Regional
Andy Cassano: Standing Up to Nature
Author: Andy Cassano, Nevada City Engineering
Published on Mar 5, 2010 - 7:13:04 AM

Wow, the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have been horrible. So much death, destruction, injury, and disruption occurring in just a couple of minutes. I don't say it often, but thank God for our building codes. They've shown their worth over and over in seismic events like Loma Prieta in California.

Many people forget that our civil engineers do structural calculations for wood frame structures, concrete retaining walls, and foundations. This applies to new construction, additions, and after-the-fact permits. Over 40 years ago, I first met our senior partner, Tom Lott, in Don Flath's architectural drafting class at Nevada Union High School. Since then, Tom has helped countless folks build structures that stand up to snow loads, earthquakes, and wind shear, while I've merely helped them build on the right parcel!

A couple of years ago, I visited a childhood friend, Mike Hamlin, in Montana. He still makes his living as a concrete contractor, the same trade that had run him ragged in Granite Bay years ago. He said that in his town, there were no building codes for foundations, retaining walls, and driveways. He had built his business by gaining a reputation for meeting California-like code standards, without any mandate from the local government. In short, he was trusted to do it right and keep people safe.

So the next time you are required to buy a special Simpson tiedown, to use 2x8's in the rafters instead of 2x6's, to add some rebar to the retaining wall, or to pay extra equipment hours to get soil compaction on the driveway, remember that a situation might arise where your repayment in health and safety is priceless.

Economic Development: Yes!

Planning is a great profession: a fascinating mix of design, socioeconomics, environmental science, law, and of course, a big dose of politics. As a planning professional, I'm occasionally asked what kind of economic development should our community and region pursue. My answer is simple: Every kind possible!

Economic development is best served by activities that import money into the community. Ideally, this includes plenty of manufacturing or value added business services. Retaining and attracting such jobs is paramount. Among other efforts, we have continually been investor partners of the Nevada County Economic Resource Council. Their primary mission is to always work to retain and attract such "primary jobs."

We also support the tourism industry and maintain memberships with the Grass Valley-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, and the Grass Valley Downtown Association. These organizations not only promote the area for tourism, but answer the first lines of inquiries for businesses interested in relocating here.

Economic development must include activities that keep money circulating here as long as possible. That would include supporting pretty much all local businesses. It's ironic, really, isn't it? Now when the economy is tight and money is being spent more carefully, it has never been more important to support local businesses. Consider it an investment in your own future.

Although as a planner I would like to see our region support a wider diversity of age groups, the value of being a retirement community cannot be overlooked in terms of economic development. Pension, social security, and other retirement funds that were earned elsewhere, are being released and spent in our community daily.

Then there is the whole health care business. Money is released into the region from Medicare, Medi-Cal, private health insurance, and our pocket books. Yes, I know that we spent a lot of money on State and Federal Taxes and insurance premiums, but at least we are getting some of it back.

We subscribe to the award winning principle of the Sierra Business Council. That our community region needs to constantly attend to the triple bottom line: the quality and success of our 1)economy, 2)people, and 3)environment. Our attention to this balance is essential and it is not difficult to achieve in most cases. We greatly appreciate the on-going commitment of our clients, associates, business groups, and agency colleagues in working daily for our region's overall well being.

Andrew R. Cassano is a City/Regional Planner and Professional Land Surveyor with 40 years of experience in Northern California. He is CEO of Nevada City Engineering, Inc., a firm offering planning, surveying, and civil engineering consulting to the private and public sector since 1978.

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