Dear Members of the California Land Surveyors Association,
This marks my final eNews article as your President, and I can't believe how swiftly the year has passed. In February, we will continue our tradition of passing the baton to our new President, Kevin Nehring. Reflecting on this past year, I take pride in meeting the majority of chapters and recognizing that we are a special group, much more strongly aligned and focused today. We have many accomplishments to celebrate within our unique profession.
The year commenced with a visit to the State Capital to commemorate Land Surveyor’s Week, followed by the NALS/CLSA Conference—an immensely successful event offering valuable opportunities for learning and networking with peers. The subsequent months comprised a balance of board meetings, insightful webinars, and participation in our committees, which constitute the backbone of the Board of Directors' work.
I extend my gratitude to the executive committee—Warren Smith, Kevin Nehring, Joe Padilla, Kristie Achee—and the Members at Large, Dave Woolley and Michael Pulley, for their dedicated efforts. Special thanks go to Past Presidents Keith Spencer, Rob McMillan, Annette Hovorka, Ron Nelms, Ian Wilson and Jay Seymour for their mentorship and leadership while I was moving through the Executive Committee. I also want to recognize the efforts of our Committee Chairs and members who consistently contribute their time and leadership, shaping our association into the great organization it is today.
A heartfelt appreciation goes to Mike Belote and CAMS for their professional management of our association, and a big thanks to Kim Oreno for efficiently handling our day-to-day business of memberships, webinars, and finances. As we look to the future, the continued success of our association relies on others stepping up and paying it forward for the next generation of surveyors, ensuring our association remains strong and vibrant.
Thank you once again, and I eagerly anticipate meeting you at the Western Regional Survey Conference in Las Vegas in March.
Best regards,
Kevin Hills, PLS
President
California Land Surveyors Association
In the interest of safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists is exploring the requirement for Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) through Professional Development Hours (PDFs) at the time of the biennial renewal. CPC will focus on the advancement, extension, and improvement of the technical aspects and professional skills of the licensee and on the enhancement of professional ethics. Your feedback is welcome and important. This survey is expected to be available until March 1, 2024 and should not take more than 5-10 minutes of your time. The Board appreciates your participation in the early stages of this evaluation.
Please click on or copy and paste the following URL into your browser:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NGPLVQ7
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The December "Where OUTSIDE California is This?” had two winners: San Joaquin County Surveyor James Hart, PLS, EiT who said "The answer to the photo OUTSIDE of California is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park near Kilauea. I took a similar photo a few years ago. You know you are a Surveyor when these are the photos you take at a National Park…”
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Our other winner was "the masked surveyor” explaining that "GOOGLE got a replica with 4076 height, Hawaii, Kilauea Crater. Type into Google, Benchmark Elevation 4076 USGS.” He then "clicked on data sheets. North Rim is not the same elevation as the stamp. That was fun again.”
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Try to identify the location of this month’s photo IN California. Submit answers to: Rob McMillan
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If you have not already renewed your CLSA membership, please do so now. Your membership supports CLSA’s efforts to protect, enhance and grow the land surveying profession. Members receive free monthly webinars, discounts to the annual conference and from our affinity partner organizations, as well as membership in the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) for representation and advocacy at the national level.
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We are thrilled to announce that we have added a Project Surveyor to our mapping team! Darlene Antiporda brings almost a decade of state and county Right-Of-Way mapping experience to the company. She obtained a BS in Geodetic Engineering from University of the Philippines and is licensed in the State of California. We are excited to see her shine! |
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John is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering with the Geospatial emphasis at California Polytechnic University - Pomona. He is also currently interning at Caltrans (district 7), office of Surveys, and also working part-time at Sprouts Farmers Market as a Receiver (Pasadena). |
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Please join us in welcoming two Professional Land Surveyors to the GUIDA team! David Brent, PLS, Senior Project Manager, (brick background) and Dustin Sunderman, PLS, Project Surveyor (blue border) will both be providing project support throughout California. David Brent will be in Sacramento, and Dustin Sunderman will be in the Bay Area.
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In other GUIDA news, congratulations to Richard Allen, Principal and San Diego Office Manager, on his retirement after nearly 22 years with GUIDA! Thank you for all you have done for our firm. Cheers to your next adventure! |
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Edward Brisendine, PLS, will take over in his new role as San Diego Office Manager at GUIDA! With nearly 40 years of land surveying expertise and a diverse background in the industry, Eddie is well-equipped to lead our team to new heights. He joined the GUIDA team in January 2023 as a Project Manager. Previous engagements included San Diego County Water Authority, Helix Water District, Brisendine Land Services, Inc., and Hunsaker & Associates San Diego. We are looking forward to the continued success and growth under Eddie's guidance. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Eddie in his new role! |
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Jedidiah Gibson, a Remote Sensing Project Manager/Chief Pilot with R.E.Y. Engineers, Inc., has passed the Oregon State Specific PLS Exam to add to his CA, NV and WA PLS licenses and FAA Part 107 Pilot certificate. Gibson has deep roots in the Sacramento area, having previously worked for David Evans and Associates, Inc., a previous stint at R.E.Y. Engineers, City of Sacramento, and MacKay & Somps Civil Engineers, Inc.. |
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| Utilizing UAS drones, our surveyors performed construction monitoring and aerial topographic surveys on this large gravel pit over the course of two years. By capturing high-quality details over time, the story of this special site unfolds. |
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The 63rd Annual Fresno State Geomatics Engineering Conference will be January 25 and 26 on the Fresno State campus at the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union. The deadline to purchase tickets online for the 63rd Annual Geomatics Conference is coming up quickly on January 19, 2024 so please remember to purchase your tickets ahead of time! Thursday will be an afternoon and evening event culminating in a special banquet and Friday will be a full-day event ending at 5:00 PM.
Details and tickets are available at the following link:
https://geomaticsconferencefresnostate.squarespace.com/
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On November 11, 2023 Gene Rosecrans (PLS 4034) passed away. He was 78 years old. He was a good friend and a good surveyor. I think he started his career with Cal Trans, having received his license in 1972. Sometime after he became licensed, he started his own business in Agoura Hills and gained a very good knowledge for preparing and processing maps over the years. At some point in time I believe he worked for or with Hank Rasnow. Gene was always gracious with his time and mentored numerous young men who went on to become licensed surveyors.
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