SDRLC Governance Timeline concerns

A chronological record of significant governance decisions and events. New entries are added to the top of the page, while older entries remain at the bottom. There are multiple questionable actions by the current board majority - not all are listed below. This page will be updated as time permits.

July 2026: 

Architectural Guidelines Adopted Despite Outstanding CC&R conflict Concerns

Action

The Board approved new Architectural Guidelines - refusing discussion on potential conflicts.

Why it matters

Concerns were raised that several provisions might conflict with the Association's CC&Rs.

Specific concerns included:

• Removal of objective architectural standards.

• Elimination of ADU standards.

• Expansion of like-for-like replacement provisions.

• Window air-conditioning guidance.

• Potential conflicts with multiple CC&R provisions.

When concerns were raised and a request was made to have legal counsel review the potential conflicts, the request was declined - consider potential lack of fiduciary responsibilities - investigation, then action.

Documents

• Architectural Guidelines.

• Board meeting minutes.

• Correspondence regarding the requested legal review.

May 5, 2026: Community-Wide Letter Distributed Before Mediation

Action

A community-wide letter, unilaterally approved by Board President, Dave Settles, discussing a dispute with a sitting director was distributed immediately before mediation wiht that director began.  "Unless authorized by the Board, individual Directors have absolutely no authority to take action outside of Board meetings. Individual Directors have no authority to direct management, vendors, committees or take any action whatsoever on behalf of the Association, unless authorized by the Board." (Bylaws, Section 6.7)

Why it matters

The letter was distributed without prior board approval. Bylaws Section 6.7

The timing of the communication also raised questions about whether the action supported or undermined the mediation process.

Documents

• May 5, 2026, homeowner letter.

• Mediation records.

January 2026: Director Excluded From Executive Discussions

Action

An Executive Committee was established that excluded one sitting director.

Why it matters

The exclusion raised questions regarding director participation in governance and access to executive-level discussions.

Documents

• Board communications.

• Executive Committee records.

January 2026: Treasurer Removed

Action

The Board removed the Treasurer from the officer position.

Why it matters

The removal occurred during an ongoing governance dispute and followed requests for invoices and legal expenditures.

Documents

• Board minutes.

• Meeting records.

December 2025: ARC Chair and Committee Member Removed

Action

The Board removed the ARC Chair and another ARC committee member during a special executive meeting.

Why it matters

The decision was based on allegations raised by members of the ARC committee.

No independent investigation was conducted before the removals - potential lack of fiduciary responsibilities - investigation, then action.

The decision was later ratified in open session without discussion.

Documents

• Executive session records.

• Open-session meeting minutes.

• Ratification records.

2025: Dead and Dying Lawn Policy Changed in Executive Session

Action

The Board modified the policy governing dead and dying lawns during executive session.

Why it matters

The decision raised concerns regarding selective enforcement.

The Board later ratified the action in open session.

Documents

• Executive-session records.

• Open-session ratification.

2025: Association Counsel Replaced

Action

The Board majority removed the Association's existing attorney and retained new legal counsel.

Why it matters

The change was never discussed in open session.

Questions were raised regarding transparency and whether homeowners and directors were provided sufficient information regarding the transition.

Documents

• Meeting agendas.

• Meeting minutes.

• Attorney engagement records.

2025: Vendor Contact Made Without Board Authorization

Action

A director contacted an Association vendor without prior board authorization.

Why it matters

Questions were raised regarding whether an individual director was acting on behalf of the Board without authority. "Unless authorized by the Board, individual Directors have absolutely no authority to take action outside of Board meetings. Individual Directors have no authority to direct management, vendors, committees or take any action whatsoever on behalf of the Association, unless authorized by the Board." (Bylaws, Section 6.7)

In addition Ethics Policy, B. Professional Conduct, 4. Interaction with Employees or Vendors. 

Documents

• Correspondence.

• Board communications.

July 2025-May 2026: 

ADR Timeline Extended Beyond civil code requirement and HOA Written Commitment

Action

The Association formally accepted an Alternative Dispute Resolution request and stated in writing that mediation would occur within 90 days.

Why it matters

The mediation session did not occur until approximately 10 months later.

During that period, the conflict escalated, legal costs increased, and communication between the parties continued to deteriorate.

Documents

• ADR acceptance letter.

• Mediation records.

May 28, 2025: President Removed

Action

The Board removed the sitting President from office - no reason provided - potential lack of fiduciary responsibilities - investigation, then action.

Why it matters

The removal marked the beginning of a significant shift in the Board's structure and leadership.

Many of the governance disputes that followed occurred after this change.

Documents

• Board meeting minutes.

• Election and officer records.