July 2016
Shareholder Insight
It is hard to believe that on Friday, July 15th we will be celebrating our firm's 30th Anniversary. We are all very excited to be celebrating 30 years of service to the community association industry with so many of our clients and colleagues who have helped us reach this incredible milestone. 

If you would like to attend or need to RSVP, please
Celebrating 30 Years
contact Tiffany Christian or email your favorite Epsten Grinnell & Howell attorney.
 
We all look forward to seeing you soon!



Jon Epsten, Doug Grinnell, Mary Howell, Sue McClintic,
Kieran Purcell, Anne Rauch, Rian Jones
and all of our attorneys & staff!
Legal Update: Drone Regulations Allowing Commercial Use

Last month we brought you an article on drone regulation in our monthly newsletter. Shortly thereafter, the Federal Aviation Administration finalized new rules for the commercial use of drones. Previously, the commercial use of drones was prohibited except in limited circumstances. Under the FAA's new rules, the commercial use of drones will be expanded.

The FAA's new rules outline safety regulations for drones weighing less than 55 pounds being used for "non-hobbyist operations." Anyone using a drone for anything other than pleasure must be at least 16 years of age and have a remote pilot certificate, which can be obtained by passing a test or otherwise having an existing pilot certificate and meeting other certain qualifications.
   
The rules set speed and height limitations and require drone operators to keep the drone in his/her line of sight while in use. Additionally, the rules provide that drones may not fly over unprotected people uninvolved in the drone activity. Pilots will also have to complete pre-flight visual and operations checks. A complete summary of the rules can be found on the FAA's webpage at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf

The FAA acknowledges that these new rules do not address the issue of privacy, but privacy regulation is not within the FAA's purview. However, the FAA is attempting to educate drone users on privacy limitations by providing recommended privacy guidelines as part of the drone registration process and through the FAA's mobile application.

With the FAA's regulation of drones for commercial use, you can expect to start seeing more drones in the air. Boards may now find it even more important to amend the CC&Rs or adopt rules to attempt to regulate drone use in their communities.  
News & Announcements
AB 1799 Common Sense Election Law Changes Halted
 
As recently announced by CAI-CLAC: 
 
"Assembly Member Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) pulled AB 1799 from committee. This means the bill is no longer active and halts the progress of the bill into law for this session.
 
This bill would have corrected an illogical and expensive process in an uncontested community association board election where there is no contest to vote on, yet a ballot is required. It also clarified the eligibility process for office on boards and specified the notification process to members.  AB 1799 would have improved the voting process for all community association members."
 
We thank all of those who energetically supported the bill. For more information about AB 1799 or CAI-CLAC you can visit the website at: www.caiclac.com.
Events
CAI SD Craft Beer Night
Featured Industry Event
End the work week with two of your favorite EG&H attorneys and your friends at CAI.

Friday, July 22nd at Stone Brewery World Bistro & Gardens in Liberty Station. For more information or to register, check out CAI San Diego's new online registration.
Our 2016 Legal Symposia will be held on Friday, November 18th in Rancho Mirage and Friday, December 2nd in San Diego.
For a listing of all of our upcoming 2016 industry events click the button below.
Since 1986, the attorneys of Epsten Grinnell & Howell have practiced community association law and provided common interest developments with counsel, legal strategies, rapid assessment recovery, construction defect and other civil litigation assistance, interpretation of fair housing issues, and alternative dispute resolution throughout Southern California. 

We serve associations throughout San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles counties. Our attorneys have recovered more than $250 million for clients in complex construction defect litigation cases, including community associations, condominium towers and commercial buildings.
Epsten Grinnell & Howell is a Professional Corporation, incorporated in the State of California. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in California and the firm and its attorneys have attempted to comply with all legal and ethical requirements in this jurisdiction. We have created this e-newsletter for general information purposes only, and only address issues involving California law, and Federal law where it applies to matters in California. No information accessible on or through this email or our internet site (www.epsten.com) should be construed as legal advice, legal opinion, an endorsement with respect to any matter, or a solicitation for legal business. You should not rely on such information as legal advice for your particular matter without consulting your legal counsel. View entire disclaimer.