Last Tuesday we witnessed a new calm in the conduct of the Morgan Creek HOA Board open meeting. The disruptive Board member was missing! Business was actually smoothly transacted. It is imperative we keep it up by electing a Board which serves the interests of the whole community.

Three Board seats are open. We urgently need engaged responsible people to fill them. PLEASE, IF YOU WANT TO HELP PRESERVE THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY IN WHICH WE LIVE, CONSIDER RUNNING FOR THE BOARD. WE URGENTLY NEED CANDIDATES. For questions on how to apply contact Brian at bbarrow@actionlife.com.

That said, here’s a recap of the meeting highlights:

Board Attendance & New HOA Attorney
Four Board members were present: Lorenzo, Pam, Wes and Newton. Steven was absent.

The Board also brought the association’s new attorney, Matt Plaxton with Tinnelly Law Group, to the meeting specifically to answer homeowner questions and address concerns. Matt stayed for the entire meeting, was fully engaged and answered questions directly from homeowners. His participation and willingness to provide clarification seemed to be very appreciated by those in attendance.

Assessments & Cost Centers
How expenses and reserves are allocated between the General/Master, Lake Community and Golf Villas was discussed.

Matt explained that the CC&Rs are clear about the cost centers and that the allocations are being reviewed with management and the reserve analyst to make sure expenses are being charged appropriately. Some items may simply need to be moved from one cost center to another, rather than requiring additional money overall.

The goal is to have the allocations correct for the 2027 budget and reserve studies. When specifically asked whether he anticipates a special assessment, Matt said he does not foresee one at this time, although they are still working through the numbers.

Director Lawsuit
Matt also addressed the lawsuit between two directors. He explained that the HOA itself is not a party to the lawsuit and that the HOA’s D&O insurance is currently covering the directors’ defense costs. He said he was not aware of the HOA having paid any defense costs to date.

The HOA is not covering either director’s costs to pursue claims against the other. It could potentially advance uninsured defense costs, but a director would first have to sign a written agreement that could require repayment depending on the outcome and whether the director acted in good faith and in the HOA’s best interests.

The lawsuit is public record, so homeowners can access the court filings. Homeowners can also review HOA financial records to see amounts paid to law firms, although detailed legal invoices may be protected by attorney-client privilege.

Security
Four people in masks attempted to climb over the Pinehurst pedestrian gate around 1 a.m. They took off when they were spotted, and the sheriff was called. The Board is also looking into a report that an alarm at the gatehouse may be causing unnecessary sheriff responses.

Everguard has taken over maintenance of the gate camera system, and replacement of the six older license-plate cameras is being considered.

Lake Access & Fishing
There was considerable feedback about the fishing rules and access to the lake. The Board will review the feedback and take it into consideration.

One homeowner expressed concern about the treatment of the fish, trash and fishing gear being left behind, and the disruption caused by groups of kids who appear to be coming from outside the community. Concerns were also raised about e-bikes and scooters being used on the walkways and the impact on residents who live around the lake.

There was separate discussion about whether a common area near the lake that was reportedly accessible to residents in the past should be reopened.

No final decision was made on the fishing rules or expanded lake access. The issue was tabled for additional review and will come back to the Board for further discussion.

If homeowners see misconduct, nuisances or unauthorized fishing on the lake, they should call Security. Security has been instructed to respond and remove unauthorized individuals from the area. If they refuse to leave, Security has been instructed to call the Sheriff.

HOA Fines
A revised enforcement and fine policy will go out for a 28-day homeowner review. Matt explained that most HOA fines will be capped at $100 per violation, with exceptions for certain health and safety violations.

Other Updates
Several landscaping and tree projects are moving forward. The golf course supplemental environmental review could take approximately 12–18 months. Three Board seats are up for election on December 16, and only one candidate had been nominated at the time of the meeting. Residents also reported increased door-to-door soliciting and were advised to contact the gate/security when unauthorized solicitors are in the neighborhood.

At the end of the meeting, one homeowner stood and thanked Lorenzo, the entire Board and Brian for their service to the community.

As always, comments are welcome. Just click the “Comments” box at the top of this Post.

An open meeting of the HOA Board will be held this Tuesday, September 22, 6 pm, at Creekview School and by Zoom. Lots of topics of interest will be discussed. Among the highlights:

• Our lawyer will be present to discuss current legal actions against the community.
• A call for candidates for the Board and a chance to meet some.
• Discussion of a Compliance committee revival.

Show your support. Don’t miss this one.

You should have recently received a letter from our elections company asking for candidates for the upcoming Board election this fall. DON’T ignore it.

We worked hard earlier this year to get a board that is truly transparent and accountable to the Community. We need to keep it going.

PLEASE if you love your community, like where we’re going, and have ideas to contribute put your name forward as a candidate. The disrupters are still out there and will likely run again. We can’t let them succeed in returning us to chaos.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, help us build on our success. Throw your hat in the ring for a Board seat. Do it now.

If you don’t still have your application, contact our Managers or click the comment tab above this post, tell us who you are, and we’ll get you one.

As always, comments are welcome.

Tonight’s Board meeting was supposed to focus on the issues that matter to homeowners: landscaping, security, lake safety, finances, upcoming community events, architectural applications, the golf course, and filling the vacant Board seat. Instead, a large portion of the evening was consumed by repeated disruption from Steven Lalliss related to his petition for a special membership meeting to vote on indemnifying both Director Lorenzo Harris and Steven himself in the recent lawsuit Steven filed. Before we get to the substantive community issues, here’s a brief description of the disruption caused by Steven.

The Petition, the Demand Letter, the Lawsuit, and the Chaos at the Meeting

Public court records show that on December 5, 2025, Steven sent Lorenzo a demand letter seeking $15,000 and stating that if payment was not made by December 20, 2025, he would file a lawsuit. In our opinion it principally involved Lorenzo’s attempt , in his official capacity as a Director, to remove Mr Lalliss as a Director for nonpayment of dues, however, it was sent to Lorenzo personally. When payment was not made, Steven followed through and filed suit on April 20, 2026.

Lorenzo has since filed a Special Motion to Strike the complaint under California’s Anti-SLAPP statute, arguing that the claims are meritless and that the statements at issue were protected speech made in a public forum on matters of public interest. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for August 27, 2026. Lorenzo has also filed a Cross-Complaint against Steven Lalliss. Details regarding the lawsuit are a matter of public record and can be found on the Placer County Superior Court website.

Steven also circulated a petition seeking a special membership meeting asking the HOA for indemnification for himself and Lorenzo regarding the lawsuit he filed. The Board invited a Senior Attorney with the Association’s new legal counsel, Tinnelly Law Group, to join via Zoom to explain the Bylaws and answer questions about the petition and indemnification process. She explained that once the vacant Board seat was filled, three disinterested directors could address indemnification internally under the Bylaws, making a special membership vote unnecessary.

Rather than allowing homeowners to hear that explanation, Steven repeatedly interrupted the attorney, argued with Board members, talked over other residents, and ignored repeated calls to order. He continually redirected the discussion back to his lawsuit and the indemnification issue, turning what should have been a straightforward explanation into prolonged chaos. Even after being told he was out of order multiple times, he continued the disruptions.

The Board then appointed Wes Owsley to fill the vacant director position. Steven immediately accused the Board of “stacking” the Board to influence the outcome. Several homeowners in the audience pointed out that Steven had previously been appointed to fill a vacant Board seat in a similar manner. The remaining directors rejected the claim and proceeded with the appointment as authorized by the Bylaws.

A Homeowner Speaks Directly

Significantly, one homeowner spoke directly to Steven about the ongoing obstruction and his personal agenda. He noted that 260 residents had voted to remove Steven from the Board during the recall effort. Although the recall did not succeed due to the questionable last minute change in the cumulative voting interpretation, he emphasized that hundreds of homeowners had already sent a clear message.

He stated that this should have been understood as a signal to stop obstructing the smooth operation of the Board and allow the Association to move forward. He expressed frustration that personal agendas and conflict continue to derail meetings, preventing the Board from focusing on the business that matters most to homeowners. His comments carried extra weight because they came from a fellow resident speaking from his own experience and disappointment.

Real Progress Was Still Made

Despite the repeated interruptions and the meeting being derailed for a significant amount of time, the Board still advanced important community business:

• New fishing rules were approved to proceed through the required 28-day homeowner review. The rules require a resident to be physically present when guests fish and limit fishing to dawn to dusk. This follows multiple reports of trespassing, vandalism, fireworks, and unsafe activity at the lake.

• Safety improvements are advancing, including upgraded gate cameras and license plate recognition technology.

• Removal of dead and hazardous trees, along with replacement landscaping, is scheduled.

• The Board approved the Social Committee’s Music in the Park event for October.

• The Golf Course Committee reported that an Environmental Impact Report is required from the owner to proceed. It is unknown if or when that will occur.

These are the kinds of issues most homeowners expect the Board to spend its time addressing.

Where Things Stand

With the vacant Board seat now filled and new legal counsel in place, the Board is positioned to consider the indemnification matter internally as outlined by the attorney.

The Association carries Director and Officer (D&O) insurance, which is intended to cover legal fees and defense costs for claims arising out of actions taken in a director’s official capacity. In our opinion, because the lawsuit lawsuit stemmed from statements made during an HOA meeting, it appear to be more closely related to Association business than purely personal matters. Homeowners have expressed concern that they do not want personal legal disputes to result in increased dues or special assessments. The Board will consider the indemnification request and insurance coverage in executive session and we assume will communicate its decision to the community once a determination has been made.

We hope going forward the focus should be on the day-to-day business of maintaining and improving our community.

Morgan Creek deserves productive meetings that prioritize the needs of all homeowners. We all want respectful conduct, transparent governance, and a neighborhood we’re proud to call home.

As always, comments are welcome.

There will be an open HOA Board meeting tonight, July 21 at Creekview Ranch School and by Zoom. A copy of the agenda appears below.

Please stay in touch with our community and attend the meeting. Your input matters.

last Tuesday an open Board meeting was held in person at Creek Ranch School. We were unable to attend. However, one of our members graciously offered to take notes for us. Her unedited comments appear below

“The May 19th HOA meeting was packed with updates, controversy, and more than a little drama.

The Landscape Committee reported that the major 2025 backlog landscape projects have now been completed and the community is finally getting back on track. One of the biggest highlights was the approval of landscape maintenance along the golf course areas, the Pinehurst/Vineyard entry, Longmeadow Ridge, and Bridalwood. Many residents have been asking for attention to these areas for a long time, so it was encouraging to hear that work is finally moving forward.

The committee thanked the board for their quick attention to approving contracts and projects needed to stabilize and improve the community landscaping moving into 2026.

Rick also gave the ARC report, and it was nice to see him back serving as chair of the committee after previously being removed under the prior board majority. ARC activity has increased significantly, with dozens of applications processed over the last several weeks. Stephanie was not happy about Rick’s reinstatement and made it known. Steven made a comment and at one point gestured and told Rick to “come at me” then made an “L” sign on his forehead and calling Rick a loser.  It was shocking behavior.  

Unfortunately, tensions escalated further in the meeting surrounding Stephanie Bernal’s board seat.

The board discussed whether Stephanie still qualified to serve after selling her home within Morgan Creek. Stephanie stated she purchased another home in the community.  The board requested proof of ownership which she refused to provide.  She was given the opportunity to do so and refused.  Several homeowners and board members pointed out that intent is not ownership. Houses fall out of escrow all the time.  Our bylaws state that a board member must be an owner.  Without a recorded deed showing ownership of another property within the association, the board determined she no longer met the qualifications to serve as a director and voted to vacate the seat until the next election.  

The overwhelming sentiment in the room appeared supportive of the decision.

Stephanie became extremely upset during the discussion, repeatedly interrupting the proceedings and threatening legal action. As she stormed out of the meeting, she stated that she would be “back,” that she was contacting her attorney, and that “all of you will pay.” It was honestly a pretty shocking and unprofessional display.

There were also several homeowner questions regarding HOA finances, reserve accounts, and whether the governing documents related to cost centers and dues allocations can legally be changed or reinterpreted. That discussion will likely continue at future meetings given the amount of community concern surrounding it.

Additional updates included:
• Reserve balances now approaching approximately $3.75 million
• Increased compliance inspections throughout the community
• Progress on the ButterflyMX gate transition and that GateKing will be removed at the end of the month. If you haven’t updated your RFID tag, contact Brian at the Walerga cottage.
• The Walerga gate damaged in the prior accident was removed today so it can be repaired at the vendor’s shop. The HOA is hoping to have it reinstalled by Friday. In the meantime, security will prioritize monitoring that gate.
• Confirmation that the golf course housing proposal remains active and is continuing through the county review process

At the end of the meeting, Steven launched into another lengthy dissertation about the “proper” way meetings should be run, including references to Robert’s Rules and even commentary touching on executive session matters. Most people in the room just seemed over his constant theatrics.

Overall, Lorenzo ran a very structured meeting and those in attendance and online appeared very supportive of the new board majority.”

There will be an open Board meeting this Tuesday, May 18. We’ve worked hard to Get a Board back that, once again, has transparency, accountability and community wide responsibility. We have succeeded.

The new board has one new member from the recent election, Newton. And, now with Stephanie leaving the community, they will be appointing a new replacement. Only one legacy member from the failed recall remains.

We urge you to attend the meeting and support the new Board.
Included below for your review is a copy of the meeting agenda.

As always, comments welcome.

Tuesday night’s speciaBoard meeting felt refreshingly different: calmer, more organized, and actually productive. About 50 people participated. Unlike meetings in the recent past, the Zoom process appeared flawless. Thanks Action Management.

Stephanie did not show up, likely anticipating she would lose the President position and her grip on the social committee. If she misses a couple more meetings she can be removed. She did lose her position as President. Newton has been appointed as the new Social Committee liaison. This should finally put an end to using community events and her dual leadership roles to promote her real estate business through marketing posts and self-promotion.

Steven, as usual, tried hard to derail the meeting with constant interruptions, nitpicking, and slowing things down. His behavior was ridiculous and disruptive, yet the rest of the board managed to push through and get real work done anyway. Well done.

Significant discussions and action items are summarized below:

RFID Tags / Gate Access

Steven seemed to acknowledge that rushing the new readers without proper due diligence was a mistake. Good news: existing tags can be reprogrammed instead of forcing people to buy new ones.  Sounds like this was a waste of money. 

•  Homeowners with multiple vehicles or windshield issues can reuse their current tags.

•  Brian will handle reprogramming. Clear instructions and a streamlined process will be emailed out soon. This should save the community and residents unnecessary expense.

New Officers

•  President: Lorenzo

•  Treasurer: Newton

•  Secretary: Pam

•  Vice President: Pam

Committee Liaisons

•  ARC: Newton

•  Landscape: Pam

•  Safety: Lorenzo

•  Social: Newton

•  Golf Course Preservation: Steven 

Rick and Wes were reinstated to the ARC, which should help move homeowner applications forward again. They could use one more member. Volunteers?

Compliance & Standards

Compliance enforcement is finally coming back after being ignored for the last year and a half. Long overdue.  The board majority committed to work on this. Our HOA is supposed to protect home values and neighborhood standards.

Golf Course

There is some movement on the golf course situation. Details will be shared with the community shortly.

Social Committee

Discussion about resetting events to be genuinely community-focused, with proper insurance and rule compliance (vendors, alcohol, large events, etc.). There was also a request to review  the Social Committee’s charter, operating protocols, and rules as it had a ripple effect on other committees.  The board agreed.  The topic was tabled for further review.

Homeowners in open forum appreciated the more professional tone. Several commented and said it finally feels like resident interests are coming first again.

Bottom line: When the drama and obstruction are minimized, the board can actually function. Tonight proved that. We are encouraged.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the recall effort. It looks like your support is paying off.

Next open meeting: May 19th. Watch your email for the RFID instructions, a golf course project update and volunteer calls for committees.

As always, comments from our BLOG website are welcome.

The newly constituted HOA Board has called a special open meeting. this coming Tuesday night at 6 pm. We view this as an excellent move to increase transparency. Unfortunately, they could not find a venue on short notice so it will be via Zoom. We’ve enclosed a copy of the agenda which contains instructions how to join. Important items like selection of officers and an open forum are included.

This will be a special unscheduled meeting. The next regularly scheduled meeting is in May. Newton Kwan is the newly seated member. However, Steve, the member you voted overwhelmingly to recall , is occupying a vacated seat to which he was appointed, probably illegally. We urge you all to attend if at all possible to express your dissatisfaction with this. But more importantly, please attend to show your strong support for the new majority that we hope will bring back the transparency, accountability and professionalism we voted for.

We also are putting our managers, Action Management, on notice that they must ensure the Zoom meeting is properly conducted with optimal and uninterrupted two way communications. We were told they were brought in largely because of their technological expertise. Please let them know that you expect this (bbarrow@actionlife.com).

First, congratulations to the two newly elected board members, Pam and Newton. The both won their seats by a substantial margin. perhaps now we can restore some transparency and accountability to our HOA governance.

After last night’s meeting, one nagging legal issue remains. Prior to the election votes being counted and certified the outgoing board took an action which is likely not legal. An existing board member, Rod resigned creating a vacancy. No problem there. Immediately following, but before the election was completed Steve put himself forward as a replacement appointment. The existing board, including Steve voted for the appointment. This would have been OK had the appointment been for a non sitting member. However, the issues are these. First, can a board member who has resigned and therefore no longer a member, vote for his replacement? We doubt it. If not, a tie vote would exist and the appointment would not be valid. Second, and equally important, if Steve were allowed to fill the vacant seat, he would hold two positions. Even if it is for a short time, we doubt this is legal by HOA rules and corporation law.

We urge the new board to seek legal advice from the board attorney, and perhaps outside council. We believe the appoint to be invalid in which case the new board should vote to fill the vacancy. Common sense says this is what should have happen ed in the first place.

As always, comments welcome. Perhaps an attorney who is an owner can weigh in on this.