If positive feedback means anything, our experiment regarding changing locations to the Crowne Plaza Hotel was a big success. Attendance was also up significantly, with 84 Engineers and Reps making the trek out to LAX. Obviously, our speaker, Mr. Daniel Sanchez, and the much anticipated topic of 2010 code changes were large contributing factors to the increased turnout. Moreover, the heavy recruitment by Vivian Enriquez and other Board members can't be overlooked. So, give yourself a big round of applause ASPE LA, well done!

There is another event on the the upcoming Technical Calendar which requires added attention at this time. Specifically, the Saturday field trip to the Acorn Engineering Company, in Chino California. Special thanks need to be extended to Mr. Randall Morris (Western Sales Manager, Acorn Engineering Co.) and Mr. Don Morris (President and C.E.O., Acorn Engineering Co.). Their enthusiastic and af- firmative response to this excursion gives me the im- pression that this event will be enjoyable and high- ly educational. So mark this down on your Technical calendar, May 5th (Saturday - 9 AM) in Chino. The event is still taking shape, but we anticipate a morning seminar (engineers only) followed by a tour of the Acorn Vac facility. The tour will be open to everyone, but the seminar will be limited to a maximum of 30 attendees.

On the educational front, there has been a major new development regarding the UCLA Extension program which involves ASPE National and our own Haig Demergian. As you probably know, Haig has taught the Plumbing Systems Design course for many years. Now, this program is being adapted into an online program. Additionally, the course will expand in the near future to include many new topics beyond the core program which presently exists. Haig has worked tirelessly on this undertaking and I for one, am extremely proud of and humbled by his efforts. I encourage you to offer your support to Mr. Demergian in whatever way you can. This program expansion is a huge undertaking and the Los Angeles Chapter must become more engaged to ensure this becomes a successful and sustainable ASPE legacy. In fact, the first online course started on Saturday (01-14-12). However, the normal online course will continue on Friday evenings thereafter. So, once again, super job Haig. You're a man among men!

Staying on the Educational front for a moment, a decision has been reached regarding the next recipient of the ASPE scholarship award. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the award will go to Ms. Raheleh Hadadi. She met or exceeded every criteria checkpoint and I'm sure she will soon make a fine Plumbing Engineer. Again, congratulations!

Remember, the February meeting will be at our regular meeting location, Steven's Steak House at the regular 7 PM start time. Extra incentive to attend the next meeting will be the always popular and important topic of Medical Gas. Mr. Matt Blanchart (Yardley Pump and Vacuum, Inc.) will be the featured speaker. Matt knows this topic inside and out, so if medical systems are on your engineering horizon, you won't want to miss it.