ECHO Journal Article Index

The ECHO Journal is a monthly magazine addressing topics of vital interest to directors, officers and managers of homeowner associations. The most recent issues of the ECHO Journal appear below. To see the feature articles in each issue, click on the issue date. To view an abstract of individual articles, click on the article title. For more information about articles contained in the ECHO Journal, contact the ECHO office.

May 2010     ECHO 38th Annual Seminar The 38th ECHO Annual Seminar is only a month away. Many exciting presentations and outstanding speakers are lined up for this year's event. Register now for California's largest CID conference.     Making Accommodations Associations should enforce governing documents in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner. But in certain cases, in order to meet the housing needs of the disabled, it is against both California and federal law to enforce governing documents. Attorney Jeff Barnett discusses proper adherence to these requirements.     Recreational Use Immunity For CIDs Do you worry about liability when people who are not owners or residents use your property for recreation? In this article attorneys Sharon Pratt and Pat Wendleton offer good news that should put your mind at ease. The California Legislature has enacted statutes that give property owners immunity from liability.     When Is a Permit Required? The permit process is one of the most important parts of the construction process and the one often misunderstood. Contractor John Schneider describes the permit process and what associations should do about them.     Got Lead? Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and death. This article identifies the regulations surrounding lead, and the options for abatement.