Dear Member,

Continuing education requirements for REHS are approaching faster than you could say Happy New Year—2010. During this recent California Environmental Health Association’s (CEHA) Annual Education Symposium in Monterey Bay, regulators of the REHS Program said requirements could be expected by August 2009 and effective by January 2010. And, no other organization in California is better prepared to support EHS in facing this new challenge than CEHA. In California, CEHA is the only organization that offers career-long professional growth and support specifically to environmental health professionals in the State. No other organization in the State offers the variety and scope of professional development and support of environmental health professionals.
In anticipation of the REHS Continuing Education Regulations, the Southern Chapter Board of Directors and Officers seeks to expand Chapter membership by identifying the professional-growth needs of REHS within the Chapter’s jurisdiction through social forums and committee reports. This includes REHS within EH agencies in LA County, Long Beach, Vernon, & Pasadena as well as in LA County’s Health Hazardous Materials Division and Health Facilities Inspection Division. The Board also seeks to identify the unique needs of EH stakeholders in corporate and university arenas. To do this effectively, the Board has established the: Health Hazmat Advisory Committee; Health Facilities Advisory Committee; Corporate Members Advisory Committee; and the Student Members Advisory Committee.

As Summer 2009 ends, the Southern Chapter will be planning more educational & social events for our members after the CEHA Update 2009 in Fresno, CA.

As a member, I seek the support of my fellow Chapter members in recruiting new members and in urging others to renew their membership. Our Association is rapidly changing, especially with the opportunities and challenges to be faced with the upcoming REHS Continuing Education Regulations. In preparation for these upcoming educational regulations, more trainings, seminars, and workshops will be provided at no-cost and low-cost to members. I encourage all members to forward this message and distribute CEHA event fliers to individuals you believe will benefit from CEHA. I also welcome all members to let me know of any and all concerns regarding CEHA and the Southern Chapter.

CEHA has always been and will always be here to support you in advancing the environmental health cause.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our next event very soon.

Paolo R. Zenarosa
CEHA Southern Chapter President