Webinar: Stockton's AI-Powered Fight Against Blight by Code Enforcement Educators

Edit

About This Webinar

This training session will explore how the City of Stockton,CA is pioneering the use of predictive artificial intelligence (AI) to combat blight and code violations. Participants will learn how AI-equipped cameras mounted on code enforcement vehicles are revolutionizing the way violations are detected and prioritized. The session will delve into the technology behind the AI system, its impact on efficiency and workload reduction, and the potential for this innovative approach to transform code enforcement practices in California and beyond.

This is a hybrid course. In-person will be held at
City of Stockton Civic Auditorium
525 N Center St, Stockton, CA 95202

Agenda

Welcome
ICC Updates
Treasurer Reports
Course Topics: Stockton's AI-Powered Fight Against Blight
Q&A
Adjournment

Presenters

Almarosa Vargas

WICED President

Almarosa Vargas has dedicated herself to public service and maintaining high community standards for over 17 years in code enforcement. She began her career as an administrative analyst and has worked tirelessly with innovative problem-solving skills, leading her to become the first woman and Latina to head the Stockton Code Enforcement Division.In addition to her professional success, Almarosa has excelled academically, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She is now pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize code enforcement.

Almarosa is a shining example of perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of diversity in leadership. She is using these skills to assist in the formation of this chapter. As she continues to push boundaries in code enforcement, Almarosa inspires others and is a strong advocate for her community.

Karyn Beebe, P.E., LEED AP

Government Relations Regional Manager

Karyn Beebe, P.E., LEED AP is a California licensed professional engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional with forensic investigation expertise. Prior to ICC, she worked for APA - the Engineered Wood Association, where she worked on strategic partnership development and product support across the Western U.S. She is also past President of ICC’s San Diego Chapter and active member of the Structural Engineers Association of California as a Past Chair of the State and San Diego Sustainable Design Committees and member of the Seismology Light Frame Subcommittee. As the Government Relations Regional Manager for ICC responsible for California, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, and Mariana Islands, she works in collaboration with chapters, members, and stakeholders to support the adoption and effective use of the International Code Council’s codes, standards, products, and services.

Christina Jackson

National WICED Secretary

Christina Jackson is a highly qualified Building Maintenance Official with over 20 years of experience in code enforcement and development. Currently serving as a Senior Codes Compliance Inspector for the City of Newport News, Virginia, she has a proven track record in enforcing building codes, managing teams, and developing programs.

Christina is passionate about empowering women in the field of code enforcement. As a founding member and past president of Women in Code Enforcement and Development of Virginia (WICED-VA), she has actively contributed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the industry. Her commitment extends to helping establish WICED chapters in various states, promoting opportunities for women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

In addition to her professional roles, Jackson serves as an adjunct professor at Tidewater Community College, where she teaches the ICC Technical Training Program, nurturing the next generation of code professionals. She holds multiple certifications, including Certified Maintenance Code Official and Certified Zoning Administrator.

Elisa Vargas

WICED Treasurer

Elisa Vargas is the acting Code Enforcement Supervisor for the City of Palo Alto, CA. Elisa's professional experience lies in both Code Enforcement and Building Inspector, specializing in hoarding abatement to improve health and safety conditions in residential settings. With certifications from the ICC and CACEO organizations, she is skilled at interpreting and enforcing local, state, and federal regulations to address property maintenance issues, including general code violations as well as concerns specifically related to massage parlors and rental housing. Her inspection expertise from both paid roles and volunteer initiatives covers areas such as plumbing, mechanical systems, and structural integrity. With her strong commitment to healthy housing and multifaceted inspector skillset, Vargas-Aguilera has contributed to the betterment of communities across California. Elisa is currently active in the California Healthy Housing Coalition workgroups, which focus on improving the life of those in multi-unit and rental housing.

Gavin Baum-Blake

CEO & Co-Founder of City Detect

As Co-founder and CEO of City Detect, Gavin Baum-Blake is at the forefront of urban analysis transformation, harnessing the power of AI and computer vision to offer innovative solutions for mapping blight, decay, and illegal dumping. Alongside his partner Dr. Erik Johnson, he has led City Detect from an ambitious startup to an award-winning leader in civic tech innovation. Gavin's foundation as an attorney equips him to align technological advancements with ethical and legal standards. Beyond the corporate landscape, he is an avid world traveler who seeks to widen his global perspective by diving the Great Barrier Reef and crawling through the Great Pyramids. Gavin is eager to engage with partners passionate about eradicating urban decay and committed to the evolution of smart, sustainable cities.