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Tackle the Tough Problems
Facing Homeowner Associations

Tackle the tough problems facing homeowner associationsTwo ECHO events are just around the corner, so be sure to call the office and reserve your spot today.

April 5th – On Saturday, the San Francisco Spring Seminar returns to the Firehouse at the Fort Mason Center. This year’s topics will address some of the important legislative developments in San Francisco, how to handle increases in collection activities and bankruptcies, and more! There are still a few spaces available for late registrations, so call the ECHO office and reserve your seat today. For a full agenda and event details see:
http://echo-ca.org/news/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=8026&month=04&year=2008

April 19th – Last year, ECHO hosted a very successful event in Burlingame, and has decided to repeat that program this month as a special addition to its seminar lineup. This seminar focuses on major construction and repairs; it features teams of attorneys, managers, financial planners and contractors who will address every aspect of planning and implementing major projects. Some of the topics include Funding the Project Through Special Assessments and Loans, Bidding and Contract Issues, a Construction Issues panel discussion and an extended question and answer period. For complete event information visit:
http://echo-ca.org/news/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=9702&month=04&year=2008

Legislative Update

The 2008 Legislative session is in full swing, and ECHO has identified a number of new bills that will affect common interest developments. Adding to the usual frantic pace of legislative activity are two elements: All bills introduced in 2008 or carried over from 2007 must be signed into law by September 30th, and the Legislature has dedicated a huge amount of time to the looming budget crisis. ECHO is working hard to address its concerns to the Legislature. From the thousands of bills introduced in 2008, ECHO has identified 10 of significance, including AB 1921, AB 2180 and SB 1511:

AB 1921 – This bill is the result of a two-year effort by the California Law Revision Commission. AB 1921 would renumber, consolidate, make minor changes to, and remove discrepancies in those sections of California law that govern common interest developments. If passed, the bill would replace the existing Davis-Stirling Act. Because of its size and scope, ECHO is still in the processing of reviewing the bill and has not yet taken a position.

AB 2180 – This bill would compel associations to provide written approval or denial of an application to install a solar energy system. The approval or denial must be given within 45 days of the receipt of the application or the application is deemed approved, unless the delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information. ECHO believes that 45 days is not enough time for associations to meet, to ensure that all safety and structural concerns have been addressed, and to respond to the application. ECHO opposes AB 2180 unless it is amended.

SB 1511 – This bill would require any entity that causes a judicial or non-judicial sale of a separate interest to pay up to 6 months of delinquent assessments to the association, provided the association has complied with certain other sections of the civil code that pertain to collections. SB 1511 would only affect mortgages initiated on or after January 1st, 2009. This legislation would be a great help to associations that are losing money due to the rapid increase in foreclosures. ECHO supports SB 1511.

For a complete list of bills and a detailed description of ECHO's work on common interest development legislation in 2008, please take a look at the "ECHO's in the Capitol" page:
http://echo-ca.org/legislative/capitol.php

ECHO 2008 Annual Seminar

Hit the Jackpot at ECHO's 36th Annual Seminar! Join hundreds of other homeowners at the 2008 Annual Seminar and Tradeshow to learn how your association can hit the jackpot in today's legal and financial environment.

This year's Seminar will feature our popular Board Basics education course, as well as a host of new presentations: Governing Document Improvements & Updates, Help for Associations in Crisis, Self-Managed Associations and Ask the Attorney are just a few of this year's educational opportunities.

Mark June 21st, 2008 on your calendar for the ECHO 2008 Annual Seminar and Tradeshow. Also, bookmark the Annual Seminar event page and watch for upcoming event details, a complete program agenda, lodging information and online registration:
http://echo-ca.org/news/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=9436&month=06&year=2008

Your Comments Welcomed

Let us know if the ECHO Newsletter is delivering the kind of information and resources that you want to receive. Please send your comments to Tyler Coffin (tcoffin@echo-ca.org). Thank you!