IRWA CHAPTER 57
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Executive Board
    • Committees
    • Celebrating Our SR/WAs
    • News
  • Events
    • Chapter 57 Events
    • Industry Events
    • Tri-Chapter
    • Event Photos
  • Education
    • Chapter 57 Courses
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • Courses Elsewhere
  • Newsletters
    • Thank you Newsletter Sponsors
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Resources
  • Job Bank
  • Contact
  • IRWA International

THE COMMUNICATOR

February / March 2023 Newsletter

2/3/2023

0 Comments

 

​The Communicator

Picture
  • President's Message
  • By Hector Casillas, SR/WA

  • Chapter 57 IRWA Members . . .

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER
Things are moving quickly in 2023 and I hope the new year is treating you well so far.  The chapter kicked off the year with its first board meeting in January and discussed various items and events we are planning.  One of the topics this year is submitting our award recipients for 2022 to the region for award consideration.  Applications for Newsletter of the Year, Website of the Year, Government Employer of the Year, and Large and Small Employers of the Year have been submitted for consideration.  Best of luck to Chapter 57 and the deserving individuals (Sheryn Smay/Emily Madueno) and companies (Monument ROW/Santolucito Dore Group).
​
​​Moving on to education, Education Chair Kelley Kelley is actively working on securing Course 502 for May and Co-Chair Tim Green is working on securing Course 901 for late Spring.  These courses will be a combination of hybrid and in-person courses.  Stay tuned for details on those and register early!
Robbie Hechanova, Kelley Kelley, and I will be attending the Region 1 (CA/NV/AZ) Spring Forum in San Francisco in April.  We can't wait to report back on the details of the forum that may benefit you, our members.  A reminder to register if you're planning on attending the IRWA Education Conference in Denver, CO, June 25-28, 2023, where we will vote on IRWA business and elect new officers.  We welcome all members to register and join us in Denver.
​
In other news, the chapter will be opening nominations for officers soon and if you're interested in serving and volunteering at the local chapter level, please email our Nominations & Elections Chair, Ms. Christie Santolucito.

This month, the Chapter's new LinkedIn page went live, special thanks to Emily!  I'd encourage you all to follow us.
​
Thanks for reading and have a great day!

​Hector Casillas, SR/WA
0 Comments

December 2022 / January 2023 Newsletter

1/17/2023

0 Comments

 

​The Communicator

Picture
​President's Message
Hector Casillas, SR/WA
Chapter 57 President, 2022/2023

Chapter 57 IRWA Members . . .

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER
On behalf of the entire Chapter 57 Board, happy New Year!  We hope your holidays were filled with joy and laughter.

I’m happy to report the chapter successfully hosted its first education course in over three years which was held in November, Course 100 was a hit and it sold out!  Many thanks to Education Chairs, Kelley Kelley and Tim Green, for their efforts in bringing valuable training to all members.  Stay tuned for future course offerings they are securing this year.
​
Robbie Hechanova, Kelley Kelley, and I are planning on attending the IRWA Annual Education Conference in Denver, CO, June 25-28, 2023 where we will vote on IRWA business and elect new officers.  We welcome all members to register and join us in Denver.
​
In some sad news, the IRWA Right of Way Education Foundation’s past president, Mrs. Carol A. Croft, passed away on October 15, 2022 and in honor of her legacy, Chapter 57 donated $500 to the foundation as our token of appreciation.  I’d like to note, our members have directly benefited from scholarships from the foundation.
Ms. Darcy Mendoza was the recipient of the Leader’s Light the Way Scholarship in 2022 and I was the recipient of the State Association of Real Property Agents Scholarship in 2016.  The chapter is grateful for the contributions the foundation has and continues to make in educating its members and assisting those in the various paths towards earning an IRWA designation.  As a reminder, there is still time to apply for the Foundation’s new Leader’s Light the Way 2.0 scholarship, all the details are in their website. Good luck to all of those applying.  I’m looking forward to seeing more Chapter 57 members receiving these scholarships!

​In other news, the chapter will be opening nominations for officers soon and if you’re interested in serving and volunteering at the local chapter level, please email Nominations & Elections Chair, Ms. Christie Santolucito.

Please like us on Facebook or follow us on our new Instagram page (IRWA Chapter 57) to keep up with the latest information.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our next in person event.

Stay safe,
Hector Casillas, SR/WA
0 Comments

October / November 2022

11/15/2022

0 Comments

 

The Communicator

Picture
President's Message
Hector Casillas, SR/WA
Chapter 57 President, 2022/2023

Finally, pumpkin spice and fall weather are here.

There are great things happening in our chapter from welcoming new members, restarting our course offerings, recognizing recipients of professional designations at luncheons, and hearing about all the great projects we are all delivering throughout the region!  The board is hard at work in planning for the rest of 22/23 FY, which includes a spring picnic on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, at Rancho Jurupa Regional Sports Park, where you and your families are invited.
​
​The chapter recently hosted an event at TopGolf in Ontario and all in attendance had a blast. Past president, Matt Nusenow, won the Championship trophy!  Like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/irwa57/) or follow us on our new Instagram page (IRWA_Chapter_57) for pictures.
Peggy Barnes, Kelley Kelley, Robbie Hechanova, and I attended the IRWA Region 1 Fall Forum in October where we learned of a new scholarship opportunity called Leader's Light the Way 2.0. Please take a look at the Right of Way Education Foundation's website, https://www.rwief.org/, which is available to any member with at least two years of IRWA membership.

A few important emails to call to your attention are your IRWA membership renewal invoice and notification of registration opening for the IRWA Annual Conference in Denver, CO.
​
​
I am looking forward to the holidays and to our next luncheon where I'll see you all in person.  We hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER
0 Comments

June / July 2022 Newsletter

6/24/2022

0 Comments

 

​The Communicator

In this Issue:

​Presidents’ Messages

Membership Luncheon

Did you know?

IRWA Course Schedule

Transforming the Interstate Highway System
by David Thomason and Kimberly Bond, J.D.

Industry Buzz:  Bridges
​Industry Buzz:  Transportation

Board & Committees

About RWIEF
READ THE NEWSLETTER
0 Comments

April / May 2022 Newsletter

4/5/2022

0 Comments

 

The Communicator

​In this Issue:

Right of Way TO THE RESCUE!
By Beth Smith, SR/WA

Joint Luncheon with SCCAI Notice

Did you know?

IRWA Course Schedule

Navigating Through Stormy Seas, Leadership through Adversity
​By Yasmin L. Stump, Esq.

Industry Buzz

Board & Committees

About RWIEF
READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER
0 Comments

August / September 2021 Newsletter

8/27/2021

0 Comments

 

The Communicator

Picture
For those of you who may not know me, I am Matt Nusenow, P.E., your new Chapter 57 President. My first exposure to eminent domain was a valuation dispute of a property contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, an industrial chemical used in transformers for its electrical insulating properties. My investigation of the property revealed that the contamination was not from the property owner’s operations, but from a salvage company that removed a transformer after draining the PCBs onto the ground. As my career already included remediation of contaminated sites and preparing the costs to remediate contamination, assisting in the valuation of contaminated sites seemed like a good fit.
​I was introduced to IRWA, when a Law firm I worked with invited me to a Chapter 57 meeting. I immediately recognized this was a fun chapter and asked to come back. I volunteered to become the environmental chair and the next thing I knew I was asked to be Secretary. I am excited to be the incoming President of Chapter 57, the fun chapter.

These are interesting times, navigating COVID restrictions, fear, and new normal. I look forward to the opportunity and challenges of bringing us back together in person for meetings and more.

I am excited to work with our new chapter leaders including Hector Casillas, President-Elect, Robbie Hechanova, Treasurer, and Peggy Barnes, Secretary and trusted advisor. I also look forward to working with our many past leaders and chapter members. My main goal will be to coordinate a return to normal, where everyone feels comfortable. I want to create an environment at these meetings that cultivates fun. Also, we will focus on membership and education. I will work with Griffin Wayne and Kelley Kelley…

Upcoming events include the Region 1 Fall Forum, Tri-Chapter, and Spring Forum. The Fall Forum is a meeting of new Presidents and Vice Presidents from each of Region 1’s 13 chapters, as well as a couple of folks from HQ. It is scheduled for October 15th. The Tri-Chapter is the annual holiday meeting with Chapters 1, 67, and 57 scheduled for December 9th and always a lot of fun. The Spring Forum has not been planned and Chapter 57 is considering hosting it. I hope y’all join us and see what the “new normal” will look like.

Matthew Nusenow
Chapter 57 President
2021/2022
Aug. / Sept. 2021 Newsletter
0 Comments

June / July 2021 Newsletter

6/5/2021

0 Comments

 
June July 2021 Newsletter
File Size: 3820 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture
0 Comments

The Communicator - April / May 2021

4/14/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
The 5th Annual Joint Appraisal Institute Meeting, originally scheduled for April 7, has been rescheduled to April 21, due to a conflict.  Our meetings are still being conducted virtually.  Meeting information will be sent to you a day or so prior to the meeting.

Our annual election of officers and related chapter business will be conducted at the April membership meeting.  It is important that you attend this meeting to ensure that we have a quorum for voting.

The International Committees have been busy hosting webinars that are designed as lunch-n-learn (aimed at 1 hour) opportunities for all IRWA members.  Most of the webinars have been at no cost.  They are informative and easy to fit into your day.  Likewise, many chapters are offering virtual chapter meetings that are open to all members free of charge.  It is interesting to sit in our other chapter meetings.  Broaden your horizons.  Give it a try!

The annual education conference scheduled for June in San Antonio (June 6-9) is plowing full steam ahead.  In keeping with pandemic cautions, the conference will be offered as a hybrid in-person/virtual event.  Visit the IRWA website for information and registration (or our website).  The program will include many education sessions that range from 1 to 1-1/2 hours, and IRWA continuing education units are credited automatically.

Peggy Barnes, President
951.826.8357
Peggy.barnes@bbklaw.com

Click Here for Full Newsletter
0 Comments

The Communicator - February / March 2021

2/2/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
​
Welcome, Chapter 57 Members, to 2021.

Here are a few changes that have taken place in the past year and items of note:

This time last year, chapter members elected and installed officers for the coming 2020-21 fiscal year:  Ruby Arellano, President; Peggy Barnes, President-Elect; Matt Nusenow, Treasurer; and Robbie Hechanova, Secretary; Professional Development members Sheryn Smay, SR/WA (3rd year), Patricia Villa, SR/WA (2nd year) and Patti Zendejas-Feist, SR/WA (1st year); as well as International Directors Ruby Arellano and Peggy Barnes. Regrettably, Ruby Arellano resigned from her position as chapter president.  As president-elect, I moved into that slot.  Matt Nusenow stepped up to fill the void and is currently serving as Treasurer and acting President-Elect.

I am pleased to report that the board of directors has accomplished several important items, most notably the drafting and IRWA Legal Counsel’s approval of new chapter bylaws, which will be put to vote in April.  The new bylaws will bring Chapter 57 in line with HQ directives, including authorizing electronic voting which, if the bylaws are adopted, will be used for our elections later this spring.

Our first virtual meeting was held via Zoom in November.  Matt Nusenow presented a tutorial on the IRWA website and how to find information about the IRWA and other members; navigating the Member Network and how to create a group and how to join existing groups (e.g., International Transportation Committee; Young Professionals, etc.), all of which are available as part of your membership.

The IRWA has made significant progress in converting courses to a virtual format.  If you have not done so, please consider exploring IRWA’s online classes.  One- and two-day classes are the most popular; there are classes available for each discipline and career path.  If you are this close to getting a certification or your SR/WA designation, this may help you reach your goal.  (Ask Kelley Kelley, our newest SR/WA!)

The cancellation of the annual Tri-Chapter Event opened the opportunity for our Inaugural Holiday Bingo via Zoom.  Darcy Mendoza did a fabulous job of hosting.  Emily Madueno and Matt Nusenow worked the raffle.  It was a bunch of fun.

If you have not renewed your membership, please do it now.  Your membership offers (1) job postings (currently 140 right of way jobs are listed); (2) Member Network for virtual knowledge exchange, content sharing and professional networking; and (3) Split-payment option for IRWA dues. If you wish to break up your IRWA dues into two payments, contact Mariah Carrillo, Membership Services, at carrilo@irowaonline.org for more information.

The upcoming Region 1 Spring Forum will be held virtually again this year.  The forums are open to all members, free of charge.  Participating in a Regional meeting will give you a better understanding of how the IRWA is structured and how business is conducted beyond the chapter level.  If you are interested, please contact me for details.

The February 3 membership meeting will feature Kevin Blair and Marcus Pigrom of Desmond, Marcello & Amster, and Randall Blaesi of Curtis-Rosenthal, Inc.

Our 5th Annual Joint Appraisal meeting will be held via Zoom on April 7th.  Our speakers will be Brad Kuhn of Nossaman and Rob Caringella of Jones, Roach, and Caringella.

I am proud to be a member of Chapter 57.  The commitment of the board and Chapter 57 members to stay connected and power through this difficult time is a testament to our perseverance, resilience and friendship.

Questions or comments?  Reach out to any board member or me.
– Peggy Barnes, peggy.barnes@bbklaw.com
CLICK HERE FOR FULL NEWSLETTER
0 Comments

The Communicator - February / March 2020

2/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
President's Message
Happy New Year everyone and welcome to a new decade! 2020 kicked off with a bang and it’s hard to believe January is already behind us. If you are someone who makes a resolution each year, I hope you’ve stuck to it.
We wrapped up 2019 with the annual Tri-Chapter at the Mission Inn. I want to thank each and every one of you for making it a fantastic event. It was one of the most well attended to date and hopefully you were one of the lucky winners of our raffle prizes. Although there is much to do in the Southern California region prior to the Olympics, Holly Rockwell’s presentation personally made me very excited for the projects and transportation improvements that are forthcoming. Thank you again to all our sponsors for helping make this event a success.
The days are starting to get longer but my term as President is getting shorter. In just a few months, we will have new leaders to move our Chapter forward. An email went out in January and we will be requesting nominations at our February 5th luncheon. As I’ve done all year, I encourage you to get involved. If you are interested in joining our great group of professionals, please make it known. You can contact me or Christie Santolucito, our Nominations Chair, for more information.
Chapter 57 will be hosting Region 1’s Fall Forum in October. On the Friday prior to that event, we will be holding our Fall Education Seminar. We are in the preliminary planning phases, so if you have a specific education request, please let the Board know.
Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally. It comes from what you do consistently. Make 2020 great by consistently being the best YOU you can be! Welcome the new challenges as well as the new opportunities.
Cheers!

​Kim Bibolet, SR/WA, R/W-NAC
Chapter 57 President, 2019/20

newsletter_february___march.pdf
File Size: 5096 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

0 Comments
<<Previous

    The Communicator

    Keep up to date with Chapter 57!  Be sure to join our mailing list to receive informational emails and bi-monthly newsletters.

    Did you move, get promoted, earn a designation?  Be sure to let us know!  We want to recognize our great members and all their accomplishments. 

    Picture
    Sheryn Smay, SR/WA
    Newsletter Editor

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    August 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    February 2020
    September 2019

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Membership

Member Luncheons
Events
Education
​Become a Member

Leadership

Executive Board
Committees
​Contact Us

Information

​Newsletters
Resources
Job Bank
​
ByLaws
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Executive Board
    • Committees
    • Celebrating Our SR/WAs
    • News
  • Events
    • Chapter 57 Events
    • Industry Events
    • Tri-Chapter
    • Event Photos
  • Education
    • Chapter 57 Courses
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • Courses Elsewhere
  • Newsletters
    • Thank you Newsletter Sponsors
  • Membership
    • Become a Member
    • Resources
  • Job Bank
  • Contact
  • IRWA International