"Can we jump on a call?" Video Chats are the new "Do you have a minute" conversation we normally expect in the office. Often these same quick chats are more efficient virtually than when we are in person. They are quick, convenient, and keep our projects moving forward. We tend to us Zoom, Google Hangouts, and UberConference. Being able to Remotely Access our office network computers, software, and files from home allows us to continue to work on projects without delay while being protected by our secure servers and backups. During this time of increased isolation and physical separation, site visits have become a source of concern. To keep our clients and staff safe and healthy, along with keeping our projects on time, we are using the technology available to us to create Virtual Site Visits when possible. With so many clients and vendors working from home or home offices, we are making accommodations for settling invoices and bills as easy as possible. We are accepting credit card payments over the phone and setting up options for Direct Payments Online . Contact us to discuss and share any technology or services that will help keep projects moving forward! 510-573-1557 or info@elementse.com

During this unprecedented time, the team at Element Structural Engineers is committed to providing our services to the highest level in every way possible. You may have questions about how the Shelter In Place order is affecting our business, your projects, and upcoming deadlines. In short, we are working remotely, we are moving forward on projects, and we will remain available to support our clients. We are following Protocols that have been put in place to ensure the safety of our staff and clients. Limiting site visits and following physical distancing and disinfecting when in-person site walks are necessary. Communication is a key part of how we are successfully able to work remotely. Regular video conference calls throughout the week allow us to stay in touch and discuss project progress and coordination. Phone calls, video calls, and screen sharing make our collaborations possible. Our goal is to continue to run at full capacity. So far the impact of the Shelter In Place order has not slowed our team down. There is no change to our Core Values, our design process, or project coordination. We are continuing to receive updates for which services are considered to be Essential Construction. We are following the direction of City Ordinances and CISA on a case by case basis. These changes and updates may affect some projects more than others, and we are confident in making adjustments as required and continue to making forward progress. CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP SCHEDULING YOUR PROJECT 510-573-1557 INFO@ELEMENTSE.COM

What is ESE's Plan? Like all of you, we recognize the ongoing concerns and precautions being taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Our passion for keeping our community safe does not stop at designing safe structures. The well-being of our employees and clients continues to be our top priority. As we continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19 virus and its impact on both the public health and our business, we wanted to let you know of our team's plan for continuing to provide you with the highest level of service. As of now, our office will remain open unless new developments arise from the medical experts or federal, state, and local officials who are dealing with the situation. We have increased efforts to protect all who work and visit our office: -Additional cleaning procedures in all common areas of the office -Hand Sanitizer in key areas around the office -Our employees are educated on the steps they should be taking to keep themselves safe and healthy, including the expectation to stay home if they don't feel well for any reason. We will continue to hold and attend mandatory meetings to support the important work for our clients. While face-to-face consultations are typically preferred, we will plan to utilize Webex, Google Hangouts, and UberConference as alternatives in addition to email and phone/conference calls when possible. Utilizing the available technology will enable us to conduct work and communicate as needed. Protocol for Site Visits and In-Person meetings is being adjusted. We understand that some site visits are necessary to continue project progress and cannot be postponed. Prior to meeting with clients, a call will be made to the person we are meeting to confirm that no one at the site is sick, and that they comfortable having our team onsite. We will also establish if there are any additional precautions that need to be taken before arriving. Due to wide spread concern, we will avoid shaking hands and having direct contact with others where possible. We've Got Your Back! During this challenging time, our team will be available to assist you with your new and existing projects. We will take the necessary precautions to keep our team and our clients as safe as possible and we are happy to discuss ways to provide services while accommodating any new safety requirements. Feel free to contact us at 510-573-1557

ESE was proud to play a small part of this Tiny Homes project in Hayward/Castro Valley. These 6 Tiny Homes will help 6 people in transition. We hope to see many more programs like this put in place around the bay area to ease the housing crisis wherever possible. To learn more about the TinyHomes project, visit: https://www.firstpreshayward.com/tiny-homes

We are excited to be working with Satellite Housing on this project. SAHA was selected to be the developer of this affordable family community. Altamira will provide 48 units of 100% affordable housing for families from Sonoma County. The site has eight residential buildings with one, two, and three bedroom apartments as well as a single community building with community room, offices, covered bicycle storage and laundry facilities. Stay tuned for more photos as construction begins! For more info on Altamira and SAHA, folowing the link here: https://www.sahahomes.org/news/01-07-2020/altamira-breaks-ground-sonoma

ESE is excited to be working with Allied Housing on the new affordable housing project coming to Fremont! Construction is scheduled to being in 2020. 34320 Fremont Boulevard is a three-story affordable housing development with 54 apartments. Of the 54 apartments, there are 22 one bedroom units, 17 two bedroom units, and 15 three bedroom units. For more details, visit: https://34320fremont.info/

We are excited to be working with MidPen, Dahlin Group, and CORE Builders on this much needed Affordable Housing project! The new construction is underway on the Shorebreeze Apartments in Mountain View– 62 apartments for families. Next door to the new construction site, 108 of Shorebreeze’s existing apartments will undergo renovations. For more info, check out the press release from MidPen here: https://www.midpen-housing.org/news-and-media/press-releases/much-needed-affordable-workforce-housing-underway-in-mountain-view/

Each year during the holiday season, the ESE selects an organization to support. This year, we selected to sponsor two families through Abode Services. Our entire team participated in fulfilling the wish lists and wrapping packages to be delivered for Christmas Day. Thank you to Abode Services for all you do to help people in our community. Happy Holidays, for the team at Element Structural Engineers! To find out more about how you can support Abode Services, visit them here: https://www.abodeservices.org

The ESE Team hosted a table at the Second Unit Resource Fair in Redwood City on October 13th. Nearly 400 Homeowners, architects, designers, and contractors gathered to gain and share knowledge of what it takes to build accessory dwelling units on residential properties. We were happy to be among so many people eager to make better use of their existing spaces. From "Grannie Flats," solutions to the housing crisis or rental units, to above garage additions and pool houses, residents want to make the best of what they have. And we LOVE it!