News & Updates

Cal-Israel Mexico Innovation Expo 2018

International

November 13, 2017

The Mexican Consulate in San Diego and the Tijuana Economic Development Corporation invite businesses on both sides of the border to attend the Cal-Israel Mexico Innovation Expo 2018, an event that will rise to insightful discussions focusing on mergers and acquisitions, cross-border investment, venture capital, and education.

The Cali-Baja region is a globally unique binational location for business investments offering a safe, productive, and attractive economical social environment.

You are invited to meet, connect and collaborate with Mexico and Israel business leaders, potential buyers and investors, and strategic partners from governmental and private sectors. The Cal-Israel innovation Expo will be held in at the BIT center in Tijuana, from March 19 to 21, 2018.

For more information, or to register, visit: https://www.israelinnovationexpo.com/

New Nominee to Lead Department of Homeland Security

International

November 13, 2017

On October 11, 2017, President Trump nominated Kirstjen Nielsen to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She vowed to focus on border infrastructure but recognized that the current proposal to build a wall along the entire border with Mexico was impractical. She stated that as the secretary, she would seek technological solutions and work closely with the Border Patrol and other agencies to determine where a wall is actually needed.

During her confirmation hearing, Nielsen was harshly questioned by Senate Democrats because of her inexperience and on how she would carry out the current Administration’s agenda on immigration. She previously served on Bush’s Administration at his Homeland Security Council, designing a national action plan in response to domestic incidents and providing support on lessons from the bungled federal response to Hurricane Katrina.

Transboundary Pollution Issue – Tijuana River Valley

International

November 13, 2017

On November 3, 2017, Senator Ben Hueso led an informational meeting in Imperial Beach with a select committee on California-Mexico cooperation to discuss the water quality and reliability in the Tijuana River Valley, Salton Sea, and beyond. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Tijuana River Border Pollution Control Project and restoring the waters of the Tijuana River, Estuary, and Imperial Beach.

The Committee heard from various agencies and stakeholders including:

  • David Gibson, Executive Officer from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board
  • Sally Spener, Foreign Affairs Officer from International Boundary and Water Commission
  • Doug Liden from the US Environmental Protection Agency
  • Toribio Cueva, Project Manager at North American Development Bank

Discussions outlined various solutions and critical needs faced, the EPA’s role with regard to the TJ River Valley and its border water programs, Tijuana’s biggest challenge of the replacement of the San Antonio de los Buenos water treatment plan and provided a general overview of the city’s sewage system and challenges.

Attendees included:

  • Mayor Serge Dedina from Imperial Beach
  • Mayor Alex Cardenas from El Centro
  • Councilmember Norma Castaneda
  • Councilmember Mike Donovan
  • Councilmember Helen Noriega
  • Councilmember Mark West
  • Former Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny
  • Senator of Baja California Ernesto Ruffo
  • Tijuana Councilmember Marco Corona

To listen to the hearing’s presentations and discussion, visit: http://sd40.senate.ca.gov/CA-Mex-Info-Meeting

On the same topic, the International Boundary and Water Commission, United States and Mexico (IBWC) directed an investigation of a sewage spill in Tijuana earlier this year. The following recommendations were developed for the IBWC Minute 329 Binational Workgroup with the purpose of preventing future incidents:

  • Tijuana’s State Commission of Public Services (CESPT) need to replace and acquire proper equipment.
  • Plans to install flow measuring systems in Rio Almar and Tijuana River.
  • Develop a notification protocol to facilitate communication between government agencies in the U.S. and Mexico.
  • An infrastructure assessment to evaluation the infrastructure’s condition and sanitation.
  • Design and implement a rehabilitation plan for the rehabilitation of sanitation infrastructures.

The Chamber continues to advocate for a work plan between the U.S. and Mexican governments to increase measurable efforts in mitigating pollution and minimizing/eliminating water deficits to the U.S.

Member Spotlight: Crown Castle

Member Spotlight

November 9, 2017

Crown Castle is the nation’s largest provider of shared wireless infrastructure. Since 1994, Crown Castle has been collaborating with wireless carriers, communities, governments, and local property owners across the US to provide access to the infrastructure that allows us to stay in touch, conduct business, and live our lives every day. As wireless technology becomes an ever-present part of our lives, it’s essential that we have infrastructure in place to support it. Whenever you make a call, check sports scores on the go, or stream video, we’re the ones providing the wireless infrastructure that makes it possible.

Small cell solutions have become more popular recently as a way of expanding coverage and network capacity – and it’s easy to see why. Small cells, as their name implies, consist of small, low-powered antennas that sit closer to the ground. They’re connected by fiber optic cable and are designed to handle lots of data at high speeds. Since they’re often attached to existing streetlights and utility poles, they blend into their surroundings and preserve the aesthetics of their environment.

Crown Castle has been upgrading wireless infrastructure in San Diego for nearly 20 years, including small cell installations around the city, near the Convention Center and in the Gaslamp District, and along our coast.

Why small cells?

Family & Public Safety: By expanding and enhancing coverage for daily communication, small cell network upgrades provide more reliable access to emergency services such as police, firefighters and first responders. Today, 80% of 911 calls are placed from a wireless device, making reliable service more important than ever.

Necessity: There are more mobile devices in use in the United States today than there are people. Over half of American households rely on wireless only, with the average household having 13 connected devices.

Economic Opportunity: Small cell infrastructure will serve as the backbone for 5G, which promises to be a major economic engine. According to projections, 5G will be responsible for 3 million new jobs, $500 billion in new GDP, and $275 billion in private investment.

Assemblymember Gloria Hosts Select Committee Hearing on Housing Affordability

Policy

November 9, 2017

On December 7th, 2017 from 10 a.m.- noon, Assemblymember Todd Gloria will host his Select Committee on Housing and Affordability for the Middle and Working Class for a special hearing at the San Diego Housing Commission. Since assuming his responsibilities as an Assemblyman, Gloria has emerged as a leading voice on workforce housing and has encouraged members of the public to attend.

Civic San Diego Receives Favorable Ruling

Policy

November 9, 2017

A judge recently rejected a challenge to Cisterra’s 7th & Market Project, a development that the Chamber has long supported. The development includes a Ritz Carlton, Whole Foods and housing units, including dozens of affordable units that will be reserved. The lawsuit is significant in its challenge to Civic San Diego’s authority to make land use decisions, arguing that the City cannot delegate that authority legally. The judge found that “…the City properly delegated its authority to CivicSD,” which will be an important point in future legal complaints against the organization that continues to drive economic development in the downtown area.

President’s Task Force on Opioid Epidemic Releases Recommendations

Policy

November 9, 2017

The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis releases its list of 56 recommendations for the administration to address the ongoing opioid challenge across the country. While the Commission acknowledged the need for federal resources and funds to implement these recommendations, they do not call for an increase in federal funding. Instead, the Commission did recommend that the President review a decades-old rule referred to as the “IMD exclusion,” which effectively prohibits Medicaid patients from receiving long-term addiction treatment from facilities larger than 16 beds. The Chamber and its members in the Healthcare Committee have long advocated for reconsideration of the IMD exclusion as it results in a limited availability of long-term services for those struggling with chronic, acute addiction issues. Given the current homeless crisis that is often connected to addiction and mental health challenges, this could present an opportunity to expand services and access federal funds for those local programs.

Chamber Hosts Veteran Hiring Panel & Releases New Veteran Research

Policy

November 9, 2017

On November 8th, the Chamber hosted a Good Government Speaker Series on veteran hiring to hear from a panel of experts on the topic of veterans entering the workforce, and how companies can leverage these skills as the veterans’ transition into a civilian career. The panel was moderated by Meg Storer of 2-1-1 San Diego and panelists included:

  • Sean Mahoney, Executive Director, zero8hundred
  • John Funk, Director of Operations, Bob Hope Veterans Support Program
  • Harold Elkan, Ombudsman  Director, Marine Corps Reserve Outreach, California Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve
  • Eve Nasby, Veteran Hiring Expert
  • Matt Brogdon, Senior Director of Consulting Services, Pathfinder Consulting

Watch the full panel discussion here.

The Chamber Foundation also released two veteran-focused studies. The first study was an update to the 2013 Chamber study, “Military Employment in San Diego.” The update, called “Veteran Employment in San Diego” examines San Diego’s growing military presence. It looks at veterans in San Diego, veterans in the workforce, and the barriers and resources for San Diego veterans and employers. The second study, “Employers’ Impressions of Veterans” tests the perceived value of veterans in the workforce. For this effort, 300 employers were surveyed by Competitive Edge to identify areas in which employers are undervaluing veterans the most, so we can work to help employers to understand the true value of veterans in the workforce.

Tax Reform

Policy

November 9, 2017

Tax Reform

After campaign rhetoric, platforms, and frameworks on the topic, the House of Representatives has released actual legislation detailing what tax reform would look like.

In October, the Chamber supported the U.S. Chamber Principals for Tax Reform and expressed support for retaining the mortgage interest deduction, the new market tax credits, and the State and Local Tax deduction. The legislation is expected to be changed substantially but currently includes:

Personal Tax Reform

  • Fewer Personal Income Tax Brackets
  • Fewer Tax Deductions
  • Increase in the Standard Deduction resulting in dramatically fewer itemizing households
  • Increase in the Child Tax Credit and introduction of a Parent Tax Credit
  • Repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax
  • Repeals the Estate Tax

Business Tax Reform

  • Corporate Tax Rate Cut (From 35% to 20%)
  • Effectively reduces “Pass-through” business tax rate (From 39.6% to 25%)
  • Move to a “territorial” tax system eliminating U.S. tax on overseas profits of U.S. companies.

 

10News LEADership Award Recipient Chloe Gubbay

LEAD

November 6, 2017

Chloe Gubbay is honored with the 10News LEADership Award for launching the Teen Giving Club to work with disadvantaged youth locally and globally and inspire youth to discover their passion in volunteering.