Message from the President
Dear OCAEP Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! It is with great excitement that we present to you our first newsletter of 2020! We have a lot in store this year with a wide array of exciting programs, networking opportunities, and other special events. Our Chapter Board strives to provide high-quality, consistent, relevant, timely lunch programs for our members. If you have an idea about a particular issue or topic you would like to see addressed, please contact our Co-Vice Presidents of Programs, Josephine Lim (josephine.lim@mbakerintl.com) or Frances Yau (frances.yau@mbakerintl.com).
As a reminder, the 2020 Advanced CEQA Workshop is scheduled to occur on Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the City of Irvine Conference Training Center. Information regarding the workshop and registration can be found online here.
Remember to mark your calendars for the AEP Statewide Conference, which will take place in beautiful Yosemite between April 19-22, 2020. This year’s theme is “Planting the Seeds of Knowledge.” Information regarding the conference and registration can be found online here. Be sure to also check out the Conference-at-a-Glance here.
Lastly, please encourage your colleagues to join AEP and participate in the local Orange County chapter programs and special events. And, for those of you who are current members, please remember to renew your membership when renewal notices are sent. In closing, I would like to thank you for your continued support of our organization. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events this year!
Sincerely,
Pierre Glaize
President, OCAEP
|
|
2020 Board of Directors
Our 2020 Board of Directors nominations and elections took place in November and December 2019. Thank you to all our members who took the time to nominate and vote! The following individuals have been elected to serve as OCAEP's 2020 Board of Directors:
President:
Pierre Glaize, Michael Baker International
Chapter Director:
Brian Allee, ESA
Co-Vice Presidents, Programs:
Josephine Lim, Michael Baker International
Frances Yau, Michael Baker International
Co- Vice Presidents, Newsletter and Social Media:
Alicia Gonzalez, Michael Baker International
Daniel Latham, VCS Environmental
Treasurer:
Meghan Macias, E|P|D Solutions
Secretary:
Christina Maxwell, LSA
Membership Liaison:
Alisha Winterswyk, Best Best & Krieger
Co-Special Events Coordinators:
Patrick Maxon, VCS Environmental
David Crook, HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
Student Liaisons:
Kristen Bogue, Michael Baker International
Jessica Ditto, Michael Baker International
Danielle Regimbal, Michael Baker International
Additionally, Jennifer Lynch (Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP) was appointed as our Legislative Liaison and Jacy Sera (Chapman University), Carline Hua (UC Irvine), and Cameron Lukos (CSU Fullerton) were appointed as our Student Chapter Representatives.
Congratulations to our new 2020 OCAEP Board!
|
|
Recent Programs & Events
Drone Technology: Changing the Way We View the World
October 30, 2019
Clark Austin from Chambers Group, Inc. presented on Drone Technology for our October lunch program. Clark began his presentation reviewing the basics of drone technology including various rules and regulations of flying. The presentation outlined a step-by-step approach including an overview of the do’s and dont's for preparing a flight plan. Clark provided a unique insight on how drone technology has evolved and its potential applications in the future. Thank you to Clark for a wonderful presentation and the to the City of Irvine for providing the venue.
|
|
OCAEP Student Chapters and Young Professionals Mixer
November 7, 2019
|
|
|
The Student Chapters and Young Professionals Mixer was an opportunity for Chapman, UCI, and CSU Fullerton students and young professionals in the Orange County area to connect. The Mixer was held at Bar Louie in Tustin and heavy appetizers and drinks were served. We drew a great turnout with an equal number of students and young professionals in attendance. A diverse variety of young professionals attended the event, representing an excellent opportunity for students to establish new connections in the private and public sector.
Thanks to everyone who attended and to Michael Baker International for your generous sponsorship of this event!
|
|
|
2019 CEQA Essentials Workshop
November 15, 2019
|
|
|
OCAEP hosted the 2019 CEQA Essentials Workshop, an introductory and intermediate-level training workshop, to over 65 members and guests on Friday, November 15, 2019. The full-day workshop took place at the City of Irvine Conference and Training Center, located at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine. This workshop provided a basic understanding of the fundamentals of the CEQA and the State Guidelines, and included intermediate-level practice pointers and case studies. The workshop featured a curriculum developed specifically for individuals involved in the environmental review process, including consultants, regulators, applicants, or industry professionals, and benefited those new to the field as well as mid-level practicing professionals. Topics included understanding the statutes and guidelines; determining the appropriate document (i.e., exemptions, negative declarations, EIRs); responsibilities of lead, responsible, and trustee agencies and the role of the Consultant; adequacy of analysis and mitigation; findings; and notices. OCAEP thanks everyone who joined us for a very successful and educational workshop.
|
|
Joint OCAEP/APA Holiday Mixer
December 5, 2019
The OCAEP and OCAPA memberships gathered on December 5, 2020 at Union Market in Mission Viejo’s Kaleidoscope for our annual Joint Holiday Mixer. A turnout of more than 100 members made for a fun and exciting evening full of networking and holiday fun in the Market’s large reserved space. Many thanks to the OCAPA board and the amazing staff of Sagecrest Planning and Environmental for taking the lead in planning this event. Dozens of raffle prizes including gift baskets, wine, and electronics were won by attendees, with the grand prize winner took home a beautiful 65-inch Samsung UHD TV! We enjoyed great food and dessert catered by local vendors and there were fun games and networking opportunities available throughout the night. Thank you to all that attended this successful event. We hope you join us for the 2020 Joint Holiday Mixer at a venue to be announced in the coming months.
|
|
Students Corner
2019 Fall Scholarship Program Winner
Following an extensive review of the scholarship applications received for our 2019 Fall Scholarship Program (Sponsored by VCS Environmental), the OCAEP Board is pleased to announce the scholarship winner:
|
|
|
|
Jacy Sera, Chapman University ($2,500): Ms. Sera is pursuing a Bachler’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Chapman University. She has a passion for Urban Planning research for environmental justice. Following graduation, Ms. Sera’s goal is to pursue a concurrent master’s degree in the Master of Public Health and Master of Urban Planning programs. Ms. Sera is recognized by her professors as an individual who has a “rare combination of intellectual ability, organization, and dedication that ideally positions her as a future environmental leader.” Ms. Sera believes that, as an environmental planner, a significant responsibility is balancing the demands for growth with the need to protect the environment and public health. With the worldwide issues of overpopulation, exploitation of resources, and climate change, she aspires to learn and help with the develop of sustainable communities that can adapt to these global challenges for the well-being of future generations. She plans to use her scholarship to assist in financing her education and future pursuits in the Environmental Health and Planning field.
|
|
|
|
The OCAEP Board would like to thank everyone who submitted an application for the 2019 Fall Scholarship Program. We received applications from many outstanding students, and the selection of the winner was a difficult decision. Please be sure to congratulate Jacy on her achievement!
|
|
New Student Chapter at CSU Fullerton!
|
|
|
OCAEP is pleased to announce our new Student Chapter at California State University, Fullerton! We are still actively seeking students interested in joining the Student Board. The Board will meet on-campus once a month (usually takes about an hour or less). This is a great opportunity for students to connect with environmental professionals, as the Student Board will work closely with the OCAEP Board of Directors. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Cameron Lukos, Student Chapter Representative, at camlukos@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TIP OF THE QUARTER
Happy 2020! The new year is an excellent opportunity to refresh your knowledge base. Take some time to confirm the basis for your working understanding of CEQA and its implementing guidelines. You might be surprised what you find, and it is a great way to start the year with renewed expertise.
|
|
HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO SHARE?
Let us know by emailing OCAEP Admin VP-Newsletter, Alicia Gonzalez at alicia.gonzalez@mbakerintl.com and we will get it in the next OCAEP newsletter !
|
|
|
|
|
|
