Mobilehome Magazine Local Complimentary edition July 2013 by Frank Wodley

Complimentary Copy

The #1 Source of Information for Mobilehome Owners in California Promoting Good Relations Between Managers and Residents

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Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

T a b l e

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Contents From The Desk of the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 MHMag: The #1 Source of Information for MH Owners in California. . . . . . . Page 5 Our Philosophy Re: Park Owner & Managers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Why We Support Mobilehome Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 TEAMWORK: We Are A Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Articles Published by Mobilehome Magazine in 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Distribution of Information in MH Parks - Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Our Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12 Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions with Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14

ALERT! We Need Your Help. Mobilehome Magazine is an invaluable source of information. Our goal is to reach all mobilehome owners in California. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afford to mail magazines to you, they must be distributed by a resident of your park. The only way you will automatically continue receiving MHMag in your park is to call or email us at 1-800-929-6061 or fawodley@yahoo.com and help us find a resident in your park who will distribute. They can make a little $$$ and we will send you a free gift for your effort. Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Serving the Mobile/Manufactured Home Community in California

P.O. Box 3774 Chatsworth, CA 91313 (800) 929-6061 (818) 886-6479 fawodley@yahoo.com www.mobilehomemagazine.org

Welcome to Mobilehome Magazine (MHMag). Today we are printing and distributing MHMag to 30,000 homes in California every month! It is the #1 source of information for mobile/manufactured home owners in the California. Did I forget to mention, Mobilehome Magazine is completely FREE for the asking. This “Complimentary Issue is our way of introducing MHMag to you. We want you to get excited about receiving it. This issue is NOT the Mobilehome Magazine you will receive. The actual magazine will be loaded with articles of interest, tips and suggestions, and other important information. Just read the “testimonials” on page 8 from residents who have been getting the magazine and the list of articles on page 11 to see what you have been missing. MHMag is now available in your area. By the way, we are not a “fly by night” operation. We have been publishing for two years and have been advocating for owners of mobile/manufactured homes since 2003 (seven as a statewide group Coalition of Mobilehome Owners - California or COMOCAL). You may have heard of us. You can view all magazines we have published at www.mobilehomemagazine.org.

Mobilehome Magazine is published every month exclusively for owners of mobile/manufactured homes in California. MHMag is not responsible for content contained in advertising

Everyone should want to receive MHMag. Why not? It is free and endorsed by park residents all over California as the best source of information on mobilehome living. There is only one hang-up. We want all residents in your park to receive the magazine at their home; however MHMag can’t distribute door to door in your park. Why not? Simply because we don’t live in your park and, by law, only a resident of your park can distribute the magazine. Consequently this “Complimentary Issue” is being placed in clubhouses (or perhaps you received a copy in the mail) in your area. Our hope is you will help us find someone in your park to distribute MHMag.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

If you want to receive MHMag, all you have to do is call or email Frank Wodley, Editor & Publisher of Mobilehome Magazine at 818-886-6479 / fawodley@yahoo.com and say hello. Or you can fill out the form on page 15. All information is kept confidential. Be the first in your park to contact us and receive a FREE gift (a $10 value) from MHMag as our way of saying thank you!

Greg Frazier

This is a one time opportunity to help yourself and your community. Tens of thousands around California already receive , Mobilehome Magazine because residents like yourself have stepped up and said “I Editor & Publisher want to receive MHMag.”

Frank A. Wodley 4

Frank A. Wodley

ADVERTISING SALES Rose Rosales

DESIGN

CONTRIBUTORS Donna Matthews

PROOFREADER Rose Rosales Evelyn Rosales

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

The #1 Source of Information for Mobilehome Owners in California California. In our latest web site poll (www.mobilehomemagazine. org), 83% rated MHMag as terrific.

Thank you for picking up this complimentary copy of Mobilehome Magazine. We are distributing in your area by a) leaving a few copies in park clubhouses or b) mailing direct to you. This is our way of saying HELLO and welcome to what many California mobilehome owners have labeled as “INVALUABLE.” We want you and others in your park to become acquainted with us - we have much to offer you.

Our Website If you have a computer and the internet, please visit our website at www.mobilehomemagazine.org. There you will see all past issues of Mobilehome Magazine. You can page through each magazine and even download articles you find interesting. Everything is free.

Mobilehome Magazine is a one-of-a-kind magazine published every month exclusively for owners of mobile/ manufactured homes in California. First published in September 2011, approximately 80,000 copies have been distributed to date. Our hope is you will read this magazine from cover to cover and want to continue receiving it.

Our Goals Our goals are simple:

Dream Project of COMO-CAL MHMag is the dream project of the Coalition of Mobilehome Owners - California (COMO-CAL) - a statewide advocacy group focused on providing the tools to protect mobile/manufactured homeowners’ life style. First established in late 2004, COMO-CAL provided information and legal services to mobilehome residents for seven years. Near the end of 2011, COMO-CAL leaders decided to take a different direction, i.e. provide residents a low cost source of information, namely Mobilehome Magazine. As a consequence, we are now able to reach many more mobilehome owners. One goal of MHMag is to promote better relations between park owners, managers and residents. In fact several park owners and managers receive the magazine. After all, information provides a foundation for both residents and managers to understand their responsibilities and rights.

To provide accurate, timely information to owners of mobile/manufactured homes in California at no cost

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To promote better relations between park owners, managers and residents

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To network all California residents.

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To help residents organize in their parks and local areas.

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To provide a forum for you to reach others with your ideas, suggestions and comments to help improve the lives of all

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To connect you with businesses, both statewide and local, who offer you services and products.

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To ultimately give mobile/manufactured home owners a voice - we matter - we are organized - we are strong and have power.

Shoestring Budget We operate on a shoestring budget. We do not have grants, or companies who subsidise our operation. And if you guessed it costs a lot to print and distribute a full color magazine you’d be spot on. It costs thousands of dollars every month. Up to now we have survived on subscriptions, donations and advertising revenue; however today the magazine completely free. So money is even tighter, and we are sure you know about that!!

There are other magazines in California; however they are often the voice of park owners and managers. Because residents in rental parks are often vulnerable to unscrupulous park owners, they need to know more. Residents need honest, accurate information. They need to know they are not alone, and they need to know someone cares about them. MHMag is a source of important information to assist residents in protecting their life style and investment.

Please Donate - It Helps You Directly Please donate to keep Mobilehome Magazine alive. Every donation will be used in your local area. That means if you donate, the money will help us expand. We will be able to reach many more residents in your area and we will be able to grow the size of the magazine. Both will directly benefit YOU! And we will be transparent. We will give an accounting of donations for your area! Please go to page 15 to donate.

We are not in competition with any other group. Our main priority is to get information to you, to network mobilehome owners across California and to show you are not alone. We are there for you. MHMag continues the tradition of COMO-CAL’s THE VOICE, rated as the best, most informative newsletter in Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

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IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Jitterbug is owned by GreatCall, Inc. Your invoices will come from GreatCall. All rate plans and services require the purchase of a Jitterbug phone and a one-time set up fee of $35. Coverage and service is not available everywhere. Other charges and restrictions may apply. Screen images simulated. There are no additional fees to call Jitterbug’s 24-hour U.S. Based Customer Service. However, for calls to an Operator in which a service is completed, minutes will be deducted from your monthly balance equal to the length of the call and any call connected by the Operator, plus an additional 5 minutes. Monthly minutes carry over and are available for 60 days. If you exceed the minute balance on your account, you will be billed at 35¢ for each minute used over the balance. Monthly rate plans do not include government taxes or assessment surcharges. Prices and fees subject to change. 1We will refund the full price of the Jitterbug phone if it is returned within 30 days of purchase in like-new condition. We will also refund your first monthly service charge if you have less than 30 minutes of usage. If you have more than 30 minutes of usage, a per minute charge of 35 cents will apply for each minute over 30 minutes. The activation fee and shipping charges are not refundable. Jitterbug and GreatCall are registered trademarks of GreatCall, Inc. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. ©2013 Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC. ©2013 GreatCall, Inc. ©2013 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Our Philosophy advocates for residents rights. Mobilehome Magazine can guide your efforts to form your own HOA. It only takes 3-4 residents who want to make a change.

We feel it is important that residents, managers and park owners understand, right from the start, the philosophy of Mobilehome Magazine. There are lots of misconceptions and now is a good time to make OUR position clear.

Knowledge is Power

Mobilehome Magazine is not anti-manager or anti-park owner. In fact, one of our goals is to promote good relations between park owners, managers and residents. We understand that this is a business, but we also believe that residents have a right to a stress-free life, free from the many negative situations that are a reality in so many mobilehome parks today. We are not confrontative, just read some of the testimonials. Our work with park owners, managers and residents results in a better life for all.

Our readers are a great example of the saying “Knowledge is Power.” Mobilehome Magazines give you information that will empower you to help yourself.

Laws Are Not Enough Our philosophy has never changed. Ten years ago we felt laws are not enough and we feel the same way today. Unfortunately enforcement of the law must begin with you. And unless you have a basic knowledge, i.e. Law 101, you will fail.

Our Message to Park Owners & Managers We want you to know we welcome your input. We welcome articles that provide our readers an understanding of various park issues from your perspective. In fact my manager, Melody, has been good enough to write a few articles in previous issues of Mobilehome Magazine.

MHMag & Other Advocates We feel it is important for all advocates to work together for the greater good of all mobile/manufactured home owners in California. And our recent survey demonstrates this opinion is shared by the great majority of mobilehome owners.

Ultimately, our goal is to have managers, owners AND residents all follow the law. To that end, MHMag is providing the tools so everyone knows their individual rights and responsibilities. No one is enforcing the law for you, and if there is to be enforcement, it is on your shoulders. Enforcement requires that you at least have a basic knowledge of the law.

So what does “working together” mean? It simply means that MHMag will support and assist other groups. Today we are reaching 30,000 homes in California. That’s roughly 90,000 residents who live in mobilehome parks.

The Future

Strength in Numbers

Although we have experienced a rapid expansion this last month, we are not satisfied. In fact we are actively working to develop distribution networks in some high density areas such as San Jose and Hemet. Please help us in our efforts to reach more and more residents across California.

We believe that a group of residents are much more effective combatting many issues in a park than just one or two. There is Strength in Numbers. To that end, we feel every park should have a Home Owners Association (HOA) that

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Why We Support MHMag! Mobilehome Magazine! What a boon, a tool, an equalizer! What a great support of the old adage: “United we stand, divided we fall! For fun, fairness and new found freedom possibilities. Bill S. - Chula Vista

Because it helps inform MH owners of possible threats to the investment they have made in their homes, and helps make them aware of their rights as property owners. With knowledge comes power. Knowledge is the one thing that is kept from new buyers of MHs in rental parks, making them vulnerable to the exploitation of greedy investor-landowners who care only for huge profits. MH Magazine should be made available not only to current MH owners, but to those even thinking of buying one in a rental park. Forewarned is forearmed! Suzanne A - Santa Rosa

MHMag has things I never knew in regards to mobilehome laws and other stuff. Lisa B. - Livermore Provides the Nuts-N-Bolts of MHP living that is published nowhere else easily available--everything from buying, remodeling, legal and landlord/tenant issues, et al. Kristen Z. - President of Wisconsin MH Owners Associaton

Being informed is the only way to protect yourself and your investment(your home)from the greed of park owners and/or leaseholders. Along with GSMOL, Mobilehome Magazine serves as a mass media advocate for the mobile home lifestyle. It provides information to residents and avenues to make our voices heard among the legislators who make policy and laws that affect the rights of mobile home residents and will encourage and force them to protect and enforce those rights. Jack Henn - San Diego

Informative articles on manufactured homes and the parks they are in. Information you may not get without extensive research. That is all done for you. Patricia W Mobilehome Magazine contains good information that we all may need at some time. It also builds a sense of the larger community that we all share. Bonnie C - Chula Vista

I don’t see how residents can possibly function and live comfortably in a park without the valuable information that MHMag provides. I personally have benefitted more then can be said. I probably wouldnt still be living in a park without knowing my rights. Thanks for you wonderful work. Sheldon G - Chula Vista

Very good and useful information written so that the layman can comprehend the information easily. Topics that effect all mobile home owners! Steffanie E - San Diego In my area most residents do not know their rights. they are also not knowledgeable about the MRL and what it is about. In my park the magazine is making the residents think about how to live in MHP. Also it is making them aware of the fact that managers have rules to manage by also. Articles have been positive and not confrontational. Residents here are getting their eyes opened. Barbara B - Calisstoga

So that they become aware of what is going on in the MobileHome world. We used to be classified by Sacramento with Apartment dwellers, which is not a good state of affairs.We need laws and protections just for Mobilehome owners and dwellers. This magazine will help answer your many questions and give you some protections. There is always someone you can go to for help. Marion S. - Chatsworth

No one should have to live in an environment where the people with whom they trust their housing situation desire to take advantage of them. Unfortunately that is the norm for many mobile home parks in California. Mobilehome Magazine can help residents learn how to fight back and enhance their quality of life. Scott H - Gardena

As a homeowner and as President of our HOA Board I have found that there are many problems which we encounter and need help in knowing what our rights are and what is legal and what is just bluffs from a manager or an owner. Just because there are laws that are meant to protect us, does not mean that they are adhered to by managers and /or Park Owners. This magazine is one of the best ways to stay on top of the issues and to be sure we are getting a fair break. There are usually other parks within our area that are facing the same problems and we are unaware of their solutions that could be utilized by our own park. Park owners keep each other informed of ways to circumvent the laws and to bully theirhomeowners. This magazine, along with GSMOL, are about the only way we can get a fair shake. Lloyd R - San Marcos

The information is so valuable to manufactured housing people, I can’t believe anyone of us could not profit from reading the advice from lawyers and advocates for our lifestyle. I’ve twice now passed out copies to all (125) residents of my park and would gladly do so again. Claudette L - Ventura There is much good and important information in each issue. For instance, from an article I discovered that even though I know that the paperwork was filed with HCD, I don’t have a copy of title to my home! Brian J - Davis 8

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Any undertaking requires TEAM WORK, i.e. everyone contributing their best to accomplish a common goal. Whether the goal is to win a sports championship, or to be a successful organization, TEAM WORK is critical. The success of Mobilehome Magazine in your area is no exception to this rule. You, as a mobilehome owner, now have a vehicle you can use to better your life. This is your opportunity to make it work. For it is to be successful, everyone will have to do their share. But you know, it doesn’t have to be work. It can be FUN. This is your magazine, it is meant to be used by local advocates, by local experts, and by local residents like yourself. You can contribute content. You can write what’s happening in your park, what issues you have faced in the past, what issues you face today, whether or not you are organized, or have a newsletter, or a recreational group. Now you have someone to ask questions and get answers. Now you have a way to express your concerns. Now you are part of a COMMUNITY of mobile/manufactured home owners! Remember the saying: there is Strength in Numbers. Now you have some power. All you have to do is read MHMag, be active and contribute.

How to Contribute Content It is easy, but you should have a computer or find a friend that does. Put your thoughts down using Microsoft Word and send them attached in an email to fawodley@yahoo. com. It is that simple. We will acknowledge receipt and you may see your contribution in the next magazine.

a. Use the magazine to alert your local community of an upcoming event in your park. b. Now advocacy groups in your area can share their work with your Community. After all, we are all in the same boat, we can always learn from others, from their mistakes and successes. c. The magazine can be used to put pressure on a manager or an owner to do a better job. GSMOL does this with Equity Lifestyle and it’s owner Sam Zell. No one likes to hear something negative about themselves, so perhaps they will “shape up” if they know they may be exposed. d. Events that are FUN and recreational can be shared. For instance when a group is planning a bus tour. Now the COMMUNITY can be involved, not just one park. e. Use the magazine to advertise your home for sale by owner. We give residents discounts. We provide tips and suggestions on selling your home yourself. You can save lots of $$ and support the magazine! A win-win.

You Are Now A Community Ultimately the magazine is creating a COMMUNITY in your local area. And because we post YOUR magazine on www.mobilehomemagazine.org for others to see, we are creating an even larger COMMUNITY - The California Community of Mobilehome Owners! Get on board, contribute, be active and rejoice at the strength and power you have.

GO TEAM!

Thinking Outside The Box Some leaders are already brainstorming how best to use the magazine. Here are some ideas: Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

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Articles Published in 2013 by Mobilehome Magazine There is a reason why our readers like Mobilehome Magazine. Not only do we keep them up to date with events in California, but we have articles by attorneys, experts and advocates from around the state and the US. We do not pull punches, we call a spade a spade. You get the facts, the real story and thousands today trust us for the truth. Here are some articles we have published over the last few months:

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Articles by park managers

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The Importance of Information

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Philosophy of a Park Manager by Melody Lee

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More Philosophy by Melody Lee

Articles by Mobilehome Magazine

Articles - what’s happening in California:

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Mobilehome Residency Law 101

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Lawsuit against Sierra Management

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Survey - Why Should Advocates Work Together?

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March Educational Symposium in Santa Cruz

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L.A. Threat to Vacancy Control

Mobile Home Park Task Force Los Angeles - the real scoop - is it helping or hurting mobilehome owners?

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Calistoga park owner fights for rent increase

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The Peoples Magazine-a FREE magazine for all

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Utility bill fiasco in Davis

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Retaliation and Harassment: What to do about it.

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Senator Correa January Conference in Anaheim

Donna Matthews (25 year advocate) column:

Articles from experts:

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Amazing News from Donna: the law states park owners must protect our investments

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Free Markets in Mobilehome Parks: Solutions to such issues as high rents, titling, interference of sales - by Suzanne Angeo, VP, SRMOA

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Resident Ownership - You Can Do It. Part I & II by Deane Sargent of PMC Financial

Rent Control vs Rent Review: why so many rent stabilization ordinances result in lawsuits. There is a better alternative

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Select Committee on Manufactured Homes and Communities, Part I & II by Stephanie Reid, Select Comm.

It’s Your Money: What would you do if you got a 7 day notice

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Judges - Pleadings: Guidelines / Code of Ethics

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The clock is Ticking - protect your home by Myron Hughes, Hughes West-Brook Insurance

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Contract Law: What does it mean to you?

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Mobilehome Rental Agreement: In’s and Outs.

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Inheritance & What You Need to Know by attorney Bruce Stanton, Corporate Council for GSMOL

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Eviction - How to prepare.

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Water: Laws regarding supplying water to MH parks.

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Personal Property vs Real Estate by Dr. Carl Leivo

Offers:

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Condo Conversions - Help cities stop unwanted condo conversions

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Get a free copy of the MRL, large font version, including a FAQ section

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Estate Planning by attorney David Loop, V.P. GSMOL

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Get Mobilehome Magazine free online at our website: www.mobilehomemagazine.org

Articles on mobilehome living: •

Remodeling a manufactured home

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Mobile/manufactured home tips & tricks

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Mobile/manufactured home improvements for seniors

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Disability and MH living

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Aging in Place - Ishbel Dickens, Exec. Dir. HMHOA

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Surveys by Mobilehome Magazine:

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Advocacy - should advocates work together

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MHMag and GSMOL

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What Do You Want To See in Mobilehome Magazine?

Door to Door Distribution of Information in MH Parks - It’s Our Right! Although this may seem like a frivolous issue, believe me “Distribution of Information” is at the very foundation of the mobilehome owner - advocate relationship. Some mobile/ manufactured home parks try to block an exchange of information by residents and advocates. Take the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL). Prior to January 2011 all parks were required to give a copy to all residents. Today you must ask management for a copy. This is a step backwards.

everything management does or says. We say residents have a right to receive honest, accurate information about mobilehome life. That’s why we publish Mobilehome Magazine. And all residents who want to read it should be allowed to receive it in their tube, clip, or on their porch.

Some park owners want management to be the only voice in their park. Don’t get me wrong, there are some excellent managers who manage well and know the law. But in my experience, there are managers who don’t know the law, and actually manage poorly. Often they are new to their job because of frequent turn-over.

Mailing is Prohibitive Today it costs about $7 per year to mail a magazine. This is prohibitive, i.e. there simply wouldn’t be a Mobilehome Magazine if we had to mail every copy. If we are to reach thousands of mobilehome owners, we must have residents who will distribute in their individual parks.

Door to Door Distribution is Key MHMag must be hand distributed door to door (into tubes, clips or porches). To that end, I’ve personally called many managers of parks in California. My question: “What is your policy regarding distribution of literature in your park.” Many answer “I don’t know,” or “we don’t allow solicitation” or “the tubes are for park use only”.... Some say “sure, in fact we have a residents organization in the park and they distribute information to residents.”

“No Solicitation” - Stopping the LEGAL Distribution of Information

Freedom of Speech

The first thing you see when driving into many mobilehome parks is a sign saying “solicitation prohibited.” In criminal law, solicitation most commonly refers to either the act of offering goods or services, or the act of attempting to purchase such goods or services.

Freedom of speech is the right to communicate one’s ideas via speech (written or verbal). It is guaranteed by the first amendment, which prohibits abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, or interfering with the right to peaceably assemble.

Of course, no one wants someone coming to their door selling goods or services, i.e. solicitating. But the distribution of information is different. Some park owners use the “no solicitation rule” to stop the LEGAL distribution of information by residents. Why? Because they are afraid residents will begin to understand their rights and not blindly accept

In California, your right to “freedom of speech” is guaranteed by a provision in The Mobilehome Residency Law (798.51 (a)3) as follows: (a) No provision contained in any mobilehome park rental agreement, rule, or regulation shall deny or prohibit the right of any homeowner or resident in the park to do any of the following: (3) Canvass and petition Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013 12

purchased the Handbook for all their residents, and many managers purchased the Handbook for themselves.

homeowners and residents for noncommercial purposes relating to mobilehome living, election to public office, or the initiative, referendum, or recall processes, at reasonable hours and in a reasonable manner, including the distribution or circulation of information.

Good information in the hands of managers and residents helps prevent future problems and issues. In fact many managers and owners support the magazine. My manager, Melody, has written articles for it.

What About Publications with Advertising? Good question. In fact there is a California company (MHB Group Custom Community Magazines) that publishes a magazine containing advertising. You may have seen their magazines having a color cover and black and white inside pages. They have distributed in over 400 parks for almost 40 years.

Recent Developments Recently the manager in Vallecito in Thousand Oaks called me complaining that MHMag was put in the park tubes which was against the Rules and Regulations of the park. Further the manager said solicitation is not allowed. Fortunately I know Bill Schweinforth, the head of Vedder Communities and a WMA leader. I emailed him and resolved the problem. Residents can distribute the magazine, just not in park tubes, i.e. they can leave them on resident’s porches. Thanks Mr. Schweinforth for your assistance.

Also many parks have a newsletter, either published by a HOA, recreational committee or the like, that include advertising from local businesses.

How Can YOU Help Us Help You

All of these publications are distributed without management interference. Why doesn’t management cite “no solicitation” in these cases? It is simple. Most are not about residents rights. In fact most are written by park management and used as the “Park” newsletter. Bottom line: when parks claim Mobilehome Magazine is a “solicitation,” it’s not about advertising, it’s about CONTENT.

First of all, call or email us. Let us know you want Mobilehome Magazine in your park. This is the big step. When you let us know, then you are on our “radar” and we can help. Second. Check with your manager to determine their policy regarding the distribution of literature. If they say okay, that’s terrific! If they say NO distribution, make a copy of this article and hand it to them. If they still say NO, call me and I’ll try to help. Perhaps a letter from an attorney will change their mind. Third. Call me and together we will brainstorm how to get MHMag delivered door to door in your park. Perhaps you can do it, you might need some help or we can find another resident. By the way, we will pay 5 cents a copy to deliver.

Distribution of Mobilehome Magazine

A Team Effort

As with it’s predecessor THE VOICE, MHMag provides valuable information to owners of mobile/manufactured homes. The magazine is FREE. We are not a SOLICITATION and are really no different from the publications mentioned above. We are not confrontational, but we do point out issues in parks - the right of any resident!

Freedom of speech is a 1st amendment right. Unfortunately we must all be vigilant. If our rights are being denied,we must fight to preserve them. Change takes a team effort. Each of us doing a little.

Your Effort Benefits All When you help yourself, you are also helping all mobile/ manufactured home owners. There is much to be done, but we are on the right road.

Park Owners and Managers Need Information

Thank You!

Just like residents, sometimes park owners and managers don’t understand the laws governing mobilehome parks. They need good information too. In fact COMO-CAL sent out a flyer to about 2,000 park managers explaining our Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions. One park Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Frank Wodley, Editor/Publisher/Reporter MobilehomeMagazine 13

The Handbook of Frequently Asked Questions & Answers The 36-page Frequently Asked Questions and Answers HANDBOOK is designed to answer 58 of the most pressing questions mobile and manufactured homeowners have about the Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL) and issues that might arise in rental parks. It was compiled by the Senate Select Committee on Manufactured Housing. We feel all mobilehome owners should have a copy of the Handbook to use when questions arise.

We at Mobilehome Magazine often refer to the Handbook when someone calls us for assistance. And managers and park owners also purchase the Handbook. Why not! Everyone needs it. The FAQ Handbook is only available through Mobilehome Magazine. Each Handbook costs $6. This price includes first class postage direct to you (about $2). Simply fill out the form on page 15 and mail it to Mobilehome Magazine, P.O. Box 3774, Chatsworth, CA. 91313. You will be happy you did. We will send it first class mail as soon as we receive your form.

We have sold over 1,500 Handbooks to date to both residents and managers. It is an invaluable reference guide you will use over and over.

Rents, Fees & Taxes

Pets �� 15 Parking Problems �� 15 Subleasing �� 15 RV’s in Mobilehome Parks �� 15 Caregiver Residency in Park �� 16 Park Maintenance, Inspections & Services �� 16

Rent Increases �� 4 Pass-Through Fees �� 4 Short Notice of Rent Increase �� 4 Back Rent �� 5 Club House Deposits �� 5 Security Deposits �� 5 Deducting Rent - Lack of Park Utilities �� 6 Withholding Rent if Park Loses Permit �� 6 Late Fees �� 6 Mobilehome Property Taxes �� 6 Property Taxes Too High �� 7 Section 8 �� 7

Failure to Maintain the Park �� 16 Mobilehome Park Inspection Program �� 16 Reduction of Park Services �� 17 Lot Lines �� 17 Trees and Driveways �� 17 Responsible for Pre-Existing Code Violations �� 18 Permit for Remodel. Mobilehome �� 18 Home Rehabilitation Assistance �� 19

Utilities �� 8 Park Utility Costs �� 8 Separating Charges �� 8 Park Cable TV Antenna System Fees �� 8 Water Charges in Park �� 9

Park Conversion To Resident Ownership ��19 Park Condo Conversion �� 19 Right of First Refusal to Buy Park �� 19 Laws Appl. to Resident Owned Parks �� 20

Leases & Rental Agreements �� 9 Long Leases Exempt from Rent Control �� 9 Leases in Language Not English �� 10

Park Owners & Managers �� 21 Park Manager Intimidation �� 21 Park Violations of The Mrl �� 21 Contacting Park Owner/Operator �� 21 Management Not Available in Emergencies �� 22 Park Manager Entering Lot �� 22

Termination Of Tenancy �� 10 Eviction for Late Payment Of Rent �� 10 Eviction for Rule Violations �� 10 Termination at End Of Rental Agreement �� 11 Rights in Park-Owned Mobilehomes �� 11 Park Closure �� 12

Home Sales, Resales & Transfers �� 23 Selling Home in Place in the Park �� 23 Resale of a Park Model in the Park �� 23 New Buyer Income Requirement �� 23 Rights of Heirs Inheriting Mobile �� 24 Used Homes - Resale Disclosure �� 24 Homeowners Required to Sell to Park �� 24 New Home Defects and Warranties �� 25 Other California Senate Select Committee Information �� 25

Park Rules & Regulations �� 12 Rules v. The MRL Rule Changes �� 12 Selective Enforce of Park Rules �� 13 Senior Park Changed to All-Age �� 13 All-Age Park Changed Back to a Senior Park �� 14 Occupancy Standards �� 14 Clubhouse Hours �� 14 14

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013

Order / Donation Form The FAQ Handbook, described on the previous page is a “must have.” Ordering is simple. Just fill out the form below and send it with a check made out to “Mobilehome Magazine.” We will mail your Handbook within 24 hours of receipt of your order.

$5.00

HANDBOOK MOBILEHOME RESIDENCY LAW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Support MHMag

There are several ways you can support Mobilehome Magazine.

Compiled by the California Senate Select Committee on Manufactured Homes and Communities

a. Distribute in your park.

c. Please donate. We publish Mobilehome Magazine on a “shoestring” budget. Last year we distributed 40,000 magazines. We appreciate any donations you might send our way and please know 100% of all donations go to support our efforts to educate and inform California mobilehome owners. d. Send us your email address. We soon will have an email network in California to link residents. e. Email or write us. Tell us how we can improve MHMag. What kind of articles would you like to see? And we appreciate your feedback.

It is a big help when you volunteer to distribute MHMag in your park. Remember the law allows the distribution of the f. Above all, please read magazine in your park, but A Must-Have Handbook for All California Mobile/Manufactured Home Owners Mobilehome Magazine and only by a park resident. We Published & Distributed by the Coalition of Mobilehome Owners - California educate yourself. You need will pay anyone volunteerto know the basics and where to go to get assistance. ing to distribute in their park 5 cents per copy. We will continue providing you up to date, accurate b. Write an article. information. Remember, this is your magazine. Please step up and write an article of interest to other mobilehome owners - what’s happening in your park, successes you may have THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! had, etc. (8/2010)

Order / Donation Form (PLEASE PRINT)

NAME:________________________________________Date_________________________ MAILING ADDRESS:_______________________________ E-MAIL:_____________________ SPACE #__________CITY:_________________________STATE: CA. ZIP:________________

I want my park to receive MHMag, but I am not able to deliver it. Sure, I’ll deliver Mobilehome Magazines in my park Donation Amount: $_______________ FAQ Handbook: $6.00 (delivered to you by first class mail) Thank You! Your donation helps us continue our work! INCLUDE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO “Mobilehome Magazine” MAIL TO: Mobilehome Magazine, P.O. BOX 3774, CHATSWORTH, CA. 91313-3774 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MOBILEHOME MAGAZINE

Vol. 3 No. 7 July 2013