ASCCA What You Need To Know

August 25, 2014

Leach Oil/Mouren-Laurens Lawsuit Update

As some of you remember, a complex environmental lawsuit filed over 13 years ago against thousands of defendants, including automotive repair facilities that generated oil waste sent to the Leach Oil/Mouren-Laurens sites, is still active. The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that some automotive repair shops are potentially responsible for the contamination on these sites.

Recently, the lawsuit was amended naming additional potentially responsible parties, including more automotive repair shops. If you have been served with the lawsuit, don't panic, please call ASCCA attorney Jack Molodanof at 916-447-0313 for assistance.

SoCal Crushing NorCal 56-33 in Countertop Display Contest

SoCal sent in about 20 contest entries at the end of last week and took a lead of 23 into the homestretch of this contest. The deadline isn't until September 12, though, so there's still time for NorCal to respond in kind. The ASCCA's Facebook page shows updated results. Chapter reps from the losing region will serve winners sundae desserts at the September Team Weekend. Submit photos to Phil Boerner. Let him know if you need a display mailed to you.

Contest Rules

Call or Write Your Senator and Urge them to Stop AB 1522

AB 1522 (Gonzalez) is now with the full Senate for a vote. This is the bill to mandate paid sick leave, which ASCCA opposes. Call or write to your senator and tell them that you oppose this bill. Ask your senator to vote no, or to at least consider amending the bill to exclude small business.

Sample Letter

Copy of Bill

Copy of Committee Analysis
Look up Your Senator here

Register Now for the ASCCA September Team Weekend

Click here to register

View Agenda here

Make hotel reservations here

Got questions? Email Lauren Stoddard or call 800.810.4272.

Write a Letter Urging the Governor to Sign SB 850 into Law

ASCCA Chapter Reps. Committee Chair Dave Kusa urges ASCCA members to write a letter to the governor in support of SB 850. This bill would start a pilot program for baccalaureate degrees at community colleges. De Anza College Automotive Technology is one of the programs that is being looked at to offer a four-year degree, which would be in Automotive Technology Management. Please fax a copy of the template letter (link below) to (916) 558-3160. Dave Kusa and Larry Moore sit on the De Anza advisory board and have been asked to support this. Craig Johnson and the Government Affairs Committee have given their stamp of approval too.

Sample Letter

Text of the Bill

Brake Pad Packaging: ASCCA Requests Clear Markings Indicating Standards are Met

ASCCA lobbyist Jack Molodanof submitted comments last week to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) related to draft informal regulations on brake friction material law. ASCCA has been working with DTSC staff to obtain clarification regarding the implementation and enforcement of the new brake pad law and to develop FAQs (see below) to educate and assist the automotive industry to achieve compliance. ASCCA board member Ted Walters also represented the association during a regulatory workshop on August 20 and reiterated our written comments.

Link to FAQs

ASCCA Member Osborn's Automotive Featured in R&W Insider

Scott Osborn, owner of ASCCA member shop Osborn's Automotive in Redondo Beach, was featured in an article this week in R&W Insider entitled "Improving Inspections." Click on the link below to read about his quest to create an all-new vehicle inspection system to increase sales and improve auto repairs.

Read the article

Member Benefit Extended! ASCCA Discount on DAD Device Good Through the End of this Year

Applus Technologies, Inc. ("Applus") is pleased to offer ASCCA members a 15% discount off the retail price of each Applus Smog DADdy� full system. To obtain the discount, Applus Technologies asks that ASCCA members wishing to purchase the units order on their website www.smogdaddy.com and enter promotion code "ASCCA" in the appropriate space on the order form.

This offer will expire December 31, 2014. ASCCA members will receive their discount immediately upon purchase. In cases where established members have made purchases prior to the date of this agreement, Applus will adjust the purchase price to reflect the aforementioned discount.

ASCCA Partners with Educational Seminars Institute for Discounted Courses for Members!

This is a new member benefit! Courses are normally $149.95. ASCCA members will pay only $95 per attendee! The number of ASCCA discounted courses is limited, so register today! To take advantage of this member discount, email Sarah Spencer or call her at 800.810.4272. (You cannot register for these courses through the ESi website.) The courses are "Convert the Price Driven Customer" on Sep. 6 in La Palma, Sep. 8 in Santa Clara, and Sep. 9 in Fairfield; "Leadership" on Oct. 19 in Lake Tahoe; and "Sales and the Customer Experience" on Nov. 22 in La Palma, Dec. 1 in Santa Clara, and Dec. 2 in Fairfield.

ASCCA Member Murrieta Auto Repair Featured in R&W Insider

ASCCA's own Chris Christianson, owner of Murrieta Auto Repair in Murrieta, was featured in an issue of R&W Insider this week in an article about how detailed employee contracts can increase productivity. Kudos to Chris!

Read the article

AutoZone: Double Your Spend -- Double Your Rebate!

This August AutoZone is offering ASCCA members a great opportunity! If you spent at least $200 in June 2014 and you double that amount in August you will receive double rebates on your August 2014 purchases.

Click here for the flyer with details

From AutoVitals: The Value of SmartFlow

With the introduction of SmartFlow, service advisers and technicians have not only gained productivity and consistency, but also the ability to know where every vehicle is in the workflow, and how much billable time could be sold, or has been over-committed.

Let's take the number crunching one step further. What if you knew how long a vehicle would be in each workflow step and you could identify patterns and develop best practices to gain more efficiency?

Get Ready to Vote on Aug. 28

The ASCCA is gearing up for the next Board of Directors election. After August 28 you can see who will be on the ballot and read candidates bios on our website. This is a two-year commitment commencing January 1, 2015. You may contact ASCCA Executive Director Gloria Peterson if you have any questions.

So, heads up for ballots coming out on August. 28. Be sure to cast your vote!

Recall Notices from the NHTSA