House & Home: May 13, 2023

La Sonrisa, a stunning Spanish Colonial Revival estate designed by Floyd Brewster, protégé of George Washington Smith and the architect behind the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, is making its market debut. The historic 4BD|4BA estate is situated on over an acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds in the coveted Hope Ranch enclave of Santa Barbara. Commissioned in 1931 by Naval Captain C.G. Davy, the second President of Hope Ranch Estates, the 5,000SF home boasts preserved hand-painted tiles, intricately carved wooden shutters from Peru, and rare details such as original brass hardware, custom ironwork, and decorative window glass from the 1930s. For those with an appreciation for beauty, architecture, and history, La Sonrisa is the perfect legacy estate.

COntents

Reader Questions: Can one person destroy our meetings? .......................................................6 How does somebody become HOA manager?............................................6

HOA

Santa

Real

Q&A: What can I do about my loud condo neighbor when I work at home? .......9

Ask Angi: What’s the difference between plaster and drywall? ................................10

On Gardening: Persimmon petunia is perpetuating a plant panic .....................................12

&HOUSE HOME Publishing LLC

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How to prepare for your first meeting with a designer

By Katie Laughridge

With the arrival of spring comes a renewed sense of energy and joy, and what better way to celebrate the season than by incorporating playful and charming seasonal touches into your home decor? For me, spring decor brings the arrival of fresh florals and of course, bushels of bunnies. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit after all, according to the Chinese zodiac, making it an especially auspicious time to add the adorable creatures to your interior design.

Sprucing up your space with bunnies and florals is a whimsical way to create a fun and fresh springtime atmosphere in any room. Endless possibilities exist for incorporating them into your decor, from figurines and wall art to textiles and dinnerware. Here are some creative and stylish ways to bring a touch of springtime charm to your home.

There’s a bunny for every style

Although the origins of the Easter bunny are somewhat shrouded in mystery, one theory is the symbol of the rabbit stems from the festival of Eostre, a pagan tradition celebrating a goddess of fertility whose animal symbol was a bunny (please forgive this religious studies minor as she geeks out just a “hare”).

Wherever they come from originally, bunnies as decor are available in all forms. In varying sizes, they range from elegant white ceramic, to detailed and delicate bronze, to whimsical and wooden. No matter your personal style, I truly believe there is a bunny to match — which leads me to my next point.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking anything will do for spring decor. Take your time and find pieces that truly resonate with you and that you will love to use year after year. Those bunnies that you display will look a lot more natural and “at home” in your space if they stick with the style to which you ordinarily gravitate.

Once you find a bunny (or two) you love, it’s time to display it! If you are looking to create a sweet spring vignette with your bunny as the shining star, start by placing a large bunny in the center and add smaller items around it, such as candles, vases of flowers or even decorative eggs. You can also use bunny-shaped objects, such as ceramic bowls or candle holders, to add a playful touch to your display.

Make bunnies the center of your table

Spring can bring a dizzying array of get-togethers, and the table is a fun place to set the scene for all the festivities during the upcoming months. For an effortless springtime table, I like to keep a main centerpiece and rotate decor and each place setting around it. The centerpiece can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and you can add different elements to it as the season progresses.

At this table, ginger jars, statement bunnies and greenery fill the center of the table, with bunny dishes nestled among them. For now, little brass bunnies rest in nests of greenery at each place setting atop a stack of sweet dishes. Later, they might be replaced with little birds or other natural elements to round out the season.

This next tabletop proves springtime doesn’t have to be all about pastels. This tablescape takes a less expected approach with pops of citrus tones that pair perfectly with our beloved blue and white. White ceramic rabbits are the perfect addition; they look absolutely at home among the fine floral dishes and blooms, and their monochromatic color keeps the arrangement from looking too busy.

On decorating for spring

One thing to keep in mind when decorating for spring in general is you don’t have to go overboard with decor.

But I know some that take this time of year as an opportunity to start fresh with their decor — literally. If you’re looking to incorporate more springtime touches around the house, consider swapping out darker, heavier textiles like throws and throw pillows for lighter and brighter options, or exchanging a few pieces of art on the wall with something botanical and full of life.

Don’t leave out the outdoors when it comes to refreshing for spring. Adding seasonal touches to your patio or outdoor living space is a great way to encourage use of the space as the days get longer and warmer. New outdoor furniture might be in order, or maybe a few new outdoor pillows will do.

Make

an impact with tropical florals

Tulips are one of the most beloved flowers of spring, with their vibrant colors and delicate petals. These versatile flowers can be used in a variety of ways, from centerpieces and bouquets to wreaths and garlands. With their simple beauty and versatility, tulips are a must-have for any spring decor.

Incorporating bold tropical stems with delicate traditional florals is a great way to add dimension and interest to your arrangements. In this display, tulips, hydrangeas and drooping floral stems are the monochromatic base from which tropical greenery bursts. Monstera leaves and spiky palm fronds are mixed throughout, providing visual interest on all sides of the piece. The end result? Stunning bouquets that retain their refined New Traditional feel while still feeling fresh.

Adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas City interior design destination Nell Hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at info@nellhills.com.)

©2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Fireplaces can be an inviting element to include in a modern country decor.

Lighting can bring both a modern and country vibe.

Top to bottom: A modern take on a midcentury modern-style chair is displayed on a retail floor.

HOA Homefront – Reader Questions

By Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. CCAL

Can One Person Destroy Our Meetings? How Does Somebody Become HOA Manager?

Kelly:

Is there a way to limit comments/attendance at monthly board meetings? We have a member who is constantly making harassing comments at board meetings.

– B.P.

Dear Mr. Richardson:

We have an abusive owner with anger management issues that has been demanding in person meetings for over two years. We did one meeting in person and the owner was screaming, out of his chair lunging at the manager which was enough for us. We are not willing to put our board members or management in harm’s way especially after what happened in Canada and Atlanta. We did obtain a TRO on the owner but it was not extended due to a judge change.

Besides hiring an armed off duty law enforcement officer to be present at our meetings, we are out of ideas. Is there any type of legislation or suggestions that are available to avoid doing in person meetings because of this particular owner?

Dear B.P. and D.C.:

– Thanks.D.C.

An immature, rude, or even unhealthy homeowner should never be permitted to destroy the orderly meetings of your community. Having security in attendance at meetings reflects a failure of the community to rein in bad behavior, and should not be necessary. Here are fourtechniques that may help your HOA bring this under control.

1. Strictly observe open forum. The law allows members to attend and observe meetings, but nothing says that they may participate in the meeting. The Open Meeting Act at Civil Code Section 4925(a) allows members to attend the open portion of the board meeting, and subpart (b) requires the board to allow a member to speak to the board, subject

to a “reasonable time limit,” which is often called “open forum.” During open forum, the directors should not respond or answer those comments – that time is the audience’s time to speak for a limitedtime. Outside of open forum, members should be barred from interjecting or otherwise disrupting board deliberations. Those interruptions also harm the ability of the audience to hear what the board is saying.

2 If someone disrupts the meeting, the chair should ask the disruptor to stop. If that doesn’t work, ask for a censure motion from the board, asking the disruptor to stop obstructing the meeting. If that still doesn’t work, a motion to expel the member may be necessary.

3 Adopt meeting rules. Association meeting rules can help explain how board meetings are run and set reasonable standards of behavior and consequences for violating those standards, which should be applied to everyone attending – including the directors. Include in the rules a fine for disrupting meetings, so that the board can call that owner to a hearing and potentially impose a fine. Such rules can also explain closed sessions and provide disciplinary hearing guidelines.

4 In extreme cases, clients have obtained restraining orders barring a homeowner from attending board meetings to protect the attendees’ safety. This is a last resort, and hopefully, HOAs will not need to pursue this measure to restore order to your board meetings.

Don’t allow bullies or self-absorbed owners to hijack HOA board meetings. Elevating the standard of behavior requires collaboration by directors and attendees. More productive meetings will be the outcome, benefitting all owners.

– Sincerely, Kelly

Mr. Richardson:

I really appreciateyour HOA input and suggestions.

What are the legal qualifications and California requirements to be a property management company or manager for homeowners associations?

If an association changes its management company, does it have an obligation to advise all residents prior to the hiring of a new company, without a vote from its membership? Our old management went belly up, one manager started her own management company and was now contracted by the board to oversee our properties. Should we have been advised prior to the board’s decision to hire this newly created property management company?

Dear J.H.:

– Respectfully, J. H.

Under most HOA bylaws, hiring and firing of vendors is usually a board decision, not a membership vote decision. That includes the vendor who provides management services. Vendor hiring and firing should be in open board session. Many boards and some lawyers incorrectly argue that hiring of vendors is “formation of contracts,” a permitted closed session topic, and that anything regarding vendors is in closed session. However, “FORMATION of contracts” is the term from the Open Meeting Act, NOT “everything to do with vendors.” “Formation” means creation of the legal contract, and also negotiating strategy, which of course should be confidential. Therefore the change of companies should have occurred in an open board meeting after announcement in the agenda four days prior.

Amazingly, there are no requirements in California in order to manage HOAs. No state law or regulation requires licensing or any particular training of HOA managers. I have several times seen a homeowner in their HOA convince the board to fire the existing management

and hire them as the HOA’s new manager (of course at a lower rate).

Business and Professions Code 11502 does not allow someone to call themselves a “Certified Common Interest Development Manager” unless they meet specific prescribed requirements, but “Certification” is not mandatory. A manager who correctly is called “Certified” is one indication of qualification.

Another indication of qualifications to manage HOAs comes from the three main organizations in California who issue manager credentials – The Community Association Institute (CAI), the California Association of Community Managers (CACM), and the Community Association Manager International Certification Board (CAMICB). Each organization has extensive educational offerings for professional managers and issue a number of credentials or designations. Such achievements do not necessarily mean someone is a good manager, but it certainly shows a commitment to advancing oneself in the management profession and also may increase the probability that your manager is more qualified and committed to management excellence than a manager who is not “Certified” or otherwise hold credentials from CAI, CACM, or CAMICB.

HOAs often hire management on the basis of the lowest quoted fee – that is very often a mistake.

When hiring new management, even though the board not the members is the decision-maker, the management is such an important vendor that a board may wish to consider having a “meet the new manager” event or set aside a part of a board meeting at which time HOA members can hear the manager talk about their background and experience and ask the manager general questions. It may get the manager off to a strong start relationally with the community members.

– Best regards, Kelly

Kelly G. Richardson, Esq. is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Partner of Richardson Ober LLP, a California law firm known for community association expertise. Submit column questions to Kelly@roattorneys.com. Past columns at www.HOAHomefront.com. All rights reserved®.

Santa BarB ara County SaleS

This is a partial list of all recorded residential sales in Santa Barbara County from May 1 thru May 5, 2023. While these recordings are public record, the News-Press receives this information from an outside source. This list does not represent all sales that occurred over this time period. Consult your REALTOR® for further information regarding home sales in your area of interest.

Santa BarBara County SaleS

Real Estate Q&A:

What can I do about my loud condo neighbor when I work at home?

By Gary M. Singer

Question:

The neighbor above my condo apartment recently took up the drums. He likes to practice in the middle of the day, which is a problem since I work from home. To make matters worse, he seems to practice at random times, so I cannot even plan around it. It is interfering with my work and is getting under my skin. What can I do?

– Anonymous

apartment, even in the middle of the day, takes things too far.

Answer:

Apartment living has both advantages and sacrifices. There is no yard to mow or house to maintain, but you must live close to people with differing interests and schedules. Making this choice of lifestyle requires both patience and consideration of others. Apartment dwellers should have more patience for random noises and heavy footsteps and consideration for their neighbors. Playing the drums in an

Give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt. Since he is only practicing in the middle of the day, he may think no one is home to hear him play. Your first step is to chat with him, letting him know you work from home and that his practice is making things hard for you. Hopefully, this will resolve the problem. However, if it does not, your next step is to speak with your property manager. Playing the drums, or loud music, is most likely not allowed by your community’s rules. The property manager should have the tools and skills to get him to stop. You can also speak to your board of directors about this.

If your community is unable or refuses to help, you can try to find relief from the courts. Everyone has the right to peacefully enjoy their home; if someone’s actions interfere, it can be considered a “nuisance.” A judge can issue an “injunction” if she agrees that your neighbor’s actions are out of line. If the nuisance continues, your neighbor could face fines and other sanctions for disobeying the injunction.

Gary M. Singer is a Florida attorney and board-certified as an expert in real estate law by the Florida Bar. He practices real estate, business litigation and contract law from his office in Sunrise, Fla. He is the chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Broward County Bar Association and is a co-host of the weekly radio show Legal News and Review. He frequently consults on general real estate matters and trends in Florida with various companies across the nation. Follow him on Twitter @GarySingerLaw.

©2023 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What’s the difference between plaster and drywall?

By Paul F. P. Pogue

In nearly all American homes built in recent memory, you’re probably familiar with drywall, which is by far the most popular wall material in the nation. Quickly installed, solid, and with a distinctive sound when you tap on them, drywall is a great choice. However, it’s not the only interior wall material you might come across. Indeed, it’s a relative newcomer to the grand scheme of construction. Until about 80 years ago, most home interior walls were made from plaster. You won’t often see plaster installed today, but you often come across it in older homes. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of both.

Drywall attributes

Drywall has been the go-to building wall material because of its durability, ease of installation and relatively low cost. It takes wallpaper very easily when needed. It can be installed in one day, even as a DIY job, it’s easy to paint, and you can select a wide variety of sizes and types. Drywall panels can easily be cut to fit specific needs. It’s also easy for a homeowner to repair tiny cracks or damage to drywall and paint over it almost like it was never there.

Drywall does have some disadvantages. It’s a little more susceptible to mold and water damage, can crack or be damaged as the foundation settles, and dust from cutting it can irritate the lungs (so use masks, glasses and safety gloves when cutting it.) And while it can match any flat surface easily, it’s a lot more difficult to use drywall on curved walls.

The average drywall installation job costs about $1-$3 per square foot, and repair jobs run around $50-$75 per square foot, or you can DIY for $10-$30.

Plaster’s purpose

Plaster has been used as a critical building material for centuries and still works well for interior walls. It uses a paste that hardens as it dries. Workers apply plaster in multiple layers to strengthen it, then smooth or texture the final layer of the wall.

Plaster is still occasionally used for specific purposes, a creative texture, or to fill an area drywall can’t easily cover. Its versatility gives it the opportunity to create unique outcomes. Plaster is mold-resistant and a natural insulator compared to drywall due to its thickness. Its most notable downside is that it is much more time-intensive and labor-intensive to install; all those layers of plaster take a lot longer to lay down than hanging a drywall sheet. But it brings durability, as plaster is meant to last for centuries. You will have some trouble hammering in nails for decorating, though!

Installing plaster can be two to five times more expensive than drywall. Expect to pay $2-$10 per square foot for plaster installation. You’ll pay $10-$100 per square foot for repairs.

©2023 Ask Angi. / Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Plaster installation takes longer than drywall but brings more durability.

Photo courtesy Dreamstime/TNS

DRE# 00989478 805.565.8823 Chris Palme

OPEN

871 Deerpath Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108

REDUCED $400,000 FOR IMMEDIATE SALE

Persimmon petunia is perpetuating a plant panic

By Norman Winter

There is a plant panic of sorts going on, and it is just now May. We are just getting into planting season in the South, and I can sense an urgency to find certain plants from my Facebook followers. Supertunia Persimmon petunia is at the top of the list.

I wrote about this plant last summer as I was trialing it. If a flower grabs my attention every time I walk in the garden, that’s a pretty clear indicator of its marketability. Supertunia Persimmon is like none other in its color. In my yard, where I am a little sunlight-challenged, it always seems to be glowing like embers in a fire pit. The yellow throat somehow accentuates this.

Everyone who sees it wants it, as evidenced by my Facebook posts, where Supertunia Persimmon has been reaching 250,000-500,000 views. I can watch and read as the panic is spreading. One follower said, “You had better watch those pots tonight.” I know she was joking, but I alerted Tootie the bichon to be ready!

This container features Graceful Grasses Queen Tut in the center with Supertunia Persimmon and Supertunia Mini Vista Scarlet petunias, Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa and Solenia Yellow double flowered begonia. Photos courtesy Norman Winter/TNS

This 14-inch bowl features Graceful Grasses Queen Tut papyrus as the center plant with Supertunia Persimmon, Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo and Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow petunias.

To view this weekend’s Open Home Guide and all other Real Estate for sale or rent go to: newspress.com – click on RESPONSES – click on OPEN HOMES

To view this weekend’s Open Home Guide and all other Real Estate for sale or rent go to: newspress.com – click on RESPONSES – click on OPEN HOMES

mountain views & single-level living at this masterfully built, gated estate offering timeless SpanishMediterranean style w/ luxury finishes, custom tilework & limestone masonry details.

176 Ocean View Avenue

Enjoy mountain views & single-level living at this masterfully built, gated estate offering timeless Spanish-Mediterranean style w/ luxury finishes, custom tilework & limestone masonry details.

single level serene Hope Ranch estate with tennis court, pool, spa; move-in ready for summer entertainment.

We no longer take submissions via e-mail, instead an easy-to-use form can be found at newspress.com Click on “RESPONSES” then click on “OPEN HOMES” Deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesdays for the following Friday & Weekend publications. If you have any questions please e-mail: openhomes@newspress.com

Persimmon Petunia

Continued from page

This year, Supertunia Persimmon petunias are still making me gawk. Even from my sunroom couch I am watching in some kind of trance. Out on the wall I have Supertunia Persimmon as a thriller of sorts with the cascading, chartreuse-leaved Goldilocks Creeping Jenny intermingled with Superbena Royale Chambray verbena.

On my patio I have planted a couple of bowls using different combinations with the Supertunia Persimmon. These bowls are unique to me, in that they offer a little more depth than I usually expect.

In one bowl I used Graceful Grasses Queen Tut papyrus as the center thriller. This was one of my panic plants this spring; wishing I had more. Around the Queen Tut papyrus are the Supertunia Persimmon, Supertunia Mini Vista Indigo and Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow petunias. You can see the idea here: The indigo will be an explosive contrast, while the yellow will echo the throat of the persimmon.

In the other bowl, I used Unplugged So Blue salvia as the center plant. Then around it I planted the Supertunia Persimmon, Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa, Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow and Solenia Chocolate Orange begonia, which is in a prime partner location next to the persimmon. The dark chocolate foliage looks awesome next to the Supertunia Persimmon blossoms, and of course the extra-large double begonia

flowers are a darker saturated orange and heavenly with the persimmon.

In the South, we have to do a little work on Supertunias in the way of cutting back. At some point in time, they will get tired-looking and unproductive. Just think, I’ve already been growing these for a month and others were planted last fall, while up north, gardeners are still dodging frosts.

Supertunia Persimmon petunia will reach 4 to 12 inches tall with a 2-foot spread. So when yours reaches that tired stage, cut back to good-looking foliage. This may be a third to a half of the plant. Maintain feeding and watering and you will flush new growth and blooms for a beautiful fall.

So as the panic in finding Supertunia Persimmon escalates, check out online sources, too. Mail order shipping of flowers has improved dramatically. But as you shop at your garden center and you find them, pick them up — don’t walk to the other side of the aisle for a moment to ponder. Carpe diem!

Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.

©2023

Supertunia Persimmon petunia is making its debut this spring and is much in demand. Here it is partnered with Goldilocks Creeping Jenny and Superbena Royale Chambray verbena.

Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Supertunia Persimmon petunia will reach from 4 to 12-inches with a spread near 2-feet. Here it is partnered with Solenia Chocolate Orange Begonia, Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa and Supertunia Mini Vista Yellow petunia.

Yard Sale Tips

Before Your Sale

• Prepare to start early. Collectors and antique dealers like to show up early in the morning.

• obtain a permit if required

• Clean up your space. People like clean and neat places.

• Gather lots of shopping bags. Gathering Items

• Test any electrical items to make sure they work.

• Collect your items and sort it by type. (clothing, toys, tools, etc.)

• Take time to clean or repair your items.

• Wash all the clothes so they smell fresh.

WhaT SellS BeST?

• Tools: Guys love it all, any kind.

• Baby items of all kinds, especially clothing.

• Kitchen appliances.

• Clothing: Kids and adult.

What Should You Not Sell?

• Items missing safety parts.

• unused prescription drugs or medications.

• Personal hygiene items.

• halogen floor lamps.

• old baby cribs or playpens, incomplete child safety seats.

adverTISING

• Tell your friends, family or coworkers about your sale. Word travels.

• Place a classified ad in the Santa Barbara NeWS-PreSS!! remember to check the publication’s deadline.

• In your ad, give lots of details. Include the address, day(s), time of your sale. list major items such as “lots of kids clothes.”

SIGNS

• Check your local ordinances.

• list your address and sale date on all signs.

• Post your signs at main intersections, street corners and at the end of your driveway.

• use same colors and writing on your signs as people recognize them at a glance.

• Keep a list of where you posted your signs. It will be helpful when it’s time to take them down.

The consumer Protection Agency offers a complete list of dangerous items to avoid selling at yard sales. Visit www.cpec.gov

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