At Associa Desert Resort Management, our top priority is keeping all aspects of your community running seamlessly. Whether it’s our top-tier management, secure financials, on-demand maintenance, or advanced technology, our complete and comprehensive suite of services makes leading and living in a managed community better and easier than ever. Leave the hard work to us, so you can focus on what matters.
Accomplish more with Associa Desort Resort Management. Contact us today!
7X, INC.
Ms. Sosan Khalili (925) 305-8728 sosan@7x-group.com
WALLRUG & HOACTA.APP
Mr. Isaac Camacho (213) 286-1396 isaac@wallrug.io
RENEWING
DUNN-EDWARDS CORPORATION
Ms. Jessica Seitz (562) 760-9969 jessica.seitz@dunnedwards.com
EMPIREWORKS RECONSTRUCTION
Mr. Chet Oshiro (888) 278-8200 coshiro@empireworks.com
LABARRE/OKSNEE INSURANCE
Ms. Christy Brian (949) 716-8764 christyb@hoa-insurance.com
LLOYD PEST CONTROL
Mr. Curtis Smith (760) 460-1181 Curtis.smith@lloydpest.com
PACIFIC INTERWEST BALCONY INSPECTION SERVICES
Ms. Stacy Daiker
Mr. Morgan Stayberg (657) 276-1629 mstayberg@pacificinterwest.com
PATTON DOOR & GATE
Mr. Al Johns, Jr. (760) 250-7993 aj@pattondoorgate.com
SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA, INC.
Mr. Robert Warcholik (760) 779-0728 robert.warcholik@securitasinc.com
LAKES COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION
Mr. Ronald Lance Phipps, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM (760) 568-4321 rphipps@thelakescc.com
LEGACY BUILDER, LLC
Ms. Patricia Nugent (760) 289-5279 villaspropertymanager@gmail.com
POWERSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Mrs. Edan Michelle Lopez, CMCA, AMS (760) 469-4315 mlopez@powerstonepm.com
VERANO AT RIO VISTA VILLAGE
Mr. Keith Holmes Holmeschicago@yahoo.com
MEAGHAN GAFFNEY-HOWE, CMCA, AMS CHAIR
The Gaffney Group, Inc.
ASHLEY LAYTON, PCAM, AMS, CMCA CO-CHAIR
Premier Community Association Management
JENNIFER JAMES, ESQ. CO-CHAIR
HOA Legal Services
MIKE TRAIDMAN BOARD LIAISON
Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA
CHRISTOPHER BAIR Securitas Security Services
SIERRA CARR, CMCA, AMS, CCAM, PCAM Associa Desert Resort Management
CYNTHIA SERNA Coachella Valley Water District
JASON SAVLOV, ESQ. Adams | Stirling, PLC
JOHN SCHUKNECHT LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance
STEVEN SHUEY, PCAM
Personalized Property Management (Ret.)
CHRIS SIGLER, B.S.C.E, CDT
C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc.
LORENA STERLING, CAFM Community Association Financial Services
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
RODNEY BISSELL Bissell Design Studios, Inc. rodney@bisselldesign.com (714) 293-3749
MATTHEW LAWTON, CIC, CIRMS, EBP OCV Insurance Services matt@ocvinsurance.com 760-774-2099
JAY JARVIS jayj92260@gmail.com 571-235-5420
ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS OR ADVERTISING INFORMATION HOALiving@cai-cv.org
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES
The Coachella Valley HOA Living Magazine is a publication expressly prepared for association leaders, managers and related business professionals of the Community Associations Institute. Members are encouraged to submit articles for publishing consideration. All articles accepted for publication in HOA Living are subject to editing and rewriting by the HOA Living Committee.
Prudhomme
Choose Educated Business Partners
Julie R. Balbini, Esq., Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
Micha Ballesteros, Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
Roxi K. Bardwell, Advanced Reserve Solutions, Inc.
Rodney Bissell, Bissell Design Studios, Inc.
Gary Butler, Asphalt MD's
Linda Cardoza, Alliance Association Bank
Will Cartwright, Cartwright Termite & Pest Control, Inc.
Christopher Cellini, Flood Response
Todd Chism, PatioShoppers
DJ Conlon, Poppin Promotional Products
Lori Fahnestock, Powerful Pest Management
Julie Frazier, Frazier Pest Control, Inc.
Victoria Germyn, Teserra
Elaine Gower, The Naumann Law Firm, PC
Michael Graves, SCT Reserve Consultants
Amanda Gray, Harvest Landscape, Inc.
Jennifer James, Esq., Roseman Law, APC
Erin Kelly, Banc of California
Megan Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services
Jared Knight, Precision Construction & Painting
Katy Krupp, Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP
Matt Lawton, CIC, CIRMS, OCV Insurance Services
Larry Layton, Kirkpatrick Landscaping Services
Alison LeBoeuf, Sherwin-Williams
Mike Mastropietro, OCBS, Inc.
Chris Meyer, Asphalt MD's
Greg Morrow, Eagle Roofing Products
Fran Mullahy, Conserve LandCare
Bridget Nigh, BEHR Paints
Matt Ober, Esq., Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP
Lily Ortega, Pro Landscape
Chet Oshiro, EmpireWorks
Mallory Paproth, SCT Reserve Consultants
Elisa Perez, Esq., Epsten, APC
Jay Powell, Ben's Asphalt
Dana Pride, Automation Pride
Mike Rey, LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance Agency
Kelly Richardson, Esq., Richardson Ober DeNichilo LLP
Brent Sherman, Animal Pest Management Services, Inc.
Liz Williams, AMS Paving
Taylor Winkle, Roof Asset Management
Bevan Worsham, AMS Paving
Jolen Zeroski, First Citizens Bank
2024
COACHELLA VALLEY
CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
JULIE BALBINI, ESQ.
Managing Attorney, CV Office, Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
PAST PRESIDENT
CLINT ATHERTON, PCAM
General Manager, Sun City Palm Desert
PRESIDENT-ELECT
MARK DODGE, CMCA, AMS Branch President & CEO Associa Desert Resort Management
SECRETARY
BG (RET) GUIDO PORTANTE Director, Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA
TREASURER
JOLEN ZEROSKI, CMCA
VP, Regional Account Executive First Citizens Bank
DIRECTOR
ERIN KELLY
AVP, HOA Senior Manager Banc of California
DIRECTOR
BRUCE LATTA, CMCA
Manager, Indio Properties/President, Desert Cities HOA Council
DIRECTOR
MICHELLE LOPEZ, CMCA, AMS Director of Community Management, Powerstone Property Mgmt.
DIRECTOR
BRIDGET NIGH
Regional Account Manager, BEHR Paint Company
DIRECTOR
LILY ORTEGA, CMCA Office Manager, Pro Landscape
DIRECTOR
MIKE TRAIDMAN
President, Mira Vista at Mission Hills HOA Commissioner, CAMICB
CONTACT US
CAI Coachella Valley 49950 Jefferson Street, Suite 130-117 Indio, CA 92201 (760) 341-0559 | www.cai-cv.org
CAL LOCKETT Executive Director clockett@cai-cv.org
The materials contained in this publication are designed to provide our members with timely and authoritative information; however, the CAI Coachella Valley Chapter is not engaging in the rendering of legal, accounting or other professional types of services. The Coachella Valley Chapter has not verified and/ or endorsed the contents of these articles or advertising. Readers should not act on the information contained herein without seeking more specific professional advice from legal, accounting or other experts as required.
Kieran Purcell, Esq.,
& Louie A. Brown, Jr., Esq.
Julie Balbini, Esq. Managing Attorney, CV Office, Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
appy Holidays! It is difficult to believe that 2024 is nearly over. It has been a sincere pleasure serving the Chapter as President for the past two years. I am looking forward to continuing to serve on the board and on the executive committee as Past-President next year. For 2025, our new President will be manager member Mark Dodge, Branch President and CEO of Associa Desert Resort Management. Mark has been an active member of CAI for many years, and we can look forward to his skillful leadership in the new year.
We will also be starting the year with a new chapter executive director (CED). Cal Lockett, who has skillfully led the Chapter for the past ten years, ushering us through some amazing prosperity and through the tough times of the pandemic and the aftermath thereof, will be retiring at the end of this year. We are finalizing the selection process for the new CED and will announce the outcome soon. In the meantime, we all owe a huge thank you to Cal for all his amazing years of leadership!
There are three Chapter activities in December that you should know about:
Every December, we ask members to review their listings in our annual directory and notify our membership manager of any changes that need to be made in the new directory. Members have until December 13th to notify membership@cai-cv.org of any changes. Review your current listing now by clicking here: https:// issuu.com/cai-cv/docs/9764_caicv_2024directory_issuu?fr=sODExMjY1MTA4ODg.
15 PERCENT DISCOUNT ON 2025 ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIPS
The CAI-CV Marketing Plan was released on November 1st to Titanium and Platinum
Corporate Sponsors, and then to the general membership on November 15th. Members can benefit from a 15% discount by submitting their 2025 choices by December 13th. Please read the important information in the online brochure. CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE BROCHURE Here is a link to the online store: CLICK HERE FOR THE CAI-CV STORE (2024 & 2025)
In December you will be receiving an email from our Awards Committee soliciting nominations for 2024 chapter awards. I hope you will get involved in the nomination process. Nominees are CAI-CV members who have gone above and beyond in their volunteerism to benefit CAI-CV and the HOA industry. Watch for the Awards email coming to your inbox in early December.
Please join me in thanking our guest speakers for the Chapter’s annual Legislative Update that took place on November 15th. We are grateful to CAI Lobbyist Louie Brown, Jr., Esq., (Kahn Soares & Conway, LLP), Kieran Purcell, Esq., CCAL (Epsten, APC) and Lisa Tashjian, Esq., CCAL (Beaumont Tashjian) for their insights and expertise to help us understand the impact of new legislation, regulations and case law. Thanks too to our 30 business partners who participated in our trade show. See photos and a list of sponsors on page 26.
Thanks to the Golf Committee for another fantastic Happy Hour Golf Tournament at Shadow Mountain Golf Club on November 22nd. The theme was Tailgating at the Tees, and it was an exciting and fun-filled event. Photos and a list of sponsors can be found on page 42.
Join us for our annual Sips & Shots Wine & Tequila Tasting event, on Friday, December 6th, at Shields Date Garden. Don’t panic about finding gifts for friends and family this holiday season. As an early gift, treat your friends and family with a ticket to
the event, then finish your shopping at CAI-CV’s fabulous SILENT AUCTION. It is truly one of the best in the Valley, with more than $10,000 worth of amazing holiday gifts. Make sure to put December 6th on your calendar! You may sign up for Sips & Shots by going to this link: https://www.cai-cv. org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1859424&group=. Sponsorships are available here: https://cai-cv. wallrug.io/view-by-month/december/. See ad on page 11.
Earlier in the afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., on Friday, December 6th, also at Shields Date Garden, we will be having our annual joint BMW/MOTR, which will feature a condensed Board Member Bootcamp and Ask the Attorney program for board members and managers. The cost is only $25, and those attending the BMW/MOTR program will receive free admission to the Sips and Shots event immediately following. Managers will receive 2 CEUs for attending. Our attorney panel will include John R. MacDowell, Esq., CCAL, Shareholder & Managing Attorney of the San Diego County Office of Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC, and myself. I hope to see you there! See page 10 for more information. You may purchase tickets to our annual Award Dinner & Casino Night that will take place at Sun City Palm Desert, on Friday, January 24th, at 5:30 p.m. Registrations are available here: https://www.cai-cv.org/events/EventDetails. aspx?id=1869720&group= and sponsorships can be found at: 2024 Awards – Jan 2025 | CAI-CV. Save money by registering early! See ad on page 16. Just a reminder that you may sign up for CAI-CV events and educational programs at: Community Calendar - CAI-CV. Also, you can use the links in the Monday Update (emailed to all members every Monday). Please see page 52 for upcoming events and programs.
On behalf of the CAI-CV leadership team, we wish you a safe December and happy holidays!
Education - Wine Tasting - Holiday Shopping
BOARD BASICS & ASK THE ATTORNEY
FOR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS & THEIR MANAGERS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024
Education, 3:30 PM | Wine & Tequila Tasting, 5:30 PM
Shields Date Garden Theater
80225 Hwy 111 (SE Corner of Hwy 111 & Je erson)
Julie Balbini, Esq.
Shareholder & Managing Attorney of the Coachella Valley O ce
Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
John R. MacDowell
Shareholder & Managing Attorney of the San Diego County O ce
Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
Basic Board Fiduciary Duties
Management & Board Relations
Ask the Attorney - Free Legal Input About HOAs
Come stump our esteemed HOA attorneys with your toughest legal questions.
COST: $25
(For Board Members and Managers Only)
Includes Entrance To CAI-CV’s Sips & Shots Wine & Tequila Tasting – Winter Wonderland
Includes Entrance To CAI-CV’s Largest Silent Auction for Holiday Shopping
Includes 2 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) for CAI Managers
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Associa Desert Resort Management
Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
quil
Enjoy an evening under the stars at Shields Date Garden. Enjoy holiday shopping at the amazing silent auction and tour the gardens while sipping on extraordinary wines and tequila!
TITLE SPONSOR
Friday, December 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.
Shields Date Garden
80225 Hwy 111, Indio (Je erson & 111)
Live & Silent Auction
More than $10K of auction items!
Golf Outings, Coach Purses, Gift Cards, Luxury Items, Jewelry, Christmas Decor, & Much Much More!
4-Pack Discount Tickets - $140
ADMISSION INCLUDES
• Champagne Reception
• Wine & Tequila Tasting
• $10,000 in Silent Auction Items
• Live Auction
• Shields’ Finest Dinner–Appetizers & Bu et
• Door Prizes & Grand Prize
• Self-guided Garden Tours
Community board members and managers receive a discount for attending the board and manager education on December 6th at 3:30 P.M. EDUCATION AND SIP & SHOTS FOR $25
TITLE SPONSOR
Associa Desert Resort Management
WINE TASTING SPONSOR
Hotwire Communications
TEQUILA TASTING SPONSOR
Ivan’s Painting & Maintenance
CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
EmpireWorks
LIGHTING SPONSOR
Sun King Electric, Inc.
CENTERPIECE SPONSOR
Vista Paint Corporation
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
Precision Construction & Painting
RESERVED TABLE SPONSORS
Associa Desert Resort Management
C.L. Sigler & Associates
Harvest Landscape
Ivan's Painting Southwest Landscape
FOOD SPONSOR
LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance Agency
SILENT AUCTION SPONSORS
Association Professional Services
Fiore Racobs & Powers, A PLC
GRAND PRIZE SPONSORS
Delphi Law Group, LLP
MC Builder Corp.
Roof Asset Management
COCKTAIL NAPKIN SPONSOR
Dunn-Edwards Corporation
CLAC SPONSOR
Epsten, APC
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR
NLB Consulting & Elections
SPONSORSHIPS
By Ashley Layton, PCAM
Located in the heart of Rancho Mirage, California, The Springs Community Association stands as a beacon of luxury living and community spirit. Spanning 378 acres, this exclusive enclave has become a celebrated destination for those seeking a sophisticated, yet friendly atmosphere, all while being surrounded by breathtaking desert vistas. As Board Member Ed Gubam aptly puts it, The Springs is “a rare combination of friendly, sophisticated, and lively.” With a strong focus on community engagement and an active social calendar, this prestigious neighborhood offers a lifestyle that blends both relaxation and excitement.
The Springs has long been a desirable location for individuals seeking an upscale lifestyle in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, it has been home to a notable roster of residents, including U.S. Vice Presidents, Senators, professional golfers, tennis players, as well as actors and actresses. This distinguished history adds to the unique charm and allure of the community, where its reputation for exclusivity is matched only by its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Springs Community Association features 817 single-family homes, built between 1974 and 1984, each showcasing the elegance of Spanish Colonial architecture. These homes come in 12 different floor plans, ranging in size from 2,500 to 3,200 square feet, with layouts that typically feature either two bedrooms and three bathrooms or three bedrooms and three bathrooms. With prices ranging from $900,000 to $1.7 million, these homes offer an exceptional standard of living in one of the desert’s most coveted neighborhoods. The community is designed to offer comfort, privacy, and convenience, with homes featuring expansive floor plans, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains and fairways. Whether you’re looking for a year-round residence or a seasonal retreat, The Springs offers an unparalleled lifestyle.
One of the standout features of The Springs is its commitment to providing residents with world-class amenities that cater to a variety of interests. The community boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to keep residents active and engaged:
• Tennis, Pickleball, and Bocce Courts: Whether you’re an avid tennis player or new to the sport, there are courts for all levels of play.
• Fitness Center: A well-equipped fitness center ensures that residents can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle right at home.
• 46 Pools and Spas: With multiple pools and spas scattered throughout the community, there’s always a place to relax and unwind.
• Clubhouse with Dining: The community clubhouse offers dining options such as sophisticated and innovation dishes, to fast casual fare and even catering.
• Golf Course: The community’s golf course provides limited access to residents, with the option for full membership to enjoy unlimited play.
• Landscaping and Maintenance: A monthly assessment of $1,709 covers front yard maintenance, roof maintenance, street and gate upkeep, as well as landscaping throughout the community.
The Springs Community Association is forward-thinking, with plans already in motion to enhance its sustainability efforts. A key initiative underway is the replacement of the community’s irrigation system with a more water-efficient and energy-efficient solution. This move aligns with The Springs’ commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while reducing its environmental footprint.
The Springs Community Association operates under the leadership of a nine-member board of directors, supported by several specialized committees, including the Architectural, Landscape, Finance, Community Services, Golf, Social, Sports, and Strategic Planning Committees. This structure ensures that the needs and interests of residents are addressed, while also maintaining the community’s high standards of quality and service.
The association is proud to be a CAI-CV Best Practices Community, having recently earned the prestigious Medallion Award from the Coachella Valley branch of the Community Associations Institute. This recognition reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to excellence in community management.
The Springs is self-managed, with James Covington serving as the Community Manager and Jeff Buck as the General Manager. Their leadership ensures that the day-to-day operations of the community run smoothly, and that residents’ needs are met with efficiency and care.
At The Springs, residents experience a rare combination of luxury, convenience, and community involvement. Whether you’re enjoying a game of tennis, participating in a social event, or simply relaxing by one of the many pools, The Springs offers a lifestyle that is second to none. With a rich history, beautiful homes, exceptional amenities, and a vibrant, active community, The Springs is truly a place where one can live, work, and play—all within the serene backdrop of Rancho Mirage.
For those seeking a prestigious address in the Coachella Valley, The Springs Community Association offers not just a home, but a lifestyle that blends comfort, elegance, and a sense of belonging.
Ashley Layton, PCAM, AMS, CMCA is Vice President of Premier Community Association Management. She can be reached at 760 345 2449 or email her at ALayton@brcpcam.com. www.brcpcam.com
SAVE THE DATE
CAI-CV’s Annual Awards and Casino Night
MASQUERADE BALL
Friday, January 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
SUN CITY PALM DESERT
Sponsorships Available
EARLY REGISTRATIONS
Managers & Board Members $100
Non-sponsor Business Partners $200
By Jason A. Savlov, Esq.
It is that time of year to enjoy the bright lights, reindeer, holiday movies, and improved mood of your neighbors. However, there has been an increasing “holiday creep” in decorating well before Thanksgiving and even before Halloween. Moreover, some neighbors delay taking down their decorations until Valentine’s Day. At that point, some may think, “Why not leave them up until next December?”
Community associations need to understand what can be done to regulate holiday decorations without becoming a holiday grinch.
Associations can adopt reasonable rules for when members can put up holiday decorations and when the decorations must be taken down after the holiday. The rules should address not only this time of year but all year long for celebratory neighbors that decorate for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Halloween. Remember, a board can adopt rules after the proposed rule has been provided to the members to review at least 28 days in advance.
Further, an association can regulate the number and size of holiday decorations. For example, in a condominium association, the rules may limit the number of strands of lights hung on balconies or the height of the decorations. Further, the rules could prohibit holograms from displaying in the common area or on a neighboring unit. However, if the decoration is a sign, poster, flag, or banner it may be regulated by Civil Code § 4710 which allows an association to prohibit noncommercial signs and posters more than 9 square feet and noncommercial flags and banners that are more than 15 square feet.
“COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REGULATE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS WITHOUT BECOMING A HOLIDAY GRINCH.”
Associations must be mindful, however, that there are protections in the law including Civil Code § 4706 for displaying religious items on entry doors and frames. Therefore, associations cannot limit the duration that a cross or menorah is displayed on the entry door. A Christmas wreath might also qualify as a religious item. However, reindeer, snowflakes and snowmen are unlikely to be considered religious items and could be regulated.
Moreover, there are a variety of other religious holidays throughout the year, that may be celebrated with lights. For example, the Hindu festival of lights known as Diwali is typically held between October and November. The end of Ramadan in February or March is celebrated with fairy lights. Community associations need to be careful about requesting homeowners to take down lights that are in celebration of a religious holiday, otherwise they can run the risk of liability for religious discrimination.
Lastly, what about community associations decorating the common area? Unlike public places, such as courthouses and city halls, associations are not governed by the separation of church and state in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. While community associations can decorate common areas for the holidays, such decorations should include all holidays celebrated during the season.
If an association has questions about preparing and enforcing holiday decorations policies, they should consult their legal counsel.
Jason A. Savlov, Esq. is the Partner in Charge of Litigation at Adams|Stirling PLC, representing residential and commercial associations. You can reach Jason at jsavlov@adamsstirling. com or (760) 620-0747
By Roberto Antonio Flores
Maintaining a safe swimming pool hinges on two critical aspects: water balance and disinfection. Both are essential for ensuring bather health and the proper functioning of pool systems.
Water balance entails regulating mineral levels relative to pool temperature. Unbalanced water can be either scale-forming or aggressive.
Scale Forming: Excess calcium, carbonate alkalinity, high pH can cause scale buildup, damaging tile finishes, clogging filters, and reducing heater efficiency. Mineral deposits in heaters hinder heat transfer, leading to increased energy consumption.
Aggressive Water: Conversely, water lacking minerals becomes aggressive, damaging pool infrastructure. Low pH, low carbonate alkalinity, and low
calcium hardness contribute to this aggressiveness, resulting in:
• Damage to plaster finishes, as water leaches minerals from surfaces.
• Corrosion of metal components, like heat exchangers, leading to leaks.
• Increased etching and surface deterioration.
• Metal leaching into the water, causing discoloration.
When pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels are low, aggressive water exacerbates damage by pulling minerals from pool surfaces and components.
Disinfection is vital for keeping pools free from harmful microorganisms. Chlorine is the most commonly used
disinfectant, but its effectiveness is influenced by pH, cyanuric acid (CYA) levels, and chlorine concentration.
Chlorine and pH: Chlorine is most effective at a pH of around 7.5, where approximately 50% exists as hypochlorous acid, the active disinfecting form. At a pH of 7.8, this drops to 33%, and at 8.0, only 24% remains active, reducing its efficacy against pathogens.
Cyanuric acid stabilizes chlorine, preventing its breakdown in sunlight. However, maintaining the correct balance between CYA and chlorine is crucial for effective disinfection. At 30 ppm of CYA, only about 3% of chlorine exists as hypochlorous acid, severely limiting chlorine's disinfecting capabilities.
The ideal ratio of CYA to chlorine is 10:1. For instance, with 50 ppm of CYA, 5 ppm of chlorine is necessary for effective disinfection. In California, pools must
maintain a minimum of 2 ppm of chlorine (3 ppm in spas) when CYA is present.
Chloramines form when free chlorine reacts with organic compounds, such as sweat and urine. Unlike free chlorine, chloramines are much less effective at disinfecting and can irritate swimmers. Regularly shocking the pool helps eliminate chloramines, particularly after heavy bather loads.
Phosphates, often overlooked, are essential nutrients for algae and microorganisms. High phosphate levels lead to increased chlorine demand. Additionally, oils from bathers require significant chlorine to break down; for example, 7 ppm of chlorine is needed to eliminate just 1 ppm of Coppertone lotion. Utilizing enzymes and natural clarifiers is vital for maintaining water quality.
In my audits, I often find high pH levels (7.8+), low chlorine levels (0.5 ppm), and cyanuric acid exceeding 100 ppm, creating conditions conducive to harmful microorganisms like Cryptosporidium Parvum and Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. These conditions pose serious health risks to swimmers.
Maintaining proper water chemistry and disinfection is crucial for pool safety. Regular testing and adjustments of key parameters, alongside third-party water quality analyses, help ensure optimal water quality and the health of patrons.
Roberto Antonio is the President, WELL Vice President, Hidroklear. You can reach Roberto at sales@hidroklear.com or (602) 617-4893
By Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, AMS, CMCA
Callen “Cal” Lockett has been the executive director of CAI-CV for just over ten years. Sadly, we are saying goodbye to Cal, who is retiring at the end of the year. He plans to take some time off, and then to go back into lobbying for nonprofit organizations that can’t afford a paid lobbyist. He has three trips planned already, and he wants to eventually move closer to his sons who are on the east coast.
We all know what Cal accomplished for CAI, but few of us know about Cal’s life before CAI. Here are some stories about Cal’s life that I think you will enjoy.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY?
Cal became a parttime resident in 1998 when he and his wife bought a weekend home in Indian Wells. He became a fulltime resident in 2006, after retiring from Anthem/WellPoint (Blue Cross Blue Shield), where he served as vice president of public relations and public affairs, and executive director of WellPoint’s 15 nonprofit foundations. Cal said he got most of his nonprofit management experience at WellPoint.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Cal grew up in the west end of the San Fernando Valley, in West Hills. His family moved to Sacramento when he was in 9th grade. Cal said that moving from LA to Sacramento was culture shock. He finally found new friends by becoming involved with student government and joining a school-based
Christian youth group called Young Life. Cal went on to stay involved with politics and continues to volunteer for Young Life Desert Cities.
WAS
After a year of college, Cal was accepted to travel and perform with the international group, Up with People. It was a year-long program where he traveled with one of the five UWP casts. Each cast had just over 100 students. Cal’s cast had students from 23 countries and 48 states, and amazingly, they all still stay in touch via Zoom every quarter, and in person every few years. Cal was chosen to do public relations where he and another student would travel three weeks ahead of the cast and book a venue, organize marketing and ticket sales, housing (Cal stayed with over 90 host families during the year) for 100 plus cast members and meals. Cal did PR in the U.S, Canada and Western Europe. Coca Cola was one of their international sponsors, and they also had local sponsors in each city, ranging from chambers
of commerce to Toblerone Chocolate in Switzerland, and dignitaries like the Princess of Lichtenstein and the King and Queen of Belgium where they performed before audiences of 7,500. The whole experience was life changing. His last performance was in the Super Bowl halftime show in Pasadena in 1980. Cal said he learned how much alike people are regardless of their economic background, religion, country, or language.
WE ASKED CAL TO TALK ABOUT HIS CAREER PRIOR TO CAI
After Up with People, Cal started working for the California Legislature. He was hired by Assemblyman (later Senator) John Vasconcellos, who had just brokered the Speaker battle for Willie Brown. Willie gave John the coveted Ways & Means Committee and Cal oversaw constituent relations, which included organizing all the incoming correspondence about budget and other fiscal issues from all over the State. He developed a database management system to track correspondence by issue and bill numbers, that was used by both the Assembly and Senate during budget negotiations. Interesting aside relating to HOAs, Cal worked for a few days in Assemblyman Dave Stirling’s office during the McCarthy/Brown fight for the Speakership. Stirling convinced enough Republicans to vote for Willie to end the battle and make Willie Speaker. As a result, Willie gave Stirling a “body of law” to develop, which eventually became the Davis Stirling Act overseeing
"Cal said that being a good dad for his sons is the most important thing for him."
HOAs. Cal said he learned that the most important rule in politics is “getting part of something is far better than getting all of nothing.”
Cal went on to work for The California Journal’s technical unit as a federal and state legislative analyst. He was later hired by Security Pacific Corporation, where he progressed through the ranks to Assistant to the Chairman and head of public affairs, and after the merger with Bank of America, became the combined bank’s senior lobbyist in Sacramento. He left Bank of America to join a small team tasked with taking the nonprofit Blue Cross of California public, and making it a for-profit company, which later became WellPoint. He retired from WellPoint Anthem in 2005, where he served as head of public affairs and public relations for the Office of the Chairman, and executive director of 15 WellPoint and Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundations. Soon after retirement, Cal moved to the desert full time.
WE ASKED CAL WHAT HE DOES FOR FUN.
Cal said that being a good dad for his sons is the most important thing for him. Jordan is 22 and is completing his master’s degree at Georgetown after graduating last May from Liberty University. He works full time at the Capitol for Congressman Clyde from Georgia. Jordan also just started seminary. Jeremy is 20 and will graduate from Drake University with a BS in Actuarial Science in a few weeks. He has already passed his first professional actuarial
"His latest certification was a couple years ago for Nitrox diving, while diving the forbidden island of Ni’ihau off the coast of Kauai."
"He just finished teaching his seventh year of Confirmation for local high schoolers at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in La Quinta."
credentialling exam. Cal is a proud dad!
Cal said as far as hobbies go, scuba diving is his passion. He started diving 20 years ago, taking classes at every opportunity. He has more than a dozen certifications. He earned his professional Dive Master level many years ago. His latest certification was a couple years ago for Nitrox diving, while diving the forbidden island of Ni’ihau off the coast of Kauai.
Cal's other passion is teaching his faith. He just finished teaching his seventh year of Confirmation for local high schoolers at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in La Quinta. Cal converted from evangelical Christian to the Catholic faith in his mid-30’s. He said that he tries to live his faith out in everyday life and strives to be holy. He put emphasis on the “strives” since being a Christian today is not easy. Asked why his faith was so important, he said, “It’s really simple, Jesus holds the answers to understanding everything, and I want to know and understand as much as I can.” He said his faith helps him with CAI because it reminds him to be a servant leader.
WE ASKED CAL TO SUM UP HIS WORK AT CAI.
Cal said that his work at CAI-CV has been fun and rewarding. It was a great job while his sons were teenagers and, most recently, has helped him overcome the shocking expense of college.
When Cal joined CAI, he took the CMCA course to better understand the perils of being a manager. He also
joined as a Homeowner Leader after serving more than ten years as a board member and President of two HOAs. He said he has empathy for CAI’s business partners after owning a small business that made building materials during the 2008 housing crisis. Cal said, “I knew that to do this job well, I needed to fully understand CAI’s diverse membership.”
FOR CAI-CV?
When asked what advice he has for the Chapter going forward, he said, “Have empathy for all CAI-CV’s members and stop negative talk and cliques from forming immediately. If someone is throwing stones at the Chapter, stop them and give them a job to bring them into the fold. It’s nearly impossible to throw stones at yourself.”
Cal wants to thank so many CAI members for their generosity and support over the past ten years. He hopes CAI-CV members will stay in touch. For his part, he said he will continue to keep all 1,700 members and affiliates in his prayers. Cal can be reached via his personal email at CalLockett@outlook.com.
Meaghan Gaffney-Howe, CMCA, AMS is a community manager and Vice President of The Gaffney Group, Inc. Meaghan can be reached at meaghan@thegaffneygroup.net.
By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., C.D.T.
We have all found that rules and laws are important and need to be followed, and this is especially true for those who live in HOAs. There are Civil Codes, cultural traditions, codes, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs), bylaws, and association rules and regulations. They are usually specific and affect all of our lives and must be adhered to. Consistency and uniformity are paramount, and each association has its own way of achieving a well-kept community.
The holidays bring forward many creative ideas about decorating individual homes and common areas. Unfortunately, many communities find themselves policing homeowners, acting like Ebenezer Scrooge. However, having a clear policy about holiday décor can go a long way toward keeping the “happy” in the holidays.
For example, if your community allows for hangings in an exclusive use area such as a patio or balcony, there should at least be methods and rules as to what can be done, and how the decoration can be attached to the structure. You could insist on a non-penetrating mount, which would be the safest method, and you could further prohibit drilling, nailing, or screwing into exterior walls. This would maintain the watertight nature of what the exterior walls are intended for. If, on the other hand, the association feels it needs to allow people to attach holiday décor by penetrating the structure, there should at least be a methodology provided by the HOA
to provide some protection against unintended damage. Rules may be different depending on what surface is being penetrated. Attaching décor to stucco, our most common substrate (wall cladding) in the Coachella Valley, should require the use of special screws and methods. Attaching to wood should require its own similar rules.
Methods to deploy or the policy methodology should look something like this:
Important: Fill drilled holes with appropriate sealant before the fasteners are installed to ensure water barrier.
A. Wood Substrate: Minimum penetration into wood is 1.5".
B. Masonry Substrate: Minimum penetration into masonry is 1.25".
Apply sealant over the heads of all fasteners to ensure waterproofing.
Stucco is the trickiest to penetrate because it is hard, and water can be “sneaky” and make its way into holes or cracks made without anyone ever noticing. Decayed wood behind the stucco could “fester” and not be discovered until a long time in the future, when it is too late to fix without full replacement.
Use special, coated screws and apply sealant to the hole
Therefore, a good methodology to use would be clearly stated in a manner such as this:
Just like everything else in our communities, having clear rules and keeping uniformity and consistency are the key. The biggest challenge is protecting our buildings against creative homeowners without having to become Mr. Scrooge.
Chris Sigler is the President and Owner of C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc., a Construction Management and Consulting firm that has exclusively served the HOA industry for 22 years. He is a Civil Engineer by trade with more than 30 years of Engineering and Construction experience and is actively involved in SB 326 inspections throughout the Coachella Valley. Chris is certified with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) as a Construction Documents Technologist. Located in Palm Desert, his firm serves the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, while serving the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California from their San Jose Corporate office. Chris can be reached at 408-210-8003 or by email at chris@siglercm.com www.siglercm.com
CLICK
The Community Associations Institute needs your help to get Congress to exempt community associations from the Corporate Transparency Act.
There is a bill in the House and a separate one in the Senate that needs our action now!
H.R. 9045 - To amend title 31, United States Code, to exempt entities subject to taxation under section 528 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 from certain beneficial ownership reporting requirements. H.R. 9045 would exempt community associations from the requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act, codifying a protection needed for you and your community. It is imperative that Members of the House agree to Co-Sponsor H.R. 9045. S.3625 - Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act would delay the implementation of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement- the Senate companion of H.R. 5119 – Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act , which was approved by the House on 12/12/23 by a vote of 420-1. We need you to tell your Senator to co-sponsor S. 3625.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS TODAY!
Please reach out to your Member of Congress, even if you have done so already urging an exemption for community associations from the Corporate Transparency Act! Please, take time today to reach out to your representatives in Congress and ask them to support H.R. 9045 and S. 3625, and to share this important request with your neighbors!
Want to learn more about the Corporate Transparency Act and CAI’s multipronged approach to seeking an exemption for community associations? Visit caionline. org/CTA to learn more!
Hundreds of your colleagues agree it's the Case Law Update! Get a first look at the year's most significant court cases and development shaping community association law with theis fastpaced, entertaining presentation. The collection features new cases that have been filed, and major developments in ongoing cases, during 2024.
Connect with your community association law peers for a brilliant review of statutes and regulations revealing important developing trends in community association governance.
Believe it or not, HOA managers and boards are already receiving requests for holiday decorating classics like wreaths, garlands, and warm white lights. Check out our safety tips for community association holiday lights.
READ NOW
Do your HOA residents (and potential home buyers) recognize the value associated with living in your “best practice“ community?
CAI-CV’s Medallion Award Program provides an opportunity for CAI-CV member communities to be recognized for using CAI best practices.
BENEFITS TO YOUR HOA:
• Helps to build positive community spirit.
• Helps preserve and enhance the highlevel character of your community.
• Helps to protect and enhance property values in your community.
• Helps the board and management exceed owners’ expectations.
YOU WILL RECEIVE:
• A professionally made outdoor Medallion Community logo sign that can be mounted to your gate or entrance.
• A professionally designed electronic logo that can be added to your website, business cards, and marketing materials.
• A cover-feature article in CAI-CV’s award-winning HOA Living Magazine
JOIN THE RANKS OF COACHELLA VALLEY MEDALLION COMMUNITIES!
• Desert Shores Resort, Indio
• Indian Ridge, Palm Desert
• Mira Vista at Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage
• Montage at Mission Hills, Cathedral City
• Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert
• Santa Rosa Cove, La Quinta
• Sun City Palm Desert
• The Springs Community Association, Rancho Mirage
• Victoria Falls, Rancho Mirage
Request an application
Click or Scan the QR Code
(Application includes a questionnaire designed to evaluate an HOA’s best practices in all operational areas. The application is reviewed by CAI-CV Homeowner Leaders who either award Medallion status or provide feedback on areas needing improvement. The first-time application fee for CAI-CV members is $300 with a 2-year renewal fee of $200. Contact CAI-CV (760) 341-0559 or email clockett@cai-cv.org for more information.)
Guest Speakers
Louie Brown, Jr., Esq.
Attorney at Law
Kahn Soares & Conway, LLP
Advocate, CAI’s California Legislative Action Committee
Kieran Percell, Esq., CCAL
Firm Managing Shareholder
Epsten, APC
Lisa Tashjian, Esq., CCAL Partner
Beaumont Tashjian
Exhibitor Sponsors
AMS Paving, Inc.
Banc of California
BEHR Paint Company
Berg Insurance Agency
C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc.
Dunn-Edwards Corporation
EmpireWorks
Epsten, APC
First Citizens Bank
Harvest Landscape
Hotwire Communications
Nissho of California
Pacific Premier Bank
Patrol Masters Inc.
Precision Construction & Painting
Prendiville Insurance Agency
RealManage
Roseman Law, APC
S.B.S. Lien Services
Southwest Landscape
Tinnelly Law Group
Vintage Landscape
Notepad Sponsor
Sherwin-Williams Paint
CLAC Sponsor
Precision Construction & Painting
Handout Sponsor
Delphi Law Group, LLP
Pen Sponsor
BEHR Paint Company
Scholarship Sponsor
RealManage
By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., C.D.T.
The Coachella Valley has a wealth of charities that support important community causes. Fundraising events happen throughout the year, but many are held during the holiday season. CAI-CV business partners have a long history of generously supporting community charities.
It is heartwarming to see all these efforts to support marginalized, sick and/or needy people and important causes. These efforts display the hearts of our business partners, and we are proud to share a few of these efforts with our readers.
Powerstone Property Management, Inc. has been a community management leader for several years here in the Valley and they remain active with CAI. Powerstone has been hosting fundraising events for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) since 2011, participating in various events throughout the year. One of their banner events is a silent auction fundraising event at their corporate office in Orange County. Another fun event is their “Oktoberfest” that benefits PCRF.
Our local Powerstone Management office located in Palm Desert and led by CAI-CV Board Member, Michelle Lopez, CMCA, AMS, and Team Powerstone, has remained actively involved in
"THESE MEN AND WOMEN SACRIFICE SO MUCH FOR OUR SAFETY, AND THIS IS A SMALL WAY WE CAN SHOW THEM THAT WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THEIR DEDICATION."
these and other events supporting PCRF. Powerstone's CEO Rene Decker stated that last year’s event pushed the total amount that Powerstone has raised to over $1,000,000 since 2011. Congratulations to Powerstone!
Flood Response, a fire and water restoration and reconstruction contractor, has been giving full Thanksgiving meals – turkeys, stuffing and all the
sides, including dessert, to fire stations throughout the Coachella Valley. Chris Cellini, Director of Sales for Flood Response, created the idea in the spirit of supporting first responders, who are taking time away from their families to protect our community. What started with a handful of fire stations, is now up to ten stations. Flood Response works with the various chiefs and captains to ensure that the smaller, less-recognized stations do not get overlooked. “We want to make sure our local first responders feel appreciated,” Cellini said.
He added, “We have received a great deal of gratitude from the firefighters, and it is our pleasure to give back to these local heroes. These men and women sacrifice so much for our safety, and this is a small way we can show them that we are thankful for their dedication. I believe it is both a personal and corporate responsibility to give back to our communities, and this Flood Response tradition allows us to support the community in a meaningful way. The gratitude and smiles we receive from the firefighters make it all worthwhile. Knowing we're able to brighten their Thanksgiving even a little bit fills us with pride to be part of a company that values giving back."
Associa, the largest community management company in North America, is hosting The Great Giveback Big Bike Giveaway as part of its ongoing commitment to community service and philanthropy. Sponsored by Associa Supports Kids, this nationwide initiative will involve employees at ten locations and the building of 1,000 bikes for children and families in need.
At the Associa Desert Resort Management (DRM) branch located in Palm Desert, employees are partnering with Olive Crest, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, The Galilee Center and Bicycles for Children who will be helping Associa with distributing the bikes as part of their holiday giving programs. The local DRM giveback took place on November 19th. DRM Employees participated in coming together with various
volunteers to assemble and donate 150 bikes for distribution. The event at Desert Resort Management featured 10 bike-building stations, catered lunch, music and raffle prizes. Employees enjoyed an afternoon of community service and camaraderie while giving back to local families in need.
Thanks to all our business partners who give back to our community.
Chris Sigler is the President and Owner of C.L. Sigler & Associates, Inc., a Construction Management and Consulting firm that has exclusively served the HOA industry for 22 years. He is a Civil Engineer by trade with more than 30 years of Engineering and Construction experience and is actively involved in SB 326 inspections throughout the Coachella Valley. Chris is certified with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) as a Construction Documents Technologist. Located in Palm Desert, his firm serves the Coachella Valley and Riverside County, while serving the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California from their San Jose Corporate office. Chris can be reached at 408-210-8003 or by email at chris@siglercm.com www.siglercm.com
The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in America dedicated to monitoring legislation, educating elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.
The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in America dedicated to monitoring legislation, educating elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.
The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in America dedicated to monitoring legislation, educating elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.
The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in America dedicated to monitoring legislation, educating elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.
The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) is a volunteer committee of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) consisting of homeowners and professionals serving community associations. CAI is the largest advocacy organization in America dedicated to monitoring legislation, educating elected state lawmakers, and protecting the interests of those living in community associations in California.
CAI-CLAC as a Volunteer Organization
CAI-CLAC as a Volunteer Organization
CAI-CLAC as a Volunteer Organization
CAI-CLAC as a Volunteer Organization
CAI-CLAC as a Volunteer Organization
• Is a non-profit, non-partisan volunteer committee comprised of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.
• Is a non-profit, non-partisan volunteer committee comprised of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.
• Is a non-profit, non-partisan volunteer committee comprised of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.
• Is a non-profit, non-partisan volunteer committee comprised of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.
• Represents 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 50,000 associations throughout California.
• Is a non-profit, non-partisan volunteer committee comprised of two Delegates and one Liaison from each of the eight CAI California chapters.
• Represents 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 50,000 associations throughout California.
• Represents 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 50,000 associations throughout California.
• Represents 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 50,000 associations throughout California.
• Represents 13 million homeowners and property owners in more than 50,000 associations throughout California.
• Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions.
• Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions.
• Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions.
• Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions.
• Is NOT a PAC (Political Action Committee) and makes no financial campaign contributions.
• Depends solely on the donations of community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve association members.
• Depends solely on the donations of community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve association members.
CAI-CLAC’s Mission
• Depends solely on the donations of community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve association members.
• Depends solely on the donations of community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve association members.
• Depends solely on the donations of community associations, their boards of directors and those who serve association members.
CAI-CLAC’s Mission
CAI-CLAC’s Mission
CAI-CLAC’s Mission
CAI-CLAC’s Mission
To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.
Building on the successes of 2023, CAI-CLAC entered the year with a slate of proposed bills, and ready to work on legislation proposed by others that would impact California’s community associations. We are proud to say that 2024 was a banner year. CAI-CLAC successfully got its slate of three proposed bills enacted into law and worked to get amendments into a fourth bill that will ultimately provide associations with flexibility in addressing emergency repairs to utility lines in common areas. As we move into the 2025 legislative year, we remain committed to monitoring, evaluating, and providing input on legislation affecting community associations.
Building on the successes of 2023, CAI-CLAC entered the year with a slate of proposed bills, and ready to work on legislation proposed by others that would impact California’s community associations. We are proud to say that 2024 was a banner year. CAI-CLAC successfully got its slate of three proposed bills enacted into law and worked to get amendments into a fourth bill that will ultimately provide associations with flexibility in addressing emergency repairs to utility lines in common areas. As we move into the 2025 legislative year, we remain committed to monitoring, evaluating, and providing input on legislation affecting community associations.
Building on the successes of 2023, CAI-CLAC entered the year with a slate of proposed bills, and ready to work on legislation proposed by others that would impact California’s community associations. We are proud to say that 2024 was a banner year. CAI-CLAC successfully got its slate of three proposed bills enacted into law and worked to get amendments into a fourth bill that will ultimately provide associations with flexibility in addressing emergency repairs to utility lines in common areas. As we move into the 2025 legislative year, we remain committed to monitoring, evaluating, and providing input on legislation affecting community associations.
Building on the successes of 2023, CAI-CLAC entered the year with a slate of proposed bills, and ready to work on legislation proposed by others that would impact California’s community associations. We are proud to say that 2024 was a banner year. CAI-CLAC successfully got its slate of three proposed bills enacted into law and worked to get amendments into a fourth bill that will ultimately provide associations with flexibility in addressing emergency repairs to utility lines in common areas. As we move into the 2025 legislative year, we remain committed to monitoring, evaluating, and providing input on legislation affecting community associations.
Building on the successes of 2023, CAI-CLAC entered the year with a slate of proposed bills, and ready to work on legislation proposed by others that would impact California’s community associations. We are proud to say that 2024 was a banner year. CAI-CLAC successfully got its slate of three proposed bills enacted into law and worked to get amendments into a fourth bill that will ultimately provide associations with flexibility in addressing emergency repairs to utility lines in common areas. As we move into the 2025 legislative year, we remain committed to monitoring, evaluating, and providing input on legislation affecting community associations.
To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.
To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.
To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.
To safeguard and improve the community association lifestyle and property values by advocating a reasonable balance between state statutory requirements and the ability and authority of individual homeowners to govern themselves through their community associations.
1809 S Street, Suite 101-245
1809 S Street,
1809 S Street,
1809 S Street, Suite 101-245 Sacramento, CA 95811
101-245 Sacramento, CA 95811
AB-2114 Building Standards: Exterior Elevated Elements: Inspection
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
AB-2114 Building Standards: Exterior Elevated Elements: Inspection
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to provide necessary relief to community associations coming up on the end-of-year deadline to complete balcony inspections and having trouble finding professionals to conduct the inspections. Approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom as “urgency legislation,” the bill adds civil engineers to the list of professionals authorized to conduct inspections of exterior wood-built elevated elements, including balconies. The bill was effective as of July 15, 2024.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to provide necessary relief to community associations coming up on the end-of-year deadline to complete balcony inspections and having trouble finding professionals to conduct the inspections. Approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom as “urgency legislation,” the bill adds civil engineers to the list of professionals authorized to conduct inspections of exterior wood-built elevated elements, including balconies. The bill was effective as of July 15, 2024.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to provide necessary relief to community associations coming up on the end-of-year deadline to complete balcony inspections and having trouble finding professionals to conduct the inspections. Approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom as “urgency legislation,” the bill adds civil engineers to the list of professionals authorized to conduct inspections of exterior wood-built elevated elements, including balconies. The bill was effective as of July 15, 2024.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to provide necessary relief to community associations coming up on the end-of-year deadline to complete balcony inspections and having trouble finding professionals to conduct the inspections. Approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom as “urgency legislation,” the bill adds civil engineers to the list of professionals authorized to conduct inspections of exterior wood-built elevated elements, including balconies. The bill was effective as of July 15, 2024.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to provide necessary relief to community associations coming up on the end-of-year deadline to complete balcony inspections and having trouble finding professionals to conduct the inspections. Approved by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom as “urgency legislation,” the bill adds civil engineers to the list of professionals authorized to conduct inspections of exterior wood-built elevated elements, including balconies. The bill was effective as of July 15, 2024.
CAI-CLAC OPPOSED – BILL UNSUCCESSFUL
CAI-CLAC OPPOSED – BILL UNSUCCESSFUL
CAI-CLAC OPPOSED – BILL UNSUCCESSFUL
CAI-CLAC OPPOSED – BILL UNSUCCESSFUL
CAI-CLAC OPPOSED – BILL UNSUCCESSFUL
AB-2149 would have mandated new safety standards and inspections for any gate over 50 pounds and more than 48 inches wide or 84 inches tall in areas accessible to the public. The law would have added new mandatory inspections of such gates by July 1, 2026, and required associations to keep compliance records for at least ten years. Failure to comply could result in the designation of the gate as a public nuisance, exposing the association to enforcement action by local agencies and fines. CAI-CLAC worked with local governments and schools to oppose the bill, which died in committee.
AB-2149 would have mandated new safety standards and inspections for any gate over 50 pounds and more than 48 inches wide or 84 inches tall in areas accessible to the public. The law would have added new mandatory inspections of such gates by July 1, 2026, and required associations to keep compliance records for at least ten years. Failure to comply could result in the designation of the gate as a public nuisance, exposing the association to enforcement action by local agencies and fines. CAI-CLAC worked with local governments and schools to oppose the bill, which died in committee.
AB-2149 would have mandated new safety standards and inspections for any gate over 50 pounds and more than 48 inches wide or 84 inches tall in areas accessible to the public. The law would have added new mandatory inspections of such gates by July 1, 2026, and required associations to keep compliance records for at least ten years. Failure to comply could result in the designation of the gate as a public nuisance, exposing the association to enforcement action by local agencies and fines. CAI-CLAC worked with local governments and schools to oppose the bill, which died in committee.
AB-2149 would have mandated new safety standards and inspections for any gate over 50 pounds and more than 48 inches wide or 84 inches tall in areas accessible to the public. The law would have added new mandatory inspections of such gates by July 1, 2026, and required associations to keep compliance records for at least ten years. Failure to comply could result in the designation of the gate as a public nuisance, exposing the association to enforcement action by local agencies and fines. CAI-CLAC worked with local governments and schools to oppose the bill, which died in committee.
AB-2149 would have mandated new safety standards and inspections for any gate over 50 pounds and more than 48 inches wide or 84 inches tall in areas accessible to the public. The law would have added new mandatory inspections of such gates by July 1, 2026, and required associations to keep compliance records for at least ten years. Failure to comply could result in the designation of the gate as a public nuisance, exposing the association to enforcement action by local agencies and fines. CAI-CLAC worked with local governments and schools to oppose the bill, which died in committee.
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
In perhaps its most significant victory of the year, CAI-CLAC, working with CACM, successfully sponsored legislation permitting associations to conduct most association elections via electronic balloting rather than having to use the double envelope, secret ballot mail process. The law allows an association to determine if the members must opt in or opt out of electronic balloting and requires associations to notify members how to express their choice. In addition, associations must provide individual notice of the deadline to request a written or electronic ballot, and how to cast their vote. The bill also allows associations to eliminate nominations from the floor in its election rules. Notably, the law excludes elections on special or regular assessments from being conducted electronically. CAI-CLAC anticipates that this bill will not only save trees but ultimately may save associations significant money in reduced mailing fees, will increase member voter participation in elections, and streamline the association voting process.
In perhaps its most significant victory of the year, CAI-CLAC, working with CACM, successfully sponsored legislation permitting associations to conduct most association elections via electronic balloting rather than having to use the double envelope, secret ballot mail process. The law allows an association to determine if the members must opt in or opt out of electronic balloting and requires associations to notify members how to express their choice. In addition, associations must provide individual notice of the deadline to request a written or electronic ballot, and how to cast their vote. The bill also allows associations to eliminate nominations from the floor in its election rules. Notably, the law excludes elections on special or regular assessments from being conducted electronically. CAI-CLAC anticipates that this bill will not only save trees but ultimately may save associations significant money in reduced mailing fees, will increase member voter participation in elections, and streamline the association voting process.
In perhaps its most significant victory of the year, CAI-CLAC, working with CACM, successfully sponsored legislation permitting associations to conduct most association elections via electronic balloting rather than having to use the double envelope, secret ballot mail process. The law allows an association to determine if the members must opt in or opt out of electronic balloting and requires associations to notify members how to express their choice. In addition, associations must provide individual notice of the deadline to request a written or electronic ballot, and how to cast their vote. The bill also allows associations to eliminate nominations from the floor in its election rules. Notably, the law excludes elections on special or regular assessments from being conducted electronically. CAI-CLAC anticipates that this bill will not only save trees but ultimately may save associations significant money in reduced mailing fees, will increase member voter participation in elections, and streamline the association voting process.
In perhaps its most significant victory of the year, CAI-CLAC, working with CACM, successfully sponsored legislation permitting associations to conduct most association elections via electronic balloting rather than having to use the double envelope, secret ballot mail process. The law allows an association to determine if the members must opt in or opt out of electronic balloting and requires associations to notify members how to express their choice. In addition, associations must provide individual notice of the deadline to request a written or electronic ballot, and how to cast their vote. The bill also allows associations to eliminate nominations from the floor in its election rules. Notably, the law excludes elections on special or regular assessments from being conducted electronically. CAI-CLAC anticipates that this bill will not only save trees but ultimately may save associations significant money in reduced mailing fees, will increase member voter participation in elections, and streamline the association voting process.
In perhaps its most significant victory of the year, CAI-CLAC, working with CACM, successfully sponsored legislation permitting associations to conduct most association elections via electronic balloting rather than having to use the double envelope, secret ballot mail process. The law allows an association to determine if the members must opt in or opt out of electronic balloting and requires associations to notify members how to express their choice. In addition, associations must provide individual notice of the deadline to request a written or electronic ballot, and how to cast their vote. The bill also allows associations to eliminate nominations from the floor in its election rules. Notably, the law excludes elections on special or regular assessments from being conducted electronically. CAI-CLAC anticipates that this bill will not only save trees but ultimately may save associations significant money in reduced mailing fees, will increase member voter participation in elections, and streamline the association voting process.
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC SPONSORED LEGISLATION – ENACTED INTO LAW
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to address some confusion over the reduction of a quorum for reconvened meetings where a quorum was not reached in the initial meeting for an election of directors, and the meeting is adjourned to a later date. The bill makes clear that unless an association’s bylaws call for a quorum at a reconvened meeting to be less than 20% of the members, at any reconvened meeting for an election of directors the presence of 20% of the association’s members voting in person, by proxy, or secret ballot will satisfy the quorum requirements, and that ballots will be counted if a quorum is reached.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to address some confusion over the reduction of a quorum for reconvened meetings where a quorum was not reached in the initial meeting for an election of directors, and the meeting is adjourned to a later date. The bill makes clear that unless an association’s bylaws call for a quorum at a reconvened meeting to be less than 20% of the members, at any reconvened meeting for an election of directors the presence of 20% of the association’s members voting in person, by proxy, or secret ballot will satisfy the quorum requirements, and that ballots will be counted if a quorum is reached.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to address some confusion over the reduction of a quorum for reconvened meetings where a quorum was not reached in the initial meeting for an election of directors, and the meeting is adjourned to a later date. The bill makes clear that unless an association’s bylaws call for a quorum at a reconvened meeting to be less than 20% of the members, at any reconvened meeting for an election of directors the presence of 20% of the association’s members voting in person, by proxy, or secret ballot will satisfy the quorum requirements, and that ballots will be counted if a quorum is reached.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to address some confusion over the reduction of a quorum for reconvened meetings where a quorum was not reached in the initial meeting for an election of directors, and the meeting is adjourned to a later date. The bill makes clear that unless an association’s bylaws call for a quorum at a reconvened meeting to be less than 20% of the members, at any reconvened meeting for an election of directors the presence of 20% of the association’s members voting in person, by proxy, or secret ballot will satisfy the quorum requirements, and that ballots will be counted if a quorum is reached.
CAI-CLAC sponsored this bill to address some confusion over the reduction of a quorum for reconvened meetings where a quorum was not reached in the initial meeting for an election of directors, and the meeting is adjourned to a later date. The bill makes clear that unless an association’s bylaws call for a quorum at a reconvened meeting to be less than 20% of the members, at any reconvened meeting for an election of directors the presence of 20% of the association’s members voting in person, by proxy, or secret ballot will satisfy the quorum requirements, and that ballots will be counted if a quorum is reached.
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CAI-CLAC POSITION:
CAI-CLAC POSITION:
As initially introduced, this bill would have required repairs to gas, water, or heat services in the common areas to be completed within 30 days from the date of interruption of services. There was no consideration in the bill for what might be necessary for the repairs to be completed, or how an association that does not have sufficient funds in reserves would pay for the repairs. CAI-CLAC worked with the bill’s author, who introduced significant amendments to make the bill workable for associations. As chaptered, the law now only requires that an association begin the process of repairs within 14 days, and if the association lacks the funds to make the repairs, the law allows a board to obtain a loan without a vote of the members and levy an assessment for the repayment of the loan. The law does not apply to associations in an area affected by a state of disaster or emergency. Lastly, the law adds gas, water, or electrical services the association is responsible for repairing to the list of “major components” to be included in an association’s reserve study.
As initially introduced, this bill would have required repairs to gas, water, or heat services in the common areas to be completed within 30 days from the date of interruption of services. There was no consideration in the bill for what might be necessary for the repairs to be completed, or how an association that does not have sufficient funds in reserves would pay for the repairs. CAI-CLAC worked with the bill’s author, who introduced significant amendments to make the bill workable for associations. As chaptered, the law now only requires that an association begin the process of repairs within 14 days, and if the association lacks the funds to make the repairs, the law allows a board to obtain a loan without a vote of the members and levy an assessment for the repayment of the loan. The law does not apply to associations in an area affected by a state of disaster or emergency. Lastly, the law adds gas, water, or electrical services the association is responsible for repairing to the list of “major components” to be included in an association’s reserve study.
As initially introduced, this bill would have required repairs to gas, water, or heat services in the common areas to be completed within 30 days from the date of interruption of services. There was no consideration in the bill for what might be necessary for the repairs to be completed, or how an association that does not have sufficient funds in reserves would pay for the repairs. CAI-CLAC worked with the bill’s author, who introduced significant amendments to make the bill workable for associations. As chaptered, the law now only requires that an association begin the process of repairs within 14 days, and if the association lacks the funds to make the repairs, the law allows a board to obtain a loan without a vote of the members and levy an assessment for the repayment of the loan. The law does not apply to associations in an area affected by a state of disaster or emergency. Lastly, the law adds gas, water, or electrical services the association is responsible for repairing to the list of “major components” to be included in an association’s reserve study.
This year, CAI-CLAC’s Insurance Task Force has been busy participating in and influencing change within the CA insurance marketplace by meeting with legislators and tracking legislation and other insurance code/regulatory change. They have also attended eight events involving the CA Department of Insurance (CDI), written educational articles for CAI-CLAC as well as the eight CA Chapters of CAI, and responded to four requests for print, radio and television interviews. They help to sustain the CA Insurance Discussion Group, which meets monthly and has grown throughout the year. They also created detailed education to help legislative staff understand the complicated topics involved in solving the insurance crisis in California. In the last negotiations regarding the CA FAIR Plan changes, we were one of only three organizations with a seat at the table.
This year, CAI-CLAC’s Insurance Task Force has been busy participating in and influencing change within the CA insurance marketplace by meeting with legislators and tracking legislation and other insurance code/regulatory change. They have also attended eight events involving the CA Department of Insurance (CDI), written educational articles for CAI-CLAC as well as the eight CA Chapters of CAI, and responded to four requests for print, radio and television interviews. They help to sustain the CA Insurance Discussion Group, which meets monthly and has grown throughout the year. They also created detailed education to help legislative staff understand the complicated topics involved in solving the insurance crisis in California. In the last negotiations regarding the CA FAIR Plan changes, we were one of only three organizations with a seat at the table.
This year, CAI-CLAC’s Insurance Task Force has been busy participating in and influencing change within the CA insurance marketplace by meeting with legislators and tracking legislation and other insurance code/regulatory change. They have also attended eight events involving the CA Department of Insurance (CDI), written educational articles for CAI-CLAC as well as the eight CA Chapters of CAI, and responded to four requests for print, radio and television interviews. They help to sustain the CA Insurance Discussion Group, which meets monthly and has grown throughout the year. They also created detailed education to help legislative staff understand the complicated topics involved in solving the insurance crisis in California. In the last negotiations regarding the CA FAIR Plan changes, we were one of only three organizations with a seat at the table.
Based on:
Based on:
Based on:
Media Interviews
Media Interviews
Media Interviews
• Print Interview with San Diego Union Tribune (January 2024 )
• Print Interview with San Diego Union Tribune (January 2024 )
• Print Interview with San Diego Union Tribune (January 2024 )
• Print Interview with Bloomberg (read in the Capitol) February 2024 (printed March 25)
• Print Interview with Bloomberg (read in the Capitol) February 2024 (printed March 25)
• Radio/Print interview with KCRW (NPR Santa Monica) (August 6, 2024)
• Print Interview with Bloomberg (read in the Capitol) February 2024 (printed March 25)
• Television Interview KRCR, ABC7 (September 2024)
• Radio/Print interview with KCRW (NPR Santa Monica) (August 6, 2024)
• Radio/Print interview with KCRW (NPR Santa Monica) (August 6, 2024)
• Television Interview KRCR, ABC7 (September 2024)
• Television Interview KRCR, ABC7 (September 2024)
Educational Articles/Events
Educational Articles/Events
Educational Articles/Events
• The Latest in the Sustainable Insurance Strategy – CAI-CLAC Blog post July 15, 2024
• Magazine articles for CAI Chapters
• The Latest in the Sustainable Insurance Strategy – CAI-CLAC Blog post July 15, 2024
• The Latest in the Sustainable Insurance Strategy – CAI-CLAC Blog post July 15, 2024
• Presentations for CAI Chapters
• Magazine articles for CAI Chapters
• Magazine articles for CAI Chapters
• Presentations for CAI Chapters
• Presentations for CAI Chapters
Insurance Briefing for Legislative Staff – Four-part series
• CA Insurance Discussion Group – Meeting monthly
• Insurance Briefing for Legislative Staff – Four-part series
• Insurance Briefing for Legislative Staff – Four-part series
• CA Insurance Discussion Group – Meeting monthly
• CA Insurance Discussion Group – Meeting monthly
Hearings and CDI Events
Hearings and CDI Events
Hearings and CDI Events
• March 26, 2024 – CDI Rate Approval Workshop attendance
• March 26, 2024 – CDI Rate Approval Workshop attendance
• March 26, 2024 – CDI Rate Approval Workshop attendance
• April 2024 – CDI Presentation in Northern California – myths debunked
• April 23, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• April 2024 – CDI Presentation in Northern California – myths debunked
• April 2024 – CDI Presentation in Northern California – myths debunked
• June 26, 2024 – CDI Workshop on Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• April 23, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• April 23, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• July 2024 – Meeting with CBIA to build coalition around changes to the CA FAIR Plan
• June 26, 2024 – CDI Workshop on Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• June 26, 2024 – CDI Workshop on Catastrophe Modeling and Rate Making attendance
• July 2024 – Responded to CDI request for quotes regarding updates to the CA FAIR Plan
• July 2024 – Meeting with CBIA to build coalition around changes to the CA FAIR Plan
• July 2024 – Meeting with CBIA to build coalition around changes to the CA FAIR Plan
• September 17, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling Hearing attendance
• July 2024 – Responded to CDI request for quotes regarding updates to the CA FAIR Plan
• July 2024 – Responded to CDI request for quotes regarding updates to the CA FAIR Plan
• September 19, 2024 – CalMatters Interview with Commissioner Lara in attendance
• September 17, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling Hearing attendance
• September 17, 2024 – CDI Catastrophe Modeling Hearing attendance
Monitoring of Legislation and Code/Regulatory Changes
• September 19, 2024 – CalMatters Interview with Commissioner Lara in attendance
• September 19, 2024 – CalMatters Interview with Commissioner Lara in attendance
• Six bills tracked in 2024
Monitoring of Legislation and Code/Regulatory Changes
Monitoring of Legislation and Code/Regulatory Changes
• Six bills tracked in 2024
• Six bills tracked in 2024
• Governor’s Trailer Bill to change the rate approval process tracked and explained in May/June 2024
• Governor’s Trailer Bill to change the rate approval process tracked and explained in May/June 2024
• Governor’s Trailer Bill to change the rate approval process tracked and explained in May/June 2024
• July 25 and August 27 – Stipulations with the CA FAIR Plan investigated and explained
• July 25 and August 27 – Stipulations with the CA FAIR Plan investigated and explained
• July 25 and August 27 – Stipulations with the CA FAIR Plan investigated and explained
Kieran J. Purcell, Esq., CCAL
Kieran J. Purcell, Esq.,
Epsten, APC
Esq., CCAL
Kieran Purcell graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After serving seven years in the United States Navy, Kieran attended California Western School of Law and joined Epsten, APC in 1995. Kieran’s work on behalf of community associations
of corporate matters including litigation, interpretation and enforcement of governing documents and reconstruction issues. He has been a shareholder of Epsten, APC since 2002 and now serves as Vice President and CFO of the firm.
Kieran Purcell graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After serving seven years in the United States Navy, Kieran attended California Western School of Law and joined Epsten, APC in 1995. Kieran’s work on behalf of community associations includes providing advice on all types of corporate matters including litigation, interpretation and enforcement of governing documents and reconstruction issues. He has been a shareholder of Epsten, APC since 2002 and now serves as Vice President and CFO of the firm.
Kieran Purcell graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. After serving seven years in the United States Navy, Kieran attended California Western School of Law and joined Epsten, APC in 1995. Kieran’s work on behalf of community associations includes providing advice on all types of corporate matters including litigation, interpretation and enforcement of governing documents and reconstruction issues. He has been a shareholder of Epsten, APC since 2002 and now serves as Vice President and CFO of the firm.
Kieran is a four-time recipient of the San Diego Chapter’s President’s Award, and also received the Samuel L. Dolnick Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, he was recognized with the San Diego Chapter’s Legacy Award. He is a fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL).
Kieran is a four-time recipient of the San Diego Chapter’s President’s Award, and also received the Samuel L. Dolnick Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, he was recognized with the San Diego Chapter’s Legacy Award. He is a fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL).
Kieran is a four-time recipient of the San Diego Chapter’s President’s Award, and also received the Samuel L. Dolnick Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, he was recognized with the San Diego Chapter’s Legacy Award. He is a fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL).
Louie A. Brown, Jr., is a partner with Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP. He manages the firm’s Government Relations Group representing clients before the California State Legislature and various state administrative agencies.
Louie A. Brown, Jr., is a partner with Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP. He manages the firm’s Government Relations Group representing clients before the California State Legislature and various state administrative agencies.
Louie specializes in providing clients with expert advice in maneuvering through California’s complex legislative and administrative process. He has written numerous laws and played key roles in many of the Legislature’s major accomplishments and budget negotiations over the last decade.
Louie A. Brown, Jr., is a partner with Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP. He manages the firm’s Government Relations Group representing clients before the California State Legislature and various state administrative agencies.
Louie specializes in providing clients with expert advice in maneuvering through California’s complex legislative and administrative process. He has written numerous laws and played key roles in many of the Legislature’s major accomplishments and budget negotiations over the last decade.
Louie earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and his Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law.
Louie specializes in providing clients with expert advice in maneuvering through California’s complex legislative and administrative process. He has written numerous laws and played key roles in many of the Legislature’s major accomplishments and budget negotiations over the last decade.
Louie earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and his Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law.
Louie and his wife, Kymberlee, reside in Elk Grove with their three children.
Louie earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and his Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School of Law.
Louie and his wife, Kymberlee, reside in Elk Grove with their three children.
Louie and his wife, Kymberlee, reside in Elk Grove with their three children.
By Nick Prudhomme
For 65 years, Desert Arc has championed the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guided by its mission to enhance the quality of life and create opportunities for people with disabilities. The comprehensive programs and services provided by this nonprofit human social services agency are designed to give the most vulnerable members of our society a safe and supportive resource base, helping them achieve their highest potential to live, work, and engage in their communities. Desert Arc is committed to social innovation and has developed various enterprises that provide business services. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) can benefit from these services by partnering with Desert Arc’s Business Services.
Desert Arc’s Shredding & Recycling, Landscape Maintenance and Janitorial divisions, provide hands-on training and paid jobs for Desert Arc’s clients (people with intellectual and developmental disabilities). The close partnerships Desert Arc has created with HOAs has helped make its Business Services a staple of the community by increasing the visibility of people with disabilities and all that they have to offer.
Angelique Ontiveros, Desert Arc’s Vice President, Business Development, states, “We are very fortunate that we offer many services that align so perfectly with the needs of HOAs. Our partnerships with HOAs usually begin with the employment of one of our services, such as Shredding, then they quicky realize we also offer Landscaping and Janitorial services, and the fullness of the vision comes into view. When our partners see the clients at work and how much good that opportunity has brought to their lives the desire to create
more opportunities for clients naturally follows.”
One close partnership Desert Arc has cultivated is with The Management Trust, who employs the services of Desert Arc’s Shredding, Landscape Maintenance, and Janitorial services at many of the HOAs it manages including PGA West, Spanish Walk, Portola Country Club and many more. Damian
agency pricing structures.”
Both Angelique and Damian emphasized the numerous benefits HOAs can look forward to by partnering with Desert Arc. Angelique stated, “They see the quality of work the clients provide and the pride they take in that work, and they know that the same pride, quality and joy will be brought to every worksite across all the Business Services.”
“THERE IS NOTHING MORE GRATIFYING THAN PROVIDING JOBS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SEEING THE SMILES ON THEIR FACES WHEN THEY RECEIVE THAT FIRST PAYCHECK.”
Jenkins, Desert Arc Board Chair and Division President at The Management Trust, shared his experience, “When I first joined the Desert Arc Board six years ago, I wasn’t quite sure how HOAs would be able to partner with Desert Arc. But after learning more about Business Services the lightbulb just went on! Now The Management Trust utilizes all their Business Services. We even use their Janitorial services in our personal offices.” When asked what it has been like having Desert Arc’s clients working in their HOAs, Damian said, “The clients have a compartmentalized approach and the quality of work is even better than a typical person or company, and Desert Arc adds so much value with their flat-rates which makes them inexpensive when compared to temp-labor
Damian says, “Partnering with Desert Arc can help HOAs save money, but you also have a feel-good factor knowing that you are giving back.” Damian Jenkins also noted, “There is nothing more gratifying than providing jobs for people with disabilities and seeing the smiles on their faces when they receive that first paycheck.”
Nick Prudhomme is the Development/Content Marketing Manager for Desert Arc. Nick can be reached at nprudhomme@desertarc. org. If you would like to partner with Desert Arc, contact Angelique Ontiveros, Desert Arc’s Vice President of Business Development at aontiveros@desertarc.org.
By James Domke
How often have we heard the advice, “Communication is the key to a good relationship”? Over many years, we have found this to be true among spouses, teammates in sports and in the office, parents and children, and any two parties that desire a meaningful and lasting friendship or working relationship.
Authenticity is described as the quality of being genuine or real, legitimate and true. Authenticity might be expressed through integrity, vulnerability, taking action, valuing others, making and keeping commitments, being open-minded and accepting both self and others.
So, what would authentic communication, done well, look like in a homeowners association (HOA)?
First, let’s identify the likely stakeholder groups who communicate with each other in a typical Coachella Valley HOA environment:
1. Homeowners (from long-timers to new residents in the community, varying in age and backgrounds, some are full-timers, and some are part-timers)
2. Board of Directors (typically 5-9 people, with varied backgrounds, few with HOA board experience or education)
3. Contractors/professional advisors who partner with the HOA (Management company, landscapers, pool services, insurance providers, legal counsel, security services, maintenance providers -- electrical, plumbing, etc., pest control, and tax preparers, etc.)
In an HOA, the homeowners elect the board of directors from the list of interested/nominated owners. The board is charged with leading the “corporation” per the HOA CC&Rs, bylaws, general rules and regulations, and federal and state laws.
So, what are the primary relationships that need communication?
• Most boards (group 2, above) hire numerous contractors and advisors (group 3) to perform the services needed by the HOA and expected by the owners. The board typically communicates with these contractors/advisors in an “as needed” basis to obtain the desired services.
• The board (group 2) typically communicates “regularly” with owners (group 1) via monthly board meetings, online portal or website, and newsletters or email status reports.
What are some examples of authentic communication that enhances the relationship between owners and their board of directors?
• Communicating truthful and clear representation of financial status. Most owners (and board directors) are not skilled at reading and understanding monthly, quarterly, or annual financial statements that are standard records for a HOA. However, owners can understand clear, simple financial reports or communication with adjectives such as “strong, adequate, or weak” when explaining how much monies are in the two primary HOA cash accounts, called operating (for daily expenses) and reserves (for maintenance of HOA assets). Similarly, owners appreciate simple explanations of how the HOA’s annual operating spending is performing versus the board approved annual budget. Terms like “better, equal to, or worse” than budget for the entire HOA annual operating spend can be understood and a few reasons why if needed to explain why the current status is better or worse. Below are comments from owners upon receiving truthful and clear reports:
– Very helpful, now that it has been simplified
– We are in awful financial shape
– How long has this poor financial condition been known?
– What are we (the owners and board) going to do about this situation?
(The bullet above is a healthy “we” that can work together to improve the financial standing of the HOA.)
• Improving board meeting communications through use of newer audio-visual technology and two-way engagement techniques. The primary objective of board meetings is to conduct the business of the HOA, make needed decisions, while owners observe the process and provide limited real-time input. If you are still conducting board meetings with limited paper copies to owners physically in the HOA clubhouse or meeting room and using a simple speakerphone to communicate with remotely located owners trying to listen to faint wisps of the conversation—Houston, we have a problem! You may have many owners who are visually and hearing compromised and older meeting methods are not a formula for effective communication. Below are actions to improve communication in board meetings.
– Purchase, install, and learn how to operate a modern “meeting technology system” with integrated 360-degree video camera with microphone extensions, for $1,000$2,000. It will be a game changer!
– Display the board meeting documents on the clubhouse big screen TV for all to see (in person) and share with remote participants via available online meeting systems such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, GoogleMeets, Microsoft Teams, etc.
– In addition to “open forum” agenda periods that allow owners to speak, allow owners to ask questions during the financial reports or special topic agenda
items so they can be better informed of the most important matters for any HOA community.
– In addition to regular board meetings, conduct “town hall” meetings with owners where the focus is on two-way communication, especially for owners to voice their thoughts on critical topics such as proposed special assessments or changes to HOA CC&Rs, bylaws, or rules and regulations.
– After implementing the above actions, owner attendance at board meetings will likely increase, meetings will become more friendly, and more good ideas will surface from owners.
• Turning owner identified issues into owner implemented solutions. All HOAs have issues, duh! Some have more issues than others. Most issues are identified via an owner email or through the HOA online portal or website. If the board, and/or its hired HOA management firm, thoughtfully review what owners identify, there is often a path forward that solves the problem, doesn’t cost much, and brings not only value to the community but brings togetherness through solving a problem together. Below is an example of an owner-identified issue that turned into an owner-implemented solution for the betterment of all owners who use our HOA pools and spas.
– With six pools and four spas, there are times that some of the HOA pools/spas have minor issues or are closed for repairs.
– As an owner, sometimes you arrive at your favorite pool/spa and it is not working. Bummer, you must go to the next option on your list.
– An owner identified this as an issue, which through a few emails with the board president, became an invitation for the owner to develop a “pool and spa status report” that could be posted at the HOA online portal for all owners to see (before they head to the pool/spa).
– The owner developed a nice tracking sheet that was implemented within a few days, advertised to the community via an HOA email, and is now being used by those owners who find value in knowing this information.
– The end result of this type of authentic communication is the owner feels good about their contribution to making the HOA a little better place to live. Bravo!!
"EMBRACE AS AN HOA OBJECTIVE, TO BE THE FAVORITE CUSTOMER OF THE CONTRACTOR/PARTNER."
What are some examples of authentic communication that enhance the relationship between the board of directors and its contractors/advisors?
• Begin all contractor/advisor relationships by executing clear contracts or work agreements that are fairly negotiated. This early communication sets the tone for all future work and communication. If you do this well, you have a good chance for an excellent working relationship. Starting in a bad way is often unrecoverable, and it doesn’t have to be.
• Treat your contractors as true partners. Ask for their ideas, treat them with respect, value their workers, make plans together, and share in the good results or problems encountered.
– A contractor who previously worked for several years for HOA XYZ, left that relationship to pursue growth with a number of other HOAs. Their business grew significantly but they encountered working relationships that didn’t match their partnership values and integrity, and eventually they scaled back their customer base. They recently returned to HOA XYZ and were able to resume providing services to the HOA. Both parties recognized the value in an authentic relationship where integrity and fairness/ ethics are foundational to the relationship.
• Paying your contractors on time or early. We all have heard that money talks. It sure does. You paying early says you really like them. You paying
late says you really don’t like them or don’t care or didn’t try hard enough to honor the agreed payment terms. Don’t underestimate how loud and meaningful this type of communication is to your relationship with your contractors.
• Saying thank you and celebrating project completions or when key work milestones are achieved. If your HOA does this, you will be in the top ten percent of HOAs in the eyes of your contractors/advisors.
• Embrace as an HOA objective to be the favorite customer of the contractor/partner. Achieving this objective usually results in higher quality work, timely completion of work, willingness to respond to emergencies, and friendly workers deployed inside the HOA.
Applying the principles of focused attention on authentic communication with your HOA stakeholders will improve the effectiveness of the HOA board of directors and quality of life for its owner community.
Jim Domke is the Board President of Casa Dorado at Indian Wells HOA. He served previously on the board from 2012 to 2019, where he led three successful special assessment campaigns. He enjoys implementing successful communications and engagement strategies with HOA stakeholders, after working over eighteen years as a manager/principal in a San Francisco Bay Area management consulting firm. You may reach Jim via email at Domkej@aol.com.
By CVWD
The Coachella Valley Water District offers a range of smart irrigation systems that cater to customers seeking more sustainable watering solutions.
Unlike traditional irrigation controllers that rely on preset schedules and timers, smart irrigation controllers use advanced technology sensors that monitor real-time weather, soil moisture, evaporation, and plant water requirements. This allows smart irrigation controllers to automatically adjust watering schedules based on actual needs, delivering accurate amounts of water directly to the root zones of plants – minimizing water waste and watering costs.
Many smart irrigation systems also offer smartphone app integration, enabling users to monitor and control their irrigation remotely.
Controller at no cost. Visit cvwd.org/rebates for eligibility requirements and to apply.
Free Hunter Pro-C Solar Sync Smart Irrigation Controller
Customers can apply for a free weather-based smart controller that automatically adjusts an irrigation system’s run time based on weather data. CVWD will also install and program the Hunter Pro-C Solar Sync Smart Irrigation
By using Rachio with a smart watering app, customers can control their sprinklers from anywhere with their mobile device and receive predictive watering schedules that adjust to local weather conditions. Available for a discounted rate, devices must be purchased through go.rachio.com/calwep/ and must be self-installed.
Flume monitors a home's indoor and outdoor water use 24/7 and notifies customers instantly through the Flume app if the system detects a leak. Devices must be purchased through flumewater.com/ rebate/ca/coachellavalleywd/ to receive a special offer and must be self-installed.
CVWD customers can contribute to ongoing water conservation efforts in the Coachella Valley by choosing a smart irrigation system. To learn more, visit cvwd.org/rebates.
By Patrick Simmsgeiger
Freshwater ecosystems are incredibly complex habitats that rely on delicate balances shifting from season to season. The organisms that make-up these environments range in size from microscopic bacteria to massive fish. While every organism plays a role in nature, arguably none are more important than microorganisms. In freshwater, these microorganisms are mostly things like phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria. While all of these exist in numbers that are difficult to visualize, none are more numerous than bacteria. Bacteria inhabit all parts of water, but they are most concentrated in what is known as benthic sediment, or the bottom of the body of water.
These benthic bacteria are responsible for decomposing organic matter as it sinks to the bottom, and also performing vital chemical reactions such as nitrogen fixation and nutrient consumption. Their presence cuts down on excessive sediment accumulation and helps prevent unhealthy nutrient buildup that leads to rapid algae and plant growth. Because they perform so many vital roles, if bacterial populations suffer, the entire ecosystem suffers.
So, what can be done to help water if bacterial populations are overworked or failing?
Many professionals who manage freshwater systems would recommend adding bacteria, as well as enzymes, to make digesting matter easier. However, others would say they are a waste of time, and that they do not assist the native bacteria population. This is an ongoing debate in the aquatic management industry, and one that currently does not really have a definitive right or wrong answer.
Like many things involving freshwater, the best approach depends entirely on the specific body of water in question. However, in this article a general argument will be made in support of implementing bacteria and enzymes to support the natural ecology of freshwater systems.
As mentioned previously, bacteria reside in benthic sediment in the billions and billions. They are relatively resilient, but certain things can hurt their populations. Threats such as dangerously low dissolved oxygen or hazardous chemicals can affect systems to the point that bacteria cannot digest organic matter or handle nutrient loads. When this happens, freshwater systems face a serious threat, and introducing new biological components such as bacteria and enzymes can help.
The bacteria that are normally added by lake managers are called aerobic bacteria, meaning they need oxygen to survive. These are relatively fast-acting decomposers that break down organic matter and supplement the existing population. By adding them, sediment accumulation can be slowed down, and potentially harmful buildups of matter can be prevented. Excessive sediment can be the cause of horrible odors, loss of depth, and even the incubation of diseases like E. coli. A healthy bacterial population plays a big part in stopping all these circumstances from happening, but sometimes they need some outside help.
When a pesticide applicator is using chemical products,
such as herbicides or algaecides, they have to think about what dosage is going to work in a system without hurting it. While these products are not inherently dangerous, careless use can pose real threats to ecosystems. On the flip side, bacteria are difficult to over-apply. Bacterial populations are constantly in tight competition for resources and are in a continuous battle with each other. Over time different species will rise and fall due to a myriad of environmental factors that will benefit or hurt them, and no species can dominate all the others. This allows applicators to add bacteria in large amounts since they will not hurt the greater ecosystem with their presence, just join the other bacteria in the fight to break down organic matter and chemicals for sustenance.
Another way to help out the microorganisms is by adding enzymes. The function of an enzyme in nature is that of a catalyst. They speed up and increase the efficiency of chemical reactions. In the case of bacteria, enzymes help by drastically speeding up the decomposition process of organic matter. Enzymes can even be added by themselves to help out bacteria that already live in the water, making their task easier, and slowing down the rate of sediment accumulation in the water. Similar to bacterial applications, enzymes are also very hard to over-apply and can be added in large quantities to achieve greater effect. This is because enzymes are just proteins. As a result, they do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is always a bonus for any product being applied to water.
Like so many things, cost tends to be the ultimate decider. Even the best plans and products have to be turned down if they are too expensive. One of the major things many people forget, however, is that while some things may be more expensive up-front, the initial investment can lead to savings in the future.
Product Type Cost per Gallon/Pound
Algaecide
Dye
Surfactant
Enzyme
Bacteria
$45/Gallon
$100/Gallon
$50/Gallon
$100/Gallon
$50/Pound
Imagine being a first-time pond owner who has built their pond. You have already put lots of time and money into all the work and equipment and set aside even more for placing plants and fish. However, when it is time to buy the pump for your filtration system, you decide you have already spent enough on the project and opt for a cheap pump, saving some money. Over the next few months as the pump starts to struggle, more and more labor is put into troubleshooting and buying new parts, and eventually, you are forced to just buy a better pump. While there were initial cost-savings buying the cheaper pump, it ends up not being the cost-effective choice in the long run. This is, in essence, the general argument in favor of biologicals.
Biological products will not fix all aquatic issues, but they will facilitate a healthier ecosystem; one better equipped to handle a wider range of environmental pressures. Being proactive with your water can be more expensive at first, but with time you will notice that the work done in the past can help change your lake from a headache into a source of pride.
Patrick Simmsgeiger, Founder and President of Diversified Waterscapes Inc out of Thousand Palms, CA. He is a Certified Lake Manager (only 80 across the USA), a licensed Aquatic Pesticide Applicator and Landscape Contractor. He is an industry expert on all stages of aquatic treatment; from product development and manufacturing to application and treatment. He can be reached at (760) 837-3700 or by email to m6a2@dwiwater.com.
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In high school, Mike was caught digging a pool behind the football field… by hand! Today he remodels pools! Was there ever any doubt?
Remodeling pools and Back yards since 1969
Qualit y work at a fair price
Lic #896061 C-53
By CLAC Delegate Mike Traidman
For 50 years CAI has been in the forefront of HOA advocacy, the influencing of legislation and legislators on items that affect our communities, both positively and negatively. In California, all eight CAI chapters work with and fund the California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC). Each chapter appoints two delegates. This year Clint Atherton, PCAM, LSM (GM, Sun City Palm Desert), and I, are our chapter’s delegates.
On October 25th, 35 representatives from all eight California CAI chapters met in Seal Beach to lay out our 2025 plans for CLAC, which we call our Annual Planning Meeting (APM). Priorities were discussed and plans voted on. Dawn Bauman, CAI National’s Sr. Vice President and head of government affairs for all CAI, brought all of us up to date on current legislation impacting HOAs as follows:
• CAI continues to work with Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae on condo issues and we expect positive new legislation in 2025.
• We expect new legislation on HOA board and management company transparency.
• Condo safety issues will no doubt be a high priority for legislators.
• Mandatory board member education is being considered nationally.
• Foreclosure restrictions are being discussed.
• Exempting HOAs from the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a high priority for many legislators.
• Insurance continues to be discussed in most states.
• Several states are considering board transparency issues.
• Some states have legislation on mandatory board member education pending.
• Condo safely legislation is being considered in many states.
• Reserve issues continue to be discussed.
• Insurance – a task force, previously set up, will continue to work on many issues affecting HOA insurance.
• The governance task force will work on legislation to discipline board directors who fail to satisfy state and federal requirements.
• There is still work to do on the opt-in and opt-out options for email delivery.
• Asbestos testing will be discussed by our construction task force.
• The election task force will work on election issues – a clean-up bill is needed for acclimation elections. We also want this task force to work on general vs. independent notices and of course the electronic voting bill recently passed.
• Reserves – discussing minimum reserve mandates will be worked on by the reserve task force.
CLAC IS HOSTING A TOWN HALL OPEN TO EVERYONE ON 12/5/2024. HERE IS A LINK TO REGISTER:
https://caiclac.com/event/ cai-clac-virtual-town-hallthe-year-in-review-a-lookahead-to-2025/We strongly encourage all CAI-CV members to attend to stay informed about legislative efforts that impact HOAs.
The annual “Advocacy Week at the Capital” is scheduled for April 22nd – April 24th, 2025 in Sacramento. Please let Clint or I know if you would like to join us.
CLAC DELEGATE CLINT ATHERTON: CLINT.ATHERTON@SCPDCA.COM
CLAC DELEGATE MICHAEL TRAIDMAN: MTRAIDMAN@YAHOO.COM
Mike Traidman is a Director on the CAI-CV Board. He served as President of the Chapter for two years and currently serves as one of CAI-CV’s two CLAC Delegates. He is on the national CAMICB Board and serves as Chair of the Desert Cities HOA Council. Mike can be reached at mtraidman@yahoo.com.
By John Schuknecht, CMCA, AMS
It’s hard to imagine we are only a month away from 2025. This is a great time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. I am sure many of us already have one or two standard personal New Year’s resolutions (start eating better, exercise more, etc.) ready to go.
For 2025, I would like to challenge you to pick one, two or maybe a few New Year’s resolutions related to your community association. Whether you are a board member, manager, business partner, or resident, we are all aware of ways we could enhance our communities.
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE IDEAS:
• Create a community calendar. It is time to get organized! What better time to plan out your year than the beginning. You and everyone involved in the community have a general idea of when things happen and when they need to start (tree trimming, overseeding, annual meetings/elections, budget preparation, annual mailings etc.). This is an opportune time for you to sit down, pencil it out, and get it down on paper. Organizing an annual calendar will help you stay ahead of the game. Being organized and planning in advance will make everyone’s lives easier and more stress free throughout the course of the year.
Try out these apps:
ClickUp: https://clickup.com/
Google Calendar: https://calendar.google.com
Todoist: https://todoist.com/
• Education- If you are a manager, consider taking a new CAI class or working toward a new designation. If you are a board member, consider scheduling with your manager to review your contract and better understand the company’s management processes and procedures. (CAI also has classes available to board members as well.) If you are a homeowner, put the board’s meeting dates on your calendar and attend more meetings, and ask to read the minutes after the meetings. Knowledge is powerful, even picking up small tidbits here and there can positively influence the community. Register for CAI education that will improve your knowledge and your career opportunities!
CAI Education for Managers: https://www.caionline.org/LearningCenter/ Education-for-Managers/Pages/default.aspx
CAI Education for Homeowner Leaders: https://www.caionline.org/LearningCenter/ Education-for-Homeowners/Pages/default.aspx
CAI Education for Business Partners: https://www.caionline.org/ LearningCenter/Education-for-BusinessPartners/Pages/default.aspx
CAI-CV Education:
See CAI-CV Calendar to the right
• Respect. It is unfortunate that community associations continue to struggle with hostility, negativity, lack of respect and at times, difficult individuals. I would encourage everyone to try to change this unfortunate dynamic. It can be as simple as waving hi to one of your neighbors or introducing yourself to someone at the community mailboxes. It could be to listen to someone’s full thought before responding or simply changing your tone of voice. However small, it still matters. Let’s all do our part to bring the Golden Rule (treat others as you would want to be treated) back into our communities, emails, phone calls, and board meetings. At the end of the day, we are neighbors, co-workers, and business partners. We are all on the same team and striving for the same goal. Consider reminding folks in your association by adopting CAI’s Civility Pledge.
CAI Civility Pledge: https://www.caionline.org/civility-pledge/
CAI Civility Pledge Video: https://youtu.be/aEY5iUPfXps
As the saying goes, “New year, new me.” Right?
I challenge you to discover a new resolution for your association to foster growth and create positive changes in your community in 2025.
I want to wish everyone a very healthy, happy, safe, and productive December! Let’s start planning to make 2025 a great year for our communities.
John Schuknecht CMCA, AMS is a former community manager who currently works as an Account Executive for LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance. John can be reached at 657-207-4789 or JohnS@hoa-insurance.com
JANUARY
Wednesday 1 New Year's Day
Friday 17 BMW/DCHC Board Education
Monday 20 MLK Day
Friday 24
Friday 7 Leadership Training, 9:00AM- 1:00PM
Saturday 8 Indian Wells HOA Workshop, 9:00AM
Tuesday 11 BMW/DCHC Board Education, 8:30AM
Monday 17 President’s Day
Friday 21 Lunch Program& Trade Show, 11:15AM
Tuesday 25 Strat. Planning 2:30PM, Board 3:30PM
MARCH
Tuesday 4 Board Certificate Course, 9 A.M.
Friday 14 City of Palm Desert HOA Town
Friday 21 Lunch Program & Trade Show, 11:15AM
Tuesday 25 Strat. Planning 2:30PM, Board 3:30PM
APRIL
Tuesday 8 BMW/DCHC, 8:30AM, Board Bootcamp
MAY Friday 2 Spring Golf Tournament, 7:30 A.M.
- SA 7-10 CAI
Wednesday 13 BMW/DCHC Board Education Zoom Tuesday 26 Strat. Planning 2:30PM, Board 3:30PM Zoom Friday 29 Strat. Planning (Leadership), 9:00AM
30 Strat. Planning 2:30 P.M., Board 3:30 P.M.
Tuesday 7 BMW, 8:30 A.M.
13
Friday 17 Lunch Program & Trade Show, 11:15AM Sun City Palm Desert
Friday 24 Oktoberfest, 5:30PM Pro Landscaping Nursery
Tuesday 28 Strat. Planning 2:30PM, Board 3:30PM Zoom NOVEMBER
Friday 14 Fall Golf Event, 1:30 P.M. Shadow Mountain Golf Club
Tuesday 18 Start. Planning 2:30P.M., Board 3:30PM Zoom
Friday 21 Leg. Update & Trade Show, 11:00AM Sun City Palm Desert
TH - FR 27-28 Thanksgiving
Friday 12 BMW/MOTR Ask the Attorney, 3:30PM Shields Theater
Friday 12 Annual Wine & Spirit Tasting, 5:30PM Shields Date Garden
Tuesday 16 Strat. Planning 2:30PM, Board 3:30PM Zoom
TH-FR 25-26 Christmas Holiday Office Closed
Wednesday 31 New Year's Eve Office Closed JANUARY 2026
TH-FR 1-2 New Year’s Holiday Office Closed Friday 23 Annual Awards Event, 5:30PM TBD
UNTIL DECEMBER 13th
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
Marketing opens for Titanium and Platinum Sponsors to choose 2025 ads and sponsorships early (optional).
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024
CAI-CV Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities are available (first-come, first-served).
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024
Friday, December 13th is the last day sponsors can receive 15 percent off 2025 sponsorships.
* 15% discount only available for online orders paid by credit card. ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP PLAN
OF COACHELLA VALLEY RESIDENTS LIVE IN HOAs BUILD YOUR BUSINESS BY PARTNERING WITH CAI-CV
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CAI-CV & Desert Cities HOA Council –BOARD BOOTCAMP & MANAGER EDUCATION
WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, 3:30 PM
WHERE: Shields Date Garden Theater, 80225 US Highway 111 (Jefferson & 111), Indio
REGISTRATION: INCLUDES FREE ENTRANCE TO WINE & TEQUILA TASTING
SPONSORSHIPS:
Sips & Shots Wine & Tequila Tasting – HOLIDAY SILENT AUCTION
WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:30 PM
WHERE: Shields Date Garden, 80225 US Highway 111 (Jefferson & 111), Indio
REGISTRATION: SPONSORSHIPS:
CAI-CV’s Annual Awards (For 2024) & Casino Night WHEN: Friday, January 24, 2025, 5:30 PM
City
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – Saturday, February 1,