The Courtyards at Desert Falls - Coachella Valley Chapter ...

July 2010Inside This Issue:The Courtyards at Desert FallsSmart Landscaping ControllersA Question of FormatPortfolio ManagersThe Art of WarPhoto courtesy of Matthew LawtonThe mission of CAI is to provide the leadership for successful development and operation ofCommunity Associations through information, research and education.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSCoachella Valley Chapter 2010Gloria Kirkwood, CCAM, PresidentPalm Valley Homeowners AssociationArt Coulter, President ElectPalm Valley Homeowners AssociationZoe Lombard, CCAM, SecretaryThe Monarch Management GroupLouise Stettler, TreasurerEpsten, Grinnell & Howell APCCyndi Koester, Past PresidentMutual of Omaha Bank/Condo CertsChris Baine Dejardin, Esq.Peters & Freedman, LLPKristin Berryhill-Hood, CCAMThe Prescott CompaniesMike MastropietroOrange Coast Building ServicesNena Rutherford, CCAMDesert Resort ManagementPat Smith, PCAM, CCAMVeneto HOARob WinkleWestern Pacific RoofingCardinal AmbroseExecutive Director41-905 Boardwalk Suite A-2Palm Desert, CA 92211Tel: 760-341-0559Fax: 760-341-8443E-mail: cambrose@cai-cv.orgWebsite: www.cai-cv.orgThe Courtyards at Desert Falls, Palm Desert....................................6By: Greg Vaka and Wendy ZumwaltWhat is CLAC?...................................................................... 10By: Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAMThe Art of War - A Strategy for Would Be Community Managers........... 12By: Leslie SpoorA Question of Format.............................................................. 16By: Brian RouleyPortfolio Managers................................................................ 18By: Patrice Drew, CCAMCONTRIBUTING EDITORSWelcome Aboard................................................................... 22By: Kelly TaylorWhat's Recyclable?................................................................ 24By: Valerie WardSmart Landscaping Controllers.................................................. 28By: David KollerChapter Events...The Lifeblood of the Membership.......................... 31By: Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAMAssociation Legal Briefs.......................................................... 32By: David M. Peters, Esq.Water Management Seminar........................................................34By: David KollerEDITORIAL BOARDEditorTim BloomBrite & Clean, Inc. (760) 346-9274Assistant EditorMargaret “Gen” Wangler, Esq.Fiore Racobs & Powers (760) 776-6511Managing EditorJL "Jodi" BrewsterCAI (760) 341-0559CONTRIBUTING EDITORSPatrice DrewAlbert Association ManagementKay Ladner, AMS, CCAM, MCMDesert Resort ManagementMatthew Lawton, CIC, CIRMSPrendiville InsuranceBrian RouleyRouzell Enterprises, Inc.Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAMPersonalized Property ManagementLeslie SpoorExeutive ErrandsPaula TapiaPacific Western BankKelly TaylorEasyTurfPHOTOGRAPHERSBill Richardson (760) 328-8999Patio Furniture DoctorsThe materials contained in this publication are designed to provideour members with accurate, timely and authoritative informa-tionwith regard to the subject covered. However, CAI Coachella ValleyChapter is not engaging in the rendering of legal, accounting orother professional types of services. CV Chapter has not verified thecontents of these articles or advertising, nor do we have the facilitiesor the personnel to do so. Readers should not act on the informationcontained herein without seeking more specific professionaladvice from legal, accounting or other experts as required.TimBloomPatriceDrewKayLadnerMatthewLawtonBrianRouleyEDITORIAL ADVISORCardinal Ambrose (760) 341-0559Executive DirectorGRAPHIC DESIGNERJenny Smith (760) 219-4005Jen Smith Design and GraphicsThe Coachella Valley Quorum Newsmagazineis a publication expressly prepared for our Association leaders,managers and other related professionals of the CommunityAssociations Institute. Authors are encouraged to submitarticles for publishing consideration. All articles accepted forPUBLISHERpublication in the Quorum are subject to editing and rewritingby the Publications Committee.Jen Smith Design and GraphicsCommunity Associations InstituteCOACHELLA VALLEY CHAPTER(760) 219-400541-905 Boardwalk, Suite A-2, Palm Desert, California 92211Photo courtesy of Tim BloomPrinter of the Quorum4 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 5StevenShueyLeslieSpoorPaulaTapiaKellyTaylorMargaret"Gen"Wangler

The Courtyards at Desert FallsPalm DesertBy: Greg Vaka and Wendy ZumwaltThe market for Courtyards homes iscurrently very strong with only a fewunits remaining available. Over thepast few years, on-site real estate companieshave sold some of the availableunits while some were throughprivate party arrangement. Presentday prices range from $350,000 to$450,000. Original pricing was in the$150,000 to $180,000 range.The Courtyards at Desert Fallsis located on about 38 acresof fee simple land in thesouthwest quadrant of the Desert Fallscomplex in Palm Desert. The DesertFalls Country Club Golf Course bordersthe property on two sides, withCountry Club Drive and Cook Streeton the other sides.The community is comprised of 102units, of which six are the originalDesert Falls models built in 1985 andlater annexed into the Courtyards.The developer was Mark Temple.Construction on the newer 96 unitswas started in 1991 and completedby 1996.The six “model units” are separatedfrom the 96 and have their own gate,pool and spa. Their view is spectacularover the golfcourse and ChocolateMountainsto the north.The Courtyardsis a commonwall, PUD community,meaningthat, although notcondominiums,the units havecommon or partywalls shared withneighbors. A randompattern ofunit constructionemphasizes their individual appearance.There are three floor plans in the 96unit new section and six in the annexedoriginal section. In the newsection, plans range from 1609 squarefeet two bedrooms, and two threebedroomunits at 1887 square feetand a 2019 square foot. The annexedsection has six models ranging fromapproximately 1100 square feet to approximately1875 square feetAll units are located on cul-de-sacswith beautiful flowerbeds in eachcircle, on each corner, and along thedriveways and in front and rear ofeach unit. Two waterway features, includingponds, waterfalls and streams,running through the property enhancethe beauty.The Courtyards homeowners alsoenjoy five swimming pools and spasscattered throughout the community,together with the use of the tennis andfitness center. The fitness center offerstreadmills, upright and recumbentbicycles, free weight and exercise/fitnessmachines, as well as a racquetballcourt and nine hard surface tenniscourts.Membership inthe Desert FallsCountry Club andthe Golf Course isseparate. The 18-hole championshipgolf courseis rated as one ofthe top 10 in thedesert.As a gated communitywith acountry club / golfcourse ambiance,as well as tenniscourts and a fitness center the Courtyardsattracts both seasonal and fulltime residents. Approximately 45%live there year round.The location of the Courtyards is excellent.The property is directly acrossCook Street from the Desert SpringsMarketplace, a Ralph’s grocery storeshopping center, which contains avariety of shops, stores, restaurants,a boutique, and nail and hair salon,cleaners and a Rite Aid drug store. Everythingthat one needs is just aroundthe corner.Aside from its location, the homeownerslove the beauty and exquisitemaintenance of the units andcommon area, along with the 348palm trees and another 250 trees ofmany different varieties. Each year theshrubs, trees and flowers are upgradedto maintain the showplace that theCourtyards have been since originalconstruction.These high standards are no accident.The Courtyards Board of Directors iscomprised of five seasoned, retiredbusiness executives, four of whomcall the Courtyards their permanentresidence with the other living theresix months of the year. They are adedicated and hands-on group thatcontinuously reviews all aspects ofthe HOA’s business and then providesdirection for the management company.The Board meets monthly.While the Board itself fulfills normalcommittee duties, it also employs the“Block Captain” concept for the landscapecommittee, where appointedunit owners can have input in thebeautification process. The Boardhas maintained the manicured appearanceof the grounds with rolling6 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 7

landscape, trees and shrubs, and grass lawns that comparewith the best-kept golf courses. As landscape matures it isreplaced with new plants that are more drought resistant,allowing lower water usage.Although the community is now almost 15 years old, theCourtyards homes compete well with new down-valleydevelopment. Its location is near the center of PalmDesert in the heart of theCoachella Valley communities.Palm Desert encompassesthe McCallumTheater, The Gardens andother shops on El Paseo,and the Westfield Mall.Its homes are of the latestarchitectural design withhigh ceilings and volumeinteriors, set amidst toweringpalm trees and a varietyof large, well-trimmedand maintained trees andshrubs. The members ofthe community enjoy superioramenities.HOA assessments were$455 in 2006, rose to only$460 in 2009 and haveremained the same since.The intensely hands-on effortof the Board has resultedin decisions providingthis stability in the HOAassessments and has keptthe reserves well funded.For example, since the energycrises of a few yearsago, the Board has utilizedmethods that have enabledthe Courtyards to maintainthe same cost of utilities. This was accomplished by installingpower conserving motors, pumps, and lighting tosave on electricity; by replacing pool and spa heaters withmore efficient units to keep gas costs within budget; andby monitoring and managing the landscape irrigation to thepoint where water usage has been cut back to 53% of itsformer level.However, cost savings have not been at the expense of regularmaintenance. As part of its normal maintenance program,the Board recently painted all surfaces throughoutthe complex that require painting. We also replaced all flatroof sections of the units with the latest roofing technology,which included an additional R-7 of insulation. Thisyear we will once again reseal all of our streets, part of ournormal upkeep.Along with the cost of general maintenance of each unitand the common areas, HOA dues also cover Time WarnerCable TV including HBO and Showtime, weekly trashpickup, membership inthe tennis and fitness center,and all insurances includingearthquake.The Courtyards employsthe following serviceprofessionals: PowerfulPest, exterminators; thelaw office of Guralnick& Gilliland, Time WarnerCable TV; Asphalt MD’s,road maintenance andSouthwest Aquatics, lakemaintenance.The management companyis Albert AssociationManagement. WendyZumwalt is the Managerand Aurora Sanchez is herassistant. The Board findsboth Wendy and Auroraextremely capable in doingan excellent job lookingafter the HOA.Wendy says the Courtyardsis a very specialcommunity with a kind,caring and cohesive groupof people: "For the mostpart they all work togetherto achieve a peacefulatmosphere to live in. The members of the Board of Directorsare all interested in making sure they perform theirduties as a board member and also remembering that thecommunity is made up of their friends and neighbors aswell. This account is near and dear to my heart. I considerall the board members and their wives to be my friends,not just the Board of Directors. My assistant, Aurora Sanchezalso enjoys working with them."The Courtyards Board members are: Greg Vaka, President;Frank Greenwood, Vice President; Alan Coplen, Treasurer;Tom Wolf, Secretary; and Steve Lym, Director.8 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 9

Computer CornerA Question of Format(Choose Your Word Carefully)By: Brian RouleyRouzell Enterprises, Inc.Have you ever received an attachment via emailthat you could not open? If so, you probably arerunning an incompatible version of the softwareneeded to open that file. Many companies and computerusers choose to delay the purchase of software updates forbudgetary reasons or to simply avoid the inconvenience ofinstalling an upgrade. This software mismatch is the causefor the error messages generated when you tried to openthat attachment. In this article, we are going to focus onword processing software, although the same issue appliesto spreadsheets, presentations and other file formats notmentioned here.Let’s cut to the chase and just say it plainly: Most of theseproblems are caused by Microsoft Word version compatibilityissues. With almost every update to Microsoft Officecomes the question: “Will I be able to open attachmentssent to me via email?” Microsoft always provides a solutionin the form of translation software, also known as “a patch.”You can find the software on their website, download it andinstall it. Then you can open the documents created in thenew version. Of course, this inconvenience is multipliedby the number of computers in your office and Microsoftwould rather have you pay for an upgrade than downloadthe translation software. Convenient, huh?Microsoft is not the only maker of word processing software.WordPerfect, OpenOffice Writer, and Google Docs roundout the category. Any one of these will likely satisfy yourwriting needs. If you plan to write with your computer, youwill likely want to share what you have written. With that inmind, you will have to know your audience and understandtheir expectations with regard to document format. All ofthese word processors will allow you to save your documentas an Adobe Acrobat file. This means you can sendthe final version of your document to anyone who has thefree Acrobat Reader. Your recipient will then (most likely) beunable to edit the file, which could be a blessing or a curse,depending on your need. A discussion of Adobe Acrobatsoftware would completely fill another article, so we’ll savethat discussion for another time.To summarize, the majority of computer users (accordingto some websites, more than 90%) will be using some formof Microsoft Word as their primary word processor. Clearly,Microsoft is the leader in the industry - that industry beingpersonal computers in general. Microsoft Office productsare used in 80% of enterprises, so you will find people commonlyattach Word documents to their email. However, willemail recipients be users of Office 2003, or Office 2007,or the Mac version of Microsoft Office products? If yousend your latest opus in Office 2007 Word, will it be easilyopened by the recipient? Your answer may come in the formof angry or anxiety filled responses. Not everyone knowsthat Microsoft offers downloadable translation software.Without that add-on, files created in the new version will beunreadable by users of older versions of Word. That beingsaid, here is the link to Microsoft’s “compatibility pack:”http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detailsaspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=enIf you want to find it yourself, go to Google and type orpaste in this string: “Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack”and you will land on a page that allows you to downloadthe software.For those interested in saving money, OpenOffice will satisfyyour needs. For those interested in using cutting edge technologyfor collaboration and sharing, Google Docs wouldbe the logical choice. Most people will continue to use theindustry standard Microsoft products and lawyers will probablystay with WordPerfect – most likely as an adjunct toMicrosoft Word. By the time you read this article, Microsoftshould have released Office 2010.Brian Rouley is VP of Operations with Rouzell Enterprises,Inc. which specializes in computer and network support,as well as training for individuals and groups. Brian can befound at http://www.rouzell.com, emailed at brian@rouzell.com, or phone him at (760) 902-5898.16 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 17

The “perfect job” is when a job is an extensionof oneself—when your own natural abilities,learning and experience are working together.The possibilities are endless when the job is portfoliomanagement because successful portfolio managerspossess innate multi-talented ability right from the start.They are curious and want to learn, they find resources,and they are open to new ideas. They like diversity andchallenges, and have a non-judgmental yet discerningnature. They are supreme multi-taskers and prioritize,juggling association work with personal family time.It’s exciting to find managers like Brandi Scott, a youngportfolio manager with 8 associations and works forDesert Resort Management. She is competent and clearabout what it takes and likes what she does. “One ofthe most important things about doing this job is to beable to read people quickly, to understand their needsand be able to respond. You can adapt what you doPortfolio ManagersBy: Patrice Drew, CCAMAlbert Association Managementif you understand.” She likes learning about legal matters,is pro paperless and uses technology to keep organized.She uses her laptop during meetings to dominutes and knows which board members like emailsand which phone calls. She is willing to work with herboards to give them as much time as their projects allow.Long range goals are to get a PCAM and a real estatelicense and to go as far as possible in her career. JamieHansen, portfolio manager with Albert AssociationManagement, has 10 associations. Jamie is organizationwith a heart. She too knows the importance of opencommunication with her boards and knows how to getthings done. “It’s important to me that people know thatI’ll be there to take care of them, and I think they feelconfident that I will follow up.” Jamie likes a diversifiedwork day—and gets bored with dead end repeat jobs. “Ilike working with different personalities, I like the varietyand the fast pace.” Jamie started as a receptionist, givingher experience in all departments of a managementcompany. Having this background can be a good onebecause these managers understand from the ground upwhat will be necessary to be successful. This goes toofor Wendy Zumwalt, another Albert portfolio managerwho has a similar background. She understands exactlywhat processes are involved that make up daily workperformance.With time at a premium, all managerssay that they rely on supportfrom departments in their managementcompanies to be successful.At Personalized Property Management (PPM), TedPierce manages eight associations. Ted’s back ground isin real estates sales management, and sees the changein employment as a work in progress. Feeling confidentthat a background in sales would be a positive for portfoliomanagement, it wasn’t long before mentoring atPPM helped Ted see that a career in sales managementwouldn’t help boards be confident in him. His naturalability to work with and understand people changedfrom selling to facilitating and supporting his boards.“This is an art. When you realize that what you thinkis not important, but it’s what a board thinks and whattheir expectations are—that is important. Your peopleskills will then work for you.”With time at a premium, all managers say that they relyon support from departments in their management companiesto be successful. A portfolio manager usually getsa percentage of the income the managing company getsfrom an association. Given the talent and abilities necessaryto be a portfolio manager, the nature of their workload,and how much they contribute to the basic healthof a company, supporting and compensating portfoliomanagers would result in less portfolio management andassociation turnover.18 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 19

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Recycling Tip of the MonthWhat’s Recyclable?By: Valerie WardBurrtec Waste & RecyclingEver wonderif that cardboardmilkcarton is recyclable?What about the wineglass someone brokeat your last party? Orthat Styrofoam eggcarton? See the listbelow for answers tothese questions andothers you may haveregarding acceptableand not-acceptableitems. Please contactBurrtec’s customerservice at (760) 340-2113 if you have anyadditional questions.Please note this isonly a guideline andnot a complete list ofall items.Acceptable RecyclableItems• White and coloredpaper• Newspapers• Phonebooks• Cardboard cerealboxes• Magazines• "Junk” mail• Books• File folders• Envelopes• Cardboard (flattened)• Aluminum cans• Plastic bottles & containers (#1-#7)• Plastic medicine bottles (empty)• Glass bottles and jars• Plastic grocery bags (all bags intoone)• Aerosol containers (empty)• Tin cansNot Acceptable Items• Food• Food-stained paper items• Toilet and facial tissue• Used paper towels• Styrofoam• Medical waste (including needles/syringes)• Tyvek envelopes• Non-numbered plastics• Household chemicals• Bubble wrap• Padded envelopes• Green waste• Dishware• Mirrors• Window glass• Oil• Clothes• Wax-coated cardboard• Electronic equipment• Batteries• Fluorescent bulbsValerie Ward is the Director of CommunityAffairs at Burrtec Waste & RecyclingServices, the local trash hauler.Valerie can be reached via emailat vward@burrtecdesert.com.24 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 25

HAVE YOU HEARD?The Rancho Mirage City Council has appointedMatthew Lawton of Prendiville Insurance Agencyto the Emergency Preparedness Commission.The Commission was established in 1998 to effectively dealwith the possibility of man-made and natural emergenciessuch as major earthquakes, floods, extended power outages,terrorism, hazardous material and other problems. TheCommission’s main purpose is to prepare and train citizensand business for any possible emergency. It has progressedfrom an advisory body to an operational task force. TheCommission consists of 11 members who are appointed bythe City Council. Congratulations, Matthew!Sunrise Bank is on the move in a rare situation where they,and neighboring bank, Rabobank have both solved theirspace problems by swapping branch office locations. StuBaily, Sunrise Bank’s regional president stated that the timingwas right because Sunrise Community Bank consolidatedearlier this year with three other San Diego area banksand needed to downsize. Sunrise Bank will be moving itsoffice to 42005 Cook St., Ste 310, Palm Desert, with a tentativeopening of August 30. . A win-win for all involved!Sandy Seddon recently accepted the position of GeneralManager and COO at the Lakes Country Club. Sandy takesup her new duties effective July 1st.More than 50 special education students quietly cleanedstorefronts, landscaped church yards and stocked shelvesthis year in hopes of getting enough experience to land a job.The three-year adult transition program helps young adultsages 18 to 21 who have earned their high school completioncertificate to gain the experience and skills needed forfuture employment. This year, the adult transition program inthe Palm Springs Unified School District placed 58 yourngadults in local businesses and nonprofit groups. Under thesupervision of a classroom aid or instructor, they rotated todifferent sites and tasks. Ilianja Ramirez particularly likedher gig at Ocean Spirngs Tech, a pool maintenance servicewhere she cleaned the store’s bathrooms. “I’m having fungoing out into the community…and they teach me so much."Kathy Gavin, office manager at Ocean Springs Tech, hopesto hire one the students part-time this summer and said shewatched the students blossom and their confidence grow asthe school year progressed.Interested in submitting an article in the Quorum? The QuorumCommittee is always looking for members who wouldlike to write for our monthly magazine. Writing Guidelinesare available upon request and will help you with bothformatting requirements plus helpful grammar and wordusage hints. Please submit your articles to Editor@cai-cv.org, jbrewster@cai-cv.org and Cambrose@cai-cv.org.If you have any changes in your contact information orbusiness, please submit them to Cardinal Ambrose at Cambrose@cai-cv.org.This way there is no lapse in receivinglocal Chapter and National material and information andhelps keep our database current and up to date.The Have You Heard column is here for you to help us getout your information. Send in your items of interest to CardinalAmbrose at Cambrose@cai-cv.org to get your newsout to the membership.Thanks to the FollowingMembers Who MadeCLAC Contributionsfor 2010Desert ResorterSprings Community AssociationCathedral Springs HOAHighland Springs Country Club HOAIndian Creek Villas HOAPalm Desert Country Club Villas, Inc.Personalize Property ManagementSundance II HOA21026 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 27

Smart Landscaping ControllersBy: David KollerCoachella Valley Water DistrictTwo years ago, Coachella Valley Water Districtlaunched its Large LandscapeSmart Controllerrebate program. To date, 35 customershave installed 234 controllersthrough the program, which is helpingthem reduce water waste andsave money.Under the program, large landscapecustomers, such as homeowner associationsand businesses with adedicated landscape meter, are eligibleto receive up to $750 per irrigatedacre or half the cost of thecontroller, whichever is less.One customer who has found successwith the program is Lago dePalmas in Palm Desert. That association irrigates 2.45 acresof all-grass landscaping. It installed one controller with 32stations. Over a 10-month period, the Association savedmore than 2,000 Ccf (or 1.5 milliongallons) on their monthly water billsand are meeting their water budget.Another example is Los Lagos ofIndian Wells, which irrigates 22.5acres. Management installed eightcontrollers with 24 stations each.The monthly water bills have gonedown an average of 20 percent and,despite having all grass lawns, arealso meeting the water budget.To participate in the program, youmust first complete an application,available at CVWD offices or onlineat www.cvwd.org. After you submityour application, CVWD staff will meet you and your landscaperto confirm eligibility and map the area that will beirrigated with the smart controller.Once you are approved for the program, you can moveforward with purchasing your controller. A list of pre-approvedcontrollers is available with the application. Rebatechecks are usually mailed within three to four weeks ofthe controller being purchased, installed and passing finalinspection.While CVWD doesn’t promote one particular system overanother, staff can talk about the differences in the systemsto assist you in choosing the controller that’s right for yourspecific circumstances. It’s important for homeowner associationsand businesses to involve their landscapers inthe discussion, since they may have helpful insight basedon their experience with various systems.One of the most common questions about the programis “How long will it take for the new controller to pay foritself through water savings?” The answer, of course, dependsupon past water consumption and whether thereare other factors contributing to the waste, such as an old,leaky system. Many customers find the controller pays foritself within six months to one year.Often, homeowner associations purchase the smart controllerin conjunction with system upgrades. If your associationhas an aging system and limited funds, we mayrecommend system upgrades prior to purchasing a smartcontroller. In the end, what’s right for you may not be what’sright for someone else. The decision depends on the sizeof the area being irrigated, price range and the condition ofthe existing system.If you’re interested in learning more about this programand whether it can help you save water and money,contact Water Management Specialist Brent Stewart at(760) 398-2651 or bstewart@cvwd.org.AttentionManagers!!!Want to earn thePCAM designation?Scholarships availableto CAI managermembers.Contact Cardinal Ambroseat the CAI officefor more details.Thanks to OurJune SponsorsAnimal Pest ManagementEmpire Community PaintingJen Smith Design & GraphicsMC Builders Painting & ConstructionPacific Western BankPatrol MastersSky SecuritySunrek Solar28 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 29

About CAIChapter Events…The Lifeblood of the MembershipBy: Steven Shuey, PCAM, CCAMPersonalized Property ManagementOur Chapter of the Community Associations Instituteholds events several times a year. These events includegolf tournaments, casino nights, a Hawaiianluau, a bowling tournament, monthly educational meetingsthat include lunch or breakfast, and the list goes on.You may wonder… Why does the Chapter hold so manyevents? The answer to that question is two-fold. First ofall, the business partners love them because it gives them achance to network with potential customers. Secondly, theChapter needs the funding to pay the bills that keep it alive.Managers and board members seem to appreciate the inexpensiveentertainment.No matter what part you play as a member of CAI, supportingthese events is a benefit to you and the Chapter. Annualdues may seem high, but for most membership categories,that fee doesn’t even cover the cost of sending out fliers andthe monthly magazine, much less the cost of operating an office.Compared to other professional membership organizations,the dues for your CAI membership are low.In an effort to keep dues low, other events need to be held andsupported in organizations like CAI. If you have ever wonderedwhat the value is in attending and supporting events,just ask those who do attend and support them. They’ll tellyou… they are relationship builders, and enhancing relationshipsis what CAI is all about.The next time the Chapter puts on an event, don’t look at itas “just another expense,” but rather, see it as an investmentin your future.Steven Shuey is a certified community association managerand a consultant with Personalized Property Management.FIESTA BOWLBowling TournamentFriday, July 23 rd - 5:00 pmPalm Springs Lanes68051 Ramon Road, Cathedral CityRegistration 5:30Tournament Play Begins 6:30Lane Sponsors - $375 • Spectators - $25Dinner - Dessert - Great CompanyOLE!!!30 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 31

When the ClearLake RivieraCommunity Associationprocessed Cramer’s17 page application to constructa house, on each pageit stamped that the househeight could not exceed thecommunity’s 17 foot heightlimit. Cramer then built ahouse that exceeded that limitby 9 feet.Association Legal BriefsCase of the MonthClear Lake Riviera Community Association v. Cramer(2010) 182 Cal. App. 4th 459By: David M. Peters, Esq.Peters and Freedman, LLPWhen the inevitable enforcementaction occurred, Cramer lost big. The court orderedhim to “abate forthwith the foregoing violation” or as Cramertermed it “tear down their house.” Cramer arguedEven if it costs a homeowner$200,000, an associationcan obtain compliancewith a properly enactedand properly enforced architecturalguideline.that the court should awardthe Association monetarydamages and not an awardrequiring him to change thehouse.The court expressed “nodoubt” that fixing the problemwould be “expensive andinconvenient” and possiblycost more than the economicharm inflicted by Cramer onthe neighboring properties. Itordered him to fix it anyway.Cramer, according to the court, made no effort to complywith the Association’s height guideline. Even thoughhe was well aware of the restriction and even thoughhis neighbors had talked to him about the issue beforehe began pouring the foundation, Cramer did not make agood faith effort to comply with the Association’s buildingguidelines. The court found that if Cramer was permittedto keep the house without change, two neighbors’ viewswould be blocked and their privacy violated; the Associationwould not be able to enforce its height guidelines;and, thereafter, members could build homes in any mannerthey pleased.Cramer’s expert testified it would be possible to preservethe house, but would cost at least $200,000 to do so. TheCourt found that the $200,000 required to correct the violationwas not grossly disproportionate to the loss and affirmedthe order.In other words, even if it costs a homeowner $200,000,an association can obtain compliance with a properly enactedand properly enforced architectural guideline.David M. Peters is a founding partner with the law firm ofPeters & Freedman, L.L.P, which has offices in Encinitasand Palm Desert. Mr. Peters can be reached at dpeters@hoalaw.com.Contact the CAI Of cefor our low rates.cambrose@cai-cv.orgPhone: 760-341-0559Welcome New & Renewing CAI CV Chapter MembersJanette BakerDesert Resort ManagementRoxi Bardwell, CMCA, AMSAlbert Association ManagementBig Sky Gate KeeperPatrick RossBoyd & AssociatesMichael J. BowlesDeep Canyon Tennis Club HOATom CarnevaliJack GraffDoug MethotJerry MosgroveJoe SchoettmerGranite ConstructionLee HavenNancy JohnsonFour SeasonsOutdoor Resort Palm Springs OARonald SearsPalm Desert Country Club VillasJackie GishJerry HolmPalm Springs Management GroupJohn WiesnerPark Mirage HOARobert RuebelPrime Association ServicesAmy MooreSanto Tomas HOADaryl ZacharkoSandra Seddon, PCAMThe Lakes Country ClubPatricia Smith, PCAMVeneto HOAThe Palms HOABetty SnyderVantage Point ConstructionDona ThurmanVerizon Enhanced CommunitiesJerry WilderMary Walker, CCAMRancho La Quinta Master AssoDesert Resort Mgmt.32 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 33

Water Management Seminar Attended byProfessional Landscapers and GardenersBy: David KollerCoachella Valley Water DistictThe leading causes ofoutdoor water waste inthe Coachella Valley areleaks, overwatering and old, inefficientirrigation systems. This isnot surprising since up to 80 percentof all domestic water use inthe Coachella Valley is outdoors.Coachella Valley Water Districtwater management experts arehere to help landscaping professionalsimprove their customers’water efficiency, convert turf todesert landscaping and reducetheir clients’ monthly water bills.Last month, hosted the popularWater Management for LandscapeProfessionals seminar.A carefully selected panel of experts lectured on CoachellaValley’s unique soil conditions and climate characteristics,drip irrigation systems, smart irrigation controllers,water pressure regulation and efficient irrigation scheduling.More than 200 professionals from more than 70 locallandscaping companies, homeowner associations, nurseriesand cities have attended past seminars. Past attendeesoverwhelmingly recommend this six-hour seminar totheir peers in the landscaping industry. A complete list ofthose who attended is available on the CVWD web site.This technical seminar was appropriate for professionalsin the landscaping field, landscape managers at privatebusinesses and public agencies, and gardening businessemployers and their employees. Attending this seminarwas a great way to stay up-to-date with the newest waterconservation technology and methods.David Koller, Conservation Coordinator, Coachella ValleyWater District, www.cvwd.org, (760) 398-2651.Thanks to ourBusiness Partner MixerSponsorsAllied Barton Security ServicesAMS PavingAnimal Pest ManagementEpsten Grinnell & HowellJen Smith Design & GraphicsMutual of Omaha Bank/Condo CertsOrange Coast Building Services, Inc.Pinnacle Landscape CompanySign-A-RamaVilla Park Landscape34 QUORUM July 2010 July 2010 QUORUM 35

Schedule of EventsADVERTISER INDEXACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPERSINSURANCEJULY 9Monthly Lunchand Mini Trade Show"Emergency Peparednesswith RCSA"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert11:30 amJULY 23Fiesta BowlBowling EventPalm Springs LanesSEPTEMBER 9Business Partner MixerTBDSEPTEMBER 10Monthly BreakfastTBDPalm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert7:30 amOCTOBER 1Fall Golf TournamentNOVEMBER 5Awards EveningNOVEMBER 12Legislative Update"Hollywood Esquires"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert11:30 amDECEMBER 7Business Partner Holiday SocialALLEN & ASSOCIATES..............................................................................26BRABO, CARLSEN & O'BRIEN, LLP..........................................................33RICHARD OSBORNE, CPA........................................................................ 24SCOTT CORPORATION............................................................................. 11ASPHALTAMS PAVING............................................................................................... 13ASPHALT MDS............................................................................................ 15ATTORNEYSADAMS KESSLER.........................................................................................7EPSTEN, GRINNELL & HOWELL...............................................................34FIORE RACOBS & POWERS.....................................................................22LABARRE/OKSNEE INSURANCE............................................................. 10Timothy Cline Insurance........................................................................35LAKE MANAGEMENTDIVERSIFIED WATERSCAPES.................................................................. 12LANDSCAPINGHIGH TECH IRRIGATION...........................................................................25KIRKPATRICK LANDSCAPING..................................................................29PWLC II, INC............................................................................................... 11SIERRA LANDSCAPE................................................................................... 9MANAGEMENT COMPANIESAUGUST 13Monthly Lunch"Green Asphalt"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert11:30 amOCTOBER 8Monthly Breakfast"Breakfast with a Burglar"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert7:30 amDECEMBER 10Monthly Breakfast"State of the State"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert7:30 amGREEN BRYANT & FRENCH, LLP.............................................................23GURALNICK & GILLILAND......................................................................... 16LAW OFFICE OF PEGGY REDMON..........................................................25PETERS & FREEDMAN................................................................................9BANKSMUTUAL OF OMAHA BANK/CONDO CERTS........................................... 18DESERT MANAGEMENT............................................................................26DESERT RESORT MANAGEMENT........................................................... 14GOLD COAST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT...............................................2MONARCH MANAGEMENT GROUP.........................................................23THE PRESCOTT COMPANIES.................................................................. 24OUTDOOR FURNITUREPACIFIC WESTERN BANK......................................................................... 10PATIO FURNITURE DOCTORS..................................................................25CONCRETEPOOL PLASTERINGGRANITE CONSTRUCTION....................................................................... 11KENT WESTFALL PLASTER SERVICES................................................... 18THE LEAK DETECTORS............................................................................25ELECTRIC & WATERCOACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT.................................................33POOL DECK RESURFACINGWATER RITE...............................................................................................27CTI OF THE DESERT.................................................................................22FENCEROOFINGA & A FENCE COMPANY........................................................................... 19RELIABLE ROOFING..................................................................................33Western Pacific Roofing..................................................................25GENERAL CONTRACTORDEL MAR PACIFIC......................................................................................35SECURITYALLIED BARTON......................................................................................... 14GRAPHIC DESIGNUNIVERSAL PROTECTION SERVICES.......................................................7JEN SMITH DESIGN AND GRAPHICS..........................................................1738 QUORUM July 2010July 2010 QUORUM 39

Join CAI...and get your own copiesof this newsletter...Plus a lot more!41-905 Boardwalk, A.2Palm Desert, CA 92211CALENDAR OF EVENTSJULYJULY 9Monthly Lunchand Mini Trade Show"Emergency Peparednesswith RCSA"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert11:30 amAUGUSTAUGUST 13Monthly Lunch"Green Asphalt"Palm Valley Country ClubPalm Desert11:30 amJULY 23Fiesta BowlBowling EventPalm Springs LanesFor Additional InformationPlease Call Cardinal(760) 341-0559