From the President
By Eric Andresen
Make sure you mark your calendars now, because you won’t want to miss this event. Tuesday, May 25, 2004, will be the day that the California Apartment Association (CAA) definitively establishes itself as the state’s premier organization for residential property owners.
On this date, CAA will hold its Annual Legislative Conference Day. We anticipate more than 1,000 California rental property owners will descend, en mass, upon the State Capitol. We are sure to have a huge impact on California’s lawmakers and lobbyists. To achieve this goal, we have invited guest speakers from the legislature and from our industry, as well as the press.
Last year, with just over 400 in attendance, CAA definitely made its presence known throughout the State Capitol Building. Clearly identified CAA members were everywhere. We quickly discovered that many members of legislative teams appreciated the effort made by our members on that day. In fact, we received so much attention at last year’s Legislative Conference Day that our image enjoyed a significant change for the better. Rental property owners are now a known entity, for our numbers clearly demonstrate our commitment to work cooperatively with various constituencies in order to shape reasonable solutions for California’s current housing crisis. At the same time, the response to our professional approach has led to more equitable treatment for us by legislators, lobbyists and others who care about a balanced perspective to our state’s housing needs.
Last year only 400—this year more than 1,000! We can only imagine, and even dream, of the impact we know we will make. Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of what will promise to be, if I may quote Dr. Phil, a “changing day in our lives.” The day will definitely be a truly awesome one.
Our own San Francisco Apartment Association representatives hope to meet with our key legislators, including a visit with Assemblyman Leland Yee and perhaps with Secretary of State Kevin Shelley. We may also hold our own mini-rally after the conclusion of the big rally. Attendees will also get their first look at two new CAA programs: one is a fresh and vibrant public relations campaign, and the other is a promising and dynamic speaker’s bureau. These two projects, important additions to all our ongoing activities, are designed to protect residential rental property owners across the state.
We have arranged bus transportation for for those who do not want to drive. To make sure you have a place on the bus, check the appropriate box on our sign up form on the previous page. Make your reservation as soon as possible. You will surely hear more from us in the weeks before this incredible event.
So, mark your calendars, make your reservation and join us on May 25 at the State Capitol. You, too, can become part of history!
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the SFAA or the San Francisco Apartment Magazine. In addition to serving as the current President of SFAA, Eric is also the Vice President of Political Affairs for PPMA and is the original author of the PPMA Residential Tenancy Agreement. Eric also serves as Vice President of the California Apartment Association, and he is extensively involved in other industry organizations here in San Francisco and at the state level. He owns and operates West Coast Property Management and West Coast Property Maintenance Companies. He can be reached at eric@wcpm.com. Copyright © 2004.