News

Sponsorship Opportunity: Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force Mtg

Opportunity for your business to network with wildfire resilience leaders in the state! Marin Wildfire is hosting the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force Spring Regional Meeting from March 26–28, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Marin. This biannual event brings together key agencies and natural resource partners to align resources, share best practices, and drive progress in wildfire resilience.  As one of the regional hosts, Fire Safe Marin is coordinating sponsorships and a resource fair,

Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!

We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2025:Adam Diaz, AJD Builders who referred Make It Rain and Home Hardening, LLC2024:Rouset Schwartzbart, Schwartzbart Plumbing, who referred Jonathan Sandler, J Construction Solutions (Special thanks to Rouset for pledging his bonus to our Workforce Development and Scholarship Fund!) Janine Aurichio, YES2YUM Life Styling, who referred, Andrew Mann ArchitectureGreg Cook, Cook Construction, who referred Katharine Moodie, Perseverance

New Feature: Digital Payments, ACH and Credit Card through KonstructIQ

Digital payments are now released in the KonstructIQ platform.  Highlights: Let clients pay invoices securely via ACH or credit card through the client portalPass through transaction fees to clients if neededAutomatically sync payments with QuickBooks Online, with no manual reconciliationKeep all of your payments in one system - client, sub and vendor Faster, digital payments mean less time on back-office busy work, improved cash flow and fewer headaches.Watch a video here on how it works. Other recent

SolarCraft Expands Renewable Solutions with Franklin Home Batteries for Enhanced Energy Independence

SolarCraft, the leading provider of clean energy solutions in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, proudly announces the addition of Franklin Whole Home Batteries to its lineup of energy-efficient home solutions. As the demand for energy resilience and sustainability grows, Franklin's advanced battery technology enables homeowners to manage their energy use more effectively than ever before. As SolarCraft celebrates 40 years in Northern California, this new offering highlights the company’s ongoing dedication

Smith Currie Oles' Procurement Playbook: Contracting in the Age of Trump Updates

Federal government contracting is impacted each time there is a change in administration in the White House. This year will be no different. We will be monitoring daily the Executive Orders and policy changes coming from the Trump administration that will impact you and your projects. You will likely receive a flurry of information as we keep you updated on these important changes that will be coming frequently over the next several days. Click here to access the Procurement Playbook and subscribe here to

2025 Marin Builders Association Crab Fest is Most Successful of All Time!

On behalf of the Marin Builders Association Board of Directors, the Event Committee, and our Staff, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our event sponsors, our Cornerstone Partners, our auction donors, and our guests, for their generous support of our 2025 Annual Crab Fest! We hosted the event at the elegant Bill and Adele Jonas Center. The entire evening was a fabulous success, which would not have been possible without everyone's generous participation and support. Special thanks

Marin County Office of Education School to Career Partnership: Internship Opportunity

Developing Our Workforce The Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) is actively seeking civic-oriented businesses to host spring and summer internships for students at San Rafael High, Terra Linda High, Novato High, and San Marin High Schools. MCOE's School to Career Partnership provides students with direct support to engage in hands-on work-based learning experience and career exploration, leading to high-demand, high-wage jobs. Student's interests cover a broad scope of industries. Your participation

Prepare Your Business For Enhanced Immigration Enforcement

We know that the prospect of ICE audits or immigration raids can be stressful—especially if you’re in a high-risk industry. This guide is designed to give you clear, practical steps to help your business stay on top of compliance, protect your team, and keep operations steady, all while keeping things calm and straightforward.Know Your Legal ResponsibilitiesWork Authorization Basics: Every employee needs to have a completed Form I-9. Make sure Section 1 is done on day one and that you finish Section 2

Cybersecurity Best Practices for 2025

As businesses embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity must be a top priority. Moving to cloud-based platforms can boost efficiency and collaboration, but it also introduces new security risks. Explore key cybersecurity best practices for 2025 to help your business protect sensitive data, prevent cyber threats, and ensure a secure transition to digital operations. Read the blog: The Future is Digital - Cybersecurity Best Practices for 2025 Whether you need advanced threat protection, identity

Safety & Training Short: Abusive Conduct Prevention - What is Abusive Conduct?

Objective: To review the definition, impact, and response procedures for abusive conduct in the workplace   “Abusive conduct” means conduct of an employer or employee in the workplace, with malice, that a reasonable person would find hostile, offensive, and unrelated to an employer’s legitimate business interests. Abusive conduct may include repeated infliction of verbal abuse, such as the use of derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets, verbal or physical conduct that a reasonable person would find

Kunst Painting, Inc. and Tamalpais Paint & Color IN THE NEWS: St. Vincent de Paul’s dining room gets new paint job

By Daniel Bromfield | dbromfield@marinij.com PUBLISHED: February 3, 2025 Kunst Painting and Tamalpais Paint & Color donated a $14,000 in-kind paint job of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin’s free dining room in San Rafael. St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin was this year’s recipient of Kunst Painting’s free services, which the San Rafael-based company gifts to a different nonprofit each year.From left, Kunst Painting’s Manuel Jimenez, Miguel Navarrete, Carlos Rodriguez, Luis Alvarado and Abel Alonzo

What the Eaton and Palisades Fires Reveal About Wildfire Risk in Marin’s Housing Stock

For construction professionals in Marin County, wildfire risk may not always be a primary concern—but it should be. Recent fires in Southern California provide critical lessons on how homes ignite and the importance of wildfire-resistant construction. The Eaton Fire in Pasadena spread into a neighborhood of older homes, exposing the vulnerabilities of aging structures that predate modern wildfire codes. Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire ignited multiple homes in a newer development, proving that even recent

11 Emerging Construction Technology Trends for 2025

11 Emerging Construction Technology Trends for 2025 Discover the technologies shaping the future of construction! From AI-driven project management tools and immersive VR/AR experiences to drones and robotics revolutionizing productivity, 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking year. Learn how advancements like blockchain, generative AI, and digital twins are transforming the industry, and explore the pivotal role data analytics plays in smarter, more efficient construction practices. Plus, see how

Safety & Training Short: How Do Colds Spread?

How do colds spread?Colds can spread person to person; often during casual contact, e.g., shaking hands.Researchers know now that the common cold virus, called rhinovirus, can also transfer from an object to a person.A rhinovirus can live for an extended period of time on an object called a fomite. A fomite is an object that an infected person may touch, such as a telephone handset or a keyboard.Later another person touches the same object and transmits the rhinovirus.  The rhinovirus can live on a fomite

Building Extraordinary Workplaces in 2025

As we enter 2025, I’ve taken inspiration from Will Guidara’s philosophy of “Unreasonable Hospitality”—creating exceptional experiences not just for customers, but for employees. This year, focus on crafting a workplace where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the company’s success will lead to an even better outcome for you and your business. Here’s a look at the initiatives and priorities shaping the year ahead that if implemented will change the velocity and

Building Professionals: Addressing Wildfire Risk Starts with Actionable Solutions

Recent events highlight the profound challenges wildfires pose to the safety and resilience of our communities. They also underscore a vital truth: meaningful actions can reduce risks and protect homes and neighborhoods. In Marin County, significant strides have been made to tackle wildfire risk by listening to experts and implementing proven strategies. Leaders like Jack Cohen and Stephen Pyne, featured in a recent LA Times article, remind us that wildfire disasters are not inevitable. By addressing

Joseph Garbarino: Pioneering Leader in Recycling and Waste Management Passes Away

Marin Sanitary Service mourns the loss of Joseph Garbarino, owner of Marin Sanitary Service and founder of Marin Recycling and Resource Recovery Association, a visionary in recycling and waste management who passed away at the age of 91. Known for his passion for conservation and innovation, Garbarino transformed waste management practices nationwide. From launching the first county-wide curbside recycling program in 1980 to advocating for sustainable packaging, his contributions have set a global standard.

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Now Open on Saturdays!

Marin Economic Forum: Did you know? The Marin Economic Forum has met its goals

The MEF Board of Directors recently decided to dissolve the organization effective January 2025. The reason behind the decision was a robust analysis that showed the county and at least 4 other jurisdictions had added staff resources to focus on economic development. When MEF was founded in 2010, there was no staff at the county, or any jurisdiction, with this responsibility and that was perceived as a threat to the economy following the Great Recession of 2008-9.   MEF benefitted from incredible support

California Employers, Get Ready! Wide Range of Employment-Related Laws Will Take Effect January 1, 2025 + 4 Essential California Employee Handbook Updates for 2025

New California employment laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. These laws address a variety of issues, including the state minimum wage, discrimination protections, paid time off, and employers’ messages about unionization.  Quick HitsCalifornia’s minimum wage will increase from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour.New legislation clarifies that employers may not discriminate against workers because they have a combination of protected characteristics or do not have a driver’s license.California

New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455    1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New?  Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders

Windows 10 End of Life: Plan Ahead and Save on 2024 Expenses

Windows 10 End of Life: Plan Ahead and Save on 2024 Expenses Did you know that Windows 10 reaches end of life in October 2025? This means any devices still running Windows 10 will become a security risk to your network once Microsoft stops support. If you’ve been holding off on upgrades or replacements, this might be the perfect time to act, especially if you’re looking for smart ways to allocate 2024 expenses. We can help evaluate your current devices and assist with upgrading or replacing them to keep

SolarCraft Introduces Ductless Heat Pumps for Marin, Sonoma and Napa Homes

SolarCraft Celebrates 40 Years of Sustainability with the Introduction of Ductless Heat Pumps.  SolarCraft, a leading provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, is thrilled to announce the addition of ductless heat pump systems to its suite of energy-efficient home solutions. As the company celebrates 40 years of serving Northern California, this innovative offering marks another milestone in SolarCraft’s commitment to providing sustainable, locally

Fall 2024 edition of the California Licensed Contractor Newsletter

Continued Here Write us at cslbinfo@cslb.ca.gov for questions or feedback regarding this newsletter.

Applications OPEN: Fire Safe Vendor List!

We are thrilled to announce that you can now apply to be included in the California Fire Safe Council’s first-annual Fire Safe Vendor List! This free publication launching in early 2025, will list businesses throughout California working in the fields of fire safety, prevention, and/or mitigation.  By connecting local Fire Safe Councils, wildfire resilience organizations, and homeowners alike with qualified vendors, the Fire Safe Vendor List is streamlining the process of sourcing products and services

Get Cash for Heat Pump Water Heater Upgrades - Support Your Clients in a Broken Water Heater Emergency

Get $1,500 for Installing a Heat Pump Water Heater MCE’s Emergency Water Heater Incentive provides contractors $1,500 to help cover the cost of installing and maintaining a temporary loaner water heater (gas or electric) as part of the customer’s permanent heat pump water heater (HPWH) installation.  As more households move toward environmentally-friendly options and the Bay Area passes new regulations to support California’s clean energy goals, your clients will need to start replacing gas appliances

The Future of Home Insurance May Rely on Fire Smart Building

Earlier in July 2024, the New York Times published an article highlighting the collaboration of researchers at the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS)  and insurance agencies, who are grappling with escalating losses due to the magnitude of wildfires across the West. The research emphasizes the role of a home's design features to withstand wildfire by focusing on key areas of home ignition risk: near-home landscaping, and the building’s materials and design often referred to as home

2024 Marin County & City Building Permits

Click the links below to view a current list of permit reports published and provided by the County of Marin and the individual cities/towns including Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, Ross, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito and Tiburon. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or contact Gabriela Shea at mba@marinbuilders.com. Important Note: This list is updated monthly with the most current information we receive from

Liens & Completions 2023 - 2024

Click the links below to view a current list of Liens & Completions published and provided by the County of Marin. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or contact Paula Krause

Biggest Workers’ Compensation Mistakes by Contractors

In this crazy time of the COVID-19, it is not the time to cut corners to your detriment. While well intentioned contractors are always attempting to keep costs down to make a profit, they make some mistakes regarding workers’ compensation insurance.   Most common mistakes are:Certifying with the Contractors License Board that they do not need workers’ compensation insurance as they have no employees when they may have employees or use day laborers. . Not checking the sub-contractors to make sure they are

Lien Protection Checklist - SUBCONTRACTOR

Click here for Subcontractor Lien Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders Association and Dan McLennon of Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP.Reviewed and Updated February 2024

Lien Protection Checklist - GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Click here for General Contractors Lien Rights Protection Checklist to protect your Lien rights provided by the Marin Builders  Association and Board member Dan McLennon.Reviewed and Updated February 2024