Vision Magazine Fall 2014 by CACM-California Association of Community Managers

FALL 2014 THE VOICE OF CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY MANAGERS

Recognize

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

BOD PERCEPTIONS Why they value your expertise

LOW EFFORT, HIGH RETURN

Introduce small costsaving measures

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE LITTLE THINGS

Small efforts add value and convenience

CALL FOR AWARD ENTRIES

CACM Vision Awards The Vision Awards are back in 2015, and this time weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bringing them to both Northern and Southern California! Nominees and winners will be recognized at the Vision Awards Presentation and Welcome Reception on the following dates: January 29, 2015 Northern CA Law Seminar & Expo Oakland Marriott City Center March 12, 2015 Southern CA Law Seminar & Expo Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim Consider nominating a Northern or Southern California colleague you know and admire for this prestigious honor. Eager to share some of your own accomplishments? Self-nominations will also be accepted. Download the nomination packet at www.cacm.org/visionawards.html. Nomination deadline: November 10, 2014.

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

FA L L 2 O 1 4

F E AT U R E S

Worth Your Weight in Gold The hidden treasure is you!

Step It Up with a Specialty How focused training can increase your professional appeal

Eliminating Friction, Anticipating Conflicts, Facilitating Solutions What BODs value most about their community manager

By Tara Graviss, CCAM

Little Things Mean a Lot

By Dean Jackson, CCAM

It’s Who You Know Networking can keep your association connected to the right people

Recognize Your Champion Status! Reasons to share the value and service you bring to California’s communities

By Patty Garcia, CCAM

30 Years from Now The evolution of a Reserve Study By Scott Clements, RS, PRA & Les Weinberg, RS

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Member News

Brenda Teter Named to IABC Board of Directors

New Manager & Management Firm Council Members

By Susan Sharp, CCAM

Bringing Farm to Table Working to establish a community garden By Stacie Callaghan & Lauren Galanes

By Kay Ladner, CCAM

32 Low Effort, High Return Small cost-saving measures you can give your BOD now

D E PA RT M E N T S

7 President’s Message

By Karen D. Conlon, CCAM

From the Roundtable

Spotlight on Education: Introducing SPC440 New Development Community Management

In the Boardroom: 3,000 Minds Are Better Than One How your manager’s professional network benefits you

NEWS BITS

Get Involved with CACM

Order Your Complimentary Brochures

New Affiliate Members

Congratulations Managers

CACM Education Honored by ASAE

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A Message from the Board

By Lori Storm, CCAM

Fall Calendar

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WORLD CLASS Your WORLD is managing communities Time to move to the head of your CLASS

Our cloud-based solution enables you to: Manage your communities from any device, anytime, anywhere Effectively and easily manage all your tasks, emails, work orders, and inspections Keep your board members informed with all answers at your fingertips

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November 2013 Management Report

My Communities

My Properties

Tasks Summary

My Files

Report Description A Task is an association ation management business matter that requires action and is created by, and/or assigned to either a management company employee, such as the Community Association Manager, or Board Member. All open action items, other than repair repai and maintenance tasks, should be documented in the Tasks List to clearly track and manage open issues through to completion. Repair and maintenance tasks are typically managed using Work Orders although some Tasks may create the need for an underlying Work Order and can be linked to a Work Order. Board Members can create, update and monitor Tasks by accessing the Board Portal at www.ciranet.com . See additional information regarding Tasks at http://www.ciranet.com/SWP/Tasks_Summary_Report.pdf .

Calendar

My Work Inbox

Settings

Tasks Dashboard Condition

Metric 0

Open Tasks Past Due Tasks

Tasks Due Within the Next 30 Days

Tasks On Hold

Tasks Completed or Canceled Since 10/01/2013

Status

Comment / Recommended Action There are currently no open tasks assigned to the Community Association Manager or any of the Board Members. Please ensure all outstanding issues are documented on the task list.

There are currently no open tasks with a status of "On Hold."

Inspection

Completed/Canceled Board Tasks from 10/01/2013 through 11/14/2013

Home

Sign Out

Task ID

35301

37394

Item Ocean Colony Reserve Study Proposal FY 2014

Status Completed

Responsible dagmar.wachter ahu6716

Created By dagmar.wachter dagmar.wachter

Due Date

Completed

38800

4Q 2013 Ocean Colony Newsletter Conten Content

Completed Complete

dagmar.wachter

rachel.mills

10/07/2013

38844

2013 Engagement Letter

Completed

dagmar.wachter

laura.jones

10/07/2013

11/14/2013

November 2013 Management Report

Interactive Graphic Map Display

Work Order

10/31/2013

Financial account Balance Review

3 4

Page 14 of 60 Prepared on November 14, 2013

Community Stats at a Glance

Perform Complete Processing on the Fly

Community Management Software and Solutions Call today to learn how you can leverage our fully integrated, easy-to-use solutions that will provide the transparency and visibility you and your communities deserve.

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www.CiraConnect.com www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Vision

Helping Community Associations Find Their Way

THE VOICE OF CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY MANAGERS

Fall 2014 • vol. 23, no. 3

Providing practical legal solutions to common interest developments in: • Governing Document Interpretation and Enforcement

President & CEO | Karen D. Conlon, CCAM

Vice President | Vicki Hite, CAE, CCAM Managing Editor | Brenda K. Teter Assistant Editor | Emily Ball Advertising | Tabitha Rommens

• Contract Negotiation and Preparation • General Counsel Service • Litigation, Trial and Appellate Advocacy

Neuland & Whitney, APC (949) 766-4700 www.neulandandwhitney.com

Editorial Advisory Committee Matt Davenport Monarch Environmental, Inc.

Kay Ladner, CCAM Desert Horizons OA

Bobbie Gaffney, CCAM, PCAM The Gaffney Group, Inc.

Vicki MacHale, CCAM ARK Management

Patty Garcia, CCAM, PCAM MCM, LLC

Clint McClure, CCAM McClure Management, Inc.

Tara Graviss, CCAM Walters Management, ACMF

Susan Sharp, CCAM J.D. Richardson Company

Dean Jackson, CCAM Pacific Park Plaza HOA

Lori Storm, CCAM FirstService Residential California, LLC

22342-A Avenida Empresa, Ste. 100 • Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 Vision magazine is published by CACM four times annually to members, affiliates and supporters of the California Association of Community Managers. Magazine content ©2014 CACM. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from CACM. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the policies of CACM. Mention of any product does not constitute an endorsement by CACM. CACM assumes no responsibility for return of photos or art and reserves the right to reject any editorial or advertising materials. CACM does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of articles, events or announcements listed. Please address comments and suggestions to: California Association of Community Managers, Inc. 23461 South Pointe Drive, Ste. 200, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949.916.2226 • Fax 949.916.5557 • bteter@cacm.org Attn: Brenda K. Teter

About CACM

We Don’t Stop Caring At Sunset!

Sunset Landscape Maintenance Inc. Est. 1976

(949) 455-4636 :: jim@sunset-landscape.com

Founded in 1991, the California Association of Community Managers, Inc.SM (CACM), is the only organization in California whose membership is comprised entirely of community association managers and association practitioners. CACM empowers a network of community management professionals working in large scale, portfolio, resort and high rise homeowners associations to share and apply California’s most effective community management practices. CACM is the leading resource for California-specific education, events, activities, products, services and networking opportunities to help managers and management companies achieve excellence in the industry. Learn more at www.cacm.org, or email info@cacm.org. Do we know where you are? Attention CACM members: Have you changed jobs or moved to a new location? Go to www.cacm.org and update your profile so you don’t miss your next Vision magazine or any other important CACM communications.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

The Next Phase of Statewide Recognition

’ve heard community managers in the past refer to their profession as a “thankless job.” They work so hard to ensure the association is properly maintained, funded and governed with little to no appreciation from board members or homeowners. How is CACM changing this lack of recognition? By highlighting the value a California Certified Community Association Manager brings to associations in our statewide consumer awareness campaign. As you know, the Community Champions campaign launched in March 2014 and has already garnered more than 15 million positive impressions about the community association management profession through radio, TV, online, video and print promotions. This means that more and more Californians are beginning to recognize the value you bring to their communities. Phase one of the campaign focused on the San Diego and Sacramento areas, and we are now preparing to launch phase two of the campaign in the San Francisco/ Bay Area and Central Coast (Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, etc.) regions. In total, the campaign will include an estimated four phases covering a majority of the state, concluding by fall of 2015. By increasing the visibility and momentum the Community Champions campaign has already gained through these next phases, it is inevitable that your value will continue to increase in the eyes of homeowners and board members alike. You can join us on our mission to generate an immediate and positive perception of community management by sharing the news of the campaign with your associations. We’ve done all the hard work for you, including providing you with talking points to include on your association website, in the newsletter or in the board packet (see page 29 for more information). By encouraging your board and homeowners to visit the campaign website (www.mycommunitychampion.com), you increase the chances that they will be well informed about the high level of service, professionalism and expertise you bring to their community. This issue of Vision is also a great reminder of the many ways you bring value to your associations. As you read through these stories, I hope you truly recognize how vital you are to the nearly 50,000 HOAs in California and the more than 14 million people who live in them. And, because you may not hear it enough from your associations, thank you for all the hard work you do each and every day. You rock!

Karen D. Conlon, CCAM President & CEO

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

BY TARA GRAVISS, CCAM

Worth Your Weight in

Gold

The hidden treasure is you!

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy world itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to get caught up in competing demands: societal demands, personal demands, employer demands, customer demands, etc. Continued on page 10

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Continued on page 10

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Worth Your Weight in Gold

In order to truly recognize and increase our value as leaders in our industry, we must first fully recognize and own the unique benefit we provide as individuals.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Continued from page 8

The age of instant gratification, with access to anything at our fingertips, has created an almost constant flow of information with little time for reflection or revelation. Everyone has an opinion and they are all too happy to share it. Criticism is at an all time high as privacy loses value in an increasingly viral culture. Society enforces and encourages the devaluation of self and culturally we are rewarded for minimizing our skill sets, undervaluing our accomplishments, and we are even expected to make selfdisparaging remarks. Just think about how uncomfortable it is to graciously accept a compliment. This gets exasperated by the little voice in our heads and our own constant self-criticism – our personal dialogue/ narrative. How many times have you said (at least to yourself ), “I’m fat or stupid or lazy, etc.?” Although some critique may be needed to help guide our development and ensure we become the person we want to be – being overly derogative is damaging to the self and others. Unlearning this culture of criticism and instead learning to value our own worth (and the merit of others) can be one of our greatest challenges.

Starting the Search In order to truly recognize and increase our value as leaders in our industry, we must first fully recognize and own the unique benefit we provide as individuals. This, along with the relationships you build, the experience you glean and the industry resources you access, will make you the most valuable asset to yourself, your company and your clientele. Start by recognizing what you know. Take a minute to jot down the following: • How many years have you been in the industry? • What certifications or credentials do you hold? • What are your strengths and aptitudes? (Come on, what do people compliment you on? If you really aren’t sure, ask.) • How has your guidance helped your board(s) perform their duties? • How have you saved your association(s) money? Long term? Short term? • What experts do you bring to your association(s)? These are your team members! • How have you organized dayto-day operations for your association(s)?

Remember that when you appreciate and respect your value you automatically recognize the value of others. sure you have all the skills you need to manage the ever-competing demands and expectations – and don’t forget to maintain a healthy life balance. Use the tools you have, and schedule time for yourself on your calendar. Invest as much time and energy into yourself and your interests as you do into everyone and everything else. Sometimes that requires setting appropriate boundaries and even saying, “I’d love to, but I can’t.” Remember that when you appreciate and respect your value you automatically recognize the value of others. Take the time to let your service providers know how they are contributing to the success

of your association(s). Your ability to forge relationships with experts who support the association’s best interests adds value to you as a manager.

X Marks the Spot As a community association manager, you are a leader, which means you have an obligation to be clear on the value you deliver. Take the time to make sure you, your board and your association know your value. Set up measurable goals and review them on a quarterly basis: • You created the annual budget: Are your financials on track? Continued on page 12

Wow! When you look at all that summed up and multiplied by your years of experience, you really do make a difference. You work closely with your board members to understand their needs and the community’s vision, and then you create and execute a plan to achieve their goals. You build value for each member and the association by enhancing their property. Use this reflection as an opportunity to boost any areas that might increase your contributions. If utility costs are a concern, learn more about LED, water management and utility tracking. Don’t be happy with the status quo, and keep adding to your wealth of knowledge. Make www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

an asset to the board and association. By evaluating and assessing your usefulness, you raise your esteem, and that benefits everyone. Part of being a leader is helping others recognize their own contributions.

Worth Your Weight in Gold Continued from page 11

•

How are your capital projects going this year? Are they on time and on budget? • How is each service provider performing? How have your worked with them to enhance their value to the community? • How is your preventative maintenance plan going? • What have the various committees accomplished this year? Send your board annual or biannual progress updates on what they have accomplished to let them know they’re on track and you are right there with them making it happen. Then craft the appropriate information into a memo and send it out to the membership, making the board look good! Be sure you are doing your part to keep the board and membership informed. A proactive approach and objective analysis of what is working will further you as

A Bountiful Prize Providing a consistent level of service with greater responsiveness will boost your worth in the eyes of your board, members, vendors, boss, etc. You are already providing expert advice and a high level of professionalism – now bump it up a notch! Take the time to do your best and make sure you’re creating something worthwhile and useful to your association. Shift your focus from what you can do to improve yourself to what can you do to help the association improve. Make sure you are focusing on your association’s needs and providing added value. Invest the time necessary to understand your association and board completely (i.e., listen more, talk less). Understand

“We’re a Team of Responsive and Experienced HOA Banking Professionals.” Teresa Powell, Executive Vice President HOA Specialty Banking

Service • Payment Solutions • Loans Revenue Generation • Local Remittance

how your board and association define your value. How do they perceive the value you bring? Get to know your membership better over a cup of coffee, one at a time. Respect the contributions of all your team members. Recognize the efforts of your board, committee members and any volunteers. Don't miss the chance to be the change that you want to see. Your value is SO much more than the time you sit in a chair working for a client. Explore the many ways you create value. You have the power to make a difference in your communities. Celebrate your worth every day!

Tara Graviss, CCAM, is a community manager with Walters Management at Liberty Station in San Diego.

Kimberly Bohn Senior Vice President, Manager kimberly.bohn @ focusbusinessbank.com 408.200.8730

Geri Kennedy Vice President, Relationship Manager geri.kennedy @ focusbusinessbank.com 408.200.8721

Karl Lofthouse Vice President, HOA Specialty Lender karl.lofthouse @ focusbusinessbank.com 408.200.8744

focusbusinessbank.com 10 Almaden Blvd, Suite 150, San Jose, CA 95113 408.288.5900 Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

ecently, I was reminded that “you can’t improve what you don’t measure.” And, as you read through the articles in this issue of Vision magazine, you will see references to bringing value to your communities and measuring your success. What is a standard method of measuring success? Often, we set parameters or benchmarks and then participate in a compare and contrast exercise. Once this exercise is complete, we can then analyze how we have met our targets or achieved our successes. For the CACM Board, measurement of success is primarily dependent upon member feedback, participation in programs and member surveys. Generally, though, we are not afforded the opportunity to measure our strengths as a professional association. And, as managers, there is a tendency to measure our success as we would measure the success of an HOA. Yet, CACM is a much different organization and any comparison to an HOA is misleading and somewhat false. So where do we go to compare and contrast our strengths as an organization against other professional associations? Surprisingly, the search for a new CEO has provided an unexpected benefit. The CEO search process has provided substantial insight into the operations of other associations. We can now reflect on our operations as a member-based organization and see how we measure up.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to share that CACM has proved to be one of the more progressive professional associations in the country. With the implementation of a formal governance policy, as well as CACM’s recent PR campaign, legislative activity, new branding, publications, and constantly evolving educational programs (in fact, CACM’s educational programs were recently honored with an ASAE Power of A Award; see more on pg. 42), we have set high standards. When we compare and contrast CACM’s accomplishments, it is apparent that our association is exceptional. Our success is directly attributed to all CACM staff and past and current Board and Committee Members, who all work diligently to pursue constant improvements, new directions and necessary adjustments to the changing needs of our members and our industry. Our continued success is predicated on these same efforts and dedication. The CACM Board and staff will continue to measure our progress to ensure that our organization can continue to improve and excel.

On behalf of the CACM Board, Melinda Young, CCAM, PCAM Board Chair

#1 Specialist in Business Insurance for California Community Management Firms CEOs share their experience: CID Insurance Programs provides the right insurance products “ for our management company. They understand who we are and what we need to protect our assets. That helps me sleep better at night.

” Lin Yates, CCAM, President/CEO

More than 20 years of successfully helping community management companies with insurance and risk management solutions.

Miramonte Company

• Cyber Liability • Employment Practices Liability • Errors & Omissions • Master Fidelity • Office Package • Tenant Discrimination • Workers Compensation

CID Insurance Programs provides first-rate insurance policies “ and risk management services and is always improving their product offerings and developing special programs for our industry. Their dedication to their clients and to our entire industry is unparalleled.

”

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Call (800) 922-7283 or email insurance@cacm.org Endorsed by California Association of Community Managers, Inc. (CACM) License # 0C41342 www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

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Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

INTRODUCING SPC440

New Development Community Management

et ready for a new challenge with CACM’s newest course: SPC440 New Development Community Management. This two-day course is geared to senior managers and provides an understanding of working relationships and processes employed in creating and transitioning developer controlled CIDs to owner involved associations. Learning outcomes: • Describe the role of the manager when working with developer communities • Describe the role of the Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) and its regulations for new CID subdivisions • Identify and explain documents pertaining to subdivided lands • Know the required start-up operations prior to the first close of escrow • Set and manage expectations with the builder team, sales team and new homeowners • Explain the process and best practices for turnover of common amenities • Describe the California’s Right to Repair Act and the Construction Defect Litigation process • Identify trends in new community development This course is ideal for: • Experienced CCAMs who want to expand their skills and career opportunities and/or earn the New Development Community Management Specialty Certificate • Coordinators for builder community management services • Managers of newly built communities • Management company executives who supervise others involved with new development services Learn more about this course and register now at www.cacm.org.

FIRST OFFERING: October 23-24, 2014 in Laguna Hills

COURSE LENGTH: 16 hours

PREREQUISITES: None. At least two years as a CCAM is recommended.

COURSE FEE: Member $449, Non-Member $590 (includes lunch and refreshments)

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUS): 14

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

STEP IT UP WITH A

Specialty Certificate How focused training can increase your professional appeal

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

s with any profession, the longer you practice community association management, the more experience you have to leverage when working with clients and meeting desired outcomes. Your experience is invaluable to your success – and education is the perfect complement to the time you’ve spent in the field. Think of education as the endurance boost you need to keep pace with the progression of your career. Attending professional courses trains you to pursue new ideas, keeps you focused on performing better, and spurs you to continue to move toward your goals. Consider making your next educational goal something that will raise your professional value, both in your eyes and the eyes of your board members: earn a Specialty Certificate. By focusing on a management specialty – including high rise, large scale, portfolio, or new development – you are setting yourself up for more career opportunities, increased credibility and a heightened sense of confidence.

“I was happy to have an opportunity to be able to elevate my status in the industry,” says Patricia Klock, CCAM, who earned her High Rise Specialty Certificate in August 2012. “Recently, I was deposed for a lawsuit regarding the association, and when asked for my credentials, [my Specialty Certificate] brought credibility to me and my testimony.” Jeff Deibler, CCAM had a similar experience when he shared the news of earning his Specialty Certificate in large scale community management in December 2013. “In all of my experiences with my clients, they expressed appreciation that I continue to learn about community association management and keep apprised of updates and changes in law,” Deibler says. “I have found that they are asking me more questions about association management and treating me more like an ‘expert’ or ‘consultant.’” Each specialty course is designed to do just that: prepare community association managers to be informed advisors to their associations when it comes to their chosen specialty. Ekaterina Continued on page 20

CACM SPECIALTY CERTIFICATES Earning a Specialty Certificate demonstrates an in-depth understanding of one of the following management specializations:

• High Rise Community Management

• Large Scale Community Management

• Portfolio Management

• New Development

NEW!

Community Management (learn more on pg. 17)

You can also increase your marketability as a general manager by completing SPC420 Active Adult Community Management, an additional four-hour course that pairs well with the Large Scale Community Management Specialty Certificate. (Please note: Specialty Certificates are not available in Active Adult Community Management.)

Consider making your next educational goal something that will raise your professional value, both in your eyes and the eyes of your board members.

To learn more about earning a Specialty Certificate, visit www.cacm.org.

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Del Norte

Siskiyou

Humboldt

Modoc

Shasta

Trinity

Lassen

Tehama

Don’t be afraid to branch out! Managers across the state are earning Specialty Certificates outside their current discipline to broaden their knowledge.

Plumas Butte

Glenn

Sierra

Mendocino

Nevada Sutter Yuba

Colusa

Placer

Lake Yolo

Sonoma

Napa

Marin

Alpine

Calaveras Tuolumne

Contra Costa San Joaquin

San Francisco

Alameda

Mono

Stanislaus

San Mateo Santa Clara

Mariposa Madera

Merced

Santa Cruz

Our Bay area members lead the state with the largest number of Specialty Certificates earned in the Portfolio, High Rise and Large Scale disciplines.

San Benito

Not surprisingly, the desert communities remain focused on obtaining the Large Scale Specialty Certificate.

Kings

Kern

Ventura

San Bernardino

Los Angeles

2 2

Our first-ever High Rise Specialty Certificate was awarded to Kingsley McLaren, CCAM in San Diego. Great to see other managers following his example.

In addition to completing a course focused solely on one of the specialties, participants must first be a Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) and complete coursework in human resource management and risk management for community associations. “The requirements to earn a Specialty Certificate include these advanced leadership and risk management courses to prepare managers to deal with a variety of complex management scenarios. This can include creating a risk profile for an association, participating in the litigation process, complying with employment laws or managing workplace conflict,” says Tracy Kreiss, CACM Director of Education. “This ensures certificate holders

Riverside

Orange

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

PORTFOLIO

With our New Development Specialty Course debuting soon, what region will lead the way with this newest offering?

Inyo

Santa Barbara

Strulyov, CCAM earned her High Rise Specialty Certificate this past May and says she found the educational content of the high rise course to be very thorough and beneficial. “The course itself is amazing and the instructors that teach various classes throughout this course are the greatest. They shared their best knowledge, examples and stories that will help me at my future job,” says Strulyov. “The fact that you actually have a tour of the high rise building and its manager tells you everything she knows is the most incredible part.”

LARGE SCALE

Fresno

San Luis Obispo

Continued from page 19

Tulare

Monterey

Step It Up with a Specialty Certificate

HIGH RISE

El Dorado

SacramentoAmador Solano

1 5

San Diego

Imperial

are well versed in all aspects of managing a community within their chosen specialty, as well as confident in their ability to handle high-level management issues.” Darren Shaw, CCAM earned his Large Scale Specialty Certificate in August 2013 and says he would absolutely encourage his colleagues to earn one of their own. “Why – because, an industry professional must be well educated to provide their board(s) with proper guidance; and, the Specialty Certificate process provided a variety of new learning opportunities,” says Shaw. Learn how you can earn your Specialty Certificate at www.cacm.org.

Trust Relationships Results

Angius & Terry LLP has long prided itself on providing superior legal representation to community associations while fostering long-lasting relationships with our clients for over 30 years. In today’s ever-changing real estate and financial markets, community associations can continue to trust Angius & Terry LLP to rise to these new challenges to help them achieve favorable results. Your problems are our problems. Your success is our pride. Angius & Terry LLP: your association’s constant in a changing world.

800.680.4001 www.angius-terry.com Walnut Creek • Roseville • Manteca Newport Beach • Las Vegas • Reno

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Get Involved with CACM Interested in ways to amp up your professional résumé? Looking to build important industry connections? Want to positively impact your industry on a wide scale? CACM offers three ways to do all this and more: Join a Regional Forum Committee: Collaborate with peers to develop the content and quality of educational programming for CACM’s Regional Forums in your area. You’ll help brainstorm the most timely, relevant topics for us to feature that will be of interest to the managers in your region. Contribute to the Manager Toolkit Committee: The online Manager Toolkit features valuable resources for community managers to help make their daily jobs easier. Help us identify new resources to feature, including sample forms, contracts and other tools that community manager members can benefit from most.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Become an Instructor: Help educate our industry and earn CEUs for each course you teach! If you’ve held the CCAM designation for at least five years and have experience in facilitating meetings or training, you may have what it takes to be a CACM instructor. You can make a difference on a great magnitude – and gain valuable insight to advance your own professional development – by contributing your great ideas, knowledge and skills through CACM. Contact Tracy Kreiss, Director of Education, at tkreiss@cacm.org for more information on these careerenhancing opportunities.

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Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Eliminating Anticipating Facilitating FRICTION

CONFLICTS

SOLUTIONS

What BODs Value Most About Their Community Manager By Kay Ladner, CCAM

doubt that many of us made a conscious decision to become a community manager. If you’re like me, you just “fell” into it. If you like what you’re doing, at some point you’ve asked yourself, what’s it going to take to be successful in this career? In reading this, you made the best first step by joining an organization that provides state specific education and support. But what about our clients and employers? What is it that makes us valuable to them? As we’ve done in the past, we polled a number of board members and asked them five questions that we hoped would provide us with insight into what makes us valuable to them. Responsive, knowledgeable and organized topped the list of desired qualities, but as I read through the responses I noted a theme that really struck me: they do recognize us as professionals and therefore expect us to be able to guide them in all aspects of their roles in the community. Continued on page 26

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Eliminating Friction, Anticipating Conflicts, Facilitating Solutions Continued from page 25

When asked to name a specific instance where it was clear their manager’s expertise was invaluable, two board members referred to how their manager handled emergencies: “The ability to coordinate a number of agencies in an emergency.” “The ability to deal with the follow through after a fire in four units.” Others spoke to the specific knowledge managers had in areas of finance, laws and diverse personalities: “Laser fixed on managing budget, saving money and negotiation contracts.” “Keeping costs within budget.” “Refer quality vendors, handle complaints adequately, make sure the association is compliant with laws.” They also look to us as mediators and peacekeepers: “The ability to act as an arbitrator.” “Help to eliminate friction.” “Keep complaints to the board at a minimum.” “Withstand continued onslaughts from the few dissenters.” “Having patience with disgruntled owners.”

Paving the way since 1981

When asked what they personally valued in their manager, the responses noted the following skill sets: “Good judgment, decisiveness, and ability to communicate.” “Helpfulness and being a good listener.” “Honesty, integrity and working with the board in a collaborative way.” “Builds community, minimizes divisiveness to gain community unity.” One HOA attorney who sits on his association board emphasized the importance of calling in experts. He valued his manager for recommending the board seek legal advice to “ensure that a specific proposal and contract would be proper for the work being performed.” When asked what specific skill set or training every community manager should have, it was clear ongoing industry involvement and education plays a roll: “Professional designations indicate a level of education and commitment to the industry.” “Participation in professional organizations and the ability to lobby and communicate with legislators.” “Having an accounting background.” “Leadership skills training, and training devoted to analytical skills.” One board member who has served on association boards for a number of years summed it up perfectly: “Working in [an] association can be challenging, even more so as a manager, as you have to respond to homeowners who at the same time are your bosses. To do so requires superior communication skills, good judgment and an orientation toward action. “A good manager brings value to the enterprise by having a solid understanding of all governing documents, good business judgment and the ability to act as an arbiter amongst homeowners, board and committee members, and vendors. “Good judgment, decisiveness, and ability to communicate. The latter has become even more challenging as the means of communication have proliferated along with their speed.” When you sit back and think about it, we really are a special breed of professionals; look at all the skills we need to embrace and acquire to be valued and effective in this unique industry. Celebrate these skills – they set you apart from the norm.

License #415436

amspaving.com

(800) 357-0711

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

Kay Ladner, CCAM is the General Manager of the Desert Horizons Owners Association in Indian Wells.

Order Your Complimentary Brochures One of CACM’s top priorities is to help promote your professional value in front of the people who matter most. That’s why we’ve revamped two of our free promotional brochures for you to pass on to your boards and clients – and they both highlight the incredible value you bring to their associations.

Is Your Community Manager California Certified?

Why a certified professional is the right choice for your community

CACM has a membership of nearly 3,000 Californiaprofessionals and is the only community association ement organization in the nation to offer a Californiac educational program for industry professionals that o the designation of Certified Community Association er (CCAM).

23461 South Pointe Drive, Suite 200 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949.916.2226 www.cacm.org

CACM offers California community association management firms the opportunity to continually achieve this higher standard of service for their clients through the Accredited Community Management Firm (ACMF) program. The ACMF accreditation tasks management firms with meeting rigorous risk management, education and insurance requirements. Through their commitment to these ACMF standards, each accredited company operates with the highest accountability and professionalism, which directly benefits you and your community.

Management at a Higher Level GAIN PEACE OF MIND WITH A CALIFORNIA ACCREDITED MANAGEMENT FIRM

Today, CACM has a membership of nearly 3,000 California-based professionals focused on supporting the close to 50,000 associations throughout the state.

Pantone 445 C

1991, CACM has been providing community association ers with professional tools to help them manage nia associations successfully.

Since 1991, our comprehensive education and certification programs have been preparing California community association managers to be a trusted resource for HOAs statewide. In addition, we also offer membership and accreditation programs designed to promote professional standards for management firms serving the California market.

Pantone 756 C

CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED?

The California Association of Community Managers, Inc. (CACM) supports the community association managers and management firms who enrich the communities of millions of Californians.

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put, the California Association of Community ers, Inc. (CACM) supports the managers who enrich ommunities. We provide comprehensive education and ation programs that prepare California community ation managers to be a trusted resource for HOAs ide.

This brochure is designed for This brochure is designed management firms who have About CACM: specifically for you to earned the Accredited Community Confidence. distribute to your board Management Firm (ACMF) Mutual trust. Peace of mind. members or prospective/ accreditation to distribute to their These are the most important things your association’s management firm should provide you with when serving your existing clients so they can current and prospective clients. community. better understand how This brochure highlights the your Certified Community higher standard of service ACMF Association Manager (CCAM) companies provide by meeting certification positively impacts strict risk management, education them and their community. and insurance requirements. Pantone 7580 C

IS YOUR COMMUNITY MANAGER

ut CACM:

Management at a Higher Level

Empowering Managers. Enriching Communities.

23461 South Pointe Drive, Suite 200 Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949.916.2226 www.cacm.org

This brochure explains how CCAMs: This brochure explains how ACMF • Understand how to apply the 1,200+ laws companies: that govern California HOAs ACMFs: Order up • Employ a well-educated, • Help board members make wise business professional and certified to 50 free copies management team decisions for the community quarterly! • Act as the HOA’s liaison with • Understand and comply with the 1,200+ laws that affect California owners, tenants, subcontractors and public entities associations • Pursue continuing education • Know how to advise the best Manager Members: in a variety of management course of action for associations Order up to 10 free subjects • Implement risk management practices and copies quarterly! • Adhere to ethical guidelines internal financial controls and best business practices • Remain committed to ethical practices and the betterment of the industry as a whole Individual manager members can order up to 10 free copies of this brochure quarterly. To order, email ACMF companies can order up to 50 free copies of this registration@cacm.org. brochure quarterly. Or, order 100 brochures at a time for $75. To order, email registration@cacm.org. Not a CCAM? Learn how you can become certified in three steps at www.cacm.org. Not an ACMF? Learn more about the accreditation process at www.cacm.org/management-firm.html.

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

serving your communities

New Affiliate Members

CACM members further their success in the industry and benefit by partnering with colleagues to share new ideas and best practices. Please join us in welcoming these new members from the second quarter of 2014!

Allied Postal Products, Inc. Escondido | (760) 781-3193 www.alliedpostalproducts.com

Aune & Associates San Francisco | (415) 433-6400 www.auneassociates.com

IPM Tech Pest Management Pomona | (800) 380-1174 www.ipmtechpest.com

Alta Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. San Diego | (858) 256-7663 www.altaroofinginc.com

Beach Paving, Inc. Costa Mesa | (714) 978-2414 www.beachpavinginc.com

Nordberg DeNichilo, LLP Irvine | (949) 654-1510 www.ndhoalaw.com

Aquatic Facility Services, Inc. Fountain Valley | (949) 478-9931 www.afsinconline.com

DRT Paving & Sealing, Inc. Sunol | (925) 862-9900 www.drtgrading-paving.com

SAX Insurance Agency San Clemente | (949) 248-8611 www.saxagency.com

Asphalt Care, Inc. Paramount | (562) 220-2546 www.asphalt-paving-concrete.com

ERC Construction Irvine | (949) 653-8300 www.erc-construction.com

• Attorney-Supervised, systemized non-judicial assessment collection.* • Assessment Collection Specialists. • In-House Trustee Services.

THE ASSESSMENT LIEN COLLECTION SPECIALISTS

• In most cases Association fees and costs are paid by the homeowner, not the Association. • Most delinquencies cleared within 60 days. • No fee bankruptcy and senior monitoring. • Detailed real-time status reports. • 24/7 online access to account information through our website known as ARMS.

Call Toll Free 800-825-5510 28

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

*Including properties with no equity and short sales.

www.ALSLien.com

Recognize Your Champion Status! Reasons to share the value and service you bring to California’s communities You are champions – and we’ve got the numbers to prove it! Since launching in March 2014, the Community Champions campaign has delivered radio/TV spots, print/online ads, promotional videos and a consumer website to the public – resulting in more than 15 million positive impressions about community association management in California. The consumer website is the focal point of the campaign because it contains a wealth of information about the vital role you as community managers serve in your communities. This includes the infamous wheel (pictured at left), which features the many advisory roles you fulfill each day. One look at this list of responsibilities, and it’s no wonder this campaign is highlighting you as a champion. The public has recognized the value of this informative microsite, which has seen nearly 13,000 visits since March 2014. So, what does all this mean? In short, you are valuable and you need to get in the habit of celebrating your worth whenever you can. To get you started, we’ve devised a few ways you can easily share this good news with your homeowners and board members: • • •

Add a link to www.mycommunitychampion.com on your company or association website Include a brief message in your association newsletter Announce the campaign to your BOD

Community Champion Campaign Stats* +15 million positive impressions about the community management profession 13,278 visits to the MyCommunityChampion.com website 841 YouTube views of promotional videos and TV spots *From March 10 - August 19, 2014

We’ve already written these promotional pieces for you. To access the wording, which is ready for you to copy and paste, go to www.cacm.org and type “promote your profession” into the search box and click on the first result. With your help, we can ensure more Californians recognize the value of living in an HOA and working with California-certified community association managers.

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

How your manager’s professional network benefits you

hat does it really mean to work with a Californiacertified community association manager who is a part of the California Association of Community Managers (CACM)?

this manager is not alone. CACM has a network of nearly 3,000 professionals who share insights, solutions and expertise with one another.

EDUCATION SHARED AND PASSED ALONG The manager you hire for your homeowners association may be independent, part of a small company or a large corporation. No matter how many or few are employed at that business, a manager who is a member of CACM is backed by thousands of professionals who are always available for consultation and advice.

CACM AND THE CCAM DESIGNATION CACM is a specialized, professional association that supports professionalism and standards of practice in the California community association industry. When you hire a manager with a Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) designation through CACM, you have a professional who is well-educated, well-informed and wellconnected. This one person who works with your board of directors has a wealth of knowledge at his or her fingertips. But 30

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

The initial courses for achieving the CCAM designation are extensive. Maintaining the CCAM certification means continuous education through hours of training and seminars each year. These are courses and events that deepen a manager’s knowledge and elevate his or her level of expertise. Fellow managers with decades of experience often teach these courses. Group discussions offer opportunities for enriching one another’s understanding of and experience with specific situations.

A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AMONG PEERS CACM’s membership network allows managers to find cutting edge trends and innovative approaches for the issues that face California HOAs. Anytime there are emerging issues, CACM members are testing ideas and coming up with creative solutions that benefit the entire network.

BY LORI STORM, CCAM

Thinking of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station or allowing golf carts in your community? Your manager can connect with dozens of others who have worked through the details of the set up and can offer guidance.

CACM’s quarterly magazine, Vision, is delivered to members as well. Each issue explores a theme or subject that is examined from multiple viewpoints, offering creative ways to approach resolutions.

Wondering if filling in your unused swimming pool or converting the tennis courts to a dog park is cost-effective and workable? There are professionals all over the state who have managed just such a transition.

Newsletters provide an additional form of communication with all CACM members throughout the state, as a more immediate communication tool to keep managers up to date on vital industry information.

A WIDE VARIETY OF EXPERTS

CACM has an online discussion forum that enables members to check in with others throughout the state and discuss specific issues, ask questions and offer innovative solutions member to member.

CACM does more than bring together management professionals to network and brainstorm solutions to community challenges. CACM members also include a vast array of subject matter experts who share information with the membership statewide. With a couple of mouse clicks, managers can get in touch with insurance brokers, reserve study experts, construction defect attorneys and a wide variety of specialty vendors and consultants for advice regarding all matters HOA.

Seminars and conferences offer additional opportunities for managers to connect more personally with other managers, as well as industry experts, consultants and contractors who generously share expertise with one another.

Anytime there is new legislation or case law that affects HOAs, the CACM professional network is plugged in and managers are kept updated. Members are informed of what HOA-related legislation is in the pipeline, which has been enacted, and which has been clarified through court cases. This allows your manager to help you keep your association legal, your actions within bounds and your decisions proper.

Managers who are part of the CACM professional network have access to much more expertise and experience than is listed on their résumés. Their pipeline to knowledge and advice increases their value as a resource over and above the ability to handle day-to-day operations. You and your fellow board members can rest easy knowing that your professional manager and the CACM network are on the job for your association.

COLLABORATION AND DISSEMINATION

Lori R. Storm, CCAM, is a District Manager with FirstService Residential California, LLC, in Gold River.

How does this vast array of individuals keep in touch with each other? CACM offers a variety of vehicles to share knowledge. Members receive copies of CACM’s Law Journal, which contains articles written by HOA attorneys addressing current legal matters.

CACM’s “In the Boardroom” feature is intended to provide key trends, tips and practical advice for association board members. For easy sharing, you can also access this and other archived articles online at www.cacm.org. www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Small C Measures Your B 32

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Cost-Saving You Can Give BOD Now

BY PATTY GARCIA, CCAM

o you want to impress your board and community members by being proactive rather than reactive? From personal experience, it seems that the board and the membership are more interested in (and appreciative of ) my suggestions on cost-savings measures than anything else. Here is an opportunity for you to do just that. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gathered a few money saving suggestions for you to share without having to spend too much time or energy. As we all know, water, electricity and gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight. Not only are we going to pay more for these services, but we will also be penalized if we use more than what is allotted to us. In 2009, I wrote an article about energy saving tips (seems like yesterday) and noted the overwhelming number of websites and rebates available for homeowners and associations. Today, there are very few programs available, and most are related to water. I also reported in 2009 that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills and in 2011 that cost went up 18% to 20%. I think that gives us an idea of what we can look forward to and budget for in terms of utility bills in the future. After searching the web, I found various sites that can be valuable to many of your communities. I have included rebates for individual owners (you can use in your newsletters if they apply) or your association with a website address for easy reference.

Turf Removal Currently the rebate from your local water district for turf removal will give you the highest rebate. In addition to the rebate you will get on the annual cost for water, a typical rebate for turf removal ranges from $1-2 per square foot. Continued on page 34

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Do not assume that just because your home is recently constructed – or even new – that there are no opportunities to save energy. Low Effort, High Return Continued from page 33

SCE Southern California Edison (SCE) offers a Quality Installation Program, where you can get up to $1,100 in rebates: www.ac-quality.com/homeowners/qi SDGE SDGE has a rebate finder and outlines new programs, updates and changes to their rebate programs: www.sdge.com/rebates-finder/business

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Residential Toilets Residential high-efficiency toilet rebates available for San Francisco single and multi-family residents. Cash rebates of up to $125 per tank style toilet and up to $300 per flushometer: www.sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=173

California Energy Grants Energy rebates, loans, incentives and programs for alternative energy, wind power, solar power and energy efficient appliances are expanding under the new administration. It’s easy to find the right rebate or program! Simply search according to your state. Under each state there are several categories organizing each energy incentive according to type. Bookmark or email each incentive that fits your needs by using the button at the bottom of the page. To find incentives that your association may qualify for, visit the www.energy-grants.net/california-energy-grants-rebates-loansincentives and also check out the Federal Incentives section.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California This water district offers rebates to help you save money and make your garden California friendly: www.mwdh2o. com. The water district also offers these tips for savings: Smart Sprinkler Timers - These controllers automatically adjust the watering schedule to account for changing weather and plant types and can save over 13,500 gallons of water per year. Sprinkler Nozzles - Rotating sprinkler nozzles apply water more slowly and uniformly, using 20% less water than conventional spray heads. High efficiency nozzles for large rotary sprinklers also apply water more uniformly, and can help save over 6% of water use per year.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

“Do-It-Yourself” Home Energy Audit The potential energy savings from reducing drafts in a home may range from 5% to 30% per year, and the home is generally much more comfortable afterward. While a professional home energy audit is the best way to determine where your home is losing energy and where you can save, you can conduct your own simple but diligent walk-through and spot many problems in any type of house. This “do-it-yourself ” home energy audit will not be as thorough as a professional home energy assessment, but it can help you pinpoint some of the easier areas to address. When walking through your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. Do not assume that just because your home is recently constructed – or even new – that there are no opportunities to save energy. Energy saving technology has evolved rapidly over the past few years, outpacing training commonly available to many builders, including some of the most reputable. Visit http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourselfhome-energy-audits for more guidelines.

High Efficiency Toilets Replace your old high water-use toilet with a high efficiency toilet. Dual flush high efficiency toilets with 1.6/1.1 gallons per flush efficiency rating are also accepted. • •

Estimated Cost: $100-300 Rebate Amount: $150 per toilet. Maximum of $750 (five toilets) per customer Visit www.mnwd.com/residential-device-rebate-guidelines/.

SoCalWater$mart Rebates are available for water efficient fixtures and equipment for single and multi-family residences, businesses, industry, institutions, and large landscapes. Visit www.socalwatersmart.com. Be a champion at your next meeting by suggesting a rebate that appeals to or is useful to everyone. We as managers can use positive feedback and praise any time we can get it. Patty Garcia CCAM, PCAM, is President of MCM, LLC in Santa Ana.

Southern California

upcoming courses & events

DATE

Fall Calendar COURSE/EVENT

COURSE/EVENT CODE

LOCATION

Portfolio Management BAM Series (Modules I-II) Ethics for Community Managers Enhance Your Professional Presence

SPC430 CMM101-102 CMM130 CMM200

Laguna Hills San Diego Palm Desert Palm Desert

Advanced Insurance Principles Active Adult Community Management Forum Luncheon Risk Management in Community Associations Forum Luncheon California Law Series (Modules I-IV) California Law Series (Modules I-IV) Fundamentals of Effective Governance Advanced Ethics: Leadership & Decision Making New Development Community Management Forum Luncheon and Mini-Tradeshow

INS300 SPC420 FRMLA INS400 FRMVEN CMM121-124 CMM121-124 BDA300 LDR500 SPC440 FRMOC

Laguna Hills Laguna Hills Culver City Laguna Hills Camarillo San Diego Laguna Hills Laguna Hills Laguna Hills Laguna Hills Costa Mesa

Effective Governance Principles for Community Associations Effective Meeting & Election Tools Ethics for Community Managers Forum Breakfast Effective Meeting & Election Tools Ethics for Community Managers Forum Luncheon and Mini-Tradeshow

BDA500 BDA220 CMM130 FRMCV BDA220 CMM130 FRMSD

Laguna Hills San Diego San Diego Palm Desert Laguna Hills Laguna Hills San Diego

SEPTEMBER

10-12 17-18 18 18

OCTOBER

1 1 7 8 8 8-9 15-16 22 22 23-24 30

NOVEMBER

3-4 5 5 6 6 6 13

Northern California

DECEMBER

3 4

DATE

SEPTEMBER

11 11 17-18 18 18

OCTOBER

1-2 15 16 29

Human Resource Management LDR400 Holiday Reception

Laguna Hills Newport Beach

COURSE/EVENT

COURSE/EVENT CODE

LOCATION

Fundamentals of Effective Governance Advanced Ethics: Leadership & Decision Making California Law Series (Modules I-IV) Strategic Financial Planning Advanced Ethics: Leadership & Decision Making

BDA300 LDR500 CMM121-124 FIN320 LDR500

San Bruno San Bruno Walnut Creek Sacramento Sacramento

BAM Series (Modules I-II) Forum Breakfast Forum Luncheon and Mini-Tradeshow Human Resource Management

CMM101-102 FRMSAC FRMEB LDR400

Sacramento Sacramento Concord San Bruno

Fundamentals of Effective Governance Ethics for Community Managers Effective Governance Principles for Community Associations Effective Meeting & Election Tools Ethics for Community Managers

BDA300 CMM130 BDA500 BDA220 CMM130

Sacramento Sacramento Concord Concord Concord

NOVEMBER

6 6 10-11 19 19

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

30 years fro

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

rom now… The Evolution of a Reserve Study BY SCOTT CLEMENTS, RS, PRA & LES WEINBERG, RS

or decades, California’s Davis-Stirling Act has included the “remaining life of 30 years or less” language in defining a reserve component. When aging, or not so aging, community associations face expensive restoration costs, members often ask the question, “Was this in the Reserve Study?” Incorporating infrastructure items, such as asphalt, landscape/hardscape, plumbing and electrical systems into Reserve Studies may be simpler than anticipated. This is why over the last few years – particularly since the cash crunch events of the Great Recession – HOAs are beginning to think in the long term. Determining if a component is an appropriate addition to a study’s funding calculations should start with a look at California law. The Code allows for major components with life expectancies in excess of 30 years to be excluded from reserve calculations, as long as the decision is revealed in the Reserve Study and reported in the Assessment and Reserve Funding Disclosure Summary. Therefore, it would be acceptable to include a component line item (such as “plumbing replacement”), note the expected useful life to be in excess of 30 years, and exclude it from the funding calculations – as long as that is properly disclosed. The 30-year requirement is a minimum; the Code does not prohibit the inclusion of items with an expected useful life greater than 30 years. If a component is expected to last 50 years, it can be included in the funding calculations as such. Continued on page 38

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30 Years from Now… Continued from page 37

The industry has relied on a component threshold in determining major components. Each report should have a minimum value for inclusion (typically $500-$2,500) so that a single component or a series of like kind components above that value are considered major components. Items below that level would be considered less significant, and therefore anticipated to be funded on an as-needed basis from the operating account. Next, recognized standards of care should be considered. In California, the industry standards for recognition of a component include this 5-part test: • Is it the association’s responsibility to maintain, repair, restore or replace it? • Does it have a limited useful life expectancy? • Does it have a predictable remaining useful life expectancy? • Is its replacement cost above the minimum threshold? • As required by local codes (30 years or less remaining useful life in California) This five-part test is helpful when assessing a repair or replacement scenario and asking whether the Reserve Study should include a particular item. If the answers to all of the above questions are yes, then it qualifies as a reserve component. If the answers to any of these are no, then it would not. If it’s a maybe or “I don’t know,” it’s best to obtain legal advice to determine the item’s inclusion in your Reserve Study. The frequent question, “Why wasn’t it in the Reserve Study?,” is more complex. Some of it can be attributed to the Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) sales and disclosure processes. The BRE 623 38

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

form is designed to establish an annual expense; it does not have expected useful life timelines. Therefore, some reserve items may be omitted and costs are often limited to annual maintenance and repair expenditures, versus complete restoration or replacement expenses. Additionally, BRE budgets are prepared by the developer, who may underestimate the maintenance expenses in an effort to enhance sales. Unfortunately, many communities base their early Reserve Studies off BRE budget forecasts. In other instances, the component may have been outside the 30 year remaining useful life rule at the time of construction and original reporting, and thus may have never been added to the component inventory over the update cycles. This is a common occurrence. One example of this is potable plumbing systems, including materials such as galvanized steel, copper and plastic. The expected useful life of each of these products can vary greatly based on material grade, installation, environment, usage, and maintenance; however, all of them typically have an expected useful service life in excess of 30 years. In some instances they can be estimated to last 60 years or more. At what point is the replacement of the potable plumbing system inside the 30-year window? To answer those types of questions the association may need further investigations by qualified service providers. By the time a residential use building reaches the 20-year mark, there are questions one should ask about its longterm maintenance needs as they relate to the infrastructure of the property. General questions should include: • What portion, if not all, of the component is the association’s responsibility? • Are these components represented in the Reserve Study? • Are there current condition reports or cost estimates?

In addition, certain circumstances call for additional questions: Termites/wood destroying organisms: Is it wood-framed construction? Is there a history of regular fumigation? Local treatment? Siding/weather shell: Does the property have siding? What are the typical useful life expectancies for the material(s) used? Will window or door frames require replacement?

Plumbing (supply and drainage systems): What type and grade of material is used? What are the expected useful and remaining service lives? What is the extent of any work performed to date? Does the community have a history of leakage or drainage issues? Electrical (capacity and distribution): Is the system original to the property? Was it built before microwaves, personal space heaters and electrical device overload? Does Continued on page 40

By the time a residential use building reaches the 20-year mark, there are questions one should ask about its long-term maintenance needs as they relate to the infrastructure of the property.

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30 Years from Now… Continued from page 39

capacity meet current and estimated future demand needs? Concrete/Paving/Hardscape: What is the condition of the concrete flatwork? Curbs? Drains? Driveways? Parking lots? Perimeter walls? Are these represented in the Reserve Study? Landscaping: Are trees encroaching on structures or walkways that may need removal/replacement? Are there areas of dead or decaying landscape that need refurbishment? Is there a history of, or high potential for, slope failures? Recreation refurbishment: Does the property have a clubhouse? Restrooms? Kitchens? Administrative offices? Does the recreation room feel like it’s 1980? These are just a few of the more common issues faced by homeowners associations. A thorough inspection by a qualified community manager, reserve analyst and members of the association’s business partner team can identify components specific to each individual property. Associations are encouraged to ask themselves these questions and begin to plan for the inevitable replacement and refurbishment of the major infrastructure. Because we all know too well that eventually everything has less than 30 years to go! Scott Clements, RS, PRA, CMI, is the Chief Operating Officer of Reserve Studies Inc. (RSI) in Chatsworth, and Les Weinberg, RS, is RSI’s Chief Financial Officer.

MEET A BANK WITH 20 YEARS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. No matter what size your community is, managing it can be a daily challenge. Union Bank® Homeowners Association Services is here to help. For over 20 years, we’ve streamlined the assessment collections process for community associations with specialized tools and services powered by Union Bank product solutions and our proprietary Smartstreet® technology platform. We offer a customized HOA lockbox with same-day processing to accelerate payment collection, reduce mail-in times for checks, and provide homeowners with convenient online payment options. Whatever your needs, Union Bank’s capabilities make it easier to control your daily financial operations. Contact us today at 866-210-2333 to learn more. HOAbankers.com Smartstreet.com

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achieving professional excellence

Congratulations Managers

It is with pride that we recognize managers who have taken the next step in their professional career by pursuing advanced educational opportunities. Congratulations to our newest Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) and Specialty Certificate recipients for the second quarter of 2014.

NEW CCAMs Scott E. Adam, CCAM Christine T. Alfieri, CCAM Katherine Amicone, CCAM Erin Anderson, CCAM Stacy M. Austin, CCAM Vida Badiee, CCAM Penny A. Carter, CCAM Susanne C. Darner, CCAM Joseph DeHerrera, CCAM Taylor L. DeLauder, CCAM

Rosemarie Ramos-Cacho, CCAM Maria C. Rodriguez, CCAM Harry R. Seaboldt, CCAM Dawn L. Sims, CCAM Kathy Stathakopoulos, CCAM Linda L. Steverson, CCAM Stephanie Strobel, CCAM Patricia Vanderpool, CCAM

SPECIALTY CERTIFICATES High Rise Community Management Valorie Lambert, CCAM Ekaterina Strulyov, CCAM

Portfolio Management Gayla Amos, CCAM

William Joseph Whitt Jr., CCAM

Katie Herbert, CCAM

Joyce L. Witten, CCAM

Maxine Rottenberg, CCAM

Kathleen M. Young, CCAM

Laura Dorcsak, CCAM Yassaman Fahid, CCAM Catherine Foley, CCAM Edward M. Genz, CCAM Tiffany Goff, CCAM Michelle Goodell, CCAM Robert Gonzalez, CCAM Heather T. Gordon, CCAM Sharon M. Gourd, CCAM

CACM Certification Programs Want to enhance your career and display a competitive edge? CACM offers three credentialing programs for community managers: • Certified Community Association Manager (CCAM) certification • Specialty Certificate Programs • Master of Community Association Management (MCAM) certification

Lisa Gross, CCAM Erin Grossman, CCAM

Learn more about these programs at www.cacm.org.

Bradley Hay, CCAM David Kang, CCAM Kayvan K. Homayoun, CCAM Brittany M. Kitts, CCAM Ashley L. Kroesch, CCAM Samantha J. Lemieux, CCAM Colin Lynch, CCAM Janet L. Martell, CCAM Jason McGowan, CCAM Paula M. Mora, CCAM Laura M. Ravazza, CCAM Rebekah Mendoza, CCAM Christopher Mitchell, CCAM Matthew R. Nelson, CCAM Johnny Pappas, CCAM William L. Pataky, CCAM Jennifer Peat, CCAM Kathleen Percelle, CCAM Jill Perini, CCAM Arielle Rahmani, CCAM www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

We take the pain out of pest control!

THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCI ATI ON EXPERTS

HonESt, RELIAbLE AnD pRofESSIonAL

CACM Education Honored by ASAE

ACM’s education and certification programs were recently honored with a 2014 Power of A Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives

(ASAE). The Power of A Awards showcase how associations CoMMERCIAL bUILDInGS

leverage their unique resources to solve problems, advance industry/professional Great Customer Service Damage Replacement Guarantee Real Estate Inspections

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performance, kickstart innovation and improve world conditions. Award-winning entries offered original or effective solutions

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to today’s societal or business problems; showcased how associations benefit society through volunteerism, education, social responsibility, innovation, research and/or problem solving; and generated results that achieve the association’s defined and measurable objectives. CACM submitted its education and certification programs for consideration under the category “The Power to Create a Competitive Workforce.” CACM was able to successfully demonstrate how its resources, educational materials and career-enhancing programs – specifically the Specialty Certificate Program – have worked to professionalize a previously unconstrained industry. “The [Specialty Certificate] programs help develop a larger pool of highly qualified community managers within each

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• Back Flow Testing

fast-track their competency development and implement a

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higher standard of care than may be possible solely through ASAE recognized that these offerings have allowed CACM to set the professional standard for the California CID industry and become the number-one provider of state-specific community management education and ethical standards of practice. The 2014 Power of A Awards saw entries from nearly 100

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national and international organizations, including a few state and regional organizations. There were 23 Gold Award winners, and CACM was one of 22 Silver Award winners. To learn more about CACM’s Specialty Certificate Programs, see page 18.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank you to our 2014 second quarter sponsors for their generous contributions. The next time you encounter a CACM sponsor, please join us in acknowledging the work and generosity of these supportive members.

American Geotechnical, Inc. American Technologies, Inc. AMS Paving, Inc. Artistic Maintenance, Inc. ARW - Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. Beaumont Gitlin Tashjian Berding | Weil Black Diamond Paving, Inc. California Waters CBCI Construction, Inc. CID Insurance Programs, Inc. CINC Systems CiraConnect City National Bank CLCA Water Management Certification Program CommerceWest Bank DM Construction Services Elliot Katzovitz Insurance Agency

Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Fenton Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt, LLP Flood Pro Focus Business Bank Gardeners' Guild, Inc. Landsystems Mutual of Omaha Bank Newman & Associates, Inc. Nordic Security Services O'Connell Landscape Maintenance Pacific Green Landscape, Inc. Pacific Roofing Systems Painting Unlimited, Inc. PayLease, Inc. Payne Pest Management PCW Contracting Services Peters & Freedman, LLP Pilera Software Popular Association Banking

PrimeCo Painting & Construction Professional Services Construction, Inc. Rain Master Control Systems Rayco Painting Real Estate Data Solutions Reconstruction Experts Robert A. Owens, CPA Roofworks & Construction, Inc. S.B.S. Lien Services Seacoast Commerce Bank Serpico Landscaping, Inc. Silldorf & Levine, LLP Three Phase Electric, Inc. Tierra Verde Resources, Inc. Union Bank Unlimited Property Services, Inc. Varsity Painting Western Gardens Landscaping, Inc.

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

little things Mean a Lot

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. -Vincent Van Gogh

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

BY DEAN JACKSON, CCAM

anaging an HOA is a big job! On any given day a manager is expected to address big problems (people, pets, parking), big projects (roofing, paving, an intense game of solitaire), and big issues (budgets, HR, bad coffee) all to bring value to the homeowners’ biggest asset (their home and the community in which they reside). All in all, a manager’s job often consists of thinking big and acting accordingly. Managers bring value to the communities they manage in many ways, and it’s the large and visible items that usually get the most press – and often cause the most consternation. Easily missed, however, are the small things that can make life a bit easier, the surroundings a bit prettier and smiles a bit sunnier. The good news is that these things often take less money and effort than they do thought and creativity.

Newsletters Many associations have newsletters. These can range from one page black and white jobs to multipage color extravaganzas. One thing that many newsletters do have in common is that they can read like a laundry list of do’s and don’ts: curb your pets, but don’t park on the curb; conserve water, but make sure your lawn is green; remember the pool hours, etc. Unfortunately a monthly list of what not to do can become old and your newsletter may just end up as bird cage liners or kindling (no fireplace use on the second Tuesday of the month). The thing is, newsletters can be a wonderful avenue for encouragement: helpful hints on cleaning that stain, great recipes, a blurb about that couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. All of these things can make the

residents feel like a million bucks, but they don’t cost a cent. While you still may need to reiterate the association’s quiet hours, a spoonful of sugar (in a nice cookie recipe) helps the medicine go down. Not feeling creative? The Manager Toolkit, found in the Members Only section of CACM’s website, includes pre-written articles in a variety of categories ready for you to copy and paste or repurpose for your HOA newsletters. Log in at www.cacm.org.

Non-Violation Letters I know of one manager who sent homeowners little notes complimenting their flowers, or how well they maintained their yards. Quite a refreshing change from those nastygrams that, while necessary, can be a buzzkill. Continued on page 46

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Movie ticket programs are a perk that generates a lot of goodwill.

install free Wi-Fi in our lounge for the use of residents, at no cost to the HOA.

Clothing/Household Donations

Little Things Mean A Lot Continued from page 45

Office Services For those of you with on-site office space or a space that can be repurposed, a business center with fax, Wi-Fi, printing and copying can make residents feel pampered, even if the services aren’t free. While the office equipment may cost some money, it’s possible to defray these costs by charging for services, and residents will appreciate not having to travel to the nearest copy store. In my office we opted to levy a per-page charge for the use of the office fax and copy machines, without actually putting in a business center. The modest fees take care of the cost to the association, while we didn’t go to the expense of purchasing machines for this purpose. As an added bonus, and to unanimous acclaim, I negotiated with one of the building’s Internet providers to

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

I live in a relatively small condo. I have no garage and limited storage, and yet I’m still surprised at how quickly my belongings multiply. If I’m not careful they may turn into a mobile pile with a will of its own, swallowing everything (and anyone) in its path. That’s why I’m grateful for donation programs. Oftentimes it is a simple matter to partner with a local charitable organization that will either pick up donations directly from residents, or as is the case where I work, from a central location where residents can drop off their items. The organizations can take anything from clothing to coffee makers, from suits to settees, and everything in between. This provides a convenience to the residents, as well as a tax deduction, and it provides a service for the needy. Win-win.

Annual Flea Market/Garage Sale Another way to head off the attack of the roving pile is to organize a community garage sale or flea market. This gives residents a chance to interact with each other, build community, clear out unwanted items, and perhaps add to their bottom line.

Holiday Parties/Barbecues/Easter Egg Hunts, etc. A media room or lounge can be a perfect venue for a Super Bowl or Oscar party. A green space may be excellent for an annual Easter egg hunt or a barbecue. The great thing about these activities is that, while the HOA may sponsor them, and perhaps pick up the

cost, they can just as easily be potluck activities sponsored by the HOA, coordinated by a committee and paid for by the residents themselves. The end result is that the neighbors get to know each other, the children get to play and the management and board of directors can look like heroes.

Movie Ticket Programs

Facilitate Recycling or Composting Programs, or a Community Garden Not only is sustainability in vogue, and a necessity to boot, it can also promote community. Learn more about community gardens on page 52.

Host/Promote First Aid and Cert. Training Courses

There happens to be a movie theater across the street from the building I manage, and another one about a mile or so away. We instituted a movie ticket program that has been a great success. Discounted movie tickets can be purchased in bulk (usually from $7-$10 each) from theater chains and sold to residents at the HOA’s cost. This takes a bit of effort and an on-site staff, but there is no cost to the HOA and it’s a perk that generates a lot of goodwill. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be the hero your community needs.

Promote/Facilitate Carpools or Ride Share Programs Eco consciousness meets convenience. The HOA website or newsletter can be used to coordinate these programs, and residents get a useful service while the environment is sustained, one ride at a time.

Programs are often offered by local fire departments or organizations; they sometimes look for space to do these training sessions and they may offer reduced rates for a large group if the HOA will host the classes. The HOA doesn’t necessarily need to pay for these courses; residents can sign up and pay their own way and HOA staff can also attend. Not only does this provide valuable skills to residents, but it can also assist the association’s emergency plans. With a little creativity, managers can bring value to their communities, convenience to their residents, the occasional smile and even enhance the association’s safety. While the cost can be negligible and the individual services small in scale, remember that no matter the size of the HOA, the little things really do mean a lot. Dean Jackson, CCAM, is the General Manager at Pacific Park Plaza HOA in Emeryville.

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| 866-702-3192 www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Member News With thousands of members spread out across California, CACM strives to keep in touch with all of our members’ latest happenings.

he Member News page is CACM’s online bulletin board designed to feature our members’ most recent news, both personal and professional. Select stories are also featured in Vision magazine. Here are some of our latest submissions:

APRIL 2014

POWERSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RAISES $40,000+ FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

MAY 2014

PACIFIC UTILITY AUDIT ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE Pacific Utility Audit, a CACM affiliate member company, is pleased to announce their new website, specifically designed for managers and the association industry. Designed with managers’ busy schedules in mind, the interactive new website provides a wealth of helpful resources for community managers:

PowerStone Property Management Inc., a CACM Management Firm Council member, raised $40,774 in support of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF). This was PowerStone’s largest donation to PCRF, surpassing last year’s donation by more than 40%. “Our team of volunteers, led by event Chairperson Kara Wright, set some high goals and surpassed them in a big way. Our entire PowerStone family is happy and proud to support the great work of the Foundation,” said René Decker, CEO of PowerStone. The PCRF recently hosted their 16th Annual Reaching for the Cure Event, which included a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, 1K Kids' Fun Run & Bike Tour, at Irvine Valley College on March 29-30. The event attracted more than 5,500 participants and spectators, raising $575,000. PowerStone, the event’s Rainbow Sponsor, contributed the largest amount for a Corporate Champion team for the second year in a row. Learn more about PCRF at www.pcrf-kids.org. For more information about PowerStone, visit www.powerstonepm.com.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

• ROI calculator to estimate utility audit savings • Downloadable proposal packets ready to present to your association’s board • Flyers and brochures that explain utility cost management • Videos that explain utility auditing, how it works, and how we get paid • 24 years of articles that explain utility cost management, the difference between an energy audit/conservation measures and utility auditing, and more • Downloadable white papers, graphs and utility audit savings examples • Client case studies, based on actual results obtained for associations • An online store featuring humorous manager coffee mugs and a new ebook

Visit www.pacificutilityaudit.com to see the new look and take advantage of these resources. To read more recent news, log in to the Members Only section at www.cacm.org. Email communications@cacm.org to learn how you can submit news of your own.

Networking Can Keep Your Association Connected to the Right People

he exchange of information or services among our neighbors and colleagues is the cultivation of productive relationships, which ultimately will help grow and enhance our communities. Humans are social creatures by nature who depend on one another for survival, as we have found through the ages of time that strength comes in numbers. Fortunately, we never really had to rely on physical strength as we were gifted with high intellects, critical thinking skills, imagination and opposable thumbs. Over the ages we shared the knowledge and experience we gained with our children and neighbors to enhance and strengthen our communities for the future. The network of professional colleagues we have through CACM is one of the most important networks to have. The collective knowledge and experience these professionals have is astounding. Working with people will Continued on page 50

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO YOU KNOW BY SUSAN SHARP, CCAM

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

It's Who You Know

Continued from page 49

always be a walk on the wild side. You never know what your next adventure will be in this industry. Not to mention that the manager of the community next door just might be your best ally when a local issue arises. Remember, there’s strength in numbers. This goes hand in hand with reputable service providers. These individuals are experts in their fields and can guide you through some very difficult situations. Having contacts with the local schools and organizations can be an asset, too. You never know when you will need to work together as a team to reach a final community goal or solve a serious local problem that impacts both your community and the organizations in the area. The value certified community association managers bring to their community is not only in their knowledge and experience, but also in whom they know and the relationships they bring to their associations. Get to know who is servicing your communities.

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

What fire station responds to your association? What precinct handles your calls? When should you call 911 versus non-emergency? Do you have a nearby park; if so, who oversees it? Do they have a volunteer program? Does your association border any other large facilities: school, military base, hospital, etc.? Reach out and introduce yourself; let anyone and everyone know that you are the community association manager and your association wants to be an active part of the community and a good neighbor. Let them know that you are the person to contact if they have any questions or concerns. Ask them how you can be of assistance. Building strong working relationships with local utilities is important, too. Your contractors can be the difference between an in-person response for prompt service or being told to submit your request online. If you become an expert and contribute to others’ ability to succeed, they are more likely to take your calls seriously. Knowing when to call and when to handle “in house” can make the difference. All of our civil servants are

overworked and underpaid, so don’t develop a reputation for crying wolf. When you need to call the police (hopefully it isn’t that often), you want to know you’ll get a prompt response, so be sure your association’s reputation precedes itself well. Getting to know the people in your communities and what they do for a living is a great networking tool as well. Not to mention that you may be surprised at how many of your homeowners own or work in businesses that can be an asset to you. We tend to forget that law enforcement, firefighters, doctors, lawyers, contractors and business owners don’t live under a bridge with a troll. They live in homes just like you and me and normally don’t mind sharing their knowledge and experience with you either. Reach out, stay connected and bring them into your network. Let’s not forget what John Donne said in 1624: “No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main."

Community Association Loans All the right tools for your next project.

How will you fund your next community project? Get the job done right with the Community Association Loan toolkit. You’ll get custom financing that’s perfect for your budget and your community. Your Community Association Loan toolkit includes: • Competitive interest rates • Flexible payment plans • Innovative loan structures • Fixed rate loans • Non-revolving lines of credit

Get the cash you need today. Lisa Ann Rea

Jack Brandt AMS

VP/Regional Account Executive 805.907.8452 Toll Free 866.800.4656, ext. 7500

AVP/Regional Account Executive 510.921.0124 Toll Free 866.800.4656, ext. 7579

lisa.rea@ mutualofomahabank.com

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Brendan Concannon

Regional Account Executive 619.961.6346 Toll Free 866.800.4656, ext. 7480 brendan.concannon@mutualofomahabank.com

Susan Sharp, CCAM, is the New Development Coordinator and Management Consultant with JD Richardson Co. in San Diego.

Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender AFN45403_0213

Equal Housing Len

National Corporate Member of Community Associations Institute

CACM Affiliate Member

Continued on page 54 www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

WO R K I N G TO E S TA B L I S H A CO M M U N I T Y G A R D E N

Bringing

Farm to Table BY STACIE CALLAGHAN & LAUREN GALANES

Food. Where do you get yours? Do you know its origin? How close is it to its natural state? How far did it have to travel to get to your table? These are all important questions in days of drought and dwindling oil supplies. Our relationship to food has changed immensely in the past 100 years. There are those who do not know that milk actually comes from a cow, or that potatoes grow underground, or that strawberries bear their seeds on the outside. Continued on page 54

www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

Organic demonstration garden site

Bringing Farm to Table Continued from page 53

John Gachina, President and Owner of Gachina Landscape Management, had a vision to help change that perspective. “This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. It is so exciting to see it come to life; there are so many benefits that will come of our garden project,” says Gachina. Gachina Landscape has partnered with JobTrain to create an Organic Demonstration Garden. Gachina’s Demonstration Garden, called the Farm, is located in Menlo Park and will help volunteers answer these questions and provide a living 54

Vision Fall 2014 | www.cacm.org

classroom for learning the value of organic farming methods. As members of the Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition, “Gachina’s staff is dedicated to the creation of sustainable landscaping and devoted to stewarding the earth,” says Gachina. Gachina Landscape’s and JobTrain’s volunteers will plant, tend and harvest what is hoped to be abundant yields, as well as tasty menu items. The fruits and vegetables grown in the demonstration garden will be used in JobTrain’s culinary program, which is part of its training center. In addition to using the produce at JobTrain, Gachina Landscape will

use the garden for client education and interaction. Clients will be educated on sustainable practices and how they can bring gardens into their work and/ or home environments. Any extra produce will be offered to Gachina Landscape employees in a Farmers Market at a greatly reduced rate – offering affordable, quality produce to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.

Starting the Project At the garden site, the weedy, compacted soil promised many hours of hand pulling grass and other

weeds once the crops were in and watered regularly. To combat this, Gachina Landscape donated labor and materials to get the area ready. The landscape company decided to sheet-mulch the bed areas and build bermed beds on top of the cardboard. The pathways were filled with arbor mulch, which helps conserve water and eventually breaks down to feed the soil. This method gave the young seedlings a healthy beginning before their roots needed to head down into the native soil. The mulched ground increased the water lens under the planted beds, encouraging deeper rooting. Irrigation will be drip and programmed on a smart controller using ET rates. The smart controller will automatically adjust based on the current weather conditions, providing more or less water based on specific site requirements. Water conservation is essential to achieve the success of this garden. The company will plant fruit trees, berry bushes, culinary herbs, some perennial food crops (artichokes, for instance) and an array of vegetables. Volunteers from JobTrain’s construction trade class will build compost bins and storage sheds, and the culinary arts students will experience food production first hand. Additionally, Gachina Landscape hopes to build community through work on the garden. Food tastes better when you’ve worked to produce it, and twice as good when you share it. Interested in starting your own garden? Here are some links to help you on your way: • Bay-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Coalition: Learn more about many Bay friendly methods at www.bayfriendlycoalition. org/publications.shtml •

Rare Seeds: Excellent source for information about seeds and growing; visit www.rareseeds.com

•

Territorial Seed Company: This company has been around for a long time and has a lot of information on plants, as well as varieties for foggy climates; visit www.territorialseed.com

Stacie Callaghan is the Director of Business Development and Lauren Galanes is a Project Manager for Gachina Landscape Management, which has offices in Menlo Park, Fremont, San Jose and Sand City.

GET YOUR GARDEN READY!

If your homeowners have yard space to plant, share these steps in the next community newsletter.

Choose your garden site. Full sun for most plants will keep you in production; full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon will work as well.

Prep the site. We recommend sheet mulching to prevent weeds. Mow the area as low as possible, cover with cardboard (recycled content preferred, remove all tape, staples, labels), overlapping joints by 6 inches or more.

Alternatively, you can do the traditional rototilling and adding of compost to create your beds.

Create beds 3 feet to 4 feet wide. Make the beds deep – we recommend 12 inches – as the soil will compact! Use excellent (preferably organic) soil with good quality compost to give your plants plenty of nutrition. Rake the tops flat and firm the sides. Fill between your beds with mulch (arbor mulch is a great, economical and environmentally sound choice).

Now you’re ready to plant. Seeds or starts will work, and 4-inch pots or 6 packs work best. Be sure to choose season appropriate varieties (i.e., tomato for spring planting, summer harvest; broccoli for fall planting, winter harvest).

Water everything well, and keep it watered! Food crops generally want to be babied to produce the best flavor. Keep a journal if you are inclined, and your crops will improve each year. In the Bay Area, we can produce food year round.

Harvest – enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your labor (and love)! www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

A CACM PRESENTS

s a California community association manager, your focus is on positioning yourself as the trusted advisor your board of directors needs to maintain a successful, thriving community. As always, CACM’s focus is on supporting your quest to manage better, smarter and with more authority. We believe professional education, expert service providers and a network of colleagues who’ve been there, done that are the best tools to help you achieve a higher standard of management.

Introducing the CACM Event App

CACM is upgrading the conference experience by incorporating a new event app! That’s right – we’re shifting from print to digital communication for session materials, speaker information and the schedule of events. Visit the app store on your iPad, iPhone, Android, tablet or other mobile device and search for CACM Events to download our new app for free.

At this year’s Law Seminar & Expo, CACM is giving you access to all three – and a chance to enjoy yourself, too!

Register now and save at www.cacm.org NORTHERN CA LAW SEMINAR & EXPO January 29-30, 2015 Oakland Marriott City Center SOUTHERN CA LAW SEMINAR & EXPO March 12-13, 2015 Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim

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Brenda Teter Named to IABC Board of Directors Brenda K. Teter, Director of Communications for the California Association of Community Managers (CACM), has been appointed to the board of directors for the Orange County Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Teter will serve as Vice President of Finance in charge of the chapter’s budget, financial administration, sponsorship funds and overall financial viability. Established in 1970, IABC advances the careers of communication professionals in more than 90 countries around the world. The organization serves approximately 15,000 members in 100 chapters by providing opportunities for professional development, volunteer leadership and networking. “We’re delighted to have Brenda on the team and are excited to be working with and learning from her,” said Sarah Willis, president of the IABC Orange County chapter board of directors. “Brenda’s background and experience will be a valuable addition to our board and will help the IABC Orange County chapter move closer to our goal of becoming an indispensable source for professional communicators.” Teter plans to bring her real estate development, insurance, lending and financial skills to her new role with IABC, in addition to her longtime interests in mentoring and new business development. A dedicated member of IABC for 15 years, Teter has attended the organization’s world conferences, regional forums and

Did you know that topics for CACM’s educational events (like Forums and Law Seminars) come from members like you? Your voice counts! Let us know what topics we should be presenting for CEUs. To submit your topic idea, log in to the Members Only Section at www.cacm.org, click on Manager Members on the left, then Suggest a Topic on the right.

local chapter events over the years. www.cacm.org | Vision Fall 2014

maintaining high standards

New Manager & Management Firm Council Members

Manager Members

Management Firm Council Members

Jean-Pierre Alotte

Jackie C. Gibson

Yvette Montano

Kayo Armstrong

Rebecca Gloyd

Laura E. Muniz

Karen Atkins

Mary Gonzalez

David S. Nelson

Vida Badiee, CCAM

Farrah Gough

Patricia Orlando

Piera Baldocchi

Kathleen Griffith

Levi S. Ponczoch

Cyndi Bolander

Nancy Harlow

Julie A. Prentice

Sheri A. Bowers

Katie Harnish

Catie Reid

Jamiah L. Calderon

Janna L. Havener

Nicholas B. Saadi

Shauna R. Caldwell

Fred Hink

Christiana L. Schaeffler

Megan Chicoine

Kayvan K. Homayoun, CCAM

Francis Serrano

Demetrius L. Collier

Patricia A. Hooper

Rohit Sikka

Mitchell T. Compton

Kris Ixta

George V. Skrbin

Bryan A. Cox

Jay T. Kacirk

Linda L. Steverson, CCAM

Robert M. Curran

Ellen Kahhan

Patricia Vanderpool, CCAM

Kathy Daigle

Heather A. Killian

Laurie Volpe

Diana Dakin

Gavin A. Kuehn Sr.

Lance P. Walker

Miriam de Souza

Kris Kundmueller

Mandi M. Winnicki

Robert W. Dishman

Vincent J. Laherrere

Ashleigh L. Wion

Cynthia L. Doane

Rick E. Lebel

Stephen Workman

Lauren K. Donovan

Brian D. Lee

Annamarie Zuger

Alan R. Dubroff

Alfred V. Logan

Samantha DuVall

Pamela Z. Lombard

Matt Franklin

Richard C. Mack

Jon J. Gann

Jason McGowan, CCAM

Jorge G. Garcia

Mitzi Mills

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Harland Property Management 920 Kline St., Ste. 202 La Jolla, CA 92037 www.sandiegopropertymanagement.com

Oceans Property Management P.O. Box 147 Dana Point, CA 92629 www.oceanspm.com

Tyco Property Mgmt. Co 4045 Bonita Rd., Ste. 303 Bonita, CA 91902 www.tycoproperties.com

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Advertiser Index

ADVERTISER

WEBSITE/EMAIL PAGE

A.S.A.P. Collection Services.................................www.asapcollect.com................................57 Ameristar Fence Products....................................www.ameristarfence.com..........................47 AMS Paving, Inc....................................................www.amspaving.com................................26 Angius & Terry LLP................................................www.angius-terry.com...............................21 Association Lien Services ....................................www.alslien.com........................................28 Bank of Commerce | Sacramento........................www.sacramentobankofcommerce.com...3 Berding | Weil........................................................www.berding-weil.com..............................13 Berg Insurance Agency, Inc..................................www.berginsurance.com.............................5 CID Insurance Programs, Inc...............................www.cidinsurance.com..............................15 CiraConnect..........................................................www.ciraconnect.com.................................5 Community Legal Advisors Inc............................www.attorneyforhoa.com..........................23 Focus Business Bank............................................www.focusbusinessbank.com...................12 Heritage Bank of Commerce...............................www.heritagebankofcommerce.com.........5 Kriger Law Firm.....................................................www.a-khoa.com.......................................43 MPS Financial, LLC...............................................www.mpsfinancial.com .............................51 Mutual of Omaha Bank........................................www.mutualofomahabank.com................51 Neuland & Whitney, APC.....................................www.neulandandwhitney.com....................6 Pacific Utility Audit, Inc.........................................www.pacificutilityaudit.com......................16 Payne Pest Management.....................................www.paynepestmgmt.com.......................42 Peters & Freedman, LLP.......................................www.hoalaw.com.........................................3 Popular Association Banking...............................www.associationbankers.com...................16 Proserv Plumbing and Drain................................www.proservplumbing.com......................42 Rankin, Law Offices of Ann..................................www.annrankin.com..................................23 Reserve Studies Inc...............................................www.reservestudiesinc.com......................40 SABER....................................................................www.saberfoundations.com.....................51 Seabreeze Patio Furniture, Inc.............................www.pool-furniture.com...........................16 Stagecoach Wireless............................................www.stagecoach-wireless.com.................23 State Restoration, Inc...........................................www.staterestoration.com........................59 Sunset Landscape Maintenance, Inc..................office@sunset-landscape.com ...................6 ThyssenKrupp Elevator........................................www.thyssenkruppelevator.com...............59 Union Bank............................................................www.hoabankers.com...............................40

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A NEW AND COMPLETELY DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AWAITS.

NORTHERN CA LAW SEMINAR & EXPO January 29-30, 2015 Oakland Marriott City Center SOUTHERN CA LAW SEMINAR & EXPO March 12-13, 2015 Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim Register now and save at www.cacm.org

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