View in your browser

Friends,


A little bit after my first president’s message was issued in July, I got a few messages praising my lack of political commentary. I also got a few messages angry at my alleged continued politicization of this presidency; I suppose my Ferris Bueller references upset the gaggle of Reed Smoot and Willis Hawley fans on our rolls. I can’t win for losing, I guess. It’s not that I don’t have opinions on politics; I certainly do and have found myself aligned with neither and both of our political parties over the years. But as a stereotypical Midwestern middle child, I do like making peace and tend to avoid talking politics at the dinner table lest I be forced to awkwardly ask “who’d like some dessert?” Discussing even vaguely political topics in mixed company is fraught these days, and our Association has not been immune from that, based on feedback and my own observations. I don’t think we’ve been overly or overtly political as an Association in recent years, but it has been my intention to try to focus on camaraderie and general good vibes this year. I hope it’s worked.

(The astute reader will correctly predict that I don’t open a communiqué like that without a “but” coming…) Read More

Since Cenote (99 Pine Street, San Francisco) was unexpectedly closed when we tried to gather there in December, we’ll give it another shot for February.   Are you a SEAONC veteran with complaints to (politely) lodge? New to SEAONC with questions? Want thoughtful opinions on deep beams or irrational opinions on deep dish pizza? Stop on in. First few attendees get their beverage of choice on David’s tab.

Can’t make it this time? No worries. We’re hoping to make this a regular informal gathering with your SEAONC Officers and change up the locations (maybe even virtual) and times a bit in the coming months. Stay tuned and let us know if you have a favorite afternoon haunt to consider for March or thoughts on a time that might be more appealing for you! 

Thank you to our Anchor Sponsor, CSI!

Your generosity and support of SEAONC are greatly appreciated.

SEAONC voting members are asked to take a moment to vote for the Nominating Committee, which is formed each February to develop the slate for the upcoming Board of Directors election. Please submit your vote by Friday, February 6.

This vote is open to SEAONC voting members only. Check your inboxes for a link to vote, or contact us at office@seaonc.org.

SEAONC’s February Dinner Meeting, Data Center Design for Structural Engineers: Systems, Loads, and Seismic Isolation Case Studies, will take place on Tuesday, February 10, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. at San Francisco State University’s Seven Hills Conference Center.

The presentation will be led by Sam Richardson, Senior Project Engineer at Paradigm Structural Engineers, and will cover key structural considerations in data center design, including systems, loads, and seismic isolation case studies. This meeting is Student Night, but all are welcome to attend.

Thank you to CSI, the event sponsor. To learn more and register, click here.

The call for entries is now open for the SEAONC Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards. California-based design teams are invited to submit projects that showcase innovation, creativity, and impact in structural engineering.

Entries must be submitted by March 9. Projects recognized locally may advance to the statewide SEAOC SEE Awards.

Check out the new SEAONC Firm Directory here!

SEAONC has created this resource for building owners affected by San Francisco’s Concrete Building Safety Program. The Directory is maintained by SEAONC and includes recommendations on how to select a structural engineer in an informed manner. SEAONC hopes that this directory improves awareness of structural engineering and simplifies the process for selecting an engineer, while also creating a new SEAONC membership benefit.

Thank you to all the firms who have opted in! We look forward to the growth of this directory and the continued improvement of building safety throughout Northern California. 

Don’t see your firm yet? Reach out to communications@seaonc.org for a link to submit an entry. 

There is no fee to be part of the directory, but to be included, a firm must have:

• At least one SEAONC member
• At least one California-licensed Civil or Structural Engineer on staff

NCSEA is hosting its annual SE Executive Retreat on March 18-20 on Amelia Island, Florida, and all SEAONC firm leaders are invited. This small peer-to-peer event is for established and rising firm leaders to discuss business trends, leadership, economics, and more. Last year's event had 53 firms represented, and we'd love to see lots of Northern California representation this year. Registration is open here, and the hotel deadline is Feb. 13.

The SEAONC Legacy and History Committee has published a new article on the John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center!

The John A. Blume Earthquake Engineering Center at Stanford University has played a central role in earthquake engineering research and education for decades. Established in 1974, the Center builds on the university’s early work following the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and has supported research in seismic hazard analysis, performance-based earthquake engineering, experimental testing, and structural monitoring. Its work has informed engineering practice, building codes, and risk assessment methods used by engineers, agencies, and industry. 

To learn more, visit the full article here.

Every four years, SEAONC takes the lead on planning the annual state convention. We’re looking for volunteers to join the 2028 Planning Committee! If you enjoy party planning, curating engaging events, helping synthesize technical tracks, or chatting with exhibitors, this could be a great fit.

Interested? Please fill out this short google form or reach out to mvandervort@martinmartin.com. This is not a commitment or assignment yet–please join us!

After a long hiatus, the SEAONC Business Forum is re-starting! If you’re interested in learning and discussing issues related to running a structural engineering firm, fill out this survey here to learn more. Everyone is welcome - whether you’re a designer, project manager, firm leader, or marketing and accounting staff - we’d like your participation and your ideas! 

The Construction Quality Assurance Committee (CQAC) has recently updated the “Important Documents” section of our page on the SEAONC website to make the documents that we’ve published easier to navigate. Take a look with the link here. If you follow that link, you’ll see that we have also updated our “Guidelines for Review of Welding Procedure Specifications.” Be sure to take a look if you have questions about reviewing a welding procedure specification (WPS)!

Join us virtually on February 23 from 5:30-7 p.m. for the monthly SEAONC EBC Committee Meeting. We will be joined by Laurel Matthews from SFDBI to discuss the new online screening form for the San Francisco Concrete Building Screening Program. Email us at buildings@seaonc.org to be added to the committee calendar invitations.

The Outreach Committee has launched a shadowing program where high school and college students can shadow a structural engineer to experience a sneak peak of a day in our life! If you’re interested in volunteering to be a shadow, please sign up here! We’ll pair you with a student based on interest and availability. 

Lincoln High School is holding a session of mock interviews for high school students in Sunset on February 27 at 1:45-3:45 p.m. If you’re interested in helping out, please send us an email at seaoncpoc@gmail.com.

The SEONC Sustainable Design Committee (SDC) is looking forward to our next lunch meeting on February 10th! We’ll be forming a working group to refresh and expand our Resource Hub, and we invite anyone interested to get involved. If you’d like to participate, please reach out to seaoncsdc@gmail.com.

We are excited to announce that we are hosting guest speakers during our February meeting who will share practical, real-world approaches to carbon reduction in structural design. The session will highlight project specific strategies for understanding and reducing carbon early in design, including how digital workflows can inform better decisions. We invite you to reach out to our group if you would like to be a part of the presentation! 

In addition, we’re planning several in-person meetings and a future happy hour – stay tuned!

SE3 is targeting to host a project management-focused speed mentorship event in spring! If you are interested in attending the event, interested in mentoring, or would like to recommend a mentor, please fill out the forms below. 

Sign up here for an email reminder!

Recommend a mentor here!

SE3 will be hosting the March SEAONC Association Meeting focused on unlocking the value of inclusion to help your business retain employees and improve financially. This time, we’re trying something new–we will be hosting a “hub and spoke” style meeting, with multiple, in-person meeting locations at various areas in SEAONC’s realm! Stay tuned to the SEAONC website and emails for upcoming information. If your office is interested in hosting a spoke, please email SE3@seaonc.org. We’re looking forward to trying out this engaging new format soon!

CEC, in collaboration with Holmes US and Plant Construction Company, is hosting a guided site tour of the seismic retrofit underway at UC Law’s historic tower at 100 McAllister in San Francisco. The tour will take place on Friday, February 6, from 1:15–3:30 p.m., followed by a YMF-hosted happy hour nearby. Space is limited; attendees must bring their own PPE. Registration is available here.

The DES and YMF committees teamed up in January to host a new event: SAP Evaluator Night! The event featured three interactive case studies created by DES that gave attendees the opportunity to learn how buildings are tagged post-earthquakes, and try their hand at it along the way. The event was a great success, with more than 30 attendees, many of whom walked away excited about how much they learned while having fun in the process. Highlights of the case studies included a virtual reality experience provided by Jenna Wong from SFSU, and a scavenger hunt style case study created within the Degenkolb office space. 

Upcoming Events

Licensure Exam Study Break

Studying for licensure exams? On March 9, YMF is hosting an event for anyone that wants a break to share tips, resources, and misery with others deep in the study grind. Pizza and drinks will be provided for this very casual, and hopefully useful event. Please contact Tracy if you are interested. Email tracy@maffei-structure.com.

YMF Snow Trip

Registration is open for this year's YMF Snow Trip, taking place March 20th-22nd! After last year’s success, we will be taking to the slopes of Dodge Ridge for the second year in a row! Spots are limited, and you can sign up at the link below. Don’t miss this chance for a weekend of fun in the snow! Register here.

Survey: Firm Membership Sponsorship

We want to hear from you! Does your firm sponsor your SEAONC membership and/or event registrations? Take this short 2-minute survey and let us know. 

Explore SEAONC Membership Options for Individuals and Firms

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP: Apply for a SEAONC membership today and get ready to thrive in a vibrant community of structural engineering professionals. Gain access to essential resources, diverse perspectives, and collaborative opportunities across all specialties, empowering you to excel in your career and make lasting contributions to the field. 

Click to complete your membership application today!

MASTER MEMBER PROGRAM: Our Master Member program simplifies and streamlines your renewal process. Designed for firms with three or more members, this program enables you to receive one complete invoice for your entire roster for membership renewals or event registrations if desired. Please Note: Master Member lists and invoices will be managed and distributed by the Membership team in Club Express. Email membership at office@seaonc.org or call us at 628-626-1725 with any questions or requests.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP: Our corporate membership program showcases your firm's dedication to the industry and amplifies your influence. Enjoy increased visibility and exclusive benefits, including opportunities to speak at our events and shape the future of our association. Read about the levels and pricing here.

Need more information? Connect with our Membership Team. 

Ready to join? Click to review options and sign up!

We appreciate the generosity and support of our SEAONC Corporate Members!

Visit the benefits and pricing page on our website for more information about how your business can support SEAONC's mission.

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

SEAONC welcomes your feedback on our newsletter and on any other Association endeavors. To share your input email us at office@seaonc.org.

Having trouble logging into the SEAONC website?

Most information on www.seaonc.org is open to the public, but a few items, such as access to the SEAONC posting for membership, require a member login. If you have not entered your member login since we created a new website in 2018, you must first reset your password. It's quick and straightforward! Contact the office for assistance.

Structural Engineers Association of Northern California

office@seaonc.org

628.626.1725