March 22, 2023

Hope you weren’t abducted by aliens from any of the four UFOs shot down by the U.S. over the past few weeks. This 2023 BINGO card is getting real weird.

Business Updates:

Circulate San Diego launched its report, “Making the Most of the Mid-Coast Trolley” with Congressman Scott Peters as the keynote speaker at their press conference earlier this week. The report offers practical solutions for how the region can get the most “bang for its buck” from its investment in the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension. The Chamber was proud to be part of the advisory committee on the report.

The Convention Center is hosting a hiring fair! Check it out on February 28th, 10a-3p.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

The US state of emergency for COVID is coming to a close soon (May 11). While that may not mean much for most people’s day-to-day, it may hit uninsured folks’ pocketbooks especially hard. You may have noticed that your vaccines and your Paxlovid have been free, and the reason for that is the state of emergency. Once it ends, your insurer will pick up the costs and charge you accordingly. If you’re one of the uninsured, it will be a different question. As such, the Biden administration and health officials are trying to create a special, and temporary fund, for these adults (kids are basically already covered). TBD if they can get it up and running in time.

It’s the end of an era, y’all. In case you spent the week under a rock (scary aliens and all that), Senator Feinstein announced she would not be seeking reelection.

Congressman Scott Peters is looking to make major changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, using his background as an environmental lawyer to accomplish this goal. Peters is pushing to speed up the permitting and construction of energy grids to handle the incoming boom of carbon-free energy.

Federal, but also local: Reps Peters, Vargas, Levin and Jacobs sent a letter to Navy leadership regarding the NAVWAR Old Town Campus revitalization effort, giving a gentle reminder that there is collective (and growing) momentum around using this site to create affordable housing opportunities. Letter here.

International:

As we’re sure some of you are still recovering from Super Bowl weekend, we’re still reminiscing over some of their best commercials this year. After Rihanna’s Rih-turn to the Super Bowl Halftime Show, you may remember an interview segment between Erin Andrews and Diana Flores, the team quarterback of Mexico Women’s National Flag Football team. Global audiences’ eyes were definitely caught as Andrews tries to yank her flag and starts chasing Flores, as she also is tracked by football players, renowned athletes, and digital influencers. Inciting pride within Mexicans around the world, this was a great win for all the women “taking the game forward”.

Thinking of taking a quick trip to Tijuana to check out its up-and-coming businesses? We’ve got the perfect event for you. The Tijuana EDC will be hosting Chamber members and partners for a business networking mixer on February 22 at Mulligan’s Golf Bar & Restaurant. Even the Chamber’s very own Executive Director on International Business Affairs will share an overview of our Chamber 2023 priorities as part of the night’s program! RSVP at membresia@tijuanaedc.org or reply to this update with your confirmation.

Have you ever dealt with a lost package or correspondence in the mail? A letter that was sent in 1916   has finally been delivered to its destination in South London. The current occupants were highly confused when they noticed that the stamp was a King rather than a Queen and after doing some research they concluded that it was sent in the middle of World War I. So sit back and relax for maybe a century to get that letter you’ve been waiting for.

Otay Mesa East Update! Assemblymember David Alvarez recently introduced Assembly Bill 427, which would update the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry Act to streamline contracting methods in order to move the critical Otay Mesa East Project forward in a timely manner. This would be an effort to ensure that this infrastructure project is fully funded and meets critical timelines agreed upon with the federal government and Mexico

The Chamber has partnered with the Mexican Consulate for the third edition of the Consular Entrepreneurship Program for Mexicans Abroad (PCEME) for women of Mexican origin residing in the U.S. During this FREE program, participants will attend virtual conferences with business and entrepreneurship experts, take part in a mentoring program, compete with other projects for the best business plan, and get a list of helpful resources. Click here for more information regarding enrollment.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday began replacing deteriorated border fencing near Friendship Park, but promised the park and binational garden will be preserved. New primary and secondary fencing is to be installed, with the height reduced from 60 feet to 18 feet adjacent to the park.

State:

Assemblymember Ash Kalra, of single payer fame last year, has announced that he’s “in talks” to put forth another single payer bill this year. Technically, he has until tomorrow…. On the other hand… how much time do you have and do you want to learn about gut and amends?

Speaking of healthcare- a measure to move health care support staff to $25 minimum wage has hit the table. It’s SB 525 by Senator Durazo out of Los Angeles, and it’s for staff like those in the laundry facilities, security guards and janitors. It’s likely to be one of the more contentious bills this cycle.

It’s a date: the first hearing in the state’s special session on gas prices will be February 22.

If you received tax rebates last year, the verdict has come out from the IRS that California and other states will not need to have those payments reported on 2022 tax returns, for your state or federal taxes. And this is your friendly reminder that tax returns are due by April 18th.

Cue the song Low Rider by War, Assemblyman David Alvarez has introduced legislation that would overturn bans on cruising in California. For lowriding communities, they say these bans discriminate against a culture that celebrates art, cars, and community and a bill like this is a step in the right direction.

The Pandemic? Yeah remember that… Well, last week, a milestone of 12 million cases in California was reported. This is mostly due to the dominant and infectious strain XBB.1.5, which thankfully, has not spurred a surge in hospitalizations.

From across California, 18 state senators, led by Toni Atkins, are urging the Department of Insurance to provide assistance for the growing number of condominium homeowner associations struggling to find affordable property insurance. The price hike in insurance is due to a risk of wildfires and condo owners are being hit hard.

Local:

Yesterday, the Terner Center for Housing Innovation – UC Berkeley released their latest research and the spotlight is on San Diego! Their report highlights how the City of San Diego has generated success building upon state law with their ADU Bonus Program. The program has encouraged the production of missing middle housing (295 deed-restricted units) within the first two years of its implementation.

Tax revenue in San Diego has fully recovered from the pandemic due to returning tourism, rising home prices, and inflation. Revenue surges are so strong that they are exceeding city predictions from 2019, pre-pandemic.

On Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to fill a funding gap with $3.3 million for the Kettner Crossing development in downtown San Diego. This project is providing low-income senior housing through using surplus county property and is expected to open next year.

Youth Opportunity Passes continue! The County Board of supervisors approved a resolution to expand the free public transit ridership program for residents ages 18 to 24.

The San Diego City Council approved the Land Development Code’s 2022 Code Update, a package which includes streamlining/aligning new regulatory requirements and the definition of  Sustainable Development Areas (SDAs) – a proposal to increase housing supply by adding more developable acreage in transit-oriented areas. Once implementation begins, the SDA definition will replace the City’s definition of Transit Priority Areas in their local housing programs. The Chamber along with a diverse coalition were in support of the item.

Outdoor dining in the streets started as a solution to the pandemic problem of indoor dining and has been made a permanent fixture. The City of San Diego has announced it is providing up to $20,000 grants for businesses who have applied for permits allowing them to operate outdoors. Learn more here.

San Diego’s cannabis tax revenue has plummeted and officials have cited the illegal market and new competition from outside the jurisdiction as a couple of the issues linked with the decline.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• SANDAG’s Transportation Committee will meet on February 17.
• Healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders who serve Medi-Cal members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual sessions on SDAIM (San Diego Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal). Led by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency,  two community listening sessions will be held to gather input on how new services should be implemented. Registration for the virtual session taking place February 21 is open.
• The County of San Diego’s draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Guide, and Economic Analysis is out for public review until March 7. County staff seek industry feedback on a list of options for the Board to consider, ranging from incentives, in-lieu fees, project size thresholds, and more. The Chamber plans on providing feedback by the end of public review. If you have any questions or feedback to share, please email Angeli Hoyos.
• The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council is Monday, February 27.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• 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:

Transportation & Land Development Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 21, at 8:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on March 2, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on March 8 at 8:00am via zoom.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our first meeting of 2023 will be on March 15, at 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on March 16, 9:00am via zoom. This is expected to be our final meeting.

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

Our next meeting will be on May 17 at 9:00am.

March 22, 2023

The hottest ticket in town (no joke, it’s sold out!) is tonight’s annual celebration for the Chamber. We are so excited to see 800 of our best friends and celebrate the two awardees tonight, Kim Becker and Peter Seidler.

Pro tip: move tomorrow morning’s meeting a little bit later.

Business Updates:

Viasat goes all the way up. They’ve scheduled their first terabit-class Internet satellite launch to orbit for April 8th.

UC San Diego has launched its $3 million grant funded program, to train 200 people from refugee, immigrant, and Native American populations to become community health workers. The initiative will help address the health equity gap in a multitude of ways, such as providing care to individuals in their primary language. To learn more, click here.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

The State of the Union happened on Tuesday night. You probably read about it/watched it/are up to speed. If not, find a good summary here.

“Mahhhhtyyy!” He’s out! Labor Secretary Marty Walsh takes his boston accent and departs from his role as cabinet secretary, announced this week. And for a pretty sweet gig, too. He’s off to be the ED for the National Hockey League Players’ Association. We’ll miss the accent.

Investing in Chinese tech companies? (TikTok is not worth it, you guys). The federal government wants to know about it. By February, both the Treasury and Commerce Departments have to report back to Congress about a way to track capital moving out of the US.

No good deed goes unpunished. The IRS is asking Californians to hang back on filing taxes because they’re not entirely sure what the California Middle Class Tax Refund means for your taxes. Basically it’s TBD if that refund is pandemic-related (so, not taxable) or inflation/revenue related (taxable). Senators Padilla and Feinstein sent a letter asking that the payments not be taxed, though.

If you’re a veteran-owned small business, the Small Business Administration has a new link for you to certify. We saved you the googling, it’s right here.

The days of free COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines are coming to an end. Just like any other aspect of healthcare, insurance will impact the costs of these treatments.

International:

US Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar  visited Mexicali and met with Baja Governor Marina del Pilar Avila to discuss  migration issues, binational water supply, environmental protection, and economic development along the border. He was also spotted kayaking along local officials to get a close look of efforts to restore the Laguna Grande ecosystem.

Congressman Darrell Issa and other members of Congress traveled to Mexico City this week to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary (and potential presidential candidate) Marcelo Ebrard. The group discussed binational cooperation in areas such as border security, arms and fentanyl trafficking, and migratory flows. Ebrard highlighted the importance of close bilateral cooperation to deal with the flow of synthetic drugs and fentanyl to the north, as well as the reducing the illicit flow of arms and ammunition from the US to Mexico.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was heavily addressed this week for additional funding for the U.S-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP). In addition to Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar’s letter, San Diego’s very own Congressional Delegation urged for an additional $100 million to expand the BWIP budget in Fiscal Year 2024 to finance critical water infrastructure projects in neighborhoods along the southern border.

Following the strong earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Mexico quickly dispatched a military unit coordinated by the Federal government and the Red Cross to support rescue searches and aid. The team included Mexico’s famous rescue dogs, which are especially trained (and adorable) for earthquake recovery searches.

It has been almost a year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused serious consequences for the citizens of Ukraine and the global economy. Causing conflict around the world due to the use of force against a member state’s territorial integrity or political independence, our hearts continue to be in solidarity with the brave and resilient people of Ukraine and we’ll be at Balboa Park’s House of Ukraine on February 24 to show our support. Reach out to a Chamber Staff member if you wish to attend or come check out the “Unbreakable Spirit of Ukrainians” concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.

USTR announced that the U.S. will submit another USMCA dispute due to Canada’s dairy tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation measures. The U.S. is once again challenging Canada’s restrictive measures, which are said to sabotage American dairy farmers and producers’ access to the market.

International Business Affairs Forums are back!! Join us on March 9 for a conversation on fostering international ties throughout with the San Diego Sister Cities Association by supporting cultural, educational, and economic relationships. Speakers will share an overview of San Diego’s first Sister City, Yokohama, and other Sister City relationships and how they plan and implement cooperative activities and exchanges. Click here to register.

State:

COVID came in like a wrecking ball, and now the permanent policies governing COVID in the workplace have quietly shown up and been implemented. Here’s a nice breakdown of the two year rule you didn’t know about.

California will expand their mortgage assistance program for middle and low-income homeowners, with the remaining funds available from the federal American Rescue Act. In addition, eligible homeowners who have already used the program can reapply to pay off second home loans.

Assemblymember Matt Haney of San Francisco introduced legislation that could authorize municipalities to legalize ‘cannabis cafes’ that could act as both dispensaries and cafes with food and non-alcoholic beverages. Haney believes this could further combat the illicit market and address other challenges the legal market faces.

Local:

The County’s Love Your Heart Week of Action is around the corner! From February 11 through 19, events hosted by the County will work to get people to focus on their heart health. Two community events will bring together Live Well partners to provide a host of resources such as blood pressure screenings. For more  information, click here.

With the lifting of federal policy Title 42 looming in the air, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously called for the development of a comprehensive plan to respond to asylum seekers as to not add to the already overwhelming homelessness crisis. CAO Helen Robbins-Meyer is set to report back in 30 days with short-term solutions.

Healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders who serve Medi-Cal members are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual sessions on SDAIM (San Diego Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal). Led by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency,  two community listening sessions will be held to gather input on how new services should be implemented. Registration for the virtual sessions taking place February 15 and February 21 are open.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will meet on February 13 and February 14.
• On February 14th at 2:00pm, the San Diego City Council will hear the Land Development Code’s 2022 Code Update, a package which includes streamlining/aligning new regulatory requirements and a proposal to increase housing supply by adding more developable acreage in transit-oriented areas in their local housing programs. The Chamber along with a diverse coalition is supportive of this proposal known as Sustainable Development Areas (SDAs – Item #5 in the update). If you have time to submit a pre-drafted email to the San Diego City Council please consider doing so by clicking here, courtesy of Circulate San Diego. 
• The City of San Diego has released dates for upcoming public workshops for the Housing Action Package 2.0, which includes discontinued harmful uses, implementation of SB 10, and Complete Communities Amendments To get info on the workshop details, sign up to stay informed at the bottom of the webpage. Chamber staff will be closely monitoring this issue, if you have any questions please email Angeli Hoyos.
• The County Board of Supervisors will not meet until February 28.
• The County of San Diego’s 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update, which aligns their current regulations with new state housing laws, is out for public review. Public comment is due by February 13.
• The County of San Diego’s draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Guide, and Economic Analysis is out for public review until March 7. County staff seek industry feedback on a list of options for the Board to consider, ranging from incentives, in-lieu fees, project size thresholds, and more. The Chamber plans on providing feedback by the end of public review. If you have any questions or feedback to share, please email Angeli Hoyos.
• The County of San Diego will host a public meeting on February 16 to provide an overview and update on the Sustainable Land Use Framework Approach. This meeting will also include an update on Vehicle Miles Traveled and mitigation program options, and the initial set of principles for sustainable development and the proposed approach for a parcel-by-parcel analysis. Learn more here.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• 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:

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

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

Transportation & Land Development Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 21, at 8:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on March 2, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on March 8 at 8:00am via zoom.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our first meeting of 2023 will be on March 15, at 8:00am via zoom.

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

UPDATED DATE! Our next meeting will be on March 16, 9:00am via zoom. This is expected to be our final meeting. Adjusted from February 16 due to EDS timeline shift from the City of San Diego.

March 22, 2023

It’s Groundhog Day and Punxatawny Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter… we just hope that we don’t end up stuck sending out this February 2nd policy update again and again.

Business Updates:

In honor of Black History Month, the Chamber is proud to highlight our Black-owned business members to support not only this month, but all year long.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with President Biden on Wednesday to discuss how to avoid a default on the U.S. debt. They spoke for about an hour without coming to a solution, McCarthy telling reporters the discussion was productive and he looks forward to further speaking with Biden. McCarthy offered more details to reporters on Capitol Hill saying that he won’t agree to a “clean” bill that raises the debt ceiling without spending cuts. The White House has consistently held its stance that lifting the ceiling is not up for negotiation.

First Lady, Jill Biden, is hitting the ground in San Diego this week to discuss new federal initiatives. The first of these being the administration’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative, which has been in the works since President Biden’s Vice-Presidency. The moonshot initiative aims to improve cancer treatments and the quality of  care cancer patients receive. The First Lady will also discuss the “Joining Forces” initiative, which works to support military families with employment, entrepreneurship, education, and healthcare.

The US is currently playing ‘will they, won’t they’ with Ukraine. On Monday, President Biden ruled that the US will not send F-16 fighter jets to aid Ukraine. Then yesterday, Chamber Member General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. offered two MQ-9 Reaper Drones to Ukraine for just $1 – now, we wait to hear if the government will approve this offer.

International:

The Chamber partnered with UN Habitat, regional authorities from both sides of the border and the Federal Government to participate in the Economic Dimensions of Metropolitan Development Conference to delve into the environmental, socioeconomic, and spatial challenges of accelerated urbanization. At this three-day conference, workshops covered metropolitan management and the binational economy, local sustainable development, and drafting a shared vision for the San Diego-Tijuana binational economy.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, joined U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Bliken, and Ambassador Tai, in announcing the launch of the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP). APEP is a new framework for cooperation across the Americas aiming to deliver economic growth in the region, generate good middle-class jobs and reduce economic inequality.

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Michael D. Crapo shared their concerns to Ambassador Tai about USMCA’s compliance from Canada and Mexico. Even though some previous issues have been brought to resolution, including the dispute over rules of origin which was resolved in favor of Mexico and Canada by a flexible calculation of the value of origin in automobiles.

Join us on March 9 for a conversation on fostering international ties throughout with the San Diego Sister Cities Association by supporting cultural, educational, and economic relationships. Speakers will share an overview of San Diego’s first Sister City, Yokohama, and other Sister City relationships and how they plan and implement cooperative activities and exchanges. Click here to register.

Place a hold on February 7 for a short webinar where our  friends at ITijuana will host a conversation on a new model that will boost digital competitiveness through effective ways to speed up your time-to-time market, mitigate risks, access high-quality digital talent, and improve cost efficiency. Click here for more information.

State:

California’s snowpack, which supplies about one-third of our water throughout the state, is up over 200 percent thanks to the atmospheric rivers over the last few weeks. The jury is still out on whether or not this winter will be considered a “drought buster,” as most of California is still experiencing moderate-to-severe drought.

As resources dwindle in the Colorado River system, states are still negotiating how to break down water use. On Tuesday, California filed a competing proposal, just one day after opting out of a proposal put forward by the six other western states. The competing proposals will be submitted to the Bureau of Reclamation, which is expected to release an official decision later this summer.

In environmental news, the number of Monarch Butterflies wintering in California has rebounded for the second time in two years! In 2020, only 2,000 monarchs were recorded, but in late fall 2022 over 330,000 were counted.

Local

On Wednesday evening, San Diego Chairwoman Nora Vargas delivered the 2023 San Diego County Address and made history as the first Latina, immigrant, woman of color to deliver the speech. In the address she highlighted the issues facing communities today including how preventing and addressing homelessness, making childcare more accessible and workable for those in the industry, the importance of investing in transit options and transportation infrastructure, and a plan to partner with Sheriff Kelly Martinez in an initiative to address public safety issues and gun violence.

Next Tuesday, Chairwoman Vargas is joining forces with Supervisor Joel Anderson to step up preparations for the lifting of Title 42 immigration restrictions.

City of San Diego Development Services Department Updates:

• Earlier this week, the City Council approved DSD and various industries’ requests to approve temporary contracts with two firms to help address permit backlogs. NV5, Inc. and Interwest Consulting Group will soon help city staff review applications, while long-term, the City will continue to fill up their open positions.
• The City Operations Building will continue to be closed for two weeks, in order to allow for new emergency lighting to be installed. Until these systems are put in place the building will be closed to the public and employees, although all online systems will continue as usual. To see impacted in person services click here. To see impacted DSD-related services click here.

A date has been set: The San Diego City Council will hear the Land Development Code’s 2022 Code Update on February 14. The package includes streamlining new regulatory requirements, providing additional incentives to increase the supply of housing, and a proposal to add more developable acreage in transit oriented areas in their local housing programs. The Chamber is supportive of this proposal known as Sustainable Development Areas (SDAs).

The U.S. Department of Transportation has selected San Diego for a $680,000 grant as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program adding to the city’s Zero Vision Strategy. The specific projects that will be funded include: the Comprehensive Speed Management Plan, Citywide Slow Streets Program, and the Historically Disadvantaged Community Quick Build Program. Congratulations!

Law enforcement has begun to fully enforce San Diego’s Sidewalk Vending Ordinance in beach communities, on Wednesday. This ordinance went into effect in January, impacting the city’s Coastal Overlay Zone which includes Point Loma, Ocean, Mission and Pacific Beaches, La Jolla, and Sorrento Valley. Information regarding the regulations set in place and how to obtain a permit can be found here.

If you have been looking for a reason to check out one of the many San Diego museums – here’s your sign to! It’s museum month in San Diego which means 50% off of a multitude of museums and historical sites all month long! Pick up your pass at a San Diego public library near you, or digitally download it.

Each February, the San Diego Public Library honors and celebrates Black History Month, highlighting culture and community, recognizing achievements and ongoing struggles. This year the Library is hosting a variety of thought provoking programs and an opportunity for students, grades 4 to 12, to participate in a creative works contest.

Home prices in San Diego are declining faster than other cities, according to a report put forth by the S&P Case-Shiller Indices. San Diego had the fifth biggest drop of a 20-city index –  a 1.4 percent decline from October to November. Although these prices are in decline the report did show a gain of 4.8 percent in a year.

Well if you can’t afford a house in San Diego you can always rent… right? Well, according to a report by Zillow, if you’re earning minimum wage you’ll definitely need some roommates. To afford a two-bedroom apartment in San Diego, it would take the income of more than three people earning minimum wage. Among the 50 largest U.S. cities, San Diego ranked #22 for rent affordability based on minimum wage.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will meet on February 6 and February 7.
• The County Board of Supervisors will meet on February 7 and February 8.
• The County of San Diego’s 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update, which aligns their current regulations with new state housing laws, is out for public review. PDS will host a virtual public meeting tonight (2/2) at 6:00pm, and public comment is due by February 13.
• The County of San Diego’s draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Guide, and Economic Analysis is out for public review until March 7. County staff seek industry feedback on a list of options for the Board to consider, ranging from incentives, in-lieu fees, project size thresholds, and more. The Chamber plans on providing feedback by the end of public review. If you have any questions or feedback to share, please email Chamber staff: Angeli Hoyos.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• 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:

Health Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 8 at 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

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

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on February 16, 9:00am via zoom. This is expected to be our final meeting.

Transportation & Land Development Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 21, at 8:00am. Hybrid meeting option TBD.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on March 2, 8:00am via zoom.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our first meeting of 2023 will be on March 15, at 8:00am via zoom.

March 22, 2023

Hold on to your hat. Literally. Your hat is blowing away. Oh, and now the trees are falling down. This is fine. It was only last week there was torrential rain, so this is fine. Totally normal, really. What’s that you say? Fire season soon? Ah, great. Yes, this is fine.

Why don’t you take all that nervous energy and join us in DC for our annual trip. Where, as far as we know, trees are not falling down but also there is chaos.

Business Updates:

Congratulations to Chamber member, National CORE on their groundbreaking of Greenbrier Village, an integrated supportive housing community in Oceanside! Together with San Diego Community Housing Corporation, the project will bring forward 60 units for homeless community members or individuals at risk of homelessness.

Our beloved Dog Society has been named as one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the region by the San Diego Union Tribune. The UT highlighted the Dog Society as, “ the best all-around place to take your dog [possibly].” And we agree.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

Tax Filing season has begun and the IRS has set Tax Day as April 18th!

President Biden has a new Chief of Staff! Get to know Jeff Zients. Zients was the White House COVID Czar and was elevated to Chief in the new year.

Three years later, we are still dealing with the Coronavirus. COVID-19 and its strains have become a part of our day-to-day life, like the flu. Therefore, the FDA is considering annual COVID shots as their new approach to the vaccine strategy.

The FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have announced that they will both collect information that prevents rental applicants or tenants from housing within their jurisdictions. This is a first for both agencies.

Manchin takes the stage again: he’s introduced a bill that stops electric vehicle tax credits without sourcing of new materials for those EV’s. This brings an uncomfortable point to light: the reliance on electric vehicles to address GHG emissions reasonably is a reliance on the materials to build those things…. Which are…. Finite, to put it mildly. Senator McConnell is not pleased.

Military spouses, rejoice! President Biden signed the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act (MSLRA), making license reciprocity across states a reality for thousands of military spouses moving around due to active-duty orders.

International:

International Business Affairs Forums are back!! Join us on March 9 for a conversation on fostering international ties throughout with the San Diego Sister Cities Association by supporting cultural, educational, and economic relationships. Speakers will share an overview of San Diego’s first Sister City, Yokohama, and other Sister City relationships from planning to implementing cooperative activities and exchanges. Click here to register.

This world chef championship known as “Sirha Bocuse d’Or” kicked off this week after 70+ national and continental events. Representing Mexico and our region this year was chef Marcelo Kenji Hisaki Itaya, a Baja California native, who has a *delicious* gastronomic trajectory in Tijuana and Tecate. Several cuisines and efforts were recognized, and Mexico was presented with the Social Commitment Award for outstanding work raising awareness and funds for separated/reunified children and their families at the US-Mexico border in joint efforts from the team of regional chefs and This is About Humanity. Rings a bell? the organization’s co-founder, Yolanda Walther Meade, was honored at last year’s LEAD Visionary Awards with the Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for Cross Border Region Building.

With egg prices rising due to the massive outbreak of deadly avian flu among American chicken flocks, attempts to bring eggs into the US from Mexico have increased. We take this opportunity to remind you to follow federal guidelines when shopping south of the border, as it is illegal to import uncooked eggs. Travelers who have failed to declare even a dozen eggs for individual consumption have paid $300 in penalties and repeat offenders face higher fines and risk their trusted traveler status. It’s not worth it.

Our friends at the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, Cross Border Express, and MAAC need your help to raise funds to support the Colibri MX Scholarship. This program aims to support Latino students who are planning to attend college who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, need financial support, and reside in San Diego County. Click here for more information on how to support the program.

State:

What makes the world go round? Paperwork! CalOSHA reminds you that your annual summary of work related illnesses and injuries information must be posted by February 1st.  Find it in form 300-A here.

Well, all that rain wasn’t for nothing. Governor Newsom announced this week that California’s 29 public water agencies will all be receiving an increased allocation of water from the State Water Project as a, “direct result,” of the atmospheric rivers earlier this month filling up our reservoirs and increasing snowpack.

Local:

As the healthcare sector continues to report a growing rate of children overdosing on fentanyl, the County and regional partner agencies have expanded the free naloxone/narcan distribution plan. The resources will be available at the County’s health centers and the Sheriff’s department will continue to pass out kits at their stations and substations.

The City of La Mesa broke ground on the largest affordable housing project in the City – 147 units, 100% affordable housing! Chamber Member, Clay Co., is a proud partner on the project.

While San Diego’s median home price hit an all-time high in May of 2022, by December the median home price decreased by nearly $100k. As we reported last week, many economists predict this trend to continue throughout 2023.

City of San Diego Development Services Department Update: A friendly reminder that the public – including DSD customers – are welcome to participate in their Technical Advisory Ad Hoc Committee with senior leadership. These meetings are held virtually and quarterly, and industry expertise is always welcome to provide feedback on DSD processes. Click here to check out previous agendas, materials, and how to get updates for future meetings.

Here’s what happened at the San Diego City Council hearings this week:

• Heard an informational presentation on a recently completed audit of the City’s Towing Program, noting how it has been negatively impacting low-income residents.
• Voted to move forward with ending the city’s COVID-19 emergency declaration and employee vaccine mandate by the end of next month.
• Voted unanimously to support a resolution declaring housing as a human right, which includes a commitment for the City to continue to implement and encourage policies that address homelessness and the need to build more affordable housing.

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

• Approved an emergency declaration to address the severe storm damage recently caused by the winter storms.
• Approved the creation of an environmental justice working group which will work closely with the County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice.

The County of San Diego’s draft Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Guide, and Economic Analysis is out for public review until March 7. County staff seek industry feedback on a list of options for the Board to consider, ranging from incentives, in-lieu fees, project size thresholds, and more. The Chamber plans on providing feedback by the end of public review. If you have any questions or feedback to share, please email Chamber staff: Angeli Hoyos.

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The SANDAG Board of Directors will meet tomorrow, January 27.
• The San Diego City Council will meet on January 30.
• Chairwoman Nora Vargas will deliver the 2023 State of the San Diego County Address at the County Administration Center on Wednesday, February 1.
• The County of San Diego will be holding public outreach events in each supervisorial district in January on the progress of their proposed local climate solutions, which includes projects like the regional decarbonization framework. Event details can be found here.
• The County of San Diego’s 2023 Housing Zoning Ordinance Update, which aligns their current regulations with new state housing laws, is out for public review. PDS will host a virtual public meeting on February 2, and public comment is due by February 13.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• 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 February 2, 8:00am via zoom.

Health Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 8 at 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

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

Economic Development Strategy Working Group: 

Our next meeting will be on February 16, 9:00am via zoom. This is expected to be our final meeting.

Transportation & Land Development Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on February 21, at 8:00am. Hybrid meeting option TBD.

Education & Workforce Committee: 

Our first meeting of 2023 will be on March 15, at 8:00am via zoom.

March 16, 2023

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May the luck o’the Irish be with us all.

Business Updates:

The middle seat became a bit less miserable this week as Chamber member Viasat expanded its deal with Delta Airlines to provide in-flight WiFi. Delta is now offering this WiFi free on select commercial flights, with a goal of all domestic flights having free WiFi by year’s end.

Legislative Updates

Federal: 

Fuel project in the Final Frontier? Word on the street is that President Biden will approve Conoco’s Willow Project in Northern Alaska. The project would produce 600 million barrels of oil over the next three decades. The controversial project has received flak from environmental groups but support from some Alaskans.

Rough week for banks. And for anyone with enough of a memory to think back to the Great Recession who might be getting a little nervous watching the chaos of the markets. General wisdom held that the Fed would raise rates next week, but with Silicon Valley Bank’s downfall and the resulting instability, there is a question about whether Powell & Friends will raise rates at all. Rocks and hard places, all around.

…And on cue, Senator Warren is calling for a “reexamination” of the $250k cap on deposit insurance.

Oh  yeah, and that whole debt limit thing continues to plague the federal government. Sec. Yellen offered some stern reminders earlier today.

International:

UK and Australia Prime Ministers met with President Biden in San Diego this week to discuss plans of supplying nuclear-powered submarines to stop Chinese efforts to control trade and travel in the Indo-Pacific. Australia is expected to obtain at least five U.S. Virginia-class submarines and highly sensitive technical information under the agreement.

The North American Development Bank granted a green credit of 3 billion pesos to the State of Baja California for the construction of infrastructure projects that ensure water supply and related to wastewater treatment, pollution, and water conservation. These funds will help finance the expansion of the International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro to double its current capacity and treat transboundary polluted flows that impact our region.

As a follow up to the North American Leaders’ Summit back in January on the commitment to increase efforts to address the synthetic opioid epidemic, President López Obrador met with U.S. Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, to further strengthen cooperation to combat illicit fentanyl production, the trafficking of high-caliber weapons and ammunition into Mexico, and transnational organized crime.

Mexico issued its first permit ever to import and purchase Cannabis seeds, grow and harvest, process and create, and ultimately sell cannabis products across the country to a Canadian company. This marks a significant moment for cannabis throughout the world and unlock numerous business opportunities in the Mexican economy.

As a way to continue honoring outstanding women during Women’s History month, the “Mujeres Sin Fronteras” (Women without borders) event is happening next Friday in Tijuana to recognize outstanding women and their work contributing to the development and unification of the Cali-Baja region. The money collected through ticket sales will go to the civil association ‘Tijuana Sin Hambre”, which aims to guarantee food for 600 girls and boys for a year. Spoiler alert: there may or may not be a big moment for our very own Executive Director of International Business Affairs, Kenia Zamarripa, but shhh you didn’t hear this from us!

State:

Governor Newsom signed an executive order on Friday that temporarily suspended certain regulations regarding water capture, making it easier for farmers to capture flood runoff from the latest round of storms to hit the state.

And speaking of the Governor… he is on a statewide tour over the weekend, eschewing a traditional State of the State address to do this instead. Expected policy announcements during the tour include public safety measures and homelessness funding.

In an uber-big win for ride share companies, a California Court of Appeals ruling holds that Proposition 22 (a rather spicy 2020 ballot measure) is constitutional. This measure explicitly allowed
Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies to classify workers as independent contractors. However, this fight may not be over as an appeal to the California Supreme Court is expected.

On Equal Pay Day, March 14, first-partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced that six cities, including San Diego, became the first to sign California’s Equal Pay Pledge.

Local:

Mayor Gloria and Councilmember Whitburn held a press conference today announcing updates to enforcement of homeless encampments and streamlining ways to open new shelter beds to address homeless numbers.

San Diego is taking on the disparities between wealthy and poor neighborhoods, making fundamental changes to how officials will create the city’s annual budget. An “equity-centered” coach has been assigned to each department head in order to evaluate decisions based upon equity. This budget is scheduled to be finalized June 12 for the fiscal year 2024.

The County Board of Supervisors approved funding for a new app that will help first responders and homeless outreach workers find where beds are available in local homeless shelters. A pilot program for the app could be up and running within six months, and the hope is to have every County shelter included before the year ends.

Get ready for the upcoming ​​Club América vs. Xolos soccer match! This is the first Liga MX match to be held at the newly inaugurated Snapdragon Stadium on March 26, at 2pm. You can find more information here and buy your tickets here.

The San Diego Latino Film Festival is happening this week! This year is the Festival’s 30th anniversary and it showcases over 160 films from Latin America, the US, and Spain. Also a food, beer, and wine festival. Because who doesn’t love food, beer, and wine?

Upcoming Hearings & Public Input Opportunities

• The San Diego City Council will meet on March 20, where they will receive an update and hear recommendations from the Civic Center Revitalization Committee, and March 21.
• The City of San Diego’s Active Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will meet on March 22.
• The SANDAG Board of Directors will meet on March 24.
• The City of San Diego seeks feedback on Blueprint SD, a proposal that involves taking a look at the City’s General Plan land use strategy and finding ways to encourage sustainable growth, more homes and jobs. Industry feedback is highly encouraged. Take the Blueprint SD survey today and be on the lookout for additional opportunities for input through their website.
• The County of San Diego seeks feedback on developing a roadmap to how new land use policies will guide new housing development. Not to be confused with the City, the County encourages the public to provide input on their Housing Blueprint. Take the survey by March 31.

Capital Opportunities & Resources

• The next California Competes Tax Credit application period will be from March 6-March 20, with approximately $99.7 million 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:

Transportation & Land Development Committee: 

Our next meeting will be on March 21 at 8:00am via zoom.

Sustainability & Industry Committee:

Our next meeting will be on April 6, 8:00am via zoom.

Cannabis Working Group Forum:

Our next meeting will be on May 17 at 9:00am.

Education & Workforce Roundtable:

Our next meeting will be on June 21 at 8:00am via zoom.