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  <lastBuildDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:12:20 -0500</lastBuildDate>
  <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:13:03 -0500</pubDate>
  <title><![CDATA[California HOA & Condo News from CAN]]></title>
  <description><![CDATA[News about Homeowner and Condominium associations in California, compiled by the Community Associations Network]]></description>
  <link>http://www.communityassociations.net/california_news.html</link>
  <language>en-us</language>
  <copyright>Community Associations Network, LLC</copyright>
  <webMaster>webmaster@communityassociations.net</webMaster>
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    <item>
     <title>As numbers of rental units rise, myriad problems can develop for owners</title>
     <description><![CDATA[As the slumping housing market erodes equity for many San Diego County homeowners, analysts say condominium communities face additional challenges as sales slow and renter populations grow.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:11:50 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20080817-9999-1h17renter.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Committee looks at cutting Murieta's costs by using public money</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Can the community have access to public money and tax write-offs while still remaining private? Are residents willing to pay the cost of keeping the community gated?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:30:45 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://ranchomurieta.com/node/6482</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>H.B. condo victims' claims moves forward</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Surf City condo owners said city officials will only accept receipts for out-of-pocket costs and won't take into account hardship and suffering]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:20:50 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-claim-condos-2129609-evink-years</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Postponed repair work catching up with condos</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Dilapidated stairways, rickety decks, leaky roofs, moldy walls and corroded sewer pipes. These are the sort of structural headaches confronting scores of homeowner associations as costly repairs to older complexes drain their communal treasuries.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:31:29 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080817-9999-1n17hoa.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Surging condo prices raise questions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[But two of Brookhaven's buyers say they face foreclosure and tarnished credit records. And details of the condo sales obtained via county records tell a story of what appear to be high-risk loans and market-defying sales resembling excesses seen during the regional and national housing boom.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:22:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/08/16/business/z49597e3f40b4acfc8825749700767894.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Judge: El Cortez Builder Can't Force Buyback of Condo</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When the buyers at El Cortez signed stacks of papers to purchase their condos in fall 2004 and 2005, they signed a two-page item called a "repurchase addendum." Buyers say it was marketed to them as a protection -- if they had any qualms with the developer over the construction or design of the project, the developer would purchase their unit back at whatever the current market value would be.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:43:16 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2008/08/15/housing/873elcortez081508.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo sales prompt struggle</title>
     <description><![CDATA[After a month on the market, a new 145-unit condominium development in Costa Mesa has three residents living within its walls.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:09:30 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/08/13/topstory/dpt-condos08142008.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo fire causes $485,000 in damage</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Standing in the parking lot, Marla Tipton let out a small cheer when she saw her wedding album was untouched by the flames that ravaged her second-story condominium Tuesday.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:59:39 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_10181366?source=most_viewed</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Throwdown in Japantown: Developer Threatens Festivals</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Japantown locals are claiming that two cultural mainstays- the Cherry Blossom Festival and Nihonmachi Street Fair - have been threatened by the developer and HOA board president of the condominium dev at 1600 Webster Street.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:56:42 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2008/08/11/throwdown_in_japantown_developer_threatens_festivals.php</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Hundreds of residents camp out at Rancho park</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Many residents slept under the stars this weekend at the annual Great Rancho Campout, sponsored by the largest homeowner's association in the city.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:28:28 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/margarita-santa-rancho-2119554-event-campout</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Shy Suit Against Homeowners Alleges Defamation, Loss of Business</title>
     <description><![CDATA[On June 17th, developer Barry Shy and 5th St Lofts LLC filed a lawsuit against two homeowners in the SB Grand lofts. The lawsuit alleges that the two, along with an unknown number of "John Does," made statements on the internet that led to a loss of business for 5th St Lofts and slandered both Shy and the company.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:52:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://blogdowntown.com/2008/08/3491-shy-suit-against-homeowners-alleges-defamation</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo buyers are in the driver's seat</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Saving up for a brand-new condo that's move-in ready? Just want to turn the key and unpack your boxes? Condominiums are a popular alternative to single-family homes because of their relative affordability and low upkeep. But with little construction on the horizon, there will be fewer newly built units to pick from down the road.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:46:30 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-condo10-2008aug10,1,5146182.story</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Free Water-Wise Landscape Workshops for HOAs</title>
     <description><![CDATA[While these workshops will not include composting(sadly enough), they will include ways to bring water-wise landscapes to your community, if your community has a Homeowner Association. With agricultural water being cut by 30% this year, we need to all do our part to conserve! Details below:]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:40:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://solanacompost.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/free-water-conservation-workshops-for-hoas/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>National Night Out keeps neighborhoods, law enforcement in touch</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The annual crime awareness program seeks to strengthen the bond between law enforcement officials and the communities they serve in an effort to keep neighborhoods safe]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:31:26 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.theacorn.com/news/2008/0807/Front_page/001.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Basic Director Training Needed for Condominium Communities</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The day should have been long ago when homeowner association directors with little understanding or training, actually run Homeowner Associations. So many of the people that get elected ( usually because no one else wants to serve or for other reasons that I will leave out of this post) are most often not  qualified.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:16:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://activerain.com/blogsview/626899/Basic-Director-Training-Needed</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Half Moon Bay residents, officials dispute ownership of Oak Park land</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Stephen Wilson, a lawyer representing the homeowner's association with the San Francisco law firm Tobin & Tobin, alleges that the city willfully misinterpreted a string of legaleze on a subdivision map issued in 1976, when the eight townhouses were built, to justify seizing two small parcels in 2006 and building a park on them the following year.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:51:07 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_10097916</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Rubber Speed Cushions Find Their Home at Southern California HOAs</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The HOA board and residents were thrilled with their purchase. The speed cushions gave them the speed reductions they wanted to keep their streets safer. "They slowed vehicles down," one board member commented, "but still let emergency vehicles get by unhindered."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:45:38 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews+articleid_2471544&title=Rubber_Speed_Cushions.html]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Bill would prevent homeowner groups from banning rentals</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The question of whether homeowners associations have the right to restrict property owners in common-interest developments from renting their units may soon be resolved if the passage of AB 2259 by the California Legislature, placing limitations on enforcing lease restrictions, becomes a reality later this year]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:21:08 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.busjrnl.com/article/20080804/BUSINESSJOURNAL/706798998/1207/BUSINESSJOURNAL02</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Reassessments bring temporary reductions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The assessor's office also lowers assessments on its own. For example, if the assessed value of a condominium is lowered by request, the office will proactively lower the values of other properties in the same building.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:54:39 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080803-9999-1m3assess.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowners, board say dispute settled</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A compromise has been reached in the battle between residents and the homeowners association board of directors over proposed new rules on outdoor activities at a Simi Valley condominium complex.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:09:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/jul/30/homeowners-board-say-dispute-settled/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>A guide to homeowners associations</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowners associations, also known as Common Interest Developments, have become a leading form of urban and suburban growth in California and the rest of the United States]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:34:02 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/1110705.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Sacramento-area homeowners associations feel bite of tough economy</title>
     <description><![CDATA[You think state law-makers are having a hard time settling on a budget?  Try being a member of a homeowners association board.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:41:31 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/1110690.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fake turf saves green with rebate from water district</title>
     <description><![CDATA[After the couple got permission from their homeowner's association to cover sections of their front yard with artificial turf, as part of a project to redo the landscape in front of their house, they invested $6,937 to cover three sections of the yard with 750-square-feet of artificial turf.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:31:56 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_W_turf25.4b6a5a3.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Thy neighbor's mess</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Worried about property values, residents teaming up to keep abandoned yards tidy]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:44:46 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/BUSINESS04/807200337&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo Residents Displaced After Water Leak</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Some downtown San Diego residents were displaced Tuesday morning when a water leak sprung on the sixth floor of a high-rise condominium complex and quickly spread to the ground floor]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:45:33 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.10news.com/news/16889844/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Alamo residents fired up at roofing rules</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In the midst of a horrific fire season in the state, some residents of an Alamo development are battling their homeowners association's demand for cedar shake roofs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:32:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_9917642?source=most_emailed</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Insurance agent and investor charged with wire fraud</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The indictment alleges Barkocy accepted insurance premiums from condominium association clients and represented to the clients that she would use the money to obtain or maintain insurance coverage on behalf of the clients.  After accepting the money from clients, the indictment alleges Barkocy did not forward all of the money to the insurance carriers as represented.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:14:33 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.srpressgazette.com/news/acting_4339___article.html/district_kirwin.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>HOA boards need residents to vote</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The board, on the other hand, needs to be aware of the desires of the majority of homeowners as part of the evaluation. Management may see the issues and provide advice to the board, but only the board can make the decisions.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:12:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080719/LIFESTYLES11/807190302/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Inland condo projects shut down as single-family home foreclosures flood market</title>
     <description><![CDATA[After a short comeback when housing prices peaked, condominiums and town houses have lost their allure as an affordable alternative to conventional single-family homes. The reason is a flood of competition from foreclosed, detached homes at prices that new attached housing can't beat.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:35:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_S_condos13.2ff32a8.html?npc</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>HOA's and solar panels</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Assembly Member Cameron Smyth has had his recent bill limiting the power of HOA's to stop people from installing solar panels from being installed signed by the governor. For a conservative Republican he is quickly building up a name as a legitimate environmentalist.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:27:08 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/dennert/archives/2008/07/hoas-and-solar.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Stonegate Villas owners say new rules unneighborly</title>
     <description><![CDATA[No bikes. No playing on the grass or sidewalks. In fact, no outside recreation of any kind. And if you complain too much, you could be fined $50.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:24:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/jul/12/stonegate-villas-owners-say-new-rules-i-feel-im/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Weathering a Woodside Condo Storm</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Woodside condos had severe flooding 2 1/2 years ago. Dozens of homeowners were devastated and Lucy Whitson was one of them.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:22:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://cbs13.com/consumer/call.kurtis.condo.2.769804.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Group moves to ban some pickup trucks on streets</title>
     <description><![CDATA[But the truck contains a cross box to hold tools and a rack as well, and it was for that reason the Fairways Homeowners' Association met with him to discuss whether he should be able to park his truck in the Wood Ranch development in Simi Valley, where he lives and has had a truck for most of the past 20 years.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:15:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/jul/12/group-moves-to-ban-some-pickup-trucks-on-streets/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>First government-funded habitat restoration on HOA property</title>
     <description><![CDATA[It’s not often that a Homeowners Association (HOA) works side by side with a Federal agency, but in the case of the Lake Ridge Estates Homeowners Association (LREHOA) in Fallbrook and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that is exactly what is happening.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:11:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.thevillagenews.com/story.php?story_id=31393</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Q & A]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Q) We live in a condo development, and there is a leak in our unit coming from a pipe in the wall.  I thought that the Homeowners Association is responsible for pipe repairs in the wall.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:42:19 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://beaconmedianews.com/?p=564</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Security group is told RMA will enact new rules, stiffer fines</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Rancho Murieta Association Directors Dick Cox and Chris Pedersen said new RMA rules are being developed for the Community Services District Security Department to use for enforcement in the gated community. The fines will be stiff, Cox said]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:08:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://ranchomurieta.com/node/6091</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>EBMUD water rationing allocations debated</title>
     <description><![CDATA["I feel we're being punished for our conservation," said Avery, president of the Portola Homeowners Association within the Gale Ranch development. "I believe in conservation, but when you've already done a lot to save water, it's harder to cut more. I don't see how we can meet our goal without letting grass and plants die."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:02:19 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9803551?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Foreclosures hitting homeowners associations hard financially</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The sign and other improvements in the Temecula neighborhood are being delayed because revenue from the homeowners association's dues is lagging, according to Meadowview Community Association President Debra Thomas.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:49:52 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_S_lostfees05.45b204a.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>2 Rescued From 4-Alarm Stockton Condo Fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Police and firefighters rescued two women trapped inside a Stockton condominium complex Thursday morning as a 4-alarm fire burned through the buildings.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:34:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://cbs5.com/local/stockton.apartment.fire.2.763083.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Summertime, and the HOAs don't have it easy</title>
     <description><![CDATA[We're in the desert and it is summertime. That means it is hot, and the heat brings on other issues. In the homeowners association there are a host of issues to be concerned about.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:57:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/LIFESTYLES11/807040337/-1/newsfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo owners appeal $2.15M fine</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Condominium owners at Ocean Harbor House on Monterey Beach have filed an appeal of an appellate court ruling with the state Supreme Court. The ruling required them to pay more than $2.15 million in legal fees to the California Coastal Commission as compensation for a seawall bordering the property.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:32:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_9773572</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>4-Alarm Fire Erupts At Stockton Condo Complex (video)</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Police and firefighters rescued two women trapped inside a Stockton condominium complex this morning as a 4-alarm fire burned through the buildings.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:30:38 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://cbs13.com/local/stockton.apartment.fire.2.762744.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Smyth's Solar Energy Bill Signed By Governor</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a bill authored by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth that prohibits Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and Common Interest Developments (CIDs) from barring homeowners from installing solar energy and solar water heating systems.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:35:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.hometownstation.com/local-news/smyth-california-assembly-2008-07-02-01-16-2.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Bay Farm Island residents set disaster planning meeting</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The idea started out as a contingency plan for the Community of Harbor Bay Homeowners' Association in case of a major disaster, but Robles-Wong believes it could have larger implications.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:46:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mercurynews.com/contactus/ci_9744908?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Court ruling could affect Rossmoor</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The battle for open records and financial transparency in a Seal Beach seniors community was won, but what that means for a similar residents' campaign in Rossmoor of Walnut Creek is not clear.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:33:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_9739689</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>City faces a new land-use lawsuit</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A homeowners association has filed a lawsuit against Half Moon Bay, alleging the city illegally seized a section of unused property to build Oak Avenue Park.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:33:03 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2008/06/26/news/doc486286b93ab54089119131.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Plan to privatize Heritage Palms lands in the rough</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Nearly 100 Heritage Palms Country Club residents turned out June 19 for a special meeting of the club's homeowner's association board to hear a proposal to change the semi-private club to a private club.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:34:26 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080627/NEWS01/806270334/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Towards Carfree Cities: Treasure Island as case study</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Could Treasure Island go carfree? That was the intriguing question that Gus Yates, president of the Berkeley-based nonprofit Carfree City USA, posed during a thought-provoking presentation he gave last week at the Towards Carfree Cities conference in Portland.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:11:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfbg.com/blogs/politics/2008/06/towards_carfree_cities_treasur.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Leisure World's `foundation'</title>
     <description><![CDATA[It's taken four years, but a group of dissidents at last has won a legal contest with the homeowner association that runs Leisure World in Seal Beach. We use a couple of those terms with great care.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:16:39 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_9676557</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Santa Monica Council to Consider Smoking Ban in Apartment, Condo Common Areas</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The City Council Tuesday will consider an ordinance to ban smoking in all common areas of multi-unit residential properties, including condominiums, except in a designated area.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:35:30 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2008/June-2008/06_23_08_Council_to_Consider_Smoking_Ban.htm</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Gated community considers incorporation</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A group of Sun City Palm Desert residents, looking to block nearby Indio from expanding westward, hope to make their 55-and-older gated community the Coachella Valley's 10th city.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:30:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS05/806230320/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>High-end neighborhoods also suffering</title>
     <description><![CDATA[From the start of a housing recession that has sent average real estate prices in North County plummeting, some housing analysts said expensive neighborhoods would persevere, dodging steep declines.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:54:16 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/06/21/business/zc2bc04ea3c5290028825746d005839ed.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Resident Learn to Use Fire Hoses (Video)</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Fire hydrants in the Oakland Hills are ready to go and be used, but only if you know how to properly use them. On Saturday, we met members of the Rockridge Terrace Homeowners Association who just learned how to do it.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:52:24 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6220308]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>HONK: Nice sign. Now take it down</title>
     <description><![CDATA[So erecting them on private streets and lanes, like in a mobile home park or streets owned by a homeowner association, is OK then, right? Wrong.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:30:12 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/signs-sign-streets-2073664-lane-lanes</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Be proactive when you want change in community</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Community associations are governed by a board of directors. The board is made up of people who own within the community. They volunteer their time to guide, protect, maintain and enhance the community.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:27:53 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/LIFESTYLES11/806210301/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Leisure World residents win legal battle to see books</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Residents of Seal Beach Leisure World celebrate appellate court's decision to make board reveal finances.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:22:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/residents-court-rain-2073343-golden-world</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Case of the missing water tanks</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The 1997 plans for a 27-home North County subdivision called for two 50,000-gallon water tanks to provide backup water for fighting fires and serving residents. The tanks were never built, though a project engineer said in 1999 the subdivision improvements were complete. Monterey County's supervisors, in turn, released the performance bond put up by the developer to ensure the tanks and other improvements were done.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:37:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_9621059?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowner groups should comply with Davis-Stirling Act</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Question: I belong to a small homeowners association. The association does not have professional management. Instead, one of the board members makes all decisions and, from what I can observe, does not comply with the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:25:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080614/LIFESTYLES11/806140301/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Water restrictions possible</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced that emergency water rationing is imminent because the state's water supplies are running low.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:26:04 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.moorparkacorn.com/news/2008/0613/front_page/002.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fire started by candle causes $500,000 in damage at townhome</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A flame from an unattended candle destroyed the second floor of a Pacific Beach townhouse yesterday afternoon, causing three minor injuries and $500,000 in damage.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:21:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080613-9999-1m13fire.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Taggers Target Million-Dollar Homes</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Carylee Stone, the president of the homeowner's association, took NBC 7/39 cameras on a brief, escorted tour of the neighborhood. Members of the community were seen scrubbing away the taggers' dirty work by hand.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:55:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/16577631/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo owners likely to appeal fine</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Condominium owners at Ocean Harbor House on Monterey Beach may appeal a $2.15 million judgment against them regarding the impact of their seawall.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:48:06 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_9561134</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Huge Stockton Blaze Was Human-Caused</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Stockton Fire officials said Tuesday's devastating fire was a human act -- and arson hasn't been ruled out as the cause.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:38:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=43108&catid=2]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>VISTA: Condo fire damage estimated at $150,000</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A Tuesday afternoon condominium fire caused extensive damage and displaced a Vista family, authorities said]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:46:47 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/06/11/news/coastal/vista/zd9deb8d9184d04a088257465001a6dfe.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>A Lake Forest woman gets injured, then stuck with the bill</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A recently concluded civil trial stemming from the accident has members of a homeowner's association board breathing easier and a big-name law firm scratching its head.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:15:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/lakeforest/article_2064598.php</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Residents angered by towing of cars</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Residents of a Rancho Bernardo neighborhood are livid after cars parked in a lot in front of the Ciao Bella Hair and Body Salon were towed, at great expense to their owners.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:25:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080607-9999-1mc7rbtow.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Take part in elections of your association's board of directors</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Every year there is an opportunity for change with the election of board members. This is the one change homeowners in the community have control over. The homeowners elect the board members who serve as directors.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:28:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/LIFESTYLES11/806060334/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>KB Home sues firm over SoCal condo project investments</title>
     <description><![CDATA[ Homebuilder KB Home sued real estate investment firm MacFarlane Partners LLC for failing to contribute some $52 million toward the development of three condominium complexes, according to court papers]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:14:42 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080605/kb_home_condo_suit.html?.v=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Woman Burned In Condo Fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[At least one woman was hurt Tuesday when fast-moving flames raged through a condominium complex in University City.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:29:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/16476803/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Dangers hidden in homeowner groups</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Then Saldana went to a homeowners association meeting and heard the news: Their Colina Condominium complex in South San Francisco has major structural problems. To fix the damages, each unit in the complex may have to pay a special assessment fee in the range of $70,000 to $90,000 per unit on top of the HOA dues, property taxes and mortgage residents pay each month.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:04:03 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.examiner.com/a-1419534~Dangers_hidden_in_homeowner_groups.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowners associations feel pinch of foreclosures</title>
     <description><![CDATA[As the housing crisis intensifies, so do homeowners association headaches. Association boards these days are grappling with how to handle unsightly foreclosures and collect monthly dues - critical for maintaining common areas and padding reserves - when so many residents are feeling squeezed by the economy.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:50:04 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/459487.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo owners to pay $2 million for seawall</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Condominium owners at Ocean Harbor House on Monterey Beach will have to pay $2.15 million plus legal fees to the California Coastal Commission as compensation for their seawall, the state Court of Appeal has ruled.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 13:46:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_9436975?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Canyon Lake group drops dredging project</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Canyon Lake Property Owners Association officials have called off a long-stalled dredging project at the lake after paying more than $360,000 to settle a labor dispute involving the project.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 13:19:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_sdredge28.42d5815.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Tejon Ranch asks consultants to agree not to criticize project</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Biologist Noel Snyder got an intriguing call from a development company representative a day after it announced it was moving forward with plans to build nearly 3,500 luxury homes, condos and hotels on land used by the endangered California condor.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 11:22:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/05/26/MNQO10TIPM.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>La Costa Valley HOA weighs in on vacant lot</title>
     <description><![CDATA[While the CC&Rs preclude spending association funds on matters outside the boundaries of the community, they do not prohibit involvement. So board members and homeowners voted to form a committee to serve as a liaison between the school district and homeowners]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 10:20:11 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.thecoastnews.com/articles/4147/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Builders facing water pressure</title>
     <description><![CDATA[California officials have long assumed that there always will be enough water to serve the state's growing population, which is now more than 38 million people. But that's no longer a safe bet because of drought, environmental rules restricting water supplies, greater demand from nearby states and the escalating cost of the increasingly precious commodity]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 10:10:38 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080522-9999-1n22water.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>House, condo renters latest victims of foreclosure crisis</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Cleveland was one of the first in a growing tide of innocent victims of the foreclosure crisis - tenants who rent homes, condos and townhouses not knowing the owner is in financial trouble and behind on the mortgage. When the bank forecloses, it's the tenants who end up out on the street, often losing thousands of dollars in prepaid rent and deposits.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 11:00:12 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/says-tenants-property-2041623-rent-tenant?orderby=TimeStampAscend</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Rossmoor confronts cityhood -- again</title>
     <description><![CDATA[If local officials and community leaders have their way, however, next year the sign could be true: Rossmoor's 10,500 residents may be asked to vote in November on whether to turn their 51-year-old neighborhood into the county's newest city.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 15:59:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-rossmoor18-2008may18,0,3519627.story</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fire destroys four condos in The Villages in San Jose</title>
     <description><![CDATA[More than 100 firefighters fought a four-alarm blaze today that destroyed four condominiums in The Villages in the east San Jose foothills.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 21:32:42 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://origin.mercurynews.com/ci_9303444</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Number of foreclosures surging in South Bay, throughout state</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Last month's foreclosures totaled 22,838 statewide, according to ForeclosureRadar.com, a Discovery Bay company that provides such information to subscribers. That's an average of 1,038 foreclosure auction sales occurring each business day in April, said company President and founder Sean O'Toole.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 11:17:00 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_9253771?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo fire in University City</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Firefighters are dousing a fire in a second-story condominium in University City.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 11:44:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://weblog.signonsandiego.com/news/breaking/2008/05/condo_fire_in_university_city.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>House/condo renters latest victims of foreclosure crisis</title>
     <description><![CDATA[People renting homes, condos and townhouses find themselves out on the street after the owners fail to pay the mortgage.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 19:38:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/articles/says-tenants-property-2041623-rent-tenant</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Serrano awarded grant for water conservation efforts</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Serrano El Dorado Owners’ Association has been awarded a special grant for its implementation of a technologically advanced program to save water within the Serrano community.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 18:51:53 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/83916.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Neighborhood Rallies To Find Hit And Run Suspect</title>
     <description><![CDATA[District Attorney Vern Person says he's impressed with the homeowner's association's investigative skills and so are the residents.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2008 22:15:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://cbs13.com/local/hit.and.run.2.720730.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Water bill battle blazes in Palm Springs</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Some 50 Palm Springs homeowners association presidents were the audience of a meeting Tuesday where a Desert Water Agency rate increase proposal was sharply rebuked]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2008 22:07:09 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080509/NEWS01/805080339/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Some Residents Want Ban on League Play at Trancas Park</title>
     <description><![CDATA["On behalf of members of our Trancas Highlands HOA, our board has voted unanimously to register our vehement opposition to that decision," said Scott Tallal, the president of the homeowners association.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 12:19:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://malibusurfsidenews.com/stories/208805/20080501006.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Sewage spill at Del Rey condominium complex forces beach closures</title>
     <description><![CDATA[An open sewer pipe at a Del Rey condominium complex near Ballona Creek led to the closure of two local beaches and heightened anxiety for several residents who complained that their homeowners association board did not respond quickly enough to the sewage spill.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 11:43:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.argonautnewspaper.com/articles/2008/05/01/news_-_features/top_stories/3dr.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>TEMECULA: No magic bullet for foreclosure problem</title>
     <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday, 25 property managers and homeowner association members gathered at City Hall to share their experiences and suggest ways to ease the effects foreclosures are having on the city.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 04:57:24 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/04/30/news/californian/temecula/nctaa48a291dd7faa2f8825743a006f7.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Meeting Does Little To End United Water, Holiday City South Clash Over Treatment</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Resident Elaine Stemel attacked United Water officials for placing a facility "that attracts and stores radium" in the middle of a senior residential development]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 04:55:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://berkeleytimes.micromediapubs.com/news/2007/0620/front_page/003.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo projects will be few for remainder of '08</title>
     <description><![CDATA[While some multi-family developments are currently under construction in San Diego County, the amount of condominium projects that will begin during the remainder of this year will be minimal, as a significant number of previously proposed condo projects have been delayed, offered for sale by the developer or become bank-owned]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:11:33 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://news.yahoo.com/s/sddt/20080426/lo_sddt/condoprojectswillbefewforremainderof08</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Paradise found: Tending a condo garden</title>
     <description><![CDATA[You can take the girl out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the girl.  At least that's what Palos Verdes Peninsula resident Linda Finer maintains, as she brings horticultural skills honed at a farm in Morrilton, Ark., to a condo in Rolling Hills Estates.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:02:52 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.presstelegram.com/lifestyle/ci_9056799</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo Fire In Santa Monica Injures Woman</title>
     <description><![CDATA[ A fire caused by "candles and incense" damaged two units of a condominium building in Santa Monica on Wednesday and left one woman with minor injuries, authorities said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 04:24:06 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://cbs2.com/local/santa.monica.condo.2.706710.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Foreclosures account for one in three California resales</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Sales of foreclosed properties accounted for one in three of existing-home sales in California during the first quarter, compared with 3.2 percent a year ago, according to data aggregator DataQuick Information Systems.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:58:51 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.inman.com/news/2008/04/23/foreclosures-account-one-in-three-california-resales</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Affordable condo project in San Jose fails to attract buyers</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The 17 brand new cottage-style condos near downtown San Jose were supposed to sell swiftly, especially since they were priced to be affordable to low- and moderate-income people, and the developer offers generous loan programs for first-time buyers]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:53:30 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9011213?source=rss</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo debate on smoking ban smolders</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A smoldering controversy regarding smoking in a San Carlos condominium complex has reignited, months after one resident took the homeowners' association to court over the issue and lost.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:53:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://sanmateodailynews.com/article/2008-4-20-sc-smoking</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Beyond the gates: How to properly remove a director</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Question: Are the approval requirements to remove less than the entire board of directors different from the requirements to remove the entire board?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 20 Apr 2008 13:43:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080419/LIFESTYLES11/804190303/1067</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Ladera association avoids position on power plant</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Town Manager Dennis Javens and the community's homeowner association board have come under fire by residents for remaining neutral on plans to construct a 48-megawatt power plant in the community.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 04:00:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2020807.php</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Understand the Pros and Cons of Homeowners Associations in Silicon Valley</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowner Associations (HOAs) are created to oversee condominium complexes, townhome communities and planned unit developments on behalf of their members. These are non-profit organizations whose purpose is to manage common areas, enforce neighborhood rules and standards, and often, unofficially, to foster community unity too.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:03:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sanjoserealestatelosgatoshomes.com/understand-the-pros-and-cons-of-homeowners-associations-in-silicon-valley</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>L.B. officials demand removal of giant tequila sign</title>
     <description><![CDATA[An 11-story tequila advertisement on the side of the historic Villa Riviera downtown condominiums must be taken down, the city prosecutor's office says.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:33:25 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www2.presstelegram.com/breakingnews/ci_8948654</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fire Guts University City Condo</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Firefighters said the blaze appears to have started in the back unit, which could not be saved. The other three units in the complex have significant damage]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:35:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.124653.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Early-morning fire rips through San Rafael condo complex</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A three-alarm fire in a San Rafael condominium complex Monday morning injured one woman and left about 10 people without shelter, authorities said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:03:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://origin.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_8920733</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Co-housing Community Almost Complete</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A new housing project being called "Fresno's greenest neighborhood" is just months away from completion, after nearly four years of planning.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:03:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6076398]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Canyon Lake: Dredge dry-docked for foreseeable future</title>
     <description><![CDATA[If Vermillion, a former Lake Elsinore councilman, gets what he wants, the association would be out of the dredging business as soon as possible and the person or persons responsible for getting the association into this alleged mess would take responsibility and shoulder the blame for unanticipated cost overruns.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:22:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/04/12/news/californian/lake_elsinore/478af50fa415ecb78825740a00734e5b.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Proper spending of homeowner association funds</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Maintenance fees are collected in every common-interest development, although called by different names such as "regular assessment." Sometimes the fee is referred to as "dues" but that doesn't adequately state what the fee is or what it is used for. The preferred term is "maintenance fee" because the money is used to maintain the community.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Apr 2008 06:08:38 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080412/LIFESTYLES11/804120301/1067/lifestyles11</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Prosecutor: Councilman Lied to Grand Jury Looking Into Condo Project</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A Chula Vista city councilman lied to a county grand jury investigating his personal interest in a South Bay condominium conversion project, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday, but a defense attorney said his client did nothing wrong.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:26:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=5a89901c-229f-4353-ac1a-79d0fbf523bc&rss=800]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Escondido Condo Leveled by Fire Won’t Be as Large as First Conceived</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Work on an Escondido condominium development leveled by fire more than a year ago while under construction is expected to resume but the project won't be as large as first conceived]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:18:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=84596781-ce38-44a0-869c-46662bae17a2&rss=tick]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Clear Lake Riviera roads in major disrepair</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Approximately 25 miles of county-maintained roads in disrepair will be the focus of a Tuesday meeting of the Clear Lake Riviera Homeowners Association. The question is whether or not to ask property owners to assess themselves for the cost of repairs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:52:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.record-bee.com/local/ci_8815858</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Woman fighting Oakland over $951 garbage can fine</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Mortimer did say Fielding called Wednesday to say he would send her a corrected invoice, an apology and a letter explaining how to file an appeal. She said she'd contact members of the City Council, the local homeowner's association and other media outlets to fight the penalty.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:13:31 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_8808474</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Orange County Proposing Ordinance That Could Cut Water Bills</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Orange County leaders are proposing a new ordinance they say will save water and drastically cut your water bill. County leaders are still drafting the landscape ordinance. They want to see homes with less St. Augustine grass and more of the grass that requires less water.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:16:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.wftv.com/news/15762667/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Group's effort to combine 9 communities draws supporters, opponents</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Citizens to Protect the Ranch is gathering signatures to incorporate Rancho Santa Fe and eight adjoining communities as a city. The first signature in support of cityhood was collected in January. Supporters have until early July to collect signatures from 1,100 registered voters within the would-be city of 6,500 residents.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:14:06 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080330-9999-lz1mc30rancho.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowners upset by 'downsizing' plans</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Nicole Dennison, president of the Shady Grove Homeowners Association, said she and her husband bought their "dream home" at the hillside development last year, and that they were dismayed by the builder's plans for plainer, cheaper homes.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:59:46 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/03/30/news/inland/fallbrook/eb34fdd06717a74c88257419007b7544.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>The Perils of One-Stop Shopping</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Compared to buying an existing home wherein a buyer must wander the city with an agent, tour a smorgasbord of houses, then pick a mortgage broker who searches for the right loan from the right lender, which in turn hires an independent appraiser, (tired yet?), new-home buying has become more streamlined.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:13:03 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2008/03/28/carollloyd.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Five Year Statute of Limitations Applies to Unrecorded Rules of Homeowners Assoc</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The California Court of Appeal for the Fourth District recently held that the five-year statute of limitations in the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) section 336 for challenges to restrictions on the use of real property applies to a homeowners association's unrecorded rules or guidelines]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:13:17 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.realestateandconstructionlawblog.com/recent-cases-land-use-and-natural-resources-five-year-statute-of-limitations-applies-to-unrecorded-rules-of-homeowners-association.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Palm Springs homeowners advised to look at land leases</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowners on short-term Indian land leases should work now to try to extend their agreements, an attorney and Indian land expert said Tuesday. About 45 homeowner association presidents and their representatives attended the meeting at the Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:19:24 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080326/NEWS05/803260321/-1/newsfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Wing of big L.A. condo construction site burns</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A fire caused by a welder's torch tore through a wing of a huge condominium construction site in the San Fernando Valley on Monday, authorities said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 05:46:07 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20080324-1512-ca-constructionsitefire.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>A lawyer's neighborly suggestions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Along with the customary resolutions to start each year losing weight, exercising more and becoming more organized, consider some resolutions that might help your common interest development association become a more positive community]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:17:03 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/money/association-board-members-1967392-community-documents</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>New Ventura County ordinance restricts mobile home park 'condo' conversions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Ventura County leaders this week put the brakes on so-called condo conversions of mobile home parks, enacting a law that would withhold approval of such plans unless park owners could prove their tenants support them.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:54:02 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-mobile21mar21,1,5355890.story</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Daycare Debate</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A vista woman wants to expand her at-home childcare service, but neighbors in her Shadowridge community say, no way.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 06:40:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=980934d6-1b62-4927-84cf-e45d089f88fd&rss=800]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Some inflamed over BBQ ban at apartments, condos</title>
     <description><![CDATA[While a controversy has flared up on the North Shore regarding the use of barbecue grills on the balconies of apartments and condominiums, South Shore communities have their own barbecue rules.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:53:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/TD/20080317/NEWS/18459516/-1/REGION</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo Fire Sends 50 Into Streets, Injures 2</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A five-story condominium caught fire Saturday prompting the evacuation of about 50 residents and causing two to be stricken with smoke inhalation, one seriously, said Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:46:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pasadenanow.com/_News/publish/article_2251.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>State seeks ways to resolve disputes in homeowner associations</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowners who feel they've been wronged by the associations that oversee many of California's housing developments may find solace in proposed legislation that would establish a state-level bureau for resolving such disputes.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:41:14 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20080316-9999-1h16hoam.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Residents Rebuilding After Wildfires Fight HOA Restrictions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Nearly 40 families in Rancho Bernardo are in a heated battle with their homeowners association about rebuilding their homes]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:42:50 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/15604918/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Height Fight on Chapala</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Building skyward to add more housing is better than building outward, Peikert said. "It’s a more environmentally sound use of land and energy resources."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:13:31 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.independent.com/news/2008/mar/13/height-fight-chapala/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Scotts Valley has water for sale</title>
     <description><![CDATA[One of the new customers in the process of coming online is the Vineyard Homeowners Association. The 106-home association had the piping installed when built, but the district is helping it pay for the back-flow devices needed to use the system with a zero-interest loan. The recycled water will be used to irrigate common areas and front yards.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:58:00 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_8531225</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo Residents Displaced by Fire in Indio</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Eight people were displaced by an attic fire in the Summer Breeze Condominiums on Monroe Street in Indio,]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:49:51 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=7992459</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>From the frying pan to the fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Oops, I did it again. I just can't shake my vice. I went from being decommissioned as vice chair of the Temecula Public Traffic/Safety Commission to being elected vice president of our homeowner's association.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:25:21 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/03/09/opinion/jacobs/17_23_373_8_08.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Retirement, replacement may be in view for Max</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Touted for his "evil eye and herding instinct, Max originally was brought to Canyon Lake from North Carolina to harass the flocks of coots wreaking havoc on public lawns. He continues to do a good job, says Paul, but he’s getting older and can’t go to all the different parks he once did.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:04:51 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.thefridayflyer.com/FF-2008-3-7/FFS-8870.htm</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Careless Plumber Causes Condo Fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A plumber working with a torch under a bathroom sink in a North Park condominium Wednesday accidentally sparked a fire that caused extensive damage to the unit, authorities reported]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:42:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=9c42a1f8-1ca4-49ac-a8d1-c782b604f2a9&rss=tick]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Grill concerns barrage fire district</title>
     <description><![CDATA[However, the campaign sparked some backlash from community members when the NLTFPD announced propane and charcoal grills and most other outdoor cooking devices have been banned from the decks of multi-family dwellings]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:48:57 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20080305/News/808024762</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Court denies Costa Serena appeal</title>
     <description><![CDATA[On Thursday, the court denied an appeal by the neighborhood's architectural committee that sought to overturn a Nov. 30 ruling by Superior Court Judge Robert Orfield striking down the community's senior-only status.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:01:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/03/04/news/top_stories/1_25_253_3_08.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Embezzle case: Balch changes her plea to guilty</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In front of six elderly victims in court Thursday, the wife of a former Nevada City mayor pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $100,000 from their homeowners association, of which she was treasurer.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:26:13 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.theunion.com/article/20080229/NEWS/197394124</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo obstacle course</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Remodeling can seem like a test of perseverance and patience when it comes to dealing with association boards and regulations. Communication and checking the fine print are crucial.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:33:55 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-condoremod0108mar01,0,2699970.story</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Vehicle towing at Esplanade Circle ceases</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Following several weeks of tenant turmoil, vehicle towing at Esplanade Circle has come to an end.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:21:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://folsomtelegraph.com/detail/78415.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Builder Or Buyer</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When you buy a new home, who's responsible if it turns out to be defective -- you or the builder? And how many repairs do you have to endure before asking the builder for big bucks in compensation?  Story includes video, association documents and replies from developer)]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:18:57 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.knbc.com/news/15408640/detail.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Firebreak protecting Isabella Highlands done</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Smith informed the homeowners association about defensible space techniques and distributed literature that elaborated on the concept of defending your home or property with space free of vegetation and/or material that could fuel a wildfire.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:26:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.kvsun.com/articles/2008/02/27/news/022708-5-firebreak.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>The crusade at Esplanade</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The residents petition goes on to say they want no spaces marked or designated for guest parking. The petition also says the board of directors heard from many homeowners regarding their feelings on the issue and none of their concerns were taken into consideration.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:38:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.edhtelegraph.com/detail/78221.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Palm Springs HOAs discuss water conservation</title>
     <description><![CDATA[On Tuesday, about 60 Palm Springs HOA presidents and representatives gathered at Seven Lakes Country Club for a meeting of the Palm Springs HOA Presidents Council, which encompasses 88 HOAs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:24:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS05/802270314/1011/news05</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Beware the Tow: Folsom Condo Residents Angry Over Tough New Parking Rules</title>
     <description><![CDATA[There are plenty of places to park in Folsom's Esplanade Circle neighborhood. But these days, most of those spaces along the condominium-lined street are remaining empty.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:46:27 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=38765</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Learn to live by homeowners association rules</title>
     <description><![CDATA[If you live in a community governed by a homeowners association you look forward to having neighbors who think like you do when it comes to community values. The sad part is that our individual selfish attitudes can prevent that (and we don't even see it).]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:47:44 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/LIFESTYLES11/802230301/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Esplanade Circle residents have parking pains</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In early February, several residents of the private condominium community awoke to find their vehicle towed because of updated CC&Rs recently approved by the homeowner association’s five-member board.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:41:55 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.auburnjournal.com/detail/78039.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Carbon monoxide gas poisons nine in Tahoe City</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Nine people staying in one unit at a Tahoe City condo complex were poisoned from Carbon monoxide exposure earlier this week, officials said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:08:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20080222/Region/770553153</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Good association financial practices</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Boards and managers should calmly address the unthinkable - that some future employee or board member might betray the association's trust. Of course, the majority of directors and managers are trustworthy, and breaches of that trust are quite rare. However, accusations of financial mismanagement or even dishonesty often too quickly arise in HOA's. Healthy financial practices can quickly prove the integrity of a board or manager.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:41:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/manager-association-board-1984699-financial-trust</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Teen's big blue van can stay in sight, HOA decides</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Nate Madick said he was pleasantly surprised after a meeting with the Northpark Maintenance Association, which ended in a tentative agreement that allows him to keep his blue "Jambulance" in front of his home with some restrictions.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:06:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/madick-association-meeting-1983747-nuisance-vehicle</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Suit over erosion in canyon nears end</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A group of La Jolla homeowners that sued the city over canyon erosion caused by public storm drains has agreed to settle a lawsuit for $4.5 million.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:12:00 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080216-9999-1cz16alta.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>South Almaden Valley Urban Reserve’s future tops AVCA agenda</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The future of the South Almaden Valley Urban Reserve was at the top of the Almaden Valley Community Association’s agenda Feb. 11.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:30:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.almadentimes.com/021408/south.htm</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homes in La Honda slowly sliding away</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Many La Hondans say they have waited too long for Scenic Drive to be repaired to see that prospect washed away. Successive heavy winter storm seasons in 1998 and 2005 unleashed a long-dormant landslide that ripped Scenic Drive and a neighboring road apart and destroyed eight homes in its path.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:16:26 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_8280966</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Q & A]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[QUESTION: The board of directors of my association permitted an owner to extend his patio into the common area and enclose it with a wall. I believe that this was a violation of a law which states that an association's board of directors may not grant exclusive use of any portion of the common area to any owner without a vote of the members. If the board violated this law, do I have any recourse]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2008 06:13:46 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080216/LIFESTYLES11/802160301/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Artist sues, wins $150K for removal of his sculpture without consent</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A San Mateo homeowners association's decision to say goodbye to Andrew Werby's "Spiropod" sculpture without his consent has resulted in a six-figure settlement for the artist.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:43:12 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sanmateodailynews.com/article/2008-2-13-artist</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Q & A]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Does the board have the right to refuse the posting of our signs? How can five members of a board be in charge of the safety of a community as large as ours?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 04:19:49 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/board-signs-hoa-1980426-bureau-community</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Residents, city don't want ownership of structure</title>
     <description><![CDATA[City officials say that despite the stack being labeled a historic monument, a reminder of Concord's industrial past, it does not belong to the city -- it never has.  And more than 1,000 homeowners in the Crossings development off Cowell Road say it is not theirs, either, despite it sitting in the middle of their greenbelt. They say there was no mention of it when they bought their homes, and there's nothing about it in their neighborhood rules and regulations.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:28:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_8259583</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>USC scholars investigate China's homeowner associations</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowner associations are relatively new and increasingly important institutions in China. In June 2007, USC’s Civic Engagement Initiative utilized funding from the USC U.S.-China Institute to co-sponsor an international conference in Beijing looking at the legal, political, social, and economic implications of China’s burgeoning homeowner association (HOA) movement and comparing it to similar trends in other national contexts.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:24:37 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://topicInfoLink</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Rule flouter puts board in difficult position</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Q: I read with interest your article regarding enforcing rules in homeowner associations. My feeling is that many associations have difficulty with enforcement because they do not want to cause hard feelings among owners. This lack of enforcement causes more harm than good.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:36:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/realestatenews/ci_8223816</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowner association unveils plan to upgrade the look of Rancho Santa Margarita</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation board president Derek McGregor said much of the city's landscaping needs a facelift.  The corporation's Landscape Master Plan calls for an extreme makeover for much of the city.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:34:34 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/mcgregor-phase-city-1977331-plan-corporation</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Residents not wild about pig farm plan</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A frustrated property owner's vow to build a pig and poultry farm within shouting distance of Vallejo's upscale Hiddenbrooke homes is causing a big stink.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:29:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.timesheraldonline.com/ci_8217458?source=most_viewed</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Behind the gates: Keeping everyone informed in an HOA</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When residents wonder what management is doing, it is usually an indication of a lack of communication. It is really important that the board of directors maintains open communication with the community. They can do it themselves, use paid management for that service, or put together a committee to assist them.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:38:47 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080209/LIFESTYLES11/802080329/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Oceanside condo fire displaces family, neighbors</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A heating closet used for storage caught on fire in a condo early Thursday morning, leaving a couple and their child without their home and neighbors in seven adjacent units displaced, firefighters said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:27:40 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20080207-1552-bn06condo.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Sunbather wins right to use beach at Seadrift</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A man who sued after being kicked off the gated beach enclave known as Seadrift can sunbathe and lollygag in the sand all he wants as long as he stays 60 feet from the rocks that protect the development's multimillion dollar homes, according to a recent settlement.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:53:11 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/07/BAD6UT9IE.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>TIC owners decry S.F. condo conversion rules</title>
     <description><![CDATA[About 60 San Franciscans walked up the steps of City Hall in single file on Wednesday, in a quiet demonstration against the nearly decadelong wait many of them face in trying to convert their homes into condominiums]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:14:47 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/07/BUALUT8T1.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Pipeline proposal ruffles residents</title>
     <description><![CDATA[AZUSA - After a long struggle with a condominium complex over the placement of a water line, Covina Irrigating Co. has asked the city to use eminent domain for the land needed.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:58:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_8179031k</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Q & A]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Q.We just ended a failed recall for a Board Member. The recall was initiated and carried out by several unethical homeowners. The cost of handling the recall was $7,000 and the HOA has had to pay for this. Can we, the HOA and remaining homeowners request reimbursement from this rogue party for the expense? Can we sue them individually in Small Claims Court to cover the total cost?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:24:42 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/money/recall-law-board-1972758-copy-association</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>A Cocaine 'King' Who Wanted a Fence</title>
     <description><![CDATA[That dispute has so far inspired five lawsuits, created more than $1 million in legal costs, prompted physical threats to Rancho Santa Fe Association employees and justified property liens and arrest warrants against King and his wife in at least two states. Oh, and it’s not done yet.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:21:59 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2008/02/04/opinion/merge020408.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Police nab Fremont man in condo copper theft</title>
     <description><![CDATA[After a more than three-hour stakeout, police arrested a man on suspicion of copper theft at a condominium complex early Friday morning.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 10:43:05 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/ci_8149359</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>La Honda residents decry funding proposal</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The funding proposal, which residents have decried as inequitable, would assess the 55 parcels closest to the landslide for a total of $3.24 million of the construction costs, while the county would pay the rest. The 15-year assessment district can't be formed until a majority of parcel owners approve it]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 10:11:04 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_8117286?source=most_emailed</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Beyond the gates: Collecting association assessments in the current market</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In the current "down" real estate market, many homeowners are not only failing to pay their mortgages, but are also failing to pay assessments to their homeowners associations. But associations should not give up. There are steps that an association can take to put itself in the best position possible.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:51:02 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080202/LIFESTYLES11/802020307/1067</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>A lawyer's neighborly suggestions</title>
     <description><![CDATA[An attorney offers some resolutions that homeowner association officers, directors and residents might consider for a happier 2008]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:01:12 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/money/association-board-members-1967392-community-documents</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo kitchen fire erupts; units suffer water damage</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When Newport Beach firefighters arrived, several residents were outside and the fire alarm blared, Capt. Ron Gamble said. Everyone was directed to the second floor of the three-story unit by someone who lived in the unit on fire, Gamble said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:13:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/01/31/publicsafety/dpt-structurefire013108.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Where homes go up, lawsuits follow</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In 2007, the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, for example, reported the highest number of construction defect lawsuits since 2000.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:52:38 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/printedition/la-re-defects27jan27,1,6212408.story?ctrack=1&cset=true]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Diablo Grande's money woes escalate</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Water and sewer service for the homes in the development will continue, Sanders said, and maintenance of the landscaping will continue, paid for by the homeowner association.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:28:31 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.modbee.com/local/story/197008.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>La Honda residents decry funding proposal</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The funding proposal, which residents have decried as inequitable, would assess the 55 parcels closest to the landslide for a total of $3.24 million of the construction costs, while the county would pay the rest.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:40:12 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_8117286</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo in Reseda burns; no one injured</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The cause of a non-injury blaze at a two-story condominium in Reseda was under investigation today, a fire department spokesman said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:45:33 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8099301</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Activists push to junk condo conversion lotto</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Amid surging demand to convert San Francisco residences to condominiums, two political groups are pressuring city lawmakers to raise the annual limit on conversions or abolish it altogether.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:16:32 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/01/28/story6.html?f=et180&b=1201496400^1581577&ana=e_vert]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Debate over 'senior status' splits Oceanside neighborhood</title>
     <description><![CDATA[With their seniors-only status hanging by a legal thread, some residents of Oceanside's Costa Serena neighborhood point to real estate investors as the most galling force working to bring youngsters into their midst.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 09:07:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/26//news/coastal/20_01_611_25_08.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Upset Lake California residents look to recall members of homeowners association</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A group of disgruntled residents in this gated community has started a recall petition hoping to oust members of its homeowners association.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:59:11 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.redding.com/news/2008/jan/13/upset-residents-look-to-recall-members/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Smoking a hot-button issue for condo owners</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Can we get together with all of the condo owners in our building to declare our building a nonsmoking building? In this case, we would ask the nonresident owners to vote on the declaration, and then to modify their rental agreement accordingly. Should this involve our homeowners association? If that is not an option, are there other options available to us?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:57:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/realestatenews/ci_8093120?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo-hotel concept fails in Coachella Valley</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The idea of paying $1 million to own a hotel room for two weeks a year while hoping tourists would rent the room the rest of the time seemed elementary a few years ago.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:42:32 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/business/local/stories/PE_Biz_D_condohotel27.1e7fa4e.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Villa Riviera: No easy fix</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Over the following months, the issues have grown, from alleged health hazards to mounting restoration costs and to alleged sloppy work - leading to a Feb. 5 recall vote on association board president Kevin McGuan, and to the abrupt resignation Nov. 20 of the project manager]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:31:37 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_8090374</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Coot Flap Flocks to Council</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Residents recently alerted environmentalists that the Bridgeport homeowners association wanted to apply for a permit to kill some of the duck-like American coot birds living in Bridgeport's lake after homeowners complained of the birds pecking at their lawns and leaving droppings on the sidewalks.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:20:37 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.the-signal.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=52952&format=html]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Sun City Palm Desert residents will hear about feasibility of incorporation</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In order to respond to questions, the association decided it would be prudent to look at different options, one of which includes incorporation. The group wants to see if there's interest from the community in moving forward.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 07:18:59 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080126/NEWS01/80126010/1263/update</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Rat infestation leads to lawsuit</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Rats have infested Malhiot's Cathedral Canyon Country Club home. And to prove it, she keeps in her garage the carcass of a foot-long rodent she trapped and preserved in a jar.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:28:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080124/NEWS01/80124028/-1/NEWSFRONT</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Rescuers trying to reach woman having heart attack delayed - gate power out</title>
     <description><![CDATA[But rescuers responding to a 911 call that night couldn’t get inside Joyce Cotton’s gated community because the power outage made the gate inoperable.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:13:45 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sanluisobispo.com/183/story/256701.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Landowners fight for right to build; state wants return to nature</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When the waters were low, developers paved 27 miles of roads and put up street signs. With county approval, they began selling the half acre lots in the newly named Pacific Shores subdivision for as much as $10,000 to buyers mostly from Southern California and Hawaii. Less than a decade later the Coastal Act was passed. Ever since, lot owners have been unable to get a water and sewer system installed in such a sensitive area of seasonal wetlands, sand dunes and endangered species.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:11:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/22/news/state/14_27_511_21_08.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Turf war in Newport</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Homeowners association threatens fines and legal action to force residents to rip out artificial lawns]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:43:34 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/turf-hollstein-association-1963397-water-synthetic</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>The Homeowner Association Residence: Do you know what you have?</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A recent HOA Homefront column prompted similar questions from two Orange County readers.  Q. As a president of an Orange County homeowners association, I'm always interested in articles like yours – it was very informative. How can I get a concise explanation of the difference between a condominium and a planned unit development?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:27:13 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/development-common-planned-1961111-interest-community</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>When Board Meetings are Published in Local Paper</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Large community association board meetings are making the local news more and more.  Here's an example:]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:32:48 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/board-epamd-connor-1960304-state-committee</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>NV: Water Wanted: Royal Gorge seeks water from various sources</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Joe Gray, a board member of the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association, said at Friday’s meeting that surge happens over three to four days, inundating some properties along the lake, but not for months as would happen with a raised dam.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:20:19 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/SS/20080114/NEWS/921359847</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Lennar Sells 19,000 Sites, Others May Follow Suit</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Lennar Corp.'s decision a week ago to sell 11,000 lots for homes in eight states could prompt other big homebuilders to make similar land sales, including sizable deals in Orange County]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:09:57 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.builderonline.com/industry-news.asp?referer=rss26&sectionID=26&articleID=642244]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Trouble at El Cortez</title>
     <description><![CDATA[But the building, now spliced into 85 residential condos, some commercial and office space, and the restored Don Room for entertaining, is now facing a mutiny from within and the external pressures of the slumping housing market]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 04:39:56 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/articles/2008/01/14/housing/897elcortez011408.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Association governing documents essential - And why you should care.</title>
     <description><![CDATA[When you think of governing documents, you may think only of "CC&Rs", (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions). However, a community association's governing documents are far more than simply CC&Rs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2008 08:10:26 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/money/association-documents-rules-1957461-restrictions-governing</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Concrete Waterfall</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Not many urban dwellers could envision a 120-foot tall cascading waterfall surrounded by a tropical green landscape just outside their window. But that's exactly what inhabitants of a Seventh Street condominium complex will find.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:12:28 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ladowntownnews.com/articles/2008/01/14/news/news05.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Behind the Gates: Rules are good for the community</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Living in a homeowners association very simply means giving up certain privileges (aka: rights) in order to have the lifestyle of the community. Rules are a way of life in an HOA.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:01:43 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080112/LIFESTYLES11/801120301/1026/news12</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>For the Birds?</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In a postcard-perfect setting in the middle of Valencia, controversy is escalating among neighbors and local environmentalists concerning the fate of a bird that some call precious and others refer to as a rodent.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:53:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.the-signal.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=52686&format=html]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>New law affects homeowners association meetings</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Another item discussed by homeowners was how to get items on the board agenda. With recent changes in state law, the board can only act on items listed on the board's monthly meeting agenda. Items not on the agenda can only be voted on if the board deems it an emergency situation.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:46:08 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/board-agenda-items-1958275-homeowner-homeowners</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>HOAs Settle with Builder for $2.25 million</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A group of Westside Homeowner Associations - the same folks who led the recall effort against Councilman Jack Weiss - reached a settlement this week with a Century City developer. The unprecedented deal calls for the builder to pay $2.25 million to a mitigation fund that will be overseen by the four HOAs.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:23:18 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.citywatchla.com/content/view/944/</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>KB Home Will Reduce Communities by 25% in 2008</title>
     <description><![CDATA[KB Home, the industry's fifth-largest builder, will trim back its active communities by between 25 percent to 30 percent this year from the 380 neighborhoods with which it ended 2007, when the Los Angeles-based builder's earnings loss was steeper than what many analysts had expected.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:08:11 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.builderonline.com/industry-news.asp?referer=rss26&sectionID=26&articleID=637793]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fire Engulfs Oceanside Condo</title>
     <description><![CDATA["The residents of the involved unit did everything correctly," Lawrence said. "Not only did the residents have a smoke detector and had changed the battery every year, but they quickly evacuated the residence when they found they had a fire.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 05:05:03 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.10news.com/news/14992437/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Trial starts today over access to the San Joaquin River</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A partnership of three major builders will square off in a Madera County courtroom against many homeowners in the 49-lot Sumner Hill tract, a gated subdivision atop a bluff on the river's north side.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 05:16:34 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/302889.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>San Marcos ponders minidorm crackdown</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The 568-unit Prominence complex on Twin Oaks Valley Road is only separated from the university by a fence, making it a hot spot for students - and for sheriff's deputies. "The main people we were having issues with were the young-adult age group," said sheriff's Sgt. Glenn Giannantonio. Party calls account for more than all other calls combined at the complex, he said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:57:17 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/01/06/news/top_stories/19_21_011_5_08.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Board Should Not Have Cut Down Los Padres Estates Memorial Tree</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Shortly before Christmas of 1997 however, someone destroyed our vision of "Mayberry" and a beautiful blue spruce tree planted in front of the entrance sign to Los Padres Estates (as a memorial for founding members of LPE) by cutting off the top six or seven feet for their Christmas tree.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:44:50 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://mountainenterprise.com/full.php?sid=2170&current_edition=2008-01-04]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Foreclosures draining HOA budgets</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Even if you have a solid fixed-rate mortgage and plenty of pre-2002 equity, you’re unlikely to make it through the current foreclosure crisis unscathed.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:39:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=7455</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Tree-size Limb Crashes Through 2 Condo Roofs</title>
     <description><![CDATA["I’ve been here 15 years and this is the worst I’ve seen," said Cherie McCoy. She can say that with authority, in the aftermath of a heritage redwood crashing into the roof of her condo and through the ceiling above her bed as the first winter storm roared through Novato.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2008 06:24:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.novatoadvance.com/articles/2008/01/04/breaking_news/doc477eddbff1797613112498.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Year Later, No Arrests In Massive Condo Fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[SAN DIEGO -- It has been nearly a year since the flames were extinguished after the biggest structure fire in Escondido history. On Thursday, local police explained why no charges have been filed against the suspected arsonist.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:28:35 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/14974706/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Girl injured in Salinas condo fire</title>
     <description><![CDATA[About 4:15 p.m., firefighters were called to a fire in a second-story condominium in Building 415 of the Flor de Salinas condominium complex on West Laurel Drive.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:19:32 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.californianonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS01/80102012/1002</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Castellammare HOA Wins Suit, Keeps CC&Rs]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[The first part of a lawsuit threatening the right of the Castellammare Mesa Home Owners, Inc. to enforce its conditions, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs) ended last month in the association's favor.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:11:53 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.palisadespost.com/content/index.cfm?Story_ID=3509</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Brush removal was brushed off</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Two years ago, a fire department inspector found that brush behind a cluster of homes in Clairemont Mesa West was dangerously thick. Responsibility for thinning it was split between the Fox Run Homeowners Association and the city.  The homeowners group was given two months to do its share of the work or face penalties. It spent $50,000 on the project.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:51:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/reports/watchdog/20071230-9999-1n30brush.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Mice with hantavirus caught in Torrey Pines</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A resident of one such community, a condominium complex just east of Torrey Pines, said Friday that the news of the disease-carrying mice being captured so close to his home had him worried]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:22:37 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/29/news/top_stories/1_04_9912_28_07.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Kitchen fire damages condo</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A kitchen fire in a condominium caused $250,000 in damages Thursday night before firefighters brought it under control in about 20 minutes, the Salinas Rural Fire Department reported.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2007 17:17:34 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.montereyherald.com/breaking/ci_7829871?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>POA President sums up the year past</title>
     <description><![CDATA[I hope everyone has had an enjoyable holiday season. I would like to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of this past year.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:23:02 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.thefridayflyer.com/FF-2007-12-28/FFS-8441.htm</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Group pushing to incorporate Rancho Santa Fe</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A drive for cityhood is afoot in opulent Rancho Santa Fe, where average home prices are by far the highest in the county and where the U.S. Census Bureau in 2002 declared per capita income as the highest in the nation.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 06:00:47 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/12/24/news/top_stories/22_10_1312_23_07.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Local Blind Man Fighting HOA to Keep Dog (Video)</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A local blind man may be forced to get rid of his dog because of his homeowner's association. He says he'll do whatever it takes to keep his dog.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:20:19 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>javascript:playVideo('1995042', 'Local%20Blind%20Man%20Fighting%20HOA%20to%20Keep%20Dog%20(12%2F6)', 'v', 'News', '118433', 'Video%20Player', '', '','wmv');</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Fire guts Santa Rosa condo, killing woman's pets</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A woman's frantic efforts to save her animals from an apartment fire that killed her dog and two cats Saturday may have unwittingly made the blaze worse]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 09:24:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20071223/NEWS/712230464/1033/NEWS01</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Dispute flares over access to Donner records</title>
     <description><![CDATA["I think they just want to get done what they want to get done and don’t want to deal with the public," said Bill Oudegeest, president of the Serene Lakes Property Owners Association.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:16:50 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20071221/NEWS/905260349</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Deep-fryer sparks blaze in condo; family displaced</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A family of three was displaced early yesterday after a deep-fryer malfunctioned and started a fire in their condo, fire officials said]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:20:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071221-0644-1bo21fryerblaze.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Photo panorama will mask high-rise condo that wasn't</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The state's giant pension plan became sole owner after John Saca's plans for a high-rise condo there fell apart.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:21:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sacbee.com/103/story/572226.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo dispute keeps residents out (plus video)</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Some Emeryville residents will be forced to spend the holidays in a hotel, instead of their town homes, because of water damage that happened five months ago.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2007 11:20:45 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=5834240]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Large California title company closes its doors</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A title company headquartered in California's Silicon Valley that once employed more than 2,000 employees at 200 branches has closed its doors without warning.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:54:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.inman.com/hstory.aspx?ID=65539</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Heater Sparked Condo Fire, 2 Marines Displaced</title>
     <description><![CDATA[One fire involving a wall heater damaged a condo in North Park Thursday. It's the third heater fire in San Diego in as many days.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:28:02 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.cbs8.com/stories/story.111854.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Solana Beach slaps ban on 'condo-hotel' arrangements</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Concerned that valuable hotel rooms could be converted to private residences and shut out tourists, the City Council decided Wednesday night to ban new timeshares and other similar "condominium-hotel" arrangements.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:01:17 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/northcounty/20071212-2157-bn12ban.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Berkley Council Weighs Condo Conversion Changes</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Like spinning straw into gold, turning apartment buildings into individually owned condominiums could be a dream come true. But the law, intended to benefit property owners, renters-turned homeowners and the city’s affordable housing fund, has yet to turn into anything but a headache, people on various sides of the issue say.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2007 05:09:04 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.berkeleydaily.org/text/article.cfm?issue=12-11-07&storyID=28673]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Long Beach Council to weigh rights of renters</title>
     <description><![CDATA[As apartment building owners increasingly convert their rental properties into for-sale condominiums, affordable housing advocates say tenants are getting short-changed by landlords.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 04:48:30 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_7679599</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title><![CDATA[Q & A]]></title>
     <description><![CDATA[Question: Our association's bylaws state that in order to serve on the board of directors, an individual must be an owner within the development. If a director sells his or her home, is the director automatically removed from the board?]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 07:38:07 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071208/LIFESTYLES11/712080301/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Solana Beach Considering Ban on Condo-Hotels</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Solana Beach is considering an ordinance that would ban the construction of condominium-hotels in the city. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:19:52 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.kpbs.org/news/local;id=10401</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Would-be bodysurfer sues to establish a beachhead at Stinson</title>
     <description><![CDATA["If the public wants to buy it, they can," said Peter Sandmann, the lawyer representing the homeowners association. "The Coastal Commission could come out and condemn it too, but right now the laws of California say it is private property."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:34:26 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/27/MN0ITG4GF.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Two Firefighters Injured In Condo Fire After Fall From Balcony</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A fire blamed on careless smoking left two firefighters injured and caused $200,000 in damage at a La Jolla Village condominium complex, officials said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:09:45 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.10news.com/news/14703359/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Condo owners feeling crunch of increased association costs</title>
     <description><![CDATA[After 22 years in a condominium in San Mateo, it's not the mortgage payments that are weighing on Moxi Posner. It's the homeowners' association dues.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:45:42 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_7569340</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Smoking suit fails in small claims</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A woman has lost a legal battle against her homeowners' association over secondhand smoke from her neighbor's condominium]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:43:49 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_7569330</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Pocket condo complexes catch on with young professionals</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Zepps, both 30, are among a group of buyers whose first-home purchase is in the increasing stock of small condominium projects, mostly new developments taking the place of older duplexes or single-family homes cropping up in dense urban neighborhoods.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:27:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-re-condos25nov25,0,5076507.story?track=rss</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Oceanside woman takes Robert's Rules seriously</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Before each homeowners association meeting during which she takes minutes, Willeen Hasler has before her on the table a copy of Robert's Rules of Order, a copy of the association's rules and regulations, and a kitchen timer.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:44:23 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/11/25/business/news/16_54_1111_24_07.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Getting Oak Grove facts straight</title>
     <description><![CDATA[We had planned to stay out of the debate over the Oak Grove referendum, however, misinformation about the project and confusion in the public about our support considering our history of slow growth, environmental advocacy, and support for neighborhoods compels us to provide this clarification.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:36:46 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.contracostatimes.com/opinion/ci_7548317?nclick_check=1</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Temecula HOA hosts Marines</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Some of the Camp Pendleton Marines were a thousand miles or more from their families, but residents of Paseo del Sol turned an association clubhouse into a home away from home on Thanksgiving, serving up cornbread stuffing and four varieties of turkey.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:14:55 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/11/23/news/californian/20_25_5111_22_07.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Omission of trail key to dispute</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The battle over trail access through the exclusive La Vina housing development in Altadena began in earnest Wednesday as lawyers for both sides presented their opening statements in court.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:10:15 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_7530359</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Arraignment in embezzle case</title>
     <description><![CDATA[About 10 frustrated homeowners said they would attend this morning's arraignment of Linda Balch, accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the Woodbridge Townhomes Homeowners Association in Nevada City, an alleged victim said Tuesday.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 06:58:10 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.theunion.com/article/20071121/NEWS/111210148</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>San Carlos smoke suit goes to court</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A San Mateo County small claims court commissioner on Monday heard a lawsuit filed by San Carlos resident Suzie Parano seeking $7,500 in damages because of secondhand smoke from her downstairs neighbor.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 04:45:47 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://sanmateodailynews.com/article/2007-11-20-11-20-sc-lawsuit</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Scooter steers buyer to condo</title>
     <description><![CDATA[It was the promise of a motor scooter - probably candy apple red - that helped seal the deal for Jeanne George and her husband, who closed last week on a $1 million condo in San Francisco.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 04:05:36 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/18/REO0TBOGJ.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>From dreams to debt</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Residents of Copper Canyon in Murrieta watched in astonishment as a group of investors snapped up homes in their middle-income community last year, paying $50,000 to $100,000 more than the sellers wanted. Today, the front yards are browning, overgrown with weeds. Many of the houses are empty. Owners have put up for-sale signs to lure buyers before the houses are auctioned on the courthouse steps or seized by lenders. Many are in foreclosure.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 11:24:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_SR_20071118_main.d56b48c.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Behind the gates: When you make a deal, stick with it</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In homeowner associations, much like anywhere else in society, agreements for improvement projects are made and, for what ever reason, changes to the design are made after the contract is signed and before the project is finished. Everyone believes there is a good reason for this, but I suspect we are creating a bigger problem than we are solving when changing plans "mid-stream."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 11:13:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071117/LIFESTYLES11/711170306/-1/lifestylesfront</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Standoff at Oak Manor - Residents block expansion to senior care facility</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Regan, who said he has had positive meetings with Lance Salisbury, the president of the Oak Tree Townhouses Owner's Association, was at a loss for words.  "We're trying to eliminate, alleviate, ameliorate - all the right words," Regan said. "We want to be a good neighbor."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 11:01:58 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.ledger-dispatch.com/news/newsview.asp?c=229747&topStory=1]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Tracy condo rules might get face-lift</title>
     <description><![CDATA[More local residents are opting to live in condominiums, and the city is looking at rules to govern the growing condo community]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:51:41 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_7468820?source=rss</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Laguna Woods residents say deal cost them more than $15 million</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Three acres of community land that Laguna Woods Village sold for $3.4 million in 2004 are now valued at nearly $20 million, leaving some residents feeling like their senior community got a raw deal.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:05:55 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/property-mayer-million-1922039-brose-rain</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>AVCA board approves 2008 budget</title>
     <description><![CDATA[For the first time in more than two years, the Aliso Viejo Community Association included input from homeowners to formulate the 2008 budget, which was approved at Monday's board of directors meeting.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:57:27 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/budget-avca-increase-1922329-percent-community</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Candle starts blaze that damages four condo units</title>
     <description><![CDATA[A fire at a University City condominium complex injured two people and caused $900,000 in damage yesterday morning.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:52:00 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071112-0648-1bo12candlefire.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Design review worries Emerald Hills residents</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Emerald Hills homeowners who fought the "style police" of a previous neighborhood association are worried that plans for a community forum next week is an attempt to resurrect the controversial design review committee]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:05:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=83093</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Unfinished condo project exasperates Murrieta residents</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The Warm Springs town home development planned for Torrey Pines Road was billed as a quaint place to live in Murrieta. It's now an eyesore for the city -- wooden frames stretch upward with broken windows and half-shingled roofs]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:03:54 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_scondo08.3eb775a.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Gas leak forces 25 RPV condo residents to evacuate</title>
     <description><![CDATA[About 25 residents of a Rancho Palos Verdes condominium complex were forced to evacuate their homes this morning because of a natural gas leak.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 04:58:08 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/11115051.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Officials dedicate center at The Oaks</title>
     <description><![CDATA[HOA board members and city officials dedicated the facility last weekend as more than 200 homeowners looked on.  "They said five years ago it couldn't be done," said Robert Pope, homeowner association president. "It was a win-win for everybody."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 05:06:25 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.theacorn.com/news/2007/1108/Community/027.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Mission Viejo residents say no to retirement community</title>
     <description><![CDATA[More than 100 residents piled into Mission Viejo City Hall on Monday to voice their opposition to a proposal that could build a luxury retirement community and public park on the land now occupied by the Casta Del Sol Golf Course.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:39:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/course-golf-city-1916655-sol-casta</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Lennar Suspends Sales at Two Major Projects</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Facing a market flooded with unsold homes and discount-hunting buyers, Lennar has decided to temporarily stop taking orders at one of its largest and highest-profile projects in southern California - Central Park West in Irvine. The Miami-based builder has also postponed construction of two high-rise projects in Anaheim, known as A-Town Metro and A-Town Stadium.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:33:31 -0500</pubDate>
     <link><![CDATA[http://www.builderonline.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=26&articleID=605544]]></link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Police help gang-infested community reclaim ground</title>
     <description><![CDATA[The homeowners association, usually the first line of defense against neighbors who bring in blight, generally attracts no more than a handful of members to its meetings.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:56:16 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_7371592</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Village Board president grills attorney in near 3 hour televised interrogation</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Although Monday's special meeting of Laguna Woods Village's Third Mutual Board was billed as an opportunity for mutual directors to ask questions of community attorney Bill Hart of Hart, King and Coldren of Santa Ana, the televised meeting quickly became an interrogation.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:52:29 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/hart-feldstein-asked-1916230-pcm-firm</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Landale-Cameron Court, Inc. v. Ahonen (Oct. 10, 2007</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Court Of Appeal Finds That A Tolling Agreement Between An HOA And Developer Tolls The Applicable Statute Of Limitations Even As To A Non-Party Subcontractor.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:30:22 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.realestateandconstructionlawblog.com/construction-defects-and-claims-court-of-appeal-finds-that-a-tolling-agreement-between-an-hoa-and-developer-tolls-the-applicable-statute-of-limitations-</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowners associations countywide are hit by foreclosure fallout</title>
     <description><![CDATA[San Diego County's mushrooming number of foreclosures is starting to hobble homeowners associations large and small as cash-strapped owners cease paying their monthly dues.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:28:06 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20071101-9999-1n1dues.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Canada's flag causes local flap</title>
     <description><![CDATA[For one couple in an Orangeville luxury condominium, according to information obtained by this paper, it's a time to come under fire for displaying the Canadian flag in their window "to Honour the Men and Women serving our Country in Afghanistan,"]]></description>
     <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:50:53 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.citizen.on.ca/news/2007/1101/Local_news/031.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Two-alarm blaze damages condo in San Jose</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Schwinge said the fire started when the homeowner left an iron unattended. Another resident in the condo heard the smoke alarm go off and both residents safely fled the building, Schwinge said.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:17:55 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_7329618?source=rss</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>City will try median islands to curb speeding on Calle Frontera</title>
     <description><![CDATA["In Dec., 2004, a child was killed on Calle Frontera," Mills said. "At that time the board of directors for The Coast HOA authorized the formation of a traffic committee regarding calming traffic conditions. The committee's efforts have been ongoing since that time, and the traffic-calming medians are one of the measures agreed upon by The Coast with the city."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 06:01:08 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.ocregister.com/news/traffic-frontera-calle-1912576-city-hindiyeh</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Moderate Earthquake Rattles Bay Area</title>
     <description><![CDATA[In downtown San Jose, the quake caused a pipe to break, streaming water into the parking garage of a condo building, according to the Mercury News.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:47:19 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/sns-ap-california-earthquake,0,3196907.story</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Where to get help, give help</title>
     <description><![CDATA[California agencies and organizations dealing with wild fire aftermath]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:52:20 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/10/30/news/top_stories/1_03_2010_29_07.txt</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>SVL gets ready for Halloween headache</title>
     <description><![CDATA[But for the residents of Spring Valley Lake, there’s also the headache caused by throngs of children transported to the lakeside community every year by well-meaning parents. "It’s safe candy, safe homes," said Jeri Lawrence, treasurer of the homeowner’s association board of directors. 'I think that’s why they come here."]]></description>
     <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:40:01 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/children_3472___article.html/valley_community.html</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Thirst for property values leaves Bay Area at risk of wildfires</title>
     <description><![CDATA[David Kessler lived through the nightmare of watching his home burn in the 1991 Oakland hills fire, but he and his neighbors rebuilt anyway.  Kessler, who serves as president of a local homeowners' group, the North Hills Phoenix Association, said there was really no other choice. He, like many others, is gambling that he won't get burned twice.]]></description>
     <pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 06:53:46 -0500</pubDate>
     <link>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/10/28/MN5TT06GT.DTL</link>
    </item>
    <item>
     <title>Homeowner association presidents urge help with re-landscaping</title>
     <description><![CDATA[Vic Gainer and Mark Davis, founders of Palm Springs Council of Homeowner Association Presidents, went before the Desert Water Agency Thursday to ask the board to consider helping homeowner associations re-landscape their properties to desert l