2025 RSB CLSA President Jim Drenon (JD), PLS, RPLS
Hello, fellow Surveyors,
As your 2025 President for the Riverside/San Bernardino Chapter, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself.
I grew up in Rialto, in the heart of the Inland Empire, where I was born and raised as a California native. Like many of you, I didn’t originally plan on becoming a surveyor. My journey into the profession began in 1977 when a former co-worker and friend, who had been hired by the Riverside County Survey Department, shared how much he enjoyed the work and the projects he was involved in. It piqued my interest, and I thought, That sounds like a great job.
At the time, I was studying Geology at San Bernardino Valley College but soon transitioned to Surveying courses. In 1979, I applied for a position with the Riverside County Survey Department and was hired. I spent eight years there before transitioning to the private sector in 1987, where I gained valuable experience. Over the years, I earned my Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license in California and Idaho, as well as my Registered Professional Land Surveyor (RPLS) certification in Texas. My last position was with Rail Surveyors and Engineers, from which I retired in May 2024.
I have been a proud member of CLSA since 1988, previously serving as Chapter President and as a Member-at-Large for the State Chapter for two years. After living in Texas for a time following my wife’s passing, I returned to California. Upon my return, Dennis Janda invited me to serve as Chapter President once again, and I am honored to do so.
As President, I am committed to continuing the Bill Young Memorial Golf Tournament, which will once again take place at Menifee Lakes Country Club on September 29. Additionally, I aim to expand our student outreach efforts, particularly with Cal Poly Pomona Geomatics students, and to enhance scholarship opportunities. Most importantly, I want to see our membership grow and thrive.
I am fortunate to have a fantastic team of officers on our Board, and I look forward to working alongside them to make our chapter one we can all be proud of. If you have any questions or suggestions, I encourage you to bring them forward at our meetings throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you at our next Chapter meeting.
Sincerely, Jim Drenon (JD), PLS, RPLS
📢 **Mark Your Calendars – RSB CLSA Dinner is Back!**
📅 Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 📍 Location: Zacatecas Cafe 3767 Iowa Ave #4549, Riverside, CA 92507
Special Guest Speakers: Eric Didion with CSDS, Inc. and Michael Flores with Leica Geosystems Presentation Topic:“Technology Night”
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
RSB CLSA Chapter Members: $30.00*
Students: $10.00*
Non-RSB CLSA Chapter Members: $35.00
(*Students will receive $10 in raffle tickets at the dinner with the purchase of their ticket!)
Join us for Technology Night featuring special presentations from CSDS, Inc. and Leica Geosystems, two leaders in the land surveying and geospatial industry. They’ll be showcasing the latest innovations in surveying technology—from field-to-finish workflows to smart sensors, scanners, and software—and sharing how they’re shaping the future of our profession through their support of education and student programs across California.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student just starting out, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. All are welcome!
Students—come ready to connect with professionals and learn about this great industry. Invite your friends and colleagues and we look forward to seeing you there!!
On that note, it is time to RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP for both Chapter and State. Below you will find links for the renewals. Thank you to all those who have already renewed for 2025.
Western Regional Survey Conference Conference – The conference is scheduled for March 29- April 1, 2025 at The Silver Legacy in Reno, Nevada register here:
The goals of the California Land Surveyors Association are to advance the sciences and technologies within the surveying profession, increase awareness of the surveying profession, promote cooperation between the public and private sectors, establish channels of communication with other organizations, advance the protection of public welfare relative to surveying and mapping issues, encourage ethical and professional behavior, monitor and shape national, state and local laws and regulations, foster educational opportunities and to honor persons for service to the public, the surveying profession, and the Association.
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