BOMA is all about advocacy for the commercial real estate industry, whether before a board of supervisors, the California State Legislature, state agencies like the State Fire Marshal’s office or the Public Utilities Commission, or the U.S. Congress. At its Annual Board Meeting in Orange County, BOMA California approved the following officers to serve as leadership in 2013:   President: Brian Harnetiaux, Transwestern (BOMA Orange County) VP: Deanna Drake-Coplan, CB Richard Ellis (BOMA Oakland/East ...

The State’s Natural Resource Agency has released a draft of its “Commercial, Institutional and Industrial Task Force Best Management Practices Report to the Legislature.”  A stakeholder group was tasked to develop alternative best management practices for the commercial, industrial, & institutional (CII) water sector.  The group also assessed the potential statewide water use efficiency improvements in this sector that would result from implementation of alternative Best Management Practices.  ...

With just three weeks to go until the election, many people are spending a lot of time thoughtfully going over their ballots and making decisions on Propositions.  The CalChamber has put out its recommendations and as a proud member of that organization, we thought we would share:   Proposition 30:  Temporary Taxes to Fund Education.  Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding.  — No Position Proposition 31:  State Budget, State and Local Government.  — Support Proposition 32: Political ...

Next week the 2012 Industry Awards Dinner will be held in Newport Beach.  This event, held every two years, is a chance for the commercial real estate industry to take a break and honor people that have made a difference in our business.  This year we take time to honor the following individuals and companies:   Ernest W. Hahn Memorial Award Greg McWilliams with Newhall Land is being awarded for his longtime leadership and service to the commercial real estate industry.   John Caldecott ...

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) has released to the public draft building standards for disabled accessibility in commercial and government buildings.  As reported earlier, DSA has decided to rewrite California’s Disabled Accessibility Standards, using the federal Department of Justice regulations as the basis for our state regulations.   DSA’s rewrite includes amendments to DOJ’s regulations where California’s current standards are more stringent.  Over the past 8 months, ...

We are pleased to report that the CA Division of Occupational Safety and Health has given notice that it has formally withdrawn Circular Letter 11-01 in its entirety, effective immediately.   According to the Division, the Circular Letter was initially published because they had received inquiries regarding whether certain work on conveyances was covered by state law.  After receiving more information from the elevator industry they have decided that clarifications are more appropriately addressed ...

In order to help local agencies and businesses move forward in the absence of redevelopment, the California Redevelopment Association and the California Association for Local Economic Development are hosting a series of workshops, entitled “What is next for cities and counties that want continue their efforts to build better communities.” Event topics include:   * What Tools Successor Agencies Have Available Under Current Law * Property and Cash Management: How to Treat them * Local Economic ...

For six decades California cities have used redevelopment agencies to address blight and fund residential projects. Last year, the Legislature and Governor passed laws to shutter the 400 agencies implementing the program.   In the wake of that policy decision several bills will be introduced in the Legislature to clarify issues and create new policy paths to help local governments do some of the activities that redevelopment agencies previously did.   Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed the ...

Today, several leaders from CBPA representing the commercial real estate industry are honored to participate in a meeting with the Governor’s office to think strategically about how to increase and expand opportunities for energy efficiency in new construction and existing building.  Entitled the “Big Think” forum and hosted by the Governor and the CPUC, the discussion is focusing on how to accelerate the scale for energy efficiency investment and how to capture benefits for energy, greenhouse ...

Two longtime leaders at the California Business Properties Association are being honored for the dedication and service to the industry and their achievements as individuals.   Fran Inman heads up government relations and community affairs for Majestic Reality Co, “one of the nation’s largest privately-held, family-owned real estate development companies. Their holdings include about 70 million square feet of commercial property. She is being hailed as a “Rock Star” for her work helping ...