LID Ordinance Update

LID Ordinance Update

The Energy & Environment Committee did not move the Low Impact Development ordinance today, rather they scheduled another meeting for next Tuesday, 12/14.  Chair Jan Perry also asked for CLA and COA staff reports.  The CLA report will address technical questions and CAO will address any fiscal impacts.

The good news is that our message to pass LID by the end of the year was heard.  Councilmember Perry asked that it be scheduled for the 12/17 city council meeting, which is possible because the Planning & Land Use Committee has waived their hearing. 

Councilmember Krekorian was very strong in his support for LID noting that we have to reduce our dependence on imported water.   Councilmember Koretz echoed Krekorian’s sentiments and will be supportive.  Alarcon and Cardenas, the other two committee members were absent today.

Green LA members and allies turned out very strong today!   Supporters outnumbered the opposition 4 to 1.  Over 20 supporters spoke providing excellent testimony on the benefits of LID.  Thanks to all who  came today including:  Marcus Castain, Generation Water; Paul Herzog, Surfrider Foundation; Pam Berstler, Green Gardeners Group; Greg Reitz, Rethink Development; Mott Smith, Civic Enterprise; Chris McKibbon, Mar Vista Community Council; Raul Anorve, IDEPSCA; Ed Beldon, LASGRWC; Jason Elias, SEIU Local 721; Elva Yanez, Latino Urban Forum; Sean Berquist, SMBRC; Will Wright, AIA, Tom Erb, LADWP.

STAY TUNED for further instructions.

Stephanie Taylor
Managing Director
Green LA Coalition
Project of Community Partners

Outlaw Walking! - an editorial on how jaywalking infractions will undermine City of LA's economic recovery

Outlaw Walking!

another Will Wright rant.

The recent Downtown Los Angeles crackdown on jaywalking undermines the economic revitalization of the City and jeopardizes an entire platform of sustainability initiatives that have been formulated under the California Complete Streets Act (AB1358).  Citing jaywalking infractions is a law enforcement decision that runs counter to the goals of AB 32 and SB 375.  It's a law enforcement decision that is misguided and fundamentally flawed.  It's a law enforcement decision that will discourage pedestrianism and foster unsafe civic conditions by impeding a community's ability to inter-mingle as often as possible in such a way that facilitates greater social connectivity and understanding.  

What's more safe?  What's a bigger economic development engine?  A busy sidewalk or one void of people.

Deciding to cite the founding behavior of our community (pedestrianism!) with an infraction from the California Vehicle Code 21456(b) is a despicable implementation/enforcement of policy that threatens to tear our community apart and render Los Angeles as a less-than-livable city, thus eroding progressive initiatives to make LA more appealing and delightful as a place to live, work and recreate.

Additionally, the recent crackdown on jaywalking imperils our public safety by marginalizing our sidewalks.  It discourages the healthy lifestyle of walking and, in fact, reinforces a behavior that we are desperately trying as a City to evolve away from, which is driving the damned automobile!

We are all pedestrians.  Sure, it's counter-intuitive to step out in front of moving traffic.  But then again, pedestrians are traffic!  By all means - penalizing a person $191 for wearing shoes (instead of rubber tires) is absolutely the wrong thing to do.  If you are able to cross the intersection safely by the time the hand quits flashing, then you should be in the clear.  You should be rewarded for walking instead of penalized!

So, it is with all of this in mind that I propose we just simply Outlaw Walking!

Need to go somewhere:  take the elevator down to the garage and drive.  Can't find parking?  Well, tough.  Take a cab next time.  Just make sure that you don't walk anymore than the distance from your front door to the curb.

Walking is now illegal.  Walking is a crime.  Don't do it.  Drive instead.

Or, perhaps since walking is now outlawed - maybe we'll all be scooting around on wheelchairs.  Is a wheelchair a vehicle?  If not, why not?  If so, then as a vehicle does it need to follow the traffic signal or the pedestrian signal?

If I'm on a skateboard or on a bicycle, or wearing roller skates or dressed up as an automobile in immaculate custom traversing through town in a traffic lane (not the sidewalk, but in the traffic lane itself), do I heed the traffic signal or the pedestrian crosswalk signal?

Probably the traffic signal, right?  After all - I'm a moving vehicle/ I am traffic!

Therefore, what is the fundamental difference between a pedestrian and a moving vehicle?  If I have wheels on my shoes, am I a vehicle?  Or, am I still a pedestrian?  Am I a pedestrian while sitting in my car?  If so, then could I get a ticket for crossing a crosswalk on a flashing hand while within the confines of my car?

If my futuristic car learns to walk, is it a pedestrian?  Are those massive AT-AT Walkers from the Empire Strikes Back pedestrians or vehicles?

If I am in the traffic lane with wheels on my shoes, am I a vehicle?  And if I'm a vehicle, which signal do I have to obey?!

Are mechanical robots vehicles and do robots get jaywalking tickets?

Where I'm going with this is simple:  

Instead of walking on sidewalks, I suggest that all of us as pedestrians get in the habit of wearing roller skates and wrap ourselves in cardboard boxes that resemble the shapes of commonly recognizable automobiles (I'm either going to dress like a Prius or a Peterbilt, I haven't decided which).  We obey traffic laws as vehicles instead of as pedestrians and we regain our personal liberty and continue pursuing our healthy lifestyles.

And we continue to revitalize downtown Los Angeles by frequenting its sidewalks as often as possible.

-Will Wright

610 South Main Street, #515

Los Angeles, CA  90014

Will Wright Loves Los Angeles

The Tejon Ranch

we need Rail only ikeas!!!  i fought with alison so much cause i hate supporting ikea's in the exurbs.  at least burbank is a decently progressive city so we went to that one a lot during our renovation.  

man i love tejon ranch, so gorgeous!  been there a few times, first trip was my sophomore geology classs.  

they fucking scare me with their jesus love (just look at the cross in that logo - some scary cult shit!).   fuck i hope this place doesnt become cookie cutter sprawl - why is this outcome inevitable? this picture scares me from their "planned development" site: 

 generic ass same house with 2 car garage and a a cul de sac.   they should only allow development here if there are no cars.  like whistler village in canada (which asthetically im not a fan of) a pedestrian village, cars not welcome inside/park on the perimeter.  

i think that we should not allow development on land that has not been developed before.  its so expensive to all of us for them to build here.  the strain on our water/power.  the traffic, the depletion of nature.  they are going to ruin tejon ranch.  

so i think this is the tip of an iceberg representing the death and destruction of life as we now know it

damn if we get a time machine im going to the 70's and buying the dtla arts district up + a few theaters on broadway ahead of delijani.  

thanks for the link.  i wish we could help tejon ranch out.  they probably wont listen to me, but maybe they will take a cue from germany: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/earth/12suburb.html 

daveed kapoor 323 252 8510 director utopiad.org california architect C32812

Preserving Los Angeles as the Creative Capital of the World

Preserving Los Angeles as the Creative Capital of the World

Steven, there is quite a bit of hyperbole floating through-out your article.  In fact, I'm amazed that I even bother to read the LA Weekly anymore.  It has become so out of touch and comically old-fashioned!  It's definitely not progressive and it's definitely not helping advance a vision for a more positive and delightful Los Angeles.  Instead, the LA Weekly has become nothing more than an inflammatory rag - misguided, grumpy, regressive and rather glum, kinda like Elmer Fudd but without the cool hat and the charming slur.

The current happenings at City Hall thanks to leaders like Michael LoGrande and Councilmember Reyes are actually quite positive.  Priorities are being realigned and greater efficiencies are being introduced, which inevitably will promote a more economically and environmentally sustainable Los Angeles.  Now is the time to help institutionalize some of these positive re-alignments and rally towards a framework that will ensure the health, livability and economic competitiveness of Los Angeles for generations to come.  For an example of what I'm referring to read this article about Charles Landry's placemaking initiatives:  http://www.strategy-business.com/article/10306?gko=232cd

First of all, we can all agree - the number one priority is to preserve the delightful characteristics of Los Angeles' single-family residential districts.  Let me repeat that:  the number one priority for all of these emerging planning tools is to preserve the delightful characteristics of Los Angeles' single-family residential districts.

How are these new planning tools going to do that, you might ask?

Primarily by enabling greater efficiencies, which will afford planners more time to P-L-A-N, by enabling greater efficiencies in the bureaucracy that in turn save the City (and the tax payer!) money.  

We all agree that we only want to see development occur only in very select areas.  Perhaps these areas can be further defined by the community with greater certainty.  Perhaps we can even re-evaluate what is meant by a Transit Oriented District - and perhaps we can even establish a new framework or metric for how a TOD shall perform so that it achieves the societal goals we all value.

Secondarily, by emphasizing the need to push The City of Los Angeles to become a healthier, more livable and more economically competitive place we are helping advance an agenda that will help ensure that in twenty, thirty, forty years Los Angeles doesn't become a third-rate City, especially when you compare it to the verdant emergence of hundreds of other world-class cities.

In short:  where do you want your grandchildren to live?  In the wreck that is becoming a barnacalized Los Angeles, or a Los Angeles that has preserved its identity as the creative capital of the world.

We all have choices.  That is clear.

-Will Wright

The Tejon Ranch

The Tejon Ranch Company (NYSE: TRC)

What do you think, Daveed?  The Tejon Ranch will probably get a high-speed rail stop.  This is massive.  Like a brand-new Thousand Oaks, kind of.   Or, would it be like a brand new City entirely?  Like a brand new Santa Barbara lapping up the California Aquaduct?

Planned Development there would be proximate to some substantial wilderness, which the state is thankfully taking some steps to conserve.  As a kid, I grew up proximate to the woodsy forests northwest of Houston.  Those woods and coral snakes, cottonmouths and copperheads - they're gone.  So are the pumas.  Do you remember the pumas - our version of the mexican Jaguar?

Is developing Tejon Ranch smart?  Does this advance ideas of prosperity?  Or is it the tip of an iceberg representing the death and destruction of life as we now know it?  Which wouldn't be an entirely bad thing now, would it.  Revolutionary evolution is a grand premise.  Change is inevitable.

As wikepedia notes, TRC is one of the largest private landowners in California.  (ProLogis bought Catellus in 2005 for $5.5 billion (a relative bargain!).

Maybe it is time for a brand-new City to be developed right in the midst of wilderness.  If done right, perhaps quite delightful.  I just don't know.  If done wrong, damn disastrous.

Some aspects, uncontextualized with the bigger picture are already disastrous in my opinion.

For instance, I've always been curious about the motivation for placing that giant Ikea warehouse just past the Grapevine so far away from the urban core of Los Angeles.  It scares me to think about how mostly diesel trucks transport that stuff - or, is that Ikea serviced by rail only?  It should be rail-only!  Berkshire Hathaway owns both BNSF and MidAmerican Energy.  They'll probably buy First Solar, soon.  They've invested substantially in BYD thanks to Charlie Munger.  What's next?  The Grand Tejon Ranch, you think?They'll even have Geico Stadium there someday, perhaps

Where are we going and how are we ever going to get there?

If you and I can figure out how to make a time-machine, remind me to buy Catalina Island from James Lick (oh, and ask him for a Piano, too!).

-WrW

AIA|LA Breakfast Reception w/ Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky - November 19 (8am)

Please make plans to attend our upcoming breakfast reception with Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, which will be on Friday, November 19 (8am) at AC Martin Partners, Inc.

To register please CLICK HERE.

AIA Los Angeles presents...
"A Greener City Through Better Land-Use - Part 7"
A Breakfast Reception with Zev Yaroslavsky
Los Angeles County Supervisor - Third District
Friday, November 19 (8:00-9:30am)
AC Martin Partners, Inc.
444 South Flower Street
Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hosted by AC Martin Partners, Inc.

AIA Members - $15.00
non-members - $30.00

ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIRED. To register please CLICK HERE.

As part seven of our 2010 AIA|LA Breakfast Series entitled "A Greener City Through Better Land-Use", the breakfast reception with LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will conclude our seven part series of discussions with civic officials about how we can build and operate a more environmentally and economically sustainable City by making better land-use decisions.

For more details, please CLICK HERE.

Tell A Story About Your City Without Cars

Tell A Story About Your City Without Cars

The online submission form for the 'My City Without Cars' book is ready for citizens to tell their stories about what they imagine their city without cars to be.  We're looking for a punchy statement, and then some text explaining their ideas.  Last night Bob had the idea of 10 basketball courts on the I-10 overpass; another girl said she wants to be able to have starbucks and cafes filling the streets.  At the end of next week (approx nov 20) we will be selecting 25 statements to give to collagers to 'translate and image' the citizens ideas.

http://railla.org/inmycity/

Take some time, fill it out, get creative, and pass it on!

Vertical Content

Download now or preview on posterous

Vertical_Content_v1.7.pdf (1437 KB)

Our Four Primary Resources

The following e-mail was written as a response to an architect who was upset that AIA|CC advocated NO to Prop 23.

Dear Mr. S., 

Thank you for your critical input and for cc'ing me on your e-mail to Brandon Keefe with the Clean Economy Network.

As you may know, AIA's position on key legislative issues is quite dynamic, comprised by the membership's point of view and expert analysis.

As an AIA member, I encourage you to get further involved with the various committees that help shape the Chapter's position.  Your voice does matter and it can indeed make a difference.

If your not by chance an AIA member, then this is your opportunity to join the AIA and to get more involved, and help represent the voice of the profession.

With regards to your passionate support for Prop 23, I have a few additional reflections to add:

The supporters of Prop 23 are not California-based businesses.  They are businesses located elsewhere.  California-based businesses favor AB 32.  It provides regulatory certainty and certainty is an asset.

I agree, attempting to discuss Green-House Gas emissions is a distraction.  Volcanoes emit GhG's, so why shouldn't we?

However, let's not distract ourselves from the primary importance of AB 32, which is to help make California more economically competitive by ensuring its environmental health (and our physical health) for future generations.

AB 32 is a strategic regulatory framework to reach certain environmental and economic thresholds that I feel you and your firm and your firm's clients highly value.

I'm sure we can all agree that the four primary resources that we all value (and want to fiercely protect!) are:

1. Time - life's most precious commodity.  Efficient systems help save time (and money) and if it helps save time, then we have more time to engage in prosperous activity - right?  That's why I ride the subway to work - to save time.  It's a more efficient system.

2. Land - we need more of it, right?  But that's not going to happen anytime soon - so the only alternative is to ensure the land that we do currently have access to is as healthy and as resourceful as possible.  Our economic longevity relies 100% on our ability to utilize land and mineral resources more efficiently.  We need to re-think our land-use regulations, and the way we utilize land in general.  SB375, a directive of AB 32 will help us re-prioritize municipal zoning codes to enhance our urban systems in effort to set more land aside for natural resources.

3. Air - the cleaner the air, the healthier we are.  Health is not a benefit, it's a necessity.  What price are you willing to put on it?  

4. Water - water is the essence of life.  It is probably our State's number one priority at present:  how do we take proactive measures to ensure the most cost-effective water delivery infrastructure to ensure access to clean, healthy water for all?

I'm confident that AB 32 will help California protect those four primary resources, and therefore Prop 23 hinders our efforts to make California more economically competitive; Prop 23 hinders our efforts to ensure California's environmental and physical health for future generations.

Sure, as you've outlined, it might cost billions $$ to implement AB 32.  But for every billion $$ spent, there is an economic gain of that exact same investiture recirculated into our economy (and ideally our local economy since substantial businesses in California have made strategic investments in innovative, energy-efficient technologies).

In short, if I spend ten dollars, then someone has just made ten dollars - right?  If I spent billions $$, then someone has just made billions $$, right.  That investment is not a job-killer.  If anything, it has created jobs!  

If anything is certain, it is that change is inevitable.  Systems adapt and efficiency is paramount to how those systems evolve.  Think of the Colorado River evolving, shaping the Grand Canyon - this is an excellent metaphor to reflect on how systems adapt to become as efficient as possible, i.e., when was the last time you saw a river run uphill?

Hopefully, my words have inspired you.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue and encourage you to become more involved with helping to shape the AIA's position on public policy initiatives.

Very truly yours,

Will Wright

Director, Government & Public Affairs

AIA Los Angeles

Our Four Primary Resources

The following e-mail was written as a response to an architect who was upset that AIA|CC advocated NO to Prop 23.

Alan, thank you for your critical input and for cc'ing me on your e-mail to Brandon Keefe with the Clean Economy Network.

As you may know, AIA's position on key legislative issues is quite dynamic, comprised by the membership's point of view and expert analysis.

As an AIA member, I encourage you to get further involved with the various committees that help shape the Chapter's position.  Your voice does matter and it can indeed make a difference.

If your not by chance an AIA member, then this is your opportunity to join the AIA and to get more involved, and help represent the voice of the profession.

With regards to your passionate support for Prop 23, I have a few additional reflections to add:

The supporters of Prop 23 are not California-based businesses.  They are businesses located elsewhere.  California-based businesses favor AB 32.  It provides regulatory certainty and certainty is an asset.

I agree, attempting to discuss Green-House Gas emissions is a distraction.  Volcanoes emit GhG's, so why shouldn't we?

However, let's not distract ourselves from the primary importance of AB 32, which is to help make California more economically competitive by ensuring its environmental health (and our physical health) for future generations.

AB 32 is a strategic regulatory framework to reach certain environmental and economic thresholds that I feel you and your firm and your firm's clients highly value.

I'm sure we can all agree that the four primary resources that we all value (and want to fiercely protect!) are:

1. Time - life's most precious commodity.  Efficient systems help save time (and money) and if it helps save time, then we have more time to engage in prosperous activity - right?  That's why I ride the subway to work - to save time.  It's a more efficient system.

2. Land - we need more of it, right?  But that's not going to happen anytime soon - so the only alternative is to ensure the land that we do currently have access to is as healthy and as resourceful as possible.  Our economic longevity relies 100% on our ability to utilize land and mineral resources more efficiently.  We need to re-think our land-use regulations, and the way we utilize land in general.  SB375, a directive of AB 32 will help us re-prioritize municipal zoning codes to enhance our urban systems in effort to set more land aside for natural resources.

3. Air - the cleaner the air, the healthier we are.  Health is not a benefit, it's a necessity.  What price are you willing to put on it?  

4. Water - water is the essence of life.  It is probably our State's number one priority at present:  how do we take proactive measures to ensure the most cost-effective water delivery infrastructure to ensure access to clean, healthy water for all?

I'm confident that AB 32 will help California protect those four primary resources, and therefore Prop 23 hinders our efforts to make California more economically competitive; Prop 23 hinders our efforts to ensure California's environmental and physical health for future generations.

Sure, as you've outlined, it might cost billions $$ to implement AB 32.  But for every billion $$ spent, there is an economic gain of that exact same investiture recirculated into our economy (and ideally our local economy since substantial businesses in California have made strategic investments in innovative, energy-efficient technologies).

In short, if I spend ten dollars, then someone has just made ten dollars - right?  If I spent billions $$, then someone has just made billions $$, right.  That investment is not a job-killer.  If anything, it has created jobs!  

If anything is certain, it is that change is inevitable.  Systems adapt and efficiency is paramount to how those systems evolve.  Think of the Colorado River evolving, shaping the Grand Canyon - this is an excellent metaphor to reflect on how systems adapt to become as efficient as possible, i.e., when was the last time you saw a river run uphill?

Hopefully, my words have inspired you.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue and encourage you to become more involved with helping to shape the AIA's position on public policy initiatives.

Very truly yours,

Will Wright

Director, Government & Public Affairs

AIA Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Council Districts: 2010 Economic Report

Download now or preview on posterous

Beacon_LA_District_Report.pdf (2878 KB)

AIA National - Call for Issues

Please review the attached memo from Jeff Potter, FAIA and Mickey Jacob, FAIA about the annual call for issues.  In addition to this memo, we have set up a Call for Issues sub-site for members to visit and provide feedback on.  The site is can be found here.  (Or here http://www.aia.org/advocacy/getinvolved/AIAB086337).

Thank you,

Adam

_________________________________________________

Adam M. Melis

Director, Advocacy Outreach

The American Institute of Architects

1735 New York Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20006

amelis@aia.org

p / 202.626.7383

f / 202.626.7583

www.aia.org

 

Download now or preview on posterous

2011 Call for Issues.pdf (28 KB)

INVITE - The AIA|LA BREAKFAST RECEPTION at CITY HALL - October 22 (8am)

AIA|LA invites you to join us for scrumptious bagels, delectable pastries, fresh fruit, juice and coffee at THE DESIGN ADVOCATES BREAKFAST RECEPTION as part of the annual AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall on the morning of Friday, October 22nd.

Stop by Executive Conference Room #333 between 8:00am and 9:30am and network with fellow architects, urban designers, city planners, legislative deputies, council members, general managers, commissioners and City Hall leadership.

AIA|LA LEGISLATIVE DAY at CITY HALL
THE DESIGN ADVOCATES BREAKFAST RECEPTION
Friday, October 22 (8:00 - 9:30am)
Executive Conference Room #333
Los Angeles City Hall
200 N. Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Limited Capacity || RSVP to WILL WRIGHT at will@aialosangeles.org

Each year AIA|LA presents an advocacy agenda of key environmental design issue briefs to City leaders as part of our annual AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall.

For more details, please CLICK HERE.

During the breakfast reception, leadership from the AIA|LA Political Outreach Committee will present the 2010 Issue Briefs and engage a discussion about effective ways to implement ideas that will help make the City of Los Angeles a more environmentally and economically sustainable place to live, work and recreate.

This is your chance to meet decision makers and help influence our City's future.

Please note:
Executive Conference Room #333 is immediately behind Council Chambers, on the south edge of City Hall.

For the uninitiated, finding Room #333 in City Hall can be quite a challenge. Either ask security to guide the way or access the room via the double doors to the right of the stairs that lead out onto the plaza at First Street (the southern stairs).

For more details, contact:
Will Wright
Director, Government & Public Affairs
AIA Los Angeles
3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tel: (213)639-0777
Email: will@aialosangeles.org

AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall - The Slate of 2010 Issue Briefs

Download now or preview on posterous

AIA Legislative Day_Final.pdf (4083 KB)

Westside Subway Extension - Monday, October 18th!

Westside Subway Extension - The deadline for public comment on the Westside Subway extension is next Monday, October 18th! To submit your support, ask questions, or voice a concern, you can email, call, send a letter, or complete an online questionnaire. Full contact information is available on the Extension webpage.

News from The AIA California Council

Relevance October 2010 Dear Will ,   October is upon us.  The sun is setting earlier each day marking the transition from summer to winter and signaling the arrival of fall - and the second installment of the mid-term elections.  This year's General Election (which by the way is Tuesday, November 2, 2010) contains a statewide ballot measure of great interest to the profession (Proposition 23).   In summary, Proposition 23 suspends the implementation of California's greenhouse gas reduction law (AB 32), requiring major sources of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for full year.  The profession has been supportive of the goals of AB 32 so it shouldn't come as a surprise that the AIACC Board of Directors would take an oppose position on Proposition 23.  Proponents of Prop 23 argue that is saves jobs - more than a million to be specific. I'm not sure if that's true, or even which jobs would be saved, but I can tell you that on both a national and statewide level, through efforts like the 2030 Challenge and the new CALGreen building code, the profession has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by the built environment.  Finally, I suspect that just as we received comments questioning the AIACC's efforts to promote CALGreen, we'll hear from those questioning its opposition to Proposition 23.  Dialog is good and I want to hear from those who are concerned.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.   Best Regards, Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIACC, LEED GA Interim, AIACC Executive Vice President Practice Advisory Governor Signs Legislation on Duty to Defend With his signature on SB 972, Governor Schwarzenegger changed the statutory obligation for design professionals to defend their local government clients.  SB 972 was introduced in response to the recent Crawford and UDC California court decisions.  David Barker, Esq, with Collins Collins Muir + Stewart LLP, has written an article on SB 972 and how it will affect design professionals.  Click here to read his article. Click here to continue reading Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against USGBC A class action law suit has been filed against the USGBC and its founders personally on behalf of "consumers, taxpayers, building design and construction professionals." The suit alleges fraud, false advertising, an anti-trust claim and RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) violations.  In short, the lawsuit is based on a theory that the USGBC has falsely claimed that its rating system makes buildings more energy efficient, and that building owners have needlessly wasted money having their buildings LEED Certified, that professionals have gotten worthless professional credentials and people in general have been deceive into thinking LEED has meaning.  To view the complaint click here Legislative Update AIA Member-Initiated Program Recognized as "Bright Idea"  The StepUp2Green (SU2G) program, created by Michael Waxer, AIA, in partnership with the Monterey County Business Council, was recently named a "Bright Idea" by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. Bright Ideas recognizes creative and promising government programs and partnerships with public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities. Click here to continue reading Proposition 22 - The AIACC Urban Design Committee's Opinion The AIACC Urban Design Committee has long held the opinion that the state's money raid on local governments, redevelopment agencies, and transportation agencies during times of state financial difficulties has harmed the ability of local jurisdictions to fund programs and development that improves the livability of our communities.  That is why the Urban Design Committee believes Proposition 22, on this November's ballot, is a measure that should be supported by California architects.  Proposition 22 prohibits the state from delaying the tax funds for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects.  It protects their funding, allowing them to better plan their projects that improve our communities, and to carry out those projects.  For more information on Proposition 22, click here. AIACC Sponsored Bill Signed Into Law AB 1746, The AIACC sponsored and California Architects Board (CAB) supported bill to change how architects report compliance with the disability access continuing education requirement, was signed into law by the governor.  Beginning with the 2013 renewal cycle, architects will no longer have to submit the "coursework provider documentation" forms to the CAB along with their renewal application. Click here to continue reading Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) Whose Doing What The Council's QBS enforcement efforts greatly depend on the assistance of members. Each month, the AIACC receives a number of RFP's/RFQ's that violate Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) law by illegally using fee as part of the selection process in hiring an architect for a public project. These RFP's/RFQ's are issued mostly by local agencies and school districts that are either unaware of QBS law, or simply choose to ignore it.  Click here here to continue reading Benefits of Membership Why Choose State Fund Over Other Workers Compensation Providers? State Fund provides coverage at minimum cost, and is open to all companies regardless of size or history. Emphasis is placed on customized loss control services, medical cost management, and providing benefits quickly. Local offices, round-the-clock reporting centers, free educational support, no-cancel policies, and interest- free payments, all add up to providing California employers maximum value for their dollar. Join The AIACC/State Fund Group #707 today. If you qualify, apply the 6% annual premium discount, and your savings are assured, thus freeing up dollars to be spent elsewhere.  Click here to continue reading Important changes in employee notification requirements The California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) recently revised employer notification requirements which go into effect on October 8, 2010. The DWC's objectives for the amended regulations are to streamline the employee Medical Provider Network (MPN) notices and procedures, update the employee information provided to workers, and reduce the administrative burden and costs in California's workers' compensation system. Click here to continue reading AIACC Video Library Visit www.aiacc.org "State Fund" to access videos designed to provide you, as an employer, information on conducting safety in and around the office and the impact of workers compensation fraud on California businesses. Council News 2010 Design Awards/2011 Council Awards AIACC will celebrate the 2010 Design Award recipients at The Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga.  39 awards will be presented for Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban Design and Small Projects.  The 2011 Firm Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Distinguished Practice Awards will also be presented.   2010 Achievement Awards The 2010 Achievement Awards jury met on October 6th to review 14 entries in the following categories: Allied Professions Honor award, Excellence in Education Honor Award, Client Achievement Honor Award, Community Housing & Assistance Honor Award, and Research & Technology Honor Award.  Jurors for this awards program include members of AIACC's Executive Committee. Award recipients will be honored at the Annual Awards & Installation Celebration on November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Solage Calistoga.  Professional Practice/Practice Series Report AIACC's inaugural Practice Series Report will be released in October.  The Report is a progression of discussion papers designed to address priority issues and concerns as identified by a survey of California architects.  The Practice Series offers varying perspectives and mitigation responses suggested by experts, consultants, architects, and other allied professionals who, through their own experiences and observations, add value to the conversations.  AIACC encourages you to share your opinions.  Simply email practice@aiacc.org or Find us on Facebook to respond to The Professional Practice Series Report member question.  Responses may be published in the upcoming issue.  Continuing Education Program Effective January 1, 2011, all newly constructed residential, commercial, school and hospital buildings must comply with new California Green Building Codes. The AIACC and aecKnowledge have partnered to offer online continuing education programming, making it easier and more convenient than ever to earn AIA/CES learning units. The Accessibility courses fulfill the required 5 AIA/CES units for California licensure and the new CALGreen courses allow you to earn up to 5 AIA/CES HSW/SD learning units. It's simple - go online, select your course, participate at your convenience, and answer a ten question quiz. Prices range from $25-$60 for AIA members.  All courses will be available at aiacc.org or aecKnowledge.com beginning October 18, 2010. Accessibility Disabilities Access for Dwellings Presented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs  Accessible Public Accommodations Presented by Kerwin Lee, AIA, CASp, Senior Consulting Architect Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.; 1.5 AIA/CES HSW LUs  Stepping thru Vertical Heights Presented by Janice Kent, AIA, CASp, Certified Access Specialist Stepping Through Accessibility; 2 AIA/CES HSW LUs  CALGreen CALGreen 101 Presented by Dave Walls, Executive Director, California Building Standards Commission; 1 AIA/CES HSW/SD LU  CALGreen 2010 Non-Residential Measures: An Overview for Architects and Other California Building Industry Professionals Presented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President, Simon & Associates, Inc.; 1.5  AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs  CALGreen for Residential Buildings: Mandatory Measures and Recommended Strategies Presented by Lynn Simon, FAIA, LEED AP, President & Bill Worthen, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President; 1.5  AIA/CES HSW/SD LUs In This Issue Practice Advisory Legislative Update Benefits of Membershp Benefits of Membershp Council News Proposition 23 - Why You Should Just Vote No Proposition 23 is a dangerous measure on the November ballot that would have a direct and negative impact on the health of our state's economy, its environment, and citizens.  If passed, Proposition 23 would effectively repeal California's landmark clean energy and air pollution control law, AB 32, which reduces air pollution that threatens human health and has helped make California a leader in clean energy and technology investments and jobs.  Click here to read more. Message from the the State Architect Chip Smith, AIA With the end of the year rapidly approaching, the Division of the State Architect (DSA) is preparing for the implementation of California's 2010 Building Code. As of January 1, 2011, new Title 24 building standards including California's Green Building Code and DSA's new streamlined community college code option will be in effect.  Click here to continue reading          SAVE THE DATE! 2011 MONTEREY DESIGN CONFERENCE The conference is scheduled for October 7-9, 2011.  For additional information find us on Facebook, visit us at www.aiacc.org  or contact us at  events@aiacc.org. Passings Joseph Ehrlich, FAIA Long regarded as one of the pioneering "Silicon Valley" architects, passed away on September 21, 2010 at age 90.  Born and raised in Manhattan, New York City, he spent his formative years during the Great Depression which, by his own admission, challenged him to never experience anything like it again.  He graduated from City College of New York in 1941.  He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in World War II.  In 1946 he attended the Architecture School at IIT.  In 1968 he created a firm with Jack R Ominger and Rod Heft which became the design force for the emerging electronic companies in the area now known as "Silicon Valley."  Throughout his career, Joe was always involved with the community and his fellow architects. His involvement with the American Institute of Architects, his leadership for the Museum of American Heritage, and his generous charitable givings were ever-present.  . AIA Chapter Events AIA East Bay   10/18/10 Revit User Group: Mission Critical - Navisworks for Architects   10/20/10 Member Appreciation Party and Annual Business Meeting 10/22/10 Committee on the Environment Forum: Life Cycle Tower   10/28/10 Pleasanton Program: Construction Phase Risk Management   AIA San Diego   10/15/10 AIASD's Committee on the Environment (COTE-SD) Meeting   10/21/10 AIASD's DesignD.I.V.A. Committee Meeting   10/22/10 Emerging Professionals Commission presents... IDP/CIDP Workshop   10/28/10 October BARchitecture   AIA San Francisco   10/15/10 CALGreen Workshop (4 SDs)   10/19/10 An Evening with Ray Kappe, FAIA   AIA Redwood Empire   10/21/10 CALGreen Code Seminar   AIA Santa Clara Valley   11/4/10 Disability Access Seminar: Comparison of the 2010 Accessibility Code to the New ADA Standards   AIA Sierra Valley   10/21/10 2010 Modesto International Architecture Festival   10/22/10 The Impact of Architecture on The Livability of a City   10/22/10 Analyzing Our Community Through Design   10/23/10 Livable Communities and Sustainable Landscape Design   10/23/10 Enhancing Design Through Photography   Self-Guided Walking Tour 10/22/10 Religious Architecture   10/23/10 Downtown Modesto     For information on these upcoming click here

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AIA|LA Breakfast Reception w/ Cindy Miscikowski - October 29 (8am)

AIA Los Angeles presents...
"A Greener City Through Better Land-Use - Part 6"
A Breakfast Reception with Cindy Miscikowski
President, Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners - Port of Los Angeles
Friday, October 29 (8:00-9:30am)
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
515 South Flower Street
25th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Hosted by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

AIA Members - $15.00
non-members - $30.00

ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIRED. To register, please CLICK HERE.

As part six of our 2010 AIA|LA Breakfast Series entitled "A Greener City Through Better Land-Use", the breakfast reception with Cindy Miscikowski will continue our seven part series of discussions with civic officials about how we can build and operate a more environmentally and economically sustainable City by making better land-use decisions.

For more details, please  CLICK HERE.