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Special Edition: 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks
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At CALBO, we strive to provide the best education and supportive network for professionals in the building departments and industry representatives throughout California.
We hope you will use this newsletter as a resource to keep yourself up-to-date with everything building!
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A Publication of the California Building Officials
1022 G Street | Sacramento, CA | 95814
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A Special Message from Your 2017-2018
CALBO President - David Khorram
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How to get more satisfaction from your job as a Building Official?
In my message in the summer edition of CALBO News, I committed to writing about how you can enjoy the journey of being a building official and concluded by stating: “You play the game right only when you enjoy playing!”
Other than the daily grind of project technical reviews, inspections, administrative, and legal aspects of our jobs, we should not lose sight of the fact that we work with people. We primarily work with three groups of people: the public, co-workers, and management. It is important to realize that their lives, work satisfaction, and successes depend upon how we interact and work with them. We must focus on understanding and cooperating with permit applicants, colleagues, management, and the community at large.
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As a building official, one may not see eye to eye with everyone and may not win everyone over with his or her style and decisions. However, treating others professionally will result in mutual respect. To enjoy what you do, earning the respect of others is crucial. Everyone you work with relies on your fair attitudes, judgements, and technical expertise. Therefore, d
eveloping a positive atmosphere will
empower
others to do their best.
To be successful at work, it is vital to
engage
with the both co-workers and management. Addressing issues at hand and arriving at solutions together will result in the ultimate satisfaction for all parties.
Additionally, engagement with the community to address their needs can be a very rewarding experience for a building official. Community involvement is the best way to
learn and grow
. Some ways to get involved with the community are: directing and advising members of the public, meeting with business groups and professional associations, getting involved with local high schools and colleges, participating in community events, assisting with non-profits, and conducting philanthropic work as much as possible. By working with the people we serve, one will experience higher job satisfaction as a building official.
As I have said before, the world of CALBO is not any different than the world of building officials. The CALBO Board of Directors works to enhance our profession and strives to reach higher member satisfaction through empowering, engaging, and learning with our members. This year the Board is unified and committed to serving our members. I have been extremely fortunate to lead such a wonderful group of experienced building officials. It is our motivated Board that allows the organization to accomplish wonderful things. The Board convened for the second time this year in early August to discuss the four goals we set and to plan the framework of the 2018 Annual Business Meeting (ABM) in Burlingame, California. CALBO’s upcoming ABM will be a four-day event full of worthwhile workshops, engaging panel discussions, and fun events.
One of the primary goals of CALBO’s three-year plan is to ensure that CALBO preserves and fulfills its fundamental mission as the legislative and political arm for building officials in California. I am pleased to announce that the Board has made great progress and is working on evaluating several pieces of potential legislation that can assist building officials in improving our communities. These initiatives include:
- Building Seismic Resiliency Initiative (SRI) through the formation of a stakeholder group.
- Amendment to the California Penal Code by addressing nuisance abatement actions by a building official and inclusion of administrative costs to the citation fines.
- State Building Official Role.
The Board intends to prioritize, develop, and implement necessary steps for the potential pieces of legislations as outlined above.
In early July, ICC brought their western tour to the CALBO Office in Sacramento and received a great reception by the CALBO Board. In mid-July, CALBO representatives, including myself, attended the Western Pacific League of Building Officials (WPLBO) meeting in Seattle. At the meeting, several ICC candidates were interviewed. Some candidates received combined support from the California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon building official organizations. In early August, the Building & Fire Advisory Committee also met in Newport Beach. Fire officials and building officials from several agencies across the state debated topics of mutual interest. Strong relations between building and fire officials are being cultivated, resulting in improved fire-life safety in California.
In mid-July, the CALBO Emergency Preparedness Committee received a call to provide inspectors that could assist with the Mariposa County wildfires. Through efforts of David Gonzalves, CALBO Board Director and Committee Chair, a group of inspectors were dispatched to assist with the Mariposa County fire inspections. Many thanks to everyone who participated in this effort.
In conclusion, every review, inspection, meeting, and presentation is a forum for a building official to promote fire-life safety, sustainability, and resiliency in our communities. It is upon every one of us to actively promote the critical service we provide to our communities. Until our next newsletter, I wish you all the best.
Best regards,
David Khorram, P.E., C.B.O., C.G.B.P.
Superintendent of Building & Safety
City of Long Beach
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2017-18 CALBO Education Weeks:
San Ramon, Ontario & Anaheim
Registration Now Available!
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The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) strives to be your primary source of training by offering topical, current, and relevant educational opportunities throughout the entire Golden State.
This year, CTI focused on current topic and initiate "NEW" course development. This year, over half of the CTI curriculum is new - providing new practical applications and interpretations, benefiting seasoned staff members as well as building a foundation for the newly arrived industry members.
We hope to see you at the upcoming 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks being held in San Ramon, Ontario, and Anaheim!
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Monday, September 18 - Thursday, September 21, 2017
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Monday, October 16 - Thursday, October 19, 2017
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Monday, February 5 - Thursday, February 8, 2018
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 23, 2018
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For questions about the 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks,
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2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks:
Hotel Information
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2017 CALBO Education Week: San Ramon
Monday, September 18 - Thursday, September 21, 2017
**Hotel Room Block Closed**
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San Ramon Marriott
2600 Bishop Drive
San Ramon, CA 94583
CALBO Room Block: CLOSED*
Phone Reservations: 925-867-9200
Parking: Complimentary day self-parking. Overnight self-parking is $6 per vehicle, per day.
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2017 CALBO Education Week: Ontario
Monday, October 16 - Thursday, October 19, 2017
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario
Airport
222 North Vineyard Avenue
Ontario, CA 91764
CALBO Room Rate: $90+tax
Phone Reservations: 1-800-228-9290
Room Block Reservation Deadline: Monday, September 25, 2017* (
or when room block is at capacity)
Parking: Complimentary day and overnight self-parking.
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2018 CALBO Education Week: Anaheim
Monday, February 5 - Thursday, February 8, 2018
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Anaheim Marriott
700 West Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
CALBO Room Rate: $169+tax
Phone Reservations: 1-800-228-9290
Room Block Reservation Deadline: Thursday, January 4, 2018* (
or when room block is at capacity
Parking: Complimentary day self-parking. Overnight self-parking is $25 per vehicle, per day.
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For questions about hotel accommodations for the 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks, please contact the CALBO Office at
info@calbo.org
or 916-457-1103.
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A Special Education Week Message from your CALBO Training Institute Chair, Bob Latz
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Welcome CALBO Members,
We certainly have a year or more of changes before us. However, one thing you can count on is the CALBO Training Institute (CTI) providing a year of valued educational experiences. CTI kept our promise to offer courses that focus on current topics and initiate “NEW’ course development. This year over half of CTI curriculum is new - providing new practical applications and interpretations.
With the code adoption in place and ongoing efforts to strengthen our departments through staff training, CTI concentrated it efforts to offer courses that benefit seasoned staff members as well as build a foundation for newly acquired industry members. Please take a look at the CTI sponsored courses listed in
2017-18 CTI Training Catalogue
and choose what best suits your educational needs. If you have any questions regarding course curriculum, please do not hesitate to reach out to staff, myself or the CTI Commission.
As you recall, last year we embarked upon new territory offering a third week of education. Thanks to your support through attendance and feedback we will offer three weeks of valuable training. Look for the familiar trainings this fall in Northern California at the San Ramon venue and in Southern California at the Ontario venue. A third week of training will take place in Orange County as well.
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The
Building Officials Leadership Academy
(BOLA) was launched in April in Sacramento at the CALBO office. CTI applauds these individuals for taking the next step in advancing their careers. Congratulations once again to the BOLA Class of 2016-2017 who graduated at the CALBO Annual Business Meeting in March. Your hard work paid off, and we look forward to seeing what you achieve in the future.
CTI continues to be a leader in quality education as an International Code Council Preferred Provider. You can be confident that the courses you attend will count toward CEU requirements for renewing your certification.
I want to thank all of you - the members, consultants, and industry representatives for your support and willingness to allow our team the opportunity to bring California Building Departments the finest educational experience available. My sincere appreciation to the CTI Commissioners, course developers, and instructors who volunteer their time and expertise to create meaningful educational programs.
We look forward to seeing you at all CALBO events!
Sincerely,
Bob Latz
Regional Manager
CSG Consultants, Inc.
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Thank you to the following companies, agencies & organizations for their upcoming participation in the 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks Exhibitor Program!
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4LEAF, Inc. - Education Week Sponsor!
Bureau
Veritas North America, Inc.
California Code Check
California Energy Commission
CEL Consulting, Inc.
CSG Consultants, Inc.
Energy Code Ace -
Education Week Sponsor!
Fire Rated Product Specialties Corp.
Hoover Treated Wood Products
HR Green, Inc.
IAPMO
International Code Council
Interwest Consulting Group
JAS Pacific
Lubrizol
MiTek Holding, Inc.
SAFEbuilt
Shums Coda Associates
Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
Smoke Guard California
TRB + Associates, Inc.
VCA Code
West Coast Consultants, Inc.
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Want to see your company or organization on this list?
Please contact Lauren Herman, Director of Training and Communications, at
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2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks
Exhibitor Program:
Register Before It's Too Late!
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The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) hosts its Education Weeks throughout the Golden State to provide continuing education for California building departments. These events bring thousands together under one roof for code updates, professional development and networking opportunities. Last year, CTI hosted its largest Education Week events on record - more than 6,000 full-day courses attended.
Dozens of state agencies, organizations and companies participates in the Education Week Exhibitor Program each year.
We invite you to be one of them.
- Engage face-to-face with building department leaders and staff.
- Recruit new employees from seasoned building departments personnel.
- Free advertising in the CALBO News.
- Showcase your products and services.
- Special discounted exhibiting packages for all three Education Weeks.
*Please note that the CALBO Education Week Exhibitor Program in Ontario is SOLD OUT! A wait list is available for this venue.
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For questions about the CALBO Education Weeks Exhibitor Program,
please contact Lauren Herman, Director of Training and Communications,
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Special Sponsorship Opportunities at
the 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks!
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CALBO offers opportunities for sponsorship at each Education Week. Opportunities can include:
- Wi-Fi - Help attendees track work emails during breaks!
- Giveaway Item or Flyer Lunch Table Placement - Help attendees become more familiar with your company with items placed on seats at lunch!
- Writing Pen - NEW! - Help attendees take notes throughout the day as they learn about new code changes!
- Refreshment Break - Keeps attendees alert during afternoon sessions! *Ontario and Anaheim venues only*
Thank you 4LEAF, Inc. for sponsoring the
CALBO Education Week: San Ramon
Refreshment Breaks!
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For questions about the CALBO Education Weeks Sponsorship Program, please contact Lauren Herman, Director of Training and Communications, at
lherman@calbo.org
or 916-457-1103.
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2017 CALBO Education Week: North
Lunch and Learn with Energy Code Ace
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
from 11:30am-12:15pm
San Ramon Marriott
Room: Salon 1
FREE for All CALBO Education Week: North Attendees
Are you registered to attend the CALBO Education Week: North on Wednesday, September 20?
If so, you're invited to attend “Lunch and Learn,” a special lunch presentation to learn more about and what resources are available to "decode" California’s building energy code, Title 24, Part 6 and Title 20.
You’ve gained code knowledge in the classroom – now learn what free tools, training, and resources are available for you and your building department!
Energy Code Ace will give special attention to its online “one-stop shop” highlighting, explaining, and demonstrating classes and self-study tools, application guidebooks, fact sheets, trigger sheets, checklists (offering step-by-step guidance for plans checks and field inspections), Reference Ace (which helps navigate code documents with helpful links and search functions) and Forms Ace (which aids in determining which compliance forms are applicable to your specific project).
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The Energy Code Ace program is developed and provided by the California Statewide Codes & Standards Program, which offers free energy code training, tools, and resources for those who need to understand and meet the requirements of Title 24, Part 6 and Title 20. Designed to improve compliance with the state’s building and appliance energy codes and standards, the program aims to advance the adoption and effective implementation of energy efficiency measures and building practices. Presenter Marina Chavez Blanco is a seasoned Energy Code Ace instructor and energy consultant based in Northern California with vast knowledge and experience training plans examiners and building inspectors.
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Want to advertise in the CALBO News and on the CALBO Website?
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Thank you to all advertisers for your continual support of CALBO!
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Contact CALBO at 916-457-1103 or
info@calbo.org
for advertising opportunities.
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Stay up-to-date on all CALBO related information! "Like" our
new Facebook Page!
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Advertise with CALBO -
Newsletter, Website & Job Board
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CALBO offers a variety of advertising opportunities for both the public and private industry, including the CALBO Job Board, the CALBO Newsletter (CALBO News), and the CALBO Website.
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For advertising assistance, please contact the CALBO Office
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Thank You to All 2017-2018 CALBO Education Week Instructors and Course Developers!
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George Apple, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Paul Armstrong, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Alese Ashuckian, The Engineered Wood Association
Mitchel Baker, California Department of Housing and Community Development
Ciara Barnett, County of Los Angeles
David Bonowitz
Mike Brinkman, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Stoyan Bumbalov, California Department of Housing and Community Development
Yvonne Christopher, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Sparky Cohen, County of Calaveras
Jesse De Anda, City of Beverly Hills
Johnny Goetz, Town of Truckee
Greg Griffith, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Richard Halloran, City and County of San Francisco
Nick Henderson, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Joe Kriskovich, City of Manteca
Bob Latz, CSG Consultants, Inc.
Edward Mitchell, County of Los Angeles
Raj Patel, City of Beverly Hills
Thong Phan-Quang, City of Elk Grove
Cesar Ponce, California Department of Housing and Community Development
Dennis Richardson, American Wood Council
Jay Salazar, City of Vacaville
Daniel Schneidereit, City of Los Angeles
Andrew Stuffler, City of Santa Barbara
Ron Takiguchi, CALBO Immediate Past President
Brad Wungluck, City of Manteca
Daniel Zepeda, Degenkolb Engineers
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Do You Know Your CALBO Education Weeks Course Instructor?
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The CALBO Training Institute is proud to announce that there are
16 new instructors who are teaching at the 2017-2018 CALBO Education Weeks in San Ramon, Ontario and Anaheim. Each instructor brings with them a wealth of knowledge from their professional and personal experiences. With so many instructors, both seasoned and new, it's sometimes hard to get to know each and every one of them.
We hope you enjoy the quick question and answer segment below featuring some of these new instructors. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and welcome these new faces to the CALBO Education Weeks!
A special thank you to these individuals and all CALBO Training Institute instructors and course developers!
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Brad Wungluck,
Chief Building Official, City of Manteca
CALBO Director
Instructor & Course Developer:
State Laws Enforced by Building Departments
1. What is a fun fact about yourself as a code official?
I'm a Certifed Access Specialist, Master Code Professional, and a Building Official who is committed to CALBO, runs marathons, strives to be a servant leader, has an incredible fondness for coffee, and loves spending time with my wife and two boys!
2. What motivated you to teach this course?
In college, I majored in Political Science, I’ve worked for two Congressman, and I always have had significant interest in law, specifically legislation. Through my involvement in CTI, I had the opportunity to mentor under Doug Hensel and co-teach this class. The opportunity to learn more about the State Laws we enforce daily and the legislative process, mentor under Doug, and then be able to share that information and knowledge was what drew me to this course!
3. How will this course benefit building department staff and code officials?
State Laws is what gives each building official, building inspector, plans examiner, and permit technician the authority and ability to their job. Further, there are so many laws and regulations that are not contained within our traditional building codes and this class provides insight into those areas. This class provides an incredible reference tool in the CALBO State Laws book while also gives an overview of many of the laws that we are charged with enforcing each and every day!
4. Do you have any advice to other CALBO Community members interested in teaching or developing a course?
If you are interested in teaching find someone who is already teaching or a member of CTI and ask them to be your mentor/coach, find topics that suit your strengths, and go to work! However, I have to pass along that having the opportunity to serve our organization by teaching is amazing! Also, just as Roman Philosopher Seneca said, “While we teach, we learn.” Preparing and teaching a course will give you a deeper understanding and familiarity of the topic, so use the opportunity to become an expert in the field and share your experience and knowledge with those around you!
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Alese Ashuckian
Engineered Wood Specialist,
APA - The Engineered Wood Association
Instructor & Course Developer:
Practical Load Path for Seismic and Wind
1. What is a fun fact about yourself as a code official?
When I worked as a design engineer in Sacramento, I designed a new Mini (Cooper) dealership. I ended up buying a Mini Cooper from that dealership less than a year later, albeit without a discount.
2. What motivated you to teach this course?
Wood can be a great construction material – it is a sustainable, cost-effective, and lightweight option. I hope this course is a refresher for building officials who are reviewing wood projects and acts as a resource to support a better understanding of the wood code provisions.
3. How will this course benefit building department staff and code officials?
This course aims to leave attendees with a top-to-bottom overview of lateral load path designs, including an overview of updates to both the 2016 California Building Code and California Residential Code. In this course, I will highlight specific applicable code sections and rationale, review APA’s testing relating to wood code provisions, and review lessons learned from both natural disasters and common framing mistakes.
4. Do you have any advice to other CALBO Community members interested in teaching or developing a course?
As a first-time CALBO Education Week instructor, I feel better suited to receive advice rather than give it. However, my advice would be to ask questions and find creative ways to keep the audience engaged. A day-long course is not only a long time to teach, but also a long time to sit through!
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Rick Halloran
Senior Building Inspector, CASp 114 with Manager Technician Services Division of the San Fransisco Department of Building Inspection
Instructor & Course Developer:
2016 CBC Chapter 11A: Privately Funded Multi-Family Dwelling Accessibility
1. What is a fun fact about yourself as a code official?
One of my favorite achievements to date would have to be helping develop the San Francisco’s AB 090, which was adopted by the DSA Access Compliance as Section 11B-411 Destination Oriented Elevators. It was an incredible adventure to watch the process unfold and to able to participate in developing a regulation that eliminated barriers for persons with sight disabilities was a proud achievement for myself. The best part of it for me was that it opened the door to many new friendships with people within the community of persons with disabilities that I might have never otherwise gotten to met.
2. What motivated you to teach this course?
I was fortunate to take this course in the early 2000’s and it has always stuck with me. The instructor presented this very difficult matter in a clear and understandable fashion that made my own studies that much easier. Over the past couple of years, there has been many changes and new interpretation that are not always understood clearly. Housing is of critical importance in California as never before and it is critical that we get this right.
3. How will this course benefit building department staff and code officials?
This course is geared towards anyone who wants to develop more knowledge in the updates of the disabled access in the housing and code development. We will spend our time going through key parts of Division IV, inside the dwelling unit. Topics will include clarifying the requirements for kitchens, bathing facilities and doors. There will be discussions regarding the differences on 11A and 11B, as well go over the USDOJ/HUD Joint Statements and the recent lawsuits that will impact housing. I hope that everyone who attends this course will leave with a new sense of knowledge on all the recent changes.
4. Do you have any advice to other CALBO Community members interested in teaching or developing a course?
For anyone on the fence about teaching a course, I say go for it! I have been teaching at the community college level for over ten years and I have enjoyed every moment of it. The most important thing I have learned is to try. You will never know if you will enjoy something unless you try.
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Thong Phan Quang
Senior Code Enforcement Officer, City of Elk Grove
Instructor & Course Developer:
Marijuana Enforcement Issues, Right of Entry in Code Enforcement, and Building and Housing Codes and the Practice of Rental Inspections
1. What is a fun fact about yourself as a code official?
I have recently completed a Master's in Public Administrations at Golden Gate University in San Fransisco and wrote my thesis on the Housing First Model. I have spent many years working with the homeless community in the area. I am currently mentoring an individual living the City's transitional housing.
2. What motivated you to teach this course?
I have always been interested in code enforcement topics. When CTI Vice Chair Shane Diller reached out to help with these courses, I jumped at the chance. I am excited to share my experiences and knowledge with the CALBO community.
3. How will this course benefit building department staff and code officials?
These courses are designed to spur classroom discourse and interaction. Networking and learning how other industry professionals perform their duties is an integral part of the class.
4. Do you have any advice to other CALBO Community members interested in teaching or developing a course?
Whatever course you decide to teach or help develop, be passionate about it. Steve Jobs once said, "Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish."
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Become a CTI Instructor or Course Developer!
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Are you knowledgeable about a certain topic or passionate about your industry? The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) is continually looking for new course developers and instructors for its training opportunities throughout the year. There are opportunities for every skill level. We welcome your contributions!
- Develop speaking and listening skills.
- Learn how to create and implement a course plan.
- Gain one-on-one time with another instructor to review course plans and materials.
- Co-teach with a seasoned instructor to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.
- Utilize your knowledge or become an expert on a topic for the benefit of yourself, fellow CALBO members and your jurisdiction.
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For questions about this application, please contact Lauren Herman,
CALBO Director of Training and Communications,
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Request a CTI Course Any Time of Year!
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As part of our effort to provide service and value to the CALBO Community, CTI offers many courses throughout the Golden State year-round. These courses reflect the needs of surrounding jurisdictions and the relevance of code updating.
There are multiple packages based on the type of course offering that best fits your jurisdiction, chapter, or company. To request a CTI Course, please complete the
CTI Request a Course Form.
For more information about these opportunities, along with list of courses offered, please click the button below.
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For questions about course requests, please contact Lauren Herman,
CALBO Director of Training and Communications,
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The Importance of a System Manager:
Who’s Your Organization’s Wizard?
By: CALBO Technology and Innovation Committee
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CALBO Technology and Innovation Committee was formed this past year because of the technological demands on Building & Safety Departments. The Committee will share the highlights of our brain storming with the CALBO Community through CALBO News articles, such as the one below. The following article, by
David Smith with Los Angeles County Building & Safety Department
, presents an important issue that many jurisdictions currently struggle with and puts some recommendations forward.
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Contrary to popular belief, computer systems do not take care of themselves. Computer systems don’t automatically correct wrong data, magically upgrade, nor write reports. We all want the computers of Star Trek that will respond to our voice and figure out what we want, but we’re not quite there yet. So, until we are our systems need to be managed and that task is becoming increasingly complicated. In most organizations, the role of system manager often gets shoved to some unsuspecting plan check engineer who has to not only learn the engineering, but the business operations and how those needs are met by the computer system. This is a role many engineers run from.
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However, managers argued “this arrangement was sufficient in the past. Why change it?”. Why? Because this process of an inexperienced part time system manager running the system has limited management’s ability to fully utilize the existing systems and get the most from their data.
Enter the dedicated system manager, a.k.a. the wizard or the guy with the pointy hat. The system manager is the owner of the system. It’s their job to know how the system works, what it is capable of doing, and what data it contains. From the operations standpoint, the System Admin needs to understand how the organization functions from the manager’s, the staff’s, and your customers’ viewpoint.
Given this, here is the basic list of the System Admins Duties:
- Know how the software is designed to be used.
- Know what data you need to collect and how the system requires that data to be collected.
- Develop methods to ensure the needed data is collected accurately. Remember that no data is better than bad data. If you don’t know the information, then you don’t know it. But, if you think you know the information and you don’t know it’s wrong, then you will make decisions on bad data.
- Coordinate policy development that relates to how the system is used. This is especially true with the financial side of the system operation.
- Act as a translator and a single point of contact between the system users and the information technology programmers.
- Provide training in how the system is used and provide documentation.
- Develop reports needed by management and end users either directly or with the IT staff.
- Coordinate system management functions such as upgrades, data changes, interface changes, and other modifications.
- Act as the help desk for the end users internally and externally.
- Work to develop other systems that will interface with the existing systems or become an integral part of the system.
- Coordinate social media efforts.
- Work with management to develop and maintain web sites needed to communicate with the public.
- Develop methods to provide the public with a view of your data to reduce foot traffic into your offices and to reduce formal data requests that consume staff time.
- Coordinate hardware and software procurement, maintenance, installation, and movement.
- Find new hardware and software that can potentially improve productivity or provide expanded or enhanced services.
- Prepare contingency plans for system outages or responses to disasters with pop-up service centers or mobile response equipment.
- Know how to modify the software when changes in the law make changes in your data collection and reporting.
This is not intended to be considered a comprehensive list; the System Manager may provide other functions related to IT as well. This does provide a starting point to see just how important this role is and how it can enhance your organization’s operation, resolve problems more quickly, and improve how the Building Department machine operates. A good System Manager can make it look like magic and earn the right to wear your organization’s pointy hat.
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For questions about this article, please contact the
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ATTENTION: Small Jurisdictions!
AB 1236 (2015) Toolkit Now Available!
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As you are aware, Assembly Bill 1236 (2015) requires all local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance with an expedited, streamlined process for permits for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The
effective date of the ordinance is September 30, 2017 for jurisdictions with a
resident population less than 200,000.
PLEASE NOTE: Templates are provided for your suggested use and are written for either City or County Jurisdictions. You may consider adopting an ordinance as either an Administrative Ordinance, where it would reside in your administrative chapter of your Municipal or County Code, or a Technical Ordinance, where it would be among your technical chapters. An advantage of an Administrative only Ordinance is that you will not have to create new Chapters due to legislative changes. This Bill also requires jurisdictions to publish a Checklist that is based on the Governor's Office of Planning and Research "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook".
In considering either template, please consult your City Attorney or County Council accordingly.
As always, CALBO seeks to create communication and consistency among jurisdictions. We hope that you find this AB 1236 Small Jurisdiction Tool Kit useful.
The templates and timeline for Large Jurisdictions (resident population more than 200,000) are found
here
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For questions or concerns about these resources, please contact the
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Last week, the California State Legislature returned to Sacramento after a month-long summer recess. During this time, legislators returned to their districts to meet with their constituents while the “third-house” took a quick break in preparation for a four-week sprint to the end of session. This year is the first year of a biennial session. Therefore, after September 15th the Legislature will be in recess until January 2018. Many of the bills CALBO is tracking will be two-year bills, meaning the bill will continue to move through the legislative process next year. All bills introduced in 2017 and 2018 will have a final outcome by September 2018 at the conclusion of the current biennial session.
CALBO is engaging on a number of legislative measures, which can all be found at the
CALBO Legislative Watch Webpage. One bill that we want to highlight is AB 1250 (Jones-Sawyer, D-59). This bill will make it extremely difficult for jurisdictions to contract with vital outside services. Additionally, AB 1250 will disproportionately affect small or rural jurisdictions that already experience higher vacancy rates and have difficulty recruiting employees for hard-to-fill or technical assignments. CALBO is part of a
coalition of opposition that consists of over 300 stakeholders and includes the County Building Officials Association of California. AB 1250 is on the Assembly Appropriations Suspense file and is expected to move to the Assembly Floor after August 31.
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CALBO's Director of Public Affairs, Nicole Virga Bautista, standing in opposition.
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CALBO will continue opposing AB 1250 and reporting its outcome to members. Please stay tuned for more information on this measure and all measures CALBO is tracking.
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Please direct all questions regarding legislation to CALBO’s Director of Public Affairs, Nicole Virga Bautista, at
nbautista@calbo.org
or 916-457-1103.
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California Resiliency: A Call for Action to Guard Against Economic and Social Turmoil
Following a Major Earthquake
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Co-authored by:
David Khorram, President, California Building Officials (CALBO)
Ali Sahabi, GEC, President, Optimum Group, LLC
A government’s function is to provide for the public good with both prescriptive and proscriptive measures. Legislative entities enact programs, services, and laws to help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and societies at large. Yet here in California, there is much to be done to protect communities from the catastrophic devastation expected when a quake of epic proportions strikes.
A recent study by CoreLogic estimates that a major quake along the San Andreas Fault could cause $289 billion in destruction. What’s not calculated in that figure is the residual economic loss from broken infrastructure, shuttered businesses and public services, widespread homelessness, and general chaos. The 1994 Northridge quake caused $67 billion in damage – ranking it as the second costliest natural disaster in U.S. history behind Hurricane Katrina – yet the 6.7 magnitude of that temblor was relatively mild compared with what could be. Seismologists agree that a major quake of 7.5 magnitude or more is due to rattle California to its core. It’s just a matter of when.
Recognizing this threat, several cities have adopted ordinances requiring retrofits of soft-story wood-framed structures, non-ductile concrete and tilt-up buildings, and steel moment frames. This piecemeal approach is a good start, but woefully inadequate. California needs statewide measures to sustain our societies both socially and economically. The recommended steps for this process would be:
- To establish a stakeholder group to study and organize a statewide approach to the problem.
- To identify vulnerable structures and other hazards in communities.
- To establish a voluntary standard for rating seismic resiliency of buildings.
- To enact legislation requiring seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures.
- To implement programs to assist owners in making their buildings safer.
Several stakeholders have already joined forces to begin this process by creating the Seismic Resiliency Initiative. They include statewide organizations such as the United States Resiliency Council (USRC) and California Building Officials (CALBO). Representatives of government, business, nonprofits, and industry organizations are also getting involved.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has adopted Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to estimate physical, economic, and social impacts of disasters such as earthquakes. This nationally applied standard, called HAZUS, has put Los Angeles at the top of the list of annualized earthquake damage projections at $1.3 billion, followed by San Francisco ($781 million), Riverside/San Bernardino ($396.5 million), San Jose ($276.7 million), and so on.
“Communities with more retrofitted structures can recover from earthquakes more rapidly,” FEMA reported. “If you live or work in retrofitted structures, you’re less likely to be injured during an earthquake. After the earthquake, you’re also more likely to have a home and a job to which you can quickly return. Businesses that use retrofitted buildings are more likely to survive damaging earthquakes and to sustain shorter business interruptions and fewer inventory losses.”
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego – using the nation’s largest outdoor shake table to simulate earthquakes – have been studying the effects of retrofits on a variety of buildings and other structures including bridges, wind turbines, and retaining walls. The goal of these studies is to determine the fragile points of these constructions when exposed to earthquake-like motion and determine retrofit approaches that will be most effective at guarding against damage. Their findings demonstrate the value of retrofitting in protecting not only lives and social order, but also a property owner’s investment.
In a four-month series of shake tests on identical soft-story buildings, their research showed the four-story structure – when retrofitted – survived the motion with only minor, cosmetic damage. Without the retrofit, the structure sustained major damage, including collapse.
“The larger shakes damaged the building, but with the retrofits in place, it is still structurally safe enough for occupancy,” researcher John van de Lindt announced following the study.
Every building protected in an earthquake represents resiliency – the capacity to spring back quickly from hardship – for tenants, their employers, hospitals, government services, and the building owners themselves. Tenants can go to work. The economic engine of society moves forward, public services are left available for others in need, and the property owner is able to continue renting units, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of a red-tagged building including potential bankruptcy and liability due to neglect (i.e. the Paso Robles case, Myrick vs. Mastagni).
In fact, the National Institute of Building Sciences in its seminal report,
Mitigation Saves,
estimates that for every dollar spent on mitigation society sees a resilience benefit of four dollars or more. The State of California Seismic Safety Commission in 2000 issued a report on lessons learned from major quakes striking Turkey, Greece, and Taiwan. “Earthquakes can strike urban areas without notice and with devastating impacts,” the report said. “… California must continue to prepare for major seismic events to strike.
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California ranks as the sixth largest economy in the world. In fact, 17 percent the nation's job growth and 24 percent of its gross domestic product increase between 2012 and 2016 can be attributed to California, according to Stephen Levy, director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy. If the Golden State were to suffer a catastrophe of epic proportions from an earthquake, the impacts would be felt throughout the nation. Resiliency against earthquakes is not only a California issue, but also a matter of national, and potentially global concern.
This is an initiative that benefits everyone: tenants, employers, property owners, government, and society-at-large. The Seismic Resiliency Initiative is asking scientists, engineers, civic leaders, legislators, builders, owners, and building tenant/user groups to help craft meaningful legislation to promote earthquake resilience in communities throughout California.
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For more information on the Seismic Resiliency Initiative or to get involved,
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2017-18 CALBO Membership Program
Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!
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The new 2017-2018 California Building Officials membership year is officially here. If you have not renewed, please take the opportunity to
renew now!
PLEASE NOTE: Each 2017-2018 CALBO Member was sent a membership renewal notification explaining their membership category and changes. If you did not receive such notification, please contact the CALBO Office.
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Questions about the CALBO Membership Program?
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2018 CALBO Annual Business Meeting:
Mark Your Calendars!
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CALBO is excited to host its 56th Annual Business Meeting from Sunday, March 25 - Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport.
We look forward to meeting and playing by the Bay at this newly-renovated venue that has professional and accommodating meeting space, CALBO group overnight rate availability, and close proximity to the San Francisco International Airport and freeways. CALBO will again offer an array of programs, events, and training for the professional development of its members. We hope to see you there!
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When: Sunday, March 25 - Thursday, March 29, 2018
1333 Old Bayshore Hwy.
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-374-1234
Registration Available Winter 2017
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Questions about the CALBO Annual Business Meeting?
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CALBO Online Job Board -
Employment and Internship Opportunities
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The
CALBO Online Job Board offers the public and private sector the opportunity to advertise building industry employment and internship opportunities. It's the perfect resource for reaching CALBO members with employment information from your jurisdiction, organization, or company.
Don't forget current CALBO members receive a discount for every job advertisement submitted to the online Job Board.
Below are the most recent submissions to the CALBO online Job Board. If you would like more information about these opportunities or to post an employment opportunity, please
click here.
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MOST RECENT JOB SUBMISSIONS
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Chief Building Official, City of Los Gatos
Application Deadline: August 28, 2017
Environmental Sustainability Analyst, City of Malibu
Application Deadline: August 31, 2017
Building Official, City of Perris
Application Deadline: August 31, 2017
Combination Building Inspector, County of Tehama
Application Deadline: August 31, 2017
Building Inspector I/ Building Inspector II, City of Albany
Application Deadline: September 1, 2017
Building Inspector, City of Brea
Application Deadline: September 1, 2017
Code Enforcement Officer, County of Butte
Application Deadline: September 1, 2017
Plan Check Engineer, City of El Segundo
Application Deadline: September 5, 2017
Senior Plan Check Engineer, City of El Segundo
Application Deadline: September 5, 2017
Building Inspector, City of Torrance
Application Deadline: September 6, 2017
Building Inspector I/II, City of Riverside
Application Deadline: September 7, 2017
Building Official, City of Santa Monica
Application Deadline: September 8, 2017
Building Inspector I/II, City of Santa Paula
Application Deadline: September 8, 2017
Permit Center Manager, City of Sunnyvale
Application Deadline: September 12, 2017
Building Official, City of Dana Point
Application Deadline: September 15, 2017
Building Official, City of Anaheim
Application Deadline: September 22, 2017
Combination Inspector II, City of Stockton
Application Deadline: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Permit Technician, City of American Canyon
Application Deadline: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
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Questions about the CALBO Job Board?
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CALBO News is published for California Building Officials members by The Wheeler Company. Circulation of over 700 members in local government, building industry, and state agencies.
California Building Officials, 1022 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Phone: 916-457-1103 Fax: 916-442-3616
CALBO News is not copyrighted and articles may be reprinted with appropriate credit. Neither California Building Officials nor The Wheeler Company, LLC assumes responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed in this publication.
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