Articles, Newsletters & Misc.

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Last Chance to Showcase Your Products and Services!

Have you secured your booth to join us in desert? With only 3 booth left, don’t miss the chance to showcase your latest innovative products and services to the leaders of California building departments.  

You won’t go unnoticed as an Exhibitor!

 - Engage face-to-face with seasoned building department personnel. 
- Showcase innovative products and services with building department leaders and personnel throughout the week. 
- Spend one-on-one time with attendees during the ABM “strolling” lunch on Tuesday, April 23 in the exhibit hall.
- Free advertising for your company, with mentions in the publications. 

You won’t go unnoticed as a Sponsor!

- Morning Refreshments – There might not be bacon to enjoy, but the coffee will be plentiful! Attendees will be grateful for a refreshment in the morning. 
- Afternoon Refreshments – Everyone will need a mid-day snack as they enjoy the topical & informative programming we have to offer. Help us make it happen. 
- Attendee Water Bottle – Keep the attendees well hydrated by providing water bottles for everyone to enjoy at ABM and even back at the office! 
- Attendee Bag Insert – Provide souvenirs for ABM Attendees, including resourceful tools and other give-a-ways. 
- And, many more options!

Exhibitor Registration Closes Wednesday, April 11th:
Click Here for More Information!

For any questions or concerns, please contact the CALBO Office at info@calbo.org or 916-457-1103. 

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Celebrating Collaboration: CALBO’s 62nd Annual Gathering in Indian Wells

Dear Friends of CALBO, 

We can’t wait to see you in Indian Wells!  It’s hard to beat the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley and its surrounding topography in April and we look forward to you joining us there for CALBO’s 62nd Annual Business Meeting.  

In the articles that follow, you’ll discover CALBO’s yearlong dedication to our profession in putting this program together.  Many individuals have been hard at work and we invite you to be a part of this immersive experience, joining your colleagues as we come together to learn, share, and celebrate our collective experiences over the preceding year. 

Our commitment to providing diverse programming options is evident in the thoughtfully crafted agenda.  From general sessions designed for all building department professionals to interactive workshops, we take pride in showcasing a variety of topics tailored to meet the needs of our community while connecting with your peers in building safety. 

There’s always time to network, and this year’s ABM will include plenty of opportunities for social engagement. We’re very excited to showcase our home at the exceptional Indian Wells golf resort, including the famed the Celebrity Course that will host our annual golf tournament on Sunday afternoon.  Don’t miss the chance to explore CALBO’s Partner Hospitality Row on Tuesday, where various partners have curated unique spaces for your enjoyment. And on Wednesday, join us for a fun-filled Fellowship Dinner on the Greens – a light-hearted evening under the picturesque evening desert sky. 

Besides the Annual Business Meeting there are other important events that you should definitely not miss. First, of course is the upcoming Building Safety Month in May. As part of furthering our profession and that of Building Safety Professional, CALBO will host a week of opportunities including leadership training and professional development in Sacramento. Please check the CALBO website for more details including a new event, Building Leaders in Our Profession on May 16, 2024. If you are looking to earn CEUs, elevate your leadership abilities, and connect with fellow building safety professionals, do not miss this event that is sure to sell out. We will also be hosting our annual Leadership and Advocacy Day at the capitol on May 15th where you will have the opportunity to assist our members in impacting legislation that will impact how you do your jobs.  Lastly, in Sacramento that week, Building Officials Leadership Academy (BOLA) will commence from May 13-17, 2024, welcoming twenty new students. We applaud this group of future building safety leaders embarking on this pivotal journey of personal and professional growth. 

Whether you’re planning to join us next month in Indian Wells, or joining us in Sacramento in May, I hope you are looking forward in the many professional development opportunities ahead. We will see you on the road soon! 

Best regards,
Brad Wungluck, CBO
CALBO President 

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Elevate Your Skills with these NEW Opportunities
Save these Dates

Seize the chance to enhance your professional development journey with these spring and summer options. No matter your goals, we have in person and virtual options tailored just for you. Take the next step in your career growth with these enriching opportunities!

CALBO has made it even EASIER to plan your year. Make sure to catch what’s next – bookmark the CALBO Calendar for a quick summary of all upcoming events. 

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Can’t wait for the Education Weeks?
Don't miss these full-day course opportunities.

Need a full-day of CEU-approved training before Education Weeks? CALBO is heading to Indian Wells and hosting one full-day of training in conjunction with CALBO’s 62nd Annual Business Meeting

Thursday, April 25, 2024
9:00am – 4:30pm
CALBO ABM Venue: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa

How to Register?
Step 1: Register for Attendance - Click Here
Step 2: Click “Thursday Day Pass”.
Step 3: Select one course.
Step 4: Click “Submit and Go to Payment”.

- Course Option 1: Need an update on current State Laws?

State Laws Enforced by Building Departments for 2023-2024
ICC PP Course No. 40338 (0.6 CEUs)

- Course Option 2: Need to refocus on your leadership skills?

Essential Skills for Rising Leaders
ICC PP Course No. 21620 (0.6 CEUs)

- Course Option 3: Need to renew a SAP Evaluator or Coordinator card? New to the CalOES Evaluator and Coordinator Program?

Safety Assessment Program: Evaluator and Coordinator Training
ICC PP Course No. 32004 (0.6 CEUs) – In-Person
AIA Course No. 20: 2022 (6 LU | HSWs)

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Congratulations, Permit Technician Academy Students!

CALBO Training Institute is honored to announce that all of the twenty-two Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy students have completed their core Academy curriculum and are now finishing their electives – the remainder of the Academy requirements.

Although these students will not complete their Academy requirements until the late spring or summer, they will be honored at the upcoming Annual Business Meeting in Indian Wells. Please join us at the Academy Graduation Luncheon on Thursday, April 25, 2024 to honor these students of the newest CALBO Academy.

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Congratulations, BOLA Graduates!

CALBO Training Institute is honored to announce the upcoming graduates of the Building Officials Leadership Academy. The BOLA Class of 2023-2024 will be honored at the upcoming Annual Business Meeting (ABM) in Indian Wells.

Please join us at the CALBO’s ABM Academy Graduation Luncheon on Thursday, April 25, 2024 to welcome these new additions to the BOLA alumni network that continues to grow each year.

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Upcoming Live Spring and Summer Webinars
Registration Open

Looking for a quick update or eager to enhance your skills for better job performance? Explore the latest webinar opportunities, each tailored to provide specialized knowledge within a 2-hour live, online session. Plus, earn CEUs for certifications!

More webinars announced soon for Summer and Fall 2024!

Online 2-Hour Live Webinars – Click a Title for Details and Registration

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Building Officials Leadership Academy

California Building Officials Training Institute will hold the 2024-25 Building Officials Leadership Academy (BOLA) from May 13-17, 2024 in Sacramento.

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 completes all BOLA requirements, he or she will be recognized and honored at the CALBO Annual Business Meeting.

The Academy is at capacity.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for next year’s Academy,
please email the CALBO Office.

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CALBO Annual Golf Classic Tournament Sponsored by 4LEAF, Inc.!
Sold Out - Please contact the CALBO Office for the waiting list

For many, a trip to the desert is synonymous with a round of 18. CALBO has secured our tournament onsite at the Celebrity Course of the famed Indian Wells Golf Resort. Ranked by Gold Pass as one of the top courses in California, you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy a day on the green with your CALBO friends. Special thanks to 4LEAF, Inc. for again sponsoring our annual golf outing. 

Date
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Tee Time: 1pm Shotgun Start

Location
Indian Wells – Celebrity Course
44500 Indian Wells Ln
Indian Wells, CA 92210

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CALBO’s 62nd Annual Business Meeting
Registration Opens January 2024

CALBO is heading back to the desert for its 62nd Annual Business Meeting (ABM). We hope you will join us for our annual membership gathering for a week of networking, education, and professional development opportunities. Numerous workshops and seminars will be held throughout the program’s four days.

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
44400 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210

Save the Date: April 21-25, 2024

Registration and Program Details: Available January 2024

        For questions about the Annual Business Meeting, please contact the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103.

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2024-2025 CALBO Media Packet
Now Available

The new 2024-2025 CALBO Media Packet is now available. This packet has all your CALBO marketing needs for the membership year. Take advantage of this all-in-one resource!

2024-2005 Media Packet includes:
 - Annual CALBO Partner Program Registration – Gold, Silver and Bronze Levels
 - CALBO ABM Exhibitor Highlight
 - CALBO Education Week Highlight
 - Advertising specifics for the CALBO News

CALBO looks forward to another great year with our partners, sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers!

*Important Update: At this time, Gold and Bronze Partner Program is sold out. Please contact the CALBO Office for more information, or to be added to the waiting list. 

Click here for the Media Packet

If you have any questions about CALBO Media Packet,
please contact the CALBO Office

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2023 CALBO Education Weeks Recap
Another Great Annual Gathering with Hybrid Attedance!

The building-safety community recently came together both virtually and in person to partake in the Education Weeks during the fall of 2023. These gatherings featured a comprehensive selection of eighteen new or updated courses, led by seasoned instructors. These courses delved into a range of technical skills and code updates, providing well-rounded training that CALBO prides itself in delivering each year. 

This edition of the Education Weeks introduced two new venues, Burlingame in the North and Costa Mesa in the South. These locations not only offered expansive learning spaces for attendees but also provided industry partners with additional open areas to showcase their products and services. With a record-breaking attendance of over 6,500 attendees between the two hybrid events, we express our gratitude to everyone who participated. We hope the courses you attended provided valuable insights.

What’s next for CALBO training?

CTI is planning winter webinars, covering the latest in accessibility, specialized permit technician topics, and mid-cycle code changes. The fall 2024 Education Week registration will launch in spring 2024. Stay tuned for upcoming details and dates. 

Thank you, instructors, course developers, and facilitators!

Thank you to the following instructors and course developers who taught in the classroom and facilitators who assisted the online students. A special thank you to the CALBO Training Institute (CTI) for planning the courses and overseeing the curriculum.

Greg Anderson, CAL FIRE

Paul Armstrong, TRB + Associates, Inc.

Steve Arnold, City of Vallejo

Mitch Baker, California Department of Housing and Community Development

Karyn Beebe, International Code Council

Ron Beehler, BPR Consulting Group

Mark Berg, BPR Consulting Group

Frank Bigelow, CAL FIRE

Mike Brinkman, CSG Consultants, Inc.

Amie Brousseau, California Energy Commission

Frank Bush, City of Los Angeles (Retired)

John Caprarelli, City of Santa Clarita

Chris Castanchoa, City of Richmond

Marc Crandall, City of Tulare

Jesse De Anda, City of Thousand Oaks

Aleeta Deene, APA

Brian Frenger, CSG Consultants, Inc.

Tyler Galli, California Department of Housing and Community Development

Johnny Goetz, Willdan Engineering

Pete Goodrich, Willdan Engineering

Ara Haghnazarian, City of Los Angeles

Joanna Haros, City of Scotts Valley

Aaron Hodson, City of Garden Grove

Doug Hughes, Town of Windsor

Sandra Hyde, International Code Council

Mostafa Kashe, County of Los Angeles

Kyle Krause, California Department of Housing and Community Development

Andrew Krogh, City of Murrieta

Ian Livingston, City of Pismo Beach

David MacLean, Tartan Education

Michael McLaughlin, California Department of Housing and Community Development

Mark Meyers, BPR Consulting Group

Corrina Miranda, County of Mariposa

Sue Moe, Access Compliance Consulting

John Morgan, CAL FIRE

Raj Patel, JAS Pacific

Armando Pulido, City of Los Angeles

Javier Ramirez, City of Hesperia

Jose Daniel Reiff, City of Glendale

Sara Retmier, City of Beaumont

Ara Sargsyan, City of Glendale

Celine Sarkisloo, City of Glendale

Tyler Smith, JAS Pacific

Andrew Stuffler, CSG Consultants, Inc.

Ron Takiguchi, City of Pasadena (Retired)

George Thomas, County of Santa Cruz

Brad Wungluck, City of Manteca

For any questions regarding CALBO trainings, please contact the CALBO Office or 916-457-1103. Don’t forget to bookmark the CALBO Calendar which is updated monthly!

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A Special Message from Your 2023-24 CALBO President

Greetings CALBO Community, 

As we bid farewell to another eventful year, it is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the many accomplishments shared recently within our community.  Your resilience, dedication, and commitment to excellence within our profession have truly made this a standout year for your organization – CALBO. 

To the many of you who attended our Education Weeks; thank you.  Our training events were again highly successful, offering members excellent opportunities for professional growth.  Between the North and the South, we welcomed nearly 6,500 students at the 2023 Education Weeks.  We trust that each of you found valuable insights in your courses which enhanced your professional expertise.  Another sincere thank you goes out to the CALBO Training Institute Commission (CTI), instructors, course developers, facilitators, and moderators for dedicating their time and expertise in making these events a success.  We further extend our gratitude to our CALBO Partners, sponsors, and exhibitors for their support and participation in CALBO.  Your commitment to our profession is greatly appreciated. 

In line with our training successes, in October CTI launched the Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy, marking a significant step in unlocking leadership potential and reshaping the future of permit technicians.  Twenty-three promising individuals from across the state participated in the Academy.  Going forward, these talented individuals will enhance their professional development through a series of webinars, refining their skills to meet the evolving demands of their roles.  I invite you to join me in looking forward to their ongoing growth and success as the complete the rigorous work of the Academy.  These individuals embody the future of our profession, and their commitment speaks to the strength of CALBO. 

Our organization continues to serve as the voice for our members in Sacramento, while increasing the value of your CALBO membership by providing legislative resources to your jurisdiction.  As you will see in the Capitol Corner Update, CALBO has had a strong year advocating for local government at the State Capitol, while continuing to expand the number of resources available to track proposed legislative changes.  I thank CALBO’s Legislative Team for their steadfast efforts.  You did not miss a beat.  

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled by the prospect of reconnecting with all of you at upcoming the 62nd Annual Business Meeting, set to take place at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells from April 22 – 25, 2024.  The Board recently concluded our final planning session and is now adding the final touches to an engaging program.  Registration details for this event will be released in early 2024 and you will not be disappointed.  

The coming year will bring numerous initiatives, events, and opportunities for professional growth.  From educational offerings and legislative endeavors to community outreach, CALBO is set to lead the way, and your active participation will be the driving force behind our collective success.  Keep a look out for these opportunities – some familiar, and several new.  

As we prepare for the holidays, I am again humbled by your dedication to building safety, your communities, and CALBO.  In the new year, I have no doubt that our members will continue ­­­­to inspire and, together, we will make 2024 a memorable year.  

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and I will look forward to seeing you in the prosperous new year.  

Sincerely, 
Brad Wungluck
Deputy Director, Development Services Department
City of Manteca

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Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy
Launched in Fall 2023!

Fostering a culture of leadership and professional development should be a top priority for every building department. Such opportunities are especially important for counter technicians, as they play a critical role as liaisons between the public and building safety services, supporting various staff members and acting as the central hub of department operations.

Launched in October 2023, the Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy represents the latest leadership academy developed by CALBO. For more than a year, the CALBO Training Institute and a group of committed CALBO member volunteers worked tirelessly to create a set of curriculum that cultivates the technical and interpersonal skills of participants, aiming to strengthen building department operations and the careers of building-safety professionals at the counter.

Academy participants acquire essential insights for their roles at the counter, exploring effective methods to apply their skills in aiding customers and assisting their colleagues. Key topics covered include plan reviewing for permit issuance, code enforcement, zoning considerations, new computer systems, GIS, and strategies to enhance customer engagement – each essential as counter technicians advance in their departments. The curriculum is also crafted to push participants to evaluate their professional journey, addressing long and short-term goals. The academy is intended for active engagement, encouraging shared discussions and coursework to facilitate collaborative learning among instructors and attendees, building networks for ongoing support.

With a diverse cohort of twenty-three participants from throughout California, the first-ever Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy will be recognized at the upcoming Annual Business Meeting in Indian Wells on Thursday, April 25, 2024. For those who wish to go beyond the drive to pass an examination or maintain certification, consider joining the waitlist to receive updates about next year’s academy.

A special thank you to the CALBO Training Institute Commissioners, Ciara Barnett, County of Los Angeles, Jesse De Anda, City of Thousand Oaks, and Carla Campos, City of Roseville for their curriculum development and contributions.

Congratulations to the following academy participants for taking the next step in their building-safety careers:

  • Rebecca Apresa, City of Bakersfield
  • Michelle Carney, County of Tuolumne
  • Brenda Clemens, City of Thousand Oaks
  • Orshi Corpos, City of Palo Alto
  • Lisa Crosswhite, City of Roseville
  • Traci DiPinto, City of Davis
  • Nichole Houstone, County of Marin
  • Krystal Hwang, JAS Pacific
  • Gloria Jauregui, City of Indio
  • Erica Levy, City of Jurupa Valley
  • Richard Lopez, City of Beaumont
  • Zoila Luna, City of Corona
  • Janet Nunez-Aguilar, City of East Palo Alto
  • Sally Phompong, Cardinal Code Solutions
  • Janice Poirier, County of El Dorado
  • Gina Ruiz, City of Carlsbad, Fire Department
  • Tara Rustenhoven, City of Willows
  • Shelly Tavitian, City of Pasadena
  • Angie Teanio, City of Carlsbad
  • Janette Vasquez, City of Riverbank
  • Ivette Velasco, City of Beverly Hills
  • Violetta Verduzco, City of Santa Ana
  • Esmeralda Villalobos, City of Manteca

What to Learn More? Join the Wait List for next year’s Academy!

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Thank you to the following companies, agencies & organizations for their participation in the 2023 CALBO Education Weeks Exhibitor & Sponsorship Program!

Let’s give a hearty round of applause to the companies, organizations and state agencies that joined us during the 2023 Education Weeks. We express our gratitude to each of them for their ongoing support of our industry and organization. An extended thank you goes to our CALBO Partners for their steadfast commitment to promoting the very best of our profession. 

4LEAF, Inc., Gold Sponsor
Airex Manufacturing
BPR Consulting Group
Bureau Veritas North America, Silver Sponsor
California Energy Commission
City of Long Beach
Civic Review
Clariti, Silver Sponsor
ClarkDietrich
CSG Consultants, Inc., Gold Sponsor

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

Simpson Strong-Tie, Bronze Sponsor
Symbium
TRB + Associates, Inc., Bronze Sponsor
True North Compliance Services, Inc.
UpAvanti, Inc.
VCA Code, Silver Sponsor 
Wall and Ceiling Bureau (WCB), Bronze Sponsor
Western Wood Preservers Institute
Willdan Engineering, Gold Sponsor

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CALBO Legislative Webinar – Join us in November
Fall 2023

With the end of the first year of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, several bills will become law in 2024, which will impact your building department.  In this webinar, CALBO’s legislative team updates our membership on the new laws impacting building departments and how to work within the realms of the law to provide the best service to your communities.

The goal of this webinar provides guidance on how to comply with new California laws, what funding programs are offered to help with new legislative mandates, and to discuss how CALBO works in Sacramento to provide a voice to our membership to elected officials. Given this is the first year of the two-year session, CALBO’s legislative team may update the membership about what bills could come back next year, if time permits during the presentation.

Building officials, building department staff, code professionals, and industry colleagues are encouraged to attend this town hall format to answer questions.

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
1:00 – 2:00pm
Free Online Live Webinar for CALBO Members

Register for this free membership opportunity!
Click Here

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

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Meet our New Education Week Home in Costa Mesa

CALBO Training Institute (CTI) is excited to host its 2023 Southern Education Week with in-person and virtual attendance in Costa Mesa.

2023 Education Week South: Costa Mesa
Monday, October 23 - Thursday, October 26, 2023

Centrally located in-between three major freeways with ample classroom and vendor space, our new southern home is one you don’t want to miss. 

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
3050 Bristol St. | Costa Mesa, CA | 92626

Course Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 12, 2023

Hotel Summary: At this time, the group room block is close. For more information, please visit the CALBO Education Week webpage. 

Parking Summary: All registrants are responsible for their own parking – whether day or overnight. 

*Day Self-Parking Rate: $10.00 per day, per vehicle at the hotel parking garage with a special voucher provided at the event CALBO Help Desk. IMPORTANT: Rate can not be guaranteed without this special voucher.

*Overnight Self-Parking Rate: $18.00 per vehicle, per overnight for those reservations under the CALBO Room Block. IMPORTANT: Rate must be requested if overnights are NOT booked through the CALBO Room Block. Please check with the hotel for the rate prior to arrival.

*Airport Shuttle: Complimentary airport shuttle to/from John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Ready to join us? Visit the CALBO Education Weeks page to get started!

For assistance, please contact the CALBO Office at info@calbo.org or 916-457-1103. 

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Still Looking for a Code Update?
Join us in Costa Mesa in October

We’re nearly ten months into implementing the new 2022 Codes, so here’s your chance to attend one of these up-to-date code courses to continue to stay informed on the latest changes.

2023 CALBO Education Week: Costa Mesa
Dates: Monday, October 23 – Thursday, October 26
Venue: Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 12 at 5:00pm

- 2022 California Building Code: Significant Changes

- 2022 CBC Chapter 11A: Privately-Funded Multi-Family Dwelling Accessibility

- 2022 CBC Chapter 11B Accessibility in Public Buildings, Public Accommodations & Commercial Buildings: History, Use & Updates

- 2022 California Electrical Code: Significant Changes

- 2022 California Energy Code: Residential Submittal Requirements

- 2022 California Mechanical Code: Residential & Commercial Inspection Fundamentals

- 2022 California Plumbing Code: Residential & Commercial Inspection Fundamentals

- 2022 California Residential Code: Significant Changes

- Means of Egress in the 2022 California Building Code

Ready to register? Visit the CALBO Education Week Registration Page for more information, including a full listing of all courses.

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

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Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy
Join the Waitlist for 2024!

The Permit Technician Career Advancement Academy is a new leadership resource developed by CALBO to enhance the professional development of counter technicians to cultivate participants’ technical and interpersonal skills, aiming to strengthen building department operations and the careers of building safety professionals at the counter.

**Dates/Location: Fall 2024 in Northern California with dates and details to be announced in March 2024.

- Go beyond the drive to pass an examination or maintain certification
- Grow to be a team leader
- Improve coordination in the permit process
- Strengthen customer service skills
- Learn best operations from a supervisor’s perspective

Please email Lauren Valdez or call 916-457-1103 to be added to the waitlist for 2024 academy details and registration.