AGC San Diego Chapter

AGC’s Monday Morning Quarterback is designed to give you a quick, to the point, Monday morning briefing on the important issues facing San Diego’s construction industry (posted on the website Tuesday). Monday Morning Quarterback is prepared each weekend by AGC Executive Vice President Jim Ryan and Director of Government Relations, Brad Barnum to insure that the information contained in Monday Morning Quarterback is “hot off the press.”

February 19th, 2008

The IBEW’s Al Shur…the “Mr. Green of San Diego”…

By Jim Ryan, AGCSD Executive Vice President

Well Al…..the construction industry has been busy for the last few years, and we simply have not given your efforts, on behalf of our environment, enough attention!!! I really do feel a little guilty that we have not given your “environmental shenanigans” the press they deserve…..

Al…. I promise to do better in the future…and this article is the beginning!!!!

Now, for those of you that need to “catch up” with all of this, let me give you a quick summary. (Please see last week’s MMQB by clicking here)

Al Shur, the local head of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and his IBEW friends around the state, have been using California’s well intended environmental laws to file actions that have the potential to delay projects for years. These objections seem to “go away” when the owner of the targeted project signs a union-only Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Several major projects in San Diego have been the subject of this scam.

When it is successful, I can just imagine Al and his friends sitting in a back room somewhere polluting the atmosphere with the smoke from their big cigars!

So….how does the IBEW leverage the State’s environmental laws to become a PLA/organizing tool?

It started with the passage of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in 1970. The passage of CEQA probably seemed like a good idea at the time. 1970 happens to be the same year that Earth Day was initiated. I suspect that our State Legislature stepped up immediately and reacted to Earth day with CEQA. A strong component of CEQA is the provision that citizens have an easy way to file environmental objections to projects when they suspect that the project will cause damage to the environment. CEQA basically requires the developers of projects to prove that the concerns are not justified, or to respond to the concerns and adjust the project to address the concerns.

But, as the IBEW discovered, filing objections to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is a great way to use a well intended law to force owners into signing a union-only PLA

“You can expect to see unions involved in the environmental process because of health standards,” said Bob Balgenorth, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California…“and I think unions will increasingly get involved because of the effect on jobs.” Now please understand that Bob is no doubt one of Al’s heroes. Bob has been a member of IBEW Local # 441 in Orange County for over 35 years!!!

Sacramento attorney James Moose summed up the strategy….”They (unions) threaten to sue, or do sue, with the intended settlement having nothing to do with environmental issues. It’s purely a matter of leverage. Businesspeople are appalled by it because they think it’s straight blackmail.”

The vehicle Bob and Al use to accomplish this black or “green mail” is called CURE….the California Unions for Reliable Energy. CURE is sometimes substituted for a local “environmental” organization, but the idea is the same. CURE’s main claim to fame is the PLA for Calpine’s 23 power plants and the long-term maintenance agreement for each of these plants for the IBEW. CURE did this through the threat of filing environmental interventions.

CURE is an organization that was formed by the IBEW construction branch, the IBEW utility branch, the Boilermakers Union, and the United Association (plumbers). Bob is the Chairman of CURE. Balgenorth says “this group (CURE) is committed to protecting the environment and making sure that the power plants are built safely with union labor at full wages and benefits.”

Power plants in the San Diego area have been built under this PLA.

Now Al….please connect the dots for our MMQB readers….what exactly is the connection between restricting the labor on a construction project to only your members and the members of the other unions that sign on….and a clean environment? Are you really going to try to get us to believe that union projects are somehow “greener” than projects built by firms that are not signatory firms, or by a combination of signatory and non-signatory firms?

Al…have you actually convinced yourself that all of this is true? Or do you go home at night and admit to yourself that this is really a big con job?

Our next article on all of this will be in the March 3^rd issue of MMQB. Send me an email on this and explain what it is that I am missing here…..how on earth can you justify these “environmental shenanigans” as anything but pure blackmail?

Al….something just doesn’t seem to fit.

$150 Million in Private Bond Financing to Keep City Projects Moving

Today, the San Diego City Council will consider Mayor Sanders’ proposal to issue $150 million in private bonds in order to help pay for the continuation of improvements to the City’s water systems. The new financing will allow the City to complete the enhancements to the Alvarado Water Treatment Plant, Otay Water Treatment Plant, and the Miramar Treatment Plant (as required by Federal Safe Drinking Water Standards); water main replacements, and various other improvements.

The inability of the City to complete its financial audits and enter the public bond market continues to be culprit for this private bond; and another private bond is around the corner…in April, the Mayor will propose a $100 million private bond to fund deferred maintenance and capital projects.

Mayor Sanders is hopeful that the audits get completed by early March, with access to the public bond markets by late Spring. We hope he is right. However, optimistic reports like this have been given before…we have heard the phrase “The City will soon be in the public bond market” far too many times.

Please Attend Fundraiser for San Diego City Council Candidate – This Thursday!

Please join us on Thursday evening for a fundraiser for San Diego City Council candidate April Boling. April is AGC’s candidate for District 7…her highest priority is fixing the City’s financial mess in order to build urgently needed infrastructure projects!

The fundraiser is from 5-7 PM at Roel Construction, 3366 Kurtz Street, San Diego, 92110. Come meet April and hear her plans for the City’s future! Refreshments and food will be served!

· Up to $270 per person by personal check / $540 per couple w/ joint checking account

· Check made payable to “April Boling for City Council”

It should be noted that it is unlawful for a contributor to be reimbursed by any organization, business, or similar entity for a contribution supporting or opposing a City candidate. Call Brad Barnum at 858-731-8158 for more information.

San Diego Construction EXPO2008… March 29…Mark Your Calendars!

Building Careers In Construction, Inc. (BCIC) will soon host its fifth EXPO - San Diego Construction EXPO2008 – on Saturday, March 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

For the past four years, Construction EXPO has been the place where many of San Diego's finest construction companies and suppliers showcase the latest products and technologies, offer services, recruit new employees, and network. It's an exciting day for the industry, and anyone interested in joining the industry.

Last year’s, EXPO attracted over 5,500 attendees captivated by several large, innovative, and interesting demonstrations put on by over 130 exhibitors. Many displays were interactive, and featured some of the newest construction tools, equipment and technologies. In addition, some exhibitors served hot dogs and hamburgers, and some of the best barbeque and carne asada around… Thousands of dollars in prizes and giveaways were also given out throughout the day.

A donation of $25,000 was made to Construction Tech Academy! It’s an effort you should consider getting involved with!

Why participate in EXPO2008?

Expos are an excellent way to market an exhibitor’s product(s) and/or services to its customers. Since EXPO2008 is mostly interactive, contractors, architects and engineers can see, feel and sample a product in a low-key, non-threatening, fun environment. It’s fun, educational, and great way to exchange information. It makes the EXPO a very powerful event.

Mike Caples, Executive Director of Building Careers In Construction, Inc., and his wife Sandy, continue to impress the construction industry with their hard work in making the EXPO better and better every year. Some of the new additions in 2008 include: “Educate the Educators”, an outreach program designed to raise the awareness of the opportunities in construction; a website (www.HotBuildingCareers.com) for employment opportunities in the construction industry; and “San Diego Rebuilds”, an effort to assist the victims of the 2007 firestorm.

Other EXPO changes include: a revamped website, with more detailed information and on-line signups and payment options for exhibitors; increased advertising and promotions in local industry publications, radio, and television; a reformatted layout to increase exhibitor visibility and create better traffic flow; and increased attendance by construction professionals.

Let’s not forget the highly successful Expo under the Stars… a huge industry-networking mixer for ALL San Diego construction industry trade association’s members! On Friday, March 28, from 5-8 PM, guests can enjoy complimentary food, beer, wine and entertainment under the stars at the expo site at the “Q”. You must be an expo exhibitor or belong to a trade association to attend Expo under the Stars!

In addition to being a successful trade show, Construction EXPO2008 is also a career fair. Many exhibitors accept applications from guests for summer internships, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship positions, and other career opportunities in construction.

When this year’s Construction Expo2008 comes to life at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on Saturday, March 29, it promises to once again be one of the biggest, most exciting and entertaining industry events of the year. You will definitely want to plan to bring your friends and family down to Construction Expo2008. There is more to come, watch for future press releases.

VISIT EXPO2008 ONLINE: www.expo4construction.com

Doug Barnhart, Barnhart Inc., to be Installed as the 89th President of the Associated General Contractors of America

Doug Barnhart, the Chairman of the Board of Barnhart Inc., will be installed as the 89th President of the AGC of America on Thursday, March 13^th, 2008. The Installation will be held beginning at 3:00 p.m. during the closing convention ceremony at the AGC of America’s 89^th Annual Convention, which will be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. AGC San Diego Chapter and the AGC of California will also host a reception honoring Doug and his wife Nancy, March 13^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Monet Ballroom. Invitations will be mailed to all members this week. If you plan to attend, please contact Rae Krushensky at AGC at raek@agcsd.org, or call (858) 731- 8157.

The reception will be an outstanding tribute to Doug and Nancy, and to San Diego. The reception will feature an actual sand beach, sails with San Diego landmarks, and a number of other features that detail San Diego, and will encourage those attending to register for the 2009 AGCA Convention, which will be held in San Diego.

All AGC San Diego members are invited to attend the installation and the reception. AGC of America will not require attendees to register for the convention if you are attending only the installation and the reception. Rooms are also available at the Bellagio for Thursday evening through the AGC of America.

The convention starts Monday March 10^th. It will be held in conjunction with CONEXPO, the largest construction exposition in the United States. AGC members may attend the entire convention or register on a day-by-day basis depending on your schedule. If you would like to attend the convention, in addition to the Barnhart Installation and Reception, registration forms may be found by CLICKING HERE. There are a number of outstanding speakers and seminars, as well as outstanding social events.

Questions…contact Rae Krushensky on the AGC staff at raek@agcsd.org or at 858-731-8157.

Rescue Task Force Follow-up

Ok…one more big thank you to the AGC San Diego Membership…our final total was 90 backpacks. We delivered the checks to Andrea Stone, Executive Director of the Rescue Task Force last week, and the first backpacks are on the way to our wounded troops.

Pictured: Jim Ryan and Jim Coffman of Coffman Specialties, presenting the AGC member’s donations to Andrea Stone of Rescue Task Force.

iSqFt “General Contractor” Seminar – February 20^th – Last Chance to Register!

Over the past nine months, general contractor participation in the San Diego Construction Network has doubled and the base of subcontractor members has increased by nearly 50%.

General Contractors throughout the San Diego area are encouraged to join us for lunch and find out what the buzz is all about and how you can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with document distribution and dramatically improve your bidding efforts.

The luncheon, sponsored by the AGC – San Diego Chapter and iSqFt, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20^th from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm at the AGC office, located at 6212 Ferris Square, San Diego, CA 92121.

To RSVP, contact the Jessica Kovack, AGC, at 858-874-8560 ext. 11, jessica@agcsd.org, or Victor Mundy, iSqFt, at 800-813-3831, vmundy@isqft.org.

First AGC Mixer for 2008 – February 26^th

Once again, the AGC Affiliate Council will be sponsoring the first AGC mixer of the year.

Platinum Sponsors for this event are:

ABD Insurance, Hawthorne Machinery Company, Marks Golia & Finch, LLP and US Concrete Precast Group.

Gold & Silver Sponsors are:

Polycomp Administrative Services, RW Meler Consulting, Trench Shoring Company, Acme Safety & Supply Corp., Data Net Solutions, Enterprise Fleet Management & Hale Engineering.

The mixer will be held at the popular Dave & Buster’s in Mission Valley, located at 2931 Camino del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108 on

Tuesday, February 26 at 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Note that members are required to pre-register BY CLICKING HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM.

Fax to 858-558-8444.

Contact Rae Krushensky at 858-731-8157 with any questions.

Welcome New Members

The AGC Board of Directors and the AGC Staff welcome the new members to the Association.

Remember AGC’s Motto…”It’s good business to do business with an AGC member.”

Company	Type of Work	Contact	Phone	e-mail
Aiken Ford Lumber	Lumber company	Mike Gaber	(909) 627-5180	bugwood@aikenlumber.com
Clearwater Pipeline, Inc.	Excavating/Grading	Steve Stewart	(951) 657-2829	steve@clearwaterpipeline.com
Cross Way Fire Protection	Fire protection	Bob Akins	(619) 589-1141	bob@crosswayconsulting.com
Dancro Corp.	Carpentry	Priscilla Alfaro	(951) 270-0288
F.J. Willert Contracting Co., Inc.	Excavating/Grading	Nancy Walker	(619) 421-1980	nancy@fjwillert.com
Guardian Waterproofing & Caulking	Waterproofing/ painting	Ely Leeyer	(619) 448-3700	ely@guardianwp.org
HAR Construction, Inc.	Concrete	Hector Romero	(619) 575-5995	hromero@harconstruction.com
Haitbrink Asphalt Paving, Inc.	Concrete/paving	Luana Flores	(951) 273-0111	Hapipave@sbcglobal.net
Handsfree Solutions, Inc.	Vehicular electronics	Steven Galliher	(760) 761-0066	sjg@handsfreesolutions.com
Industrial Distributors	Interior partitions	Paul Jackson	(619) 697-5839	Pajackson11@cox.net
T.L. Fabrications L.P.	Fencing	Mike Reeder	(858) 602-7720	mreeder@tlfab.com
Marco Crane & Rigging Co.	Crane/Drilling	Sam Meyer	(619) 938-8080	smeyer@marcocrane.com
PAR Electrical Contractors, Inc.	Electrical	Steven Plell	(760) 535-4345	splell@parelelectric.com
Pure Flo Water	Water supplier	Marc Leigh	(800) 787-3356	mleigh@pureflo.com
Robert’s Construction, Inc.	Carpentry	Robert Leonard	(951) 737-3651	robertsconstruct@sbcglobal.net

Calendar of Upcoming AGC Safety and Education Classes

Please note:
***** Please register on-line for classes ******
Go to our website at www.agcsd.org and click onto Calendar for either
Construction Education Classes or Safety Training.

February

Feb. 20 -Trenching & Excavating

Feb. 21- Power Meetings

Feb. 21- Eliminating Design and Claims

Feb. 21- Construction Financial Management Workshop "Construction Financial Statements"

Feb. 22 - Introduction to Prolog - Document Control & Field Administration

Feb. 28, 29 -Construction Projects with Microsoft Project

Feb. 25, 26, 27- AutoDesk REVIT - Architecture Fundamentals

Feb. 26 - Microsoft Excel Level II - Managing Workbooks
Feb. 27 – CPR/First Aid

Upcoming AGC Committee/Council rMeetings

All meetings at AGC unless indicated otherwise

February

Feb 19- Foundation for Success Committee Meeting – 12 p.m.

Feb 20 – County of SD Committee Meeting – 1:00 p.m.

Feb. 21 – Meetings & Events Committee Meeting – 12:00 p.m.

Feb. 26 – HR Practices Committee Meeting – 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 27 – Public Building Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m.
~~Feb. 28~~ – Builders’ Exchange Committee Meeting – 12:00 p.m. DATE TO BE CHANGED

Feb. 29 – Technology Trends in Construction Committee Meeting – 7:00 a.m.

If you are interested in signing up for a committee, CLICK HERE

Looking Ahead…Upcoming AGC Events

UPCOMING AGC EVENTS

2008 AGC Events
February 26 - AGC Affiliate Mixer at Dave & Buster's Click here for registration flyer

March 10-14 – 89^th Annual Convention Las Vegas, Nevada

Spring Conference in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – April 17-20, 2008 – Click here for brochure