Homeowners associations presentation topic
Apr
14
Written by:
4/14/2008 4:00 AM
By Betty Berry
Monday, April 14, 2008
Q: My mom who is a widow is considering downsizing and looking into purchasing a condo. In her search for new housing she has encountered, for the first time, homeowners association dues. She is concerned about these monthly charges and has questions I can't answer. Do you know where she could go to help understand the rules and regulations?
A: This is a question that may be of interest to many seniors. It is also a question that falls outside my area of expertise. However, through networking I recently talked with someone who has information on this subject and who is going to offer a presentation on the very subject you are seeking information about.
Tina Rasnow, coordinator for the Self-Help Legal Access Center, has arranged a presentation about homeowners association dues and assessments. It is scheduled for April 23 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley.
The presenter will be Marjorie Murray, founder, president and CEO of the Center for California Homeowner Association Law. She will address special issues affecting seniors and others living in common interest developments governed by homeowners associations.
Many seniors and others on fixed incomes live in common interest developments where homeowner dues add to the monthly cost of housing. She will address the fact that dues can be raised and special assessments added, making what was thought to be affordable housing, at the time of purchase, unaffordable.
Murray will speak about recent amendments to California law regulating common interest developments and will explain the current law and remedies available. She will also be available to help answer questions.
This presentation should be of interest to anyone living in a development governed by an HOA, and this is a golden opportunity to become aware of new regulations and protections available to you.
For more information, contact Tina Rasnow at 654-3879; to make reservations for the presentation call the Simi Valley Senior Center at 583-6363.
Q: If I'm not mistaken, the Ventura County Homecare Association usually does an annual presentation about options for care. I have always found it very informative and wonder if that presentation will be offered again and, if so, when and where?
A: I'm pleased to tell you that the presentation you mention is scheduled for this month.
This year's presentation, "Options For Care — Boomers & Beyond — Health Care in the 21st Century," is April 26 at St. John's Regional Medical Conference Center, 1600 N. Rose Ave. in Oxnard from 8 a.m. to noon.
This year, Congresswoman Lois Capps will provide an update on 2008 legislative issues.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey B. Allan. He is a geriatric specialist and will speak about "The Future of Geriatric Health Care."
Also, Lori Michiel, a certified fitness trainer, will discuss problems with balance in the 50-plus age group and offer some exercises and suggestions to help overcome balance problems. I have attended some events where Michiel was a speaker and she will keep you on your toes.
As in the past there will be a continental breakfast, door prizes, a grand prize and many exhibitors offering important information, handouts and resources available in Ventura County.
This has always been a very well-attended event, so space is limited. To make sure you have a seat, make your reservation by calling Nancy at 577-0926 no later than April 23. The presentation is free.
Presentation
The Senior Advocate will facilitate "Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. For information and reservations, call 583-6363.