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!
Del 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 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!
Government Affairs Highlights Q3 2021
Government Affairs – Brief Highlights
The CSA Government Affairs Committee continues to track legislation pertaining to the construction industry, including ever-changing regulatory enhancements from DIR-OSHA, CARB and CSLB. Additionally, the Committee, which meets regularly, last convened July 27 and September 17 to address new matters pertaining to the CSA survey results, as well as concerns pertaining to the pending US Supreme Court case (City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising) regarding elimination of the onsite/offsite distinction, C7 low-voltage contractors doing sign work, stormwater runoff/business license renewals, and “skilled and trained” workforce issues.
Legislation
On the horizon for the GA Committee for 2021-22, will be reconsideration of SB 684 which CSA sponsored (drafted) many years ago in 2013. The law, codified as Business & Professions Code 5273, which extended redevelopment signage for 10 years, is due to sunset in 2023, but has several 2022 deadlines.
CSLB
The GA Committee continues to explore the scope of work performed by C7 and D34 contractors with regard to large, multi-array video, “low-voltage” installations.
CARB
Climate/STEPS/Virtual Inspections and Permit Applications. Following up regarding the governor’s climate initiatives, as noted earlier this year, several ideas pertaining to virtual inspections and permitting are being discussed.
Water Resources Control Board (stormwater) and Biz License Renewal
Several members reported this past year that in order to renew their business license they were being required to show compliance (or exemption) with stormwater discharge laws governing work- and jobsite runoff.
CDTFA (Tax Audits)
This is an ongoing issue. Under current law sponsored by CSA many years ago, on-premise electric signs are taxed at 1/3 of the total contract price. There were several inquires this past year from members facing audits recently about whether signs should be deemed fixtures for tax purposes and taxed differently. In one particular bureaucratic matter, the auditor is asking to look over nearly 1,000 separate jobs, a significant burden on the company. The audit completion deadline has been extended three times already.
LOCAL
LA ~ The latest is that we have drafted a letter to the PLUM Committee asking them to reinstate a prior version of the proposed revision that was negotiated over many years with our coalition partners.
Sacramento County ~ The County is revising its sign ordinance and is planning to undertake a stakeholder survey. Still no activity as yet, over a year later.
Folsom ~ Last fall, the city issued a rewrite of its sign code with plans for public hearings in spring 2021 (not yet scheduled). City pushed drafts and hearing dates to this fall.
A City Near You – Members are encouraged to notify CSA about code changes pending in the communities where you work.
LEGAL
The US Supreme Court to review the decision in Reagan National Advertising v. City of Austin, which eliminates the onsite/offsite distinction relating to digital sign conversions. Federal lower court decisions were issued this year from around the country with differing results. CSA Legal Counsel was invited to participate on a newly formed ISA subcommittee to address and strategize regarding the effect on sign codes since the US Supreme Court case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
A Few Reminders
Labor Law webinar. The Labor Commissioner’s Office launched a Business Engagement Program to help employers understand California labor law. The program includes an educational webinar series in partnership with ADP, Inc. https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2020/2020-79.html
Sex Harassment Prevention Training. Employers with 5 or more employees had until the end of the 2020 to complete required Sexual Harassment prevention training. A free program is still available online at www.dfeh.ca.gov/shpt/
CalOSHA Construction Industry COVID Guidance www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/
LA published its own construction site Covid guidance (also in Spanish). https://www.ladbs.org/our-organization/messaging/news/news-details/2020/03/31/guidance-for-construction-sites
100+ Employees = Vaccine Mandate
President Biden Announces Vaccine Mandate for Businesses with Over 100 Employees
Last week, President Biden announced six key areas his administration will target to mitigate the further spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. One key strategy focuses upon the Department of Labor to draft and implement regulation requiring all businesses with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccinations for all their workers, or require employees to take weekly COVID-19 tests.
Additional details about the policy outlines that any businesses ignoring the mandate, once implemented, could face penalties, up to $14,000 for each violation. President Biden also noted, businesses will be required to give workers paid time off to get vaccinated. The White House believes this new policy will impact approximately 80 million workers, roughly two-thirds of the country’s workforce.
We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops. More details can be found in President Biden’s memo.
Annual General Membership Meeting
Remember to Mark Your Calendar & Save the Date!
This meeting will be conducted virtually on (Wednesday, 9/22/21), via Zoom Conferencing.
Wed. – SEPT. 22, 2021
10:00am – 11:00am
CSA is preparing for the end of its fiscal year (2020-21). This past October, the fiscal year began with CSA President Barbara Navarro taking on many challenges in 2021, as we continued to work our way through the worldwide pandemic. We invite and encourage all CSA members, to attend the General Membership meeting on Wednesday, September 22nd, to share the year and the direction in which CSA is headed.
Sign Manufacturing Day
Sign Manufacturing Day Makes a Difference!
Sign Manufacturing Day is a wonderful way to share the many exciting and diverse job opportunities that exist within our industry as well as showcase the importance of manufacturing to the US economy. Over the past few years, several participating companies were asked about jobs, internships and job-shadowing possibilities. Sign Manufacturing Day, held this year on Friday, October 1, is a way to engage students and teachers in the sign and visual communications industry, build awareness of the jobs and careers that are available within our industry and showcase the importance of manufacturing to the US economy.
Catch the attention of those trying to connect the dots between their skills, talents and career on Sign Manufacturing Day next month, as companies in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry host facility tours to encourage exploration of exciting and diverse career opportunities within the industry. It can be a great opportunity for you to find the new employees you’ve been looking for!
Learn more: ISA’s information: Sign Manufacturing Day
Sign Manufacturing Day October 1, 2021
Sign Manufacturing Day Makes a Difference!
Sign Manufacturing Day is a wonderful way to share the many exciting and diverse job opportunities that exist within our industry as well as showcase the importance of manufacturing to the US economy. Over the past few years, several participating companies were asked about jobs, internships and job-shadowing possibilities. Sign Manufacturing Day, held this year on Friday, October 1, is a way to engage students and teachers in the sign and visual communications industry, build awareness of the jobs and careers that are available within our industry and showcase the importance of manufacturing to the US economy.
Catch the attention of those trying to connect the dots between their skills, talents and career on Sign Manufacturing Day next month, as companies in the sign, graphics and visual communications industry host facility tours to encourage exploration of exciting and diverse career opportunities within the industry. It can be a great opportunity for you to find the new employees you’ve been looking for!
Learn more: ISA’s information: Sign Manufacturing Day
Thank You for a Powerful Convention!
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO JOINED US IN SAN DIEGO FOR THIS YEAR’S CSA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE!
Thursday, AUG 5, the CSA 2021 Golf Tournament kicked off this year’s annual gathering! Weather was beautiful and golfers were ready. Registration began at 7am and just prior to the shotgun start, many of the golfers participated in a Golf Ball Drop with a bucket full of numbered golf balls dropped from the basket of a Signtech Electrical Advertising crane, over the green. Two balls that landed in the designated hole, had been assigned to Ball Drop participants and therefore the $200 cash prize was shared. Golfers headed to their assigned golf carts, off they went, and golf swings started!
Following the Golf Tournament, the last meeting of the 2020-21 CSA Board of Directors took place that afternoon at the Wyndham Bayside in San Diego, CA. Then Thursday evening, convention attendees headed over to Tavern & Bowl, 930 Market St, San Diego, CA, for the Convention Welcome Reception.
Welcome Reception August 5th
For those of you who have not yet had an opportunity to experience a CSA Convention Opening Party, it is something you don’t want to miss! The entire Tavern & Bowl San Diego facility, just 1.4 miles from the host hotel, was reserved by CSA for the evening. Twelve lanes were set aside for bowling, with plenty of open space available for networking, food & drinks, Great Camaraderie and Fun!
Friday August 6th was action packed!
AUG 6 began with a seminar and panel discussion “Lessons Learned: During Years in the Sign Business”. We were excited to have Kevin Stotmeister-recently retired, President/CEO Federal Heath, Steve Jones-President of YESCO LLC and CSA Past President, and Davey Glantz-Glantz, Principal, on the panel with Teresa M. Young-Sign Biz as moderator – A big Thank You to each of these industry leaders, for sharing their professional and personal experiences from over the years!
The next order of business was our annual membership meeting, where President Navarro brought the members up to date information on where CSA is and where it is going. The election of the board of directors for the year 2021-22 was conducted, along with the election of next year’s officers, which includes – Barbara Navarro, San Pedro Electric Sign Company (Immediate Past President), Ken Person, YESCO (President), Pete Michelini, Sign Designs (1st Vice President), Jason Rieman, Gemini (2nd Vice President), and Bob Shimmin, Montroy Supply (Secretary/Treasurer).
CSA 2021 General Membership Meeting moved quickly to lunch from 11:30am – 12:45pm with Dr. Dydia DeLyser, as our luncheon speaker – “Neon Creates Community”
All in attendance enjoyed a fabulous lunch and then were provided with a historical perspective of neon and signs, shaping people, communities and our environment.
To the delight of all, Dr. DeLyser was kind enough to join us after lunch, answering questions and making her latest book available to those interested.
1:00 – 4:30 featured a Vendor Showcase!
Immediately following lunch, from 1:00pm – 4:30pm, the Vendor Showcase opened with 27 exhibitors that were delighted to share their new products, services and spend time with existing as well as potentially new customers.
Friday’s activities were concluded by the Annual Banquet; where the 2021-22 CSA Officers and Directors were installed, the live auction and Fund-A-Need conducted, and the always exciting $10,000 Drawing was held. See Board Installation Story Here.
Saturday, August 7th
Saturday began with breakfast and an Education Session to address a Skilled & Trained Workforce “STW”, presented by Jeff Aran-CSA Legal Counsel, Pete Michelini-CSA 1st VP and member of the Sign Training & Education Program Series (STEPS) Board, and Dennis Lytle-Cochair of the STEPS Admittance & Advancement Board. Seminar attendees learned of the California “STW” regulations, and an outline of STEPS was reviewed. The group was interactive, suggesting additional discussion of the subject matter will be needed in the year ahead.
Director Pete Michelini with his wife Cecilia
Following the seminar, the first BOD Meeting for 2021-22 was conducted. Discussions of the newly-elected Board included commitment, budget, and focused goals for the year. Then it was off to Miguels Portside for lunch, across the street from Wyndham San Diego Bayside, followed with exploring San Diego leisurely on the famous Hop On/Hop Off, open-air, Old Town Trolley Tour, narrated with local trivia and stories.
Food for thought —
Friendships are built on shared experiences. Without active engagement and interaction with each other our bonds of camaraderie deteriorate. Associations dissolve as surely as neglected buildings do. After participating in events, celebrations and even small rituals, we remark how good it is to gather, and remember.
2021-2022 CSA Officers and Board Members
New CSA Officers & Board of Directors for the 2021-22 year – Elected August 6, 2021
The new California Sign Association Board of Directors was installed on August 6, 2021 at CSA’s Annual Banquet. This past year had been challenging, conducting business virtually. It was so nice to have had the opportunity to meet, in person, in San Diego. We welcome Ken Person, with YESCO, to the President’s role for the California Sign Association Board of Directors! He has already chaired his first board meeting, and is setting us on a course for success! Congratulations, Ken!
His four fellow officers include; Pete Michelini, 1st VP; Jason Rieman, 2nd VP; Bob Shimmin, Secretary/Treasurer; and Barbara Navarro, Past President.
Our new Board Members are:
Supplier Division
Todd Einhaus, Watchfire Signs
Mike Avery, Glantz
Matt Fregosi, Altec Industries
Bob Shimmin, Montroy Supply Co
Region I
Jason Rieman, Gemini
Keith Wills, Western Sign Company
Neal Tibbs, Ad Art
Clint Bartizal, Golden Gate Sign Co.
Ryan Drury, Pacific Neon Company
Ed Gibson, Elliott Equipment
Region II
Pete Michelini, Sign Designs
Ken Person, YESCO, Jurupa Valley
Arlen Tanielian, CNI Signmakers
Region III
Kevin Farrell, Architectural Design & Sign
Patty Soria, Signtech Electrical Advertising
Barbara Navarro, San Pedro Electric Sign Co.
Dennis Lytle, Federal Heath
Sign Industry Affiliate
Teresa M. Young, Sign Biz ®, Inc.
Professional
Mike Sullaway P.E., Sullaway Engineering
Brett Sauers P.E., Reverence Engineering
At-Large
Michael Schmidt, PS Services
Frank Murch, Signs for San Diego
2021 – 22 Active Directors Emeritus:
Gary Quiel
Skip Moore
Terry Long