The atmosphere was low-key and familiar at the 2001 summer convention, held May 10-12 in Palm Springs, Calif., but the primary message sent to members by the California Alarm Association (CAA) was “political persuasion calls for political action.” The association reminded dealers that the Western Burglar & Fire Alarm Association‘s (WBFAA) plan to establish an industry-approved apprenticeship program for dealers who make electrical connection of devices of 100 volts/amperes or more is not over; it’s just beginning.

During the CAA’s general meeting, Alan Edelstein, the CAA’s legislative advocate in Sacramento, told members that some progress has been made on AB 931, the California bill that, once in effect, will require dealers with C-10 licenses to be certified, and have all new employees be registered into a state-approved apprenticeship program. However, he urged dealers to become more active in legislative matters by becoming involved in grass-roots activity.

At a presentation outlining the apprenticeship program by the WBFAA, about 40 CAA members were told that the effective date for the bills was pushed back to the next half of 2002. Members were told that, currently, the WBFAA is in the process of sending letters out to members and looking to national associations for help.

The two-day convention kicked off Thursday evening with a two-hour exhibition reception. Approximately 35 vendors set up in the hall and displayed their products and services.

CAA members were also able to view a mock trial based on a true case. Members were able to see how a trial jury views a case dealing with the security industry and how each juror’s real-life experiences affect their final decision.

On a lighter note, CAA and the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) presented its annual scholarship award to Glen Ellen High School senior Heather Sims. Her writing entry, stressing the importance of volunteering in one’s local fire department, helped her take first place with CAA’s program and receive a $2,000 check. She took second place in the NBFAA’s Security Dealer scholarship and received a $3,500 check from NBFAA Treasurer Mike Miller.

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