Echo Journal – June 2023

AFTER THE STORM

ECHO’S 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

Handling storm damage to property

Check out the snapshots from a wonderful evening

Find HOA experts quickly and easily

PAGE 14

PAGE 20

PAGE 35

SERVING HOA BOARD MEMBERS & HOMEOWNERS

JUNE 2023

Navigating Ethics with Association Vendors

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Echo 5669 Snell Ave., #249 San Jose, CA 95123 408.297.3246 | info@echo-ca.org www.echo-ca.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS PRESIDENT

DIRECTORS

Adam Haney

Jerry L. Bowles

VICE PRESIDENT Sandra Long TREASURER

Brian Campisi Rolf Crocker Sarah Dunia J. Spencer Edgett, Esq.

Karl Lofthouse

John Gill, Esq.

SECRETARY

David Hughes

Mark T. Guithues, Esq.

David Levy, CPA Kelly Zibell

BENEFACTOR MEMBER

Donald W. Haney, CPA CID Consortium, LLC

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

David Zepponi | dzepponi@echo-ca.org OPERATIONS MANAGER

Connor Zepponi | connor@echo-ca.org MEMBERSHIP & SALES MANAGER

Jacqueline Price | jprice@echo-ca.org PUBLICATIONS EXPEDITOR

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Get more from your Echo membership Echo members have exclusive access to our entire library of HOA-focused educational programming including Community Conversations, Educational Seminars, Workshops, Ask the Attorneys and Ask the Experts.

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Heather Turley | heather@echo-ca.org The Echo Journal is published quarterly by the Executive Council of Homeowners (Echo). 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 or image.

March 2023: Ask the Experts About Construction Projects and Inspections May 2023: Ask the Experts About Insurance Ask the Experts: Solar & Electric Vehicle Charging Fundamentals Community Conversation: Better Meetings & The Open Meeting Act Community Conversation: HOA Elections & Understanding the Role of an Inspector of Elections Community Conversation: Dealing with Homeowner Apathy Community Conversation: HOA Taxes and Other Accounting Conversations Community Conversation: The Rulemaking Process, Investigations, Hearings & Enforcement

© 2023 Executive Council of Homeowners (Echo) All rights reserved. Reproduction except by written permission of Echo is prohibited.

Echo member information is never released to any outside individual or organization, unless agreed to by the member.

For more information visit www.echo-ca.org ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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8

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Features 8

Navigating Ethics with Association Vendors

BY DANIEL C. HEATON, ESQ.

14

After the Storm: Handling Storm Damage to Property

BY PETER PROWS

20

Echo’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

30

Echo Memories

BY DAVID LEVY

Happenings 6

CEO’s Message: 50th Anniversary – A Celebration to Remember

BY DAVID ZEPPONI

24

Attend an Echo In-Person Event!

26

The Echo Legislation Tracker: June 2023 Update

32

Welcome to Echo’s New Professional Service Providers

35 2023 Professional Service Provider Directory

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER RESOURCE DIRECTORY

35

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

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ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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CEO’S MESSAGE

Raison d’Etre – The Reason for

What a beautiful phrase, raison d’etre (reason for being). It every board member should consider and collectively agree

50th Anniversary – A Celebration phrase engenders humanity. The words roll from one’s t to Remember The stark business senses and adds the element of humanity to

a board: Strategic planning, execution and evaluation; mis management.

The business should be reflective of evening with words realities so meaningful that many left It was a wonderful evening. On May withof a deeper understanding of community. the HOA world 5th, Echo celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the common values individuals in the

and a reignited commitment to the unquestionable Pinstripes event center in San Mateo. More than relevance and need for Echo now andare into made the future.

170 old and new friends came togetherCommunities to share are imperfect – because they of huma It is true that Echo is continuing to redevelop an evening with one another and celebrate the relating. Humans using. Human living. Basically, humans b and adapt to an ever-changing HOA community five-decades-long relationship of this wonderful human,environment. communities sometimes forget that manag Once upon a time, when I was very association that focuses on fostering abeing better quality young, focused on putting statutory of life in HOA communities. establish norms forour a founders successful community.

In a sense, th sideboards on the so-called HOA “wild west.”

This It was a proud evening, as Rolf Crocker gave a the community.

Its purpose is to establish order and eleva lobbying effort resulted in the Davis-Stirling Act. brief recitation of the history of Echo, introducing us progress and pace by body establishing andofconstraints Using this of law for thenorms underpinning to one of its founders, Doug Christison, who returned to the Bay Area from his retirement home in Arizona.all.HOA growth, there was an explosion of housing to benefit developments in the early decades of Echo serving Rolf led us on a journey from the past, when Echo common interest developments.

This body laws began, to our present, where Echo is today.

It seems apparent that board leadership mustofunderstand continues today as the foundation for California It was an evening to celebrate the new Echo. in order to orchestrate a sense of community and g owners HOAs. Mentioned was the new Echo Board Members Club; and protect community The purpose of atime, board, ther With goodvalues. cheers for all and a really nice its founding chair, Miguel Sanchez (who traveled the evening homeowners from New Mexico), and several of the volunteer build community basedwas ona celebration. commonThe values for thewho good of attended expressed gratitude, and the professionals moderators and members who came to celebrate a glorious that I andItothers It takesnew time toenjoyed orchestrate aevening community. takeswilltime to kno Echo. The Board Members Club is an amazing never forget.

Thank you to all who took the time to peer-to-peer learning and connection time experience to listen to the voices and build a vision reflective of c celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Echo with us and designed exclusively for current and former board and you will be effective as a for board memberof and satis to more show continuing support our association members to discuss issues and share ideas. communities.

5, 2023, was an amazing your forHOA being on the May board.

It was a night of celebration for those whoreason see evening I shall fondly remember always. value in Echo. Don Haney of CID Consortium was

ECHO is committed to helping homeowner boards and resid celebrated as the first Echo lifetime benefactor member. In a moving presentation, Don eloquently ing and advocacy – this is our “raison d’etre”. expressed his thoughts about the industry from the viewpoint of an HOA accountant and management firm owner, and as a lifelong member of Echo. His wisdom gave us all pause and punctuated the Sincerely,

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

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ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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Navigating Ethics with Association Vendors

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

BY DANIEL C. HEATON, ESQ.

olunteer board members of a community association are charged with fulfilling three primary goals: maintaining common areas, managing fiscal responsibilities, and enforcing the governing documents. The key to effectively meeting each of these responsibilities is developing successful and long-lasting relationships with association vendors. By understanding and addressing certain areas where ethical challenges might develop, boards can proactively foster positive relationships with their vendors and help ensure the smooth operation of their community.

Competitive Bidding and Vendor Selection Boards should cultivate effective vendor relationships from the very beginning of the process. This involves establishing clear and well-defined procedures for soliciting bids and evaluating vendors, who should be afforded an equal opportunity to compete for association projects without risk of bias or favoritism.

The intended scope of work or services needed and the qualifications required from each company, such as proper licensing or level of insurance, should be specified with great detail. All bids should be compared based on the same criteria. The practice of bid shopping, or sending an initial proposal to other vendors to try to solicit a better price, should be eliminated. Boards should keep in mind the adage that you often get what you pay for and should not just hire the company with the lowest bid, especially if it means forgoing any set requirements of the association.

Conflicts of Interest: Avoidance and Disclosure Boards must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing conflicts of interest when working with vendors. Conflicts occur when board members or managers have personal or financial interests that could compromise their objectivity when selecting vendors or negotiating contracts. Civil Code § 5375.5 requires community managers to provide written disclosures of any potential conflict when presenting a vendor’s bid to a board. That provision also defines “conflict of interest” as any referral fee, other monetary benefit, ownership interest, or profit-sharing arrangement with the vendor.

However, problem areas involve more than just instances

Boards must be vigilant in identifying and addressing conflicts of interest when working with vendors.

Continued on page 10 ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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Navigating Ethics with Association Vendors Continued from page 9

when a director or manager has a direct financial stake in the company. Are any of the board members or managers related to or otherwise have a relationship with one of the proposed contractors or service providers?

If so, even though there may not be a financial interest, a director still “may not make decisions for the association that benefit their own interests at the expense of the association and its members.”

(Raven’s Cove Townhomes, Inc. v.

Knuppe Development Co. (1981) 114 Cal.App.3d 783.)

To ensure transparency and prevent favoritism during the vendor selection process, board members should disclose both direct financial conflicts and indirect relationships they have with vendors as soon as they realize a potential conflict exists.

Often, an association’s bylaws already include procedures for identifying conflicts and the steps the board is required to take to remain impartial. Additionally, boards should keep in mind that their decisions, including the validity of any contracts or transactions with those vendors, are only legally protected when the conflict is disclosed in advance and the interested director recuses himself or herself from participating in the discussion and voting (Corp.

Code §§ 310, 7233). If there is any question as to whether a director should participate, the remaining board members should make the decision and document the results in the minutes.

Even if the above process is followed, the board may still 10

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

want to avoid hiring the company that has a potential conflict.

Perception often trumps reality in community associations.

Homeowners may still accuse the board of receiving benefits or other advantages because of a perceived relationship, even if the association followed all the correct steps. There are enough qualified vendors in the industry that boards should be able to find an alternative that will avoid contention in the community.

Contractual Clarity and Comprehensiveness While handshake agreements may have worked in the past, associations large and small should never conduct transactions with vendors without an executed contract.

This enables boards to clearly delineate the responsibilities that the parties owe to each other, the precise scope of work, how much it is going to cost, how payments will be made, and potential terms of liability and indemnification if the project is not completed correctly or services are not performed.

Effective vendor relationships require clarity in pricing and billing practices. Boards should insist on itemized invoices that accurately reflect the services provided. If a project is expected to be performed over a lengthy period, clearly identifiable markers should be set for when progress payments will be made.

Generally, for community-wide projects, payments can be based on completion of work on each building or set of units.

Transparent pricing helps prevent overcharging and enables the board to assess the value of the

work as it is being provided.

Boards should hire only licensed and insured contractors and insist that these requirements are included in the contracts. In California, anyone who contracts to perform work valued at $500 or more for combined labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). If in doubt, boards can verify the license online at cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800-321-CSLB. Unlicensed individuals can pose a risk to the association’s financial security if a worker is injured on the property, if the property is damaged, or if the work itself is incomplete or faulty.

Additionally, the quality of work provided by an unlicensed vendor usually does not compare to that of a licensed contractor, so it ends up costing the association more in the long run when boards attempt to cut corners and save a few dollars.

Similarly, all contracts should require the vendors to be fully insured, to add the association as an “additional insured” on the policies, and to require submission of insurance certificates prior to starting any work. Required insurance policies should include, at a minimum, comprehensive general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 (for bodily injury and/or property damage), workers’ compensation policies, and fidelity bond coverage for the contractors’ employees and subcontractors.

If a hired vendor does not have adequate insurance, it is likely that the association will be swept up in any potential claim for liability.

Confidentiality: Safeguarding Sensitive Information Board members should also prioritize their responsibility to safeguard association and members’ sensitive and private information. This is more than simply ensuring that executive session discussions and member disciplinary matters are kept confidential, although that is an important aspect. Boards should also develop and enforce clear guidelines that outline expectations that vendors maintain and protect the confidentiality of any information shared with them, including any personal information of homeowners.

In today’s age of technology, boards must ensure that vendors that have access to confidential and private data have appropriate cybersecurity measures in place.

While it is commonly believed that cyber actors only seek out large-pocketed targets, research now indicates that most attacks are driven by opportunity and mass-target “low-hanging fruit.”

Associations handle personally identifiable information daily, including homeowner names, property addresses, bank account information, and credit card numbers. Boards need to educate themselves on what steps can be taken to better protect the association in the event of a breach. The association’s insurance policies should be reviewed to evaluate whether they provide cyber liability coverage. All personally identifiable information should be encrypted and stored on a secure server. Unless an association is self-managed, most of its sensitive data is handled by a

management company. Vendors, and particularly community managers, should be polled about the data security practices they have in place to safeguard the memberships’ private and sensitive information.

Termination of Vendor Relationships: Having an Out Boards must take necessary steps to guarantee that vendors adhere to the terms of their contracts. This requires regular monitoring of performance and inspection of ongoing work to ensure that everything complies with agreed-upon expectations.

If there are established communication channels with vendors, issues can be resolved quickly and effectively to better protect the interests of the community.

Continued on page 12

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Navigating Ethics with Association Vendors Continued from page 11

Contracts with vendors should include exact start and end dates.

Legal counsel should be asked to evaluate what options are in place for potential termination.

While most contracts permit termination for cause due to poor performance or breach, ideally vendor contracts should also allow termination without cause after a certain period of advance notice.

Prewritten vendor proposals that include lengthy contractual periods or automatic renewal clauses should be viewed cautiously. In many instances, an association’s governing documents contain limitations on the permitted length of certain contracts. Some of the most difficult and costly circumstances are those in which a board fails to 12

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

• Governing Document Interpretation • Governing Document Revisions • CC&R and Rules Enforcement

realize it is signing an agreement that includes a lengthy, multiyear term and then discovers that the agreement violates the CC&Rs, or issues develop early on and the association has failed to provide itself an out.

Most vendor contracts should be limited to a one-year term and avoid automatic renewal.

Yearly negotiations may take additional time, but associations will avoid the larger headache of being locked into a bad vendor relationship.

Legal Compliance: Upholding Laws and Regulations Boards have a fundamental responsibility to comply with relevant laws and regulations and ensure that all vendors do the same. To do this, boards must be well versed in the legal framework that governs these relationships,

including employment and labor laws, fair housing requirements, environmental regulations, and more. Because these requirements are constantly evolving, it is crucial for boards to work closely with their legal counsel to stay informed and actively seek advice on how to remain compliant and avoid potential legal disputes. Counsel can also assist in helping to ensure that vendors comply with their industry-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and professional codes of conduct.

Conclusion The number of potential ethical dilemmas that can arise from interactions with association vendors is vast, and they can quickly develop into difficult challenges when boards do not proactively take steps to build and foster positive relationships.

Ethical relationships are built on transparency, fairness, and accountability. The practices discussed above will help create an environment where homeowners trust that the board and vendors are acting in the best interests of the community.

Daniel C. Heaton brings almost a decade of complex litigation and class action experience to the litigation team at Nordberg | DeNichilo LLP. His past law experience in appellate advocacy; general and commercial liability; personal injury; and product liability, discrimination, wrongful termination, and wage/hour disputes makes him uniquely suited for his current role as a community association attorney.

He practices in the areas of common interest developments, civil litigation, condominium law, real estate, writs and appeals, and employment law. Mr. Heaton developed the board ethics for Echo and is an Echo faculty member.

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ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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After the St

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

torm

Handling Storm Damage to Property

BY PETER PROWS

California’s epic parade of storms this past winter has caused billions of dollars – and counting – of flood, rain, and wind damage to properties across the state. Both the state and the federal government declared much of California to be a major disaster area. When the storms finally passed, property owners and managers were left to dry out, pick up the pieces, and try to better protect their properties against the next storm – while navigating sometimes complex laws that can confound the rebuilding process.

Continued on page 16

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After the Storm Continued from page 15

Addressing Immediate Storm Threats Property owners and managers will first want to ensure their properties are secured against immediate threats to life, safety, or property. Smaller fixes, such as placing sandbags in entryways or pumping out floodwaters, can usually be implemented immediately without any permits.

But some fixes will be more legally complicated.

If significant construction work is required to shore up or patch a structure, building permits or other approvals from the local building department may be required. Building permits for emergency work can usually be applied for after the work is undertaken.

If the emergency work involves any kind of work in sensitive environmental areas – such as streams, wetlands, or beaches – state and federal law may require that permits be obtained before or shortly after the work is done to avoid the risk of civil or even criminal prosecution. Exactly where and what kind of work is undertaken in sensitive areas can make a big legal difference in the types and timing of state or federal permits required. For example, if the threat of flooding from an eroding creek bank requires repair work below the mean highwater mark, time-consuming and expensive permits from a long list of state and federal agencies may be required first. But if the emergency can be addressed by work above the mean high-water mark or even above the bank, such as with temporary upland 16

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

berms, then the work can often be performed right away, likely without any permits and perhaps only minimal, if any, after-thefact notifications provided to the regulatory agencies.

Preparing for the Cleanup Once any immediate threats are resolved, property owners and managers are likely to turn their attention to rebuilding.

The rebuilding process usually starts with surveying the damage. Property damage should be carefully documented with photographs. If damage to personal property, such as vehicles or jewelry, has occurred, documentation should be gathered of the value of that property, with receipts if possible.

Property or flood insurance can help cover the repair costs of many types of storm damage.

Insurance policies should be consulted closely, with special attention paid to any deadlines or requirements for making insurance claims. Insurance claims should be documented with photographs and other evidence of the damage. Care should be taken in how any insurance claim, as well as other communications with the insurance company, characterizes the damage, so as not to jeopardize the chances that coverage is provided. Many policies cover damage from water intrusion but not flooding, or from fallen trees but not mere wind.

Filing an insurance claim under any applicable policies is also a prerequisite to obtaining any available federal disaster relief assistance, including repair or relocation assistance.

Damage to property caused by the negligence of others may also be recoverable. For

example, storms can reveal latent construction defects, such as substandard sealing or drainage, for which the builder might be held responsible. A property owner who negligently maintained trees or limbs that fall and cause damage to another person’s property in a storm can also be held responsible.

Public agencies, homeowners associations, and others with responsibility for maintaining community improvements may also face potential liability should those improvements fail in a storm and cause damage.

A flood-control district, for example, with a levee failure during a storm that the levee was designed to withstand may be held responsible for the damage caused by the breach. (Public agencies, including flood-control districts, may also benefit from statutes of limitations that can be as short as 90 days for certain damage claims; claimants should be mindful of this.) Entities facing claims of potential liability for failures of their community improvements should ensure that they report any claims made against them to their insurance carriers.

The Rebuilding Process Repairing newer structures with only minor to moderate storm damage usually presents few, if any, legal obstacles.

Complications may arise, however, in rebuilding from more significant damage, especially to older structures, or when the repair requires any kind of work in the coastal zone or in environmentally sensitive areas.

Older buildings generally do not need to comply with laws Continued on page 18

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After the Storm Continued from page 16

passed after they were built.

They are “grandfathered in” to new building laws even if they’re nonconforming with those new laws. But grandfathering has limits. Local jurisdictions and state and federal agencies usually have rules stating when old structures must be brought into compliance with new rules.

Making significant repairs to an older structure, particularly if those repairs would extend the useful life of the building, commonly will require compliance with current laws. Elements of the construction of an older structure, for example, might need to be brought into compliance with current building or mechanical codes, or variances or other exemptions might need to be obtained to meet setback, height, or other newer zoning requirements.

Non-emergency repairs to levees, dams, and other floodcontrol structures outside of the coastal zone can require extensive permitting from local, state, and federal authorities. Just as for emergency repairs to these kinds of structures, the permitting requirements will depend significantly on whether any repair work needs to occur below the mean high-water line or bank of any creek or other body of water. Small design changes can make big permitting differences.

Repairs in the coastal zone come with their own set of issues, depending on the nature and scope of the damage and repairs. Rules can vary by jurisdiction, but generally any repairs to residences in or near environmentally sensitive areas (such as beaches, wetlands, or 18

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

bluffs), or that might cause any kind of environmental harm, will require a coastal development permit from the local jurisdiction or the Coastal Commission.

Repairs that involve changes in the materials used (or in the intended uses) for a structure also generally require coastal development permits.

Most repairs to seawalls or other shoreline protective devices will require coastal development permits. Permits for seawall repairs almost always end up before the California Coastal Commission itself. The Coastal Commission views seawalls as cutting off sand to beaches and inhibiting natural shoreline processes that, in the Commission’s view, might otherwise open new areas of the coast to public access.

The Coastal Commission is increasingly reluctant to approve seawall-repair permits, at least without significant and expensive mitigation, and would prefer to do what it can to phase most seawalls out.

Planning for a More Resilient Future As sea levels rise and California prepares for potential greater weather vulnerability in the future due to climate change, property owners and managers should be thinking of ways to protect against the next storm.

Coastal property owners have traditionally looked to shoreline armoring to try to shore up their defenses, but the Coastal Commission is not likely to approve new or improved seawall permits, preferring that coastal residents adopt strategies like “managed retreat” from the most vulnerable areas of the coast, or

enhancing dunes, wetlands, and beaches that may act as a natural buffer from stormy seas.

Inland, much of California’s flood-control infrastructure is old, often with deferred maintenance, and not designed with climate change in mind.

Existing levees, floodwalls, culverts, and drainage systems should be inspected and assessed for whether they are designed adequately for the storms of the future. If not, expensive capital improvement projects may need to be undertaken, often requiring special assessments.

Insurance policies also should be examined to determine whether they provide adequate coverage for future risks.

Conclusion Dealing with severe weather can be scary. California’s complex regulatory system often only makes it harder to clean up, rebuild, and plan for the future.

While California is known for its sunshine and wonderful weather, property owners and managers need to be prepared for a potentially stormier future.

Peter Prows is the managing partner of the boutique San Francisco law firm Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP. He advises public agencies and private clients on all manner of land use and environmental matters, whether in permitting before local, state, or federal agencies, in litigation in the trial or appellate courts, or in enforcement defense. He represents clients across California and advises the Republic of Palau on the law of the sea.

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A

Echo’s 50th Anniversary Celebration E

D

H

L

N

M 20

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL EVENT PHOTOS https://bit.ly/Echo50th

A) Treasurer Karl Lofthouse, President Adam Haney, and Audrey Boland enjoyed the evening.

B) HOA board members help Echo celebrate its 50th C) Lifetime benefactor member Don Haney gives a compelling presentation about HOA boards.

D) John Rivera of CM Squared hams it up with Maria Kao, Stephen Brindle, Matt Meadors and friends.

B

C

E) Guests try their hand at bocce ball.

F) Everyone is smiling.

G) Having a good time at the bowling alley.

H) John Gill, Cynthia Heskett, and friend pose for the camera.

I) It’s time to bowl!

J) Kevin Boland and wife Audrey enjoy a candid moment.

K) Echo registration and tech staff have big smiles.

F

G

L) Gina Poli smiles for the camera after being recognized by the Awards Committee.

M) Rolf Crocker makes his presentation.

N) Long-time Echo supporters Bill Mann and Regan Brown share time with newest board member Kelly Zibell of Divergent Consulting.

O) P ​ eter Shapiro, Maria Kao, Kelly Zibell, and Matt Meadors share a moment.

P) Too bad YOU weren’t here!

I

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Q) Guests enjoy cocktails and pleasant conversation before dinner.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD WINNERS

Ace of Initiative Award Winner Afsar Ali Marina Bay Northshore HOA

Excellence in Action Award Winner Gina Poli of Shoreline Management, A Division of The Manor, Inc.

Making a Difference Award Winner Mary Beth Halsey of Sonoma Greens HOA

Consider It Done Award Winner TARC Construction

ECHO AWARD NOMINEES (*denotes Certificate of Appreciation recipient)

Afsar Ali - Marina Bay Northshore HOA

Hughes Gill Cochrane & Tinetti, PC - John Gill, Esq.

Jerry Bowles - Brookvale Terrace

David Mead - Sonoma Greens HOA*

Diana Byrne - Collins Management*

Gina Poli - Shoreline Community Management, A division of The Manor Association, Inc.

Rolf Crocker - OMNI Community Management GB Group, Inc. - Bill Mann* Basha Goddard - Marina Bay Northshore HOA Grayson Management - Alan Melkesian Mary Beth Halsey - Sonoma Greens

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

John Rickard - Baytree HOA* Alex Ross - Middlefield Meadows HOA TARC Construction - Dan Fernandez Ron Ulrich - Shelter Lagoon HOA

THANK YOU TO OUR 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SPONSORS We couldn’t do it without you!

TOP CONTRIBUTORS

ConsortiumLLC

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti NAME BADGE SPONSOR CM Squared, Inc. TABLE SPONSORS CID Consortium, LLC Community Legal Advisors, Inc. Divergent Consulting Group First Citizens Bank Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti The Manor Association, Inc. OMNI Community Management, LLC Signature Services Silvercreek Association Management Tinnelly Law Group AWARDS SPONSORS The GB Group, Inc. OMNI Community Management, LLC FOOD & BEVERAGE SPONSORS The Manor Association, Inc. BOCCE LANE SPONSORS Empire Works Reconstruction & Painting Unlimited Property Services, Inc.

BOWLING LANE SPONSORS Morris & Sons Towing OMNI Community Management, Inc. Pro-Craft Builders TARC Construction, Inc. Unlimited Property Services, Inc. BAR SPONSORS Associa Northern California George Petersen Insurance Agency ManageCasa Noland Law PC Rebello’s Towing Services, Inc. Socher Insurance Agency, Inc. REGISTRATION MEET ‘N GREET Bay Area Property Services CM Squared, Inc. EVENT SIGNAGE SPONSORS Briscoe Ivester & Bazel, LLP Condominium Financial Management McGuire Schubert Sohal LLP Pratt & Associates, APC Urban Brothers Painting RAFFLE PRIZE DONORS Angius & Terry Law Offices Divergent Consulting Group Gordion Staffing OMNI Community Management, LLC Noland Law PC Signature Services

ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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Attend an Echo In-Person Event!

Don’t miss an opportunity to get the education you need – and the networking and connection you want. Register today!

Educational Seminars Learn from an acclaimed faculty delivering essential knowledge for HOA boards and homeowners.

• Ask your questions of on-site attorneys • Visit with industry experts at exhibit tables • Meet and connect with board members from neighboring communities

Resource Panel Meetings Come and reconnect with your peers and attend an upcoming Resource Panel in your region. These events are held in a casual atmosphere to enable homeowners, board members, managers, and other professionals to hear about important topics presented by experts in the HOA industry. See the back cover for upcoming meetings.

Sign up now for a Resource Panel Meeting near you!

NORTH BAY ORGANIZED BY ECHO

bit.ly/northbayRP SAN DIEGO

bit.ly/winecountryRP

bit.ly/centralcoastRP ORANGE COUNTY

EAST BAY ORGANIZED BY ECHO

bit.ly/SanDiegoRP

Invite-a-Homeowner

bit.ly/eastbayRP

bit.ly/orangecountyRP

Individual members will receive a one-time discounted annual membership rate of $50 ($95 without discount) if they are invited by another Echo member!

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

Wine Country Resource Panel Rohnert Park North Bay Resource Panel Novato

www.echo-ca.org

East Bay Resource Panel Walnut Creek

Central Coast Resource Panel Santa Cruz County

Educational Seminar: Legislative Update & Holiday Party Rossmoor Community Center Walnut Creek November 18, 2023

Orange County Resource Panel

Southern California Educational Seminar Laguna Hills Community Center October 14, 2023

San Diego Resource Panel San Diego

ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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The Echo Legislation Tracker: June 2023 Update Editor’s Note: Current status of legislation has likely changed since the writing of the article and circulation of the Journal.

Echo regularly gives its members updates on state legislation that could affect HOAs. A description of current bills that may be of interest is as follows: AB-572; HANEY – IMPOSITION OF ASSESSMENT SUBJECT: Regular assessment increases limited to 5% of preceding year for deed-restricted affordable housing units.

STATUS: Introduced February 8, 2023. Since then, a slight modification has been made. If this bill passes, it will apply only to prospective associations and not those already in existence. Passed Assembly June 1, 2023, read first time in Senate, sent to Committee on Rules for assignment.

POSITION: Echo opposes this bill. This change would mean an accounting impossibility and unworkable financial circumstances for associations.

An association would be obligated to keep separate bookkeeping if it had any BMR (below market rate) units.

AB-648; VALENCIA – VIRTUAL OR TELECONFERENCE BOARD MEETINGS SUBJECT: Virtual and teleconference board meetings.

STATUS: Read for the first time in Senate on May 9, 2023, and referred to the Committee on Housing.

Passed. Passed Assembly. In Senate Housing Committee. Hearing date June 6, 2023.

POSITION: Echo supports this bill. It will increase homeowner participation at meetings. This bill seeks to do away with the pre-pandemic physical location requirements for a teleconference or virtual meeting.

If signed into law, the convenience and accessibility of virtual and teleconference board meetings will be allowed permanently. In the most recently amended version, the Assembly members amended and removed language related to counting ballots.

SB-71; UMBERG – CLASSIFICATION CHANGES TO THE COURTS IMPACT ASSOCIATION COLLECTIONS SUBJECT: Mostly changes to court filing classifications. The limits for small claims increased to $15,000 and the limits for limited courts increased to $50,000.

STATUS: Assembly Passed. Senate, May 24, 2023 – Motion to reconsider.

POSITION: Echo opposes this bill. It increases the jurisdiction for small claims and limited courts.

Since the prior draft, the limits have been reduced; 26

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however, this only makes it easier to sue associations.

This access to the courts was reduced for individuals, but it did not provide for the same access for associations. Associations are corporate entities and subject to more restrictive rules. The bill is having trouble in the Senate.

AB-1458; TA – ELECTION CHANGES SUBJECT: Adjournment of membership meeting dates shall be no less than 5 and no more than 30 days after adjourned proceedings. Quorum reduces to those present in person, by proxy or by ballot at the adjourned meeting date.

STATUS: Introduced February 17, 2023. Passed Assembly. First reading in Senate June 1, 2023. To Senate Rules Committee for assignment.

POSITION: Echo supports this bill. It creates efficiencies for elections. By statute, there would be a way to open ballots after at least one attempt to meet quorum. Notice requirements must be met, and the ballots received must be at least 20% of the association’s membership.

SB-505; RUBIO – FIRE INSURANCE, FAIR PLAN SUBJECT: This bill expands the insurance “clearinghouse” program of the California FAIR Plan. The FAIR Plan is normally considered the last resort for insurance. The bill would allow commercial insurance policies under the FAIR Plan to move back to the admitted commercial market. The primary purpose of this bill is to reduce FAIR Plan policyholders.

STATUS: Passed Senate May 8, 2023. May 18, 2023, referred to Assembly Committee on Insurance.

POSITION: Echo supports this bill. It may allow for more access to insurance by associations. It is unknown right now whether this bill will encourage a more competitive insurance market.

Maria Kao, Esq. has served as litigation and transactional counsel since 2009. She has represented community associations of all sizes and has dealt with a broad spectrum of real estate and land use issues including review and interpretation of governing documents (e.g., voting, maintenance and repair, and insurance), contract review and vendor negotiations, disciplinary proceedings, and litigation. Ms. Kao is currently a partner with the firm of Briscoe Ivester & Bazel LLP.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER SHOWCASE ADVERTORIAL

SAYLER DESIGN Design & Color Consultants • Wall art and sculpture • Window treatment • Lighting design and upgrades (especially LED conversion and rebates) • Entry monuments and site signs

MASTER PLANS

We help to enhance the functionality, value and appeal of properties.

S

ayler Design provides space planning and design expertise, color consulting, and lighting upgrade services to HOAs and property management companies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our goal is to enhance the functionality, appeal, and value of properties through timeless design.

Homeowner Associations have a responsibility to maintain, secure, and enhance the value of their property.

HOA boards often fail to identify or agree on how to use their limited budget to its best effect. For more than 35 years, Sayler Design has educated HOA boards and property managers throughout the Bay Area on renovation considerations and challenges. We provide impactful

• Project Management of PhaseBased Projects including any of the elements mentioned Sayler Design’s clients benefit from our refined design sense, knowledge of current products and finishes, and experience working with management companies and property owners/ investors to meet their goals. We help enhance the functionality, value and appeal of properties. Understanding our clients’ market ensures all aspects of our design plans have a lasting impact.

Contact us and see how we can enhance the value and appeal of your property.

solutions that meet a board’s unique needs, budget, and timeline.

Whether your managed property requires a fast and affordable improvement or a more comprehensive renovation, we offer services that meet your needs:

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DESIGN • Color Plans • Space Planning • Renovation of clubhouses, dining areas, game rooms, meeting space, courtyards, lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, pools, gyms, offices, and more • Furniture selection, purchase, and installation • Flooring selection • Wall finish selection

611 South B St. San Mateo, CA 94403 Mary Anne Sayler office@saylerdesign.com www.saylerdesign.com ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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(800) 891-7710

www.cagwin.com

License #: 202399

We Know Homeowners Associations Locally owned and operated since 1955 Site walks with your account manager 24-Hour emergency response

Tree Care

Landscape Maintenance & Construction

Water Management

Support the Professionals That Support Echo!

Check out the Professional Service Provider Online Directory. We have a new look that is easy to navigate and user friendly.

Rachel Adams, CIC

INSURANCE MADE FOR YOUR HOA.

VP / Commercial Producer

707.525.4186 radams@gpins.com

This Professional Directory is a one-stop shop that provides access to 250+ HOA industry experts!

www.gpins.com | Lic. #0603247

www.echo-ca.org PAINTING & GENERAL CONTRACTOR • LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Echo Board of Director Candidacy and Election Announcement Specializing in Homeowners Associations Property Maintenance • Construction • Free Estimates Interior/Exterior Painting • Wood Rot Repair • Patios & Decks

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

831.277.7497 CA License #780250

Echo will conduct the annual election of its board of directors in early fall. The results of the election will be announced at the Echo Annual Membership Meeting on November 30, 2023, between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. The meeting will be online.

Candidate nomination application forms can be downloaded from the Echo website or requested via the following email: elections@ echo-ca.org. For the application to be considered by the Echo nominating committee, it must be completed and received by Echo no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2023.

For more information, contact Dave Zepponi, dzepponi@echo-ca.org.

S TAT E W I D E PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER SHOWCASE ADVERTORIAL

CID CONSORTIUM, LLC

S

Pulling from more than 45 years of business, CIDC has accumulated a wealth of business experience and expertise through a relentless pursuit of perfection.

ince its inception, CID Consortium, LLC (CIDC) strives to provide excellent financial and operational guidance to communities, board members, managers, and owners of communities big and small in an ever-changing environment.

We believe in building relationships by doing our business transparently and keeping our clients informed. Before sending a proposal, we take the time to uncover what success looks like for your community. Once we are aligned, we will propose a combination of Governance, Finance, and Organizational services specific to your unique needs.

Owners and operators Donald (”Don”) W. Haney, CPA, and Adam P. Haney, CPA, are well known for their role in developing homeowner association industry standards and technology. Don originally started in the industry in 1979 when he formed two corporations: CEO, Inc. and Haney Accountants, Inc. Both organizations laid the foundation for CIDC led by Adam P. Haney, CPA. Today, CID Consortium, LLC has grown into a team armed with passion and expertise for improving the community living experience of its members. Pulling from 45 years of business, CIDC has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise through a relentless pursuit of perfection. Fueled by technology and incessant process improvement, the team engages with members on a rich platform, ensuring the community living experience continues to be exceptional. For more information about the services we provide, please visit our website at cidcllc.us.

919 Reserve Drive Roseville, CA 95678 (888) 786-6000 cidcllc.us ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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o h c E ries o m Me d by ibute Contr

The professional panel was an outstanding opportunity to connect with friendly competitors for the betterment of the homeowners.

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Levy David

M

y earliest memory of Echo is a 1970s annual seminar at the Red Lion Hotel in San Jose. There, some 50 years ago, I met a number of professional colleagues, many of whom are still around. It was nice to have a forum with other professionals to discuss developments in the HOA industry and, frankly, to just talk about what’s happening in the industry. This event quickly grew, and Echo became an important part of the Bay Area HOA scene.

As our association grew and developed, there were other opportunities to participate. I enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow accountants and attended many meetings with fellow condo CPAs at the quarterly dinners of the Echo Accountants Committee. It was a great opportunity to discuss important HOA accounting practices and theory.

I can remember one of many spirited discussions among committee members over the issue of booking the reserve liability on the balance sheet versus mentioning the number in a footnote disclosure. This professional panel was an outstanding opportunity to connect with friendly competitors for the betterment of the homeowners.

David Levy is a retired CPA now living in Hawaii. He spent 45 years in the condominium industry and was a founder of Levy, Erlanger & Company. He originated the 55,000+ California community association database, which is still being updated and used on occasion by Echo. Mr. Levy is a longterm member of the Echo board of directors and regularly conducts the annual Echo HOA Financial Management and Reserve Studies workshop.

S TAT E W I D E PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER SHOWCASE ADVERTORIAL

WESTLAKE ROYAL ROOFING SOLUTIONS™ A leader in the innovation, design, and production of exterior and interior building products • CLASS A FIRE – when used with Westlake’s Sol R Skin Blue underlayment provides 4-in1 protection - Class A Fire, weatherproofing, 5.5 R-value insulation and a reflective barrier.

• 50-YEAR FULLY TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY – One of the most fully transferable roofing warranties available today.

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions is a recognized, national leader in durable and sustainable clay, composite, concrete, and steel roof systems and components.

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions™ is the combination of DaVinci® Roofscapes and the former Boral North America roofing product lines. The company is a recognized, national leader in durable and sustainable clay, composite, concrete, and steel roof systems and components.

The company’s offerings include Unified Steel™ Stone Coated Steel Roofing, the ultra-lightweight roofing system that combines Class A Fire rating, the superior structural strength and “Green Building” sustainability of steel with the traditional beauty of shake or clay tile; US Tile® products, a legacy line of premium, stunning clay tile solutions manufactured to the highest standard of craftsmanship; DaVinci® Roofscapes, beautiful and

• INSURANCE DISCOUNTS – Check with your insurance provider, roofer and energy provider for exact savings/rates for your home.

• WIDE RANGE OF COLORS – Westlake Royal Roofing offers a wide range of profiles and colors to suit any architectural style.

durable composite slate and shake roofing tiles; Newpoint™ Concrete Tile Roofing, the enduring line of concrete tile known for its strength, Class A fire rating and long-lasting beauty; and Westlake Royal™ Roofing Components, a full line of integrated roof components designed to deliver a higher standard of roof installation and performance.

• MOST PERMANENT REROOF SOLUTION – Unified Steel roof will last almost 3 times as long as an asphalt shingle.

• ENERGY SAVINGS – Above Sheathing Ventilation makes Stone Coated Steel the only “Cool Roof” by design doesn’t rely on color or reflectivity to be a cool roof.

Donna Vingo dvingo@westlake.com (209) 252-2359 westlakeroyalroofing.com ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

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WELCOME TO ECHO’S

New Professional Service Providers Hignell HOA Management is a division of The Hignell Companies, celebrating 75 years in business this year. We offer full service CID (Common Interest Development) management, HOA Consulting, and standalone HOA Accounting services.

Our primary goal at The Hignell Companies is to work with Boards of Directors to protect, enhance and maintain the value and lifestyle of our clients and their properties.

Our dedicated team of professionals are able to provide knowledge, effective direction, advice and outstanding service. Our management team continues to add value to our clients’ assets by working with the board of directors to ensure that each and every one of our Associations is well maintained and efficiently run.

Board education is a key component of how we operate, and we release new articles and video content weekly at www.blog.hignellhoa.com/ where you can sign up for free.

Our primary role is to ensure that your Board of Directors has everything it needs to meet its responsibilities to your owners. We partner with your board, allowing you to gain more time, peace of mind, and confidence that the board is providing solid leadership.

Get your free HOA Analysis at www./info.hignellhoa.com/hoa-analysis or call 530-894-0404 for more information.

Federico Martinez Jr Director of Business Development and Marketing f.martinez@hignell.com Mobile (530) 570-9724 | Direct: (530) 894-0404 hignellhoa.com

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McGuire Schubert Sohal LLP (affectionately referred to as MS2 Law) is a premier law firm specializing in the representation of community association clients.

While we are technically a new firm, we are not new to the industry. Our founding partners have over 45 years of experience working with community associations. In short, we’ve been there and done that. We are frequent authors and speakers on numerous community association related topics and pride ourselves on providing highly educational opportunities for our clients and others we work with.

Our team of talented attorneys have a deep-rooted understanding of the laws and regulations that govern community associations, as well as the latest trends in legislation and technology. We are committed to providing personalized, effective legal services. We take the time to listen to your needs and concerns, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for your community. Governance is not easy, but our job is to make it easier.

Nathan McGuire, Esq. Founder/Partner admin@ms2.law (209) 425-4260 ms2.law

QUICK & EASY RESOURCE FOR HOA BOARDS & HOMEOWNERS Check Out Our Professional Service Provider Online Directory!

Visit www.echo-ca.org and click on Professional Directory

The Varsity “Peace-of-mind” promise!

Abundant communication before and during the project through meetings, notices and e-mail progress reports. Any concern addressed immediately by our English-speaking foreman. We always use the best paint products and our long-term craftsmen painters provide quality workmanship. This results in a long-lasting paint job that we back with a 7-year warranty, the longest in the industry (2 years on metal).

Founded in 1993 by Roland Thoms we have successfully painted over 80,000 residential and commercial properties.

We specialize in HOA, apartment, and commercial painting. We have long-term painters with years of experience. Peace-of-mind painting at a competitive price.

Our services: • Exterior & Interior Painting • Wood Rot Replacement • Color Consultation • Digital Color Rendering • Pressure Washing Mandi Newton VP of Marketing mandi@varsitypainting.com (415) 225-9898 varsitypainting.com

Wasserman Kornheiser Combs LLP is a fullservice community association law firm, providing all general legal counsel and collections services required by a homeowners association. We have substantial experience in counseling community associations of all sizes on the myriad issues and challenges they face.

HOA issues require specialized legal advice.

Whether it is enforcing governing documents, assessment collection, maintenance and repair obligations, nuisance abatement, reviewing vendor contracts, member discipline, elections and corporate governance issues, or compliance with the Common Interest Development Act, we offer complete, expert legal assistance for our community association clients. Managers and Board members bring their communities’ most challenging problems to us knowing that we will thoroughly and aggressively defend our client’s rights and interests.

We know that success comes from long-term relationships with our homeowners association clients, and our goals are the same as the Board’s goals: to preserve, protect and enhance property values in your community.

Craig L. Combs Managing Partner info@wk4law.com (858) 505-9500 www.wkc4law.com

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Maximize the benefits of your Echo Membership.

We don’t want you to miss out on all that Echo has to offer! It’s important that we have updated board member contact information to continue to provide you the best membership experience. Please take a moment and email us your current HOA board member names and email addresses.

Update Your Board Contact Info Today!

Questions? Please email us at update@echo-ca.org.

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JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal 408.297.3246

| update@echo-ca.org | www.echo-ca.org

BOOKKEEPING

Allen & Cook, Inc.

1530 The Alameda, Ste. 200 San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 293-3004 www.allenandcookinc.com

Butner Homeowner Association Services P.O. Box 1999 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 (760) 934-8589 www.butnerhoaservices.com

CID Consortium, LLC

Brenda Lynch 919 Reserve Dr. Roseville, CA 95678 (888) 786-6000 (707) 484-9729 (cell) blynch@cidcllc.us www.cidcllc.us See our advertorial on page 29

Community Financials CID Consortium, LLC

Brenda Lynch 919 Reserve Dr. Roseville, CA 95678 (888) 786-6000 (707) 484-9729 (cell) blynch@cidcllc.us www.cidcllc.us See our advertorial on page 29

CondoCPA, Inc.

101 Cooper St., #307 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 296-0645 www.condocpa.com

HOA Accounting Services 3100 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94519 (888) 854-9444 www.hoa-accounting.com

Lara Marcello CPA & Consultant 303 Twin Dolphin Dr., Ste. 600 Redwood City, CA 94065 (650) 632-4211 www.lara-cpa.com

Levy, Erlanger & Company LLP 290 King St., Ste. 12 San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 981-9350 www.hoa-cpa.com See our ad on the Inside Back Cover

7 W. Figueroa Street, Suite 300 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (833) 266-3646 communityfinancials.com

Giuliani Construction & Restoration 424 Lano Street San Jose, CA 95125 (833) 337-9688 www.giulianiconstruction.com

IQV Construction & Roofing Daisy Ortiz 877 Chestnut St. San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 638-5520 dortiz@iqvinc.com www.iqvinc.com See our advertorial on page 19

CABLE & INTERNET SERVICES Sail Internet, Inc.

115 Everett Ave., #301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 (844) 438-8484 www.sailinternet.com

CONSTRUCTION & GENERAL CONTRACTORS AWT Construction Group, Inc. 77 Solano Square, Ste. 300 Benicia, CA 94510 (707) 746-7500 www.awtconstructioninc.com

Axis Companies

2544 Barrington Court Hayward, CA 94545 (510) 732-6111 www.axisconstruction.com

BTC Bob Tedrick Construction, Inc. 2021 Las Positas Ct., Ste. 151 Livermore, CA 94551 (925) 454-0358 www.btcquality.com

EmpireWorks Reconstruction and Painting 840 Williams St. San Leandro, CA 94577 (888) 278-8200 www.empireworks.com

The GB Group, Inc. 8921 Murray Ave. Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 848-8118 www.gbgroupinc.com

Recon360, LLC

Kevin Reid 99 South Almaden Blvd., Suite 600 San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 444-9303 kevin@recon-360.com www.recon-360.com

Saarman Construction, Ltd. 683 McAllister St. San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 749-2700 www.saarman.com

Skuba Construction Services, Inc. 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 125 Concord, CA 94521 (925) 689-5900 www.skubaconstruction.com

Velocity Construction Services, Inc. 4123 Pestana Place Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 657-6432 www.velocitycsinc.com

2023 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS & CPAS

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT All Bay Construction Solutions, Inc. 818 East 18th Street Antioch, CA 94509 (925) 206-2374 www.allbayconstruction.com

Brook Construction Management 6475 Camden Ave., Ste. 202 San Jose, CA 95120 (408) 398-6421 www.brookcm.com

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2023 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONT’D.

DECK INSPECTIONS

C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc.

1777 N. California Blvd., Ste. 210 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (415) 884-2121 www.noleak.com

521 Charcot Ave., Ste. 203 San Jose, CA 9513 (408) 922-0262 www.siglercm.com

CM Squared, Inc.

39899 Balentine Dr., Ste. 200 Newark, CA 94560 (800) 262-4047 www.gocm2.com

Construction Services, Inc. Tracy Davis P.O. Box 54190 San Jose, CA 95154 (408) 210-6344 tracy@csibayarea.com www.csibayarea.com

I-Beam Reconstruction Management, Inc. 112 Porteous Ave. Fairfax, CA 94930 (415) 887-7687 www.ibeamsf.com

CONSULTANTS

Aquatech Consultancy, Inc.

B2R Consulting Group

1740 W. Katella Ave., Ste. L Orange, CA 92867 (714) 744-6100, ext. 201 www.b2rconsultinggroup.com

Deck & Balcony Inspections, Inc.

Christi Spina, Owner-Agent 530 Alameda del Prado, Suite A Novato, CA 94949 (415) 382-9714 or (707) 523-3006 cspina@farmersagent.com www.spinainsurance.com See our ad on page 11

Leonel Soto 150 Almaden Blvd.

San Jose, CA 95113 (844) 489-0999 leonel.soto@herbank.com www.heritagebankofcommerce.bank See our ad on the Inside Front Cover

FIREPLACE SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Dryer Duct Vent & Fireplace Company

Statewide (916) 238-0618 www.deckandbalconyinspections.com

1538 San Joaquin Ave. San Jose, CA 95118 (408) 265-1010 www.dryerductco.com

Pacific InterWest Apartment Inspection Services

INSURANCE SERVICES

1600 S. Main St., Ste. 380 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 64-8125 www.pacificinterwest.com

ELECTION SERVICES & INSPECTORS OF ELECTIONS Liberty HOA Election Services, Inc. 1900 Camden Ave. San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 482-9659 www.hoaelection.com See ad on page 28

Professional Association Services, Inc.

Spina Insurance Agency

Heritage Bank of Commerce

42612 Christy St. Fremont, CA 94538 (707) 539-5810, ext. 352 www.pas-inc.com

Pro Elections, LLC P.O. Box 659 Murphys, CA 95247 (209) 559-1448 www.pro-ei.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Bay Area Insurance Agency, Inc. 3 Lagoon Dr., #260 Redwood City, CA 94065 (650) 654-9750 www.bai-online.com

Boland Insurance, Inc.

1202 Grant Ave., Ste. E Novato, CA 94945 (415) 898-4370 www.kevinbolandinsurance.com

Daniel W. Davis Insurance Solutions LLC 6472 Camden Ave., #112 San Jose, CA 95120 (408) 600-3100 www.dandavisins.com

David Stompe Insurance Agency 100 Galli Dr., Ste. 5 Novato, CA 94949 (415) 878-1394 www.farmersagent.com

George Petersen Insurance Agency 175 West College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95402 (707) 525-4186 www.gpins.com See our ad on page 28

Kelly Lux State Farm Insurance Unlimited Property Services, Inc. Scott Swinton 2250 Central Street, Suite A Richmond CA 94801 (510) 965-1112 info@upsionline.com upsionline.com 36

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

First Citizens Bank

Roxanne Jolicoeur, VP NorCal (925) 963-9733 (cell) roxanne.jolicoeur@firstcitizens.com www.firstcitizens.com See our advertorial on page 17

2221 Harbor Bay Parkway Alameda, CA 94502 (510) 521-1222 www.kellylux.com

Kevin Davis Insurance Services 725 S. Figueroa St., 19th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 833-6191 www.kdisonline.com

BrightView Landscape Services

Community Financials

Socher Insurance Agency, Inc.

Cagwin & Dorward Landscape Contractors

Homey Group, Inc.

10636 Scripps Summit Ct., Ste. 110 San Diego, CA 92131 (619) 822-0756 www.kirkmillerinsurance.com 7901 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 403 Burlingame, CA 94588 (650) 312-9300 www.hoainsurance.net

7039 Commerce Circle, Ste. B Pleasanton, CA 94588 (925) 348-4178 www.brightview.com

PO Box 6004 Petaluma, CA 94955 (800) 891-7710 www.cagwin.com See our ad on page 28

K&D Landscaping, Inc.

Spina Insurance Agency

Christi Spina, Owner-Agent 530 Alameda del Prado, Suite A Novato, CA 94949 (415) 382-9714 or (707) 523-3006 cspina@farmersagent.com www.spinainsurance.com See our ad on page 11

INTERIOR & SPACE DESIGN

Sayler Design, Inc.

611 South B St. San Mateo, CA 94401 Mary Anne Sayler, Principal (650) 348-0100 office@saylerdesign.com www.saylerdesign.com See our advertorial on page 27

62-C Hangar Way Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 728-4018 www.kndlandscaping.com

LandCare

2833 Old Gravenstein Hwy., Sebastopol, CA 95472 (707) 829-8064 www.landcare.com

Medallion Landscape Management 10 San Bruno Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 782-7500 www.mlmi.com

SavATree

2337 American Ave. Hayward, CA 94545 888-969-8733 www.SavATree.com

AppFolio

LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENT & DESIGN Landesign Construction & Maintenance, Inc.

BIMINI Corp.

11626 Wolf Rd. Grass Valley, CA 95949 (530) 205-6912 www.biminicorp.com

DIALS

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & SERVICES Alpine Landscapes

8595 Murray Ave. Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 846-9511 www.alpinelandscapesca.com

1189 Tennessee St., #204 San Francisco, CA 94107 (925) 286-2612 www.homey.io

SimplySeal

833 Case St., Ste. 1 La Mesa, CA 91942 (949) 521-0088 www.simplyseal.com

PAINT MANUFACTURERS & CONSULTANTS Benjamin Moore & Co. 8350 Pardee Dr. Oakland, CA 94561 (510) 491-1525 www.benjaminmoore.com

Dunn-Edwards Paint Corporation 690 N. Winchester Blvd.

San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 826-9653 www.dunnedwards.com

Kelly-Moore Paint Co., Inc. 1912 Camden Ave. San Mateo, CA 95123 (707) 210-2672 www.kellymoore.com

MANAGEMENT & TECH SOFTWARE 50 Castilian Dr. Goleta, CA 93117 (888) 700-8299 www.appfolio.com

P.O. Box 2326 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 (707) 578-2657 www.landesign-inc.com

7 W. Figueroa St., Ste. 300 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (833) 266-3646 www.communityfinancials.com

1111 Broadway, Floor 3 Oakland, CA 94607 (707) 653-6039 www.dials.com

Bluejay HOA

1601 Excelsior Ave. Oakland, CA 94602 (303) 250-5534 www.bluejayhoa.com

PAINTING CONTRACTORS Allstar Painting & Maintenance, Inc. 10638 Hillside Ln. Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 277-7497 www.allstarpaintingandmaintenance.com See our ad on page 28

2023 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

Kirk Miller Insurance Agency

C & A Painting

PO Box 32941 San Jose, CA 95152 (408) 712-9674 www.candapainting.com

Ekim Painting

10200 Imperial Ave. Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 996-3897 www.ekimpainting.com

ECHO journal | JUNE 2023

37

2023 PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER DIRECTORY

PAINTING CONTRACTORS CONT’D.

POOL SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Flores Painting & Drywall

2471 Old Middlefield Way Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 949-2435 www.coolpoolserviceinc.com/

2485 Autumnvale Dr., Ste. F San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 942-1177 www.florespaintingcalifornia.com

MB Jessee Painting 1552 Beach St., Ste. G Oakland, CA 94608 (510) 851-0050 www.mbjessee.com

Signature Services Construction & Painting 3607 Clayton Rd. Concord, CA 94521 (925) 948-0300 www.signatureservices.us

Urban Bros. Painting, Inc.

630 Las Gallinas Ave., 2nd Floor San Rafael, CA 94903 (415) 485-1130 www.urbanco.com

Varsity Painting

1620 Tice Valley Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94595 (925) 937-0434 www.varsitypainting.com

Whit’s Painting, Inc.

150 Mason Circle, Ste. K, #322 Concord, CA 94520 (925) 429-2669 www.whitspaintinginc.com

Cool Pool Service, Inc.

RESTORATION & CLEAN-UP Authentic Restoration & Waterproofing, Inc.

25005 Viking St. Hayward, CA 94545 (510) 732-5400 www.authenticrestoration.com

Restoration Management Company

3230 Darby Common, Ste. A Fremont, CA 94539 (408) 224-2154 www.tarcinc.com

Fidelity Roof Company, Inc. 1075 40th St. Oakland, CA 94608 (510) 547-6330 www.fidelityroof.com

ROOFING PRODUCTS

JUNE 2023 | ECHO journal

TREE SERVICES 985 Walnut Ave. Vallejo, CA 94592 (866) 815-2525 www.aplustree.com

2337 American Ave. Hayward, CA 94545 (888) 969-8733 www.SavATree.com

Skyline Tree Surgeons, Inc. 2305 S. Vasco Rd. Livermore, CA 94550 (408) 998-0600 www.skylinetrees.com

Westlake Roofing Solutions

Electronic Innovations, Inc. 21 Parr Blvd.

Richmond, CA 94801 (510) 233-2795 www.electronicinnovations.com

TOWING & PARKING SERVICES Morris and Sons Towing

390 E. Gish Rd. San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 995-6900 www.morrisandsonstowing.com 38

22863 Optimist St. Hayward, CA 94541 (510) 862-5580 www.GreenGloveHeroes.com

SavATree

SECURITY SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

TARC Construction, Inc.

Green Glove Heroes

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Reliable Pavement Services, LLC 877 Serene Court Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 858-2117 www.rpspaveman.com

TRASH & RECYCLING SERVICES

A Plus Tree Services

DRYCO

42745 Boscell Rd. Fremont, CA 94538 (510) 248-9477 www.dryco.com

696 Kings Row San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 292-8300 www.rebellos.net See our ad on page 5

4142 Point Eden Way Hayward, CA 94545 (925) 708-0985 www.rmc.com

Donna Vingo – HOA Roofing Specialist 16500 Dutch Mine Road Jamestown, CA 95327 (209) 252-2359 dvingo@westlake.com www.westlakeroyalroofing.com See our advertorial on page 31

PAVING & ASPHALT

Rebello’s Towing Services, Inc.

Many Echo Professional Service Providers offer products and services across large service areas. Be sure to visit their website to see if they serve your area!

1 100% 2 Almost of our clients are homeowners associations, planned unit developments, condominiums, condominium conversions, COOPs, tenancies in common and timeshare projects ...

8 REASONS TO CHOOSE LEVY, ERLANGER & COMPANY LLP 3 CPAs

150

Working with approximately management companies in Northern California out of a total of 300 serving community associations ...

5

12

Which enables our professional staff of including 6 CPAs and 6 CPA candidates (growing to almost 20 professionals during “tax season” from January to April) to ...

6

Since 1977 — more than

40 years’ experience ...

4

2,500

Serving more than community associations (3 to 6,700 units) in Northern California out of a total of approximately 17,000 ...

wide range of services

Provide a to community associations including …

• Financial statements • Annual budget reports (pro • Inspector of election and income tax returns forma budget + assessment/ services — audits, reviews and reserve funding summary) • Board and member compilations • Pro forma operating budgets meeting presentations • Comparative 2-year and PUPM assessment • Litigation support financial statements— computations services (developer more meaningful to readers • Assessment and reserve budget adequacy, • Reserve funding plans, funding disclosure summaries fraud investigation, or updates owner complaints, etc.)

7 unique publications & services 8 Including some

• 2020 Condominium Greenbook™, the 290-page financial reference book for Association treasurers • 2020 Community Association Financial Survey of over 1,500 associations

• A Management Fee Survey of more than 1,900 associations • ...and numerous other surveys of reserve study practices, percent funded, etc.

As well as more than 40 years of important business contacts to help associations connect with the

BEST.

290 King Street, Suite 12, San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 981-9350 bill@hoa-cpa.com

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 271 85719 5669 Snell Ave., #249 San Jose, CA 95123-3328

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