News & Updates

Legislative Lounge 22 – Bridge Builder

David Perez Tejeda, Director of Binational Affairs for the State of Baja California

 

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.

Erica Aros (22) was recently named Director of Employee Engagement for the Division of Student Affairs & Campus Diversity at San Diego State University.

Shelly Tregembo (12 & 22) is now the Chief of Agency Operations for the Office of Strategy & Innovation at the County of San Diego.

Jordan Harrison (20) is now the Global Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Senior Manager at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Gil Cabrera (01), Lisette Islas (21), Board member Hernán Luis y Prado (15), Adriana Mendoza (19), Ben Moraga (10), Julian Parra (09), Monique Rodriguez (20), Dr. Mark Sanchez (21), and Kenia Zamarripa (19) were named in the Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence list by the San Diego Business Journal.

Pamela Gabriel (20) was selected to be Board Chair for Reality Changers.

Morgan Appel (08) is now Board Secretary for Reality Changers.

Veronica Villasenor (12) is Board Treasurer for Reality Changers.

Andrew Harmatys (20) is now a Board Member for Reality Changers.

Caroline Winn (02) was recently inducted to the Junior Achievement of San Diego County’s San Diego Business Hall of Fame.

Alexandra Eaker Perez (18), Emily Howe (20), Jonathan Grissom (04), AnneElise Goetz (13), Sandra McDonough (16), and Adriana Ochoa (13) were all named in the San Diego Business Journal’s Top 100 Leaders in Law.

Doug Gundermann (20) is now a Senior Vice President and Private Client Advisor at Bank of America Private Bank.

Will Rivera (14) is now the Manager of School Partnerships & Financial Education at California Coast Credit Union.

Rockette Ewell (15) was recently named Vice President and California Region Manager at U.S. Bank.

Chelsey Kamen (23) was recently named President-Elect for the Point Loma Nazarene University MBA Alumni.

Board member Jason Paguio is now a member of the 2022 Entrepreneurship and Economic Mobility Task Force.

Morgan Justice-Black (12) was recently named Board Member for the Community Forest Advisory Board at the City of San Diego.

Tim Barelli (20) is now a Board Member for San Diego Symphony.

Amelia Hartley (23) is now the Director of External Engagement at United Way of San Diego County.

 

November 3 – Weekly Update

Our signature Legislative Lounge event is just ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! Join some of our favorite elected officials and staffers for a night of post-election fun, celebrating individuals doing the tough work in our region!  RSVP here.

And seriously, polls close Tuesday night at 8pm. Need some guidance? Check out our endorsements. If you’re looking for the briefest of brief summaries about what to expect from Tuesday, here it is: WHO KNOWS. (You are very welcome).

 

Business Updates:

Are those jingle bells we hear already? Starbucks brought back their holiday drink selection, cups,  and red aprons today. This year they are celebrating 25 years of the iconic holiday cups!

Congratulations to USD’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) for receiving grant funding from the San Diego Foundation to create a college access and early literacy program for Black students. The Black InGenius Initiative (BiGI) will launch in Fall 2023.

The San Diego Community College District will be hosting their first in-person Fall Career Fair in two years on November 17 and we’ve noticed quite a few chamber members participating!

 

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

President Biden has hit the road to support Democratic candidates in tight races, including a stop today in San Diego, where he will be welcomed by Governor Gavin Newsom and our very own Mayor Todd Gloria.

Less publicized results of elections: the assignment of powerful positions that can make or break certain policies or budget. Case in point: the lead Republican on the Ways & Means Committee (responsible for that pesky budget the feds have to do) is retiring this year. That kicks off a big inter-party race for Republicans which they acknowledge as “awkward” but nobody is backing down.

Happy 30 year anniversary (on Saturday) to Sen. Feinstein who will be the longest serving female senator in our country’s history. (And whose lack of a retirement announcement is really messing with some aspirational people’s plans).

Interest rates are making history (in a bad way, of course). The Federal Reserve has approved another increase to interest rates by three quarters of a percent; bringing the base to 4% in an attempt to combat inflation.

Elon Musk has officially taken over Twitter and continues to fire the masses. Some are celebrating, many are leaving, a few are starting to pay $8/month for a blue checkmark… all we know is Twitter isn’t a Chamber member, but Meta is.

Movie slogan redo: IF YOU DON’T BUILD IT THEY WILL MOVE. Duh. Home buyers are now living further than ever from “work” thanks to remote options. And, we’ll add, the absolutely infuriating lack of home building in places like, oh… we don’t know, San Diego? What community saw the biggest in-migration between 2020 and 2022? Our friend, Riverside.

 

International: 

Join us on November 17 for a conversation on regional strategies to create more diverse and resilient creative and cultural sectors. Speakers will also share an overview of our region’s most recent designation: World Design Capital 2024 and its exciting programme that will showcase San Diego-Tijuana in a new light and emphasize the ways design can connect us. Click here to register.

After 26 years in place, Mexico’s Congress put an end on daylight saving time. This will however not impact states at the northern border, which will continue to adjust their clocks to match their US neighbors to avoid disruptions to bilateral, integrated supply chains, business activities, and affecting local communities. Just in our binational region, at least 60,000 people cross the border to work on a daily basis, not including thousands of students and tourists that also regularly commute back and forward.

Following the resignation of Tatiana Clouthier from Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy, incoming Secretary Raquel Buenrostro has created controversy for cleaning house and bringing new faces in. With Undersecretary Luz María de la Mora and key trade negotiators overseeing USMCA compliance gone, the business sector and US authorities have expressed great concern in President Lopez Obrador’s energy policy proposals and Mexico’s ability to maintain USMCA commitments such as advancing and facilitating renewable energy projects and private investment.

Happiest place on earth? Thousands were stranded in Shanghai Disneyland when the park went into lockdown after city authorities reported 10 locally transmitted COVID cases. Rides continued to operate as visitors waited to be tested in order to exit. China is still enforcing strict lockdowns as part of their zero-COVID policy, often criticized for cutting access to food and medical care.

November is a BUSY month:

The Tijuana EDC will host the 3rd Annual Borderless Business Conference next week on November 8 and 9th. In partnership with the Chamber and other business organizations, our dynamic binational region will be showcased virtually and onsite, to demonstrate our unique strengths and resources which make us a hub for foreign direct investment across industries.

The California-Mexico Border Relations Council will host a public meeting on November 14 to share comments on agenda items including border regional efforts, tribal collaborations, and grant opportunities.

The Ministry of Economy of Mexico extends an invitation to Chamber members to the third edition of the Mexican Foodvenirs virtual fair, which seeks to link Mexican producers with US companies interested in importing, buying or distributing food and beverages from Mexico. The fair will take place from November 14 to 17 and registration is free.

Any metal fans out there? The Chamber is proud to promote cross border collaboration across industries, including the 2nd edition of the RED DRAGON METAL FEST that will take place on November 19 – 20 at Chevron Stadium in Tijuana. Click here to see further details of this exciting event including musicians from both sides of the border.

 

State:

Governor Newsom has paused on distributing the rest of the third round of Homelessness Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants. Instead, he announced earlier today that he will convene with local leaders to review the state’s approach to the homelessness crisis and consider a more aggressive approach for solutions. Which has great timing, because what every local elected official wants is the Governor to yank back funds for voters’ number one concern: homelessness.

Oh, maybe those aren’t Christmas bells we’re hearing but alarm bells. The state’s revenues are signaling danger ahead. A violent turn from a $100B surplus, the state’s historic ability to bring companies public and bolster the stock market may be in serious decline.

Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter (political-speak for “you in trooouuuuuuuble”) to the biggest plastic bag manufacturers demanding that they prove their bags can be recycled as required by law. They have until November 16th to turn in their homework.

The state’s Department of Housing & Community Development has dropped its funding calendar for FY 22-23. This is important because most affordable housing relies on specific grants/loans from the state. So do local governments doing community plans or trying to expand things like transit.

 

Local:

Earlier this week, the San Diego City Council directed the City’s Attorney Office to draft a resolution to declare housing as a Human Right as part of the growing effort to combat homelessness in the City of San Diego and also discussed ways on how to potentially strengthen tenant protections in the City. The Council discussed forming a working group to further discuss any new tenant protections proposal in the near future.

City of San Diego’s Development Services Department (DSD) updates:

  • DSD’s Small Business Restaurant Assistance Program has assisted 221 businesses so far this year. Take a look at how DSD is working to better help small businesses and restaurants here.
  • Congratulations to Leslie Gallagher who will be DSD’s new Deputy Director of Project Submittal and Management.
  • Reminder! The 2022 California Building Standards Code will go into effect on January 1, 2023. Construction project applications submitted on or after that date must conform to the new regulations.

Ah, the good ol’ San Diego River. It’s…dry… and kind of gross. But, local officials including Chair Nathan Fletcher have unveiled a $700 million dollar plan to revitalize it and create more green space in our region.

Wooden high rises may be in San Diego’s future. Along with UC San Diego’s School of Engineering, the NHERI Tall Wood Project has been testing the benefits of using mass timber in high-rise buildings in Scripps Ranch, and some developers are already ‘on board’ with using the new building material.

Nonprofit Healthcare in Action has partnered with Chamber member Molina Healthcare of California to continue providing on-the-spot and long-term health care to individuals experiencing homelessness at no cost to patients. The effort is a first in San Diego to provide services on the street five days a week.

SDSU and the County’s HHSA department have officially formed a new partnership in the creation of the Live Well Center for Innovation and Leadership. This Academic Health and Human Services department is a five-year agreement that will help address and conduct research community health issues and streamline workforce development.

If you have driven by Randy’s Donuts in Los Angeles you probably know it, the giant donut the store dons is hard to miss. Well, San Diego County is getting a slice of the action with the company announcing plans to expand here. The first location is slated to be in Mission Valley, opening in December or January.

Want to learn more on how to be a confident bike commuter? SANDAG will be hosting a virtual webinar on bike commuting on November 15.

 

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

  • The San Diego City Council will be in legislative recess until November 14.
  • The MTS Board of Directors will meet on November 10.
  • On November 3, the County of San Diego’s Planning and Development Services will host a public workshop on the 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update. The purpose of the update is to comply with new state housing laws.
  • On November 9, the County of San Diego’s Planning and Development Services will host a public workshop to seek feedback on identifying environmental justice communities in the unincorporated areas. Learn more about the County’s efforts here.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

  • The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100,000. Learn more and apply here. Applications close on November 15.
  • San Diego County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant funds are still available for local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. County Districts 1, 2, and 3 are still accepting applications. Learn more here.
  • Small business owners may currently receive $2,000 per employee that participates in the paid family leave program. Small business owners can apply here.
  • Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide. SBDC can help with applying for COVID-19 relief, guiding you through available resources, and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, and more–all at no cost!

 

Future Chamber Meetings (Virtual) & Committee Actions:

Public Policy Committee:

Our next meeting will be in December. We’re dark in November!

Health Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 9, 8:00am via zoom.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:
Our next meeting will be on November 15, 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on November 15, 9:00am via zoom.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on November 16, 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 16, 8:00am via zoom. RSVP to LCazares@sdchamber.org.

International Business Affairs Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 17, 10:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on December 1, 8:00am via zoom.

November 10 – Weekly Update

The Chamber’s 10th Annual Legislative Lounge is tonight! Which is great because this week was a whirlwind. There’s going to be so much to talk about like… There was actual rain. Lots of it. Elon is doing Twitter-y things again, and check marks are back? Or gone?

Yep, that’s about it. That’s all that happened this week, right?

Kidding. Let’s talk all about it at Legislative Lounge. See you there.

 

Business Updates:

Congratulations to Affirmed Housing Group who had a ribbon cutting for their Windsor Pointe affordable housing development, which offers 50 affordable homes ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Friendly reminder that some small businesses are eligible for preference during procurement. You need to be certified and know how to navigate assistance programs though!

Sea World is saying a big thank you to our veterans with their Red White and Blue Salute event this weekend.

Grocery prices got you down? Look no further than Aldi. They’re slashing prices on thanksgiving essentials to 2019 prices to ‘rewind’ inflation.

Broadway San Diego welcomes “Hamilton” back to the stage! With the added bonus of two cast members from San Diego, Elijah Reyes and Charlotte Mary Wen. The production is in town from November 9th to November 20th.

 

Legislative Updates

Federal: Happy 247th birthday to the Marine Corps! And, thank you to all of our Veterans for your bravery and service. May you have a safe and enjoyable Veterans’ Day this Friday.

Brrr, it’s cold in here! There must be some inflation-chilling in the atmosphere! (We’re not sorry). Catching many off guard, the CPI report indicates that inflation may be cooling.

According to the Point-in-Time count, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, the number of veterans in the United States experiencing homelessness has dropped by 11% since 2020. This data reports the biggest decline in more than five years.

That feeling where you’re laughing because crying would just be inconvenient: Market experts are predicting mortgage rates at 10% or higher in 2023.

Election drama-rama: Nobody knows who will hold the House. But that also means nobody knows who will be Speaker, even though Kevin McCarthy has been pretty clear he’d like to get that gavel back. (Shot)

Chaser: there is a father-son duo in the 118th Congress! And a Gen-Zer! And still people born in the 1930’s! Fun facts about the seats that have been decided.

The FTC is not amused with Elon’s Twitterverse.

In other federal agency news, the NLRB has dropped a proposed rule that would bolster unions and make it harder to remove a union.

 

International: 

In a change of roles, an 8-year-old boy in India bit a cobra that attacked him, which resulted in the cobra’s death shortly after. In this incredible survival story, the boy is totally fine having only suffered a “dry bite” with no venom.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai met virtually with Mexico’s new Secretary of Economy Raquel Buenrostro. Ambassador Tai highlighted the need to address concerns on Mexico’s energy policies which have been brought forward on a USMCA consultation request in order to avoid disruptions to integrated supply chains and trade.

More changes within President Lopez Obrador’s cabinet: Jorge Nuño has been appointed as Secretary of Communications, Infrastructure and Transportation (SICT). He replaces Jorge Arganis who stepped down due to health complications. Secretary Nuño joined the Chamber Delegation to Mexico City to sign the revenue sharing agreement with SANDAG  along other Mexican officials, a huge milestone for the Otay Mesa East land port of entry project.

IBA Chair Ernesto Bravo participated in the Tijuana EDC’s 3rd Annual Borderless Business Congress in Tijuana where he shared an overview of global trends in nearshoring. Chamber staff also helped moderate a conversation with consul generals from both sides of the border about collaboration and partnerships in our region. These conversations are key to strengthen efforts to boost our global competitiveness.

An $8 billion project in Germany aims to transform an abandoned airport in Berlin into an eco city.  The decades-long investment, Berlin TXL, envisions a climate-friendly community with sustainable technologies and innovation hubs. Home to both residential and business areas, Berlin TXL will produce its own power and promote vehicle-free streets.

Join us next Thursday at 10:00am for the Chamber’s last IBA Forum for the year. The conversation will focus on our region’s creative industry and its contribution to boost economic development and competitiveness.

Save the date for this year’s International Tribute Awards and join us to honor outstanding individuals and businesses who have made a substantial contribution to the binational initiatives bridging the US and Mexican economies. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with leaders from both sides of the border.

 

State:

Flu, COVID and RSV are all very active in California. Take your vitamins, eat your wheaties, and get those booster shots!

Changes to the Newsom team: this week it was announced that his chief of staff and friend of San Diego Jim DeBoo would be stepping away from the role. Replacing him will be fellow lobbyist-turned-staffer-turned-lobbyist (you get it), Dana Williamson.

Assembly Democrats are currently meeting (right now!) to discuss who will be Speaker next year, a big position that includes duties such as deciding who will be Committee Chairs. Stay tuned for who it’ll be in a future update!

The fun don’t stop: the CPUC is getting ready to drop new rules for Net Energy Metering after their first attempt was panned by basically everyone. No details on what the new proposal will be though.

Ouch. CalPERS posted a 7.5% loss on their investments for the FY, which is higher than what was initially expected (and still bad), 6.1% projected loss.

 

Local:

Once a red safe hold, the County of San Diego has turned light blue according to voter registration – and we see this, with the City recently electing a 9-0 super majority of Democrats on council. KPBS looks into what happened, and what comes next.

The Port of San Diego’s Commissioners unanimously voted to enter Seaport San Diego into the CEQA process, an important step for staff to begin environmental analysis of the $3.6 billion project to revamp Seaport Village. Onward!

While San Diego Beer Week is wrapping up, you can still grab some local brewskies at the closing beer garden hosted at the Lodge at Torrey Pines on Sunday.

In case you missed it, November 8th wasn’t just election day, it was a total lunar eclipse! If you missed the spectacular sight on Tuesday morning, you’ll have to wait three years for another total eclipse to be visible.

 

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

 

Capital Opportunities & Resources

  • The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100,000. Learn more and apply here. Applications close on November 15.
  • San Diego County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant funds are still available for local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. County Districts 1, 2, and 3 are still accepting applications. Learn more here.
  • Small business owners may currently receive $2,000 per employee that participates in the paid family leave program. Small business owners can apply here.
  • Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide. SBDC can help with applying for COVID-19 relief, guiding you through available resources, and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, and more–all at no cost!

 

Future Chamber Meetings (Virtual) & Committee Actions:

Public Policy Committee:

Our next meeting will be in December. We’re dark in November!

Transportation & Land Development Committee:
Our next meeting will be on November 15, 8:00am via zoom.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on November 15, 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on November 15, 9:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 16, 8:00am via zoom. RSVP to LCazares@sdchamber.org.

International Business Affairs Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 17, 10:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on December 1, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee:

Our next meeting will be December 14, 8:00am via zoom.

Veteran-Owned Chamber Member Businesses – Veterans Day 2022

Support a veteran today and every day by doing business with veteran-owned businesses! The Chamber is proud to count a considerable number of our members as veteran-owned businesses:

If you are a veteran-owned Chamber member business not included on this list, please email to update your record. To learn more about becoming a Camber member, click here.

Ribbon Cutting – Home Start

Left to Right: Stephen Whitburn, San Diego City Councilmember; Toni Atkins, CA Senate President Pro Tempore; Laura Tancredi-Baese, LCSW, Home Start Chief Executive Officer; Jamie Prevost, President Prevost Construction; Staci Reidinger HomeAid San Diego Board President; Cameron Clark, Home Start Board Past President.

Last Thursday, November 4, was one of this year’s highlights for Home Start. Accompanied by State Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, and representatives from HomeAid San Diego and Prevost Construction, Home Start’s CEO Laura Tancredi-Baese officially cut the ribbon for their brand-new Miracle on 34th Street Property! This site marks Home Start’s 5th multi-unit residential housing structure to serve San Diego’s most vulnerable pregnant/parenting young women and children.

Learn more about Home Start here.

 

Member Spotlight: One Eagle Advisory

One Eagle Advisory has helped businesses receive over $150,000,000+ in cash refunds. The experts at One Eagle Advisory have achieved this by way of utilizing the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) which provides refunds to eligible employers for wages paid to employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are many misconceptions about whether certain businesses can qualify to receive these funds. You may have been told you don’t qualify, but One Eagle Advisory’s affiliated CPA’s and Tax Attorneys are here to help you take a first or second look. ERC is not a loan, and the money can be used at the business owners discretion.

With a 15-minute phone call, One Eagle Advisory’s affiliated tax experts will learn about you and break down your business operations to see EXACTLY how you may qualify.

Check out their video to learn how they get money back to their customers in 4 steps: https://youtu.be/cN5Xef74XCk

Contact Sabrina & the One Eagle Advisory Team:
Sabrina Goldfarb
Client Success Manager
Call or Text: 971-231-2400
Email: sabrina@oneeagleadvisory.com
https://www.oneeagleadvisory.com/

October 27 – Weekly Update

After a three-year hiatus, the Chamber was finally able to host our 15th annual Binational Delegation to Mexico City! NBD, but Lenny Kravitz was there. Thank you to everyone who joined us on the trip!

and, there’s less than 2 weeks until Election Day. Check out the Chamber Voter Guide.

 

Business Updates:

Investor’s Business Daily just announced Sempra as the nation’s top utility for achieving environmental, social and governance goals”. Congrats!

Last week, SANDAG recognized the Chamber as one of their Platinum Tier Diamond Award winners for our efforts to improve the region’s commute and reduce GHG emissions!

Speaking of emission reduction, Chamber member SDG&E has proposed blending hydrogen into natural gas through a $15M partnership with member UC San Diego.

 

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

DOT Secretary Pete is living dangerously. On a visit to San Diego, (hi!) he rode the Coaster along with some other elected officials as they showed him one of the busiest corridors in the country that’s… falling into the ocean.

Remember our CHIPS conversations? That semiconductor bill that had a lot of drama getting passed? Well pass it did, and now there’s a potential $6B in grants getting moved around the country but the Dept of Commerce is asking how we might like to see that money get distributed. Our suggestion: we all write in “Give it to San Diego, please and thank you.” Comment portal here.

Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness plan has come to a halt after a federal appeals court has sided with 6 GOP-led states that have sued to block Biden’s relief program. While this order prevents debt from being discharged it does not prevent applicants from applying and the review of those applications.

 

International:

Britain will get its third prime minister in two months, former finance minister Rishi Sunak, tasked with taking on the economic challenges facing Britain. Sunak will make history as the first person of color to serve in Britain’s highest office, being of Indian descent.

During our Binational Delegation to Mexico City, SANDAG and Mexico’s Secretariat of foreign affairs signed a bilateral Toll Revenue Sharing Agreement reaching a major milestone for the Otay Mesa East land port of entry project. This state-of-the-art port will provide fast, predictable, and reliable crossings for businesses and our community.

Our IBA team is still in Mexico City with the Baja EDCs team meeting with embassies and trade offices to promote economic development and attract foreign direct investment in the binational region. These meetings included Ambassador and trade representatives from Ireland, Sweden, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. They may or may not also be staying for the annual Day of the Dead parade featured on a 007 movie.

Chamber member SEMPRA and Silicon Valley Power announced a 20-year agreement for the supply of long-term renewable energy for California. This energy will be generated by the Cimarrón project, a cross-border wind farm which will be located in Baja California and operated by Sempra Infraestructura.

Join us on November 17 for a conversation on regional strategies to create more diverse and resilient creative and cultural sectors. Speakers will also share an overview of our region’s most recent designation: World Design Capital 2024 and its exciting programme that will showcase San Diego-Tijuana in a new light and emphasize the ways design can connect us. Click here to register.

 

 

State:

GHG inventory had its largest year over year decrease in 2020, per the latest release from CARB. Thank you, Captain Obvious.

Right now gas prices might as well be featured in the T-Swift video. Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem. It’s me. But it’s not so simple… a law banning drilling for oil within 3,200 feet of a residential area, and an increasing crunch on the industry has oil-well owners selling off statewide. There’s also the small fact of Governor Newsom saying he’d like to end oil extraction in the state by 2045. The sell off has some industry experts wondering what this signals for the future of supply.

Speaking of…  the state is considering a new tax on oil.

Speaking of round 2… the CPUC just dropped a proposed rule that would require any gas infrastructure construction to receive a special approval. Why, you ask? “…public controversy over large or environmentally significant gas infrastructure projects in recent years has demonstrated to us the need to strengthen public participation opportunities to ensure that impacted residents and stakeholders have appropriate means to voice concerns and shape project design.”

Our spidey senses are tingling and they say that housing will continue to be a hot topic for the legislature (you’re welcome). Example #1: Three legislators just launched a Renters Caucus.

It’s a crisis cornucopia! How fall-festive. The Salton Sea is spreading toxic dust because of the whole running out of water thing. So now we’re fighting with Senator Mark Kelly and the state of Arizona because they want the Feds to enforce stricter rules on California using the water we keep in the lake (yeah, Salton Sea is a lake, not a sea. We don’t know either).

 

Local:

Just another thing we beat LA at…San Diego’s tourism and travel industries continue to increase their revenue levels.

Home prices in San Diego are down. And we’re still cranky because it doesn’t necessarily mean more affordable homes. Spiking interest rates have demand for homes way down as the increased monthly payments due to those sky-high rates remain out of reach for most San Diegans. Shout into the void with us: BUILD MORE HOUSING.

More tragic news: The Regional Taskforce on Homelessness (RTFH) found that the number of San Diegans falling into first-time homelessness much faster than housing is being built and made available.

Battery storage is working! Used batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) are being used to power US San Diego’s library annex in Mira Mesa after sundown or in case of grid emergency.

Do you have an old SuperLotto Plus ticket? Check your numbers, TODAY is the last day to claim the $38M prize… it was sold at the 7-11 on Spruce in Bankers Hill back in April.

Here’s what happened at the County Board of Supervisors hearings this week:

  • Approved Chair Fletcher’s proposal to create a data program to better understand how the region can reduce homelessness. The Homelessness Prevention Program would develop a strategy to integrate necessary county department data into one system.
  • Approved the $100 Million Opioid Settlement Framework which includes expanding medically-assisted treatment for addiction, wellness advocates in hospitals, housing and wrap-around services, and more.
  • Approved moving forward with an ordinance that would move cannabis licensing from the Sheriff’s department to Planning & Development Services (PDS). If approved after the 2nd reading, PDS would handle encroachment, background checks, inspections, operating certificates, and license renewals and transfers.

On November 3, the County of San Diego’s Planning and Development Services will host a public workshop on the 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update. The purpose of the update is to comply with new state housing laws.

Beginning November 4, Dr. Lindsey Yourman will be the County’s first Chief Geriatric Officer to lead County efforts on providing support for the region’s aging population which includes the Aging Roadmap.

The City of San Diego’s Planning Commission voted to approve the 2022 Land Development Code update with the exception of the following items: creating sustainable development areas, clarifying uses in EMX zones, clarifying uses in prime industrial lands, battery energy storage requirements, and clarifying on-site affordable units language in their Complete Communities – Housing Solutions program. The Planning Department will now have to return to the Planning Commission on December 8th to allow Commissioners more time to review these items. If you have any questions regarding the LDC update, please contact Angeli Calinog.

 

Upcoming Hearings

  • The SANDAG Board of Directors will meet on October 28.
  • The San Diego City Council will meet on October 31 and November 1.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

  • The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100,000. Learn more and apply here. Applications close on November 7.
  • San Diego County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant funds are still available for local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. County Districts 1, 2, and 3 are still accepting applications. Learn more here.
  • Small business owners may currently receive $2,000 per employee that participates in the paid family leave program. Small business owners can apply here.
  • Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide. SBDC can help with applying for COVID-19 relief, guiding you through available resources, and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, and more–all at no cost!

 

Future Chamber Meetings (Virtual) & Committee Actions:

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 3, 8:00am via zoom.

Public Policy Committee:

Our next meeting will be on Election Day, November 8, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 9, 8:00am via zoom.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:
Our next meeting will be on November 15, 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on November 15, 9:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 16, 8:00am via zoom. RSVP to LCazares@sdchamber.org.

International Business Affairs Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 17, 10:00am via zoom.

October 20 – Weekly Update

And just like that…San Diego is a Sports City. Congratulations to the San Diego Wave FC who clinched the first-ever club win in the playoffs and are semi-final bound. And we’ll be cheering the San Diego Padres on as they head into NLCS game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow!

 

Business Updates:

Get in there, small biz! The San Diego Regional Airport Authority is hosting a “meet the primes” event on November 1st and 8th.

Congratulations to UCSD! The school is set to open their new $68M outdoor amphitheater today!

Chamber Member AARP is partnering with the County of San Diego to create a better framework for aging support through their Age Friendly Communities initiative.

San Diego is powered by water! NPR was in San Diego to learn more about the innovative clean energy project that the City of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority are planning to help meet the region’s and the state’s clean energy needs. Water batteries and solar storage  may power our future.

Want to live well while you work? (Get it? Like whistle? C’mon that was funny!!) The County has a workplace accelerator program (flyer attached) you should check out.

 

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

The Consumer Financial Protections Bureau, created in 2010, got dealt quite a blow when Appeals Court deemed its funding source (Federal Reserve) unconstitutional. The court said since it wasn’t legislated by Congress, it’s a no from them, dawg.

What’s that now? Americans can now purchase hearing aids over the counter, without a prescription or medical exam. Walgreens has already started selling them, CVS and Best Buy will have them in stock within the upcoming month.

The form to apply for Biden’s one-time student loan debt forgiveness is officially online. Borrowers are encouraged to file their forms by Nov. 15 if they want their payments to shrink before the pandemic freeze on payments ends in January. The application can be accessed here.

Inflation goes to the IRS: the taxing agency raised 2023 rates and thresholds to reflect stubbornly high inflation rates. Federal thresholds will rise 7%. Of note, not all rates are adjustable… things like SALT ($10k) will hold steady.

Speaking of the IRS, the current commissioner’s term will expire next week and we’re all waiting for someone to announce the replacement. Because that job seems fun.Conversations around the future of telehealth aren’t over yet. Senator Brian Schatz’s CONNECT for Health Act hopes to extend COVID-19 telehealth rules and has the backing of over 60 senators. Earlier this year, a similar bill from Rep. Liz Cheney passed in July.

 

International:

Some of us have started packing for Mexico City and oh-so-excited to go back after 3 years! Be sure to follow us on twitter to check-out what we’re up to if you didn’t get a chance to join us this time.

Yikes! Liz Truss has resigned as Britain’s Prime Minister after what UK media calls six weeks of increasingly terrible decisions. That has to be some sort of record, but not one you’d like to go down in history for. The PM lost support of several key ministers and lawmakers following finance policies that were supposed to lower taxes but ended up increasing economic uncertainty across the UK. Their currency got to their lowest point ever, a great shopping opportunity for those of you traveling abroad btw!

As the number of Venezuelan migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border has risen, the Biden administration has turned to Title 42 to combat the issue. This measure grants the U.S. government the ability to ‘prohibit the entrance of individuals to mitigate the spread of a contagious disease’ and authorizes border officials to promptly turn around and deport migrants. It was initially enacted for 30 days in March of 2020 but extended indefinitely later on. Biden advanced efforts to suspend Title 42 back in May amid declining COVID cases, and is still pushing to do so despite its application to Venezuelan citizens.

NATO warned Russia that using nuclear weapons in Ukraine would “cross the line” as Putin prepares for nuclear exercises in the coming days. You bet the whole world is keeping an eye on Russia. NATO’s statements don’t include a clear action plan if Russia launches a nuclear attack, but assured “it would have consequences”. WW3 is not how we want to end this year.

Got any teens at home? They’re probably mourning that Korean boy band BTS is taking a break till 2025. These K-pop artists are due to fulfill mandatory army service, no exceptions for injecting billions of dollars into South Korea’s economy.

We all knew it, but now it’s official. Guinness World Records gave ‘Monday’ the record of the worst day of the week. Does this mean we can take next Monday off? 🙂

 

State:

Governor Newsom announced an end to the COVID state of emergency… in February. We’re not entirely sure what to make of that, but you better believe our fingers and toesies are crossed that nothing goes sideways before then.

But wait! CDPH is still working COVID. There are new regs, and while we try to keep this newsletter fun, the new regs involve math (womp womp). TL;DR: If your workspace is 400k cubic feet or more, your close contact definition is now exposed to a positive case within 6 feet for 15 minutes. If you’re under that 400k, your close contact definition is just anyone in the “same airspace.” Floor to ceiling walls count as separate workspaces. Also of note: Cal-OSHA is finalizing its two-year standard for COVID. Stay tuned.

California is known for its aggressive approach to workplace regulation. But what happens if laws don’t equal action? That, we all know, is a source of real frustration for both workers that have been wronged but also employers looking for clarification or closure on disputes. CalMatters reports a very bleak take on the lack of capacity by the state’s Labor Commission due to vacancies, pace of work, and lack of urgency.

A new program called “Más Fresco,” at Northgate Markets in Southern California, allows families and individuals to earn up to $100 a month to spend on fruits and vegetables. To be eligible for this program one must be a CalFresh recipient.

Some warning signs: California is in the first few months of its fiscal year and the revenues are billions of dollars behind, primarily due to lackluster income tax payments to the state. Remember, California’s budget lives and dies by personal income tax. For 2021-22 it made up 58% of the General Fund.

 

Local:

Remember how we mentioned the unknown respiratory illness breakout? Most of these cases have tested positive for Influenza A. Seriously, consider getting a flu shot. They’re available at no-cost at CVS Health, Sharp, and Kaiser Permanente (all of which are Chamber members)!

The goose who stole the spotlight during Game 2 of the Padres and Dodgers at the Dodgers Stadium, has gotten its own mural in Chula Vista. Muralist and Padres fan, Paul Jimenez, put up the creation in a mere three hours. To check it out, the mural is located on the side of Vogue Theatre in downtown Chula Vista.

LA remains messy, and while we could probably write quite a newsletter on that… we’re flagging this question about whether or not LA City Council should be expanded because if that discussion gets serious up to the north, it’s likely we’ll see a similar question here.

Early voting has begun at the San Diego County Registrar’s Office, more select locations will be open for early voting starting Oct. 29. Voter registration deadline is on Oct. 24 for the upcoming midterm elections, with the exception of conditional ballots which are available up until election day.

San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera will lead a council discussion surrounding housing solutions and tenant protections on October 31. Items on the agenda include request for support for a Housing is a Human Right resolution and an informational workshop to discuss ways to potentially strengthen the City’s tenant protections ordinance.

Earlier this week, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo introduced his parental benefits package proposal for City employees. This proposal triples parental leave benefits and revamps the pregnancy disability format.

CAPS LOCK: The City of San Diego wants YOUR FEEDBACK! A new proposal will expand the outreach process on neighborhood development projects.

Next week, the County Board of Supervisors will consider an Opioid Settlement Framework being introduced by Chair Nathan Fletcher and Supervisor Joel Anderson. With the County anticipating $100 million in settlements from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, the strategy includes expanding medically-assisted treatment for addiction, wellness advocates in hospitals, housing and wrap-around services, and more.

Womp, womp. Metrolink and Amtrak between San Diego and Orange County may remain shut down through the end of 2022 for cliff stabilization. Good news though, this does not affect NTCD’s schedule. Plan holiday travel accordingly.

Several cities in California need to get their sh!# together or the state may step in to get more affordable housing built without local jurisdiction approval. Seriously, ‘builder’s remedy’ is potentially making its way into the City of Del Mar.

 

Upcoming Hearings

  • The County of San Diego’s Planning Commission will meet on October 21.
  • The County Board of Supervisors will meet on October 25 and October 26.
  • The San Diego City Council will be in legislative recess next week and will next meet on October 31.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

  • The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100,000. Learn more and apply here. The Small Business Majority will be hosting a webinar October 25 for interested applicants. Applications close on November 7.
  • Chula Vista and the San Diego Foundation are offering Covid-19 relief money to small businesses and nonprofits. The city has $3.6 million dollars in its fund to spend. Organizations that operate in Chula Vista are eligible to apply until October 27. Applications won’t be reviewed until the deadline closes. For more information click here.
  • San Diego County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant funds are still available for local small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. County Districts 1, 2, and 3 are still accepting applications. Learn more here.
  • Small business owners may currently receive $2,000 per employee that participates in the paid family leave program. Small business owners can apply here.
  • Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide. SBDC can help with applying for COVID-19 relief, guiding you through available resources, and assisting with cash flow concerns, supply-chain interruptions, workforce capacity, insurance coverage, and more–all at no cost!

 

Future Chamber Meetings (Virtual) & Committee Actions:

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next working group meeting will be on October 25, 9:00-10:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 3, 8:00am via zoom.

Public Policy Committee:

Our next meeting will be on Election Day, November 8, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 9, 8:00am via zoom.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:

Our next meeting will be on November 15, 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 16, 8:00am via zoom.

International Business Affairs Forum:

Our next forum will be on November 17, 10:00am via zoom.