Extended Service Contracts Review & Legislative Updates, including an update on the NEW Towing Laws NOW in Effect

Presented by ASCCA San Jose Chapter 42

California’s 2026 BAR towing laws and new Extended Service Contract rules are here — and compliance is not optional.

Join us for an expert breakdown of what every shop owner needs to know. Our speaker Dave Kusa is a BAR Advisory Group advisor, working shop owner, automotive business coach, and chair of the state Government Affairs Committee. He brings real-world experience and insider knowledge to help you stay compliant, protect your business, and come out ahead.

👉 Register Now

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
📍 Location: LIVE On Zoom, Register to get the link
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

About Our Special Guest

Dave Kusa, owner of Autotrend Diagnostics, has over 34 years of experience in the automotive service aftermarket.

After graduating from De Anza College Automotive Technology Program in Cupertino, California, in 1984, he began working first as a Diagnostic Technician, then Shop Foreman and Service Advisor. Dave accepted a position at Autotrend Diagnostics in 2000, and became the shop owner in 2001. He, his wife Judy, and daughters Katie and Kristi, continue to run Autotrend as a family business.

After training with many of the best automotive business trainers, Dave hired Ray Kunz of the Automotive Coaching and Training Group to continue his education and move Autotrend Diagnostics to the next level.

Dave is also very involved in the industry. He has worked with the Automotive Service Association (ASA) on the Mechanical Operations Committee, currently services as the chair of the Automotive Service Councils of California’s (ASCCA) Government Relations Committee, was the 2017 and 2025 ASCCA State President, and is the current ASCEF President.

Dave believes now, more than ever, industry involvement, ongoing technical, and shop management training and education are critical to the continued success and growth of anyone in the automotive aftermarket industry, especially now as automotive technology is changing at a rapid pace.

Dave’s words to live by are “adapt or become obsolete”.

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Meet & Greet ~ BAR CAP Program Leaders

Presented jointly by ASCCA Peninsula & San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Peninsula and San Jose Chapters are proud to host a special Meet & Greet with the Bureau of Automotive Repair CAP Program Leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet directly with the BAR leadership!

Denise Cunningham is the Program Manager of BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP), overseeing operations statewide. Denise is visiting our Chapters specifically to meet the professionals in the business. She wants you to know each of them and feel comfortable contacting them if you need any assistance at all. Denise gave an overview of her department and what they do for consumers on zoom in 2025, but she really prefers to be onsite and meet you, the industry, and develop a great working relationship.

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet directly with the BAR leadership!

Dave Kusa, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee and ASCCA’s Representative on the BAR Advisory Group will also provide a legislative update.

👉 Register Now

🗓️ Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
📍 Location: LIVE ONSITE @ Round Table Pizza, 1225 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
🍕 $10 cash donation requested onsite

Round Table Pizza
1225 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

About Our Special Guest

Denise Cunningham is the Program Manager of BAR’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP), overseeing operations statewide. She has spent 25 years with BAR, serving as a program representative and field office supervisor before moving into CAP leadership. Before joining BAR, Denise worked in the private sector as an automotive technician and manager, and she also helped implement a regional repair assistance and vehicle buy-back program similar to CAP.

Why Attend?

• Learn about incentive amounts and what they mean for your customers

• Strengthen customer trust with clear guidance on repair vs. retirement options

• Stay ahead of compliance requirements

• Get your questions answered directly by BAR Staff

Bring a friend or colleague!
🍕 $10 Cash donation per person requested

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WORKSHOP: How to Put AI & Google to Work as an Asset in Your Shop ~ March 19, 2026, Onsite and On Zoom

Presented jointly by ASCCA Inland Empire, Peninsula, & San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Inland Empire, Peninsula, and San Jose Chapters are proud to host a special hands-on workshop with Tim Chakarian, Owner & Operations Director of Bimmer PhD Motorsports and BMW Master Technician.

Tim will demonstrate how to use AI and Google tools to improve operations, marketing, communication, and overall shop efficiency in your shop. This is a working session — BRING YOUR LAPTOP and be ready to follow along, collaborate, and build your skillset learning about these practical tools you can begin using right away in your own shop.

👉 Register Now – Free for ASCCA Members

🗓️ Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
📍 Location: LIVE ON ZOOM AND ONSITE @ California Smog & Automotive Institute, 3001 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 9250
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
🍽️ Note: Onsite attendees enjoy free pizza and drinks.

BRING YOUR LAPTOP!!!

About Our Special Guest

Tim Chakarian, known as “High-Octane Tim,” is the owner and COO of Bimmer PhD Motorsports in Pasadena, California. A BMW Master Technician with over a decade of dealership experience, Tim built his career on technical excellence, leadership, and a passion for elevating the automotive industry. After founding Bimmer PhD in 2009, he grew the shop into a high-performing BMW and MINI specialist grounded in strong culture, accountability, and “Quality without compromise.” Active in ASCCA and Vice President of BIMRS, Tim speaks nationwide on leadership, team development, and using systems to drive performance, teaching shop owners that lasting success comes not just from fixing cars—but from building strong teams and intentional culture.

Register Now – Free for ASCCA Members

Bring a friend or colleague!

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ASCCA San Jose ~ Holiday Party & Christmas In The Park Walk on December 9, 2026

Holiday Party & Christmas in the Park Walk

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 @ 6:30 PM Dinner & Beverages, 7:45 PM Christmas in the Park Walk

Five Points Bar
169 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95110

Experience the magic of the season as we kick off a night of celebration at Five Points Bar, a tribute to the historic Five Points neighborhood in New York.

The cost is $40 per person and includes dinner and no host bar, as well as the traditional door prizes!

We’ll start off by enjoying a hearty winter meal and delightful drinks in the heart of downtown San Jose.

After dinner and drinks, we’ll venture on a short 10-minute walk down South San Pedro Avenue to Christmas in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park, where a winter wonderland awaits with 40+ musical and animated exhibits, a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree, and glittering lights. While you’re there, you can visit Santa or enjoy nightly entertainment.

We look forward to celebrating this magical night with you!

Registration

Registration includes dinner & networking, beverages, and prizes!

  • ASCCA San Jose Members attend this event for $40 per person
  • ASCCA Members of other Chapters attend this event for $40 per person
  • Nonmembers of ASCCA $46

Directions & Parking

Downtown Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park’s traditional walk-thru event takes place at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose at 194 South Market Street between San Carlos and San Fernando. There is no public parking at the park.

From Caltrain: Christmas in the Park is a 15–20 minute and 0.7 mile walk from the Diridon station. Exit the station, turn right, then left on San Fernando Street. Christmas in the Park is located between San Fernando and San Carlos Streets. Exit at the Parkcenter stop.

Light Rail: Exit at the Santa Clara Street stop. Walk to San Fernando Street, then walk west, toward Market Street. Christmas in the Park is located between San Fernando and San Carlos Streets.

City View Plaza and 50 West Parking

San Pedro Square Market Parking

San Jose City Parking Garages

Some of the most popular garages for Christmas in the Park are all within walking distance and you can park free for 90 minutes! Rates and fees differ from garage to garage. Check https://parksj.org for parking rates.

An interactive parking map is available here: https://parksj.org/parking-map/

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ASCCA San Jose ~ Holiday Party & Christmas In The Park Walk on December 10

Holiday Party & Christmas in the Park Walk

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 @ 6:30 PM Dinner & Beverages, 7:45 PM Christmas in the Park Walk

Five Points Bar
169 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95110

ASCCA Chapter Event

Experience the magic of the season as we kick off a night of celebration at Five Points Bar, a tribute to the historic Five Points neighborhood in New York.

The cost is $38 per person and includes dinner and beverages, as well as the traditional door prizes!

We’ll start off by enjoying a hearty winter meal and delightful drinks in the heart of downtown San Jose.

After dinner and drinks, we’ll venture on a short 10-minute walk down South San Pedro Avenue to Christmas in the Park at Cesar Chavez Park, where a winter wonderland awaits with 40+ musical and animated exhibits, a 65-foot illuminated Christmas Tree, and glittering lights. While you’re there, you can visit Santa or enjoy nightly entertainment.

We look forward to celebrating this magical night with you!

ASCCA Chapter Event

Registration

Registration includes dinner & networking, beverages, and prizes!

  • ASCCA San Jose Members attend this event for $38 per person
  • ASCCA Members of other Chapters attend this event for $38 per person
  • Nonmembers of ASCCA $46

Directions & Parking

Downtown Christmas in the Park

Christmas in the Park’s traditional walk-thru event takes place at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose at 194 South Market Street between San Carlos and San Fernando. There is no public parking at the park.

From Caltrain: Christmas in the Park is a 15–20 minute and 0.7 mile walk from the Diridon station. Exit the station, turn right, then left on San Fernando Street. Christmas in the Park is located between San Fernando and San Carlos Streets. Exit at the Parkcenter stop.

Light Rail: Exit at the Santa Clara Street stop. Walk to San Fernando Street, then walk west, toward Market Street. Christmas in the Park is located between San Fernando and San Carlos Streets.

City View Plaza and 50 West Parking

San Pedro Square Market Parking

San Jose City Parking Garages

Some of the most popular garages for Christmas in the Park are all within walking distance and you can park free for 90 minutes! Rates and fees differ from garage to garage. Check https://parksj.org for parking rates.

An interactive parking map is available here: https://parksj.org/parking-map/

ASCCA Chapter Event
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Part 2 of our Legal Series: ADA & Employment Law for Auto Shop Owners on October 28

Presented jointly by ASCCA Inland Empire & San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Inland Empire and San Jose Chapters are proud to present a 2-part legal series tackling two of the most important—and often misunderstood—areas of compliance facing California shop owners today: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Employment Law.

👉 Register Now for Part 2 – Free for ASCCA Members

Part 2: Employment Law Update & Legal Traps to Avoid
📅 Tuesday, October 28
6:30 PM (networking + pizza) | 7:00 PM start
📍 Onsite in Riverside, CA & Live On Zoom

If you think you’re safe from ADA-related lawsuits… think again.

Join us for Part 2 of our Legal Series with attorney Rachelle Taylor Golden, Esq., where we’ll break down the ADA laws that catch most businesses off guard—and what you can do right now to protect yourself and your business. For this session, Rachelle will focus on employment law and upcoming changes that will have an effect on business over the next few months.

This is not just a legal lecture—this is your resource to increasing your knowledge to avoid expensive compliance mistakes.

👉 Register Now for Part 2 – Free for ASCCA Members

Onsite attendees enjoy free pizza and drinks.
This session is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

About Our Special Guest

Rachelle Golden, Esq. is a Director in Fennemore’s Business Litigation practice group. With over a decade of legal experience, Rachelle has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor and litigator for businesses and public entities, guiding them through complex accessibility issues from construction compliance to website usability, and employment-related matters.

Since 2013, Rachelle has represented a broad range of clients, including small businesses and large institutions, in litigation and compliance consulting. Prior to joining Fennemore, Rachelle was President of Golden Law and served as an associate attorney at local firms, where she specialized in accessibility defense litigation, both in the built environment and in the digital space, and defended businesses against employment-related claims.

Beyond the courtroom, Rachelle is a sought-after educator and consultant. She regularly trains employers on sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention and has advised lawmakers on accessibility legislation at both the state and federal levels. Her insights have contributed to bills such as the COMPLI Act (H.R. 241), SB 1142, and AB 3158. Rachelle is a strong supporter of the ASCCA and speaks at Chapter and State Association meetings throughout California.

👉 Register Now for Part 2 – Free for ASCCA Members

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When They Hand You the Keys: Listening That Builds Trust on September 23

Presented jointly by ASCCA Inland Empire & San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Inland Empire and San Jose Chapters are proud to present a session with special guest Juliana Sih that proves the most valuable tool in your shop isn’t in your toolbox—it’s your ability to truly listen.

In the automotive business, success isn’t just about repairing vehicles—it’s about maintaining clear, effective communication that keeps your shop and relationships running smoothly. In the fast-paced, demanding world of auto repair, listening often gets overlooked. This session is designed to elevate your listening skills where they matter most.

You’ll discover how to:

  • Tune in to what’s really being communicated before misunderstandings escalate
  • Handle challenging conversations calmly and confidently—whether with customers, team members, or partners
  • Build stronger trust and collaboration so your shop functions at its peak performance

Listening isn’t just a soft skill—it’s a critical part of running a successful shop where teamwork, reduced stress, and strong relationships drive peak performance.

👉 Register Now – Free for ASCCA Members

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
📍 Location: California Smog & Automotive Institute, 3001 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 9250
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
🍽️ Note: Onsite attendees enjoy free pizza and drinks.

About Our Special Guest

Juliana Sih works with creative, ambitious and driven individuals who have a deep desire to create impact. She partners with her clients to empower their dreams, create new neuropathways, break up the ruts, eliminate barriers so that clients live a life filled with purpose, fulfillment and joy. Through powerful questioning, coaching, partnership, accountability and effective support structures, clients experience new levels of self-awareness that move them into action from a powerful place. Working with Juliana is a space to shift your relationship with yourself and others and generate sustainable, long lasting results.

Register Now – Free for ASCCA Members

Bring a friend or colleague!

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Meet & Greet on Wednesday, September 3 @ 6:30 PM with Napa leaders!

We’re excited to invite you to a very special evening hosted by NAPA!

This is more than just a meeting — it’s a chance to connect directly with NAPA leadership, our chapter board, and fellow members while getting an exclusive behind-the-curtain look at the San Jose NAPA warehouse.

📍 Location: 
NAPA, 1335 N 10th St, San Jose, CA
Park in the back lot.

🕠 Time: 
Wednesday, September 3, 6:30 PM

You’ll have the unique opportunity to see how one of the most important parts of our supply chain operates — from how parts are stocked and managed, to how they make their way out the door and into your shops. This “insider’s tour” is designed to give you a better understanding of the systems that help keep your shop running smoothly every day. 🏭➡️🔧

In addition to the tour, you’ll enjoy dinner generously provided by NAPA, along with plenty of time to network, share ideas, and ask questions. It’s the perfect setting to build stronger relationships with industry leaders, get to know your Chapter Board, and connect with peers who understand the opportunities and challenges of running an automotive repair business.

Why Attend?
🔍 Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the San Jose NAPA warehouse and distribution center
👋 Meet NAPA leadership and local chapter board members in a casual setting
🥘 Enjoy dinner, conversation, and networking with your peers
📦 Gain a better understanding of how your trusted supplier supports your business every day

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to strengthen your professional network, deepen your industry knowledge, and enjoy a great evening together.

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Part 1 Legal Series: ADA & Employment Law for Auto Shop Owners on May 27

Presented by ASCCA Inland Empire & San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Inland Empire and San Jose Chapters are proud to present a 2-part legal series tackling two of the most important—and often misunderstood—areas of compliance facing California shop owners today: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Employment Law.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Pizza & Networking at 6:30 PM; Program starts at 7:00 PM Onsite and on Zoom
Hosted by ASCCA Inland Empire + San Jose Chapters

The ASCCA Inland Empire and San Jose Chapters are partnering again with our next two part topic, tackling two of the most important—and often misunderstood—areas of compliance facing California shop owners today: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Employment Law.

Part 1: ADA & Physical Premises
📅 Tuesday, May 27
6:30 PM (networking + pizza) | 7:00 PM start
📍 Onsite in Riverside, CA & Live On Zoom

Part 2: Employment Law Update & Legal Traps to Avoid
📅 Wednesday, October 8
6:30 PM (networking + pizza) | 7:00 PM start
📍 Onsite in Riverside, CA & Live On Zoom


Part 1
If you think you’re safe from ADA-related lawsuits… think again.

Join us for Part 1 of our Legal Series with attorney Rachelle Taylor Golden, Esq., where we’ll break down the ADA laws that catch most businesses off guard—and what you can do right now to protect your physical shop and website.

✅ An overview of key ADA requirements
✅ Top issues that trigger lawsuits!
✅ Website accessibility: what your vendor should already know
✅ Proactive strategies to protect your business

This is not just a legal lecture—this is your resource to increasing your knowledge to avoid expensive compliance mistakes.

👉 Register Now for Part 1 – Free for ASCCA Members

Onsite attendees enjoy free pizza and drinks.
This session is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

About Our Special Guest

Rachelle Golden, Esq. is a Director in Fennemore’s Business Litigation practice group. With over a decade of legal experience, Rachelle has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor and litigator for businesses and public entities, guiding them through complex accessibility issues from construction compliance to website usability, and employment-related matters.

Since 2013, Rachelle has represented a broad range of clients, including small businesses and large institutions, in litigation and compliance consulting. Prior to joining Fennemore, Rachelle was President of Golden Law and served as an associate attorney at local firms, where she specialized in accessibility defense litigation, both in the built environment and in the digital space, and defended businesses against employment-related claims.

Beyond the courtroom, Rachelle is a sought-after educator and consultant. She regularly trains employers on sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention and has advised lawmakers on accessibility legislation at both the state and federal levels. Her insights have contributed to bills such as the COMPLI Act (H.R. 241), SB 1142, and AB 3158. Rachelle is a strong supporter of the ASCCA and speaks at Chapter and State Association meetings throughout California.

👉 Register Now for Part 1 – Free for ASCCA Members

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ASCCA San Jose Chapter @ San Jose Giants

Join ASCCA for some summer fun!
Thursday, June 12
6:00pm Private Deck Opens, Networking & Refreshments begin
6:30pm First Pitch 

San Jose Giants Stadium
588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112

Our group will be part of the action as we watch the Giants from the PRIVATE Field-level Party Deck.

Your registration package includes game tickets, BBQ meals and two (adult or soda/water) beverages per guest, as well as designated servers and staff to wait in line for food so you won’t miss any of the fun!!

Each guest will have the opportunity to win Lucky Prizes during the game with their very own Scorecard and Bingo card, as well as read up on the history of the team in the program.

Choose one of the four delicious meals (order at the game) and enjoy two adult or other beverages, while enjoying the game on the private party deck.

Bring your friends, family, shop employees, or potential chapter members!

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

No tickets at this reduced pricing will be available onsite.

Purchase your tickets by 12 noon on June 11. Pick up registration packets and tickets at Will Call window at the San Jose Giants Municipal Stadium ticket booth.

COUNTDOWN TO GAME NIGHT

June 12, first pitch @ 6:30 pm

1749776400

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

ASCCA 42 @ SJ Giants

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