Two Covid News Updates: Tests & Isolation
To help keep you current on the new California Department of Public Health Guidelines and At-Home COVID-19 tests availability, the following two UPDATES are being provided.
Here’s the Latest
| Order your COVID-19 tests |
| Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order
4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days through USPS. |
| Updated quarantine and isolation guidance |
| This new CDPH guidance will replace the portions of the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) which deal with excluding workers from the workplace. Here’s an update provided by the California Chamber of Commerce.
|
We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops.
Happening in Sacramento Q4 2021
California Doubles Down on Ending Organized Retail Crime Rings
In response to a recent increase in organized retail theft activities across California, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to increase their presence near major retail sites and announced a proposed increase in the 2022-2023 state budget to combat retail theft.
Business Impact
Justices Mull Implications of Sign Ordinance Case
From barbecue restaurants to highway beautification, Justices mull implications of sign-ordinance case
Oral arguments were held Nov 10 before the US Supreme Court regarding the First Amendment challenge to the city of Austin, TX, billboard sign ordinance. The challenge is to Austin’s ordinance that treats signs differently depending on whether or not they have a connection to the site where they are located. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that the ordinance violates the First Amendment, but during over 90 minutes of oral argument in City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising of Texas, the Supreme Court was closely divided on this question. Although some justices appeared to agree with the 5th Circuit, other justices were clearly concerned that upholding the 5th Circuit’s decision could have repercussions far beyond the ordinance that they were considering.
One of the key issues in the case is whether the onsite/offsite distinction can survive constitutional scrutiny. CSA joined in an amicus brief, along with ISA and several other state sign associations, to urge the court to retain the traditional distinction. Justice Stephen Breyer said their decision calls into question “every regulation on the books,” even those that have historically been allowed. “Down that road, madness lies,” Justice Elena Kagan commented.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh could hold the deciding vote, but he, too, appeared conflicted. On the one hand, he (like Justice Gorsuch) asked why the city couldn’t address its safety and aesthetic concerns by restricting the placement, size, and number of signs, rather than restricting “anything that has to do, arguably, with the words that are written on the sign.” On the other hand, he emphasized to these kinds of ordinances “have been around for a long time,” and that a ruling for Reagan National would impose significant burdens on “a lot of local jurisdictions around America.”
A decision is expected by summer.
New Rule -Vaccine Mandate
Latest Federal Vaccine Mandate Covers 84 Million Workers
Here’s what we know
More unvaccinated workers will be required to get the Covid-19 vaccine by Jan. 4 or face regular testing under a new rule from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration released Thursday.
Here’s what to know about the new rule.
We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops.
FROM CLASSROOM TO CRANE 2021
CSA continues to conduct training/testing classes for crane operators to become certified. The CSA program allows crane operators (those who operate cranes with a lift capacity over 2000 lbs.) to brush up on their knowledge and practical skills, in preparation for certification testing.
The next three-day program is scheduled to take place at Sign Designs, in Modesto, CA, for Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. / Oct. 28-29-30, 2021.
Pete Michelini, CSA Director, has agreed to host this event for CSA and ALTEC has agreed to provide the crane to be used during testin, at no charge to the Association – A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!
David Shelley (Crane Care Operations), along with his son John, will be conducting the classroom training as well as the practical training and actual testing on the crane. Past candidates in attendance stated they thought the training was very well done. Dave Saudargas with Quiel Brothers added, “The instructors were excellent – we couldn’t ask for more.”
For further information on the CSA Certified Crane Operator Classes, contact Cheryl Flahive, Dir. of Member Services: cflahive@calsign.org.
SoCal Horse Race Event in Del Mar 2021!
LET’S GO!
Join us as Thoroughbred athletes and world class jockeys take to the track for the most exciting 2 minutes in sports! Del Mar Race Tracks, Where CSA Comes to Play! Join sign industry professionals, both members and non-members, for an event to highlight camaraderie and networking! Marvel as the Thoroughbreds dance on “toes” as they are led from the paddock to the track. Watch as the trainers saddle and prepare for the race. Listen as the bugler sounds the call to post. Before you know it, the caller is heard from every corner of the park “racing” and the horses are off dashing for the finish line.
The horses thunder down the stretch towards the finish line – CSA Members can’t help but stand up screaming encouragement. As the horses reach the wire, we erupt into victory hugs and high-fives all around. All part of the amazing fun!
Del Mar racetrack is an American Thoroughbred horse racing track at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the seaside city of Del Mar, California, 20 mi north of San Diego. Meet us there! 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
SCHEDULE:
No Host Cocktails: 11:00am-12:00 Noon
Lunch Buffet – Opens: 11:30am
Lunch-Network-Races: Until 4:00pm
Package Includes: Entrance, Program and Lunch
Spend the afternoon in the Ancient Title, a private, air-conditioned, skyroom overlooking the finish line. To help enjoy thoroughbred racing at its finest, our luxurious skyroom features a fantastic view of the races, private wagering windows, a balcony, cocktail bar, and a delicious catered buffet!
BECOME A SPONSOR – SEE REGISTRATION FORM!
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS (SEE FLYER PDF):
WIN – $1,600 (16 people)
• Entrance to Turf Club for sixteen people
• Buffet Lunch
• Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)
• Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*
• Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet
• Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad
• Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad
• Top level placement on event banners/signs
PLACE – $1,300 (12 people)
• Entrance to Turf Club for twelve people
• Buffet Lunch
• Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)
• Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*
• Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet
• Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad
• Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad
• Second level placement on event banners/signs
SHOW – $1,000 (8 people)
• Entrance to Turf Club for eight people
• Buffet Lunch
• Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)
• Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*
• Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet
• Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad
• Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad
• Third level placement on event banners/signs
FOURTH – $500 (4 people)
• Entrance to Turf Club for four people
• Buffet Lunch
• Reserved Tables (assigned on a 1st come basis)
• Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*
• Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet
• Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad
• Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad
• Fourth level placement on event banners/signs
FIFTH – $300 (2 people)
• Entrance to Turf Club for four people
• Buffet Lunch
• Name and logo on all promotional and on-site material*
• Verbal acknowledgement at lunch/dinner events and Banquet
• Name and logo in Signage Matters thank you ad
• Name and logo on CSA Website thank you ad
• Fifth level placement on event banners/signs
“Great vibe, good races. The amenities are fantastic.” 
“Really nice race track with really good food and really good beer. .”
In Memoriam Robert (Bob) Aran
CSA Legal Counsel Emeritus, Robert (Bob) Aran
November 3, 1929 – October 5, 2021
Bob Aran passed away on October 5, 2021. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Santa Monica with his family when he was 14 years old. He attended Pepperdine University, majoring in interpersonal relationships and served two years in the military (Korea). After graduation, Bob married, started a family and began his law career. Approximately 17-years later, he “signed on” with the California Sign Association (then the California Electric Sign Association), an integral part of the on-premise sign industry, and a friend to many. Bob, we are forever grateful for all that was accomplished over your thirty years as Legal Counsel for the California Sign Association!
Government Affairs Highlights Q3 2021
Government Affairs – Brief Highlights
The CSA Government Affairs Committee continues to track legislation pertaining to the construction industry, including ever-changing regulatory enhancements from DIR-OSHA, CARB and CSLB. Additionally, the Committee, which meets regularly, last convened July 27 and September 17 to address new matters pertaining to the CSA survey results, as well as concerns pertaining to the pending US Supreme Court case (City of Austin v. Reagan National Advertising) regarding elimination of the onsite/offsite distinction, C7 low-voltage contractors doing sign work, stormwater runoff/business license renewals, and “skilled and trained” workforce issues.
Legislation
On the horizon for the GA Committee for 2021-22, will be reconsideration of SB 684 which CSA sponsored (drafted) many years ago in 2013. The law, codified as Business & Professions Code 5273, which extended redevelopment signage for 10 years, is due to sunset in 2023, but has several 2022 deadlines.
CSLB
The GA Committee continues to explore the scope of work performed by C7 and D34 contractors with regard to large, multi-array video, “low-voltage” installations.
CARB
Climate/STEPS/Virtual Inspections and Permit Applications. Following up regarding the governor’s climate initiatives, as noted earlier this year, several ideas pertaining to virtual inspections and permitting are being discussed.
Water Resources Control Board (stormwater) and Biz License Renewal
Several members reported this past year that in order to renew their business license they were being required to show compliance (or exemption) with stormwater discharge laws governing work- and jobsite runoff.
CDTFA (Tax Audits)
This is an ongoing issue. Under current law sponsored by CSA many years ago, on-premise electric signs are taxed at 1/3 of the total contract price. There were several inquires this past year from members facing audits recently about whether signs should be deemed fixtures for tax purposes and taxed differently. In one particular bureaucratic matter, the auditor is asking to look over nearly 1,000 separate jobs, a significant burden on the company. The audit completion deadline has been extended three times already.
LOCAL
LA ~ The latest is that we have drafted a letter to the PLUM Committee asking them to reinstate a prior version of the proposed revision that was negotiated over many years with our coalition partners.
Sacramento County ~ The County is revising its sign ordinance and is planning to undertake a stakeholder survey. Still no activity as yet, over a year later.
Folsom ~ Last fall, the city issued a rewrite of its sign code with plans for public hearings in spring 2021 (not yet scheduled). City pushed drafts and hearing dates to this fall.
A City Near You – Members are encouraged to notify CSA about code changes pending in the communities where you work.
LEGAL
The US Supreme Court to review the decision in Reagan National Advertising v. City of Austin, which eliminates the onsite/offsite distinction relating to digital sign conversions. Federal lower court decisions were issued this year from around the country with differing results. CSA Legal Counsel was invited to participate on a newly formed ISA subcommittee to address and strategize regarding the effect on sign codes since the US Supreme Court case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
A Few Reminders
Labor Law webinar. The Labor Commissioner’s Office launched a Business Engagement Program to help employers understand California labor law. The program includes an educational webinar series in partnership with ADP, Inc. https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2020/2020-79.html
Sex Harassment Prevention Training. Employers with 5 or more employees had until the end of the 2020 to complete required Sexual Harassment prevention training. A free program is still available online at www.dfeh.ca.gov/shpt/
CalOSHA Construction Industry COVID Guidance www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/coronavirus/
LA published its own construction site Covid guidance (also in Spanish). https://www.ladbs.org/our-organization/messaging/news/news-details/2020/03/31/guidance-for-construction-sites
100+ Employees = Vaccine Mandate
President Biden Announces Vaccine Mandate for Businesses with Over 100 Employees
Last week, President Biden announced six key areas his administration will target to mitigate the further spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus. One key strategy focuses upon the Department of Labor to draft and implement regulation requiring all businesses with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccinations for all their workers, or require employees to take weekly COVID-19 tests.
Additional details about the policy outlines that any businesses ignoring the mandate, once implemented, could face penalties, up to $14,000 for each violation. President Biden also noted, businesses will be required to give workers paid time off to get vaccinated. The White House believes this new policy will impact approximately 80 million workers, roughly two-thirds of the country’s workforce.
We at CSA will continue to monitor this announcement as the policy and implementation process develops. More details can be found in President Biden’s memo.
Annual General Membership Meeting
Remember to Mark Your Calendar & Save the Date!
This meeting will be conducted virtually on (Wednesday, 9/22/21), via Zoom Conferencing.
Wed. – SEPT. 22, 2021
10:00am – 11:00am
CSA is preparing for the end of its fiscal year (2020-21). This past October, the fiscal year began with CSA President Barbara Navarro taking on many challenges in 2021, as we continued to work our way through the worldwide pandemic. We invite and encourage all CSA members, to attend the General Membership meeting on Wednesday, September 22nd, to share the year and the direction in which CSA is headed.