View from the Chair

Happy New Year to You and Yours!

It is an honor to be named Chair of such a long established organization. Over 45 years! It is also humbling to be with such esteemed company. Your San Francisco Bay Area Chapter (#006) Executive Council Team Members for 2002 are:

Chair: Connie Vaughn, Business Development Manager for a national security vendor with nearly 10 years experience in Silicon Valley. Phone: 408-954-8274. Email: Connie.Vaughn@alliedsecurity.com 

Vice-Chair: Brad Minnis, CPP, Worldwide Safety and Security Manager for Juniper Networks with over 20 years of security experience in the high tech industry. Phone: 408.747.4898 Email: bminnis@juniper.net 

Secretary: Ken Fauth, CPP, Security Consultant to high tech companies, hospitals, and other commercial institutions. With over 35 years of security experience, Ken brings to our team an extensive background in security management, security instruction (at the college and university level) and several years volunteer service at ASIS International. Phone: 408-262-4165 Email: KenFauth@aol.com 

Treasurer: Patrick Sharkey, CPP, Loss Prevention Principle for Guidant, a medical device manufacturer, with over 16 years of security experience. Phone: 408-845-3070 Email: psharkey@guidant.com 

If no one else noticed, I have the dubious distinction of being the only Council Member without a CPP. And yes, they have all already chided me mercilessly for it. Anyone need a CPP study buddy?

If you were unable to attend the December meeting, which was a little 45th Anniversary Celebration and a little SFBAC-ASIS historical perspective, the information about our Chapter, its founding members, and past Chapter Chairs was both entertaining and enlightening.

If I understood my predecessors correctly, about November or December of this year I should have this whole “Chair” thing down. Of course then it is time for me to pass the gavel.

On a more serious note, 2002 will be a defining year for our organization. Since the 911 attacks, the face of security has forever changed.

As security professionals, we preached security is everyone’s job, but few listened. Today, security has become everybody’s business. People who never gave security a second thought are now wanting to know what their executives are doing about their workplace safety, what kind of backgrounds are their companies performing on new hires, who has access to what areas, and every other element of security and safety.

We have come under the scrutiny of every single internal and external customer we serve. Fortunately, for most of us, it is a blessing because systems and services budgets previously denied are getting funded, or at least considered.

None of us would have chosen this route—nearly 3000 Americans dead—to promote our industry’s agenda. It is a very tough way to earn the respect safety and security has long deserved.

The irony of security is that nobody notices it if it is done well. Departments don’t experience losses and unauthorized activities don’t occur. Even when security issues do come up, they are addressed in a professional manner. The professional relationship based upon mutual respect between various corporate departments and security has now deepened.

Not one other corporate department, except maybe facilities, touches so many lives so many times a day. Unlike facilities, Security’s boundaries are not limited to the physical aspects. Security is in IT, at executive homes, on the employees’ key chain, at the park during the company picnic, at urban transportation centers in the form of executive protection and travel safety tips, virtually everywhere an employee is on company business, security and safety is there too.

When I started working in the security industry ten years ago, I took the job for six months tops. I thought the title would look good on my resume. I didn’t want to be in security. My exposure to security up until then had been in the movies and on television—not exactly glamorous, high tech, or professional.

When I started getting to know you, the ASIS members, you changed my entire perception. That positive image continues to this day.

This is the year to get involved. Your Executive Council is a dynamic group of experienced, trend-setting security professionals. Each one is hardworking and committed to the security industry and our local chapter’s success.

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is one of the largest and oldest. Let’s really turn ASIS on its ear. We are the premier organization on security. Let’s make sure our customers, our peers, and our communities know this.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Respectfully,
Connie Vaughn
SFBAC-ASIS Chapter Chair

What You've Missed Recently

These images are from the 45th ASIS SFBA Chapter Anniversary
and swearing in of the officers for 2002. 

Ron Sathre CPP opens the meeting

Members signed the 45th Anniversary Banner

Ron Sathre CPP greets 2002 Chapter Officers

Ron Sathre CPP receives special plaque	Swearing in of Chapter Officers for 2002	John Suhr gives report on Placement	Rudy Dubord CPP speaks about CPP	Gary Sepulveda reports on Library
Attending CPPs are recognized	Ken Fauth reports Chapter Donations	Donation to Second Harvest Food Bank	Donation to Second Harvest Food Bank	Steve Duell reports on SFBA Website
Former Chairpersons talk about their administrations
Wayne Dexter on our Chapter History	Dennis Haw Chair 1981	Dave Gibbs Chair 1984	Jim Cawood Chair 1989	Bob Denny Chair 1995
John Suhr Chair 1992	Brad Wilson Chair 1997	Lew Schatz CPP Chair 1998	Kathy Goelkel Chair 2000
Certificates of Appreciation from the ASIS SFBA Chapter
Presented to Connie Vaughn	Presented to Ken Fauth CPP	Presented to Kris Rennett	Presented to Brad Minnis CPP	Presented to Dennis Haw CPP
Presented to Gary Sepulveda CPP	Presented to Rudy DuBord III CPP	Presented to Kathy Goelkel	Presented to JR Rucker (left) Julie Snipes (center)	Presented to Steve Duell
Presented to Brad Brooke (Host)

Images provided by Greg Pera
Chapter Photographer.

ASIS SFBA Membership

New Members since May 2001

General Membership Meeting Minutes

San Francisco ASIS Chapter

December 13, 2001
National Semiconductor Corporation
Sunnyvale, CA

The Yearly Holiday Meeting and 45th Anniversary Meeting of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security was called to order by Chapter Chairman Ronald R. Sathre, CPP at 11:45 am.

Chairman Sathre welcomed the members and introduced our host for today’s meeting, Brad Brooke, Director, World Wide Security, National Semiconductor Corporation who also welcomed us and explained emergency procedures. Chairman Sathre thanked Brad for hosting.

Chairman Sathre led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Invocation was offered by Gary Sepulveda, CPP.

Chairman Sathre announced that the chapter’s activities for previous meetings could be found on the Chapter Web Site (www.sfasis.org) and that the minutes of previous meetings and financial reports could also be found there.

Chairman Sathre asked the Treasure, Brad Minnis, CPP for a financial report. Brad stated that the full report for November was on the web site. The chapter balance of November 1, 2001 was $28,742.76, with income for the month being $5,233.35 and expenses of $!,202.09. The ending balance is $32,774.02 as December 1, 2001.

Chairman Sathre asked for committee reports: John Suhr, Placement Chair, discussed the job reference service and the listings on the Chapter Web Site. John further stated that the site was reviewed and that new can be posted by an application process on line. He further clarified that this is a "NO FEE SERVICE".

Rudy DuBord, CPP Chair, spoke of the CPP web site on the chapter web site and welcomed Chapter members, Peter Simonsen, CPP and Jeffrey Gurule, CPP who recently received their CPP certification. Curtis Given, CPP, spoke on why he pursued the CPP designation and what it means him.

Gary Sepulveda, CPP, Library Chair spoke about the Chapter library at DeAnza College and that ALL the publications necessary to study for the CPP examination are there. Gary further asked the membership for additional materials they should obtain.

Chairman Sathre then drew everyone's attention to a banner on the wall signifying the Chapter's 45th Anniversary. He requested that all in attendance to sign their name on it as a memento of today's celebration.

Chairman Sathre then announced "lunch is being served" and directed the membership to a "Free Buffet". Upon the conclusion of lunch, Chairman Sathre asked for all CPP's in the meeting to stand and be recognized. There were 17 CPP's in attendance.

Chairman Sathre drew attention to new Membership presentation packets from Headquarters regarding joining ASIS and benefits of membership.

Chairman Sathre then asked for the five members with the greatest time in membership to be identified: They were Ken Fauth, CPP; Dennis Haw, CPP; Bob Denny CPP; David Gibbs CPP, and Greg Pera. Each was given a box of candy as a memento of their dedication to the society.

Chairman Sathre asked for those in attendance that had been to the most meetings this year excluding the officers to stand and be recognized. They are in order starting with the meetings attended are: Kathy Goelkel, Elizabeth Walker, Brad Wilson, CPP; Jim Serrano, CPP; and Lew Schatz, CPP.

Chairman Sathre asked that the Chapter Secretary, Ken Fauth come forward to assist in a presentation. Each year the Chapter tries to help out the communities in which our members reside. This year the due to the greater need in our communities to assist those less fortunate then us, it was decided that a donation in the amount of $500. Dollars would be made to the Food Banks serving the 3 counties where our members reside. Receiving the contribution for Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, Second Food Harvest was Ms. Jenny Luciano. Receiving the contribution for San Francisco was Mr. Tony Tucher, SF Food Bank. Each expressed their gratitude on behalf of the needy of their service area.

Chairman Sathre announced that the Chapter Web site had been recognized by Steve Milwee, President elect for 2002 of the Society as being "Best Practice" Chapter Web Site. He commented on what an honor it has brought to the Chapter. He then asked Webmaster, Steve Duell, to come forward and be recognized and say a few words. Steve thanked the membership for their support, announced that he is on a "ASIS International Task Force" to establish standards and guidelines for chapters around the globe. Steve was especially proud of the "Call to Duty" feature added to our web site. He encouraged all to view and continue their support.

In continuing to celebrate our Chapter's 45th Anniversary, Chairman Sathre showed a commemorative "Wine Glass" that had been created for this occasion. The wine glass has the ASIS logo inscribed under the "45th Anniversary" wording, along with the list of this year's officers and the Charter date of September 24, 1956. Each member in attendance would be presented with one at the close of the meeting.

Chairman Sathre, had contacted previous Chapter Chairs to say a few words on the highlight of the Chapter during their tour of duty. Ron shared with us some verbal comments he received from the Charles E. Hayden, 1961-62 Chair, on how the chapter grew from 60 members to 110. Ron then read a letter from Darlene Sherwood, 1977-78 Chair, the first female elected to the position of Chair in the chapter.

ASIS Member, Wayne Dexter, CPP, provided some early history on the Chapter's first Chair, Jack Buckley (deceased).

Denny Haw, CPP, 1981 Chair, commented on the conduct of the meetings held at "Diana's Shack" and the early start and late afternoon finishes.

David Gibbs, CPP, 1984 Chair, spoke of "strategic teams with purposes", 120 in attendance, Mayor of Sunnyvale big supporter, the importance of a "Hospitality Committee".

Jim Cawood, CPP, 1989 Chair, spoke of "year of the Earthquake" and how security took on a new recognition and shaking up the security field and membership.

John Suhr, 1992 Chair, spoke on membership and the "people who gave to the chapter", cash flow problems, and how the chapter "runs on the energy of the members".

Bob Denny, 1995 Chair, spoke on why and how "Security Officer Appreciation Day" was started that year and the "new look" of the monthly publication.

Brad Wilson, CPP, 1997 Chair, spoke on Dennis Haw, CPP, being selected as the 2nd recipient of the E.J. Criscouli Jr. Award of Excellence and creation of a chapter "Web site".

Lew Schatz, CPP, 1998 Chair, spoke of the heavy turn-over in the chapter officers and membership, a lot of activities to perform, and the chapter "succeeds because of professionalism".

Kathy Goelkel, 2000 Chair, spoke on what a great organization ASIS is, the web site revisions made, "CPP on line" created, and the capability to pay for reservations/ meals "on line" for chapter events.

At this time in the meeting, Chairman Sathre, in his final role as chair for 2001, presented "Certificates of Appreciation" to the following: Connie Vaughn, Vice Chair; Brad Minnis, CPP, Treasure; Ken Fauth, CPP, Secretary; Kris Rennett, Gary Sepulveda, CPP, Chaplain; Rudy DuBord, CPP, Chair of the CPP Committee; Patrick Sharkey, CPP; Julie Snipes; J R Rucker; Cindy Doyle, Chair of membership Committee; John Suhr, Placement Chair; Greg Pera; Ed Loyd; Wayne Dexter, Nominations Committee; Steve Duell, Webmaster.

Chairman Sathre then presented the "Chairman's Award" and special engraved plaque to Kathy Goelkel, Chair of the I.B. Hale Committee and to Denny Haw, CPP. Special "Appreciation Certificates" were presented to local companies and their security representatives for "hosting our meetings" and included the following: Cisco Systems, Frank Porcaro; Novell Corporation, Jim Serano, CPP; Agilent Technologies, Gary Sepulvada, CPP; AMD, Pete Costner, CPP; Applied Materials, Jim McHahon, CPP; Lockheed Martin Space Center, Michael Parkes; National Semiconductor, Brad Brooke.

At this time, Connie Vaughn, Vice Chair, came forward with Brad Minnis, CPP, Treasure and Ken Fauth, CPP, Secretary and presented Ron Sathre, CPP, Chair with a "Past Chairman's Plague" and an inscription to his year of service as Chair.

The Final item on the agenda was the swearing in of the 2001 slate of Officer's for the Chapter. Due to the demands of business, Regional Vice President, Rob Williams was unable to make the meeting. He authorized current Chair, Ron Sathre, CPP to administer the oath of office to the officer's elect for the 2002 Year term: Chair, Connie Vaughn, Vice-Chair, Brad Minnis, CPP; and Secretary, Ken Fauth, CPP. The oath was administered and each answered in the affirmative and are duly sworn. Treasure elect, Patrick Sharkey, CPP was unable to be present due to business demands and will be sworn in at a later date.

Chairman Sathre closed the meeting at 2:00 pm.

65 members and 19 guests were in attendance.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Fauth, CPP
SFBA Chapter Secretary

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

January 4, 2002

Meeting was called to order by Chapter Chair, Connie Vaughn at 11:15am.

Executive Members were Chair Connie Vaughn, Vice Chair Brad Minnis, CPP, Secretary Ken Fauth CPP and Treasure Elect Patrick Sharkey, CPP.

The purpose of the meeting was an organizational one to understand the assignments of the different officers and executive committees.

Item #1: Connie presented the "Goals" she would like to accomplish for this year. She also presented an organization Book for each officer detailing various roles and functions for the chapter.

Item #2: Discussions regarding the May 16th, 2002 Annual SF Chapter Seminar were held. After reviewing materials, the Parkside Hall, 180 Park Ave in San Jose, CA was selected as the site. Action will go forward to confirm date and site. Discussion also centered around the identification of co-chairs for the event and the seminar structure. ACTION: Connie

Item #3 The speaker for the January 17, 2002 meeting will be Bob Larson, Retired VP, Guidant speaking on "Quality Processes". ACTION: Patrick

Item #4 The "Directory Committee" position was removed from the organizational structure as no longer being necessary with the ASIS Dynamics publication and the ASIS ON-LINE Directory.

Item #5 Official photos for events need to be taken. Members of the executive committee will try to bring their digital cameras to meetings.

Item #6 Criteria for the "Security Appreciation Day" event was discussed. Further discussion to take place at next executive meeting. ACTION: All

Item #7 It was decided that Executive Committee meetings would take place on the 1st Wednesday of the Month at 11:00am. Meeting place would be posted on the web site. Various committee members were welcome but the preference would be for the sponsoring officers to report on their activities.

Item #8 Discussion was held regarding Webmaster Steve Duell proposal regarding his activities and the web site. ACTION: Connie

Item #9 Discussions to swear in Patrick Sharkey, CPP as Treasurer and transfer the records. It was decided to do it on January 8, 2002 at Brad Minnis' Office.

Item #10 Approval of the minutes for the December 2001 general meeting were given.

The meeting adjourned at 1pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Ken Fauth CPP
SFBA Chapter Secretary

Vice Views

SFBA Chapter Members:

Greetings and Happy New Year:

This is the first edition of “Vice View” and I appreciate the opportunity to communicate with the membership. After completing my first year on the council, I feel like I have a good understanding of how things work in the Chapter, and some of the incredible opportunities that we have to elevate the visibility and contribution of the Society, and particularly the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

We all are acutely aware of the events of September 11, 2001, and the profound impact they have had on our lives, and our way of life. There has been no time when the Security profession has been more in the spotlight, and this creates enormous opportunities for us, as security professionals, to make a positive impact on our communities and our workplaces.

To quote from the ASIS mission, “ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security practices by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security concerns”, and, “leads the way for advanced and improved security performance.” There has been no time where these goals have been more important and meaningful, and I would like to talk for a moment about a few initiatives we will be working on this year.

First, there have been numerous programs presented on various topics, from technology security, to homeland security, to hijacking prevention, travel security, and self-defense. In addition, radio and television news programs routinely broadcast news items relative to security. In many cases, speakers for these programs have little to no formal security background, and frankly, I have been disappointed in the quality of some of the information that has been discussed or broadcasted. It is my opinion, and the opinion of several other chapter members, that we should have a “speakers bureau” which would be a resource for organizations to obtain speakers on specific security topics, as well as being a resource for news organizations to obtain “expert information”. This will be a project that I intend to spend a lot of time on this year, and you will hear more from me on that.

Secondly, many organizations that, prior to 9/11, may not have appreciated the value that a credible security organization delivers to that organization, are now viewing security as a valuable asset. Several organizations have increased security at their sites, and many are now considering employing security professionals in their organizations. With over 700 members, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter should be viewed as one of the leading resources for sourcing and referring security professionals. One of the things I would like to see for this year and in the future, is to expand and build upon our referral services, and aggressively market them to recruiting organizations. Two things will happen when we do this – the SFBA Chapter will provide better, meaningful services to our members, and, organizations should find it easier to recruit the professionals they desire.

Lastly, for the Chapter to be successful, we need the participation of our members, both by attending monthly meetings and our events, and more importantly by getting involved with Chapter activities and initiatives. I have been somewhat disappointed in the levels of participation in the last year. I keep hearing things like “There is always some sales person there trying to sell me something”, and “the topics are not meaningful”. I used to say some of those things myself, but the more I think of it, it is really not the case. The fact is, guard companies, systems companies, consulting services, and service providers are as important to the delivery of quality security services as “security practitioners”. To try to exclude these types of individuals would be a huge dis-service to the organization, in my opinion.

Having said that, there are some things that are inappropriate, and deserve to be pointed out:

• Conducting a sales pitch at monthly meetings or ASIS events is inappropriate, EXCEPT at the Annual Seminar and Exhibits. (See Professional Conduct at ASIS meetings.)
• Official Chapter Mailings and other materials, which are funded by the chapter, should not include the name, address, slogan or other advertisement on the letterhead or envelope. When a council member or event chair sends a Chapter mass-mailing using their company letterhead, they should PAY for the postage.
• Mentioning and recognizing sponsors, who donate time, money and other services, is entirely appropriate in Chapter Mailings and by providing other recognition.

There are a number of volunteer positions available, and you can view them at www.sfasis.org I encourage you to get involved and lets all work together to make the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter the best of them all.

I appreciate comments and suggestions, and you can send them to me at bminnis@juniper.net In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you at this month’s meeting.

Brad Minnis CPP
Vice Chair SFBA Chapter

Internet Interests

How Safe is your Web Browser?

Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Netscape Communicator, and about 30 other different web browsers are being used to "surf" the Internet at this time.  Are any of them more secure than others?  Absolutely, emphatically, yes!  Look for the ones with 128-bit, or better, encryption as they are superior web browsers.

Are You Aware that...

Since this is a publicly accessible document, I can not ethically describe the security problems in detail.  Please be aware that several web browsers have left many "backdoors" open that malicious hackers continue to take advantage of and which allow these malicious hackers to "use" your computer whenever you are online.

Did You Know?

Conclusion:

I have found Microsoft Internet Explorer with 128-bit security encryption to be perhaps the most stable and secure web browser available.  Using less secure web browsers is simply an invitation for malicious hackers to come and destroy your computer system. In the past, web browser competitors had very similar products.  For the most part, Microsoft has kept up with the latest technology and security methods while many of their competitors have not.

We all hear about the occasional viruses that attack Microsoft Internet Explorer.  There are two specific reasons for this. First, it is the most widely used web browser.  And secondly, the name Microsoft makes headlines that sell newspapers.  Does this mean that MSIE is weak?  No, it simply means that more people are affected because more people use MSIE.  It also means that there are more people to work on these problems when they occur.

Finally, many people resent Bill Gates and Microsoft's success and therefore use web browsers other than MS Internet Explorer. These people may feel better, but they are taking a very big risk when it comes to their Internet security.  Think about it, Microsoft includes the MS Internet Explorer for free so not using the web browser has little effect on Bill Gates or Microsoft but it could have a tremendous effect on your Internet security protection.

By Steve Duell
Chapter Webmaster

Treasurer's Report
for December, 2001

by Brad Minnis CPP
Chapter Treasurer