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.