Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

Article

A Special Message from Your 2022-23 CALBO President

Dear Friends of CALBO, 

CALBO is returning to America’s Finest City, San Diego, for CALBO’s 61st Annual Business Meeting. Our home in Mission Bay is a member favorite, with plenty of professional meeting space and beautiful weather helping to make any event a success. We hope that you’ll be able to join us as we come together from March 5-9, 2023.

The CALBO Board has been working rigorously on an array of programs and workshops to assist building-safety leadership develop a post-pandemic work environment, while keeping up with the evolving needs of their communities to ensure the highest safety standards. You will find that the state agencies, at their request, are heavily involved in this year’s programs.  Presentation topics include CALGreen carbon reduction, all-gender restrooms, emergency housing, disaster call-out processes, and fire hazard severity zone maps. Our cafeteria-style workshop topics to improve staff management and day-to-day office operations include managing remote employees, inclusive leadership, accreditation, and succession planning. As part of our ABM tradition, I hope you will take advantage of the Model Codes Organization Luncheon, tributes to previous leaders and the social opportunities to network with your peers.

Remember that Thursday programming will offer three CEU courses for attendees to select from to keep up with the new 2022 codes. Course selections include significant changes to the 2022 California Building Code and 2022 California Residential Code that went into effect on January 1, 2023.  We hope that you will take advantage of these CEU offerings!

There will also be time for a little fun while we’re in San Diego. The highlight of our social program is the President’s Dinner at The Prado at Balboa Park. CALBO is taking over San Diego’s famed Balboa Park for a night of unexpected history in a local gem. It’ll be a night to remember in this picturesque hacienda that sets the scene for inspired Californian fare. We’ll dance the night away with views to the stars with classic tunes and celebrate with the best local grub around – all with a uniquely San Diego theme. A golf tournament will be held again Sunday afternoon and other sponsored events throughout the week that will provide good opportunities to network and enjoy our colleagues and community.

What more can I say other than I hope you’ll join me in San Diego for CALBO’s 61st Annual Business Meeting for an array of programs, events and training for the professional development of our organization.  Looking forward to gathering once again in America’s Finest City!

Sincerely,
David Gonzalves
Building Official
University of California

Post

Building Officials Leadership Academy
Save these Dates and Join the Waitlist

The CALBO Training Institute will hold the 2022-23 Building Officials Leadership Academy (BOLA) from Monday, May 8 - Friday, May 12, 2023 in Costa Mesa.

Seeking to maximize the leadership capabilities of seasoned public safety professionals, in addition to those who seek a future within California’s building departments, BOLA provides executive-level coursework along with networking opportunities among program peers and mentors to allow each participant the opportunity to utilize the program to its full potential.

The BOLA core curriculum consists of five training days. In addition, all BOLA participants are required to complete three elective courses offered at the CALBO Education Weeks. After a participant successfully completes all BOLA requirements, he or she will be recognized and honored at the CALBO Annual Business Meeting.

If you would like to be added to the waitlist for the program, please email lherman@calbo.org.

Post

CALBO Video Resources

Have you enjoyed the commercials being played at one of our hybrid events? Would you like to show your city council, elected officials, colleagues and friends the great work you have been a part of? Please find CALBO-created videos linked below for your use.*

CALBO Pandemic Response – Click Here

I AM CALBO – Click Here

Building and Safety Leadership – Click Here

Building Official Profession – Click Here

Who is CALBO – Click Here

CALBO Partnerships – Click Here

Well Done, CALBO – Click Here

*Please note, these videos are copyrighted by CALBO and are only intended for educational and outreach purposes by our members.

Post

2022 CALBO Education Weeks Recap
Another Great Annual Gathering with Hybrid Attedance!

The building-safety community gathered virtually and in-person for the Annual Education Weeks in fall 2022 for the latest 2022 codes. Eighteen new or newly updated courses were offered with expert instructors from across California covering various technical skills and code updates to provide well-rounded training that CALBO prides itself in delivering each year.

Offering the Education Week North (San Ramon) and South (Ontario) as hybrid training events allowed staff to attend two training opportunities ensuring remote learning from the home or office and flexibility for busy work schedules. This was the first time that the Ontario venue offered both virtual and in-person attendance. CALBO received positive responses for offering two virtual training events so jurisdictions could split their staff’s attendance. For the 2022 Education Weeks, there were nearly 3,000 in-person student days and nearly 5,000 virtual student days – a record for virtual attendance.

Webform

CALBO Award Nominations Application
Application Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5pm

Do you know a fellow CALBO member deserving of recognition? Here’s your chance to make that happen! Nominations are now accepted for six awards presented annually for active and dedicated CALBO members. Awards will be announced at the upcoming 63rd Annual Business Meeting in Hollywood. For a full list of past award winners, please visit the Awards and Hall of Fame page located on the CALBO website. 

Submission Information:

Applications will be accepted by completing the online application provided below. All submissions must include a cover letter, statement of qualifications and optional materials of support, attached as well. 

Submission Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025 at 5pm

Post

2023 CALBO Education Weeks – Coming Soon
Save these Dates

CTI strives to be your primary training source by offering topical, current, and relevant educational opportunities throughout the Golden State. The 2023 Education Weeks will be here soon! Mark the following dates in your calendar, and we will see you there.

CALBO Mini Education Week: Orange County (Costa Mesa) - In-Person attendance
Monday, March 27 - Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
3050 Bristol Street | Costa Mesa, CA | 92626
Registration Closes Soon!

CALBO Education Week: North (Burlingame) - In-Person and Virtual attendance
Monday, August 28 - Thursday, August 31, 2023
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
1333 Bayshore Hwy | Burlingame, CA | 94010
Registration Available Spring 2023

CALBO Education Week: South - In-Person and Virtual attendance
Date and details will be announced soon!

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

E-mail blast

Thank you for attending CALBO’s Education Week – share your feedback!
Thursday Courses - October 13, 2022

On behalf of the CALBO Training Institute (CTI), thank you for attending CALBO’s Education Week’s Thursday, October 13th courses. We hope you enjoyed the offerings. 

To provide our members with quality training programs, we rely on an evaluation process to determine the effectiveness of the material, the instructor and the online platform. We appreciate your assistance. 

Online Evaluation – Click Here

Article

CTI Chairman’s Update
Written By: Chairman Bob Latz

Welcome CALBO Members, Industry Associates, and Friends,

We are about to embark on this year’s fact-filled training experience through the 2022 hybrid Education Weeks in San Ramon and Ontario. The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) Commission is proud to bring, with our Instructors, Course Developers, Subject Matter Experts and Production Team, a year of insight into the 2022 significant code changes and your professional development. CTI is again extending to you the option to attend in person or virtually. We hope you will take advantage of this flexibility in providing our members with the best quality education. When attending in person, please take time to visit with our vendors so they have the opportunity to share their new products and services.

The 2022 Education Weeks will be held September 19 - September 22 in San Ramon and October 10 - October 13 in Ontario. We recently launched the BOLA class of 2022-2023 and look forward to their participation in Education Weeks as well as their graduation at next year’s Annual Business Meeting in San Diego from March 5-9, 2023. CTI wants to recognize their commitment as emerging leaders and encourages you to be part of next year’s program.

Please keep a look out for the CTI 2-hour webinar offerings that are provided year-round. More topics will be added to cover the recent 2022 code updates, including accessibility, electrical, mechanical, egress, energy and much more. These are great supplemental virtual trainings that can be taken at your home or office. Check the CALBO Calendar for new and upcoming webinar topics and dates.

We look forward to seeing all of you as we come together for training and professional development this year!

Sincerely,

Bob Latz, C.B.O.
Regional Manager
CSG Consultants, Inc.

Article

Thank you to the following companies, agencies & organizations for their upcoming participation in the 2022 CALBO Education Weeks: Exhibitor Program!

The CALBO Training Institute will host its Education Weeks throughout the Golden State to provide continuing education for California building departments. Dozens of state agencies, organizations, and companies participate by exhibiting in San Ramon and Ontario. Please make the time to visit the participating exhibitors to learn more about up-to-date innovative products and services.

4LEAF, Inc., Gold Sponsor
Airex Manufacturing
BPR Consulting Group
Bureau Veritas North America, Silver Sponsor
California Energy Commission
Civic Review
Clariti, Silver Sponsor
Coastland | DCCM
CSG Consultants, Inc., Gold Sponsor

Energy Code Ace, Silver Sponsor
Hoover Treated Wood Products
IAPMO
International Code Council, Bronze Sponsor
Interwest, Gold Sponsor
JAS Pacific
Optimum Seismic, Gold Sponsor
Selectron Technogies, Inc.
SG Architectural Specialties
Shums Coda Associates, Bronze Sponsor

Simpson Strong-Tie, Bronze Sponsor
Transtech Engineers
TRB + Associates, Inc., Bronze Sponsor
True North Compliance Services, Inc.
UL Solutions
VCA Code, Silver Sponsor 
Wall and Ceiling Bureau (WCB), Bronze Sponsor
Western Wood Preservers Institute

Post

Thank You 2022 CALBO Education Week Instructors and Course Developers!

The CALBO Education Weeks would not be possible without the support and dedication of the following individuals. CALBO is grateful for their willingness to devote their time and knowledge to help teach others about the ever-changing building-safety industry.

Greg Anderson, CAL FIRE
Mark Berg, BPR Consulting Group
Ron Beehler, BPR Consulting Group
Frank Bigelow, CAL FIRE
Amie Brousseau, California Energy Commission
Frank Bush, City of Los Angeles (Retired)
John Caprarelli, City of Santa Clarita
Dave Castillo, BPR Consulting Group
Jesse De Anda, City of Thousand Oaks
Rick English, English Pool Consulting
Gil Estrada, City of Cathedral City

Brian Frenger, City of Elk Grove
Pete Goodrich, Willdan Engineering
Ara Haghazarian, City of Los Angeles
Steve Hawks, CAL FIRE
Mostafa Kashe, County of Los Angeles
​David MacLean, County of Los Angeles
Armando Pulido, City of Los Angeles
Bill Rodgers, BPR Consulting Group
Andrew Stuffler, City of Santa Barbara (Retired)
Ron Takiguchi, City of Pasadena
George Thomas, County of Santa Cruz

Article

A Special Message from Your 2022-23 CALBO President

Dear Friends of CALBO, 

As the summer comes to an end, I hope you all were able to take a day or two and enjoy what our great state has to offer. Whether that be hiking to new peaks, exploring an unfamiliar city, or even relaxing by a campfire in your own backyard, hoping that you were able to relax and unwind from the normal day-to-day grind. 

Since my last update, your team at CALBO has been hard at work. CALBO has been fighting tough legislation from the capitol, preparing for the busy months head for training, and some much needed organizational changes within committees. More on the committee front, soon. 

The CALBO Legislative Team has had a very successful year this year advocating in Sacramento on behalf of our profession.  Of the 30+ bills the legislative committee took a position on this year, less than 10 bills remain as the legislature is in the final stretch of the two-year legislative session. One of CALBO’s more significant wins was the amending of Senate Bill 897 which would have removed the ability of our building officials to enforce an occupancy change in the local building code for an ADU. However, because of the dozens of letters sent by our membership opposing the measure and requesting amendments to the bill, the bill now allows local enforcement agencies to require an R Occupancy Change under the local building code if there is a substantial risk to public health or safety. This is just one example of our successes this year and it shows how your participation in the legislative process is important to enact change in Sacramento. A huge thank you to all our members who continue to participate when our membership is activated. 

I hope you will join us this fall by taking a class (or four) at the Education Weeks. We are once again bringing in a production team, so you can enjoy your training either in-person or virtually at either location. If you are joining us virtually, we have a subject matter expert awaiting in the chat box, to answer any questions you may have during the course. This will not be a canned experience – I promise. Attending in-person? Be sure to visit our industry partners showcasing their latest innovations and services during one of the 5 breaks offered each day. 

I mentioned our CALBO Education Weeks are right around the corner, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank those who were working to make it happen. Thank you to the California Training Institute Commissioners in creating an excellent line-up of courses with most highlighting the upcoming 2022 code changes. The instructors, subject matter experts and moderators – thank you for dedicating your time in providing excellent training. And a special thank you to our CALBO partners, sponsors and exhibitors for your support and participation at these upcoming events. 

I look forward in seeing you all this Fall. Thank you for continuing to protect our communities and meeting the professional challenges we all face as code officials. 

Sincerely,

David Gonzalves
Campus Building Official
University of California, Merced

Post

Get Ready for the New Building and Residential Code Changes!

CALBO and ICC have collaborated once again to co-publish significant changes for the 2022 California Building and Residential Codes. 

Don’t miss the Education Week courses based on these publications!

- Title: 2022 California Building Code: Significant Changes*
- San Ramon Dates: Monday, September 19 (in-person at capacity) & Wednesday, September 21 (0.6 CEUs)
- Ontario Dates: Monday, October 10 & Wednesday, October 12 (0.6 CEUs)
- Attendance Options: In Person & Virtual

- Title: 2022 California Residential Code: Significant Changes*
- San Ramon Dates: Tuesday, September 20 & Thursday, September 22 (0.6 CEUs)
- Ontario Dates: Tuesday, October 11 & Thursday, October 13 (0.6 CEUs)
- Attendance Options: In Person & Virtual

*IMPORTANT: Each student who attends the 2022 CBC: Significant Changes course will receive an online code to download a digital PDF version of the corresponding publication.

*IMPORTANT: Each student who attends the 2022 CRC: Significant Changes course will receive an online code to download a digital PDF version of the corresponding publication.

Ready to register? Visit the CALBO Education Week page for additional information, including registration. 

For questions about upcoming courses, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.

Post

You’re Registered for the CALBO Education Week. Now What?
Student Resources for YOU!

With a few short weeks away until the 2023 CALBO Education Weeks kicks off - it’s time to start preparing. CALBO has created these handy resources to help you get organized. We can’t wait to “see” you there. 

- Explore the Virtual Education Week Experience - Click Here

​- Explore the In-Person Education Week Experience - Click Here

- Common Virtual Student Questions - Click Here

- Watch the 3 Minute GoToWebinar Training Video - Click Here

For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the CALBO Office or by phone at 916-457-1103. 

Post

Accessibility Topics Created With You in Mind!
Join us for these upcoming trainings

Are you preparing for an exam or renewing your CAB license or CASp certificate? These courses are newly updated to help you understand the most complex California Access Standards.

Are you renewing your architect license with CAB?*
Architects must complete 5 hours of coursework on disability access requirements within the previous two years. Click here for more information.

Are you renewing your CASp certification with DSA?*
CASp renewals must complete 15 continuing education units (CEUs) during each 3 year certification period, including a minimum of 5 CEUs must address regulatory updates to the CBC accessibility provisions. One CEU equals one hour of instructional time. Click here for more information.

Title: 2022 CBC Chapter 11A: Privately-Funded Multi-Family Dwelling Accessibility
- Dates: Monday, September 19 & October 10 from 8:00am – 3:30pm (0.6 CEUs)
- Format: Education Week In-Person and Virtual Attendance

Title: 2022 CBC Chapter 11B Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations and Commercial Buildings
- Dates: Tuesday, September 20 & October 11 from 8:00am – 3:30pm (0.6 CEUs)
- Format: Education Week In-Person and Virtual Attendance

*CALBO is listed as a training provider on the CAB website and DSA website, but it is the architect’s/CASp’s responsibility to determine that a course meets the renewal requirements according to the published criteria and to document and retain records of attendance.

Ready to register? Visit the CALBO Training Page for additional information, including registration. 

For questions about upcoming courses, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.

Post

Courses Created for YOU!
Upcoming Department Courses at Education Weeks

Whether you currently work in a one-person department or have ten colleagues to bounce questions off one another, becoming an expert in your department is vital for building department success. Attend one or more of these courses that will help your department stay up-to-date on the current and upcoming trends in California.

San Ramon: September 19-22, 2022
In-Person and Virtual Attendance
San Ramon Marriott

Ontario: October 10-13, 2022
In-Person and Virtual Attendance
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport

- Understanding Wildfire Risk Reduction for California Communities - 0.6 CEUs (NEW)

- California Accessory Dwelling Units for Today and Tomorrow: What We’ve Seen and What’s to Come - 0.6 CEUs (Updated)

- Code Enforcement Building Blocks for California Building Departments - 0.6 CEUs (NEW)

- Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems: Inspection Fundamentals - 0.6 CEUs (NEW)

Ready to register? Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration Page for more information, including a full listing of all courses. We will see you this fall! 

For questions about upcoming courses, please email the CALBO Office or call 916-457-1103.