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Udated: November 20, 2007

Member Alerts | Legislation

Member Alerts
See updates on important industry issues.

This letter was received by the California Sign Association on Wednesday, October 24, 2007:

Friends,

We know that small businesses affected by the southern California wild fires will be looking for ways to find assistance.

We have posted a list of city, state and federal resources for small businesses on our website www.sba.ca.gov.

We ask that you circulate this information as widely as you can to get the word out. The administrator of the federal Small Business Administration, Steven Preston, will be in San Diego to co-ordinate the SBA's disaster recovery assistance work late tomorrow and Friday.

Please forward any other resources that you are aware of and we will circulate that information as well.

Thanks,
Michael J. Gonzalez
Deputy to the Small Business Advocate
Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Office of Planning and Research

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All Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes Should Be Recycled or Disposed as Hazardous Waste
All fluorescent lamps and tubes are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded because they contain mercury. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 11, section 66261.50) This includes:

Fluorescent lamps and tubes (August 4, 2005)

Fluorescent tubes, including low mercury tubes.
Compact fluorescents, including low mercury lamps.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps:

Metal halide lamps, such as floodlights for large indoor and outdoor areas and gymnasiums.
Sodium lamps, such as those sometimes used as security lighting and outdoor floodlights.
Mercury vapor lamps, such as those sometimes used for street lighting.

All fluorescent lamps and tubes should be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility. After February 8, 2006, all fluorescent lamps and tubes in California must be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 23, section 66273.8) (Very-small quantity commercial generators may also dispose in the trash up to 30 lamps/tubes per month between February 8, 2004 and February 9, 2006.)

When mercury-containing lamps or tubes are placed in the trash and collected for disposal, the lamps or tubes are broken and mercury is released to the environment. Mercury vapors from broken lamps or tubes can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. People who are particularly close to the breakage are especially at risk. Mercury from broken lamps and tubes can also be washed by rain water into waterways.

According to a report entitled, Household Universal Waste Generation in California, August 2002, there were 15,555,556 fluorescent lamps sold in California in the year 2001. According to survey results published in the report, only 0.21% of these lamps were recycled.

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ISA INDUSTRY ALERT (March 10, 2005)
ISA officials have been informed by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program that Energy Star will abandon all general efforts to establish standards for the illuminated sign industry.

International Sign Association (ISA) President and CEO Lori Anderson said, "The EPA's decision to not pursue these regulations is an enormous victory for the sign industry. This study could have led to an additional layer of inconsistent regulations for states and major municipalities. Moreover, because the EPA was approaching these regulations from the wrong perspective, litigation would have been virtually assured."

In 2004, ISA discovered that Energy Star was studying the on-premise sign industry for possible regulations. After numerous requests, the EPA's Energy Star program made the preliminary report available for ISA's inspection. The draft report was fundamentally flawed and seriously mischaracterized the industry.

"ISA swiftly moved to inform the EPA of the proper methodology to utilize in viewing the sign industry," said Anderson.

Upon receipt and review of ISA's information, Energy Star Labeling Branch Chief Ann Bailey stated, "Based on the results of this market research, we have decided not to pursue an Energy Star label for commercial signs."

In its critique of the preliminary report, ISA addressed industry concerns and shared those concerns with ISA's allies on Capitol Hill. ISA delivered a comprehensive rebuttal to the EPA stating that signage is not simply an activity and Energy Star's approach is problematic because signs are speech, not merely technology.

Though EPA's Energy Star guidelines present themselves as voluntary, they form the basis for a host of regulations that states adopt and manufacturers must conform to. Unfortunately, the ultimate regulations based on Energy Star are not always consistent from state to state, or even county to county.

For more information about this or ISA's other legislative programs, contact Lori Anderson at 703-8364012 or visit www.signs.org.

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To Membership of CSA on 2001 Annual Convention (September 17, 2001)

Dear CSA Member,

The tragic developments of last week have caused the California Sign Association to CANCEL the September 20-23, 2001 Annual Convention. We regret the inconvenience and disruption this brings to the business of C.S.A., but feel it is prudent in light of the recent attacks and threats made on the American people. We do not believe it's appropriate to ask our members and directors to travel and to be so far from their homes and families at this time. A C.S.A. Business Session and meeting of the Board of Directors will be scheduled for a more appropriate time and venue so that we can attend to the required business of the Association.

If you have any concerns or comments in this regard, please feel free to contact me by phone at (800) 466-6146 or e-mail at skip@billmoore.com.

Sincerely

Skip Moore, President
California Sign Association

cc: Mr John Johnson, ISA, Mr. Steve Kieffer, ISA, Robert Aran, esq., Jeffery Aran, esq.

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Rolling blackouts, escalating energy costs, confused customers (Revised Feb 21, 2001)
Rolling blackouts, escalating energy costs, confused customers; these are just some of the issues confronting the California sign industry. Because electric signs are among the most visible users of electricity, they are traditionally targeted by watchdog groups as an effective way to reduce power consumption. The California Electric Sign Association is monitoring state and locally mandated energy conservation measures. We will try to differentiate between the rumors and the facts and report our findings back to the members.

CESA recently transmitted an International Sign Association Legislative Alert, "ISA Responds to Questions of Signs and Energy Consumption" to each CESA member. CESA supports the position taken by ISA in regards to the prospect of darkening of the retail and commercial landscape. Ours will be a pro-active approach, suggesting to our members and customers that they conserve electricity through the use of time switches, power efficient lighting components and prudent hours of operation for electric signs. We will maintain this position until our industry, sign users and/or public safety becomes adversely affected. If we discover any regulations that might restrict the way we manufacture electric signs or the effective use of illuminated business identification, we will have to take on more of a confrontational advocacy.

On February 1, 2001 Governor Davis issued Executive order D-19-01 (see Powerline, March 2001,page 3). There is no wording specifically pertaining to signs, but it contains phrases like "unnecessary outdoor lighting by retail establishments" and mandates that "shopping centers...substantially reduce maximum outdoor lighting capability", which implies that signs will be a future target for regulation. In Attachment A, the California Energy Commission recommends, "In signage and retail, use color and contrast to attract attention, rather than high levels of illumination...and illuminate only the lettering, not the background". To further complicate things, the Governor's order establishes open ended enforcement by county Sheriffs and the Highway Patrol.

CESA has established a special Task Force to monitor and address the impact of the electricity and natural gas shortages in the state and the western region. As part of our effort to monitor statewide energy conservation measures through sign control, we request that each and every CESA member watch their local media for pertinent reports. Please report any significant regulations, proposed or adopted, to Peggy Thomas at the CESA office.

If you have any direct concerns or comments in this regard, please feel free to contact me by phone at (800) 466-6146, fax at (510) 526-0296 or e-mail at skip@billmoore.com.

Skip Moore

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CESA Convention 2000: Increasing the Momentum - The Power of CESA! (August 24, 2000)
1) Due to the exceptionally positive response from our initial mailing, our host hotel the Indian Wells Resort has extended our deadline to this Friday, August 25th. All indications is that the hotel will be completely sold out during our stay, September 21st through the 24th.

With the fact that most (if not all!) of the rooms will be occupied by CESA attendees, all participants during our annual celebration can be assured that: all networking activities; the festive evening of tabletop exhibits; the educational seminars and the fun & games (golf plus horseback riding and, don't forget, the hot air ballooning), will be an event not to be missed and. perhaps CESA's biggest ever!

If you have not reserved your room and want to take advantage of CESA's discounted rate please call (800) 248 - 3220 (8am- 5pm) the Indian Wells Resort and mention CESA. As always, your annual event will, indeed, be most special and will be talked about the rest of the year. Please call (800) 248 - 3220 today.

2) Many have called expressing interest and involvement in our first - ever CESA Design Contest 2000. However, to date, we have not received an application from anyone!

If you are entering this event, please refer to the instruction sheet* and fax the completed application to (310) 457 - 5328 ASAP. As noted all designs are to arrive at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel no later then September 21st. In order to be completely prepared, we want to know who and how many will be participating. It would be a shame if you missed out on the opportunity to win (details on the instruction page) $10,000.00!

*Should you need another set of instructions, please contact us

3) Speaking of $10,000.00 tickets. Board member Kris Moore, (Interstate Electric), has reported that his first 10 tickets are sold and he has requested 10 more.

For those of you who will be attending your first CESA Annual Convention, think about the excitement and energy in the room as during the Annual Banquet Dinner on September 23rd, the anticipation and joyous celebration of holding the winning ticket. 'Ya gotta be there!

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CALOSHA T8CCR 4884(D) (2): CRANE SAFETY (May 8, 2000)

On September 22, l999, instructions were sent to OSHA Crane Certifiers, stating that "Cranes placed in service prior to January 15, 1974, shall be modified to comply with applicable regulations in Group 13, cranes and other hosting equipment of the industry safety orders, unless it can be shown during the process of certification that a crane can not feasibly or economically be modified to comply with any one or more applicable requirements and the crane substantially complies with applicable Group 13 regulations and the ANSI or other design standard to which the crane was manufactured.

T8CCR 4924 (d) requires that all cranes having a boom length exceeding sixty feet or a maximum rated capacity exceeding fifteen tons be provided with an approved adjustable boom angle or radius indicator.

Previously, in a letter dated April 8, 1991, permitted a certifier to waive the requirement of 4924 (d) and make a notion on item 12 of the Plate V that a boom angle indicator is not required due to the date the crane was placed in service. This is no longer accepted.

T8CCR 4884 (d) (2) appears to require, at a minimum, that any crane that requires certification and has a boom of sixty feet or longer, will require an approved "adjustable boom angle or radius indicator."

The way the instructions read, it is unclear whether the approved "adjustable boom angle or radius indicator" is a requirement of all cranes with a boom of sixty feet or longer, or just cranes that require certification by OSHA, which under normal circumstances, is only cranes with lifting capacity of three tons or more.

The Education Committee is attempting to find more details on the letter of September 22,1999, and solicits the comments and any information regarding this subject matter from the membership. Please contact the CESA offce (310) 457-8375 or Education Chairperson Bob Kroeze (209) 524-4484.

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SBl999 QUESTIONS

SB1999 APPEARS TO REQUIIRE THAT OSHA CERTIFY ALL CRANE OPERATORS. The Education Committee, which was asked to review the legislation and provide comment to the Government Affairs Committee, has asked for clarification as to whether the bill applies to all crane operators or just cranes with a lifting capacity of three tons or more.

The Education Committee took the position that if the bill applies to cranes with a lifting capacity of over three tons, it did not have any objections to the bill. However, if the legislation were intended to apply to all cranes, regardless of lifting capacity, then the Education Committee would object to the legislation.

It is the position of the Education Committee that there are enough differences in the cranes, with lifting capacity under three tons, that Federal and State OSHA certification requirements is not warranted. The Committee takes the position that it would like to develop a CESA Certification that is appropriate for sign cranes with lifting capacities unda three tons.

Comments from members and ideas are encouraged on this subject. Please provide your thoughts and ideas to the CESA office or to Bob Kroeze, Education Committee Chairperson.

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UL 2161 (May 4, 1999)
By Gilbert Sanchez

ISSUE #5 May 4, 1999
Contact: Victor Lindenheim
CESA Executive Director
(310) 457-8375

Gilbert Sanchez
Sign Designs, Inc.
(209) 524-4484

Gilbert Sanchez, representing Sign Designs, Inc. attended the UL2161 Seminar held in Anaheim, CA on February 25. The following notes attempt to explain the impact of the code change and answer some of the questions that may arise. General manufacturing requirements and trouble shooting tips are also covered. The following handout is to be used to set the stage for training employees in the use and impact af using UL2161 compliant transformers.
What is UL2161?
UL 2161 is the new "Standard" for neon transformers and power supplies. The new provisions for transformers are found in the 1996 National Electrical Code. In a nutshell, most transformers commonly used im electric signs are required to be equipped with SGFP (secondary ground fault protection). This device will cause the transformer to automatically shut itself off when a short to ground is detected. SGFP should not be confused with "Open Circuit Protection". "OCP" circuits would also turn a transformer off that has an open circuit, i.e. broken neon or GTO not connected but also not touching ground.

Impact of UL2161

Transformers wilI cost at least twice as much as what we pay now.
The wiring method used is more critical than conventionaI transformers.
Troubleshooting techniques for these transformers are different than with conventional transformers.
If installed incorrectly, UL 2161 transformers will not work.
Service agreements wilI have to be given special consideration to cover the cost associated with costlier transformers and the possibility of rewiring.
Warranties on old style transformers extending into the year 2002 will need to be addressed with our distributors.
A full Ime of transformers is not currently available on the market. At least two manufacturers have a good selection but both currently lack a standard style transformer that complies. Standard style transformers are what you would find in a raceway enclosure. Most other manufacturers are still in the testing phase and should have new models out soon.
The bolt patterns may or may not match the old style tranformers.
Transformer inventory wilI increase to meet the demand.

Important Questions Regarding UL 2161
What might cause a UL 2161 transformer to trip?

Improperly grounded transformer
Neon tubing too close to metal
Too much metal conduit in the secondary circuit (max 20 from transformer to first neon tube)
An arching or direct short to ground in the secondary circuit
An open secondary circuit or imbalance in the secondary circuit
Excessive moisture
Are there any transformers that are exempt from'~Secondary Ground Fault Protection?
Transformers which are 30 m.a. or less and 3000 volts or less to ground (6, 000/30m.a.).
PBKM style transformers installed using no GTO wire in the secondary circuit. i. e. with inletter transformers.
How can you tell if the transformer complies?
Non compliant transformers have a "UL" in a circle with the wording "LISTED
Gas Tube Transformer / Power Supply
Compliant transformers must have a "UL" in a circle with the wording "LISTED Neon Transformer / Power Supply
Some may even be additionally labeled "UL 2161 Compliant"
What important dates are associated with UL 48?
September 3rd, 1999 - All signs manufactured on or after September 3rd must use compliant transformers
The year 2002 - UL will no longer list the old style transformers. The use of old style transformers will then be in violation of the National Electric Code.
When does UL 2161 become effective?
Now! - Any "AHJ" (Authority Having Jurisdiction) that has adopted the 1996 National Electrical Code can enforce the new requirements. Las Vegas is one example. It is possible that some cities are still using an older edition of the National Electrical Code.
Are service calls affected by UL 2161?
if the "AHJ" in the city you are working in has adopted the 1996 National Electrical
Code, the transformers used during a service call should be compliant.
How would this impact the customer?
The transformers used during a service call may cost twice as much as before.
If you only change one transformer on the service call, you may end up with a sign with some compliant and some non compliant transformers in the same sign.
This might cause some confusion during subsequent service calls
You might be forced to rewire the sign if the conduit leads are too long or there is improper spacing oflive parts to metal

General Requirements for the Manufacturers
(Some variation from manufacturer to manufacturer- Verify specifications with each manufacturer )

When 15 m.a. or more goes to ground the transformer must shut off in 1/2 second
To reset a tripped transformer you will cut the power to the transformer and then restore the power to the transformer (It will trip again in 1/2 second if problem still exists)
Manufacturers have the option of providing a bypass switch
If equipped with a bypass switch, transformers will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes and then it will reset itself to the "SGFP" mode.
Transformers will reset themselves up to (3) times at 10-second intervals if it is interrupted by rain, debris in the housings or insects, etc.
Trouble Shooting
Testing the transformer by grounding the secondary post to the transformer enclosure will now cause the transformer to trip
Using a jump wire to test neon will cause the transformer to trip. A neon tube tester would be an alternative.
A standard transformer should be carried on each service truck The transformer that keeps tripping could be replaced with the standard transformer. This would allow the service man to troubleshoot the sign without it tripping until the problem is diagnosed. After fixing the problem the UL 2161 transformer can be reinstalled if it is not at fault.
Summary
Manufacturing employees must be trained to install UL 2161 transformers properly.
Service personnel must be trained to troubleshoot UL 2161 transformers.
Servire personnel must be trained to detect situations that would lead to rewiring of existing sign circuits.
Purchasing employees must have a plan to use up stock as 2002 approaches.
Customers must be educated about the new requirements.
Estimators will need to cover costs on new signs manufactured after September 3rd 1999.

Note: CESA is providing this information as a service to its members. Although every effort is made to ensure that this information is accurate, neither CESA nor Sign. Designs, Inc. can guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information presented. Product-specific data should be obtained from your transformer manufacturer or supplier.

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CESA + CSLB = BANDITBUSTING (Feb. 11, 1999)

ISSUE #4 FEBRUARY 11, 1999
Contact: Victor Lindenheim
CESA Executive Director
(310) 457-8375

Ron Bernstein
CESA Banditbusters Program Chair
(650) 588-6000

On Thursday, February 11, with CESA's assistance, cooperation, and encouragement, the Contractors State License Board conducted a sting operation in San Diego County. CESA's press release is enclosed, which was distributed to San Diego area news media, including Television, Print, and Radio. The press release describeds the operation, what was accomplished, and articulates CESA's position on unlicensed contractors.

Pacific Sign Construction's Roy Flahive and LeAnn Cooley were instrumental in making this happen, from securing CSLB's interest and cooperation, to securing a sting site and coordinating news media efforts.

CESA is committed to developing a systematic, organized program that will result in a California where electric sign contractors are licensed, insured, and qualified to fabricate, install, and properly maintain electric signs. CESA programs emphasizing enforcement and education (of both contractors and sign purchasers) will continue.

Stings of this sort will be staged and implemented in the near future in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties. Your continued participation in CESA and support for our programs makes this possible.

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CESA ANALYSIS OF ELECTION RESULTS (Nov. 4, 1998)

ISSUE #3 NOVEMBER 4,1998
Contact: Victor Lindenheim
CESA Executive Director
(310) 457-8375

Bob Garcia
CESA Legislative Counsel
(916) 557 9944

Gray Davis, Other Democrats Prevail in Key California Races
California's 1998 election turned out to be great news for Democrats and bad news for Republicans. Democrat Gray Davis trounced Republican Dan Lungren by 20 percentage points and U. S. Senator Barbara Boxer, another Democrat, defeated Republican State Treasurer Matt Fong by a margin of 53.2% to 42.9% in her re-election bid for the U.S. Senate.

By defeating Republican State Senator Tim Leslie in the race for Lt. Governor, Democrat Cruz Bustamante became the first Latino to hold statewide office in California in over a century. In a hotly contested race for State Treasurer, the former chairman of the state Democratic Party, Phil Angelides, defeated Republican State Assemblyman Curt Pringle by a margin of 52.7% to 39.8%.

In a key election result, Democrats solid)fied control in the state assembly by increasing their margin from 43-37 to 48-32. In the state senate, Democrats improved their majority Dom 23 - 16- 1 (Independent) to 25- 15.

The election of Governor Davis coupled with the fact that Democrats control both houses of the legislature means that they will control reapportionment (realignment of federal and state legislative district boundaries) in 2000 and potentially lock in control of state legislative districts for the next decade.

In the meantime, CESA will be updating its political contact matrix for its membership, correlating our members' facility locations with state and federal legislative representatives.

Governor's Race Key to Future Elections
This year's gubernatorial battle between Democrat Gray Davis and Republican Dan Lungren has enormous implications for the political future of California. As everyone knows, the governor- elect will have great power in the areas of judicial and executive branch appointments, the lead role in fashioning state budgets and final say in signing or vetoing legislation.

What is less known is the pivotal role the governor plays in the reapportionment process. As we all know, each state must redraw its congressional and state legislative district boundaries to reflect population changes every ten years following the federal census. This is required by the U. S. Supreme Court case of Baker vs. Carr.

The mechanism for redrawing district boundaries is the passage and enactment of legislation. Reapportionment legislation is a majority vote item, which means that if either party controls both houses of the legislature and the governor' s office; the party in power can effectuate reapportionment over the objections of the minonty party.

To sum it up, this year's election of a new governor brings with it the usual trappings of power and patronage - but also a little understood, yet key role of the governor as to how district boundaries are drawn - usually to the advancement of one party and the detriment of the other.

Governor Wilson Approves March Primary
Governor Pete Wilson recently signed SB 1999 (Costa), an enactment that will move California's primary election up three months to the first Tuesday in March.

Efforts to move the primary election were motivated by the realization that past presidential nominations have been secured by the candidates in states with primaries held earlier than California's June primary. By election time in California, the voters in states with earlier primaries had chosen the nominees.

Conventional wisdom is that by moving the pnma~y, presidential candidates will now pay at least equivalent attention to California's primary election. In past years, candidates would raise enormous sums of money within California, only to go to Iowa, New Hampshire and other States to secure nominations and electoral votes.

Enactment of SB 1999 is a logical move in the direction of a uniform national primary.

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