Vice Views

Update on the Blue Ribbon Task Force Activities

So here we are at the start of June.  ½ of the year is gone already.  It has been a very busy year so far and I am pleased at the results from the Chapter so far.  Meeting attendance is up over the last few years.  More people are getting involved and there have been some new faces express interest in contributing.  Great stuff for the Chapter and I think it is showing in some of the events that have been conducted, such as Law Enforcement Appreciation and the May Seminar.  Our monthly meetings have been valuable and attendance is up there as well.  I want to thank everyone right up front for helping make this a good (not great yet, but good)! year.  The next few months will see even more great events, with the golf tournament at a new and improved venue (also with new and improved features too, such as a putting contest lunch AND dinner, and free drinks.  The Security Officer Appreciation event should also bring a full house.  Don’t forget to check the events section on the website for all of the details, and make your reservations early! 

I wanted to take time out this month to talk briefly about the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security and Technology and to update you on what has (or has not) been happening.

A group of individuals from the SFBA Chapter volunteered their time to come together back on May 2^nd, at my request, to draft a proposal that we then presented to the San Jose Blue Ribbon Task Force on Aviation Security and Technology on May 10^th.  All in all, there were over twenty participants, none of whom were solicited, but all volunteered their time because they, as I, saw real value that our Chapter could bring to the table with regard to the mission of the task force.  We also recognized the one thing missing from this exercise – security people.  Plus, many of us, since September 11^th, have been looking for ways we can contribute to the country, our communities and to this whole issue about a war on terrorism.  Certainly, as security professionals, we KNOW we can add value.

So, here it was May 2 and we had to have something to present the Task Force on May 10^th.  The original date was scheduled to be May 31^st, but the week before, we were notified that the date had to be changed to the 10^th because of a logistics problem relative to the application forms that presenters had to fill out, which did not go out until late.  This really put the pressure on, knowing that we only had eight days to figure out what we would be presenting.

This group of almost twenty five people came together in person, and on the telephone to meet and craft our proposal.  It took ONLY TWO HOURS to come up with the framework for what we wanted to propose.  I was so impressed with how these people, who never had worked as a group prior to this meeting, got into a room and hammered out our position.  Everyone brought to the table a little different level of experience and all contributed.  Before I go on with my long-winded assessment, I want to take the time to thank all of them for their efforts.

The following week, after assignments by several individuals to draft and review the presentation, we came together on a conference call on Tuesday the 7^th of May to finalize and gain agreement from all, which we did in a very short period of time.  Some of the feedback I received from the participants included things like “these are the kinds of activities the Chapter should be involved with” and “we should do more of this kind of things, rather than have only monthly meetings and events.”  I totally agree, and will look for other things to get involved in, from a Chapter point of view.  I also encourage the membership to bring similar types of issues to the attention of the Chapter leadership.  Again, this organization can add real value to the Homeland Security effort, but we will not unless we go out and get involved.

Mr. Jim Cawood CPP, Connie Vaughn and myself attended the Task Force Public hearing on the 10^th.  Mr. Cawood CPP delivered the presentation, which was excellently done and the panel was focused on what he was saying.  In addition, both Mayor Gonzalez and Congressman Honda arrived into the meeting room just prior to Mr. Cawood’s remarks.

We also got the attention of ASIS National.  In fact, in a letter received from Jack Lichtenstein, Director of the Public Liaison Committee, he stated, “What you are doing out there is exactly the type of thing that ASIS chapters need to do in order to heighten the involvement and recognition of the security profession in every part of the country.

Right now, for example, we have some of our chapters working with the White House to set up a series of Town Hall meetings in Denver, Portland (Oregon), Atlanta, and Chicago on the nation's information security strategy.  Our New Jersey chapters are working in their state to develop a model homeland security program for the country.  Those are a few cases. 

Please keep me informed of your program out there.  There may be results from it that can be used nationally.  Also, if there is anything that you, or Congressman Honda's office, or the others involved in your program need from ASIS international headquarters here, they should call me.”

Unfortunately, since making our proposal to the Task Force, we have NOTHING from them, not even a thanks for participating.  If you remember my April newsletter article, I had expressed doubts about the real motivation for doing this Task Force.  I said then, and I really still believe, that the efforts of this task force were designed ONLY with the idea in mind to bring some of the funds from the Transportation Security Act to the Silicon Valley.  I do not believe that this Task Force’s activities will result in ANY significant improvement in Aviation Security.  Even the Task Force Chairman, Mr. Bill Thompson of Symantec, stated the money issue in his opening remarks at the hearing we attended, though he neglected to mention that Security would not be improved for our traveling public as a result.  (He never said that it would be either).

Here are some other facts from the activities of the Task Force:

• All of their meetings, except the public hearing we attended, and the technology presentations, were closed to the public.  No information on their hearings and meetings will be distributed to the public, expect for the recommendations which they will be submitting to the Transportation Secretary.  We will not have any idea or input into their recommendations.
• The feedback from some of the technology companies I have spoken with, who applied to demonstrate existing and emerging technologies, reported that out of almost 40 companies who applied to make presentations, less that 15 were actually invited to participate.  No explanation was provided to firms that were not invited.
• NO security person was present on the panel when the public hearing was conducted.  In fact the ONLY Security person on the panel, the Managing Director of Security for American Airlines, was not even at the hearing.

Sometimes it is really frustrating to see how these politically motivated projects are conducted.  I will be writing personal letters to Mayor Ron Gonzalez in San Jose, and Congressman Honda, to express my thoughts and frustration with their task force directly to them.  I encourage you to do the same, if you feel the same way.

Then we should go right back out and find some other ways to contribute.

Talk to you next month.  In the meantime, comments are encouraged.  Please direct them to me at vicechair@sfasis.org. To view the text of our presentation, and some of the other details of the task force, please also visit the special section on the web page dedicated to the Task Force and our activities.

Brad Minnis CPP
Vice Chair SFBA Chapter

General Membership Meeting Minutes

San Francisco ASIS Chapter

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2002 AT PARKSIDE HALL, SAN JOSE, CA

The 30th Annual Security Seminar and Exhibits hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of ASIS International opened at 8:00 AM and closed at 4:00 PM.

Chapter member James Cawood, CPP, President, Factor One, was the first speaker at the Seminar. Jim spoke on "Thinking like an Evildoer: A New Security Requirement". The second speaker was Michael Sherwood, Director of Information Technology for the City of Oceanside, CA. Michael spoke on "Assessing your Security Needs: Does Biometrics Play a Role?" The final speaker at the seminar was Linda Florence, CPP, and Member of the Board of Directors, ASIS International. Linda spoke on "Innovative and Creative Leadership".

There were 82 booths for Security Exhibitors and 650 individuals signed up for the seminars and exhibits. The total luncheon count was 326 individuals.

The luncheon was called to order by ASIS San Francisco Bay Chapter Chair, Connie Vaughn. Connie welcomed the approximately 180 attendees at the luncheon and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. She called on Reverend Andy Harrel, Minister for the Santa Clara Police Department for the Invocation.

Chair Vaughn then asked for a motion from the floor to dispense with normal business. Patrick Sharkley, CPP moved and seconded by Ron Sathre, CPP. The motion passed.

Linda Florence, CPP and a member of the ASIS International Board of Director, then brought greetings from ASIS President Steven Millwee, CPP. She also thanked the San Francisco Chapter for its leadership in having such an Outstanding Seminar and Exhibit and setting the pace for other chapters in the Society. Linda then presented two awards to the Chapter. The first was for the "Outstanding Newsletter of the Year" and the second was "Honorable Mention for the I.B.Hale AWARD".

The luncheon speaker was Dr. Mortimer Feinberg who spoke on the topic of "Maintaining Emotional Stamina in a World of Change" (Dr. Feinberg is a published author, including articles in the Wall Street Journal and co-authoring the book "Why Smart People do Dumb Things." He has been a consultant to four Presidents of the United States).

Chair Vaughn asked the Seminar and Exhibit Committee to stand and then "Thanked" each member individually as well as the others who were still performing their duties.

Chair Vaughn announced that the Annual Golf Outing, this year in honor of Larry K. Marshall, would be held on August 15, 2002 at the Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas with a luncheon and golf and a dinner/ awards. Set the date aside for a fun afternoon and earl evening.

Next Chapter event is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th at 9:00am. To be held at the Gilead Sciences Company, Sandpiper Conference Rooms, 333 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, CA. Speaker is Edward J. Gee, AIA "Strategic Architectural Design with Security in Mind".

The luncheon was adjourned at 1:15pm to return to the Seminar and Exhibits.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ken Fauth, CPP
SFBA Chapter Secretary

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

ASIS SF Bay Area Chapter
Executive Committee Meeting
Juniper Networks, Sunnyvale, CA
May 1, 2002, 11:00 a.m.

Present: Chair Connie Vaughn; Vice-Chair, Brad Minnis, CPP; Secretary, CPP; Ken Fauth, CPP Committee Members Present: None

1. May Seminar & Exhibits— Discussion centered on activities being planned. Registration for lunch appears to be approximately 164 people as of today.
2. Annual Chapter Audit - Was distributed for the Tax year 2001. Dennis T. Haw, CPP had completed and filed tax form. All balanced
3. Newsletter for May was distributed. Some additional work needs to be performed to have it ready. (Articles attached)
4. Committees - The following appointments and actions were announced by Chair Connie
   1. IB Hale—Kathy Goelkel (has been maintaining documentation all along!)
   2. Foundation—Art Lesser
   3. Speaker's Bureau - Draft letter to members was shared. Connie will email to all members. Those interested will complete an on-line form and the Executive committee will review for acceptance.
   4. Membership- Names will be reconciled with National. Any person requesting email name removal will be accommodated by Steve Duell (Web Master).
   5. CPP
      Scholarship for CPP Review course has a deadline of June. Rudy DuBord, CPP, will push for candidates for scholarships. ASIS International received payment for books and used my membership number. As such, they should be arriving shortly.
   6. Open Chapter positions
      1. Historian
      2. Public Affairs (TBD)
      3. Programs (TBD)
   7. Golf Tournament—Brad Minnis - Set for August 15, 2002 at Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas. 11:00 - 11:30 Registration, lunch, Driving Range warm up, golf. Green fees, refreshments ALL day long, green fee, cart, PLUS dinner and awards…. Just $125. A person. Car for designated "Hole-in-One" shot, plus other prizes…American Heart Association to be there.
5. June Membership Meeting: Gilead--Foster City--Lance Huntley would be interested in being a host. He can seat 50-75. Need a program…Maybe the Airport Security Project- Brad to follow-up
6. July membership Meeting: KLA Tencor—Milpitas or San Jose Campus (TBD)—Jeff Gurule. Need a program. Ken to check on FBI Agent/ "Workplace Violence"
7. ASIS International September 10 – 13. Chapter will follow tradition of buying a table for the Foundation.
8. Other

Next Executive Council Meeting June 5, 2002 at 11 AM at Guidant.

Respectfully submitted by
Ken Fauth, CPP
SFBA Secretary

Membership Updates

New Members

Jeff Anderson
Pulnix Sensors Inc

Frank Balajadia
General Dynamics Advanced Info

Jesus Berrios
Gray Wolf Investigations

John Endert
eBay Inc

Eugene Gaik
US Army Corp of Engineers

William Impellezzeri
Guardsmark Contractor/Altera

Sidney Johnson
Sec Tek Inc

Lisa Judd
Allied Security

Jeffrey Kang
Federal Protective Svcs

Gerald Meisel
Asian Art Museum - San Francisco

Charles Parker
Guardsmark Inc

John Petrick

Michael Rojansky
WRMS/Calpine

Jerome Ryan
Dolby Laboratories

Heidi Teska
Allied Security

Richard Ulmer
Barton Protective Svcs

Victoria Walker
Bay 101

Members Transferred In

Joseph Loerzel
Federal Protective Svcs.

Members Transferred Out

Robert Baker

David Robertson

By Cindy Doyle
SFBA Membership Committee

Internet Interests

SPAM

It’s what’s eating your lunch…

SPAM, if you have an email address you have probably already received SPAM email. What is SPAM email? SPAM email is email that is sent to you without being invited. It is, in essence, junk mail.

Why would anyone get upset over junk mail besides it’s being a nuisance? Easy, unlike postal junk mail, if you have a dial-up connection, you are PAYING for your junk email. That’s right, while you are sitting there waiting for all of these junk emails to download, you are paying for the time it takes to download them.

Depending on your viewpoint, SPAM email is theft. Regardless of your viewpoint, dial-up connection users are being stuck with download charges that they didn’t request. To make matters worse, some SPAM is even virus-infected which causes additional costs and problems for the recipients.

Is there anyway to stop your being SPAM’ed? Unfortunately the answer is no. There is no US law that prevents SPAM from being distributed to American citizens. Although we have passed a law that says SPAM email must include removal instructions in them, these removal instructions rarely work and the requests are more often than not ignored by the SPAMmers.

In fact, many requests for removal from SPAM lists will cause the following:

1. Your email address has now been considered to be “validated” and you will be added to other SPAM lists.
2. Your request may be responded to by the SPAMmer downloading a virus onto your computer as a “parting shot”.
3. An automated reply telling you that your request was denied for one reason or another.
4. Misleading instructions that either confirm your SPAM subscription or else add you to other lists.

Does SPAM email work for the senders? Again, the answer is no. Most often, SPAMmers will generate animosity towards their products and services. SPAMmers often receive death threats or other derogatory responses. It is hard to believe that anybody ever uses this intrusive and unwelcome method of advertising while believing that it will actually help their cause.

Is all uninvited email SPAM? No, there are many legitimate email lists that people voluntarily subscribe to. These legitimate email lists DO offer working removal options and they do comply with the law. Your ASIS SFBA Chapter uses one of these legitimate email lists.

Don't give up hope though.  You can purchase and install various email filters that will examine your email and then reject those that come from either common sources of SPAM or which have specific words or phrases in the subject.  Some filters will even mail back a Remove Request or an Error Message to the sender.  However, you should be aware that there are two kinds of SPAM filters; one for local email programs and one for Internet-based email programs.  (No, you can't use the same one for both kinds because they are two completely different types of email setups.)

Perhaps between the negative responses from recipients of SPAM, the use of SPAM filters, and people fed up with wasting their time and money on SPAM who are now taking the time to write to their legislators asking for SPAM to become illegal, we may yet see the end of at least this current version of SPAM.

Respectfully submitted by Steve Duell
SFBA Chapter Webmaster
Send replies to webmaster@sfasis.org

Featured CPP Profiles

Every month, we will be featuring one or two of our Chapter's CPP members in this forum.  We applaud their achievements and self-dedication to the Security Industry, and we would like to recognize their efforts with this special web page.

This month's Featured* CPP member is:
Ken Fauth, CPP
     

Ken Fauth, CPP
Owner
ASIS Member since prior to 1969
Earned CPP in 1983
      

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

ASIS SF Bay Area Chapter
Executive Committee Meeting
K. Fauth’s Home, Milpitas, CA
June 5, 2002, 11:00 a.m.

Present:
Chair Connie Vaughn; Vice-Chair, Brad Minnis, CPP; Secretary, Ken Fauth, CPP
Additional Committee Members Present: None

Issues Discussed:

1. May Seminar & Exhibits— Patrick provided an over-view of how it went. The Seminar & Exhibit will have a final report shortly. Roughly 600 people were in attendance, over 80 exhibitors and over 300 at the luncheon.
2. Brad reported on the up-coming 9th Annual Larry Marshall Memorial Golf Tournament— Set for Thursday, August 15, 2002 at Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas.
   11:00 - 11:30 Registration, lunch, Driving Range warm up, golf. Green fees, refreshments ALL day long, green fee, cart, PLUS dinner and awards.
   Cost is $125.00 per person. Car for designated "Hole-in-One" shot, plus other prizes. Many folks have signed on as sponsors.
   A donation will be made to the American Heart Association. Brad shared the “Flyer” to be mailed out to the Committee.
3. Discussion centered on Security Officer Appreciation Day planned for October 17. Several locations were discussed and various candidates to lead the program. Patrick will follow up on these activities.
4. Finances – Patrick report that Wells Fargo Bank was still not sending all the statements to him. He is working on preparing the Monthly report.
5. Chair Connie reported that the ASIS CPP Books had arrived and that she would forward them to De Anza College. Also, the Chapter needed to get a CPP Study group organized and she would be in touch with Rudy (Chapter CPP Committee Chair).
6. Discussion occurred around the July Meeting, July 18 at KLA-Tencor in Milpitas. A topic that would be timely seems to be “Identity Theft”. Patrick was authorized to approach a contact in LA to seek his availability to speak.
7. The issue of having “sponsors” for our web site was discussed at length. It was a decision of the Executive Committee that we would NOT place “sponsor ads on our web site. We would offer to “list” those who sponsor activities during the year on a Special Sponsor Page within our web site.
8. Providing an Invocation at our meetings was requested and will be provided in the future. It should be a responsibility of the location sponsor to contact their local Police Department to obtain their Chaplain if possible.
9. Speakers Bureau for the Chapter. Discussion regarding this topic was tabled for the next two months. We will discuss at later Executive Meeting.
10. Committees/ Volunteers - Chair Connie stated that she would continue to forward the names of volunteers to the group for consideration and utilization where needed.
11. June 20th Membership Meeting: Gilead Sciences Company, Sandpiper Conference Rooms, 333 Lakeside Dr., Foster City, CA. Program is by Edward Gee, AIA on “Strategic Architectural Design with Security in Mind”.
12. ASIS International September 10 – 13, in Philadelphia. Chapter will follow tradition of buying a table for the Foundation. The Executive Committee members all planned to be in attendance.
    Next Executive Council Meeting July 3, 2002 at 11 AM.

Respectfully submitted by
Ken Fauth, CPP
SFBA Secretary

ASIS International
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
Treasurer's Report

May  2002

Respectfully submitted by:
Patrick Sharkey CPP
Chapter Treasurer