The Los AngeLes ChApTer of The ConsTrUCTIon speCIfICATIons InsTITUTe

N E W S L E T T E R MARCH/APRIL 2010

Join us WEDnEsDay, March 24, 2010The American University of Armenia, Yerevan Armeniaspeaker: Mr. ronald Altoon, fAIA, partner at Altoon + porter Architects

Join us WEDnEsDay, april 28, 2010stairsteps to the gods: Building the great pyramid at gizaspeaker: Dr. Craig B. smith, p.e., retired chairman of DMJM holmes + narver

www.LACSI.org

Send a JPG of the cover to bbaker@atdmanagement.com. for email attachment.

LACSI

LACSI

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c o n t E n t

Letter FrOM tHe President

CertiFiCatiOn CLasses UnderWaY

MarCH Meeting and PrOgraM

aPriL Meeting and PrOgraM

LaCsi nite PHOtO gaLLerY

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5 “Greening” The Golden State Product Show and Seminars

Every Saturday morning through March 20th, LASCI offers Certification prep classes.

Join us Wednesday, March 24th Program: The American University of Armenia, Yerevan Armenia

Speaker: Mr. Ronald Altoon, FAIA, Partner at Altoon + Porter Architects

Join us Wednesday, aPriL 28th Stairsteps to the Gods: Building the Great Pyramid at Giza

Speaker: Dr. Craig B. Smith, P.E., retired chairman of DMJM Holmes + Narver

LACSI Members can take advantage of USGBC Membership Discounts

2010 CSI Trade Shows– Western United States

To all our Committees, chapter members, and Board, please accept my sincere “Thank You” and appreciation for your support and contribution to our Chapter and the Institute.

M A r / A P r 2 0 1 0V o L U M E 5 9 N U M b E r 2

BUCH nOtes 13

West regiOn COrner 15

MeMBersHiP neWs 17

CUrMUdgeOn’s COrner 19

JOe BaCk invitatiOnaL 18

Wren’s Western OUtPUt 21

UsgBC MeMBersHiP 24

gaLLerY : ventUra Meeting- FeB 2 12

LaCsi Past Presidents 7 CALL FoR ENTRIES

LACSI would like you to submit entries for the cover photo.

Contact Laura Sellmer Lsellmer@isecinc.com or Steve Taylor steve@woodinst.com

tOC FOr BOOkMarks

Content 2

Letter From The President 3

Gallery- Product Show 5

our Past Presidents 7

Certification Classes Underway 8

Press Release 9

LACSI March Program 10 LACSI April Program 11Gallery-Ventura, Feb. 2, 2010 12

BUCHNoTES 13

West Region Corner 15

Membership News Mar/Apr 2010 17

Curmugeon’s corner-Travelogue Part 1 19

CSI Product Shows 21

Annual Convention- Construct 2010 23

USGBC Membership 24

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l E t t E r F r o M t h E p r E s i D E n t

I have learned as President that “Thank You” is the most important expression I can give to our Board of Directors and Committee members of LACSI. “Thank You” is a fairly common courtesy. We hear it often enough and we can run the risk of taking it for granted. I started thinking about the time that I have had the privilege to serve as the LACSI President and wondered if I have given the number of “thanks” that so many of our volunteers deserve. Getting wrapped up in my day to day job, the chapter activities, people’s differing time schedules, and my own domestic duties, doesn’t leave a lot of time to reflect and remember to show some gratitude where it is deserved. So, to all our Committees, chapter members, and Board, please accept my sincere “Thank You” and appreciation for your support and contribution to our Chapter and the Institute. Ah, I feel a little better already.

This is our second electronic newsletter and I am happy to say we have already

been recognized and applauded on its sharp presentation, layout, and content. Laura Sellmer and Steve Taylor have introduced a wonderful and beautiful, professionally designed communication tool that will serve our members, enhance our chapter image and build positive recognition of the benefits of CSI and our chapter. Word has it that Laura and Steve are not stopping. LinkedIn

will be added, enabling even more people to view our chapter news.

I wanted to underscore a few advantages of our electronic newsletter. The first is the ease of sharing our newsletter with people

outside of our chapter without the expense of postage and printing. The power of email is tremendous. With a click on a cursor, we can send the newsletter to colleagues, business partners, clients, project contacts, family, friends and anyone we believe would find it interesting. This tool allows anyone to share and promote LACSI monthly meeting programs, upcoming education events, committee reports and affiliate chapter meetings. Non-members can get a glimpse of the fun our members enjoy and the professional value of the Construction Specification Institute. I

hope all of us think about the contacts we have who would benefit from participation in CSI and share our newsletter with them.

Joy Davis, CSI’s Communications & Web Community Manager, inspired me when she commented on how increasing circulation has a positive effect in attracting advertisers. Advertisers want maximum exposure. So as we build subscribers and readership, we will no doubt enhance our ability to secure more advertising. While increasing revenue is not our goal, even a modest increase adds to the span of quality programs we can offer.

Thanks to Patrick Comberford, Buzz Harwood, and the Trade Show Committee for preparing CSI Night on February 25th at the Marriott in downtown LA. Working together with our Education Committee of Michael Fuller, Mitch Lawrence, and Jay Nordsten, they organized an outstanding package of educational sessions including LEED Credential updates, product substitution process issues, exterior building envelope technology, and California’s new Green Building Code. It was a sensational event showcasing CSI to our local building community.

I encourage you to check our website for upcoming events. And if you haven’t done so yet, add www.lacsi.org to your “favorites”. I urge you to bring an associate to one of our meetings and introduce them to our members.

Continued on page 4

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

I encourage you to check out our website for

upcoming events.... and add www.lacsi.org to your

list of “favorites”.

Kathy Greenway, President

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M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0 Letter FrOM tHe President

architectural woodwork l laboratory furniture l laboratory & medical equipment

general trades l ornamental metals l specialties l doors, frames & hardware

You need an experienced partner to provide the right details.

Your lab project has a lot of complex requirements

For further information on your lab project , visit www.isecinc.com,

email SCRMktg@isecinc.com or call 714.761.5151.

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

¤¤¤¤¤

BMI Productsof Northern California, Inc.990 Ames AvenueMilpitas, CA 95035-6303Tel: 408.293.4008Fax: 408.293.4103

Cell: 408.595.2031Phone/Fax: 530.885.6828

E: jpozo@bmi-products.comwww.bmi-products.com

Jerry L. Pozo, BS ,CSI, CDTArchitectural/Technical Consultant

Stucco690 PlasterTile MortarMasonry MortarAcrylic Finishes

How many industry organizations besides CSI touch and include such a wide spectrum of construction professionals? I cannot think of one that’s better than CSI. The multi-dimensional networking opportunities our chapter offers should also be freely shared with our colleagues and project contacts. So be a leader and share the gift of CSI by bringing a new face to our meetings. Talk up CSI with your associates, and invite them to learn what CSI has to offer, and see if you can spark the interest in someone to come out and check us out.

I want to thank Eric Loyd for heading up the Certification classes and all our instructors who are volunteering their time to help people prepare for taking the examinations. Their dedication and commitment to CSI’s certification program are greatly appreciated. our chapter is extremely lucky to have developed study programs for the CDT certificate exam and the three professional certification exams (CCS, CCCA, and CCPR). I am very proud of the service we are providing our members and local industry in this regard.

Many thanks are extended to Steve Nicolai and Ed Buch for their work in organizing our February 2nd program in Ventura.

Continued from page 3

I look forward to seeing you at our chapter meetings. Thank you for your support as a member and for your contributions to our Chapter and the Institute. Please let me know if you have interest in serving our chapter and members. We are always looking to add new energy and ideas to our large group of volunteers who make our chapter so special.

— Kathy Greenway, CSI, CFM

Available Certification:

CDTCCS

CCCa

CCPR

LACSI NIGHT Feb. 25, 2010- “GREENING” THE GOLDEN STATE Product Show and Seminars. The Marriott Hotel.

over 150 attendees participated in this year’s LASCI Product Show and Seminar at The Marriot in downtown Los Angeles on February 25th. All the Education Seminars provided AIA CES Learning Units and CSI-CEN Learning Units. Thank you to our speakers for their excellent programs:

Leed 3.0 Credential Maintenance ProgramNellie Reid, LEED AP, Director of Sustainable Design, Gensler

sPekt™ substitution abuse™ sounding the alarm about substitutionsMichael Chusid, RA, FCSI, CCS, SCIP and Aaron Chusid, CSI

High Performance exterior Building envelopes Jud Taylor, RA, Associate Principal, Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.

California green Building Code Steven Winkel, FAIA

We hosted over 50 product representatives at the Product Show for informational and networking time with delicious hors d’oeuvres served thorough the evening.

A special thank you to our sponsors.

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G a l l E r y - p r o D u c t s h o W

Frazee Paint: Ken Dandrea, Sue Brown and Joe Esquer

C.R. Laurence Company: Lou Joella

And Thank You to Patrick Comerford, Chairman, and Buz Harwood, Co-Chairman, who generously donated their time and energy to ensure a successful event.

Stephanie Bower and Cynthia Ticsay of Cosentino

James Fitzsimmons and Megan Koons of Arcadia, Inc.

Brett Lubsen and D.J. Farley of DuPont Tyvek–Weatherization Jessica Seitz of Dunn

Edwards Paints.

Christine Camponovo of Omega -Siena

Marquez and Ron Marston of Lompoc Stone

LACSI NIGHT Feb. 25, 2010- “GREENING” THE GOLDEN STATE Product Show and Seminars. The Marriott Hotel.

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Creteseal: Brian Tracy and Andrew Munoz

Woodwork Institute:

Steve Taylor

Caesarstone: Johanna Weimer and Kirston O’Brien

Photos courtesy of Jo Drummond and Annette Wren

Vista Paint: Mo Marquez and Mark Brower

Steve Chavez (Columbia Forest Products), Shawn Carlisle (Phillips Plywood), Cory Buchanan (Phillips Plywood) & Roilynne Graham (Pionite)

CPI Daylighting: Rafael Rivero

Sherwin Williams: Brett Buffington, Penny Balogh and Jim Lisa

Angelus Block Company: Roger Beckett

CEMCO: Eric Larson

Bruce Bailey, Vice President Gin Wong Associates and Laura Sellmer, ISEC Inc

Always a delicious meal at an LACSI event!

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o u r pa s t p r E s i D E n t s I n A p p r e C I AT I o n

*J. Norman Hunter, AIA, FCSI

*D. Stewart Kerr, CSI

*R. Redmond Coghlan, AIA, FCSI

*George F. Lamb, CSI

*Herman Boisclair, FCSI

*Walter Hagedohm, AIA, CSI

*Harold E. Keller, FCSI, Honorary Member

Raymond Whalley, AIA, FCSI, CCS

*Dr. oscar E. Marsch, FCSI

*Donald E. Watson, AIA, FCSI

*James A. Butler, FCSI

*George Lavenberg, FCSI, Honorary Member

*Lorand West, AIA, CSI, CCS

*Roland Peirson, CSI

Jerome I. orland, FCSI, CCS

Don Wolverton, AIA, CSI

Charles M. Denisac, Jr., FCSI, CCS

Leonard Hirsch, CSI

J. Richard Fare, AIA, CSI, CCS

David A. Deyell, AIA, CSI, CCS

Clifton H. Clark, AIA, CSI, CCS

*Hans W. Meier, AIA, FCSI, CCS, Honorary Member

*Richard B. Pember, CSI, CDT

*Archibald McMullan, CSI

Gerald M. Halweg, CSI, CTC

Jo Drummond, FCSI, CCS

Isidoro A. Alimento, CSI, PE

Judy Holleran, CSI, CDT

Stephen J. Densmore, Esq., CSI

Gary M. Kehrier, CSI, CDT

Janet J. Piccola, CSI

Joe R. Back, AIA, CSI, CCS

Steve Izuhara, AIA, CSI, CCS

Edmund C. Buch, AIA, CSI, CCS

Sue Brown, CSI

Craig L. Mount, AIA, CSI, CDT

D. Michael Fuller, AIA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP

*Deceased

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c E r t i F i c at i o n c l a s s E s u n D E r Way

every saturday morning through March 13th, LaCsi is offering Certification Classes in preparation for Csi Certifications.

On March 20, the classes conclude with a one hour mock exam and two hours review of exam answers. To take advantage of this recognized professional development, go to the www.lacsi.org and look for “Certification Classes” on the calendar of events.

The Four CSI Certifications:

COnstrUCtiOn dOCUMents teCHnOLOgist

The CDT program - a rigorous and comprehensive course of study leading to a Construction Documents Technologist certificate - is the Path to the other 3 Certification exams, and the key to expanding your knowledge of Contractual Relationships, Use of Construction Documents, and the Construction Process. Using CSI’s Project Resource Manual and the AIA and EJCDC General Conditions and Contract Forms, you will learn the stages of Construction Project cycles, Documents produced in each phase, and Relationships and Responsibilities of Project Participants to become a more confident and effective member of your Project Team.

CertiFied COnstrUCtiOn sPeCiFier

The CCS program builds on your knowledge and experience in preparing construction documents by focusing on Construction Contract Types, Agreements, Conditions of the Contract, Changes in the Work, Division 1 General Requirements, Bidding Documents and Requirements, Document organization, Production Techniques, and Specifying Techniques and Applications. Well-written documents are the best insurance for any project, making your role as a specifier ever more critical. As a Certified Construction Specifier, you will offer the assurance of excellence in preparation of Specifications and other Contract Documents.

CertiFied COnstrUCtiOn COntraCt adMinistratOr

The CCCA program guides you through the complexities of modern construction projects, developing your skills and understanding of Project Delivery Systems, Roles and Relationships, Preconstruction Activities, Submittals, Meetings, Construction observation, Document Interpretation, Schedules and Contract Time, Claims and Disputes, Modifications, Payments, QA/QC, and the Project Closeout process. As a Certified Construction Contract

Administrator you will demonstrate to the industry that you understand the construction process, and are a skilled administrator in a time of complex projects, tight delivery schedules, and shrinking budgets.

CertiFied COnstrUCtiOn PrOdUCt rePresentative

The CCPR program gives product representatives an in-depth understanding of the overall construction process, and the ability to communicate more effectively with other members of the Construction Team by studying Principles of Effective Product Representation, Marketing and Product Information, Preparation of Construction Documents, Specification Techniques, Division 1 Concepts, the Bidding and Substitution Processes, Warranties and Guarantees, and Construction Activities. As a Certified Construction Product Representative you will be sought out as an Industry Expert and be a vital source of technical information.

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

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p r E s s r E l E a s E

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SO. CALIFORNIA REP.

I am pleased to announce steven r. Winkel, Faia and kurt t. Cooknick, assoc. aia, have been appointed by the AIA to represent the profession on the development of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC).

As you may have seen in last month’s AIA press release, The International Code Council (ICC) launched its IGCC which is a model code in the family of I-codes focused on new and existing commercial buildings with the goal of reducing their energy usage and carbon footprint. The IGCC is being developed in co-sponsorship with the AIA, the International Code Council (ICC), and the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTMI). Winkel and Cooknick participated in the development of California’s own Green Building Code and it should be of interest to note that the IGCC working draft is based heavily on that code.

Winkel serves as the Architect Member representing the profession on the California Building Standards Commission. Cooknick is the AIACC’s Director of Regulation and Practice.

It is anticipated that the schedule for the IGCC will look something like the following: Through a series of 3-day working group/committee meetings over the next six months the IGCC will be shaped into a draft that will be released for comments in March of 2010. It is anticipated that after the draft is released it will then go into the ongoing 2012 ICC code development cycle with code changes accepted for review until January 2011. There will then be a hearing in Dallas, TX tentatively set for May 15-21 2011. The outcome of those meeting becomes the agenda for development hearings set for (tentatively) Nov 3-6 2011. Then the first edition is expected to be published in early in spring as the 2012 IGCC, companion and correlated to the International Building Code (IBC).

Contact Kurt Cooknick at: kcooknick@aiacc.org

natiOnaL green BUiLding COde deveLOPMent

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0 M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

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M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0 u p c o M i n G p r o G r a M

l a c s i M a r c h p r o G r a M

PrOgraM

The American University of Armenia, Yerevan ArmeniaImagine you are an architect hired to design a university building for an American client who demands US quality construction, satisfying all California codes and standards, but in a developing country located 12 time zones away, where locals speak a language common only to themselves, where no current technologies exist, in an intense seismic zone, where there are no competent contractors or tradesmen, and in an unpredictable approval process. The American University of Armenia, associated with the University of California, faced this reality and challenged their architects, Altoon + Porter to create a 1st World, 21st Century facility to house its seven graduate disciplines in Yerevan, Armenia. While the challenges seemed overwhelming, the flexible design delivery process created a path to achieve this goal and fulfill client expectations, and resulted in a landmark, highly sustainable building.

WednesdaY, MarCH 24, 2010

5:30 to 6:30 pm, Technical Workshop 6:00 pm, Social 7:00 pm, Dinner 7:45 pm, After Dinner Program

Reservations required before 4:00, Fri., Mar. 19

COst

LACSI MEMBERS: $10 with advance reservations.

NoN MEMBERS: $50.00 for non-LACSI members with reservations. $60.00 for non-members without reservations.

reservatiOns

Call 213-243-6658 Please leave your name, company name and phone number or reserve at www.lacsi.org

Program Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA

LOCatiOn

dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 5th Floor Banquet Room 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA

direCtiOns

Pg. 634, Grid F3 of the Los Angeles Thomas Guide. Enter the elevator lobby on the Grand Ave. side of the building on the street level. Take the elevator to the 5th floor.

Parking

Free to LACSI members with reservations. Enter the garage from Grand Ave. Tell the attendant you are with LACSI. Parking is free if you arrive after 4pm.

OUr sPeaker

Mr. Ronald Altoon, FAIA, Partner at Altoon + Porter Architects, an award winning, 25 year old Los Angeles based design practice. Altoon + Porter has served clients on a broad range of project types in 42 countries and the United States. With offices in Amsterdam and Shanghai, it has completed over $9 billion of constructed work in yesterday’s dollars, and won numerous design awards on projects worldwide.

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l a c s i a p r i l p r o G r a M

PrOgraM

Stairsteps to the Gods: Building the Great Pyramid at Giza

Dr. Craig B. Smith, P.E., will present an illustrated lecture on how the Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt was designed and constructed over 4,500 years ago. This incredible monument—the tallest man-made structure in the world until it was finally eclipsed by the Washington monument in 1885—was built by ancient Egyptians without the use of iron tools, pulleys, or the wheel. It is the last survivor of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” further testimony to the skills of its ancient builders.

OUr sPeaker

Dr. Smith, an engineer, an author, and retired chairman of DMJM Holmes + Narver, has been a featured speaker on Giza at events in Europe and the United States, including standing room only crowds at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., The Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. He has also lectured at Stanford University and UCLA. He has been a keynote speaker for professional societies including the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has also appeared on television in four documentaries; the Arts and Entertainment Channel, “The Great Builders of Egypt,” PBS “Lost Cities of the Pyramids,” the National Geographic Society “Naked Science-Pyramids,” series, and the History Channel’s “Engineering and Empire.”

WednesdaY, aPriL 28, 2010

4:30 to 6:30 pm, Specifiers’ Roundtable 6:00 pm, Social 7:00 pm, Dinner 7:45 pm, After Dinner Program

Reservations required before 4:00, Fri., April 23

COst

LACSI MEMBERS: $10 with advance reservations.

NoN MEMBERS: $50.00 for non-LACSI members with reservations. $60.00 for non-members without reservations.

reservatiOns

Call 213-243-6658 Please leave your name, company name and phone number or reserve at www.lacsi.org

Program Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA

LOCatiOn

dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 5th Floor Banquet Room 135 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA

direCtiOns

Pg. 634, Grid F3 of the Los Angeles Thomas Guide. Enter the elevator lobby on the Grand Ave. side of the building on the street level. Take the elevator to the 5th floor.

Parking

Free to LACSI members with reservations. Enter the garage from Grand Ave. Tell the attendant you are with LACSI. Parking is free if you arrive after 4pm.

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G a l l E r y - V E n t u r a , FE b. 2 , 20 1 0

Ed Buch studies the notes

Craig Mount and Patrick Commerford

Mr. Charles Kirby of Preservation Arts shared highlights of over 25 years in historic restoration and conservation

Marvin Chew and Annemarie Storrs

Megan Koons and Wayne Snyder

Sue BrownPhillip Easterday and Paul Jordan

Mr. Nye Miller a Principal of Pacific Southwest Coatings, gives the Technical Workshop on “High

Performance Coating That Work. “

George Sayeg

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

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If you had to identify one connection between the great pyramids of Egypt,

Chartres Cathedral, the steam engine, the telegraph, the Apollo space exploration program and the Boeing 777, what would it be? The author, E. E. Lewis, former chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University, writes in his book, “Masterworks of Technology”, the thread linking these diverse objects is technological innovation. This innovation has always originated in the same way: there existed a need for something new, or a need to do something better, and there was an inventive mind present to create the object or improve an existing one. Lewis uses a diverse and highly illustrative series of examples to depict the nearly continuous stream of technological innovation that has lead from elementary, utilitarian devices of antiquity to the highly sophisticated world we enjoy today. In the process he has compiled an informative history of technology.

Until Galileo’s era, nearly all advances in technology were the result of trial and

error, hands-on “tinkering” by artisans, builders, and anonymous engineers. Improvements in design were fragmented and evolutionary.

With the advances in scientific thought starting in the Renaissance, and with Galileo in particular, technology became

more grounded in science, mathematics, and the scientific method: detailed observations, direct experimentation, and careful measurements. As a result, technology advanced at an increasingly faster pace to where today its benefits are felt in nearly everything we

do. Engineering evolved as the bridge between basic science and technology.

Another important factor in the increased pace of technological development that began in the Renaissance was the transition to a commercial society. The growth in commerce provided funds for technological development which in turn made commerce more productive, and more profitable, resulting in more money available for technological research and development.

Very few drawings existed before the time of Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. His drawings and those by other artist/engineers of the era were the first time drawings were used as a visualization tool in the development of technology. Pictorial perspective, codified by Leon Battista Alberti in 1425, was one of the most significant contributions to technology made during the Renaissance. By the 18th century, detailed, scaled engineering drawings were used routinely and became an absolutely critical element in the development of increasingly complex technology.

The book begins with a presentation on the construction of the pyramids in 2800 BC, and hop scotches through history. Along the way, the book includes a description of the evolution of architectural/structural design from the relatively “heavy and short” churches of the Romanesque era to the “tall and light” Gothic cathedrals exemplified by the cathedral at Chartres. Also included are the 9th century evolution of waterwheels from undershot type, developed by the Romans, to the more efficient

It’s the Dear Joe font and it has permission problems. Create outlines.

Ed Buch

b u c h n o t E s

Continued on page 14

M A s T e r w o r k s o f T e C h n o L o g Y

….the problem solving thought process used

by engineers has always been at the

heart of technological development.

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M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0 b u c h n o t E s

overshot design, and the evolution of the 18th Century steam engine from the Newcomen design to the much more efficient engine developed by the Englishman James Watt. The book concludes with the engineering advances used in the Apollo lunar missions and the development of the Boeing 777.

Lewis pays particular attention to the technological and engineering genius of Galileo Galilei, 1564-1642. Galileo’s investigations into the science of motion are better known than his research into the relationship between geometry and strength of materials. The latter forms the basis of structural engineering design we use today. The advances in structural engineering by the Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford in the late 18th century are presented along with other significant engineering developments of the 19th century. Most significant among these were the introduction of Portland Cement concrete, iron, and steel as structural engineering materials.

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DAVID H. PEBLEY, CSI, President Visit us on the web at . . .

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“Masterworks of Technology” is a short book, only 325 pages, and very accessible to the non-technical reader. It was published in 2004 by Prometheus Books and would be enjoyable for anyone interested in the relationship between technology, engineering, and society as a whole.

Continued from page 13

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

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W E s t r E G i o n c o r n E r

Although it was tough to stop eating ice cream for breakfast with the grandkids, I was happy to spend some time with two active student groups. The first was our long established group on the Cal Poly, San Luis obispo campus, which is the Student Affiliate of the Fresno Chapter. our meeting started late because many students must take night classes to find class space. We conducted a brainstorming session and went over transition issues and planning for their annual Construction Sciences Forum on campus Wednesday April 7th. I want to thank Fresno Chapter for stepping up to make this event a success and to encourage all product reps to sign-up for the on-campus Product Show. Check out the student club’s website for details at www.calpoly.edu then click on the CSI site.

The next morning, I drove to San Diego to visit one of our newest student groups at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design. What a delight to experience the enthusiastic support that the San Diego Chapter has for this school of around

600 students. In discussions with the Dean, he was very pleased to have CSI on campus. That night, the Chapter was doing something rarely done in other chapters. They were having their regular chapter meeting on campus with a great turnout of tabletops for their 2nd Annual Sustainable Products Fair. The room was alive with a wonderful networking buzz. The entire evening was free to students. The speaker connected easily with students and faculty alike. I would urge other chapters look into bringing David Mar, S.E., a Principal with Tipping Mar + Assoc of Berkeley, CA to speak at your events. His was able to share his years of experiences with sustainable projects and alternative construction in a very understandable, informative and entertaining manner. Check out their well done web site for event photos at www.sandiegocsi.org

Speaking of well done web sites, I hope many of you by now have seen the impressive results of Eric Camin’s redo of the West Region website. We needed to take back more control of our site and Institute was not ready with their new version that will have ability to add Region (& Chapter) microsites. Eric completely remade the website using

“Go Daddy” and it’s getting some pretty good reviews although not fully up with all pages. He’s asking all chapters to send him current info & event photos to populate the site. Nice going Eric!!

February is CSI ELECTIoN month; I want to remind everyone that this year’s elections are oNLY via electronic format. Chapters are being encouraged to contact their members that do

not have e-mail access and see if they can help them vote by providing a laptop at your Chapter meeting or allowing them to come to another member’s office. Historically we only get about ¼ of the members

voting and in this time of declining numbers we need to do everything we can to help members be involved. Remember, to save money, we were also able to get our Region officers on the same Institute ballot. This election will be the final step in our governance changeover as we go to a separation between the two Region officers and our Institute Director. So we have 3 positions to elect and contested races in each position. Please read over their qualifications (and ask some questions). Since I currently wear both the Institute Director hat and the Region President hat, I can tell you that this split will allow each position to now give more focused attention to their piece of the

I just came back from a great working vacation to Southern Cal.

David A Willis, West Region Vice President

Continued on page 16

M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0

2010 CSI elections are ONLY via electronic

format.

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organization. With the limited volunteer hours we all have, this will allow us to move forward in a more positive way.

Recommended Read: In the Holiday rush, I had overlooked the Dec 2009 issue of The Monthly Leader. I’m glad I didn’t delete it as this is one of the best they’ve done. I want to encourage each Chapter to discuss the “New Member orientations That Work” article at their next Board meeting. one point that has been made at our Institute Board meetings is we sign up a lot of members but after a short time many fall away. In this article it list “Five Tips for a Dynamite orientation”. This supports the time tested success story that if you get them involved so they can see value within the first 60 days of joining you dramatically increase the odds of them renewing at the end of their first year. If you have discarded this great issue, remember you can now get past articles from the online CSI Monthly Leader Archive.

our Mid-Year meeting, quickly coming up March 5th for the Speak-out and 6th for the Board meeting in oakland (new location more convenient to the airport), promises to be an energetic event. one of the high interest items we will be discussing are affordable ways to expand leadership training for “newbies” that

aren’t officers or directors yet. Also we need to respond to an Institute request to move our Region Conference out of our traditional Fall time slot. Although not required, I believe that this needs done so it will not compete with the Institute convention when they move to a final fall slot beginning in 2012. This could have a negative impact on product shows supporting our Conference and chapter cash flow for sending members to two closely held events. Remember, all members are welcome at the Mid-year Board meeting, we just need to know if you are coming for meeting room arrangements and lunch cost is on you if not a Board member or officer. My request of each Chapter is that you fully discuss at your February Chapter Board meeting all of the options our Task Team has put together so your Region Director can be prepared to vote on a solution at the Mid-year meeting.

Finally, I want to encourage each member to look again at submitting their name for an Institute or Region committee. This organization is one of the best networking groups I know of and has kept me hooked since 1983. In this economy, more networking opportunities is a good thing. However, we all know it is certainly true that the more you put in, the more you get out. So send me an e-mail and let’s get you “hooked up”.

Remember, the Institute committees are on their website so you can sign-up online, but as I’m now a “senior” board member, copy me so I can lobby for you in the hallways.

Remember, it’s not too early to be making your plans for Construct 2010 in Philadelphia, May 11-14, but it comes early this year only, before going to a permanent Fall time slot.

Continued from page 15

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MEMbErship nEWs Mar/apr 2010

neW MeMBers

Welcome to all these new members! We look forward to meeting you at chapter activities:

Kathryn Green,

Peter Ruppel, Architect

Leo Hancock, Black and Decker

Welcome back, we’ve missed you!

Ron Borum, Cossfield Products

MeMBer reCOgnitiOn

Congratulations to all these members who joined in March or April and have maintained continuous membership.

MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO:

Virgil Troyer,CSI, Member Emeritus, DV Troyer Co., a member 48 years

MORE THAN 30 YEARS AGO:

David Deyell, CSI, Member Emeritus

John Thoman, CSI, Member Emeritus, AC Martin Partners

Anne Whitacre, FCSI, CCS

Bruce De Jong, CSI, Bruce DeJong

Tim McDonald, CSI, Mer-Kote Products

Larry Whitlock, CSI, CCS, CCCA

10 YEARS AGO:

Gloria Irigoyen, CSI, Specialty Building Components

Tom Page, CSI, Spectrum Land Planning

5 YEARS AGO:

Glenn Cooper, CSI, Tech-Wall, Inc.

MeMBersHiP COMMittee neWs

NEED A MEMBERSHIP BADGE?

Many thanks to Vince overmyer and Melissa Higgins of Merlex who are taking on the challenge of ordering badges. If you ordered a badge, please check at the registration table at CSI Night or a the next monthly membership meeting.

neW MeMBer OrientatiOn

This is not only for new members, everyone is welcome Wednesday, March 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM prior to the monthly meeting.

Learn how to get the most from your membership

Ask questions

Meet people

Understand the big picture of CSI - Chapter, Region and Institute.

ideas!

Do you have an idea for something that the chapter could do to make membership even more valuable? valarieh@pacbell.net

• Self-adhered (no nails, no staples)

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For a FREE Blueskin VP™ Demo Kit and more information, contact Judy Holleran, RRC, CDT, building science specialist, at (323) 363-3468 or judy.holleran@henry.com

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Weather Tight

Next generation technology picks up where traditional polymeric wraps leave off!

www.henry.com

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M A r C h / AprIL 2 0 1 0 M E M b E r s h i p n E W s M a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 1 0

The Los Angeles Chapter of CSI Membership Committee presents

The Joe Back Membership Invitational 2009–10

valarieh@pacbell.net

Simply bring in the most new members to the Los

Angeles chapter from November 1st to June 30th

and win a very good bottle of wine. The prize will

be carefully selected by Joe and presented at the

July Dinner Meeting.

Just let Valarie Harris know when you refer new members.y

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c u r M u G E o n ’ s c o r n E r - t r aV E l o G u E pa r t 1

by Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA

My wife and I had so much fun on our European Vacation that I can’t help but think about it every day. It was such a wonderful, inspiring experience that it may have made me less curmudgeonly - at least for a while. In consequence, I will occasionally set aside the Curmudgeon’s Corner, and recall some of what we saw.

Churches, synagogues, and other places of worship can be found throughout America. Here in the Midwest, you won’t find a town small enough to not have at least one, and some appear to have more than can be supported by the local area. of course, the town itself doesn’t include the farms that extend endlessly in all directions; I often try to imagine the weekly processions from the outlying areas to the churches. With horse-drawn wagons as the fastest means of travel, there wasn’t much sleeping in on Sunday mornings!

our larger cities have more and larger churches, and we just happen to have two major Roman Catholic churches in the Twin Cities - the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, and the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul. My wife and I also have visited the Washington National Cathedral a couple of times, so even though we live in the boonies, we have been able to see a few of the biggest churches in the United States. Still, the oldest of the ones we have seen are less than a century old.

And so, when we left on our vacation (yes, I’m back to that again), we looked forward to seeing the fabled cathedrals and churches of Europe. But with only three weeks available, we had to limit ourselves to only parts of Germany and Italy, and my observations obviously are limited to what we saw.

our first stop was Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled city a few hours southeast of Frankfurt. The city itself dates back to about 1100. Its two towers are about 180 feet tall, and the east end of the soaring nave is lighted with a few beautiful lancets of stained glass. one of its two large altars was created by Tilman Riemenschneider, who has been called the Michelangelo of woodcarvers, and the west end of the nave is dominated by a towering, 5,500 pipe organ.

our next destination was Immenstaad am Bodensee, in southernmost Germany. Immenstaad is a resort town on the north shore of the Bodensee, or Lake Constance as it’s known here. Most of our trip was by rail, but the last leg was on a large passenger ferry, which deposited us on a long pier leading into the heart of town. Looking south from Germany, you can see Switzerland from all but the east end of the lake, where it is bordered by Austria.

We didn’t see much of Immenstaad, as we travelled out during the day and returned each evening for dinner by the lake. one of these excursions was to Meersburg, a short bus to the west. Meersburg is a small city, most of which is centered around two old castles, but from

Continued on page 20

Organ in St. Jacob, Rothenburg

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the lake, the enormous city winery looks like it may be the more important part of town. The age of the older castle is unknown, some saying the first part was built in the seventh century, while others believe it wasn’t built until the twelfth century. Either way, it’s been around just a bit longer than the good old US of A.

A short distance to the east is the new Meersburg castle, which is more of a palace. It was built in the eighteenth century, but used as a castle for only a few decades, having since become the home of two or three museums. The east end of the palace contains a modest chapel, which was built for the resident prince. Along with the rest of the building, it has undergone more than one restoration, the last about twenty years ago. From the outside, you wouldn’t know there is a chapel within, as the façade and height are in keeping with the rest of the building. As a result, it’s a real surprise when you enter and find a tall, two-story space built in the rococo style. The walls and ceiling are stark white, overlaid with elaborate

ornamentation and gilding, and most of the ceiling is decorated in colorful fresco.

After a visit to the Zeppelin museum in Friedrichshafen, we went on to Salzburg. From there, we took a day trip to Hallstatt,

Austria, a postcard-sized town that looks like it was built for postcard pictures. After a two-hour rail trip through what might be the most beautiful mountains and villages in the world, we arrived at the Hallstatt station, a mere whistle stop compared to some of the terminals we saw. The station comprises a small building, a small platform, and the ubiquitous station clock. It is not, however, the end of the line, as it is

across a lake from the Hallstatt, and the only way to complete the trip is by a ferry. Not surprisingly, the ferries schedule is tied closely to that of the trains.

Even though Hallstatt has only a thousand residents, it has two churches, both easily seen from across the lake and from much of the town. St. Michael’s Chapel, which is perhaps fifty feet above the main street, dates back to the twelfth century. It is famous for its ossuary,

home to about 2,000 human skulls. The other church, Christ Church Lutheran, was built in the nineteenth century. Located at street level, it has a spire that appears to reach about as high as the spire on the older church.

Moving on to Firenze (Florence), we found a comfortable second floor room with a window overlooking a courtyard. Looking out the window, we could see the tops of the Brunelleschi dome and the Campanile at Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. The basilica is visible from a great distance, though usually hidden from street level. This shouldn’t be surprising, given its size - at 500 feet long, 125 feet wide at the nave and 300 feet wide at the transept, and over 300 feet tall - it’s by far the biggest structure in town. The exterior, a striking combination of white, green, and red marble, is a well-known symbol of the city. Unfortunately, we found the interior to be a disappointment after the colorful exterior. It has few windows, paintings, or statues; the highlight is the dome, which has almost an acre of painted surface. Still, despite the lack of ornamentation, the verticality of the interior and the sheer volume were quite impressive.

Come back next month, when we’ll set out for the cathedrals of Rome.

© 2010, Sheldon Wolfeswconstructivethoughts.blogspot.com

Alter in St. Jacob, Rothenburg

Continued from page 19

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c s i p r o D u c t s h o W s

As an Industry Member, how can you choose trade shows wisely to maximize your investment? You should know that one of the best bargains for promoting to specification writers is the local CSI Chapter trade show. A majority of design professionals do not travel to national trade shows to get product information even in good economic times. Most of the efficient worker bees who produce these CSI shows are volunteers and the results are BETTER than the professionally produced events. How can you obtain information about local CSI chapters? Read on!

once upon a time at the beginning of the CSI fiscal year, West Region CSI Editors awaited a very special list compiled by the editor of the Sacramento CSI newsletter, Toni Potter. That list provided the date, time, location and contact information for each upcoming show. No need to search all over sites for simple information. That list appeared in our newsletters in time to assist potential exhibitors budgeting for the following fiscal year. Toni passed away several years ago and the “one stop shopping” list went with her. This is in your honor, Toni!

2010 Csi trade shows - Western United states

MarCH 18, 2010 - redWOOd eMPire CHaPter Csi

What: Construction Expo Redwood EmpireWhere: Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Hall, Santa Rosa, CaliforniaWhen: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM For More Information: http://www.recsi.org/expo/

aPriL 14, 2010 - san FranCisCO CHaPter Csi

What: 2010 ProFairWhere: UCSF - Mission Bay Conference Center, San Francisco, CaliforniaContact: Larry Fosnight at 707-238-5175; lfosnight@assaabloydss.com

*aPriL 16-17, 2010 - 2010 gULF states regiOn COnFerenCe

Hosted by the Shreveport Chapter CSIWhere: Shreveport Hilton, Shreveport, LouisianaContact: Joey Gilchrist at Jgilchrist@bradleybrick.net & www.csiwse.org

*aPriL 20, 2010 – neW OrLeans CHaPter Csi

What: 31st. Annual Trade and Product ExhibitionWhere: Delgado Community College - Student Life Center New orleans, LouisianaWhen: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PMContact: William W. Stoffle at 504.349.8595/ bill.stoffle@jppss.k12.la.us

aPriL 23, 2010 - interiOr designers OF idaHO

What: 2010 Trade ShowWhere: Grove Hotel, Boise, IdahoWhen: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMContact Kimberly Crystal at 208-371-2560 or kimberlyc@pacmat.com

It’s the Dear Joe font and it has permission problems. Create outlines.

Annette Wren, FCSI, CDT

*Annette’s “honorary western” CSI chapter & region Continued on page 22

A s o f M A r C h , 2 0 1 0

… one of the best bargains for promoting to specification

writers is the local CSI Chapter trade show.

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A s o f M A r C h , 2 0 1 0 c s i p r o D u c t s h o W s

aPriL 27, 2010 - FresnO CHaPter Csi

What: CSI Fresno Product Show Where: Fresno Convention Center Ernie E. Valdez Hall, Fresno, CaliforniaWhen: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMContact - Marcel Bourdase at mbourdase@pesc.com

aPriL 29, 2010 - PUget sOUnd CHaPter Csi

What: ProSpecWhere: Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle, WashingtonWhen: 3 PM – 9 PMContact: http://www.csi-prospec.org/

aPriL 29 - 2010 sOUtHWest Csi regiOn COnFerenCe

April 29 – May 1, 2010 Hosted by Pikes Peak Chapter CSIWhat: “Surviving the Dry Times”Where: Colorado Springs, ColoradoContact: Darin Weiss, CSI; 719- 634-3751; dweiss@bkeys.com

MaY 11, 2010 - POrtLand CHaPter Csi

What: Construction Industry Forum 2010Where: Two World Trade Center, Portland, oregonContact: Cherie McNabb at cherie.McNabb@forbo.com

sePteMBer 14, 2010 - Orange COUntY CHaPter Csi

What: Construction Products & Services Exposition 2010Where: Astor Classics Museum & Event Center, Anaheim, CaliforniaWhen: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PMContact: Bryan Stanley at 714-221-5520

sePt 23 - 2010 nOrtHWest Csi LeadersHiP/regiOn COnFerenCe

September 23 – 27, 2010 Hosted by the Idaho Chapter CSI & Big Sky Chapter CSIWhere: Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort, West Yellowstone, MontanaoNLINE REGISTRATIoN at www.idahochaptercsi.org

sePt 30 - 2010 West regiOn Csi COnFerenCe HOsted BY FresnO CHaPter Csi

September 30 – october 3, 2010Where: Tenaya Lodge Yosemite, CaliforniaFor information call: 800-743-1890

LOs angeLes CHaPter Csi

When: 4th Wednesday of every month.Sign up at www.lacsi.org

Las vegas CHaPter Csi

When: 2nd Tuesday Contact: Paul R. Ricciuti; Email: pricciuti@cox.net or (702) 436-2899

Mt. rainier CHaPter Csi

When: First ThursdayContact: To participate in our Product Display Program, call Nora Vivarelli at (206) 409-3870 to schedule.

saCraMentO CHaPter Csi

Email: info@csisacto.org for information regarding tabletop opportunities

sPOkane CHaPter Csi

www.csispokane.org for information regarding tabletop opportunities.Trade Show TBD

Continued from page 21

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c o n s t r u c t 2 0 1 0

FORESIGHT IS POWER

Have you made your plans to attend CoNSTRUCT 2010, the commercial building industry EVENT for architects, specifiers, engineers, facility managers, building owners, CSI members, project managers, general contractors, designers and thousands of diverse commercial, institutional and industrial building professionals?

This is held conjunction with the CSI Annual Convention and co-located with The TFM Show. CoNSTRUCT offers accredited education, unparalleled networking and a full exhibit hall floor with the latest products, services and solutions for the commercial building industry. Gain the insights you need to face the future.

www.constructshow.com

PennsYLvania COnventiOn Center

PHiLadeLPHia, Pa Usa

exHiBits MaY 12-14 | edUCatiOn MaY 11-14

54th

CSI ANNUALCONVENTION

CONSTRUCT2010

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u s G b c M E M b E r s h i p

MissiOn

The Mission of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Construction Specifications Institute is to provide its members the opportunity to share information about materials and methods of construction, and to promote improved preparation, delivery and use of construction documents.

The Chapter fosters the professional development of its members and provides service to the construction industry by promoting education, research, certification, recognition of outstanding accomplishments, and networking opportunities within the Chapter, Region, Institute, and construction industry.

Newsletter Editors

Laura Sellmer: Lsellmer@isecinc.com

Steve Taylor: steve@woodinst.com

Designed by Tarvin Commercial Art

‘USGBC’ and related logo is a

trademark owned by the U.S.

Green Building Council and is

used by permission.

did YOU knOW?

LACSI is now a member of USGBC?

As an LACSI member, you can take advantage of our USGBC Membership and enjoy the benefits by registering on the USGBC.org website or e-mailing us at lacsi.green@gmail.com.

Sign-in or register on www.USGBC.org, click onto “membership” under “your account” and connect with LA CSI. Request the connection and receive USGBC benefits:

Discounts on reference guides, study guides, LEED Implementation guides, USGBC Education webinars and online courses, LEED exam

Access to USGBC Member Directory

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Knowledge for Creating and Sustaining the Built Environment

National website: http://www.csinet.org

Los Angeles Chapter: www.lacsi.org

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