The Los Angeles Construction Specifications Institute (LACSI) newsletter for January/February 2010 announces upcoming events, including a joint meeting with Orange County CSI, a product show, and educational seminars focused on 'greening the golden state.' The newsletter emphasizes the importance of member participation, networking, and ongoing education in the construction industry. Additionally, it features updates on LACSI's leadership and information on various programs aimed at enhancing member engagement and knowledge.

1. LACSI
LACSI L J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
Los angELEs ConsTRUCTIon spECIFICaTIons InsTITUTE
NEWSLETTER JAnuAry/FebruAry 2010
Join us Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 Mcgraw-Hill Construction outlook
speaker: Mr. Cliff Brewis, Hon. aIaCC
Tour the Lutron Experience Center
Join us Thursday, February 25
“gREEnIng THE goLDEn sTaTE”
LaCsI nITE at the La Marriott Downtown
www.LACSI.org
1

2. LACSI conTenT
JAn/FEB 2010
VoLUME 58 nUMBEr 1
Letter FrOM tHe President
3 An important Chapter goal
last year was to start “walking
the walk” of being Green.
We hope you enjoy our first
e-newsletter and share it with
your colleagues. LACSI Product Show & Seminars
Thursday, February 25, 2010
gALLery : OCtOBer Meeting 6 Marriott, Los Angeles, 333 South Figueroa Street
EXHIBIT HOURS: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Meet tHe LACsi BOArd ◾ Product Displays. Technical data, samples
4
◾ Free Seminars (see schedule below)
Here’s a quick introduction Meeting: OrAnge CO-LOs AngLes 7 ◾ Catered Hors D’Ouervres and desserts
◾ Door Prizes
to the 2009-2010 LACSI
Board of Directors. BuCH nOtes 11
sPeCiAL eVent gOLF tOurnAMent tHAnks 12
8
LAcSI nITe ProducT Show
And SemInArS: gALLery: gOLF tOurnAMent 13
“greening” tHe gOLden stAte
Thursday, February 25, 2010 West regiOn COrner 15
Marriott, Los Angeles, 333 South
Figueroa Street
MeMBersHiP neWs 16
VenturA Meeting
10 Join us Tuesday, February 2, 2010 CurMudgeOn’s COrner 18
Program: Historic Preservation in
California. JOe BACk inVitAtiOnAL 22
Technical Workshop: High
Performance Coatings that Work!
2

3. LeTTer From The PreSIdenT J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
The LA Chapter is maintaining a steady We start out with a busy year in January,
membership of 300. A few members having our Joint Meeting with Orange
leave each year but are replaced with new County January 12th, at the Lutron Facility.
members. I want you all to understand Immediately following will be the first official
Kathy Greenway, President the value of CSI and what it can do for you. meeting for our newest CSI Chapter, The
2009 brought rough times, but, thru it all, Our chapter has a wealth of experience in Inland Empire Chapter!! Their meeting will
our Chapter is in touch with members and its membership. Participation gives you be held at the Mission Inn in Riverside on
supporting those in need. We will continue access to accomplished professionals in January 14th. Dignitaries from Institute will
this effort in 2010. the construction industry. be attending, table tops will be available and
You pay dues, and as the a wonderful opportunity to help jump start
An important Chapter Welcome to our first President I need to see that another chapter off the starting line. Contact
goal last year was to start Electronic Newsletter the Board responds to your Janet Piccola at jpiccola@frazee.com for
“walking the walk” of questions and suggestions. more information.
being Green! We hope you We want and need your
enjoy our first e-newsletter participation, no matter how much or January– Eric Loyd is leading up our
newsletter and share it with your colleagues. how little. It will add the seeds necessary certification programs. If you are interested,
Our Newsletter Committee, Laura Sellmer for growth. please sign up on our website: www.lacsi.
and Steve Taylor, along with suggestions org, or contact Eric for information at yoj@
from the board, are rolling out the fruits of CSI is an organization for education. We all pacbell.net.
their labor. understand that. But, do you understand
the importance of networking in this February 25th is our CSI Night which Patrick
The Electronic Newsletter allows links to economic time, having contacts that can Comerford and Buzz Harwood have been
our website for event registration and gives write reference letters for you and give you working hard to present a trade show rich
you the ability to forward this information to the support you need to keep your heads with vendor products and educational
your associates and future LACSI members. high and continue to pursue your dreams? seminars. We hope you can attend and bring
We all have fallen on hard times, and having an associate to walk the trade show. Take
We want people to learn about the
support from some friendship bonds you advantage of the great education sessions
benefits of CSI, attend our meetings
have made, may help you thru some sticky offered and an opportunity to SHARE the
and join our Chapter!
times. It is always nice to have someone CSI benefits to a non-member!
Perhaps, sharing with your management, to bounce ideas and thoughts off of, and
It’s a start of a great year. I am blessed to
will allow them to see the value of your not worry what they will think. So, in short,
have made wonderful friends within CSI and
involvement. We want you to “spread education is great, but so is the bonded
look forward sharing CSI with new people,
the wealth” of CSI. I hope you find this friendship of people in your industry you
participating in our education events, and
Newsletter a tool to let non-members may become acquainted with by attending
meeting all of you at the chapter meetings
discover the riches of this organization. our meetings, and events.
in 2010. — Kathy Greenway, CSI, CFM
3

4. meeT The LAcSI BoArd
d
A President e secretary
kathy greenway, Csi, CFM Valarie Harris, FCsi, CCPr
Draper Shade & Screen Stanley Security Solutions, Inc.
Company 1533 Sierra Bonita Dr.
151 N. Kraemer Blvd., #101 A Placentia, CA 92870
Placentia, CA 92870 Phone: (714) 993-2532
Phone: (714) 396-9732 valarieh@pacbell.net
kgreenway@draperinc.com
F treasurer
B President-elect Frank Bostrom, Csi, Cdt, AiA
Patrick Comerford, Csi Frank Bostrom AIA - APA
Service Oriented Sales (SOS) B 205 Avenue I, #6
1339 Lawrence Dr. Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Newbury Park, CA 91320 Phone: (310) 540-2066
Phone: (877) 767-4636 e fbostrom@verizon.net
sos002@earthlink.net
C g Controller
C Vice President - 1 Janet Piccola, FCsi
eric Loyd, Csi, CCs, Leed AP Frazee Paint Company
Construction Specifications F 1515 Shadow Ln.
Service Fullerton, CA 92831
3923 W. 6th St., #214 Phone: (714) 936-2890
Los Angeles, CA 90020-4256 jpiccola@Frazee.com
Phone: (213) 380-4478
yoj@pacbell.net H director #1 - Professional
kathryn Marek, Csi, CCs,
d Vice President - 2 CCCA, AiA, Leed AP, rA
Mike Pitcher, Csi AECOM Design
Crossfield Products Corp. 515 S. Flower St., 8th Flr.
3000 E. Harcourt St. H Los Angeles, CA 90071
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221 g Phone: (213) 593-8496
Phone: (310) 886-9100 x302 kathryn.marek@aecom.com
mikep@cpcmail.net
4

5. LACSI meeT The LAcSI BoArd conTInued
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
i director #2 - Professional
teena santiago, Csi, Cdt, Leed AP
Leo A. Daly Company
550 S. Hope St., 27th Flr.
Los Angeles, CA 90071 LACSI Presidents Left to Right: Not Shown:
Phone: (213) 316-4432 Ed Buch ..................... 2001-2003 Sue Brown
tsantiago@leodaly.com Jan Piccola ................ 2000-2002 2003-2005
J
i Kathy Greenway ......... 2008-2010 Steve Izuhara
J director #3 - Professional Craig Mount ............... 2005-2007 2000-2001
Carmen Bognot, Csi, CCs Patrick Comerford ...... 2010-2011 Joe Back
Port of Los Angeles
Mike Fuller ................. 2007-2008 1998-2000
425 S. Palos Verdes St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (310) 732-3576
cbognot@portla.org
n director #2 - industry
k director #4 - Professional M steve taylor, Csi
Mitch Lawrence, Csi, AiA, CCCA Woodwork Institute
5644 Tyrone Ave. 734 W. 23rd St.
Van Nuys, CA 91401-4626 k San Pedro, CA 90731
Phone: (213) 880-8395 Phone: (310) 833-0571
mlla@earthlink.net steve@woodinst.org
L director #5 - Professional O director #3 - industry
karen Zaterman, Csi, CCs, Leed Buzz Harwood, Csi, Cdt, LeeP AP
AP, sCiP Integrated Marketing Concepts, Inc.
Moffatt & Nichol 1695 Curtiss Ct.
n
3780 Kilroy Airport Way, #600 La Verne, CA 91750-5848
Long Beach, CA 90806-2457 Phone: (909) 392-5500
Phone: (562) 426-9551 buzz@imc-ca.com
kittiz@alumni.usc.edu L
P Advisor - immediate Past President
M director #1 - industry d. Michael Fuller, Csi, Cdt, AiA,
William Love, Csi, Cdt Leed AP
Arto Brick 747 North Croft Ave.
15209 S. Broadway St. Los Angeles, CA 90060-5303
O
Gardena, CA 90248-1823 Phone: (323) 655-3154
Phone: (310) 768-8500 Michael.Fuller@ca.rr.com
wlove@artobrick.com P
5

6. LACSI G A L L e r y: o c T o B e r m e e T I n G J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
Sommer Lira, Les
Long and Mike
Fuller.
Judy Holleran and Next generation technology picks up
Melisa Sharpe. where traditional polymeric wraps leave off!
Patrick Bandy,
Rayne Sherman Judy Holleran and
Air Tight
emphasizes his point. Vince Overmyer. Water Tight
• Self-adhered
Weather Tight
(no nails, no staples)
• Vapor permeable
• Air and rain barrier membrane
• Provides superior moisture
and water protection
• Reduces energy costs
• Improves insulation performance
• Helps prevent mold growth
For a FREE Blueskin VP™ Demo Kit and more information,
contact Judy Holleran, RRC, CDT, building science specialist,
at (323) 363-3468 or judy.holleran@henry.com
Karen Zaterman and Stuart Fricke.
A great LACSI buffet dinner.
www.henry.com
6

7. LACSI uPcomInG ProGrAm J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
orAnGe counTy cSI & LoS AnGeLeS cSI AnnuAL JoInT meeTInG
PrOgrAM tuesdAy, JAnuAry 12, 2010
2010 MCgrAW-HiLL COnstruCtiOn OutLOOk 5:00 tO 6:30 pm,
Is the construction economy in Southern California finally starting to turn around? Join tOur LutrOn sHOWrOOM
us to hear McGraw-Hill Construction’s thoughts for the economy and construction this
5:00 to 6:30 pm, Social
year in Southern California.
6:30 pm, Dinner & Program
sPeAker
Mr. Cliff Brewis, Hon. AIACC, Senior Director of Editorial Operations for McGraw- Reservations Required by
Hill Construction Information Group. Cliff is a nationally recognized speaker on Friday, Jan. 8th, 4:00 pm.
construction economics and a past speaker at CSI events.
COst
BeFOre dinner
Free to LACSI members with reservations.
Tour the Lutron Experience Center for a hands-on demonstration of the very best in
Lutron electric lighting and electronic shading systems. Lutron systems enable you $40 to Non Members with Reservations.
to control lighting, shades and draperies, security, entertainment, everything –at the $10 For LACSI members without reservations.
touch of a button. $45 for Non Members without reservations.
LOCAtiOn PArking
LUTRON Experience Center Free on-site parking.
2458 DuPont Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
reserVAtiOns
Call 213-243-6658 Please leave your name,
company name and phone number
or reserve at www.lacsi.org
Program Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA
7

8. LACSI Product Show & Seminars “GREENING” THE GoLDEN STATE
SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2:00 – 4:00 pm Tabletop Setup
Marriott, Los Angeles, 333 South Figueroa Street
3:00 – 4:00 pm LEED 3.0 Credential Maintenance
EXHIBIT HOURS: 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Program Requirements. Speaker: Nellie
Reid, LEED AP, Gensler & Associates
◾ Product Displays. Technical data, samples 3:00 – 4:00 pm SPEKT™, Substitution Abuse™
◾ Free Seminars (see schedule below) Sounding the Alarm about Substitutions
◾ Catered Hors D’ouevres and desserts Speakers: Michael & Aaron Chusid,
Chusid Associates
◾ Door Prizes
4:00 – 5:00 pm High Performance Exterior Building
Envelopes Building Enclosure
Commissioning. Speakers: Judson
Taylor, AIA, CSI, LEED AP, Senior
Principal, and Octavian Vlagea, Senior
Project Engineer at Simpson Gumpertz
& Heger.
4:30 – 7:00 pm Product Show
6:30 – 8:30 pm California Green Building Code
Speaker: Steven R. Winkel, AIA, Preview
Group, Inc.
ExHIbIT QUESTIoNS?
Patrick Comerford, CSI
Office Phone: (805) 375-6599 Cell Phone: (805) 402-2167
FAX Number: (805) 375-6599 e mail: sos002@earthlink.net
Special metro rail/bus service will be provided for new Inland Empire
Chapter members who would like to attend this event. Details to follow.

9. LACSI NIGHT 2010- “GREENING” THE GOLDEN STATE ExHIBITOR REGISTRATION FORM
tables will be assigned in the order that written registration is received. no-ShowS wiLL Be BiLLed.
Product Show and SeminarS
Please print
Thursday, February 25, 2010, Exhibits 4:30 – 7:00 pm
eXhiBitor comPanY name __________________________________________________
Marriott Hotel, 333 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles
contact name________________________________Phone ______________________
You are cordially invited to exhibit at our annual “table top” Show at the beautiful marriott hotel.
our show will feature education SeminarS before and after the Product Show, with aia ceS e-maiL______________________________________FaX ________________________
Learning units, and cSi-cen Learning units available on all education seminars presented. addreSS _______________________________________________________________
FREE ADMISSION, FREE CONVENIENT PARKING, FREE FOOD AND A NO-HOST BAR citY/ZiP ________________________________________________________________
eXhiBitor Set uP time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm Show time: 4:30 – 7:00 pm SHOW BADGE ORDER
Seminar a1 3:00 – 4:00 pm two exhibitors for each exhibit space. there will be a $35 charge for each additional exhibitor attendee.
LEED 3.0 Credential Maintenance Program 1. name____________________________ 3. name ___________________________
nellie reid, Leed aP, director of Sustainable design, Gensler
2. name ____________________________ 4. name ___________________________
Seminar a2 3:00 – 4:00 pm
SPEKT™ Substitution Abuse™ Sounding The Alarm About Substitutions amount Paid $________ includes: r electricity r Gold Sponsorship r Booth no._____
michael chusid, ra, FcSi, ccS, SciP and aaron chusid, cSi
r enclosed is my check payable to Los Angeles CSI.
Seminars B 4:00 – 5:00 pm
High Performance Exterior Building Envelopes mail check and form to: LoS anGeLeS cSi, 1145 oBan driVe, LoS anGeLeS, ca 90065,
Jud taylor, ra, associate Principal, Simpson, Gumpertz & heger, inc. or register by credit card on-Line at the LacSi website: www.lacsi.org
Product Show 4:30 – 7:00 pm table top displays, technical info, hors d’oeuvres and desserts
Seminars c 6:30 – 8:30 pm
California Green Building Code
Steven winkel, Faia
ExHIBIT TABLE TOP REGISTRATION COSTS
Before January 15, 2010 8’ table $795.00
after January 15, 2010 8’ table $895.00
i will need 110V electrical r YeS $15.00 (add to fee above.) r no
e tables to be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
e Please make sure to bring your own extension cord(s) and power strip.
GOLD EVENT SPONSORSHIP
add $300.00 to your exhibit table top fee and include your company logo in a 3-5 minute continuous
stream promo (presentation material provided by sponsor) to be displayed at the registration
table, on the courtesy transportation bus, on large projection screen at the event, and on signage
recognizing our Gold Sponsors. a maximum of 10 Gold sponsors will be accepted. Gold Sponsors
will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
QuESTIONS ?
Please contact Patrick comerford at 877-767-4636 or email him at: sos002@earthlink.net = electrical available.

10. LACSI uPcomInG ProGrAm J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
V enTur A m e e TI nG
PrOgrAM tuesdAy, FeBruAry 2, 2010
Historic Preservation in California 5:00 tO 6:00 pm, teCHniCAL WOrksHOP
Our after dinner presentation will be by Mr. Charles Kibby of Preservation Arts, a Los 6:30 pm, Dinner
Angeles based historic restoration & conservation firm. Over the course of its 25 years in
the historic restoration and consulting business, Preservation Arts has worked on many 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Program
landmark structures in California. These include the Los Angeles Central Library, the Please reserve before 4:00 pm,
Huntington Library & Museum, Kerckhoff Hall at UCLA, Oakland City Hall, San Francisco Friday, January 29, 2010
City Hall, the Million Dollar Building, the Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, the Hollyhock
House, and numerous others.
COst
Using his signature projects, Mr. Kibby’s presentation will illustrate restoration
techniques used on various historic architectural materials including terra cotta, $40.00 for non-LACSI members.
masonry, mosaic tile, stone, and other decorative materials. LACSI Members:
Free with advance reservations.
teCHniCAL WOrksHOP No show reservations will be billed.
High Performance Coatings that Work!
Corrosion protection, abrasion resistance and ultra-violet resistance add up to coating PArking
performance beyond traditional architectural paint. The workshop will discuss high Self parking is free.
performance attributes of acrylic emulsions, alkyds, performance epoxy primers,
industrial urethane finishes, polysiloxanes and field applied fluorinated-polymer
systems. Our presenter, Mr. Nye Miller, is a principal of Pacific Southwest Coatings, reserVAtiOns
a representative for several coatings companies including PPG Protective and Marine Call 213-243-6658
Coatings (Amercoat and Sigma Coatings), Precision Coatings, and Prime Coatings. Please leave your name, company name and
LOCAtiOn phone number or reserve at www.lacsi.org
Four-Points sheraton Hotel Program Chairman Ed Buch, CSI, CCS, AIA
1050 Schooner Drive
Ventura, California 93001
10

11. J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
I purchased a copy Romanesque church. It proceeded in gritty of how the design and construction
of Phillip Ball’s book, phases, apparently without a clear idea were implemented. He describes the Gothic
Universe of Stone, A of what the final design would be. The era as the “first renaissance”, hundreds
Biography of Chartres author deduces this because of the many of years before Leonardo de Vinci or
Cathedral, hoping it would provide insight asymmetries and discontinuities that exist Michelangelo, a time when thought from the
into design and construction in the medieval in the finished cathedral. They must have Greek and Classical eras was resurrected.
era. While the book did not disappoint in planned it as they went. The aesthetic foundation expressed in the
this, it also made clear that to write a history Gothic churches was order and geometry
The master masons who lead the design based on Plato’s philosophy of “abstract
of anything, you need and construction, (and
historical records. In the over material”. This was a major change in
who also had to deal western thought and religion, from the literal
case of Chartres, as well as
Imagine building with donors, the clerics, interpretation of the Scriptures, toward a
other buildings of the time,
very few written records
something as large and finding suitable stone, logical and rational world and was the start
complex as a gothic finding and keeping stone of society based on scientific thought.
or drawings exist. There’s cutters, stone carvers,
also a good probability cathedral without
carpenters, metal smiths, The book contains chapters describing the
that they may never have drawings.
and laborers), probably work of medieval stone masons, a good
been created in the first had at most a rudimentary description of Gothic construction principles
place. Imagine, building knowledge of geometry vs. those used in
something as large and complex as a gothic and mathematical proportion. These Romanesque period,
cathedral without drawings. The history were their only design and layout tools. and a long chapter
of Chartres as presented in the book is A unit of measure had to be established on the stained glass
based mostly on what’s observable in the for the project. They probably had only a windows at Chartres.
physical presence of the cathedral today very sketchy idea about the design of the The windows are
plus additional indirect references to the finished cathedral. Drawings were rarely probably the most
era written by historians describing work on used due to the lack of drawings tools and stunning feature of the
other cathedrals. The names of the builders paper. Parchment was available but it was church, certainly for
of Chartres are not known nor is there any expensive and often had to be scraped worshipers in the 13th
first hand written record of how it was built. clean and reused. More commonly, crude Century, and even for a
It took 66 years to build Chartres, 1194 models were built to show the design, but visitor to the church today.
to 1260. This was during a 300 year it’s difficult to imagine these had sufficient
detail for use in construction. The book has 322 pages including
period when over 80 cathedrals and 500 photographs, some useful drawings, and
large churches were built in France alone. The author’s principal objective in the book a lengthy bibliography. It was published in
Construction of the cathedral began on was to explain the intellectual basis for the 2008 by HarperCollins.
top of the 11th century crypt of an earlier design of Chartres, not so much the nitty-
11

12. CSI FALL CLASSIC AnnuAL GoLF TournAmenT
T hank YouTo Our Sponsors
Golf Sponsors
Tournament Sponsors AnGeLuS BLoCk omeGA proDuCTS
ConTrArIAn meTAL SherwIn wILLIAmS
AnGeLuS BLoCk reSourCeS SoS
Closest to the Pin DrAper (muLTIpLe TeAmS) SpeCIFIeD DeSIGn SySTemS
GenerAL poLymerS STonhArD
BSD SpeC LInk InGerSoLL rAnD VISTA pAInT
lonGest DRiVe InTeGrATeD mArkeTInG w.h. STeeLe
ConCepTS wooDwork InSTITuTe
FLoorSeAL TeChnoLoGy
PUttinG Contest Golf Hole Sponsors
Jo DrummonD
FrAzee pAInT & zInSSer AllAnA Buick & Bers inc. nAturAl stone Veneers
BeVeRAGe CARt Armstrong ceilings internAtionAl
AssA ABloY Dss omegA ProDucts
contrAriAn metAl resources PArtition sPeciAlties
Craig Mount, crossfielD ProDucts sAfetY steP tD.com
LACSI Golf Tournament DrAPer inc. siPlAst roofing
Committee Chairman Dunn eDwArDs PAints tresPA / w.H. steele
HAger comPAnies VAProsHielD / w.H. steele
integrAteD mArketing concePts w.r. grAce
ISeC (ALSo GoLF BALL SponSorS) XYPeX

13. oCToBER 23, 2009
LACSI AnnuAL cLASSIc GoLF TournAmenT BRooksIDE CoUnTRy CLUB
pa s a D E n a
Mark Brower, CDT
Cell: 323-397-9000
Fax: 323-883-0275
email: mbrower@vistapaint.com
2020 E. Orangethorpe Ave. , Fullerton, CA 92831
www.vistapaint.com
LACSI golfers enjoy a beautiful day at Brookside Country Club.
13

14. oCToBER 23, 2009
LACSI A n n u A L c L A S S I c G o L F T o u r n A m e n T- c o n T I n u e d
BRooksIDE CoUnTRy CLUB
pa s a D E n a
CRETESEAL CS2000
WWW.CRETESEAL.COM
CS2000 has been protecting
Patrick Comerford, Chris Schuman, Rich Sommer Lira,
floor coverings from moisture
Wild and Max Morgan. Natural Stone Veneers International
vapor and alkalinity since 1988.
• 15 YEAR WARRANTY
• COST EFFECTIVE
• MEETS L.E.E.D.S.
PROJECT STANDARDS
• V.O.C. COMPLIANT
• TECHNICAL REP. FOR
EVERY APPLICATION
Larry Muth, Ed Fuentes, Buzz Harwood and
David Authenrieth.
Penny Balogh, Sherwin Willliams
For More Information
Contact:
Andrew Munoz
SO. CALIFORNIA REP.
(800) 278-4273
Rayne Sherman, Toby Pugh, Jeff Fuller Ken Silverman, Peter Griffis, Rom Ligrano
and Jay Nordsten. and Ralph Hattenbach.
14

15. weST reGIon corner J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
quality hotdogs at the best price. People came
I can’t believe from far distances just to have a great tube Sometimes we need to think critically about
I am writing steak. what we hear and how affects us. Do we
an article for one day a man came in to find out if all the believe everything we hear? I recognize that
January 2010. rumors were true. After inhaling two or three the global economy is in a real economic
great hot dogs he called the proprietor over to
down turn today, but maybe the economic
David A Willis, West Region Vice President concern should compel us to question what
ask a few questions. “How in the world can
you serve such high quality hot dog at such
we hear and reach higher for solutions. The
What a year we have had in the West story reminds me of an old saying, “Get told
Region. A new Virtual Chapter was started reasonable prices?” he asked the proprietor.
enough times something is happening, and
in Redwood Empire in 2009, and the “Don’t you know there is a recession going
sure enough it will happen”.
Inland Empire Chapter will be on? How can you afford to do
inaugurated on Jan. 14, 2010. this”? Let’s remember that we are the ones that will
We have a great West Region After the man left, the hotdog bring back the business. Those who can,
conference to look forward Sometimes we need stand owner started to think need to take the steps to keep things moving
to this fall and the programs to think critically about what he had said. along. We need to believe in our future and
almost in place. For all you about what we hear Maybe this guy was right. keep our friends in business by continuing to
Industry members, be on the and how it affects Maybe he should raise the buy the things we need and want. So, let’s
look out for Fresno Product us. Do we believe prices, and maybe he should get out there and keep the world turning.
show discounts when signing everything we hear? buy lesser quality hotdogs to
up for both the annual spring I wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year,
cut expenses. So, he made the
product show and conference and I look forward to serving you all in the
changes with the idea that he
product show later in the Fall. year ahead.
could probably keep the stand in business and
I have searched my mind for what to say for weather the economic storm. He reasoned that
my New Years article. Duane always seems he could always go back to the old ways when
the economy improves. Jerry L. Pozo, BS ,CSI, CDT
to have plenty to say and I wish I had his Architectural/Technical Consultant
gift of gab, (sorry Duane). Anyway I have As days went on, business started to fall off. Cell: 408.595.2031
Phone/Fax: 530.885.6828
decided to tell a story about the economy. At first slowly, and then gradually picking up E: jpozo@bmi-products.com
www.bmi-products.com
Here goes. to where now it became hard to pay the bills.
He had to layoff his help and do all the work
BMI Products ¤ Stucco
himself. As he was sitting one evening after of Northern California, Inc. ¤ 690 Plaster
once upon a time...there was a hotdog 990 Ames Avenue ¤ Tile Mortar
closing time, he thought to himself. “You know, ¤ Masonry Mortar
Milpitas, CA 95035-6303
stand on a busy highway. This hot dog stand
that fellow was sure right about the recession.” Tel: 408.293.4008 ¤ Acrylic Finishes
was known around the country for having best Fax: 408.293.4103
THE EnD
15

16. LACSI memBerShIP newS noV/dec 2009 J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
neW MeMBers Welcome to all these new members! We
retireMent neWs
look forward to meeting you at chapter
Ð David Stokes, CSI, Quatro Design activities
Group EVERETT NELMS, Woodwork
Institute,
Ð Megan Koons, CSI Director Of
MeMBer reCOgnitiOn Architectural
Ð Ken Dandrea, CSI, Frazee Paint
Services
Ð Michael French, CSI, SunBrook Congratulations to all these members who
southeastern California,
Partners joined in January and February and have southern nevada, &
Ð Nick Campbell, CSI, Green & maintained continuous membership. arizona
Campbell, LLP
MOre tHAn 40 yeArs AgO: December 31, 2009 - After nine years
Ð Scott Anton, CSI, Door Components
Ð Albert Grossman, CSI, Member with the Woodwork Institute (WI), Everett
Inc.
Emeritus Nelms has retired from his position as
the Director of Architectural Services for
Ð Ð Jerry Orland, FCSI, Orland Consulting
the Southeastern California, Southern
Group
Ð Nevada, and Arizona. Since joining
Ð Ali Alimento, CSI, Member Emeritus, WI in 2000, Everett was responsible for
Ð Alimento Consulting Associates the inspection of millwork using WI
Ð Ð Morely Simon, CSI, Member Emeritus, standards for certification. He worked
Consulting Archtiect closely with Architects and many LACSI
Ð
members knew him personally. With 40
Ð Ð Eugene Trotter, CSI, Member Emeritus, years experience in architectural millwork,
Building & Construction Specifications Everett brought his knowledge of design,
(Continued on page 17) specifications, estimating, manufacturing
From left to right: and installation of cabinetry and millwork.
Everett was active in many chapters of
Ð Matthew McCuffee CSI; Acentech Inc.
the Construction Specification Institute
Ð Nick Campbell CSI; Green & including Los Angeles, Orange County, Las
Campbell Vegas, and Phoenix. LACSI wishes Everett
Ð Jeannie Alderson-Parkman CSI, CDT the very best for a great retirement.
Ð Bruce Morrison CSI; Los Angeles
Department of Water and Power
Ð Rex Revard CSI; Mapei
16

17. LACSI m e m B e r S h I P n e w S n o V / d e c 2 0 0 9 Continued
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
(Continued from page 16) will be the person who brought in the
most new members between November
5 yeArs AgO: 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Joe will
Ð Frank Bostrom, CSI, CDT, Frank personally select a bottle of wine to be
Bostrom AIA-APA presented at the July dinner meeting. He
says Craig set the bar really high, so it
Ð Jerry Pozo, CSI, CDT, BMI Products should be a good one. Both Craig and
of Northern California Joe would be glad to share some of their
Ð Ardie Tavangarian, CSI, Arya membership recruitment ideas with you–
just ask.
need A MeMBersHiP BAdge? neW MeMBer OrientAtiOn
Many thanks to Vince Overmyer and Wednesday, March 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Melissa Higgins of Merlex who have prior to the monthly meeting. Learn how
taken on the challenge of ordering to get the most from your membership,
badges. A message went out to the get your questions answered and hear
email list based on the information in the about all the things that CSI is involved
Institute Member Directory. If you don’t in at the Chapter, Region and institute.
remember getting an email, please check Not only for new members, everyone is
your membership listing at www.csinet. welcome.
org or call Member Services at 800-
689-2900. If you need a badge contact
valarieh@pacbell.net. ideAs!
Do you have an idea for something that
AnnOunCing “tHe JOe BACk the chapter could do to make membership
inVitAtiOnAL” MeMBersHiP even more valuable? We’d love to hear
COntest about it. valarieh@pacbell.net
As winner of last We can always use more help, our chapter
year’s Craig Mount is all volunteer. To help or share your
Invitational, Joe ideas, just contact our President, Kathy
Back has graciously Greenway, CSI, CFM or Membership
offered to continue the Chairs, Valarie Harris, FCSI, CCPR and
tradition. The winner Teena Santiago, CSI, CDT. See pages 4-5
for contact information.
17

18. curmuGeon’S corner J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
tHe First sPirit government agencies’ documents,
standardize building codes, and bring greater
“Wake up, Scrooge!”
efficiency to the industry as a whole. Ah,
“Who is that?” those were exciting days!”
“It is I, the Spirit of the Past. Come, let us “You certainly were enthusiastic, and set
revisit those wonderful days!” As the words some lofty goals. And in the early days, you
were spoken, they were transported to a city made significant progress.”
by Sheldon Wolfe, long ago. They stood in the midst of a group
Although it seemed to Scrooge that he and
of young men busily engaged in excited
RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA the Spirit remained stationary, the scene
discussion.
around them shifted and changed; different
Scrooge was an old man, set in his ways. “Good Heaven!” cried Scrooge, looking locations came into focus, and vivid images
And why not? He had been doing things the about. “I know these people! They are of people and documents materialized, then
same way for many years, and the resulting specifiers, one and all! Oh, what a marvelous faded away.
success was sufficient time that was, with the
evidence of the wisdom construction industry “There is Carl Ebert!” Scrooge exclaimed.
of continuing in that path. expanding, and so much “He was there from the beginning - Institute
“Once you started President, first editor of the Construction
Whenever it was suggested growing, what did work to do.”
that change might be a Specifier, charter member of the DC Chapter.
you do to address the “Yes, it was. Do you recall I see Ben John Small, a founder of the New
good thing, “Bah, humbug!”
was his response. “I like
issues that brought you why these people met, York Metropolitan Chapter, and author of
things the way they are! I together?” what they planned to do?” a column in Pencil Points. He was a great
started this business, I’ve promoter of the value of good specification
“It comes back to me
been doing things the same writing. And J. Norman Hunter! When he
now! We were a group
way for fifty years, and I don’t see any reason was president, we added twenty-two new
of specifiers who were unhappy with the
to change!” chapters!”
haphazard way specifications were done.
One evening, a strange series of events Not surprising, considering we worked “Once you started growing, what did you
befell our dear Mister Scrooge. Having had for the government! We met and decided do to address the issues that brought you
a particularly trying day, he tried to enjoy specifications could be improved, and we together?” asked the Spirit.
a rich repast and a few glasses of wine in formed an organization to work toward
that end. We thought that, by working “Why, isn’t it obvious? Look there - it’s the
an effort to forget his problems. As he fell
together, we could improve the practice of CSI Format for Construction Specifications.
asleep, he was thinking of how much fun he
writing specifications, make them simpler The industry needed organization, and
had in his youth.
and easier to understand, standardize building designers quickly began using it
(Continued on page 19)
18

19. LACSI curmudGeon’S corner conTInued
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
(Continued from page 18)
to bring order to their specifications. It “What is it this time? Are you real, or am I even though specifications often ignored
was so useful, it was also used for filing having indigestion?” the rules established in CSI’s venerable
information about products, and it became Manual of Practice, communication was
“I am the Spirit of the Present. It isn’t your
the industry standard MasterFormat. much improved over that which existed
dinner, though you really should watch what
And see there? It’s SectionFormat. We before CSI’s standards existed. And, where
you eat. You seemed to enjoy your visit
didn’t stop with an overall grouping before specifiers were forced to create their
with the first Spirit, so let’s take another
of information, we also established an own documents, there were now several
journey.”
order for the information for a specific commercial master guide specification
product! Or “work result” as today’s young “If it’s like the last one, it will be fun. Let’s systems, some of them automated to the
whippersnappers say! There again, we saw go!” point that the user no longer had to worry
the need for better communication through about section numbers or titles, cross
Once again, Scrooge and the Spirit were
standardization, and we responded. And references, or all of the other nagging
surrounded by changing scenes of places
what about PageFormat? Once more, we minutiae that consumed so much of a
and faces. But it wasn’t quite the same.
created a standard for the industry!” specifier’s time in the past.
The construction industry was even stronger
“Yes, you did all of that - and you created Scrooge was delighted, thinking he would
than before. Despite a few economic
a forum where design professionals, continue on and become even more
setbacks along the way, there were many
product manufacturers and installers, successful. Still filled with such thoughts,
more design professionals, contractors, and
building product manufacturers than ever he was taken aback when the Spirit showed
and contractors could meet and discuss
before. The industry appeared to be moving him a smaller part of the industry - his
problems and solutions. CSI grew from
ahead at a frantic pace, with plentiful new own business. “Whatever is happening?”
a handful of people to a nationwide
construction and renovation of existing asked Scrooge. “The industry is growing by
organization of nearly twenty thousand.
buildings, seemingly without limits. leaps and bounds, yet my own part of it is
Indeed, those were the good old days!”
Projections of future work indicated more not keeping pace! There are so many fewer
Suddenly, the Spirit disappeared, and work would be done in the next several members, and the chapters that once were
Scrooge found himself wondering if he had years than ever before. thriving and growing have lost their vigor! Is
seen the Spirit, or if it was just something it possible I am mistaken? How could I have
The results of Scrooge’s earlier work were missed such ominous portents?”
he ate for dinner. He took a couple of
evident. That part of the construction
antacid pills and went back to sleep, Sadly shaking his head, the Spirit replied,
industry involved with buildings was making
remembering the way things were, so many “What you see is what now is. From the
good use of CSI’s Formats: manufacturers
years ago. time of your visit with the first Spirit, your
included MasterFormat numbers on
their literature; design professionals and membership has decreased by a quarter.
tHe seCOnd sPirit
contractors alike knew where to look for Many of your chapters seem to have trouble
“Wake up, Scrooge!” whatever information they needed; and, understanding what they are to do. And,
(Continued on page 20)
19

20. LACSI curmudGeon’S corner conTInued
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
(Continued from page 19)
in the comfort of your middle age - I’m “Well, yeah, but there was this organization have been done by design professionals all
trying to be kind - you lack the energy and with the same name, that had a huge along. In the end, the things CSI did were
purpose of your youth. You have become impact back in the latter part of the absorbed by other organizations, and they
complacent, satisfied with your great twentieth century. They did some really didn’t have anything to do anymore.”
accomplishments of days gone by.” cool stuff, like organizing construction
information - back when it was all on paper. “I bet it was pretty sad in the end, when it
“You have been, perhaps, too successful, You wouldn’t believe how crazy construction was just a bunch of the same old people
and, pleased with that success, failed to documents were before they came along.” getting together, reliving the good old days,
see the opportunities to further improve waiting for each other to die.”
communication in your industry. You “So what happened to them? If they had so
have continued to concentrate on paper much going, how did they let it slip away?” Scrooge cried out in agony, “Spirit, please
documents, even though the problems tell me that what you have revealed is
of the past have been solved, and little “I don’t understand it. What they did only what might be, rather than what is
remains to be done with them. It is in for paper later needed to be done with destined!”
electronic communication that today’s electronic documents. Maybe it was just
a case of turning into a bunch of old farts, After a pause, the Spirit replied. “It’s not
challenges lie.” that you no longer do useful things. Your
who didn’t understand computers and
couldn’t see the new problems.” work with interoperability and global
tHe LAst sPirit standardization are truly worthy efforts,
The second Spirit vanished, only to be “Didn’t they do a lot with education and and will one day make the industry better
replaced by yet a third Spirit. certification?” - but those things are of no immediate
concern to your existing members, and they
“Judging by what has gone before, am I “They did, but they were so busy telling each won’t bring in new members. You have not
correct in assuming you are the Spirit of other how important they were that they accepted the possibilities of the near future,
Yet to Come? If so, I fear what you may forgot to tell anyone else. Here’s a funny when the value of information itself will far
have to say. And yet, I sense that the visits thing: After all the good things they did, outweigh the value of explaining it in words
by you and your kin are meant to help, and and not telling others how important those - a process that continues to demand less
I am ready to listen.” things were, other groups came along, and less expertise.”
and in just a few years each convinced
Scrooge and the third Spirit were government agencies across the country “Some have said that all professional
transported to an indefinite, yet not that what they did was the most important organizations have suffered loss of
distant, future. Around them appeared a thing. First it was energy-efficient buildings, members and inability to connect with
group of young people, engaged in serious then accessible design, commissioning, younger people. That may be true in most
conversation. design-build, construction management, cases, but it is not an excuse to relax.
“I thought CSI was a TV show way back “sustainable design”, and somewhere in Those organizations that survive will have
when!” exclaimed one. there was “partnering”. All of which should found something of value that will attract
(Continued on page 21)
20

21. LACSI curmudGeon’S corner conTInued
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
(Continued from page 20) J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
new members. You claim to represent all those involved in construction, yet you
have done little to attract most of them. They represent an untapped resource of
knowledge and challenges that can carry you into the future.”
pecialty Main Office:
562 / 821-0170
uilding
“You do have much to fear, and much to do if you are to avoid the future we have
San Diego:
seen this evening. That is but one possible path, though it is one that becomes 619 / 562-7762
more likely with each day you do nothing to avoid it. It is possible to regain your
former stature, but only if you look to the future. What was it that made you great?
It was your ability to see the needs of communication in the construction industry
omponents , INC.
Las Vegas:
702 / 454-3437
DAVID H. PEBLEY, CSI, President
and to provide solutions for those problems. Yes, certification has become more Visit us on the web at . . .
important in the construction industry, but if that certification is not required, www.specialtybuilding.com
it has minimal value. And yes, education is important, but there are many well- ARCHITECTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
established sources of education, and you have little chance of displacing them.”
tHe end?
We leave Scrooge on the verge of waking. What will he do when he wakes? Will
he regain the intensity of his youth, or will he be content to rest on his laurels,
meeting old friends until they are no more?
Sheldon Wolfe, RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA © 2009, Sheldon Wolfe
Your lab project
has a lot of complex requirements
iMPOrtAnt nOtiCe FOr Cdt CAndidAtes You need an experienced partner
to provide the right details.
Spec Guy’s CDT One Week at a Time! study tools are now in their eigth year of
national use. If you can’t attend local classes or are looking for extra study help,
use our CDT One Week at a Time! online, on-demand recorded webinars. Our
12-session series includes slide handouts, study handouts, and quizzes for each
session. Details are on our website: www.SpecGuy.com
Free Cdt One dAy At A tiMe! dAiLy eMAiL PrOgrAM
Visit www.SpecGuy.com and follow the links to the registration page. You’ll receive
For further information on your lab project , visit www.isecinc.com,
a daily email study question each day for 60 days to help with your studies. CDT email SCRMktg@isecinc.com or call 714.761.5151.
One Day at a Time! has received the CSI Institute Electronic Publications architectural woodwork l laboratory furniture l laboratory & medical equipment
general trades l ornamental metals l specialties l doors, frames & hardware
Commendation.
21

22. LACSI
J a n / FE B 2 0 1 0
MissiOn
The Mission of the Los Angeles Chapter of
The Construction Specifications Institute is to
provide its members the opportunity to share
information about materials and methods
of construction, and to promote improved
preparation, delivery and use of construction
The Los Angeles Chapter of CSI Membership documents.
Committee presents The Chapter fosters the professional
development of its members and provides
service to the construction industry by
promoting education, research, certification,
recognition of outstanding accomplishments,
The Joe Back Membership and networking opportunities within the Chapter,
Region, Institute, and construction industry.
Invitational 2009-10
Simply bring in the most new members to the Los
Angeles chapter from November 1st to June 30th
and win a very good bottle of wine. The prize will
be carefully selected by Joe and presented at the
July Dinner Meeting.
Just let Valarie Harris know when you refer new members.
valarieh@pacbell.net
Valerieh@pacbell.net
Newsletter Editors
Laura Sellmer and Steve Taylor.
22