WATER UPDATE

“Water,” the subject of six Special Sessions in the Legislature, is agreed by all to be in short supply in this state. Aside from “solving” the chronic state budget problems, over the past three years, Water has been the longest running topic and target to “fix.” The issue almost came to a head two weeks ago when the Governor threatened to veto bills unless a comprehensive fix was delivered by the sign/veto deadline.

Talks about specific language have been happening everyday this week. The common response to the question of if we are close on a deal is “we are almost there.” Actual language is being kept tightly under-wraps, regarding water rights, governance, and how to fund capital projects.

Those of us that understand the importance of fixing these issues and making progress on increasing water supply, are cautiously optimistic that all side will come together soon. The Governor’s office is hoping that is next week, with some votes by the Legislature. Click here for some more detail about the issues.

LAST CHANCE: 2009 STRATEGIC ISSUES CONFERENCE

This is your last chance to sign up for the 2009 Real Estate Strategic Issues Conference co-hosted by four major California business groups. The focus of the event is how climate change policies will impact the economy and how you do business. The event includes a broad range of speakers, including a nationally syndicated columnist, the Chair of the powerful Senate Energy Committee, and the Executive Director of the Air Resources Board. Click here to see the full agenda.

From AB 32 greenhouse gas regulations to the legislative and regulatory focus on land use, this conference promises to deliver the most up to date thinking about the politics driving these policies and will offer strategic discussions to set the course on how industry can proactively be at the table and positively influence policy. Click here for registration information.

GLOBAL WARMING SKEPTICISM INCREASES

A new poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press shows that the number of people who believe there is strong scientific evidence for global warming has dropped 20 points since 2006. 57 percent of those polled believe the world is getting warmer, but just 36% of poll respondents believe that warming is due to activities of humans. Click here to see the poll results.
 

BBC WONDERS WHAT HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING

The BBC is also scratching its head over the man-made global warming theory, stating, ”For the last 11 years we have not observed any increase in global temperatures. And our climate models did not forecast it, even though man-made carbon dioxide, the gas thought to be responsible for warming our planet, has continued to rise. So what on Earth is going on? Climate change skeptics, who passionately and consistently argue that man's influence on our climate is overstated, say they saw it coming.” Click here to read the full story.
 

***HIGH PRIORITY*** GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS 2009 – FEEDBACK NEEDED

In an effort to promote sustainable buildings, California last year became the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide Green Building Code. Known as CalGreen, it is already being updated and industry input is critical. We are now in an “official” comment period with a 45-Day Notice of Proposed Action, which ends in mid November.

Your analysis and feedback is needed on the proposed changes for non-residential properties. To read the proposed changes for California Green Building Standards Code, Part 11, Title 24 -- Commercial, Industrial, and Retail Real Estate, click here.

It is very important that members of our industry read these regulations and identify issues that members of the Building Standards Commission should consider. We will compile industry comments and provide written and verbal testimony. Please send any and all comments by replying to this email or sending directly to Matthew Hargrove. Comments are due to CBPA by no later than Friday, November 8, 2009.

BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS AVAILABLE

The Nonresidential Compliance Manual for the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards is now available on the CEC website. The new Standards will be in effect as of January 1, 2010.

Please send this to anyone in your companies/networks responsible for management of energy, construction, or property management issues. We hope to make sure this is distributed widely as compliance is important for your bottom line, but also to help our industry meet AB 32 goals.

Our industry helped shape and ultimately supported the adoption of these standards. National groups are using this as a model for promulgated national guidelines and other states’ codes.

Click here for the compliance manual.

BOMA CALIFORNIA 2009 CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2009

November 5—
BOMA CA BOARD MEETING & ELECTION OF 2010 OFFICERS
Meritage Hotel, Napa, CA
1:30pm - 4:00 p.m.

November 5-6—
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE STRATEGIC ISSUES CONFERENCE
Meritage Hotel, Napa, CA