• NorCal Seminar and Dinner Meeting 3/17/22

    Date & Location: Thursday, March 17th at Courtyard Sacramento CAL EXPO – 1782 Tribute Road, Sacramento, CA 95815

    Great Seminar from 3:00 – 5:00pm

    GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES: Increase & Secure your Bottom Line!

    Presented by Pete Michelini – CSA 1st Vice President and V.P./General Manager of Sign Designs Inc. in Modesto, CA.
    Pete has a finance background of over 43 years. Originally from Conneaut, Ohio, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, he entered into the banking world for ten years. Pete then worked doing Business Valuations for a number of years and is currently the CFO of Sign Designs Inc. – Put Good Business Practices to work:

    Put Good Business Practices to work
    * Basic overview of Good Accounting Practices
    * In depth look at your decision process and its impact on Cash Flow
    * Changing & Securing your Bottom Line

    Following the seminar, join us for No Host Cocktails 5:00 – 6:00pm

    Then, stay for Dinner & Presentation about Insurance!
    Lisa Moreno and Kylee Henderson with HUB International Present: Covid Has Changed The Market.
    Throughout the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged insurers to better understand customer needs and preferences.
    The hard market in insurance will pose financial challenges to many in the construction industry. But it can also be an opportunity to get your house in order so that your
    business can get through this period – maybe better off than before.

  • SoCal Seminar and Dinner Meeting 3/10/22

    DSC02333Date & Location: Thursday, March 10th at Green Dragon Tavern & Museum – 6115 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011

    Great Seminar from 3:30 – 5:30pm

    GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICES: Increase & Secure your Bottom Line!

    Presented by Pete Michelini
    Put Good Business Practices to work, with:
    * Basic overview of Good Accounting Practices
    * In depth look at your decision process and its impact on Cash Flow
    * Changing & Securing your Bottom Line

    Following the seminar, join us for No Host Cocktails 5:30 – 6:30pm

    Then, stay for Dinner & Invaluable Networking!

    Join the Revolution at the Green Dragon!

    No better place to Network with the Sign Industry movers and shakers than the Green Dragon Tavern & Museum as America is brought to life!
    A replica of North End Boston’s historic Green Dragon Tavern, attendees will learn about the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras. Sip on some-thing cold to drink, then it’s time to experience some fabulous food!

  • ALERT: Update Your Workplace Postings

    2022 REMINDER:  Update Your Workplace Postings

    EVEN IF YOU HAVE JUST ONE EMPLOYEE, you must post a compliant Employment Poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace where all employees and applicants can see it. The poster must include information about your workers’ compensation benefits, payday schedule and emergency contacts. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and fines by the state of California.

    In addition, Employers with 11 or more employees in the previous year must post log and summary of occupational injuries and illnesses. Employers with  11 or more employees operating forklifts and other types of industrial trucks or tow tractors must post operating rules. Continue Reading

  • Two Covid News Updates: Tests & Isolation

    To help keep you current on the new California Department of Public Health Guidelines and At-Home COVID-19 tests availability, the following two UPDATES are being provided. 

    Here’s the Latest

    Order your COVID-19 tests
    Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order

    4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days through USPS.

    Order today!

     

    Updated quarantine and isolation guidance
    This new CDPH guidance will replace the portions of the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which deal with excluding workers from the workplace. Here’s an update provided by the California Chamber of Commerce.

     

    Read updated COVID-19 guidance

     

    We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops.

  • Happening in Sacramento Q4 2021

    California Doubles Down on Ending Organized Retail Crime Rings

    In response to a recent increase in organized retail theft activities across California, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase their presence near major retail sites and announced a proposed increase in the 2022-2023 state budget to combat retail theft.

    Business Impact

    Continue Reading

  • Justices Mull Implications of Sign Ordinance Case

    From barbecue restaurants to highway beautification, Justices mull implications of sign-ordinance case

    Oral arguments were held Nov 10 before the US Supreme Court regarding the First Amendment challenge to the city of Austin, TX, billboard sign ordinance. The challenge is to Austin’s ordinance that treats signs differently depending on whether or not they have a connection to the site where they are located. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the ordinance violates the First Amendment, but during over 90 minutes of oral argument in City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising of Texas, the Supreme Court was closely divided on this question. Although some justices appeared to agree with the 5th Circuit, other justices were clearly concerned that upholding the 5th Circuit’s decision could have repercussions far beyond the ordinance that they were considering.

    One of the key issues in the case is whether the onsite/offsite distinction can survive constitutional scrutiny. CSA joined in an amicus brief, along with ISA and several other state sign associations, to urge the court to retain the traditional distinction. Justice Stephen Breyer said their decision calls into question “every regulation on the books,” even those that have historically been allowed. “Down that road, madness lies,” Justice Elena Kagan commented.

    Justice Brett Kavanaugh could hold the deciding vote, but he, too, appeared conflicted. On the one hand, he (like Justice Gorsuch) asked why the city couldn’t address its safety and aesthetic concerns by restricting the placement, size, and number of signs, rather than restricting “anything that has to do, arguably, with the words that are written on the sign.” On the other hand, he emphasized to these kinds of ordinances “have been around for a long time,” and that a ruling for Reagan National would impose significant burdens on “a lot of local jurisdictions around America.”

    A decision is expected by summer.

  • New Rule -Vaccine Mandate

    Latest Federal Vaccine Mandate Covers 84 Million Workers 

    Here’s what we know

    More unvaccinated workers will be required to get the Covid-19 vaccine by Jan. 4 or face regular testing under a new rule from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released Thursday.

    Here’s what to know about the new rule.

    We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops.

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    FROM CLASSROOM TO CRANE 2021

    CSA continues to conduct training/testing classes for crane operators to become certified. The CSA program allows crane operators (those who operate cranes with a lift capacity over 2000 lbs.) to brush up on their knowledge and practical skills, in preparation for certification testing.

    The next three-day program is scheduled to take place at Sign Designs, in Modesto, CA, for Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. / Oct. 28-29-30, 2021.

    Pete Michelini, CSA Director, has agreed to host this event for CSA and ALTEC has agreed to provide the crane to be used during testin, at no charge to the Association – A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!

    David Shelley (Crane Care Operations), along with his son John, will be conducting the classroom training as well as the practical training and actual testing on the crane. Past candidates in attendance stated they thought the training was very well done. Dave Saudargas with Quiel Brothers added, “The instructors were excellent – we couldn’t ask for more.”

    For further information on the CSA Certified Crane Operator Classes, contact Cheryl Flahive, Dir. of Member Services: cflahive@calsign.org.

  • SoCal Horse Race Event in Del Mar 2021!

    LET’S GO!

    Join us as Thoroughbred athletes and world class jockeys take to the track for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports!  Del Mar Race Tracks, Where CSA Comes to Play! Join sign industry professionals, both members and non-members, for an event to highlight camaraderie and networking! Marvel as the Thoroughbreds dance on “toes” as they are led from the paddock to the track. Watch as the trainers saddle and prepare for the race. Listen as the bugler sounds the call to post. Before you know it, the caller is heard from every corner of the park “racing” and the horses are off dashing for the finish line.

    The horses thunder down the stretch towards the finish line – CSA Members can’t help but stand up screaming encouragement. As the horses reach the wire, we erupt into victory hugs and high-fives all around. All part of the amazing fun!

    gg-fields-groupDel Mar racetrack is an American Thoroughbred horse racing track at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the seaside city of Del Mar, California, 20 mi north of San Diego. Meet us there! 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014

    SCHEDULE:

    No Host Cocktails: 11:00am-12:00 Noon
    Lunch Buffet – Opens: 11:30am
    Lunch-Network-Races: Until 4:00pm
    Package Includes: Entrance, Program and Lunch

    Spend the afternoon in the Ancient Title, a private, air-conditioned, skyroom overlooking the finish line. To help enjoy thoroughbred racing at its finest, our luxurious skyroom features a fantastic view of the races, private wagering windows, a balcony, cocktail bar, and a delicious catered buffet!
    BECOME A SPONSOR – SEE REGISTRATION FORM!

    SPONSORSHIP LEVELS (SEE FLYER PDF):

     

    WIN – $1,600 (16 people)

    • Entrance to Turf Club for sixteen people

    Buffet Lunch

    Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)

    Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*

    Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet

    Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad

    Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad

    Top level placement on event banners/signs

     

    PLACE – $1,300 (12 people)

    • Entrance to Turf Club for twelve people

    Buffet Lunch

    Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)

    Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*

    Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet

    Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad

    Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad

    Second level placement on event banners/signs

     

    SHOW – $1,000 (8 people)

    • Entrance to Turf Club for eight people

    Buffet Lunch

    Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)

    Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*

    Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet

    Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad

    Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad

    Third level placement on event banners/signs

     

    FOURTH – $500 (4 people)

    • Entrance to Turf Club for four people

    Buffet Lunch

    Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)

    Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*

    Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet

    Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad

    Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad

    Fourth level placement on event banners/signs

     

    FIFTH – $300 (2 people)

    • Entrance to Turf Club for four people

    Buffet Lunch

    Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*

    Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet

    Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad

    Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad

    Fifth level placement on event banners/signs

    “Great race atmosphere, nice weather, an all around great experience.” . – Google
    “Great vibe, good races. The amenities are fantastic.”
    Really nice race track with really good food and really good beer. .”
  • In Memoriam Robert (Bob) Aran


    CSA Legal Counsel Emeritus, Robert (Bob) Aran
    November 3, 1929 – October 5, 2021

    Bob Aran passed away on October 5, 2021. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Santa Monica with his family when he was 14 years old. He attended Pepperdine University, majoring in interpersonal relationships and served two years in the military (Korea). After graduation, Bob married, started a family and began his law career. Approximately 17-years later, he “signed on” with the California Sign Association (then the California Electric Sign Association), an integral part of the on-premise sign industry, and a friend to many. Bob, we are forever grateful for all that was accomplished over your thirty years as Legal Counsel for the California Sign Association!

    Continue Reading