December 22, 2022

We’re freezing. San Diego became a winter wonderland of sorts with the rain, hail, and even snow this week! Four schools throughout the county were even closed for a Snow Day on Monday!

Looking for the perfect gift for that special person? We’ve got you covered…. Just reach out to our Membership Team, let them know you’d like to gift someone a Chamber membership so they can share the joy of this newsletter with you! (Hey, we tried).

Business Updates:

Chamber members Viasat and Microsoft have made their partnership official. The goal? Bridge the global digital divide, by delivering internet connectivity to 10 million people by 2025.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

Free COVID tests by mail are back. Order yours today here (go on and do it, it’s free!)

Stopgap funding is a go. On Wednesday, lawmakers bought themselves a whopping extra week to figure out a full spending package.

In the latest move to give Puerto Rico statehood, the Democratic-led House of Representatives has voted to hold a referendum on Puerto Rican statehood and independence. However, this was mostly honorary – as the Republican-led Senate views statehood as highly unfavorable.

TLDR; McCarthy speaker fight continues.

Two words: Nuclear Fusion. The Energy Department announced a scientific breakthrough on Tuesday. We’re proud to tell you this milestone, known as fusion ignition, was achieved by scientists in California.

International:

Just another day at the Mexican Senate: Senator Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz, appeared at a session dressed in a dinosaur suit to protest against President Lopez Obrador’s “plan B” to overhaul Mexico’s electoral institute (INE). She compared this plan to the cinematic franchise, Jurassic Park, which takes place in a modern world full of Mesozoic figures, to the current situation where Mexico could be at risk of going back to a system based on the centralization of power and losing autonomy on elections across the country.

President Biden has announced billions of dollars in support and investment for Africa at a three-day summit with the continent’s heads of state. Discussions at the summit also focused on building on already existing programmes and has set the U.S. to sign a memorandum with the African Continental Free Trade Area – one of the world’s biggest free-trade areas – which will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment between the US and Africa.

Governor Newsom visited Mexicali just a week ahead of the anticipated lifting of Title 42. He was joined by the Governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Avila-Olmeda, to visit a migrant shelter alongside members of the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration. Governor Newsome also visited a testing, vaccinations and resource center, which is led by the State of California to provide arriving migrants with screening, testing, and vaccination services to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The Chamber has been meeting with TJ and State of Baja liaisons to increase communication and better prepare our region for the lifting of Title 42.

This Monday marked 200 years of the U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relationship and to celebrate, the Chamber team joined regional stakeholders and local elected officials including Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero, to unveil a commemorative sculpture at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, made by the plastic artist Enrique Chiu. This honors the synergy that exists between both countries, to have a good relationship in the economic, social, and political aspects.

For those of you who have crossed the border northbound towards the San Ysidro pedestrian checkpoint… we have updates for you! The head of the department for Territorial, Urban and Environmental Development for the City of Tijuana, stated that the remodeling and expansion of the pedestrian walkway towards the checkpoint will be completed by March and will include five pedestrian lanes to enter the U.S.

Smoking has been banned for future generations in New Zealand. Anyone born after 2008 will never be able to purchase tobacco — each year the legal age will increase until there is no legal age limit left.

State:

In November, nearly two-thirds of California voters approved a near-total ban of flavored tobacco products (including menthol-flavored cigarettes) in California. Unsurprisingly, the tobacco industry disputed the legality of the vote. However, the Supreme Court will not block the ban.

Speaking of smoking, the state has proposed new cannabis regulations such as an excess cannabis tax, vendor compensation, and cannabis excise tax. We’ll be watching.

The Metropolitan Water District has declared a drought emergency for all of Southern California. Reports state that California will be facing its fourth consecutive drive year.

An economic consulting group has been contracted to work through harms experienced by Black people and what reparations may look like.

Solar was once considered the future of clean energy in California, yet solar subsidies are being significantly lowered for rooftop solar panels. Many are concerned this will slow down California’s transition to clean energy. 

Mayor Todd Gloria will now lead the state’s Big City Mayors Coalition which includes the thirteen largest cities in California. Earlier this year, the Coalition led efforts to get CARE Court passed and have been supportive partners of Project Homekey.

Five companies have won a bid to lease floating windmills off of our coast in an effort to harness off-shore wind energy.

Local:

The Coastal Commission has decided that restaurants on the shoreline must replace any lost parking spaces taken up by outdoor dining areas.

Speaking of the beach, the City of San Diego has finally clarified bonfire rules – wood burning fires outside of designated city rings are banned. This includes Fiesta Island, where untamed flames are commonplace during the summers.

Housing prices are cooling off and the San Diego market is expected to be among the most impacted by the downturn in home prices, per Redfin.

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced that he will not be seeking the Chair position of the County Board of Supervisors and will be nominating Supervisor Nora Vargas to lead in January 2023.

Accidental fentanyl overdose has become the top killer in the Nation for people between 18 and 45 and the San Diego – Tijuana region is unfortunately an epicenter of the crisis. This week, the County Board of Supervisors approved a plan on addressing the fentanyl crisis. The plan includes the Narcan distributions, rapid response to overdose, and increased public health messaging.

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to crack down on wage theft and working conditions for janitors, landscapers, and security workers. This new policy will require companies bidding for county contracts to include collective bargaining agreements.

The City of San Diego swore in the 74th City Council earlier this week. All seats are now represented by democrats as they welcomed Councilmember Kent Lee to represent the AAPI empowerment district (Thank you for representing District 6, Chris Cate!). The new council districts, which was approved by the Redistricting Commission last year, also went into effect.

Congratulations to Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera for being unanimously selected for another term as Council President of the San Diego City Council and Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe for being chosen again as Council President Pro Tem!

The San Diego City Council updated Council Policy 800-14, which prioritizes neighborhood infrastructure projects in an equitable way to align with the City’s Build Better SD initiatives and Climate Action Plan.

Golfaholics, rejoice! Topgolf San Diego Bay is moving forward and heading for environmental review. Should the $50 million dollar project move forward, it would be on East Harbor Island.

City of San Diego Development Services Department Updates:

• DSD will host a webinar on how to apply for the Mills Act Program through their online application this Friday, December 16 at 11:00am.
• Plan accordingly! DSD will be closed from December 26-January 2. Customers can still use online services during this closure.
  • City Hall will be closed on December 25th and January 1st.

Join the San Diego Housing Commission for their second Digital Equity Resource Fair on Saturday, December 17th from 10am-1pm at Vista Verde (351 South 33rd Street).

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will not meet until January 9, 2023.
• The County Board of Supervisors will not meet until the Swearing-In Ceremony on January 9, 2023.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• The CPUC launched the Digital Divide Grant Program! Applications will be accepted until January 13, 2023 and must be submitted via Email.  Four grants of up to $250,000 each are available!
• 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:

Chamber Summit 

We will be welcoming business groups, chambers, and business improvement districts from across the region to share best practices and learn about pressing policy priorities in our region on January 16 from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:

We are dark in December! Our next meeting will be January 17, 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on January 19, 9:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be February 2, 8:00am via zoom. We’re dark in January!

Do you have policy ideas or focuses for our committees in 2023? If so, contact Chamber staff.

December 18, 2022

The City of San Diego swore in the 74th City Council  last week. All seats are now represented by democrats as they welcomed Councilmember Kent Lee to represent the AAPI empowerment district (Thank you for representing District 6, Chris Cate!). The new council districts, which were approved by the Redistricting Commission last year, also went into effect. 

Congratulations to Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera for being unanimously selected for another term as Council President of the San Diego City Council and Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe for being chosen again as Council President Pro Tem!   

December 18, 2022

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced that he will not be seeking the Chair position of the County Board of Supervisors and will be nominating Supervisor Nora Vargas to lead in January 2023.  Below is a written statement from Supervisor Fletcher: 

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for two consecutive years. When someone told me I was the first person in 74 years to serve consecutively, I was surprised, and understood that with that honor comes great responsibility. Over the last four years, but in particular over the last two when this Board was seated, we have moved with urgency to deliver the change to this County government that San Diegans have been fighting for a long time, and we have delivered results. We are in the midst of a massive overhaul of our behavioral health system that now offers 24/7 mobile crisis response teams; more crisis stabilization units and an unyielding commitment to tackle opioid and fentanyl addiction. The creation of a new Climate Action Plan is underway. We have listened to the residents and put more focus on being a County that supports all people no matter your race, religion, country of origin or your gender identity. We have put more protections in place to help working families thrive. And we successfully led our County through a global pandemic by having some of the lowest death rates and highest vaccination rates in the United States. These are just some of the many things we have been able to achieve. I am proud of the results we have delivered so far, but there is plenty more left to be done. Today, I want folks to know that this week is the last time I will preside over a Board of Supervisors meeting as Chair. I will not seek a third consecutive year as Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. I think it’s important to provide an opportunity for others so that we continue to drive change. Next year, I think Nora Vargas should be Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and my vote will be for her.  Supervisor Vargas would be an amazing leader because she’s smart, driven and holds an unmatched level of care and compassion for our community. Her leadership of this Board would be monumental for so many reasons, including the fact she would be the first Latina ever to hold the title. I look forward to the work that is ahead of us, and I am excited about the possibility of doing it with Nora Vargas as the Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.” 

Learn more 

December 18, 2022

December 12 marked 200 years of the U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relationship and to celebrate, the Chamber team joined regional stakeholders and local elected officials, including Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero, to unveil a commemorative sculpture at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, made by the artist Enrique Chiu.  

 The sculpture honors the synergy that exists between both countries, the strength of our economic, social, and political relationship.  

Learn More 

December 8, 2022

We’ll keep this short and sweet because we’re sure you’re all still catching up from last week!

We hope to see you at this year’s International Tribute Awards next week!  Join us to recognize regional leaders and their contribution to expanding binational ties as we celebrate 200 years of the U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relationship.

Sorry to break it to you all, but 2023 is just around the corner. To kick start the year we will host another Chamber Summit on Monday, January 23 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. We welcome business groups, chambers, and business improvement districts from across the region to share best practices and learn about pressing policy priorities in our region.  You won’t want to miss it! Click here to register.

Business Updates

Friendly reminder! Beginning January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for all employees working within the geographic boundaries of the City of San Diego will increase to $16.30 per hour. The City of San Diego Minimum Wage Program’s webpage has been updated to include updated notices to display at the worksite. Please see the updated minimum wage notice and handout for more information.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

Yesterday, the House voted to approve the tentative agreement between railroad workers and operators which will provide a 24% pay raise for rail workers, improved health care benefits, and the ability of operating craft workers to take unscheduled leave for medical needs. To prevent any delays or a shutdowns in this holiday season, President Biden has been urging lawmakers to avoid any modifications to the deal. On to the Senate…

International: 

For those of you following the FIFA World Cup – the US defeated Iran securing a spot to advance to the knockout stage. For our neighbors south of the border, it was good while it lasted (but hey, North America will host the next cup in 2026!). Saudi Arabia is the one to watch, the team left Argentina weeping after a 2-1 jaw-dropping win that led to the declaration of November 23 as a National Holiday. Also to note – Budweiser is said to give the winning country all the beer prepared for the World Cup since sale of beer was banned in Qatar just days before the inauguration. In instant bad karma, Qatar became the first eliminated team following two consecutive losses against Ecuador and Senegal.

Following the pilot program that was implemented at the San Ysidro port of entry last Tuesday by the Mexican government in collaboration with US authorities, Customs and Border Protection removed the second inspection point at Global Entry vehicle lanes. While CBP checkpoints remain stationed at both Ready and all-traffic lanes, this is a step in the right direction to better allocate CBP staff and reduce border wait times that continue to impact our region.

Regional elected officials met in Tijuana and celebrated the groundbreaking for the Otay Mesa East Land Port of Entry. With 90% of California’s exports to Mexico traveling through our land ports and over $1B travelers crossing the border within our region each year, the project will help reduce wait times that cost nearly $2B to our region’s economy.

The Chamber team joined Mexico’s Maquiladora and Export Industry Association (INDEX) and regional stakeholders for a dialogue with Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Ebrard to tackle challenges faced by industries and businesses in our region. Secretary Ebrard also inaugurated a new passport office at the Tijuana international airport, making Baja the second state in Mexico to have three passport offices, after Mexico City.

State:

In case any of you were wondering…Governor Newsom confirmed that he will not be challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination in 2024. Contradicting some speculations, Governor Newsom is “all in” on Biden’s reelection.

The California Energy Commission convened a meeting inviting commissioners, lawmakers, and oil refiners to discuss the causes of high gas prices in the state. While the oil companies declined the invitation citing antitrust laws, the meeting still went on with much debate over the reasons why and solutions moving forward. Save the date for December 5 where Governor Newsom has called a special meeting to discuss a proposed price gouging penalty.

Local:

The County of San Diego invites you to join them next week at the following events:

• The 7th annual Live Well Advance Conference & School Summit will be held on Wednesday, December 7th (8:00am-5:00pm). This event is a FREE in-person conference at the San Diego Convention Center and will be a great opportunity for networking and learning about County and community programs.
• You can also join them the day before the Conference on Tuesday, December 6th (9:00am-12:00pm) to learn more about the Live Well San Diego vision. Virtual sessions will cover Live Well San Diego History, Communications Strategies, Tracking Progress through Data Indicators, and How You Can Get Involved.

Mayor Todd Gloria signed an executive order to direct action to address the illicit fentanyl crisis. This order will allow the City to pursue federal and state legislation to address the rise in overdoses, directs the San Diego Police Department to focus on prioritizing enforcement for fentanyl sales-related crimes, and directs the City Council and City Attorney to develop a community outreach plan and funding strategy for the opioid settlement funding that will be coming to the City.

The San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness has released their monthly census report for October, finding that more people became homeless for the first time than individuals who have found housing.

And in good-but-still-not-so-good news: home price rates in San Diego county continue to drop, but prices overall are still up by 9.3% compared to last year.

City of San Diego Development Services Department Updates:

• DSD has launched a new annual holiday construction restrictions map online.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will meet on December 5 where they will vote on the Mira Mesa Community Plan Update, and December 6.
• The MTS Board of Directors will meet on December 8.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• The CPUC launched the Digital Divide Grant Program! Applications will be accepted until January 13, 2023 and must be submitted via Email.  Four grants of up to $250,000 each are available!
• 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 on December 13. More details to come!

Health Committee:

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

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

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

December 8, 2022

Are you limping or skipping to the finish line of 2022? Are you the company grinch or are you Buddy the Elf-ing it at holiday gatherings? Snazzy holiday coffee drink or hardcore coffee black in a paper cup (cough, Jerry, cough)?

We got you a gift: another ship got stuck (!) but in Chesapeake Bay. Why, you ask? The guy was distracted and on his phone!

Ships getting stuck not your favorite? Okay, here’s a different gift: the 2022 words of the year!
See: “gaslighting”

Business Updates:

Congratulations to Seaport San Diego for winning the Gold Award for Design at the ICSC Global Design & Development Awards! ICSC highlighted Seaport San Diego’s design for increasing coastal access, recreational space, activities and water views of San Diego Bay while providing improved commercial fishing facilities and creating unique features including an iconic observation Tower, Aquarium, Learning Center and Blue Tech Innovation Center.

Chamber member Aya Healthcare has been ranked the top large workplace to work in San Diego in 2022.

Good news! The Nonprofit Institute at USD’s Annual report finds that San Diegans have the highest confidence in nonprofits across the San Diego region. The Chamber is glad to be represented and to have several members acknowledged in the report.

PepsiCo (member!) has had a big week. The company announced a new commitment to sustainable packaging through their pep+ sustainability initiative and they debuted a new oat testing lab in the UK.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

Procrastinators, rejoice! The REAL ID deadline has been extended another two years and your new due date is May 7, 2025. But you should probably get on it.

An attempt to add a cannabis banking component to the NDAA failed, following negative remarks from Senator McConnell.

U.S. stocks bounced back this morning after a 5 day losing streak for the S&P 500.

President Biden has moved aggressively on policies that will boost domestic production of semiconductors and electric vehicles. The latter policy has created some tension as allied countries view this as a “protectionist” move that could challenge the economic stability of the EU (yeah, we had a hard time deciding where this blurb went, but roll with it). One specific criticism is that these policies treat friends in the same vein as China which reminds us of that old question “with friends like these…” Stay tuned.

Unemployment claims hit 230,000– a sign that maybe the ruckus the fed is causing might be making an impact.

Zillow’s (Chamber member!) out with 2023 housing predictions: mid-west will continue to draw people since their prices haven’t gone fully insane. Growth in the trend of buying with friends and families (shakes millennial fist at sky).

No credit score? No problem, kind of. Fannie Mae is making changes to their underwriting process to better accommodate “invisible” borrowers, meaning those who may not have a credit score or credit history. Instead, they will take a broader look at a potential borrowers fiscal health and background.

This morning, the House passed historic legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages, the Senate passed the bill in November and it’s now headed to President Biden’s desk.

Congressional Republicans are looking at how ESG related policies are promoted within industry, appearing to take aim at whether ESG positions are in line with fiduciary responsibilities and the impact on shareholders. Obviously, this will create direct conflict with the direction the administration is going. We’ll keep ya posted.

International:

Political drama is taking over Peru as the country welcomes its SIXTH president in six years. Ousted president Pedro Castillo is facing conspiracy charges as his successor, Dina Boluarte -first female leader in Peru’s history, btw-, pledged to set the country on a new course. Castillo’s failed attempt to close congress and rule by decree until new elections take place marked his fall from power, all of which is just the latest episode in the Peruvian political crisis. Two former presidents have been kicked out by Congress since 2018, with Castillo becoming the latest casualty.

It’s almost been one year since Russia first invaded Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been named Person of the Year by Time Magazine. The award goes to either an event or individual who has had the most influence on global events over the past 12 months. The article also includes mention of the “spirit of Ukraine” for Ukrainians around the world and those who “fought behind the scenes” providing aid in numerous ways.

The World Cup keeps surprising us. The U.S. is out. So are Spain, Japan, and South Korea. Congrats to Morocco! This is the first time the country, or any Arab nation, has advanced so far (with extra points for beating Spain). Not so surprising: Brazil continues on its way to probably win their 6th cup. With the U.S. and Mexico out, are you still watching?

President Lopez Obrador’s plan to overhaul Mexico’s electoral institute (INE) was opposed by a two-thirds majority in the Chamber of Deputies. However, “plan B” (or C, really..) was unveiled shortly after, consisting of legislation that passed rather quickly with support of a simple majority. If approved by the Senate, the proposed legislation would adjust INE’s structure and soften the sanctions against political parties and public servants. These changes have raised concerns by business and civic organizations as well as industry and community leaders based on centralization of power and losing autonomy on elections across the country.

Following the MOU signed with binational stakeholders earlier this year to promote the San Diego and Tijuana region as the main destination for foreign direct investment, the Chamber met with business leaders from both sides of the border to identify common challenges and key opportunities for 2023 to strengthen our global competitiveness. This included concerns on the medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission fleet regulation proposed by CARB and other policies that may change Investment trends in our region.

State:

Governor Newsom throws down on oil companies with a clever “penalty” and definitely not a tax. He has unveiled his general idea of creating a penalty fee when companies exceed a certain level of profit. Details are TBD, but he wants you to know he is big mad.

Bills, bills, bills. Not the $ kind though (sadly). Legislative session has begun, which means it’s go-time for ideas that manifest as potential laws and show us what some of this leg cycle might look like. Of note (so far- and it’s real early): Prop 47 reform (which even if passed would need a vote of the peeps); military retirement pay tax relief; capping security deposits; prohibiting homeless encampment in sensitive areas; a statewide expansion of “Yes in God’s Backyard” AKA multi-family homes on church property; and a healthy number of “spot bills” meaning bills that are placeholders until language is determined and placed within the legislative vehicle. Spot bills are looking like they’ll be favoring environmental justice, infrastructure, and health care reforms at this early stage.

Wasting absolutely no time, Assembly budget leadership, Phil Ting, unveiled his budget framework. (Hand dandy slide deck here).

California’s Labor Secretary, Natalie Palugyai, has abruptly resigned. Not much more public information available on that, but watch this seat and the appointment as Governor Newsom continues to prioritize workforce and corresponding reforms.

A new report by Chamber member Biocom California found that the life science industry generates a whopping $376 Billion in economic output annually!

San Diego’s leadership doin’ big things! Congratulations to Assemblymember Chris Ward for being appointed as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly and Senator Brian Jones for being appointed the Senate Minority Leader.

Here’s a peek at next year in CA: 14 new laws taking effect in 2023.

… oh, and, Kanye “Ye” West’s brand Yeezy owes $600k in taxes to California. We aren’t surprised.

Local:

Don’t miss out on this year’s San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on December 11 and December 18! 80 vessels decked out with lights and festive decorations will take part in this year’s “FantaSEA.” Kudos – we love a good pun.

The 101 Ash saga continues… Yesterday, a judge tentatively granted the City’s motion to dismiss the claims from 2020.

We’re fully in December/holiday season mode and COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the region. Paxlovid and COVID home tests are more widely available this year and San Diegans are still encouraged to consider getting a flu and/or COVID vaccine. You can learn more about how to get them here.

The San Diego Police Department has begun stepping up enforcement of illegal vending activities, focusing in the Gaslamp Quarter and other areas. With the passage of the sidewalk vending ordinance in May, sidewalk vending is prohibited in these areas.

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved the Mira Mesa Community Plan Update, which was last updated back in 1992. The update adds the capacity for 24,000 homes and 5,000 jobs in areas with opportunities for high-frequency transit. The Chamber was proud to speak in support of the item.

Mayor Todd Gloria and Council President Sean Elo-Rivera have proposed a tenant protections framework that will aim to prevent homelessness and displacement. The proposal includes input from tenant advocates, rental housing providers, and residents following a City Council workshop held in October. A few highlights of the framework include consistency with the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482), exploring how to provide expansion of resources and support for renters and providers, and additional protections noted here. The Council will likely hear this item in early 2023.

San Diego has its first ever three Michelin Star restaurant – Addison was awarded its first star in 2019 and second in 2021.

Gas prices across San Diego County have dropped to the lowest amount since February, falling 5.1 cents on Tuesday. This is following US oil prices plunging below $75 for the first time in 2022.

City of San Diego Development Services Department Updates:

• DSD will be hosting an online webinar tomorrow (December 9, 12-1pm) on how to apply for online permits and recent enhancements to the portal.
• The Cannabis Business Division (CBD) is in the process of forming a 15-member ad hoc task force to implement recommendations on cannabis social equity and economic development. More details on the task force will come later this month.

City of San Diego Planning Department Updates:

• The City of San Diego’s Planning Commission voted to approve staff’s recommendations on the following items to the 2022 Land Development Code update: 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 Code Update will next be presented to the City’s Land Use & Housing Committee for approval in January 2023. If you have any questions regarding the LDC update, please contact Angeli Calinog.
• Blueprint SD, the effort to update the Citywide General Plan land use strategy, and their Housing Action Package 2.0, continues to develop policy recommendations. Public engagement opportunities for these efforts will begin in early 2023.
• Also in early 2023, the Planning Department will provide resources for existing and interested new Community Planning Groups to learn more on the application process for City Council recognition.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will meet on December 12, where the Inauguration Ceremony for the Seventy-Fourth City Council (Council Districts 2, 4, 6, and 8) will commence at 10:00am and the selection of Council President, as well as an update on the Sports Arena Redevelopment site will take place at 2:00pm. The City Council will also meet on December 13.
• The County Board of Supervisors will meet on December 13 and on December 14, where they have a special “Let’s Talk Housing Workshop” to discuss their current housing efforts at 11:00am (Item 30).
• The City of San Diego will host several Economic Development Strategy Community Workshops on December 12 at 2:00pm or 5:30pm at the Malcolm X Branch Library and December 13 at 10:00am or 5:30pm at UCSD Park & Market.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• The CPUC launched the Digital Divide Grant Program! Applications will be accepted until January 13, 2023 and must be submitted via Email.  Four grants of up to $250,000 each are available!
• 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:

We will be holding our annual in-person book exchange with special guest Councilmember-elect Kent Lee on December 13, 8:00am-9:00am.

Chamber Summit 

We will be welcoming business groups, chambers, and business improvement districts from across the region to share best practices and learn about pressing policy priorities in our region on January 16 from 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be February 2, 8:00am via zoom. We’re dark in January!

Health Committee:

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

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on December 15, 9:00am via zoom. You are encouraged to attend the City’s Community Workshops on Monday or Tuesday next week.

Transportation & Land Development Committee:

We are dark in December! Our next meeting will be January 17, 8:00am via zoom.