Dear Members,

It is the 30th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake and 2025 will bring the 100 year anniversary of the Santa Barbara earthquake. These anniversaries give us unique opportunities to promote structural engineering in our communities.

Our safer cities initiatives are up and running. This year we will continue the work of advocating for sensible legislation with our policy-making partners. We expect to partner with two or three more cities this year that will be enacting retrofit ordinances.

We also look to bolster our relationships with our partners in academia, both faculty and students, as we in Southern California drive research that has local, state, national, and global impacts.

We have a full calendar of events through the rest of the year, and you can mark your calendars now for the 2nd Wednesday of each month to attend a SEAOSC event.

Our regular slate of events over the course of the year includes the Golf Tournament, the SEAOC convention in Portland, our Committee Showcase, Gingerbread Challenge, Trivia Night, Emerging Engineers Night, SEE Awards, and June Technical Summit.

The upcoming year also brings back the in-person Career Fair, the Leadership Symposium, in-person dinners and a winter technical day.   In addition, Structured Connections events throughout the year are being reimagined as partnership events with industry partners like AIA and ICC as we continue to strengthen those relationships.

I am grateful for your involvement in the Association, in your committee work, in attending and planning events, in being mentors and advocates for our emerging professionals, and in promoting and elevating the profile of our distinguished profession. You are truly inspiring, and I look forward to serving you as your President.

Garrett W. Mills, S.E.
SEAOSC President 2024-25

Join us for an inspiring webinar series, "Structural Engineer Spotlight Series: Something from Nothing" featuring the incredible journeys of members from the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC). This series is created by the esteemed filmmaker Dilip Khatri and showcases the personal and professional stories of SEAOSC members as they navigate their paths from humble beginnings to becoming influential figures in the field of structural engineering.

This series dives deep into the lives of structural engineers who have overcome various challenges to achieve remarkable success. Each episode highlights a different member, exploring their unique backgrounds, career milestones, and the pivotal moments that defined their journeys. These stories not only celebrate their achievements but also offer valuable insights and inspiration to aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals alike.

Episode #1 July 19th at 12:00 CST : Tells the story of Lorena Arce, and her journey, struggles and steps to becoming the engineer she is today followed by a live Q&A session with Lorena. Register here.

Episode #2 August 16th at 12:00 CST : Tells the story of Adena Geiger and her journey from Iran, through a rigorous education process to a graduate with her Masters in Civil Engineering. This will be followed by a live Q&A session with Adena. Register here.

Episode #3 September 20th at 12:00 CST: Tells the story of Daryl Frigillana and his journey towards becoming a structural engineer followed by a live Q&A session with Daryl. Register here.

Thank you to Dilip Khatri for producing and creating this film series.

This event has been brought to you by the NCSEA Foundation. Donate to the Foundation.

This June, SEAOSC hosted its annual Safer Cities Breakfast where building officials and city leaders from across Southern California joined SEAOSC leadership to discuss how they can work together to make buildings safer and more resilient.

Attendees discussed soft story retrofitting strategies and the main challenge they’re running into to get these programs adopted and in place. Many cities discovered that they’re facing the same challenge: educating their local communities (and leaders) about the need to invest in long-term safety for older buildings. As a result, SEAOSC is now developing communication materials for local governments and communities to raise awareness and spur action.

As it continues to work with local leaders to make Southern Californian cities safer, SEAOSC plans to engage on additional issues like reoccupation strategies post-earthquake as well as other emerging issues where SEAOSC’s collective expertise can advance these critical priorities.

SEAOSC is delighted to announce that Traci Wong, PE, Principal at Miyamoto, will join the SEAOSC board for the 2024-26 term. Traci’s extensive experience and passion for structural engineering make her an invaluable addition to the board, and we look forward to her contributions in the coming years.

Traci’s relationship with SEAOSC began over 25 years ago when she joined the student chapter at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Her decision to join was inspired by the collaboration and fellowship she observed among structural engineering professionals at various stages of their careers. Traci reflects, "I’ve stayed a member because I’ve been enriched by many of my colleagues who have become friends, resources, teachers, advocates, and industry leaders. I believe that when we elevate and support each other, we strengthen and evolve our profession. I will continue as a member in hopes that I can give back the support and integrity I was lucky enough to experience and grow from."

Traci’s path into the structural engineering industry was ultimately motivated by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. She recalls, "My school bus stop on Olympic and Barrington in West Los Angeles was directly in front of the 6-story L- L-shaped concrete frame Barrington Building. Before it was quickly demolished, I spent some time looking at the collapsed 2nd story, the prominent X-cracks in the columns, and the crushed corner columns and exposed rebar. The building was not much older than me and I was fascinated by the “why” and how a newer building could sustain that extent of damage. My friend’s house slid off the foundation and another’s apartment was unsafe to return to. I witnessed the impact of the devastation and wanted to be part of a solution, so I chose structural engineering as a major and never looked back."

As Traci steps into her role as a SEAOSC board member, her drive to contribute to safer, more resilient buildings and communities will undoubtedly enrich SEAOSC and the broader structural engineering community. We are excited to welcome her and we look forward to the positive impact she will make during her term.

SEAOSC is pleased to announce that Hooman Tavallali, SE, Structural Principal Engineer at Cannon, will serve as an incoming SEAOSC board member for the 2024-26 term!

Hooman’s engagement with structural engineering associations has been a cornerstone of his professional journey. Reflecting on his involvement, he shared, "Joining SEAOSC was a natural step for me. Since the start of my professional career, I have been a member of one of the Structural Engineering associations. My journey began with SEAONY when I took my first job in New York City. After moving to California, I joined SEAONC, and finally, I became a member of SEAOSC when I relocated to Irvine two years ago. Throughout my career, I have actively participated in different committees."

For him, his membership in these associations serves two critical purposes. "Firstly, it provides a platform to contribute to both the Structural Engineering community and the general public by promoting the importance of our profession. Secondly, I have always benefited from the interactions with my colleagues and peers, learning from them, and having a common venue to discuss and address the challenges faced by the Structural Engineering community. As structural engineers, we are problem solvers, and there is no better way to tackle our profession's challenges than by collaborating with our peers."

Hooman is particularly enthusiastic about the future of the Structural Engineering industry, driven by technological advancements and a focus on sustainability. "What excites me most about the future of the Structural Engineering industry is the rapid advancement in technology and its potential to revolutionize our field. Innovations in materials, construction methods, and design software are opening up new possibilities for creating safer, more efficient, and sustainable structures. Additionally, the growing emphasis on resilience and sustainability is driving the industry towards developing solutions that not only meet the needs of today but also address the challenges of the future, such as climate change and urbanization. The increasing integration of interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration with other fields also promises to enhance our ability to solve complex problems and innovate continuously. The future of Structural Engineering is bright with opportunities to make a significant impact on society and the built environment." he explained.

When asked about the SEAOSC Community, Hooman emphasized the value of the association's collaborative spirit and the professional growth opportunities it offers. "What I value most about our SEAOSC community is the collaborative spirit and the opportunities it provides for professional growth. The interactions with colleagues and peers are incredibly enriching, offering a platform to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collectively work towards solutions. This community not only fosters professional development but also promotes the importance of Structural Engineering to the general public, enhancing the impact of our profession. The support and camaraderie within SEAOSC make it an invaluable resource for any structural engineer."

Hooman's proven track record in the industry and active participation in various committees demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field of Structural Engineering. SEAOSC looks forward to his contributions, innovative ideas, and collaborative approach that will significantly enhance the organization's efforts to promote the profession and address the evolving challenges within the industry.

SEAOSC is pleased to announce that Mikhail Gershfeld, S.E., Professional Practice Professor of Civil Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona, will be serving as an incoming SEAOSC board member for the 2024-26 term!

Mikhail's journey into the structural engineering industry is as inspiring as it is unique. Reflecting on his early fascination with the field, he recounted: "I was 12 years old when, during our family visit to a technical bookstore, my father told me to pick a book I wanted to buy. I found a book on structural failures with images and descriptions. I could not believe that these large buildings and bridges could just collapse. I ended up buying that book and have read and re-read it multiple times. Since then, I have wanted to learn why these structures fail and how we can prevent it from happening." This early curiosity laid the foundation for his career, focusing on designing safe and reliable structures.

As a professor at Cal Poly Pomona, Mikhail has a wide range of research interests that reflect his dedication to improving the field of structural engineering. His research areas include Timber Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, Community Resilience, and Interdisciplinary Education.

Offering advice to future engineers, Mikhail emphasized professional integrity: "There will be a time in your engineering practice when your or someone else's poor business decision (low fee, not enough time, not enough personnel, pressure from the customer) might cause you to consider "cutting corners" to accommodate the business situation. My advice is simple: keep business failures from ever impacting the quality of your professional work; draw a bright red line between the two, and once the business decision is made, perform professional work of the highest quality you can."

Mikhail's appointment to the SEAOSC board highlights his expertise and leadership. His commitment to integrity, prevention of structural failures, and diverse research interests inspire current and future engineers. As he takes on this new role, the structural engineering community can look forward to his continued contributions and positive impact.

Kurt Clandening, S.E., is stepping into his new role as a SEAOSC board member. As the President of John A. Martin & Associates (JAMA), Kurt brings a wealth of experience and passion to the organization.

Kurt's journey with SEAOSC began during his college years. He joined the association as a student and has maintained his membership for the past 36 years. His involvement with SEAOSC has varied over the years, but his commitment to the organization highlights his dedication to the structural engineering community.

Looking ahead, Kurt is most excited about the future of the structural engineering industry due to its dynamic young members. He is inspired by their eagerness to learn and their drive to advance the field, "It’s both a profession and a practice, keep practicing." Kurt advised.

His path into the industry was guided by his dual love for construction and mathematics. His high school drafting teacher recognized this unique combination of interests and suggested structural engineering as a career. This recommendation proved to be a perfect fit, leading Kurt into a profession where he could merge his passions and talents.

As Kurt takes on his new role with SEAOSC, his extensive experience, enthusiasm for the future, and commitment to continuous improvement will undoubtedly significantly impact the organization and the structural engineering community.

Dear Members,

One thing I have learned in my career and certainly in this year as President of SEAOSC, is that you cannot do everything. There is only so much time and even with all the drive in the world, everyone needs some help. Our community at SEAOSC is one of our greatest strengths and our ability to achieve great things comes from the dedication of many people working together to create all that we do. I have been fortunate to be President the past year of this amazing Association and if getting help or delegating some of the workload wasn't part of my role as President, I am not sure how much would have been achieved.

I shared with you in my newsletters over the course of the year, my "thoughts and words to work (and live by…. i.e. Thoughts for Leadership)". They are words written on a note card that I keep on my desk and they include Attitude, Gratitude, Kindness, Patience, Accountability, Efficiency, Trusted Advisor and Delegate. Somewhere in each day, I find at least one of these words helps me think through a critical decision or challenging conversation. 

So, in this last newsletter of my Presidency, delegating takes center stage. As a leader, if you do not delegate, you cannot achieve to the full potential of your company, team or association. And as I look back on the last year, I know that together we achieved so much and I am so thankful for all the hard work of our members and committees in making our profession and our organization, what we are today.

May was a big month for the Association. Our Structural Engineering Excellence and Safer Cities Awards were presented. A great group of members and guests attended the awards event held at the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Center Library in DTLA. Congrats to all our SEE awards winners and to our Safer Cities Partner, City and Member awardees. And a big Thank You to our event sponsors CSI, John A Martin and Associates, Arup, Miyamoto, Durafuse Frames,  and Fyfe. 

Coming up in June (and beyond) we have several events that should not be missed:

June (future) events: 

• June 12th - The Northridge 30 Earthquake Webinar - Episode 3: 30 Years of Progress in Quantification of Seismic Hazards

• June 13th - Joint Sustainability + Younger Member Committee Happy Hour Event

• June 26th - Technical Summit & President's Lunch at the City Club in DTLA

• July 11th - 2024 Golf Tournament Training Session @ Top Golf in Montebello.

• August 5th - Annual SEAOSC Golf Tournament at Friendly Hills CC in Whittier.

Be sure to come out to our Technical Summit and President's Lunch on June 26th. We have a great lineup of programs along with our annual Association Awards including the celebration of our newest SEAOC Fellow from our MO. Congratulations to Jeff Ellis!

Thank you again for everything you do for our Association and our profession. It has been a tremendous honor being your President for 2023-24. Thank you. I know we are in good hands with Garrett Mills who will take the reins as our 2024-25 SEAOSC President on July 1st. 

Hope to see you at an event soon!

Craig Chamberlain, S.E.
SEAOSC President 2023-24

SEAOSC is pleased to introduce Daniel Fox, SE, as the new SEAOSC Treasurer for the 2024-2026 term. Dan brings his extensive experience and dedication to this pivotal role, balancing his responsibilities as an Associate and Project Manager at MHP Structural Engineers.

Dan's decision to join SEAOSC was fueled by the desire to contribute positively to the structural engineering community. "SEAOSC offers tremendous opportunities to make a positive impact on our industry and profession, to assist in keeping our communities safe, and to grow the profession through mentorship of students and emerging engineers," Dan explains. This motivation has kept him actively involved in the organization, where he continues to help shape its future and that of the structural engineering profession.

Dan is particularly enthusiastic about the future of the structural engineering (SE) industry. He points to several exciting developments on the horizon, including advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability initiatives, policy and ordinance changes, and adaptive reuse projects. "I’m thrilled to be part of this evolution and eager to make an impact on the tomorrow," he says. Dan's vision and proactive approach ensure he remains at the forefront of these transformative changes.

When it comes to advising the next generation of structural engineers, Dan's message is clear: "Be a 'yes' person opening and walking through the door of as many opportunities as you can." This approach is essential for young engineers looking to make significant contributions to the field.

Dan's long-standing membership in SEAOSC, dating back to 2007, showcases his commitment to the organization. He has previously served as a SEAOSC board member and remains active in various committees, including SEAOSC student chapters. Through these roles, he continues to mentor and support emerging engineers, fostering growth and innovation within the industry.

His election as SEAOSC's Treasurer reflects his dedication to leadership, innovation, and mentorship in the structural engineering community. Dan's active involvement and forward-thinking vision are sure to drive positive changes for SEAOSC and the profession as a whole.

Dear Members,

Welcome to May! Our fiscal year is rapidly coming to an end here in June for the 2023-24 year. The association has been busy with event and end of year planning for the upcoming 2024-25 calendar!

In April we had two great partnership meetings with AIA LA:

• April 18th  - AIA Panel on Adaptive Reuse cosponsored by SEAOSC

• April 24th -  SEAOSC & AIA Joint Meeting - Presentation on Adaptive Reuse

Both of these were hosted in local offices and were attended by many members from both AIA and SEAOSC. Adaptive reuse is a hot topic these days and these events highlighted not only the current state of practice, but also changes that are coming. Stay tuned for more events on this topic...

We also had a packed agenda for our board of directors meeting in April with significant work to be done in May and June to finish our fiscal year. Among many topics, we approved the recommend slate of new BOD for 2024 (these were presented to our membership in our newsletter two weeks ago). We also approved our updated Bylaws. This is the first complete overhaul of our Association Bylaws in over 20 years! We also discussed and confirmed a one-year extension of our Association Management Company in Stratiscope. We appreciate all they have done for us and look forward to continued work together.

In May we have our annual Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Awards on May 29th at the Mark Taper Auditorium in DTLA. This will be a great event highlighting significant achievements in Structural Engineering and we look forward to celebrating with you. I hope you will be there.

And then in June is our annual President's Lunch with Technical seminar in the morning. We'll be hosting this event at the City Club in DTLA this year. We have an exciting technical lineup with programming including Adaptive Reuse recommendations from our existing building committee, disaster response event overviews, Wind code updates, and a Pathway's panel discussion. This will be followed by our annual President's lunch and awards ceremony. Don't miss out on this fun annual event.

And then we will race right into July and summer and seat our new BOD on July 1st with Garrett Mills as your President. Golfing is right around the corner.

Hope to see you soon!

Craig Chamberlain, S.E.
SEAOSC President 2023-24