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Greater Los Angeles-Area Wildfire Responses & Resources for Homeowners

We write to you with heavy hearts as we witness the devastating impact of wildfires in Southern California. These fires have caused unimaginable loss, displacing families, destroying homes, and putting incredible strain on brave firefighters and first responders. 

We are deeply saddened to share that some longtime CAI volunteers along with many other members have been displaced, lost their homes, or seen their livelihoods shattered. CAI is committed to supporting all those affected by these tragic events and as they begin the journey of recovery and rebuilding. 

Advocating for Resources and Recovery 
CAI is actively working to ensure that government resources are available to affected communities. This includes advocating to obtain a presidential disaster declaration that would include provisions for debris removal from private roads in community associations. We are engaging with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office and California’s congressional delegation to secure vital resources for recovery efforts. 
 
We are collaborating with CAI’s California chapters, especially the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, and the California Legislative Action Committee to provide comprehensive information and resources for those impacted by the wildfires.
  
How You Can Help 
The Los Angeles chapter is leading efforts to provide immediate relief. The chapter outreach committee is calling on all members to support displaced families and the firefighters who are tirelessly protecting communities. 
 
Visit www.caionline.org for resources for those impacted and information on how you can help.
 
Strength, compassion, and generosity define the CAI community. If you know of additional ways to help, please share them with us.  

Thank you for your kindness, care, and commitment for our members, colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors in the Los Angeles area.
  
Stay safe and take care.
Melissa Ramsey, CMCA, AMS, LSM, PCAM
President, Community Associations Institute


Thomas M. Skiba, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, Community Associations Institute

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Don’t wait until a hurricane is imminent: Proactively prepare before the next hurricane to help keep your organization, employees and yourself safe. 

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Plugging In: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Virginia Community Associations

The past decade has seen an explosion in the popularity of electric vehicles.  All expectations are that this popularity will continue to grow.  There are many makes and models of electric vehicles, and they can be classified as either battery electric vehicles (“BEVs”) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (“PHEVs”)—both of which need to be charged by plugging into an outlet or charging station.  

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What's That Snake in the Water?

Back in the days when I worked for a pond construction company, one of my crew members told me that he needed some help identifying a snake that they had found on the job site. He said it was a water snake, and thought it was a cottonmouth. I asked if he had taken pictures of it, but instead, he presented me a burlap bag with the snake inside. Its head was smashed, and its body had been neatly cut into several pieces with the blade of a shovel. As an ecologist and lover of wildlife, the site of the demolished snake left me heartbroken and speechless. It was a large, beautiful, and HARMLESS northern water snake. All I could think of to say was, “That is NOT the way to identify a snake!”

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Can Your Community Pond Be Managed 100% Chemical Free?

When it comes to the lakes and stormwater ponds in a homeowners association, residents expect them to be healthy, beautiful, and functional. At the same time, they may be averse to the use of herbicides and algaecides for the management of these water resources. Though the pesticides used to eliminate aquatic weeds, algae, and toxic cyanobacteria are very low-risk, well-studied, and registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residents sometimes prefer a 100% natural approach. With this in mind, property managers may find themselves in an uncertain situation. How do they meet the expectations of residents while keeping management costs as low as possible? 

 

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