The Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) held its 2003 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California on June 18-20, 2003. The historical Wyndham U.S. Grant Hotel provided a central location and spacious meeting facilities for the meeting. Moderated by Edwin T. Dean of Nishkian Dean, the event featured among others an update on NEHRP's and FEMA's current role in the Department of Homeland Security by Michael Mahoney, FEMA, and the BSSC Provisions Update Committee with an overview of the changes for the 2003 NEHRP Recommended Provisions along with a panel discussion on the Future Vision of Seismic Safety. The meeting closed with a briefing on the Homebuilders Guide currently under development and a concurrent field trip to the University of California, San Diego.

Click on the links below to view some of the presentations:

NEHRP's and FEMA's current role in the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Mahoney, FEMA/DHS

Update on the 2003 NEHRP Provisions, Ron Hamburger, PUC Chair

Development of Seismic Retrofit and Other Hazard Mitigation Policies, Melvyn Green, Structural Engineers Association of California

Field Trip to University of California, San Diego

Annual Banquet

During the festive banquet BSSC volunteers were recognized for their efforts.

• Charles Kircher, Consulting Engineer, and David Wismer, the City of Philadelphia, received the Exceptional Service Award. David Wismer was unable to attend and Mr. Thornton accepted the award on his behalf.
• Retiring Board member S.K. Ghosh, Portland Cement Association, was recognized for his service on the BSSC Board.
• Michael Mahoney of FEMA handed out NEHRP denim shirts to Charles Thornton, Gerald Jones for their outstanding efforts on the NEHRP Provisions, and to John Gillengerten for his efforts and timely work as the chair of the PUC Technical Subcommittee on Mechanical Electrical Systems, Building Equipment and Architectural Elements.

Below are some snapshots from the banquet.