CALCode Quarterly Fall 2025

The 2025 Intervening Code Adoption Cycle began earlier this year with several workshops hosted by the California Building Standards Commission and other state agencies with authority to develop building standards for the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (Title 24). The meetings hosted by CBSC were:

March 20 – CALGreen Carbon Reduction Collaborative (CCRC) #1

July 2 – CALGreen Electric Vehicle Workgroup (CEVW) #1

July 10 – CCRC #2

July 16 – Plumbing Code Workshop

September 4 – CEVW #2

September 10 – CCRC #3

September 25 – SB 745 – Nonresidential #1 (Drought-Resistant Buildings Act)

Workshops are an opportunity for industry experts and interested parties to provide input on the code development process. Note that the precycle workshops for SB 745 – Nonresidential are the first steps in development of regulations to be proposed during the 2027 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle. Activities are starting now to allow time for a CEQA evaluation prior to the deadline to submit proposals for the 2027 cycle. If you’re interested in learning what happened at these workshops, they were livestreamed on YouTube and the recordings can be viewed now on CBSC’s YouTube channel.

Other state agencies that contribute to Title 24 are also conducting separate workshops specific to their authorities. All rulemaking packages are due to be submitted to CBSC no later than December 1, 2025.

Additionally, CBSC is navigating changes in the law that affect our day-to-day operations, such as Assembly Budget Trailer Bill 130 (Chapter 22, Statutes of 2025) (AB 130). See CBSC Information Bulletin 25-03 for more information.

Coordination of dates for virtual Code Advisory Committee meetings is in progress. Based on information provided by state proposing and adopting agencies regarding the number and complexity of submittals, there will be two ad hoc committees: Green Building and Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy (GREEN/PEME), and Building, Fire, Other and Structural Design/Lateral Forces (BFO/SDLF). The Accessibility (ACCESS) and Health Facilities (HF) Code Advisory Committee meetings will be held separately.

The tentative proposed dates are:

HF – January 28, 2026

GREEN/PEME – February 11-12, 2026

BFO/SDLF – February 18-19, 2026

ACCESS – March 4-5, 2026

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) announced the retirement of Commissioner Erick Mikiten at its October 15 meeting. His term expires at the end of this year. The commission owes a great deal of its success to Mr. Mikiten, and CBSC would like to acknowledge our collective gratitude for his efforts.

Commissioner Mikiten is a wheelchair-riding architect who also uses hearing aids. As principal architect of Mikiten Architecture, Mr. Mikiten has unique expertise in accessibility and universal design. He has designed hundreds of dwelling units as part of affordable and market-rate housing throughout the Bay Area, many for people with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. He has also conceived dozens of single-family home remodels for people with wide-ranging abilities, which require unique and creative approaches to result in real usability. Mr. Mikiten has been featured in numerous magazine articles about his work and design concepts.

Additionally, Mr. Mikiten has helped large corporations define wide-ranging strategies for inclusion, from their physical environment to hiring practices to workplace apps that increase participation for all employees, and he has served as an expert witness testifying on accessibility issues.

Mr. Mikiten has published two tour books for wheelchair riders that cover accessible beaches and waterfronts in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. He has also consulted for the California Coastal Conservancy on a number of access improvement projects, and created a new beach design for Gleason’s Beach north of San Francisco. In 2025, he was elevated to the College of Fellows at the American Institute of Architects—a rare achievement!

With all of that expertise and experience, Commissioner Mikiten has been a valuable member of CBSC for 14 years, providing insights into how Title 24 is used and interpreted by designers, as well as how codes impact wheelchair riders and other persons with disabilities.

At the October 15 meeting, Executive Director Stoyan Bumbalov graciously thanked Erick for his service to the commission and the state of California, and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.

Commissioner Mikiten spoke briefly about his service, stating that he didn’t expect to serve this long, but felt he was making a difference and enjoyed working with everyone. He plans to shift his efforts to raise awareness of voluntary measures that can be taken in planning and design to make the world more livable for persons with disabilities, and will pursue efforts with the Living Future Institute, among other activities.

As the commission meeting drew to a close, Commissioner Kent Sasaki spoke in recognition of Commissioner Mikiten’s “detailed, diligent reviewing [of] proposals,…[and] asking in-depth questions” when there have been issues on access proposals. Sasaki concluded saying, “It’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with Commissioner Mikiten and all of us commissioners will greatly miss him and his contributions.” Commissioner Mikiten then made his final motion to adjourn his final meeting with CBSC. You can watch the October 15 commission meeting on CBSC’s YouTube channel.

Please join us in wishing Erick the best in his future endeavors to promote and design affordable, equitable and accessible buildings for all.

^{Back row: Chair Nick Maduros and Commissioners Stockwell, Alegre, Rambin and Sasaki
Front row: Executive Director Stoyan Bumbalov and Commissioners Mikiten and Klausbruckner}

One look at Cynthia’s CBSC biography, and you can tell she’s not your everyday state employee. For starters, she is a two-time CBSC employee, who worked here from 2009 to 2017, and then came back in 2023! For another, she’s been all over North America and lived in the UK. She has a background in the music industry, where she met with stars such as the rock band Iron Maiden, and has a degree in professional services/organizational leadership.

You recognize that there’s something special about Cynthia when you meet or work with her, because she has a warm personality that shines in every interaction. As our office manager, she’s kept things running smoothly and, even when it’s challenging, there’s always something fun to brighten our days. Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) Lara Paskins says, “I wish I had worked with Cynthia for longer… but since my start with CBSC, Cynthia has been my ‘safe space.’ She is so approachable and always open to taking a few minutes out of her day to check in with me. I truly appreciate her sincere concern and interest in my life… and her ability to make me laugh!”

One of Cynthia’s biggest accomplishments during the past two years was the CBSC office remodel, which included new (to us) workstations, and the acquisition, design, development and—coming soon—occupancy of a new, high-tech conference room. This was done at a lowered expense to the state, because Cynthia salvaged the workstations, conference room chairs, and other furniture from another state agency that was moving and leaving them behind! As an avid “thrifter” and garage sale treasure hunter, this was the ultimate find for her. And as a dedicated state employee, it was gratifying to be able to refresh the office at a much-reduced cost. The project did not come without its challenges, and thinking about that, Executive Director Stoyan Bumbalov says, “When working on projects, Cynthia is like a stone. She sits on the project ground and doesn’t move or let go until the project is successfully completed. I don’t recommend anybody to try moving her from there when she is concentrated.”

As Cynthia heads out the office door for the last time, CALCode Quarterly asked her to reminisce just a little bit…

CALCode Quarterly: What are a couple of your best CBSC memories?

Cynthia: I joined the CBSC team in 2009, when California’s green building codes were in their infancy. The governor had directed then-Executive Director Dave Walls to develop green building codes for the state. The result was the addition of three new CBSC staff, including me, and the first-in-the-nation, if not world, green building standards code. Initially, the codes were voluntary, but it didn’t take long before the first mandatory codes were added to Title 24. Commission staff were charged with training stakeholders throughout the state on the new codes. One of my primary responsibilities was to coordinate [those] education and outreach training sessions. It was exciting to be part of such monumental change. Another memorable thing about CBSC has always been the teamwork. CBSC has had little turnover during the years I have been [here]. It's been a privilege to work on something day in and day out that impacts virtually every Californian (whether they know it or not!).

You’ve traveled a lot during your career. What was one of your favorite places to live or visit? Will you go back there after retirement?

I’m so thankful for all those wonderful experiences. Among those travels, I had the opportunity to work in Florida a lot and absolutely loved the Miami South Beach area and the Florida Keys. The weather, the ocean and the vibe were always so inviting. I would return at the drop of a hat!

What are you looking forward to in retirement?

Free time to work on my home projects and to pursue interests that I haven’t made time for. I’ve worked nonstop since I graduated from high school—including my college years. My career has always been front and center, and all-consuming. I’m looking forward to participating in more social activities, going to the gym on a regular basis, working with an animal rescue, reading more, and yes, traveling! I also hope to expand my creative interests.

Anything else you’d like to share?

It’s been an honor to wrap up my state career at CBSC. Such good people with a genuine sense of purpose in everything they do. I will miss everyone.

CBSC Colleagues Share Their Memories

As we say farewell to Cynthia, CBSC team members shared thoughts about their time working with her:

Associate Architect Havel Weidner: Cynthia is incredibly kind and caring. Having been recently hired, I remember her being reassuring and welcoming throughout the interviewing and onboarding process, and as I’ve come to know her better it’s clear that this is genuinely a part of who she is – someone that wants the best for those around her, even the ones she’s just met.

Associate Architect Tim Freeman: [Cynthia is] thoughtful in her role and a valued part of our staff. I’ll certainly miss her good-humored personality as well as the kindness and joyfulness that has shone through every day.

Associate Construction Analyst Tom Martin: It has been great working with Cynthia! She is constantly doing anything and everything she can to make everyone’s work life better.

Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) Kristina Severon (Webmaster and Legislative Analyst): Cynthia's kindness and calm presence has made such a lasting impression. From the moment I started my new role here at CBSC, she was the picture of patience and compassion. [She said to me,] "You're going to fit right in. This is a place where we celebrate each other’s growth and support one another every step of the way." She will be greatly missed, and I wish her nothing but the best in her next great adventure.

AGPA Laura Mills (Education and Outreach): I am just stunned by Cynthia’s coolness! She has traveled places and met people and participated in momentous events throughout her career. She has the BEST stories! She is also a really good boss, who knows how to give praise and to constructively correct with kindness. I am going to miss Cynthia and I wish her more awesome adventures in retirement.

Deputy Executive Director Kevin Day: I have been very fortunate to have worked with Cynthia since I first started with CBSC back in 2010 – she and I were cubicle neighbors and immediately found common ground in the arts and culture. Her thoughtfulness, passion, and professionalism are unmatched. I was thrilled when Cynthia returned to CBSC in 2023 and she has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of our program. Her dedication to the people of California is immeasurable and while I will miss her terribly, I wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

AGPA Barbara Trusley (Personnel and Finance): Cynthia has been wonderful to work with over the last couple of years. She’s been a great leader and team player, and has done a tremendous job handling CBSC’s recent large projects. Cynthia is fabulous and fun, and we’ll miss her when she retires (though we still expect her to visit now and then).

Architectural Associate Timothy O’Malley: I will miss Cynthia's hearty laugh, and her light and subtle wit.

Kristina Severon joined CBSC in September 2025. With a varied background of state service and private-industry experience, she joins our staff as lead web content author and legislative analyst. Let’s get to know Kristina a little bit better…

CALCode Quarterly: What inspired you to apply for this position at CBSC? What are you looking forward to working on?

Kristina: I was inspired to work at the California Building Standards Commission because it gave me the opportunity to build on my interest in managing and creating content for public-facing websites while also learning about the legislative process. I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn how building standards are developed, reviewed, and implemented, and how legislation guides that work. Being part of CBSC gives me a chance to not only support this process but also grow my knowledge of government operations and public policy.

CALCode Quarterly was intrigued by your biography, and we have a question: What are “vehicle graphics”?

Vehicle graphics are custom-designed images, decal lettering, or wraps applied to cars, trucks, boats, trailers or other vehicles to convey a message. Made from durable, weather-resistant vinyl, vehicle graphics are designed to last for years yet they can also be removed without damaging the paint. This flexibility allows businesses to display logos, contact information, and promotional designs that reach thousands of viewers daily.

^{Kristina with one of her "big" vehicle graphic jobs!} 

Please tell us more about your interest in native California plants. There are so many climates and vegetation regions in California. Do you have a favorite region/plant?

I am particularly drawn to the Great Central Valley, Central Western California, and Sierra Nevada regions, which I frequently visit to explore and self-study the native flora firsthand. I am fascinated by the succulents such as the Canyon Live-Forever Dudleya, the Mariposa lilies, and the Woodland Pinedrops. I enjoy discovering new species on each excursion, no matter what the weather.

Do you want to share anything else with our readers?

During my twenties, I took multiple solo backpacking trips through Europe, which deepened my curiosity about the world. Since then, I have been motivated to pursue new challenges, including earning my ham radio and pilot licenses.

Welcome, Kristina! We are looking forward to working with you!

CBSC’s newest team member is Les Young, who joins us as an Associate Architect.

When asked what prompted him to apply for this position, Les stated that he learned about CBSC during recruitment efforts for the executive director position. After discovering more about CBSC’s mission, vision and program responsibilities, he became interested in state service, particularly working on the development of building standards.

This Associate Architect position will allow Les to share his many years of experience with the team. He says, “I am especially interested in sustainability and alternative energy and how building standards can assist communities [to] achieve their goals with those efforts.”

Some of the projects Les worked on in Cincinnati and San Francisco include:

 
The Aranoff Center for Design and Art, Cincinnati (one of four original designers)

The KPMG Building, San Francisco (project architect)

The Gemdale USA Building, San Francisco (project architect)

Please join us in welcoming Les to CBSC.