Who's Who in the Home Building Industry

Heroes of housing honored by the BIA Orange County

IRVINE, Calif. – (The Register) – Nov. 15, 2003 – The following individuals and organizations have worked to find solutions to the housing crisis in Orange County.

In honor of their commitment, the Building Industry Association, Orange County Chapter is presenting the fifth annual Ruby Slippers award to those who do not work directly in the real estate industry, in the following categories:

1. Business - Orange County Business Council
2. Education - Light Construction and Design Management Program, UC Irvine Extension
3. Elected Official - Assemblyman John Campbell
4. Environmental - miocean
5. Media - Churm Publishing Inc.
6. Non-Profit - Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
7. Public Agency - City of Irvine
8. Regional Leadership - Paula Burrier-Lund, director for County of Orange Housing and Community Services Department
9. Youth Inspiration - Taller San Jose Technical Institute

"Everybody who wants to buy a home should be able to," said Jon Robertson of California Pacific Homes and 2003 BIA/OC president.

"We should be thinking about where our children are going to live when they grow up, too."

Robertson added that housing availability has become a real problem because of the rate at which new homes are approved, which is not even fast enough for those of us living here today, let alone for those planning new families in Orange County.

Presenting a Ruby Slippers award is a way the homebuilding industry thanks those who give their time and money to address community issues.

The BIA will be presenting the Ruby Slippers awards at venues designated by the recipients during the next several months. This way, the people who have worked closely with the recipients will also receive praise and recognition for their efforts in addressing crucial housing issues.