News & Updates

Federal Court Denies Berkeley’s Natural Gas Appeal

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declined to revisit the California Restaurant Association case against the City of Berkeley’s Natural Gas Ban, agreeing that Federal Law preempts the ordinance.  

Cities in the region that have taken up natural gas bans are now reconsidering these policies. Chamber staff will be watching these policies closely in the City of San Diego, Encinitas, and others. 

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Mayor Todd Gloria’s State of the City

Mayor Todd Gloria delivered his 2024 State of the City Address this month, focusing on housing, homelessness, infrastructure and public safety. Of note, the mayor indicated support for state action on retail theft, including reforms to Prop 47. Additionally, the Mayor announced that he has signed a new executive order today requiring all relevant City departments to review new housing projects under the City’s Complete Communities program within 30 days. 

The Chamber will be working with City staff to learn more about the implementation of this Executive Order and will bring forward a discussion at our Transportation & Land Development Committee. 

 

U.S. Ambassador Salazar Visits Tijuana 

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar and EPA administrator Michael Regan visited our region this month. The trip focused on transboundary pollution and migration issues. They joined Baja Governor Avila and IB Mayor Paloma Aguirre to celebrate the groundbreaking for the rehabilitation of the Punta Bandera wastewater treatment plant in Tijuana, a major milestone to mitigate pollution impacting the Tijuana River Valley and our border communities. 

Ambassador Salazar also met with regional stakeholders to discuss actions and resources to address increased migration flows. Chamber staff urged him to consider proactive measures including a migrant processing office in southern Mexico and an international campaign to better inform migrants on the use of the CBP One App and other resources available to the migrant community before arrival at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Governor’s 24-25 Proposed Budget

The Governor recently released his Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Proposed Budget. With revised revenue predictions, the proposal estimated a $38B deficit (down from the $68B figure that the Legislative Analysts office had predicted). The spending gap is proposed to be closed through the use of reserves, expenditure and program delays, and spending cuts, including education, climate, and housing.

The Governor will release a revised plan in May after updated tax revenue numbers, and the Legislature has until June 15 to pass a balanced budget. The Chamber will be tracking this between now and the May Revise. 

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: GALPAO GAUCHO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Galpão Gaucho, known for its authentic cuisine inspired by the Gaucho…Brazil’s cowboy, opened its inaugural Southern California location at The Headquarters at Seaport District in San Diego and seventh in the U.S.

Galpão Gaucho features authentic cuisine inspired by the Brazilian cowboy (Gaucho) way of life. As part of an unlimited rodizio dining experience, guests can enjoy 17 marvelous cuts of meat such as beef, seafood, pork, chicken, lamb, and a gourmet salad bar with more than 45 options. Additional experience includes the a la carte bar menu at the elegant and lively bar area. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and shareable plates served in the bar area, and the bar features weekday happy hour specials on both food and drink options. An incredible feature of the restaurant is the group dining experience, where parties up to 150 guests can experience the full rodizio menu in a group setting.

Galpão Gaucho San Diego is located at 789 West Harbor Drive, Ste #134, San Diego, CA 92101.The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday, from 11:30am-2:30pm; dinner Monday through Thursday from 5-9:30pm; Friday from 5-10pm; Saturday from noon-10pm; and Sunday from noon-9pm. For more information and to book your reservation, visit GalpaoGauchoUSA.com, or call the San Diego location directly at (619) 373-9969.

Visit Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse on Social Media:

 

     

LEADers On The Move

We enjoy seeing what our graduates are doing and how they are making an impact on the world. Share your good news with us via email: lead@sdchamber.org.

Elsa Roth (Impact 2018) is now the Executive Director of the Emilio Nares Foundation.

Dawn Wensel (Impact 2020) is now the Development Manager for Sharp HealthCare Foundation.

Kenia Zamarripa (Impact 2019) is now the Vice President of International Business Affairs for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Jimena Villaseñor (Impact 2024) is now a Policy Advisor for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Fiona King (Advance 2023) is now the Mentorship Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – San Diego Chapter.

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: RALLY4REILLY & FRIENDS

Rally4Reilly & Friends was founded in 2017 when Founder and Executive Director, Mark Daggett’s, co-worker’s 23-month-old toddler, Reilly, sustained a major spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed below his shoulders and on a ventilator to breath. This is all too common that a perfectly normal day takes a sudden and drastic turn. Rally4Reilly & Friends is committed to helping children and adults who have been affected by a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Rally4Reilly & Friends began in 2017 with their focus and resources directed towards Reilly, but as time has passed, R4R&F has expanded and is able to help additional people in need.

Their mission is to provide financial and resource-based assistance to people that have been affected by a spinal cord injury. Their focus is to help cover the astronomical medical bills individuals endure following a SCI. Many medical bills and SCI services are not covered by insurance, and this is where R4R&F steps in.

Rally4Reilly & Friends is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization in San Diego run by a group of passionate community business professionals that believe strongly in giving back to the SCI community. As R4R&F increases their presence and awareness in the community, they hope to act as a voice of advocacy for the SCI community.

If you are interested in being a Rally4Reilly & Friends board member or community partner, please contact mark@rally4reilly.org or visit their website: www.Rally4Reilly.org.

Chamber Welcomes New Senior Vice President of Public Affairs

The Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce Jessica Anderson as the new Senior Vice President of Public Affairs.

With an impressive background in public policy and a passion for community development, Jessica brings a wealth of experience to our organization after working as Director of Policy for Mayor Todd Gloria. Her dedication to fostering positive change aligns seamlessly with our commitment to promoting a thriving business environment making the San Diego region the best place to live and work.

Home Sales Down While Price Tags Increase

The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors released their monthly report showing that, overall, single-family resale home prices were down by 17% in November compared to October. Single-family home prices are up approximately two percent and condos, and townhome prices are up one percent. 

Despite the decline in home sales, the report reveals that home prices have increased. This may seem counterintuitive, as a typical market trend might see an increase in demand leading to higher sales and potentially higher prices. However, in this case, it suggests a more complex market dynamic.  

The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors provides specific details on the price changes. You may check out the full report highlighted in this month’s Policy Update newsletter. 

See full report here

San Diego City Council Updates

San Diego City Council Updates

Here’s what happened at the San Diego City Council Hearings this month:

  • City Council approved Chamber-endorsed Housing Action Package 2.0, a package of housing reforms and development incentives put forward by Mayor Gloria to spur housing production, especially for affordable and workforce housing. 
  • The Chamber Policy Team was an instrumental part of the advocacy efforts in support of the package for months and is pleased to see the Council support the package and continue the City’s efforts to address our housing crisis. 
  • Council President Sean Elo-Rivera was appointed as Council President for another term and Councilmember Joe LaCava was appointed as Council President Pro Tem.
  • The Council voted to declare a behavioral health bed crisis in the City and to direct staff to push for more funding and policies that will increase mental health resources and reduce hurdles in care at the county, state, and federal levels.
  • Lisa Jones’ received confirmation as President & CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission!