ECHO Journal - August 2014

2014 ECHO Seminars p.6

Excellent Community Governance p.10

The Assessment Dilemma p.14

What To Do About Carbon Monoxide Alarms p.20

Saving Structures

by Attention to Detail p.24

Serving Community Associations

Crime and Security

p.30

August 2014 echo-ca.org

ECHO San Jose 42nd Annual Seminar & Trade Show p. 8

ECHO 1960 The Alameda STE 195 San Jose, CA 95126 Change Service Requested

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Modern Litho 210

news from ECHO

News From ECHO August 2014 We are excited to host the ECHO San Jose 42nd Annual Seminar and Trade Show on August 23 at the San Jose Convention Center. This is the largest and most comprehensive combination of exhibitors and educational sessions specifically designed to meet the needs of HOA board members.

Please join us! Details on the event are on page 8, and also on our website, www.echo-ca.org/events.

I am particularly pleased to bring back ECHO’s “HOA University” track of four presentations during the day that will provide new board members with the basics, and give veterans a refresher on your key areas of responsibility.

Finance, management, legal and insurance will be covered by the best in the business.

Our “Hot Topics” track will address: resident owned mobile home park issues; energy efficiency; maintenance; and water conservation. Experts in these various fields will bring you up to date on the latest information to help you oversee your communities.

And, of course, the “Legal” track will help answer your burning questions, and give you critical updates on pending legislation, how to manage your lawyer and manager, avoiding reconstruction, and what to do with your governing documents.

On the exhibit floor, you can talk to over a hundred professional suppliers of products and services to homeowners associations in Northern California.

They will be there to answer your questions and provide information on what they offer, and what you should look for in their professional discipline. We will continue our Passport Program, offering three $100 Visa cards to the winners among those who visit the vendors on the Passport. The vendors also have valuable prizes to give away.

Included in your registration will be coffee and tea in the morning, as well as a full lunch buffet on the exhibit floor. We recommend you take public transportation or park in the Almaden/Woz parking lot at 401 Almaden Blvd., directly across the street from the Convention Center.

I look forward to seeing you at ECHO San Jose!

Best,

Brian Kidney Executive Director

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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CONTENTS

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20

10 30

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Excellent Community Governance Excellent community governance is the difference between a good community and a great one. Poor community governance can lead to the downfall or outright collapse of a community association.

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The Assessment Dilemma What I fear is that examples like this one are just the tip of the iceberg and that we are going to see many owners priced out of their homes over the next decade or so as more boards come to understand the real cost of operation.

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What To Do About Carbon Monoxide Alarms The state of California has deemed it necessary to regulate the public safety in the form of requiring carbon monoxide alarms.

Be aware that this will be part of any permit acquired for construction projects, it will cost extra to manage and cooperate as best as possible.

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Saving Structures By Attention To Detail The building envelope is intended to provide a protective shield from the elements around your dwelling. When all these systems are correctly integrated together with sheet metal flashings and waterproofing materials, a structure can function in a superior manner in relation to water penetration, air infiltration, condensation control and thermal movement.

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The ECHO Journal is published monthly by the Educational Community for Homeowners. The views of authors expressed in the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of ECHO. We assume no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by the contributors to the magazine. It is released with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional service.

If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Acceptance of advertising does not constitute any endorsement or recommendation, expressed or implied, of the advertiser or any goods or services offered. We reserve the right to reject any advertising copy.

Copyright 2014 Educational Community for Homeowners. All rights reserved. Reproduction, except by written permission of ECHO is prohibited.

The ECHO membership list is never released to any outside individual or organization.

ECHO 1960 The Alameda, Suite 195 San Jose, CA 95126 408-297-3246 Fax: 408-297-3517 www.echo-ca.org info@echo-ca.org

What HOA’s Really Need to Know About Crime and Security

Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

The most common and recurring crimes which Bay Area condominium communities are plagued with are: burglary, theft from auto, breaking and entering, and assault. These crimes are crimes of opportunity.

President David Hughes

Board of Directors and Officers

Vice President Karl Lofthouse Treasurer Diane Rossi

DEPARTMENTS

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News from ECHO

6

2014 ECHO Educational Calendar

7

NEW at echo-ca.org

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ECHO San Jose — Saturday, August 23

Secretary Toni Scurti Directors Jerry L. Bowles Stephanie Hayes Robert Rosenberg Brian Seifert Steven Weil

John Garvic David Levy Kurtis Shenefiel Wanden Treanor

Executive Director Brian Kidney

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Fresno Educational Seminar

36

ECHO Bookstore

39

Advertiser Index

40

Legislation at a Glimpse

Director of Communications Tyler Coffin

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ECHO Event Calendar

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ECHO Volunteers

Legislative Consultant Government Strategies, Inc.

Director of Marketing & Membership Toni Scurti

Design and Production Design Site ECHO Mission Statement Serving Community Associations

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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2014 ECHO educational calendar

ECHO Seminars Now there’s one near you.

Santa Rosa

If you’ve ever wished that ECHO would hold a seminar closer to your association, chances are that we’ll be nearby during 2014. Don’t miss an opportunity to get the education you need with guidance from some of California’s top HOA attorneys and professionals. Take a look and mark your calendar. We can’t wait to see you there!

Sacramento

Marin Walnut Creek Oakland San Francisco

Register today!

Online: www.echo-ca.org; By Phone: 408.297.3246

San Jose Campbell Santa Cruz

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August 23

Sept. 6

ECHO San Jose Annual Seminar & Tradeshow (see page 8)

Fresno Educational Seminar (see page 13)

San Jose Convention Center, San Jose

Ramada University Hotel, Fresno

DATE

EVENT

October 4 October 18

Monterey Educational Seminar East Bay Educational Seminar

echo-ca.org

Fresno Monterey

NEW

New legislation, quick tips, and fresh insights — we’re adding new information to our website every day.

Articles It’s Not Easy Being Little: Tips for Small HOAs

When your HOA doesn’t have the financial or human resources of a 300 unit complex, small tasks can seem huge: how do you handle business administration tasks?

How do you survive a couple of delinquent owners? The answers aren’t easy, but this article offers a few good tips.

Educational Topic: Association

Options for Irrigation Efficiency in HOA Landscaping

During this drought, water efficiency is important. Homeowner associations can often achieve big savings just by making sure that their current irrigation systems work.

This article looks at a couple of different systems in use, and the best way to tune them up for optimal performance.

Educational Topic: Landscaping

Ethics for Board Members

You do your best to be an ethical person. But being a board member can present new and confusing ethical dilemmas on a regular basis. This article outlines some of those common ethical dilemmas and the appropriate responses. It also offers a sample “Code of Ethics” for board members.

Educational Topic: Board of Directors

When Can an HOA Board Raise Assessments?

“At budget time” is the obvious answer. But what about mid-year? What if the association wants to stagger its 20% increase over several months? Learn more about the limits on board authority to raise assessments.

Educational Topic: Assessments

at echo-ca.org

Log in to read the articles below.

Not sure how to access your free account? Email ECHO at: newaccount@echo-ca.org.

How can HOA Boards Delegate Authority?

Now that the Open Meeting Act prohibits boards from making decisions through an exchange of emails (except in an emergency), board members that were used to dealing with routine matters that arise between regular board meetings have to change their methods. Boards can either meet more often, or figure out how (and when) to delegate authority.

Educational Topic: Board Duties & Powers

Facebook Join Our Facebook Community Want to see pictures from our last seminar? Comment on our legislative activity? We only put the latest news up on Facebook, and we’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences, read important and amusing HOA news, and connect with fellow HOA owners on ECHO’s Facebook page. facebook.com/echoorg

ECHO Journal Read the ECHO Journal on the ECHO website before it arrives at your door. We usually post the latest issue on or before the beginning of each month. Log in to browse the latest articles, or read from a huge library of past issues.

Find in: echo-ca.org/journal

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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ECHO SAN JOSE 42nd Annual Seminar & Trade Show Saturday, August 23, 2014

This August, ECHO San Jose returns to the San Jose Convention Center for its 42nd year! ECHO’s Annual Seminars are the only opportunity to receive objective, in-person training for board members (or future board members!).

We’ll cover a dozen important subjects, including: • HOA University: important training in the four major areas of board operations. Attend all four sessions and earn a certificate.

• Drought Response: how to mitigate the impact of the drought and related regulations.

• Managing the Manager: learn how to get the most from your most important service provider.

Come for answers, and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow board members.

Registration always includes a buffet lunch, 12 educational sessions, access to a vibrant exhibit floor and hundreds of prizes.

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Visit the ECHO website for complete event details: www.echo-ca.org/events

Event Information

sessions

Location:

HOA UNIVERSITY

San Jose Convention Center 150 W San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113 Exibit Hall 3, facing S. Almaden Blvd.

• 9:00-10:10: Finance David Levy, CPA

Time:

• 10:40-12:00: Management Ian Brown • 1:20-2:40: Legal Alex Noland, Esq.

8:00 am to 4:30 pm

food: Coffee and tea in the morning, and a lunch buffet in the afternoon are included in the price of admission.

Parking: Parking at the Convention Center is $20. However, parking is available for $7 in the Almaden/Woz Lot across the street, located at 401 Almaden Blvd. Public transportation options are also convenient and plentiful.

Please see the ECHO website for more information.

Lodging: ECHO San Jose is immediately connected to the San Jose Hilton. Special rates are available through the ECHO website, or by calling the Hilton at (408) 287-2100.

Register: Members: $99, Nonmembers: $129 Registration includes lunch and access to all sessions.

Register online, or return the form on this page.

Yes, reserve ______spaces for the ECHO San Jose 42nd Annual Seminar & Trade Show.

• 3:20-4:30: Insurance John Allanson

HOT TOPICS • 9:00-10:10: Resident Owned Parks Jerry Bowles & Bruce Stanton, Esq. • 10:40-12:00: Energy Efficiency Dave Rosenblatt & Ricky Chu • 1:20-2:40: Maintenance Issues Maintenance Panel, Judy O’Shaughnessy, Chair • 3:20-4:30: Water Conservation Arron Majors

LEGAL • 9:00-10:10: Governing Documents Sandra Gottlieb, Esq. • 10:40-12:00: Avoiding a Reconstruction Nightmare Tyler Berding, JD, PhD., Regan Brown, & Chris Sigler • 1:20-2:40: Managing the Manager & Managing the Lawyer Stephanie Hayes, Esq., Steve Weil, Esq., & Bruce Ratliff • 3:20-4:30: Legislative Update John Garvic, Esq. & Kerry Mazzoni

Amount enclosed: $__________ (attach additional names) Name: Email Address:

More session details on the ECHO website.

HOA or Firm:

www.echo-ca.org/events

Address: City: State:

Zip:

Phone:

SPONSORS

Visa/Mastercard No. Exp. Date: Signature: Return with payment to: ECHO, 1960 The Alameda, Ste 195, San Jose, CA 95126 Orders will not be processed without payment in full. Fees for cancelled registrations will not be refunded. Phone: 408-297-3246; Fax: 408-297-3517

August June 2014 | ECHO Journal

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Excellent Community Governance ...is the difference between a good community and a great one.

By Bob Gourley

P

oor community governance can lead to the downfall or outright collapse of a community association. Finding and keeping qualified and interested volunteers within your community is a real challenge.

Are you using your communication tools to help with this daunting task?

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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s there a more difficult story to share with your fellow homeowners than the story of governance? How many times have you heard about the Board needing volunteers for this project or that committee? How often have you heard about a seat on the BOD going vacant for lack of interest? Used properly, your community newsletter and website can be a crucial tool in finding and developing your community’s future leaders.

Rarely, have I heard stories about an outstanding BOD President whose first involvement with community leadership was serving as BOD President.

While there are instances where a community seems to “magically” find new leaders, it has been my experience that the best-run communities actually “grow their own” leaders. They involve community members in projects and cultivate their residents to become their future community leaders. In more vital communities, Board Members are tasked with finding future leaders from the moment they join the Board themselves. This is an excellent strategy for long term governance success.

Altruism aside, public recognition for a job well done is very motivational for most individuals. While it may not be the same as making the front page of the New York Times, being written about in the pages of a community newsletter is rewarding to those being written about. It also inspires others to contribute as they seek the same recognition for themselves. It’s just human nature to want to do well and be recognized for a job well done.

The uninformed remain the uninvolved. If you are not using the

resources available to you to tell your story well, you will likely have poor results in finding new leaders. If you find that your community is lacking in leadership prospects, take a look at how you are communicating with those potential leaders. If the only communication with the typical homeowner is to remind them to send in their common fees, pick up their pet’s waste, and stop parking in the fire zones, you can’t be too surprised when they don’t volunteer to be a part of the community leadership efforts.

The well informed become the most involved. If you learn how to project a positive image within your community, you are much more likely to succeed in finding volunteers who want to be a part of that success. Most communities take on tremendous challenges and they do so in the form of volunteer efforts on the parts of Board Members and Committee volunteers. You need to tell their story and celebrate their achievements.

Your regularly scheduled communications should have at least one volunteer success story each and every issue.

You should also routinely ask for new volunteers for existing and future projects. The worst thing that could happen is that you will have told a positive story and rewarded a volunteer for their efforts. The best thing that could happen is that you will find success has inspired another volunteer to come forward. That new volunteer is likely to get active and stay active.

That may just be how you find your next Landscape Committee member, who also joins the Board and two years later becomes Board President. At least, that’s how it happened for me…

Bob Gourley is the founder of MyEZCondo, which has a passion to create “Better Communities Through Better Communication”. Bob produces newsletter and website content material for condominiums and homeowner associations throughout the USA, which may be found at, http://myezcondo.com/.

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Fresno Educational Seminar Saturday, September 6th, 2014 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Yes, reserve _____spaces for the ECHO Fresno Seminar Amount enclosed: $______(attach additional names) Name: Email Address:

SPEAKERS Emily Clark, Esq., Berding Weil Geri Kennedy, Focus Business Bank David Levy, CPA, Levy Erlanger & Co. Watch our website for topic announcements.

HOA or Firm: Address:

ADDRESS

City:

Ramada University Hotel 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy 324 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93710

State:

Zip:

Phone: Visa/Mastercard No. Exp. Date: Signature: Return with payment to: ECHO, 1960 The Alameda, Ste 195, San Jose, CA 95126 Orders will not be processed without payment in full. Fees for cancelled registrations will not be refunded. Phone: 408-297-3246; Fax: 408-297-3517

Price $59 $49 – Members $69 $59 – Nonmember Prices go up on August 22nd!

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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I had a call the other day from a woman (let’s call her Mrs. X) who was very troubled over recent increases in her homeowners’ association assessment. “I probably can’t live here much longer if this keeps up!” she said.

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By Tyler P. Berding, JD, PhD

THE ASSESSMENT DILEMMA

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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urns out the board of directors had raised the assessments by 20% on top of similar increases a year ago. They also levied a special assessment to fix some unexpected problems with the buildings. “You know what they did when I complained?” She said, “They handed me your book and said to read it!” She was referring to the treatise we wrote some years ago entitled “The Uncertain Future of Community Associations,” a discussion of the perils of under funding association reserves. According to my caller, the board was using the book as at least part of the justification for the assessment increases.

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Mrs. X was concerned because the assessments for her association were higher than “comparable” associations in her neighborhood.

We talked for a long time about this issue. Her worry about rapidly increasing assessments perhaps pricing her out of her home was not misplaced. This particular assessment had now reached close to $500 a month, not an insignificant sum, especially when added to the occasional special assessment. For a young buyer, or a person living on a fixed income, rapidly increasing homeowner assessments can be frightening, especially in a down economy when wages may not keep up with inflation.

What was happening here?

According to Mrs. X, her association was well maintained and, at least from her perspective, didn’t seem to need much in the way of repairs.

So why the sudden need to increase owner contributions? The board’s reference to “The Uncertain Future” would indicate that they were worried about underfunding. A casual glance around a well-maintained association may not reveal the source of their concern. Perhaps they had been forced to play “catch-up” from years past when a series of boards of directors had taken the easy way out and failed to gradually increase the reserve contributions. Or, possibly, a newly discovered issue with some building component has caused them to ratchet the assessments up rapidly to deal with the new problem.

We don’t know what the reason was, and neither did Mrs. X, but those reasons, and numerous others, can easily create a budget shortfall.

And that’s the dilemma that many associations face—do we do what we should and increase our funding to keep up with inflation or to take care of a newly discovered problem of some

sort or to make up for years of funding neglect—or do we take the politically expedient course and ignore the problem? Whatever the reason, if assessments are raised quickly the owners are not going to like it and the board will undoubtedly take flak because of it. Board members know that some owners will have difficulty finding the extra funds regardless of how worthy the cause, and some may eventually be priced out of their homes as a consequence.

But if the increased assessment represents the true cost of operating and maintaining the property, how can the board do otherwise?

Mrs. X is right—the cost of living in some associations is rising too rapidly, but the board is also right in doing what it’s doing, assuming that the estimates upon which the increases are based are correct. If so, what these rapid increases actually represent is the realization, pure and simple, that the true cost of ownership has been understated for a long time.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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How Do You Join ECHO? Over 1,700 members benefit each year from their membership in ECHO. Find out what they’ve known for years by joining ECHO today. To apply for the membership, sign up online at www.echo-ca.org.

For more information about membership and ECHO, call us at 408-297-3246 or visit the ECHO website.

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What I fear is that examples like this one are just the tip of the iceberg and that we are

going to see many owners priced out of their homes over the next decade or so as more boards come to understand the real cost of operation. Ignoring that for too long is probably what got us to this point and the fix is going to hurt a lot of people. It’s a real dilemma, to be sure.

Tyler Berding, JD, PhD, is a founding partner of Berding|Weil, providing a wide variety of legal services to homeowners associations.

He is past president of the ECHO board of directors and an active contributor to this Journal and speaker at ECHO events.

ECHO SAN JOSE 42nd Annual Seminar & Trade Show Saturday, August 23, 2014 See page 8 for details

Visit the ECHO website for complete event details: www.echo-ca.org/events

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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What To Do About Carbon 20 echo-ca.org

By Brian Seifert

Monoxide Alarms August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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HISTORY As of January 1, 2013 Senate Bill 183 took effect for multiple dwellings which include common interest developments. The bill requires that all dwellings that have fossil fuel burning heaters, attached garages or fireplaces must have carbon monoxide alarms installed. This bill was designed for the protection and safety of the residents of the state of California.

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Trigger and Enforcement Public jurisdictions such as city and county building departments are saddled with the enforcement of this law. As you can imagine, this is a daunting task. These jurisdictions monitor the law through the permit process.

Whenever a permit is pulled, for any reason, the jurisdiction will include the necessity to install the alarms before they will final the permit. The permit process which most reconstruction requires is the trigger. To be clear, an HOA in the process of say a re-roof project or siding replacement will be required to have every unit verify that a carbon monoxide alarm has been installed, even though at no time would it be necessary for the inspector to enter the home for such projects.

Verification of the alarms is the key problem both for the jurisdictions and the homeowners. You might be able to imagine the nightmare of coordinating

access for a building official to even a small complex of 38 units to visibly verify the alarms have been installed.

We were associated with one such complex related to a re-roof project.

It took in excess of three months to complete the task. Multiply that by 5 for a 200 unit complex and you can imagine the struggle. The contractor had to charge nearly $3000.00 to coordinate, be on site and walk with the inspector. To add to the dilemma, most jurisdictions will only allow their inspectors so much time per location so they may only inspect 5 or 6 at a time. The contractor will often provide the alarm and install it‌for an additional fee.

We have found that most public entities will allow the owner of each unit to sign an affidavit verifying that the alarms have been installed. This process is still somewhat cumbersome; however in those cases the need to coordinate inspections has been eliminated.

How To Ease The Process The following list will help to ease the process and minimize the cost.

Cooperate with the contractor and public jurisdiction. This may require time off work or finding a friend that can provide access in the event of an inspection.

Cooperate with your property manager in keeping your contact information up to date. Most often the contractor will work with the property manager for contact information to coordinate the inspections or signing of the affidavit.

Become familiar with each jurisdiction’s requirement for the installation of the alarms. In general, they are required outside each bedroom and one located on each floor

in the main part of the home.

Be aware of the additional cost for this process and as best as possible cooperate and coordinate to minimize this cost.

The state of California has deemed it necessary to regulate the public safety in the form of requiring carbon monoxide alarms. Be aware that this will be part of any permit acquired for construction projects, it will cost extra to manage and cooperate as best as possible.

Brian Seifert is principal at Cox & Seifert, a construction management firm serving the South Bay. Brian serves on the ECHO Board of Directors and is a regular speaker and contributor for ECHO.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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SAVING STRUCTURES

BY ATTENTION TO DETAIL What is the Building Envelope?

By Steven Saarman

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T

he building envelope is intended to provide a protective shield from the elements around your dwelling.

The building envelope encompasses the roofing system, the exterior wall system including all penetrations and attachments (i.e. stairs, fire escapes, wood decks, doors, windows, etc.), the waterproofing of any horizontal surfaces (i.e. membrane, decks, plazas) and the waterproofing of below grade structures (i.e. garages, storage areas).

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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hen all these systems are correctly integrated together with sheet metal flashings and waterproofing materials, a structure can function in a superior manner in relation to water penetration, air infiltration, condensation control and thermal movement.

Architects and engineers have compiled formidable amounts of technical knowledge on virtually every aspect of building materials and construction. Unfortunately, many recently completed buildings perform poorly in stopping water infiltration compared to those built years ago. This increased

incidence of building envelope failure in relatively new buildings is often the result of one or more of the following factors:

Changes and substitutions implemented during construction that are not properly integrated into the overall waterproofing scheme;

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Architects and engineers specifying new or inexpensive materials that do not have a proven track record of long term performance and/or compatibility with other products;

2

Developers not allowing design professionals adequate fees for proper construction detailing and construction supervision;

3

A general lack of quality control procedures implemented in the field, often coupled with a labor force untrained in the basic principles—let alone the subtleties of good waterproofing techniques;

4

Projects performed without full-time supervision of all trades by the general contractor.

Any of these issues can spell disaster for long-term performance of a building.

One way to a successful project designed and built to last is through the selection of a strong team of design professionals with a general contractor who plan and work together from design through construction. Input from the whole team, combined with a prudent selection of building materials and construction details integrated with value engineering techniques, can meet both the challenge of budget restrictions and delivery of quality construction. Detailing for performance and attention to the details during construction is the correct approach to building a new structure or reconstruction of existing ones.

In order to preserve the integrity and longevity of any existing structure, an in-place maintenance program is essential. This program should be planned by a qualified and experienced firm or consultant with the ability to understand the interaction between all the individual components forming the building envelope to prevent additional problems and damage. This is a much more difficult situation than designing new construction, because of the dilemma of the cost-effectiveness of modifying existing details for longterm performance versus the construction funds available. This is where a proven and experienced reconstruction team becomes invaluable by making the correct decisions and ultimately saving homeowners both money and time.

Following is some useful information that can be incorporated into any individual association maintenance program.

Remember, attention to the small, easily controlled details will definitely extend

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the useful life of individual components of your building envelope. Areas to be discussed here include decks, exterior wood walls and window maintenance.

DECKS Decks, often embellished with potted plants, barbecues and carpeting, are a great extension of living space for a homeowner. Though enhancing the usability and aesthetics for the homeowner, their presence can be the source of a financial “black hole” of repair costs for an association.

Specifically, all potted plants on deck surfaces, whether wood or elastomeric coated, should be on large plastic/rubber feet or rollers. Metal feet can cut into and damage the deck membrane surface.

Elevated planters allow all water draining from the plants onto the decks to dry and not trap moisture against the deck surface, which decreases the membrane’s longevity. All chairs and tables should also have protected feet.

Keep a deck clean of dirt, gravel or leaf debris. Leaf debris on wooden decks falls between the cracks in the boards and traps moisture on top of the supporting wood joists. If not corrected in time, this generally leads to wood decay and potential deck failure. All elastomeric membrane coated decks will stain from coffee, leaves, wine, fertilizer or floor mats. Outdoor carpeting is not recommended over a deck surface for any period of time, especially on acrylic membrane coated or wood decks.

If acrylic coatings are exposed to prolonged moisture, they become “soft” and vulnerable to damage. Their use is popular because of their quick drying time with less odor. Urethane membrane coated decks have longer drying times during application but are more moisture resistant; so they can accept carpet, but never glue down carpet.

Sparks or embers from barbecues can damage any deck surface. A non-combustible surface should be installed below the barbecue. Acceptable materials can be an elevated piece of sheet metal, cement protection board, or tiled panels.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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To clean membrane coated decks, first rinse the deck off with water, then mix one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent per one gallon of hot water. Apply the solution and scrub with a stiff bristle brush or broom and rinse.

Urethane decks can have tougher stains removed with sparingly used amounts of solvents such as acetone, toluene or lacquer thinner. Do not allow these solvents to sit on the deck surface, and rinse immediately with water. Never use paint remover. Another very acceptable method of cleaning all types of decks is to power wash the surface with a TSP solution as per above, but the pressure should not exceed 1500 psi. Care must also be exercised so that the deck surface is not damaged by concentrating the pressurized water in one area too long. To be sure none of the above solutions may void the manufacturer’s warranty, contact your consultant or local representative for confirmation. Also, check out safety

data sheets on all solvents prior to use.

For continued performance of elastomeric coated decks, they should be top-coated on average every 5 years, depending on use and weather exposure.

This simple, regularly performed maintenance is much less expensive than a full deck system and prevents potential plywood decay. Wood decks should have clear wood sealers applied annually or stains applied every three years or as necessary to achieve the maximum useful life of the wood decking.

EXTERIOR WOOD WALLS A very important factor in maintaining the integrity of exterior wood siding is a consistent and periodic painting program. It is vital to couple this with the proper selection and application of

caulk because paint will not span cracks or joints. This thin film of paint is what protects your wood surface. Replacing wood finishes becomes very costly versus initiating a regular maintenance program.

Again, attention to detail will maintain your longest painting cycles. A well detailed paint job with good guality paint really gives you the most “bang for your buck,” projected over a long period of time.

Following are some general guidelines for stains and paints over wood siding, but variations in paint durability are severely affected by sun exposure and microclimate conditions. Your consultant will know how to deal with these variables and advise you accordingly.

There are basically two types of stains— paraffin base and alkyd with linseed oil base. Paraffin base stains are generally more economical with good water repelling qualities but are not as good at ultraviolet (UV) protection and will only last a few years before re-application is necessary.

Oil based stains add oil back into the wood surface, have added UV inhibitors to retard degradation and will generally last 3 to 5 years before re-application.

Newly painted wood siding and trim should receive a tinted oil based prime coat with preferably two acrylic finish top coats. The maintenance cycle on this application can be 7 to 9 years, if applied with care and attention to details.

Before they are repainted, previously painted surfaces should always first be power washed, then spot primed with a tinted oil based primer to seal any bare wood and facilitate adhesion of the finish coat. Detailed caulking procedures should be implemented at this stage, before the finish coats are applied. Wood is best primed before caulking. The sealant must be firmly adhered to the wood surface, and the paint must be compatible with the sealant material. Check with your consultant. Unpainted wood does not make a good substrate for any sealant because it will absorb moisture from the sealant and adhesion problems will eventually result. Excellent sealants available are Sika Flex JA or Sonneborne N-1.

All this information about painting is very general in nature, and a consultant should be contacted to deal with individ-

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ual variations in repainting cycles and the proper selection of materials for longevity and compatibility.

As a general maintenance program between painting cycles, it is beneficial to power wash the exterior thoroughly.

This removes airborne contaminants and eliminates mold buildup, both of which deteriorate paint finishes.

to prevent water from entering the frame or sash. When painting the wooden stops around insulated glass panes, always carry the paint up 1/16 inch onto the glass to help seal the glass to the wood and to prevent water entry and damage to the glass seal.

We hope these suggestions are useful and will soon be incorporated into your maintenance program—if they aren’t already.

Being aware of how attention to details can save you time, money and undue aggravation is important. The final decision of implementation is up to you.

CONCLUSION

Steven Saarman is a principal at Saarman Construction, San Francisco, CA. The firm is a member of ECHO.

WINDOWS Windows are rarely addressed in maintenance programs. But window frames are generally built of aluminum, vinyl or wood, and all types need maintenance.

Aluminum windows and sliding glass doors perform much better when maintained regularly. Weep holes along the bottom track of windows should be regularly and meticulously cleaned.

Any water that accumulates in this track either from condensation or wind-driven rain needs to get out. A typical window failure problem often takes place at the sealed joints in the lower corners of a window frame. Standing water in the window track, due to plugged weep holes, can make a potential problem a real one.

Aluminum windows and sliding glass door frames should be periodically washed during the dry season to remove airborne contaminants. Oxidation on anodized frames can be removed by light scrubbing with a scotch brite pad and water. To maintain ease of operation, lubricate the wheels or glides, weather stripping felts and locking hardware with silicone spray. Do not use WD-40 because it attracts dirt. Sliding glass doors have a small access hole at the bottom of the operable pane to allow injection of silicone lubricant directly onto the rollers.

Vinyl windows should be treated the same as aluminum ones. Keep the frames clean, wax the vinyl frame periodically, and use silicone lubricant on all moving parts for ease of operation.

Wood windows require meticulous maintenance for long-term operation, especially with dual-glazed glass panes.

The frames must be regularly painted and all cracks filled with a proper sealant,

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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30 echo-ca.org

What HOA’s Really Need to Know About

Crime and Security

By Kenneth T. Carlisle

T

his is what you really need to know. The most common and recurring crimes which Bay Area condominium communities are plagued with are: burglary, theft from auto, breaking and entering, and assault. Other bad things happen—robbery, theft, vandalism, auto theft, and narcotics—but in the main, it is usually burglary, theft from auto, and assault.

These crimes are crimes of opportunity. Now every 1 kid (who remembers Dragnet.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

31

C

onsider some axioms of opportunity and crime:2

Opportunities play a role in causing crime.

Crime opportunities are highly specific.

Some products, people, homes, vehicles offer more tempting crime opportunities.

Social and technological changes produce new crime opportunities.

Concealment and surveillance – Criminals are able to hide and “case” the property for high value victims.

Rationale for legitimately being present – ‘cover’ – they are able to “blend-in”.

Escape and pursuit – It is easier to get away and avoid pursuit.

Crime opportunities are concentrated in time and space.

Crime can be prevented by reducing opportunities.

Presence of promoters offering support and turning a blind eye – Other bad guys who aid but do not participate and sympathizers.

Crime opportunities depend on everyday movements of activity.

Immediate stimulates of criminal events.3&4 Condominiums,

Attractive or vulnerable targets.

One crime produces opportunities for another.

housing estates, town centers, and transport interchanges tend to embolden criminals, because they are logistically and tactically favorable for the criminal and for crime promoters and unfavorable for crime preventers. Why? Because in a broad general sense, they provide:

In theory and practice, repeat victimization can be closely linked to crime opportunity for several reasons: The most opportune targets for crime attract multiple attacks.

Criminals successful the first time go back again, because they anticipate another success.

Criminals know what is there and what they missed the first time.

Criminals wait for the victim to replace what was stolen and then return to take the replacements.

After a violent offense, the criminal knows who cannot resist and who can be attacked again.

In sum, the most opportune targets at the outset become even more opportune after they were first victimized. This

unhappy circumstance has a positive side: efforts to prevent crime also have the best chance to succeed when focused on these cases. This growing area of knowledge and experience has been applied to burglary, robbery, theft, domestic violence, and commercial theft, among other offenses. Like most of the studies, many of the

32 echo-ca.org

basic insights began in Britain but have since been confirmed and extended in many other countries.5

As previously recognized, crime can be prevented by reducing opportunities. Opportunity-reducing

methods of crime prevention fit systematic patterns and rules; however, prevention methods must be tailored to each situation. These methods derive from rational choice theory and purpose: (1) to increase the perceived effort of crime, (2) to increase the perceived risks, and (3) to reduce the anticipated rewards. Thus, situational crime prevention is not just a collection of ad hoc methods, but is firmly grounded in opportunity theory.

Crime can be prevented by controlling access. This concept

denies opportunity by not allowing the criminal to reach his desired objective.

Rather than placing full reliance on a single security measure, effective access control is organized in-depth in an arrangement of concentric circles or rings of protection. This concept

involves the use of multiple “rings” or “layers” of security. These layers require an intruder to penetrate a series of security applications in order to reach his victim or plunder. The first application is typically located at the boundary or perimeter, and additional layers are provided as one proceeds into the property. The more layers that exist between the perimeter and assets, the better the security.

The outer protective layer may consist of gates, fencing, natural barriers, building facade, lighting systems, signs, and traffic calming6 controls (used in residential neighborhoods). All of these generally accomplish three related functions: defining property lines, establishing ownership, channeling personnel and vehicles through designated access points. The middle layer of barrier protection is usually considered to begin at the exteriors of the site.

Features may include: lighting systems, detection systems, CCTV surveillance,7 signs, and additional fencing. More positive controls are used at the security design of the inner barrier layer—the

unit or home. These prevent the intruder from accessing anything deemed to have value. Features may include: window/ door bars, break resistant glazing, locking devices, barriers, signs access/ intrusion/alarm systems, communication systems, lighting systems, safes and “safe rooms.”8 The National Sheriff ’s Association reports that almost 80% of first responders to neighborhood crime are your neighbors. Crime simply can’t take root in an alert and cooperative neighborhood. When neighbors join together, meet regularly, and learn proactive and vigilant security habits crime decreases.

In residential neighborhoods, Neighborhood Watch has grown from an “extra eyes and ears” approach to crime prevention to a much more proactive, community-oriented endeavor providing a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement, and citizens for the protection of their communities. Today’s Watch Group programs incorporate activities that not only address crime prevention issues, but also restore pride and unity to a

 Detailed on-site inspections, inventories and component descriptions  Meets or exceeds all requirements and disclosures of California Civil Code 1365  30 year funding model projections  Includes color photos of components  21 years of reserve study experience

Call today for a free proposal 800-500-8505 or FAX 800-500-7305 Email info@ara-llc.com Visit us at www.ara-llc.com 4040 Civic Center Drive, Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94903

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

33

neighborhood. It is not uncommon to see members of Neighborhood Watch groups participating in community cleanups and other activities that strive to improve the quality of life for community residents.

Lastly, if the criminal wants to commit the crime and has the tools to do so, he will, all that’s wanting is opportunity.

So, if we use security to deny him the opportunity, the crime won’t happen.

Security has prevented the crime.

How do we accomplish that at a cost responsible price?

The National Sheriff’s Association reports that almost 80% of first responders to neighborhood crime are your neighbors. Crime simply can’t take root in an alert and cooperative neighborhood.

When neighbors join together, meet regularly, and learn proactive and vigilant security habits crime decreases.

Ken Carlisle is the principal consultant at www.SecurityNet.com. SecurityNet assists its clients in the development of well-defined security programs, systems and procedures for both large and small organizations and facilities.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragnet_(series).

2 Opportunity Makes the Thief, Practical Theory for Crime Prevention, Marcus

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34 echo-ca.org

Felson and Ronald V. Clarke.

3. http://www.designagainstcrime.com/ files/crimeframeworks/06_cco_classic.pdf.

4. Conjunction of Criminal Opportunity – Classic, by Paul Ekblom (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan 2011) is a model of crime prevention applied and developed in the UK .

5. Graham Farrell and Ken Pease.

1994. Once Bitten, Twice Bitten: Repeat Victimization and its Implications for Prevention.

6. http://nacto.org/wp-content/ uploads/2012/06/Ewing-Reid-1999.pdf 7. CCTV alone is worthless in controlling access and has only marginal value as a deterrent. If it is not being monitored and no one is going to respond, it is only a picture of the past and prevents nothing.

8. A room the family may retreat to, to gain time and safety, until the police arrive (10 min. to 45 min.). The room has reinforced walls, door and locks, back-up communications and perhaps a weapon.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

35

The Board’s Dilemma Member Price: Non-Member Price:

BOOKSTORE Beyond Privatopia Member Price: Non-Member Price:

Condominium Bluebook 2014 Edition $17.00 $25.00

Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$17.00 $25.00

This companion to the Condominium Bluebook is an in-depth guide to all aspects of association finances, including accounting methods, financial statements, reserves, audits, taxes, investments and much more.

Not for the accounting novice, this is a tool for the treasurer or professional looking for specific information about association finances.

Questions & Answers About Community Associations Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$18.00 $25.00

This well-known compact guide for operation of common interest developments in California now includes a comprehensive index of the book and a chapter containing more than 200 frequently-asked questions about associations, along with succinct answers.

For 12 years, Jan Hickenbottom answered homeowners’ questions in her Los Angeles Times column on community associations. Now collected in one volume, readers can find answers to almost any question about CIDs.

Condos, Townhomes and Homeowner Associations

Board Member Handbook

Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$29.00 $45.00

To make these a sustainable investment, new buyers, owners and board members need to understand “best practices basics” of how this form of housing works and have more realistic expectations of this form of “carefree, maintenance free” living.

Community Association Statute Book—2014 Edition Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$15.00 $25.00

Contains the current version of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, the Civil Code sections that apply to common interest developments and selected provisions from other codes important to associations.

Home and Condo Defects Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$12.95 $17.95

Construction defect litigation can be confusing, expensive and fraught with legal pitfalls. This eye-opening guide, written by accomplished construction-defect attorneys, is an essential tool for board members who need to understand the legal process.

36 echo-ca.org

In this essay, attorney Tyler Berding confronts the growing financial problems for community associations. Mr. Berding addresses board members who are struggling to balance their duty to protect both individual owners and the corporation, and gives answers to associations trying to avoid a funding crisis.

2014 Condominium Greenbook $20.00 $25.00

The rise of residential private governance may be the most extensive and dramatic privatization of public life in U.S. history. In Beyond Privatopia, attorney and political science scholar Evan McKenzie explores emerging trends in private governments and competing schools of thought on how to operate them, frm state oversight to laissez-faire libertarianism.

Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$10.00 $15.00

Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$15.00 $25.00

This publication is the essential guidebook for HOA Board members, dealing with governance, finances, insurance and maintenance issues.

Revised and updated in June 2012.

Reserve Fund Essentials Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$18.00 $25.00

This book is an easy to read, must-have guide for anyone who wants a clear, thorough explanation of reserve studies and their indispensable role in effective HOA planning. The author gives tips to help board members mold their reserve study into a useful financial tool.

The Condo Owner’s Answer Book Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$15.00 $20.00

An excellent guide to understanding the rights and responsibilities of condo ownership and operation of homeowner associations. The question-and-answer format responds to more than 125 commonly-asked questions in an easy to understand style. A great resource for newcomers and veteran owners.

ciation o s s A unity Book Comm Statute dition 2014 E

Dispute Resolution in Homeowner Associations Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$15.00 $25.00

This publication has been completely revised to reflect new requirements resulting from passage of SB 137.

Publications to answer your questions about common interest developments Order Online at www.echo-ca.org

Bookstore Order Form Board Member’s Guide for Contractor Interviews Member Price: Non-Member Price:

EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY FOR HOMEOWNERS 1960 THE ALAMEDA, STE 195, SAN JOSE, CA 95126 PHONE: 408-297-3246, FAX: 408-297-3517

TITLE

QUANTITY AMOUNT

$15.00 $25.00

This report is a guide for directors and managers to use for interviews with prospective service contractors.

Questions to find out capabilities and willingness of contractors to provide the services being sought are included for most of the contractor skills that associations use.

SUBTOTAL CALIFORNIA SALES TAX (Add 8.625%) TOTAL AMOUNT

Yes! Place my order for the items above.

Check

Board Member’s Guide for Management Interviews Member Price: Non-Member Price:

$15.00 $25.00

This guide for use by boards for conducting complete and effective interviews with prosp ective managers takes the guesswork out of the interview process. Over 80 questions covering every management duty and includes answer sheets matched to the questions.

Visa

MasterCard

Credit Card Number Exp. Date

Signature

Name (please print) Association (or company) Email Address City

State

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August 2014 | ECHO Journal

37

directory updates

All current listings may be found in our Professionals Directory available online at www.echo-ca.org.

New Members RFI Construction Management 383 Diablo Road Suite 111 Danville, CA 94526 Contact: Mark Greening Tel: (925) 478.7999

Law Offices of Barrett R. P. Schaefer 790 Mission Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901 Contact: Barrett Schaefer, Esq. Tel: (415) 485.2200

Teevan 2247 Union Street San Francisco, CA 94123 Contact: Jesse Ladomirak Tel: (415) 474.TVAN

R& R Handyman Services 1966 Tice Valley Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94595 Contact: Todd Rowe Tel: (866) 377.0003

GET Insurance Services and Associates 1060 Willow St. San Jose, CA 95125 Contact: Tom Gurske Tel: (408) 279.7171

Boland Insurance, Inc. 120 D Oliva Court Novato, CA 94947 Contact: Kevin Boland Tel: (415) 898.4370

Become an ECHO Professional Member and receive the benefits of membership.

To learn more, visit our membership page at www.echo-ca.org

38 echo-ca.org

advertiser index

about ECHO

ACE Property Management.................29 www.acepm.net Angius & Terry......................................33 www.angius-terry.com Applied Reserve Analysis....................33 www.ara-llc.com Association Reserves...........................18 www.reservestudy.com Benjamin Moore Paint & Company...19 www.benjaminmoore.com Berding|Weil .........................Back Cover www.berding-weil.com Collins Management............................28 www.collins-mgmt.com Community Management Services....35 www.communitymanagement.com Compass Management Group............32 www.gocompass.com Cornerstone Community Management.........................................12 www.cornerstonemgt.biz

Flores Painting & Drywall....................17 Forster Construction Management.....26 Forster_CM@yahoo.com GET Insurance......................................18 www.hoacoverage.com Medallion Landscape...........................19 www.mlmi.com M & C Association Management Services...........................2 www.mccommunities.com Neighborhood Association Management.........................................23 www.neighborhoodam.com

WHAT IS ECHO? Serving Homeowners to Build Strong Community Associations The Educational Community for Homeowners (ECHO) is a nonprofit membership corporation dedicated to assisting California homeowner associations. ECHO provides help to homeowner associations on many fronts: finances, legal issues, insurance, maintenance and management. Members receive help through conferences, trade shows, seminars, online education, a monthly full-color magazine and discounted publications.

PML Management................................27 www.pmlmanagement.com

Who Should Join ECHO?

Pollard Unlimited.................................23 www.pollardunlimited@comcast.net

If your association manages condominiums or a planned development, it can become a member of ECHO and receive all of the benefits designated for homeowner associations.

R.E. Broocker Co...................................29 www.rebroockerco.com Rebello’s Towing..................................16 www.rebellos.net

Ekim Painting.......................................27 www.ekimpainting.com

Steve Tingley Painting, Inc..................34 www.tingleypainting.com

Eugene Burger Management..............17 www.ebmc.com

The Manor Association........................38 info@TheManorAssociation.com

Focus Business Bank...........................18 Focusbusinessbank.com

Union Bank...........................................22 www.HOAbankers.com

Benefits of Association Membership • Subscription to monthly magazine • Access to members-only online education • Updates to the Association Statute Book • Frequent educational seminars • Special prices for CID publications • Legislative advocacy in Sacramento

ECHO Membership Dues Association Membership HOA 2 to 25 units...........................$130 HOA 26 to 50 units.........................$180 HOA 51 to 100 units.......................$275 HOA 101 to 150 units.....................$375 HOA 151 to 200 units.....................$450 HOA 201 or more units..................$575 Professional Membership.................$499 Association Management Membership.......................................$499 Individual Membership.......................$75

How Do You Join ECHO?

Office 1960 The Alameda, Suite 195 San Jose, CA 95126-2308

Over 1,700 members benefit each year from their membership in ECHO. Find out what they’ve known for years by joining ECHO today. To apply for the membership, sign up online at www. echo-ca.org.

For more information about membership and ECHO, call us at 408-297-3246 or visit the ECHO website.

August August2014 2013 ||| ECHO ECHOJournal Journal February 2014 ECHO Journal

39 39

legislation at a glimpse

The legislative session isn’t over, and we may need your help. Make sure your voice is heard in Sacramento.

July was a busy month for ECHO and Sacramento legislators.

Major modifications to several bills, including AB 1738 concerning attorneys at dispute resolution, are still being considered.

Sometimes your legislators need to hear from you. We’ll email our members when the time comes, so make sure that we can reach you. Send your name, the name of your association, and email address to newaccount@echo-ca.org.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to improve legislation for your HOA!

Current Legislation Bill Information

Summary

AB 968

Common Area Maintenance

Support Status: Amended 6/23.

Senate third reading.

ECHO is sponsoring legislation to clarify who maintains and repairs “exclusive use common area” in associations. Current law is ambiguous about responsibility for repair and replacement, which has caused terrible building practices and unnecessary litigation. Beginning January 2016, this bill will clarify that the association is responsible for repair and replacement of “exclusive use common area” unless the association’s governing documents provide otherwise.

AB 1360

Electronic Voting

Support Status: Amended 6/15. Failed passage in Senate committee.

This bill authorizes an association to conduct elections or other membership balloting by electronic voting. It also requires an association to provide each member with an opportunity to indicate that he or she will be voting electronically and to provide a member who did not indicate so with a paper ballot. The bill also sets forth minimum requirements of an electronic voting system for an association’s election.

AB 1738

Attorneys at Dispute Resolution

Support if Amended

This bill would require that association dispute resolution procedures, including internal dispute resolution (IDR), permit both the association and members to include their attorney (or another person) to participate in the proceeding if advance written notice is provided. Agreements reached in Dispute Resolution proceedings would be judicially enforceable.

Author: Gordon

Author: Torres

Author: Chau Status: Amended 6/16. Passed Assembly. Senate Third Reading.

What Do You Think? Read more about HOA legislation on our website or visit our Facebook page and join the discussion. On the web: echo-ca.org/hoa-advocacy, On Facebook: facebook.com/echoorg

40 echo-ca.org

legislation at a glimpse

Current Legislation Bill Information

Summary

AB 2100

Drought and Under-Watering Fines

Support

This bill would prohibit an association from imposing a fine or assessment against a member for reducing or eliminating watering of vegetation or lawns during a declared emergency due to drought. Associations may require that landscaping be safe and otherwise maintained.

The bill would take effect immediately.

Author: Campos Status: Amended 6/10. In Assembly for concurrence in Senate amendments.

AB 2188

Solar Energy Permits

Support if Amended

This bill would expedite permits for solar panel installations. This bill would require boards to decide on applications for solar panel installations within 45 days and to notify the applicant in writing.

Author: Muratsuchi Status: Amended 7/1. In Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 2430

HOA Transfer Fees and Disclosures

Watch

This bill would require that a seller provide a prospective purchaser with certain current documents that the seller possesses free of charge. It would also require that the seller be responsible for compensating an association, person, or entity for providing documents under these provisions.

Author: Maienschein Status: Amended 5/7. Passed Assembly. Ordered to special consent calendar.

AB 2561

Voiding HOA Landscaping Rules

Neutral

This bill would require associations to permit personal agriculture in a unit owner’s private backyard, subject to reasonable restrictions. ECHO opposed an earlier version of this bill that prevented such reasonable restrictions, and allowed owners to plant in front yards as well.

Author: Bradford Status: Amended 7/1.

Senate third reading.

AB 2565

Electric Vehicle Stations

Support

Subject to certain conditions, this bill would compel a lessor in a common interest development to permit a lessee to install an electric vehicle charging station, provided the lessee agrees in writing to various requirements related to costs, insurance, and potential damages.

Author: Muratsuchi Status: Amended 6/16. Passed Assembly. Senate third reading.

SB 391

Fees on Recorded Documents

Oppose

In order to fund affordable housing, this bill would impose a $75 fee on each document to be recorded in California.

Author: DeSaulnier Status: Passed Senate. In Assembly Appropriations Committee.

SB 992

Drought and Under-Watering Fines

Support

This bill would prohibit an association from imposing a fine for reducing or eliminating watering of vegetation during a declared state of emergency due to drought.

Author: Nielsen Status: Amended 5/28. Passed Senate. Assembly Third Reading.

SB 1026

Foreclosure Action Notice

Watch

This bill would permit an association to serve an owner or owner’s representative with notice of a foreclosure action to collect delinquent assessments by posting a copy of the notice on the owner’s separate interest in a manner most likely to give actual notice to the party to be served and mailing a copy of the notice, as specified.

Author: Vidak Status: Amended 4/28. In Senate Judiciary. Hearing cancelled.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

41

ECHO event calendar

RESOURCE PANEL CALENDAR ECHO Resource Panels meet during lunch on weekdays to enable managers, professionals and board members to hear about important topics presented by experts in the industry, and share experiences and issues. The meetings are open to all ECHO members, and those interested in learning about ECHO, offered in a casual atmosphere where the cost of attendance is the price of your lunch. The sessions last about an hour and a half. Check-in with the ECHO Panel Secretary for details and to register.

Please join us: DATE

PANEL LOGISTICS

August 13, 11:45 a.m. South Bay Resource Panel Buca Di Beppo 1875 S. Bascom Ave, Campbell August 15, 11:45 a.m.

East Bay Resource Panel Massimo Restaurant 1603 Locust St., Walnut Creek

August 20, 11:45 a.m. Wine Country Resource Panel Serv-Pro 377 Blodgett St., Cotati

PANEL SECRETARY

TOPIC

Rosalia Tapia, Esq. 408-369-0800, ext. 205

Insurance

Cindy Wall, PCAM 925-830-4580

Trees

Pam Marsh 415-686-9342

Managers’ Expectations of Vendors

Sept. 4, 11:45 a.m.

North Bay Resource Panel Contempo Marin Clubhouse 400 Yosemite Dr., San Rafael

Denise Wolford 415-458-3537

Cyber Theft

Sept. 9, 11:45 a.m.

Central Coast Resource Panel Michael’s on Main 2591 S Main St., Soquel

Ann Thomas 800-537-4098 ext.7530

TBD

Sept. 17, 11:45 a.m.

Wine Country Resource Panel Serv-Pro 377 Blodgett St., Cotati

Pam Marsh 415-686-9342

Water Damage

REGULARLY SCHEDULED RESOURCE PANEL MEETINGS Panel

MEETING

location

Maintenance

First Wednesday, Even Months

ECHO Office, San Jose

North Bay

First Thursday, Odd Months

Contempo Marin Clubhouse, San Rafael

East Bay

Second Friday, Even Months

Massimo Restaurant, Walnut Creek

Accountants

Second Monday, Odd months

Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Oakland

Central Coast

Second Tuesday, Odd months

Michael’s On Main, Soquel

South Bay

Second Wednesday, Even Months

Buca Di Beppo, Campbell

Wine Country

Third Wednesday, Monthly

Serv-Pro, Cotati

Legal

Quarterly

Varies

42 echo-ca.org

ECHO honor roll

ECHO HONORS VOLUNTEERS Resource Panels

Seminar Speakers

Recent Contributing Authors

Accountant Panel Marco Lara, CPA 650-632-4211

Marin David Feingold, Esq. Wanden Treanor, Esq. Glenn Youngling, Esq.

January 2014 Douglas Christison, PCAM Barbara Ellen William S. Erlanger, CPA Joelyn K. Carr-Fingerle, CPA Tyler P. Berding, JD, PhD

Central Coast Panel John Allanson 831-685-0101 East Bay Panel Beth Grimm, Esq. 925-746-7177 Cindy Wall, PCAM, CCAM 925-830-4580 Legal Panel Mark Wleklinski, Esq. 925-280-1191 Maintenance Panel Judy O’Shaughnessy 408-839-6926 North Bay Panel Diane Kay, CCAM 415-846-7579 Stephany Charles, CCAM 415-458-3537 South Bay Panel George Engurasoff 408-295-7767 Wine Country Panel Pam Marsh 415-686-9342 Legislative Committee Paul Atkins Jeffrey Barnett, Esq. Sandra Bonato, Esq. Jerry Bowles Oliver Burford Joelyn Carr-Fingerle, CPA Chet Fitzell, CCAM John Garvic, Esq., Chair Geri Kennedy, CCAM Wanden Treanor, Esq.

Santa Cruz John Allanson Jeffrey Barnett, Esq. Diane Rossi, PCAM Ron Duncan Toby Goddard Piret Harmon South Bay Sharon Pratt, Esq. Rosalia Tapia, Esq. Matthew Harrington, Esq. Terin Reeder Robert P. Hall, Jr., Esq. Stephanie Hayes, Esq. Wine Country Carra Clampitt Bill Gillis, Esq. Steve Lieurance, CCAM Jim MacMillan Michael Cantarutti Paul Schultz, CLCA. Oakland David Levy, CPA Ian Brown, CCAM Mike Hughes, Esq, Dennis Socher Wanden Treanor, Esq. Gavin Leonard Alex Noland, Esq. Dave Rosenblatt, CACM Ricky Chu Paul Windust, Esq. Chris Sigler Toni Rodriguez Scott Sommerfield Sandra Gottlieb, Esq. Steve Weil, Esq. Amy Tinetti, Esq. Bob Burton, CCAM John Stander, Esq. Jordan O’Brien, Esq. Beth Grimm, Esq. Ann Rankin, Esq.

February 2014 Jeffrey A. Barnett, Esq. David Kuivanen, AIA Elizabeth Lanham Sharon Glenn Pratt, Esq. March 2014 Teresa Powell & Brian Seifert Sandra L. Gottlieb, Esq. Marc Dunia Charlotte Allen April 2014 Thomas Connelly Burt Dean Walt Grady, CPA Andrea L. O’Toole, Esq. Emily K. Clark, Esq. Michael Hardy, Esq. May 2014 Scott Sommerfeld Pat Wendleton, Esq. Sharon Glenn Pratt, Esq. Glenn H. Youngling, Esq. Ken Bade, PCAM June 2014 Steven S. Weil, Esq. David Kuivanen, AIA Beth Grimm, Esq. Robert Hall, Esq. Barrett R.P. Schaefer, Esq. July 2014 Ken Kosloff, CSI, CCI Tim Polk Marilyn Lincoln Jeffrey S. Farnsworth, CCAM Paul W. Windust, Esq.

August 2014 | ECHO Journal

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