News

New CA Court of Appeal Case Helps Determine Cessation of Work in the Absence of Recorded Notice

In California, a prime contractor is required, under Civil Code section 9550, to post a payment bond for any public works project larger than $25,000. A payment bond guarantees that funds will be available to pay for labor or materials furnished on a project. Since mechanics liens cannot be asserted against public property, public works subcontractors have few options for recovery if the prime contractor fails to pay. In many cases, a subcontractor’s recourse for collection of sums due is to file a stop

Alston & Bird - Prepare for California's Ban on 'Stay or Pay' Contracts

Our Labor & Employment Group explains how California’s AB 692 will make “stay or pay” employment contract provisions illegal for agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2026. Employers can no longer require workers to repay training costs or pay penalties if they leave a job earlyAny employment contract with prohibited provisions after the effective date will be voidAffected employees can sue for substantial damages and legal costs California's AB 692 makes “stay or pay” employment contracts

Safety & Training Short: Floods - Health Hazards

Objective: To assure familiarity and understanding of common health hazards present in flooded areas. Floods are extremely dangerous to life and health, even in their aftermath. Everyone involved in response and recovery operations must be aware of the hazards they face. ExhaustionHypothermiaHeat IllnessContaminated WaterClick here to download the training short in EnglishClick here to download the training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts provided by George Petersen Insurance Agency, the proud

Top Wellbeing Trends for 2026

Before we know it, 2026 will be here. As the year draws to a close, a question often at the forefront of business and consumer conversations is: What are the next major shifts in wellness? The industry is constantly evolving, but based on emerging predictions and market analyses, here are key wellbeing trends anticipated for 2026:It’s still about AI Personalized Health and Wearables: Oura Ring. Garmin. Apple Watch. Smart rings and watches are still hot on the trends list. These devices track individual

Bid Opportunity: Glenwood Elementary School Building D Renovation Project

San Rafael City Schools (“District”) is seeking proposals from qualified persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, associations, or professional organizations to provide constructability review, value engineering, master scheduling, cost estimating, budgeting, and construction services for the development and construction for the Glenwood Elementary School Building D Renovation Project (“Project”), in accordance with the lease-leaseback structure set forth in Education Code section 17406 et seq. The

Bid Opportunity: Davidson Middle School Classroom Modernization Project

San Rafael City Schools (“District”) is seeking proposals from qualified persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, associations, or professional organizations to provide constructability review, value engineering, master scheduling, cost estimating, budgeting, and construction services for the development and construction for the Davidson Middle School Classroom Modernization Project (“Project”), in accordance with the lease-leaseback structure set forth in Education Code section 17406 et seq. The

Marin Builders Association Celebrates the Season at Ounces Outdoors

We were thrilled to welcome more than 100 members and friends to our annual Holiday Celebration at Ounces Outdoors in Terra Linda. Surrounded by the warm glow of festive lights, our community came together to enjoy an evening filled with connection, celebration, and holiday spirit! Members were treated to lively music, outstanding local brews, and delicious food throughout the evening. Laughter, conversation, and new introductions filled the space as longtime members reunited and new relationships took

HammerLoop Gives You Instant Access to Local Skilled Labor

Understanding the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Requirements by Eric Rogers, Wagstaff + Rogers Architects

Table of ContentsUnderstanding the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) RequirementsThe Recent Change: Why Marin County Banned Wood Exteriors for 2026What This Means for Builders, Homeowners, and BuyersArchitecture in WUI ZonesMarin in ContextNot Just a Local TrendWhat This Means for ClientsAdapting to the Realities of WUI LivingUnderstanding the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Requirements Learn how Marin County’s updated 2026 WUI requirements impact new construction, remodels, siding materials, and

HammerLoop at Almost 400 Worker Profiles

Hey MBA members! We appreciate your patience while we launched out BETA, and greatly value the ones who created profiles on the platform.  We wanted to announce that we now have almost 400 worker profiles of workers, and the majority of them are right in your own backyard.   Create your free profile today, and post your jobs with us!  The first 1,000 profiles created will receive a free membership for life!Create Your Free Profile Here CJ Simmons Founder 707 837 3623

Safety & Training Short: Electrical Safety - Voltage Testing

Hazards of voltage testing: Anyone performing electrical measurements must understand the safety hazards associated with this task and be certain that their tools meet code requirements. Persons testing voltage on energized equipment or for verification on locked out equipment can be injured if test instruments are not appropriately applied or the wrong instrument is used for the job.  Make sure your instrument is appropriately rated for the equipment being tested:Qualified persons need to be trained to

Design Development: Buildable Architectural Solutions by Eric Rogers, Wagstaff + Rogers Architects

During each architectural phase, our goal is to guide clients with clarity and intention. As Bay Area architects, after the conceptual foundation of Schematic Design is developed and approved, the project transitions into buildable architectural solutions with a deeper, more technical phase known as Design Development, the second of the 5 Basic Architectural Services. This stage represents the shift from big “pie in the sky” ideas to coordinated, buildable architectural solutions. It is where your

Fire Smart Yards: A Visual Guide for Landscapers - A FIRE SAFE MARIN Publication

Check out the Fire Smart Yards flipbook – a bilingual (English + Spanish), photo-rich guide to designing beautiful, fire-resilient landscapes. Created with input from local landscape professionals, this flipbook offers practical tips and inspiring visuals on mulch, spacing, tree care, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a hobby gardener, or just curious about fire-smart landscaping, this is for you. View It here. This guide provides a brief overview of the main principles of fire smart landscaping,

Dinsmore & Shohl - California's 2026 Employment Law Shake-Up: What Employers Need to Know

Starting in 2026, California employers face sweeping changes that redefine workplace compliance. From expanded employee rights and pay transparency to stricter rules on repayment agreements and gratuity enforcement, these new laws require immediate attention. We’ve compiled a detailed list of the key updates and deadlines so you can prepare now and avoid costly missteps.  Senate Bill 294 Effective January 1, 2026, SB 294 establishes the Workplace Know Your Rights Act. Under this law, employers are

Bid Opportunity: Roofing Replacement at Marin Primary & Middle School

NOTICE TO BIDDERS / INVITATION TO BID 1. Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District (“District”) will receive sealed bids to construct the following project: Roofing Replacement at Marin Primary & Middle School (“Project” or “Contract”) 2. Bidders must submit sealed bids on or before 2:00 p.m., December 9, 2025, at the District Office, located at 230 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, California 94939, and Bidders must ensure that the District time stamps

Getting Paid for Costs of the Government Shutdown

Now that Congress has passed a budget ending the government shutdown, contractors are left wondering how and when they will be compensated for costs incurred due to the government shutdown. This post explores how government contractors can recover not only the cost of work performed during the government shutdown, but also additional costs arising specifically from the shutdown. In order to get paid for impacts, contractors must understand: Shutdown Basics and Delayed PaymentPartially Funded

Accounting for Tariffs in Construction Contracts

President Donald Trump has implemented his “America First” trade policy throughout 2025 by implementing a sweeping set of tariffs aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on foreign goods. The tariffs, which have fluctuated since January, have included threats of a 145% tariff on goods imported from China, a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 10% universal import tariff on all goods entering the U.S. With the proposed tariffs constantly fluctuating, the impact has quickly rippled through the construction

County of Marin Licensed Contractors List 2026

The County of Marin is inviting all licensed contractors to submit their firm’s information to the County of Marin Department of Public Works for inclusion on the list of qualified bidders for the upcoming year. The County of Marin will refresh our contractors list starting January 1, 2026. The list will include, at a minimum, all contractors who have properly provided the County of Marin with the information required as stated in the form, either during the calendar year in which the list is valid or

California’s October State Law Updates: What Employers Need to Know

Throughout October 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple employment-related Bills into law. These new measures address a wide range of workplace-related matters, including regulations aimed at the use of artificial intelligence, updates on paid leave, and amendments to mediation procedures. While some of these Bills will be subject to legal challenges that delay or block their application, many took effect immediately or will become effective on January 1, 2026. Accordingly, California

2026 Employee Wellness Benefits Trends

Before we know it, the holiday season will be over, and we'll be starting 2026.  As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead.  The landscape of employee wellness benefits is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for more comprehensive, personalized support.  Understanding these trends now will ensure your organization is prepared for 2026.Trend 1: Holistic, Individualized Care The future of benefits is holistic, with a renewed and necessary focus on financial and mental health.Addressing the Financial

Workers Comp Insurance Fraud: It costs more than you think

For more information, download this printable brochure here or contact: Marin County District Attorney's Office Attn: Insurance Fraud Unit 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.473.6450co.marin.ca.us/da  

Support the Legacy of the Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program

Since 1978 the Marin Builders Association Scholarship & Workforce Training Fund has provided nearly $1 million in scholarship awards to deserving high school seniors. Scholarship winners have gone into nearly every profession, including the building trades, construction management, engineering, architecture, and more. Our Scholarship Program offers an opportunity for all students pursuing a college, university, or trade school education to apply for a financial award. We emphasize the need for trained

New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455    1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New?  Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders