Chapter News

ASPE Chapter 55 Bocce Event 2010
It was one of those pleasant afternoons. Friendly people, good weather, cold beer, wine, sodas, great food, laughs, good competition and camaraderie were the mode of the day.

The bad boys from Blach defended their title this year by beating TBI in the finals. TBI gave Blach a run for their money but came up short. Two of Granite Construction employees with the help of some attendee volunteers won the consolation bracket. Teams participating were Blach, Granite, Hellwig, Bothman, Gilbane, R Brothers, ASPE and TBI. All participates enjoyed their experience of playing bocce. Some were better than they thought they would be while others played less than what their egos thought they could play. Ah yes the reality of competition, the thrill of success and the agony of defeat. But all are planning to come back next year and try again as well as drink, eat and be merry.

I would like to thank this year's sponsors for helping support the American Society of Professional Estimators Chapter 55. Their donations help support ASPE Chapter 55 functions through out the year. Those sponsors are San Jose Blue, Hellwig Plumbing & Heating, Hellwig Mechanical, Granite Construction, Sprig Electric, R Brothers Painting, Blach Construction, O.C. McDonald, TBI Construction, Gilbane and Best Electrical. Thanks to all the participants and sponsors. I am looking forward to seeing you all again next year.

See photos from the 2010 Bocce Event!

Veterans Administration Hospital BBQ
On Sunday, March 14, 2010, ASPE Chapter 55 put on a BBQ for our nations veterans who were recuperating at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, Ca. Chapter 55 had 47 volunteers who helped make this second annual event a great success. The weather was great and a great time was had by both the veterans and the volunteers

We would like to thank Ben Stetson, the event organizer, for all of his time and effort in putting together this great event. Special thanks goes out to Ben's crew Team Captains. Nicole Johnson, who registered all of the volunteers, kept the roster updated, sent out all of those updates and led the Serving Line Team. Brenda Foster and Marsha Jones who led probably the most complex effort, the Set-up Team. Kevin Waltrip and Forrest Towe who led the Grilling Team. Sue Clark who added the home made macaroni salad and the tablecloths for a personal touch (she was up until 1:00 am ironing the tablecloths so they would look just right). Paul Ford, who jumped in to become the event Photographer. Max and Leonard Woo who performed a very nice violin concerto. But most of all, we want to thank ALL of the volunteers for such a tremendous turnout.

Because of the number of volunteers we were able to prepare, serve and deliver meals to hospital rooms with ease. We also were able to assist those veterans that needed help and visit with many of them. Several of our volunteers mentioned that all of those problems that each of us have, suddenly looked a heck of a lot smaller that afternoon. On the flip side of that, we are continually impressed at how upbeat the attitude of the patients are and how they make all the volunteers feel better. Both the patients and volunteers are an inspiring group of people. We will be back next year.

See photos from the Veterans Administration Hospital BBQ!

ASPE Chapter 55 Has New CPE
We are proud and honored to announce that Vince Rodriquez of ASPE Chapter 55 has been awarded the title of Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) by the National Chapter of ASPE. Vince had to complete and pass the required prerequisites, pass a general knowledge test of estimating and construction topics and documents, pass a discipline specific test and write a 2500 word technical paper. Those who achieve this title are granted the right to use the title after his or her name. A Certified Professional Estimator accredited by The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) has become highly respected in both public and private bidding. Vince is the estimator for R. Brothers Painting Company. They have been in business since 1985 specializing in retail stores, tenant improvements, commercial projects, concrete tilt-ups, high density apartments and custom homes. Vince exemplifies the company's pride of providing quality work and customer satisfaction. Vince is now a member of our local ASPE Chapter 55 board of directors and will represent our chapter at the National ASPE convention in July. Congratulations to Vince and his achievements.

Upcoming Events

None at this time.

Continuing Education

Legal Points by William C. Last, Jr.
ASPE Chapter 55 is presenting a series of articles by William C. Last, Jr.. Mr. Last is an attorney specializing in construction law. He has written many construction-law related articles for trade publications. Mr. Law has allowed us to reprint some of his articles on our website for the benefit of our members. I have read his articles and find them both timely, informative and beneficial. We are pleased to present this series of articles as a continuing education tool. Existing articles will be presented once a month and new articles will be presented as they become available.

This month's articles are:

• “A 2010 Summary of New California Laws That May Impact the Construction Industry”
  34KB (Start a discussion here).
• “A Recent Appellate Court Decision Significantly Impacts A Subcontractor's Means for Recovering California Prompt Payment Penalties”
  21KB (Start a discussion here).

We hope you enjoy and find this series of articles both informative and useful. We thank Mr. Last for contributing to our continuing education effort.

Biography: William C. Last
William C. Last, Jr. is a licensed California attorney whose practice primarily emphasizes litigation, arbitration, and mediation on behalf of companies and individuals involved in the construction industry. He is a name partner in the firm of Last & Faoro. A firm that specializes legal services for the construction industry. More here »

Industry Related Events

None at this time.