Tag Archives: California

HOA news updates — security cameras and sinkholes

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities June 2019 — Former HOA private security guard sentenced to 30 years for murder in shooting incident. Crews stabilize an landslide and work on temporary fix for massive sinkhole threatening a condo building. Homeowners and civil rights groups speak out against License Plate Reader cameras monitoring HOA gates. Former HOA private security guard sentenced to 30 years in prison on murder charges (VA) Two years ago, a former Citywide Continue ReadingHOA news updates — security cameras and sinkholes→

Retired residents suffer under leadership of dysfunctional condo HOAs

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Reports of HOA leaders making poor decisions just keep on coming. Today’s examples: a California board’s inaction leads to preventable accident; a Colorado HOA’s impulsive decision leaves residents in the cold; an Iowa condo board and its insurance contractors botch a post-fire reconstruction project.   California — HOA refused to remove dangerous tree. Then it destroyed the home of a retired Veteran and his wife. Beginning in 1996, Lela Continue ReadingRetired residents suffer under leadership of dysfunctional condo HOAs→

California lawmakers block transit-oriented housing density bill

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities California’s controversial Senate Bill 50 has been tabled until 2020. The bill was killed when Sen. Anthony Portantino (D), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that it would not be discussed in committee this legislative session session. Portantino reportedly opposed SB 50, because its policies would override local government zoning rules. Many neighborhoods in California zone entire neighborhoods for single family homes only. For analysis of the pros and Continue ReadingCalifornia lawmakers block transit-oriented housing density bill→

The slow, painful deaths of HOA & condo associations

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Quote Get what you want get rid of what you dont

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities HOA-industry trade groups promote housing development governed by homeowners and condominium associations as sustainable communities. But don’t be fooled. Those claims are nothing more than public relations and marketing hype. The truth is, most “community associations” succumb to a variety of problems and crises that lead to their slow, painful decline and ultimate death. Today I’ll highlight two examples.   Camelot burns to the ground, but HOA still collects Continue ReadingThe slow, painful deaths of HOA & condo associations→