coachella valley community associations institute magazine · james r. mccormick, jr., esquire 38...

Casa Bl anCa Owners assOCiatiOn

Keeping Your Cool with a Hot Homeowner

When Tempers Flare, Keep Your Cool

Social Media 101

Email Etiquette

The Reserve Study

August 2012

Coachella Valley Community associations institute Magazine

ALLEN & ASSOCIATESCommunity Association Bookkeeping

ATTENTION SELF-MANAGED ASSOCIATIONS!Why haven’t you hired us to do your bookkeeping?

We specialize in helping small HOA’s navigate the maze of rules all HOA’s must follow.

We provide ALL Community Associations bookkeeping, collections & financial services, including

Inspector of Election Services.

Serving the Coachella Valley for more than 35 years1111 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste. 103

Palm Springs, CA 92262www.allenhoa.com

760-323-7475

the Devil is in the details.If you are involved in the management of a community association, you know that State and Federal laws that govern associations complicate decision-making and make the conduct of association business challenging. At Epsten Grinnell & Howell, knowing the details of community association law is our only business. Our attorneys constantly review the fine print of the law and client governing documents. This attention to detail ensures that clients receive effective, practical solutions to legal problems. Let our comprehensive understanding of community association law contribute to the success of your association.

Call us today… We have a lot of common interests.

In Community Association Law…

800.300.1704 l www.epsten.com

ASSOCIATION COUNSEL • ASSESSMENT RECOVERY

CONSTRUCTION DEFECT • CIVIL LITIGATION San Diego

858.527.0111Inland Empire 951.461.1181

Coachella Valley 760.836.1036

Over 75 Offices throughout California

Partner with Strength. Partner with Pacific Western Bank.

www.pacificwesternbank.com

HOA Banking Solutions

Paula Tapia, Assistant Vice President | (760) 777-6445 | [email protected]

78-080 Calle Estado, Suite 101, La Quinta, California 92253

Cash Management Solutions

Multiple Payment Options

Online Access and Research

Innovative Lockbox Processing Capabilities

HOA Loans

Member

FDIC

Platinum _______AMS Paving

Asphalt MD’s

Epsten Grinnell & Howell

Fiore Racobs & Powers

Nelson Paving & Sealing

O’Connell Landscape Maintenance

Pacific Western Bank

Peters & Freedman

Seacoast Commerce Bank

Securitas Security Services USA, Inc.

Sunshine Landscape

Verizon Enhanced Communities

Western Pacific Roofing

Gold ____________Ben’s Asphalt, Inc.

Conserve LandCare

Flood Response

LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance

Powerful Pest Management

Sign-A-Rama

Silver ___________Animal Pest Management Services

CTI of the Desert

Diversified Waterscapes Inc.

Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts

PWLC II, Inc.

Time Warner Cable

Universal Protection Service

Bronze _________Advanced Painting & Wood Repair

Artistic Maintenance

AWS Consultants, Inc.

MC Painting & Construction

Prendiville Insurance

Rey Insurance Services

Sky Security Services

Union Bank

Vista Paint

Quorum August, 2012

2012 CoRpoRaTE SponSoRS

2

34

10

38

18

41

22

Social Media 101

24

YOur HOa Can Be our next Cover

Casa Bl anCa

Owners assOCiatiOn


Social Media 101

Email Etiquette

The Reserve Study

August 2012

Coachella Valley Community associations institute Magazine

no Cost to youEvERY CovER HaS a SToRY.

TEll uS YouRS!MuST bE CaI-Cv MEMbER

In good STandIng

ContACt WEndY At the CAI-Cv offICe

(760) 341-0559 [email protected]

www.CoachellaValleyCAI.org 5Quorum August, 20124

CommunIty spotlIght

10 Casa Blanca Owners Association

By Tony Brunner

feAtures

18 Keeping Your Cool with a Hot Homeowner

Informal Conflict Resolution Proven Practices for Managers

By Kristen Griggs, CMCA, AMS

22 Social Media 101 By Lori Albert, CCAM and

James R. McCormick, Jr., Esquire

38 The Reserve Study Past, Present and Future By Michael Nash, RS

41 When Conflicts Arise By Gina Roldan

ChApter news

42 Have You Heard? By Wendy Van Messel

44 CAI-CV Chapter New & Renewing Members

45 Advertisers Index

ChApter events

24 June Monthly Program Why We’re All a Twitter – Social

Media 101: For Your Community or Business

34 Rock ’N Bowl48 Schedule of Events

boaRd oF dIRECToRS CoaCHElla vallEY CHapTER 2012

Rob WInKlE, pRESIdEnTWestern Pacific Roofing

nEna RuTHERFoRd-MIlWaRd, CMCa, aMS pRESIdEnT - ElECT

Desert Resort Management

aRT CoulTER, paST pRESIdEnTPalm Valley Homeowners Association, Inc.

CHRISTIna baInE dEJaRdIn, ESq.Peters & Freedman, LLP

CYndI KoESTER, pCaMMutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts

gloRIa KIRKWood, CCaMPalm Valley Homeowners Association, Inc.

gRaCE paluCKThe Management Trust, Monarch Group Division

KRISTIn bERRYHIll-Hood, CCaMMerit Property Management Inc.

MICHaEl WalKER, CMCa, aMS, pCaMPGA West Residential Association

MIKE MaSTRopIETRoOrange Coast Building Services

paTRICIa SMITH, pCaMVeneto Homeowners Association

CAI Coachella Valley Office 41-905 Boardwalk Suite A-2

Palm Desert, CA 92211 Tel: (760) 341-0559 Fax: (760) 431-8443

Wendy Van Messel, Chapter Executive Director E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cai-cv.org

aRTIClE SubMISSIonS oR advERTISIng InFoRMaTIon

CAI-CV Chapter Executive Director, Wendy Van MesselE-mail: [email protected]

Editor: Dionne Petitpas E-mail: [email protected]

The materials contained in this publication are designed to provide our members with accurate, timely and authoritative information with regard to the subject covered. However, the

CAI Coachella Valley Chapter is not engaging in the rendering of legal, accounting or other professional types of services. The CV Chapter has not verified and/or endorsed the contents of these

articles or advertising, nor do we have the facilities or the person-nel to do so. Readers should not act on the information contained

herein without seeking more specific professional advice from legal, accounting or other experts as required.

ConTEnTS

34

27

Contact: Janalee arthur, sales/Customer servicephone: (800) 339-1106 fax: (949) 589-6083 Cell: (760) 285-3158email: [email protected] | 43549 wheel road, indio, Ca 92201

fInD us onlIne: www.oclm.com or scan our qR code with your smart phone to fi nd more about us now.

• Irrigation audits performed by an Ia Certifi ed landscape Irrigation auditor

• Tree Trimming with supervision by a ISa Certifi ed arborist

• Computerized Irrigation Management

• digital photo and landscape Enhancements

• Free 24hr emergency response

• Client Education programs

MaInTaInIng THE bEauTY and FunCTIon oF THE uRban landSCapE

ON STAFF

ON STAFF

company

an

DepArtments

8 President’s Message9 From the Editor14 CAI National CAI Urges Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

Regulator to Recognize Community Associations By Staff Writer, CAI

15 Time Honored Member Peggy Redmon

By Pat Smith, CCAM, PCAM and Shelly Ruegsegger, CMCA

16 CLAC News Choosing Your CLAC Delegate

The CLAC Delegate/Liaison Selection Process By Kimberly Lilley

21 Be a Good Sport and Support California Legislation Affects Your HOA and They Need Your Help By Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAM

26 Technology Today OMG! Good 411 to Use 24/7

Cuz It’s Kewl Email Etiquette is the Key to Successful Business Communication By Suzi Martel

28 Homeowners Association Law When Tempers Flare, Keep Your Cool

Avoiding or Minimizing Homeowner Conflicts Through Dispute Resolution By Tracy Fuller Linkowski, Esq.

31 Coffee Talk By Paula Tapia

32 Water Wise Preserving Our Precious Water Supply

Mid-Valley Pipeline Brings Non-potable Water for Large Property Irrigation By Olivia Bennett

43 Welcome Aboard Kathy Piper and Lloyd Pest Control

By Jay Powell

EdIToRIal boaRd

EdIToR

dIonnE pETITpaSThree Phase Electric

CoMMITTEE MEMbERS

gIna RoldanVista Paint

JaY poWEllPWLC II, Inc.

KYM TaYloRStaples Copy & Print

lauRIE S. poolE, ESq.Peters & Freedman, LLP

lESlEE WIllIaMSThe Management Trust, Monarch Group Division

paula TapIaPacific Western Bank

pHYllIS HaRKInS, CMCa, CCaMPalm Desert Country Club Association

SHEllY RuEgSEggER, CMCaPersonalized Property Management

STEvEn SHuEY, pCaM, CCaMPersonalized Property Management

STEvEn J. TInnEllY, ESq.Tinnelly Law Group

SuE andERSonUniversal Protection Service

TERI bRadEnBen’s Asphalt Inc.

TonY bRunnER Country Club Remodeler

CREaTIvE dIRECToR & gRapHIC dESIgnER

RodnEY bISSEllBissell Design Studios

The mission of CAI is to provide the leadership for successful development and

operation of community associations through information, research and education.

SubSCRIbER SERvICESThe Coachella Valley Quorum Newsmagazine

is a publication expressly prepared for our Association leaders, managers and other related professionals of the

Community Associations Institute. Authors are encouraged to submit articles for publishing consideration. All articles accepted for publication in the Quorum are subject to

editing and rewriting by the Publications Committee.

15 16

26 28

32

43

31

www.CoachellaValleyCAI.org 7

ConTEnTS

Quorum August, 20126

Quorum August, 2012 www.CoachellaValleyCAI.org8 9

FRoM THE EdIToRpRESIdEnT’S MESSagE

With August comes the continued dog days of summer, but also the knowledge that we are more than half way through the hot Coachella Valley summer. Hopefully you have been able to escape the heat with a family get away or some day trips to cooler weather. Knowing many of you do try and seek refuge outside the desert this time of year, the board has decided to go dark this month for the monthly program. We will hit the ground running again in September when we return to the chapters monthly breakfast schedule.

The Business Partner Committee is trying something new this month. On August 7th they will be holding their first Speed Meeting Mixer, a takeoff of the speed dating concept we have all heard about. 3 CAI-CV Business Partners will be sharing their experiences with Best Practices – Old and New. It should be a fun and educational event for Manager Members, Homeowner Members and Business Partners alike.

If you were able to escape for the day and attend the Day at the Races event in Del Mar, I am sure you will join me in thanking the Education and Day at the Races Committees for the awesome job they did coordinating the event. The weather offered a nice break for us desert rats, the food received a resounding thumbs up and the networking between Managers and sponsoring Business Partners kept the room buzzing. I look forward to a complete wrap up of the event in next month’s magazine complete with pictures taken at the Del Mar race track. Thank you again to Education Committee Chair Kelly McGalliard with PGA West Residential and Day at the Races Chair Peggy Redmon with Law Office of Peggy Redmon for their hard work and commitment on behalf of the chapter and the Manager Scholarship Fund. Honorable mention has to go to Lori Fahnestock with Powerful Pest Management for her tireless efforts as well.

In closing, on behalf of the chapter, I want to thank Dionne Petitpas with Three Phase Electric for the creative vision and countless volunteer hours she has invested with the Quorum magazine this past year. Producing a monthly magazine is a daunting task and can be a full time job on its own, but with Dionne at the helm the committee has succeeded in increasing the value of membership in our chapter with a consistency of topical and timely articles, as well as fun new features. Dionne has decided to move on from the committee and while the board is confident in the direction the magazine is headed, Dionne’s influence on the Quorum will be missed.

Try and stay cool and until next month,

President’s MessageRob Winkle, Western pacific Roofing Corporation CaI-Cv Chapter board president

From the Editordionne petitpas, Three phase Electric

All good things must come to an end, yes? Well some good things should never end, but sadly this is my last issue as Editor of Quorum. We have had a wonderful run the last year and a half, made some small changes and even some big ones and I’m so thankful everyone in our chapter has been so flexible and supportive! Much of our success is due to our committee, each member is such a joy to work with! They have all really strived to bring quality, meaty articles to the table each month and I want to thank each one of them for truly stepping up and supporting our goals. I’ve joked that the Quorum is like a teenager, “always hungry,” as it takes quite a bit of time every week to help bring it all together and it couldn’t be done without the professional, quality people we have in place. I especially want to thank Rob Winkle and the Publications Committee - Nena Rutherford-Milward and Art Coulter, along with Gloria Kirkwood for their unwavering support. They have always been there ready with a listening ear, thoughtful consideration and fantastic advice. I’m deeply grateful for all they’ve done to help me, this committee and this magazine to be something we can all be proud of.

So what’s next? Well, I’m very excited to share that your new Editor will be our Chapter’s very own, Terry Smith! Terry has been a rock solid support this year and has been a significant part of ensuring this magazine gets done each month and on time too! Her organization skills and attention-to-detail tied with her passion for our chapter made her an ideal choice to carry this forward. I’m also happy to share that my wonderful former partner-in-publishing Paula Tapia will be taking the lead as interim Committee Chair, ensuring our committee continues to grow and be strong. With these wonderful women in place, I expect nothing less than the magazine to continue to evolve and be a leading information and communication tool in our chapter.

Most of all, thank you for your support of me, and your commitment to this magazine’s success. I hope I have served you well.

Best,

Quorum August, 201210 11

CoMMunITY SpoTlIgHT CoMMunITY SpoTlIgHT

Casa Blanca is a mature community and the Board is ever

conscious of the need to keep things fresh and up to date.

Casa Blanca comprises 134 single storey duplex condominium units utilizing four different

floor plans. The complex is a Planned Unit Develop-ment (PUD) situated on fee land at the corner of Portola Avenue and Hovely Lane West in Palm Desert. Noted developer Kaufman & Broad (KB Home) built the project out from 1981 to 1984.

Casa Blanca’s main street, Calle Bisque, runs east and west, with four side streets branching off into 84 cul-de-sacs. The amenities include three tennis courts and four swimming pools and spas, as well as about a quarter mile of public sidewalk meandering through the development.

The development consists of four models. The Andalusia, being the smallest, is about 1250 square feet. The Biscay is about 1400 square feet, the Corsica about 1500 square feet, and the Dominique about 1750 square feet. All models feature high vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows. Recent selling prices have been in the range of $90,000 to $230,000.

Casa Blanca is conveniently located in the center of Palm Desert with Bristol Farms and Albertson’s shop-ping centers just around the corner. Within a mile and a half are the Hovely Lane post office, and the com-mercial areas of Cook Street. The College of the Desert is within a mile and El Paseo is only 2 miles away. Casa Blanca is less than a mile from the City’s Desert Willow Golf Resort.

One of the most attractive features of Casa Blanca is the way that it is laid out. Homes are angled in differ-ent directions in order to open up landscaped views and provide most homeowners with views over rela-tively large areas of greenbelt. There is no feeling of being crowded.

This community is one of the very few in the Desert that does not have a golf course. With a lot of beautiful landscape, it has a reclaimed water system for land-scape irrigation. The system was installed in the late 1980’s and keeping it functioning well during the sum-mer months is always a challenge.

Many of the homeowners are original owners or have owned in Casa Blanca for over 10 years. About 85% of the owners are full time residents, which makes for a much appreciated, very friendly atmosphere in the community. The Community celebrates a variety of holidays, including Mardi Gras, throughout the year.

Casa Blanca is a mature community and the Board is ever conscious of the need to keep things fresh and up to date. To this end it has just completed several major projects. The first was to replace the

Casa Blanca Owners Association

By Tony Brunner, Country Club Remodeler


CoMMunITY SpoTlIgHT

Casa Blanca in an effort to keep homeowners informed. The Communications Committee also provides an outlet through which homeowners can express their concerns. This informal two-way flow of information frees up time at Board Meetings to carry out the business of the Associa-tion. Says Board President, Gail Christiansen, “A successful association requires a lot of time, transparency, and com-munication with the homeowners. I believe that we have accomplished that here in Casa Blanca.”

Tony Brunner is with Country Club Remodeler, a high quality, affordable remodeling contractor serving Coachella Valley homeowners. You can reach him at (760) 772-4300 or at

[email protected].

old mailboxes with powder coated aluminum units. At the same time it converted all the mailbox areas, which had been lawn, to desertscape. That project was so well received that it snowballed into changing the entire com-munity landscape into desertscape. The Board then went on to paint all the buildings, which took them from all white to an entirely new color palette of desert and earth tones.

A 5-member Board governs the Association. It is assisted by very active Communications, Landscape, Architectural and Emergency Preparedness Committees. Association dues are $382.00 per month.

CAI business partners serving the community are Kirkpatrick Landscaping, Time Warner Cable, Alarm Monitoring Services (AMS) and LaBarre/Oksnee Insur-ance Agency.

Desert Management provides management services and Rhonda Drews, CCAM, PCAM, is Association Man-ager. Rhonda says, “Casa Blanca is a unique community with very active, highly interested volunteers. Some ladies have created their own ‘water aerobics’ class, another owner volunteers to publish a monthly newsletter and posts it on the website and bulletin boards. This same owner spearheads the Emergency Preparedness Commit-tee and assures there are proper supplies in the event of an earthquake.”

Rhonda feels that the Communications Commit-tee makes a special difference. It meets monthly on site and provides up to date information on business within

noting changes in housing development and modern hous-

ing preferences, CAI urged the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA, to recognize community associations as a distinct housing market. More than 60 million Americans live in 314,000 community associations nationwide, representing almost 20 percent of the American population.

Writing on behalf of CAI members, Tom Skiba, CAI’s Chief Executive Officer, told FHFA that “Over the past several decades, community associa-tions have evolved, rendering mono-lithic housing market descriptions of “single-family” and “multi-family” less meaningful.” Mr. Skiba wrote that by developing policies to address the concerns of community associations, FHFA “will ensure liquidity in these markets and promote access to mort-gage finance so that purchasers will be able to buy the housing of their choice, thereby meeting the needs of housing markets and local communities.”

On May 12, FHFA released a draft strategic plan that will guide the agency over five years as it regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and prepares for changes to the hous-ing finance system. CAI commented on several aspects of FHFA’s strate-gic plan, encouraging the agency to develop a regulatory plan that will support community associations by:

• RequiringthatmortgageservicerspayassessmentsonRealEstateOwned(REO)inatimelymanner

• Requiringthatmortgageservicersmaintainpropertiesthatareabandonedorinforeclosure

• Requiringthatassociationsbeincludedearlierintheshortsaleprocess• Expandingloan-leveldatatrackingtodevelopafullunderstandingofthecommunityassociationhousingmarket

• Developingprojectstandardsbasedondataandmarketobservationsothatprojectstandardsandborrowerunderwritingstandardsareempiricallydriven

• ImprovingmortgageservicerunderstandingofcommunityassociationsMr. Skiba also strongly cautioned FHFA against rushing to create a new

housing finance system. FHFA’s strategic plan calls for the creation of new underwriting standards,

the elimination of certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac products, and poten-tially moving to consolidate a substantial amount of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac operations. Calling attention to the sharp policy disagreements between Congress and the Executive Branch on the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Mr. Skiba wrote that “FHFA has a duty to proceed cautiously and not to act unilaterally.” To read CAI’s letter to FHFA, visit the CAI national website at www.CAIonline.org.

CAI articles are researched and written by a team of professionals with the CAI National Headquarters. CAI provides information and education to community associations and the professionals who support them. For additional information, visit them at www.caionline.org.

Getting NoticedCaI urges Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Regulator to

Recognize Community associationsBy Staff Writer, Community Associations Institute

More than 60 million americans live in 314,000 community associations nationwide, representing almost 20 percent of the american population.

Peggy was born in Michigan and her family moved to California when she was in the third grade. She moved to the Coachella Valley in 1993 and has been a member of CAI since then.

Peggy began her law career as a receptionist for a law firm; then

became a legal secretary and then a paralegal for major law firms in the San Diego area. She graduated from Western State University of Law in San Diego. In 1997 she formed her own law firm and has been a sole practitioner since then, specializing in HOA/CID law.

She is a past president of the CAI-CV Chapter and served on the Board of Directors for many years. Peggy has been a featured speaker at CAI’s National conventions and also is a speaker at many local CAI monthly meetings. She has served on almost every CAI committee and supported every CAI-CV activity and event over the past 19 years, including time on the softball team! She currently serves on CACM’s Legislative Advisory Committee and regularly presents classes for manager certification. She also has been a speaker at the annual CACM Law Seminar.

Peggy is a past president of the Rancho Mirage/Cathedral City Soroptimist Club and remains an active member of that organization. She was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of House of Hope and she also serves as a Commissioner on the Historical Preservation Commission of the City of La Quinta. She holds a lifetime Standard Secondary Teaching Credential in the State of California.

Peggy loves to travel and presently has a cruise to Alaska scheduled for August, 2012 and a Mediterranean cruise in September, 2013. She is also looking for a Volkswagen Vanogan 4 wheel drive for future “road trips” with her two adopted rescue dogs, Dinky and Sparky, to explore the USA during the summer months. She is presently reading books on travel campers and restoration thereof. Peggy enjoys all forms of music, especially jazz.

Peggy can be reached at (760) 262-8840 or by email at [email protected].

Time Honored memBer

pEggY REdMon

By By Pat Smith, CCAM, PCAM, Veneto HOA and Shelly Ruegsegger, CMCA, Personalized Property Management


CaI naTIonal

The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC), the body that oversees the advocacy that happens on behalf of community associa-tions in California, is made up of (in most part) Delegates from each of the eight (8) California chapters. These Delegates are tasked with communicating the needs of their chapter to the main body of CLAC so that deci-sions made about how to advocate take ALL members into account. Delegates are also responsible for bring-ing information back to their chapters about the progress in Sacramento, helping with grass roots efforts that are needed to support our work in Sacramento, and build-ing a good support system within their chapter. Duties can range from serving on a bill sub-committee and hammering out the actual language of a bill, to discussing and establishing positions (support, oppose, etc.) on other bills, as well as heading up grass-roots efforts to meet with legislators locally in their district to support the impact we are having in Sacramento.

While not required by CAI National, California opted to create the position of Liaison to help the Del-egates in the communication process. You will often see Liaisons presenting the “CLAC Moment” at your chapter’s breakfast or luncheon events to com-municate the benefits of advocating in Sacramento on behalf of community associations with the chapter mem-bership, or maybe attending a chapter

board meeting to give an update to the board on what bills we are currently tracking. While non-voting members of CLAC, Liaisons are very important in keeping the flow of information consistent, improving the value of our entire organization.

So how does one get involved in these noble pursuits? It’s a little bit different in every chapter, so here are some of the highlights:

What kinds of members are chosen to serve as delegates/liaison?

When it comes to the type of mem-bership (manager, business partner or homeowner), each chapter varies in what it looks for. Some chapters intentionally try to “spread the wealth” and not have their representatives always come from the same member-ship category. It can often be difficult to find a homeowner member who is willing and able to serve, but our current CLAC Chair, Dick Pruess, is a

homeowner member, so it IS possible. Other chapters look at which kind of member would be most adept at writ-ing and analyzing bill language, so many business partner attorneys serve on the California Legislative Action Committee. Some chapters want to

be sure that the day-to-day practices of HOAs are truly represented, so active man-ager members are recruited to help keep everything “real.”

do the delegates/liaisons need to have any special skills?

As stated above, some chapters like to provide rep-resentatives who can write and analyze bill language, but mostly a passion for this

industry and a working knowledge of how it functions are the best skills for a Delegate. For a Liaison, there are some additional qualities that will help them be successful in their position. Since the Liaison is usually responsible for presenting the “CLAC Moment,” a monthly update from our lobbyist in Sacramento, having good presentation skills definitely helps them do their job. Being able to attend all of the functions that need the CLAC Update presented is also important for a Liaison. Finally, good commu-nication skills in general are helpful for both Delegates and Liaisons, since their main job is to facilitate the flow of information from the chapter up to Sacramento and then back to the chapter again.

Who chooses?This question raised another set of varied responses

from each of the eight California chapters. Five of the eight chapters have some sort of Legislative Support Committee that helps to support the Delegates and Liaison locally in their chapter. They help with fundraising, local legislator visits, grass-roots efforts and often give some sort of recom-mendation on who should be the next Delegate or Liaison to the decision-maker (usually the chapter board). All of the chapters require that Delegates and Liaisons be current members of CAI.

In most chapters it is the board of directors that makes the final choice about who is to become Delegate or Liaison for the chapter, but often there are recommendations sub-mitted that they consider. In the Coachella Valley Chapter, the president-elect sends their recommendation to the board for their consideration. In most cases, when the board is considering their prospects, they take a look at whether or not the candidate is able to attend the monthly teleconfer-ences, get to Sacramento for Legislative Day at the Capitol in April, and attend the annual planning session in October.

So if getting involved in the legislative future of our

industry is something that you are passionate about, con-tact the chapter office to find out how you can participate in or work with the Legislative Action Committee. If you are already involved on a Legislative Action Committee and being a Delegate or Liaison appeals to you, let them know! Ask to be considered for the position next year. The Delegate terms are two-year periods, so each year one of the terms is up for renewal. Advocacy is (along with education) one of the main reasons that CAI exists! Your contribution could help us make the difference in our state’s legislative action committee’s success!

Kimberly Lilley is PR Chair for the California Legislative Action Committee and can be reached at [email protected].

Choosing Your CLAC DelegateThe ClaC delegate/liaison Selection process

advocacy is (along with education) one of the main reasons

that CaI exists!

GURALNICK & GILLILAND, LLPATTORNEYS AT LAW

Member of CAI and CACM

Legal Services for Community Associations

• GeneralCounsel

• AssessmentLienandForeclosure •NoCostCollections •FeesPaidbyDelinquentHomeowner •DetailedMonthlyStatusReports •TitleReportsatNoChargetoAssociation

• ConstructionDefect/Reconstruction •MoldClaims/Litigation •RealEstateDispute/Litigation

Phone:(760)340-1515FAX:(760)568-3053

By Kimberly Lilley, California Legislative Action Committee

“look Closely”It is appropriate that we pause to honor with reverence and gratitude those who have sacrificed for us. Life-changing events dot the lives of all of us – the death of a friend I could not protect. How to cope is determinative. Quality of life does not exist when imprisoned by anxiety or fear.

We are all vulnerable to external forces. This vulnerability should not be permitted to make us fearful or insecure; rather, it must inspire gratitude for every precious moment of life. Pain and pressure are indeed close cousins. We will breakdown! The response to this inevitability is that which is important. It is the realization that we can endure is both comforting and building for life to come. As events and pressure pass, once again, our tribulations become more muted and less painful. That’s how it should be. The mind is so very kind.

As we grow, there is an increasing need to impart our perceptions and wisdom to others. The question is whether our self-inflicted expectations of how our imparted wisdom should be received prevent dissemination. I suspect that children are never too young to absorb.


ClaC nEWS

Often, as a community manager, when you hear the words “conflict resolution” instinctively you think of ADR (Alter-native Dispute Resolution) or IDR (Internal Dispute Reso-lution) and all of the intricacies involved with resolving a conflict between an owner and the board. These forms of resolution are generally necessary for “big ticket” conflicts, such as architectural violations or matters involving mon-etary loss. However, sometimes a conflict can be resolved effectively without requiring a formal process.

It is understandable that conflicts between owners and their board of directors are perceived as a “me against them” exchange. Many media outlets portray community associations in a negative light. As professional community managers, it is our duty to attempt to reverse these impres-sions and approach conflict resolution in a proactive and positive manner.

It is imperative that the manager maintain an unbi-ased perspective on the conflict and stay at “arms length” regarding the underlying issue. While this can be difficult, especially when an angry owner pushes your buttons, the manager needs to maintain his or her professionalism and “keep cool.” It is helpful to remind yourself that this is not “your” issue and that while you cannot control the actions of others, you can control how you respond to the situa-tion. The community manager is usually the target of the owners’ frustration. It is important to remind yourself to take deep breaths and to make sure you don’t interrupt the angry owner. It may be helpful to write down your com-ments and/or responses while the owner is speaking so that you can properly respond once the owner is finished.

Often, conflict resolution can be achieved by investing the time to truly understand the owner’s concerns. Having an open dialogue between the owner and the community manager provides an avenue for an owner to vent, express his/her concerns, and be heard. An effective manager will assess the nature of the owner’s issue and suggest appro-priate methods for the owner to address the board. It is essential during this dialogue to inform the owner that the


Informal Conflict Resolution proven practices for ManagersBy Kristen Griggs, CMCA, AMS, Lindsay Management Services

manager doesn’t have the authority to make any decisions on behalf of the board. However, bringing the issue to the board in the proper manner and forum may assist in find-ing a middle ground for resolving the conflict.

The following scenario demonstrates how a manager can assist in reaching an effective resolution. In “Hot Head HOA in Calm City, California,” an owner was abso-lutely furious with her board for turning off the heat to two

smaller pools within the community, one of which was across the street from her home. She was upset that she now had to drive her car to use the heated pool. This owner posted notices throughout the community, threatening to file a lawsuit, recall the board and fire the management company since the board was making “illegal decisions.”

In order to address the matter, the community manager set up a meeting with the owner and intently listened. The manager learned that the heated pool was essential to this owner’s health and joint pain and driving to the other pool was quite physically burdensome, given her advanced age. When the conversation turned to matters unrelated to the conflict, the manager thanked the owner for taking the time to meet and advised that she would go back to the office and see what could be done to find a resolution to this matter.

In an effort to explore options, the manager met with the pool contractor and discovered that heating the two smaller pools, instead of the one large pool, would result in more savings. The manager then generated a sum-mary report of the meetings with the owner and the pool

contractor, advised the board of the findings and made suggestions. The board was pleased to see a proactive report and decided to resume heating the two smaller pools and to turn off the heat to the one larger pool. In the end the owner was very happy and extremely appreciative of the extra time taken to meet with her. The board was glad to have resolved an issue that could have turned into a lengthy and costly formal conflict resolution process.

If managers take the extra step to carefully listen to owners, while keeping their cool, this can help to alleviate the owners’ frustrations. Getting to a middle ground will provide a platform for discovering reasonable solutions. Unfortunately, making this effort will not always end in positive results. Some owners can never be satisfied with anything less than what they want. However, if you put forth your best attempt and no resolution can be found, then it is time to step back and let more formal conflict resolution processes begin. Just remember, that keeping your cool, remaining professional and unbiased during the process will reflect positively upon you as the manager, and in turn, the board.

Kristen Griggs, CMCA, AMS, is the owner of Lindsay Management Services. Lindsay Management Services is a full-service community association management company headquartered

in Carlsbad, CA. You can reach Kristen at (760) 436-1144 or by email at [email protected].

It is helpful to remind yourself that this is not “your” issue and that while you cannot control the actions of

others, you can control how you respond to the situation.


FEaTuRE FEaTuRE


ClaC nEWS


In accordance with the Bylaws of the Coachella Valley Chapter of CAI, the annual Election for Directors has been scheduled for Monday, October 29, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. at the Chapter office.

Our Bylaws define the nominations and election procedures for the Chapter.

The Nominating Committee is now accepting any candidates who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors. Please submit your name and brief statement as to why you would like to serve on the Coachella Valley Board of Directors and what committees that you have been a member of in the past or currently. Please submit this to the Chapter office. All applications must be received no later than July 31, 2012. Eligible candidates shall have served on a chapter committee for at least a year, shall have regularly attended chapter events, and shall commit to attending at least seventy (70%) of Board meetings and chapter events during their terms. The nominating committee will interview all applicants and nominate a slate of applicants to submit to the members. Such slate will be comprised of one nominee for each of the available seats on the Board of Directors.

Be a 2013 Board memBer wiTH CoaCHella Valley CaiThe nominating committee will notify all applicants and

advise them as to whether they were selected to be on the slate. Any applicant who was not selected to be on the slate may petition to have his/her name submitted to the electorate. The petition must be in writing and contain the verified signatures of at least 25% of the voting membership. The deadline for submitting this petition to the Chapter office is September 14, 2012. This nomination together with the previously approved slate will be mailed to the voting membership as a ballot no later than September 28, 2012, together with information for each nominee indicating whether he/she was nominated by the nominating committee or by petition.

Monday, October 29, 2012, during the Annual Meeting, the Secretary will cast a unanimous ballot for the approved Slate of Nominees, unless a petition for nomination of another member or members has been received in the Chapter office by September 14, 2012. If a petition was received, the ballots will be counted to determine the successful candidate. The person(s) receiving the most votes shall be elected.

Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. is a knowledge leader in security. As the nation’s leading security provider, Securitas USA and its affiliates offer security solutions, including uniformed security officers, mobile patrol and consulting & investigations. Everywhere from small businesses to large corporations, our 100,000 employees are making a difference. | www.securitasinc.com

®

A knowledge leader in securitySecuritas USA continues to be a dedicated security partner in the Valley by providing security professionals who meet the specialized needs of Gated Communities. Participation in associations such as CAI, RCSA, CACM, ASIS, and Crime Stoppers, Securitas USA remains active, knowledgeable and ready to service your communities. With national resources and a strong local management team in Palm Desert, we are standing by to enhance your security operations. We invite you to take advantage of an Operational Analysis, at no cost to you.

For more information, please contact:Douglas Robinson | 760.779.0728

The lifestyle in our community associations is changing. It is becoming more and more controlled by State laws… some good, some bad. Homeowners who live in these communities need to be constanly aware of how the laws are changing. The California Legislative Action Commit-tee (CLAC), a part of the Community Associations Insti-tute (CAI), helps make that happen.

In this life, nothing is free. Just enjoying the beauty of our surroundings takes effort. Keeping our commu-nities peaceful and enjoyable takes effort and money. We pay to have our landscap-ing and pools maintained. The administration of our homeowners association costs money, too. Make no mistake about it, the HOA fee that all owners pay is like a state or county tax – it has to be paid, but it also needs to be controlled and kept to a minimum.

The laws in our state are meant to protect our rights as much as force us to com-ply with proper operating and living. Knowing what is considered a proper lifestyle in our communities should be left to the local community (the HOA) and, at the same time, certain issues are better controlled by the State. Legislators, unfortunately, do not necessarily know how the various laws they enact at the state level affect our community lifestyle and cost. Bad laws are costing our HOAs (and therefore, their homeown-ers) a lot of money. Someone needs to follow what is going on and stay aware of how these laws impact you and me.

CLAC does that all for us, navigating and tracking legis-lation affecting our HOAs, lobbying on our behalf and even

introducing legislation. Unfortunately, like other things in life, this is not free. We, you and I and our homeowner associations need to support this effort and if each of us does our part, the cost per person in minimal.

Every community that supports CAI and understands the value the organization brings to us should support

CLAC by putting a small amount in the budget. One community in Desert Hot Springs puts $1 per home-owner per month toward CLAC. That is only $12 per year per homeowner in that community. Most spend more than that each week on coffee!

Your community can do this too. Please consider a donation to CLAC. Put a line item in the HOA budget. It is a small price to pay to pre-vent bad laws from costing a fortune. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want our laws getting out of control when it comes to our communi-ties. I want appropriate laws enacted and I appreciate the value CAI-CLAC provides to our communities in this effort.

For more information contact the local office of CAI at (760) 341-0559 or check out the CLAC website at www.caicalif.org.

Steven Shuey is a certified professional community association manager and serves on the National Faculty of CAI. He is a community association consultant with Personalized Property

Management and may be contacted at [email protected] or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/@IslandMgr).

Be a Good Sport and SupportCalifornia legislation affects Your Hoa and ClaC needs Your Help

By Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAM

Homeowners who live in these communities need to be constantly aware of

how the laws are changing.The California legislative action Committee (ClaC), a part of the Community

associations Institute (CaI), helps make that happen.

By Lori Albert, CCAM, Albert Management, Inc. and James R. McCormick, Jr., Esquire, Peters & Freedman, LLP

Over 900 million people worldwide are actively using social media, including 65% of adults who are online. Clearly, the popularity and rapid adoption of technology as a way to communicate is difficult

to ignore. In the beginning it was about the social network, connecting friends, acquaintances and family. These days, small and large businesses as well as non-profits are harnessing the power of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other sites to communicate with current and potential customers. Social media has become a low-cost and highly effective tool to promote a business or non-profit organization of any size. So what do you as a business owner, manager or board member absolutely need to know? Following are some keys to social media success.

Have a policy – good policies lead to good business. A good social media policy for your organization includes provi-sions for removing profane language, disparaging terms or private information about members or entities; posts soliciting business from your fans or followers, and much more. Be sure to work with your legal counsel to develop and implement a policy for your organization. If you have employees, make sure they understand their own private social media actions do not stop at the organization’s door-step. Employees continue to be associated with the organi-zation’s brand on the web.

Secure Your name – register your accounts, and do it quickly before it’s too late. Remember the days of techies buying up URLs and reselling them to companies like Pepsi, Nordstrom and McDonalds? Anyone can register a name, and it’s important you take control of the name affiliated with your organization. Get those names regis-tered and off the open market!

Start Simple – don’t attempt too much at once, and know your audience. Coca-Cola’s Facebook page wasn’t devel-oped overnight. The marketing executives at Coca-Cola started simple, and surveyed their product users on what type of product information they want to see on social media networks. If you want to explore taking your orga-nization social, you will most likely need to create a page on Facebook and a Twitter account with a unique user name. Once you are comfortable with Facebook and Twit-ter, consider other options such as Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google+. Be sure to include as much information as pos-sible in your profile and properly brand your page with your logo or organization name.

Know Your purpose – determine why you are taking this on. Is it to improve communication with your current members, retain customers or generate new business leads? Maybe it’s a combination of all three – but it’s important to prioritize one and focus your efforts there.

Create value for Your visitors or Followers – nobody cares what you just ate for lunch. Instead, provide tips, tutorials or other useful information for your audience. People want to see pictures of people and interesting objects. Interact, collect and share data in the form of polls. Businesses should be talking about case studies and how they helped to solve problems or enhance the lives of their customers.

Talk With Your audience – not at your audience. The posi-tion of ‘it’s all about me’ will turn off your fans and follow-ers. Encourage interaction, sharing, and the desire to come back for more. It’s important to remember why people use social media – to have conversations, make connections and get information relative to their interests. Remember,

it’s important to remember why people use social media – to have conversations,

make connections and get information relative to their interests.

your social media presence will be considered an exten-sion of your customer service so be prepared to respond to all feedback – both positive and negative. Be sure to not discriminate between positive and negative postings, allow it all within the scope of your social media policy.

Join other networks – and search mutual contacts to con-nect with others in your industry or area of interest. Spend some time following other companies or organizations similar to yours. There are lessons to learn and informa-tion to gather in new places these days. Encourage other organizations to ‘like’ your Facebook page or follow you on Twitter, and do the same for them.

don’t abandon Your Website or other vehicles of Com-munication – social media should subsidize your market-ing and communication efforts. Use social media to drive people to your website, blog or business for more informa-tion, special offers, coupons or product samples.

Track Your Success to Measure Effectiveness – otherwise you won’t know if all this effort is paying off. Once you have reached 30 fans on Facebook you will have access to ‘insights’ which tell you where your fans are coming from and their demographics. For Twitter, use an aggregator such as Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to follow the activity and subjects of interest to you. Be sure to monitor your social media presence every day, and have a member of your staff dedicated to doing so.

In the end, the new world of social media can really be quite simple. It’s a place to share, learn, communicate and connect with others. Like any initiative for your organi-zation, stay focused on your goal and purpose and the rewards will follow.

Lori Albert, CCAM is the CEO and President of Albert Management in Palm Desert, CA. Lori can be reached at (760) 346-9000 or by e-mail at [email protected]. You can follow her on

Twitter @AlbertMgt.

James R. McCormick, Jr., Esq. is a partner with the law firm of Peters & Freedman with offices in Encinitas and Palm Desert, CA. James can be reached at (760) 773-4463 or by e-mail at

[email protected]. You can also find him on Twitter @HOA2HOA.

Social Media 101


FEaTuRE FEaTuRE


guest Speaker:

a. lori albert, CCaM Albert Management Inc.

b. James R. McCormick, Jr., Esq. Peters & Freedman, LLP

Thanks To our June program Sponsors:

advanced painting & Wood Repair

aMS paving

asphalt Md’s

desert properties light Maintenance

Mailboxes R us

pacific Western bank

pWlC II, Inc.

Sky Security Services

Thanks To our June Manager Table Sponsor:

verizon Enhanced Communities

Event photographer:

bill Richardson

CHapTER EvEnTSJunE MonTHlY pRogRaM

Why We’re All a Twitter – Social Media 101:

For Your Community or business a b

• Learn the history, statistics and fundamentals of social media

• Explore the benefits and potential risks of taking your organization social


TECHnologY TodaY

Common courtesy dictates you respond to emails from others in a timely manner. If you cannot respond to an email promptly, at the very least, email back confirming your receipt and when the sender can expect your response, then follow up on time.

It is highly recommended you never send an email you have not put through the spell check process. Remember, your goal is to look intelligent! Keep emails brief and to the point, and ensure all relevant details necessary to under-stand your point of view are included. This will eliminate the possibility of back and forth emails for clarification and will save time.

To allow for easy filtering, and to keep your email out of the dreaded spam folder, be sure to utilize the ‘Subject’ field accurately, stating the content of your email or a requested action, i.e. “FOR APPROVAL” or “SCHEDULING REQUEST.”

Ideally add an item to what you’re refer-ring to as well, “FOR APPROVAL – POOL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT.” The more specific information in the subject line you include the better it will help set the context of the email as well as keep it out of the spam folder.

In formatting your email, remember that first letter capitalization is just as important as it is in formal letter writing. An email sent in all lower case letters, gives the perception of a lack of educa-tion or laziness. All capital letters ARE perceived as shouting. These days, many people are reading their email from a small smart phone screen; therefore using short paragraphs, blank lines

between each paragraph, and breaking out multiple points or questions as numbered items in all email correspondence will be helpful to the reader.

To “BCC” someone, is it a good thing? It seems noth-ing is private these days, yet privacy is something everyone

OMG! Good 411 to Use 24/7 Cuz It’s Kewl Email Etiquette is the Key to Successful business Communication

By Suzi Martel, Vintage Nursery

Strong communication is a critical key for success in any business. Today, one of the most used forms of communication is electronic mail (email) - which now exceeds telephone use as the dominant form of business communication.

Not unlike the art of letter writing, email comes with its own rules of protocol and etiquette. Following the simple guidelines listed here will ensure you are perceived as pro-fessional, considerate, and best of all, intelligent!

When composing your email, picture yourself speaking face-to-face or even on the phone with the recipient. This will help you impart a human element to your communication. “Please” and “thank you” go a long way, so minding your P’s & Q’s is just as important when using the written word.

Always start your email with a courteous greeting and be sure you spell the recipient’s name correctly. Just as important is the use of appropriate punc-tuation and typing in complete sentences. Email is not to be confused with texting and therefore, one letter words in place of spelling out the entire word is not acceptable. Your email message reflects not only you but also your business. Utilizing appropriate punctuation will also ensure your message is clear to the reader.

appreciates you take seriously. When addressing your email to several individuals at the same time, such as with a promotional email from your company, utilize the “BCC” feature to protect their email address from being published to those they do not know. Place your own email address in the “To” field, and the “list” of emails in the “BCC” field. This is a serious pri-vacy issue and it is appreciated when email addresses are protected.

When forwarding an email, always edit out all the “>>>>forwarding”, other email addresses, and commen-tary from all other forwarders. It’s also helpful to add a personal comment to the person/people you are forwarding to.

Always end your emails with a proper ending; “Thank you”, “Best regards”, “See you on the golf course” – something! Formality reflects respect. You would not hang up the phone without saying “good-bye”, right?

Another courtesy to the sender is to add your contact information under your signature: business address, web site, and phone number. This will make it easier for the reader to explore your business or contact you via tele-phone, if necessary, without taking the time to search for you.

As in all areas of life, the Golden Rule applies to email communications as well; type unto others as you would have them type unto you.

Suzi Martel is the Commu-nications Manager with Vintage Associates, Inc. You can reach Suzi at

(760) 772-3673 or by email at [email protected].

Type unto others as

you would have them

type unto you!

The California legislature recognized a need for an informal process to address typical disputes that arise in an association setting. The result was the implementation of a two-tier approach of conflict resolution prior to litigation

through Internal dispute Resolution (IdR) and alternative dispute Resolution (adR).


HoMEoWnERS aSSoCIaTIon laW HoMEoWnERS aSSoCIaTIon laW

of privileges; however, questions are often posed to associa-tion legal counsel regarding IDR and ADR.

The IDR statutes (Civil Code Sections 1363.810 - 1363.850) provide an informal meet and confer process to encourage the parties to communicate and resolve disputes quickly and amicably without the involvement of a neutral third party and at no cost to the parties. Associations must offer a “fair, reasonable and expeditious” procedure for resolv-ing disputes within the minimum requirements of Section 1363.830. Associations have some flexibility in creating an IDR procedure to suit their community. If an association does not adopt an IDR procedure, the default procedures of Section 1363.840 will apply:

• Invokedbyeitherpartyinwriting

• Associationmustparticipateifinvokedbymember;member may refuse to participate

• Designatedboardmembertomeetandconfer

When Tempers Flare, Keep Your Cool

avoiding or Minimizing Homeowner Conflicts Through dispute Resolution

By Tracy Fuller Linkowski, Esq., Peters & Freedman, L.L.P.

Welcome to summer! Some associations enjoy a relaxed atmosphere during the summer. Others, however, may experience an increase in enforcement issues or disputes. As temperatures rise, tempers may flare! Keep your cool and know which dispute resolution procedures are avail-able to avoid or minimize potential conflicts with your association’s members.

The California Legislature recognized a need for an informal process to address typical disputes that arise in an association setting, such as architectural issues and enforcement of use restrictions. In 2005, Civil Code Sec-tions 1363.801-1363.850 and 1369.510-1369.590 became effec-tive and these statutes significantly changed how associa-tions handle member disputes. The result was the imple-mentation of a two-tier approach of conflict resolution prior to litigation through Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Most boards and managers are familiar with, and use, fining and suspension

• Thepartiesshallmeetpromptlyat a mutually convenient time and place

• Resolutionofdisputeshallbeinwriting, signed by the parties

• Resolutionisbindingandjudi-cially enforceable if not in con-flict with the law or the governing documents and is consistent with the designated board member’s authority or ratified by the board

• Membermaynotbechargedafeeto participate

IDR is not intended, nor should it be, used by homeowners as an unfet-

tered opportunity to voice their com-plaints about association governance or to badger the board. Therefore, it is important to clarify the scope of IDR and the dispute before schedul-ing the meet and confer. The process may not be “cost free” if either party consults with legal counsel or outside resources. Attorneys are not intended to participate; however, prior to the IDR, the parties should memorialize whether attorneys will be present. If the association has adopted an IDR policy, it may address the use of legal counsel. Members may appeal to the association’s board if the dispute is resolved other than by agreement of the member.

If a homeowner requests IDR, then the statutes require that the asso-ciation accept. However, the entire board does not need to be present. Rather, the board can appoint one or more of its members to meet with the homeowner in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Be sure that any board

members who attend the IDR have authority to offer a settlement and that they understand the scope of what will be accepted.

ADR (Civil Code Sections 1369.510 - 1369.590) is a more formal resolu-tion process than IDR and applies to enforcement of an association’s gov-erning documents, the Davis-Stirling Act, and the Non-Profit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law. ADR is initiated by service of a Request for Resolution and requires a third party neutral to assist in resolving the dispute, typi-cally through mediation or arbitration. Boards and managers should know the fundamentals of ADR:

• Pre-litigationrequirementfor“enforcement action” that is solely for declaratory, injunctive or writ relief, or for a monetary dam-ages claim not in excess of small claims jurisdiction (ADR does not apply to small claims action)

• Binding(bothpartiescomply)ornon-binding (advisory opinion), at the parties’ option

• Partiessplitcostofneutral;par-ties bear own attorneys’ fees

• ADRdoesnotapplytoanassess-ment dispute, except as made applicable by another provision of law (consult with legal counsel as to applicability)

• Requestmustcontainbriefdescription of dispute and notice of 30-days to respond or the Request is deemed rejected

• Requestmustbeserved(withacopy of Section 1369.510, et. seq) by the methods set forth in Sec-tion 1369.530(b)

• Partyservedhas30-daystoaccept or reject. If not accepted, or the request is rejected, litiga-tion can be filed.

• ADRmustbecompletedwithin90-days of acceptance; parties can stipulate in writing to extend

• Courtmayconsideraparty’srefusal to participate in deter-mining attorneys’ fees and costs

While ADR is a more formal pro-

cess than IDR, it is still intended to keep the parties out of the courtroom. Sometimes just serving the Request may result in cooperative behavior, where other enforcement methods may have failed.

Consult with legal counsel to review your association’s IDR and ADR procedures for compliance with current California law and to gain an understanding of how these processes work in the two-tier approach. Under-standing and implementing these procedures may result in resolving disputes amicably before they “flare up” to the point of costly litigation.

Tracy Fuller Linkowski, Esq. is with the law firm of Peters & Freedman, L.L.P. with offices in Encinitas and

Palm Desert, She can be reached at (760) 773-4463 or by email at [email protected].

FROM A BOARD MEMBER: Having a business partner contact an HOA board mem-ber is appropriate if there is a close working relation-ship between the business partner and the president of the board. If none exists, the contact should be with the property manager first. The exception to this would be if a member of the board has been delegated the responsibility of being the liaison to that business partner (i.e., arborist, roofing company, landscape company). Then, and only then, should a business partner contact anyone other than the president or the property manager.

FROM A BOARD MEMBER: It does not make me very happy. They usually contact me when I am busy and don’t have the time to talk with them. They claim they will take only a couple of minutes but take more like a couple of hours. Even if you are nice and say thanks but no thanks they continue to call and want to take you away from your duties or projects.

By Paula Tapia, Pacific Western Bank

Scan our qR code and send your question now!

Coffee Talk

Business Partners, Board Members, Homeowners, Managers – do you have questions about community associations? Draft your questions and submit them to the Quorum and we’ll get the answers from industry professionals. Simply complete a survey form when attending one of the monthly CAI programs, or email questions to [email protected].

Thank you to our CaI-Cv members who shared some insightful and thoughtful answers.

QUESTION FOR A BOARD MEMBER

How do you feel when a business partner contacts you directly to introduce their services?


DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT. Providing quality professional management services throughout the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas.

Desert Resort Management

Serving community associations since 1987, Desert Resort Management (DRM) provides services that enrich communities and enhance the associations we serve.

O u R f O c u S i S O N yO u .

SM

• Nationalstrength.Localattention.

• Service-driventechnologybackbone.

• Innovativeprogramstosaveyourassociationtimeandmoney.

• Management,financialanddevelopmentservices.

• Turnkeyservicetoourclients.

• Industry’sbesttrainedteam.

• Commitmenttoclients.

42-635 Melanie Place, Suite 103 ι Palm Desert, CA 92211 ι Telephone 760-346-1161 ι Fax 760-346-9918 Web www.drminternet.com ι Email [email protected]

&ATTORNEYS AT LAW

PETERS FREEDMAN, L.L.P.

A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Experience you can rely on People you can trust

encinitas offi ce desert offi ce 760 436 3441 760 773 4463

www.hoalaw.com • [email protected]

33Quorum August, 201232

WaTER WISE

WAYSTO CUT YOUR3

SUMMER WATER BILL

For more information,call Coachella Valley Water District

at (760) 398-2651or visit www.cvwd.org

Participate in CVWD’s Large Landscape Smart Controller Rebate Program

Water between sunset and sunrise to decrease water lost to evaporation

Convert your grass to Lush & Efficient Desert Landscaping

DESERTMANAGEMENT

Providing you and your association with customized, professional accounting and

management since 1981.

Corporate Offi ce47427 Rancho Mirage Lane

P O Box 799Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

P 760.862.1202 • F 760.862.1210

Palm Springs400 South Farrell Drive, Suite B-210

Palm Springs, CA 92262P 760.325.4257 • F 760.778.6846

Satellite offi ces in Palm Desert, La Quinta & Indio

this is a great time to be working with non-potable water in the

Coachella Valley. The Coachella Valley Water District

has encouraged the use of non-potable water for irrigation of golf courses and other large properties in the valley since 1969. Now, thanks to the Mid-Valley Pipeline project, the capacity of non-potable water delivery has increased to serve up to 50 golf courses in the mid-valley area.

The Coachella Valley rests on a vast aquifer containing high quality water. However, any long- range plan for a sustainable water supply for the Coachella Valley requires that water pumped from the aquifer be replaced with new supplies. These new supplies consist of natural mountain rainfall and snow melt, and supplemental replenishment with imported water.

The increased access to

non-potable water for irrigation cuts groundwater pumping by thousands of acre-feet per year, reducing demand on our aquifer. As a result, we are able to preserve more of our precious groundwater for drinking and other domestic uses.

The Mid-Valley Pipeline begins at Madison Street in Indio where the Coachella Canal crosses the Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel and ends at the district’s largest wastewater treatment plant in Palm Desert. The pipeline ensures there is enough non-potable water available for current and future customers by augmenting the recycled water supply with canal water when the recycled water supply is insufficient to meet demand.

Recycled water is virtually colorless and is allowable for full-body human contact but not for human consump-tion. It meets the strict standards

of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.

Recently, the district approved a non-potable water agreement with the City of Indian Wells to allow the Indian Wells Golf Resort to connect its two golf courses to the Mid-Valley Pipeline and to use 1,995 acre-feet per year of canal water for irrigation. The district also approved the connection of the Classic Club in Palm Desert to the Mid-Valley

Pipeline project, allowing it to use a blend of canal water and recycled water for irrigation. Once connected, the Classic Club will use about 1,000 acre-feet from the non-potable water delivery system for golf course and landscape irrigation.

In 2011, the amount of recycled water from the district’s treatment plants totaled 9,622 acre-feet, up from 8,969 acre-feet in 2010. The total non-potable water use, which includes both recycled water and canal water, totaled 12,776 acre-feet, up from 12,144 acre-feet in 2010.

Golf courses and other properties using non-potable water for irrigation are helping to reduce overdraft on our aquifer by removing less water from the ground. Conserving the groundwater ensures that future generations will be able to benefit from the aquifer that is critical to the Coachella Valley.

Olivia Bennett is the non-potable water operations manager for the Coachella Valley Water District. You

can contact her at [email protected] or (760) 398-2651.

Preserving Our Precious Water SupplyMid-valley pipeline brings non-potable Water for large property Irrigation

The increased access to non-potable water for

irrigation cuts groundwater pumping by thousands of

acre-feet per year, reducing demand on our aquifer.

By Olivia Bennett, Coachella Valley Water District


CHapTER EvEnTS CHapTER EvEnTS

bar Sponsors:Desert resort ManagementFlanders Painting

dessert Sponsor:Pro landscaping, inc.

Food Sponsors:Dunn-edwards CorporationFlood responserey insurance services

greeting Sponsor:seacoast Commerce Bank

lane assignment Sponsors:Fiore racobs & PowersVista Paint Corporation

lane Sponsors:aMs Paving, inc.asphalt MD’sConserve landCareDesert Properties light MaintenanceDesert resort Managementepsten Grinnell & Howell, aPCFlood responseGothic Grounds ManagementlPC landscapeMC Painting & ConstructionMutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCertsnelson Paving & sealingO’Connell landscape MaintenancePacific national securityPacific western BankPeters & Freedman, llPPinnacle landscapeseacoast Commerce Banksunshine landscapetime warner Cableuniversal Protection servicewestern Pacific roofing

Raffle prize Sponsors:Conserve landCareCti of the DesertDesert resort ManagementFenceworks, inc.securitas security services usa, inc.the Management trust, Monarch Group Divisionwestern Pacific roofing

Strike Sponsors:leon’s landscaping Pacific western Bank

Rock ’N Bowl First place

lowest Score

Second place

bowling Committee CvRM

Honesty, Integrity, Quality

amspaving.comServing all of Southern California Since 1981

760-327-0800License #415436

• Asphalt Repair, Patching & Crackfill

• Asphalt Removal & Replacement

• Grading and New Paving

• Overlays and Fabric Overlays

• All types of Slurry Seals, Pavement Coatings and Striping

Our Services:

Paving Companyin the Valley! #1


CHapTER EvEnTS

Put away the bowling bumpers, the Coachella Val-ley Chapter of CAI took over Palm Springs Lanes with

a vengeance on Friday, June 15th for their annual bowling tournament. This year’s theme was Rock ‘N Bowl. Mem-bers and spectators alike were screaming with deep guttural laughter or would that be “gutter laughter” as they rolled strikes, spares and gutter balls down the 28 sold out lanes.

In keeping with tradition, the Bowling Committee asked members to bring donations for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. CVRM representatives were overwhelmed with the generosity of our members as the bins were over-flowing with items to help the less fortunate. Thank you to our membership for their support of this great cause.

After fierce competition, the winners emerged. The First Place Trophy went to LPC Landscape and Irriga-tion Management with their award winning team of Mike Rowe, Kris Schulze, and Steve Reiter. Pinnacle Land-scape took home the 2nd Place Trophy and was made up of team members Rick Valdez, Patricia Moeller (Gold Coast Enterprises), Jim Moeller, and Rick Festa (Desert Proper-ties Light Maintenance). High Score Men’s Trophy went to Mike Rowe of LPC Landscape, while the Women’s High Score Trophy went to Cheryl Wyatt, a Manager member. Bringing up the rear was Christina Enriquez, guest of Sunshine Landscape, who was awarded the Lowest Score trophy and was so proud to show it off! Congratulations to all the winners.

Grace Paluck of The Management Trust, Monarch Group Division absolutely rocked with her outstanding leadership as chairperson of the Bowling Committee. Gary Flanders of Flanders Painting and I acted as MC’s and kept the night rolling with hard rock humor and good fun. Rick Rapp and Charles Walters-Clark, both of The Management Trust, Monarch Group Divi-sion competed in the selling of drink tickets. Thanks to all the other outstanding committee members includ-ing Clint Schreiner of J&M Keystone, Gloria Kirk-wood of Desert Resort Management, Jennifer Jones of Desert Properties Light Maintenance, Kristal Granados of Desert Commercial Bank and Micha Ballesteros of Flood Response who helped with set up, registration and decorations.

The 2012 Bowling Committee would like to thank the CAI Staff for their support and hard work. We are also very grateful to our amazing sponsors for their financial support and participation in making this a fun night for all who attended. You all rock!

Kymberli Taylor is a representative with Staples Copy and Print. You can reach Kym at (951) 907-2324 or by email at [email protected].

STRIKE! The 2012 Rock ‘n bowl bowling Tournament

By Kym Taylor, Staples Print and Copy

Starting with the passage of the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act by the California legislature in 1986, Reserve Studies became an integral part of the management and decision-making process of community associations throughout the state. The intent of this legisla-tion was to give guidance and rules to these entities. Since that time, the art and practice of preparing and using these reports has changed and will undoubtedly keep changing into the future. Here are some thoughts and observations about its past, present and future.

legislation & StandardsIn the 26 years since its adoption, numerous amendments have been made to Davis-Stirling as it related to Reserve Studies. The requirements have become more definitive as the legislature tweaks the original Bill. So today, for example, we have more stringent disclosure requirements, a requirement that Boards must adopt a “Reserve Funding Plan” annually, and that a visual inspection of the common areas be conducted every three years. No one can predict what modifications and additions are coming down the road, but future changes are inevitable.

In the early years, the process and terminology in Reserve Studies were inconsistent. They varied depending on the Reserve consultant preparing the report. In 1998, the National Reserve Study Standards (NRSS) were adopted by the Community Association Institute to address these inconsistencies. The result is standardized terminology, calculation methodology, and definitions found in today’s Reserve Study. At the same time, the CAI introduced the “Reserve Specialist” (RS) designation which established qualifications for those persons preparing Reserve Studies.

As much as the State rules and regulations have influ-enced the Reserve Study in general, there remain a signifi-cant number of community associations who have never had one prepared or are not in compliance. We can see in the future the possibility of a government agency (state or federal) interjecting itself as the “Reserve Police” to assure that associations are in compliance and carrying out their fiduciary obligations.

TechnologyAs the legislation and standards have improved the quality and consistency of Reserve Studies, technological advances have improved the visual quality and how the report is delivered to clients. Early reports were relatively crude in comparison with today’s reports. Greatly improved graphic display capabilities, digital photography and a more user-friendly format are evident. In the 80’s and 90’s, managers and Board members would receive only hard copies of the Report through the mail. That method was later aug-mented by the advent of the FAX machine. Today, the vast majority of Reserve Studies are transmitted electronically via e-mail or posted to a company’s website with exclusive access made available to managers and Board members.

From a long-range perspective, we can count on contin-ued advancements in technology that will further alter the look and application of Reserve Studies. If we take advan-tage of technology, it can only mean a more effective and easier experience for the end user.

building products/MaterialsOver the years, we have seen many advances in building material products and equipment that are now available. Housing developments from the 70’s and 80’s can now benefit from these advances and the new equipment and materials can now be incorporated into Reserve Stud-ies. Examples include: original wood components can be replaced with composite wood alternatives. Older electro-mechanical irrigation controllers can be replaced with “smart” controllers. We see very sophisticated security and surveillance systems replacing older, antiquated systems. Older balcony deck systems are being replaced with state-of-the-art deck systems. These are a few examples of the on-going development of new and innovative products that can be considered in the Reserve Study.

Concern for the environment has also impacted Reserve Studies. Community associations are becoming increas-ingly aware of the need for energy and water conserva-tion. This is both from an environmental and economic

Deposits in the 90’s and interest earnings are typically included in the Reserve analysis. Since most community association’s interest earnings accrue to the Reserve fund, these earnings created less of a burden on maintenance fees being collected. Today’s Reserve funding plans can only count on minimal interest earnings (typically 0.5% to 1%), which means more Reserve fund contributions come from homeowner fees. Depending on what future eco-nomic scenario you subscribe to, this picture is not likely to change significantly in the near future.

The current economic conditions have also influenced the life expectancy of some common area components. In some cases, associations are electing to stretch out life cycles on such components as painting, common interiors, asphalt sealing and the like. In some cases, projects are being deferred beyond their effective useful life.

Although not entirely universal, the current high num-ber of foreclosures and delinquent dues payments results in lost revenue to the association. This situation directly affects the Reserve Plan, which is often the area affected in the event of a revenue shortfall. However, this situation is gradually improving and will hopefully be less of an issue in the future with a more stable housing market.

Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac) have now recognized that their loans can be affected if long-range maintenance and enhancement of a property is not properly planned. Reserve Studies are frequently a requirement for individual loan qualification. We can expect these institutions to have more say in the future.

ConclusionThe Reserve Study in California has evolved from a “some-thing we must legally have” to a very useful tool for com-munity associations. It has become an integral part of the community association vernacular and is no longer confus-ing to most people. With nearly 80% of new home construc-tion connected with an HOA or community association, Reserve Studies will continue to be essential. In the future, the need for a Reserve Study will become as common as that of an insurance policy.

Michael Nash, RS, is President of Association Reserves Inland Empire/Coachella Valley. He can be reached at (909) 210-0342 or by email at [email protected].

The Reserve Studypast, present and FutureBy Michael Nash, RS, Association Reserves Inland Empire/Coachella Valley

How Reserve Studies are usedEarly on, having a Reserve Study was largely viewed as meeting the State mandated requirement to have one. That still is important, but it has evolved into a significant budget planning tool helping commu-nity associations roadmap for scheduling projects and making investment decisions. Homeowners and Board members are becoming more sophis-ticated when it comes to Reserve Studies. In the past, Reserve Study preparers rarely included them during the process. Today, we see significantly more

involvement from the homeown-ers who serve on the Board. The process is much more interactive and this has had positive results.

Banks and government lending agen-cies (FHA,

viewpoint. Today’s Reserve Study can incor-porate such things as re-landscaping with drought-tolerant plant material, installation of artificial turf, drip irrigation systems, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, and reflective roof coatings. In the future, we see a continued emphasis on “going green” initia-tives, as well as a continued evolu-tion and advancement of building materials.

The EconomyRemember when Certificates of Deposit and Money Market Funds were earn-ing 5% and 6% interest? These were the main investment vehi-cles for Reserve


FEaTuRE FEaTuRE


FEaTuRE FEaTuRE

Conflict in the workplace, board meetings, and between neighbors can be incredibly destructive to

good teamwork.Managed in the wrong way, real and legitimate differ-

ences between people can quickly spiral out of control, resulting in situations where co-operation breaks down and the team's mission is threatened. This is particularly the case where the wrong approaches to conflict resolution are used.

To calm these situations down, it helps to take a posi-tive approach to conflict resolution, where discussion is courteous and non-confrontational, and the focus is on issues rather than on individuals. If this is done, then, as long as people listen carefully and explore facts, issues and possible solutions properly, conflict can often be resolved effectively.

For those who weren’t born into a family where perfect conflict resolution skills were modeled on a daily basis (and—let’s face it—how many of us were?), here are some guidelines to make conflict resolution more simple and less stressful.

Hone in on your listening skillsWhen it comes to effective conflict resolution, how effec-tively we listen is at least as important as how effectively we express ourselves. It’s vital to understand the other person’s

perspective, rather than just our own, if we are to come to a resolution. In fact, just helping the other person feel heard and understood can sometimes go a long way toward the resolution of a conflict. Good listening also helps for you to be able to bridge the gap between the two of you and understand where the disconnect lies. Unfortunately, active listening is a skill that not everybody knows, and it’s common for people to think they’re listening, while in their heads they’re actually formulating their next response, thinking to themselves how wrong the other person is, or doing things other than trying to understand the other per-son’s perspective. It’s also common to be so defensive and entrenched in your own perspective that you literally can’t hear the other person’s point of view.

practice assertive CommunicationCommunicating your feelings and needs clearly is also an important aspect of conflict resolution. As you probably know, saying the wrong thing can be like throwing fuel on a fire, and make a conflict worse. The important thing to remember is to say what’s on your mind in a way that is clear and assertive, without being aggressive or putting the other person on the defensive. One effective conflict resolu-tion strategy is to put things in terms of how you feel rather than what you think the other person is doing wrong, using ‘I feel’ statements.

By Gina Roldan, Vista Paint

When Conflicts

Arise

By Wendy Van Messel, CAI-CV

Have You Heard?August 2012

It’s been a busy summer for babies and now there is one more to add to the growing list of new baby members. Debbie Lange with AlliedBarton Security welcomed her 1st grand-baby girl to the family on June 18th. Debbie’s daughter, Stephanie, gave birth to McKinley Grace who came into the world weighing 8lb., 10 oz. and was 18 inches long. Congratulations to the Lange family.

Congratulations to the chapter’s newest CMCA® designee. In June, Jessica Vela, Com-munity Manager with Desert Princess Home-owners Association, received the good news that she passed the rigorous CMCA® exam. Jes-sica joins a growing list of managers achieving professional designations.

Sue Anderson, Sales & Marketing Manager with Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America, is excited to announce that they are growing and have acquired Heritage Security Services. The acquisition of Heritage Security Services will expand Universal’s security force within Cali-fornia and will allow UPS to provide additional technology services and security solutions for their clients. They will continue to work out of the Palm Desert Branch.

In addition, Pacific National Security has recently acquired Colt Security. While the Colt staff will remain on board, Larry Petak will oversee the operations and the Colt office will be moved to PNS offices.

Merit Property Management has moved! They held their new office Grand Opening in May and had almost 100 Business Part-ners show their support. The new offices are located at 43-100 Cook Street in Palm Desert.

Wendy Van Messel is the Chapter Executive Director for the CAI Coachella Valley chapter. If you have an item for Have You

Heard, you can reach Wendy at [email protected]. The office number is (760) 341-0559.

Writers for every topic.

give our readers your unique perspective.

Join the fastest-growing committee in the Chapter.

[email protected] | (760) 341-0559

Please contact the CAI-CV office to become famous and wield that pen like a sword.

Come join the Quorum today!

43Quorum August, 201242

FEaTuRE

www.CoachellaValleyCAI.org

CHapTER nEWS

KaTHY pIpER, CCaM, CoMMunITY ManagER

lloYd pEST ConTRol: goIng THE EXTRa MIlE SInCE 1932

Kathy is a portfolio manager at Gold Coast Enterprises. She manages six homeowners asso-

ciations here in the Coachella Valley. Kathy worked as an assistant manager with Albert Management for 3 years before moving to Gold Coast Enterprises. Kathy is a student of the business and is a Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM). She has recently completed the M-100 class and is work-ing on her CMCA credential. Kathy took a rather round about route to the property management industry. She is from Florida originally and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University. She had a passion for the field of Crime Scene Investigation and nearly became a real life CSI. After moving to California in the mid-80s, Kathy entered the banking field with Palm Springs Savings Bank where she worked for 10 years. During the real estate boom, she moved into escrow and title work with Commonwealths Title and Escrow and with New Century Title where she enjoyed working in this industry for nearly 8 years. As the real estate industry cooled, it was time to move into property management. Kathy considers herself to be a “people person” and is known for her superior communication skills. But don’t let her mild mannered appearance fool you because Kathy is quite a dare-devil and thrill seeker. On her 40th birthday she did a free fall sky dive from 13,000 feet. She has flown a Cessna single engine plane (solo), and has braved the rapids while whitewater rafting in Tennessee and Montana. One of her goals is to do a whitewater rafting trip in the Grand Canyon. I’m sure you will see Kathy at one of our monthly educational programs, so when you do, please stop and say hello! Welcome Aboard Kathy!

Lloyd Pest Control is a family owned business servic-ing commercial businesses, apartment complexes, homeowners associations, and the residential sector for over 80 years. They are originally from San Diego and have operated their Coachella Valley Office for more than 3 years. Their goal is to provide the best pest control solutions at the best possible price.

Lloyd Pest control’s service is 100% guaranteed and you will always receive a written estimate with no hidden charges. Lloyd Pest Control has won the “Golden Torch Award” for Business Ethics with the Better Business Bureau. They have two fulltime Entomologists on staff and a Quality Control Staff which does random inspections of all their proper-ties to ensure their pest control programs are 100% effective. Lloyd Pest Control has strengthened their commitment to protecting the environment and their client properties by using the latest, less intru-sive products to treat for pests. More than 50% of their current clients were referred by an existing customer.

They will provide you with a free no obligation evaluation of your property, identify your pest prob-lems, and design a pest control program that will fit your budget.

Howard Jacobs, their sales representative for the Coachella Valley says, “When you choose Lloyd Pest Control you will see fast results, receive friendly service, and see the difference it makes working with a family owned pest control company.”

Please welcome Lloyd Pest Control to our chapter! You can reach Howard Jacobs at (760) 671-0701 or by cell phone at (760) 460-1181.

By Jay Powell, PWLC, II, Inc.

welCome aBoard

Jay Powell is the Director of Sales and Marketing for PWLC II, Inc., a land care management company located in Palm Springs. You can reach Jay at (760) 323-9341 or by email at [email protected].

Seek a Solution

Once you understand the other person’s perspective, and they understand yours, it’s time to find a resolution to the conflict -- a solution you both can live with. Sometimes a simple and obvious answer comes up once both parties understand the other person’s perspective. In cases where the conflict was based on a misunderstanding or a lack of insight to the other’s point of view, a simple apology can work wonders, and an open discussion can bring people closer together. Other times, there is a little more work required. In cases where there’s a conflict about an issue and both people don’t agree, you have a few options: Sometimes you can agree to disagree, other times you can find a compromise or middle ground, and in other cases the person who feels more strongly about an issue may get their way, with the understanding that they will con-cede the next time. The important thing is to come to a place of understanding, and try to work things out in a way that’s respectful to all involved.

In closing, we all want the best outcome from all conflicts. Whether it be personal, business, or friendships. Keep in mind that not all conflicts are attacks on us personally.

Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. - Martin Luther King Jr.

Gina Roldan is a Property Services Representative with Vista Paint. They offer quality, affordable, earth-friendly coatings. Gina can be reached at (951) 454-2500 or by email at [email protected].

ACCountAnts & BooKKeepers

allen & assOCiates ................................................................ 2

BraBO & Carlsen, llP ............................................................. 9

sCOtt COrPOratiOn ............................................................. 45

AsphAlt

aMs PaVinG .............................................................................. 37

asPHalt MD’s ............................................................................ 3

Ben’s asPHalt ........................................................................... 4

nelsOn PaVinG & sealinG ................................................... 13

Attorneys

ePsten Grinnell & HOwell .................................................. 3

FiOre raCOBs & POwers ...................................................... 33

Green BrYant & FrenCH, llP................................................ 6

GuralniCK & GillilanD, llP ................................................ 17

law OFFiCe OF PeGGY reDMOn ............................................ 8

Peters & FreeDMan, llP ...................................................... 30

BAnKs

PaCiFiC western BanK ........................................................... 2

seaCOast COMMerCe BanK................................................ 46

ConCrete

Granite COnstruCtiOn COMPanY ..................................... 8

eleCtrIC & wAter

COaCHella ValleY water DistriCt .................................. 33

InsurAnCe

laBarre/OKsnee insuranCe .............................................. 33

tiMOtHY Cline insuranCe .................................................. 46

lAKe mAnAgement

DiVersiFieD watersCaPes .................................................... 15

lAnDsCApIng

COnserVe lanDCare ............................................................ 47

HiGH teCH irriGatiOn, inC. ................................................... 9

KirKPatriCK lanDsCaPinG serViCes, inC. ........................ 19

O'COnnell lanDsCaPe MaintenanCe .............................. 6

sunsHine lanDsCaPe ........................................................... 15

mAnAgement CompAnIes

assOCia/Desert resOrt ManaGeMent ........................... 30

Desert ManaGeMent ........................................................... 33

pest mAnAgement

POwerFul Pest ManaGeMent ........................................... 47

outDoor furnIture

PatiO Furniture DOCtOrs, inC. ........................................ 47

pool plAsterIng

tHe leaK DeteCtOrs ............................................................. 27

pool DeCK resurfACIng

Cti OF tHe Desert .................................................................. 30

roofIng

reliaBle rOOFinG.................................................................. 19

western PaCiFiC rOOFinG .................................................. 47

seCurIty

allieD BartOn ........................................................................ 27

seCuritas seCuritY serViCes usa, inC. ............................ 20

sIDewAlK & pAver servICes

FarleY interlOCKinG PaVinGstOnes ............................... 40

CAI-CV Chapter New & Renewing MembersrenewIng BusIness pArtner

Ams pAvIng, InC. Ms. Liz Williams

grAnIte ConstruCtIon Ms. Carley Cechin

JAmes hArDIe BuIlDIng proDuCts Mr. Kevin Ulibarri

smArtstreet Ms. Susan Dargis

u.s. BAnK Ms. Dori Kagan, CMCA

renewIng mAnAgement CompAny

ACtIon property mAnAgement, InC. Ms. Marianne Simek, PCAM

J & w mAnAgement Co. Mr. Jim McPherson

QuAlIty mAnAgement of the Desert, InC. Ms. Martha Osborne Larby

Desert resort mAnAgement Ms. Melissa Layton, PCAM

CHapTER nEWS advERTISER IndEX

renewIng mAnAger memBershIp

Mr. Bill Clifford

Desert resort mAnAgement Ms. Vanessa Robertson, CMCA, AMS Ms. Carol Whitlock, PCAM

DIAmonD BAr Country estAtes Mr. James D. Gardner, PCAM

pgA west resIDentIAl AssoCIAtIon Mr. Michael Walker, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

rAnCho lA QuIntA mAster AssoCIAtIon Ms. Mary E. Walker

trIlogy @ lAQuIntA mAIntenAnCe AssoCIAtIon Mr. Barry Sterett, CMCA, AMS

renewIng volunteer leADer

CAnyon south homeowners no. 1 Mr. Don DeFrancq Mr. Jeffrey Emling Mr. Roy Landon Mr. Dennis Turrone Mr. Mark Tursi

CAtheDrAl CAnyon Country CluB #11 Ms. Cynthia Catto Ms. Mary McIntyre

CourtyArDs At Desert fAlls Mr. Alan Coplen Mr. Greg Vaka

mIssIon lAKes Country CluB Mr. George Bagnall Ms. Brenda Eisenacher Ms. Judy Grant Mr. Gary Piotrowski

montAge homeowners AssoCIAtIon Mr. Tom Tousignant

advERTISIng InFoRMaTIonCAI-CV Chapter Executive Director,

Wendy Van MesselE-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (760) 341-0559

Homeowners Associations• • • Audits • • •

• • • Reviews • • •• • • Tax Returns • • •

• • • Compilations • • •• • • Special Projects • • •

(760)568-554443-585 Monterey Ave., Suite 4, Palm Desert, CA 92260

c a l i f o r n i a c o m m u n i t i e s

c a l i f o r n i a c o m m u n i t i e s

ForumLegalcai

ForumLegalcai

Oct. 19, 2012 | Temecula, CA

Oct. 19, 2012 | Temecula, CA

a one-day event for california community managers, association board members and other homeowners from community associations institute—the leader in HOa education, advocacy and professional development.

Critical updates on important legal requirements that impact how you work.

Essential information on key legal developments that impact where you live.

for event details and registration, visit www.caionline.org/events/calaw or call cai member services at (888) 224-4321 (m–f, 9–6:30 et).

a one-day event for california community managers, association board members and other homeowners from community associations institute—the leader in HOa education, advocacy and professional development.

Critical updates on important legal requirements that impact how you work.

Essential information on key legal developments that impact where you live.

for event details and registration, visit www.caionline.org/events/calaw or call cai member services at (888) 224-4321 (m–f, 9–6:30 et).

Hosted by CAI’s California Chapters and CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee

Hosted by CAI’s California Chapters and CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee


Patio Furniture Doctors Inc.“REFINISHING SPECIALISTS”

We can create a new look with your existingpatio furniture for about 1/2 the cost of new!

We are your only locally owned and operated state of the artrefinishing factory in the Coachella Valley for over 25 years.

Please call me any time for your free on-site furnitureassessment. I am always in your neighborhood.

Owner/Operator Bill Richardson

BEST PRICES, QUALITY & SERVICEWe can meet or beat any professionally written quote.

(760) 328-8999

Scan the tag or visit www.caionline.org/pmdp andregister for this course online!

Register online four weeks ahead andreceive a $25 discount.

M-203

Learn how to work with leaders to achieve goals and set a positive tone for the community. This course shows you how to promote the cooperation needed from board leaders and volunteers to achieve management goals. You’ll learn proven ways to motivate and guide community leaders and help board and committee members accomplish more at every meeting.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Call (888) 224-4321 (M–F, 9–6:30 ET) or visit www.caionline.org/pmdp.

communityleadership

OFFICIAL 2012 PMDP SPONSORSAlliance Association Financial ServicesAssociation VoiceSky Security Services

September 20th & 21stHomewood Suites by Hilton Palm Desert, 36999 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 568-1600 CAI Room Rate: $79 Studio King and $89 One Bedroom Suite - Upon Availability

Seacoast Commerce Bank offers a full range of comprehensive banking and financial services for Homeowner Associations and property management companies.

Seacoast Commerce Bank provides our Property Management and Homeowner Association clients the ability to maximize their use of bank services. We understand the unique Banking needs of our Property Management and Association clients, providing industry specific products and customer service that you have grown to expect and deserve.

Property Management Banking

Ken CarteronSenior Vice PresidentProperty ManagementBanking Division760-803-9541 Mobile760-301-0046 [email protected]

ProPerty management BanKIng solutIons•Depository

Services

•Cash Management

•Remote Deposit Capture

•Lockbox Services

•ACH Origination

•HOA Financing

•Online Dues Program

allIson dIsarroAssistant Vice PresidentProperty ManagementBanking Division619-988-6708 Mobile619-476-7770 [email protected]

700 La Terraza Blvd, Suite 110, Escondido, CA 92025


74-040 Highway 111, Suite L200Palm Desert, California 92260www.ConserveLandCare.com

760-343-1433Lic. # 958748

Technologically Advanced Water Management

Practices

Environmentally Friendly Landscape Management

Programs

Water EfficientLandscape Conversions

Design & Installation

Water Audits & Cost Effective Solutions For Tiered Water Rates

september BreAKfAst program topIC: Let’s Play Jeopardy: Pools, Roofing and Streets when: September 14th, Registration 7:30 a.m. where: Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert

local m-203 topIC: Community Leadership when: September 20th and 21st where: Homewood Suites by Hilton, Palm Desert

Country western round up when: September 21st, Registration 5:30 a.m. where: Sunshine Landscapes Thousand Palms

sep

tem

Be

rBusiness partner mixer “speed meeting” topIC: Best Practices – Old and New when: August 7th, Registration 5:30 p.m. where: Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert

no August lunch program

Au

gu

st

Cai - CV uPCOMinG events

Annual Awards EventIndian Wells Country Club Friday, November 2, 2012

5:30 pmBlack Tie Optional

WOULD YOU LI K E T O RE C E I VE A FRE E RE GI ST RAT I ON T O C A I C V 2 0 1 2 A N N UA L AWA RDS E VE N T ?

It’s Never too early to begin nominating CAICV Members for 2012 Awards

For every nomination you turn in before Friday, September 28th, your name will be entered into a drawing to receive 1 Awards Registration.

Drawing will be held at the October Monthly Program meeting.

Fill out your nomination now and send it to [email protected]

Join CaI! There are many benefits to being a part of our chapter, including

the monthly Quorum magazine. Call (760) 341-0559 today.

41-905 Boardwalk, A-2Palm Desert, CA 92211

pRESoRT STdu.S. poSTagE

paIdSan bERnaRdIno, Ca

pERMIT # 3387

coachella valley community associations institute magazine · james r. mccormick, jr., esquire 38...

Documents