Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down.  With that, I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of what makes California so special – whether that meant exploring our famed towns, spending time on our iconic coastline, or relaxing with family in your own backyard, it’s important to hit pause when we can.

While summer may offer a chance to recharge, things haven’t slowed down for CALBO.  Our Legislative Team has remained active and has been keeping a close eye on the final stretch of this year’s legislative session. As we all know, AB 130 – the budget trailer bill that contained the provisions from AB 306 and AB 750, has been on all our minds.  Without question, this bill is a headache – but not just for local building departments.  CALBO has continued to work directly with our state agency regulatory partners and implementation guidelines.  These will hopefully be available in the immediate weeks ahead from the California Building Standards Commission.  Please stay tuned.  If you haven’t yet caught Matt Wheeler’s monthly legislative briefings, I encourage you to check them out.  They’re a great way to stay current with legislative proposals – especially during this big year for housing legislation.  Click here to view them. 

Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us this fall for CALBO’s Education Weeks in Burlingame and/or Costa Mesa.  Whether you’re planning to attend in person or joining us virtually, we’ve worked hard to ensure the experience is well worth your time.  For our virtual participants, live facilitators will be available to answer questions in real time.  And if you’re attending in person, I encourage you to take a few moments during the breaks to connect with our industry partners and explore the latest innovations and services.  You can find more details and registration information here.

Another exciting offering this fall is the Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy, now entering its third year.  This leadership resource was created by CALBO to strengthen the professional development of our counter technicians – those who play a vital role in building department operations.  On a side note, this academy and CALBO offering is particularly personal to me as I have been an active participant in its development.  With demand growing, we’re once again offering the Academy in both Burlingame and Costa Mesa.  A few spots are still available in each location – click here for more information.  

Of course, none of this happens without the hard work and dedication of many individuals.  I want to thank the California Training Institute (CTI) Commissioners for putting together a strong lineup of courses, as well as our instructors, facilitators and moderators who make the learning experience a valuable one.  And of course, a special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for your continued support year after year at our annual training events. 

Looking for additional professional development in the coming months?  Visit the CALBO calendar for the latest on all our current events, including the 64th Annual Business Meeting in Santa Clara (San Jose area), April 12-16, 2026.  Mark your calendars for this and stay tuned for more details.  Or better yet, if you have a programming idea for the meeting, please email it to info@calbo.org by September 2.  

As always, thank you for the work you do every day to protect our communities and to elevate our profession.  I look forward to seeing many of you this fall on the road.  Don’t hesitate to stop me in the hallways and say hello – I’m easy to find. 

Sincerely, 
Raj Patel

Hello, CALBO Members!

As we approach the final weeks of 2024, it’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by.  It’s been a long time since a CALBO President returned to service, and it’s been my honor to reconnect with so many of you throughout the year.  These interactions highlighted the value of collaboration, shared knowledge, and coming together as we navigate our industry’s ongoing evolution.

CALBO has continued to grow and adapt over the years, offering new opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate our shared accomplishments.  I saw this spirit in action this year as we launched the inaugural Building Leaders in Our Profession event in May.  This was CALBO reimaging our classrooms – offering more than code books and technical training.  I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead with even more opportunities designed to support your success.

Education Weeks remain a cornerstone of our efforts, and 2024 was no exception.  Nearly 6,500 attendees joined us in Northern and Southern California, taking part in dynamic training sessions to enhance their skills.  To all who participated, thank you for making these events such a success.  I also want to extend my gratitude to the CALBO Training Institute Commission (CTI), instructors, course developers, staff, facilitators, and moderators for their dedication, as well as to our CALBO Partners, sponsors, and exhibitors for their steadfast support.

Another highlight of the year was the expansion of the Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy to both Northern and Southern California.  Welcoming 47 participants, this program has helped equip these individuals with the tools to excel and grow professionally.  Their enthusiasm and commitment reflect the bright future of our industry, and CALBO is proud to support their journeys through continued learning opportunities.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to personally invite you to CALBO’s 63rd Annual Business Meeting taking place April 13–17 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.  Your CALBO Board has been hard at work crafting a topical program designed to update, inspire, and inform. Registration will open early next year, so mark your calendars now as I know you won’t want to miss it. 

The new year brings fresh opportunities for growth, innovation, and connection.  From expanded educational programs to legislative efforts, CALBO is committed to advancing our profession and supporting your success.  Be on the lookout for updates about both returning programs and exciting new initiatives as we continue to thrive together. 

Finally, as we prepare for the holiday season, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication—not just to CALBO, but to the communities you serve every day.  Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I am confident that together, we’ll make 2025 a remarkable year.

Sincerely, 
Jeff Janes