New Fair Employment, COVID and DIR Regulations
March 31st Deadline for Reporting
“California employers of 100 or more employees must report pay and hours-worked data by establishment, job category, sex, race, and ethnicity to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) by March 31, 2021 and annually thereafter.” See FAQs — https://www.dfeh.ca.gov/paydatareporting/
Effective March 29th: 2021 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
Covered Employees in the public or private sectors who work for employers with more than 25 employees are entitled to up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related sick leave from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, immediately upon an oral or written request to their employer. If an employee took leave for the reasons below prior to March 29, 2021, the employee should make an oral or written request to the employer for payment. Read More (PDF)
Department of Industrial Relations
DIR has established a user-friendly Covid guidelines Road Map for employers to help assess workplace Covid risk. Given recent fines imposed on numerous employers in the construction trades, we urge all members to undertake this review. Use this portal to find COVID-19 guidance for your business/industry. The information provided is obtained from state, county, and city sources. “Answer a few questions about your business type(s), county of operation and current COVID-19 practices to generate a road map of information for your business to ensure safe and compliant operations and/or reopening. Information you provide through this road map assessment will not be used for enforcement.”
Visit Portal: https://saferatwork.covid19.ca.gov/employers/employer-portal/
120 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR FEDERAL HEATH
“It is with great pride that we announce our 120th year in business.”
Federal Heath celebrates its historic 120th year in business on March 25, 2021. In the twelve decades since 1901, the company has grown from introducing the United States’ first electric-powered signs to becoming a trusted leader in all types of interior and exterior signage solutions, interior décor and design, specialty contracting services, and sign and lighting maintenance.
“We are here today because of our hardworking employees who do what’s right and deliver exceptional customer experience at every interaction, time after time,” said Sid Rasnick, President, and CEO. “Our people have always been at the core of our success, and it is through their knowledge and dedication that we’ve built our legacy and will continue to do so.”
The hard work began with founders John F. Gilchrist and John H. Goehst, who worked for a Chicago utility company. They saw the potential for boosting electrical demand with lighted signs and joined with James Gilchrist to found the Federal Electric Company in 1901. Their first lighted sign consisted of a porcelain enamel steel center that contained the advertising message, with illuminating lamps on each side.
Feds May Extend Supplemental Unemployment Benefits
New $400 Weekly Federal Unemployment Benefits Look Likely
The House of Representatives released details on Friday explaining what’s in the new COVID relief package. One key aspect extends the supplemental federal weekly jobless benefit through August 29. It also ups the payment to $400 per week (which is on top of state benefits). The bill also extends two pandemic unemployment benefits programs. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (for freelancers and other contract workers) will expand to 74 weeks and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (for full-time workers) doubles to 48 weeks.
Review the article.
The Great Fishing Trip July 31, 2021!
Back for the 19th voyage off the coast of Dana Point, Captain Neal Tibbs and 44 lucky fishermen, women & children will set sail early, early Saturday, July 31st! This event sells out every year, so be sure to MARK YOUR CALENDAR & book early! This is an all-day cruise launching at 5:00 am (please check-in by 4:30 am) out of Dana Point Harbor and returning around 5:00 pm that afternoon.
Cost: $120 per person (license, equipment, food, drink or fish cleaning are NOT included in this fee). Payment is required to hold reservations. Registration form and payment are due by Friday, July 2, 2021. After this date, no refunds will be given for cancellations. The boat could hold 60, but we limit the total number of guests to 45 give everyone plenty of room to stretch out.
For more information about the fishing, call Call Neal Tibbs at (209) 603-0629. For information about registration, call CSA at (916) 932-0021 or email cflahive@calsign.org.
License, equipment, food, drink or fish cleaning is NOT included in your registration fee.
Saturday, July 31, 2021 – Sailing on the Clemente
Check-in at 4:30 am, boat departs at 5:00 am sharp!
Dana Wharf Sportfishing in Dana Point Harbor
34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA
Return approximately 5:00 PM.
January Gov Affairs Highlights
October 1, 2020, as CSA began its 2020-21 fiscal year, members were concerned about wildfires, Covid, climate, the economy, and the election. Since that time, the CSA Government Affairs Committee has been very active tracking Covid-related employment legislation pertaining to the construction industry, including regulatory changes from OSHA, CARB and CSLB. The Committee met in October, November and January. 
In addition, a letter was sent from CSA to Governor Newsom with suggestions intended to reduce carbon footprint via virtual building inspections and permit applications, as well as standardized engineering.
Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with important issues and updates noted in the JAN – 2021 Government Affairs Highlights (PDF).
2021 CSA ACE CONFERENCE
AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT!
The 2021 CSA Annual Convention & Educational Conference is coming to Wyndham San Diego Bayside, August 5-7, 2021, Thursday through Saturday!
The event will be “On the Water and Out of the Ordinary!
Click the link above for Wyndham San Diego Bayside Guest Room reservations at a special rate:
Group Rate: $229/night (Group Rate applies to the 3-days prior to & subsequent to the event, on an availability basis)
The group is under “California Sign Association”
Golf starts our big event on Thursday August 5th, and and enjoy our EXCITING AUCTIONS on Friday evening, August 6th. Get your donations and bids in now! TWO WAYS TO DONATE & BID!!
You are cordially invited to submit items for our CSA Silent Auction (online registration is open!) and Live Auction (form below!)
Members, friends, sponsors, and anyone interested in making a donation are encouraged to do so. Popular Silent auction items from years past include: Whale watching excursion, bottles of wine, a Margarita Basket, a Gourmet Olive Oil Gift Basket, and more!
Excellent items from our Live auctions have included: A Callaway Golf Set, Sports Enthusiast Collectibles, Golf Foursome(s), Mario Andretti Racing Experience, not to mention Wine Tasting Adventures and Vacation Getaways!
To make a donation to the online Silent Auction, just follow the steps in this Guide (PDF). Your item could appear TODAY, bidding opens automatically on 7/23 and closes at 7:00 PM on 8/6/21.
To make a donation for the Live Auction, please fill out this Auction Form (PDF) (fillable, download FIRST), and email to cflahive@calsign.org with photos. (Or fax a copy to: 858-429-6276 and email photos).
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday, August 5, 2021
8:300 AM: GOLF TOURNAMENT – Shot Gun Start (SEE DETAILS)
12 Noon – 6:00 PM: Convention Check-in
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: CSA (2020-21) BOD Mtg.
7:00 PM-10:30 PM: Opening Reception: Bowling Party (Note: CSA to provide shuttle service to Party Venue)
Friday, August 6, 2021
8:00 – 10:00 AM: Education Session #1
“Lessons Learned: During Years in the Sign Business”
A phrase heard or said; “Had I know then, what I know now” is often associated with lessons learned, providing a “play it forward” life guide or map. On Friday, Aug. 6th, you will have an opportunity to interact with a panel of Sign Industry Leaders as they outline their experiences during their years in the Sign Business.
Panel to include:
Kevin Stotmeister, recently retired, President/CEO Federal Heath
Steve Jones, President of YESCO LLC and CSA Past President
Davey Glantz, Principal, Glantz
Moderator: Teresa M. Young, Sign Biz ®
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM: 2019 CSA Annual Meeting & State of the Association
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Luncheon
1:00 – 4:30 PM: Exhibit Hall Open
Manufacturers, distributors, coaches and service providers, will be on hand with deals galore. Beverages will be available as you leisurely stroll through the exhibition hall. In addition, many exhibitors will be participating in the California Sign Association Silent Auction. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy products, services and fun stuff at bargain basement prices!
6:00 – 7:00 PM: President’s Reception
7:00 – 10:00 PM: Banquet
Awards, Board Installation, Live and Silent Auctions, $10,000 Drawing – Join us as we shine a light on and celebrate Being Together Again – In San Diego, with the installation of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors & Officers, and recognition of extraordinary Leadership & Service Awards.
Saturday, August 7, 2021
8:00 – 9:30 AM: Education Session #2 (Continental Breakfast will be served at 7:30AM)
Obtaining and Retaining Qualified Personnel
9:45 – 11:45 AM: 2021-22 CSA Board of Directors Meeting
12:00pm – ???: Includes Transportation and Lunch
Mix fun and history when exploring San Diego!
After the three day, action packed, 2021 conference, get ready to explore San Diego leisurely on the famous Hop On/Hop Off, open-air, Old Town Trolley Tour, narrated with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories! We will begin our adventure with lunch on the waterfront. After lunch we look to Discover San Diego on the Open Air Trolley. When you reach Coronado, you may want to stop and walk the area, where you will find Hotel Del Coronado – A Living Legend, lovingly referred to as “The Del”, with stories and secrets in its rooms, suites, and dining venues, as well as a resident ghost, according to many guests.
Ready to Register? Order online here, OR download the Brochure and Registration PDF now.
Ready to become a Sponsor of this incredible event? Download the Sponsor Brochure here now (PDF).
To register for golf, YOU NEED TO DOWNLOAD THIS BROCHURE (PDF)
Interested in exhibiting? Download your Exhibitor Prospectus and Registration PDF now.
Cal/OSHA Covid Regulations FAQ
Cal/OSHA adds 38 new FAQ Items for Covid-19 Regulations
On Friday, January 8, 2021, Cal/OSHA issued updated guidance with answers to 38 new questions, providing responses to many of the concerns employers have had. Below is the link to the revised document.
Scope of Coverage
- Q: Which employers must comply with the COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (ETS)?
A: The ETS applies to all employers, employees, and to all places of employment with three exceptions:- Workplaces where there is only one employee who does not have contact with other people
- Employees who are working from home
- Employees who are covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases regulation
Specific question areas:
- Ventilation: Questions 22 provides clarity for dealing with ventilation in a building rented by the employer.
- Employee testing: Questions 28, 29, and 30 provide helpful information for understanding the requirements for testing of employees for Covid-19.
- Measuring outbreaks and exposed workplaces: Questions 40, and 42-45 provide clarity on understanding how to understand when a workplace has had an outbreak as defined by this regulation.
- Return to work: Question 49 shows the revised guidance from CDPH allowing a return of non-symptomatic persons in 10 days.
- Paying excluded employees: Questions 52-60 provide information on the various circumstances involving paying excluded employees.
Click here for a copy of the revised document.
LA Citywide Sign Ordinance Revisions
LA Citywide Sign Ordinance
Dear CSA Member:
The California Sign Association has been working with the City of Los Angeles for the last eleven years, in an effort to have on-premise sign industry input in the revised ordinance. The revised draft that was recently released is under review by CSA legal staff and your Government Affairs Committee; any input you would like to share is welcome. Changes include introduction of a new Sign District tier, criteria for relocation of existing off-site signs, methods for sign area calculations, and enhanced sign reduction standards. The revised draft that was recently released is under review by CSA legal staff and your Government Affairs Committee; any input you would like to share is welcome.
To view the proposed Citywide Sign Ordinance, READ MORE.
Background: In late 2019 the Los Angeles City Council adopted a detailed set of instructions directing Los Angeles City Planning to revise the proposed Citywide Sign Ordinance (Council File # 11-1705). These instructions requested specific amendments to the December 2017 draft ordinance.
Photo: Ralph Ravi Kayden Unsplash
CSLB Test Centers Closed
Contractors State License Board Closing Test Centers and Public Counters Statewide in Response to COVID-19 Health Emergency
SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is announcing that all seven of its test centers throughout California, as well as its public counters, will close effective Monday, December 7, 2020. The closure will last at least three weeks.The office closures are in response to the COVID-19 health emergency and to ensure the safety of test candidates, the public, and staff. CSLB staff are contacting test candidates scheduled to take an exam during the office closure to discuss rescheduling options. Test candidates with questions can email: exams@cslb.ca.gov. The exam rescheduling fee is being waived for cancelled exams. Continue Reading
