Many members have expressed confusion regarding the apparent inconsistency between prior campaign representations and current Board Majority actions.

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During their election campaign, Roy Paulson and David Boyd publicly asserted that including maintenance of community cul-de-sacs would result in increased member dues, and this position was used to justify declining to maintain those roads despite the Association’s established maintenance responsibilities specifically defined in our governing documents.

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The Board majority’s current proposal to increase dues raises several concerns:

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• Operational Contradiction: A proposed dues increase is being advanced four months into the FY even though cul-de-sac maintenance—previously cited as the primary cost driver—has not been included in the Association’s service obligations

• If a 20% assessment increase were legitimately necessary, that need should have been identified and addressed during the budget preparation process in August 2025, when the Association’s financial planning for the fiscal year was conducted.

• A 20% increase would generate approximately $156,000 in additional annual assessments, raising legitimate concerns that similar increases could be proposed in subsequent years. Members may reasonably question whether such increases are being contemplated to offset legal expenses and other illicit costs arising from governance disputes and management decisions attributable to President Roy Paulson, Vice President David Boyd, and Secretary/Treasurer Paul Gaarenstroom.

• Campaign Representation: During the election campaign, members were led to understand that dues would not be increased, a representation that is inconsistent with the current proposal.

• Accountability and Governance: The current actions of the Board majority raise questions regarding accountability to the commitments and policy positions presented to the membership during the election process.

• Until approximately 2021, prior LCPOA Boards generally operated within the framework of the Association’s governing documents as originally intended when La Cresta was established. Historically, the Association’s primary expenditure—maintenance of roads, culverts, and storm drainage—received approximately $500,000 annually, with the remaining funds supporting other authorized Association operations.

• Since 2021, successive Board majorities—Westra–DeAndero–Kreamer–Marvin, and now Paulson–Boyd–Gaarenstroom—have advanced policies that many members believe represent a significant departure from the Association’s historical priorities and governance approach. Rather than focusing on the condition of the community’s 26 miles of private roads, which many members report have deteriorated over the past several years, the current Board majority has emphasized isolated projects and public messaging highlighting select initiatives, such as the lighted crosswalk at Calle Centro and Avenida La Cresta, reportedly costing over $100,000.

• Members have also expressed concern that meaningful transparency and open discussion have been limited, while broader policy changes affecting the character of La Cresta are being advanced. These concerns include the introduction of new housing types, expansion of commercial activities, and proposals associated with projects such as the Galloway Downs development.

• As a result, some members believe the current direction of the Association represents a substantial shift from the community’s historical governance practices and land-use expectations established over the past 50 years.

7. Governance Structure and Committee Participation

Concerns Regarding Committee Appointments and Volunteer Exclusion

Members have raised concerns that certain Board-controlled committee appointments have resulted in the targeted exclusion of qualified volunteers, allegedly based on political alignment rather than merit. Examples cited include:

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Michael Ghafouri: Shortly after being appointed Treasurer, Director Ghafouri was removed after questioning incomplete and insufficiently documented invoices in an effort to ensure financial transparency and fulfill his fiduciary duties. His inquiries were consistent with responsible oversight, particularly given his experience operating multiple multi-million-dollar international corporations, reflecting a substantial background in financial accountability and management.

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Mr. Ghafouri was later removed as liaison to the Governing Documents Committee following written allegations authored by then-Committee Chair David Boyd (now Vice President). These allegations are disputed and have raised concerns that personal bias may have influenced the decision, potentially subordinating fiduciary obligations owed to the Association.

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Steve Brown: Mr. Brown served as Chair of the Governing Documents Committee from 2023–2025. Following the most recent Board election, the Board majority reportedly removed the previously appointed committee volunteers, while maintaining the committee structure and appointing new members aligned with the current Board majority.

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Steve Brown and MDM Auger: Applications to serve on the Communications Committee were reportedly rejected based on expressed personal bias, raising concerns that political affiliation was placed above the fiduciary duty to ensure fair and equal volunteer participation.

MDM Auger: An application to serve on the Proxy Committee in an election-integrity oversight capacity was rejected by the Board majority, despite Mr. Auger’s professional training and experience as a Poll Worker and Inspector of Elections, raising concerns regarding the Board’s commitment to independent election oversight.

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Tsun-I Wang: An application to serve on the Architectural Committee was denied by the Board majority, notwithstanding Mr. Wang’s formal architectural education and willingness to serve.

Members have expressed concern that restricting volunteer participation may reduce independent oversight and limit diverse perspectives in Association governance.

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Summary

This survey seeks to gather member input regarding the proposed 20% assessment increase and the governance practices associated with that proposal.

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Members are encouraged to review the available financial information, governing documents, and related materials before forming conclusions.

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Member participation is essential to maintaining transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship within the La Cresta community.