Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

Hello, CALBO Members!

The stage is set for CALBO’s 63rd Annual Business Meeting from April 13-17. This year’s event is packed with exciting opportunities to learn, network and engage with the latest trends in building safety. Get ready for insightful sessions, hands-on workshops and numerous opportunities to connect with colleagues – all set against the iconic backdrop of Hollywood. 

I encourage you to explore the diverse ABM presentations and panels highlighting emerging trends such as AI integration in building operations, evolving code compliance, disaster response strategies and much more. In between sessions, take some time to explore our sold-out exhibitor program—you may discover an innovative new gadget or service. On Thursday, take advantage of the opportunity to earn CEUs by attending some of CALBO’s most popular training courses. 

Beyond the daily sessions, our ABM has also been a time to connect with your peers and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Whether exploring Hollywood’s famed sights, participating in CALBO’s Annual Golf Tournament or networking with colleagues, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss Tuesday’s Stars & Strikes at Lucky Strike – a fun night of bowling, food and entertainment. A special thank you our sponsors for making it possible. On Wednesday, I hope you will join us for TropiCALBO night at the historic Roosevelt Hotel where we’ll be transported back to the glamorous era of the Cubano supper club – an evening of Old Hollywood charm, dancing and camaraderie. 

Looking beyond ABM, CALBO has an exciting year ahead. The CALBO Professional Engagement Committee, in collaboration with Diablo Valley College’s Workforce Development Team, will host its annual Virtual Career Expo on April 30th. This event connects students and job seekers with industry professionals, offering valuables insights into careers in building and safety. Building safety professionals are encouraged to volunteer and contribute – click here.

We will also welcome twenty-one building safety leaders into the 2025-2026 Building Officials Leadership Academy in Costa Mesa. We applaud their dedication as they take the next this significant step in their building safety careers. 

Our advocacy efforts in Sacramento remain in full swing. CALBO’s Executive Director, Dr. Matthew Wheeler, recently released an on-demand video presentation outlining the Legislative Committee’s March priority bills. On May 14th, join us in Sacramento for CALBO’s Annual Leadership and Advocacy Day. This free member benefit event gives you the opportunity to engage with legislators showcasing the work of your local building department, while forging relationships that benefit your community. To stay up to date on all legislative matters, including our bill report, click here. 

CALBO also continues to offer 2-hour live webinars year-round and will return this fall with our Annual Education Weeks in Burlingame (September 29 – October 2) and Costa Mesa (October 27 – 30). These hybrid events offer the flexibility of in person or virtual attendance, giving your staff multiple options to participate across multiple days in various ways. Not to worry – with the start of a new tri-annual code cycle, all courses will reflect the latest 2025 codes. Registration and course schedules will be available soon. 

As we move into the busy months ahead, I encourage you to invest in yourself, both personally and professionally. Doing so will enhance your ability to give back – to your family, community, industry, colleagues and CALBO as your professional hub. 

I hope to see you in Tinseltown next month!

Sincerely, 
Jeff Janes

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

Hello, CALBO Members!

As summer winds down, I hope each of you found time to enjoy the many wonders our great state has to offer. Whether you hiked new trails, explored a new city, or simply relaxed by a backyard campfire, I trust you’ve had a chance to recharge from the daily grind. Meanwhile, CALBO has been hard at work!

Our Legislative Team has had a successful year advocating on behalf of our profession in Sacramento. They’ve proactively engaged with key bills during the final stretch of the legislative session, ensuring our voices were heard. To keep you informed, we’re hosting a webinar on September 18, 2024, recapping the current bills impacting our industry. For details and registration, visit the legislative events page – we look forward to seeing you there!

This fall, I encourage you to join us for CALBO Education Weeks, whether in person or virtually. We’re partnering again with our production team to provide a seamless learning experience at both locations. If you’re attending virtually, facilitators will be available in real-time to answer your questions via chat. This won’t be a canned experience – I promise. If you’re attending in person, take time to visit our industry partners during the five breaks each day to explore the latest innovations and services. For more information and to register, click here.

I’d be remiss not to mention the launch of our second annual Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy this fall. This new leadership resource developed by CALBO aims to enhance the professional development of counter technicians, cultivating participants’ technical and interpersonal skills strengthening building department operations and the careers of building safety professionals at the counter. Due to popular demand, we’ve extended this Academy to both Burlingame and Costa Mesa venues. A few spots remain in Costa Mesa – click here for more information. 

As we approach Education Weeks, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone making these events possible. A big thank you to the California Training Institute (CTI) Commissioners for crafting a fantastic lineup of courses. To our instructors, facilitators, and moderators, your dedication to providing top-notch training is invaluable. And of course, a special thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors for your continued support. I hope you make the time for you and your staff to attend courses, either virtually or in person. With 16 new courses, there is something for everyone.

This fall also brings an opportunity to come together as a profession as we host the International Code Council’s (ICC) annual conference in Long Beach.  Our CALBO team has been working with ICC for years on preparations and we know you’ll enjoy all that is in store for us October 20-23.  Registration details available here.  

Looking for additional professional development? Visit the CALBO calendar for the latest on all our current events, including the 63rd Annual Business Meeting in Hollywood, April 13-17, 2025. Mark your calendars for this and other great opportunities!

And as a special announcement, I am very pleased to welcome Ms. Susan Dowty to Team CALBO as a Consultant to our community.  A stranger to no one within our industry, Susan will assist with curriculum development, industry outreach, and spearhead CALBO’s efforts to launch on-demand training to our members.  On behalf of CALBO’s Board and Members, we are honored to welcome Susan to the team and look forward to her many continued contributions to our community. 

I look forward to seeing many of you this fall. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to protecting our communities and tackling the challenges we face as code officials.

Sincerely, 
Jeff Janes

The 2024 CALBO Education Week season starts this month. If you haven’t registered yet, time is running out — Burlingame course registration closes in two weeks!

Don’t miss this NEW interactive course designed to provide updates, insights, and resources from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program.

California Accessory Dwelling Units: Navigating Regulations for Compliance (0.6 CEUs & 6 LU | HSWs)

- Education Week: Burlingame on Thursday, October 3, 2024
- Education Week: Costa Mesa on Thursday, October 31, 2024
- Virtual or In Person attendance options

Course Highlights:

• Effective use of HCD’s ADU Handbook.
• Legislative history of ADUs and the most recent laws effective as of January 1, 2024.
• Common terms, typologies, and exemptions.
• Important ADU topics: zoning, conversions, parking, impact fees, fire sprinkler, solar, manufactured homes, ordinances, and much more.
• Non-structural overview of ADUs and how to effectively implement following legal and regulatory parameters.

With both in-person and virtual attendance options available, register today!

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.