BIA of Southern California
LOS ANGELES/ VENTURA CHAPTER BLUEPRINT  
Your Blueprint To All Things At BIA LA/Ventura
June 2014

President's Message

 

Tomorrow marks the first day of summer and shortly we will mark the second half of 2014. The year is flying by quickly and the LAV Board has been busy with our 2014 strategic goals, providing networking opportunities for our members and adding members to our ranks. 

 

The Chapter has also been busy supporting the industry through their efforts on the legislative front.  On Monday the Ventura City Council approved a motion to form a stakeholder task force instead of implementing a proposed water fee. Leading up to this decision, City staff proposed water fees of up to $15,538 per acre feet that would apply retroactively.  The fee was on the fast track for approval. We stepped in and were able to get the staff recommendation to exempt projects with approved entitlements.  The Council subsequently delayed the fee and instead required the formation of a stakeholder task force.


We are also pleased to announce, as a direct result of a motion by LA County Supervisor Antonovich, the Antelope Valley Area Plan Notice of Preparation for the EIR was released last week.  This motion moves the AV Area Plan ahead of the General Plan for consideration by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. This has been a multi-year effort, and we are pleased with the re-direction by the Board of these two plans.  Additionally, we are continuing our work with LAV taskforces and our coalition partners to assure the implementing ordinances are vetted following a fiscal analysis study and the CEQA studies for the General Plan and its implementing ordinances.  We have also been engaged with LA County Department of Regional Planning on a revision to Title 22 for a Homeshare or Next Generation product. These changes should be finalized and to the Planning Commission by December 2014.

In the Antelope Valley, the City of Palmdale and the LA County fire department, determined an increase in fire fees was needed to provide for 2 additional stations. The proposed 78% increase was scheduled for July.  The Chapter worked with City staff on a 2 year phased-in approach to the fee increase, and to defer the first year fee increase a home's Certificate of Occupancy rather that at the time of permit; thus allowing builders in the area to anticipate the additional fees on their projects. We are pleased the City Council approved these negotiated changes for our industry.

 

Last week the City of Santa Clarita extended their development fees deferral program. The Chapter worked with the City early in the year relaying the need to continue the program for our members.  The request was received well by staff, and it was recommended by staff in their report to the City Council. With Council approval, the program will continue through June 30, 2015.

 

These are highlights of a few of our government affairs efforts.  You may find a more complete list on our website under the Resource Center tab.  I encourage you to keep in contact with Chapter staff as you see issues arising in your areas, because the earlier we catch an emerging issue, the better we can address them with the agencies concerned.  It has been a busy beginning to the year, and as the industry grows economically we need to remember to stay engaged on industry related issues.  

 

In that vein and to kick-off our summer events, I am pleased to invite you to the Chapter's Presidents Party next month at Watt Communities in Santa Monica. You will find links below to register your attendance. I look forward to seeing you there. 

 

 

Sincerely,

Howard Press

President

Watt Communities, LLC

 

Upcoming Events - 
 

President's Party

Come Network With Our Board President Howard Press of Watt Communities.
July 17th in Santa Monica
Space is Limited/Members Only
Thank you to our Sponsors!
 
Centennial Logo  
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BUILDERS ARE FREE!
* A Members Only Networking Event 
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May's Membership Drive Was A Big Success!
 
 
Thank  you to everyone who brought in new members last month! 
And Thank You To Our Sponsor:
 
Membership Benefits 

Did You Know That...

Today, your membership is more powerful than ever!  BIA of Southern California has a One Association, One Membership structure. This means that members who join BIASC have member access to ALL FOUR BIA Chapters - Baldy View, LA/Ventura, Orange County and Riverside. Members can participate in every chapter's events, committees and boards without any supplemental dues.  So, you have the opportunity to access services throughout the region, wherever your business plan takes you. Remember, your BIASC membership is a company membership, so every employee of your company is a member. 
Included with this membership program is that you are able to select which chapter or chapters you want to follow. Just go to BIASC's MEMBERS ONLY section and log in using your user name and password located in the top right corner of your semi-monthly event calendar email.  Select MY PROFILE, then ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, and select one or all of the chapters. For assistance or more information, please contact Anne O'Shea-Greenfield.
 
Are You Using the Member Directory?
As a BIASC member you are eligible to obtain a list of all members. What better way to do business with other members? To get the list just go to www.biasc.org click on the orange Member Log In button, enter your username and password where prompted, and then click on Member Directory.  You can choose to view members alphabetically or use the Advanced Search feature and search by company name or type of business. For questions, log in information or assistance, contact Kevin Ward.
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In This Issue
Upcoming Events
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2014

Partnership Program

 

Silver

Bronze

All Promotions Etc.
Cook Hill Properties, LLC
D. Barton Doyle Attorney at Law
KFG Investment Co.
Richmond American Homes
SARES-REGIS Group
The Musella Group

       

Energy Efficiency Education Partners

Southern California Edison

The Gas Company 

 

Become a Partner Today!

Contact   

Anne O'Shea-Greenfield

Ph. 661-257-5046 Ext. 1   

For more information about chapter news and events in this newsletter, e-mail the contact or call 661-257-5046 and select the extension listed on the item.


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