April 2008 | Los Angeles Chapter Bulletin

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CalCPA NEWS

CPA Mobility

CalCPA supports AB 2473, which addresses CPA mobility issues in California. Contact your legislators today and educate them on the importance of this bill to you and the businesses and individuals with whom you work.

 

CHAPTER EVENTS

YEP Committee’s Third Annual Bowling Night

Imagine the bright lights and cool ambience that Universal CityWalk provides, combined with a great night of bowling! That’s what you’ll experience at the next YEP event Jillian’s. This is a perfect opportunity to get involved and socialize with other young professionals.
   You don’t want to miss out on this great night of fun! Sign up now!
Date: Friday, April 18
Location: Jillian’s CityWalk; 1000 Universal Studios Blvd.; Universal City
Cost: Free/members; $25/nonmembers (includes appetizers and bowling)
RSVP: Online
Info: Chapter program associate Sandy Benitez
Note: Self-parking: $10

Chapter Board Meeting

Join us as we discuss issues relating to our chapter and CalCPA.
Date: Thursday, May 8
Time: 8-10 a.m.
Location: UCLA Faculty Center; Westwood
Info: Chapter program associate Sandy Benitez

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Join us for a night at the ballpark as we install our 2008–09 officers and directors, celebrate another successful year and embark on an exciting year to come—as well as take in a Dodger game.
   Come and meet the new leadership team and support the organization that supports California CPAs. We also will award scholarships to the top accounting students and will recognize CalCPA lifetime members.
   A Special Recognition Award will be given to those members who were nominated by their peers for their achievements and dedication to our organization.
Date: Friday, June 6
Time: 5:30 p.m./registration; 6:30–7:15 p.m./installation and awards ceremony; 7:40 p.m./Dodger game (vs. Cubs)
Location: Dodger Stadium (Loge Terrace)
Cost: By May 26: $50/members and their guest (each); $65/nonmembers (after May 26: add $10) Price includes game ticket.; Tickets will be available until 5 p.m. Monday, June 2. No walk-ins or pay at the door purchases will be accepted on event day.
Note: Parking: $15/general (pay at gate); $30/preferred
Info: Chapter program associate Sandy Benitez
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SAVE THE DATES

Chapter Mixers

Date: Thursday, July 17
Location: Minx Restaurant; Glendale
RSVP: Online

Date: Thursday, Aug. 14
Location: Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles
RSVP: Online

Date: Thursday, Sept. 25
Location: X Bar; Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
RSVP: Online

Hollywood Bowl Night with Donna Summer

Date: Friday, Aug. 22
RSVP: Online
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OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST

Members Invited

The Los Angeles Metro Chapter of Ascend (formerly the National Asian American Society of Accountants) invites CalCPA members to its launch celebration—“Embrace, Enhance, Empower”—featuring guest speaker California State Controller John Chiang.
Date: Thursday, May 15
Location: Japanese American National Museum; 369 E. First St.; Los Angeles
Info/RSVP: Online
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Short and Sweet

By Vee Cristobal, CPA

I don’t have a lot of time this month to write, and I suspect you don’t have a lot of time to read, so this month’s twofold message is short and to the point.
   First, be sure to mark your calendars for CPA Day at the Capitol to be held Tuesday, May 13. Join other CalCPA members as we head to Sacramento to help legislators understand the issues facing CPAs. Specifically, we will discuss AB 2473, the accountancy mobility bill sponsored by the California Board of Accountancy. This bill would require firms performing an audit of a California-headquartered company to register with the California Board of Accountancy, but it would allow other out-of-state CPAs to provide service to their California clients without notifying the CBA.
   It would also allow California CPAs to provide services to clients in other states and protects consumers by giving the CBA the authority to take disciplinary action against out-of-state CPAs.
   I’m in favor of the legislation, and I agree with the Coalition for Business & Consumer Choice, which says the bill will “enhance our business climate and promote a global economy, improve consumer choice and protection and make our state accountancy policy consistent with that of other states.”
   We are counting on your to join us May 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento so legislators can better understand AB 2473 and the issues facing CPAs today. More information on mobility is available online.
   Second, remember to breathe. Tax season can take its toll on a CPA, so be sure to take time to calm your mind. Read your favorite blog, call a friend or go for a brisk walk. And when the season is finally over, take a trip! I’m flying to Manila April 24, and then to Vancouver to celebrate my birthday by running a marathon. OK, that might not be your ideal vacation, but be sure to treat yourself. You deserve it!
   As always, feel free to e-mail me with any ideas or suggestions. And if you are interested in joining the chapter leadership, call the Glendale office for more information on the many needed committee positions.
   Happy April.
—Vee Cristobal, CPA
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CHAPTER NEWS

New Members

On behalf of the Los Angeles Chapter’s officers, directors and members, we extend our warmest of welcomes to our new members: Beth Bayer, Cheryl Calhoun, Stephen Chan... [see all new members]

A New Way

As we approach a new CalCPA membership year, there will be procedural changes for the Los Angeles Chapter:

The following will become effective May 1:

• Chapter technical committees and discussion groups will no longer keep petty cash accounts. Therefore, participants paying with cash must have the exact amount. To process CPE credits efficiently and timely, the following preferred registration payment options are available:
1. Online
2. Check
3. Credit card
   
   
• To reduce costs the chapter will no longer mail technical committee and discussion group meeting notices. Meetings will be promoted on the chapter’s website and with e-mail notifications.

• A nonmember rate will now be incorporated to all chapter committee and discussion group meetings.

The following will become effective June 1:

We value your membership and commitment to CalCPA, the Los Angeles Chapter and the CPA profession.

Chapter Mentoring and Internship Program

A dozen chapter members, along with student members from Loyola Marymount University and Cal State Los Angeles, have started the chapter’s Mentoring and Internship Program. Go online to find out what it’s all about.
   For more information, contact program associate Sandy Benitez.

2008-09 Chapter Leadership

We are proud to announce the following members as incoming leaders for 2008–09:

Officers:
President: John Samore III
First vice president: Jenny Bolsky
Vice president: Barry Hensiek
Vice president: Loni Ang
Secretary: Marissa Bueno
Treasurer: Marianne Sfreddo

Directors:
Robert Park
Carrie Hidding
Gogi Overhoff
Jeff Chen
Cory Stigle
Jim Gellas
Barbara Felicano
Gregory Kunkel
Robert Trevisan
Jennifer Ziegler
Mitzy Barreto
Barbara Gottliebe
Catherine Hyodo
Mark Pribble
Michael Spindler

CalCPA Council Representatives:
John Samore III
Gayle Whittemore
Barbara Rosenbaum
Geoff Bremer
Loni Ang
Jenny Bolsky
Vee Cristobal
Timothy Good
Barry Hensiek
Marianne Sfreddo
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CalCPA NEWS

Don't Miss This Year's California Summit on Financial Literacy

CalCPA and the California Jump$tart Coalition are hosting the second California Summit on Financial Literacy at the Sacramento Convention Center Wednesday, April 23. And given the current credit crisis facing the state and the nation, the timing could not be better.
   Participants will connect with a variety of programs, organizations and dedicated individuals working to improve the level of personal financial education of all Californians.
   As the most trusted adviser, CPAs have a responsibility to address this important issue, and the Summit will offer ideas for everyone concerned.
   More program information can found at the California Summit on Financial Literacy homepage, along with registration information and a video from the highly successful 2006 Summit.

CPA Day at the Capitol

Help legislators understand key issues facing California CPAs including the importance of CPA mobility and achieving substantial equivalency in our state. California is a part of a national effort to remove unnecessary barriers to providing services across state lines, which is unjustly costly to the clients of CPAs and may in fact interfere with consumer choice.
   The connections you make will prove to be crucial in educating legislators and their staff before they vote on issues important to you as a California CPA.
   You will establish meaningful relationships that ultimately will create a more favorable business environment for CPAs throughout California.

Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 9:30 a.m./registration; 10–11 a.m./issues briefing; 11 a.m.–3 p.m./appointments with legislators; 3:30–4 p.m./debrief
Location: Sheraton Grand Sacramento; Sacramento
RSVP: Online

Register Online

Register and pay for CalCPA events 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit CalCPA.org’s Master Calendar to search for CPE and other events by chapter or key word. Explore the possibilities.
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RESOURCES:

CPE Calendars:
Area Discussion Group
Technical Committee Calendars

Los Angeles Chapter Leadership