Coachella Valley Community Associations Institute Magazine

Transcription

1 April 2013 Coachella Valley Community Associations Institute Magazine INside Pool Repair It s Time to Take the Plunge Tips for Communicating Projects to the HOA Artificial Turf: Lawns Made Perfect Dealing with Pool Decks Why is My Asphalt Pavement Failing?

2 SM 2013 Corporate Sponsors Platinum AMS Paving, Inc. Asphalt MD s Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Fiore Racobs & Powers, APLC Nelson Paving & Sealing Pacific Western Bank Peters & Freedman, LLP Seacoast Commerce Bank Sunshine Landscape United Paving Co. Vintage Associates, Inc. Western Pacific Roofing Gold Conserve LandCare Flood Response Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts O Connell Landscape Maintenance Powerful Pest Management Sign-A-Rama Verizon Enhanced Communities Silver CommerceWest Bank CTI of the Desert Leon s Landscaping & Tree Service MC Painting & Construction McCormack Roofing Painting Unlimited, Inc. Prendiville Insurance Agency Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. Time Warner Cable Universal Protection Service Bronze Advanced Painting & Wood Repair Animal Pest Management Services Ben s Asphalt, Inc. CertaPro Painters, Ltd. FenceWorks, Inc. La Rocque Better Roofs, Inc. Merit Property Management, Inc. Nautilus General Contractors, Inc. Orange Coast Building Services, Inc. Rey Insurance Services, Inc. Servpro of Palm Desert Sherwin-Williams Paint Company Union Bank DEsErT resort MAnAGEMEnT Providing quality professional management services throughout the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas. Our fo cus is O n yo u. Serving community associations since 1987, Desert Resort Management (DRM) provides services that enrich communities and enhance the associations we serve. PETERS ATTORNEYS AT LAW & encinitas offi ce desert offi ce [email protected] FREEDMAN, L.L.P. A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Experience you can rely on People you can trust National strength. Local attention. Service-driven technology backbone. Innovative programs to save your association time and money. Management, financial and development services. Turnkey service to our clients. Industry s best trained team. Commitment to clients. 2 Quorum April, Melanie Place, Suite 103 Palm Desert, CA Tel: (760) Fax: (760) [email protected]

3 Contents For the Life of your Landscape Our team of professionals has over 30 years of experience providing quality, value-driven service for your properties unique needs. Features Board of Directors Coachella Valley Chapter 2013 Nena T. Rutherford-Milward, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CCAM, President Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company Christina Baine DeJardin, Esq., President Elect Peters & Freedman, LLP Landscape Maintenance Tree Care Enhancement & Construction Water Conservation 24 Hr Emergency Service T F Rob Winkle, Past President Western Pacific Roofing Michael Walker, AMS, CMCA, PCAM, CCAM, Secretary PGA West Residential Association Gloria Kirkwood, CMCA, CCAM, Treasurer Palm Valley Homeowners Association, Inc. Art Coulter Palm Valley Homeowners Association, Inc. Mike Mastropietro Orange Coast Building Services [email protected] Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, CA Lic. No Grace Paluck The Management Trust, Monarch Group Division Paula Tapia Pacific Western Bank 3 April 201 Valley Coachella ity Assoc Commun titu iations Ins te Magazin e Pool Repair It s Time to Take the Plunge By Cardinal Ambrose, CCAM 16 Tips for Communicating Projects to the HOA Keeping Your Community Informed By Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAM 18 Artificial Turf: Lawns Made Perfect CAI Coachella Valley Office Boardwalk Suite A-2 Palm Desert, CA Tel: (760) Fax: (760) Wendy Van Messel, Chapter Executive Director [email protected] Website: 10 By Dominic Nappi 24 Dealing with Pool Decks Cracks, Slips and Raised Edges By Bill Cooper Why is My Asphalt Pavement Failing? Asphalt Preservation and Preventative Maintenance Tips By Bryan Holder Gina Roldan Vista Paint Corporation Patricia Smith, PCAM Veneto Homeowners Association Your HOA can be our next Cover 10 Chapter News 35 Have You Heard? By Wendy Van Messel 36 CAI-CV Chapter New & Renewing Members 37 Advertisers Index ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS OR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CAI-CV Chapter Executive Director, Wendy Van Messel [email protected] Editor: Terry Smith [email protected] No Cost to you Every cover has a story. Tell us yours! INsIde the Plunge e to Take A air It s Tim to the HO Pool Rep Projects municating rmed Tips for Com r Community Info you Keeping e Per fect : Lawns Mad Turf al Artifici ks Pool Dec Dealing with and Raised Edges s ing? Cracks, Slip ement Fail tative Asphalt Pav and Preven Why is My servation Asphalt Pre Tips ce Maintenan Contact Wendy at the CAI-CV Office 4 Quorum April, 2013 Must be CAI-CV member in good standing (760) [email protected] The materials contained in this publication are designed to provide our members with accurate, timely and authoritative information with regard to the subject covered. However, the CAI Coachella Valley Chapter is not engaging in the rendering of legal, accounting or other professional types of services. The CV Chapter has not verified and/or endorsed the contents of these articles or advertising, nor do we have the facilities or the personnel to do so. Readers should not act on the information contained herein without seeking more specific professional advice from legal, accounting or other experts as required. Attendance at CAI-Coachella Valley Chapter programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and/ or electronic publicity for the Chapter. If you do not want the Chapter to use a photo or video of you, please notify Chapter staff in writing prior to the program or event beginning. Cover Details New Pavers By Farley Interlocking Pavers New Lighting By Rotolite, Inc. New Landscaping and Stone Work By Vintage Associates, Inc. New Water Feature Sealing By Vega Masonry CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 5

4 Contents OF THE DESERT Editorial Board Editor Chapter Events 20 Casino Night By Tad Black 40 Schedule of Events 20 Terry Smith CAI-CV Administrative Assistant Departments Proudly Serving Coachella Valley since 1996 INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Staining Concrete Replacement & Grinding Waterproofing Treatments Patio & Pool Deck Coatings Concrete Efflourescence Treatment Kool Deck Repairs P F E [email protected] FIND US ONLINE: Grandview Avenue, Cathedral City, California Lic # Committee Members MARGARET GEN WANGLER, ESQ. Fiore Racobs & Powers Greg Gritters Vintage Associates, Inc. JAY POWELL PWLC II, Inc. KEN CLARK Seacoast Commerce Bank LAURIE S. POOLE, ESQ. Peters & Freedman, LLP LESLEE WILLIAMS, AMS, CMCA, CCAM Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company PAULA TAPIA Pacific Western Bank PHYLLIS HARKINS, CMCA, CCAM Palm Desert Country Club Association 8 President s Message 9 From the Editor 12 CAI National The Road Ahead By CAI National Office 14 CLAC News CAI-CLAC Sponsors AB 1360 (Torres) Electronic Balloting for HOAs By the CAI-CLAC Public Relations Committee 26 Learning the New Davis-Stirling Act - A Six Part Series Part 2 The Governing Documents By Margaret G. Gen Wangler, Esq Darby Road bermuda Dunes (760) [email protected] 20th Anniversary STEVEN SHUEY, PCAM, CCAM Personalized Property Management Tony Brunner Country Club Remodeler Creative Director & Graphic Designer Rodney Bissell Bissell Design Studios CORRECTION: In the March issue, Scott Hines was incorrectly identified. Mr. Hines is the Mayor of Rancho Mirage and can be reached at [email protected]. We apologize for this error. 28 Water Wise Five Water Agencies Collaborating For the Good of the Region By Jim Barrett 32 By The Way Big Tips for Small Fixes 33 CAI-CV 2013 Platinum Sponsor Spotlight 34 Welcome Aboard Jim Butzbach By Paula Tapia Photo by: Lainie Vreeland Vintage Landscape, Vintage Nursery, TreeRite, TurfScapes, Schmidt Services & WaterRite Subscriber services The Coachella Valley Quorum Newsmagazine is a publication expressly prepared for our Association leaders, managers and other related professionals of the Community Associations Institute. Authors are encouraged to submit articles for publishing consideration. All articles accepted for publication in the Quorum are subject to editing and rewriting by the Publications Committee Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 7

5 President s Message from the Editor President s Message Nena T. Rutherford-Milward, Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company CAI-CV Chapter Board President From the Editor Terry Smith, CAI-CV Administrative Assistant April is here and along with it Spring! Our valley has blessed us again with wonderful weather and an itch to get outside and begin focusing on summer projects within our communities. This issue will offer guidance on many property improvement and maintenance projects, but have you thought about improving the social aspect of your communities? Planning a movie night or a spring barbeque is a great way to encourage residents to get to know one another, also a great way to get to know your homeowners better. CAI s publication, Building Community: Proven Strategies for Turning Homeowners into Neighbors outlines five concepts for community building that will get you well on your way and is available for purchase on the website. Our 2013 Country Western Roundup was a success! Huge thanks go out to the Committee great theme, great food and lots of fun and also to our sponsors. A very special THANK YOU to Sunshine Landscape for the OK Corral truly a western vision! Looking forward into April, the focus is education for managers and board members: April 9, 2013, is our annual offering of The Essentials of Community Association Volunteer Leadership. This course is for association leaders and homeowners. New board members and committee members are encouraged to attend this one day workshop covering all aspects of association management for volunteers. Please contact our Chapter office at (760) to register or go to CAI s Annual Conference and Exposition, Creating Community Legacies is being held in San Diego this year from April 17-20, CAI will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. If you are interested in attending, please visit the CAI National website at The month ends with CAI s annual legislative visit to Sacramento where delegates from all over the state of California meet with our legislators regarding issues which impact community associations. This year s event will be held April 28-29th. Visit to find out more about the 20th Annual Legislative Day at the Capitol. On May 30th and 31st, the M204 Course Community Governance will be offered in Palm Desert. This course covers the legal basis of community rules, policies and procedures. The M204 course is approved for 14 hours of continuing education for CMCA recertification. For information on this course or other continuing education courses, visit Please remember that the Chapter is always in need of volunteers to serve on the myriad of hard working committees which keep our Chapter events the place to be to network and have fun. If you have not served on a committee before, this is your opportunity! Find us and Like us on Facebook at and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cai_cv for updates on Chapter events and (my favorite part) event photos. All my best, Nena T. Rutherford-Milward Welcome Spring! It s time for spring cleaning and improvement projects. Whether you are a manager or a homeowner in an association, we hope this issue provides you with helpful information and insight for your community improvement projects and a few quick tips for those DIY projects as well. Cardinal Ambrose s article, Pool Repair It s Time to Take the Plunge takes us through the process of planning a major pool renovation project in an association and Steven Shuey s article, Tips for Communicating Projects to the HOA, reminds us that everyone wants, and needs, to be informed of projects big and small. From providing information on pool tile and concrete overlay texture to posting notices, the key is keeping your association informed of the project schedule and timeline. Whether you are looking for tips on asphalt maintenance or on having a maintenance free yard, the article by Bryan Holder on asphalt preservation and preventative maintenance and Dominic Nappi s article on artificial turf provide valuable information. The Davis-Stirling Act is also undergoing a clean up which will take effect in January, In this issue, you will find the second part of our six part series which reviews Governing Documents, written by Margaret G. Gen Wangler, Esq. It s never too early to start getting familiar with these revisions to the law. As we embark on our various projects, remember that there is no substitute for professionalism. An architect, contractor, or other participant in your project who has a track record of character and professionalism will likely demonstrate those qualities on your project. Please consider contacting a CAI-CV Business Partner member when it comes time for your improvement projects. CAI-CV MISSION STATEMENT The mission of CAI is to provide the leadership for successful development and operation of community associations through information, research and education. Always be optimistic, even if you have to be irrational about it. Susan Burk 8 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 9

6 Feature Feature POOL REPAIR It s Time to Take the Plunge By Cardinal Ambrose, CCAM, Albert Management, Inc. Homeowners Associations Audits Reviews Tax Returns Compilations Special Projects (760) Monterey Ave., Suite 4, Palm Desert, CA The reserve study provides us with information that estimates the remaining useful life of an association s major components. Visual inspections and an opinion from an industry expert can also provide valuable information and verify the condition and the remaining useful life of a major component. We know both of these statements are true, but now what? We must start the process and plan the course of action to either repair or replace major components. Let s use a local homeowners association and its reserve study that reflects the remaining useful life of the pool plaster and pool decking of 1 year and 2 years, respectively. This particular association is currently in the process of starting a pool and deck resurfacing project. The Association s six pools, all in various phases of deterioration and becoming less aesthetically appealing, are scheduled to undergo renovations beginning April 1, Each pool is surrounded by 16 homes, most of which are second homes to the owners. Using this scenario we can see that we will need project specifications for the pool and deck resurfacing. We also need to properly communicate to the homeowners that a major project will be taking place and provide them with the project schedule and timeline. Unless you are an expert in the pool resurfacing business, it is wise to reach out to a reputable pool contractor who is an industry expert and can provide you an opinion and recommendation on how to proceed. In general, most contractors will have no problem generating the job specifications for you. Make sure to meet onsite with the contractor and thoroughly inspect each pool, ask questions and make sure you have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done to ensure a successful project. That includes conveying critical concerns to the contractor to be included in the specifications. In this case, this particular association is known for the mid century modern architecture and the selection of tile and color scheme are significant. Once the specifications have been reviewed and approved by the board of directors it s time to send out the RFPs (Request for Proposals). You will want to request proposals from at least three licensed, bonded and insured contractors. You need to take into account the size of the project and the ability and experience of the contractors you are considering. Often times a call to fellow managers can provide valuable information on a contractor s ability and past performance. Allow sufficient time for the contractors to prepare their proposals and invite them to present their proposals and field questions from the board. As mentioned earlier, this project is scheduled to begin April 1st. Each pool and deck will take approximately five weeks to complete, start to finish. During the annual meeting, a color chart that included a sample of the pool tile and the textured concrete overlay for the decks was on display for the homeowners to see. Also on display was a pool project schedule which showed the timeline for each pool. The plan is to have one pool closed at a time which will lessen the inconvenience and disruption to the residents. The contractor that was awarded the contract was also on hand to explain the process and to answer homeowner questions. Emphasis was placed on the total length of the project which is scheduled to be six months. Completion will be just in time to begin another season. This information was also posted on the association s website. By communicating this information to the homeowners, it prepares them for possible inconveniences, allows them to express their opinion and helps them feel like they are part of the project. Similar information was shared with the association s service providers that may be affected by the project. The board of this association understands they have a fiduciary responsibility to maintain, preserve and enhance the assets of the association. Armed with the information contained in the reserve study, the visual inspection and opinion of an industry expert, they decided to take the plunge. Make sure to meet onsite with the contractor and thoroughly inspect each pool, ask questions and make sure you have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done to ensure a successful project. Cardinal Ambrose is a certified community association manager with Albert Management responsible for eight communities in the Coachella Valley encompassing 856 homes. Cardinal can be reached at [email protected] or (760) MAInTAInIng THe beauty AnD FunCTIOn OF THe urban LAnDSCAPe Irrigation audits performed by an IA Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Tree Trimming with supervision by a ISA Certified Arborist Computerized Irrigation Management Digital Photo and Landscape enhancements Free 24hr emergency response Client education Programs Contact: Janalee Arthur, sales/customer service Cell: (760) [email protected] Contact: Casey Gnadt, Area Manager phone: (800) [email protected] fax: (949) Wheel road, Indio, CA find us online: or scan our qr code with your smart phone to find more about us now. an company REGISTERED COMPANY ON STAFF ON STAFF 10 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 11

7 CAI National The Road Ahead By CAI National Office With a new Congress sworn in and the pageantry of President Obama s inauguration passed, CAI is moving aggressively in Washington, DC to make sure your voice is heard. The road ahead for CAI s federal affairs agenda includes fairness in disaster recovery for community associations and preparing for the central role associations will play in new federal mortgage rules. Fairness for Community Associations Superstorm Sandy has shown once again how community associations are treated unfairly under federal disaster recovery guidelines. CAI has heard from hundreds of members whose communities were damaged by Superstorm Sandy but who have been denied federal disaster assistance. Local governments have helped associations only to have FEMA refuse funding to offset these expenses. Cooperatives and condominiums have been ruled ineligible for help with uninsured damages. In each case federal disaster assistance was refused because the damages were in a community association. Tragically, FEMA would have helped these neighborhoods and homeowners if the loss occurred in a nonassociation community. It is unfair that associations are told to manage disaster recovery on their own. CAI s call for fairness in disaster assistance was joined by other organizations and has been heard by key leaders in Congress. CAI is working with New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez to persuade FEMA to reconsider its refusal to provide disaster Verifying that new homeowners have the ability to pay a fair share of association costs will lead to healthier, stronger, and more stable communities across the country. assistance to community associations. New York Senator Charles Schumer has called on the federal government to provide grants to cooperatives and condominiums to help with disaster recovery. Every CAI member can contribute to this effort by contacting their representatives in Congress to demand fair access to recovery resources for community associations. Ask your local and State officials to contact FEMA and urge that community associations receive fair treatment. By joining together we can prevent community associations from having to go it alone in the next natural disaster. Federal Mortgage Rules In early January, the federal government released new mortgage lending guidelines. As expected, community associations will play an important role in the new mortgage approval process. Lenders are now required to prove borrowers can make monthly principal and interest payments as well as monthly payments for insurance premiums, taxes, and association assessments. This ability to repay test protects borrowers and communities from the dangers of predatory lending. Community associations should be prepared to provide lenders with information about regular and special assessments. This information is a critical part of the ability to repay test. At CAI s request, the federal government will allow lenders to use assessment information from other sources as long as the information is reasonable reliable. For example, a lender may rely on assessment information provided by the buyer or seller rather than the association. Also, associations need only provide information on current assessments. Federal officials understand that community associations are a growing source of housing in America. Verifying that new homeowners have the ability to pay a fair share of association costs will lead to healthier, stronger, and more stable communities across the country. The Road Ahead For CAI, the road ahead in 2013 involves a broader federal agenda than fairness in disaster assistance and implementing new mortgage rules. Every CAI member is vital in driving this agenda as far down the road as we can. To learn more about CAI s federal affairs agenda and how you can help, visit or send an to [email protected]. # 1 License # Paving Company in the Valley! Honesty, Integrity, Quality Our Services: Asphalt Repair, Patching & Crackfill Asphalt Removal & Replacement Grading and New Paving Overlays and Fabric Overlays All types of Slurry Seals, Pavement Coatings and Striping Serving all of Southern California Since 1981 amspaving.com Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 13

8 CLAC News CAI-CLAC Sponsors AB 1360 (Torres) Electronic Balloting for HOAs By CAI-CLAC PR Committee Water Management Seminar for Landscape Professionals Designed to help local landscape professionals learn to efficiently irrigate their clients lawns in this arid, hot climate. June 12 in English & June 19 in Spanish 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Steve Robbins Administration Building (75515 Hovley Lane East, Palm Desert) Registration is free, but space is limited! To register visit Presented by Coachella Valley Water District Contact CVWD at (760) Assemblymember Norma Torres, chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, introduced a bill that would permit the use of electronic voting to add an additional option to election procedures and reduce costs for community associations. AB 1360 (Torres), sponsored by the Community Association Institute s California Legislative Action Committee (CAI-CLAC), would help ensure more people in community associations have an opportunity to participate in the electoral process and for their voices to be heard. Community associations are powered by the people that live in the communities and it s important that they are involved in the decision making process, Torres said. This bill is part of our effort to modernize the democratic process for community associations and will help increase involvement while reducing costs. Currently, common interest development association elections are subject to specific procedures, which are more restrictive than other nonprofit corporations. In 2006, SB 1560 passed and although it was designed to improve the way elections were performed, it also dramatically increased costs, as the election process must now be repeated until a quorum is achieved. This forces associations to spend thousands of dollars each year to conduct elections. AB 1360 (Torres) would safeguard and enhance the electoral process for community associations, preserve resources and reduce costs, which can be used to fund other much-needed services and, ultimately, help protect property values. We applaud Assemblymember Norma Torres for her efforts in ensuring community association homeowners can easily participate in elections through third-party electronic balloting, helping to increase security, participation and involvement, said CAI-CLAC Chair Pamela Voit. It s important that we embrace today s technology and provide convenience to our members, so that associations can refocus resources on maintaining their communities. The CAI-CLAC PR Committee meets monthly via teleconference. If you are interested in participating, please contact Kimberly Lilley at [email protected]. May 3, :00 A.M. The Golf Club at La Quinta Trilogy Parkway, La Quinta For More Information Call the Chapter Office (760) Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 15

9 Feature Tips for Communicating Projects to the HOA Keeping Your Community Informed By Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAM, Personalized Property Management At some point in the HOA s lifetime the community is going to have a large project pass through. It might be major repairs to an existing component or it may be a new capital improvement. Whatever or whenever, there is nothing worse than homeowners wondering what in the world is going on. When the community plans a major project, communication with the residents will be a major part of the operation. Someone needs to be appointed the task of keeping the residents up to date on progress during the project. Let s start at the beginning. The idea of doing the project needs to be announced. When the board of directors initiates a project, it is important that everyone in the community be told that it is coming. I recommend that major projects be announced well in advance. Telling homeowners that streets will be resurfaced could easily be announced a month in advance, letting folks know that a schedule is being prepared as to which streets will be closed on what days. This will help get the residents looking for the announcement. If the project is a new playground installation, something the community did not have before, I would recommend an announcement several months in advance. There will likely be a few to whom the project needs to be sold to and you want the good news about the enhancement to be received well. Getting the good news out by the board of directors before the bad news hits the street by the naysayers will make it much easier to combat the negative rumors. During the course of a major project, timing can be critical. Obviously, if streets are going to be closed and driveways blocked preventing entry or exit from garages, residents need to know this well in advance so that they can make arrangements for access to their automobile. In a major exterior painting project there is even more to be concerned about. Community painting projects require detailed communication to the residents. Often, landscaping needs to be disturbed and unit entry doors may need to be accessible. Even if color is not changing, people will think it is changing (and be concerned), just because it is fresh looking. Explaining these issues in advance will help prevent phone calls from concerned residents. When it comes to methods of communication, more than one method needs to be used. Rumor has it that no one reads their mail and many are blind to signs that are posted. If someone was to drive down the street announcing plans on a loudspeaker, most would be deaf and claim they never heard the message. So, knowing all this, what is the best method to get the message out? Depending on the urgency of need for the message to get out, the following methods are recommended: Send an announcement letter with details of the project well in advance. This can be done by US Mail or and perhaps both should be used. Send warning postcards shortly in advance when issues will impact residents such as street closure or a need for unit entry access. Postcards can be attention getting and the message is visible without having to open an envelope. Post signs in prominent locations within the community (on the main entry gate). Post notices on unit entry doors or garage doors. Keeping in mind that many residents do not use the front door on a daily basis. Put a message on the association s website or on the association s Facebook page. Surely there are additional methods of communication not mentioned here. Whatever method is used, it needs to be attention getting. If notices are posted on unit entry doors, keep in mind that failure to have them removed may give a message that the unit is unoccupied and available for burglary. This is not a message anyone wants announced. Area signage needs to be up-to-date and fresh looking. If signs are posted for too long, they tend to become invisible. Therefore, if signs need to be in place for an extended period of time, they should be changed out with a fresh color or a different look from time to time so that they will be attention getting. Communication on a project is a major part of the planning and there is a cost that needs to be budgeted. Do not merely assume everyone will know what s going on. Steven Shuey is a certified professional community association manager. He serves on the National Faculty of CAI and a past board member of the APCM. He is a community association consultant with Personalized Property Management here in the Coachella Valley. He may be contacted at [email protected]. You can follow him on Twitter ( Seacoast Commerce Bank offers a full range of comprehensive banking and financial services for Homeowner Associations and Property Management Companies. Seacoast Commerce Bank provides our Property Management and Homeowner Association clients the ability to maximize their use of bank services. We understand the unique Banking needs of our Property Management and Association clients, providing industry specific products and customer service that you have grown to expect and deserve. KeN CArterON Senior Vice President HOA Banking Division Mobile Fax [email protected] Country Club Dr., Ste. 206, Palm Desert, CA HOA Banking HOA BANKING solutions Depository Services Cash Management Remote Deposit Capture Lockbox Services ACH Origination HOA Financing Online Dues Program KeN ClArK HOA Client Services HOA Banking Division Phone Fax [email protected] 16 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 17

10 Feature Artificial Turf: Lawns Made Perfect By Dominic Nappi, Back Nine Greens Artificial Turf is the perfect environmental solution for property owners, giving them a way to go green and be good to the environment. The new generation of artificial grass is even more lush and realistic than ever. Not only does it look and feel like natural grass, it requires no watering, mowing, reseeding, or fertilizing, and is virtually maintenance free, paying for itself in savings with a year life expectancy. With synthetic grass, there is no sacrifice owning a pristine green lawn while conserving one of the most precious resources, water. It is a wise investment that ends up paying for itself in just a few years. Installation of synthetic grass is an ideal choice for backyards, front yards, courtyards, kids play areas, dog runs, and around that tree that can never seem to grow anything underneath. The blades are smooth, UV protected, flexible and feel soft when walked on. The permeable compacted rock base never cracks or separates like concrete, yet allows for drainage. Also known for superior synthetic turf putting greens, artificial grass has proven to work well with many golf pros, being installed in their own backyards. Putting greens are very realistic, roll true, hold approach shots, and maintain visual attraction, allowing for a fun family and friends backyard activity. Comparing true costs of artificial lawn to natural sod lawn, after paying for a gardener, watering costs, and upkeep, you are paying more for a problem-plagued lawn than a beautiful, virtually maintenance free lawn. Quality synthetic grass landscaping provides more than a green lawn and a means to conserve water; it s an investment in any property, enhancing personal lifestyle by providing a beautiful and always available green living space. Dominic Nappi is the Owner and Founder of Back Nine Greens, Inc. Back Nine Greens has been installing the highest quality synthetic lawns and artificial grass putting greens in California since You can reach Dominic at (760) or visit their website at GURALNICK & GILLILAND, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW Member of CAI and CACM Legal Services for Community Associations General Counsel Assessment Lien and Foreclosure No Cost Collections Fees Paid by Delinquent Homeowner Detailed Monthly Status Reports Title Reports at No Charge to Association Construction Defect/Reconstruction Mold Claims/Litigation Real Estate Dispute/Litigation Phone: (760) FAX: (760) Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 19

11 Chapter Events Chapter Events Casino Night 2013 Casino Night Committee Thank you to all of our fantastic sponsors without whom this event would not have been possible. CASINO NIGHT SPONSORS Gaming Room Chip Sponsor: Sunshine Landscape Gaming Room Card Sponsor: Verizon Enhanced Communities Texas Hold Em Chip Sponsor: Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company Texas Hold Em Card Sponsor: Seacoast Commerce Bank Grand Jackpot Sponsor: United Paving Co. Pit Boss Sponsor: Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC Texas Hold Em Bounty Sponsor: Powerful Pest Management Blackjack Table Sponsors: AMS Paving, Inc.; Asphalt MD s; Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company; Frazier Pest Control; Green Bryant & French, LLP; Leon s Landscaping & Tree Service; MC Painting & Construction; Nelson Paving & Sealing; Sherwin-Williams Paint Company; Time Warner Cable Craps Table Sponsor: Flood Response Roulette Table Sponsor: Western Pacific Roofing Texas Hold Em Table Sponsors: CBCI Construction, Inc.; Pacific Western Bank; Peters & Freedman, LLP; Vintage Associates, Inc. Entertainment Sponsors: Fiore Racobs & Powers, APLC; Law Office of Peggy Redmon; McDonnell Roofing, Inc.; Pacific Premier Bank Food Sponsors: CommerceWest Bank; FenceWorks, Inc.; LaBarre/Oksnee Insurance Agency; Mutual of Omaha Bank/CondoCerts; The Management Trust, Monarch Group Division 20 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 21

12 Chapter Events Bond James Bond. By Tad Black, Gothic Grounds Management, Inc. M-204 governance community A special Thank You to the 2013 Casino Night Committee: Grace Paluck, Chair Rob Winkle, Co-Chair Charles Walters-Clark Gerard Gonzales Jeff Grady Kaity Bohigian Leslee Williams Lori Fahnestock Micha Ballesteros Patricia Moeller Sue Anderson Tad Black Tuxedos and martinis, shaken not stirred of course, adorned this year s Casino Night held on February 15th at Palm Valley Country Club. In the classic style of 007, attendees at our own Casino Royale played traditional casino games, mingled and sampled delicious fare all to the backdrop of James Bond movie themes played by our DJ with the Goldfinger, Terri O Brien with Terri O Brien DJ Service. As The Living Daylights began to fade and night settled in, blackjack, craps and roulette tables were filled with gamers trying their luck to win chips that were later turned in for door prize tickets. The staff from Casino Del Sol kept the action moving and did a great job, as in years past, helping new players learn how to play the games and building the excitement as high rollers doubled down and let it ride! Just as the table games were really getting going, the highly anticipated Texas Hold Em Tournament started in the Palm Room. Poker faces that would make the best secret agent blush helped the four tables of contestants start eliminating each other one at a time as the stakes got higher. To make things interesting, a bounty prize was awarded to the player that knocked out the most contestants and the honor of this distinction went to Alex Enriquez of Sunshine Landscape. When it came down to the final two players, while Diamonds Are Forever, luck is not and Duke Conlon of Royal Promotions lived to Die Another Day, outlasting Cindy Calquhoun and was rewarded with a $400 prize! Second place received a Quantum of Solace in the form of a $200 second place prize. For those taking a break from the fun, there was a delicious spread of delectable food provided by the Palm Valley staff including Angus black and blue sliders, crab cakes, mini chicken wellington, and portabella bruschetta. As the impromptu karaoke session wrapped up, the night commenced with the ever popular door prize drawings with all sorts of fantastic prizes for the lucky winners to take home. Thanks to all who attended and sponsored this successful, fun event! Tad Black is a Business Developer for Gothic Grounds Management, Inc. He serves the Coachella Valley as well as the Inland Empire. Tad is a Landscape Industry Certified Manager (LICM). You can reach Tad by at [email protected] or at (760) Learn how to avoid legal problems and gain cooperation when establishing guidelines. This course covers the legal basis of community rules, policies and procedures. You ll gain a better understanding of board and management responsibilities and a better grasp of the community association as a legal entity. Learn how to advise and support your board and how to revise policies and procedures to comply with current laws and recommended management practices. Topics include: z Developing and enforcing rules z Using an attorney or other professional advisor z Conflicts of interest and ethics z Reviewing and amending governing documents z Statutes and case law affecting community management z Fiduciary responsibilities of association boards, committees and managers z Management contracts COURSE MATERIALS Participant guide and CD with articles and additional resources CAI Guide for Association Practitioners: Conflicts of Interest COURSE LENGTH 2 days 9 a.m. 5 p.m. both days TUITION APCM member: $445 Nonmember: $545 DESIGNATION CREDIT M-204 is required for the PCAM designation. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT M-204 is approved for 14 hours of continuing education for CMCA recertification. Visit for details. For information on continuing education for state licenses, visit ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED Call (888) (M F, 9 6:30 ET) or visit May 30th & 31st Homewood Suites by Hilton Cook Street Palm Desert, CA (760) Students should ask for best available rate Contact Eric Garner (760) Scan the tag or visit and register for this course online! Register online four weeks ahead and receive a $25 discount. OFFICIAL 2013 PMDP SPONSORS Reef Point Technology Union Bank 22 Quorum April,

13 Feature Dealing with Pool Decks Cracks, Slips and Raised Edges By Bill Cooper, CTI of the Desert Every year pool decks are reviewed for function as well as aesthetic appeal. On the functional side the issues are slipperiness, cracks, raised edges and of course delamination. Evaluating the extent of these problems determines the solution; however, the real question is can the problems be repaired or will it be necessary to start anew? Delaminated areas in the deck can be repaired provided they are not too extensive. The cause is efflorescence of salts coming up through the concrete even taking off the top layer of the concrete itself. It is driven by water, therefore on pool decks try to keep adjacent flower bed and grass watering to a minimum. Delamination also can come from poor application of materials and installation methods. Shortcuts are not sound practices. Cracks can be repaired. It is best to try to correct the probable cause if possible. Are there sufficient expansion joints in the concrete? Perhaps movement is caused by adjacent trees or earthquakes? Properly applied and maintained decks can last for twenty years or more. Raised edges are also caused by the movement of the concrete. Trees are the usual culprit. However, the lack of proper expansion joints will raise edges along with cracking. Slippery decks are a risk to any HOA. This hazard is generally the result of improper installation and age. Over time the texture can be worn down and embedded with dirt; most often this is at the egress steps of the pool itself. Also poor texture will be a contributor by not having enough highs and lows. Knock-down texture (often called Kooi-Deck texture) should have raised areas no larger than a fifty cent piece; smears should not be acceptable. Aesthetically the considerations become easy to discern. Were repairs very noticeable? If there are a number of expansion joints were they installed in a pleasing pattern or haphazardly? Is the texture consistent throughout the deck? Is the deck the appropriate color (too bright or too dark?). Currently the use of a second color is popular to highlight coping, seating areas and/or gates. Designs and logos are increasing in popularity. Maintenance is the key to longevity of the pool deck. Timely repair of problems such as cracks and delaminations go a long way to providing a lasting deck. If water is allowed to seep into cracks and/or delaminations it will travel under the coating to cause large area problems. It is recommended to make repairs yearly. Properly applied and maintained, decks can last for twenty years or more. It is the skill of the workmen that determines the overall function and aesthetic appeal of the HOA pool deck. Bill Cooper is the owner of CTI Of The Desert. CTI specializes in concrete coatings, staining, and polishing for home or business. Visit their website at Bill can be reached at (760) or by at [email protected]. ALLEN & ASSOCIATES Community Association Bookkeeping ATTENTION SELF-MANAGED ASSOCIATIONS! Why haven t you hired us to do your bookkeeping? We specialize in helping small HOA s navigate the maze of rules all HOA s must follow. We provide ALL Community Associations bookkeeping, collections & financial services, including Inspector of Election Services. Serving the Coachella Valley for more than 35 years 1111 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Ste. 103 Palm Springs, CA Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 25

14 Homeowners Association Law Learning the New Davis-Stirling Act A Six Part Series Part 2 The Governing Documents By Margaret G. Gen Wangler, Esq., Fiore Racobs & Powers, APLC Starting with the February issue, the Quorum is presenting an overview of the revised Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act ( Act ), which will become operative January 1, This month, we cover Chapter 3 of the new Act, which contains provisions related to the association s governing documents. The Hierarchy of the Governing Documents Even the California Legislature realizes that sometimes the governing documents for an association contain provisions that conflict with each other or with an applicable statute. The articles of incorporation state that the association shall have a five member board of directors, but the bylaws provide for a seven member board. Which document controls? Or, the bylaws may state that notices of membership meetings must be given no more than 60 days before the meeting, whereas the Corporations Code says that notice may be given up to 90 days before the meeting. Does the statute control or do the Bylaws? New 4205 answers these questions by setting up a hierarchy of the governing documents: To the extent of any inconsistency between the governing documents and the law, the law controls. To the extent of any inconsistency between the articles of incorporation and the declaration, the declaration controls. To the extent of any inconsistency between the bylaws and the articles of incorporation or declaration, the articles of incorporation or declaration control. To the extent of any inconsistency between the operating rules and the bylaws, articles of incorporation, or declaration, the bylaws, articles of incorporation, or declaration control. Updating Statutory References Many governing documents refer to specific statutes. For example, the CC&Rs may state that the association shall distribute the pro forma operating budget annually in accordance with Civil Code Section 4235 of the new Act provides that if the CC&Rs contain a reference to the Act that was repealed and a new provision added by the Act, then the board may amend the CC&Rs solely to correct the cross-reference, without a vote of the members. In order to amend the CC&Rs to update the statutory reference, the board must adopt a resolution that shows the correction. If the CC&Rs are corrected, then they may be restated and recorded, provided that a copy of the board resolution authorizing the correction is recorded along with the restated CC&Rs. It is important to note that under new Section 4235, the board may only change the statute numbers, and cannot amend the CC&Rs, or other governing documents, to conform to substantive changes to the Act. It is important to note that under new Section 4235, the board may only change the statute numbers, and cannot amend the CC&Rs, or other governing documents, to conform to substantive changes to the Act. Member Votes to Reverse Rules Changes Sections of the new Act relate to rules changes. These provisions are the same as current of the Act, which, in general, define rules, require a 30-day comment period for the members before the board may formally adopt a rules change, and provide a means for the members to reverse a rules change. The only change to this statutory scheme in the new Act relates to the procedures for voting to reverse a rules change. Existing Civil Code does not clearly state that a vote of the members to reverse a rules change must be conducted using the double envelope, secret ballot procedures under Civil Code New 4365 makes clear that the vote of the members on whether to reverse a rules change must be conducted pursuant to , which replace relating to elections. Gen Wangler is a senior shareholder with Fiore, Racobs & Powers, APLC, in Palm Desert. Ms. Wangler can be reached at [email protected], or at Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 27

15 Water Wise Five Water Agencies Collaborating For the Good of the Region By Jim Barrett, Coachella Valley Water District While you may not have heard about the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG), its members have been collaborating since 2008 on long-term water supply planning and water quality protection throughout the Coachella Valley. The CVRWMG members are the Coachella Valley s five public water agencies -- Coachella Valley Water District, Desert Water Agency, Mission Springs Water District, Indio Water Authority and Coachella Water Authority. They came together to coordinate and support each other s long-term water supply planning work on valuable water supply and water quality projects, as well as develop the Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) plan. This plan outlines local water resources management strategies that will ensure a secure supply of high quality water for residents of the Coachella Valley, regardless of the community in which they live. To date, the CVRWMG has successfully secured $5.5 million in state grants for the Coachella Valley for waterrelated planning and infrastructure. The group will soon be applying for an additional $5.24 million in state grants. The CVRWMG members, as well as stakeholders from throughout the Valley, started meeting more than five years ago to develop the IRWM plan. Finalized in 2010, the plan contains five key goals and objectives: Optimize water supply reliability Protect or improve water quality Provide stewardship of water-related natural resources Coordinate and integrate water resource management Goals include protecting water quality and ensuring long-term supply The plan also includes specific strategies and projects to meet those goals and objectives. Another key component to successfully meeting the goals was developing a partnership with representatives of city and county governments, Indian tribes, privately owned water agencies and nonprofit organizations that represent economically disadvantaged communities. So what does all this mean to you? Ultimately, we expect the implementation of the plan to help us conserve and diversify water supply portfolios in the region, provide water supply reliability, protect water quality and expand access to high quality drinking water. Water suppliers have often thought of themselves as a silent service because much of what occurs behind the scenes is out of sight, out of mind and taken for granted. For many people, they turn on their tap, water flows, and they are happy. Many people don t understand, or care to understand, all that s involved, including infrastructure operation and maintenance, water quality testing and compliance, and regional planning efforts such as this (to name a few aspects). The reality is that water suppliers are public servants and we re proud to provide valuable water-related services to the community without a great deal of fanfare. However, this group s efforts to improve water resource planning and management for the Coachella Valley is having a significant impact that deserves recognition. I encourage you to learn more about the Coachella Valley Integrated Regional Water Management plan and the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group by visiting Jim Barrett is Acting General Manager for the Coachella Valley Water District. You can reach him at (760) or [email protected]. Knowledge integrity Knowledge integrity commitm nt SucceSS integrity SucceSS commitm nt integrity commitment Knowledge SucceSS Corporate Office Rancho Mirage Lane PO Box 799 Rancho Mirage, CA Tel: Fax: [email protected] Website: In Community Association Law the Devil is in the details. We provide solutions... Palm Springs 400 S. Farrell Drive, Suite B-210 Palm Springs, CA Tel: If Fax: you are involved in the management of a to complex Community If you are involved in the management of a community association, you know that State Association and Federal laws that legal govern associations issues. complicate decision-making and make the conduct of association business challenging. community association, you know that the State and Federal laws that govern associations complicate details of community decision-making association and make law the is our conduct only business. of association Our attorneys business constantly challenging. We can help. At Epsten Grinnell & Howell, solving the complexities of community governing documents. This attention to At Epsten Grinnell & Howell, knowing the our mission association law is our only business. Knowledge. Integrity. Commitment. Success. Our practical attorneys solutions handle to a continuing legal problems. and varied stream of association legal matters. We Let collaborate our comprehensive and share our understanding ever-expanding of knowledge community with association each other, law and contribute with our to For more than 27 years, Epsten Grinnell & Howell has been a recognized clients. leader in community association law throughout the success This can Southern of your be a association. real benefit to your California. association, as our attorneys are not We are a leader in our field for a reason. likely We to be work starting hard from to square earn our one reputation when and believe each day is another opportunity faced with to your solidify difficult it. By issue. preserving our Call us today We have founding mission of knowledge, integrity, commitment and success, we strive a lot of common interests. to be an entity that garners the admiration Call us of today not only our We clients, have but also that of our business associates, suppliers a and lot our of common more than interests. sixty employees. Call us today... your association s success and ours go hand and hand l l Ensure cultural, social, and economic sustainability of San Diego Coachella Valley Inland Empire water in the Coachella Valley Willow Creek Rd., Suite Highway 111, Suite Ridge Park Dr., Suite 200 San Diego, California Indian Wells, California Temecula, California San Diego fax Coachella Valley fax Inland Empire fax Willow Creek Rd., Suite Fred Waring Dr., Suite Ridge Park Dr., Suite 200 San Diego, California Palm Desert, California Temecula, California fax fax fax Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 29 SM SM

16 Feature Feature Why is My Asphalt Pavement Failing? Asphalt Preservation and Preventative Maintenance Tips By: Bryan Holder, Nelson Paving and Sealing It is very important to seal coat the asphalt at least every 3 to 4 years. As a community association manager, you may continue to ask the same question when assessing the conditions of your streets and parking lots, and that question is What is causing the asphalt pavement to fail? Now, assuming that the initial asphalt pavement was designed and constructed properly, the primary cause of failure is the penetration of water into the asphalt base. As soon as freshly laid hot asphalt begins to cool, the aging process also begins. This process begins with the breakdown of asphalt by elements such as oil, gas, salt, and sun oxidation of the pavement surface which causes the asphalt to dry and become brittle. This then leads to the erosion of the top layer of fine particles and the appearance of larger stones and small cracks on the surface. If left untreated, these cracks grow over time and eventually allow water to penetrate to the base of the pavement. When water enters the base of the pavement, the base material moves and settles leading to further cracking and an alligator appearance. When the pavement reaches this stage, the only option is removal and replacement of the old asphalt. This damage can be kept to a minimum over time if the proper asphalt maintenance is followed. Here are some helpful tips that will assist you when making decisions regarding preventative maintenance on your streets and parking lot areas. Make sure to carefully inspect your pavement surfaces on a regular basis for cracks, fading pavement markings, and other signs of failures or liability issues. Proper attention to cracks will prevent problems from spreading and double the life of the pavement. Singular cracks that are between ¼ inch wide and ½ inch deep are good candidates for crack sealing. Sitting water areas on the asphalt are often referred to as bird baths and having them fixed as soon as they appear will lessen the chance of water seeping through to the base and becoming a pot hole. Seal coating the streets and parking lots helps to slow down the pavement deterioration process. Seal coat is designed to act as a skin to the asphalt to prevent the oxidation and erosion of the top layer of the pavement. Seal coating can seal the small cracks that can turn into large cracks, preventing water from seeping down into the base below the asphalt. For larger areas, such as all streets that have been overlaid with new asphalt, seal coating should be applied 6 to 12 months after the asphalt has been placed. Smaller areas that have been patched, overlaid, or removed and replaced with new asphalt can be sealed within 30 days. By doing so, you are helping to preserve the oils and emulsion that keep the asphalt from drying out. It is very important to seal coat the asphalt at least every 3 to 4 years. Seal coating costs pennies a square foot compared to the dollars per square foot needed to replace the damaged asphalt as a result of not having seal coat applied on a normal basis. As mentioned above, water is the primary enemy of asphalt, and whenever you can minimize excess or sitting water you will be preventing future damage. Irrigation throughout street or parking lot planters for water to lawns or flower beds can often times spray excess water onto the asphalt. This accelerates the deterioration process of the asphalt, especially when the excess water has nowhere to run off to or properly flow away from the area. You want to make sure your landscape company has all sprinkler valves or drip irrigation areas adjusted accordingly to avoid overspray on to the pavement. Concrete flow lines should also be checked and inspected on a normal basis to ensure that rain or irrigation water is leaving the asphalt pavement correctly. Broken or cracked flow lines can release water both to the sub grade and out to other cracked areas of the pavement. Having these flow lines repaired will make a substantial difference with preventing failing asphalt. Last, when it is time to have your property bid for asphalt repairs and seal coating, it is always good to do a preliminary job walk with an asphalt professional to make sure that all areas are addressed that will need to be included on your scope of work. This will help to ensure you are taking care of areas that need attention before they become more costly. It is always important to know what is happening to the pavement on all the properties you manage and with the information provided here, this should put you on the right track to preventing asphalt failure on your streets and parking lots. Bryan Holder is the Vice President of Sales for GoldStar Asphalt Products, the sister company of Nelson Paving and Sealing, NPG Inc. Bryan can be reached via at [email protected]. Sitting water areas on the asphalt are often referred to as bird baths and having them fixed as soon as they appear will lessen the chance of water seeping through to the base and becoming a pot hole. You want to make sure your landscape company has all sprinkler valves or drip irrigation areas adjusted accordingly to avoid overspray on to the pavement. 30 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 31

17 By The Way Big Tips for Small Fixes CAI-CV 2013 PLATINUM SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT Loose Screws: If a screw is so loose that it s barely gripping, remove it, wrap its threads with a few strands of steel wool, and screw it back into its old hole. Tight Screws: Twisting screws into a bar of soap first makes them easier to insert. A few drops of white vinegar will help remove stubborn screws from a metal surface. If a screw has been ripped out of its hole entirely and the hole is too big for the threads to gain hold, slide a wooden match into the hole and then replace the screw. For more than 27 years, Epsten Grinnell & Howell has been a leader in community association law. Our personable, professional attorneys and staff provide quality services throughout the desert communities and beyond. Our solid reputation reflects our attorneys wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds. Some have worked as association managers, including founding shareholder, Jon H. Epsten. Several, including Mary M. Howell, are members of CAI s College of Community Association Lawyers. Others bring unique, multidisciplinary backgrounds and fresh perspectives to our comprehensive portfolio of services: Community Association Counsel Senior & Fair Housing Assessment Recovery Dispute Resolution Civil Litigation Construction Defect Hammer Help: When hammering a small nail, brad or tack, slip the fastener between the teeth of a pocket comb to protect your fingers from the hammer s blow. Don t have a comb handy? You can also use a bobby pin, a paper clip or tweezers to hold the nail. Rusted Tools: Working with rusted tools makes any job more difficult. Clean off the rust by rubbing a paste of six parts salt and two parts lemon juice on the rusted areas with a dry cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. When hammering a nail in a tight spot or hard-to-reach corner, a bit of modeling clay or chewing gum will hold the nail in place for the first couple of blows. Rusted Nuts and Bolts: Removing a rusted nut or bolt can be an especially frustrating task. Pour hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or cola over the rusted fastener and wait half an hour. The mild acid will dissolve the rust enough for the nut or bolt to turn freely. Better Grips: Improve your grip by wrapping a thick rubber band around the plastic handle of a screwdriver. This makes tightening and loosening screws less strenuous. The Coachella Valley contains many age qualified communities with unique issues. Our attorneys provide counsel on these matters under the leadership of a highly qualified firm resource, Mary M. Howell. An authority on age qualified communities, Mary has advocated for their rights for more than 30 years. She authors relevant legal texts, like the Continuing Education of the Bar publication, Advising California Common Interest Communities, and has been recognized by state and local governments for her efforts. Attorneys play various roles -- advisor, problem solver, advocate and educator. We offer instructional materials and programs, including: Annual Legal Symposium Community Association Law Resource Book Boot Camp for Boards Lunch and Learn Seminars E-NEWS from EG&H Newsletter for Community Association Managers Website Resources Whether we share our knowledge with hundreds or a handful, our educational and legal services offerings are well-targeted to meet your needs. We are a leader in our field for a reason. We work hard to earn our reputation and each day is another opportunity to solidify it. By preserving our founding principles of integrity and fairness, we strive to garner the admiration of not only our clients, but also of our business associates, suppliers and more than fifty-five employees. It is a pleasure to work with a wide array of Coachella Valley associations, managers and volunteer leaders. Our lengthy involvement in, dedication to and active participation in CAI-CV is something of which we are extremely proud. Thank you for being an integral part of our success. We look forward to continuing to be a part of yours. Thank you to Epsten Grinnell & Howell, APC for their generous support of CAI-CV 32 Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 33

18 Welcome Aboard JIM BUTZBACH By Paula Tapia, Pacific Western Bank Jim Butzbach joined the management team of The Reserve Community Association (RCA) as the Executive Director in June He comes to The RCA after nearly a 46 year career in law enforcement and private sector security. Jim spent the first 31-years of his law enforcement career with the City of Signal Hill Police Department located in the southeast area of Los Angeles County. He rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Assistant Chief of Police. During his time with Signal Hill, he worked all aspects of the organization including an interesting focus on intelligence gathering and drug interdiction programs. He attended the FBI National Academy Executive Development program in Quantico, Virginia, as well as an executive protection program under the direction of the Department of Justice. After retiring from Signal Hill, Jim became involved with establishing a new law enforcement agency with the City of Desert Hot Springs. After establishing the new agency, Jim was selected as the City s first Chief of Police where he served for nearly one year. Jim left law enforcement in 1998 to join the security staff at the fast growing BIGHORN Golf Club community. He served the BIGHORN community as the Director of Privacy (Security) for nearly 14 years before joining The Reserve Team. He finds many of the security systems, services provided and a common dedication to excellence in service are similar characteristics between the two properties. For 13 years, during his law enforcement career, Jim was a part-time security consultant for the National Football League and National Football League Properties, Inc. He is a graduate of the University of La Verne where he earned a Bachelor s Degree in Public Administration. Jim has been married for 52 years to his high school sweet-heart, Kathi. Jim and Kathi have two grown children and two grandsons. For their 50th Anniversary they did a vows renewal ceremony in Maui, Hawaii, at sunset on Kapalua Beach before family and close friends. Jim has a passion for professional and college football, enjoys playing at golf, traveling and spending quality time with family, friends and colleagues. He serves on the City of Palm Desert Public Safety Commission and is actively involved with the Resort Security Managers Association here in the valley. April 2013 Have You Heard? By Wendy Van Messel, CAI-CV The Coachella Valley Water District received an Excellence Award for its 2012/13 fiscal year budget document. The award was presented by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, a statewide association for finance professionals, at the association s annual conference. This prestigious award confirms CVWD s commitment to sound financial practices and public transparency, said Acting General Manager, Jim Barrett. In education news, CONGRATULATIONS to Carolyn Chesnut, Brooke Ancheta, Marcie Michael, Rebecca Flores and Bina Ramirez, all with Desert Resort Management, an Associa Company for completing their M100 and receiving their certificates. Chapter News joined the Universal Protection Service family as a Division Manager. David s extensive background in law enforcement and the military, not to mention his educational and HOA successes, make him a perfect fit for the company. Over at Boyd & Associates, they happily announced the acquisition of Get Alarmed, an Indio based burglar and fire alarm company. Many of you might know Maryann Hoss from her work as an association manager here in the desert and still others might know her as the other half, and some might say better half, of Tim Hoss. Well, now, Maryann will be known as MC Painting and Construction s Business Development Representative. Wendy Van Messel is the Chapter Executive Director for the CAI Coachella Valley chapter. If you have an item for Have You Heard, you can reach Wendy at [email protected]. The office number is (760) 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. Brendan Concannon Regional Account Executive Toll Free , ext brendan.concannon@ mutualofomahabank.com Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender National Corporate Member of Community Associations Institute CACM Affiliate Member AFN45348_0113 Equal Housing Lender Speaking of DRM, have you seen CAI-CV s very own Leslee Williams being featured in the advertising campaign National is doing to promote the upcoming National Conference and Exposition? She will also be featured in an upcoming Community Manager Magazine. Leslee came to the attention of National staff via her active Twitter account and promotion of all things CAI and the CID industry. Way to go Leslee! If you are as excited as Leslee is to attend the National conference, it will be held in San Diego on April 17th 20th and as CAI celebrates their 40th Anniversary, it is sure to be an amazing event. Moves and changes are happening in the security world. David Archer has A Full Service law Firm Providing Practical Approaches in: CC&R Interpretation, Drafting and Enforcement Opinion Letters Contract Drafting and Negotiation Civil Litigation Assessment Recovery Fred Waring Drive, Suite 120, Palm Desert, California For inquires contact Jeffrey French Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 35

19 Chapter News Advertiser Index CAI-CV Chapter New & Renewing Members Advertisers NEW BUSINESS PARTNER MEMBERS BRUDVIK, INC. Mrs. Briana Jordan (760) PACIFIC PREMIER BANK Ms. Dori Kagan, CMCA (714) RESTORATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY Mr. Clint Schreiner (800) SEPULVEDA CUSTOM PAINTING, INC. Mr. Antonio Sepulveda (760) NEW MANAGER MEMBER DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT, AN ASSOCIA COMPANY Ms. Rebecca M. Flores (760) RENEWING BUSINESS PARTNERS ASPHALT MD s Mr. Elmer Merkovsky KIRKPATRICK LANDSCAPING SERVICES Mr. Steven J. Kirkpatrick PATIO GUYS Mr. Jan Vanderlinden RELIABLE ROOFING BY TGY Mr. Todd Gregory Young ROTOLITE, INC. Mr. Mark Soblom SKY SECURITY SERVICES Ms. Leah McCormick SUNSHINE LANDSCAPE Mr. Carlos Contreras TIME WARNER CABLE Mr. Scot Koehler VALLEYCREST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Mr. Nick Mokhlessin VINTAGE ASSOCIATES, INC. Ms. Fran Mullahy RENEWING MANAGEMENT COMPANY MEMBER THE MERIT COMPANIES Ms. Julie Reese OUTDOOR RESORT PALM SPRINGS OWNERS ASSOCIATION Ms. Carolyn Dailey, CMCA, AMS PERSONALIZED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO. Ms. Shelly Ruegsegger, CMCA SUN CITY SHADOW HILLS Ms. Marla Miller, CMCA, AMS THE MANAGEMENT TRUST, MONARCH GROUP DIVISION Mr. Charles Walters-Clark THE SPRINGS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Ms. Kelly R. Robertson, CMCA, AMS RENEWING VOLUNTEER LEADER MEMBERS CATHEDRAL CANYON CC #6 Mr. Tom England Mrs. Lynn Olson Mr. Ron Staratt Mr. Terry Stewart Mr. John Vertes CATHEDRAL SPRINGS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCATION Mr. Dave Carter Mr. Sam Hines Mr. Bill Rieth ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERS ALLEN & ASSOCIATES BRABO & CARLSEN, LLP SCOTT CORPORATION ASPHALT AMS PAVING Asphalt MD s NELSON PAVING & SEALING United Paving, Inc ATTORNEYS Epsten Grinnell & Howell FIORE RACOBS & POWERS GREEN BRYANT & FRENCH, LLP GURALNICK & GILLILAND, LLP LAW OFFICE OF PEGGY REDMON PETERS & FREEDMAN, LLP... 2 BANKS Mutualof Omaha Bank SEACOAST COMMERCE BANK ELECTRIC & WATER COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Associa/DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT... 3 DESERT MANAGEMENT PEST MANAGEMENT POWERFUL PEST MANAGEMENT OUTDOOR FURNITURE PATIO FURNITURE DOCTORS, INC POOL PLASTERING THE LEAK DETECTORS POOL DECK RESURFACING CTI OF THE DESERT... 6 ROOFING McCormack Roofing RELIABLE ROOFING WESTERN PACIFIC ROOFING SECURITY ALLIED BARTON SECURITAS SECURITY SERVICES USA, INC CERTAPRO PAINTERS, LTD. Mr. Lawrence Thomas Nelson DESERT PROPERTIES LIGHT MAINTENANCE Mr. Mark Stewart FENCEWORKS, INC. Mr. Jay Brimmer HORT TECH LANDSCAPE Mr. Bryan Jensen RENEWING MANAGER MEMBERS Mrs. Synthea Hill Mr. Alvin Hippe, CMCA, AMS Mr. Gary Whitaker DESERT FALLS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Ms. Martha C. Fogg DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT, An Associa Company Mr. Jerald J. Cavoretto, CMCA, AMS Ms. Melissa Layton, PCAM Ms. Jacqueline Marie White DEEP WELL RANCH HOA Mr. Randy Shotwell LVC MASTER ASSOCIATION Mrs. Marilyn Sherman PALM SPRINGS GOLF & TENNIS CLUB Mr. Jeff Freise Mr. Andrew Johnson INSURANCE TIMOTHY CLINE INSURANCE LANDSCAPING CONSERVE LANDCARE... 4 HIGH TECH IRRIGATION, INC Kirkpatrick Landscaping services, INC O'CONNELL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Sunshine Landscape Vintage Associates Inc... 6 ADVERTISING INFORMATION CAI-CV Chapter Executive Director, Wendy Van Messel [email protected] Phone: (760) Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 37

20 CAI AnnuAl ConferenCe And exposition AprIl san diego, CA It takes A CommunIty to build A CommunIty. For 40 years, CAI members have touched the lives of millions by making community associations preferred places to call home. Join us for the 2013 CAI Annual Conference and Exposition, as we celebrate CAI s 40th anniversary and your lasting contributions as homeowner leaders, management professionals and business partners. Exploring the theme of Creating Community Legacies, we ll look at how far we ve come and what we hope to achieve in the future. Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. For more information on how we can exceed your expectations, contact Kaitlin Bohigian, Palm Desert Branch Manager at (760) Your Paving Construction & Maintenance Experts of Coachella Valley Writers for every topic. CAI-CVad.indd 1 Patio Furniture Doctors Inc. REFINISHING SPECIALISTS 11/29/12 2:02 PM ASPHALT SERVICES Construction/Maintenance Overlays/Petromat Overlays Crack-Seal/Pot-Hole Repair Slurry Seal/Seal Coating CONCRETE SERVICES Installation/Repair Flow-Line/Curb & Gutter Sidewalks/Planter Curbs Trip Hazard Removal/Grinding STRIPING & SIGNAGE Striping/Stenciling Sign & Post Installation Wheelstops/Bollards A.D.A. Compliance Upgrades Give our readers your unique perspective. Join the fastest-growing committee in the Chapter. We can create a new look with your existing patio furniture for about 1/2 the cost of new! We are your only locally owned and operated state of the art Corporate Office-Riverside County Tel [email protected] Lic. No Request a Proposal & Receive a $10 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD* *Offer limited to one per person. Must be mentioned at time of request. Expires 06/30/13. Please contact the CAI-CV office to become famous and wield that pen like a sword. Come join the Quorum today! [email protected] (760) Please call me any time for your free on-site furniture assessment. I am always in your neighborhood. Owner/Operator Bill Richardson BEST PRICES, QUALITY & SERVICE We can meet or beat any professionally written quote. [email protected] (760) Quorum April, 2013 CoachellaValleyCAI.org facebook.com/caicv twitter.com/cai_cv 39

21 Boardwalk, A-2 Palm Desert, CA Join CAI! There are many benefits to being a part of our chapter, including the monthly Quorum magazine. Call (760) today. CAI-CV Upcoming Events APRIL Essentials Class / Board Boot Camp When: Tuesday, April 9th, Registration 8:15 a.m. Where: Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert CAI National Annual Conference When: April 17th April 20th Where: San Diego, California CLAC Day at the Capitol When: Sunday, April 28th Monday, April 29th Where: Sacramento, California May CAI-CV Golf Tournament When: Friday, May 3rd Where: The Golf Club at La Quinta (formerly Trilogy) May LUNCH Program & Mini Trade Show Topic: How Far is Too Far? When: Friday, May 10th, Registration 11:30 a.m. Where: Palm Valley Country Club, Palm Desert M-204 CLASS Topic: Community Governance When: Thursday, May 30th Friday, May 31st Where: Homewood Suites, Palm Desert