As with all their charitable endeavors, Cardinal team members throw their hearts and hands into its annual Share Ourselves (SOS) Adopt A Family program. Cardinal has been supporting this worthy organization for many years. This year, we're inviting all who read this to join us. Whether you're a business partner, a Board member, a member of a community association, or simply a fan of reading about Cardinal, you are invited to join us in helping to ensure that hard-working but struggling families in Orange County receive gifts, clothes, and food for the holidays.

Cardinal's family this year is a humble family that has asked for only necessities. That tells us how much they need us. Both the father and mother are employed and earn minimum wage but the salaries do not keep pace with today's rising costs. Both salaries go toward rent, utilities, and very basic food needs. There is no money left for clothes or shoes, and certainly not for the extravagance of even a single toy for any of their four children. They have three girls whose ages are 3, 4, and 5, and one boy who is 14. If you have what you need with a little to spare, Cardinal's family needs your help.

• Father Pedro needs large shirts, size 34 pants, and no-slip shoes (required for work).
• Mother Juana needs large shirts, a warm sweater, size 12 pants, and no-slip shoes (required for work).
• 3-year old Nicole needs shirts (size 4T), pants (size 3T), and shoes. She likes Monsters, Inc. and Spiderman.
• 4-year old Kaytlin needs shirts (size 4T), pants (size 4T), and shoes. She likes Disney Princesses and Little Mermaid.
• 5-year old Briana needs medium shirts, size 5 pants, and shoes. She likes Mickey Mouse and Cinderella.
• 14-year old Mario need large shirts, size 30 pants, and shoes. He likes basketball.

Gift cards to Shoe City and Walmart will allow the family to select their correct sizes. Gift cards to local grocery stores will enable them to divert some of their food budget to a utility or other bill. Donations of very gently used sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, blankets, and other bedding will be gratefully accepted as well.

While we know how important it is to have warm clothing and proper shoes, we also know the boundless joy that a new toy can bring to a child, especially at Christmas. If you are able to donate, this family and Cardinal Property Management will be forever grateful for your generosity.

Donations are due to Cardinal at 1290 North Hancock Street, Suite 103, Anaheim, 92807 by Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Since its inception, Share Our Selves has helped families in need of extra support during the holidays. This holiday season marks the 44th year of the SOS Adopt A Family Program. This wonderful holiday tradition supports many struggling Orange County families by providing gifts and food for the holidays.

According to the SOS organization, many of these families work multiple jobs to provide for their children, but unforeseen circumstances-reduced hours, sudden illness, a death in the family-make it nearly impossible to celebrate the holidays. Oftentimes, the Christmas wishes are as simple as clothing, diapers, blankets, and extra food. It's not uncommon for an older child to ask nothing for himself, in exchange for toys for a younger sibling. A little help goes a long way in bringing smiles and joy to those who would otherwise go without this season.

If you have a candle, the light won't glow any dimmer if I light yours off of mine. ~Steven Tyler  

Cardinal staff, families, and generous business partners work all year long to raise funds for research, treatment, and ultimately to find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Cardinal has a long history of supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the annual Light the Night walk around Angel Stadium and other events to raise funds and awareness.

All across America, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night walkers raise funds and walk for new and more effective treatments so that blood cancer patients of all ages live longer, better lives. Event co-chairs Cardinal Account Manager Christine Santisteban and Accounts Payable Staff Member Noel Krips organized the year-long fund raising efforts that were generously supported by staff, families, and business partners.

The other Cardinal-hosted events which were a Cinco de Mayo celebration and a Bunco night were well attended this year and raised funds beyond expectations.

"This is my first year co-chairing Cardinal's 'Light the Night' team, and the experience was inspirational," said Noel.  Seventeen members of Christine's family walked in honor of her brother Salvador, who lost his battle at the age of 26.

Fifty-four people walked with Team Cardinal, and raised 111% of Cardinal's original goal of $15,000. "We raised $16,699.29. Now we know where our bar is set for next year," said Cardinal President Farrah Esquer.

Cardinal placed 4th in the top 10 Fundraising Teams. "This is quite an accomplishment, considering that other teams were from large corporations," said Farrah. "I'm so proud of everyone who worked hard all year to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society."

At the beginning of every year, Cardinal renews its commitment to educating board members to help them serve their communities in the most effective manner possible. One way we implement our commitment is through our Board Education series. Cardinal hosts evening classes free of charge for all board members and directors. Keep an eye out for the class schedule for 2014. We look forward to seeing you in class. Some of the topics will be:

• Effective Board Meetings
• Financial Review: What Every Board Member Should Know
• Assessment Collection Aftermath: The Steps After Judgments and Foreclosures
• Hot Topics: Nuisances, Patrol, Parking, Case Law, and other Pressing Topics

Starting January 1, 2014, there are new budget requirements for all California Associations. The Davis-Stirling Act has undergone a complete rewrite. The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act is the popular name of the portion of the California Civil Code that governs condominium, cooperative, and planned unit development communities in California. It was authored by Assemblyman Lawrence Stirling and enacted in 1985 by the California State Legislature. In 2012, the Act was comprehensively reorganized and recodified by Assembly Bill 805.As of January 1, 2014, Title 6 of Part 4 of Division 2 of the Civil Code is repealed, effectively replaced by newly added Part 5 to Division 4 of the Civil Code.

What does all this mean to your Association? The newly written Act requires each Association to adopt the Act's Annual Policy Statement that must be mailed to the membership every year.