can a homeowner sue The HOA Board for being unhappy with them? can he complain by writing to Management Co? doesn't he have to address Board first?

The HOA Board has very broad discretion in making decisions about HOA business. If the decision is within the range of possible choices a reasonable board of any hoa board might make, then the decision of the HOA Board will be upheld, unless it is in direct contradiction of an express provision of the CC&Rs which specifically addresses that issue. For example, an HOA Board cannot allow palm trees to block views if the CC&Rs specifically say no palm trees shall be allowed to block anyone's view. There actually is such a palm tree case. If the HOA Board wants to deal with the correspondence and not pay the management company to do so, then just tell the management company to send all the letters to the Board. A good management company should be able to politely respond to correspondence in a totally non-commital way.  The Board has all the power. So it can afford to be gracious to an owner who is not getting his way. Eductate this owner about the choices that need to be made. There is a budget. There is a reserve budget for anticipated future repairs and replacements. The Board needs to be cautious in spending those resources. The HOA is going to need all of that money for future repairs and replacements. That means that for any specific item that needs to be repaired or replaced, the Board will probably spend more than some members feel is needed and less than other members will think should be spent. It's up to the Board to make those choices. Anyone who wants to participate in those decisions should run for a seat on the Board. Dana Sack 510-286-2200