News & Updates

Measure to Fund Local Homeless Solutions Added to Trailer Bill Language

AB 3171, by Assemblymember Phil Ting, has shifted into a budget trailer bill. The Chamber-supported legislation, sponsored by the Big-11 Mayors, would provide a one-time block grant fund to local governments who are paying for homeless solutions and other short-term fixes, much like San Diego’s Temporary Bridge Structures. This move is reflective of the Legislature’s two-pronged approach to the housing/homeless crisis, with one prong being immediate, short-term answers and the other being long-term strategy reliant on funds from SB 2 (Atkins) and SB 3 (Beall), which passed last year.

Meet the Candidate Luncheon – Antonio Villaraigosa

On May 9th, the Chamber hosted Gubernatorial candidate and former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Villaraigosa shared his platform and priorities for the California gubernatorial race, entertained questions from Chamber members, and engaged in a robust dialogue on a broad range of issues including trade, housing, infrastructure, redevelopment, tax reform, pensions, and more. In a full room with fifty attendees representing varied industries, the former Mayor provided his candid views on the current political issues in California and provided San Diego’s business leaders with direction towards advancing our region.

Legislation Regarding Airport Authority Heavily Amended

AB 3119, introduced by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, generated significant buzz throughout the county. The bill, which would have made the Airport Authority a part of the Port and not an independent agency, was dramatically amended as the result of stakeholder feedback. In its current version, AB 3119 would instead establish a regional committee that will report to the state on climate change, traffic and congestion problems around the airport, and transit needs. The bill is currently in Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Member Spotlight: Mason Street Productions

Mason Street Productions offers some of the highest quality commercial advertising imagery available in San Diego at prices that make sense. Great visuals are imperative to developing your brand, especially in today’s digital landscape, and we provide images that are just right for your market. We believe that our consistent, top-tier service and predictable costs enable businesses to thrive, no matter their size.

The spread of e-commerce and cloud-provided services has proved that scalable, high-quality, high-availability services bring value to businesses. Mason Street Productions’ service model was inspired by that ideology. We have dedicated ourselves to providing enterprise-grade service to all our photography and videography clients; for one image or a thousand, and for businesses large or small.

We love San Diego and pride ourselves in our California heritage. We work closely with many local businesses including retailers, fashion and design firms, breweries, promotional companies, health product suppliers, and e-commerce stores. Our services range from individual images to full creative project management, and our clients range from single owner-operators to multi-national corporations.

We firmly believe that our high standards of professionalism, service, and consistency speak for themselves. Visit us at https://mymasonstreet.com to see our work, learn more about us, and experience first-hand what we can do for you.

Member Spotlight: Sweetfin

Sweetfin is a healthful, chef-driven, California inspired poke concept that uses local produce, sustainable fish, and innovative ingredients. In 2015, Sweetfin was created with the goal of providing healthy, nutritious and flavorful bowls and a more approachable way for diners to enjoy sushi. Our fine-casual restaurant concept takes all the familiar flavors of sushi and puts them in an easy to eat, portable, customizable, and affordable bowl. 

Our culinary philosophy is centered in our “Pole to Bowl” ethos which means that in sourcing our fish we aim to use the highest-quality and most sustainable raw fish we can find while still maintaining a reasonable price point. This philosophy extends into all areas of our offerings – from our produce to our sauces and even to the ingredients used to infuse our teas. Our uniquely designed stores take on the same philosophy as our food – high quality, sustainable and locally-sourced where possible. We partner with local artists and craftsman’s to create furniture pieces, art, and fixtures that are distinctive to Sweetfin.

Our company promotes health and wellness through our nutritious bowls and our “Sweetfit” program which allows our team members our “Sweetfam” to take place in twice monthly fitness classes with local fitness studios. Our company mission revolves around our  “F.I.S.H” acronym which stands for FRESHNESS, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND HOSPITALITY. Our goal is to continue to build the Sweetfin brand and to eventually serve our product all over the country. We are currently operating 8 locations in Los Angeles and San Diego with additional units opening.

Website URL: www.sweetfin.com

Contact Information: info@sweetfin.com

CrossFit Fortius Ribbon Cutting Recap

Congrats to CrossFit Fortius on their recent ribbon cutting.

From left to right:
Amanda Blair Smith, General Manager
Jesse Malcomb, Co-owner
David Miller, Co-owner
Mike Spector
Doris Spector (Jesse’s parents – no title included)
Megan Mahle, Wellness Director/Health Coach
Miguel Sanchez, CrossFit Coach

Six Maritime Ribbon Cutting Recap

Six Maritime is thrilled to finally have our simulator to the public as well as professionals! Currently we are running an unbelievable introductory price of $30 for 30 minutes for public participants. More information about the Critical Training Laboratory, including how to book time at the range, is on our website at: https://www.sixmaritime.com. Scroll down to the bottom of the home page and book time now!

We look forward to seeing everyone there. For fun videos, pictures and announcements of upcoming events, please also visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/6MCTL

Tijuana’s Anniversary and Fundraiser

The City of Tijuana and DIF (the National Institution for Integral Family Development) invite you to the “Binational Gala Cocktail Event” held on Friday July 13th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. This gala is part of the City’s 129th anniversary celebration and will take place at the Central Patio of Tijuana’s City Hall.

The event  is in benefit of “Network of Young Adults Development”, an assistance program that seeks to establish a relationship with young adults from high risk communities in order to help them stay out of the streets and back to school. In an effort to serve this noble cause and strengthen the collaboration relationship between Tijuana and San Diego, the First Lady of Tijuana extends an invitation to this fundraiser, which asks for a donation of $90 USD which will go towards this program.

For San Diego guests, the City of Tijuana will be providing transportation from and back to Downtown San Diego. The agenda starts at 2:00 p.m. with lunch hosted by Tijuana’s Tourism Council (COTUCO), followed by a tour of Tijuana before the main event.

For details and information on how to attend, please contact Kenia Zamarripa at kzamarripa@sdchamber.org.

New Study Suggests Methods For Reducing Transaction Costs at The Border

As a significant economic engine for the U.S. economic activity and global competitiveness, Mexico and Canada are our two largest export markets, valued at more than $580 billion. Imports from our North American neighbors contain far higher proportions of U.S. content than goods imported from Asia or Europe.

There are, however, significant logistical constraints to commercial flows within North America that hinder their potential competitiveness and job growth. Many of these constraints are tied to the countries’ infrastructure at their ports of entry.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School published a research paper on the benefits to economic and job growth of reducing transaction costs at North America’s borders, with two propositions:

  1. The U.S. should be able to substantially improve cargo processing processes to better use existing infrastructure and vastly sped throughput at the border.
  2. American port infrastructure must be updated and improved, and governments should prioritize supplementing funding with private investment and other alternative sources given likely inadequacy of congressionally appropriated funds for the foreseeable future.

To read an article covering this topic by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, click here.

Confirmation of CBP Commissioner McAleenan

Kevin McAleenan was confirmed by U.S. Senate as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He has served as Acting Commissioner since January 2017. Under his leadership, CBP has developed strategies that protect the nation’s borders from terrorism and attack transnational criminal networks. He has also advanced the development of CBP’s trade transformation agenda, designed to help America compete in the global economy.

On a visit to Mexico City last month, Commissioner McAleenan signed three agreements with Mexican counterparts (SAT) to strengthen the relationship between them, enforce trade and customs compliance, and advance cargo pre-inspection.

The Chamber met with McAleenan during the delegation trip to Washington D.C. in September 2017, and we look forward to continue working with him, advocating for a secure and efficient border that enhances cross-border commerce.