Even though we live in an association, you might be surprised how many of our neighbors—owners and renters alike—don’t really understand the fundamental nature of common-interest communities. And we know that many others, including the media and government officials, lack a true understanding of the community association (or condominium) concept.

Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national membership organization that represents the best interests of common-interest communities like ours, developed 10 basic principles that answer three essential questions: What is the basic function of a community association? What are the essential obligations and expectations of homeowners? What are the core principles that should guide association leaders?

We’re confident you’ll recognize our community while reading these principles.

1. Associations ensure that the collective rights and interests of homeowners are respected and preserved.

2. Associations are the most local form of representative democracy, with leaders elected by their neighbors to govern in the best interest of all residents.

3. Associations provide services and amenities to residents, protect property values and meet the established expectations of homeowners.

4. Associations succeed when they cultivate a true sense of community, active homeowner involvement and a culture of building consensus.

5. Association homeowners have the right to elect their community leaders and to use the democratic process to determine the policies that will protect their investments.

6. Association homeowners choose where to live and accept a contractual responsibility to abide by established policies and meet their financial obligations to the association.

7. Association leaders protect the community’s financial health by using established management practices and sound business principles.

8. Association leaders have a legal and ethical obligation to adhere to the association’s governing documents and abide by all applicable laws.

9. Association leaders seek an effective balance between the preferences of individual residents and the collective rights of homeowners.

10. Association leaders and residents should be reasonable, flexible and open to the possibility—and benefits—of compromise.

Fundamentals can be downloaded at www.caionline.org/governance/fundamentals.pdf. For more information about Community Associations Institute, go to www.caionline.org.

The vast majority of homeowners’ associations rely on volunteers to provide the ideas and manpower to stage activities and events. 

The success of any association depends upon the members getting involved.  Owners in community associations tend to allow that group known as “them” or “they” to operate the association, attend meetings, and make important community decisions.  Who is “them” or “they”?  They are homeowners, just like you.  Volunteering to serve on the association Recreation Committee is a great way to become involved and contribute to your community.

If there is an activity or event you would like 1380 Greenwich to put on for its members, present the idea to the Board of Directors and be prepared to follow through in the planning and implementation of the idea.  Get your neighbors and friends to help.

You can make a difference.  Don’t let the community be overcome by apathy.  Get involved!  The possibilities are endless.

“Balance your right to dissent with your responsibility to contribute.”  – author unknown

San Francisco comes alive in the summer with various events and festivals celebrating the city’s culture, food, and music. Here are a few of the highlights:

• June
  • Union Street Festival (June 1-2):This free festival is a great way to kick off the summer. It features live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more.
  • SF’s Pride in the Presidio (June 1): This free event celebrates LGBTQ+ pride with outdoor fun, activities, and historical hikes.
  • Festa Italiana (June 1-2): This North Beach street fair celebrates Italian culture with food, music, and dancing.
  • San Francisco Documentary Film Festival (May 30-June 9): This festival showcases the best in independent documentary filmmaking.
• July
  • Fourth of July Fireworks: San Francisco puts on a spectacular fireworks display over the Fourth of July weekend. There are a number of places to watch the fireworks, including cruises on the bay, parks, and rooftops.
  • Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (typically held in August): This popular music festival takes place in Golden Gate Park and features a wide range of headline acts. While the exact dates for 2024 are not yet announced, it typically happens in August.
  • Bhangra & Beats Night Market (Fridays in May and July): This free event takes place over four Fridays in May and July and features live music, food vendors, and shopping.
• August
  • Eat Real Festival: This festival celebrates all things food with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and food trucks.
  • SF Beer Week: This week-long event features special events and promotions at breweries and bars throughout the city.

Even though we live in an association, you might be surprised how many of our neighbors—owners and renters alike—don’t really understand the fundamental nature of common-interest communities. And we know that many others, including the media and government officials, lack a true understanding of the community association (or condominium) concept.

Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national membership organization that represents the best interests of common-interest communities like ours, developed 10 basic principles that answer three essential questions: What is the basic function of a community association? What are the essential obligations and expectations of homeowners? What are the core principles that should guide association leaders?

We’re confident you’ll recognize our community while reading these principles.

1. Associations ensure that the collective rights and interests of homeowners are respected and preserved.

2. Associations are the most local form of representative democracy, with leaders elected by their neighbors to govern in the best interest of all residents.

3. Associations provide services and amenities to residents, protect property values and meet the established expectations of homeowners.

4. Associations succeed when they cultivate a true sense of community, active homeowner involvement and a culture of building consensus.

5. Association homeowners have the right to elect their community leaders and to use the democratic process to determine the policies that will protect their investments.

6. Association homeowners choose where to live and accept a contractual responsibility to abide by established policies and meet their financial obligations to the association.

7. Association leaders protect the community’s financial health by using established management practices and sound business principles.

8. Association leaders have a legal and ethical obligation to adhere to the association’s governing documents and abide by all applicable laws.

9. Association leaders seek an effective balance between the preferences of individual residents and the collective rights of homeowners.

10. Association leaders and residents should be reasonable, flexible and open to the possibility—and benefits—of compromise.

Fundamentals can be downloaded at www.caionline.org/governance/fundamentals.pdf. For more information about Community Associations Institute, go to www.caionline.org.