The March meeting was held at the Sea Pines Golf Resort in Los Osos, convening in the resort’s conference room adjacent to the restaurant and clubhouse, with views of the ninth hole. Although the space initially appeared ample, it quickly reached capacity as attendees arrived. Despite only 12 confirmed RSVPs, actual attendance exceeded expectations. Participants represented a broad spectrum of experience levels—from early-career to senior surveyors—and traveled from Nacimiento Lake, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. The strong turnout reflected significant interest in the scheduled presentation.

Attendees engaged with the presentation, “SLIP SLIDIN’ AWAY – A TALE OF BOUNDARY SURVEYING IN A SLOW MOVING LANDSLIDE,” delivered by esteemed Land Surveyor Robert Reese. Rather than focusing solely on boundary surveying, Mr. Reese addressed the history, geology, engineering, and legal considerations associated with Ranchos Palos Verdes, particularly highlighting warning signs observed in “Block 2 Tract 14,118.” He guided the audience through the scenario, ultimately revealing that his survey uncovered more severe issues than anticipated.

Mr. Reese utilized original monuments, an adjoining tract, power poles, and other utilities as evidence to resolve boundary questions for three lots in the area known as “Block 2.” Notably, most utilities in this region are installed above ground with integrated loops to accommodate land movement. His findings indicated that the lots had both shifted and rotated—moving nearly 300 feet since 1946. This discovery underscored the relevance of the presentation’s title. It was further noted that the velocity of land movement has increased considerably in recent years.

The presentation generated numerous questions, which Mr. Reese addressed comprehensively. Among the most frequently asked was the motivation behind undertaking such a survey—a question familiar to those who know Mr. Reese.

Following the presentation, the business meeting commenced. As an indication of the event’s success, all participants remained for the proceedings, during which several important chapter matters were addressed.

Due to the absence of the Secretary/Treasurer, the corresponding reports were postponed until the next meeting. Without a current budget or balance available, the Chapter nonetheless voted to allocate $200 for a table centerpiece for the 60th Anniversary Dinner for CLSA, demonstrating support for the conference and increasing chapter visibility.

The Education Committee finalized the schedule for the Construction Staking Seminar, set for April 9 at the San Luis Obispo Vet’s Hall. This seminar is intended to educate contractors and engineers about construction staking procedures and standards implemented by surveyors. Owing to significant contributions from local survey firms, the seminar will be offered at no cost to attendees.

The Trig-Star Committee continues testing at local high schools, maintaining a tradition of over 30 years. Originally a number of surveyors would visit schools and assist with testing. Financial support for the test has always come from local surveyors and surveying companies. However, for about the last 15 years the testing and visiting has fallen on the shoulders of the committee chair. For the last five years that has been Luz Garcia. Ms. Garcia announced her intention to step down next year, and it is hoped that her successor will foster greater committee involvement.

The annual barbecue is scheduled for August 8 at Cuesta Canyon Park, consistent with the event’s location for the past two decades. Ken Fargen and his team will manage barbecuing responsibilities, while Marco Castaneda will oversee other logistics. The Education Committee will handle event promotion and coordinate raffle prizes. Last year’s event was complimentary for all attendees, supported by an anonymous donor.

Given last year’s total cost of approximately $1,000 for 20 adult attendees ($50 per person), a motion was introduced to set the adult ticket price at $50 and implement an online reservation system. After extensive discussion, the executive committee was tasked with presenting a detailed plan at the next meeting.

The Monument Conservation Committee is currently identifying cases that may be submitted to BPELSG enforcement as test cases to determine whether standard language regarding monument preservation in capital improvement projects constitutes a violation of the PLS Act §8771. A potential case has been identified, and the Chair awaits completion of construction to assess compliance with statutory requirements.

While a tentative budget was discussed, this item was also deferred to the next meeting pending the Treasurer’s availability.