April 22, 2021. With the continued drop in COVID cases, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) just issued two sets of new guidelines allowing in-person private events and private gatherings.  The bad news is that these new guidelines are unusually cumbersome and difficult to understand and follow.  The good news is that, we expect “bright-line” guidelines will filter out in the next month or so. 

As noted above, CDPH is distinguishing private events from gatherings in that private events must have defined guest lists and the ability to assign seating for guests.  We believe that association meetings (including board and member meetings) will be considered private events (not gatherings).  Consequently, they are subject to the various capacity and other limits based on their color-coded “tier,” and, especially for indoor events, all attendees will need to show proof of a recent negative COVID test or full vaccination before attending.   

Our recommendation is to continue to host online meetings, which have been shown to result in higher attendance and participation than in-person events.  That said, if you have an immediate need to host in-person meetings, please contact us and we will prepare a protocol based on your particular circumstances. 

Community Legal Advisors Inc.

Michael J. Alti, Esq.
michael@attorneyforhoa.com
State Issues New Guidance on “Private Events and Gatherings”