Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) designation to recognize the Chapter’s newest designees. This year, the Chapter recognized Tammy Gamblin and Warren Davidoff of Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC. To obtain the PCAM®, a manager must have five years of community association management experience, earned the CMCA® certification, completed all six M-200 level PMDP courses, and passed the Case Study. To help managers through the process, the Chapter developed the award-winning Coaching to Credentials manager mentor program. There are currently 10 mentors in the program, and the Chapter is always looking for more participants. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or would like to be coached, please visit the Coaching to Credentials page under the Education tab at www.cai-glac.org.
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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM®) Ramona Acosta Christine Albrecht Nels Atha James Beard Anda Bewhite Dave Brock Wendy Bucknum Kelly Bunnell Donald Campbell Tami Chavin Lisa Dale Warren Davidoff Manuel Diaz Richard Egan Farrah Esquer Meigan Everett John Felder Tammy Gamblin
Laurie Gral Linda Healey Elvin Hidalgo Shanne Ho Russell Hoffman Michael Huffman Karen Kokowicz Donyelle La-Key Lorna Leviste Michael Lewis Gregg Lotane Ted Loveder Sascha Macias Laurie Mark Erik Mendez Lesley Millender-Irwin Ruth Moffitt Brian Murphy
Julius Nagy Peggy O’Donoghue Pete Ong, Jr. Joanne Peña Craig Phillips Alexandria Pollock Erik Rivera Melissa Rothe Edmund Sellman, Jr. Robert Sides Marianne Simek Diana Stiller Michael Sukey Dawn Suskin Michelle Underwood Jill Van Zeebroeck Connie Vohden Lori Ziegler
Honoring Those Who Have Reached the Pinnacle of Professional Designations
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 25
››› By Jamilla Davis AFTER DECADES OF STUDIES AND RESEARCH, THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT COLOR AFFECTS US. WHETHER IT’S A NEW SHIRT, A CAR, A DINING ROOM OR EVEN A COMMUNITY PROPERTY, WE ARE DRAWN TO COLORS THAT MAKE US FEEL A CERTAIN WAY—HAPPY, CALM, ENERGIZED OR COMFORTED. AND SELECTING THE RIGHT COLOR PLAYS AN IMPORTANT AND POWERFUL ROLE, AS IT CAN CREATE OR DRAMATICALLY ENHANCE ATTRACTIVE FEATURES OF A COMMUNITY. A few steps to consider before selecting colors. XX Check with the homeowners association for any color restrictions. XX Research the style of property to find appropriate traditional color schemes for time-tested ideas that work. XX Think about colors that will complement architectural elements such as brick, siding, stone or roofing. XX Think about the architectural details you would like to highlight. Entry doors and shutters are a wonderful way to add a pop of color to any community.
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Diving Into Color COLOR TRENDS
When looking at color trends, a good thought to have is how long will this “trend” last? When making your color selection, will you want to repaint when the trend passes? Earthtones are a tried and true set of colors that tend to work with most projects. As the name suggests, Earthtones work best within their surrounding environment. Pulling from a variety of beiges as a main color, you can introduce muted reds, greens and golds as accent colors. Wooded Acre DE6130
Spice of Life DET439
Cowboy Trails DET698
Botanical Garden DET518
Dusty Neutrals or Warm Grays can provide a modern and contemporary look compared to other traditional neutrals. And just like their cooler gray counterparts, they work well with either subtle or bursts of colors for accents. Drifting DEC770
Kiln Dried DET692
So Chic! DET614
Reclaimed Wood DET625
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Jewel tones can create a dramatic and deep impact if carefully used. With a lighter main body, these colors can be used on entry doors, shutters, and/or trim. The purpose is to draw attention to these architectural elements. However, if one is brave, using a dark color for the body with lighter accents, could definitely be striking. Refined Green DEA181
Purple Prose DET405
MacKintosh Midnight DET579
See how the colors feel in the morning and evening. Which color best expresses your vision? One of the most important things to remember when selecting colors: color is subjective. Everyone interprets and sees color differently. However, using the above tools will help guide you in making the best color decision for your community. Jamilla Davis is the Property Services Representative for Dunn-Edwards Paints in the Santa Clarita and E. San Fernando Valley Region. She can be reached at jamilla.davis@dunnedwards.com.
Folklore DET413
Pastels are a calming alternative to using jewel tones. You may remember pastels being popular in the 1980’s. Well, as most things, they have made a comeback. These softer, near neutral tones can be used as a main body or accent color. Crème Fraîche DET654
Rainsong DET541
Berry Mojito DET565
Gypsum Rose DET452
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is always advisable to sample the colors. Because color may appear different depending on the time of day, paint a section where the body, trim and accent colors can be viewed together. Then check the colors throughout the day to see how they look.
VINYL FENCING PATIO COVERS
Mike Karamanoukian Tel: 323-276-1112 Cell:213-399-0768 Fax:323-276-1114 1-877-31-VINYL 2424 North San Fernando Rd Los Angeles, CA 90065
FENCE DECKING RAILING GAZEBOS PATIO COVERS GATES
Lic#884502
Mike@GnGVinyl.com www.GnGVinyl.com
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.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
A Mentor can: ll Help to identify your specific goals. ll Provide career guidance. ll Provide vision and insight. ll Offer support and advice about CAI courses. ll Explain the value of credentials. ll 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.
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 27
APPEARANCE REPUTATION RESPECT POSITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE IDENTITY TIPS ON CREATING A PERSONAL
BRAND FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
nnn By Arian Manalo
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A
community’s personal brand is synonymous with its reputation, identity and how it is perceived within the larger community and among those who reside in it. When visitors arrive at the entrance of the community, the appearance of the neighborhood sets the critical first impression of what the community represents. Furthermore, the first contact with front-of-the-house staff creates an indelible impression and loudly announces your community’s personal brand. So, let us delve deeper into what comprises the personal brand of a community. A community’s personal brand is made up of the following: ●● Appearance ●● Reputation ●● Your Community’s Personal Story In the community association industry, a community’s appearance is one of the biggest contributors to its personal brand. A community that is well-maintained on its exterior and landscaped beautifully, with attractive and impactful building signage, has maximized its appearance. While the appearance of a community is important, equally important to personal branding is the reputation of a community. Community reputation is established by how it treats its business partners. When bid proposals are obtained and business partners hired, are they treated with respect and paid in a timely fashion? Or, if there is a parting of the ways between a business partner and a community, is the transition handled in a fair and respectful manner? With respect to team members, is the community known as a workplace that values people, their contributions to the community, and one that provides opportunity and growth? Are members involved in the life of the community in a beneficial manner through committee service or as volunteer board members? Are the board members representing the community in the best manner
possible? Is there a proactive approach in policy governance and running the business affairs of the association? As word of mouth in our industry travels fast, a community’s reputation is established through a multitude of big and small interactions every day! Lastly, how do you “tell your community’s story?” One way to tell the story is by creating a “community identity statement.” A community identity statement communicates the essence of who your community is — what your community is known for (or would like to be known for). Specifically, if your community is seen as beautifully-maintained, is considered a premier property to be associated with by business partners, has a dedicated management team and staff and has a strong and vibrant contingent of board and committee volunteers — this is your community’s identity statement. And, in building your community’s personal brand, this is the story that you tell. So, bringing all the elements of your community’s personal brand together, appearance, reputation and telling your story, how do you reinforce these elements to create and maintain the most impactful and sustainable brand for your community? A community’s positive social media presence provides a powerful platform for a community to consistently present its “community identity statement” and tell its story. For example, Facebook and Instagram profiles are great platforms to showcase community improvement projects, social events and other activities which demonstrate how vibrant and active the community is. Social media profiles that have a mix of written content, photos and communityspecific information go far in creating a strong personal brand for a community. One of the best ways to build community and grow a community’s personal brand is though volunteer service initiatives. An entire community can volunteer to assist with food collection efforts at local food banks, construct homes for needy CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
families, volunteer time at local animal shelters or participate in community trash clean-up programs. No matter what the volunteer service initiative, the purpose is to build and instill volunteerism in the fiber of the community. Building the personal brand of a community is not something that happens overnight, and it’s not something that you should leave to chance. It is critical for a community to take control of its personal narrative and ensure that the community’s identity statement is consistent and in step with how the community represents itself. Socrates said, “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” Arian Manalo is the Regional Director of FirstService Residential’s Urban HighRise Division. She can be reached at arian.manalo@ fsresidential.com
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
IN THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INDUSTRY, A COMMUNITY’S APPEARANCE IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTORS TO ITS PERSONAL BRAND.
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 29
NEWS
FROM SACRAMENTO
OUR THANKS TO CAI-CLAC 2019 CONTRIBUTORS GOAL: $17,052
¡¡¡ By Louie Brown, Esq.
G
overnor Gavin Newsom was sworn in on January 7, and it’s been a whirlwind of activity ever since. He has made the availability of affordable housing a top priority, along with access to health care and quality education, including preschool. On January 10, the Governor presented his first State Budget to the Legislature totaling more than $209 billion! The budget included more than $20 billion in new monies which are being proposed to strengthen the State’s rainy-day fund, pay down pension liability and a number of one-time expenditures for education, safe drinking water and health related matters.
26%
of goal as of 01/31/19 $4,500
Your CLAC legislative team is working to find authors for our sponsored legislation. We are working with Senator Hill on a paired-down version of SB 721—one that works for communities. We are also working on electronic notification of association members and a bill to clearly delineate the role of a management company as it relates to the transfer of association documents. Before you know it, the CAI-CLAC Legislative Day will be here. As you have heard, we are making some exciting changes to this year’s Legislative Day. We will begin Monday, April 8 and end Tuesday, April 9. This one change will allow us significantly more time in the Capitol to meet with those whose actions have a real impact on your ability to live in a common interest development. Attendee registration and sponsorship opportunities are available. Go to www.caiclac.com to sign up. 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.
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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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
CAI-CLAC Legislative Day at the Capitol
Each year, members of CAI gather in Sacramento to educate legislators on current issues affecting California’s 55,000 Community Associations. During this two-day event, you will attend briefing sessions with CAI’s lobbyist, learn what new changes are on the horizon, and go straight to the Capitol to make our voices heard. These visits serve multiple purposes, educating legislators, seeking support for specific bills, and showing appreciation for past support. In addition, get to know the CAI-CLAC Committee members who represent your chapter’s voice at the “Meet the Delegates” Reception. Come to Sacramento and be part of the change! Sunday, April 7, 2019 Corks for CLAC with the California North Chapter (contact the chapter for more information) Monday, April 8, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration with Continental Breakfast & Networking 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Welcome/How a Bill Becomes Law 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch/Bill Briefings w/Keynote 1:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Legislator Visits at California State Capitol* 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Meet the Delegates Reception Hyatt Regency Sacramento Tuesday, April 9, 2019 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast and Networking 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Keynote Speaker and Bill Refresh 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. CAI-CLAC 2018 Awards 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Group Picture on Capitol North Steps 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Legislator Visits at California State Capitol* 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch, Debrief and Depart * Meetings with your elected official are a priority but cannot be guaranteed. In order to have the greatest impact for CAI-CLAC during our two days, you may be asked to attend meetings with legislators and staff that do not represent your district.
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 31
COMMITTEE CORNER
2019 Membership Committee Highlight ¡¡¡ Kim Province, Chair
I
t’s going to be an exciting year for the Membership Committee as we “Roll Out the Red Carpet” to welcome our new and continued supporting members to the Chapter. Our committee’s goal for 2019 is to recruit 150 new members, and we have the team and chapter support in place to do just that.
$50 gift card giveaway and $1,000 cash reward for our Recruiter of the Year. Don’t forget to keep on sending in those referrals for a chance to choose from the Bounty at our online “Treasure Chest.” Visit the Chapter website at www.cai-glac.org and look for the “Treasure Chest” to view the Bounty.
Join us in our “It’s Show Time” 2019 Membership Recruiter Campaign, where you can be added to our “Stars Walk of Fame” by recruiting new members. We have monthly drawings for our Recruiter of the Month Raffle
We had our first New Member Mixer of the year on January 30th in the Chapter Office. Great food, cocktails and conversation were shared by those who attended. This year we will be joining the Business Partner Committee Happy
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Chair Kim Province, The Miller Law Firm Ramona Acosta, Tinnelly Law Group Mimi Cortes, SAX Insurance Agency Chuck Carr, Kings III Emergency Communications Roger Crumrine, PMP Management AAMC Brian Gladous, Association Lien Services Erik Mendez, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM®, ONIT Property Management Tracy Robinson, CCAM®, Market Lofts HOA Gina Roldan, ProTec Building Services Alisher Sabirov, S.B.S. Lien Services Mahendra Sami, Union Bank HOA Services Les Weinberg, RS, Reserve Studies Inc. Hours to encourage more new members and existing members to get together and support one another. We thank all of our Membership Sponsors for their support, and our committee looks forward to supporting our board of directors in raising awareness and making “community associations” a household name. Be sure to join us on the Red Carpet.
NEW MEMBER MIXER
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CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
I t’s SHOWTIME! A
CA-GLAC 150-Member 2019 Recruiter Contest We’re rolling out the Red Carpet in 2019… and we want you on it!
Be one of the Stars of the Show… and even the Star Recruiter of the Year. Our goal is to grow the Chapter by recruiting at least 150 new members this year! Share the benefits of CAI membership with colleagues and friends during 2019 and you could win $1,000! RULES
Recruiter-of-the-Month Raffle Recruit a new member during the month and be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card. One chance for each Business Partner, Community Manager or Homeowner Leader membership. Three extra chances for an Association Board of three or more.
Grand Prize $1,000 Cash Member who recruits the most new members from January 1 through December 31, 2019 will be awarded the Grand Prize. (Minimum 20 points needed to qualify)
www.cai-glac.org SPONSORS
• Each new Business Partner company, Management Company or Individual Manager is counted as one recruit, and each Homeowner Leader is counted as one recruit, whether part of an Association Board or Individual. • For Manager memberships, if in same company as Recruiter, only the first three count toward the Grand Prize. • To receive recruiter credit, you must alert the CAIGLAC Chapter Office or be listed on the paper or online application. • Completed applications and membership dues for qualified applicants must be received at CAI between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019 to be counted toward the Grand Prize.
Alliance Association Bank • Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP • ProTec Building Services • SAX Insurance Agency • The Miller Law Firm • Tinnelly Law Group • Union Bank HOA Services CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 33
WELCOME
NEW CAI-GLAC MEMBERS! AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 2019
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS A-1 Certified Environmental Services, LLC Eric S. Little State Farm Insurance Agency iMail Tracking, LLC John Forbes Farmers Agency Snell & Wilmer, LLP Southern California Security Services
RECRUITER CAI National Ryan Gesell, CIRMS, CMCA CAI National CAI National CAI National Robin Choppé
MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AMS Realty, Inc.
CAI National
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Balboa Townhomes HOA HarborPlace Tower HOA
Matt Meadors Stewart Sexton
Christina Ravelo Stewart Sexton HarborPlace Tower HOA Alda Rivera Andrew Marble, CMCA®, AMS® National Property Management Group, Inc. Laura Thaller, CCAM Ryan Gesell, CIRMS, CMCA The Oaks of Calabasas HOA Jennie Twyman Arian Manalo FirstService Residential Dipti Varma Kapadia CAI National
COMMUNITY MANAGERS Greyson Guercio Keila Miramontez, CMCA®, AMS® PMP Management AAMC Theodore Moller Gloria Carlos Moller Property Management Sherie Peterson Andrew Marble, CMCA®, AMS® National Property Management Group, Inc.
Over ONE MILLION DOLLARS From LADWP Since 2015 Utility Refunds and Utility Cost Reduction Service for Water, Sewer, Gas, Electric, Telephone and Trash Utility Bills
PacificUtilityAudit.com 34
www.cai-glac.org | March/April 2019
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
100 South Doheny 1100 Wilshire Bunker Hill Tower Cahuenga Hills Tennis Californian On Wilshire Camden Community Century Towers The Diplomat Glen Towers La Tour Wilshire Little Tokyo Teramachi Leadwell Mirabella North Hollywood Terrace Park Wilshire Plaza La Reina Sea Ridge Of Pacific Palisades Sky Community Warner Center Condominiums The Wilshire Wilshire Marquis Wilshire Regent Wilshire Thayer Woodland Oaks And More.....
800-576-1010 CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
OUR THANKS TO RENEWING MEMBERS! AS OF JANUARY 31, 2019
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS Advanced Painting Contractors Company, Inc. Allied Universal Allstate Landscape Services, Inc. Animal & Insect Pest Management, Inc. Birndorf Law Offices Debra L. Shepard & Associates, A PLC Design Build Associates Kings II Emergency Communications Centurion Group City National Bank ClickPay Command Security Corporation Donald Mink Accountancy Corp. Eliot Katzovitz Insurance Agency Environmental Testing Associates Hi Tech Painting and Decorating, Inc. Iger Wankel & Bonkowski, LLP Kasdan LippSmith Weber Turner LLP Levitt Group Architects Mariposa Landscapess, Inc. McDonnell Roofing, Inc. Mission Paving & Sealing Inc. Nautilus General Contractors, Inc. OCBS, Inc. Pacific Utility Audit, Inc. Pacific Vista Landscape Services, Inc. PCW Contracting Services Popular Association Banking PRECISION PAINTING Reconstruction Experts, Inc. Reserve Advisors, Inc. Riley Pasek Canty LLP Ronald S. Stone, Pd.D., CPA, CFE Rose Paving Company SAX Insurance Agency Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. Specialized Pipe Technologies Steve D. Reich Insurance Agency The Inspectors of Election, LLC Tinnelly Law Group Valley Alarm COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS Briarwood Community Center Cabrini Villas HOA Castlegate HOA Pacific Pines Torrance Maintenance Assn. Torrance-Windemere HOA Via Dolce HOA Village Green Owners Association Westmont North HOA
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Bella Vista Property Management, Inc. Bentley Community Management, Inc. Common Interest Services, Inc. Community Property Management Infinity Property Services Miller & Desatnik Management Co. National Property Management Group, Inc. PMP Management, AAMC R.E.A. Advisors, Inc. Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Wall Street Realty Property Management COMMUNITY MANAGERS Laura Aguilar, CMCA®, AMS® Beven and Brock Valerie Atkins Briarwood Community Center Lisa Byrd Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. AAMC Claire Carafello HWC Gloria Carlos Moller Property Management Mary Carpenter Park Wellington OA Maria Delira AMS Realty, Inc. Michael Elkheir Lakeside Village Condominiums Gregg Evangelho The Remington HOA David Fader, CMCA® Community Association Specialists Inc. Sherri Giles Village Green Owners Association Chantal Gonzalez PMP Management AAMC Brian Grosh, AMS® PMP Management AAMC Linda Healey, CCAM®, PCAM® The Californian on Wilshire Thomas Kim, CMCA®, FMP, MS Park Villas COA Jessica Koval, CMCA®, AMS® Cove Community Association Diane Lortie-Dudasik, CCAM-PM® Metro Property Services Gregg Lotane, CCAM-HR®, PCAM® The Wilshire Angel Maldonado Seabreeze Management Company AAMC
Al Masters, CCAM® Ervin Mezey, CMCA®, AMS® Icon Realty Services, Inc. Angel Melgar Coro Community Management & Consulting, Inc. Jesse Moreno, CMCA®, AMS® Marina Pacifica HOA Heather Nutt Jenkins Properties Management Inc. Bruce Ostermann, CMCA®, AMS® Studio Village HOA Howard Pancirer, CMCA®, AMS® Villa Barcelona HOA Craig Phillips, CCAM®, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® International Tower Owners Association Francesca Prillwitz Horn Plaza HOA Cristian Radu Metropolis HOA William Reimbold, CMCA®, AMS® SF Valley Management Kelly Reinoso, CMCA® Ross Morgan & Company, Inc. Kathy Roberts, CCAM® La Tour Wilshire Residential Community Michael Sukey, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® Sky Community Association Andrea Thrower, CMCA® PMP Management AAMC Maria Tiscareno Franklin Towers HOA Cookie Valente, CMCA®, AMS® Manhattan Management Corporation Joy Wei PMP Management AAMC David Zeiger The Dorchester HOA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LEADERS Carol Akiyama Brenda Blackmon Tecumseh Coleman Joseph Fabricatore Shelly Hill Robert Ridley Phillip Watkins
March/April 2019 | www.cai-glac.org 35
ADVERTISERS INDEX 17 Action Property Management Company 13 ALLBRIGHT 1-800-PAINTING 22 Beaumont Tashjian 29 Berding & Weil, LLP 13 Association Reserves 23 Ferris Painting, Inc. 27 G N G Vinyl Fencing, Inc. 15 Macdonald Insurance Agency
Experience professional delinquent assessment recovery.
36 Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts 34 Pacific Utility Audit 36 Poindexter & Company, CPAs 23 Popular Association Banking 7 PRECISION PAINTING 17 Reserve Studies Inc. 31 R.W. Stein Painting, Inc. 11 Select Painting & Construction, Inc. 12 Segal Insurance Agency, Inc. 36 Witkin & Neal, Inc. 5 Wolf Rifkin Shapiro Schulman & Rabkin, LLP
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
888-845-8808 www.witkinandneal.com
Dimensions & Rates:
Artwork must not exceed the exact dimensions of that size ad. For more information, call the Chapter office: 818-500-8636. Ad Size
Ad Dimensions
Members
Non-Members
⅛ page
3½" wide x 2" 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.
pick the right tools for your next project. With community association lending expertise like ours, you’ll get the job done right.
take that to the bank. Lisa Ann Rea VP/Regional Account Executive 805-907-8452 Toll Free 866-800-4656, ext. 7500 lisa.rea@mutualofomahabank.com
mutualofomahabank.com AFN46039_0913
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Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
CAI-Greater Los Angeles Chapter
Community Associations Institute Gr eater Los Angeles Chapter Invites You To
CAI Golf Tournament
Monday, May 6, 2019 Porter Valley Country Club
Schedule
19216 Singing Hills Dr. • Northridge, CA 91326
Registration & Breakfast Putting Contest Shotgun Start Fiesta Lunch Cinco de Mayo Bar Banquet, Raffle, Awards
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. 4:00 p.m.
Sponsor
PA NCH O
Diversi
V IL L A
s
C fied As ORPOR ATE p halt Pr SOU V E oducts NIR PH O T OS G ua rd-S ys
t em s In
c. HIP Crit ter B Pacific us ters, Inc. Wes te r n B an SOU T H k O Select F T HE BORDER B Paint in RE A K F A g & Co BE V E R n s t r uc S T AGE C A t ion, Inc RTS $225 per player—18 holes Animal . & Insec E n h an c t Pest M Includes green fees, cart, swag bag, lunch, dinner & awards/prize drawings. e d L an dscape anagement, In BL OOD c Manag Y M $60 Banquet & Social Only em en t . A SR Pr A RYS oper t y Includes banquet & awards/prize drawings. R e s t or SOMB at ion REROS Accura te Term ite & P P U T T IN es t C on G C ON t r ol • Online at www.cai-glac.org OR TES M cK e n zie Rho T d y LLP F IE S TA • Mail check to: CAI-GLAC, LU A L L BR NCH I 130 N. Brand Blvd. #305, Glendale, CA 91203 Segal I GH T 1- 8 0 0 -P A n s u r an ce Age IN T ING C ON T E ncy, In S T HOL c. ES A ssocia t io n R e s er v Dunn - E es Guard- dwards Paint s S y s t em Hi Tech s , I nc . ProTec Paint ing & D ec Buildin g Ser v orat ing, Inc. MEE T ices & GRE A meric E T ON HOL E a Cer taP n Heritage L a r L andCa o Painters of ndscape P as ad e r e Maripo na s Nauma a L andscape n s SK Y Pa n L aw F irm, , Inc. PC in S teve L t ing V is ta P it t le Insuranc e a W hites int Corporat Agency, Inc ion . t o ne Pa inters CEN T E RP Nu A ir IECES Ser vic e s , I nc .
Entry Fee /Registration
Register:
Priz theme-e for the bes t decora ted tee !
CH A M
P IONS
CAI-GLAC 130 N. Brand Blvd., Ste. 305 Glendale, CA 91203
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Order Your 2019 Condominium Bluebook Today! Price: $26.00 per copy, tax and shipping included. Order copies online at: www.cai-glac.org.
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