Condo Questions and Answers
I know of at least 6 people who have discontinued their LA Times subscriptions in protest of Jan Hickenbottoms Industry like answers to every HOA query.
They all end with "consult a lawyer".
I am surprised they don't just include a list of INdustry lawyers for homeowners to call.
Beale, the editor, once acted as if the LA Times Real Estate section was going to consider the concerns that some homeowners had addressed to her about the "industry" and allow someone other than the standard industry "experts" to respond - for example - a true homeowner advocate support group. But they never did.
Of course, can you blame them?
ONe full page ad in the LA Times Real Estate section can run upwards of $30,000.
Look how many realtors, builders are advertising all the wonderful new HOA housing. (Even though they don't advertise that the homes are in HOA's).
Why would they give up that golden goose egg??$$$$
I think corresponding with Ms. Beale is falling upon deaf ears.
I know they have received probably a dozen complaints that I know of with regard to their biased presentation on Condo Q&A
and at times what I feel to be almost dangerous and risky advice for condo owners and definitely NOT in their best interest.
I would have to agree with you that some of those questions are "Planted" by fellow industry brethren of Ms. Hickenbottom.
Check out the latest free advertisement, nearly a full page advert, telling all the readers to not only go to the CAI page, but to also give them money! BUY their publications. Write to the Real Estate Editor. Looks like Hickenbottom got a blank check and CAI got an endorsement.
Ms. Lauren Beale
Real Estate Section Editor
Your killing me, the letters on my keyboard are fading from all the letters I've written you. The Condo Q and A column this week is just another example of Ms. Hickenbottom faithful promotion her CID industry friends and colleagues.
Am I honestly supposed to believe a homeowner living in a CID that is not a member of the board of directors wants to perform a comprehensive cost analysis of who is going to cut the neighborhood grass without explaining his motivation for doing so?
(See article titled The Pros and Cons of Using Contractors for landscaping Work, Feb. 11, 2001 edition)
Has his monthly assessments increased because his board's decision to change landscapers? Are the landscapers not providing an adequate service? Why does she not tell him to present his questions and concerns to the board?
Her answer does not promote a cohesive and workable relationship between the board and its members. It does imply board directors are not to be trusted to provide homeowners adequate answers to common sensible questions.
Ms. Hickenbottom would rather send a homeowner on a "wild-goose chase" to search for answers to questions the board probably already has and can provide, if asked. Am I to interpret the board hasn't already prepared a comparison and is not willing to discuss it with its membership and therefore the need to send this homeowner to the Community Association Institute (CAI) website for research referencing?
Again as usual, Ms. Hickenbottom makes no hesitation to refer the homeowner to the CAI. This seems to be a habit with her.
Her columns typically promote the industries profiteers, be it attorneys, management companies, organizations that cater exclusively to CID property managers and now, landscapers.
Its high time you begin to realize her promotional efforts and do something about it. You told me you were going to keep an eye on her but what was it exactly were you going to watch?
I will reserve comment on Ms. Hickenbottom's legal advise she gave the homeowner that provide her the second question in this week's column.
Sincerely,
 |
 |
 |
|
Registry |
Home
|
Complaints |
P.O. Box 97
San Juan Capistrano• California 92693
Phone: (949) 366-2125 *
E-mail:ahrc@ahrc.com
© 1991-2000 AHRC News Services