Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

Article

CALBO 58th Annual Business Meeting Webcast
Coming Together Virtually Despite the Physical Distance of COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CALBO 58th Annual Business Meeting took place virtually in a webcast format on April 8, 2020 to conduct association business with the start of the new membership year. CALBO Board of Directors and staff worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition to the online platform to encourage membership and industry participation across California despite the inability to meet in person. Class I Members were encouraged to watch and participate to ensure proper representation of member interests and the establishment of a quorum.

A special thank you to Winfred DeLeon of the City of Sacramento for serving as the Parliamentarian during the proceedings. After Mr. DeLeon established a quorum of Class I membership, the meeting began with an organizational update and fiscal report provided by President Goei. Afterwards, President-elect Shane Diller moderated a question and answer session to engage those in attendance. In order to nominate and elect this year’s officers, Immediate Past President Janes presented the report of the 2020 Nominations Committee. The report of the committee was made available to the membership the preceding day following the Nominations Committee interviews of all Board candidates.

An election of officers took place and were approved by the Class I voting membership. Thank you to Susan Dowty of the International Code Council for administering the oaths of office for the newly elected officers.

It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome the 2020-21 CALBO Board of Directors. Thank you for your commitment to service and leadership. Looking look forward to another productive year!

Mr. Shane Diller of Elk Grove, President
Mr. David Gonzalves of Loma Linda, First Vice President
Mr. Brad Wungluck of Manteca, Second Vice President
Ms. Sharon Goei of Milpitas, Immediate Past President
Mr. Mike Brinkman of Newman, Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Victor Cuevas of Los Angeles, Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Jesse De Anda of Beverly Hills, Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Bryan Spain of Solvang, Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Andrew Stuffler of Santa Barbara, Member of the Board of Directors
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Announcing New CALBO Policy Committee Appointments
Thank you for your dedication!

Last week, notifications were emailed to new appointees of CALBO’s eleven policy committees. Thank you to all new and returning committee members for your contributions!

The work of the CALBO Policy Committees is the lifeblood of our organization allowing members to engage with one another and other stakeholders to strengthen our associations’s work. All CALBO Policy Committee appointments are a two-year term. Click the links below for full list of CALBO Policy Committee members. 

Access Committee
Alternative Housing Committee 
Building & Fire Advisory Committee
CALBO Training Institute
Emergency Preparedness Committee
Energy Commission Advisory Committee
Legislative Committee
Outreach & Communications Committee
State Code Committee
State Licensing Boards Committee
Structural Safety Committee

If you have any questions regarding
CALBO Policy Committees, please contact the CALBO Office

Article

CALBO Annual Conference – Register Now

We heard that Carlsbad was nice in October, so we’ve made the FINAL move of our annual conference. As they say, third time’s a charm. With that, CALBO will be bringing our profession together in an effort for a face-to-face meeting in Carlsbad from October 4-7, 2020. Click here for a summary of the changes in a Q&A format. 

Date
Sunday, October 4 - Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Where
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
7100 Aviara Resort Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-448-1234

Visit the CALBO Annual Conference page for more information on Registration, Schedule of Events, Golf Tournament, and much more! 

For any questions regarding this event, please contact the CALBO Office.

*IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you are registered for the Carlsbad Annual Conference in July, there is no need to take action. CALBO has transferred your registration to the new October dates and have emailed you a new confirmation to you. If you have any questions, please contact CALBO and we will assist with your request. 

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A Special Message from Your 2020-21 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

We are living history as it is being made. What we are experiencing now in the time of COVID-19 is unlike anything we, as building safety professionals or CALBO as an organization, have been through. From the initial fears brought on by a disease we still do not fully understand, to the unprecedented government response that we all play a role in, the work we are doing today is unlike anything done by those that came before us. Yes, we have had to adjust our lives and workplaces, but we push on. Bright spots and silver linings do exist. These times bring an opportunity to embrace positive innovations and CALBO will make the most of those silver linings as we did when holding our first virtual Annual Business Meeting in April. 

I cannot say what the next few months hold, but I can tell you that CALBO is here working for you, and supporting you, in confronting the insecurity that stems from the safety concerns we all hold, the fiscal deficits our agencies face, and the uncertainty about what is to come. CALBO will continue to push forward, continue to adapt where necessary, and continue to provide its members the backing we all need right now. Whether it is our advocacy efforts at state agencies and in the State Capitol; providing the training our teams need both to be efficient in their work and to keep certifications in place; or keeping building officials across California and the world connected to each other, CALBO will keep working hard to be there for you. 

Through digital efforts like the CALBO Listserve and the virtual realm of teleconferencing we have come to know, we at CALBO look forward to continuing to work hard for you and to serve you. Though it was sad, but necessary, to cancel a great opportunity to gather for training, networking, and camaraderie that we had planned in Indian Wells, I am confident that we will be able to resume serving you in-person again in the near future. Your CALBO Board and staff are staying engaged on a constant basis to evaluate what modifications may be needed to ensure that we continue to assist members, while balancing the health and safety needs of future event attendees, students, and industry partners. 

I want to close with my sincerest wishes that you, your families, and your co-workers stay healthy and safe. With a little bit of good fortune, I hope to see many of you at our revamped conference in Carlsbad, July 12-15. In the meantime, do not hesitate to reach out to me, your CALBO Board of Directors, or CALBO staff, if we can be of help. 

Sincerely,

Shane G. Diller, M.P.A
Assistant Director, Development Services
City of Elk Grove

Article

A Special Message from Your 2019-20 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

Have you made your travel plans to CALBO’s 58th Annual Business Meeting in Indian Wells?  I hope the answer is yes! Come join us April 5 – 9 in the beautiful Coachella Valley and surrounding desert for an exceptional event where we learn and share with one another, collaborate with industry colleagues, and grow and deepen our friendships.

In this special edition of the CALBO newsletter, you will find all the information about the upcoming ABM. With input from you, the CALBO Board, alongside CALBO members and staff, have been working diligently to develop programming that meets the needs of our diverse community of building professionals. The CALBO ABM is built around four unique days of topical sessions, ranging from general programs to unique workshops and interactive sessions.

The following is a highlight of the 2020 programs:
- Housing outlook and economic forecast by the California Building Industry Association
- Model code organizations presenting current industry endeavors
- FEMA panelists on hazard mitigation and recovery programs
- CALBO legislative advocacy 
- State agency representatives on the new California codes and state laws
- ISO’s Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS)
- 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake findings and lessons
- Building Officials Leadership Academy (BOLA) graduation 
- Workshops covering a changing workforce, emergency housing, seismic functional recovery, WUI and wildfire recovery process, energy storage systems, and your role in the California code development process 

Besides the robust professional development programming, we will also have fun-filled activities. A special thank you to CALBO partners, sponsors, and exhibitors for your support and participation. On Sunday, a prestigious and highly regarded Indian Wells golf course will host our golf tournament. On Tuesday evening, we will celebrate and enjoy the camaraderie at our ABM fellowship event. Throughout the week, exhibitors will showcase innovative products and services. Please be sure to visit them and network with your colleagues and community. 

If you are looking to experience a music festival in the desert, you will get to do that on Wednesday evening. Join us at the President’s Dinner for a night of great food, music, and company to celebrate CALBO and have fun!     

My term is sure flying by. It has truly been an honor to serve as CALBO President this year. I am grateful to my fellow CALBO Board members and CALBO Committee members and want to extend my gratitude to you for your tremendous work, insight, and steadfast commitment to our industry and profession. I also want to express appreciation to CALBO staff – you are an incredible team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. I would also like to thank all of you – the CALBO membership and industry colleagues – for your unwavering support and collaboration with CALBO. Together, we are accomplishing so much, and there is so much yet to do.

I, along with the CALBO Board, look forward to seeing you in Indian Wells in April. Let’s celebrate our success and look ahead to work together to advance our profession now and into the future!  

Sincerely,

Sharon Goei, P.E., C.B.O
Director of Building and Housing
City of Milpitas

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CALBO’s 58th Annual Business Meeting – Thank You Exhibitors for Your Upcoming Participation!

4LEAF, Inc.
Accela
Avolve Software
Bureau Veritas North America
California Energy Commission
Camino
California Council for Interior Design Certification
CentralSquare Technologies
CityGovApp, Inc.
CityView, a div of Harris Computer Systems
Coastland Civil Engineering
Computronix
CSG Consultants, Inc.
e-PlanSoft
EdgeSoft
Energy Code Ace
EsGil – A SAFEbuilt Company
Floodproofing.com
Hoover Treated Wood Products
IAPMO
International Code Council
Interwest Consulting Group
ISO
J Lee Engineering, Inc.
JAS Pacific
Optimum Seismic
SAFEbuilt, LLC.
Selectron Technologies
Shums Coda Associates
Simpson Strong-Tie
TRB + Associates, Inc. 
Tyler Technologies
VCA Code
West Coast Code Consultants, Inc.
Willdan

Would like to see your name on this list? Visit the CALBO Sponsor and Exhibitor Program webpage, to register today! 

Article

CALBO Annual Business Meeting – Register Now

CALBO is excited to host its 58th Annual Business Meeting from Sunday, April 5 – Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. An array of programs, events and trainings will be offered for the professional development of our members. Looking forward to meeting and playing under the desert sun while gathering together for the strength and development of our association. We hope to see you there!  

Date
Sunday, April 5 – Thursday, April 9

Where
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
44-600 Indian Wells Ln
Indian Wells, CA 92210 
760-341-1000

Visit the Annual Business Meeting page for more information on Registration, Schedule of Events, Golf Tournament, and much more! 

For any questions regarding this event, please contact the CALBO Office

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2020 CTI Independent Offerings – Winter and Spring Schedule Available

With the start of the new year, the CALBO Training Institute is offering many new opportunities in both Northern and Southern California with much flexibility through the following independent offerings. These newly updated courses are not only technically insightful and proficient, but each are developed by our expert instructors who provide real-life experiences that are encountered on a daily basis in the building-safety. Don’t wait for the 2020 Education Weeks for your training opportunities. Register today for these trainings throughout California on CALBO’s Training page. 

If you are interested in hosting a CTI training at your jurisdiction, please contact the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103. Collaborative opportunities are available!

Review Schedule and Register Now!

For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103. 

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Helpful Links from the Emergency Preparedness Committee
Post Wildfire Flooding Risks Resource

With the rainy weather on the way, and the devastating wildfire season behind us, the Emergency Preparedness Committee would like to remind local committees some of the ongoing complications post wildfires. Wildfires can drastically change the terrain and make the ground less able to absorb water. Even areas that don’t usually flood are now at risk for flash flooding and mudflows for several years after a wildfire. 

If you live in and around areas that were impacted by wildfires, please use the link found below to raise awareness about the risk of flooding after wildfires. 

Post Wildfire Flooding Risk Resource
Tips to Prepare for a Flood

The Emergency Preparedness Committee would also like to thank FEMA for posting and bringing awareness to post-wildfire flooding risk. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the information provided above, please contact an Emergency Preparedness Committee member or the CALBO Office

Article Written By: Christopher Landreth, Supervising Building/Fire Inspector - City of TracyInnovative Practices Committee

Electronic Plan Check Implementation

Introduction

Building Departments are constantly striving to streamline processes while continuing to meet the needs of our customers. As we move farther into the 21stcentury it has become clear that increased use of technology is the means to meet those demands. CALBO’s Innovative Practices Committee has previously identified the 10 essential technologies that every building department should invest in, one of which is electronic plan check (EPC). 

By establishing an EPC program your department can reduce processing time, reduce turn-around time between reviews, reduce on-site paper storage as well as increase plan reviewer efficiency. In today’s business climate we are all trying to do more with less, so every little efficiency that can be gained goes a long way.

As a city that has just recently gone through this process, I want to share our experiences of what worked well and what did not, to help departments that are looking to make this transition. I do not want to give the impression that the way we did it is the be all end all to how it should be done, but this can hopefully provide some insight into what needs to be discussed and planned for to assist you with a smooth transition.

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2020-2021 CALBO Education Weeks: Save these Dates
Registration Available Spring 2020

CTI strives to be your primary source of training by offering topical, current, and relevant educational opportunities throughout the entire Golden State. The 2020-2021 Education Weeks will be here soon! Mark these following dates in your calendar and we hope to see you at an upcoming Education Week.

CALBO Education Week: Ontario
Monday, October 19 – Thursday, October 22, 2020
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport
222 North Vineyard Avenue | Ontario, CA | 91764

CALBO Education Week: Newport Beach
Monday, December 14 – Thursday, December 17, 2020
Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
900 Newport Center Drive | Newport Beach, CA | 92660

CALBO Education Week: San Ramon
Monday, January 25 – Thursday, January 28, 2020
San Ramon Marriott
2600 Bishop Drive | San Ramon, CA | 94583

Registration will become available in early Spring. 

For any questions regarding the information provided above, please contact the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103. 

Article

CALBO Annual Business Meeting – Registration Now Available

CALBO is excited to host its 58th Annual Business Meeting from Sunday, April 5 – Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. An array of programs, events and trainings will be offered for the professional development of our members. Looking forward to meeting and playing under the desert sun while gathering together for the strength and development of our association. We hope to see you there!  

Date
Sunday, April 5 – Thursday, April 9

Where
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa
44-600 Indian Wells Ln
Indian Wells, CA 92210 
760-341-1000

Visit the Annual Business Meeting page for more information on Registration, Schedule of Events, Golf Tournament, and much more! 

For any questions regarding this event, please contact the CALBO Office

Article

Upcoming CALBO’s Leadership & Advocacy Day – Registration Available Soon!

- Save the Date - 
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Sacramento, California

Make your voice heard! CALBO’s Annual Leadership and Advocacy Day is an opportunity for Class I Members to take part in the legislative process and have their voice heard. 

Join CALBO’s Legislative Committee in Sacramento at the State Capitol to meet with your legislators and discuss current legislation impacting building departments. Participants will be briefed on the legislation and learn about the legislative process before attending pre-scheduled meeting with legislators. 

Last year, through consistent advocacy, CALBO members stopped harmful legislation that would have negatively impacted building departments. Be a part of the effort to ensure legislators understand the important duties building department staff carry out on a daily basic and work you do to keep the public safe. 

For any questions about this upcoming event, please contact the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103. 

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CALBO’s 58th ABM Exhibitor and Sponsor Program – Spots are Filling Up Fast!

Register now to showcase your company as an exhibitor and provide support as a sponsor at CALBO’s 58th Annual Business Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. 

Over 300 building department personnel and industry representatives statewide are expected to attend providing an unparalleled opportunity for industry representatives to show their support for the industry and share their innovative products and services with the leaders of California building departments. 

These opportunities are first-come, first-served so don’t wait!

You won’t go unnoticed as an Exhibitor!

- Showcase innovative products and services with building departments leaders and personnel throughout the week.
- Spend one-on-one time with attendees during the ABM “strolling” lunch on Tuesday, April 7th in the exhibit hall.
- Receive a list of ABM registrants and their contact information following the conference. 
- Gain recognition in ABM conference signage and CALBO News. 

You won’t go unnoticed as a Sponsor!

- ABM Printed Program Sponsorship – Have your company logo and information at the fingertips of all attendees.
- Attendee Bag Insert Sponsorship – Provide souvenirs for ABM attendees, including resourceful tools and other giveaways!
- Attendee Breakfast Sponsorship – Help ABM attendees start the day on the right foot with a delicious breakfast and coffee!
- President’s Dinner – Help make the night unforgettable with your sponsorship.

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2020

Visit the CALBO Exhibitor and Sponsor Program page on the CALBO website to register today! 

For any questions or concerns, please contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103. 

Article

New CALBO Access Committee Resource!

Your CALBO Access Committee is hard at work once again! Now available is a new resource drafted by the committee – 2019 CBC Original Cycle - CALBO Analysis of Accessibility Changes

To find more Accessibility Tools and Resources, please visit the A to Z Topics of Interest section on the CALBO website.

For any questions regarding this handout or any access related information, please don’t hesitate to contact an Access Committee Member

Article

A Special Message from Your 2019-20 CALBO President

Dear CALBO Friends and Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe that we are preparing for the holidays already. With three Education Weeks, the League of California Cities Annual Conference, and the ICC Annual Conference behind us, CALBO is setting sights on the last event of the year – CALBO Education Week: Burlingame. Registration is closing today, December 3, 2019. Please visit the CALBO Education Week Registration page to register those last minute registrants. The CALBO Board has been busy planning for the 58th Annual Business Meeting that will be held in Indian Wells from Sunday, April 5 through Thursday, April 9, 2020. Registration is currently available. For more information regarding the Annual Business Meeting, please visit the Annual Business Meeting page on the CALBO website. 

As we approach the holiday season – from our CALBO family to yours, we wish you and your loved ones the very best.

Sincerely,

Sharon Goei, P.E., C.B.O
Director of Building and Housing
City of Milpitas

Article

CALBO & ICC Partner for Local Government Leadership

LONG BEACH – CALBO was proud to partner with the International Code Council (ICC) at the League of California Cities annual conference and expo, showcasing a theme of seismic resiliency and local government leadership. CALBO’s Executive Board and Staff joined ICC Government Relations team-members Susan Dowty and Chris Ochoa for the two-day conference held in Long Beach.  

League attendees stopped by our booth and had the opportunity to browse the new California codes, in addition to sending personal notes to their building departments and pinning their jurisdiction on a California map. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (pictured) even visited for a bit discussing his involvement with a new regional transit project.

CALBO has been an exhibitor for nearly 20 years at the League of California Cities in an effort to build connectivity with senior city administration and municipal decision makers. Partnering with ICC bolstered our role and provided both organizations with an opportunity to talk about code development, public safety, innovation, technology and leadership in building departments. Additionally; both organizations were able to highlight our efforts to boost seismic resiliency efforts at local, state and international levels.

CALBO looks forward to partnering with ICC again for the 2020 League of California Cities annual conference and expo, to be held again in Long Beach October 7-8, 2020. 

For any questions regarding the information provided above, please contact the CALBO Office

Article Will Crew, C.B.O., Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., CALBO Innovative Practices Committee MemberShane Diller, M.P.A., City of Elk Grove, CALBO First Vice President

Production Housing and the New Code: When to Require Plan Updates

Implementation of the 2019 edition of the California Building Codes (CBC) are upon us.  Building departments across California seem to have differing opinions of when production model plans need to be updated for the new code edition.  

It is important to begin with what the law says about the effective date of the new codes. The California Health and Safety Code Section 18938.5 states the following:

“18938.5. (a) Only those building standards approved by the commission, and that are effective at the local level at the time an application for a building permitis submitted, shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that building permit.”

So, what constitutes an “application for a building permit”? Some building departments believe that an application for production home plans for plan review is an application for a building permit.  Therefore, the building code edition for all homes in the subdivision is locked in or vested at the time of this application. For example, if a production home plan was approved on 2018 or 2019, then all homes for this plan can be construction under the 2016 California Codes indefinitely until the subdivision is built out.  

E-mail blast

CALBO Education Week: Burlingame
Lunch and Learn with Energy Code Ace

FREE for ALL CALBO Education Week: Burlingame Attendees.
Limited seating – first-come, first served for this special opportunity!

You’re invited to attend “Lunch and Learn,” a special lunch presentation on “Q&Ace: How to Ace Energy Code Questions.” Join us to learn how-to quickly and effectively respond to your customers’ top six most commonly asked energy code questions using Energy Code Acetools and resources. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to best prioritize time based on the requests that may yield the most energy savings.

You’ve gained code knowledge in the classroom – now learn what freetools, training, and resources are available for you and your building department! All aimed to help decrease the amount of time currently spent explaining energy code requirements and forms to customers, reviewing plans and forms, and performing inspections.