June 10, 2022
Consider this your official notice that May Gray has left the building, and we are skipping merrily into June Gloom.
And while we’re skipping, we’re bringing our masks and hand sanitizer, because unfortunately cases are back up. We want you to be safe, and we want to see you in-person really soon. So please make sure you’re keeping an eye on the numbers and taking care of yourself.
Business Updates
We love to see a good binational partnership. The latest: the Old Globe is teaming up with Centro Cultural Tijuana (Cecut) to create a long-term effort to share culture and theater.
Are you an overachiever? SDG&E has a program for you. They’ve just kicked off their energy conservation incentive program.
Congratulations to Andy Powers, who takes the helm of Chamber member (and award winner!) Taylor Guitars.
Legislative Updates
Federal:
Movement in gun control legislation: a bipartisan group of senators met this week tragically on the same day as the latest mass shooting to determine a way forward on gun control legislation.
The China competition bill winding its way through Congress is facing some serious scrutiny from some of the most well-known apps including Etsy and Pinterest (hand-made “Live, Laugh, Love” quilt, anyone?). In a letter sent to the committee reviewing the package, the retailers cite privacy concerns, pre-screening of artisanal/handmade goods, and increased costs.
The CFPB has weighed in and clarified that all lenders must disclose the reason for denying loan applicants. In that same vein the regulating body has said that the excuse that it’s “too complicated” does not fly, which probably shouldn’t surprise anyone.
In case the rock you live under is also mail-proof, we remind you that it is election szn dear reader. Axios has some great coverage of what the GOP may be planning if they can gain control of congress, and related to the earlier statements around tech/internet, all signs point to significantly expanded oversight of “big-tech.”
Leadership at Goldman and J.P. Morgan Chase are hell-bent on ruining this sunny afternoon. They really want us to know that they expect a more challenging economy in the near-future. Citing the war in Ukraine, supply chain challenges, uncertainty and quantitative tightening has most everyone saying “who knows?!”
Vaccines remain controversial, because 2022 has some sort of grudge with humankind. However, here’s the latest:
- Pfizer vaccine for 6 mo’s – 5 yrs will be a three-dose regimen available maybe next month.
- The database where you can file an injury due to a vaccine is so overwhelmed that the backlog in claims = backlog in any relief.
- Congressional reform of the database/registration process has stalled.
- A new possible COVID-19 vaccine is possible. Enter, Novovax.
International:
Craft beer aficionados… We’ve got an event you may like. The Chamber partnered with the Tijuana International Beer Festival where the best craft beers from Baja and San Diego will come together in a two-day event filled with cool music, yummy food and the classiest beers from the region. This event will take place June 11 and 12 and will require tickets for entry. Click here for tix and details!
This week, the European Council gathered for the fourth time since the outbreak of Russia’s war on Ukraine to discuss development in and support for the invaded country. The agenda for this 2 day summit in Brussels included a variety of issues regarding Ukraine, energy, food security, and defense. Some of the main conclusions adopted by European leaders were a partial ban on Russian oil imports and agreement on a sixth package of sanctions against Russia.
Britain on Friday said it was launching talks over a free trade deal with Mexico, looking to add services to its current agreement as well as aiming to increase trade in the financial and digital sectors. According to Britain’s trade ministry, the two countries’ trade relationship is currently worth over 4 billion pounds, or $5 billion. Both countries say the first official round of negotiations would be held in Mexico City in July, followed by a second round in the fall with the goal of agreeing on a new deal within two years.
CBP is seeking public input on proposed remediation actions regarding the construction of border barrier project sites in San Diego in response to the administration’s order to cancel all border barrier construction. DHS intends to prioritize funding on those remediation projects that are needed to address life and safety, including the protection of the public, border patrol agents, and nearby communities from potential harms and reduce environmental damages.
Next week, Los Angeles will host the 9th Summit of the Americas. With a focus on “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future”, this gathering will bring together leaders to drive innovative solutions for a brighter future across the continent. The summit will encompass the following six pillars: trade, health, digital transformation, energy & sustainability, rule of law and economic inclusion.
The University of San Diego’s Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice is receiving applications for their Kroc Border Fellows Program. Applicants from academia, civil society, and the public and private sectors are encouraged to apply to this 10-month program where Fellows receive an $850/month fellowship and a grant of up to $5,000 to further their work. Register here for an info session on May 27 at 5:30 PM and submit a letter of interest by June 13.
Save the Date! The San Diego Diplomacy Council will be hosting its Partner Appreciation Night on July 1st. More information on this event that will celebrate associated members, donors and partners is available here.
State:
What a week for #CAleg nerds! There was a coup on the Assembly Speakership when Asm. Rivas announced he had the votes to be Speaker, and we were all like, “wait, what?” and then the weekend came and then no, Speaker Rendon was staying and then they went to the floor and there were votes about adjourning to caucus and Republicans got involved and then six hours later…. Rendon was still Speaker and Asm. Rivas is maybe playing clean-up talking to the media saying “no, I’m the next Speaker.” Whew!
State leadership has struck a deal on the budget (which still needs to go to the Governor, so sit tight). Of note: “just over $300B in spending” (insert eye emoji here). $23B in rainy day fund reserves and $9.5 in Prop 98 reserves. $8B for “Better for Families” rebates of $200/person and $200/dependent for families earning up to $250k. $250M for relief grants for small businesses/nonprofits to offset costs of the Paid Sick Leave program; $100M for COVID small business grants. $200M in new child care facilities. $500M for Infill Infrastructure Grant program; $100M for affordable housing on state excess sites… and so much more!
Local:
Plan accordingly! While it’s always the travel season in San Diego, it will get even busier this summer as the San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 construction is underway. Beginning June 5, the terminal 1 parking lot will be closed and the pedestrian bridge will be closed on June 15. Learn more about ways to get to and from the airport here.
Spaces as Places, the City of San Diego’s program to allow permanent outdoor dining in the public right of way, will kick in on July 13. Businesses who currently have a temporary outdoor business operations permit (TOBO) permit will need to comply with the new requirements by this date as well. To learn more about the regulations, click here.
Despite our recent cool-weather streak, Cal Fire has stopped issuing permits for controlled burning of branches, leaves and landscaping waste. This is a regularly routine practice, but it’s always important to maintain constant vigilance. RIP Alastor Moody.
In Carlsbad, an ordinance took effect this week to require restaurants to only provide disposable utensils and straws to customers when asked. The goal is to reduce pollution.
In just under three weeks, the city of San Diego’s sidewalk vending rules kick in. Don’t expect any overnight magic though. There’s a lengthy runway before any enforcement activates.
Just chill, bro. The County is kicking off the 2022 Cool Zone Program. Free AC!
Oh look. Yet another report/study/index/harbinger of doom that San Diego is an increasingly expensive place to live.
Upcoming County Public Input Opportunities Reminders:
- Budget szn continues: County of San Diego department virtual budget meetings for each supervisorial district will continue through June 8.
- The County of San Diego is in the process of developing a broadband plan for the unincorporated area. To provide feedback, interested stakeholders should take their broadband survey or attend future community workshops. The Chamber is involved in business group stakeholder discussions – if you have any questions, please contact Angeli Calinog.
- The next Regional Decarbonization Framework public meetings will take place on June 28 and July 26.
- The County’s revised Transportation Study Guide (TSG) for vehicle miles traveled (VMT) will be available for public review from May 12 to June 13. The Chamber has been involved in business group stakeholder discussions through the VMT implementation process. If you have any questions, please contact Angeli Calinog.
- The County will soon host a series of workshops on the proposed strategies and measures of their Climate Action Plan update. First up on June 1st is their solid waste workshop. To learn more and to find the dates of future meetings, click here.
Upcoming Hearings
- The SANDAG Transportation Committee will meet on June 3.
- The San Diego City Council is in legislative recess until June 7.
- The San Diego City Council’s Rules Committee will meet on June 8.
Capital Opportunities & Resources
- Round 2 is open for the County of San Diego’s $2,500 grants for microbusinesses (five employees or less) operating within the County.
- Applications for micro-enterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs) in the County of San Diego can be found here.
- The California Dream Fund has micro grants up to $10k available for entrepreneurs and small business creation.
- The CARES Act Revolving Loan Fund provides assistance for eligible expenses to businesses in the City of San Diego and City of Chula VIsta impacted by the pandemic.
- The California Rebuilding Fund is offering small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees loans up to $100,000. Learn more and apply here.
- The County’s Small Business Stimulus Grant Program is accepting additional applications. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 full-time employees and are following sectors (restaurant, gym fitness center, yoga studio, movie theater, museum, zoo, or aquarium) that were impacted by moving from the Red to Purple Tier OR part of the event industry. Learn more and apply here.
- Businesses can reach out to their nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has developed the Small Business Survival Resources Guide to help business owners navigate through the chaos COVID-19 is having on our communities. SBDC can help with applying for 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.