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 CARDINAL CHRONICLES

Winter 2013

Message from President Farrah Esquer

Farrah-Staff Photos

  

When I became a member of the Cardinal family more than 15 years ago, I was humbled by owners Susan Naples and Annette U'Ren's unceasing encouragement to give to the communities in which we live and work. Since the inception of Cardinal more than 30 years ago, Susan and Annette encouraged staff to volunteer with charitable organizations. They offered each of us up to 8 hours a month of paid company time to volunteer with any organization that was dear to us. This tradition continues today. Annette fought cancer long and hard, and she passed away at this time of year in 2006. Cardinal family members honor her memory to this day every time we give to others who are struggling. When we give of ourselves, our time, or our financial resources, we help many people­-including members of our own Cardinal team-who had or have unimaginable challenges.

 

Cardinal has a long history of supporting such charities and events as Aids Walks and the Share Ourselves (SOS) Adopt-a-Family program (please read more about the SOS opportunity to help in this issue). In the last few years, Cardinal has supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, continues with the Share Ourselves Program, and has joined in the Thanksgiving Basket Brigade. During this holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the importance of giving what we can and being thankful for what we have, not only during the holidays but also throughout the year.


Last August, my dad was diagnosed with liposarcoma, cancer of the fatty tissue. He is undergoing painful treatments. Although the importance of giving and being grateful has always resonated within me, it means even more to me during this scary time for our family. We have been very fortunate over the years, and have been relatively healthy. However, we have not been mindful of just how fortunate we have been. Deeply embedded in the very heart of the fear of my father's struggles, our family discovered a sacred lesson. We are reminded daily to actively enjoy life's gifts and to forgive quickly. I invite you all to do the same. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, or all three, Cardinal Property Management wishes you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with health, wealth, love, and time to enjoy them all.

 

Farrah Esquer, President

Welcome Home, Garden Estates!  

 

Cardinal is proud to welcome Garden Estates Maintenance Association back to the family. Located in Irvine, Garden Estates is a planned unit development of single-family residences and is part of the Master Community of Woodbridge Village. Cardinal and Garden Estates enjoyed a 16-year relationship together before the Association decided to give other management firms the opportunity to serve them. During the two years they were away from Cardinal, Garden Estates tried two other management companies before returning to the Cardinal family. We welcome them home, and we will continue to provide them Cardinal's suite of full-scale resources with the utmost integrity.

In Sharing Ourselves, We Find Ourselves     

  SOS

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.

Meet the Accounting Team!

Victoria Helwich, Noel Krips,
JoAnn Von Dollen,
 Anna Hibbs, Vanessa Cruz
 
JoAnn Von Dollen, Director of Operations & Collections and Finance Manager

JoAnn has been a member of the Cardinal family for five years. She manages the Collections and Accounting departments and ensures company adherence to operational procedures and Human Resources policies.

 

Anna Hibbs, General Ledger

Anna recently celebrated 20 years of service with Cardinal. (Please see the article about Anna's surprise celebratory luncheon in this issue.) She is responsible for the preparation of association monthly financial statements.  She also drafts association budgets and administers payroll, among other financial duties.

 

Vanessa Cruz, Accounts Receivable

Vanessa has been a member of the Cardinal family for three years. Her responsibilities include helping homeowners with questions about assessments, setting up and overseeing automatic payment procedures with homeowners, and posting funds to homeowner's accounts, among myriad other duties.

 

Noel Krips, Accounts Payable

Noel is a two-year member of Cardinal. She is primarily responsible for paying all the bills for our client associations.

 

Victoria Helwich, Collection Specialist

Victoria has been with Cardinal for three years. Victoria directly supports the Director of Operations & Collections and Finance Manager with pre-lien and lien administration. She also compiles attorney packages and closes all escrows. She sets up new accounts and applies the necessary funds in accordance with Association Delinquent Assessment Collection policies. 

Two Decades of Service  

 Anna

Anna Diaz Hibbs, General Ledger, recently celebrated 20 years as a member of the Cardinal family at a surprise luncheon with the whole Cardinal Team. Honored by her teammates, Anna was also surprised by the attendance of her mother, sister, and three of her four children.  

 

Founder and CEO Susan Naples presented Anna with a weekend getaway on behalf of the company. "Anna, you have provided two decades of excellent service to Cardinal and our customers, and you're contributions are invaluable," said Susan. "We've been through professional and personal challenges together, and I look forward to the next 20 years together."

 

Cardinal President Farrah Esquer joked to Anna, "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!" However, that comment is literally true. Many years ago, Cardinal needed an accounting assistant, and Anna recommended Farrah for the position. Farrah lauded Anna and her dedication and commitment to Cardinal, its customers, and Anna's team members.


What has contributed to Anna's longevity with Cardinal? "It's a good company to work for, and I love the people like they are my own family," said Anna.
 

Light the Night   

 

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

           

Light the Night 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."

2014 Board Education Opportunities        

 

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

Did You Know?      

 

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.


Cardinal has assisted each of our clients to adopt the statement to be included in your annual budget mailing. The annual budget mailing looks slightly different in 2014 because Associations are no longer required to include the Disclosure Document Index that was required by the prior Davis-Stirling Act.
 
In This Issue
Message from President Farrah Esquer
Welcome Home, Garden Estates!
In Sharing Ourselves, We Find Ourselves
Meet the Accounting Team!
Two Decades of Service
Light the Night
2014 Board Education Opportunities
Did You Know?
Cardinal Champions for a Cause
Year-End Dates to Remember
A Halloween Howling
A Bountiful Basket Brigade
Help Cardinal Fly Farther in 2014 and Receive a Discount for Your Association

Cardinal Champions for a Cause 

 

Champions for a Cause is a program internal to Cardinal that allows employees and the company to team together to donate to employees' favorite charitable organizations throughout the year. Employees who participate in a Casual Friday dress day each week donate a specified sum of money to do so. Cardinal matches the collected funds, and a participating employee's name is randomly chosen during a staff meeting. The chosen employee gets to name the charity to receive the funds.

 

When Administrative Assistant Sasha Venola's name was chosen, her charity was the California Art Education Association scholarship fund. CAEA is a professional organization for California art teachers dedicated to maintaining the arts at all levels of education. Each year, high school art students of active members can be nominated for college scholarships. Scholarships to Idyllwild Arts Summer Program are available for junior and senior high school art students. "As a past recipient of this scholarship, I know how important it is to support and encourage students to follow their passion," said Sasha. "The arts not only teach creativity but also creative problem solving throughout life and in many fields of employment."

 

Vanessa Cruz from Accounts Receivable was another recent winner. Vanessa chose the American Kidney Fund to receive her and Cardinal's donations. This charity helps dialysis patients by providing financial assistance and spreading awareness of kidney diseases. "My Aunt Laura was recently diagnosed with kidney failure and is currently receiving dialysis treatments," said Vanessa. "Even with her diagnosis she still does the things she loves most. In September, she completed in the TriRock Triathlon in San Diego."

Year-End Dates to Remember
Cardinal will be closed Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, for Christmas.

Cardinal will be closed Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1, for New Year's.

 

If you have an emergency during any of the above times or dates, and need a Cardinal staff member's help, please call our 24-hour on-call service at (714) 459-0477and they will call the appropriate Cardinal team member immediately.

A Halloween Howling   

The boos and ghouls of Cardinal Property Management, AAMC/ACMF, held a ghostly gathering on October 31 for a cauldron-luck luncheon and costume party at Cardinal's Anaheim offices. The entire team carved and decorated pumpkins for judging.   

 

While the zombies and ghosts had their bloody eyes peeled on the spooky decorations in the conference room, their costumes were judged.  

 

Vanessa Cruz, Bruce Horvath and Christine Santisteban won for their creative costumes and Irene Neelis, Noel Krips and Sandi Fish won for their pumpkin creations.

A Bountiful Basket Brigade

For the fourth consecutive year, Cardinal teamed with 24-Hour Restoration to prepare Thanksgiving baskets for the Orange County Basket Brigade. Basket Brigade is a national event during which organizations collect frozen turkeys, canned goods, perishables, and everything else needed for a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner for families in need. Cardinal volunteers gathered food and packed everything in laundry baskets.


24-Hour Restoration generously coordinated the event and the deliveries throughout Orange County. Thank you also to Richardson, Harman, Ober; Cresta Verde Landscape; Las Flores Landscape; Fiore, Racobs & Powers; Berg Insurance; ProServe Plumbing; and Artistic Maintenance for their help and donations.

Help Cardinal Fly Farther in 2014 and Receive a Discount for Your Association

Would you like your association to receive a $200 discount on its next monthly management fee? Cardinal has been dedicated to helping Boards and Directors throughout Orange County for more than 30 years. Our strategic plan for 2014 and beyond includes not only further spreading our wings in Orange County but also into the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County. We continue to be the only property management firm in California that has earned both the national certification (AAMC) and state designation (ACMF) to serve our clients.

 

We are offering our client associations $200 off their next monthly management fee for referring a new client who signs a contract with Cardinal. Refer your friends to our website so they can see who we are and how we can help their communities to enhance the quality of their community living experience.


Watch our website and newsletter for further information in the coming year.

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