Building Industry Association
of San Diego

The day after Labor Day is traditionally when political candidates ratchet up their campaigns for the November General Election.  This time, with 55 days remaining, a sour economy, a host of seats up for grabs and a clearly agitated electorate, the November election could be one for the history books. From taxes to global warming, voters have no shortage of issues to decide upon.

Locally, the key race will be who will replace termed out city councilmember Donna Frye in San Diego’s 6th district.  Lorie Zapf, a local community activist and small business owner takes on former State Assemblyman Howard Wayne.  Expect a spirited race as business and unions weigh in on this critical city council seat.

County Supervisors  Bill Horn and Ron Roberts head to runoff elections despite beating their June opponents by a two to one margin but falling just shy of the 50% magic number needed to win outright and avoid a November campaign.

Despite double digit unemployment and an economic recovery that appears more as a mirage than anything else, San Diego voters will decide on a 1/2 cent tax increase that a majority of councilmembers believe is necessary to help balance the city’s books. And the San Diego School District is asking for a $98 parcel tax to help with the district’s financial woes.

There are 21 propositions on the ballot with 9 dealing with state issues and 12 divided among local cities.  Most notable include a prohibition on mandatory Project Labor Agreements in San Diego County, a suspension of the state’s job killing mandates to thwart global warming and a proposition that will eliminate the 2/3rd vote requirement for lawmakers to pass a state budget.

BIA’s Political Communications Committee is working diligently to interview candidates and evaluate many of the propositions in order to provide our members with important information prior to election day.

Watch for the BIAPAC November Election Voter Guide, scheduled for release in early October.

Despite the tough economic climate, this year’s Building Industry Show “BIS” aims to get the housing industry bouncing back by totally reinventing the BIS Show experience. The two largest homebuilding associations in California, BIA San Diego and BIA Southern California have joined forces to collaborate on BIS, making it the largest regional trade show of its kind. 

This year a redesigned exhibit floor plan will be offering attendees and exhibitors a new and exciting trade show experience with several new activity hubs throughout the show floor. One of the new hubs will be the Green Pavilion, which will feature an architecturally designed theater dedicated to informative seminars on new green codes, innovative green building solutions and products.  With a second hub added as a Design Pavilion offering attendees new insight from leading Architects, Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. For all those needing their daily caffeine fix, Starbucks is now going to be available on the showroom floor providing yet another opportunity to connect with attendees and exhibitors all on the show floor. 

BIASD President &  Chief Executive Officer, Borre Winckel comments, “I am excited about all the new changes made this year at BIS. We really did our homework on what our exhibitors and attendees are looking for in a trade show and I promise this year’s show will be a totally new and a different experience than previous years. I encourage anyone involved with the building industry to attend.”

The 2010 BIS Trade show will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on November 18 & 19. Special hotel rates are available at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency. For the latest updates, exhibitor info and online registration please visit www.bisbounce.com.

Did you know we can help your company with fuel and insurance costs, and reduce your cell phone charges?  We also have an online bid room where you can find new work.  Whether you want discounts on business services or the latest industry news and resources, and fun forums for networking, BIA San Diego has it!  Get Details

Karla Valeri

Karla Valeri will be joining BIA on September 9th as as its new Director of Events. Many of you will recognize Karla Valeri as BIA’s very own Karla Scott who worked as our Events Coordinator for three years (2005-2008).  Karla returns to us after a 2-1/2 year tenure with Destination Concepts where she managed a variety of professional events.

We are thrilled to have her back on our team and look forward to the expertise and innovation that she will bring to future BIA events and programs.  BIA also wishes its current events manager, Jennie Bottalico, good luck in her new career. Welcome back to the BIA family Karla!

Last night, BIA member Sudberry Properties, received UNANIMOUS APPROVAL from the Carlsbad City Council for its Palomar Commons project.  This PGL-supported project, is the redevelopment of the former Olympic Hotel, and work (new opportunities) is scheduled to begin as soon as 2011.   This was also the first retail project supported by PGL.  Project Green Light activists who lived or worked in Carlsbad attended the hearing and wrote letters to the City Council urging approval.  Congratulations to Sudberry and all of the PGL activists who helped secure its passage.  Get more information about Project Green Light.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to approve the Montecito Ranch Master Planned Community for the Western end of Ramona. Montecito Ranch was a charter member of the BIA’s Project Greenlight, a voluntary, member-driven effort to get development projects approved regionally and to get our members back to work!

Montecito Ranch spans 935 acres and will consist of 417 single-family homes, an 8-acre park and 576 acres of open space. The project spent 12 years in the county’s development services process.

The County Board of Supervisors gave the final go ahead for the Fair and Open Competition Initiative to appear on the November General Election Ballot.  The initiative will prohibit mandatory Project Labor Agreements on all county projects.  It was adopted on a 4 to 1 vote,  with Supervisor Greg Cox again being to lone dissenting vote. It is anticipated that local labor unions will mount a campaign against the initiative heading into the November elections.