The Board of Directors is made up of nine volunteer members who serve overlapping terms of 2 years, or more if they choose, which most do. The Board is involved in enforcing the community CC&R’s,  planning and promoting community events, administering and distributing beach key fobs, working with Shorecliffs to insure ongoing access to Little Corona and Third Beach, creating and maintaining the community website, and share in the cost of maintenance and security for the private beaches we enjoy.

The Board reviews and enforces development plans in accordance with standards established by the CC&R’s and Architectural Guidelines, appoints the Architectural Review Committee, responds to city requests for community input on topics affecting our neighborhood (leaf blowers and accessory dwelling units are recent issues), prepares and files annual tax returns as required by law, registers annually with the State of California as a non-profit corporation, conducts and certifies annual meetings and elections required by the Bylaws, maintains liability and D&O insurance, and encourages neighbors to make their voluntary annual membership dues that are necessary to fund all of these activities and duties.

In the last year, we have engaged and retained a law firm to provide legal opinions and advice on legal issues that arise in the community. We have also engaged an independent architectural firm to review plans submitted to the Associated and the Architectural Committee and to make recommendations for approval or disapproval of submitted plans pursuant to our CC&R’s and the Guidelines developed by the ARC.

BOD Significant accomplishments behind the scenes…

Operational Improvements

• Communication and Community Advocacy
• Highlander newsletter, data base, email updates, historical website bulletin board posts rules, guidelines, & other important documents.
• Successfully transitioned financial management to Powerstone Property Management
• Established more consistent billing and record-keeping processes
• Began building systems that future Boards can actually inherit and use
• ‘Over-hauled’ & improved the website now with easier ‘no password’ access & expanded documentation
• Continued to manage and negotiate issues related to beach access through the Shorecliffs gate
• Ensured that our community’s interests are represented in discussions that directly affect access, cost-sharing, and long-term rights

Architectural Oversight
Demonstrated that the CC&Rs are enforceable & ended the myth that we are a social club.

• Actively reviewed development and remodel projects (15 projects)
• Intervened where necessary to protect view corridors and enforce long-standing height restrictions
• Prevented a project approved by the City from exceeding what our governing documents allow

Why This Work Matters…

Without an effective Association, there is no process/structure representing Corona Highlands that is essential to ensure maximum property values.

Looking Ahead
With the proposed bylaws updates, we are positioning the Association to:

• Operate more efficiently
• Provide clearer leadership structure
• Strengthen Architectural Review oversight
• Respond more effectively to time-sensitive issues.
• Continuing negotiations related to Shorecliffs access
• Improving communication tools and member access to information
• Increasing membership participation and volunteer involvement
• Supporting community-level projects that enhance neighborhood character

The Reality of a 2 Tiered Association…Members & Non-Members

This Association only works if people choose to support it. We currently have strong participation—but not full participation. The benefits of what we do extend to every property in Corona Highlands…not just those who pay dues. Without the BOD, there is no consistent enforcement structure of architectural standards to address beach issue access, overbuilding, or neighborhood impact. Over time, that absence could lead to: Inconsistent development and Erosion of property values. Unable to manage effectively without financial stewardship. We have also worked to stabilize and clarify our financial position. We operate as a cash-based organization

Our annual dues remain modest and are the lowest in Orange County. Dues support:

• Beach and access-related costs
• Financial management services
• Insurance and administrative needs

Every dollar is directed toward maintaining access, protecting values, and keeping the Association functional.

• Karen Behringer, President: kare.behr@icloud.com
• Michael Pilsitz, Vice President: mpilsitz@sbcglobal.net
• Maria Forino, Board Secretary: mariaforino@gmail.com
• Paul Taylor, Director: pjtaylor119@gmail.com
• Mark Paz, Director: mark.paz@pazingredients.com

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) consists of the following members:

• Karen Behringer, President: klbehringer@gmail.com
• Michael Pilsitz, Vice President: mpilsitz@sbcglobal.net
• Paul Taylor, Director: pjtaylor119@gmail.com

To begin the review process, submit an application along with two hard copies of compliant architectural plans and any applicable fees to any ARC member. It is recommended to complete this step before applying to the City for a permit. Approvals and feedback are usually less than 2 weeks. When approved, your plan will be stamped and signed by two members of the ARC. CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION DETAILS.

The highest finished grade in our community is defined as 6 inches below the original foundation of the first home built on an owner’s lot. Note: Two-story structures are allowed only by exception as outlined and referenced in the CC&Rs. The 16′ height restriction for new builds and remodels is strictly enforced.

The Board participates in property sales to maintain the accuracy of our owner database. Property owners should direct their agents to contact a Board Member to initiate the escrow participation process.

If improperly maintained landscaping is obstructing your ocean view, please reach out to any Board Member for assistance. The Board does not actively monitor for violations but will take enforcement action when a complaint is received and verified. If necessary, notices of non-compliance will be sent to the property owner. Any legal enforcement follow-up required related to this issue is the responsibility of the individual property owner.

To obtain access to the beach via a Shorecliffs magnetic fob, member dues must be current. Shorecliffs reserves the right to deactivate fob access for reasons such as property damage, inappropriate conduct, and unpaid dues. Each member household is limited to one prepaid fob. If lost or stolen, you must report it to Powerstone, and a replacement fee will apply.

When current dues are verified and contact information is updated, you will be able to make an appointment with Sylvia Mandujano (smandujano@powerstonepm.com, (949) 535-4514) to pick up your fob at the Powerstone’s office at 9060 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine.

All property managers and management companies must have written permission from the property owner to act on their behalf for any requests related to Powerstone or the Board of Directors.

Powerstone will initiate the 2026 billing roll out some time in March of 2026. You will receive a notice/invoice from Powerstone in the US mail with instructions on how to make your payment. Powerstone will send out one reminder about 2 weeks later. Payments are expected to be complete on April 1st of each calendar year, and will be considered late if not received by May 1st. Be mindful that beach privileges are tied to member dues and that Powerstone will deactivate your fob if payment is not received on time.